Inside Archbishop Buechlein ...... 5 Editorial ...... 4 Question Corner ...... 19 The Sunday and Daily Readings . . . . 19 Serving the CChurchCriterion in Centralr andi Southert n Indianae Since 1960rion Christmas Supplement...... 9 www.archindy.org December 19, 2003 Vol. XXXXIII, No. 12 75¢

The flight into Egypt

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

—Matthew 2:16

ABOUT THE COVER A photo of a manuscript illustra- tion dating from the late 12th or early 13th century depicts Joseph leading Mary and the infant Jesus into Egypt after the warning about Herod’s intention to destroy the newborn Christ.

CNS photo from Art Resource Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Clergy sex abuse tops Catholic news for second year

By Jerry Filteau Iraq—by far the biggest secular news story of the year—had significant moral WASHINGTON (CNS)—For the sec- and religious dimensions as well. ond straight year, the scandal of sexual Before the war, the pope and top abuse of children by priests dominated Vatican officials engaged in an intense much of the religious news for diplomatic campaign that included send- U.S. Catholics. ing ,personal papal legates to President In 2003, however, there was a signifi- Bush and heads of other key governments cant difference. Instead of 2002’s almost to try to prevent the invasion. Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo CNS photo by uninterrupted flood of daily new revela- Catholic and other religious leaders tions of past clerical crimes, more of the warned against acting without U.N. news in 2003 concerned developments in backing, and many moralists argued that the Church’s response to the crisis. just war principles of self-defense There were new allegations, new law- against attack and use of war as a last suits and new criminal investigations. resort were not met. Some administration But there were also major financial set- backers countered with theories of justi- tlements of hundreds of lawsuits, dioce- fiable pre-emptive defense that sought to san and religious-order policies being reshape traditional just-war doctrine in strengthened, and safe environment and light of the new realities and threats of sex-abuse education programs being global terrorism. implemented. With a dangerous postwar occupation A nationwide audit of each diocese’s dragging on amid increasing terrorist policies and practices was conducted and attacks aimed especially at peacekeeping an unprecedented national study was car- troops and Iraqi police, U.S. troops Pope John Paul II prays during an evening Mass for university students at St. Peter’s Basilica on ried out to determine the full extent of achieved a major breakthrough in mid- Dec. 11. Despite his frailty, the 83-year-old pontiff was concluding a busy 12 months during which he clergy sexual abuse of minors in the December with the capture of the elusive marked his 25th year as pope. U.S. Catholic Church since 1950. former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. Pope John Paul II, though slowed Early signs that the Iraq conflict was often colored media coverage of, a wide P. O’Malley to head the Boston Arch- down considerably by age and failing causing increased Muslim-Christian ten- range of other events and developments of diocese. The archdiocese, epicenter of the health, remained the world’s leading reli- sions and might be exploited by some to religious interest. crisis, had been vacant since the resigna- gious figure. engender wider conflict between the These included: tion of Cardinal Bernard F. Law in world’s two largest faith groups • Major new challenges in the United December 2002. Pope John Paul II prompted new efforts by the Vatican and States and elsewhere to the traditional In mid-September, barely six weeks Celebrations in October of his 25th leaders in many other quarters to pro- understanding of marriage, as gay rights after his installation, Archbishop O’Malley anniversary as pope brought an outpouring mote better relations and more mutual activists sought through courts and legis- reached an $85 million settlement with of academic and media efforts to assess his understanding between Christians and latures to extend the rights and benefits most of the 550-plus plaintiffs seeking numerous accomplishments, his place in Muslims. of marriage to same-sex unions. damages for alleged sexual abuse by history, and the strengths and weaknesses Some said the pope’s vigorous efforts • Enactment of the federal Partial-Birth Boston priests. Several separate settle- of what has become one of the longest and to avert the war played a significant role Abortion Ban Act, followed immedi- ments after that brought the total up to most prolific papacies in history. in developing public perceptions of the ately by court challenges to its constitu- about $90 million. During the year, Pope John Paul trav- conflict as secular, not religious in nature. tionality. In December, the archbishop eled to Spain, Croatia, Bosnia- For Americans, events in Iraq often • Statements by the Vatican and the announced he would sell the prestigious Herzegovina and Slovakia. He issued an overshadowed other major world prob- U.S. bishops on responsibilities of archbishop’s mansion in Brighton and encyclical on the Eucharist and apostolic lems that would otherwise have received Catholics in politics. about half the 60-acre archdiocesan prop- exhortations on bishops and on the church far greater attention. • A U.N. debate on whether to establish erty it sits on to help pay for the settle- in Europe. Among these were the widespread an international covenant banning all ment. He mortgaged the archdiocesan In October, he presided over the beatifi- hunger in Africa, where an estimated cloning of human embryos or banning cathedral and seminary to obtain interim cation of Blessed Mother Teresa of 30 million people are at risk of starvation, it only for reproduction while permit- loans so the settlement payments to vic- Calcutta and created 30 new cardinals— the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis in the ting cloning to obtain embryonic stem tims could begin before the anticipated setting a new record of 194 living cardi- Holy Land, and the global spread of cells for biomedical research. property sale or settlements between the nals and equaling the record he set in 2001 AIDS—now affecting 40 million people archdiocese and its insurers. of 135 cardinals under age 80 and eligible worldwide, about two-thirds of them in The Sex Abuse Crisis Other eight-digit sexual abuse settle- to vote for a new pope. Africa. One of the major developments in the ments during the year included $25.7 mil- The new cardinals included one For U.S. Catholics, the ongoing sex clergy sexual abuse crisis in 2003 was lion with 240 plaintiffs by the Archdiocese U.S. prelate, Cardinal Justin Rigali of abuse crisis diverted attention from, or the July appointment of Archbishop Sean of Louisville, Ky., and $21 million with Philadelphia. 40 plaintiffs by the Diocese of Bridgeport, Gary Bergeron Conn. The War in Iraq clutches a copy of The Seattle Archdiocese settled 15 cases The U.S.-led military invasion of the $85 million set- for $7.87 million in September. The fol- tlement between 552 lowing month, the Diocese of Covington, CNS photo from Reuters alleged victims of Ky., settled 27 claims for $5.2 million. clergy sexual abuse John Geoghan, the laicized Boston The Criterion’s last and the Archdiocese priest whose criminal trial for child of Boston as he and molestation in January 2002 precipitated issue until Jan. 9 other victims leave the national crisis, was brutally murdered This week’s Criterion, which the Suffolk Superior in his prison cell on Aug. 23, allegedly by includes the annual Christmas Court in Boston on fellow inmate Joseph L. Druce. Supplement, is the last issue of 2003. Sept. 9. His lawyer, The all-lay National Review Board— The Criterion will be published again Robert Sherman, is formed by the bishops in 2002 to assess on Jan. 9, and will resume its regular at left. The agree- the dimensions of the abuse scandal and weekly schedule. ment is the largest oversee diocesan compliance with national The Archbishop O’Meara Catholic financial settlement policies to address the problem—made Center will be closed from Dec. 24 in U.S. Church news in June when the chairman, former through Jan. 4. † history. Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, said some bishops were behaving like the Mafia in

The Criterion (ISSN 0574- 4350) is published weekly except the last week of December and the first 12/19/03 week of January. Phone Numbers: Staff: Moving? 1400 N. Meridian St. Main office: ...... 317-236-1570 Assistant Editor: Mary Ann Wyand Box 1717 Advertising ...... 317-236-1572 Reporter: Brandon A. Evans We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Business Manager: Ron Massey 317-236-1570 Circulation: ...... 317-236-1425 Accounting Clerk: Dana Danberry advance notice! Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Senior Account Executive: Barbara Brinkman Name [email protected] Price: $22.00 per year 75 cents per copy Senior Account Executive: Loretta Hahn Williams New Address ______Periodical Postage Paid at Postmaster: Art Director: Ann Sternberg Indianapolis, IN. Send address changes to The Criterion, Graphics Specialist: Dave Sechrist City ______Copyright © 2003 Criterion P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Graphics Specialist: Louie Stumpf State/Zip ______Press, Inc. World Wide Web Page: www.archindy.org New Parish ______POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: E-mail: [email protected] Effective Date ______Criterion Press, Inc. Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Mailing Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. 1400 N. Meridian St. Address: 1400 N. Meridian Street, Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717. Periodical Postage Box 1717 Paid at Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2003 Criterion Press, Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. The Criterion • P.O. Box 1717 • Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717. The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 3 their handling of the problem. In May, Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien of discussion in greater depth next June and the Church considers marriage so central A few days later Keating resigned from Phoenix reached a deal in which he make a decision on a plenary council next to family life and the common good that the board and Illinois Appellate Court avoided prosecution by ceding his author- November. the unique legal status and benefits society Justice Anne Burke, the vice chair, ity over diocesan sexual abuse policy and Other fallout from the crisis included accords to marriage cannot be extended to became acting chairwoman. practice to others, reimbursing the local demands for more financial accountability same-sex unions. The review board commissioned the prosecutor’s office $100,000 for investiga- from bishops and for more lay participa- One event giving rise to new concern John Jay College of Criminal Justice in tive costs and giving $300,000 each to a tion in Church decision-making. about legalizing same-sex unions was a New York to study every known allegation county compensation fund for victims and Reports from dioceses across the coun- November decision by the Massachusetts of clerical sexual abuse of minors in every a diocesan victims’ fund for counseling try and results of several opinion polls Supreme Judicial Court that it is a violation U.S. diocese and religious order since services. indicated that U.S. Catholics generally of that state’s constitution to deny the right 1950. Its report is due in February. In June, Bishop O’Brien abruptly sustained or increased their financial sup- of civil marriage to same-sex couples. The board also commissioned the resigned from office after he was arrested port for their parishes, but were less Another was a June decision by the Boston-based Gavin Group, composed on felony charges of leaving the scene of a inclined to support diocesan and national U.S. Supreme Court overturning anti- mainly of former FBI agents, to visit each fatal accident. He allegedly hit and killed a appeals because of the crisis. sodomy laws in Texas and about a dozen diocese and audit its compliance with the pedestrian while driving home from a A group of Milwaukee priests urged the other states. The minority dissent opined mandates of the bishops’ “Charter for the parish confirmation service. U.S. bishops to begin ordaining married that the ruling had undermined any consti- Protection of Children and Young People.” In November, Archbishop Daniel E. men to stem the priest shortage and assure tutional basis for distinguishing between Its report is due in January. Pilarczyk of Cincinnati pleaded “no con- the access of Catholics to the Eucharist. marriage and same-sex unions. During the past year, the board inter- test” to five misdemeanor charges that They did not link the issue of manda- The Vatican issued a statement in July viewed scores of experts in various fields, archdiocesan officials had failed to report tory clerical celibacy to the sex-abuse cri- calling on Catholic politicians to oppose sex-abuse victims, bishops and priests to sexual abuse of minors by priests in the sis, but some other Catholic groups made laws that would give same-sex unions or develop a first-stage report, to be issued in late 1970s and early ‘80s. He paid a such a link. They argued that the absence other forms of unmarried cohabitation the February, on the nature and causes of the $10,000 fine and set up a $3 million com- of wives and children in the Catholic cleri- same legal standing as marriage. sex-abuse scandal in the U.S. Church. pensation fund for victims. cal culture had been a significant factor The world Anglican Communion faced When the U.S. Supreme Court over- behind bishops being more sensitive to the a major internal rift when its U.S. branch, turned a California law that had retroac- spiritual and psychological needs of their the Episcopal Church, ordained as bishop tively eliminated the statute of limitations accused priests than they were to the of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene

Catholic Courier for criminal prosecution of those who sex- needs of the young victims. Robinson, who as a priest has been living ually abused minors, more than a dozen in an openly gay relationship for more priests were among the hundreds of Marriage and Family than a decade. Californians who had pending charges Pro-life marchers in January marked The ordination provoked ecumenical dropped or convictions erased. the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and stresses as well. U.S. Presiding Bishop Local clergy sexual abuse scandals also Doe vs. Bolton, the twin 1973 Frank T. Griswold, who conducted the made headlines often in a number of other U.S. Supreme Court decisions that ordination, resigned as Anglican co-chair CNS file photo by Karin von Voigtlander, CNS file photo by Karin von Voigtlander, countries around the world, including removed virtually all legal restrictions on of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New abortion. International Commission to avoid having Zealand, Philippines and Malta. The federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban the controversy jeopardize the work of In response to a call from some Act was adopted by Congress in October that official dialogue between the two U.S. bishops to convene a U.S. plenary and President Bush signed it in November. Churches. Work of another joint interna- council to deal with deeper Church issues Its constitutionality was immediately chal- tional commission, on unity and mission, The U.S. bishops’ Administrative Committee, in underlying the sexual abuse crisis, the bish- lenged in court. was suspended, however, and top Vatican a statement released on Sept. 10, offered “gen- ops in June spent a day discussing what In September, the U.S. bishops’ and Anglican officials agreed to form a eral support for a federal marriage amendment they regarded as the highest priority Administrative Committee called for a joint panel of experts to study the ecclesi- to the U.S. Constitution.” The committee issues—the Church and culture, spirituality federal constitutional amendment uphold- ological implications of the ordination. warned that marriage is “under attack” in U.S. and identity of priests and bishops, and ing the traditional definition of marriage Artificial contraception came back into courts, legislatures, culture and media, which problems in U.S. Catholic faith formation as a union between a man and a woman. the news in several ways. are promoting “equivalence” between marriage and sacramental practice. In November, In November, the entire body of bish- The California Supreme Court in and homosexual relationships. they agreed on a framework to continue the ops adopted a statement explaining why See YEAR END, page 7

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St. Vincent 2171 Avondale Place Hospitals and Indianapolis Health Services 317-543-3237 www.martin.edu Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003

OPINION Letters to the Editor

cially the values of mind and spirit Pondering “Peace on which they possess. Freedom will build Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 Earth” peace and make it thrive if, in the choice of the means to that end, people Most Rev. Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., Publisher William R. Bruns, Associate Publisher Recently, I returned from a pilgrimage, act according to reason and assume Greg A. Otolski, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus sponsored by Marian College’s “Rebuild My Church” program, to Assisi, Italy, the responsibility for their own actions.” birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and Men and women of goodwill are St. Clare—two great saints of the 13th working to make this type of peace a Editorial century. While in Assisi, on a sunny, blue- reality. For example, recently, Francis- sky day, I saw tens of thousands of jubi- can Father John Quigley, visited Marian lant people marching for peace. College and spoke of the efforts of The march was a spectacular sight: Franciscans International—an organiza- Boy Scouts, religious, priests, commu- tion representing more than 1 million nists, environmentalists, socialists, old religious and secular Franciscans around people, young people, short people, peo- the world—to encourage the recognition ple of African heritage, people of Asian of every person’s civil, political, cul-

CNS photo from Reuters heritage, tall people, people in wheel- tural, social and economic rights. chairs and even mothers pushing babies As we approach the birth of Christ in strollers. All kinds of people from all Jesus and while our nation is at war, it is over the world seemed to be marching appropriate for each of us to ponder the through the narrow streets of Assisi. questions: What does peace mean to us, Multicolored peace flags were every- to our families, to our community, to where. “Pace” (peace), they pro- our nation, and to our world? And how Palestinian boys herd animals in front of a concrete wall, part of a contro- claimed! It seemed everyone wanted should we join with others in our neigh- versial Israeli security barrier, on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Dec. 12. peace. Outside the Basilica of borhoods, workplaces and around the Israeli officials say the barrier is necessary to curtail suicide bombing St. Francis in Assisi, a huge banner was world to achieve a lasting peace? attacks. Palestinians condemn it as a land grab. Church officials, includ- draped over the wall and hung to the Robert W. Golobish, Carmel ing Pope John Paul II, have decried suicide bombings, but also have criti- street 30 feet below. It proclaimed (Member of St. Luke Parish in Indianapolis cized Israel for building the wall, which if completed would stretch 200 peace in over a dozen languages. and vice president of marketing communi- cations at Marian College) miles. That entire day, I wondered: What is peace? When people say they want peace, what do they mean? As the result A day for visiting of discussions with professors at Marian No peace in Bethlehem College in Indianapolis and others, I churches have learned a lot about peace. For the Christmas season, most erhaps Mary and Joseph wouldn’t places, the fence will include 25-foot- For the ancient Romans, peace meant parishes have beautiful decorations and Precognize much about Bethlehem high concrete walls. the end of war. That has been a durable very attractive crib scenes in their today, but one thing is the same: the All this is planned to extend about definition. Today, I suspect many churches. Unfortunately, except for those city is occupied by foreign troops. For 400 miles around the West Bank, going Americans define peace that way or as a who belong to the parish and attend the Holy Family, it was Caesar miles into Palestinian territory to sur- time when nations are not at war. Mass there, little opportunity is present Augustus’ soldiers. Today, it is the round 10 Jewish settlements that now For the early years of Christianity, for others to share the beauty. At other Israeli armed forces. have 19,000 residents. It will also sur- peace meant the end of persecution. It hours, most churches are necessarily As we approach another anniversary round 13 Palestinian villages with also meant the peace Christ Jesus locked. of Jesus’ birth, the sad fact remains 12,000 residents, preventing them not brought between man and God: the Could it not be possible to designate that there is no peace in Bethlehem— only from entering Israel but also pre- peace that Christ Jesus achieved through one Sunday, like the Sunday between or in the rest of the Holy Land. Isn’t it venting them from entering the West his redemptive death. Peace also meant Christmas and New Years, as a day when time for Americans to demand that the Bank, including their agricultural the feeling that one had when resting in the churches will be open in the after- Palestinians and Israelis negotiate a lands. The people are prisoners in their God’s goodness. noon for others to visit and see the deco- just peace? own town. Already, in order to build The Catholic Church has taught for rations? A time period like 1-4 p.m. The Israeli human-rights group the “fence,” the Israelis have destroyed 1,500 years that peace is also, as would be manageable. If necessary, the B’Tselem reported that, in the three 100,000 Palestinian olive and citrus St. Augustine called it, “the tranquility parish could have some parishioners pre- years from the beginning of the trees, 75 acres of greenhouses and of order” with God at the top. In 1963, sent during those hours to keep tabs on in his encyclical Peace on Earth, Pope Intifada in September 2000 to the same 23 miles of irrigation pipes. things. John XXIII, stated that peace “can be time in 2003, some 406 Palestinian Curfews are another obstacle to The Feast of the Holy Family would firmly established and sustained only if children and 70 Israeli children were peace. Because of the curfews, the be an excellent day for families to visit the order laid down by God be dutifully killed. This madness has to stop. Palestinians can’t earn enough money the churches in the afternoon hours. observed.” Social peace is based on There are, unfortunately, many to buy food. In Gaza, 70 percent of the Just a thought. truth, justice, love and freedom. obstacles to peace. On the Israeli side, people live on less than a dollar a day. Fr. Matthias Neuman, O.S.B., Beech Grove there is the fear of terrorism from the In the West Bank, a World Bank report Importantly, he advocated the recogni- Palestinian suicide bombers. There is found that more than 55 percent live tion of civil, political, cultural, social also the knowledge that some on less than $2 a day. and economic rights for each person as Palestinian extremists are not going to Travel restrictions and guarded an essential aspect of peace. be satisfied until the state of Israel is checkpoints are another obstacle. Earlier this year, on the 36th annual

destroyed. Moderate Palestinians must Recently, a Palestinian woman pregnant celebration of the World Day of Peace, CNS photo from Reuters take the necessary steps to stop the vio- with twins was refused permission to Pope John Paul II reaffirmed Pope John lence. cross a checkpoint to a hospital in XXIII’s message, stating, “Truth will But the Palestinians, too, have just Bethlehem. She delivered the twins build peace if every individual sincerely complaints, including the fact that they while the Israeli soldiers watched. The acknowledges not only his rights, but have been living as an occupied people twins died. Sick children have died also his own duties toward others. for the entire lives of most of them. because they could not reach a hospital. Justice will build peace if in practice Most observers agree that the great- So how can we achieve peace with everyone respects the rights of others est obstacle to peace is the settlements justice? The politicians know what has and actually fulfils his duties toward that Israelis have built on land confis- to happen. There must be a crackdown them. Love will build peace if people cated from Palestinians. The purpose on extremist militants by the feel the needs of others as their own and of those settlements, as Ariel Sharon Palestinians and the removal of at least share what they have with others, espe- stated when he was minister of hous- some of the obstacles to peace by ing, was to create a de facto situation Israel. The so-called roadmap to peace on the West Bank so that there would carefully shows how it must be done. be large settlements of Jews when (The Vatican, by the way, has endorsed negotiations would begin on the the roadmap.) It’s getting both sides to Letters Policy boundaries for the state of Palestine. It follow the roadmap that’s the problem. has worked. We also now have the Geneva Letters from readers are published in letters from readers as necessary based on Home demolitions are another Accord, negotiated by former Israeli The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s space limitations, pastoral sensitivity and obstacle. More than 8,000 Palestinian and Palestinian officials and commitment to “the responsible exchange of content (including spelling and grammar). In homes have been destroyed to make announced on Dec. 1. Not surprisingly, freely-held and expressed opinion among order to encourage opinions from a variety way for Israeli settlements or bypass Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and mili- the People of God” (Communio et of readers, frequent writers will ordinarily be Progressio, 116). roads built for the settlers. tant Palestinians have not endorsed the limited to one letter every three months. Letters from readers are welcome and The newest obstacle to peace is the plan, but it seems to be a fair and prac- Concise letters (usually less than 300 words) every effort will be made to include letters are more likely to be printed. fence, or wall, being built to separate tical solution. from as many people and representing as Letters must be signed, but, for serious Israel from the West Bank and to keep It’s past time for the United States many viewpoints as possible. Letters should reasons, names may be withheld. terrorists out of Israel. The fence is to force the parties to agree to a just be informed, relevant, well-expressed and Send letters to: “Letters to the Editor,” 9.8 feet high, with touch-sensitive sen- settlement. Perhaps the Geneva Accord temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic The Criterion, P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, sors and barbed wire on top. In some can accomplish that. sense of courtesy and respect. IN 46206-1717. Readers with access to The editors reserve the right to select the e-mail may send letters to — John F. Fink letters that will be published and to edit [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 5

ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO DANIEL M. BUECHLEIN, O.S.B.

SEEKING THE FACE OF THE LORD BUSCANDO LA CARA DEL SEÑOR

Embracing the mystery and wonder of the birth of Jesus

n a snowy morning as I sit at my humanity is difficult for us to imagine (He Leadeth Me, Father Walter J. Ciszek, ultimate importance because as the “new computer to write this Christmas and understand. Yet the Incarnation is not S.J., Ignatius Press, pp.102-103). Adam,” both human and divine, Jesus Omessage (in my second-story a philosophical abstraction. Jesus Christ God would grow up to become a car- could win our redemption from sin and office at home), a chubby squirrel just is not an abstraction. It is important that penter—a workman—in a real place and death. And so, he experienced his humili- climbed up to the windowsill and we understand that the Incarnation is a in real time. This reality alone helps ating passion and death, and yet as God decided to watch me at work. I’m not historical reality. The birth of Jesus, infuse our workaday lives with respect he rose victorious for us. While it is so sure who was more fascinated by whom. miraculous as it was, nonetheless is a and dignity, not only for work, but for the valuable to appreciate the historic reality In any case, it seems to me that this is a matter of history. He was born in a cave laborer as well. Equally important is the of the humanity of Jesus, it is also impor- fanciful setting and it is somehow appro- in Bethlehem where animals were kept, realization that Jesus, the Son of God and tant to keep in balance our vision of the priate for a Christmas reflection. and he grew up in a carpenter’s home in of Mary, worked hard in his woodshop reality of his divinity. The wonder of the Angels greet shepherds with song in Nazareth. for years, perhaps “to convince us that paschal mystery begins with Christmas. the middle of the night: “Glory to God in I like the way one author put it: “There God doesn’t ask anything more tedious, The wonder of Christmas then carries the highest and peace on earth. Glory to is a tremendous truth contained in the more tiring, more routine and humdrum, a double message that is truly fanciful. the new-born king!” We romanticize the realization that when God became man he more unspectacular of us than God him- God has made his home with us in every manger and the animals at the crib with became a workingman. Not a king, not a self has done” (Ibid. p. 103). Work would aspect of our humanity except sin. And so poetic song and crèche scenes in our chieftain, not a warrior or a statesman or never be the same. Because of Jesus, God we sing joyfully of the birth of Jesus homes and churches. It occurs to me that a great leader of nations, as some had and man, we can view our labors not only because he would know our own joys and we ought not take the poetic flourishes thought the Messiah would be. The as a way to make a living but also as a sorrows, our suffering and hard work, our that we associate with Christmas for Gospels show us Christ the teacher, the way of sharing in the divine work of cre- successes and our losses. And we roman- granted. Nor should we allow ourselves healer, the wonder-worker, but these ation and redemption. ticize the humble birth of Jesus because to be tempted to dismiss them as too fan- activities of his public life were the work The birth of Jesus as a real, human he is the Son of God and that makes all ciful for our real and less than romantic of three short years. For all the rest of the person, then, is something historically the difference. world. We romanticize Christmas joy and time on earth, God was a village carpen- true and absolutely important. But, of I wish one and all a fanciful the possibility of peace on earth because ter and the son of a carpenter. He did not course, the Son of God becoming the son Christmas! † we need to do so. How else would we fashion benches or tables or beds or roof of Mary in real time and place is of embrace the wonder of God, who is beams or plow beams by means of mira- almighty yet mysteriously becoming cles, but by hammer and saw, by ax and someone like us and making his home adz. He worked long hours to help his Archbishop Buechlein’s intention for vocations for December with us? father, and then became the support of his Catholic Grade Schools: that they may teach our children the Catholic faith and assist Words like “incarnation,” “nativity” widowed mother, by the rough work of a them in hearing and answering God’s call to service in the Church, especially as priests and “epiphany” seem vague and abstract hill country craftsman… . He did the or religious. to us. The mystery of divinity embracing work all of us have to do in our lifetimes” Comprendiendo el misterio y la maravilla del nacimiento de Jesús

n una mañana nevada cuando me sin embargo la Encarnación no es una Dios crecería y se convertiría en Jesús podría otorgarnos nuestra redención dispongo a escribir este mensaje de abstracción filosófica. Jesucristo no es carpintero – un trabajador — en un lugar del pecado y de la muerte. Y de este ENavidad (en mi oficina del una abstracción. Es importante que verdadero y en una época verdadera. modo Él sufrió su humillante pasión y segundo piso de mi casa) una ardilla entendamos que la Encarnación es una Solamente esta realidad es suficiente para muerte y sin embargo, como Dios, se regordeta acaba de subirse al borde de la realidad histórica. El nacimiento de infundir nuestras vidas de trabajo diario levantó victorioso por todos nosotros. ventana para observarme trabajar. No sé Jesús, además de un milagro, es también con respeto y dignidad no sólo por el Aunque es importante valorar la realidad quién está más fascinado con quién. En es un hecho histórico. Él nació en una trabajo sino por el trabajador también. De histórica de la condición humana de cualquier caso, me parece un escenario cueva en Belén, donde guardaban igual importancia es el darse cuenta de Jesús, es también importante mantener el fantástico y de alguna forma apropiado animales y creció en el hogar de un que Jesús, el Hijo de Dios y María equilibrio de nuestra visión con la certeza para reflexionar sobre la Navidad. carpintero en Nazaret. trabajaron duro en su carpintería por de su divinidad. La maravilla del misterio Los ángeles saludan a los pastores con Me agrada la forma en que un autor años, quizás “para convencernos de que pascual comienza con la Navidad. cantos en mitad de la noche. “Gloria a lo menciona: “Es una estupenda verdad Dios no pide de nosotros nada más La maravilla de la Navidad entonces Dios en las alturas y paz en la tierra. el darse cuenta de que cuando Dios se tedioso, más agotador, más rutinario y es portadora de un doble mensaje que es ¡Gloria al recién nacido rey!” Idealizamos hizo hombre también se convirtió en un monótono, más desprovisto de verdaderamente fantástico. Dios se ha el pesebre y los animales en torno a la trabajador. No en un rey, un jefe, un espectacularidad que lo que Dios mismo hecho similar a nosotros en cada aspecto cuna con canciones poéticas y escenas del guerrero, un estadista o un gran líder de ha hecho.” (Ibid pág. 103). El trabajo de su condición humana excepto en el nacimiento con las cuales adornamos naciones, como algunos habían pensado nunca será lo mismo. Gracias a Jesús, pecado. Y por ello cantamos gozosos el nuestros hogares e iglesias. Se me ocurre que sería el Mesías. Los Evangelios nos Dios y hombre, podemos ver nuestros nacimiento de Jesús porque Él sabía de que no deberíamos dar por sentado los muestran a Jesús el maestro, el sanador, trabajos no sólo como una forma de nuestras alegrías y de nuestras penas, de toques de trompeta que asociamos con la el asombroso trabajador, pero estas ganarnos la vida sino como una manera nuestro sufrimiento y de nuestro trabajo Navidad. Ni deberíamos permitirnos la actividades de su vida pública consti- de compartir en el trabajo divino, la arduo, de nuestros éxitos y de nuestros tentación de descartarlos por ser tuyeron su trabajo sólo por tres cortos creación y la redención. fracasos. E idealizamos el humilde demasiado rebuscados para nuestro años. Por todo el resto de su vida en la El nacimiento de Jesús como un ser nacimiento de Jesús porque Él es el Hijo mundo verdadero y bastante menos tierra Dios fue un carpintero de pueblo y humano verdadero es entonces algo de Dios y eso marca toda la diferencia. romántico. Idealizamos el gozo de la el hijo de un carpintero. No fabricaba históricamente real y absolutamente ¡Les deseo a todos una fantástica Navidad y la posibilidad de la paz en la bancos, mesas, camas, tejados o arados importante. Pero, por supuesto, el Hijo de Navidad! † tierra porque es una necesidad para por medio de los milagros sino con el Dios que se convirtió en el hijo de María nosotros. De otra manera, ¿cómo martillo y la sierra, con el hacha y las en una época verdadera y en un lugar real podríamos abarcar la maravilla de Dios herramientas. Trabajaba largas horas es de fundamental importancia, porque Traducido por: Language Training Center, que, siendo todopoderoso, también es para ayudar a su padre y luego mantuvo como el “nuevo Adán”, humano y divino, Indianapolis misteriosamente similar a los hombres, y a su madre viuda por medio del trabajo hacerle un lugar entre nosotros? arduo de un artesano de un pueblo de las La intención del Arzobispo Buechlein para vocaciones en diciembre Palabras como “encarnación”, montañas. Desempeñó el trabajo que “natividad” y “epifanía” nos parecen todos nosotros tenemos que hacer en Escuelas primarias católicas: que ellos puedan enseñar la fe católica a nuestros niños vagas y abstractas. Para nosotros es difícil nuestras vidas”. (He Leadeth Me, Padre y puedan ayudarles a oír y contestar la llamada de Dios para ser vir en la Iglesia, sobre imaginar y entender el misterio de la Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. Ignatius Press, todo como sacerdotes o religiosos. divinidad abarcando a la humanidad. Y pág. 102-103) Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003

Check It Out . . .

The Saint Meinrad Abbey Guest House in St. Meinrad lead the retreat, which will be a chance to practice guard of questions about returning to the Church. There will be will offer a retreat titled “The Tools of the Trade from the heart, manifestation of thoughts, the Jesus Prayer, the informal sharing and an update of the Catholic faith. For the Rule of St. Benedict” on Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Benedictine Little Way, Colloquy, manual labor and the Emptiness more information, call 317-858-8422. Father Columba Kelly will lead the retreat, which will Practice of the Cloud of Unknowing, among other things. examine the practicality of the Rule of St. Benedict and The cost is $375 for residents, $285 for commuters. For The Richmond Catholic Community will host a Pro- how to use those time-tested tools to become closer to more information, call 317-788-7581. Life Vigil on Jan. 9-10. The event will begin with a prayer God. The suggested donation for the retreat is $175 per service at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 at St. Andrew Parish, 235 S. 5th person, or $300 for two people in a double room. For Tony Avellana, a member of St. Maria Goretti Parish St. There will then be a candlelight procession to Holy more information, call 812-357-6585 or 800-581-6905. in Westfield, Ind., in the Diocese of Lafayette, will Family Parish, 815 W. Main St., where there will be a pre- present a Christian music concert from 7:30 p.m. to sentation to the high school youth and then exposition of The Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, 1402 9 p.m. on Dec. 19 at St. Lawrence Parish, 6944 E. 46th the Blessed Sacrament until 8 a.m. on Jan. 10. There will Southern Ave., in Beech Grove, will host an ongoing series St., in Indianapolis. A free-will donation will be appreci- be a chance for reconciliation at 12:30 a.m. and other titled “Women of Scripture” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on ated. For more information, call the parish office at 317- planned activities for the youth throughout the night. There the first Tuesday of every month during 2004. Dominican 546-4065. will be a Mass at 8 a.m., a presentation about the Elizabeth Sister Romona Novak will present the series, which will Ministry at 9:15 a.m., a living Rosary at 10:15 a.m., a pre- study women of the Bible and encourage participants to St. Malachy Parish, 326 N. Green St., in Brownsburg, sentation about Natural Family Planning at 11 a.m., lunch relate to them by being grace-filled women in this century. will conduct on ongoing series titled “Catholics at noon and a community talk at 1 p.m. Crosses in memory The cost is $10 per session or $100 for all 12 sessions. Returning Home” at 7 p.m. on six consecutive Wednes- of babies killed by abortion will be placed on the lawn at There will also be a retreat titled “Tools Matter” from day evenings beginning on Jan. 7. The sessions are for 2:30 p.m., which will be followed by a walk to St. Mary Jan. 18-24. Benedictine Sister Mary Margaret Funk will non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to Parish, 720 N. “A” St., in Richmond, where there will be a youth liturgy at 4 p.m. For more information, call Cathy Red Hat Ladies Funkhouser at 765-983-3914. The choir of St. Benedict Parish, 111 S. Ninth St., in Judy Hedberg, from left, Cathy Farney Submitted photo and Rosemary Boyle, members of the Terre Haute, will present a Christmas Eve Prelude Red Hat Society and the Guild at St. Concert at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24. Midnight Mass will follow. Augustine Home for the Aged in Indian- For more information, call the parish at 812-232-8421. apolis, applaud at a Christmas party for the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Charles Gardner, secretary of spiritual life and worship elderly residents of St. Augustine Home for the archdiocese, will teach a three-hour course on on Dec. 10, where they served food and “Music in Catholic Worship” on Tuesday evenings from visited with the residents. Their mission Jan. 13 to April 13 at Marian College, 3200 Cold Spring at the annual event was to spread joy Road, in Indianapolis. The course will examine the theory, and have fun. history and present practice of music as an integral part of Roman Catholic worship. For more information or to reg- ister for the course, call Gardner at 317-236-1479, or 800- 382-9836, ext. 1479 or e-mail [email protected]. † VIPs . . .

Jerome and Marjory (Schuster) Cahill, members of Holy Name Parish in Beech Grove, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family Mass on Nov. 28 at their parish. The couple was married on Nov. 28, 1953, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Indianapolis. They have eight children: Christie Denzer, Anne Elliott, Cathy Huser, Helen Stephon, Ed, John, Mike and the late Tom Cahill. The couple has 31 grand- children and six great-grandchildren. † U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting movie ratings

Big Fish (Columbia) Rated A-II (Adults and Adolescents) because of brief violence, an instance of rear nudity and minimal mildly crude humor and language. Rated PG-13 (Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.) by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Love Don’t Cost a Thing (Warner Bros.) Rated L (Limited Adult Audience) because of a parental figure encouraging casual sex and condom usage and crude sexual references. Rated PG-13 (Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.) by the MPAA.

Something’s Gotta Give (Columbia) Rated A-III (Adults) because of benign treatment of promiscuity, a sexual encounter, fleeting full nudity and an instance of rough language. Rated PG-13 (Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.) by the MPAA.

Stuck on You (20th Century Fox) Rated A-III (Adults) because of recurring sexually crude humor and language, an off-screen sexual encounter and brief alcohol abuse. Rated PG-13 (Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.) by the MPAA. † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 7

bishops were asked to consider taking up the dangers faced by many who cross the YEAR END voluntary collections for the Church in U.S.-Mexican border illegally in search of continued from page 3 Africa now and, eventually, starting a work.

yearly national collection like those con- In January, the bishops of the United CNS photo from Reuters December heard arguments in a Catholic ducted for the Church in Latin America States and Mexico issued a first-ever joint Charities challenge, on religious freedom and in Central and Eastern Europe. pastoral letter calling on both their govern- grounds, to a state law that requires ments to improve immigration policies. employers to include contraceptives Catholic Politicians Bishops of seven border dioceses in among drug prescription benefits in their In January, the Vatican addressed grow- Texas, citing “grave moral issues” in cur- health insurance plans. ing conflicts between Catholic teaching rent U.S. policy, urged the Bush adminis- Catholic and other religious groups lost and public policy in many countries with a tration to resume its negotiations with the first round of a challenge to a similar doctrinal note that said Catholics in public Mexico, on hold since events of Sept. 11, law in New York in November, but said leadership positions must oppose laws or 2001, on important guest worker and they would appeal that ruling. policies that conflict with fundamental immigration issues. The U.S. Conference of Catholic moral principles. It particularly cited At a rally ending a two-week Immigrant Bishops registered its opposition to a Food human life issues like abortion and Worker Freedom Ride—a bus caravan of Relatives and neighbors surround the casket of and Drug Administration proposal to per- euthanasia, but it also called on Catholics 900 people from Los Angeles to New York Hector Ramirez on May 23 in Pozos in the mit over-the-counter sales of certain emer- to oppose efforts to grant legal rights of to call attention to injustices in U.S. immi- Mexican state of Guanajuato. He was among 18 gency contraceptives. marriage to same-sex unions. gration law—Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio illegal immigrants who died from suffocation In November, the bishops approved a The Vatican reinforced that message in of Brooklyn described U.S. policies toward and heat exhaustion at a highway rest stop out- proposal to draft a new pastoral statement July with its document devoted specifi- immigrant workers as “immoral.” side Victoria, Texas, in mid-May. in the coming year explaining Church cally to the unique importance of marriage teaching that the use of artificial contracep- in society, calling on Catholics every- The Holy Land issue and spelled out a 12-step program to tion in the conjugal act is intrinsically where to defend marriage against cam- The Holy Land saw an unending spiral give new impetus to the peace process. wrong. paigns to give equal status to other part- of violence in 2003 as Palestinian terror- The joint statement was one of several nerships. ists and the Israeli military responded con- signs of revived trilateral collaboration Africa At their November meeting, the bish- stantly to each other’s attacks. among U.S. Christian, Muslim and Jewish President Bush helped turn world atten- ops also took the first step toward devel- In July, Israeli authorities demolished leaders. tion to the growing problem of AIDS in oping guidelines for themselves in calling the foundations of an unauthorized That collaboration had waned in the Africa with his state of the union address Catholic politicians to be accountable for mosque begun five years ago by Islamic wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the in January. He pledged to seek $15 billion consistency between their public policy fundamentalists on a square adjacent to United States and the resurgent intifada in from the federal budget over the next five positions and the faith they profess. the Basilica of the Annunciation, a revered the Holy Land, but it gained new ground years to combat AIDS around the world, The level of difficulty they may face in Christian shrine in Nazareth. in 2003 as leaders saw a need to forestall with a special focus on Africa. that task was highlighted during the year Church leaders decried the suicide religious tensions over the U.S. war in At the start of the year, relief agencies by partisan wrangling in the Senate over bombings by Palestinian radicals, but also Iraq. In April, 75 leaders from the three warned that 30 million Africans were at Catholics with pro-life views nominated criticized Israel for building a “security faith groups held a summit in Chicago at risk of starvation. Near the end of the by the Bush administration for federal wall” which, if completed as intended, which they publicly criticized the Iraqi year, a new United Nations report said the judgeships. will stretch along some 200 miles of the war, U.S. unilateralism, the erosion of number of hungry people worldwide was Israeli border. civil liberties at home and the shift of growing at the rate of 5 million a year. Immigration In November, the Vatican urged the resources from human needs to military Pope John Paul told participants at a Despite complaints by Church leaders United Nations to revive the “road map” purposes. U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization that crackdowns on immigrants do little to to Israeli-Palestinian peace, a two-state On an international level, about conference that ending hunger is a form of combat terrorism, for the third straight solution proposed by President Bush in a 160 Catholic, Protestant and Muslim lead- peacemaking. year the United States admitted far fewer 2002 speech to the UN General Assembly. ers from across Asia gathered in the In November, the U.S. bishops met immigrants than were allowed under fed- In December, 32 U.S. Christian, Philippines in August, seeking to promote with representatives of the Church in erally set quotas. Muslim and Jewish leaders, including two Asian peace and development through Africa and discussed the growing needs The death of 19 illegal immigrants Catholic cardinals, urged the Bush admin- greater interreligious dialogue and under- of the Church on that continent. The abandoned in a truck in Texas highlighted istration to take new leadership on the standing. †

Caring for I hate leaving while there’s still work to do. Catholic Families There are still children in our parish who need hats SINCE 1973 and gloves, and shut-ins who need the sacraments.

I know our work here will never be finished. But that

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Meridian St. Suite 701 Indianapolis, IN 46208 Blessed to be a Blessing Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Pope says waging war unilaterally violates inter national law VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Nations have a right to be illusory” to think the Dec. 13 capture of Saddam Giving his message the title “An Ever Timely defend themselves against terrorism, but the unilateral use Hussein “will repair the damage caused by that great Commitment: Teaching Peace,” the pope said that his of force cannot be justified, Pope John Paul II said. defeat for humanity which war always represents.” peace day messages for the past 25 years and the 11 mes- In his annual message for the World Day of Peace on Before, during and after the invasion, Cardinal Martino sages written by Pope Paul VI beginning in 1968 provide Jan. 1, the pope said international bodies established to said, the pope “said ‘no’ to war” and “called it an adven- a “syllabus” of necessary ingredients for teaching people protect nations and settle disputes need to be reformed to ture without return and a defeat for humanity.” how to promote peace with justice, dialogue, freedom, deal with the threat posed by a surge in terrorist move- The United States and members of the coalition that charity, forgiveness and respect for human rights. ments around the world. attacked Iraq had an obligation to act according to the “What remains now is to work to ensure that the ideal But countries cannot renege on their formal commit- international agreements they freely signed, the cardinal of a peaceful coexistence, with its specific requirements, ments to respect international law and work through the said. Those agreements prohibit the use of force except will become part of the consciousness of individuals and United Nations, he said in the message released on when necessary for national defense or collective security peoples,” the pope wrote. Dec. 16 at a Vatican press conference. and, even then, only in concert with the Security Council. In teaching peace, he said, “there is a particularly Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical “A nation cannot invent initiatives outside national and urgent need to lead individuals and peoples to respect the Council for Justice and Peace, said it is clear in the pope’s international law,” the cardinal said. international order.” message and in the more than 30 peace appeals he made In the text of the message sent to heads of state around Throughout history, but particularly after World War II, in 2003 that the pope believes the U.S.-led invasion of the world, Pope John Paul said, “Peace remains possible. the international community has developed principles, Iraq was not a just war because it did not have the support And if peace is possible, it is also a duty.” laws and treaties aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully of the United Nations and the U.N. Security Council. The pope condemned terrorism and specifically and putting an end to all war, he said. At the press conference, the cardinal said that “it would appealed for peace in “Palestine and the Middle East.” “Accords freely signed must be honored,” he said. “The violation of this principle leads to a situation of illegality and consequently to friction and disputes which would not fail to have lasting negative repercussions,” he said. St. Vincent Children’s Hospital presents the Nations must be called on to uphold their commitments to peace, “especially at times when there is a temptation INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S CHOIR: to appeal to the law of force rather than to the force of law,” the pope said. Pope John Paul acknowledged that the phenomenon of terrorism is difficult to deal with through established inter- national law because the law was designed to regulate relations between states. “The scourge of terrorism has become more virulent in Angels Sing recent years and has produced brutal massacres which Angels Sing have in turn put even greater obstacles in the way of dia- logue and negotiation, increasing tensions and aggravating problems, especially in the Middle East,” he said. New international instruments must be developed for the prevention, monitoring and suppression of terrorist groups and other forms of international criminal activity, he said. But the absence of a specific international tool for deal- ing with terrorism does not justify one nation acting on its own and violating basic human rights, the pope wrote. “Democratic governments know well that the use of force against terrorists cannot justify a renunciation of the principles of the rule of law,” he said. “Political decisions would be unacceptable were they to seek success without consideration for fundamental human rights, since the end never justifies the means,” Pope John Paul wrote. As he has said before, the pope also said, “the fight against terrorism cannot be limited solely to repressive and punitive operations.” Even if the use of force is necessary, he said, it still must be accompanied by “a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind terrorist attacks,” a solid commit- ment to eliminate the injustices that lead some groups to lash out with violence and real efforts to educate everyone Celebrate on the absolute obligation to respect human life. At the press conference, Cardinal Martino said the pope was convinced that “you can eliminate one terrorist, or 10 terrorists or a thousand terrorists, but if we do not the Season eliminate injustices, there will always be other terrorists.” In his message, Pope John Paul said respect for law is the first path to peace, but order is not transformed into peace without love and forgiveness. Particularly in the Holy Land and throughout the Sunday, December 21 Middle East, Pope John Paul said, “a solution to the grave 2:30 p.m. problems which for too long have caused suffering for the peoples of those regions will not be found until a decision St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is made to transcend the logic of simple justice and to be open also to the logic of forgiveness.” † Friday,Friday, DecemberDecember 1919 Saturday,Saturday, DecemberDecember 2020

8:008:00 p.m.p.m. CNS photo from Reuters St.St. Luke’sLuke’s UnitedUnited MethodistMethodist ChurchChurch FeaturingFeaturing MelMel CarrawayCarraway

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An Iraqi child plays amid the rubble of a former rocket factory that was hit by bombs in Baghdad during the U.S.-led war. In Decem- Henry Leck, Founder & Artistic Director ber, at least 10 homeless families were occupying the damaged www.icchoir.org building. The invasion came in mid-March despite the U.S. failure to win U.N. support and over the objections of many religious leaders, including Pope John Paul II. CNS photo by Nick Crettier, courtesy the Basilica of National Shrine Immaculate Conception CNS photo by Nick Crettier,

The Virgin Mary and Christ Child are depicted in the icon of the Theotokos from the Byzantine-Ruthenian chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Page 10 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 This child is our Savior, Messiah and Lord Editor’s note: The following news story For centuries, artists and accompanying letter are fictional, but have been inspired in the facts in the letter are true. countless ways to announce and interpret By John F. Fink the wondrous events of the birth of Jesus ANTIOCH, SYRIA—Archaeologists Christ. This photo of a here is this ancient city, where the follow- 17th-century oil paint- ers of Christ were first called Christians, ing from the school of have discovered a letter apparently writ- Bartolome Esteban ten by Luke, the author of both a Gospel Murillo—L’Adorazione and the Acts of the Apostles. Dei Pastori—portrays Although both the date and the recipi- an idyllic stable scene. ent of the letter are undecipherable, It blends soft earth experts say that its contents indicate that tones with a masterful it was written around the year 60 A.D. use of light that radi- Luke, the only Gentile author in the ates from the baby Bible, was a native of Antioch and pre- Jesus to his mother sumably was writing to a friend in his Mary and then to a hometown. lamb with its legs tied The letter follows: together, symbolizing “I’m afraid that I have bad news for the sacrifice of Jesus. you. Perhaps you have already received word about the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She had been living with the Apostle John here in Jerusalem. I was particularly saddened by her death because it happened shortly after I had a chance to talk with her at length.

“More bad news is the fact that Paul CNS photo courtesy Knights of Columbus Museum has been imprisoned here in Jerusalem. I accompanied Paul here. As you know, I 60 years ago, it was obvious that she kept angel then told Mary just who this child Most High will overshadow you. was with him on some of his missionary all those things in her heart. would be: ‘He will be great and will be Therefore, the child to be born will be journeys, and some day I plan to write “I found Mary to be a remarkable called Son of the Most High, and the called holy, the Son of God.’ about them. Despite the warnings of woman, definitely the model for all Lord God will give him the throne of “Mary knew from the beginning that many of Paul’s converts, he was deter- Christians. She was Jesus’ first disciple David his father, and he will rule over the Jesus had a unique relationship to God. mined to come here. I will remain near because she heard the Word of God and house of Jacob forever, and of his king- He was God as well as a human being him no matter what happens. kept it. She accepted God’s will for her, dom there will be no end.’ from the time he was conceived. Besides “Since I was here in Jerusalem, I was with all its joys and sorrows. “Mary said that she asked the angel that, Mary remained a virgin through the particularly eager to meet Jesus’ mother, “Mary told me that the archangel how that could be because she had taken direct intervention of God. Mary. I’m glad that I did because she told Gabriel appeared to her when she was a a vow of virginity. That’s when the angel “Mary then told me about her trip to me details about Jesus’ birth that I had young girl living in Nazareth. The angel revealed God’s intervention. Mary told Judea so she could help her relative, never heard before. Despite the fact that told her that she would conceive a son me that the angel said, ‘The Holy Spirit Elizabeth, with the birth of John the the events she talked about happened and that she should call him Jesus. The will come upon you, and the power of the Continued on next page

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Baptist. I was impressed that Mary—only shepherds learned about Jesus’ birth from on the word of the angel that Elizabeth an angel who appeared to them. The was pregnant despite the fact that she was angel gave them the great news that the Some suggestions for living over the normal childbearing age—trav- long-awaited Savior, Messiah and Lord eled all the way from Nazareth to had been born. the Beatitudes at Christmas Elizabeth’s home in Judea. This was “I’m not a Jew, but I’ve learned from about 75 miles, and the caravan she Paul that the Jews were expecting a sav- By Mary Jo Pedersen 3. Be a peacemaker by resisting the joined would have taken about five days ior who would rescue humanity from sin Catholic News Service culture’s preoccupation with violence to make the trip. It shows how resource- and its alienation from God. The Hebrew in movies, music and games. ful and independent Mary was while still term masiah means “anointed one” (like Is there any way to put the Consider refusing to buy violent and a teen-ager. the Greek word christos). Some groups Beatitudes into practice at home this aggressive Christmas toys for children “It occurs to me, as I’m writing this among the Jews applied this name to an Christmas season? or adults. letter, that I neglected to ask Mary when expected royal leader from the line of I have five suggestions. Bring about peace in your personal she and Joseph were married. She didn’t David who would restore the kingdom to 1. Encourage poverty of spirit by relationships at home and in the work- mention it, but if it was after she returned Israel, but I believe the angel meant it as keeping the focus on giving instead of place. One step is to write a Christmas to Nazareth three months after she left— the one who brings salvation to all getting. note to an estranged friend or relative. and she returned pregnant—she must humanity, Jew and Gentile. “Lord” points Toss out the catalogues that create Extend a peaceful hand to those who have been the subject of gossip through- to Jesus’ transcendence and dominion unrealistic expectations or limit how are rude or unfair to you. Apologize to out Nazareth. I wish I had thought to ask over humanity. many your family is allowed to see. those you have hurt, and do it without her about that. “Someday, when I find the time to Suggest that family members give expectations. “Did you know that Jesus was born in write about all this Good News and tell gifts that don’t cost a lot of money, 4. Seek righteousness if you want to Bethlehem, not in Nazareth? I don’t about Jesus’ birth, I intend my basic mes- maybe a coupon for shoveling the be satisfied this Christmas. remember ever hearing that from Paul sage to be precisely what the angel told walk or a dozen muffins delivered Christianity teaches that nothing on during our travels together. Paul never the shepherds: that this child who was whenever the receiver requests. An Earth ever will satisfy us or make us talked about Jesus’ birth or his childhood. born is Savior, Messiah and Lord. hour’s worth of labor that can be completely happy. Only those who But Mary did. “Mary told me some other things about cashed in when needed is a great gift. hunger and thirst for righteousness will “She said it happened because she and the child Jesus, including his presentation As a gift for aged people, the promise be satisfied. Hungering for the perfect Joseph had to go to Bethlehem for some in the Temple in Jerusalem when he was of a visit per week or per month is purchased gift is surely futile. kind of census that Caesar Augustus 40 days old and an incident that happened worth a pile of doo-dads. 5. Christmas is a time for purity of decreed. I’m not too clear about the in the Temple when Jesus was 12 years 2. During Christmastime, make a heart. details of that census, but, of course, it old. But I’ll save that for another time. special effort to be in solidarity with The pure of heart try to keep their happened long before I was born. “Please give my best wishes to all those who hunger and thirst for right- priorities straight. Their “to do” list Anyway, they traveled to Bethlehem those in the Church at Antioch. Paul, too, eousness. looks different at Christmas. It includes because Joseph was of the house and has asked me to send you his greetings. One practical way to do this is to cut daily prayer. It lists clearing some of family of David, even though Mary was The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be out newspaper or magazine pictures of the clutter of life away to focus on how ready to have her child. with you.” families in refugee camps, migrant to bring Christ’s presence to others in “When they arrived in Bethlehem, workers, recent immigrants and others simple ways, such as visiting the sick there was no room for them in the inn (Author’s note: There’s no way of know- who do not have the benefit of such and lonely, comforting those who are because of the large number of people ing if Luke actually got the details of his basics as shelter, food, health care or grieving or lending a helping hand to there for the census. Joseph was resource- infancy narrative directly from Mary, but safety. Place the pictures in a promi- neighbors. ful, though, and asked the innkeeper if we can speculate about it. Perhaps, nent place (refrigerator, prayer space, The Beatitudes are the secret to a they could use his stable so they could though, since it is believed that Mary died bathroom mirror) and pray daily for truly joyful and happy holiday season. have some privacy. Mary gave birth to when she was 70, she had already died these people. Jesus there. before Paul and Luke arrived in Join community efforts to alleviate (Mary Jo Pedersen is coordinator of “One of the details surrounding Jesus’ Jerusalem.) poverty and injustice. Consult your the Leadership in Family Life Training birth that Mary recalled was the visit by parish staff or the local Catholic Program for the Archdiocese of shepherds who had been keeping the (John F. Fink is editor emeritus of The Charities office for ideas. Omaha, Neb.) † night watch over their flock. The Criterion.) †

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By John B. Reynolds But his mother knew he would have to be back in Kuwait come December. As Catholic News Service Catholic Sun such, she planned to celebrate Thanks- Twenty-year-old Michael Felish is a giving and Christmas on the same week- sniper for the Army’s 10th Mountain end. Division. Recently deployed from Fort “It will be hectic,” she said, but added, Drum, N.Y., he is now in Kandahar, “I’m just so excited!” CNS photo by Paul Finch, Afghanistan. If he wasn’t away on active duty, Twenty-seven-year-old Andrew Fish, Michael, an extreme in-line skater, might an Army reserve veteran of 10 years, is be dreaming of roller blades under the stationed in Kuwait and ships into Iraq for Christmas tree. 10 days at a time to train military person- This Christmas, Andrew might be wish- nel there. ing for a new book or two, and the time to Michael and Andrew don’t know each finish his degree in international finance. other, but they have things in common. But the roller blades and the degree They are both soldiers in service of will have to wait. their country. Michael’s father is hoping that he and They are both in harm’s way. the other members of the 10th Mountain And to the regret—but understand- Division can pull together for emotional ing—of their loved ones, neither was support. He is hoping, too, that the sol- expected home for Christmas. diers know we appreciate them. Michael was told to expect a one-year “There’s support for our troops,” he deployment. He is hoping to be home in said, “yet often we hear politicians claim- six months. His father, Bob Felish, is ing that we made a mistake by going into splitting the difference. Iraq and Afghanistan. We have to let these Regardless, Christmas is out, and kids know that we’re behind them.” Michael’s dad knows that things will be Patricia Fish, in turn, is hoping that different this year. friends will step up this Christmas and do “This will be the first holiday that something nice for the soldiers’ loved we’ve been apart,” he said. “We’ve ones back home. always had Christmas morning together, “These guys are worried about their so it’s going to be tough.” families,” she said. “Often, the wives of To make things easier, though, he talks reservists don’t have the built-in support to his son once a week or so by phone network that the soldiers have, so people whenever the young man calls, usually on need to do things to let the families know Saturday or Sunday. Beyond an occa- that they haven’t been forgotten.” sional letter, it’s how they stay in touch. Fish suggests that these can be little The senior Felish, who lives in Illinois, things, such as an occasional phone call said, “I can’t wait for that phone to ring!” or even an offer to watch the children for Andrew’s mother, Patricia Fish, a a few hours. She hopes this will comfort Wisconsin resident, keeps in touch with her son and other military personnel away her son by e-mail. for Christmas. Students at St. Peter's School in Rome, N.Y., including fourth-grader Mark Melioris, make Christmas “It’s the best thing that ever happened,” And she knows how Michael’s father tree greeting cards for U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Schools throughout the city will send Christmas she said, explaining that she and “Andy” feels. greetings and care packages to soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, N.Y., who are exchange e-mail messages almost daily. “He’s out there,” Bob Felish said, “and serving in Afghanistan. When I spoke to her, she was hoping he’s so far away. And you just want to that these messages would confirm her hug him, but you can’t.” son’s two-week November furlough so that he could see his wife and his 4-year- (John Reynolds interviews respondents to Are you searching old daughter again—and his newborn son the Marketplace questions for Faith for the first time. Alive!) † for... • Free checking? • Great savings rates? • Low loan rates? What about... • Free online banking? • Free debit card? • Surcharge free ATMs? Your search has ended! FORUM Credit Union www.forumcu.com 317-558-6000

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200,000 People Will Read This Space In One W eek. Imagine what that could do for your business! Call us and find out. 317-236-1572 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Christmas Supplement Page 13 Finding the real meaning of Christmas in a childr en’s cartoon By Stanley J. Konieczny Then enters Linus Van Pelt, bearer of Catholic News Service the original “security blanket.” Linus stands as an icon of the Beatitudes. For 38 Christmases, countless families The cartoon tot readily agrees to ABC CNS photo from have gathered in front of the television to explain to Charlie Brown what Christmas watch a children’s holiday classic, the late is all about. His willingness reveals his Charles Schultz’s animated “A Charlie purity of heart. There is a great innocence Brown Christmas.” and sincerity in Linus’ willingness to It is a real holiday treat, but like so share the Good News of Christmas, not to many gifts, the deeper, more profound mention his loyalty to his belittled friend. meaning can be lost. In Linus’ happy purity of heart, we can Christ’s Sermon on the Mount echoes see God. throughout this 30-minute cartoon, chal- Linus begins his soliloquy with a sim- lenging viewers to find the true meaning ple request, “Lights, please.” It is less of Christmas. The eight Beatitudes of stage command and more a meek prayer Matthew’s Gospel are woven throughout asking for guidance and betraying the the video. gentleness of one who already has inher- Jesus prefaced each Beatitude with an ited God’s kingdom or at least is not far acknowledgment of happiness: “How from it. blessed are they ...” Despite his fear of memorizing lines And there is an overall happiness about for the holiday program, Linus quotes by the children in the Peanuts’ cast as they heart the Gospel story about angels ice skate, dance, throw snowballs and try announcing a wonderful birth to shep- to catch snowflakes on their tongues. herds watching their flocks at night. Yet, one little boy, the hapless Charlie Watch closely. As Linus recounts how Brown, mourns his lack of understanding the angels told the shepherds not to be of Christmas. He expresses his hunger afraid, he loosens his clutch on the ever- and thirst for something beyond all the present, frayed, blue security blanket, commercialism and consumerism. which slips to the stage floor. Now, after more than 38 viewings, we As together as he seems, even Linus is know that Charlie Brown realizes the called to greater faith by the Good News Beatitude promise of satisfaction and of Christ’s coming. comfort. Then the cast gathers outside under a Just as the Beatitudes are a call to starry December sky. Here, Linus proves Christian action, Lucy, the amateur psy- himself a true child of God, a peacemaker chiatrist, encourages Charlie Brown to get bringing reconciliation between Charlie In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the hapless Charlie Brown mourns his lack of understanding of involved in order to overcome his holiday Brown and his friends. Christmas. He expresses his hunger and thirst for something beyond all the commercialism. Christ’s doldrums. More important, Linus helps the chil- Sermon on the Mount echoes throughout the late Charles Schultz’s animated holiday feature that has Charlie Brown tries his hand first at dren reconcile themselves to the season’s charmed viewers for 38 years. directing the Christmas pageant and later real meaning. at buying a Christmas tree for the audito- Linus could well have been ridiculed— spirit in accepting and decorating Charlie Charlie Brown,” says Linus as he con- rium. Both projects are seemingly disas- “persecuted”—by his playmates, but he Brown’s poor, little tree. Now they’ve cludes his proclamation of the birth of a trous, and Charlie Brown gains only the took the risk to make the kingdom of detached themselves from the holiday Savior. ridicule of his peers. He concludes that he heaven more real for his friends. consumerism that is accompanied by big, has absolutely no understanding of In the end, the children are happy. shiny, pink-painted aluminum trees. (Stan Konieczny is a seminarian at Christmas. They even embrace a certain poverty of “That’s what Christmas is all about, Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Ill.) †

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S IMPLY THE BETTER CHOICE. Page 14 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Readers share favorite Christmas memories heart and offered with love to God! Giving presents to Jesus is On Christmas Eve, the round of parties at friends’ houses started the evening. These were the times when part of Filipino Christmas everybody showed off the latest dance steps on the dance floor. In those days, we were escorted by a parent or an CNS photo from PBS By Carmen A. Henson older sibling to the parties, and the parents giving the Special to The Criterion party were always around. There were no hard drinks or alcohol served, just good old soda and sandwiches. Memories of Christmases past while growing up in a Besides, who wanted to eat when we would rather be small community in the Philippines always fill my heart having fun dancing! with joy at remembrances of one of the happiest times in By around 10 p.m., my father would come to pick me my life. up, as would the parents of the other kids, in order to get St. Bridget’s College, operated by the sisters of the ready for midnight Mass. Order of the Good Shepherd, was where I went from After attending midnight Mass, we would come home grade school and high school, and finished my degree in to the Noche Buena—a late-night snack of all kinds of college. good things to eat shared with family, after which we I have never ceased thanking the Lord for this opportu- were bundled off to bed. nity since I felt that the Catholic education I received at On Christmas Day, we would wake up to a hearty my alma mater gave me not only the academics, but more breakfast, after which we opened our Christmas presents. so, the complete education that molded a person’s charac- And it was always satisfying to know that, even when I ter and soul, in preparation for the time when he or she hadn’t been perfect, Santa Claus had shown his love in goes out to the world. the presents that I wished for and received that Christmas After Thanksgiving Day, we would start a project of Day! making sacrifice counters by stringing together rosary beads (those not blessed) in groups of 10. Each time we (Carmen A. Henson is a member of St. Lawrence Parish made a sacrifice, a bead was pushed down to the end of in Indianapolis.) † the string. Little acts of kindness made by denying oneself and gladly giving a less fortunate classmate my snack or a Neighbors help family after piece of candy that she would otherwise not have or spending time to console a friend who felt sad, when I Christmas tree catches on fire ‘Arthur’s Perfect Christmas’ would rather be off with the others playing, were exam- Arthur the Aardvark makes preparations for a wonderful holi- ples of sacrifices and self-denial that we were encouraged By Margaret Jacobi day in the PBS animated feature “Arthur’s Perfect to do to give to the Lord for Christmas. Special to The Criterion Christmas.” The holiday special is scheduled to air from 8-9 A Nativity scene, with the Baby Jesus at the center, was p.m. EST on Dec. 24 on public broadcasting stations. Check placed in the school lobby. After the whole string of sacri- I grew up in St. Joseph Parish in Corydon. local PBS listings to verify the program date and time. Arthur fice beads was down to the end, we would take a straw On Christmas Eve in 1950, when I was a junior in and his animal friends were created by author Marc Brown, and put it into the crib, where the Baby Jesus lay. The idea high school, I walked several blocks to the store in the who has written and illustrated a number of Arthur books. was to offer all those little sacrifices to the Baby Jesus as bitter cold to buy some cotton batting to place under the he lay in his crib. Christmas tree. By the time Christmas came around, it was so heart- My sister locked me in the living room to keep my on the lights. To my horror, a bulb flickered and ignited warming to see the Baby Jesus kept warm with a thick younger siblings from discovering Christmas before the the cotton. Before I had time to think, the room was swath of straw placed there by members of the student appropriate time. ablaze. body, all from little sacrifices done in the silence of the I placed the cotton batting under the tree and switched My sister was in shock and unable to unlock the door, and the newly remodeled room and furnishings were burning around me. The window was stuck shut, but I somehow managed A Child Needs Your Love to open it and jump to safety. Get Debt Free! Chaos ensued but, between the fire department and Caring individuals needed to provide caring neighbors, the fire was eventually extinguished in Consolidate your debts in 20 minutes our house. by phone, internet or of fice visit! foster care to the youth of Indiana. The realization of what might have happened left me with a cold fear. • Save 30 to 100% on credit card interest Must be able to give: That evening, a crate of oranges materialized on the front porch with other gifts. • Call for free consultation But what I remember most about that Christmas was LOVE UND • Stop late and over-limit fees ERSTANDI going to Midnight Mass, singing with the choir, and say- NG ing “Thank you” to Baby Jesus for watching over us and • One place to pay giving us the best gift of all—the gift of himself. S ITMENT TABI • Most bills handled here COMM LITY (Margaret Jacobi is a member of St. Michael Parish in Bradford.) † CALL NOW! Training, 24–hour staff support and 317.253.4000 compensation provided to all foster homes. 800.937.9030 Family welcomes visiting Contact: Indiana Youth Advocate priest for Christmas dinner Program, Inc. By Fr. Joseph B. Sheets 1-800-471-4795 Special to The Criterion www.cccindy.com (State of Indiana) For a number of years, my brother and I served five and sometimes six Masses on Christmas at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville. Stewart Tours, Inc. USED AMERICAN & FOREIGN AUTO PARTS During that time, a Jesuit priest came to assist the FREE DELIVERY pastor. Celebrating 40 Years of Motorcoach Tours Each priest was permitted to offer three Masses, one of Travel Show–Jan 4th Ramada Inn South (2-4 p.m.) which was the Midnight Mass at a mission church, now St. Agnes Parish at Nashville, if the weather permitted. Win a $200 Gift Certificate (call for details) After the last Mass, the pastor, Father Francis Kull, Sunny Florida Jan 24–Feb 4 ...... $995 would go away to visit relatives, leaving the visiting priest to wait until late afternoon when he caught the New Orleans Feb 17–22 ...... $595 bus to return to West Baden, where the Society of Jesus Agawa Canyon Snow Train Feb 26–29 . . . . $395 established a seminary in 1934 and operated it for Anniversary Tour Mar 19–21 “WE MEET BY ACCIDENT ®” 30 years. (French Lick) ...... $325 My parents always invited the visiting priest to share TOLL FREE WITHIN INDIANA dinner and enjoy the holiday fun and games at our house Callaway Gardens/Natchez Pilgrimage until the time for the bus ride back to West Baden. There Mar 29–Apr 2 ...... $495 1-800-553-1122 was always room for one more in our home. Washington DC Cherry Blossoms TOLL FREE NATIONWIDE Each year, we looked forward to having the visiting Mar 30–Apr 3 ...... $485 priest, ordained only a few months before, at our parish 1-800-553-1122 Tours depart from Indy for Christmas. LOCAL CALLS 317-769-6111 I still have the ordination card from one of the Jesuits. All prices are per person and based on double occupancy . It is dated June 13, 1945. FAX# 317-769-5557 1-800-426-2316 (Father Joseph B. Sheets retired from active ministry in For reservations or a free copy 7060 S. Indpls. Rd. 2001. He formerly served as pastor of St. Ambrose Parish of our 2004 Catalogue Whitestown, IN 46075-9510 in Seymour and administrator of Our Lady of Providence Parish in Brownstown. He resides in Seymour.) † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Christmas Supplement Page 15

Family learns true meaning of attempt to change it on the slick roadway during the snow- worshiped there. storm. He called a tow truck—the only one available in the In September of this year, Mary Jo died after a long bat- Christmas during snowstorm area, we found out later—and stayed with us for the half- tle with cancer. The last time I saw her, at the former hour or so until the tow truck driver arrived to help us. St. John Academy’s annual alumni reunion in September By Tom Maier The super-nice tow truck operator carefully lifted our 2002, Mary Jo asked for my prayers because “that monster Special to The Criterion crippled vehicle onto his tow rig and, after many thanks [cancer] was back.” On the day she was dying, a friend and wishes of Merry Christmas to the state trooper, we called and requested prayers for her. My greatest Christmas of all time was less than a year squeezed into the cab of the tow truck. While asking for God’s mercy for Mary Jo and for ago, when I discovered the true spirit of the day, and what It was about 11:45 p.m. and we had missed the oppor- St. Joseph’s intercession as the patron saint of the dying, a it stands for, in the face of adversity. tunity to attend Midnight Mass. I felt bad about being surprising memory flashed into my mind. Christmas Eve was to be a great experience. We would unable to contact anyone about doing the reading in my I could see the girls on stage during the academy’s 1952 have our usual family celebration at my sister’s house just absence and also not being there with my family. Glee Club Christmas Program. In the darkened auditorium, north of Indianapolis then experience the celebration of At a truck stop off the interstate, the only mechanic they were singing “Silent Night,” accompanied by auto- Christ’s birth at St. Jude Church on the south side. I had there said he could help us out even though it was close to harp music. I was the accompanist and had only had one or offered to do one of the readings for this special liturgy. midnight. I rolled up my sleeves and gave him a hand. As two practices on the instrument before the program. The We had a great, traditional Christmas Eve with my I heard the clock ring out midnight, I looked outside and good sisters often assumed that a person who could play family then left early so we could make it to church by thought about how this is a real Christmas because the the piano, with a little coaching, could play whatever—an 10:30 p.m. to enjoy the choir’s music and reflect on the Almighty had sent his extra angels to help us tonight. organ or autoharp or another musical instrument. significance of the Midnight Mass and the day to come. I asked the mechanic who had stayed at work late to After the performance, Mary Jo, noting that I was listed As you may recall, Dec. 24, 2002, was highlighted by a help a traveling stranger how much I owed him for his as the accompanist, told me with twinkling eyes and her classic Indiana “White Christmas.” As we traveled south service, and he smiled and said, “Nothing. Have a Merry distinctive little laugh that she had not heard the sound of on I-65 in near-blizzard conditions, my wife and I thought Christmas!” I asked again, and he said, “Consider this as the autoharp. I was grateful. Her inquiry and puzzled look the icy, snow-laden highway was not only slow due to the my gift to you!” lessened my embarrassment. Remembering this incident on severe weather conditions, but unusually bumpy as well. I felt a glow then that I had not felt in many years of a sad day 50 years later, I chuckled and was comforted by Eventually, through our minivan’s heating ducts came the celebrating Christmas, and it happened at, of all places, a the realization that a smile and laugh were appropriate smell of something burning, possibly rubber. truck stop early on Christmas morning. The Almighty while holding Mary Jo in prayer. When I could finally find a safe place to pull over on truly took a few minutes to hold us in his hand that night, We were students together for two years at the academy, the highway in the worsening driving conditions, I got out and he worked his miracle through the kindness of the made Sunday Legion of Mary visits to patients at Wishard and walked around the minivan to discover that we had a Indiana State Trooper, the tow truck driver and the Hospital in Indianapolis, and enjoyed our continuing friend- flat left front tire. Because the flat tire was on the left side mechanic. We attended the 10 a.m. Mass later that day ship while students at Marian College in Indianapolis. toward the traffic on the slick and snow-blinded highway, with a new spirit. But we were bound closest by our memories of the I assured my wife and children that we would sit there and downtown complex where St. John Academy stood near the wait for a state policeman patrolling the highways that (Tom Maier is a member of St. Jude Parish in church, grade school, rectory and diocesan chancery offices. night or a Good Samaritan to come along and assist us. Indianapolis.) † Our Glee Club sang Christmas carols to the priests who We didn’t have a cell phone. worked in the chancery offices on Georgia Street. As the car ran with the flashers and heater on for what Mary Jo continued worshiping at her beloved St. John seemed like an eternity, our two children entertained Christmas reminds woman Church for many years, and brought Christmas joy to hun- themselves with the video games they had received as dreds of public school students during 43 years of teaching. gifts. My wife and I talked about how we were going to of fun times with her friend At her funeral Mass, several priests expressed their grat- miss participating in our first Midnight Mass in many itude for Mary Jo’s life. At the closing, we wept as her years, short of watching the papal Mass at the Vatican on By Jean Knarr godson, Father Joseph Moriarty, tenderly sang the Irish television as we assembled toys and wrapped presents. Special to The Criterion Blessing. Mary Jo, this Christmas, we pray that you are It seemed like an eternity, but finally an Indiana State reunited with all your departed loved ones from St. John’s. Policeman from the Lebanon, Ind., post stopped behind us, In recent years, several stories written by Mary Jo I can imagine you smiling as you hear an angelic glee club with his car lights flashing, and asked if we needed help. (McHugh) Keegan about her cherished Christmas memo- accompanied by heavenly autoharps. I showed him the destroyed tire and told him we needed ries were printed in The Criterion. Mary Jo grew up in a tow off the highway to the nearest truck stop or service St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis and was part (Jean Knarr is a member of Holy Rosary Parish in facility available because it would be dangerous to even of the close-knit second generation of Irish families that Indianapolis.) †

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Christmas Eve 1957 was truly a “Silent Night,” man- Photo courtesy of Cathedral High School High School in Indian- tled and muffled in softly falling snow. apolis will present a Our family, relatives and friends as well as the rest of Living Nativity from the Catholic community had gathered in the darkened, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on festively decorated and candlelit church, which was filled Dec. 21 on the school to overflowing, for the Midnight Mass to celebrate the campus at 5225 E. 56th coming of the Christ Child as Savior, as Lord, as God! St. Visitors are wel- I was 11 years old, and the entire family had traveled come, and there is no from Dayton, Ohio, for Mass at St. James of the Valley admission cost. The Church in Cincinnati because their youngest relative would Cathedral Choir and the be playing “Silent Night” on the massive pipe organ for the “Pride of the Irish” Band first time at this Midnight Mass. will also perform during In preparation, I must have practiced that lovely, holy the evening. This photo song for many hours, alone in the silent, darkened was taken during the church, during the weeks before Christmas. From those school’s Living Nativity musical, prayerful moments in the Presence of the last December. Blessed Sacrament Reposed, a vocation was born. This was my “Little Drummer Boy” gift to the Christ Child, my family and the assembly gathered on that In Memory of Mom Boy can’t imagine Christmas Christmas Eve—the simple gift of playing “Silent Night” as the choir descended from the choir loft and joined the Mom always made Christmas so special without eating peanut butter procession to receive Holy Communion. from the time we first believed What I received from the Lord, I responded with in that Santa would bring us presents By Ruth Griffin return. “Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heav- while she “cleaned up” on Christmas Eve. We remember those Christmases long ago Special to The Criterion enly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” and the freshly cut fragrant cedar, Years ago, on Christmas Eve afternoon, my husband no matter what our presents were (Mary Jean Wethington is a member of St. Teresa the joy was in being together. and I purchased two carts full of groceries for a needy Benedicta of the Cross Parish in Bright.) † And Mom, then “Grandma,” always gave family of five. her gifts with special care, At the dinner table that evening with our son and the love behind them showed her joy daughter, I suddenly remembered something and said to Family remembers Mom as in always being there. my husband, “Do you realize that we spent $200 on food She taught us the meaning of Christmas and forgot a very important item? Peanut butter!” they prepare for Christmas from the time that we were small, Our 10-year-old son, who couldn’t survive a day with- until last Christmas, when Jesus gave her out his beloved peanut butter, looked so pained and said, By Gina Langferman the greatest gift of all. “Mom, you don’t mean those three kids have to have Special to The Criterion We now know all she taught us is true, Christmas without peanut butter!” and although we are sad, there is joy for us, too. I assured him that I would return to the store for it so My mother-in-law, Clara Langferman, passed away on At Christmas, we’ll remember our loving mother that the children wouldn’t have to endure Christmas with- Dec. 21, 2002, and her funeral was on Christmas Eve. as we share our Christmas meal and give gifts to each other. out peanut butter. The holidays hold a special meaning for our family, especially when our memories are so closely tied to a (Gina Langferman is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in (Ruth Griffin is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish loved one that is no longer with us. Indianapolis.) † in Indianapolis.) †

Christmas Blessings May the angels’ song of peace be heard

in your heart this

Christmas season

and throughout

the New Year.

SEEKING GOD AND SERVING THE CHURCH

Saint Meinrad Archabbey and School of Theology 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577 (812) 357-6501, www.saintmeinrad.edu A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2003 by Catholic News FaithAlive! Service. Christmas is a good time to meditate on the Beatitudes

By Fr. Dale Launderville, O.S.B. over other kinds of losses as well, per- haps over the loss of reputation or a job Peace cannot be won by human or a friendship. In such times of loss, we efforts alone. know how fleeting and fragile our lives The balance necessary to live in right are. CNS illustration by Joan Hyme relationship with God and with others is Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for a gift from God. they shall inherit the earth.” This message is found in the Those who truly see themselves as Beatitudes, which offer us considerable creatures under the Creator’s care know food for thought at Christmas in these that they must let go of earthly symbols times of violence and suffering on the of power and status. They refrain from world stage. aggression and violence, and try to treat The Beatitudes offer a new way to others with gentleness and understand- understand the sufferings and anxieties ing. of this life. By relinquishing their efforts to Each of the eight Beatitudes in secure themselves, the meek inherit the Matthew 5:3-10 begins with the phrase, world, even if only partially, in this pre- “Blessed are ...” sent life. Through it, Jesus pronounces that the Jesus says, “Blessed are those who person or group about to be described is hunger and thirst for righteousness, for “in a good place.” they shall be satisfied.” Jesus addressed audiences that To be in right relationship with God included the rich and the poor, the politi- gives a person the sense that all is in cally powerful and the disenfranchised, order and that life is good. the proud and the humble, the satisfied Fasting is a practice that helps us and the hungry, the aggressive and the understand that we do not live by bread gentle, the deceivers and the truth- alone. So if we fast from this world’s tellers, the violent and the nonviolent, ways of making us feel important, then and the persecutors and the persecuted. we will show that we are hungering for Our well-being or happiness depends incorporation into God’s life. on how well we are able to balance the Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, opposing forces mapped out by these for they shall obtain mercy.” pairs. Jesus calls us to live gently with others. Jesus urged his disciples to travel He sets high expectations for us, but lightly and not to over-invest in this also calls us to help one another to meet world. He exhorted his audience to them. “think bigger” about their lives and not He forbids us to judge one another, by simply to imagine life as that which hap- which we would be using God’s stan- pens between one’s first and last breaths. dards to compare ourselves with one Jesus tells his audience, “Blessed are another and to presume to declare who is the poor in spirit, for theirs is the king- acceptable and who is not. dom of heaven.” Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in Those who are poor in spirit recog- heart, for they shall see God.” At Christmas, the Beatitudes offer a new way to understand the sufferings and anxieties of this life. nize that neither they themselves nor Those who long for God and want to Each of the eight Beatitudes begins with the phrase, “Blessed are …” Through it, Jesus pronounces others in the world can bring sufficient do God’s will above all else are pure in that the person or group about to be described is “in a good place.” Jesus calls his disciples to be meaning and depth to their lives. heart. They have their priorities straight little ones who realize that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. This message offers us considerable Because they know that something in life and value the gift of their faith. food for thought at Christmas in these times of violence and suffering on the world stage. vital is missing in their experience, they Jesus promises that those who commit are in a favored position to receive themselves to God will encounter God. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who Jesus calls his disciples to be little Jesus’ message about God’s rule over Jesus says, “Blessed are the peace- are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, ones who realize that Jesus’ kingdom is heaven and Earth. makers, for they shall be called children for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” not of this world. Though they may feel low, Jesus of God.” This eighth and final Beatitude in To live according to the Beatitudes encourages them with the message that Those who make peace are not simply Matthew 5:3-10 echoes the promise of means to live humbly, nonviolently, gen- God accepts them and will bless them. those who avoid unnecessary conflict. the first. Those who commit themselves tly and attentive to others, but to do so Jesus says, “Blessed are those who Peacemakers actively promote harmony to God and symbolize by their person a with conviction, self-sacrifice and focus mourn, for they shall be comforted.” in their relationships with others in daily way of life and a set of values at odds upon God. This mourning could refer to the loss life situations. with those of the world often provoke of loved ones, which often results in a Jesus promises that those who strive the world’s hostility. (Benedictine Father Dale Launderville is void that other humans cannot fill. for justice and harmony will be adopted But Jesus assures them that they will a Scripture scholar at St. John’s Abbey But Jesus seems to refer to mourning into God’s family. inherit God’s kingdom. and University in Collegeville, Minn.) † Discussion Point Seek Christ in others each day

This Week’s Question “[I am] principal of St. Ambrose Elementary School. One focus of our religion program is service. Learning Describe a concrete way that a Christian can serve this to serve others with a happy heart leads to respect, Christmas as a much-needed peacemaker. which leads to a more peaceful environment for all. “Christmas is actually a very lonely time for a lot of The children will perform many acts of service this people. I try to be aware and sensitive to those who year. During the Christmas season, we pick angels are alone—something as simple as joining someone [each one requests a gift for someone in need] from who usually sits alone in the pew during Mass. I think the giving tree in our church and purchase Christmas we need to enjoy the season by enjoying each other.” gifts for them.” (Laura Kazmierczak, Buffalo, N.Y.) (Kelly Schmidt, Portland, Ore.) Lend Us Your Voice “I will try to treat the person directly in front of me An upcoming edition asks: How can a busy husband with respect and kindness, and really try to consider and wife find the time they need for each other? what life is like lived in the shoes of the other. This should happen not just in our house, but in traffic, in To respond for possible publication, write to Faith the checkout line and in the wide world.” (Jeannie Alive! at 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. Fleming, Bethany Beach, Del.) 20017-1100. † CNS photo from Reuters Page 18 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Evangelization News and Notes/ Karen Oddi Catholic patriots: Archbishop John Hughes (III) Let’s reach out to Tenth in a series This might be all right for Bishop the Philadelphia rioters. Bishop Hughes Kenrick and the Catholics of Philadel- organized men to guard every Catholic inactive Catholics John Hughes became bishop of New phia, but Bishop Hughes wasn’t built that church in New York, and then he person- York in 1842 and archbishop when New way. He believed in standing up for his ally strode down to City Hall to see the this Christmas York became an arch- flock’s rights. “If any single Catholic mayor, Robert H. Morris. diocese in 1850. He church is burned in New York,” he “I did not come to tell you what to A few years ago, midway through quickly became rec- warned, “the city will become a second do,” he told the mayor. “I am a church- Advent, a priest concluded his Sunday ognized not only as a Moscow.” The reference was to the burn- man, not the mayor of New York. But if homily with, “In a great American ing of the Russian city by Napoleon I were the mayor, I would examine the couple of weeks, the patriot, but also as a Bonaparte’s soldiers. laws of the state and see if there were ‘Kreesters’ will be great defender of the On election day of 1844, a mob of not attached to the police force a battery here; let’s be ready to Catholic Church. 1,200 Nativists paraded through New of artillery and a company or so of give them a warm 1844 saw the rise York’s streets, shouting insults at the artillery, and a squadron of horse. I think welcome.” When my of the Native Irish Catholics. This was the way the I should find that there were; and if so— brain caught up with American political Philadelphia riots had begun. The mob I should call them out!” my ears, I realized party. This party, bitterly anti-Catholic, swung into Spring Street toward the old The mass meeting was canceled. that Father was talk- had provoked riots in Philadelphia. Two St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Mott Street. Soon the ruling statesmen of the ing about the “Christ- churches and rectories and two convents (Archbishop Hughes was later to build nation recognized Bishop Hughes as the Ers”—the countless had been burned, 40 people had been the present St. Patrick’s Cathedral.) “But leading voice of the Catholics in the number of persons who attend Mass on killed, more than 60 had been seriously there they halted,” said Bishop Hughes United States. In 1847, he was invited to Christmas and Easter only. injured, and 81 homes had been looted or later, “for a reason they had.” Two thou- speak before a joint session of Congress. He was asking that we overlook the destroyed. When this happened, sand well-armed members of the Ancient With his usual eloquence, he spoke on fact that pews designed for 12 persons Philadelphia Bishop Francis Kenrick Order of Hibernians were waiting for the subject “Christianity—The Only will be packed with 20 and that the park- asked his flock to bear with the outrages, them. The Nativists were at least smart Source of Moral, Social and Political ing lots will extend several blocks into to return good for evil, to do nothing to enough to disperse. Regeneration.” One of those who lis- the neighborhood. He was asking that we fight back. “Rather let every church burn A few weeks later, a Nativist mass tened carefully to him was a tall con- consciously welcome people to our parish than shed one drop of blood or imperil meeting was planned for City Hall gressman from Illinois, Abraham community. No one could fault his one precious soul,” he said. Park—to be addressed by the leaders of Lincoln. † request, since our welcome could possi- bly make the difference in turning a “Christ-Er” into a regular Sunday wor- Cornucopia/Cynthia Dewes shipper. The Center for Applied Research in the Remembering what Christmas is really about Apostolate, a major Catholic research organization, recently reported that Mass Not to sound like Scrooge or anything, a recent television ad, which promised a weren’t just another silly example of how attendance by Catholics has been continu- but have you noticed the humbug that “Fear Factor” Christmas show. Hmmm. symbolism can get out of hand. Many ally declining since 2000. CARA cites a passes for Christmas Is that a contradiction in terms or what? public administrators are wrestling as we 2002 Gallup poll indicating that “at least celebrations these And a newspaper story told of someone speak with trying to mount non-offensive, once a week” Mass attendance had days? In fact, if you who protested the display of fir trees and all-encompassing holiday displays dropped from 44 percent in 2000 to were Scrooge sud- poinsettia plants in a public place. friendly to Hanukkah for Jews, Kwanza 28 percent in 2002, a rather shocking fact denly returned from Somehow to them, according to society’s for African-Americans and probably since 75 percent of Catholics attended the dead, would you current “freedom from religion” attitude, something for Wiccans, along with weekly Mass in the 1950s and 1960s. even recognize what’s this was an offensive display of religious Christians’ Christmas. The implications for parish evangeliza- gone on lately as preference. But, not to worry. We Christians know tion efforts are astounding. Not only do preparation for Unfortunately, Christmas has been kid- what Christmas is really about and we we need to welcome the twice a year Christmas? napped by secularists. Not just secular- had the religious celebration of the holi- Mass-goers at Christmas, in the hope that Of course, the ists, but mean secularists at that. They’ve day in place first. Besides, sticks and they will be back before Easter, but we world has become too complex and too become so intent upon separation of stones may break our bones but ridicu- also need to think about those persons diversely populated to allow for the old church and state that they’ve lost their lous words and actions can never hurt us. who have become more permanently inac- morning church bells and goose-hanging- common sense. Harmless old fir trees and Right? tive or alienated. Many parishes have or in-the-butcher’s window kind of poinsettias minding their own business It seems to me we should ignore the will soon begin outreach ministries to Christmas. But, what’s with penguins and have become guilty simply by association materialism, the political correctness, the those who have left the active life of the polar bears and grinches? Not to mention with a Christian holiday. turf wars of ideology, and remember what Church. These ministries are turning out the hype for selling everything from This is especially ironic when you Christmas really means. Customs of cele- to be complex yet enlightening, since the somewhat useful items to clappers and consider that customs like decorating fir bration may change, and our holy days reasons people leave the Church are not Chia “pets.” trees and poinsettias, etc., originated may have been hijacked by other beliefs easily categorized or explained. Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus mainly in pagan celebrations, which and even non-beliefs, but we’re still here James Lopresti, who developed the Re- and such are certainly sweet stories for were later adapted to Christian use. to welcome the Good News. Membering Church ministry, identifies kids to enjoy, but they really haven’t Instead of criticizing such public dis- On Christmas, God became Man to three general types of alienated Catholics much to do with Christmas, either. At plays, maybe we should use a Janus save us from our sins. He loves us that while cautioning against oversimplifica- least they’re moral tales, which promote effect to change them by dedicating much. That’s what it’s all about. tion. good values with a connection to virtue them to pagan gods on one side, and First are the “unawakened,” or those exemplified in the baby Jesus, and to the Christmas on the other. (Cynthia Dewes, a member of St. Paul the people who were fully initiated in their salvation his birth promises. Such a move might seem suitable for Apostle Parish in Greencastle, is a regu- youth, but have never really known Jesus Further down the food chain, we have this time of year’s end/beginning, if it lar columnist for The Criterion.) † Christ or the Gospel message. This group can patiently be helped to develop a Faithful Lines/Shirley Vogler Meister mature faith. The second group is composed of the “prophetically” alienated, who stay away Don’t forget to be a blessing to others because of felt injustices or contradictions to the Gospel within the Church itself. The Last week, I wrote about anticipating in Indiana alone. Even in some faith-based red Scottish plaid skirt with its hem at key here is to help them with their feelings the holidays. The next best thing, of care centers, there are lonely souls the ankles. As I grew, it eventually about the Church, whether those feelings course, is experienc- throughout the holidays and beyond. became a short roller-skating skirt. I are valid or not, and to correct misinforma- ing them, and the next During my own childhood, my family have wonderful memories despite uncer- tion in a non-judgmental way. best is remembering experienced hard times while Dad was tain conditions! The third group is made up of the them. As this undergoing neck cancer treatments. There Those experiences awakened in me the “truly alienated,” who are often bearing Christmas issue of was no medical insurance then, so Mom importance of helping others during diffi- the burden of multiple pain and sin in The Criterion goes to worked in a St. Louis shirt factory to help cult times, especially if children are things they have done or not done and press, many of us still make financial ends meet. However, we involved. I admit to slacking off more perhaps what has been done to them. have preparations to children didn’t understand much of this. than I’ve contributed, but I enjoy recalling Helping the truly alienated requires an make or last-minute Then a few days before Christmas, one of such projects, done openly or anony- especially compassionate ministry with a gifts to buy before the men at the factory brought Mom home mously, even for those with non-Christian focus on reconciliation and re-conversion. enjoying the biggest in a car—unusual because she normally religious beliefs. Reaching out to the inactive or alien- and holiest birthday party of the year. walked. In he came with an abundance of Please remember such friends, neigh- ated Catholics that Lopresti describes Others look forward to a quiet yet joyous good food in a huge box. bors and co-workers when they celebrate may seem like a tall order for most of us. holiday. It wasn’t until long after the fact that I their traditions. I’ve learned that Jews Yet the Holy Father and the U.S. bishops However, not all Christians are jubi- learned the reason we received this: We often volunteer to work for Christians on have asked us to do that so we might as lant. were “the poor family.” Yet we were so Christmas Day. I’d also like to know well get started. Look around you this Remember in your prayers—or with rich in family love and friendships and about Christians, especially Catholics, Christmas, and you may just see a person practical action and support—anyone you faith that I didn’t realize this at first. My who reciprocate this kindness. who has been missing for a while, some- know whose holidays will be lean or sad younger siblings didn’t understand our Let’s be grateful for blessings in our one for whom your warm welcome and because of lack of employment or illness true situation until years later. lives. Better yet: Share them as willingly Christmas greeting will make a big dif- and medical expenses or because they are During another lean Christmas, we as God the Father shared his son, Jesus. ference. grieving over the death of a loved one— children received a box of surprises from Have a very Blessed Christmas! or for any other upsetting reasons. an aunt. She also sent beautiful fabrics so (Shirley Vogler Meister, a member of Christ Remember the forgotten residents in nurs- that Mom could sew new clothes for my the King Parish in Indianapolis, is a regu- (Karen Oddi is associate director of faith ing homes; they number in the thousands sister and me. I started wearing my pretty lar columnist for The Criterion.) † formation for the archdiocese.) † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 19

Fourth Sunday in Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion The Sunday Readings Daily Readings Monday, December 22 Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12 Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Titus 3:4-7 (Response) 1 Samuel 2:1-8 Luke 2:15-20 • Micah 5:1-4a is expecting the birth of Jesus. He has Luke 1:46-56 Christmas Day Mass been conceived. • Hebrews 10:5-10 Isaiah 52:7-10 • Luke 1:39-45 This reading identifies Christ. Elizabeth and Zachary were very spe- Tuesday, December 23 Psalm 98:1-6 cial people. They were becoming parents John of Kanty, priest Hebrews 1:1-6 The Book of Micah is the source of the because of God’s direct intervention in Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 John 1:1-18 first reading for this fourth and last their lives. They were holy people. Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14 or John 1:1-5, 9-14 Sunday of Advent. Their unborn child would be John the This book’s author Baptist, the great forerunner of Jesus. Luke 1:57-66 was a contemporary of These holy people recognized Mary as Friday, December 26 Isaiah. Little is known the mother of the unborn Redeemer, Wednesday, December 24 Stephen, first martyr about him. He came which testified that Mary’s child was the 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 from a small commu- savior long promised. Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc-17 nity about 25 miles The reading also reveals the great Luke 1:67-70 Matthew 10:17-22 southwest of longing for God, coming to humanity in Jerusalem. the person of Jesus. Vigil of Christmas Like the other Ages had come and gone. Nothing else Isaiah 62:1-5 Saturday, December 27 prophets, Micah felt had satisfied this longing. God alone Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 John, Apostle and evangelist the obligation to denounce the disobedi- would satisfy the longing by sending Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 1 John 1:1-4 ence to God that he saw all around him. Jesus. Matthew 1:1-25 Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 As did the other prophets, Micah devoutly believed that he spoke not just Reflection or Matthew 1:18-25 John 20:1a, 2-8 on his own authority, but also, more Elizabeth and Zachary, mentioned in importantly, as the spokesman for God. this weekend’s Gospel reading, were per- Thursday, December 25 Sunday, December 28 In this weekend’s reading, Micah pre- sons of deep faith. They were mature peo- The Nativity of the Lord Holy Family of Jesus, Mary dicts that the savior of Israel will come ple. They had pondered life. They under- (Christmas) and Joseph from Bethlehem. stood the greatness, and certainly the real- Midnight Mass Sirach 3:2-7,12-14 David, the great king who established ity, of God. a personal covenant with God and whose Yet, as in the lives of all human Isaiah 9:1-6 Psalm 128:1-5 kingship had as its chief purpose the beings, a vacuum was present. In their Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13 Colossians 3:12-21 guidance of the people in the ways of wisdom, a wisdom derived from holiness, Titus 2:11-14 or Sirach 3:12-17 God, was from Bethlehem. they realized that only a knowledge of, Luke 2:1-14 Luke 2:41-52 This new savior will “shepherd” his and union with, God could fill this vac- Mass at Dawn people, a term reminiscent of David him- uum. self, a shepherd that prefigured Jesus. So Elizabeth rejoiced when she saw Isaiah 62:11-12 This savior’s majesty will shine to the Mary. She rejoiced because she knew (continued on page 21) ends of the Earth. He will be the savior of Mary was bearing the unborn Redeemer, all humankind. the Lord who would bring God’s presence For the second reading this Advent and peace to the world. weekend, the Church presents the Epistle Hebrews proclaims the majesty of this Question Corner/Fr. John Dietzen to the Hebrews. Lord. Micah predicted not only the Lord’s Hebrews is distinctive in part because eventual coming, but also identified the of its strong reliance upon ancient need for God, a need that was sensed by Priest may determine form Hebrew symbols. This reading certainly is Elizabeth. in keeping with this characteristic. In only a few days, the Church will Highlighted is the ritual sacrifice, the celebrate the birth of Jesus. His birth for sacrament of penance heart of the ancient Jewish religion. occurred at a given time in history in a The other central characteristic of this given place in the world. Is it mandatory now to receive the Council for Interpretation of Legislative writing is its developed and eloquent Advent points us toward the celebra- Qsacrament of penance behind a Texts said that priests have the right to Christology. Its message about the Lord, tion of Jesus’ birth. It also reminds us that screen? Many people refuse face-to-face confessions, even if the Lamb of God, the Redeemer, is pro- we await not an anniversary, but perhaps, prefer to go to confes- penitents request it. found. This characteristic also is abun- more importantly, a renewal of God’s sion face-to-face, but For a just reason, said the document, dantly clear in this weekend’s reading. presence with us through Jesus. that is not allowed in “and excluding cases of necessity (emer- St. Luke’s Gospel supplies the Gospel We all experience a vacuum in life. If our parish. The priest gencies, in hospitals, when patients are reading. we are holy, we will be wise enough to says he does not like dying at home, etc.) the minister of the It is the account of the familiar story of know what alone can fill the vacuum. It is that way of hearing sacrament can legitimately decide, even Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Jesus, the Lord, the son of Mary, the Son confessions. in the event the penitent asks otherwise, As the story makes clear, Mary already of God. † For years, we that sacramental confession be received in understood that either a confessional equipped with a fixed way to participate in grill.” In other words, the priest may My Journey to God reconciliation is permitted by the Church. decide not to minister the sacrament face- Has that changed? Can a priest decide to-face. that only one way is allowed for the In 1999, the U.S. bishops’ conference sacrament of penance? (Iowa) reiterated that the choice is open to peo- ple to confess either way, but noted that Abounding Love for All As of a few years ago, a priest does the above 1998 Vatican interpretation is Ahave permission to make that decision still in force. When in winter’s tether Despite our sins abounding for anyone who comes to confession to Why did the Vatican agency require Cold invades our lives Despite our darkest night him. this change? When the new interpretation Day to night surrenders Despite cold chill of winter The 1973 revision of the Roman Ritual was presented, a council official referred Light, our peace, our guide Comes he true peace and light for the sacrament of penance provided to two reasons. Confessing behind a grill that conferences of bishops should deter- is an ancient practice, the official said, Shades of darkness falling Guideth then our souls mine “the place proper for the ordinary and it “responds to the need for pru- Suggest we hope in vain Good Shepherd and child of light celebration of the sacrament of penance” dence.” Cold and darkness gripping From death of sin and darkness (#38). Fixed grates or grills between peni- “It is a protection against human weak- Reveal death’s sting and pain To your true peace and light tent and confessor should always be pro- ness both on the part of the priest as well vided, however, so those who wish to use as on the part of the penitent,” he said. Amid all dark surrounding Let not this season pass us them can do so (Canon 964). “The sacrament of confession should not Cold sting of pain and death And we ignore your call Priests, especially pastors, are to be an occasion of sin for either priest or Faithful souls of longing To follow your example “choose a place more suitable for the cel- penitent.” Await the promised guest Abounding love for all ebration according to the regulations of To answer your question, if a priest the conferences of bishops so the entire feels he should hear confessions only Ages all have sung him For only in this sacrifice celebration may be enriching and effec- with a grill between him and the penitent Good prophets reveal the name Of life laid down for thee tive” (#40). for these or other “just” reasons, the ritual Emmanuel, God with us Can we escape life’s winter The following year, the conference of gives him permission to do so. Here our souls to claim Our goal, eternity bishops decreed that for the United States it is desirable that reconciliation rooms be (A free brochure answering questions that By Father Joseph B. Moriarty provided in which people might choose to Catholics ask about the sacrament of confess either informally face-to-face or penance is available by sending a (Father Joseph B. Moriarty is vocations director for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, kneel to speak with the priest anony- stamped and self-addressed envelope to sacramental minister for Good Shepherd Parish in Indianapolis and Catholic chap- mously through a stationary screen. This, Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL lain for the Indianapolis Fire Department. He wrote this poem “in loving memory of of course, is what most Catholics have 61651. Questions may be sent to Father Mary Jo Keegan, godmother, teacher and friend.”) † become accustomed to since then. Dietzen at the same address or by e-mail However, in July 1998, the Pontifical in care of [email protected].) † Page 20 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003

The Active List

The Criterion welcomes announcements of archdiocesan e-mail [email protected] Indianapolis. Khrist Kwanzaa site at www.seidata.com or log on to Schoenstatt Web Church and parish open-to-the-public activities for “The or log on to Schoenstatt Web 2003, “Ujima” (collective work /~frburwink. site at www.seidata.com Active List.” Please be brief—listing date, location, event, site at www.seidata.com and responsibility), 10 a.m. /~frburwink. /~frburwink. Mass, “Pandemonium 3” with December 30 sponsor, cost and time. Include a phone number for verifi- Gregg Bacon, 1-4 p.m. Infor- St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. January 5-9 cation. No announcements will be taken by telephone. December 24 mation: 317-632-9349. Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- Kordes Retreat Center, 841 E. Notices must be in our office by 10 a.m. Monday the week St. Anthony Church, 379 N. apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, 14th St., Ferdinand. “Going of (Friday) publication: The Criterion, The Active List, Warman Ave., Indianapolis. Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- “Nia” (purpose), 7-8:30 p.m. Home to Where I Have Never 1400 N. Meridian St. (hand deliver), P.O. Box 1717, Christmas Eve anticipation statt, Rexville (located on 925 Information: 317-632-9349. Been: Thomas Merton Indianapolis, IN 46206 (mail); 317-236-1593 (fax), Mass, 4:30 p.m., evening Mass, South, .8 mile east of 421 Retreat.” Information: 812- [email protected] (e-mail). 10 p.m. Information: 317-636- South, 12 miles south of Ver- December 31 367-2777 or 800-880-2777. 4828. sailles), “Schoenstatt Spiritual- St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. December 19 Concert XLII, 3 p.m. and ity” 2:30 p.m., Mass 3:30 p.m., Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- January 6 St. Lawrence Church, 6944 E. 6:30 p.m., $5 per person. St. Benedict Church, 111 S. with Father Elmer Burwinkel. apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, St. Simon the Apostle Church, 46th St., Indianapolis. “An Information: 317-784-5454. Ninth St., Terre Haute. Christ- Information: 812-689-3551 or “Kuumba” (creativity), 10 p.m.- 8155 N. Oaklandon Road, Evening of Praise and Wor- mas Eve Prelude Concert, e-mail [email protected] 2 a.m., Karamu Feast, 2 a.m. Indianapolis. Informal listen- ship” presented by Christian Cathedral High School, 5225 11 p.m., doors open 10:30 p.m., or log on to Schoenstatt Web Information: 317-632-9349. ing session, 7 p.m. Infor- musician Tony Avellana, E. 56th St., Indianapolis. followed by Midnight Mass. site at www.seidata.com mation: 317-826-6000, ext. 5. 7:30-9 p.m. Information: Living Nativity, 6-8 p.m. Information: 812-232-8421. /~frburwink. January 1 [email protected]. Information: 317-542-1481. St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory December 25 December 28-29 Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- School, 2801 W. 86th St., Marian College, St. Francis Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St. Anthony Church, 379 N. Sisters of the Third Order of St. apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, Indianapolis. Indiana Autism Hall Chapel, 3200 Cold Spring 5333 E. Washington St., Warman Ave., Indianapolis. Francis of Oldenburg, mother- “Imani” (faith), 10 a.m., Mass. Sertoma Club meeting, Road, Indianapolis. Catholic Indianapolis. Advent prayer Christmas Day, Mass, 7:30 a.m., house, 22143 Main St., Olden- Information: 317-632-9349. 7-9 p.m., child care provided. Charismatic Renewal, praise, service for dismissal of anxi- 9 a.m. (Spanish), 11:30 a.m. burg. Tours of motherhouse, Information: 317-885-7295. worship, teaching, healing eties, 7 p.m. Information: 317-636-4828. traditional holiday decorations, January 4 prayers, 7 p.m. Information: performances by the sisters’ Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- January 7 317-927-6709. Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- December 26 Chime Choir, Sun. 2-4 p.m. statt, Rexville (located on 925 St. Malachy Church, 326 N. statt, Rexville (located on 925 St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. EST, Mon. 6-8 p.m. EST. South, .8 mile east of 421 Green St., Brownsburg. December 20 South, .8 mile east of 421 Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- Information: 812-933-6464. South, 12 miles south of Ver- “Catholics Returning Home” Mount St. Francis Retreat South, 12 miles south of Ver- apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, sailles), “Schoenstatt Spiritual- series, first of six sessions, Center, 101 St. Anthony Dr., sailles), “Covenant Sunday 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a December 29 ity” 2:30 p.m., Mass 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Information: 317-858- Mount St. Francis. “Advent Holy Hour” 2:30 p.m., Mass youth lock-in for girls in grades St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. with Father Elmer Burwinkel. 8422. Retreat Day,” 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., with Father Elmer 6-9 from 9 p.m.-9 a.m. Infor- Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- Information: 812-689-3551 or “brown bag lunch,” free-will Burwinkel. Information: 812- mation: 317-632-9349. apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, e-mail [email protected] January 10 offering. Information: 812-923- 689-3551 or e-mail frburwink “Ujamaa” (cooperative eco- or log on to Schoenstatt Web Bishop Chatard High School, 8817 or e-mail @seidata.com or log on to December 27 nomics), 7-8:30 p.m. Infor- site at www.seidata.com 5885 N. Crittenden Ave., [email protected]. Schoenstatt Web site at St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. mation: 317-632-9349. /~frburwink. Indianapolis. Placement test for www.seidata.com/~frburwink. Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- 2004-05 freshman class, 8:30 St. John the Evangelist Church, apolis. Khrist Kwanzaa 2003, Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- January 5 a.m., arrive 15 minutes early. 126 W. Georgia St., Indiana- December 22 “Kujichagulia” (self-determina- statt, Rexville (located on 925 Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- Information: 317-251-1451. polis. Indianapolis Arts Chor- Mary’s King’s Village Schoen- tion), 7-8:30 p.m., followed by South, .8 mile east of 421 statt, Rexville (located on 925 ale concert, “Celebrate the statt, Rexville (located on 925 a youth lock-in for boys in South, 12 miles south of Ver- South, .8 mile east of 421 January 11 Child,” 8 p.m. Information: South, .8 mile east of 421 grades 6-9 from 9 p.m.-9 a.m. sailles), “Family Faith Talks” South, 12 miles south of Ver- St. Paul Catholic Center, 1413 317-635-2021, ext. 23. South, 12 miles south of Ver- Information: 317-632-9349. 7 p.m., Mass 8 p.m., with sailles), “Family Faith Talks” E. 17th St., Bloomington. sailles), “Family Faith Talks” Father Elmer Burwinkel. Infor- 7 p.m., Mass 8 p.m., with Archdiocesan deacon formation December 21 7 p.m., Mass 8 p.m., with December 28 mation: 812-689-3551 or Father Elmer Burwinkel. Infor- program, Benedictine Father Holy Name Church, 89 N. 17th Father Elmer Burwinkel. Infor- St. Rita Church, 1722 Dr. e-mail [email protected] mation: 812-689-3551 or Bede Cisco, presenter, 1 p.m. Ave., Beech Grove. Christmas mation: 812-689-3551 or Andrew J. Brown Ave., or log on to Schoenstatt Web e-mail [email protected] Information: 317-236-1491. †

St. John the Evangelist Church, Indianapolis, is changing its weekday Mass schedule, effective Advertise in The Criterion! Monday, December 1, 2003. Monday-Saturday INVESTMENT Indiana’s Largest Weekly Newspaper Confessions heard, 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Planning objectively for your success MANAGEMENT Call 317-236-1572 to advertise! Mass of the Day, 12:10 p.m. by SHERMAN & Saturday only SERVICES ARMBRUSTER P.C. Confessions also heard, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Holy Days DON’T PAY AGENCY PRICES Masses at 10:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. ■ Registered Investment Advisor Will care for elderly or convalescent Secular Holidays Plan For ■ Personal Financial Planning patient by day, Mass at 12:10 p.m. Success. ■ Pension Plan Consultants Christmas Day week or duration Mass at 9:30 a.m. www.s-a-cpa.com of recuperation. The Sunday Mass schdeule is unchanged (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.). 881-6670 Establish Your For information about special events (such as Mass Financial Direction Today. after Colts Games or special music concerts) call St. John’s 24-hour information line at (317) 637-3941. Patrick A. Sherman, CPA Martin J. Armbruster, CPA/PFS, CFP John D. Grant, CPA References Fax 887-5692 ATTORNEYS AT LAW 609 Treybourne Drive Available Suite A Greenwood, Indiana 46142 e-mail: [email protected] CALL WOOD, TUOHY, GLEASON, Judy A. Gray 317-255-3528 MERCER & HERRIN, PC $$ $ 247 OFF FREE $ Serving Indiana since Adoption 247 FREE 9977 OFF NEW YEAR'S EVE MASS CLOSING COSTS MORTGAGE ANALYSIS CREDIT RESTORE Business 1st on a 1st loan 1st ($150 Value) 1st 1928, the Indiana Catholic SS. PETER & PAUL CATHEDRAL PLACE PLACE PLACE Real Estate 1347 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN MORTGAGE 888-4200 MORTGAGE 888-4200 MORTGAGE 888-4200 Conference since 1969 and Expires:12/31/03 Expires: 12/31/03 Expires: 12/31/03 the Archdiocese since 1975. Elder Law Come to a Catholic way of celebrating Employment Law New Year's Eve with a Mass of thanks- 317-888-4200 General Practice in All Courts. Estate Planning giving for the past year and renewal for Wills 866-401-4200 next year. The December 31st service All credit considered Credit Card Pay-Off William J. Wood, Trusts will begin with songs of worship at Applications by phone Refinancing James L. Tuohy, Tax 11:00 p.m. followed by the Eucharistic Credit Restore Home Improvement John L. Mercer, Powers of Attorney Churches John S. (Jay) Mercer, Celebration of the Mass at 11:30 p.m. Accidents and Injuries James K. Gilday, Private security will be available at ST Ask about our 2.95% rate Todd H. Belanger, Insurance both parking lots; behind the Cathedral Stephen M. Koers, Mediation 1 Jennifer D. McNair, and behind the Catholic Center (corner Jennifer R. Fitzwater Zoning of Illinois and 14th sts). Sponsored by the Catholic renewal groups of central OF COUNSEL 3400 Bank One Center Tower PLACE John Q. Herrin, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0942 Indiana. For information call 927-6709. Sue Tuohy MacGill 317-636-3551 MORTGAGE The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 21 Vatican trims pope’s M ARRIAGE S UPPLEMENT schedule for Advent, Christmas seasons

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope John At noon on Christmas Day, the pon- Paul II’s Christmas season schedule tiff is scheduled to offer a solemn has been trimmed, apparently exclud- blessing, “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city ing his usual ordination of new bishops and the world), as he has in previous on the Jan. 6 feast of the Epiphany and years. his custom of baptizing infants on the The pope also is scheduled to par- feast of the Baptism of the Lord. ticipate in an evening thanksgiving The pope’s liturgical schedule for prayer service on Dec. 31 in St. Peter’s December and January lists him as pre- Basilica. siding over six events, but does not On Jan. 1, the pope is scheduled to specify if he will be the principal cele- preside at the Mass for the feast of brant of the liturgies. Mary, Mother of God, and World The Vatican released the 83-year-old Peace Day in St. Peter’s Square. pope’s schedule for the Advent and In addition, Vatican Radio reported Marriage Christmas seasons on Nov. 25, which that the pope would hold his annual NNOUNCEMENTS included laying a wreath at a Marian meeting with cardinals and Vatican A statue in central Rome on the Dec. 8 officials on Dec. 22. His speech for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. occasion usually provides a review of However, the pope did not make his the past year in the life of the Church. annual visit afterward to the Basilica Vatican Radio said the pope would of St. Mary Major. not hold his weekly general audiences Be a part of our He also participated in a Dec. 11 in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 24 and Mass with Rome university students in Dec. 31. preparation for Christmas. A Vatican official said the fact that Marriage Supplement The pontiff is scheduled to preside the calendar did not go beyond Jan. 1 ______at the Christmas Mass at midnight in indicated that no other papal liturgical St. Peter’s Basilica. events were scheduled for the month. † February 6, 2004, issue of The Criterion Daily Readings, continued from page 19 Monday, December 29 Psalm 72:2, 7-8, 10-13 If you are planning your wedding between Thomas Becket, bishop and Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 January 30 and July 1, 2004, we invite you to martyr Matthew 2:1-12 1 John 2:3-11 submit the information for an announcement Psalm 96:1-3, 5b-6 Monday, January 5 Luke 2:22-35 John Neumann, bishop on the form below. 1 John 3:22-4:6 Tuesday, December 30 Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11 Pictures 1 John 2:12-17 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 You may send us a picture of the bride-to-be or a pictur e of the Psalm 96:7-10 couple. Please do not cut photograph. The pictur e must be wal- Luke 2:36-40 Tuesday, January 6 let-size and will be used as space permits. W e cannot guarantee Blessed André Bessette, the reproduction quality of the photos. Please put name(s) on the Wednesday, December 31 religious Sylvester I, pope 1 John 4:7-10 back of the photo. Photos will be r eturned if a stamped, self- 1 John 2:18-21 Psalm 72:2-4ab, 7-8 addressed envelope is enclosed. Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13 Mark 6:34-44 John 1:1-18 Deadline Wednesday, January 7 All announcements and photos must be r eceived by Thursday, Thursday, January 1 Raymond of Peñafort, priest January 15, 2004, 10 a.m. ( No announcements or photos will be The Blessed Virgin Mary, 1 John 4:11-18 Mother of God Psalm 72:2, 10-13 accepted after this date). Numbers 6:22-27 Mark 6:45-52 Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 — Use this form to furnish information — Galatians 4:4-7 Thursday, January 8 Clip and mail to: Luke 2:16-21 1 John 4:19-5:4 ATTN: BRIDES, The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Psalm 72:2, 14, 15bc, 17 Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2004, 10 a.m. Friday, January 2 Luke 4:14-22a Please print or type: Basil the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church Friday, January 9 Gregory Nazianzen, bishop 1 John 5:5-13 Name of Bride: (first, middle, last)

and doctor of the Church Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 Daytime Phone 1 John 2:22-28 Luke 5:12-16 Psalm 98:1-4 Mailing Address City State Zip Code John 1:19-28 Saturday, January 10 1 John 5:14-21 Name of Bride’s Parents Saturday, January 3 Psalm 149:1-6a, 9b City State The Most Holy Name of Jesus John 3:22-30 1 John 2:29-3:6 Name of Bridegroom:(first, middle, last)

Psalm 98:1, 3-6 Sunday, January 11 Name of Bridegroom’s Parents John 1:29-34 The Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 City State Sunday, January 4 Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, The Epiphany of the Lord 9b-10 Wedding Date Church City State Isaiah 60:1-6 Acts 10:34-38 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone ❑ Photo Enclosed ❑ No Picture Page 22 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003

HAUSER, James A., 89, LITTLE, Loretta Mae Robert Mueller. Grandfather of TANNER, Jacqueline L. St. Paul, Sellersburg, Nov. 20. (Forbeck), 75, St. Margaret six. Great-grandfather of three. (Beeler), 77, St. Mary, New Father of Jeanne Doyle, Ann Mary, Terre Haute, Dec. 7. Wife REED, Mary Catherine Riley Albany, Nov. 29. Mother of Truman, Mary Whitaker, Rita of James H. Little Sr. Mother of (Childs), 66, Holy Angels, June Kochert and Jim Tanner. Rest in peace and Steven Hauser. Grandfather Patricia Calaski, Susan Flora, Indianapolis, Nov. 28. Mother Half-sister of Harriette Barr. of seven. Great-grandfather of James Jr., Ronald and Stephen of Helen Childs, Anthony, Grandmother of five. Great- two. Little. Sister of Margaret Please submit in writing to our Winfrey III. Charles Jr., Lawrence and grandmother of two. HITTLE, Eugene Charles, 80, Donnehoffer and Bernard office by 10 a.m. Thursday COBURN, Blanche, 90, Norman Reed. Grandmother of TEBBE, Sylvia L, 79, St. Bartholomew, Columbus, Forbeck Jr. Grandmother of 12. before the week of publication; St. Louis, Batesville, Dec. 9. three. Great-grandmother of St. Louis, Batesville, Dec. 1. Dec. 2. Husband of Mary Great-grandmother of 14. be sure to state date of death. Sister of Anna Mae Osier, one. Wife of Louis Tebbe. Mother of Imogene Hittle. Father of MASSEY, Dorothy J., 83, Obituaries of archdiocesan Jerome and Melvin Brinkman. SARLES, Rita C. (Losson), Luann Anderson and Mary Colleen Stone, Brian, Conrad, St. Mary, New Albany, Dec. 4. priests serving our archdiocese 82, St. Mary, New Albany, Hornbach. Sister of Rita are listed elsewhere in The DAUGHERTY, Marie M., Daniel and Timothy Hittle. Wife of Ira Massey. Mother of Dec. 3. Wife of James H. Amberger and Delores Voegele. Criterion. Order priests and (Hoersting), 93, St. Pius X, Grandfather of 10. Karen Bishop, Rosita Fleisch- Indianapolis, Dec. 6. Mother of Sarles. Mother of James F. Grandmother of three. religious sisters and brothers HYATT, Michael W., 44, Holy man, Jane Smith, Ed and Larry Patricia Berberich, Edward, Sarles. Sister of Jane Leist. are included here, unless they Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 30. Massey. Sister of Kathleen TUMMERS, Catherine A., 74, Joseph and Thomas Daugherty. SCHLATTERER, Lorene V., are natives of the archdiocese Father of Zachary Hyatt. Dunkel, Dorothy Trapp and St. Roch, Indianapolis, Dec. 4. Grandmother of 15. Great- 84, St. Ambrose, Seymour, or have other connections to it; Brother of Cathy Chaffines, Vernon Willett. Grandmother Wife of Joe Tummers. Mother grandmother of 28. Dec. 3. Mother of Frederick those are separate obituaries Patrick and Richard Hyatt. of 10. of Randy, Stephen, Tim and and Stephen Schlatterer. Grand- on this page. DETHY, Charles M., 99, Grandfather of two. MOONEY, Michael H., 81, Tom Tummers. Sister of Edith St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Floyds mother of seven. Great-grand- ARMSTEAD, Mary Helen KOERNER, James F., O.D., Sacred Heart, Jeffersonville, Grawey, Helen Drake, Knobs, Dec. 5. Father of mother of eight. (Reed), 74, St. Thomas 71, St. Jude, Indianapolis, Dec. 2. Father of Carol Jackson Marguerite Wells, Frank and Dorothy Allen, Kay Hoehn, Aquinas, Indianapolis, Nov. 30. Dec. 2. Husband of Carolyn and Michael Mooney. Brother STEWART, Melza A., 76, Johnny Grawey. Grandmother Mother of Cheryl Barker, Rosalie Schenck, Cletus and Jean (English) Koerner. Father of William Mooney. Grand- Holy Angels, Indianapolis, of seven. Jim Dethy. Grandfather of 17. father of five. Great-grandfather Dec. 3. Husband of Clara Marilyn Puckett, Joy Thomp- of Karen Koerner-Smith, Greg, WURTZ, Raymond A., kins, John and Reed Armstead. Great-grandfather of 35. Great- James II and John Koerner. of five. Stewart. Father of Ursula, great-grandfather of four. Gorm and Whitedove Stewart. D.D.S., 90, St. Paul Hermitage, BEIGHTOL, Mary Brother of Mary Riley, Mildred MOORE, Michael Irwin, 59, Beech Grove, Nov. 22. Uncle FARLEY, James Patrick, 56, Grandfather of eight. (Eisenman), 80, Mary, Queen Stafford and Paul Koerner. St. Rose of Lima, Franklin, of several. of Peace, Danville, Dec. 3. St. Ann, Indianapolis, Dec. 3. Grandfather of 10. Dec. 5. Husband of Patricia STEVENS, Joseph F., Sr., 85, ZINSER, Raymond G., 92, Mother of Dan, David, Jerry Jr. Husband of Sandra Farley. KRUKEMEIER, James Earl, Moore. Father of Jennifer St. Michael, Indianapolis, St. Joseph, Shelbyville, Dec. 3. and Michael Beightol. Sister of Father of Jennifer and 84, St. Jude, Indianapolis, Barnett, Melissa Kreutzer, Nov. 28. Husband of Sylvia E. Husband of Mary Ann (Kappes) Norma Folletti and Barbara Christopher Farley. Son of Dec. 2. Husband of Betty M. Laurie Torrance, Richard and (Konechnik) Stevens. Father of Pries. Grandmother of five. Elizabeth Farley. Brother of (Bratton) Krukemeier. Father of Thomas Moore. Brother of Veronica Dolan, Cecelia Kiley, Zinser. Father of Mary Kay Shirley Fitzgerald and Edward BLINCOE, Joseph D., 84, Diane Craig, Janet Green and Anita Daly. Grandfather of four. Bernadette Snyder and Joseph Cortelyou, Carole Rae Davis Farley. St. Paul, Sellersburg, Dec. 3. Karen Sigler. Brother of Great-grandfather of two. Stevens Jr. Grandfather of 11. and Martin Zinser. Grandfather Father of Janet Nichols and GARNER, Mary B., 82, Frances Abraham, Donald and MUELLER, Arthur R., 84, Great-grandfather of eight. of eight. † Joann Tribbey. Brother of Ann St. Malachy, Brownsburg, Richard Krukemeier. Grand- St. Roch, Indianapolis, Dec. 1. Barnett and Richard Blincoe. Nov. 30. Mother of Robert father of six. Great-grandfather Husband of Marybeth Mueller. Grandfather of eight. Great- Garner. Grandmother of three. of one. Father of Judith, Joseph and Benedictine Father Frederick Walsh grandfather of seven. Great-grandmother of seven. was a hermit and contemplative BUSSING, John E., 72, Annun- GREIN, Dennis W., 83, Providence Sister Ann Mary Dietz ciation, Brazil, Nov. 29. Hus- St. Ambrose, Seymour, Benedictine Father Frederick lakeside cabin located in an band of Sipriana (Rodriquez) Nov. 10. Husband of Mary served as a teacher and secretary Walsh, a monk and priest of orange grove belonging to Saint Meinrad Archabbey, died St. Leo Abbey in Florida. Bussing. Father of Cecilia (Kellams) Grein. Stepfather of Providence Sister Ann Mary Sisters of Providence on on Dec. 10 at the archabbey In 1970, Father Frederick’s Miles, Kirsten Kumpf, Melanie Judith Ryerse and James Dietz died on Dec. 11 in Jan. 6, 1940, professed first three Benedictine sisters Taylor and Eric Bussing. Duggins. Brother of Franciscan Lourdes Hall at Saint Mary-of- following a brief illness. He vows on Aug. 15, 1942, and received permission to begin a Brother of Peggy Arnold, Mary Sister Mildred Grein. Step- the-Woods. She was 87. was 90. professed final vows on Jan. contemplative foundation in Jo Cox, Paulette Johnson, grandfather of nine. Step-great- The Mass of Christian The Mass of Christian 23, 1948. Durham, N.C., and he began a Stephen, Michael and Robert grandfather of 16. Step-great- Burial was celebrated on Burial was celebrated on Sister Ann Mary taught in more than 30-year association Bussing. Grandfather of eight. great-grandfather of two. Dec. 16 in the Church of the Dec. 13 in the archabbey schools staffed by the Sisters of with this new community. He Great-grandfather of one. GUELDEN, Josephine Immaculate Conception at the church. Burial followed in the Providence in Indiana, Illinois, accompanied the sisters when (Bisesi), 84, St. Roch, Indian- motherhouse at Saint Mary-of- archabbey cemetery. CALDWELL, Petrea, 53, Texas and California. they moved to Labadieville, apolis, Dec. 3. Wife of Herbert the-Woods. Burial followed in The former Paul Walsh was Holy Angels, Indianapolis, In the Archdiocese of La., then to their current loca- G. Guelden. Mother of Tammy the sisters’ cemetery. born on Nov. 24, 1913, in Dec. 1. Wife of Gus Caldwell. Indianapolis, she taught at tion at Tickfaw, La. The former Eleanor Ottilia Connersville. He was from a Stepmother of Jenetria Darty. Miller and Ronald Guelden. Immaculate Heart of Mary Throughout this life, he Dietz was born on Dec. 20, family of six children, all of Daughter of Nellie Winfrey. Sister of Mike Bisesi. Grand- School in Indianapolis for remained a hermit and a con- 1915, in Indianapolis. She whom became Benedictine Sister of Michelle Brown, mother of seven. Great-grand- 10 years, from 1957-67. templative, maintaining his Merri Lisa Dardy and Shirley mother of seven. entered the congregation of the She ministered as secretary priests or sisters. He enrolled in Saint solitude except for the interac- for the rectory at St. Matthew tions required by his duties as Parish in Indianapolis from Meinrad Minor Seminary in 1927. In 1931, he was invested chaplain for the Benedictine 1979-80 then served the parish sisters. as school secretary from 1980- as a novice, with his brother, Joachim, and professed his sim- Surviving are Benedictine 88 and as religious education Sister Mary Herbert Walsh and When Family Matters... secretary from 1988-91. ple vows on Aug. 6, 1932. He When Family Matters... was ordained to the priesthood Benedictine Father Marion REAL ESTATE GROUPS She also taught at the former Walsh. St. James School in Indianapolis on June 7, 1938. For several years, Father Memorial contributions may 317-469-1900 Call the Realtor Who Cares from 1967-70, St. Joan of Arc be sent to Saint Meinrad School in Indianapolis from Frederick taught Latin in the minor seminary, where he also Archabbey, 200 Hill Dr., About you and yours! 1970-72 and St. Luke School in St. Meinrad, IN 47577. † Indianapolis from 1975-79. served for a year as assistant From 1991-93, she served as house prefect. He also fulfilled a secretary for the Woods Day the duties of monastery guest Care and Pre-School at Saint manager and later served as Advertise in Mary-of-the-Woods. assistant pastor at St. Mary Surviving are several nieces Parish in Huntington, Ind. The Criterion! and nephews. In 1956, Father Frederick Memorial contributions may became a hermit when Indiana’s Largest Dick Houghton be made to the Sisters of Benedictine Archabbot Weekly Newspaper Call Now! 317-590-3174 Providence at Saint Mary-of- Bonaventure Knaebel permitted [email protected] the-Woods. † him to take up residence in a 317-236-1572

St. Vincent de Paul Society AN INDEPENDENT EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL • PRE-K (3 YEARS) THROUGH GRADE 8 SPECIAL APPEAL to help pay the cost of Holiday Food being distributed St. Richard’s School FREE to the NEEDY EVERY DOLLAR DONATED WILL BE USED FOR FOOD Come Explore. Funds are made available to any parish in the Archdiocese having a need. Early Childhood Open House ❑ $5 ❑ $10 ❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ My Food Tuesday, January 13, 2004 Donation is $ ______4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Come visit Pre-Kindergarten 3, Pre-Kindergarten 4 NAME ______33 East 33rd Street and Kindergarten classrooms. Indianapolis, IN ADDRESS ______Meet our Early Childhood Teachers, 46205-3401 Dean of Students, Academic Dean and Headmaster. 317/926-0425 ______MAKE CHECK PAYABLE AND MAIL TO: Your Donation is a Society of St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Contribution for Tax Purposes P.O. Box 19133 Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 www.strichardsschool.org The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003 Page 23

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Steve J. Sergi Unit 301. 317-786-7884 20 years! Broker/Owner LAKE MONROE, lakeview condo, We invite you to participate in the financial 2BR/2BA, fully furnished. Pool, ten- RE/MAX at the Crossing 317-507-5883 nis, golf. Boat rental avail. 317- underwriting of this weekly program. Please “YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR” 326-4497 send contributions to: Lynda King (317) 595-1900 Patronize Our Advertisers Cindy Sylvester Peggy Verdun FT. MYERS, Florida, on the Catholic Communications Center www.indyhomeonline.com beach. Great view. $475/wk. 317- P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 Tom Williams Tom Mattingly Positions Available ...... 823-9880. Write or call for a free copy of the weekly GULF SHORES LUXURIOUS missal for your use at home. Nursery Attendant start- BEACHFRONT CONDOS Jeff Bollman • 445-4053 ing Januar y 4, 2004. Fully Furnished. Indoor/Outdoor Pools. 317-236-1585 Sundays 8:45 a.m. to 1, 2, 3 & 4 BR. Owner Direct saves or Contact me for your residential or Noon. W ill normally you $$. Call Chris 1-800-713-6435 supervise 3-5 children, [email protected] or 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 investment property in the country in ages infant to 4. Episcopal www.babeachproperties.com West Hendricks and Putnam counties. Church of the Nativity , Sponsored by Agri/Wooded/Pasture. 7300 N. Lantern Road PALM COAST, FL CONDO (Castleton/Geist area). 2 BR/2 BA [email protected] Applicants must be at 1/31/04–2/7/04 $675 Beachside — Gold Crown Award St. Vincent St. Malachy alum — Brownsburg least 17 years of age. Many Amenities — Golf Nearby The Hospitals and St. Paul parishioner — Greencastle Contact Fr. Bruce Boss at Call Criterion 849-3656. 812-372-6778 Health Services Positions Available ...... 1600 Albany Street Music Director Director, Fatima Retreat House Beech Grove, IN 46107 St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville, Indiana is Fatima Retreat House, an agency of the Arch- seeking a part-time pastoral musician to coordinate our diocese of Indianapolis, is seeking a full-time EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES music program. Strong keyboard, vocal and directing director to oversee hospitality to retreatants AVAILABLE skills are needed as well as a background in contempo- and other guests, leadership of staff and vol- rary Catholic liturgical music. Complete job description unteers, strategic planning, fiscal management, Job Line — 317--783-8333 is available from and résumés may be sent to: fund-raising and community relations. The Phone — 317-783-8251 [email protected] director works in consultation with the Fatima Web Site — www.stfrancishospitals.org before January 9, 2004 Retreat House Board. Beech Grove Indianapolis Mooresville 765-342-6379 The director must be a practicing Roman Catholic with a deep commitment to retreat Elementary School Principal High School Principal ministry. The position requires a minimum of The Diocese of Gary is seeking a dynamic and vision Bishop Chatard High School, a Roman Catholic a bachelor’s degree in a related field and pre- driven professional Catholic educational leader to secondary school of the Archdiocese of Indiana- vious experience in administration and super- assume the position of Principal at St. Thomas More polis, seeks a principal within a president-prin- vision. Qualified candidates will have excel- School in Munster, Indiana. St. Thomas More School is a cipal administrative model. Candidates must be Catholic multi-cultural, co-educational elementary school lent communication and organizational skills. practicing Roman Catholics, hold or be in pur- with 652 students. suit of a master’s degree in education or sec- Experience in fundraising and strategic plan- Candidates should be practicing Catholics, should have ondary school administration, and have a cur- ning is preferred. administrative experience, and should have or be eligible rent Indiana license in school administration or Please send cover letter, résumé, and list of for an Indiana elementary administrative license. Please be eligible for a license in Indiana. All inquiries references to: send a letter of application, résumé, and three letters of and requests for application materials should be reference to: Ed Isakson directed to: Director, Human Resources Dr. Kim Pryzbylski Mrs. Elberta Caito Archdiocese of Indianapolis Superintendent of Schools Assistant to the President Diocese of Gary P.O. Box 1410 Bishop Chatard High School 9292 Broadway 5885 North Crittenden Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46206 Merrillville, IN 46410 Indianapolis, IN 46220 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 219-769-9292 (317) 251-1451 (Ext. 2234) Fax: (317) 261-3389 Fax: 219-738-9034 or [email protected] Equal Opportunity Employer Application deadline: Friday, January 16, 2004 Application deadline is December 31, 2003 Page 24 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2003

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