OKC Catholic Web 2.0 Archdiocese Launches New Internet Site in Effort to Deliver News, Information in Our Digital World

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Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 38, Number 4 * February 19, 2012 OKC Catholic Web 2.0 Archdiocese Launches New Internet Site in Effort to Deliver News, Information In Our Digital World

Welcome to your new website for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City — www.archokc.org. The website is the product of about six months worth of prayer and dedicated work mostly by a half dozen or so Bishop-Elect members of the Archdiocesan Technology Committee. The site is colorful, user-friendly and we hope very efficient at getting useful and timely information out to the Catholic Weisenburger community of the Archdiocese. We hope you will visit the site often and we anticipate your feedback. Oh, yes, there’s a way to do that with our new Bound for website. Salina, Kan. See story Page 3 Story and photos on Page 3 Bishops Say HHS Change Not Acceptable WASHINGTON (2/10/2012) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have issued the following statement Feb. 10: The Catholic bishops have long supported access to life-affirming health care for all, and the conscience rights of everyone involved in the complex process of providing that health care. That is why we raised two serious objections to the “preventive services” regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in August 2011. First, we objected to the rule forcing private health plans — nationwide, by the stroke of a bureaucrat’s pen — to cover sterilization and contraception, including drugs that may cause abortion. All the other mandated “preventive services” prevent disease, and pregnancy is not a disease. Moreover, forcing plans to cover abortifacients violates existing federal conscience laws. Therefore, we called for the rescission of the mandate altogether. Second, we explained that the mandate would impose a burden of unprecedented reach and severity on the consciences of those who consider such “services” immoral: insurers forced to write policies including this coverage; employers and schools forced to sponsor and subsidize the coverage; and individual employees and students forced to pay premiums for the coverage. We therefore urged HHS, if it insisted on keeping the mandate, to provide a conscience exemption for all of these stakeholders — not just the extremely small subset of “religious employers” that HHS proposed to exempt initially. continued on Page 4 2 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 A New Address in the Digital Sooner Catholic “Put out World: www.archokc.org into the Most Reverend deep and Paul S. Coakley The phenomenon of globaliza- and to call people to faith and lower Archbishop of Oklahoma City tion is making the world a much membership in his Church. Publisher smaller place for all of us. The I have been eager to put this your nets process has accelerated exponen- new technology and its remarkable for a Ray Dyer tially through the development of potential at the service of the catch.” Editor digital technology and social media. Archbishop Church’s mission more effectively. Luke 5:4 In the world of Facebook, Twitter With this issue of the Sooner Coakley and Web 2.0, our ability to connect Catholic we are unveiling a new Cara Koenig with others and share information archdiocesan website, which will be on the recent HHS mandate that Layout/Photographer/ instantly has taken a quantum leap our new presence in the digital poses such a grave challenge to the Special Projects forward. world. After several months of conscience rights and the religious Not since the invention of the preparation it is now online at freedom of Catholics and members 7501 Northwest Expressway printing press has human ingenu- www.archokc.org. Visit today, and of other churches. In other words, Oklahoma City, OK 73132 ity developed a tool with such visit often! the news breaks quickly and events (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 potential to affect the way we We will continue to publish the unfold rapidly. We want you to feel communicate. It is up to us to de- Sooner Catholic as a biweekly confident to click on www.- e-mail: [email protected] termine responsibly how we will newspaper. As a matter of fact, we archokc.org in order to find the Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 use such a powerful tool. What will have several enhancements on the latest updates on events affect- Oklahoma City, OK 73123 we communicate? horizon for the print edition of the ing the Church in the Archdiocese, Sooner Catholic also! in your parish and around the Digital technology offers us a Visit us online through the tremendous tool for evangelization. But a lot can happen in the two world. Archdiocesan Web Page at In our time the Holy Spirit working weeks between issues of the Sooner We have developed this website through the Church is calling for a Catholic. The website can fill that as both a service to the arch- www.catharchdioceseokc.org. New Evangelization, a renewal of gap by posting timely information diocesan family as well as a tool faith. The New Evangelization is and new developments. Since our for evangelization and catechesis. The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is last issue, for example, one of our not about technology. But it does Please take time to explore it and published biweekly except for once in July own priests, Msgr. Edward J. return frequently. Stay connected. not spurn technology. In fact, it and twice in December by the Archdiocese challenges us to make use of all of Weisenburger, has been appointed We will be adding features as they of Oklahoma City. the resources at our disposal to as the 11th Bishop of Salina. develop. share the Gospel of Jesus Christ News continues to break daily May Jesus Christ be praised! The newspaper is not responsible for unsolicited material. Archbishop Coakley’s Calendar Copyright © 2012 Sooner Catholic Subscription rate: $20 per year for all The following events are part of Archbishop Coakley’s official calendar. who are not members of the February 19 - Confirmation, St. Mary Church, Guthrie, 10:30 a.m. February 20 - Mass, 100th Anniversary of Catholic Charities in Oklahoma, St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral, 4 p.m. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. (followed by Reception and Program at Oklahoma City National Memorial) Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma February 21 - Archdiocesan Department Head Meeting, Catholic Pastoral Center, 10 a.m. City, OK 73125. February 21 - Mass, Catholic Pastoral Center, 11:30 a.m. POSTMASTER: Send address changes February 21 - Archdiocesan Finance Council, Catholic Pastoral Center, 2 p.m. to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box February 22 - Ash Wednesday Mass, Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 6 p.m. 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. February 23 - Catholic Charities Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. February 23 - Archdiocesan Personnel Board Meeting, Catholic Pastoral Center, 1 p.m. February 24 - Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma Board Meeting, St. Mark the Evangelist, Norman, 1 p.m. February 25 - Deacon Advisory Council, Catholic Pastoral Center, 9 a.m. February 25 - Confirmation, St. Teresa of Avila Church, Harrah, 4 p.m. February 26 - Rites of Election, Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, (2, 4:30, 7 p.m.) February 28 - Mass, Catholic Pastoral Center, 11:30 a.m. February 29 - Mass and classroom visits, St. Mary School, Ponca City, 8:20 a.m. March 3 - Catholic Men’s Conference, Embassy Suites, Norman, Mass, 4:30 p.m. The Sooner Catholic is March 4 - Confirmation, St. Ann Church, Elgin, 8:30 a.m. supported through the March 4 - Mass, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Sterling, 11:30 a.m. Archdiocesan Development Fund. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 3 Pope Names Monsignor to Head Diocese of Salina OKLAHOMA CITY — The family lived in Catherine, Kan., and selection of Monsignor Edward J. his grandparents, aunts and distant Weisenburger as the 11th Bishop of relatives are all buried in the ceme- the Diocese of Salina, Kan., was tery there. As a youngster his father, called a “tremendous affirmation” of who was in the military, sent his his “outstanding priestly ministry” mother and his siblings to live with by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley. The an aunt in Hays, Kan., on two occa- Archbishop made the statement sions while he served in Vietnam. during a press conference at the Bishop-elect Weisenburger grew Catholic Pastoral Center on Feb. 8, up primarily in Lawton and two days after Bishop-elect Weisen- graduated high school there in burger learned that Pope Benedict 1979. XVI had named him to the position. He then attended Conception Bishop-elect Weisenburger will Seminary in Conception, Mo., be ordained as Bishop of the Diocese graduating with honors in May of of Salina on May 1. 1983. He then attended the Archbishop Coakley served as American College Seminary at the Bishop of Salina before being named Catholic University of Louvain in 14 months ago as Archbishop of Louvain, Belgium. He graduated Oklahoma City by Pope Benedict. with honors, earning the Pontifical He said he has been praying for a S.T.B. in Theology along with an good and faithful shepherd to be M.A. in Religious Studies in 1986 named to his former position. and a master’s in Moral and Archbishop Coakley said he had Archbishop Coakley, Archbishop Emeritus Beltran and Bishop-elect Weisenburger. Religious Sciences in 1987. “no doubt in my mind” that Bishop- In the spring of 1987 he returned elect Weisenburger is well-suited born in Alton, Ill., on Dec. 23, 1960, He told members of the media to Oklahoma and began three years and prepared to serve as bishop of to Edward John Weisenburger and and well-wishers gathered at the of ministry as parochial vicar of St. the diocese. Asella (Walters) Weisenburger, the press conference that he has deep Mary Church in Ponca City. On Dec. Bishop-elect Weisenburger was third of their four surviving children. connections to Kansas. His mother’s continued on Page 7 Archdiocese Introduces New User-Friendly Website OKLAHOMA CITY — Catholics The website is designed to be “We will continue to publish information that is pertinent to in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City user-friendly for both the readers as the Sooner Catholic,” Archbishop the lives of Oklahoma Catholics. are now able, at anytime, with a click well as those charged with making Coakley writes in his column, found Whether that information is local, of the computer mouse, to access sure the information on the site is on Page 2 of this issue. “But a lot can regional or international, it will all current information about the fresh and up to date. A key feature of happen in the two weeks between be available on the new website. Church in the Archdiocese. the new site is each Archdiocesan issues of the Sooner Catholic,” he The new site is much more inter- Welcome to the new website of office now has its own unique page. said. “The website can fill that gap by active, with users now being able the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City: Information from the offices can now posting timely information and new to do such things as online gifting, www.archokc.org. be fresh and timely because office developments.” registering for programs and The website was created by directors and personnel can update it One of those developments will completing reports. Also, signing up Solutio, a firm based in Wichita, Kan. with ease. be the addition of more video cover- for RSS feeds which allow users to Solutio specializes in website de- age of events that take place in the That does not mean Catholics receive electronic updates whenever velopment and content management Archdiocese. This increased video won’t be able to find traditional changes are made or breaking news for Catholic entities. Archbishop capability will make it possible for Church information on the new site. occurs, as well as accessing the Paul Coakley recommended the firm all Catholics to experience events All of that and more will be available Archdiocesan Facebook page and to the Archdiocesan Technology such as the Chrism Mass or the on the new site. Features of the new Twitter account are possible. Committee after having worked with website will allow Catholics to more Sanctity of Life Mass. Video will Solutio while serving as Bishop of easily access news coming from the allow important messages from the Cara Koenig, a member of the Salina. Church, as well as how the Church Archbishop, or breaking news Technology Committee, describes the Members of the committee began is reacting to events both locally and such as the recent announcement of new site as a great step forward in working with Solutio last summer. beyond. News in our world and in Monsignor Edward J. Weisenburger’s communications, an exciting step but Sister Diane Koorie, RSM, one of the our Church can break at a moment’s appointment as the new Bishop of not an end product. “The future committee members, describes the notice and the faithful need to be the Diocese of Salina to be viewed as of information is technology based,” new website as “informative, color- able to gather accurate information. well as read. Koenig said. “With the New ful, attractive, up to date and user- This new website is intended to The new website is intended to Evangelization, we must reach out friendly.” make that process more effective. be a tool that can help disseminate with the most up-to-date tools.” 4 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 HHS Change Not Acceptable continued from Page 1 add the objectionable coverage, that enforcement, so if they turn out Today, the president has done coverage is still provided as a part badly, their impact will not be felt two things. of the objecting employer’s plan, until August 2013, well after the First, he has decided to retain financed in the same way as the election. HHS’ nationwide mandate of in- rest of the coverage offered by the surance coverage of sterilization objecting employer. This, too, raises 4. Even if the promises of “ac- and contraception, including some serious moral concerns. commodation” are fulfilled entirely, abortifacients. This is both un- We just received information religious charities, schools and supported in the law and remains a about this proposal for the first hospitals will still be forced to grave moral concern. We cannot fail time this morning; we were not con- violate their beliefs. If an employee to reiterate this, even as so many sulted in advance. Some informa- of these second-class citizen reli- would focus exclusively on the tion we have is in writing and some gious institutions wants coverage of question of religious liberty. is oral. We will, of course, continue contraception or sterilization, the Second, the president has an- to press for the greatest conscience objecting employer is still forced to nounced some changes in how that protection we can secure from the pay for it as a part of the employer’s mandate will be administered, Executive Branch. But stepping insurance plan. There can be no which is still unclear in its details. away from the particulars, we note additional cost to that employee, As far as we can tell at this point, that today’s proposal continues to and the coverage is not a separate the change appears to have the involve needless government in- policy. By process of elimination, following basic contours: trusion in the internal governance the funds to pay for that coverage “It would still mandate that all of religious institutions, and to must come from the premiums of insurers must include coverage for threaten government coercion of re- the employer and fellow employees, the objectionable services in all the ligious people and groups to violate President Obama even those who object in conscience. policies they would write. At this their most deeply held convictions. 5. The “accommodation” does point, it would appear that self- In a nation dedicated to religious dedicated to serving people of other faiths are still not exempt as “reli- not even purport to help objecting insuring religious employers, and liberty as its first and founding insurers, for-profit religious em- religious insurance companies, are principle, we should not be limited gious employers.” Indeed, the rule describes them as “non-exempt.” ployers, secular employers or indi- not exempt from this mandate. to negotiating within these parame- viduals. In its August 2011 2. The rule leaves open the “It would allow nonprofit, reli- ters. The only complete solution to comments, and many times since, possibility that even exempt “religious employers to declare that this religious liberty problem is for USCCB identified all the stake- gious employers” will be forced to they do not offer such coverage. But HHS to rescind the mandate of holders in the process whose reli- cover sterilization. In its August the employee and insurer may these objectionable services. gious freedom is threatened — all 2011 comments, USCCB warned separately agree to add that cover- We will therefore continue — employers, insurers and individu- that the narrow “religious em- age. The employee would not have with no less vigor, no less sense of als, not just religious employers. ployer” exemption appeared to to pay any additional amount to ob- urgency — our efforts to correct Friday’s actions emphasize that all provide no relief from the steriliza- tain this coverage, and the coverage this problem through the other insurers, including self-insurers, tion mandate — only the contracep- would be provided as a part of the two branches of government. For must provide the coverage to any tion mandate — and specifically employer’s policy, not as a separate example, we renew our call on employee who wants it. In turn, sought clarification. (We also noted rider. Congress to pass, and the adminis- all individuals who pay premiums that a sterilization mandate exists “Finally, we are told that the tration to sign, the Respect for have no escape from subsidizing in only one state, Vermont.) HHS one-year extension on the effective Rights of Conscience Act. And we that coverage. And only employers provided no clarification, so the risk date (from Aug. 1, 2012, to Aug. 1, renew our call to the Catholic faith- that are both nonprofit and reli- remains under the unchanged final 2013) is available to any nonprofit ful, and to all our fellow Americans, gious may qualify for the “accom- rule. religious employer who desires it, to join together in this effort modation.” without any government applica- to protect religious liberty and tion or approval process. freedom of conscience for all. 3. The new “accommodation” is 6. Beware of claims, especially These changes require careful not a current rule, but a promise by partisans, that the bishops are moral analysis, and moreover, ap- Six More Things that comes due beyond the point partisan. The bishops and their pear subject to some measure of Everyone Should Know of public accountability. Also on staff read regulations before evalu- change. But we note at the outset About the HHS Mandate Friday evening, HHS issued regula- ating them. The bishops did not that the lack of clear protection for tions describing the intention to de- pick this fight in an election year — key stakeholders — for self-insured 1. The rule that created the velop more regulations that would others did. Bishops form their religious employers; for religious uproar has not changed at all, but apply the same mandate differently positions based on principles — and secular for-profit employers; for was finalized as is. Friday evening, to “non-exempt, nonprofit religious here, religious liberty for all, and secular nonprofit employers; for re- after a day of touting meaningful organizations” — the charities, the life and dignity of every human ligious insurers; and for individuals changes in the mandate, HHS is- schools and hospitals that are still person — not polls, personalities or — is unacceptable and must be sued a regulation finalizing the rule left out of the “religious employer” political parties. Bishops are duty- corrected. And in the case where first issued in August 2011, “with- exemption. These policies will be bound to proclaim these principles, the employee and insurer agree to out change.” So religious employers developed over a one-year delay in in and out of season. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Catholic Doctors Call Mandate Government Intrusion By Nancy Frazier O’Brien societal attitudes — and decided to Catholic News Service conform his practice to the church’s teachings in “Humanae Vitae” (“Of WASHINGTON — Whether they Human Life”). are just starting out or nearing the The 1968 encyclical by Pope Paul end of their careers, Catholics who VI on married love and procreation want to practice medicine in con- reaffirmed church teaching that arti- formity with the church’s teachings ficial contraception is morally wrong. wonder how a new federal regulation requiring health plans to cover con- At age 58, Hardey said he is traceptives and sterilization free of thinking of leaving his work as an charge will affect their work. obstetrician, “not because of the environment the president has brought Although the requirement will about,” but because of the long hours not directly impact physicians, some and erratic schedule required to said it represents a governmental deliver babies. intrusion into health care that could grow in the future. “I love my practice,” he said. “But Dr. Anne Nolte, a family physi- to live the OB-GYN lifestyle, you cian with the National Gianna have to really love it.” Center for Women’s Health and Nolte, who completed her Fertility in New York, thinks the medical training in 2009, focuses mandate represents “such a dra- her family practice on providing matic violation of such clearly “authentically Catholic” health care defined civil rights” that it is bound On Jan. 20, Kathleen Sebelius, she said. But at a secular hospital for women, especially in the areas of to be overturned in court. secretary of the U.S. Department where “they are doing 400 tubal liga- gynecology, infertility treatment and But, she said, “If Congress failed of Health and Human Services, tions a year, you might have the natural family planning. She sees to pass an act that provides an announced that nonprofit groups choice not to participate, but the the Gianna Center as “an alterna- exemption for the groups affected by that do not provide contraceptive work flow makes it harder,” she tive to Planned Parenthood” in this, and the courts in some incom- coverage because of their religious added. Manhattan. prehensible way allow (the mandate) beliefs will get an additional year “to A native of Natick, Mass., and a “We do exclusively women’s to stand, then Catholic health care adapt to this new rule.” 2007 graduate of the University of health care faithful to the U.S. will have to make a decision to Sarah Smith is not a doctor yet, Notre Dame in Indiana, Smith said church’s ‘Ethical and Religious practice civil disobedience.” but she worries that the HHS man- she enjoys “working with under- Directives for Catholic Health Care Dr. Kim Hardey, an obstetrician date will further sour an atmosphere served populations” but might not Services,’” she said. and gynecologist in Lafayette, La., in which she already finds some ever be able to work at a federally The directives, most recently said he hopes the decision by the challenges to her pro-life convictions. funded community health center, revised by the U.S. bishops in 2001, Department of Health and Human “The one safe environment — since the government requires that guide Catholic health care facilities Services and the Obama administra- Catholic hospitals — is not even all family planning options be offered in addressing a wide range of ethical tion will cause Catholics and other going to be safe anymore” if the con- at those centers. questions, such as abortion, euthana- Christians to rise up against “the traceptive mandate stands, she said “I am not at the point in my sia, care for the poor, medical liberal left” and “misguided femi- in a telephone interview with CNS career where I have experienced” research, in vitro fertilization, pre- nists” who would like to see abortion from Chicago, where she had just discrimination because of her pro-life natal testing, and nutrition and also become a required part of every completed the last of “14 or 15” inter- beliefs, Smith said. “We are kind of hydration. medical practice. views for a residency position in insulated in medical school. But then But that doesn’t mean Nolte “If we can allow the infringement obstetrics and gynecology. you get out and you say, ‘Wow, all serves only Catholics. of any group’s beliefs,” everyone’s be- A fourth-year medical student these policies could really affect my About 40 percent of her patients liefs are threatened, he told Catholic at Tulane University School of practice.’” are Protestants or have no religious News Service in a telephone inter- Medicine in New Orleans, Smith After assisting in the delivery affiliation. “Women come from other view Jan. 31. made clear on each interview that of about 6,000 babies over the states just for their annual exams, The new contraception mandate, her Catholic convictions prevent her past 29 years, Hardey has the and they bring their daughters,” with a narrow exemption for reli- from involvement in abortion, sterili- real-world experience that Smith Nolte said. “They see that we treat gious organizations, is part of imple- zation or contraception. lacks. He believes that some in patients differently.” menting the Patient Protection and She said she has found that Washington would like to drive Like Hardey, she expressed Affordable Care Act of 2010, which “most doctors as individuals respect obstetrician-gynecologists, or OB- concern that “this administration is sets up new preventative health care my beliefs and my conscience; they GYNs, who won’t perform abortions happy to violate civil rights” on the coverage specifically for women at no might not agree with me, but they’ll out of business. issue of contraception and could then cost. That coverage includes services defend my right to practice “There are not that many of us ... decide to do the same on abortion or such as mammograms, prenatal care medicine.” Problems are more likely that we’d be too big to go after,” he other problematic issues. But she and cervical cancer screenings. But it to arise at the institutional level, said. said nothing will ever put Catholic also mandates free contraception, where medical students and resi- Hardey prescribed contracep- health care out of business, even if sterilizations and drugs (such as ella dents are “culturally at the bottom of tives and even thought they were civil disobedience is required. and “Plan B”) considered by the the totem pole,” Smith noted. beneficial for the first nine years of “A large number of people would church to be abortifacients — all of “Some Catholic hospitals make it his medical practice. But then he not have access if we get out of which are contrary to Catholic teach- much easier for medical students began to see some of their effects — health care,” she said. “And we can’t ing. and residents to live out their faith,” not only on his patients but on let that happen.” 6 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012

Marriage Supporters Vow Bishops Respond on Prop 8 WASHINGTON — Cardinal- The decision of the Ninth to Fight Court Ruling designate Timothy Dolan, Circuit Court of Appeals upheld president of the U.S. Conference By Mark Pattison the appeals panel said no same-sex the Aug. 4, 2010, decision of a of Catholic Bishops, joins the Catholic News Service marriages can be performed. federal district judge who had bishops of California in denounc- WASHINGTON (CNS) — By a 2- The appellate court majority said ruled Proposition 8 unconstitu- ing the Feb. 7 decision of a 1 vote, a three-judge panel of the U.S. it did not answer the question of tional. “Our society does not federal court rejecting the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck “whether under the Constitution operate in an amoral or value- constitutionality of Proposition 8, down the California ban on same-sex same-sex couples may ever be denied less vacuum,” said Bishop a voter-approved initiative marriage, saying that it violates the the right to marry,” calling it “an Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, in California that recognizes 14th Amendment to the U.S. Consti- important and highly controversial chairman of the Subcommittee marriage as the union of one tution, which guarantees citizens question.” for the Promotion and Defense of man and one woman. due process and equal protection “Although the Constitution Marriage. “To flourish, it must be under the law. permits communities to enact most “Today’s court ruling is a infused with moral direction that The majority opinion, issued Feb. laws they believe to be desirable, it grave injustice, ignoring the is grounded in the truth. Of 7, said that the state, which had requires that there be at least a legit- reality that marriage is the course, the true meaning of given homosexual couples the right imate reason for the passage of a law union of one man and one marriage, like the gift of human to marry, could not revoke that right. that treats different classes of people woman,” Cardinal-designate life, is ultimately not subject to The National Organization of differently,” said the majority deci- Dolan said. “The Constitution of a vote or court ruling. But in Marriage Education Fund, in a state- sion, written by Judge Stephen the United States most assuredly California, as in every other state ment issued by its director, Brian S. Reinhardt. “There was no such does not forbid the protection of where marriage has been put to Brown, accused the judges of “finding reason that Proposition 8 could have the perennial meaning of a vote, the people justly upheld a ‘right’ to same-sex marriage in the been enacted.” marriage, one of the cornerstones the truth of marriage. How tragic United States Constitution!” “Proposition 8 served no purpose, of society. The people of for California, for the nation, and “This sets up an all-or-nothing and had no effect, other than to California deserve better. Our especially for children, that this showdown at the U.S. Supreme lessen the status and human dignity nation deserves better. Marriage correctly-informed judgment has Court,” said Brown, who asked for of gays and lesbians in California,” it deserves better.” now been set aside.” contributions to help fund a possible added. Supreme Court challenge to the All Proposition 8 did, the court on parents’ rights to control their judge, who is gay, did not disclose his lower court’s ruling. said, was to strip same-sex couples of children’s education.” sexual orientation or reveal that he An estimated 18,000 same-sex “the right to obtain and use the had a longtime romantic partner marriages had been performed in The 9th Circuit issued its opin- designation of ‘marriage’ to describe until after he had retired from the California before 52 percent of the ion in an appeal filed by supporters their relationships. Nothing more, court. The 9th Circuit panel said it state’s voters in 2008 approved of traditional marriage after now- nothing less. Proposition 8 therefore found no evidence Walker was Proposition 8, which banned same- retired U.S. District Court Judge could not have been enacted to ad- biased. sex marriages in the state. vance California’s interests in child- Vaughn Walker ruled the voter- ProtectMarriage, which put rearing or responsible procreation, approved initiative was unconstitu- The three-judge panel’s decision Proposition 8 on the ballot and for it had no effect on the rights of tional under the due process and is on hold at least until the deadline fought in court to uphold it, can same-sex couples to raise children or equal protection clauses of the 14th passes for ProtectMarriage to file appeal the decision, either to the full on the procreative practices of other Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. an appeal, meaning no same-sex 9th Circuit or directly to the U.S. couples. Nor did Proposition 8 have The group challenged Walker’s marriages would be conducted in Supreme Court. In the meantime, any effect on religious freedom or standing in the case, because the California in the near future. Lent Begins Ash Wednesday, February 22 The Lenten obligation, as determined for Catholics in the United States are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs. by our bishops, requires that fasting be observed on Ash Wednesday and Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Good Friday. The law of abstinence from meat is to be observed on Ash What does abstinence mean? Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat. Voluntary abstinence Who must fast? refers to refraining from lawful pleasures in a spirit of penance. Fridays of All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59. The obligation Lent are days of abstinence from meat. ceases when one begins his/her 60th year. Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence? Who must abstain? Individuals with just cause may be dispensed by a priest. Those who are All Catholics who are 14 years and older. ill or have a similar serious reason are excused from the observance of fast What does fasting mean? and abstinence. Catholics are reminded that they should not lightly excuse The observance of fasting means that those obliged may take only one themselves from this obligation and if they do so, they then need to com- full meal on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal) pensate with prayer and other voluntary acts of penance. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 7 March For Life March 26 OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Catholics have organized a “March for Life OKC” event that will take place on March 26. The event will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. celebrated by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1005 N.E. 15th St. Pro-life supporters will then march from Corpus Christi to the state Capitol building where a rally is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Guest speakers at the rally will be Archbishop Coakley and Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City. Shuttle transportation will be provided for those who wish to park at either the state Capitol, south of Northeast 21st, or at the State Capitol Park, NE 23rd and Lincoln Blvd. The shuttle will take participants to the site of where the march will begin. Donations to help underwrite the event can be sent to March for Life OKC, Mount St. Mary students and faculty welcomed 18 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) 987 Harrison St., Harrah, Okla. 73045. teams from across Oklahoma on Jan. 28 for the first ever Oklahoma City FTC For more information, contact Neil Baltazor at (405) 454-3651 or George qualifier. During the event, teams participated in the 2012 FTC game to qualify for the state championships. In the game, robots must move and stack racquetballs, Montee at (405) 227-0923 or at www.facebook.com/MarchForLifeOKC. crates and bowling balls to gain the most points for their team. Two MSM FTC teams will compete at the state championships to be held on March 3 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. MSM’s FIRST Robotics team, “Atomic Shock,” participated by refereeing and running the concession stand Diocese of Salina as a fundraiser. continued from Page 3 19, 1987, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City by The Most Rev. Charles A. Salatka, Archbishop of Oklahoma City. On June 14, 1995, he was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Church in The Catholic Foundation Okarche. On June 19, 2002, he was installed as Rector of the Cathedral where he was ordained to the priesthood, three months before he was given the title of Reverend Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. CORNERSTONE Bishop-elect Weisenburger’s mother died on March 22, 1998. His father resides in Oklahoma City. Supporting Seminarian Education Bishop-elect Weisenburger said he intends to move slowly in his role as Bishop of Salina. He said he plans to get to “know the people and the places” The Seminarian Burse Fund at the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese that includes 86 parishes and roughly 50,000 Catholics. continues to ensure financial resources are available for “It takes all of us working together to be the Body of Christ,” the bishop- seminarians of the Archdiocese. Last year, contributions elect said. of $122,000 did not cover the expenses of over $600,000 The Diocese of Salina is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Bishop-elect Weisenburger is celebrating his 25th year in priestly ministry. to support our seminarians during their graduate He quoted the late Father Gerald Ucker who said, “If I had 1,000 lives to live, educational years. Income from the fund helps to make up I would want to live them all as a priest.” the difference. Your gift to any of the named burses or “Priesthood has been a wild, roller-coaster experience, never dull,” the general Seminarian Burse Fund at the Catholic Bishop-elect Weisenburger said. “I’ve always viewed priesthood as an in- Foundation will help to ensure we can educate an credible privilege, one undeserved in my case. But I finally had to accept that abundance of seminarians for our Archdiocese in the fu- God oftentimes chooses the frail, the ordinary and the weak and does some ture. The Foundation’s mission is to continue to invest in pretty good work of His own through them. the future of our faith. It takes your planned gift to ensure “Since childhood, priests have always been my heroes and I cannot that future. Please give serious consideration to include imagine having done anything else with my life. In fact, I recommend it to any young man who may be listening.” the Catholic Foundation when making your estate plans. At a reception following the press conference, Archbishop Emeritus For more information on Planned Giving, contact: Eusebius J. Beltran offered a toast to the bishop-elect. He said Bishop-elect The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. Weisenburger could expect to serve many years in his new ministry.“Look at P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 me,” the Archbishop Emeritus joked. (405)721-4115 www.cfook.org [email protected] Bishop-elect Weisenburger is the second Oklahoma City priest to be selected by Pope Benedict to serve as a bishop in the past four years. In 2008, Please Remember the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in Your Estate Plans Father Anthony Taylor was named Bishop of Little Rock, Ark. 8 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 Across Oklahoma Office to Host Conference from Dr. Jan Miller, director of the Family Practice OKLAHOMA CITY — Office of Family Life Residency Program at St. Anthony Hospital; Faith EDMOND — Arch- will host the next conference for the National Roberts, RN, BSN, FCN, of Carle Foundation bishop Coakley visited St. Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers Hospital in Urbana, Ill.; Rev. Rocky Mease, M.Div., Elizabeth Ann Seton on Feb. 27-29 at the Catholic Pastoral Center. director of Institutional Chaplains in Kansas; and Catholic School during Registration begins at 3 p.m. and Opening Activity Mary Diane Steltenkamp, RN, MAPM, FCN, Catholic Schools Week. will begin at 5 p.m. Edward Mechmann from the director of Faith Community Nursing at Catholic Here he is escorted in the Archdiocese of New York, Office of Family Charities. Cost to attend the event is $45 for school by fifth-grader Ben Life/Respect Life will be the guest speaker. His FCNOK members and $75 for non-members. Endres. presentation topics will include Public Policy — Nursing students can attend for $45. Culture Changes, Moral Principles and Current RN, LPN and LMHTs attending the event may Family Concerns. be eligible for 5.25 contact continuing education Spanish Breakout Session: The Human Person hours. Pilgrimage to Germany, Poland Planned According to John Paul II will be given by Lucy For more information, contact Marilyn Seiler at Catholics are invited to join in a pilgrimage that Cardenas, Chancellor from the Diocese of Laredo. (405) 334-1630 or [email protected]. will include visits to Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, The conference is not limited to Family Life, Wroclaw, Auschwitz, Zakopane, Wieliczka, Krakow- Diocesan or parish ministers. Anyone working Choir Workshop Set Divine Mercy Shrine and Czestochowa Black with or interested in strengthening family life will OKLAHOMA CITY — A workshop for choir Madonna Shrine, Warsaw. The pilgrimage will take benefit. Call the Office of Family Life for more in- directors and choir members will be held March 10 place Sept. 3-15, 2012. Pilgrims will be escorted by formation and registration fee, (405) 709-2709 at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Brother Damian Father Peter Jandaczek, pastor of Assumption Whalen, O.S.B., Ph.D., will conduct the workshop to Catholic Church in Duncan. The cost is $3,995 and Date for Cathedral Penance Rite be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $10 and includes the following: air, transfers, museums, two OKLAHOMA CITY — The date for the English includes lunch. For more information, contact Mary meals per day, and taxes. For more information, Penance Rite at the Cathedral is Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. Fahy in the Office of Spiritual Life at (405) 721-5651 please contact Father Peter Jandaczek, (580) 255- Ext. 158. The deadline to register is March 2. 0590 Ext. 11, or PAT Tours, 1-800-388-0988. Lenten Mission to Feature Father Richard Fragomeni Chili Dinner School Wins Science Fair OKLAHOMA CITY — Author and speaker The Knights of Columbus Council in Yukon will OKLAHOMA CITY — Bishop John Carroll Father Richard Fragomeni will present the Lenten be serving three kinds of award-winning chili to all Catholic School took the Overall School Honors Mission “Living Stones” March 5-7 at St. Eugene on Saturday, March 10, starting at 11 a.m. until 6 at the 2012 Bishop McGuinness Science Fair in Catholic Church, 2400 W. Hefner Rd. p.m. Potato soup will also be served and to-go orders January. There were six first-place winners of their Father Fragomeni will preside at the 5 p.m. will also be taken. Pay one price for all you can eat category.They were Chris Ooley for Animal Science, Mass on March 3 and hear confessions prior to and stay as long as you like. The dinner will be at Ryan Mai Do for Behavioral Sciences, Charlotte Mass. “The Stages of Life and Models of Service” will the gym cafeteria behind the school at 600 Garth Edmonds for Chemistry, Lena Do for Medicine and be the topic for the morning sessions March 5-7. The Brooks Blvd. in Yukon. Health, Julie Watkins for Microbiology, and Alex morning sessions will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. Gray for Plant Sciences. each day and be followed by 30-minute teaching Parish Sets Date for Mission Also, Celeste Beihl, second-place Environmental sessions. The evening sessions will be from 7 to 8:30 EDMOND — St. John the Baptist Family Management; Thomas Martinez, second-place p.m. March 5-7. “Building the Foundation of God’s Lenten Mission with Father Joshua Wagner on “The Mathematics; Erin Yen, second-place Medicine and Temple” is the topic of the Monday evening session. Four Phrases That Will Touch and Change Your Health; Kate McConnell, second-place Energy and Tuesday’s topic is “Stones: Polished and Renewed,” Life!” Monday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 14, Transportation; Reina Ruffin, third-place Energy and Wednesday’s topic is “Sending Forth to Build 7 to 8:30 p.m. every evening. Reception to follow on and Transportation; and Madeline Fresonke, third- the Kingdom of God.” Wednesday. Nationally known speaker, Father place Chemistry. Joshua Wagner will help you repair and improve This was the first time Bishop John Carroll has Lenten Mission at the Cathedral Set any relationship, be it God, neighbor or even self! won the overall. We accredit it to the hard work and OKLAHOMA CITY — The Cathedral of Our The four phrases — I’m Sorry, I Forgive You, I dedication of our students and staff, the enhance- Lady of Perpetual Help will host a Lenten Parish Thank You and I Love You can help bring “Heaven ments in our science curriculum from the Notre Mission on March 4-6. Rev. Jim Goins will present to Earth!” Child care available. The church is Dame ACE program, and the support of our parents “The Passion Narrative of John.” Bring your Bible located at 9th and Boulevard, Edmond. and parishioners. and a friend! Connor Center, 3300 Lake Avenue, OKC, March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m., March 5 from 7 to Come and See Weekend Scheduled Irish Set Registration Dates 8:30 p.m., March 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Come and See Weekend, held March 24-25 at OKLAHOMA CITY — Bishop McGuinness Conception Seminary College in Missouri, is a trip Catholic High School registration for incoming Faith Community Nursing Conference for young men who are juniors and seniors in high freshmen is from 6 to 8 p.m. in the McGuinness EDMOND — Fifth Annual Faith Community school and older who would like to visit a seminary. Commons. Enrollment night is determined by the Nursing Association Conference to be held on March This is an excellent opportunity to meet seminari- first initial of your last name: A-G is Feb. 27, H-N is 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Baptist ans who are discerning their call to the priesthood. Feb. 28 and O-Z is March 5. For more information, Catholic Church, 900 S. Littler Avenue in Edmond. This visit is sponsored by the Archdiocese of please contact Amy Hanson at [email protected] This year’s theme is “Touching Souls: Spiritual Oklahoma City Vocations Office and is free. Contact or 842-6638 Ext. 225. Interventions in Nursing.” your pastor or the Vocations Office at (405) 721-9351 The day-long conference includes presentations or email [email protected]. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 9 Catholics Converge on Capitol for Pro-Life Rose Day OKLAHOMA CITY — Abby Johnson was the featured speaker at the annual Rose Day event. Rose Day is celebrated each year at the state Capitol. Thousands of pro-life supporters converged on the Capitol to hand roses to elected lawmakers and request that they vote pro-life. Hundreds of Catholics were involved in the effort, joining with Baptists and others who support pro-life efforts. Rose Day was celebrated Feb. 8. Archbishop Paul Coakley delivered the opening prayer. On this day, Johnson told an overflow audi- ence that her experience working for Planned Parenthood caused her to turn from being an abortion supporter to a staunch advocate for the protection of life. Johnson said that for eight years she was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic. “Then God stepped into my life,” Johnson said. “I was asked to watch an ultrasound procedure. “What I saw was a 13-week-old boy struggle and fight for his life and try to protect himself in his mother’s womb. What I saw was a child who was in panic. The place that had been safe and secure for him had become the most dangerous place for him to be,” Johnson Jessie Crabtree and Candace Rodriguez place roses on the desk of a state senator. said. Johnson said the mother undergoing the abortion was “sedated” during the procedure. “This happens 4,000 times a day in this country,” Johnson said. She said it must stop. Archbishop Coakley’s Opening Prayer The Rose Day crowd was so large it filled the House chamber and the Senate chamber. House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, said the rally was the time to celebrate life and We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our encourage state lawmakers to adopt laws that protect the unborn. sinfulness, Gov. Mary Fallin said those who participate in Rose Day, “do make a difference. But aware that we gather in your name. “When I came to the state Capitol in 1996, it was not popular to be pro-life,” Fallin said. Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. “You have made the difference. Look at all the state legislators today who said they are pro- Give us light and strength to know your will, life.” To make it our own, “I’m very happy and pleased and how appropriate to have those of you, our friends, in the Catholic Church show up for all of us today,” Fallin said, making reference to the recent con- And to live it in our lives. troversy created by President Obama’s insistence that faith-based entities provide contracep- Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, tive, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs to employees. For you are God, Sharing the glory of the Father and the Son. You desire justice for all: Enable us to uphold the rights of others, Especially the most vulnerable and, chief among these, the unborn. Do not allow us to be misled by ignorance Or corrupted by fear or favor. Unite us to yourself in the bond of love, and keep us faithful to all that is true. As we gather in your name, May we temper justice with love, so that all our decisions May be pleasing to you, And earn the reward Promised to good and faithful servants. You live and reign with the Father and the Son, One Sarah Lyons participates in her first Rose Day with her God, forever and ever. Abby Johnson mom, Olivia. 10 Sooner Catholic • February 19, 2012 February 19, 2012 • Sooner Catholic 11

The Amelia P. Davis and Elizabeth J. Davis Lawrence Memorial Assuring that their children received a college education was Catholic Foundation’s Named Funds Accomplish Scholarship Fund was created to honor the memory of “Betsy” Lawrence important to C.W. and Frances Aneshansley. Raising four and her mother Amelia Davis. Both women loved their Catholic faith and children in Clinton, the Aneshansleys worked hard to see that placed a high value on education. Dr. goal accomplished. As longtime members of St. Mary Philanthropic Goals of Many Catholic Donors Charles Lawrence and his three sons: Church in Clinton, they desired to give back to their Tony, Andrew and David, established this church and their community by establishing the The Catholic Foundation was estab- to benefit their parish or a specific Catholic Annual Report. endowment to guarantee affordable col- C.W. and Frances Aneshansley Scholarship Fund at lished to seek and receive endowment and cap- School. Some others have given gifts that Named lege education through scholarships the Catholic Foundation that would ensure other ital gifts for the benefit of the Catholic Church establish scholarships for Catholic students all Funds in the for the most deserving Catholic stu- youth from the parish get the advantage of a col- in Central and Western Oklahoma. It also is over the Archdiocese, and others have acted as form of dents from the Enid, Okarche and El lege education. The Scholarship Fund that was charged with investing and managing those advisors in a donor-advised fund that provides Scholarship Reno areas. This wonderful legacy established upon Mrs. Aneshansley’s death in funds so that periodic distributions can benefit flexibility in their giving wishes from year to Funds, honors the memory of the mother 2011 will begin awarding annual scholarships specific programs and causes in parishes, year. In all cases, the donors have given with an Memorial Funds, and grandmother they so dearly to eligible students from the parish for the schools and organizations throughout the open heart, with a sense of stewardship and Endowment Funds loved. In addition, Betsy Lawrence’s 2012-2013 school year. Archdiocese. In all cases, the wishes of the responsibility to generously give back the gifts or Donor-Advised sister, Evelyn Hau endowed a scholar- donor are executed as the donation agreement that God entrusted to them. The endowed spir- Funds can be created at ship at the Catholic Foundation upon her death and annual scholarships In her life, Sherri McLaughlin was always stipulates. it of their gifts means that the gift continues to the Catholic Foundation with a gift as little as thoughtful and cared for others. Likewise, in For 47 years, the Catholic Foundation give year-in and year-out. The Catholic $5000. Contact the Foundation office if you are awarded by the Evelyn and Kathryn Hau Memorial Fund. establishing a legacy at the Catholic has maintained specific Named Funds that Foundation saluted the spirit of giving by would like more information about creating a Foundation, Sherri desired to help others. She accomplish the philanthropic goals of our including the stories of a few of the Named Named Fund through a direct gift, a deferred wanted an endowment fund at the Foundation to Catholic donors. Many donors have given gifts Fund donors who were recently featured in its gift or a legacy gift from your will or trust. be used for missionary and seminarian purposes, in memory of the work of Father Stanley The Carl T. Benke Family Memorial Fund at the Catholic Rother. After her death in June 2011, the Fund Foundation was established in 1994 by Lahoma was established to provide financial support to MEET SOME OF OUR DONORS “Granny” Benke in memory of her late husband the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in an and their family. Carl and Lahoma were Endowment Fund that would honor Father Catholic farmers who lived four miles south of Stanley Rother’s memory through support for Lawton. Both attended Catholic school at his Seminary Burse, expenses of priests from Guatemala, or program Edmund Allen McCarthy Jr. passed away on May 29, 2011 after a long battle least part of the time and educated all 11 of Named Funds in the form of with cancer. He was born in Chicago, Illinois but while in grade school their children at the Catholic school in expenses for churches, schools or hospitals in Guatemala, as determined Scholarship Funds, moved to Oklahoma City and graduated from Bishop John Carroll High Lawton. Not wanting to create a private annually by the Archbishop of Oklahoma City. (Photo includes Michael and Sherri McLaughlin.) Memorial Funds or Donor Advised School. Ed followed his father in a professional career in outdoor advertis- foundation to accomplish their charitable Funds can be created at the Catholic ing and was a long time supporter of Bishop McGuinness High School. work, Mrs. Benke and her children saw Foundation with a gift as little as Shortly prior to his death, Judy & Tom Love (Judy is Ed’s sister) and their the value in creating a fund at the Catholic Bob Little taught music at Minneola, Kansas, Edmond, El Reno and Hinton $5000. Contact the Foundation office Foundation. The Benke Family has long schools. He was the Music and Religious Education Director family established the Ed McCarthy Scholarship Fund at McGuinness High at 405-721-4115 been involved with charitable works and at St. John the Baptist Church in Edmond and for many if you would like more School. Like Ed, who always believed that Catholic education was an impor- wanted to see God’s work funded even years was the Pastoral Music Director at St. Rose of Lima information about creating tant part of his faith, many students at McGuinness will benefit from the Ed after the immediate family passed away. Church in Watonga. In 1997, Bob began a Named Fund. McCarthy Scholarships annually with this endowed Fund at the Catholic Their Donor Advised Fund has truly been establishing his legacy that will benefit the Catholic Foundation. an example of Catholic stewardship through support to their parish and church in rural and western Oklahoma for years to come. Catholic school in Lawton, religious orders, Catholic causes, and com- Bob established the Bob Little Pastoral Music munity organizations. Vision and perseverance were two strong Scholarship Fund to award scholarships to Catholic students pursuing a college degree in pastoral music. qualities of Wilma Shriner, from Family is important to Tish and Mike Milligan. So, Since then, he has awarded annual scholarships to Blackwell, Oklahoma. Mrs. Shriner was too is their parish and school, St. Francis of Assisi deserving Catholic students throughout the instrumental in establishing a Fund at St. Church and Rosary School in Oklahoma Archdiocese. Bob passed away on September 18, Joseph Church in Blackwell in 1965 to 2011 and his legacy will continue far into the future. City. Many members of their family serve as a rainy day fund for her parish. have attended Rosary School. Their Upon her death in 2010, Mrs. Shriner desire to benefit Rosary School pro- As fourth generation Oklahomans, David and Sharon Trojan of Enid are proud of their her- bequeathed 5 rental properties in Blackwell to vided the incentive to purchase a itage in the Enid area and North Central Oklahoma. David’s great grandparents, Lew J. the Fund. As the properties were sold, the Trojan and Mary Pribil Trojan, made the land Run of 1893 settling at Bison, Oklahoma. life insurance policy that will They brought their Catholic faith to the Cherokee Strip. David and Sharon continue to sup- St. Joseph Parish Fund and the St. Joseph fund an endowment for the Church Fund were established at the port their faith through the David and Sharon Trojan Family Catholic Endowment Fund at school. Leading by example, the Catholic Foundation. This Donor Advised Fund provides support for Catholic causes Catholic Foundation. Continuing her lega- the Milligans have also sup- and assists in Catholic ministry in the Enid area and the Archdiocese. Beneficiaries of the cy, Mrs. Shriner also bequeathed a 138 ported efforts to strengthen Catholic education throughout the Fund have included Catholic Charities, St. Joseph School in Enid and St. Gregory’s acre farm in Noble County to establish the Archdiocese. Their efforts have led to the establishment of the Father University. The faith, commitment, and vision of the Trojan Family in establishing their St. Rose of Lima (Perry) Church Fund at Charles Schettler Endowment for Rosary School Fund and the Mount St. Endowment at the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma will allow them to continue to financially support future generations in the Catholic Church. (Photo includes (L to R) Ernest J. the Catholic Foundation. Income from these funds will serve both the Mary High School Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation Endowment Fund. rainy day and operational needs of both parishes for years to come. Trojan, Ann Trojan Davis, Jessica Mitchell (Tim's fiancee'), Tim Trojan, Chris Trojan, David & Sharon Trojan). 12 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 St. Philip Neri Team Captures Future City Title MIDWEST CITY — St. Philip project and gave them some valuable Neri Middle School students Sofia advice. Figueroa, Adrianna Limon and The students had picked an Morgan Montgomery earned a trip to abandoned copper mine in Utah to Washington, D.C., this month. build their environmentally friendly, The trip isn’t exactly free. The underground city. seventh- and eighth-grade students “John pointed out there are envi- attending the Midwest City school ronmental problems with a copper will have to do some work once they mine. So the kids switched to an arrive in the nation’s capital. abandoned gold mine in Australia,” Sofia, Adrianna and Morgan, Schmidlkofer said. along with two teachers, will repre- The city, ready for occupancy in sent St. Philip Neri School — and 2222, is an environmentally friendly Oklahoma — in the National geothermal system, where residents Engineers Week Foundation “Future live under a high-tech dome. City Competition.” Residents ride in magnetic trains St. Philip Neri defeated 16 other and elevators, and there are moving state middle schools last month in the sidewalks. Just about everything in Oklahoma competition and will take the city is recyclable. Solid waste is their “Team Perpetuity” project to turned into concrete. Heat from in- Washington to compete against 36 cinerated waste generates electricity. other regional middle school teams. The students had to build a scale Monica Schmidlkofer, St. Philip model of the city. Three students took science teacher, and Sue Hawkings, turns explaining the city to the judges the school’s math teacher, will and then answered questions. accompany the students. Members of the St. Philip Neri team with their Future City. National winners are given a trip Schmidlkofer said winning the place in the national competition,” for several months. to the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, engineering contest is not new for the Schmidlkofer said. John Alexin, a retired engineer Ala. The second- and third-place school. The 11-member St. Philip team and a member of the St. Philip Neri teams earn scholarships for their “We’ve won it five of the last worked on their “Future City” projects Parish, volunteered to advise on the schools’ technology programs. seven years. One year we got fourth Parish Honors Sister Barbara Joseph’s Ministry to Homeless By Steve Gust plans to expand — with housing For the Sooner Catholic as well as a program to teach job EDMOND — A mission which skills. helps the homeless was this year’s Other winners include the Ed- recipient of the Good Samaritan mond HOPE Center and Edmond Award during the annual dinner Mobile Meals. held at St. John the Baptist Both of those groups received Catholic Church. Several non- checks of $500 each. profits, donating hundreds of hours Josh Moore of Turning Point of volunteer help to Edmond, were Ministries — last year’s winner — each thanked for their work. urged the 40 or 50 present to also Three of the agencies were focus on their individual mission as singled out for special recognition well as to trust in God to take care and cash prizes. of their needs. Sister BJ’s Pantry — an out- “Also find the beauty in your reach to homeless in Oklahoma mission,” he said. City, came away with the top prize St. John’s has held the annual and a check for $2,000. award since 1991 when it was Sister Barbara Joseph started started by the late Rev. John The big winner of this year’s Samaritan Award is Sister Barbara Joseph, who runs Sister B.J.’s Pantry in downtown Oklahoma City. It ministers to the homeless. With the ministry years ago and has Petuskey. Sister B.J. is Roy Roach, left, of St. John’s Social Ministries Board, and Deacon Gary Peterson of St. John’s. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 13 Guthrie Students Take Part in Prison Ministry GUTHRIE — St. Mary middle never had the opportunity of having a school classes participated in a service father or family who showed them project during Catholic Schools Week love or concern, and they are deeply in which they baked or brought one touched by the event, to the point that dozen cookies for those in prison, their hearts are speared with the love along with personal hand-written of Christ shown to them from human letters and decorated cards sharing hands. The young man holding the their love and prayers for the inmates. babies met Christ as a result of the Julie Hagen, religion, math and weekend and now evangelizes others science teacher, asked Deacon Kenny in prison. In the last seven years, eight Longbrake, Assistant Director of converts entered the Catholic Church, Prison Ministries, if he would be able and all the men began their faith to come explain to the students the journey during the KAIROS retreat. mission of KAIROS prison ministry Deacon Longbrake held up a bag and how much the cookies would of cookies. “These cookies are the lure. mean to the prisoners. Just like fishermen use bait, we use He began his talk with a prayer cookies to lure the men to the week- describing the two thieves on either end. Some of the men have not had side of Jesus as He hung on the cross. you food, or thirsty and gave you depictions. After they shared their cookies in so long, they are eager to He compared the prison ministry to something to drink? And when was responses, Deacon Longbrake held up come for the food. They receive more the work of Jesus as he forgave it that we saw you a stranger and a picture of a clean-cut young man than that, however, as during the Dismus, the good thief, explaining welcomed you, or naked and gave you holding twin babies. It could have weekend they also receive cards and that although Jesus did not condone clothing? And when was it that we been anyone’s next-door neighbor. It letters from people who are praying the bad deeds done by the thief, he saw you sick or in prison and visited was a prisoner ... a young man who and caring for them on the outside, showed instead love, compassion and you?’ And the king will answer them, was serving a life sentence of 360 like the students at St. Mary Catholic forgiveness. Christ did not condemn ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it years, formerly the leader of a white- School. The students were not aware the thief on the cross, but after the to one of the least of these who are supremacist prison gang called the of the huge impact a simple card, thief confessed his sins and repented, members of my family, you did it to Aryan Nation. colored with crayon or marker, includ- the Lord in his mercy brought the sin- me.’” “The cookies you brought are ing an encouraging uplifting note or ner that day with Him into paradise. “What is a prisoner?” he then love,” he explained. When the Scripture could have on the men. “I He next shared Scripture from the asked. The students responded with volunteers bring the cookies, they also have seen 350-pound men break down gospel of Matthew 25:35-45 “..for I various descriptions such as, “Some- hold a four-day retreat for 42 people and cry while reading these letters, was hungry and you gave me food, I one who has done something wrong ... who are incarcerated. At the retreat, they mean so much to the men that was thirsty and you gave me some- someone who got caught doing some- consisting of one clergy and two lay- someone is praying and thinking of thing to drink, I was a stranger and thing wrong ... someone who was people, the prisoners experience them.” you welcomed me, I was naked and wrongly accused and is now in prison.” Scripture, prayer, songs, sharing of Deacon Longbrake finished by you gave me clothing, I was sick and He followed with a question: “What do stories and are shown the love, com- inviting the students to continue to you took care of me, I was in prison you think a prisoner looks like?” passion and mercy of Christ, the same remember those in prison. Around and you visited me. Then the right- Hands shot up as the students threw which was shown to the good thief on 500,000 dozen cookies are given out eous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was out answers like “tatoos, scars on their the cross. Deacon Longbrake shared each year so there is a continual need it that we saw you hungry and gave faces, scary-looking,” and other similar that a majority of those in prison have for volunteers. Mount Grad Involved in Helping Chicago Troubled Teens We’ve all heard about the troubles of job is easy. Volunteers help the boys with at-risk youth — but few have experienced all the basic life skills to help them succeed it firsthand like Kathryn Pickens. in life. They also focus on working through When Pickens, Mount ’07, graduated anxiety problems. from the University of Tulsa in May 2011, The Boys Home has 13 volunteers who she decided to spend a year as part of a live on campus. They have weekly goals, volunteer program in the United States. which range from not using any electricity She chose a Chicago-based program to having one trash bag for all of them. called Mercy Works. The Catholic-based These challenges work to instill the goals of program offers a place for at-risk youth to simple living in the volunteers. find support and guidance while learning Kathryn Pickens at left. Despite the hard work, Pickens said to make positive decisions. she would definitely recommend that Pickens works at the location with at-risk boys who live on campus. “The Mount graduates consider working in such a program. boys that I work with are awesome. They have really good hearts, and while “The Mount gave me the opportunity to start my volunteer work, and now there are definitely some heartbreaking stories, they are growing out of that. I can give back to the community in a great way. You grow so much during this I’m very lucky to be a part of it,” Pickens said. type of experience and learn huge lessons about yourself and life in general,” She said that while the boys continue to improve, it doesn’t mean that her Pickens said. 14 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 Helping Disadvantaged a Bigger Concern Than Debate By Patricia Zapor Catholic Charities of the Diocese Catholic News Service of Fort Worth, Texas, has for five WASHINGTON — Whether the years been consciously trying to rich-poor divide in the United States change its sources of funding, said is a demographic statistic or a politi- Heather Reynolds, executive director. cian’s talking point is irrelevant to Seeing a trend for decreased the agencies that are simply trying government funding of social to make sure the people on the poor services, the agency’s board looked at side of the equation have a roof over how to offset that while helping their head and food on the table. clients get out of poverty permanent- They’re too busy trying to figure ly, she told CNS. out how to feed more people with less For instance, they turned a money. translation and interpretation The growing gap between rich service through Catholic Charities and poor in the United States is a into a competitive business. The key theme of the “occupy” movement agency had long offered such services around the country, with participants at below-market prices, Reynolds emphasizing that they represent the said. But it was turned into a profit- “99 percent,” as opposed to the 1 generating business, providing trans- percent who control the majority of lators to hospitals, courts and other as important, behind “jobs and unem- people have recently joined the ranks financial resources in the world. agencies, while paying a living wage ployment,” cited by 83 percent, and of the needy. In his State of the Union address to the translators — all clients of the federal deficit, cited by 69 percent Jan. 24, President Barack Obama For example, “among my large Catholic Charities. talked about whether the United of the 1,005 voters polled. group of friends in their 50s, I know States must settle for being “a But out in the parish food more than a dozen people who are “We’ve gotten many clients out country where a shrinking number of pantries and social service agencies unemployed,” he said. That includes of poverty,” Reynolds said, while people do really well while a growing where people in need seek help, the one man who previously had a six- generating $200,000 worth of profit number of Americans barely get by, question is not “Is the rich-poor gap a figure income who has been out of that goes back into Catholic or we can restore an economy where political issue?” or even “Is the gap work for going on three years. Charities. everyone gets a fair shot, and every- getting bigger?” It’s simply: “How do Linda Romine, communications Another small business started one does their fair share, and every- we take care of the people on the poor director for the Louisville organiza- by Catholic Charities is Worn, which one plays by the same set of rules.” side of the line?” tion, said the director of a St. Vincent employs refugee women — most from He added that “what’s at stake Candy Hill, senior vice president de Paul conference at one of the city’s Burma (Myanmar) and Bhutan — to aren’t Democratic values or Repub- for social policy and government most affluent parishes reported help- knit intricate scarves. The scarves lican values, but American values.” affairs for Catholic Charities USA, ing more upper middle-class and are sold through local boutiques, at People are definitely noticing said that although there are signs “solidly middle-class” families in eco- “scarf parties” and via the website the gap between rich and poor and the economy is improving, many nomic crisis. www.wornforpeace.com, at prices consider it a problem, according to people are seeking basic support The parish helps with mortgage ranging from $58 to $118. from church agencies. pollsters. payments and utility bills, Romine “Our 2011 goal was to sell 500 “Demand hasn’t leveled off yet,” Two-thirds of a sampling of said in an email exchange with scarves,” Reynolds said. “We sold just she said. Americans told the Pew Research Catholic News Service. “They’re under 1,500.” The 20 knitters who Center in December that there are Ed Wnorowski, executive director proud and embarrassed to ask for make them are paid a piece rate that strong or very strong conflicts be- of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul assistance, but they are in desperate allows a woman who makes six tween rich and poor in this country, of Louisville, Ky., said the number of situations.” She gave examples of one scarves a week — about 18 hours of up from 47 percent who said that two calls to a regional clearinghouse for family hit by a medical crisis that left work — to pay a month’s rent from years ago. social services nearly doubled be- the husband disabled and unable to her earnings, she explained. More than twice as many people tween 2008 and 2009, from 3,719 to work, and another family headed describe the conflict as “very strong” 6,255. The figure has remained well by a small-business owner whose As a result of such new di- as did so in July 2009, said the Pew above 6,200 the following two years. company failed. rections, the agency’s budget has gone from $9 million, 80 percent of study released Jan. 11. At the same time, donations to Wnorowski said the charity’s which came from government fund- And another survey released the society have been flat, meaning main effort to be sure it can meet ing six years ago to $19.5 million, 53 Feb. 2 that was conducted by Public the same amount of money and needs has involved raising the profile percent of which comes from govern- Religion Research Institute for donated goods has had to stretch of St. Vincent de Paul and its work, ment funding, Reynolds said. Religion News Service found that the further, Wnorowski said. both to be sure people in need know gap between rich and poor was cited St. Vincent de Paul doesn’t track it’s there and to attract donations. “Our government funding has by voters it polled as the third most such statistics at the regional level, Agency-owned thrift stores around not decreased but we have become critical issue facing the country. Just but Wnorowski had some anecdotes the region provide its main source of focused on advancement and getting under half, (49 percent) cited the gap to reflect changes in what kind of income. people out of poverty,” she said. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Vanderbilt Students Protest Inclusion Mandate By Theresa Laurence Father John Sims Baker rejects the Catholic News Service claim that “all” Vanderbilt registered student organizations are bound by NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Students the nondiscrimination policy. “There at Vanderbilt University packed a are literally dozens of student organi- town hall meeting on campus to zations that are exempt. All fraterni- protest a school nondiscrimination ties and sororities are discriminatory policy they say is being applied unfair- in leadership and membership. They ly and is a threat to religious liberty. don’t let just anyone join,” he said. The policy requires that member- “The policy is unfairly applied to reli- ship as well as leadership positions in gious groups.” any student organizations registered with the university be open to all, Despite protests from students, as which means religious organizations well as from outside Christian legal also must open their leadership posi- counsels and Nashville Bishop David tions to anyone, regardless of beliefs. R. Choby, among others, Vanderbilt For more than two months, University decided not to make Vanderbilt Catholic, the campus any exceptions for religious student ministry program, and other student organizations. religious organizations on campus In November, Bishop Choby wrote to Chancellor Zeppos, asking the uni- were hoping the university would Vanderbilt University not apply the policy to their groups’ versity to “not apply Vanderbilt’s laudatory nondiscrimination policy in leadership spots. Vanderbilt Catholic recently sub- The organization’s headquarters, this unfortunate manner.” But university administrators mitted a new constitution to Vander- the Frassati House, is located on the were on hand at the Jan. 31 town hall Vanderbilt Catholic has taken up bilt administrators to seek annual grounds of the Cathedral of the meeting to reiterate that they would the issue mostly in solidarity with re-approval for their organization. Incarnation and is owned by the not back down from enforcing it. fellow religious student organizations, Religious student organizations in Diocese of Nashville. Vanderbilt The meeting followed a Jan. 20 including the Christian Legal Society good standing are allowed use of the Catholic also would continue to have letter from Chancellor Nicholas and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vanderbilt name, funding from the ready access to Mass at the cathedral. Zeppos that made Vanderbilt’s posi- whose constitutions currently violate Interfaith Council, space on the web Father Baker doesn’t worry too tion clear. the nondiscrimination policy. These server, and worship time in the on- much about Vanderbilt Catholic being “The university does not seek to groups could lose their standing as campus Benton Chapel. hijacked by outsiders, but, he said, limit anyone’s freedom to practice his registered student organizations if Vanderbilt Catholic’s one-page “There is a possibility for someone or her religion. We do, however, they do adapt to the nondiscrimina- constitution doesn’t explicitly state hostile to your mission to try and take require all Vanderbilt-registered tion policy. that those running for leadership posi- over, to run for president, for a public- student organizations to observe our “We saw the way other religious tions must be practicing Catholics, but ity stunt, and it could be very dis- nondiscrimination policy,” Zeppos groups were being treated and could “it makes our mission very clear,” ruptive,” he said. stated. “That means membership in not sit by in good conscience, because Father Baker said. But for now, Vanderbilt Catholic’s registered student organizations is it’s not fair,” Father Baker told the If Vanderbilt Catholic’s constitu- mission and regular slate of activities open to everyone and that everyone, if Tennessee Register, Nashville’s dioce- tion were not approved for some is going ahead as scheduled. desired, has the opportunity to seek san newspaper. “There are no other reason, Father Baker said, it would “We’re just going forward ... work- leadership positions.” schools that have a policy like Vandy not spell the end for the thriving ing on the salvation of souls,” Father Vanderbilt Catholic chaplain and enforce it like they do.” Catholic campus ministry program. Baker said. Archbishop Protests Censorship of Letter Opposing HHS Mandate By Nancy Frazier O’Brien John McHugh about the chief of as a call to civil disobedience,” the based on legal precedent, that such Catholic News Service chaplains’ response to the arch- statement added. a directive from the Army constituted WASHINGTON — A directive bishop’s Jan. 26 letter and the two The letter had been issued as part a violation of his constitutionally from the U.S. Army chief of chaplains “agreed that it was a mistake to stop of a nationwide campaign by U.S. protected right of free speech and that a letter opposing the Obama ad- the reading of the archbishop’s letter,” bishops protesting the Department of the free exercise of religion, as well ministration’s contraceptive mandate according to a statement released by Health and Human Services require- as those same rights of all military not be read from the pulpit by Catholic the military archdiocese to Catholic ment that all health plans — even chaplains and their congregants." News Service Feb. 6. military chaplains violated First those covering employees of Catholic The office of the Army chief of Amendment rights of free speech and The two also agreed to McHugh’s schools, hospitals and charitable insti- chaplains did not immediately re- free exercise of religion, according to suggestion that one line, which read, tutions — cover contraceptives, in- spond to a CNS request for comment the head of the Archdiocese for the “We cannot — we will not — comply cluding some that can cause abortions, about the incident. The military arch- Military Services. with this unjust law,” be removed from and sterilization free of charge. diocese said there was no objection to Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio the letter because of “the concern that The archbishop said he and the the letter from the other branches of spoke with Secretary of the Army it could potentially be misunderstood Archdiocese “stand firm in the belief, military service. 16 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 Lenten Fasting Easy Compared to Starvation Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of and we have plenty of food avail- “For I was hungry you gave me food, I was the Congo — “Today the big children will able to choose from and plenty to thirsty and you gave me drink…” Matthew 25:31- satisfy those appetites. That is 46 eat, Cynthia, 15, and Gueller, 13. why it is so hard for us to get our Jesus gives us our final exam answers in this Tomorrow, it will be the turn of the little arms around what happens to so gospel quote by telling us in advance how we will be ones, Benedicte, Josiane and Manasse, 3, much of the world’s population judged at the end of our lives. It will not be how 6, and 9. Of course, the small ones will every single day. much we accumulated, how high we went on the fuss. Yes, sure, they ask for food, but we There are over 1 billion job ladder or any other category. It will simply be people in the world today who do things like feeding the hungry. don’t have any,” said their mother, not know whether they will eat on By Father David Garcia As we begin Lent, there is a handy reminder Ghislaine Berbok, a police officer who any given day. It is the first time given to us by Catholic Relief Services, called the earns $50 a month. “There will have been in the history of the human race Rice Bowl, which helps us do what Jesus asks his a little bread for them at breakfast, but that such a number of people are food insecure. disciples to do, namely feed others who are hungry. nothing more. At night they will be Another 2 billion are just a step ahead, and any The Rice Bowl is a small carton you fashion into a disaster or stroke of bad luck could push them into bowl. The idea is that from the beginning of Lent weak,” she said. “Sure they complain. But the food deprived category easily.A poor crop due to you put it on the dining table, or wherever you can there is nothing we can do.” — Front lack of rain or pest infestation could mean a year see it daily, to remind you that your Lenten sacrifice Page, New York Times, January 3, 2012 of hunger. An ethnic, tribal or other civil conflict, can literally put food into peoples’ mouths and I remembered this disturbing article I had read which happen often in the poorest countries, could save lives. Rice Bowl funds, through many CRS as I began to think about how I would help prepare send them fleeing for their lives away from their programs, feed the poor of the world. A portion of my parish for Lent. It was painful. homes, leaving them vulnerable refugees in strange the funds are also used for the hungry in your dio- Imagine if you were this parent having to lands. So many people are living on the margins. cese. decide which of your children will eat today and Three billion people. That is now almost half Take the time this Lent to share a little some- which must wait until tomorrow, no matter how our planet. So many families are making decisions thing every day in your Rice Bowl. It will amaze much they cry and complain. Imagine your feelings as to which child eats today and which must wait you how much you can give without really realizing of hopelessness. There is nothing you can do. until tomorrow. it. And maybe, just maybe, because of you some Lent is on us. Yes, we American Catholics will Can we begin to see Lent as a way for us parent will not have to choose which child will eat fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good to somehow be in solidarity with those who are today and which won’t. Friday, but I doubt many of us will be weak on hungry? Can the fasting and other penitential Father David Garcia is the Senior Adviser for those nights. Our well-fed bodies can easily pass a practices spur us to action for those who have so Clergy Outreach for Catholic Relief Services. In this day with a little less food. In fact, for many of us little through no fault of their own? Can our Lent be role, Father Garcia helps lead the agency’s efforts to who carry those extra pounds, days of fast usually a moment when we actually reach out to share develop and strengthen relationships with clergy just remind us of our need to lose weight and quit some of what we have with them so they do leaders in the United States and promote solidarity eating so much. not have to make such terrible choices of which chil- with the poor and vulnerable in the developing We Americans are simply in love with eating dren will eat on a given day? world. New EWTN Show Line-Up Starting in March Living Right With Dr. Ray: his pulpit to preach the Catholic faith, Timothy O’Donnell, STD, president of Brian Mullady, O.P., S.T.D., presents an Psychologist and radio host Dr. Ray while preparing flavorful dishes for the Christendom College, as he examines in-depth study of the moral doctrine of Guarendi blends his deep professional whole family. Airs 8:30 p.m. ET, the place of the Catholic epistles in the Church with regard to conscience, experience and insight with his Sundays, 6 p.m. ET, Wednesdays and the New Testament Canon and their freedom, law and the formation of Catholic perspective and humor in a 2:30 a.m. ET, Thursdays. witness to the apostolic teaching. Airs moral maturity, offering solutions to new one-hour talk show covering Catholicism: Journey with 5:30 p.m. ET, Sundays and 3 a.m. ET, contemporary moral problems in the issues pertinent to families, children Father Robert Barron to more than 50 Saturdays. post-Vatican II Church. Airs 2:30 a.m. and seniors. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Mondays, locations throughout 16 countries. Be Fathers for Good: On location ET, Fridays and 4 p.m. ET, Saturdays. 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursdays and 10 p.m. illuminated by the spiritual and artis- in Makati City, Philippines, Father Diamonds from Daniel: Frances ET, Saturdays. tic treasures of this global Church that Francis Gustilo and Frank Padilla Hogan leads a meditation on selected Mary’s Dowry Presents: Meet claims more than 1 billion of the discuss the universal challenges faced passages from the Book of Daniel, and the Tudor and Elizabethan priests and earth’s people. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sundays, by fathers and their families around relates the levels of meaning during other Roman Catholics who refused to 10:30 p.m. ET, Wednesdays and 4:30 the world. Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Tuesdays the time in which they were written. attend the services of the Church of p.m. ET, Saturdays. and 6:30 p.m. ET, Saturdays. Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Wednesdays and England and who were determined to Cat Chat: The Cat Chat Family The Way of the Cross for Kids: 1:30 p.m. ET, Thursdays. keep the faith there alive — even in the teaches kids the most important In this animated special for children, Genesis to Jesus: Dr. Scott Hahn face of torture, persecution and death. lessons on the Catholic faith with Christine, Eva, Joseph and Enrique and co-host Robert Corzine show how Airs 2:30 p.m. ET, Mondays and 3:30 catchy songs, silly jokes, action-packed follow the 14 Stations of the Passion the Old and New Testaments present a.m. ET, Fridays. adventures of the family cat, Moses. and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s salvific actions through his Son, Savoring Our Faith: Father Leo Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Mondays. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Fridays. Jesus Christ. Airs 9 p.m. ET, Mondays Patalinghuguses uses the kitchen as The Catholic Epistles: Join Dr. Both Servant and Free: Father and 2 a.m. ET, Thursdays. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 17 God Created Marriage So Children Could Be Created A few years ago, I spoke with comes to pro- word, mean that the child would be marriage with the immediate inten- a young man preparing to get creation: malnourished and without warm tion of avoiding offspring (even if married. His aunt told him that she “Pope John clothing, or would it simply mean they are using morally acceptable thought he and his fiancée were too Paul II spoke of ‘re- that he or she would forego some of means such as NFP), they perhaps financially-strapped to have a child, sponsible parent- the latest hi-tech gadgets that other ought to consider delaying the and that it wouldn’t be fair to bring hood,’ in which children in the neighborhood might exchange of their vows until they up a baby in poverty. Keenly aware a couple uses be enjoying? have resolved the various impedi- of his joblessness and his minuscule practical wisdom, I recall what a father of seven ments, whether financial, career- bank account, he concluded she was prayer and a spirit By Father children on a tight budget once told related or personal, that are lead- probably right. of generosity in Tadeusz me in a conversation: “Honestly, ing them to be closed to the idea of The young man and his fiancée determining how Pacholczyk there’s always room around the having children. were ready to tie the knot in a few many children table for one more, and with ‘hand- I recall hearing about another months and they expected that she they should have. Some Catholics me-down’ clothing, we always family that had six children. They would be at the infertile phase of believe that the Church permits the manage. And my goodness, isn’t it didn’t have two nickels to rub to- her cycle around the time of their use of NFP only for reasons that a momentous thing to receive that gether. After the father came down honeymoon, so they would be able verge on the truly desperate, such trust of preparing another soul for with mental illness, the mother to consummate the marriage while as a situation where a pregnancy an eternal destiny with God?” His had to support the family single- avoiding bringing a child into the would threaten a woman’s life or wife pointed out how the older handedly. A clear-thinking woman world. They agreed they would use a family is living in dire poverty. children ended up helping with with an unflinching faith, now Natural Family Planning (NFP) Magisterial documents, however, raising the younger ones, lessening elderly and reflecting on her past, after that to avoid a pregnancy. A state that spouses may have the burdens on mom and dad, and she memorably remarked to her few years later when they felt physical, psychological, economic or turning it into a “team effort.” neighbor: “I’ve never seen the Lord financially secure, he told me, they social reasons for needing to limit The ancient Christian teaching send a child without also sending a would have their first child. He family size, using several different on the two-fold purpose of lunch pail.” God, who is the very admitted, however, that he was con- adjectives to describe those marriage, namely, the “procreation source of the immortal souls of our flicted about whether they were reasons: One can have ‘just’ and education of children,” and the children, is a provident God who really being “open to life” in their reasons, ‘worthy’ reasons, ‘defensi- “mutual help and sanctification of invites us to examine the heart of marriage if they were going into it ble’ reasons, ‘serious’ reasons and the spouses,” accurately summa- our marriages. He invites us to with this kind of forethought and ‘weighty’ reasons. In short, the rizes the inner order of marriage. entrust ourselves to him, so that we intention of avoiding children. Magisterium teaches that spouses As the future John Paul II wrote in might be courageous and open to In marriage, it can certainly be must have unselfish reasons for us- his great 1960 book “Love and the gift of life he sends us in the challenging to harmonize spousal ing NFP and limiting their family Responsibility,” radical personal midst of the marital embrace. love with the responsible transmis- size.” openness to both of these purposes Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., sion of life. Janet Smith and At times, then, our justifica- is essential to the success and is a priest of the diocese of Fall Christopher Kaczor, in an illumi- tions for avoiding a pregnancy may meaning of any marriage. We River, Mass., and serves as the nating passage from one of their merit further reflection and scru- should never enter into marriage Director of Education at The recent books, acknowledge this tiny on our part. When it comes to with active opposition to the very National Catholic Bioethics Center challenge and point to the need “poverty,” for example, would our ends for which it exists. If a couple in Philadelphia. See www.ncb- for a “spirit of generosity” when it poverty, in the true sense of the is preparing to embark upon center.org. We Can Learn Much From Visiting Indian Priests I am not very happy with my in one of the great gifts that the 12 moment of the day to use the gift of time as we do. They cats, even though we have been Indian priests serving in the Arch- to be more effective are not often in a rush, which allows together for a good amount of time. diocese bring to us: a Sense of the and productive. We them the freedom to stop and They seem to respond better to our Sacred. lose something in talk and to enjoy the day. I have new Indian priest, who is the associ- I have noticed this sensitivity to this approach to personally found their sense of time ate here in Woodward. I fear there is the sacredness of daily life in the life. The Indian and its use attractive and helpful. a reason for the behavior of my cats. Indian priests with whom I have priests have some- These wise and holy men from a They can tell when I am stressed or worked and lived. They come from a thing to offer us in far-off place are missionaries among preoccupied. When I can catch them, culture with an ancient history and a this regard. They us and to us. They bring unique and By Father it is a small miracle. However, I have unique world view. The culture of know how to work sacred gifts looking at life and time noticed, much to my displeasure, that India is not like our culture. Their hard and how to Scott Boeckman and God. our Indian associate, Father Swamy, ways are not our ways. rest well. Instead While I am still not happy that seems to have no problem rounding Specifically, the Indian priests I of trying to control their day, they my cats respond to Father Swamy them up. So my question is, what know seem to have a different sense allow it to open up to them. They better than to me, at least I know is wrong with my cats? There is of time. Here in America, we are have this inner calmness about them that my cats and I both recognize the certainly nothing wrong with me. always running full speed, multi- which I believe comes from this sense of the sacred for which we all I believe the answer can be found tasking, trying to squeeze every different approach. They do not seem long. 18 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 Calendar FEBRUARY 1:15 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Hospital 2 First Friday Sacred Heart 4-6 The Cathedral of Our Lady 19 Pilgrimage Sunday, Mass Chapel. For more information, call Mass at the Catholic Pastoral of Perpetual Help will host a begins at 11 a.m. and includes Jim Disbrow at 830-8688. Center. Exposition of the Blessed Lenten Parish Mission on March blessing of the sick and blessing of Sacrament is at 5:30 p.m. 4-6. Rev. Jim Goins will present The the children, noon lunch, 1 p.m. 27 Bishop McGuinness Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation avail- Passion Narrative of John in Connor Novena prayers to Infant Jesus of High School registration dates able before Mass. Mass is at 7 p.m. Center, 3300 Lake Avenue, OKC. Prague, Litany of the Infant Jesus, for incoming freshmen, A-G, is from For more information, call the Office March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. of Family Life at (405) 721-8944 or and Adoration of the Blessed 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, March 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sacrament. National Shrine of the contact Amy Hanson at ahanson@- Diane Grim at (405) 528-6252. March 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Infant Jesus of Prague is located at bmchs.org or 842-6638 Ext. 225. St. Wenceslaus Church at 304 Jim 3 The Lay Missionaries of Thorpe Blvd. in Prague, (405) 567- 28 Bishop McGuinness Catholic Charity, the Secular (Lay) Order 5 Bishop McGuinness Catholic 3080 or www.shrineofinfantjesus.- High School registration dates of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, High School registration dates com. for incoming freshmen, H-N, is from at St. John the Baptist Catholic for incoming freshmen, O-Z, is from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, Parish, Edmond, first and third 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, Saturday of each month beginning 19 The Community of the contact Amy Hanson at ahanson@- contact Amy Hanson at ahanson@- bmchs.org or 842-6638 Ext. 225. with Holy Mass at 7:30 a.m. in the bmchs.org or 842-6638 Ext. 225. Secular Order of the Blessed chapel. For more information, call Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel and Toni Harrelson at (405) 341-2199, or St. Teresa of Jesus - Oklahoma MARCH [email protected]. 5 Penance Service, St. John the Community and Province of St. 1 Penance Service, Sacred Heart Baptist Parish, Edmond, at 6:30 Therese meets at Little Flower Parish, Oklahoma City, at 7 p.m. 4 The Secular Franciscan Order p.m. Church, OKC, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 of St. Claire Fraternity meets at p.m. For more information, call 2 Holy Family Home Mass, 11:30 1:15 p.m. the first Sunday of the 6 Penance Service, St. Francis Katherine Payne at (405) 210-4826 a.m., Holy Family Home, 6821 Eddie month at St. Thomas More Church Xavier Parish, Enid, at 7 p.m. or Betty Sharp at (405) 408-4275. Drive, Midwest City. To confirm that in Norman in the library. All are Mass will be held that day and for welcome. For more information, call 19 The Secular Franciscan Order directions, contact HFMH at 741- Alice at (405) 473-7680. 7 Penance Service, St. Patrick of St. Francis Fraternity meets at 7419. Parish, OKC, at 6 p.m. Jobs Box

Part-Time DRE Donna Kearns, Principal, at (405) 752-2264. St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Del The school is located at 13404 N. Meridian, City has a position open for a part-time Oklahoma City. DRE beginning July 1, 2012. The classes for Field Agent Pre-K through 12 meet at 10 a.m. to 11 The Knights of Columbus is seeking a.m. (between Sunday Masses). The R.E. a field agent for a career opportunity Building includes eight classrooms and a representing our insurance program in the spacious office. The enrollment is about 100 Norman-Lawton area. This professional students. Present DRE is moving out of position offers the chance to make an above state. Contact the Parish Office (677-4873) average income, a career path into manage- for an application or to talk with the ment if desired, paid advanced education pastor, Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B. and generous bonus opportunities. We offer a complete benefits package with this full- Behavioral Interventionists time position. Works in an assigned and Good Shepherd Catholic School at exclusive marketing area to sell and service Mercy is in need of several Behavioral our insurance and retirement products. Interventionists. A behavioral interven- Performs needs analysis for assigned tionist is an individual who works one-on- members and recommends appropriate one with children with disabilities to products to meet those needs. Develops provide academic and behavioral support positive relationships with the local for children on the autistic spectrum. The councils to help recruit new members. position is part time and hours are nego- In order to qualify, one must be eligible tiable. The school is in session from for membership in the Knights of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Columbus. For more information, please If you are a very patient person and email a resume to Kevin Pierce, FICF, experienced/interested in working with General Agent, at [email protected], or children with disabilities, please contact Dr. call (405) 514-7660. February 19, 2012 ● Sooner Catholic 19

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Top left: Archbishop Coakley, Jeff Finnell, president of Oklahoma Catholic Radio, as well as board members Deacon Larry Sousa, Father Price Oswalt and Fred Pope took part in the tower blessing. Bottom left: Jeff Finnell and Dave Dixon at the tower blessing. At left, Blessed Sacrament Pastoral Associate Charles Benke.

Error Made Into Teaching Moment by Lawton Principal St. Mary’s Principal Paolo Dulcamara turned a spelling mistake into a beautiful teaching moment. After the unveiling of the Ten Commandments monument at St. Mary’s School, it was noticed that a word was misspelled. Dulcamara brought it to the attention of the monument creator, who was very apolo- getic for the error. The artist promised he would correct the misspelling and make it so that no sign of the mistake would ever be visible. Here’s how Principal Dulcamara addressed the issue: “It is only God’s law that is perfect, and we mortal creatures make mistakes. It is noteworthy that the misspelled word was ‘adultery,’ as this is seen in the Prophets as a sign of man’s infidelity to God. We must always seek to be faithful to God’s Law and in loving Him Who first loved us. However, we fall and we sin, but just as the monument will be repaired without even a mark to show there was a mistake, so too through the forgiving and saving grace of Jesus, we too are healed of our mistakes and sins, thus being made a new creature in Christ. “I was sad that a mistake was made but I am thankful that just as it can be fixed, so too no matter how much we think our sins are as if engraved in stone, we can be made whole through the Sacrament of Confession and the saving power of Jesus.” Father Joe Ross, left, Archbishop Coakley and Principal Paolo Dulcamara 20 Sooner Catholic ● February 19, 2012 A Busy Catholic Community Lawton Celebrates 10 Commandments, New School, Confirmation and Radio Tower LAWTON — To say the Catholic being started with only $8,000. faith is alive and well in this city of Actually there would be no start-up 107,000 should probably be considered cost, but the principal said some an understatement. Consider what computer desks for older students will took place here on Feb. 3. be needed as well as some other minor Archbishop Paul S. Coakley came changes. High school students at St. to Lawton to bless the newly installed Mary’s will pay tuition of $2,400, monument of the Ten Commandments Dulcamara said. at St. Mary’s School. Later that Earlier, Archbishop Coakley evening he administered the sacra- prayed over the granite Ten ment of Confirmation at Holy Family Commandments monument that rests Parish to 14 young people. Sandwiched next to St. Mary’s. The monument was between the monument blessing and created by Lawton’s Chris Elledge. the Confirmation was a major an- The monument was erected as part of nouncement about St. Mary Catholic the effort by Archbishop Emeritus School and another blessing, this time Eusebius J. Beltran to place the Ten for a radio tower that will expand Commandments at every Catholic Catholic radio to southwest Oklahoma. school in the Archdiocese. The effort is Following the blessing of the Ten supported by the Catholic Foundation Commandments, Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma. stood next to Father Joseph Ross of Dulcamara credited generous and Blessed Sacrament Church as St. faithful supporters with making the Mary’s Principal Paolo Dulcamara monument a reality. announced a dramatic development Following the Ten Command- that would be coming to the school. ments blessing, Archbishop Coakley Dulcamara, speaking to St. Mary’s joined a caravan that traveled about students, a number of parents and seven miles south of Lawton to a field parishioners, said the school had just where a radio tower has been erected. received permission from the Arch- The tower will carry the signal bishop and Sister Catherine Powers, produced by Oklahoma Catholic CND, superintendent of Catholic Broadcasting on Annunciation Radio of Education, to launch a virtual high Oklahoma. school at St. Mary’s. Annunciation Radio can be heard Applause and cheers broke out as on KTLR 890 AM and KTLR 94.1 FM. Dulcamara made the announcement. In Lawton and southwest Oklahoma, Dulcamara said St. Mary’s has not station KOEG carries the offered Catholic education for high Archbishop Coakley blesses the Ten Commandments monument in Lawton. Below, Annunciation Radio signal at 88.3 FM. school students in more than 40 years. St. Mary students gather for the ceremony. St. Mary’s will partner with the Archdiocese of Miami, Fla., to offer the Internet high school to students. Already, five students have indi- cated a desire to be enrolled at St. Mary’s, and Dulcamara said he expects that number to grow. Students will take classes via the Internet and as Dulcamara said, they will “obtain a full Catholic high school education.” He called the course offerings “a complete Catholic curriculum.” St. Mary’s is the fourth school in the United States to partner with the Archdiocese of Miami. Dioceses in Colorado, Michigan and Florida all have a school that is now offering Catholic education to high school students via the Internet. Dulcamara said the high school is