THE CATHOLIC MIRROR

Vol. 55, No. 1 January, 15 2021 Pope proclaims year dedicated Ordinations have powerful impact to St. Joseph

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Marking the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being declared patron of the universal church, Pope Francis pro- claimed a yearlong celebration dedicated to the foster father of Jesus. In a Dec. 8 apostolic letter, “Pa- tris Corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), the pope said Christians can discover in St. Joseph, who often goes unnoticed, “an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.” “St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all,” he said. As Mary’s husband and guardian of the son of God, St. Joseph turned “his human voca- tion to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of himself, his heart and all his abilities, a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home.” Despite being troubled at first by Mary’s pregnancy, he added, St. Joseph was obedient to God’s will “regardless of the hardship involved.” “In every situation, Joseph declared his own ‘fiat,’ like those of Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane,” the pope

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Capitol attack Read what Pope Francis and other faith leaders said about the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol, page 15.

Above: Deacon Max COVID 19 Carson of St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines lays prostrate on the Bishop encourages floor during the Litany of the Saints at his ordina- Holy Hours for God’s tion for the transitional diaconate on Dec. 26 at grace amid pandemic the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in By Kelly Mescher Collins Rome. See story on page Staff Writer 11.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has been tough on everyone, including parishes and Left: Deacon Nick Stark the faith community. While hope is on the hori- was ordained a transi- zon, the Church will face both challenges and op- tional deacon on Dec. portunities post-pandemic. 30 by Bishop William In prayerful response, Bishop William Joensen at his home Joensen will soon be inviting parishes to host a parish of St. Pius X weekly Holy Hour with Eucharistic adoration to Parish in Urbandale. See pray for grace and trust in God and his divine story on page 11. providence, and to stir our evangelistic efforts post-pandemic, said Adam Storey, vice-chancel- lor for the Diocese of Des Moines. Bishop Joensen is inviting parishes to Continued on page 10 2 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 Decoder Ring Not long after the pan- it. various circles of life to which we In my clerical hab- demic hit our shores last year Yet as we approach the belong. We are bold enough to ex- it of reading what some priests about this time, drug companies By Week of Christian Unity and amine the phenomena of our own call, “the Irish sports pages,” i.e., ramped up to “warp speed” in Bishop Catholic Schools Week, my point hearts and their infinite longings, the obituaries, I noted one dis- their coronavirus research in order William is not to disparage science, but to and to enter the spiritual labora- tinguished fellow who died of to produce a vaccine. Decoding Joensen commend it in proper measure. tory of dialogue among atheists, COVID-19 in his 80s who was de- the protein and DNA structures of Science has the vital capacity to agnostics, “nones” (no religious scribed as a doctorally-trained an- the virus is a relatively straight- contribute to the human-divine affiliation), and persons who con- alytical chemist, a man of firm Lu- forward affair these days. Long zation of our human identity, our project of redemption and King- fess various forms of Christian theran faith highly regarded both before effective vaccines were calling and destiny that extends far dom consciousness that Jesus in- faith. In such dialogue, it is a by his fellow scientists and by his developed (and it is NOT my task beyond this universe. It means to augurates. The newest edition of mark of respect and recognition of church and larger civic communi- here to offer an ethical analysis of abide within God’s own commu- the Directory for Catechesis (DC) common dignity not to write any- ty for his many acts of kindness the different cell lines and means nion of persons, to be loved and to cautions us that one of the biggest one off from the outset, or to be and generosity toward others. I of production enlisted—several love freely, forever, and to expe- stumbling blocks on the path to so skeptical that we cannot really wish I’d met him in life—I’ll bet relevant analyses are available on rience the unqualified peace and mature faith for teenagers and oth- listen and reflect upon someone the conversation would never our diocesan website and other joy this love generates. It means ers is a misperception of the rela- else’s perspective. No one should have been boring, for while no one sources), a television ad circulated to have all our questions answered tionship between faith and reason, be expected to blink or back away might mistake him for one of the declaring, “Science will save us.” (or at least, the questions that re- theology and science. Many hold from hard questions, for there “magi,” he must have been a truly Hmmm. I guess whether one be- ally matter to us beyond idle cu- the mistaken notion that there is is great precedence in salvation wise man. lieves science “saves” all depends riosity), to have all the paradoxes, a fundamental antagonism that history: “God posed questions to He must have imitated on what one’s definition of “save” problems, and sufferings we pres- cannot be reconciled, and are then humanity, and required a response the wisest of all humans, our Sav- is. ently endure finally make sense. swayed by our culture to side with from them” (DC n. 157). ior Jesus Christ: “Jesus seeks, en- If being saved means to Of course, in this more science as the ultimate arbiter of Catholics and other counters, and welcomes people in be preserved or restored to natu- complete sense of “saved,” sci- all truth, holding authority to de- Christian believers should be ex- their concrete life situations. . . He ral health, to resume human life ence’s reach is not as far as ad- termine the “really real.” No won- pected to be humble, courageous, begins from observation of events on this earth as we know it, and vertised. Only Jesus, whose very der that “science will save us” can and undaunted in their belief that in life and history, which he rein- to prescribe the values and con- name discloses his identity and be a siren song seducing some to the God who creates the world terprets from a [wisdom] perspec- ditions of this life on our terms, mission, saves. Only by faith in forsake faith. and the God who saves cannot ul- tive. . . . Jesus made human ex- then maybe science can go a long Jesus and the power of the water, In a positive way, The timately contradict himself. We perience more livable through the way toward saving us. However, blood, and Spirit by which he dies Directory praises many qualities should neither over-explain nor recognition in it of the presence I think that is a pretty shortsighted and is raised up, are we saved. of scientists: “The man or woman apologize for a God whose mys- and call of God” (DC 198). As horizon of understanding that can Only by demonstrating our faith of science is an impassioned wit- terious being and saving activity one sage observes, “Jesus inter- lead us to sell ourselves--let alone through acts of love for our neigh- ness to mystery; seeks the truth transcends our preconceptions and prets God in the language of a hu- God--short. St. John Paul II de- bor and tenacious hope that in God with sincerity; is naturally inclined our biases. Persons of faith are man life.” And for a complete life, fines being “saved” as being deliv- all things are possible do we par- toward collaboration, communi- to be open to ongoing conversion both science and practical wisdom ered from the ultimate evil of sin ticipate even now in eternal life cation, and dialogue; cultivates of mind and heart such that what are indispensable, though not suf- and death. To be saved means be- with the Father that Jesus accesses depth, rigor, and correctness of we profess and how we live can ficient. For where faith and hope ing healed from the rupture of re- for us through baptism, Eucharist, reasoning; loves intellectual hon- mesh —a beautiful harmony that lead us, in the end, only God’s sav- lationship with God and from the and the life of grace. There is no esty” (DC 358). All of these qual- appeals, bears witness, and does ing love remains. forfeiture of divine life and love app, no experiment, no laboratory ities are marvelous dispositions to not berate or bruise those who are that God wants to share with us. that can lay claim to this formula, engage the word of God, to decode searching for something, someone Being saved means the full reali- let alone patent and mass produce our experience in the “ring” of the in whom to believe. Anillo Descifrador Al poco tiempo de que la que NO es mi función aquí el ofre- Por supuesto, en este dades de los científicos: “El hom- aquello que profesamos y el cómo pandemia llegó a nuestro territorio, cer un análisis ético sobre las difer- sentido más pleno de “salvar,” los bre o la mujer de ciencia dan un vivimos puedan tejer – una hermo- alrededor de esta fecha el año pas- entes líneas celulares o de los méto- alcances de la ciencia no llegan apasionado testimonio del misterio; sa armonía que sea atractiva, que ado, las compañías farmacéuticas dos de producción – varios análisis tan lejos como nos lo anuncian. buscan la verdad con sinceridad, dé testimonio y que no reprende ni aceleraron a sus investigaciones relevantes están disponibles en Solamente Jesús, cuyo nombre tienen naturalmente tendencia ha- lastima a aquellos que buscan algo sobre el coronavirus “máxima ve- nuestra página web de la diócesis, por sí mismo revela su identidad y cia la colaboración, la comuni- o alguien en quien creer. locidad” para poder producir una así como otras fuentes), un anuncio misión, salva. Solamente la fe en cación y el diálogo; cultivan un En mi costumbre cleri- vacuna. En estos tiempos el desci- de televisión circulaba declarando, Jesús y el poder del agua, sangre y razonamiento correcto, profun- cal de leer lo que algunos sacer- frar las estructuras de la proteína y “la Ciencia nos salvará.” Hmmmm. Espíritu por el cual muere y resu- do, riguroso; muestran cariño a la dotes llaman “la sección irlandesa del ADN del virus es relativamente Creo que, aunque si alguien cree cita, nos pueden salvar. Solamente honestidad intelectual” (DC 358). de deportes,” conocida también sencillo. Mucho antes de que se de- que la ciencia nos “salva” a todos, demostrando nuestra fe por medio Todas estas cualidades son disposi- como los obituarios, noté a un dis- sarrollen vacunas efectivas (aclaro depende de nuestra definición de de actos de amor hacia nuestro pró- ciones maravillosas a conectarse tinguido individuo quien falleció “salvar.” jimo y una tenaz esperanza de que con la palabra de Dios, a descifrar de COVID-19 en sus ochentas y a Si el ser salvado significa en Dios todo es posible podremos nuestra experiencia en la “pista” de quien se describía como químico el ser preservados o restaurados a participar ahora mismo en la vida los varios círculos de vida a los que analista con entrenamiento médico, THE CATHOLIC la salud natural, el continuar la vida eterna con el Padre a la que Jesús pertenecemos. Somos lo suficien- un hombre de firme fe luterana muy humana tal y como la conocemos nos da acceso por medio del bau- temente desafiantes para examinar respetado tanto por sus compañeros en esta tierra, y el dictar los valores tismo, la Eucaristía y la vida de los fenómenos de nuestros propios científicos como por su iglesia y y condiciones de esta vida en nues- gracia. No existe una aplicación, corazones y sus infinitos deseos, y comunidad civil en general debido MIRROR tros propios términos, entonces la un experimento, ni laboratorio que para entrar en el laboratorio espiri- a sus múltiples actos de amabilidad ciencia tiene una gran ventaja para puedan reclamar los derechos de tual de diálogo entre ateos, agnósti- y generosidad hacia los demás. De- salvarnos. Sin embargo, yo creo esta fórmula, ni la patente para pro- cos, “nadas” (sin afiliación religio- searía haberle conocido durante su Bishop William Joensen que esa es una visión muy limita- ducirla masivamente. sa), y personas quienes confiesan vida – estoy seguro de que las con- Publisher da del horizonte del entendimien- Al acercarnos a la Se- alguna de las varias formas de fe versaciones nunca hubieran sido [email protected] to que a la vez puede llevarnos a mana de Unidad Cristiana y a la cristiana. En esos diálogos, es una aburridas ya que, aunque no creo devaluarnos a nosotros mismos Semana de Escuelas Católicas, mi señal de respeto y de reconocimien- que alguien pudiera confundirlo Anne Marie Cox – sin tomar en cuenta a Dios. San punto no es el de apartarnos de la to a la dignidad común el no elim- con uno de los magos, debe haber Editor Juan Pablo II define el ser “salva- ciencia, pero el de reconocerla en la inar a nadie del escenario o el ser sido un hombre verdaderamente [email protected] do” como el ser liberado del may- medida apropiada. La ciencia tiene tan escépticos de modo que no po- sabio. or mal del pecado y de la muerte. la capacidad vital de contribuir damos escuchar y reflexionar ver- Él debe haber imitado al Kelly Mescher Collins El ser salvado significa ser sanado con el proyecto humano-divino de daderamente sobre la perspectiva más sabio de todos los humanos, Staff Writer del rompimiento de la relación con redención y consciencia del Rei- de alguien más. No debemos esper- nuestro Salvador Jesucristo: “Jesús Dios y de la renuncia a la vida div- no que Jesús nos ofrece. La nueva ar que alguien parpadee o que evite busca, encuentra y acoge a la gente [email protected] ina y al amor que Dios quiere com- edición del Directorio de la Cate- las preguntas difíciles, ya que hay en sus situaciones concretas de vida partir con nosotros. El ser salvado quesis (DC) nos advierte que uno un gran precedente en la historia de … Él inicia a partir de la obser- significa el reconocer plenamente de los mayores retos en el caminar la salvación: “Dios planteó pregun- vación de eventos en la vida y en la The Catholic Mirror (ISSN nuestra naturaleza humana, nuestro hacia una fe madura para los ado- tas a la humanidad, y requería una historia, los cuales reinterpreta des- 0896-6869) is published llamado y destino que se extiende lescentes y otras personas es la mala respuesta” (DC 157). de una perspectiva [de sabiduría]... monthly for $20 per year by más allá de este universo. Significa percepción de la relación entre la fe Debemos esperar que los Jesús hizo que la experiencia hu- the Diocese of Des Moines, el permanecer dentro de la propia y la razón, la teología y la ciencia. católicos y otros creyentes cristia- mana sea más llevadera al reconoc- 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, comunión de personas con Dios, el Muchos tienen la falsa impresión nos sean humildes, valientes y te- er en ella la presencia y el llamado Iowa 50309. Periodicals post- ser amado y amar libremente, por de que hay un insuperable antago- merarios en su creencia de que el de Dios” (DC 198). Como lo dice age paid at Des Moines. siempre, y el vivir la inigualable nismo fundamental, y por esto son Dios que creó el mundo y el Dios un sabio, “Jesús interpreta a Dios POSTMASTER: Send changes paz y gozo que genera este amor. atraídos por una cultura que se hace que salva no puede a fin de cuentas en el lenguaje de la vida humana.” to THE CATHOLIC MIR- Significa el tener respuesta a todas del lado de la ciencia presentándola contradecirse a sí mismo. No debe- Y para una vida completa, tanto la ROR, 601 Grand Ave., Des nuestras preguntas (o al menos a como el máximo árbitro de toda la mos excedernos en explicaciones ciencia como la sabiduría práctica Moines, Iowa 50309. las preguntas que tienen verdadera verdad y asumiendo la autoridad de ni disculparnos por un Dios cuyo son indispensables, aunque no son importancia para nosotros más allá determinar la “realidad real.” No misterioso ser y cuya actividad sal- suficientes por sí solas. Porque a fi- PHONE: (515)237-5046 de nuestra mera curiosidad), y en nos sorprenda que “la ciencia nos vadora trasciende nuestras precon- nal de cuentas, a donde nos llevan EMAIL: mirror@dmdiocese. donde todas las paradojas, prob- salvará” sea un canto de sirenas que cepciones y nuestras tendencias. la fe y la esperanza nos queda sola- org lemas y sufrimientos con los que seduce a algunos a abandonar la fe. Las personas de fe deben estar abi- mente el amor salvador de Dios. DIOCESAN WEBSITE: vivimos tendrán finalmente senti- En un punto positivo, el ertas a una continua conversión de www.dmdiocese.org do. Directorio reconoce muchas cali- mentes y corazones de modo que www.dmdiocese.org 3 Des Moines woman organizes friends, family to provide 12 Days of Christmas for priests “I felt very strongly that the Holy Spirit was calling us to show that we are committed to taking care of our priests long term.” - Annie Doyle, Basilica of St. John Parish

Members of the Scheve, Doyle and Barten families pack food for delivery to about 60 priests in the 12 days after Christmas. whelmingly positive. towns she had never been before, By Kelly Mescher Collins “They offered Masses, such as Chariton, Creston and Staff Writer prayers, rosaries, divine mercy Osceola. “Some of the priests live chaplets,” she continued. “Over right across from the church in a the course of all of this, we had rectory. It was just beautiful to ac- Shortly after Thanksgiv- people sign up to bring meals so tually experience that first hand.” ing, Annie Doyle was with her that we could box them up in in- Many priests she en- Monsignor Robert Chamberlain receives a gift from prayer group at the Basilica of St. dividual packages and get them countered took time to visit, ex- Gabriel and Gemma Storey. John Parish in Des Moines when frozen ahead of time, because we pressing joy and overwhelming she felt the Holy Spirit calling her were going to be delivering these gratitude with these unexpected to an important mission. every day until the fifth of Janu- gifts, particularly the letters writ- “We were praying and ary from Christmas Day.” ten by children. Those in the rural an image came into my head,” The list of donations and areas were grateful to be includ- Doyle said. “It was a vine trying volunteers for cooking, baking, ed. to grow between a rock and hard packing and delivering meals and During her drives, Bak- place. And I believe it was our gifts quickly filled up. As smooth- er prayed the rosary for priests. priests. It was a year of struggle ly as the entire endeavor went, “it As someone who has always felt for everybody, but our priests are had to be the Holy Spirit,” Doyle God’s presence in nature, she was struggling by themselves. added. touched to see eight bald eagles “And so the next morn- “One day we had lasa- gathered together on her first day ing, the Holy Spirit plopped this gna, and that was accompanied on the rural route; the next day fully formed idea that we need to by a gift,” Doyle said. “Another she saw three. take care of our priests – physi- day it was soup or beef stew or “That’s how God real- cally, emotionally and spiritually pulled pork. We just had one set ly shows his presence [to me],” – and bolster them during this dif- menu item and then one set gift Baker added. ficult time,” Doyle continued. that everybody got and spiritual Doyle hopes that by next The fully formed idea bouquets.” Christmas, COVID-19 concerns included gifting all Des Moines Lasagna, cookies, treats will be much lower so people metro area priests for the 12 days and a winter hat and gloves were can spend more time with their of Christmas – a gift each day of other items gifted to the priests. priests. She hopes families will a meal, a material item they could “I felt very strongly that consider taking turns adopting use and a spiritual bouquet of the Holy Spirit was calling us to their parish priest for a day for the prayers. show that we are committed to 12 days of Christmas. “And so I went on the taking care of our priests long “What kept popping into diocesan website and just looked term,” she said. my head during this is that people at how many priests there were The Doyles own the function better when they know in the metro area – and that was Younkers Tea Room, which gave they are appreciated,” Doyle said. about 60 priests,” Doyle said. volunteers plenty of space to “And I think some of us are so spread out and prep for this spe- grateful for everything our priests Suzanne Kleitch of St. Boniface Parish in Waukee and After doing the math, her daughters volunteered their time to help. she realized 60 priests receiving a cial mission. Meals and gifts were do, but we have to show that we gift every day for 12 days straight packaged and frozen, and when appreciate them so they know it. equaled 720 gifts. She sat on it for the time came wheeled out to de- “It makes it so much a few days. livery drivers for a quick pick-up easier for them to continue with “After three days I hit each of the 12 days. their work,” Doyle added. “I hope send on an email to maybe 50 Lynda Baker of St. Mary the priests were blessed by this people asking them to pray about / Holy Cross Parish in Elkhart and I hope that we can have some this,” Doyle said, describing the was one of those delivery drivers. organized method of showing our need for volunteers to help con- In fact, she ended up driving each appreciation as the laity going tribute 720 meals, 720 gifts and of the of routes. forward.” 720 spiritual bouquets. “I also Since a few metro asked people to write a card to [to priests declined the offer because The Younkers Tea Room a priest detailing that] this is how of either dietary restrictions or be- was a hub for prepping, I already have prayed for you or ing out of town, they had enough meals for some of the priests in freezing and bagging how I am going to pray for you meals and gifts for our for such and such day.” the rural areas The response was over- “It was wonderful,” said diocesan priests. Baker, who enjoyed driving to 4 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror February 16, 2018 13 Deacon Obradovich appointed Organ donor family, recipient director of Permanent Diaconate

Deacon Jim say organ10 Day donation Pilgrimage to the Holy is Land a gift of life Obradovich was appointed hosted by Rev. Robert E. Harris by Bishop Richard Pates to 10 days Departing October 29, 2018 fromStacy. Des Yet,Moines “It was absolutely said. “It wasn’t in the cards for serve as the director of the Cost isBy $3,698 Anne— MarieAll inclusive! Cox (except lunches)the right / Depositdecision.—$300 I would (payable do on it booking) Jake to/ 2nd stay payment here, but now these Permanent Diaconate. (50% of balance)Staff —WriterJune 1, 2018 / full balanceagain.” due August 15, 2018. two people get to.” Journey features: round-trip air transportation; First Class & Deluxe Hotels; land transportation The appointment A faith formation leader Organ donation is “a gift via deluxe, private motor coach with free Wi-Fi; daily Masses; entrance fees to all sites; taxes & fuel surcharge is for a three-year term and Two mothers at St. Eliz- ($710) and tips ($80) included; boatat ride her on parish the Sea for of Galileeabout 10/cable years, car rideof to love,” top of Masada;Stacy said. The Jesus“I’ve boat seen abeth Ann Seton Parish in Car- begins March 1. & whisper headsets are included. Stacy found herself thinking back these two people with their fam- Deacon Obradovich lisle Sitesexperienced include: Sea heartache of Galilee &and Upper to Galilee;the advice Jordan she Valley; had Jerusalemgiven her & Bethlehem.ilies and their friends. They get to and his wife, Kathie, are graceFor moreas they information journeyed contact through: Rev. Robertsons. E. Harris, All Saints Church, 650 NEbe 52ndhere longer,Ave., Des and Moines, both IAof these members of Holy Trinity the50313; process 515 -of265 organ-5001; [email protected] “We always told the two are strong in their faith, too. Parish in Des Moines. He tion. boys, if you leave this house with It’s really been a blessing and Because of their expe- serves that parish and works Deacon Jim and Kathie nothing more than the love for the very instrumental in our healing.” with the visually impaired rience, they encourage others to Lord, then we’ve done our job,” Leslie Becker, too, is Obradovich community. consider being organ donors. she said. grateful for organ donation. Deacon Obradovich Three years ago, Stacy She relies on her faith to She was diagnosed with and Jeff Henkelman’s oldest son, cope with the sorrow and loss. juvenile diabetes when she was Jake, died of a traumatic brain in- “I know Jake’s in heav- eight years old. It had been a part $1 OFF ADM. wITH THIS AD jury. en,” she said. “Jake’s with Jesus.” of her life growing up. She met A FANTASTIC SHOPPING EVENT Jake had wanted to have Stacy and Jeff have met her husband, Tony, in 1996, got his organs donated to those who the people who have a kidney engaged in 1997 and married a IOWA’S LARGEST needed them and had it indicated from Jake. year and a half later. Leslie, Tony and Aidan Becker at the last Transplant on his driver’s license. Over “They are like family. I “He’s been my rock go- Games of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Even though we want- can’t tell you the healing it’s been ing through this whole process,” Exh300 ibi ed to do it, it was still hard,” said for us. It’s just incredible,” she she said. tors ARTS A few years after her it wasn’t for transplantation, we terfield, spokeswoman for the wedding, her kidneys began to wouldn’t have had our son. “ Iowa Donor Network. What does the Church say fail and she was on dialysis when She stays in touch with Organ donation is ac- & Crafts she learned she qualified for a her donor’s family. ceptable in the Catholic Church. transplant kidney and pancreas. “They’re just amazing St. John Paul II affirmed organ about organ donation? It was Oct. 4, 2004 when people. That’s what organ dona- donation as helping to build the St John Paul II: “Over and above such outstanding moments, she received the organs. tion does with recipients and do- culture of life in his 1995 encyc- SHOW there is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing, big The transplants kept her nors. They bring families togeth- lical Evangelium Vitae (The Gos- or small, which build up an authentic culture of life. A particu- healthy and she and Tony adopt- er,” she said. pel of Life). February 23.25 larly praiseworthy example of such gestures is the donation of ed their son. He’s a huge base- Her journey was a diffi- Leslie calls her organ organs, performed in an ethically acceptable manner, with a view ball fan and summers are usually cult one. transplants her rollercoaster ride. VARIED INDUSTRIES BLDG. ADM. Just $6.00 (10 & under free) to offering a chance of health and even of life itself to the sick “We would pray a lot. I “It’s definitely been IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS spent watching baseball games, FREE PARKING - Free still do. Spiritually wise, we were a journey, but everybody goes DES MOINES, IOWA Shuttle Bus Service from who sometimes have no other hope. “ (Evangelium Vitae, #86) said the proud mom. North Parking Lot on praying and asking God to help through a journey,” she said. “My Fri. 5-9; Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4 Both Friday & Saturday. The transplant kidney U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The transplantation of was doing well, but a few years me through this journey. It helped footsteps led me through a trans- "Where You Can Buy That Quality, organs from living donors is morally permissible when such later the pancreas began to fail. a lot,” she said. plant to lead a normal life and I Handmade Product At An Affordable Price." a donation will not sacrifice or seriously impair any essential Garden Art, Oak Furniture, Paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, Metal Leslie qualified for a transplant Of the number of Iowans just keep walking down that path, Art Sculptures, Pet Products, Etched & Stained Glass, Yard Art, bodily function and the anticipated benefit to the recipient is and on March 1, 2013, she re- age 18 and older, 77 percent are keeping up that positive attitude.” Pottery, Blown Glass, Candles, Clothing, Floral Wreaths, Toys & proportionate to the harm done to the donor. Furthermore, ceived a pancreas. The donor was registered organ donors, accord- To register to be an or- Dolls, Baskets, Rugs, Glassware, Purses, Ornaments, Food and the freedom of the prospective donor must be respected, and Many More Original Products. All Handmade by the exhibitor. a 10-year-old boy who died in an ing to the Iowa Donor Network. gan donor, go to IowaDonorNet- economic advantages should not accrue to the donor. “ (Ethical In 2020, 103 organ do- work.org. To Purchase Discounted Advance Tickets and accident. For A Chance To Win $50 Gift Certificates, Visit Our Facebook and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, #30) Because of the heroic act nors gave 300 organs for trans- Page at Callahan Promotions, Inc. of his parents, “I’m here today. If plant in Iowa, said Heather But-

The Catholic Mirror is Diocesan paper going digital next month Victim Assistance Advocate looking for stories of faith and inspiration. The Catholic Mirror will be available digitally with the February The diocese’s Victim Assistance Advocate is a staff membe • Books by your favorite authors edition. r at Polk County Victim Services. He helps victims of sexual If you have a story to • Large children’s section The newspaper, which is sent to every registered Cath- abuse of minors by clergy through a complaint process and in suggest, contact Kelly • Adult formation resources for parishes olic household in the Diocese of Des Moines, is a cost-efficient • Clergy Apparel , and Church supplies seeking support and counseling services. He can be reached Mescher Collins at 515- evangelization tool that brings the Good News, stories of inspira- • Gifts and jewelry for all the Sacraments catholic mirror adat 2_Catholic 515-286-2024 Mirror competition.qxdor [email protected]. 9/1/2015 12:07 PM Page 1 • In short, all things Catholic 237-5054 or kcollins@ tion, news from around the diocese and more to Catholics in 23 dmdiocese.org. counties in central and southwest Iowa. www.DivineTreasuresInc.net | 515-255-5230 Beginning in February, readers will have the option of getting an electronic edition instead of the print edition that comes through the U.S. Postal Service. The e-edition will appear as a link in an email from the St. Louis-based Dirxion, which publishes We’re close in all the ways you need. digital versions of Catholic newspapers including Catholic New Yes,, we are llocated nearby for your conveniience.. York, The Catholic Messenger in Davenport and The Lumen in Through the years,, we have formed Sioux City. cllose rellatiionshiips wiith the famiilliies we serve.. The digital version of The Catholic Mirror is viewable on phones, computers or tablets. As neiighbors,, we are there when needed most.. To register for an e-edition, send your name and parish Wiith a skiilllled and cariing staff.. to [email protected] or go to dmdiocese.org/cath- Wiith a warm and comfortiing atmosphere.. olic-mirror to register. Wiith answers and optiions few funerall homes can offer..

Victim Assistance Advocate Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas The diocese’s Victim Assistance Advocate is a El Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas es un em- staff member at Polk County Victim Services. pleado de Polk County Victim Services. Ella ayuda a She helps victims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del clero durante el through a complaint process and in seeking support and proceso de la queja y buscando servicios de apoyo y counseling services. She can be reached at 515-286-2024 consejería. Pueden comunicarse al 515-286-2028 o en or [email protected]. [email protected]. www.dmdiocese.org 5

La Diócesis proporciona cuidado pastoral para Pastoral care for those with aquellos con preocupaciones sobre el bautismo concerns about baptism El verano pasado, la en el nombre del Padre…” en su ordenación de ser fieles Last summer, the Con- of salvation, as he acts through the Congregación para la Doctrina de Jesús, antes de la Ascen- guardianes de los sacramentos, gregation for the Doctrine of person of the minister who confers la Fe respondió a preguntas sobre sión, comisionó a los apóstoles incluyendo el bautismo, respetan- the Faith responded to questions the baptism in his name. el bautismo diciendo que cuando para que predicaran, enseñaran y do los ritos prescritos de la Igle- about baptism by saying that when Therefore, the Roman un ministro se aparta de usar la bautizaran a todas las naciones. sia, incluyendo las palabras esen- a minister strays from using the Catholic Church has always held fórmula sacramental esencial, el Esto a menudo se llama la “Gran ciales que constituyen la fórmula essential sacramental formula, the the sacramental formula necessary bautismo no es válido. Comisión”. En esta comisión, sacramental”, dijo el Obispo Wil- baptism is not valid. for baptism to be: “I baptize you in Un bautismo es con- Jesús instruyó a sus discípulos a liam Joensen. “Su fidelidad min- A baptism is conferred the name of the Father and of the ferido cuando se hace vertiendo bautizar “en el nombre del Padre, isterial asegura al pueblo de Dios by pouring or washing of water, Son and of the Holy Spirit.” el agua o por inmersión en agua, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo.” que reciba toda la gracia que Dios the use of the essential sacramen- The gathered assembly el uso de la fórmula esencial del Por medio del bautismo, Cristo quiere otorgarles.” tal formula, and with the intent to has a role to play in the celebration sacramento, y el intento de bau- mismo incorpora almas en su fa- La Iglesia Católica pre- baptize. of the sacraments, but it is not the tizar. milia y en su misión de salvación, sume que todos los bautismos son Baptism is the basis for same as the minister, who acts in El bautismo es la base mientras actúa a través de la per- celebrados válidamente. the whole Christian life, the gate- Christ’s name and person. de toda vida cristiana, la puerta sona del ministro que confiere el Sin embargo, si un par- way to life in the Spirit and the “I remain grateful to our de entrada a la vida en el Espíritu bautismo en su nombre. roquiano tiene video de un bau- door which gives access to sacra- priests and deacons who honor the y la puerta que nos da acceso a la Por lo tanto, la Igle- tismo en el cual se escuche que mental grace. promises made at their ordination gracia sacramental. sia Católica Romana siempre ha el celebrante no está usando la If the Church knows with to be faithful stewards of the sac- Si la Iglesia sabe con tenido la fórmula esencial del fórmula esencial del sacramento, certainty that someone has not raments, including baptism, by certeza que alguien no tiene un sacramento necesaria para que el o un parroquiano tiene un testi- been validly baptized, the Church respecting the Church’s prescribed bautismo válido, la Iglesia debe bautismo sea: “Yo te bautizo en el go que pueda verificar que no se must rectify the error. rites, including the essential words rectificar el error. nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y usaron las palabras de la fórmu- In order for a baptism to that constitute the sacramental Para que un bautismo del Espíritu Santo.” la esencial del sacramento, ellos be valid, the essential sacramental form,” said Bishop William Jo- sea válido, se debe usar la fór- La asamblea reunida de- pueden contactar a la Diócesis de formula must be used. A minister ensen. “Their ministerial fidelity mula esencial del sacramento. Un sempeña un papel importante en Des Moines a worship@dmdio- who does not follow the essential reassures God’s people that they ministro que no sigue la fórmula la celebración de los sacramentos, cese.org o al 515-243-7653. sacramental formula for baptism receive all the grace God intends esencial del sacramento no confi- pero no es el mismo que el del Para más información, does not confer the sacrament. An to bestow upon them.” ere el sacramento. Un ejemplo es ministro, quien actúa en el nom- visite dmdiocese.org/worship/ example is if the celebrant uses The Catholic Church si el celebrante usa las palabras bre y la persona de Cristo. bautismo. the words “We baptize you in the presumes all baptisms are cele- “Nosotros te bautizamos en el “Estoy agradecido con name of the Father…” instead of brated validly. nombre del Padre…,” en lugar de nuestros sacerdotes y diáconos the correct formula “I baptize you However, if a parishioner la fórmula correcta “Yo te bautizo que honran las promesas hechas in the name of the Father…” has video of a baptism in which Jesus, before the Ascen- the celebrant can be heard using sion, commissioned the apostles words that are not the essential to preach, teach, and baptize all sacramental formula, or if a pa- Tune in to Making It Personal With Bishop Joensen at 9 a.m. on Fridays nations. This is often called the rishioner has witnesses who can “Great Commission.” In this com- verify that words other than the es- at Iowa Catholic Radio and Spirit Catholic Radio Network. mission, Jesus instructed his dis- sential sacramental formula were ciples to baptize “in the name of used, they should contact the Di- Can’t listen live? Check out his podcast at the Father, and of the Son, and of ocese of Des Moines at worship@ the Holy Spirit.” Through bap- dmdiocese.org or 515-243-7653. IowaCatholicRadio.com/making-it-personal tism, Christ himself incorporates For more information, go to dm- souls into his family and mission diocese.org/baptism. 6 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 Around the Diocese MercyOne lights up the sky Jan. 22 Friday and August will find new cabins, a Pro-life broadcast renovated Dingman Lodge and dou- DES MOINES – Iowans ble the number of paid summer staff for LIFE will broadcast at 10 a.m. hired to ensure safety procedures are on Facebook interviews with leg- followed so everyone can have a safe islators, pro-life leaders and clergy experience. For information on how on fast-moving political and cultural to register or apply for sponsorship, developments on pro-life issues. Jan. go to stmcenter.com. 22 is the 48th anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision legalizing abortion. Center for Social Ministry Winter Programs Now Open for Lenten Fish Fries Registrations Fridays in Lent Beyond the Book - De- INDIANOLA – St. Thom- signed to high light important as Aquinas Knights of Columbus social justice literature and local or- will sponsor Lenten Fish Fries at St. ganizations. Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall starting JustFaith Ministries Pro- on Friday, February 12 from 5:30 grams - These small group programs to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per Meal will help you explore today’s issues drive-up carryout service only. More through the lens of your faith and for- information in the February Mirror or mulate a personal/group response. on the Parish website. Time to Talk - Unique sessions designed to provide a safe Catholic Youth Camp space for discussion on relevant so- The staff at Catholic Youth cial justice issues. Camp is plannign for summer. Camp- Learn more about our pro- ers driving up to the St. Thomas gramming at our website or view our More Center in Panora in June, July course catalog. It’s never too late

Beams of light shone above 16 MercyOne medical centers as a sign of appreciation for MercyOne’s colleagues, physicians and providers as well as a symbol of hope to its communities to begin the new year. The lights could be seen in the evenings from Jan. 1-7.

First time sledding for Father Nipin Scaria, of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines, and Father John Owusu Agyemang, chaplain at UnityPoint. Thank You! Iowa Knights kick off video series Through your generous support and prayers in helping men with evangelization 2020, we were able to continue to bring Christ In 2015, Phoenix Bishop mentators, and follows the per- Thomas J. Olmsted issued a chal- sonal story of a man whose life to Iowans through the airwaves! lenge to the men of his diocese illuminates each theme. to step up and share the Gospel. The Iowa Knights of His letter, “Into the Breach: An Columbus is hosting the video se- Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic ries through a virtual study group Men” identifies a crisis of faith monthly on Wednesday evenings A ChristCentered New Year facing the Catholic Church today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The study and presents a vision of the role group is open to all Catholic men Still need a New Year’s resolution? Bring Christ daily into of Catholic men in combating it. seeking to embrace their mascu- your home, car, or phone by listening to Iowa Catholic Inspired by Bishop Ol- line virtues in a world in crisis. msted’s vision, the U.S. Knights Future virtual meeting Radio for 15 minutes a day. Listen live or catch an old show of Columbus and the Diocese of dates are Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March on our app, or online @ IowaCatholicRadio.com. Phoenix produced a video series 31, April 28, May 26 and June 30. also titled “Into the Breach.” More information, a study guide Each episode focuses on a differ- and registration for virtual study ent aspect of authentic Catholic groups may be found at www. A Rosary A Day masculinity, features interviews iowakofc.org. with well-known Catholic com- Sign up today for our “A Rosary A Day” email! Every morning you will receive an email with the audio of our Get your message out! daily Iowa Catholic Radio rosary, a meditation on the saint of the day, and the daily Mass readings. Interested in getting your message out to 35,000 households in central and southwest Iowa? Sign up @ IowaCatholicRadio.com Contact Kelly Mescher Collins to learn how to get your ad in The Catholic Mirror: [email protected] or 515-237-5054 www.dmdiocese.org 7 Catholic Schools Week to be celebrated Jan. 31 to Feb. 6 All Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines are offer- ing both in-person and virtual personalized tours for families interest- ed in enrollment. Christ the King Catholic School, Sacred Heart Catholic School and St. theresa Catholic School held virtual or in-person infor- mation nights or tours. Contact the schools for more information or a tour.

Jan. 19 -- St. Patrick Catholic School will host a Kindergarten Infor- mation Night. Limited in-person spots are available and this session will be offered virtually as well. For more information and to register, contact the school office at 515-465-4186. Jan. 21 -- Sacred Heart Catholic School will host a Virtual Transition- al Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To register for this event, add your child to the waitlist, or for more information email Julie Katich at julie.katich@sacredheartwdm. org. Jan. 28 -- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will host a Virtu- al Preschool and Kindergarten Information Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visit https://www.sfawdm.org/preschool-kindergarten-registra- tion-and-information-night/ for more information. Feb. 2 -- St. Joseph Catholic School will host a Virtual Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup event at 6 p.m. For more information and to register, contact the school office at schooloffice@stjoseph- catholicdsm.org or call 515-266-3433. Father Dan Gehler blessed baby gifts at the Kindergarten Baby Jesus birthday party at Feb. 16 -- St. Malachy Catholic School will host a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night. For more information contact Shelby County Catholic School in Harlan. the school at 641-782-7125 or email [email protected]. To register for this event visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ 20f0544a9aa2faafd0-early.

Students at St. Malachy First graders at St. Luke Fifth graders at St. Albert The Catholic faith is a constant guide and is embedded Catholic School in Creston Catholic School in Ankeny Catholic School in Coun- into the school day through prayer, religion class and par- celebrated Christmas with celebrated Christmas with cil Bluffs studied the ele- ticipation in the weekly, student-led Mass. St. Augustin Advent Angels and singing a birthday party for Jesus ments. Each student was Catholic School third graders enjoyed Mass celebrated by carols. and played bingo. assigned a different ele- Father Christopher Pisut, pastor at St. Augustin Parish. ment and made a model Grade levels are taking turns attending in-person Mass Tuition assistance available of it. during the pandemic to ensure safe distancing. Remain- ing students view the celebration of Mass via livestream for Catholic schools by watching from the classrooms. values and virtues of our faith, a By Jeanne Wells mindset of service above self and THE BENEFITS Contributing Writer the recognition all we have is a OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION gift from God is a hallmark of a strong Catholic education. What would compel you to send There are many reasons to choose a Diocese of Des Moines Catholic school. Our your children to our Catholic What would stop you from schools: schools? sending your children to our • Provide an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with With the announcement Catholic schools? academic excellence. of school closures during spring Many feel Catholic ed- • Partner with parents in the faith formation of their children. break of 2020, the administration ucation is not affordable and it and faculty at our 16 Catholic stops many parents from consid- • Set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed. schools set aside their personal ering a Catholic education. • Offer a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life. plans and reinvented themselves Assistance is available • Use technology to enhance education. in a week. for up to half of the tuition when • Instill in students the value of service to others. The innovation and applying to the Catholic Tuition • Teach children respect for self and others. teamwork was and is amazing. Organization. www.CTOIowa. Sending your children to our org. • Emphasize moral development and self-discipline. Catholic schools with this com- Now is the perfect • Prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders. mitment was unheard of in many time to experience our Catholic • Cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring sectors of the country. schools with a private tour of the and effective. We are blessed in our facilities. Catholic schools. To find the Catholic The quality of religious school convenient for you, go Schools across the Diocese of Des Moines are now accepting applications for the and academic education is excep- online to www.DMDiocese.org/ 2021-2022 academic year. Families are encouraged to visit www.dmdiocese.org/ tional in our schools. catholic-schools. enroll to learn more. Instilling in students the 8 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 Diocese hits budget goal despite pandemic In the face of global health crisis, diocese ends fiscal year with emphasis on solidarity and care for each other

the steps that would be taken to Relief Fund was cre- Statement of Financial Position By Anne Marie Cox preserve health and the ability ated to give those who Staff Writer to worship, and guidance about could give an opportu- when and how public worship nity to help parishes, ASSETS 6/30/2020 Not even a pandemic could resume safely. schools and individuals could keep the Diocese of Des He also took advan- who were hit hard by Cash $523,433 Moines from balancing its budget tage of social media by offering the coronavirus. Investments - ADA $2,840,237 for fiscal year 2020. livestreamed Masses from St. Internally, di- As the health crisis un- Ambrose Cathedral along with ocesan staff tightened Unrestricted Investments $2,008,179 folded in the diocese last spring, updates and spiritual reflections their budgets. diocesan staff pivoted to provide that encouraged people to support “Some of the Investments - Tax Credit $2,110,357 hands-on assistance to parishes each other and look to God for savings were natu- Restricted Investments $2,213,275 and schools. support and solace. Prayer oppor- ral because in person ȗ With a tightened bud- tunities were offered for Lent and programming was not Investments - Group Property Insurance $1,191,713 get, the diocese’s financial prior- Divine Mercy Sunday. happening, but we also ities focused on expanding use The bishop met week- leaned into other oppor- Pastoral Center Campaign Receivable $214,390 of digital platforms for online ly online with clergy and parish tunities to be good fi- Property, Plant, & Equipment, Net $8,503,664 giving, prayer, and meetings, and leadership to share information nancial stewards,” said on technology to allow people to and hear the concerns of those in Kurth. Other Assets $665,378 work from home and communi- the parishes. The diocese cate better. took advantage of the Total Assets $20,270,627 Amid the uncertainty Paycheck Protection Financial Stewardship Liabilities enveloping the entire country, lo- Immediately after public Program, also known cal diocesan leadership remained worship was suspended, parish- as PPP, which through Current Liabilities $1,154,413 committed to maintaining con- es saw a drop in weekly tithing. the CARES Act pro- nections and relationships so that While some parishes emphasized vided relief to organi- PPP Government Loan $345,200 faith communities in central and the option of online giving, sever- zations through forgiv- Priest Medical/Pension Liability $9,791,400 southwest Iowa could weather the al parishes did not have the capa- able loans. The diocese ȗȗ storm united in faith and family. bility to accept online giving. provided assistance for Total Liabilities $11,291,012 “I think the most crit- For parishioners who parishes that also want- ical thing we needed to do right prefer written communication ed to take advantage of Net Assets $8,979,615 away was to re-establish how we or writing checks, a parishioner the help to keep staff connected with each other,” said built stand-alone lockboxes for employed last summer. Total Liabilities and Net Assets $20,270,627 diocesan Chancellor Jason Kurth. parishes so tithes could continue For fiscal year When public worship to come in. 2021, diocesan budgets was suspended, there weren’t the Maureen Kenney, dioc- were adjusted, pay in- *The Diocese was awarded a State Historical Tax Credit face-to-face connections made at esan director of the Stewardship creases were suspend- for the Catholic Pastoral Center building. churches, nor parishioners pick- Office, and Sue McEntee at the ed across the diocese ing up bulletins to read, or pulpit Catholic Foundation of South- including for priests, **The Diocese received a loan from the Small Business announcements for sharing infor- west Iowa, worked together to and professional devel- Administration as part of the CARES act. The loan was mation. create an avenue for online giving opment and travel bud- fully forgiven in FY2021. “Across the diocese, we for those parishes that didn’t have gets were eliminated or needed to figure out how to be in that infrastructure. greatly reduced. The di- technology to curriculum and which increased enrollment by 63 community with all the pandemic “Our efforts were ocese also mandated a two-week statewide regulations. new students for the 2020-2021 limitations. We learned a lot from thrown entirely into helping par- unpaid furlough in July 2020. “Our Catholic schools school year.” each other,” Kurth said. “As a di- ishes getting up and running with “We’ve really worked were among the few schools in St. Theresa Catholic ocese, we took a big step forward online giving,” Kenney said. “In hard to be in solidarity with the the state who innovated class- School Principal Ellen Stemler in our use of digital tools to carry the last year, we had 17 more par- people and parishes during this room instruction and environ- said partnership was at the basis out our mission.” ishes offer some form of online time of financial uncertainty,” mental safety to ensure in-person of what the diocesan Schools Of- giving than we did the year prior. Kurth said. learning continued despite the fice offered with staff serving as Communication It’s a great testament to how our COVID-19 pandemic,” Bishop “a guiding light.” Shortly after suspending parishes understood the need for Catholic schools said. “They provided so much public worship, Bishop William a safe and easy way for people More than 6,000 stu- “Additionally, our support and brought in different Joensen began using digital plat- to give so they could support the dents went on spring break last schools offered parents choices resources for us,” she said. “We forms in ways the diocese hadn’t mission of the Catholic Church.” year and returned to learning in in educational delivery by pro- are very much on top of the re- used before to get his messages Weekly online meetings an environment quickly adapted viding both in-person instruction sources available financially but out to all of the faithful and the with parish business managers to continue education while mit- and high-quality distance in- also keeping our faith at the fore- broader community. kept them in the loop about Fed- igating the spread of the virus. struction,” she said. “This dedi- front.” He addressed the faith- eral Emergency Management With the guidance of diocesan cation to education continuity in “The groundwork for ful directly by email, providing Agency funds, benefits from the Schools Superintendent Donna the wake of a pandemic resulted regionalization was helping the updates on the extraordinary cir- CARES Act and more. Bishop, administrators collabo- in significant enrollment growth cumstances facing the faithful, In addition, the COVID rated on a myriad of issues from at several schools including St. Continued on page 9 Luke the Evangelist in Ankeny,

REPORT FROM THE FINANCE DIRECTOR

The financial state- the year with Center building – A $2 million designed to reduce administra- travel and spending. All were ments of the Diocese dated June a surplus of incentive from the State Histori- tive expenses and greater consis- asked to rewrite their budget 30, 2020 were audited by the $310,000 cal Board was awarded to the di- tency. plans for Fiscal Year 2021 and independent certified public ac- due in large ocese for carefully retaining the • Priest Pension Plan we applied for a loan from the counting firm of BerganKDV, part to in- unique aspects of the structure – Modifications to the actuarial Paycheck Protection Plan in or- who issued an unqualified opin- vestment during the 2018/19 renovation. assumptions led to an increase der to create financial flexibil- ion. This opinion means that income and The Diocesan Finance Council in the unfunded liability in the ity. Contributions to the 2020 they found our financial state- expense sav- Paul Carlson voted to restrict these funds for plan by $1.8 million. Contrary to ADA campaign, which began ments are fairly and appropriate- ings. The Diocesan Finance future building needs. many dioceses, our parishes do in March 2020 and ends in Feb- ly presented in accordance with $7 million Director • School Strategic Plan not pay into the plan. Instead it ruary 2021, started off slow but generally accepted accounting budget was – Under the leadership of School relies on contributions, bequests, picked up over the months. principles. funded primarily by the 2019 Superintendent Donna Bishop and proceeds from diocesan cap- For the first eight The audit process was Annual Diocesan Appeal cam- and Dr Jerry Deegan initial steps ital campaigns. months of the 2020 fiscal year, overseen by the Diocesan Au- paign and a 3.75% distribution were taken to implement a study • Pandemic – In March, prior to the start of the pandemic, dit Committee chaired by Ardis from the endowments held at the produced by the Meitler Group. Bishop William Joensen was the financial status of the church Kelley and the reports were ap- Catholic Foundation of South- Steps taken this year were a forced to temporarily suspend of southwest Iowa was stable proved by the Diocesan Finance west Iowa. Some extraordinary thorough review of the St. Al- public worship for the safety of with tithing at our parishes 5% Council chaired by Dan Kinsel- financial highlights in the year bert Catholic School system and our parishioners. He immediate- above a year ago and cash bal- la. were: working with Des Moines area ly asked diocesan department ances at all but a few sites very The diocese finished • Catholic Pastoral schools on a regionalization plan directors to curtail unnecessary strong. www.dmdiocese.org 9

Bishop William Joensen has met with ministry leadership throughout the diocese on a Father Dan Kirby, pastor of St.John the Apostle Church in regular basis since the beginning of the pandemic to share the latest information and Norwalk, offered daily reflections of hope in the weeks answer concerns from parishes. following the onset of the pandemic in Iowa. Parishes turned to digital means of sharing prayer, news and hope. Continued from page 8 From formation to had reduced work hours or were pastoral care furloughed. Their children were districts before determining how tices and mitigation strategies and schools from getting personal John Gaffney’s phone learning from home. Scores of they might resume religious edu- shared that information with par- protective equipment for staff to was ringing off the proverbial people were trying to figure out cation in the fall. ishes and schools. sharing documents and help an- hook and his email inbox filled how to work programs like Zoom “It was an extraordinary “All of it was oriented swering email,” said Sacred Heart when schools temporarily closed. and Google Classroom. time of partnership,” Gaffney said toward allowing us to be a Eu- Catholic School Principal Jane Religious education and youth Another immediate in retrospect. charistic community together as Kinney. ministry leaders across the dio- need was accompanying those in quickly and as prudently as pos- “The process to create cese sought guidance from Gaff- the midst of the RCIA program. sible,” Kurth said. the Return to Learn plan was tru- ney, diocesan director of Evange- Working with priests, their staffs, Regathering Diocesan and parish ly a monumental task,” said Jon lization and Catechesis, for how, the diocesan director of Worship leadership consulted with local Aldrich, principal of St. Fran- or if, they could continue their and others, the diocese provided Close of FY20 health experts and public health The close of fiscal year cis Catholic School in West Des faith formation programs. guidance so that the reception of professionals to get the best 2020 came three months into the Moines. He posed the question: sacraments was not delayed for knowledge of what was happen- pandemic. “Denise (Mulcahy), How do we mobilize people to long. ing in the 23 counties served by “With all the terrible Donna (Bishop) and the entire stay in touch? As time marched on, the Diocese of Des Moines as the things that happened - it was sad Schools Office really helped First, parish religious the diocese and catechists began virus situation evolved to put to- not being able to go to Mass - in guide that process and make it a education and youth ministry offering activities for families to gether a safe plan for returning to the end we all worked together regional and diocesan process so leadership pivoted from focusing do in their homes. Gaffney en- public worship. for one purpose to keep each oth- that we were all in this together.” on formation of youth to pastoral couraged catechetical leaders care of families. Some parents to communicate with their local The diocese’s property er healthy but to keep our faith in were working from home, others county health officials and school management staff worked to un- the forefront,” McEntee said. derstand the best cleaning prac-

Statement of Activities Diocese of Des Moines FY2020 Income Year Ended June 30, 2020 Endowment Funds FY2021 Revenues Actual Budget % Budget 17% Annual Diocesan Appeal $4,400,949 $4,400,949 100% 3,591,174 Annual Diocesan Endowment Funds Appeal $1,168,392 $1,168,392 100% 1,441,870 Fees/ Program Service Fees/Reimbursements 64% $761,465 $783,247 97% 742,901 Reimbursements Contributions & Grants 11% $388,392 $321,907 121% 226,305 Investment Income $178,417 $60,000 297% - Total Revenues $6,897,615 $6,734,495 102% $6,347,250 Contributions & Grants Expenses 6%

Pastoral Services & Catholic Education 2,023,333 1,931,270 105% 1,708,914 Investment Clergy Care & Religious Development 1,999,069 1,995,792 100% 1,988,332 Income 2% Diocesan Administration & Building 2,135,696 2,365,472 90% 2,325,188

Contributions to Catholic Charities & Others 429,998 441,960 97% 424,816 Diocese of Des Moines Staff Furlough - - 0% (100,000) FY2020 Expense Total Expenses 6,588,096 6,734,495 98% 6,347,250 Clergy Care & Diocesan Religious Administration & Operational Surplus/(Deficit) $309,519 $0 0% $0 Development Building 30% Non-Operational Changes 32% Priest Health and Retirement Liability ($1,896,361) ** Other Changes ($421,534) Total Non-Operational Funds ($2,317,895) Change in Net Assets ($2,008,376)

*This financial overview is a summary of the audit by BerganKDV which represents the financial statements of the Diocese of Des Moines. BerganKDV issued a clean (unmodified) opinon on the financial statements for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020). The full audit report can be found here: Contributions to Catholic https://www.dmdiocese.org/resources/finance/fy20-financial-audit-report Pastoral Services Charities & Others & Catholic 7% **Based on Actuarial reports, the unfunded liability increased in FY2020. Education 31% 10 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 Bishop Joensen encourages Holy Hours for graces to get through pandemic

Continued from page 1 “This prayer effort is spend time in prayer to ask for meant to open us up to the grace God’s graces now and as we God offers us and to open us to emerge from the pandemic, that whatever renewal he is inviting God may inspire and enrich our us to,” Storey continued. efforts, drawing people back to Since some individ- the church with a renewed love uals and families may not be and devotion for Jesus in the Eu- comfortable attending in-person charist. gatherings, the diocese will offer “Jesus always prayed, a worship aid for use at home. but especial- Reflections written by Bishop ly when there Joensen will were pivotal be made avail- moments in “Jesus always prayed, but able for con- his life and especially when there were templation, and ministry,” pivotal moments in his life evening prayer, Bishop Jo- the rosary, Bi- and ministry. He sought ble study and ensen said. clarity of vision and guidance “He sought discussion are clarity of in the direction of his mission encouraged as vision and from his heavenly Father and ways to be in guidance in their mutual Spirit.” prayerful unity the direction with your par- ish community. of his mis- - Bishop William Joensen sion from his “The Eucharist heavenly Fa- is the nucleus ther and their and core of our mutual Spirit.” faith, of our di- Bishop Joensen will be ocesan family,” Bishop Joensen leading a weekly Holy Hour on continued. “In itself, the Eucha- Monday evenings at St. Ambrose rist has been described as Jesus’ Cathedral beginning on Feb. 8 unfolding relationship with his with exposition of the Eucharist Father. We join Jesus in adora- and vespers (also known as eve- tion of the Blessed Sacrament and ning prayer from the Liturgy of find inspiration, consolation, and the Hours). vision for what God is asking of “As we come out of this us in this New Year. In the pro- there’s a real opportunity for re- cess, our relationship with each newal and an opportunity for other as a diocese is sealed and growth,” Storey added. “But any strengthened. Come, let us adore authentic renewal comes from the Him!” Holy Spirit.

Bishop William Joensen is encouraging parishes to offer Holy Hours so people may spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist. At left is the Eucharist at St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines in the chapel.

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5701 Hickman Road www.DivineTreasuresInc.net www.CaldwellParrish.com Des Moines, IA 50310 515-255-5230 www.dmdiocese.org 11 Deacon Nick Stark looks forward Deacon Max Carson could not wait to to serving the people of God finally be ordained

Deacon Nick Stark’s father, Deacon Rob Stark, and Father Joe Pins, pastor of St. Cardinal James Harvey ordained Deacon Max Carson on Dec. 26 at the Basilica of St. Joseph Parish in Des Moines, helped with vesting as Bishop Emeritus Richard Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. Deacon Carson will be ordained a priest in June. Pates looks on from the pews. By Kelly Mescher Collins “She went to Our Lady and asked her to send a male coordinator [for the Ut the graces the Lord wanted to give me Staff Writer By Kelly Mescher Collins Fidem program at Dowling],” he continued. – that’s what I was most excited about, Staff Writer “The Ut Fidem coordinator position opened receiving what the Lord wants for me in On Saturday, Dec. 26, Deacon less than two weeks later.” this,” Deacon Stark said. Max Carson was ordained to the transition- Deacon Carson got the job. Stark said he’s excited about al diaconate by Cardinal James Harvey in “[It was the first time as an adult] Deacon Nick Stark said lying “all of the beautiful things about being a the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in living life as a Catholic layman,” Deacon prostrate on the floor of his home parish deacon”– which include preaching and Rome. Carson said. “[I kept thinking that] no mat- of St. Pius X in Urbandale during the being a servant of God’s people. Inside the basilica, he was ordained ter where I was and what I was doing, I litany of the saints was a highlight of In fact, he preached all of the in the St. Stephen Chapel on the Feast Day would enjoy it much more if I were a priest. his Dec. 30 ordination to the transitional Masses at St. Pius for the ephiphany and of St. Stephen. I would be more effective if I were a priest. diaconate. baptized a baby on January 10. “It was a day that just couldn’t ap- I would just love to play guitar for people “I got to choose a couple of Deacon Stark will return to St. proach fast enough,” Deacon Carson said. as a priest and do my regular hobbies as a saints by name,” Deacon Stark said. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota His vocation took an unexpected priest.” “And to have those moments to be face for his final semester this spring and turn just months before he was to be or- Deacon Carson felt consoled by first on the ground and how humble I continue work at his teaching parish, dained, he said during a recent episode of God and affirmed in his decision to return to felt to be in the position to accept those Sacred Heart in Robinsdale, Minneso- “Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen” seminary at the Pontifical North American prayers. The people there [praying for ta. This semester he will be preaching, on Iowa Catholic Radio. College in Rome. me] and the intercession of the saints – I teaching, baptizing and maybe even “My first scheduled diaconate was “A lot of my ministry [here in was very emotional.” helping with weddings. October 2019,” Deacon Carson said. “We Rome] now is just telling the guys of what He spent the remaining few Deacon Stark is expected to be were just months out and I started experi- God has done in my life in the past year, days leading up to his ordination in qui- ordained a priest for the Diocese of Des encing this great agony – great misery in and then being able to speak with some et prayer and reflection. Moines in 2021. my soul. I was very troubled and I couldn’t of the younger guys who have come up to “[I just wanted] to be ready for pinpoint why. I knew I wasn’t at peace. “I didn’t have that peace going in, me…,” Deacon Carson said. “[They are ex- and I had a conversation with the rector here pressing] that they aren’t too sure about the The Diocese of Des Moines expects to ordain five men into the priest- at the North American College [in Rome],” priesthood and just asking me how I have hood in 2021. Please keep all of our seminarians in your prayers, Deacon Carson said. “He advised me to re- seen God work in my life and sharing their doubts and uncertainties as well. Those especially these five: Deacon Max Carson, Deacon Jake Epstein, turn home, go find a job and see where God was calling me from there. have been graced conversations.” Deacon Reed Flood, Deacon Brad Robey and Deacon Nick Stark. Coincidentally, on that very same Deacon Carson will be ordained a day, Addie Magruder, graduate ministries priest for the Diocese of Des Moines in June Follow the Diocse of Des Moines Office of Vocations on Facebook coordinator for Ut Fidem at Dowling Cath- 2021. (www.facebook.com/dmvocations ) to wish our olic High School, was in Mexico City pray- Hear Bishop Joensen’s entire in- seminarians a happy birthday, see ordination photos and get updates. ing before the tilma at the Basilica of Our terview with Deacon Carson at IowaCathol Lady of Guadalupe. icRadio.com/making-it-personal.

Start the new year off right with Bishop William Joensen’s Be in the know. inspiring, positive Catholic podcast Topics include:

• Father Al Schmitt, the first Catholic priest to die in World War II at Pearl Habor

• Mental health counselor Deacon Randy Kiel on taking care of yourself during these challenging times

• “Fatima” movie producer Rose Ganguzza

• Ascension author and bi-racial priest Father Josh Johnson on today’s race relations

Watch Bishop William Joensen’s video reflections, • COVID interviews with healthcare professionals, truck drivers, find news, photos, seminarinan birthday posts grocery workers and funeral directors and much more! ...and MUCH MORE! Facebook.com/DMDiocese IowaCatholicRadio.com/making-it-personal 12 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 OPINION Having child-like trust During the Christmas Octave, I I love the honesty of their prayers appreciate the incredible gift we have re- heard a priest tell the story of the discovery when they ask God for “a good day tomor- ceived. of the cave paintings of Altamira. Marriage and Family Life row.” Ultimately, I think my kids ex- The cave of Altamira is in north- I love the genuine remorse they press an attitude that takes Jesus at his ern Spain and it contains Paleolithic paint- show when they’ve hurt someone (also word. When I’m prone to doubt, or cal- ings of bison, deer and other animals. It is they’re just mad that they lost dessert). lousness, my kids are constantly reminding some of the most impressive ancient art we By Adam Storey This sincerity and trust is a part of what me that the drama of salvation is present have yet discovered. Jesus invites us to when he says we must to us at every moment. As the Christmas What’s even more dramatic is become like children (Matt 18:3). season ends, and our days become a little how it was discovered. The paintings were This story immediately reminded Our world tells us that this in- longer, let’s all ask for the grace to be like not discovered by archeologists who reg- me of my kids, who often “look up” and nocence is really naivety or fantasy, but I children, and to take more time to “look ularly visited the site looking for artifacts, see things I don’t see. They view the world think the theologian David Bentley Hart up.” but they were discovered by one archeol- with such innocence and clarity. was right when he called wisdom “the re- ogist’s 8-year-old daughter, who instead I love how deeply they want to covery of innocence at the far end of expe- Adam Storey is the diocesan director of of looking at the ground for ancient items help whenever we see a homeless person, rience.” Marriage and Family Life. He cna be looked up, and found the magnificent art or their spontaneous prayers when an am- A childlike attitude is not fantasy, but the reached at [email protected] or at that was always in plain view. bulance goes by. freedom to quit looking at our feet and to 515-237-5056. A gentler type of resolution Only a few things are as deeply So, why do we even bother mak- us the ability to move toward our objective embedded into our collective psyche as ing resolutions in the first place? The prob- destinations. When we look back on life, New Year’s resolutions. Let’s Get Psyched lem with most resolutions is that they are it’s the discipline of those consistent hab- How long has history seen this commonly a want, wish, or vague idea based its that have paved the long and sometimes custom? It is known that over 4,000 years on the imagination’s response to a perceived rocky road to where we are today. In the ago, when the Babylonians would celebrate or real problem. spiritual journey with Christ, there are no their new year in March, they would make Resolutions tend to jump to the dead ends! promises to their gods, mostly to be re- By Deacon end of the story rather than trying to shape Mankind’s need for a faith struc- leased from debts and illnesses. Randy Kiel the narrative needed to accomplish the ture is a constant throughout history. Have we changed much? We can goal. It’s not that we shouldn’t have lofty Psychologically, the mental con- have fun with a New Year’s resolution but or make a constant that which needs to be goals, but goals are outcomes; resolutions struct of reductionism minimizes our spir- let’s not take them too seriously. changed. are realistic actions for the sake of a pro- itual life to a resolution. Spiritually, this If you have chosen to make one, Two examples of this are as fol- cess. A good resolution is one that focuses becomes a construct of perceived failure. make sure it brings pleasure and satisfac- lows: First is the health and look of the hu- on and accepts the responsibilities of its We are spiritual in nature; we cannot fail tion, not misery and regret. Most often, we man body. The human body is both healthy process. spiritually. make resolutions in regards to things with and prone to disease and illness at the same If a New Year’s resolution is to If we are ever inclined to measure which we struggle. The struggle doesn’t go time. This is a constant. Marketing efforts lose 10 pounds, pay off credit card debt, our spiritual life in terms of an accom- away because we’ve made a resolution; it galore have attempted to persuade, if not write a book, build a business, or to grow plished goal, let’s recognize that we are usually intensifies the struggle. even program us, that health and beauty are spiritually, then be careful. Some people most likely being ideological. There can be a cultural pressure to attainable as a constant, especially if you respond to their resolutions as though the So, should we set goals for our- make resolutions each year. But if you’re “use our products.” We talk about health only joy is in the achievement of that end selves? Yes, if we recognize that the goal putting off your resolutions for each new abundantly, but somehow we drop the ball goal. is secondary to the process of achieving year, it may become a chronic set up for when following through, yours truly in- This is a set up for psychological its objective. Perhaps better yet, if we as- failure. According to Forbes, of those who cluded. We humans are a combination of disaster! Too often, the tension to accom- pire to live our life more prayerfully as do make a New Year’s resolution, less than health, growth, and decline. plish the goal will cause the person to de- unto Christ and the life with which he has 25 percent stick with them after just 30 Second is the existence of God. spise the process and discipline that stands so lovingly gifted to each one of us, then days, and only 8 percent actually follow He is the supreme constant but trends of between them and that goal. sainthood would be the ultimate objective through on their resolutions. My guess is atheism and Gnosticism attempt to change What if instead of focusing on or resolution. that the numbers weren’t much different even his existence, which is itself not a a goal, we focused on embracing the ac- for our Babylonian ancestors. new effort. tivities that bring us closer to the objec- Deacon Randy Kiel is the founder of Kar- Change vs. constant is a dilem- It is of no surprise that we have a tive? This is to live life well for the sake of dia Counseling and serves Holy Trinity ma that can become quite confusing in our lousy track record at keeping these types of Christ, right? Parish in Des Moines. To connect with him lives. We have repeatedly seen people and resolutions. Resolutions aren’t destinations; email [email protected]. societies attempt to change a constant and/ they are the habits and behaviors that give How to be a survivor: the faith of Violent Jessop When Violet Jessop set out to be a on her lap. A baby! follow Violet’s lead: We pray, we trust, we maritime stewardess, she wasn’t driven by Twentysomething Violet comforted the crying baby sail again. We try to make our corner of some starry-eyed desire to see the world. and prayed, icy air blasting her face “like the ship a little better by being faithful and She was moved by necessity. a knife.” kind. And we hope that God is directing us Her Irish father, a sheepfarmer, Eight hours later, when they to calmer waters. had died of complications from surgery, were rescued by the Carpathia, a woman and then her mother’s health deteriorated. grabbed the baby and ran off. Violet never Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer Violet, 17, the firstborn of nine, resolved to By Christina heard from her again. from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. become the breadwinner. She was a devout Capecchi She returned to sea life. Catholic, formed by convent school and She trained as a nurse for the committed to prayer. with a batch of British fashion magazines. Red Cross, and four years after the Titanic Violet logged 17 hour days as a Just then she recalled a Hebrew crash, she found herself on its sister ship, Letters to the Editor cabin stewardess for the White Star Line – prayer given to her by an old Irishwoman the Britannic. An explosion sank the making beds, sweeping, picking up clothes who had urged her to pray it. It was a ship within an hour. Violet made it into and tending to sick passengers. She kept prayer for protection against fire and water. a lifeboat but came close to dying when The Catholic Mirror accepts a rosary in her apron, guided daily by her Why had she taken so long to it was nearly sucked underwater by the Catholic faith. pray it? Britannic’s propeller blades. She jumped letters to the editor of In 1911 she was on board the “My conscience smote me,” into the water to escape the vortex, and 200 words or less written by Olympic, the largest civilian luxury liner, Violet later wrote. her head was struck by the ship’s keel. A when it collided with a British warship. She pulled out the prayercard and doctor later diagnosed it as a skull fracture. parishioners in the Despite holes in its hull, the Olympic earnestly prayed it. Then she began drifting Violet continued to work on the Diocese of Des Moines. managed to return to port. off to sleep, jolted by a loud crash. sea until her 1950 retirement, when she Violet was undeterred. Violet knew it was ominious. could finally enjoy a quiet life in a thatched Letters can be sent to She was reassigned to the White Her job was to appear calm, cottage in the English countryside. She communications@ Star’s newest ship, the Titanic, and set reassuring passengers they would be fine. died of natural causes in 1971 at age 83. sail less than a year later. The 24-year-old An officer ordered her into Her story speaks to us now as we dmdiocese.org. befriended crew members and passengers. lifeboat 16 to show others it was safe. As look back at 2020, a year that delivered On the fourth night, she noticed a chill in the boat was lowered, he shouted, “Look more than one crisis in succession. As the air and retired early, hunkering down after this, will you?” A bundle was dropped we process the fear and the loss, may we www.dmdiocese.org 13 OPINION Most prized possessions are gifts from God Every week, Udaya M. Kabadi, MD re- tal life. Mary, my dear bride has played a of combatting the seven deadly sins and ceives a question from his family. Dr. Ka- Guest Column major role to maintain my character in my thus overcoming the evil within us. Sev- badi, a retired St. Francis of Assisi parish- marital existence. Character has borne fruit eral versions of the list of seven cardinal ioner, answers. One week, his family asked for me throughout my life. virtues exist. The Vatican version includes him: “What are your favorite possessions? the following: prudence, justice, fortitude, Why?” Last month, his answer focused on INTELLECT, WILL, REASON temperance, faith, hope, and charity. Once health and wealth (time, talent and trea- By Udaya M. Intellect is a gift. It is comple- again, I credit my parents for installing sure). This is the conclusion of his reply. Kabadi, MD mented by reason gained through wisdom. these virtues during my childhood as well Wisdom is attained or gained as their guidance and encouragement to de- What are your favorite possessions? through knowledge achieved by educa- velop them to become part of me during selfless. Agape love is a decision. Agape Why? tion.’ adolescence as well early adulthood. How- love is not only ‘loving the neighbor’, but Therefore, for me, education nev- ever, I firmly believe that these possessions also compel to love an enemy and a sinner. FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. er ends. It is perpetual. I am fortunate to have been maintained by constant desire Without these, the life is empty! keep this possession until my journey on for growth as person and a special child of CHARACTER Faith is blind if it’s only ‘mouthy’ earth ends. I am grateful and humbled to the Almighty. Love is one of the fruits of the so you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Un- pass it on to the next generation. I consider Practice plays an important role in spirit. Love with other fruits; joy, peace, less it produces good deeds, it is dead and it a privilege and a duty. maintaining the virtues. forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithful- useless’ (Letter of St James). Will plays a major role in exercis- I also believe that I am a sinner ness, gentleness and self-control” (Gala- Hope is eternal but it is not ful- ing wisdom. ‘If there is a Will, there is the falling frequently and only way to get back tians 5:22-23) builds a character. Integrity filled without faith. Hopelessness is often Way‘. Thus, the will and especially good on my feet and rise is to acknowledge the is also a major contributor to character. life threatening. Faith and hope dictates the will has shown me the way throughout my sin and make amendments by practicing Thus, character is worthy of es- tenet ‘be prepared for the worst, but hope life. continually the virtues. teem and is a lifelong possession. I am very for the best’. However, prayer must contin- Therefore, in summary, my cher- grateful to my parents for their wholeheart- ue with hope. VIRTUES ished possessions are gifts from God which ed encouragement in introducing to these But the greatest of the three is The Catholic Church focuses are responsible for being the person I am fruits of the spirit to help me build and love. Love must be unconditional ‘agape’, highly on the seven virtues as a means and continue to strive to be. nurture my character during my premari- Ask a Priest What is your practice? Lauds (usually in community). Then, before Q. What is the role of Cardinals in has been criticized because of many Guest Column going to my office, I read a spiritual book for at the Church? awkward phrases. least 20 minutes. At noon, I participate in the A. The primary role of a cardinal This was caused by a slav- Eucharist, and sometime during the day, I go is to elect the next pope. Many car- ish translation from the Latin to En- for a long walk and pray for an hour (mostly using the rosary as a mantra and praying for dinals are also bishops of dioceses or glish, mostly word for word. (Mu- a lot of people by name). On days when I do they minister in Vatican offices. Car- sicians say that you need to look not By Father not take a walk, I sit in meditation or Centering dinals are eligible to vote for a new just at individual notes in a piece, but Ron Rolheiser prayer for about 15 minutes. Each evening, I pope if they have not yet reached the at musical phrases.) pray Vespers (again, usually in community). age of 80. That rule was put in place Earlier translations tried to Today, the common question in spiri- Once a week, I spend the evening writing a by Pope Paul VI. put the Latin prayers in to good En- tual circles is not, “What is your church or your column on some aspect of spirituality. Once a glish. religion?” But, “what is your practice?” month I celebrate the sacrament of reconcili- Q. Does a cardinal have to be a There’s much debate about What is your practice? What is your particular explicit prayer practice? Is it Chris- ation, always with the same confessor; and, bishop? how this came about, but you raise a when possible, I try to carve out a week each A. No. Usually cardinals are question that many others have given tian? Buddhist? Islamic? Secular? Do you meditate? Do you do Centering prayer? Do year to do a retreat. My practice survives on bishops, but it’s not necessary. Over voice to. routine, rhythm, and ritual. These hold me and a century ago, Englishman John you practice Mindfulness? For how long do you do this each day? keep me inside my discipleship and my vows. Henry Newman was named a car- Q. Is it sinful to be prejudiced? They hold me more than I hold them. No mat- dinal by Pope Leo XIII. He asked A. Yes. And we’re all guilty of These are good questions and the prayer practices they refer to are good prac- ter how busy I am, no matter how distracted specifically that he not be ordained a prejudice to some extent. The more I am, and no matter whether or not I feel like bishop, and his request was honored. we learn and the more we pray to be tices; but I take issue with one thing. The ten- dency here is to identify the essence of one’s praying on any given day, these rituals draw He was canonized a saint in 2019. free of prejudice, the better we be- me into prayer and fidelity. come at acceptance of others. After discipleship and religious observance with a single explicit prayer practice, and that can To be a disciple is to put yourself un- Q. I’ve found the Mass prayers in all, Jesus said that we should love der a discipline. Thus, the bigger part of my the Roman Missal to be rather clum- our neighbor. He didn’t make ex- be reductionist and simplistic. Discipleship is about more than one prayer practice. practice is my ministry and the chronic dis- sy. Can you comment? ceptions. The Golden Rule, “do unto A friend of mine shares this story. He cipline this demands of me. Full disclosure, A. You’re not the only one. others as you would have them do was at a spirituality gathering where the ques- ministry is often more stimulating than prayer; When vernacular languages began unto you” applies to us all. tion most asked of everyone was this: what is but it also demands more of you and, if done to be used in the Mass, there were your practice? One woman replied, “My prac- in fidelity, can be powerfully transformative in preliminary translations. Because tice is raising my kids!” She may have meant it terms of bringing you to maturity and altruism. languages change over the years, Got a question for “Ask a Priest” and in jest, but her quip contains an insight that can Carlo Carretto, the renowned spiritu- translators knew that eventually its author, Father John Ludwig? Send serve as an important corrective to the tenden- al writer, spend much of his adult life in the newer editions of the missal would it to communications@dmdiocese. cy to identify the essence of one’s discipleship Sahara Desert, living in solitude as a monk, be needed. org. with a single explicit prayer practice. spending many hours in formal prayer. How- The most recent translation Monks have secrets worth knowing. ever, after years of solitude and prayer in the One of these is the truth that for any single desert, he went to visit his aging mother who prayer practice to be transformative it must be had dedicated many years of her life to raising Helping the homeless embedded in a larger set of practices, a much children, leaving little time for formal prayer. larger “monastic routine”, which commits one Visiting her, he realized something, namely, To the Editor: to a lot more than a single prayer practice. For his mother was more of contemplative than he The St. Francis Knights of Columbus recently cooked dinner at the Cen- a monk, each prayer practice is embedded in- was! To his credit, Carretto drew the right les- tral Iowa Shelter & Services. side a monastic routine and that routine, rather son: there was nothing wrong with what he had I went back a few weeks later to deliver several pairs of gloves and hats than any one single prayer practice, becomes been doing in the solitude of the desert for all for Christmas. the monk’s practice. Further still, that monastic those years, but there was something very right As I was leaving, a gentleman (“Cory”) huddled in a corner of the build- routine, to have real value, must be itself pred- in what his mother had been doing in the busy ing on the street wished me “good day.” Something about him caught my atten- icated on fidelity to one’s vows. bustle of raising children for so many years. tion. Hence, the question “what is your Her life was its own monastery. Her practice We spoke at length and I eventually asked if I could buy him a blanket, practice?” is a good one if it refers to more than was “raising kids.” to which he replied, “I have several blankets, but I tend to give them to others!” just a single explicit prayer practice. It must I have always loved this line from Here – a man sleeping on sidewalks in December – gives what little he also ask whether you are keeping the com- Robert Lax: “The task in life is not so much has to others he believes are more needy! Incredible! mandments. Are you faithful to your vows and finding a path in the woods as of finding a As a Catholic, I TRY to see the face of Christ in others, but this man commitments? Are you raising your kids well? rhythm to walk in.” Perhaps your rhythm is DOES see the face of Christ in others! With the help of my dear friend Rod L., Are you staying within Christian community? “monastic,” perhaps “domestic.” An explicit we bought Cory winter bib overalls, a sleeping bag that is good to 5-degrees, and Do you reach out to the poor? And, yes, do you prayer practice is very important as a religious several bus passes. have some regular, explicit, habitual prayer practice, but so too are our duties of state. I was able to find him a job this spring as a tree trimmer. Only God’s practice? grace saves us, but I believe we will be judged by our actions - or inactions. Op- What is my own practice? Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, portunities to be Christ to others abound! Mathew 25: 31-46. I lean heavily on regularity and ritu- teacher, and award-winning author. Contact al, on a “monastic routine.” Here is my nor- him through his website www.ronrolheiser.com. Jim Heinscheid mal routine: Each morning I pray the Office of Now on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrol- St. Francis of Assisi Parish, West Des Moines heiser 14 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror January 15, 2021 Year of St. Joseph begins Papa proclama el año Continued from page 1 said. “All this makes it clear that dedicado a San José St. Joseph was called by God to serve the person and mission of By Junno Arocho Esteves Jesus directly through the exer- Catholic News Service cise of his fatherhood and that, in this way, he cooperated in the CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) -- Con motivo del fullness of time in the great mys- 150 aniversario de la declaración de san José como patrón de la tery of salvation and is truly a iglesia universal, el papa Francisco proclamó una celebración de minister of salvation.” un año dedicado al padre adoptivo de Jesús. St. Joseph’s uncondi- En una carta apostólica del 8 de diciembre, “Patris tional acceptance of Mary and Corde” (“Con corazón de padre”), el papa dijo que los cristianos his decision to protect her “good pueden descubrir en san José, que a menudo pasa desapercibido, name, her dignity and her life” “un intercesor, un apoyo y un guía en tiempos de problemas”. also serves as an example for men “San José nos recuerda que los que aparecen ocultos o today, the pope added. en las sombras pueden jugar un papel incomparable en la historia “Today, in our world de la salvación”, dijo. where psychological, verbal and Como esposo de María y guardián del hijo de Dios, san physical violence toward wom- José convirtió “su vocación humana al amor doméstico en una en is so evident, Joseph appears oblación sobrehumana de sí mismo, de su corazón y de todas sus as the figure of a respectful and capacidades, un amor puesto al servicio del Mesías que iba mad- sensitive man,” he wrote. urando en su casa”. Dubuque Archbishop A pesar de estar preocupado al principio por el embarazo Michael Jackels said Pope Fran- de María, agregó, san José fue obediente a la voluntad de Dios cis hopes the observance will “sin importar las dificultades involucradas”. result in more: more love for Jo- “En cada situación, José declaró su propio ‘fiat’, como seph; more prayers asking his in- los de María en la Anunciación y Jesús en el Huerto de Getse- tercession; and more imitation of maní”, dijo el papa. “Todo esto deja claro que san José fue lla- his virtues and zeal. mado por Dios a servir directamente a la persona y misión de “With regard to imi- Jesús a través del ejercicio de su paternidad y que, de esta manera, tation, some of us may think it cooperó en la plenitud de los tiempos en el gran misterio de la doesn’t concern us: I’m not a salvación y es verdaderamente un ministro de salvación”. man; I’m not married; I don’t La aceptación incondicional de María por parte de San have children; and I’m not work- CNS photo/Paul Haring José y su decisión de proteger su “buen nombre, su dignidad y su ing (except in the home),” said A statue of St. Joseph is seen at St. Mary Josefa Parish in Rome Feb. vida” también sirve como un ejemplo para los hombres de hoy, the archbishop. 19, 2017. In a Dec. 8 apostolic letter, Pope Francis proclaimed a year- agregó el papa. He encourages the faith- long celebration dedicated to St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus. “Hoy, en nuestro mundo donde la violencia psicológica, ful to consider what virtues from verbal y física hacia las mujeres es tan evidente, José aparece the life of Joseph are worthy of Una estatua de san José aparece en la parroquia de Santa María como la figura de un hombre respetuoso y sensible”, escribió. imitation: Josefa en Roma el 19 de febrero de 2017. En una carta apostólica del El papa Francisco también destacó la “valentía creativa” • Show compassion, ten- 8 de diciembre, el papa Francisco proclamó un año dedicado a san de san José, no solo para encontrar un establo y convertirlo en un der love, and mercy, the same as José, padre adoptivo de Jesús. “hogar acogedor para el hijo de Dios (que vino) al mundo”, sino God has for us. también para proteger a Cristo de la amenaza que representaba el • Defer to the plan of • Work, and work hard, bishop Jackels. Rey Herodes. God, or to the well-being of oth- even if it isn’t glitzy or exciting, The Apostolic Peniten- “La Sagrada Familia tuvo que afrontar problemas con- ers, or to the common good. and help others find work. tiary, a Vatican tribunal that deals cretos como cualquier otra familia, como tantos de nuestros her- • Rejoice in what is, in- • Accept responsibility with matters of conscience, also manos y hermanas migrantes que, también hoy, arriesgan su vida stead of lamenting over what is to give to and to forgive others, issued a decree Dec. 8 stating para escapar de la desgracia y el hambre. En este sentido, con- not. any other, even an enemy. that plenary indulgences will sidero a san José el patrón especial de todos los que se vieron • Be active and creative “As you can see, those be granted to Catholics not only obligados a abandonar sus tierras natales a causa de la guerra, el when God engages us in finding Josephian qualities aren’t re- through prayer and penance, but odio, la persecución y la pobreza”, dijo el papa. solutions to problems. served to men, but are for women also through acts of justice, char- Como carpintero que se ganó “la vida honradamente • Have a practical love too, and for all, whether single, ity and piety dedicated to the fos- para mantener a su familia”, el guardián terrenal de Cristo es tam- for the community of the Church, childless, retired from work out- ter father of Jesus. bién un ejemplo tanto para los trabajadores como para quienes and for the poor. side the home, or not,” said Arch- buscan empleo y el derecho a una vida digna para ellos y sus familias. Pope announces yearlong reflection on family, ‘Amoris Laetitia’ “En nuestros días, cuando el empleo se ha convertido una vez más en un problema social candente y el desempleo al- VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As the fifth anniversary of his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” canza en ocasiones niveles récord incluso en países que durante approaches, Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church will dedicate more than a year to focusing décadas han disfrutado de cierto grado de prosperidad, existe una on the family and conjugal love. necesidad renovada de apreciar la importancia del trabajo digno, During his Sunday Angelus address Dec. 27, the pope commemorated the feast of the Holy Family de la que san José es un patrón ejemplar”, dijo. and said that it served as a reminder “of the example of evangelizing with the family” as highlighted in his La Penitenciaría Apostólica, un tribunal del vaticano que exhortation. se ocupa de asuntos de conciencia, también emitió un decreto el Beginning March 19, he said, the year of reflection on “Amoris Laetitia” will be an opportunity “to 8 de diciembre estableciendo que las indulgencias plenarias se focus more closely on the contents of the document.” otorgarán a los católicos no solo a través de la oración y la peni- “Let us entrust this journey, with families all over the world, to the Holy Family of Nazareth, in tencia, sino también a través de actos de justicia, caridad y piedad particular to St. Joseph, the devoted spouse and father,” said Pope Francis. dedicados al padre adoptivo de Jesús. The goals of the celebration include sharing the contents of the apostolic exhortation more widely, Entre las condiciones para recibir una indulgencia se en- proclaiming the gift of the sacrament of marriage and enabling families to “become active agents of the cuentran un espíritu desprendido del pecado, recibir la confesión family apostolate.” sacramental lo antes posible, recibir la Comunión lo antes posible y orar por las intenciones del Santo Padre. Sin embargo, el decreto también destacó varias formas Pope amends canon law so women can be installed as lectors, acolytes de obtener la indulgencia a lo largo del año, incluso para aquellos que “meditan en la oración del ‘Padre Nuestro’ durante al menos VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Recognizing “the gifts of each baptized person” -- women and men 30 minutos o participan en un retiro espiritual de al menos un día -- Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally que incluye una meditación sobre san José”. installed as lectors and acolytes. Como “hombre justo”, prosigue el documento, que “A consolidated practice in the Latin church has confirmed, in fact, that such lay ministries, being guardaba “el secreto íntimo que se encuentra en el fondo del cora- based on the sacrament of baptism, can be entrusted to all the faithful who are suitable, whether male or zón y del alma”, san José practicó la virtud de la justicia en “plena female,” the pope wrote in his order changing canon law. adhesión a la ley divina, que es la ley de misericordia”. The document, issued “motu proprio” (on his own accord), was published by the Vatican Jan. 11. “Por tanto, quienes, siguiendo el ejemplo de san José, It changes the wording of Canon 230, paragraph 1. In most dioceses around the world -- and at the Vatican realizarán una obra de misericordia corporal o espiritual, también as well -- women and girls have been lectors at Mass and have served at the altar for decades. That service podrán obtener el don de la indulgencia plenaria”, dijo. was possible, not as a formally instituted ministry, but under the terms of Canon 230, paragraph 2, which También se otorgarán indulgencias a las familias y nov- allowed for women or men to carry out the functions “by temporary designation.” In a letter published ios que recen juntos el rosario y así imiten el “mismo clima de with the document, Pope Francis repeated St. John Paul II’s teaching that the Catholic Church “in no way comunión, amor y oración vivido en la Sagrada Familia”. has the faculty to confer priestly ordination on women” since Jesus chose only men as his apostles. But with “nonordained ministries it is possible, and today it seems opportune, to overcome this reservation” of allowing only men to be formally and permanently instituted as lectors and acolytes. www.dmdiocese.org 15 Pope astonished by violence at Capitol In wake of Capitol attack, leaders urge rejection of divisions that lead to violence

ture” societies, there are violent By Kurt Jensen & minorities, “people taking a path Cindy Wooden against the community, against Catholic News Service democracy, against the common good.” ROME (CNS) -- Pope “But thank God this Francis said he was “astonished” erupted and people could see it by the violent breach of the U.S. well. That way it can be reme- Capitol, especially because the died,” he said. Pope Francis tweeted a note encouraging people to strive for the common good. people of the United States are “No nation can brag “so disciplined in democracy.” about never having a case of vi- In an interview with olence -- it happens,” he said. acceptance of Electoral College of this great nation,” said Arch- witnessed -- violent disorder and Italy’s Canale 5, scheduled for “We must understand it, so it is ballots, paralleled initial public bishop José H. Gomez of Los An- chaos --- the rights we cherish broadcast Jan. 10, the pope was not repeated -- learn from history, response to the horror of 9/11. geles, president of the U.S. Con- will disappear into the abyss of asked about Trump supporters right?” There was a numbing shock fol- ference of Catholic Bishops. “In anarchy.” storming the Capitol, leaving five The reaction to the vi- lowed by anger and grief, and a this troubling moment, we must The reaction from the people dead. olent invasion of the House and search for anything that might be recommit ourselves to the values Ignatian Solidarity Network Violence, he said, must Senate chambers by supporters of a solution. and principles of our democracy called the violence “a testament always be condemned, but it also President Donald Trump on Jan. “The peaceful transition and come together as one nation to the ongoing reality of a culture is true that in even the most “ma- 6, intended to disrupt the formal of power is one of the hallmarks under God. I entrust all of us to of white supremacy. Attackers the heart of the Blessed Virgin were permitted to enter the Cap- Mary. May she guide us in the itol building with little resistance ways of peace, and obtain for us from police and security person- wisdom and the grace of a true nel, and one must not look far to patriotism and love of country.” see the contrast between this and Reactions from Catholic the way that people of color are leaders stressed the need to reject treated in our nation every day.” political divisions that turn to vi- “Today, we have to ask olence. ourselves what’s next,” wrote Pa- “The violence witnessed tricia McGuire, president of Trin- in our nation’s capital … serves ity Washington University. “To only to inflame our divisions and do that, we have to be thoughtful pit citizen against citizen at a time and insightful about what led to we need to be united,” Boston this complete breakdown in pub- Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley said lic order. in a Jan. 7 statement. “We reject “We know some of the all forms of violence, including issues -- the virulence of white the acts of those who stormed our supremacy and racial hatred that Capitol. We pray for those who courses through our society, the lost their lives and for their loved political ideologies that encour- ones and for the injured. We live age some Americans to believe in a divided nation and the chal- that others do not belong here, the lenges our nation faces are signif- misguided beliefs about individu- icant.” al rights prevailing over the com- The Leadership Confer- mon good, the political deals that ence of Women Religious state- sacrifice integrity to gain personal ment said, “Our hearts ached as power,” she said. “We have to be we watched these despicable ac- honest about the fractures in our tions that threaten not only to de- nation.” stroy the seat of our government Dubuque Archbish- but to rend the bonds that unite op Michael Jackels encouraged us. We commend and thank the prayer. members of Congress who coura- He said, “Who was it geously continued their service to that said: Be the change you with the nation … even amid the cha- to see in the world? And pray, os.” pray, pray for a peaceful transi- “Regardless of politi- tion of government, for the sake CNS photo/Erin Scott, Reuters cal affiliation, we are united by of all, and for the healing of our A worker installs heavy-duty security fencing around the U.S. Capitol in Washington, democracy,” said Archbishop nation, under God, with liberty D.C. on Jan. 7, one day after a crowd from a nearby rally stormed Capitol Hill. Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia. and justice for all.” “Should it devolve into what we

Jesuit priest will deliver invocation National Prayer Vigil for Life Pope says Vatican City will aim at presidential inauguration will be virtual this year for net-zero carbon emissions

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis pledged Vat- WASHINGTON WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Each year on ican City State would achieve net-zero carbon emissions be- (CNS) -- Jesuit Father Leo the night before the annual March for Life, at fore the year 2050, and he urged everyone in the world to be O’Donovan, former president least 10,000 people have filled the Great Upper part of a new culture of care for others and the planet. of Georgetown University, will Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of “The time has come for a change in direction. Let us deliver the invocation at the the Immaculate Conception in Washington for not rob the new generations of their hope in a better future,” he presidential inauguration of Joe the National Prayer Vigil for Life. said in a video message for a global summit. Biden on Jan. 20. This year, due to local restrictions on Pope Francis was one of about 75 leaders who con- The priest, a friend of attendance sizes because of the pandemic, the tributed to the Climate Ambition Summit, which was held on- the Biden family, was the main prayer vigil will be virtual. line Dec. 12. The meeting marked the fifth anniversary of the celebrant at the funeral Mass Catholics across the country are instead Paris Agreement on climate change. for Biden’s son Beau in 2015 at being are encouraged to take part in a nationwide St. Anthony of Padua Parish in During the meeting, the leaders renewed or strength- Father Leo prayer vigil from Jan. 28 through Jan. 29, mark- Wilmington, Delaware. ened investment pledges and commitments to cut greenhouse O’Donovan ing the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Some 24 leaders He confirmed with Na- Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton de- announced at the summit their commitment for net-zero emis- tional Catholic Reporter Jan. cisions legalizing abortion. sions, which would be achieving a balance between green- 6 that he would be delivering the invocation, saying The vigil will begin with a live broad- house gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions Biden had personally called him and invited him, cast at 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 28 from the basilica. taken out of the atmosphere, for example by switching to which he accepted. The service can be viewed on EWTN, lives- “green” energy and sustainable agriculture, increasing energy Biden will become the second Catholic presi- treams from the basilica or from the U.S. Con- efficiency and reforestation. dent of the United States. ference of Catholic Bishops. DSM. Jan2021 9.75x15.25.qxp_Layout 1 12/22/20 12:43 PM Page 1 Join Us in Saving Lives Knights of Columbus Funded Ultrasound Machines Sioux City 2015 in Iowa Mason City 2015

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