Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 35, Number 16 * August 31, 2008

Saint Gregory’s Abbey Rejoices with Ordination of Father Copelin

SHAWNEE — With fellow Benedictine monks and priests, as well as priests from throughout the archdiocese joined in prayer, Archbishop Beltran ordained Boniface Copelin, OSB, a Roman Catholic priest, on Aug. 21 in the historic Saint Gregory’s Abbey. The Eucharistic Celebration of Ordination took place on the Memorial of Pope Saint Pius X. In his homily, Archbishop Beltran paid tribute to the Church leaders who have planted the seeds of Catholicism and faith throughout the ages, including the early days before Oklahoma entered into state- hood. Brother Boniface was presented for ordination to the archbishop by Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB, abbot of Saint Gregory’s Abbey. “More than 130 years ago, Father Isidore Robot and Brother Dominic Lambert crossed the Arkansas River at Fort Smith and entered the Indian Territory,” Archbishop Beltran said, looking directly at Father Copelin, who was seated on the altar a few feet in front of the archbishop. “They were Benedictine monks from France who came here to be missionaries.” Archbishop Beltran said the Benedictine mission- aries came to this part of the world with faith, vision and purpose. They established churches and schools and over the years helped guide the people who lived here to know, love and serve Christ. “Brother Boniface, like Father Isidore and Brother Dominic before you and like all the other monks of Sacred Heart and Saint Gregory’s, deep within your soul you have heard a call. It is a call Archbishop Beltran lays from God. At times it seemed clear and compelling. hands on Father Copelin At times there was confusion and uncertainty.” during his ordination. continued on Page 10

Inside U.S. Bishops New Class of Offer Catholics Seminarians Path of Faith Head Off for During Political Training Walk 4 20 2 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008

The Good News Sooner Catholic Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran ... Somewhere To Go! Archbishop of Oklahoma City Staying at a hotel in Rome, do, we are all indeed called by God. Publisher you quickly adjust to the European We are invited by Him to go some- Jesus came into our manner of numbering the various where. That somewhere is heaven. Ray Dyer floors. What we call the first floor, However, since we cannot see it from world to save Editor they refer to as the entrance or here, since it is shrouded in great us from sin. ground floor and identify it as “O” or mystery, since we don’t fully under- He came that Cara Koenig “zero.” Consequently, our second floor stand the very life we have, there Layout/Design/ becomes their first floor and so on up are questions, there are doubts. we might Photographer the building. Sometimes there’s even confusion have life and On one occasion, the hotel I was and what’s worse, despair. We press Mauro Yanez staying in had a lobby and five guest the “O” button and we panic! We go have it more Hispanic Editor floors above it. We would number nowhere. abundantly. Archbishop Factually, 2,000 years ago, all that as six floors. They numbered it Jesus is Beltran “O” — or “zero” and then one to five. that changed. Jesus came into our Ammanda McCabe Knowing the European system world and He explained the “O – challenging us now. Staff beforehand, I was not at all zeros.” He said He had Good News surprised. Yet one day as I boarded and, indeed, He did because He is the 7501 Northwest Expressway the elevator on my fifth floor, I Good News! that when Philip the Apostle said Oklahoma City, OK 73132 touched the “O” to go down to the If you find your work dull and that he and others did not know the (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 lobby level (our first floor) and a seemingly insignificant, if you are a way, Jesus said emphatically, “I am crazy thought struck me. In my wild young person who “doesn’t fit in” or the Way. I am the Truth. I am the e-mail: [email protected] imagination, I said: “You are going cannot find the way, if you are a Life.” Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 nowhere!” From then on, every time I parent whose children are going Jesus came into our world to Oklahoma City, OK 73123 enter an elevator in Europe and astray, if you are tired or bored or save us from sin. He came that we touch the “O”, I always say to myself: might have life and have it more sick, don’t panic. Don’t give up! Jesus Visit us online through the “You are going nowhere!” loves you. He has a plan for you. He abundantly. Jesus is challenging us Archdiocesan Web Page at I know there are many people wants you and me and all of us to now. who believe their lives are useless or prepare now so that someday we can When we are weary and tired www.catharchdioceseokc.org. tiring or boring or so incidental that be with Him in heaven forever. and feel forlorn, let’s not press zero — they feel they are going nowhere! We don’t know the day. We know that will get us nowhere. But let us The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is Yet, the reality is that no matter who not the way. But we do know that turn to Jesus who is our hope and our published biweekly except for once in July we are, no matter what we do or don’t Jesus is the Lord. We remember too salvation. and twice in December by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Seminary Burses The newspaper is not responsible for A Seminary Burse has been Father Wade Darnall Father John A. Petuskey unsolicited material. established by the estate of Father Seminary Burse Seminary Burse Copyright © 2008 Sooner Catholic Larry Gatlin in the amount of $10,545.00 $11,849.99 $10,000. To donate to Father Gatlin’s burse or to any of the existing burses, Subscription rate: $20 per year for all Father Larry Gatlin Father Clement E. Pribil make the check out to the Archdiocese who are not members of the Seminary Burse Seminary Burse of Oklahoma City. In the memo $5,251.42 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. section, note the specific burse and $10,000.00 Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma mail it to Vocations Office, P.O. Box Father Stanley Rother 32180, OKC 73123. Father Bernard J. Havlik City, OK 73125. Seminary Burse Father Joseph Beltran Seminary Burse $180,656.99 Seminary Burse $26,610.01 $80,418.16 Archbishop Charles Salatka Father James A. Kastner Father Stephen Bird Seminary Burse Seminary Burse Seminary Burse $185,945.00 $9,919.99 $10,000.00 Father Gerald Ucker The Sooner Catholic is Father Denis Blackledge Bishop Stephen A. Leven Seminary Burse supported through the Seminary Burse Seminary Burse $8,570.00 Archdiocesan Development Fund. $8,336.95 $59,627.73 Totals as of 7/31/2008 August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 3 New Pool One More Step in the Dream of Family Life Center

By Rex Hogan “I got involved to see what made For the Sooner Catholic the most sense. It was my recom- mendation that they take advantage Two years ago, the Chesapeake of the offer from Chesapeake and Energy Corporation approached the Knights of Columbus Council 1038 instead of selling the facility, they about a land deal. operate out of it and they try to Chesapeake, the second-largest involve the facility into a health independent producer of natural gas center mission that would not only in the country, wanted to buy Council address the Catholic community but 1038’s property located near the the community at large,” Walters Chesapeake complex on 63rd and said. Western Avenue. Cathey said after Council 1038 Council 1038 had a 5,000-square- agreed to the deal, the real work foot building on the property that it began. had owned for generations. It had “The club had fallen into disre- steadily improved the property over pair,” Cathey said. the years. It had become the center- “We’ve gone through the aches piece for teen activities, including and pains of making improvements dances and parish dinners. and at the same time shift to make it “They offered us $1 million, but more available to schools, churches we turned it down because we didn’t and the Catholic community as well have anywhere to go,” said Bill Members of Epiphany Parish sit poolside at the Knights sponsored picnic. as to other groups. I’d say we’re half- Cathey, an Oklahoma City attorney way through this process,” he said. our council might want it.” “We turned to Gov. Walters and past Grand Knight of Council “There were a number of things The 55,000-square-foot club was because of his experience in property 1038. that had to be fixed,” Walters said. located on 4 1/2 acres, although at and business. He put together a top Chesapeake then sweetened the “The parking lots, the security, every that time it was in need of repairs. to bottom management analysis,” offer and told the council that it had time it rained outside it rained “This was something that was so Cathey said. a health club on Santa Fe that it inside. We’ve done from $200,000 to big, it would have been very difficult Walters said the natural gas would throw in on the deal. $300,000 worth of work,” Walters for us to handle,” Cathey said. company had a history of buying “That’s how badly they wanted said, including the purchase of new The council then contacted former property outside “its campus” for the our property,” Cathey said. “They exercise equipment. Gov. David Walters, a member of the purpose of trading for land they were bought the Santa Fe Fitness and Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual trying to acquire near its complex of “We’ve just completed work on a Racket Club, on Santa Fe Avenue Help, and asked him for his advice on office buildings. $500,000 junior Olympic pool,” he south of N.W. 63rd because we said the proposal. “Obviously, it was a good deal for said. the Knights,” Walters said. “If they Cathey said a number of parish- would have bought everything, it related activities, including teen would have easily cost between $8 to dances, dinners and parties, have $10 million.” been held at the club and “it’s met He said, however, there was a every need we’ve had.” problem with the Knights saying yes “It’s a big issue with the Knights to the proposal and it didn’t have that we get younger men to join anything to do with money. and this facility is a family oriented “There was a lot of nostalgia asso- facility, a family life center where ciated with the Council 1038 facility. wives and children can also be It had become the focus of many there,” Cathey said. chaperoned teen dances and other Walters said the Knights have teen activities. There was some trep- talked to leaders at five predomi- idation about what we were getting nately black churches and have into by obtaining a major health invited them to bring their youth to facility. the Santa Fe Club for free tennis “I kept running into men who lessons and a dip in the pool. said, ‘I met my wife at a teen dance “What they have been doing,” there,’” Walters said. Walters said, “is transforming the “Some wanted to sell the health racket club to a family life center club and use the money for an that the Knights could integrate into endowment to continue to do the a multi-functioning facility including type of work that Knights do,” the recreation facility to the whole The newly finished junior size Olympic pool. Walters said. community.” 4 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 U.S. Bishops Create Web Site to Help Educate Catholics on Faithful Citizenship Every four years the U.S. Catholics form their consciences so programs, youth and young adult Catholic Bishops update Forming they can make sound moral judg- ministries and other groups. Consciences for Faithful ments about public choices. Faithful It also offers a series of 10 arti- Citizenship: A Call to Political Citizenship highlights four areas of cles by USCCB experts, on issues Responsibility from the Catholic special concern — defending human pertinent to Catholics voting in the Bishops of the United States (Nos. life, promoting family life, pursuing November elections. Topics include 7-026 English, 7-802 Spanish; 800- social justice, and practicing global immigration, voting by conscience, 235-8722). solidarity. the environment, poverty, Iraq, This statement continues a more This year the USCCB has stem cells, gay marriage, abortion, than 30-year tradition by the launched a new Faithful Citizen- health care and economic policy. bishops of encouraging Catholics to ship Web site, www.faithfulcitizen- use the values of their faith to ship.org. The site includes a wide This Web site has been mirrored shape their participation in politi- range of resources for families, in Spanish, there is a link on the cal life. It focuses on helping parishes, committees, educational Web site to see the Spanish version. Voting by Conscience: Thinking About What is Just The only difference between the not just “what I Conscience must be formed, and, refuses to let one of these become an voting booth and the conscience is think,” but it is me as such, it looks in three directions “issue.” we usually have to wait in line to “thinking about at once: It looks at me, looks at the Conscience winces when it hears get into one of them. Apart from what is just” and moral dilemma at hand, and it sees a candidate claim that he can fix that, the same thing is supposed to true. It is not a the truth of both without favor. So health care, but still agree that a happen in each place as that small partial appraisal often the voter makes appeal to only child in the womb can be killed. cubicle reveals me to myself. based on the words to the first two categories, me and Conscience knows that if a candi- You and I can only vote once in of a preacher, the dilemma. Mere opinion then date favors human embryonic stem the election this fall. But before we politician or By Father substitutes for conscience. To make cell research, which always includes do, hopefully we have repeatedly passions. The inner Brian a decision in conscience is to consult the killing of a human person, then visited our own conscience. My con- moral sense is not Bransfiel the truth of the nature of things in our neighborhoods can never be free science is what separates the voting built on a sum themselves. Conscience begins “out- of violence — because we just voted machine from a slot machine, and total of what I think, but is a mani- side-in.” The objective reality sum- for violence. The moral sense knows only the human conscience can festation linked with truth itself mons accountability from me and that if you treat the environment ensure that the ballot lever is not regardless of my preferences. forms the central coordinate of con- any way you like, sooner or later you pulled on a gamble. Conscience does not allow a science. Conscience must begin with will need treatment because of the The U.S. Bishops emphasize citizen to forget he is first a person. the true good. This starting point environment. Conscience realizes the role of conscience in Forming It tells me I am a person, and, as ensures that freedom and truth are that if you support torture. you have Consciences for Faithful Citizen- such, I must look at a quandary not enemies. just paid the deposit for a war 20 ship, a guide for Catholics as they according to a certain order: How There is a faculty deep within years from now. prepare for the 2008 elections. does this act here and now, in and of that I do not create. It is not pro- Conscience sees broadly. It What does conscience look like? itself, fit with being human, and not grammed. This region is more than breaks the bubble, brushes back the It is that part of me that is bigger simply lower prices? Conscience super ego or social convention. It is curtain, pries down the lever, and by than me. Many issues volley for insists that human dilemmas are however, formed. The moral sense of the leverage of honest truth cannot attention: immigration, affordable moral concerns long before they are conscience must be molded, not de- simply change, but can transform, education, war, neighborhood political points of view. Conscience veloped simply by feelings, opinions, the world. violence, health care, abortion, the tells me that to be free I must admit circumstance, intentions or move- Father Brian Bransfield is the hungry and homeless, the environ- the truth that some acts are in- ments, but by the deep moral sense Secretariat for Evangelization and ment, human embryonic stem cell escapably evil and no manner of in which we participate by being Catechesis of the United States research, the dignity of marriage circumstances or intentions can human and capable of reason. Conference of Catholic Bishops. between one man and one woman as make them somehow good. Conscience does not simply decide Father Bransfield is from the the most commonly recognized Conscience bursts all other bubbles: for happy or sad, but for good or evil. Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He institution in history, economic in- It tells me the difference between Conscience lines up the quandaries studied moral theology with a equality, gas prices, and the beat right and wrong, good and evil, in size order and sees the resem- specialization in marriage and goes on. based not on the truth of circum- blance. Marriage, racism, the envi- family at the Pontifical John Paul The common misunderstanding stances or best intentions, but first ronment, hunger and abortion are II Institute for Studies on Marriage is that conscience amounts to “what and foremost on the truth of things not competing events. They are and Family and holds a doctorate I think” on an issue. Conscience is in themselves. cousins, if not siblings. Conscience in moral theology. August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Comprehensive Effort Needed to Fight Poverty In his first encyclical, Deus work, and ensure 4. Government to live up to its Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI adequate health responsibility to protect the weak places love and care for the poor at care and housing. and vulnerable, promote human the center of Catholic life: However, we cannot dignity and human rights, act effec- “Love of God and love of escape the moral tively when other institutions fall neighbor have become one: In duty to work short and promote greater economic Calling all the least of the brethren we actively to over- opportunity and justice for all. come the poverty find Jesus himself, and in Sadly, some advocates embrace Catholics! and deprivation By John Carr just one element rather than all. Jesus we find God … Love which diminishes Some insist individual responsibility Pray for justice, peace and life with the Novena for Faithful Citizenship. for widows and orphans, the lives of so many is the real answer, or that just faith- Download the podcast and join prisoners, and the sick and children and families. based institutions can make the Catholics throughout the United Unfortunately, debates about difference, or that the market by needy of every kind is as States in prayer, beginning Tues- poverty often become polarized by itself can solve the problems or essential to her [the Church] ideological and partisan divisions. day, Sept. 2, nine weeks before the that government action is the only election. as the ministry of the sacra- This political season, campaigns effective response. A comprehensive Options for praying the Novena for ments and preaching of the need to move beyond false ideologi- national commitment that ad- Faithful Citizenship: cal choices that often paralyze Gospel.” (Deus Caritas Est #15, 21) dresses the complicated causes and „Start on Sept. 2 and pray for nine national discussion. Catholic teach- This priority for the poor also diverse steps to overcome poverty is consecutive Tuesdays, up until the needs to be at the center of the ing and experience insist that reduc- needed. general election. national discussion in this election ing poverty will require personal Isolated efforts cannot promote „Start the Novena on any day of year. The facts about poverty in responsibility and social responsibil- integral human development that is the week, whenever people gather, our land raise significant moral and ity, better choices and behaviors by the foundation of effective efforts to and pray on that day every week. policy issues. individuals, and better policies and overcome poverty, deprivation and „Begin praying the Novena on „Poverty is pervasive. One in investments by government. despair (www.catholiccharitiesusa Oct. 26, nine days before the election, eight Americans lives in poverty, In their statement, A Place at .org and www.usccb.org/sdwp/ place- and continue each consecutive day. which represents more than 37 the Table, the U.S. Bishops outline atthetable/index.shtml). In the up- Create any combination that million people. a four-part strategy to address coming elections, U.S. Catholics works for you and your community — „ The younger you are in ought not to focus on individual and feel free to pray the Novena more America, the more likely you are to economic interests, but rather seek than once. (1 Thes 5:17). You can go be poor. One in six children, or 13 U.S. Catholics have a to lift up “the least of these.” In online at http://www.faithfulcitizen- million children, lives in poverty. Forming Consciences for Faithful ship.org/resources/podcasts to pray moral obligation to along with the podcast of the day or to „Family factors contribute to Citizenship, the U.S. bishops call for download the written version. poverty. A child born to unmarried protect the lives and a new politics, focused more on: If you can’t pray the novena daily, parents who have not graduated „Moral principles than on the dignity of all God’s below is a general prayer you can add from high school, without a worker latest polls. to your daily prayer. in the family, has an 80 percent children, especially the „Needs of the weak than on chance of growing up poor. A child poor and vulnerable. benefits for the strong. born to a family without these „Pursuit of the common good Gracious and loving God, let factors has an 8 percent chance. than on the demands of narrow your Spirit be with me today. „Poverty is not distributed interests. Hear my prayers, and evenly. While most people who live poverty. It calls for: How we treat “the least among increase in me the will to in poverty are white, one out of four 1. Individuals to pursue educa- us” (Mt. 25:40) is a moral measure African-Americans, and one out of tion and work, to build strong of our lives, as individuals and as a follow your Son Jesus. Help five Hispanics, lives in poverty. (See families and to make sacrifices for nation. In Scripture, this is the me to draw on the resources the Catholic Campaign for Human children. question on judgment day. It should of my faith as I use the Development’s Poverty USA Web 2. Churches, faith-based and be a central question on election day. opportunities of our site, www.povertyusa.org.povfacts_ community organizations to support John Carr is executive director of democracy to shape a society race.shtml. families, confront discrimination and the Department of Justice, Peace and more respectful of the life, Such statistics show the kind of injustice, strengthen neighborhoods Human Development of the United dignity and rights of the nation we are becoming. and communities and stand with and States Conference of Catholic human person, especially the U.S. Catholics have a moral help poor and vulnerable families. Bishops. Carr speaks often on poor and vulnerable. I ask 3. The market, businesses and obligation to protect the lives and Catholic social mission, faith and this through Jesus Christ, unions to work to secure jobs at dignity of all God’s children, espe- policy, and religion in public life. He your Son, who lives and cially the poor and vulnerable. We decent wages, health care and other recently received the Vision Award reigns with you in the unity can debate how best to pursue benefits, a voice in the workplace, from Catholic Charities USA and economic opportunity and justice, and efforts for growth and oppor- was named a Hunger Hero by Bread of the Holy Spirit, one God provide decent jobs for all who can tunity. for the World. forever and ever. Amen. 6 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 Church Urges Humane, Comprehensive Solution to Immigration The national immigration debate have called for com- because, once they arrive in the United ment of Labor predicts that demand has generated tremendous, often emo- prehensive reform of States, almost 80 percent of male for foreign-born workers in these and tional, discussion about the impact of the immigration migrant workers find jobs with U.S. other industries will increase dramati- the growing number of undocumented system. Their pre- companies. This magnet of available cally. immigrants on our communities. scription for mend- jobs induces immigrants to come. Comprehensive immigration re- Heated talk about the economic, social ing the system is to Compounding the problem, U.S. form represents a humane solution to and enforcement aspects of the issue emphasize legality immigration law fails to provide legal our crisis. It will enable immigrants predominates. We should understand, over illegality channels for these workers to migrate and their families to remain together however, that above all, immigration is through the creation safely and legally. Work visas for low- and allow them to contribute their a humanitarian, and, ultimately, a of legal avenues for By J. Kevin skilled workers are absurdly small talents to their communities without moral issue. migration and the Appleby compared to demand — 5,000 perma- fear. It will also help reduce the Each day in parishes, social service extension of legal nent and 66,000 temporary ones per exploitation of migrants and the programs, hospitals and schools, the status and a path to citizenship year. Family unity visas can be even number of those who perish in human consequences of an inadequate to undocumented immigrants. This scarcer. Waiting times as long as 10 attempts to come to the United States. immigration system are apparent. includes rigorous enforcement of the years for immediate members of Elected officials must examine the Families are separated; migrant laws, to be sure, but also suggests a Mexican families is not unusual. root causes of migration from home workers are exploited by smugglers more comprehensive approach which We also must consider both the communities and work with their and unscrupulous employers; and reforms all aspects of the system. This intent and effect of the law-breaking governments to create jobs for mi- human beings, desperate to survive, remedy represents the most effective, by immigrants, two mitigating factors grants at home. This is the long-term perish in the American desert. As our humane and practical approach to often considered in U.S. courts. The solution that the erection of a 700-mile nation benefits from the hard work of solving our immigration crisis. intent of immigrant workers is to work border fence will not provide. It is undocumented workers, we fail to Some argue that undocumented and support their families, and the imperative that both parties and both extend to them basic workplace and workers and their families should not effect is that they support the U.S. chambers of Congress work hard to legal protections. Worse, some scape- receive legal status because they live economy by working in important produce legislation that creates an goat immigrants for our social ills. outside the law. Before rendering judg- industries in need of laborers. immigration system predicated on the The U.S. Bishops statement, ment, we must consider that U.S. For example, leaders in the home rule of law and that upholds values Forming Consciences for Faithful policy actually creates conditions building industry estimate that if the all Americans cherish — hard work, Citizenship, urges Catholics to study which encourage illegal immigration undocumented work force left the opportunity, and compassion. issues such as immigration before and law-breaking. For example, while United States, housing construction Kevin Appleby is director of the going to the polls. the federal government has spent would be delayed six to eight months Office of Migration and Refugee Policy, Because of current practices and billions on border enforcement over and housing costs would increase for the U.S. Conference of Catholic policies of many U.S. cities and states, the past 15 years, during the same 30 to 40 percent. The health-care Bishops. Appleby holds a law degree and their harmful effect on human life period the number of undocumented industry relies heavily on immigrant from the University of Maryland and a and dignity, the bishops have stated immigrants in the nation has more workers to care for the elderly and master’s degree in international affairs that the status quo is immoral and than doubled. This is primarily other infirmed patients. The Depart- from George Washington University.

U.S. Bishops Offer Family Guide to Faithful Citizenship In the statement, Forming Some Do’s and Don’ts statement are very complex, even for canvassing or leafleting for a candi- Consciences for Citizenship, the Do show your children that you adults.) The most important thing is date, attendance at rallies, letter- Catholic Bishops in the United States are concerned about the issues and that your children are aware and writing to elected officials). Don’t remind us, “In the Catholic tradition, questions raised in the statement. concerned, and that they are thinking coerce or shame them into involve- responsible citizenship is a virtue, and Express your opinions or beliefs about about the issues in moral terms. ment, but invite and encourage it, participation in political life is a moral these issues, and share questions you Do show that you truly respect leaving them free to participate or obligation.” (No. 5). The decisions we have about issues or candidates. Look different points of view on the issues not. Of course, promising a favorite make as citizens about who leads us for opportunities to describe where or candidates — that good people can treat to children at the end of an and what policies are enacted have you stand on a certain issue, or why disagree on specific matters without activity is an excellent means of important moral and ethical dimen- you favor a certain candidate. Don’t rancor. encouragement! Social action and ice sions. The values of our faith should be push your children to adopt your Do get involved yourself. If you cream just seem to go together. our guide to public life. stance, or to support your candidate. believe strongly in an issue or candi- Do vote and let your children know The most important place to share Don’t preach, or try to convert them. date — and hopefully you do — take that you see voting as a priority. Bring and reflect on this message is in our Do ask for their opinions, an active role. It’s a cliche, but actions your children with you to the polls. families. While it’s always a challenge questions or concerns. Be genuine do speak much louder than words, Watch the election returns together to use a statement like Faithful with your interest, and really listen to especially to our children. Do look and discuss their implications. Citizenship — so obviously written to whatever they have to say. Don’t for activities that your children or For more on what you and your an adult audience — within a family worry if they don’t agree with your your whole family could get involved family can do, go to http://www.faith- context, it’s worth the challenge! Civic position, or even with all the positions in with you (e.g., pro-life marches, fulcitizenship.org/all/family_guide for responsibility starts with the adults in expressed in Faithful Citizenship. environmental cleanup projects, the activities resources and how to take the family. (Most of the issues addressed in the design of posters for a campaign, action. August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Catholics Must Examine Abortion Stands Taken by Candidates Abortion is the most widespread The U.S. Catholic Bishops are Catholics are not name of “choice” — they undermine direct attack on innocent human life in unequivocal in their defense of human alone in opposing the foundation for all other human the United States. Today, nearly one in life from its earliest stages to natural abortion. The New rights. four pregnancies ends violently in death. In Forming Consciences for York Times, MTV Citizens deserve to know candi- abortion. As a pre-eminent threat to Faithful Citizenship, they state that and CBS News co- dates’ positions on abortion so they can human dignity with far-ranging social abortion is intrinsically evil, which sponsored a poll in vote with fully informed consciences. and political consequences, abortion means that abortion is “always 2007, and found The bishops say that a well-formed warrants sober consideration as we opposed to the authentic good of that 62 percent of conscience will recognize “that all head to the polls this fall. persons” and is never justified by young adults reject issues do not carry the same moral By Deirdre A. Catholics are called in a special circumstances. Abortion “must always abortion on demand. weight and that the moral obligation McQuade way to examine candidates’ positions be rejected and opposed and must In June 2008, a to oppose intrinsically evil acts has a on the issue against their own con- never be supported or condoned.” survey of likely special claim on our consciences and science, a conscience which is well- (Faithful Citizenship, No. 22). voters by the polling company, inc. our actions.” (Faithful Citizenship, No. formed by Church teaching. Far from “ . . . we await the day when U.S. law found that 54 percent would prohibit 37). being simply the sole choice of a protects human life from conception abortion in all circumstances, or allow Abortion is a pivotal issue as we mother, the question of having an to natural death, parents welcome it only in cases of rape, incest, and to approach the upcoming state and abortion involves matters of justice children whether “planned” or “un- save the life of the mother. federal elections. Longer-range, we and compassion for all involved: For planned,” and the wounds of abortion There are signs that the Supreme await the day when U.S. law protects unborn children and their mothers, have healed. A culture in which Court is beginning to acknowledge the human life from conception to natural but also their fathers, siblings and abortion is unthinkable is one in which harm abortion causes. In Gonzales v. death, parents welcome children grandparents, and the character of our all lives will be honored.” Carhart, the 2007 decision upholding whether “planned” or “unplanned,” and society. The bishops advocate for construc- the federal partial-birth abortion ban, the wounds of abortion have healed. A Over 35 years have passed since tive policies to help make abortion the court candidly recognizes abortion culture in which abortion is unthink- Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court unthinkable in our society. as a form of killing and cites the grief, able is one in which all lives will be decision that legalized abortion for We also promote a culture of life by sorrow and depression reported by honored. almost any reason throughout the nine supporting laws and programs that women involved in it. Deirdre A. McQuade is assistant months of pregnancy. Approximately encourage childbirth and adoption Government officials, regardless of director, Policy and Communications, 48 million defenseless lives have been over abortion and by addressing party affiliation, should take the at the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities lost. Countless women regret their poverty, providing health care and courageous stand to protect the un- of the U.S. Conference of Catholic abortions, many men grieve lost offering other assistance to pregnant born and their mothers from abortion. Bishops. She holds master’s of arts fatherhood, and others involved often women, children and families. When they fail to honor the basic right degrees in philosophy and divinity suffer in silence. (Faithful Citizenship, No. 65). to life — and even abandon it in the from the University of Notre Dame. Church: Catholics Don’t Treat All Issues as Morally Equal A consistent ethic of life should attacks on innocent human beings of individuals and of society. Every the weakest among us — the un- guide all Catholic engagement in are never morally acceptable. Within person and association has a right born, those dealing with disabilities political life. This Catholic ethic our society, life is under direct attack and a duty to participate in shaping or terminal illness, the poor and neither treats all issues as morally from abortion, euthanasia, human society to promote the well-being of marginalized. equivalent nor reduces Catholic cloning and destruction of human individuals and the common good. Dignity of Work and the Rights of teaching to one or two issues. It embryos for research. These intrinsic Workers anchors the Catholic commitment to evils must always be opposed. This Rights and Responsibilities The economy must serve people, defend human life and other human teaching also compels us as Every human being has a right not the other way around. Economic rights, from conception until natural Catholics to oppose genocide, torture, to life, the fundamental right that justice calls for decent work at fair, death, in the fundamental obligation unjust war and the use of the death makes all other rights possible. Each living wages, opportunities for legal to respect the dignity of every human penalty, as well as to pursue peace of us has a right to religious freedom, status for immigrant workers, and being as a child of God. and help overcome poverty, racism which enables us to live and act in the opportunity for all people to work Catholic voters should use Cath- and other conditions that demean accord with our God-given dignity, as together for the common good olic teaching to examine candidates’ human life. well as a right to access to those through their work, ownership, positions on issues and should Call to Family, Community and things required for human decency enterprise, investment, participation consider candidates’ integrity, philos- Participation — food and shelter, education and in unions, and other forms of eco- ophy and performance. It is im- The family, based on marriage employment, health care and hous- nomic activity. portant for all citizens “to see beyond between a man and a woman, is ing. Corresponding to these rights Solidarity party politics, to analyze campaign the fundamental unit of society. are duties and responsibilities — to We are one human family, what- rhetoric critically, and to choose their This sanctuary for the creation and one another, to our families, and to ever our national, racial, ethnic, eco- political leaders according to princi- nurturing of children must not be the larger society. nomic and ideological differences. ple, not party affiliation or mere self- redefined, undermined or neglected. Our Catholic commitment to solidar- interest.” (USCCB, Living the Gospel Supporting families should be a Option for the Poor and Vulnerable ity requires that we pursue justice, of Life, No. 33). priority for economic and social poli- While the common good embraces eliminate racism, end human The Right to Life and the Dignity of cies. How our society is organized — all, those who are in greatest trafficking, protect human rights, the Human Person in economics and politics, in law and need deserve preferential concern. A seek peace and avoid the use of force Human life is sacred. Direct public policy — affects the well-being moral test for society is how we treat except as a necessary last resort. 8 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 The Abortion Cover-up Presidential Candidate Obama Misrepresents His Stand Against Law That Provides Protection to Infants Who Survive Abortion; Accuses Critics of Lying By Douglas Johnson who showed any of the specified signs unwilling to extend the principles of committee. On the floor he gave a NRLC Legislative Director of life, was to be regarded as a legal Roe to living babies entirely separate speech attacking it and a couple of person for however long he or she from their mothers. They rejected the other related bills (the only such WASHINGTON (Aug. 18, 2008) — lived, and that this applied whether NARAL claim and voted for the bill; it speech by any senator). Although the Sen. Barack Obama’s four-year effort or not the birth was the result of an passed the House 380-15. (Nothing speech was technically made during to cover up his full role in killing legis- abortion or of spontaneous premature like that had ever happened to consideration of another bill, SB 1093, lation to protect born-alive survivors labor. NARAL immediately attacked NARAL before.) But the bill was killed Obama said that his reasons applied of abortions continues to unravel. the bill as an assault on Roe v. Wade: in the Senate by an objection to unan- to SB 1095 (the BAIPA) as well. He In the most recent developments, “The Act would effectively grant legal imous consent. then voted “present.” Voting “present” Sen. Obama himself, in a video- was a tactic recommended by the local recorded interview Saturday night Planned Parenthood lobbyist; under with David Brody of CBN News (sub- What follows is the complete text of the Illinois Born-Alive Infants an Illinois constitutional provision, a sequently broadcast on both CBN and Protection Bill (SB 1082) after it was amended, on March 13, 2003, in bill is deemed passed only if it receives CNN), said three times that National the committee chaired by state Sen. Barack Obama. The committee an absolute majority of the sworn Right to Life was “lying” in asserting then voted 6-4 to kill this bill, with chairman Obama voting to kill it. members of the House or Senate, so that he had voted against a state bill The amended bill, as shown below, was virtually identical to the the operative effect of a “present” vote virtually identical to the federal Born- federal Born-Alive Infants Protection Act that was enacted in 2002. is the same as a “no” vote. Alive Infants Protection Act. He did AN ACT concerning infants who are born alive. The core of Obama’s speech was not directly address newly uncovered the same as the 2000 NARAL attack documents that had been released by Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: at the federal level — the bill violated NRLC on Aug. 11 — documents that Roe v. Wade because it applied to “a Section 5. The Statute on Statutes is amended by adding Section proved that he had done exactly that, pre-viable fetus.” Here is what he said: contradicting four years of the Obama 1.36 as follows: (5 ILCS 70/1.36 new) “Number one, whenever we define cover story. Sec. 1.36. Born-alive infant. a pre-viable fetus as a person that is In response, on Sunday, Aug. 17, (a) In determining the meaning of any statute or of any rule, protected by the equal protection we issued a challenge to Obama to regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative agencies of clause or the other elements in the either declare the newly discovered this State, the words “person,” “human being,” “child” and “individual” Constitution, what we’re really saying documents to be forgeries and call for include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born is, in fact, that they are persons that an investigation of the forgery, or alive at any stage of development. are entitled to the kinds of protections admit that he had misrepresented his (b) As used in this Section, the term “born alive,” with respect to a that would be provided to a — a child, record on the live-born infants legisla- a 9-month-old — child that was tion (not just once, but for four years), member of the species homo sapiens, means the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of that member, at any stage of delivered to term. That determination and apologize to those he’s called liars. then, essentially, if it was accepted by development, who after that expulsion or extraction breathes or has We don’t have an apology yet. But a court, would forbid abortions to take now there is this, in a news story a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement place. I mean, it — it would essen- posted on the New York Sun Web site of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has tially bar abortions, because the equal on the evening of Aug. 17: “Mr. Obama been cut and regardless of whether the expulsion or extraction occurs protection clause does not allow some- appeared to misstate his position as a result of natural or induced labor, cesarean section, or induced body to kill a child, and if this is a in the CBN interview on Saturday abortion. child, then this would be an anti- ... [Obama’s] campaign yesterday (c) Nothing in this Section [the bill] shall be construed to affirm, abortion statute.” acknowledged that he had voted deny, expand, or contract any legal status or legal right applicable to It did not seem to matter to against an identical bill in the state any member of the species homo sapiens at any point prior to being Obama in 2001 (or to NARAL, in Senate ...” born alive as defined in this Section. 2000) that the “fetuses” (sic) in See http://www.nysun.com/ Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming question were entirely born and alive. national/obama-facing-attacks-from- Because, you see, they were “pre- law. all-sides-over-abortion/84059/ viable,” and these were abortions. The 2001 bill passed the Illinois Here is a summary of what came personhood to a pre-viable fetus — in In 2001, in Illinois, a bill was intro- Senate despite Obama’s objections, before: direct conflict with Roe ... In proposing duced in the state Senate that was but died in a House committee. In Congress, from 2000-2002, this bill, anti-choice lawmakers are closely patterned on the federal In Illinois, pretty much the same while Barack Obama was still a state seeking to ascribe rights to fetuses ‘at BAIPA, to govern constructions of events repeated in 2002, although senator in Illinois, we here in any stage of development,’ thereby state law. It contained an additional this time Obama voted “no” on the Washington, D.C., were dealing with directly contradicting one of Roe’s sentence, which read, “A live child floor. Meanwhile, in Washington, the federal Born-Alive Infants basic tenets.” born as a result of an abortion shall be an additional clause was added to Protection Act (BAIPA), a project in See www.nrlc.org/Federal/Born fully recognized as a human person the federal bill, which we call “the which I was deeply involved. The orig- _Alive_Infants/NARALonlive- and accorded immediate protection neutrality clause.” (The “neutrality” inal bill was a simple two-paragraph born.pdf under the law.” (We’ll call this the clause read, “Nothing in this section proposal — it established in black- Nevertheless, the vast majority of “immediate protection clause.” It shall be construed to affirm, deny, letter law that for all federal law “pro-choice” House members — really just repeated the substantive expand, or contract any legal status or purposes, any baby who was entirely including hard-core pro-abortion effect of the other paragraphs.) legal right applicable to any member expelled from his or her mother, and leaders such as Jerrold Nadler — were Obama voted against this bill in continued on Page 9 August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 9 The Abortion Cover-up continued from Page 8 measure lacked the federal language blog, which mostly repeated the old All of Obama’s misrepresentations of the species homo sapiens at any clarifying that the act would not be Obama line and which did not specifi- and contradictions on this issue have point prior to being ‘born alive’ as used to undermine Roe vs. Wade, the cally reference the documents re- one common goal: to obscure the posi- defined in this section.”) We saw this 1973 U.S. Supreme Court opinion that leased by NRLC, but which did con- tion he actually articulated and acted clause as no substantive change — it legalized abortion.” tain a new element: a purported side- on in 2001 through 2003. Obama merely made explicit the original Obama’s explanation was false, by-side comparison of the state and explained in 2001 that he opposed the scope of the bill. Nevertheless, with but the local newspapers did not federal BAIPAs. The comparison state bill to protect born-alive infants the change, the bill passed without a uncover the March 13, 2003 records, asserted that the “immediate protec- because it would apply before the dissenting vote in either house of and they accepted the explanation tion clause” was still part of the bill point of long-term survivability — so- Congress, and was signed into law in uncritically.The Obama campaign has that Obama voted against (it was not called “viability.” This is the same 2002. been quoting the resulting stories ever — but why would that clause bother objection that NARAL originally But in Illinois, Obama kept fight- since. him?), and asserted that the “neutral- voiced to the federal bill, in 2000. But ing, now from a chairman’s chair. In During Obama’s 2008 run for ity clause” was merely a “failed that was exactly the point of the bill — 2003, the state bill was reintroduced president, his campaign and his de- amendment, not included in final to make it clear that a live-born baby in its original form, but the chief fenders have asserted repeatedly and legislation” (false — it was adopted was a legally protected person for as sponsor also introduced “Senate forcefully that it is a distortion, or 10-0). The posting also contained long as he or she lived, whether for a Amendment No. 1,” an amendment to even a smear and a lie, to suggest that many diversionary provisions — refer- day, an hour, or a minute. remove the “immediate protection Obama opposed a state born-alive bill ences to an entirely different bill, mis- Neither the original version of the clause” and insert the exact language that was the same as the federal bill. leading characterizations of an old, legislation, nor the final state version of the new “neutrality clause” from the See, for example, this June 30, 2008 loophole-ridden Illinois law, etc. that Obama killed in 2003, contained federal bill. Adoption of “Senate “factcheck” issued by the Obama On Aug. 16, in a short interview any language to protect babies before Amendment No. 1” would transform campaign, in the form that it still with CBN News’ David Brody, Obama the point of live birth. On the 2001 and the state bill into a virtual clone of the appeared on the Obama Web site on was asked about the growing contro- 2002 state bills, Obama took to a posi- now-enacted final federal bill/law. Aug. 7, 2008. The Obama “cover story” versy surrounding the National Right tion that already had been rejected by Both the bill and the amendment were has often been repeated as fact, or at to Life release. In his response, Obama the U.S. House 380-15 (in 2000). In referred to a committee of which least without challenge, in major asserted three times that we were 2003, Obama took a position on the Obama had just become chairman organs of the news media. (Two recent “lying.” abortion-survivor legislation that was (the Democrats had taken majority examples: CNN reported on June 30, See it here: http://www.cbn.com/- more extreme than any member of control of the Illinois Senate in 2008, “Senator Obama says if he had CBNnews/429328.aspx Congress of either party. January, 2003). been in the U.S. Senate in 2002, he, Late on Aug. 17, the New York Sun The Obama campaign and its apol- On March 12-13, 2003, Obama too, would have voted in favor of the posted a story by staff political ogists are now asserting that the state chaired a meeting of the committee at Born Alive Infant Protection Act reporter Russell Berman, which said Born-Alive Infants Protection Bill was which Senate Amendment No. 1 was because unlike the Illinois bill, it in part: “Indeed, Mr. Obama appeared part of a “package” of bills. This is an adopted (with his support, 10-0). This included language protecting Roe v. to misstate his position in the CBN obvious attempt to change the subject transformed the state bill into a Wade.” The New York Times reported interview on Saturday when he said and avoid prolonged scrutiny of virtual clone of the federal bill; see in a story on Aug. 7, 2008, that Obama the federal version he supported ‘was Obama’s record on the sole bill that them side-by-side here. Obama then “said he had opposed the bill because not the bill that was presented at the has been the focus of the national led all of the committee’s Democrats in it was poorly drafted and would have state level.’ His campaign yesterday debate, that being the bill that was voting to kill the amended bill, and it threatened the Supreme Court deci- acknowledged that he had voted copied from the federal bill. was killed, 6-4. (We didn’t know about sion in Roe v. Wade that established against an identical bill in the state In 2001-2003, there were various this meeting until about two weeks abortion as a constitutional right. He Senate ...” bills in the Illinois Senate that dealt ago.) said he would have voted for a similar The campaign then tried to shift to with the procedures to be followed The very next year, the cover-up bill that passed the U.S. Senate a new objection to the “identical bill” during very late abortions, but those began. because it did not have the same con- — that it “could have undermined bills each had separate numbers, were When Obama was running for the stitutional flaw as the Illinois bill.”) existing Illinois abortion law.” Given each subject to separate amending U.S. Senate in 2004, his Republican On Aug. 11, 2008, we (the National the language of the final state bill, this processes, and were (of course) each opponent criticized him for supporting Right to Life Committee) released claim is absurd, unless Obama be- voted on separately. The 2003 Illinois “infanticide.” Obama countered this recently uncovered legislative docu- lieved that “existing Illinois abortion Born-Alive Infants Protection Bill (SB charge by claiming that he had ments demonstrating that Obama law” allowed for “abortions” to be 1082) could have been passed regard- opposed the state BAIPA because it had, in fact, presided over the meeting carried to a lethal conclusion even less of what happened to the various lacked the pre-birth neutrality clause at which the bill was transformed after a live birth. The newest line is abortion bills — and SB 1082 would that had been added to the federal bill. into a clone of the federal bill, also not consistent with Obama’s oft- have passed the Illinois Senate in As the Chicago Tribune reported on and then voted down. Although these stated excuse for opposing the state 2003, if chairman Obama had not Oct. 4, 2004, “Obama said that had he documents contradicted numerous legislation, and fails to explain his killed it in his committee. been in the U.S. Senate two years ago, emphatic statements by Obama and four years of misrepresentation. The Obama of 2001-2003 really did he would have voted for the Born- his campaign, only some of which are Nor does the Sun story indicate object to a bill merely because it Alive Infants Protection Act, even referenced above, so far they have that the Obama campaign has issued defended the proposition, “A live child though he voted against a state been virtually ignored by mainstream any apology to NRLC, Bill Bennett, or born as a result of an abortion shall be version of the proposal. The federal news media. the others who Sen. Obama and his fully recognized as a human person version was approved; the state On or about Aug. 14, the Obama campaign have been calling liars for and accorded immediate protection version was not. ... The difference be- campaign submitted to Eric Zorn of saying what they now admit was the under the law.” And it is that reality tween the state and federal versions, the Chicago Tribune a “defense,” truth. that he now desperately wants to Obama explained, was that the state which on Aug. 14 was posted on Zorn’s How to make sense of all this? conceal from the eyes of the public. 10 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008

Archdiocesan priests and monks looked on from the side altar sets. Archbishop Beltran instructs Father Copelin in the duties of priesthood.

Abbot Lawrence, Archbishop Beltran, Father Copelin and the Copelin family. Father Copelin continued from Page 1 forgiving, nurturing, feeding and “And so you prayed, you studied blessing all whom you serve. As an and you discerned God’s call. Today, ordained priest, you can effectively you come here with a dream and a serve only in the Name of Jesus vision. You are already solemnly and on His authority and by His professed and now ready to become power. a priest of God.” “The fundamental responsibility Archbishop Beltran described of all priests is to serve God’s the duties of a priest and instructed people. Jesus Himself said He came Father Copelin of the ministry of to serve and not to be served. service he will provide throughout Therefore, in the Name of Jesus, Abbot Lawrence lays hands on his priestly life. I urge you, as His priest, to serve Father Copelin. At right, Father “Priesthood is a very special gift the Church and God’s people Copelin gives Abbot Lawrence one of of God to His Church,” Archbishop through your dedicated efforts at his first blessings. Beltran said. “As a priest of the Saint Gregory’s Abbey and Saint Catholic Church, you will represent Gregory’s University and wherever Jesus to your brothers and sisters. the Lord calls you.” The sacramental acts you perform To read the archbishop’s entire are initiated and brought to comple- homily, go to www.catharchdiocese- tion only by the power of God work- okc.org and click on Sooner ing in you and through you. In your Catholic, then click the archbishop’s ministry as a priest, Jesus will be photo, then click Past Homilies. August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Archbishop Beltran Visits the New Holy Family Catholic Church OKLAHOMA CITY — Holy Family Catholic Church (Syro-Malabar) is celebrating its move into a new church at SE 40th and Highland Park. Archbishop Beltran joined in the celebration when he celebrated Mass there on Sunday, Aug. 10. “I made my first visit to the Holy Family Catholic Church of the Syro- Malabar community here in Oklahoma City,” Archbishop Beltran said. “I was very pleased to see the enthusiasm of the parishioners. They are a vibrant community of faith now in their own home where they can cele- brate the Syro-Malabar liturgy. They are a family-oriented parish deeply respecting their traditions and faith.” Archbishop Beltran celebrated Mass for the more than 100 members of Holy Family. Father Davis Cherayath is the parish priest. He has been in Oklahoma since 2007. A native of India, Father Davis said the parish community came together when the opportunity to purchase a building presented itself. The Holy Family community raised the money to purchase the building and close to three acres that went with it. The former Protestant Church was converted into a Catholic Church. It was blessed and dedicated in April. Plans call for updated landscaping and eventually a fence around the property. Father Davis said approximately 40 children participate in Religious Education classes on Sunday before Mass. “We are a growing faith community,” Father Davis said. He said many parishioners live in northwest Oklahoma City.

In honor of Archbishop Beltran’s visit, a traditional Syro-Malabar pageant was performed.

The Holy Family Choir.

Archbishop Beltran gives communion. Archbishop Beltran and Fr. Davis Cherayath celebrate Mass in the new church. 12 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 Eagle Scout Project Helps the Handicapped at Saint Ann’s ELGIN — The opportunity for J.R. concrete path for easier wheelchair ac- Vaughn to help his local parish and cess across it. J.R. accepted the recom- complete his final phase for advance- mendation and modified his plans ment to Eagle Scout presented itself accordingly. He solicited $676 in dona- recently. J.R. recognized the need for tions and materials from the parish, improved handicap access from the Elgin and Lawton communities to pay church to the Parish Hall at St. Ann’s for the project. All these areas were Church. He drew up plans to remove willing to support his cause. sections of the existing sidewalk and The work was carried out the first replace them with sloped sidewalks in week of June with volunteers from accordance with the American with Boy Scout Troop 4185 in Elgin, and Disabilities Act guidelines. He pre- the Tri-Parish Men’s Club. There was sented these plans to the St. Ann’s a total of 214 hours worked to tear out Parish Council and the Black Beaver the sidewalks, a section of the drive- District Eagle Project Review Board way and pour new concrete. The for approval. Once he received the project was completed on June 12. approval, he enlisted the assistance of J.R. would like to thank St. Ann’s the Tri-Parish Men’s Club. The Tri- parishioners, the Tri-Parish Men’s Parish Men’s Club requested he Club, ARA Equipment Rental, Suther- J.R. Vaughn and his volunteers pour new cement for handicap sidewalks. expand the scope of his project to lands, Atwoods, Danny Tendall, include removal of a section of the Robert Neal and Southwest Ready driveway and replace it with a smooth Mix for their generous support. U.S. Bishops Respond to Speaker of the House Pelosi’s Comments on Church Teaching WASHINGTON — Cardinal until a few weeks into pregnancy. Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the While in canon law these theories U.S. Bishops Committee on Pro-Life led to a distinction in penalties Activities, and Bishop William E. between very early and later Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops abortions, the Church’s moral teach- Committee on Doctrine, have issued ing never justified or permitted the following statement: In the abortion at any stage of develop- course of a “Meet the Press” inter- ment. view on abortion and other public These mistaken biological theo- issues on Aug. 24, House Speaker ries became obsolete over 150 years Nancy Pelosi misrepresented the ago when scientists discovered that history and nature of the authentic a new human individual comes into teaching of the Catholic Church being from the union of sperm and against abortion. egg at fertilization. In keeping with In fact, the Catechism of the this modern understanding, the Catholic Church teaches, “Since the Church teaches that from the time first century the Church has of conception (fertilization), each affirmed the moral evil of every pro- member of the human species must cured abortion. This teaching has be given the full respect due to a not changed and remains unchange- human person, beginning with re- able. Direct abortion, that is to say, spect for the fundamental right to abortion willed either as an end or a life. means, is gravely contrary to the More information on the moral law.” (No. 2271) In the Middle Church’s teaching on this issue can Ages, uninformed and inadequate be found in “The Catholic Church is theories about embryology led some a Pro-Life Church” — www.usccb.- theologians to speculate that specif- org/prolife/-issues/abortion/index.- ically human life capable of receiv- shtml August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 13

Sister Mary Ellen Celebrates 50 Years Sister Mary Ellen was born in of 7, and en- Woodward, the third of five children. couraged her call. Sister Celine Hasenfratz, ASC, On her baptism, she was given the Rosemary was name Rosemary. When it was time further inspired by for school, Rosemary attended a one- her aunt, Sister Celebrates 50th Jubilee room school, just three-quarters of Leonida Loch, a Sister Celine Hasenfratz, District 42 in a mile from home. Early childhood Sister of St. Joseph daughter of Joseph Jacob and Colwich and as memories focus on the fun times, from Concordia, Dora Augusta Tuetkin Hasen- principal at All playing with her brothers and Kan., Sister Ann fratz of Perry, entered the Adorers Saints in sisters and a cousin. During these Maureen, a Bene- Sister Mary of the Blood of Christ on Jan. 6, Wichita, St. formative years, Rosemary re- dictine from Tulsa, Ellen Loch 1957, began her novitiate in 1957, Joseph in Con- members how her mother exempli- and several Sisters made her first profession on July way Springs, fied and nurtured a personal rela- of St. Joseph from Wichita who 1, 1958, and her final profession Sacred Heart in tionship with God, which she passed taught. It was in her senior year in 1963. Sister celebrated her Arkansas City Sister Celine on to her children. Involvement in of high school when she really Jubilee as a professed Adorer of and Holy Name Hasenfratz church services and activities was got serious and was especially en- the Blood of Christ on June 29, in Winfield. She taken for granted in the Loch house- couraged by Sister Maria Guerrero 2008, at the Wichita Center in also ministered at the School of hold, but when Rosemary was 11 and Father McGurk. Wichita, Kan. the Magdalen in Wichita as the years old, her mother was suddenly She entered in September, 1958, Sister Celine has devoted her technology and special needs killed in a car accident. This tragedy after graduating high school, dream- ministry to education as both a coordinator. Since 1999, she has cut deep into the happy life of the ing of becoming a missionary to teacher and principal in schools been at Sacred Heart School in Loch family, but under her father’s South America. That dream never in the Wichita Diocese, other Oklahoma City serving various leadership, they all pulled together materialized, but the dream of com- roles including her current ones as a family. Her father continued to mitting herself to Jesus did. When schools in Kansas, New Mexico and currently Oklahoma. In the of Accelerated Reader, Technology set an example of deep faith and she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Spanish coordinator. trust in God. she received the name of Mary Ellen, Wichita Diocese she taught in It was Father McGurk, the pastor the name of her mother. Sister Mary of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Ellen has had the privilege of seeing Woodward, who recognized a bud- many places because of her ministry, ding vocation in Rosemary at the age all very spiritual experiences for her.

Across Oklahoma Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler not required. RSVP by contacting Becky VanPool, council room. Cost of the series is $135. Free child OKLAHOMA CITY — Each Thursday morning Parish Outreach, at (405) 523-3009 or bvan- care is available upon request. For information in September at 9:30 a.m. in the East Formal [email protected]. and registration, call Dr. Harry Kocurek at 340- Room, Christ the King will offer a four-part series 0691 Ext. 109 on Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler. In this Knights Tourney Set series, parents will learn how to teach their OKLAHOMA CITY — “Attention Golfers.” It’s Health Fair Sept. 21 preschoolers about prayers, Scripture, holy days, time to test your prowess on the links at John OKLAHOMA CITY — A free Health Fair the saints and much more. Contact the RE Office Conrad Municipal Golf Course, the site of this sponsored by Knights Peter Caver Ladies of Grace at 843-4766 to register. Child care is available. year’s Knights of Columbus Council 8204 charity will be held Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 golf tournament. The four-person, select shot p.m. at Corpus Christi School Hall, 1005 N.E. 15th Engaging Spirituality scramble is scheduled for Sept. 14, with a 1:30 St. The fair will include dental screening, health OKLAHOMA CITY — JustFaith Ministries has p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $55 per golfer, which assessments, nutrition information, information developed a new, small-group process that invites includes green fees, cart and dinner following the about Lupus support, Salvation Army programs, Christian adults to explore the intersection tournament. Proceeds will be used for the K of C as well as programs offered by the Red Rock between contemplative living and social action in 8204 scholarship programs, support to a north- Agency, hospice and Integris cancer information. their own lives. This 21-week program focuses on west OKC free clinic, seminarian support and The fair will also feature clowns and food. For the practical challenges of following Jesus and parish activities. To register or for additional more information, call Pearl at 424-2642. integrating spiritual practices, lifestyle challenges information, call Pat Determan at 728-8614 or and outreach ministry. Charles Fritch at 354-8088. Fall Fest Sept. 27 You are invited to attend an information meet- PONCA CITY — St. Mary’s annual Fall Fest will ing about this new JustFaith program on Sept. 2 NFP Classes be Sept. 27 from 6:15 to 10 p.m. Family fun at 5:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities, 1501 N. Classen EDMOND — Learn Natural Family Planning featuring game booths, inflatables, silent auction, Blvd., Oklahoma City. Participants from parishes with Joel and Jeanne Blasi, certified instructors, live auction, bratwurst and more. Admission is would then be able to facilitate the program in Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, free. St. Mary’s is located at 721 S. Seventh St. their parishes. Prior participation in JustFaith is 9th and Boulevard, Edmond, in the basement This is a fundraiser for St. Mary’s School. 14 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 God Will Help Us Work Through Pain of Rejection, Anger Coping appropriately when we But we can just it certainly feels like that other beliefs we have within ourselves feel hurt or shame is a very difficult know that our person hurt or angered me, but and to gradually change those be- thing to do. When we feel belittled, Heavenly Father oftentimes we are misinterpreting liefs and heal ourselves ... under- betrayed, worthless, rejected, dis- wants to comfort or giving erroneous meaning to standing that God loves us no counted, inadequate, unloved or and console us what was done or said. matter. many other similar feelings, we just when we feel those If when someone cuts me off on Another idea for coping with don’t know how to respond. Often, hurtful and shame- the Hefner Parkway and I feel dis- hurtful and shameful feelings is a out of hurt and anger, we react in ful feelings. We can respected, discounted and angry, gradual realization and under- hurtful, abusive ways that build use God’s uncondi- By Joe it is because I am thinking, “He standing that the offender is a child resentments and damage relation- tional love to help Froehle should treat me with respect” or of God just as we are. Understand- ships. soften and heal “She should allow me plenty of ing and accepting the fact that they We frequently lash out in anger these hurts. room for safe driving.” It could very are doing the best they can may and rage, defending ourselves, A wise woman reminded me well be the other didn’t see me, is help us find the willingness to blaming and accusing others, and years ago, “Joe, you are a child of coping with an urgent matter, or is forgive that person. Forgiveness is even being abusive of the ones we God and God loves you no matter distracted by the cell phone. In any a grace from God and is for the love. I believe we learned these what.” This has comforted me so event, the feelings result from my benefit for the one forgiving and ways of coping with hurt and shame much over the years. At times I erroneous thinking and not from not, necessarily, for the one being in our childhood and adolescent have used this as a mantra, saying the act itself. forgiven. years. As adults we often feel it over and over to comfort myself. In fact, whatever is said or is And so, in summary, when we trapped and overwhelmed and we “I am a child of God and God loves done by the offending party has feel hurt or are experiencing feel- really don’t know the appropriate me no matter what.” This mantra little to do with us. It is about them, ings of inadequacy or unworthiness: ways to cope nor how to express reminds me of Psalm 139 where it not us. Yes, the offending action we remind ourselves, “I am child of ourselves. These ways of feeling and says, “I was with you when you brings up hurts, but oftentimes God, and God loves me no matter reacting are pretty normal and we were formed in your mother’s these hurts are the result of child- what”; attempt to understand and are really doing the best we can womb.” What a comfort knowing hood wounds and our own erro- change hurtful and erroneous with what we have. that God was there then, has neous thinking and are not about beliefs or thinking we may have; However, it would be good to always been with me, and is with what is happening now. And, even if and gradually find the willingness better understand what is going on me always to love, comfort and we have screwed up, which human to understand, accept and forgive within us and be willing to have console me, especially when I am beings by our very nature do, the that person the best way we know God gradually change these hurtful hurting. other’s hurtful comments are about how. Our Heavenly Father is with and aggressive ways of reacting to The next idea is to try to under- them and not us. us as we struggle with these stand the feelings we are experienc- responses that are more assertive, This powerful concept can be difficult feelings, but certainly ing and understand that much of loving and understanding. difficult to understand. However, smiles and comforts us when we the time feelings are a result of our Here are a few ideas that may the realization that their behaviors seek the willingness to do so. own thinking and are not about help in coping with feeling those are usually about them can em- EDITOR’S NOTE: Joe Froehle hurtful and shameful feelings. what was said or done to us. power us to detach from what was has many years experience in The first of these is prayer. Our Let me repeat this. Much of the said or done and to respond in more marital, individual and family Heavenly Father loves us no matter time, our feelings are the result of appropriate ways. It also allows us counseling. He can be reached at what with an unconditional love our own thinking and are not about to learn about and understand the (405) 359-8539 or by e-mail at that we will never fully understand. what was said or done to us. Yes … source of the hurtful and erroneous [email protected]. Bishops Welcome Protection for Health-Care Providers WASHINGTON — Federal “Doctors, nurses and other to serve their patients without violat- thank Secretary Leavitt and en- regulations protecting health-care medical personnel face pressure to ing their most deeply held moral and courage HHS to implement the providers’ conscience rights were participate in abortion — a practice religious convictions on the value of strongest possible regulations,” released for public comment Aug. 21 that many find abhorrent in good life,” McQuade said. McQuade said. by Secretary Michael Leavitt of the conscience,” McQuade said. “The “Organizations calling themselves On July 18, Cardinal Rigali, chair Department of Health and Human enforcement of federal laws designed ‘pro-choice’ are actually pro-coercion of the Bishops Committee for Pro- Services (HHS). The U.S. Catholic to protect their freedom of conscience in seeking to deny the freedom of Life Activities, wrote to Congress urg- Bishops spokesperson on abortion, is long overdue.” doctors and nurses,” McQuade said. ing all senators and representatives Deirdre A. McQuade, welcomed the “This is not just about Catholic “Don’t doctors have the right to to support conscience protection proposed regulations as a way to health care. Catholics do not stand choose not to participate?” measures. protect medical personnel from being alone in opposition to the deliberate “Over the coming 30 days of The full text of his letter may be coerced to violate their consciences in destruction of nascent human life. All public comment, the bishops urge found at www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali- federally funded programs. health-care providers should be free the pro-life American public to conscience071808.pdf. August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Handwritten Holiness: 42 Cents to Simply Say Thanks Even when my status is shopping, so I headed to a nearby paper store to package. I described each element she had tucked marked “busy,” my friends strike replenish my thank-you card stock. As I entered, I inside, turning it over in my hand and mind. up Gmail chat. The proverbial red inhaled slowly, taking in a glorious sight. Then I jotted a few thoughts on Life in General, circle somehow loses its street Who knew there are so many ways to say more whimsical than newsy.I was riding the looping cred in cyberspace. Minimizing thanks? With a salsa dancer spinning below the l’s and arcing a’s. Writing by hand slowed my mind the screen doesn’t free me. My word “gracias.” With a ladybug perched on a red and broadened my view. I didn’t write about the account beeps with each new ribbon. With a demure Chinese girl handing out red day’s happenings or the calendar’s demands, but my comment, flashing “Erin says…” and orange hydrangeas. feelings, how my life was coalescing with long-term at the bottom of the monitor. I found myself running my fingers over the goals and deeply-held values. Stroke by stroke, line Invariably, I follow the ellipses. By Christina deckle edges, delighting in the tactile experience — by line, it felt honest. The swiftness of electronic Capecchi smooth and coarse, silver foil and wire accents. The As I signed and sealed the card, my heart communication can be a nuisance, cards inspired a spark of wonder, reminding me of throbbed with wellness. Slipping it in the mailbox, I binding us to a ping-pong match that strong-arms Pope John Paul II’s letter to artists, who are “capti- marveled at the process that would carry my our better intentions. That’s why I appreciated the vated by the hidden power of sounds and words, thoughts to her doorstep. Unlike e-mail, it wouldn’t advice in “The Last Lecture,” the bestseller by Randy colors and shapes.” Faced with artistic marvels, he arrive instantaneously. That time lag excited me. I Pausch. The 47-year-old father of three recently lost wrote, “Wonder is the only appropriate attitude.” knew she wouldn’t click delete after reading it. a brave battle to pancreatic cancer. I dropped $46 in wonder. I’m joining in the back-to-school spirit of “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet And I set to writing my thanks, taking a page sharpened pencils and blank notebooks, assigning most powerful things humans can do for each other,” from St. Paul’s letters. In his handwritten epistles, myself one thank-you note a week. A thanks for Randy wrote. “And despite my love of efficiency, I he called for gratitude again and again. “Therefore, something, anything. Weekly. think that thank-you notes are best done the old- encourage one another and build one another up,” As we pinch pennies this year, the U.S. Postal fashioned way, with pen and paper. You never know he told the Thessalonians. “Rejoice always. Pray Service is experiencing a drop in volume. But what magic might happen after it arrives in some- without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” personally, I can’t imagine a better use of 42 cents. one’s mailbox.” I selected a card with glittery ice-cream cones Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer and can I decided Randy’s counsel warranted a little and began writing to a friend who’d sent a care be reached at [email protected]. The Heart of a Child: When We Acknowledge Our Dependence on God Unless you change and become like little wounded, of still being able to the illusion of self-sufficiency and that false notion is children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. trust, of not yet having one’s heart at the root of much of the pseudo-sophistication and How can we do that? How do we unlearn sophis- hardened by sin, wound and disil- lack of empathy that isolates us from others. tication, undo the fact that we are adults? What kind lusionment. Jesus says as much But how can this be undone? How can we of recessive journey can revirginize a heart? when he is asked whether divorce “change and become like little children?” Part of our quandary, I believe, comes from how is wrong or right. He answers the Nature, God and circumstance often do it for us. we think of the heart of a child. When we picture the question not by pronouncing it Here is an example: Several years ago, I went to the heart of a child, we almost automatically think of categorically wrong or right but by funeral of a 90-year-old man. While he had always innocence. A child’s heart is innocent by nature. giving a deeper reason for its fre- been an honest man, a good man, a family man and Indeed it is stunningly innocent. There are few quency: Divorce happens, Jesus By Father Ron Rolheiser a man of faith, he had also, at least up until the things in this world that can stop us in our tracks, says, because our hearts are no years shortly before his death, been a particularly make a man watch his language, make a woman longer as they were “in the begin- strong man, fiercely independent, proud of his self- ning,” namely, in that pristine time before Adam and watch her actions, make all of us watch what we talk sufficiency, and not infrequently hard on others and about in open conversation, make us regret bad deci- Eve sinned and (in terms of our own lives) in the cantankerous in his dealings with them. His son, a sions, and make us want to be better persons than pristine time before we were wounded. In an priest, preached the funeral Mass and said this in the innocence of child. Innocence is a powerful moral unwounded heart, in the heart of a child, divorce is his homily: Scripture tells us that the sum of years light that sears the soul. not an option. To acquire the heart of a child is there- of a man’s life is 70, 80 for those who are strong. But But that isn’t exactly what Jesus had in mind fore to try to move beyond the things that have my dad lived for 90 years. Why those extra 10 years? when he challenged us to become like little children. wounded and hardened us. Well, it’s no mystery: In my dad’s case, God needed We cannot remain children. Childhood is naturally But that is only one aspect of it. The quality of 10 extra years to mellow him. He wasn’t ready to die outgrown and adulthood brings with it a bewilder- heart, seen in a child, that Jesus most challenges us at 80; he was still too strong, too independent, too ing complexity in life in general and in sexuality in to imitate is that of acknowledging powerlessness particular that is not yet inside the heart of a child. and helplessness. A child is powerless. It cannot self-reliant. But the last 10 years did their work on And we don’t choose this. For an adult, life cannot be provide for itself, feed itself or take care of itself. For him: He lost his wife, his health, much of his inde- simple and much of the natural innocence of a child a child, if mum and dad do not get up and make pendence, his place in society and his firm grip on is lost in that fact. breakfast, there will be no breakfast! A child knows life. And that mellowed his soul. He died ready to So what does Jesus have in mind when he holds dependence, knows that life comes from beyond grasp a stronger hand. up the heart of a child as an ideal? itself, that it is not self-providing and self-sufficient. We have a choice: We can do this process deliber- He does have a certain innocence in mind, But we tend to forget this as adults. The adult ately, on purpose (so to speak), or we can fiercely though not the simple innocence of pre-sophistica- heart, at least during those years when we are guard our strength and sense of self-sufficiency and tion, of being sheltered from one’s own complexity healthy and strong, likes to believe itself to be self- wait for nature, God and circumstance to do it for us. and that of the world. The innocence that Jesus providing, self-sufficient, able to take care of itself: I Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser can be reached at glorifies in children is the wholeness of not yet being can provide for myself. The adult heart tends to live www.ronrolheiser.com.

18 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 Job Box Spanish Teacher for providing leadership for our ongoing Christian Management. Position responsible for the develop- Bishop John Carroll and St. Charles formation programs for grownups and for coordinat- ment, implementation, maintenance, analysis and Borromeo Catholic Schools in OKC and Saint ing our RCIA program. We have been offering three general supervision of all programs related to the John Nepomuk Catholic School in Yukon have six-week semesters each year for the past several recruiting and retaining of undergraduate students. an opening available immediately for the 2008-2009 years that have been well attended and which Involves developing and implementing the univer- school year for a Spanish teacher. This full-time employ a variety of short course offerings. This part- sity’s strategic enrollment and marketing plan and position is currently shared between the three time position is available immediately. recruiting goals for the College of Arts and Sciences. schools. Spanish instruction will be for grades K-8. For an applicant who possesses qualifications for This position manages the budget for the office and The grade range may vary by school. Oklahoma both positions, this would be a full-time position. supervises the admissions counselors and office State Teacher Certification in this subject area is Please apply by sending a resume to [email protected] support staff. In addition, this position will coordi- preferred, but other types of experience may be or to the pastor at 800 N.W. 5th St., Moore 73160. nate and support the contracted recruitment accepted. If interested, please contact and/or submit companies. Applicants must possess an understand- resume to Connie Diotte, 525-0956, Diane Floyd, Temporary Full-Time Activity Director ing of and willingness to support the St. Gregory’s 354-2509, or Joe Sine, 789-0224. Saint Ann Retirement Center will have an University Catholic and Benedictine mission. opening Sept. 1, 2008, for a full-time activity Master’s degree is required. Experience as an ad- Secretary director. This position is a temporary position for missions counselor and a minimum of two years Villa Teresa Catholic School has an opening four months. The position is responsible for schedul- experience in the director’s or assistant position is for a secretary. A variety of duties help make this ing and providing activities for all residents on a preferred. Electronic résumés are preferred, and position challenging and exciting! Must have good daily basis, and having scheduled activities periodi- should include a letter of application describing people skills as well as computer skills and enjoy cally in the evening hours and on weekends. experience, qualifications, vision and record of multi-tasking. Please call Sister Veronica (232-4286) Ensures that transportation is arranged for all achieving/exceeding enrollment goals at one’s recent for an interview. residents for outings, scheduled activities and institution. Shingi Goto, Executive Vice President, physician appointments as necessary. A valid St. Gregory’s University, 1900 W. MacArthur, Openings for Help with Adults with driver’s license is required. Applicants can fax letter Shawnee, Okla. 74804, [email protected], (405) Developmental Disabilities of interest to Sid Espinosa, Executive Director, at 878-5435. The Center of Family Love in Okarche has (405) 721-0747. Saint Ann Retirement Center is immediate openings for following: LPNs — Full- located at 7501 W. Britton Road in Oklahoma City. Provost time shifts available (3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and weekend St. Gregory’s invites applications for the doubles). Individual Program Coordinator — Extended Care Program Provider position of provost. This executive level position is Must have good communication skills interacting Holy Trinity Catholic School is seeking an the chief academic and student oversight officer with our clients, their families and the community. adult who is 18 years or older who can work as our under the direction of the president, and is the Qualified Mental Retardation Professional — extended care program provider for the 2008-2009 administrator of academic affairs, student life, inter- Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred. Prior school year. We will provide Safe Environment collegiate athletics and enrollment management. experience working with developmentally disabled. training. Experience with children is preferred. The successful candidate will provide visionary Laundry aides, housekeeping and dietary Hours of service are 3 to 5:30 p.m. each school day. leadership in these areas, prepare and oversee aides — Full-time hours with possible rotating Please contact the school office at 263-4422 to apply. budgets, ensure athletic program compliance with weekends. To apply, call 263-4658, fax 263-4563, NAIA regulations, oversee the academic programs e-mail [email protected] or in person at 635 W. Math and Science Teacher offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and Texas, Okarche, Okla. 73762. EOE St. Mary’s School in Ponca City is accepting the College for Working Adults, and ensure the applications for a three-fourths-time time math and academic integrity of all programs and adherence to Parish Openings science teacher for the 2008-09 school year. the university’s academic policies, regulations and St. Andrew’s in Moore needs a Music Director Oklahoma state certificate in middle school science procedures. The provost supervises the deans of the and Adult Formation Director. The music and math, including Algebra I required. Compe- College of Arts and Sciences and the College for director position requires keyboard skills in piano titive salary. Benefits available. Send resume, copy Working Adults, the registrar, the library director, and organ, knowledge of Catholic choral repertoire of certificate and references to: Principal, 415 S. 7th, the director of the Student Exploration Center, and related church documents. Ponca City, Okla. 74601. athletic director and the admissions director. A With appropriate credentials, the compensation doctorate degree is required in a discipline repre- and benefits would be generous, commensurate with Part-time Cafeteria Help sented among our academic programs and an experience and training. The music director has Bishop McGuinness High School cafeteria academic background sufficient for tenure. This responsibility for providing leadership for our has three part-time positions open for next school individual must be a practicing Catholic with choirs, ensemble and bell ringers as well as accom- year. The hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday knowledge of Benedictine spirituality. Salary and paniment at our three weekend Masses, Holy Days through Friday. The duties include some cooking, benefits are commensurate with experience. and special occasions. Parishioners sing robustly food prep, cashier and general cleaning. Bishop Electronic applications are preferred, and should and know a broad repertoire of hymn tunes and McGuinness is located at 801 N.W. 50th. Interested include a cover letter and resume. Nominations or songs from Gather Comprehensive (second edition) parties may e-mail [email protected] requests for the complete position specifications and Spirit and Song. We are seeking a faithful k12.ok.us or leave a voice message at 842-6656 Ext. may be sent directly to the university: Shingi Goto, Catholic who is open to becoming an active member 257 or bring a resume to the school, attention to Executive Vice President, St. Gregory’s University, of our parish family.This part-time position is avail- cafeteria manager. 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, Okla. 74804, sngoto- able immediately. Please apply by sending a resume @stgregorys.edu, (405) 878-5435. to [email protected] or to the pastor at 800 N.W. 5th Dean of Enrollment Management St., Moore, Okla. 73160. St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee invites For an up-to-date jobs box, go to The Director of Adult Formation is responsible applicants for the position of Dean of Enrollment catharchdioceseokc.org and click on Job Listings August 31, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 19 Calendar SEPTEMBER 3 All-Day Adoration every 5 Holy Family Home Mass, 11:30 Bridges to Contemplative Living 1 Weekly Adoration of the Wednesday at St. Eugene Church, a.m. To confirm that Mass will be with Thomas Merton, Book Four - Blessed Sacrament at Christ the 2400 W. Hefner Road. Mass at 6:30 held that day and for directions, Discovering the Hidden Ground of King Catholic Church, located one a.m., Exposition of Eucharist at 7 contact the HFMH at 741-7419. Love. Fee: $40 ($10 deposit). block north of Wilshire, halfway a.m.; Confessions from 12:30 to 1:30 Register: 405-373-0804 or mail between Penn and May at 8005 p.m. Anointing of Sick at 3 p.m. 5 First Friday Adoration at St. registration form. Bring a sack Dorset Drive, every Monday Devotions conclude with multi- Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City. lunch. Place: Monastery Library. beginning at 7 a.m. and concluding lingual evening prayer and After the 7:30 a.m. Mass, and with Benediction at 7 p.m. For more Benediction at 7:30 p.m. Contacts: concludes at 5:30 p.m. with closing 6 Citizenship Test Preparation information, contact Linda at 496- Barbara Curcio, 755-9163, O en prayer and Benediction. This is open Course. Intense seven-week course 0033. Espanol, Gloria Pantazis, 751-7115. to all. St. Francis is located at 1910 (Sept. 6 to Oct. 11), includes N.W. 19th, Oklahoma City. Explanation of N400 application 2 Eucharistic Adoration at the 4 This September, Christ the King and Oath Study of civil and U.S. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual will offer a four-part series on 5 First Friday Sacred Heart history questions, basic English, Help, NW 32nd and Western, every Guiding Your Catholic Mass at the Catholic Pastoral reading and writing, Saturdays, 10 Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Preschooler. In this series, parents Center. Exposition of the Blessed to 12 p.m. Class limited to 12. Call Rosary is said every weekday at will learn how to teach their Sacrament is at 5:30 p.m., (405) 314-0402 to enroll. 2.30 p.m. All are welcome. preschoolers about prayers, Confessions available before Mass. Scripture, holy days, the saints and Mass is at 7 p.m. Those wanting to 6 Mass in Tagalog. St. Paul the 3 Christ the King is offering much more. This series is held each learn more will find materials Apostle Catholic in Del City will Catholics Coming Home. This is Thursday morning in September, available after Mass. For more celebrate Mass in Tagalog (Filipino) for anyone who has been away from 9:30 a.m. in the East Formal Room. information, call the Office of at 7 p.m. each Saturday. A potluck the Church and would like to Contact the RE Office at 843-4766 Family Life at (405) 721-8944 or dinner will occasionally follow Mass. return. This is a six-week session to register. Child care will be Diane Grim at (405) 528-6252. All are welcome. meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in available for each session. Room 114. For information, contact 6 Contemplative Living with For a full calendar, go to the Religious Education Office at 5 Mount St. Mary Home football Sister Joanne Yankauskis, OSB, catharchdioceseokc.org and click 843-4766. game vs Crooked Oak, 7:30 p.m. from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Building on Calendar of Events

Living Our Faith 2008 Catechetical Congress Sept. 27 at Pastoral Center National speaker Leland Nagel will be coming to the Catholic Pastoral Center (7501 N.W. Expressway) on Sept. 27 to address the people of the OKC Archdiocese. This is a wonderful opportunity, not just for those involved in the catechetical ministry, but for all people of faith who seek inspiration, knowledge and growth. Nagel will deliver a motivational and inspirational message as he addresses the theme: “Living Our Faith.” Nagel has held a variety of positions on both the diocesan and university level. Currently, he is the Leland Nagel executive director of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is described as a lover of life, with an infectious laugh, comfortable about his faith and an intimate relationship with our Lord. Exhibits and refreshments begin at 7:45 a.m. Welcome and opening prayer start at 8:30 a.m. Archbishop Beltran will close the event with the celebra- tion of Mass at noon. Catechetical Congress is sponsored by the Office of Education with partial sponsorship by William H. Sadlier, Inc. There is no charge to attend, but please register through your parish catechetical leader (DRE or youth minister). Those who attend will appreciate the experience of listening to this faith-filled storyteller. 20 Sooner Catholic ● August 31, 2008 15 Seminarians to Study for the Archdiocese

Seminarians for 2008-09 with Archbishop Beltran and Father Lowell Stieferman.

Please pray by name for our Pre-Theology 2 RUCKEL, Timothy Frank Second College 2008-09 seminarians for the BUETTNER, Brian Edwin Conception Seminary College HORN, Andrew Michael Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Conception Seminary College Epiphany, OKC Conception Seminary College St. Mark, Norman St. John the Baptist, Edmond Fourth College Fourth Theology LOPEZ, Vicente LEWIS, John Paul LEWIS, William Michael MILLER, Robert James Notre Dame Seminary Conception Seminary College Conception Seminary College Notre Dame Seminary Little Flower, OKC Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual St. Charles Borromeo, OKC Immaculate Conception, OKC Help, OKC Pre-Theology 1 Third College PHAN, Long N. BRASHEARS, Christopher First College Notre Dame Seminary Conception Seminary College DELOERA, Cristobal ORTEGA, Jared St. Andrew-Dung-Lac, OKC St. Joseph, Blackwell Conception Seminary College Conception Seminary College St. Charles Borromeo, OKC Holy Family, Lawton Second Theology BUI, Linh STANLEY, Cory Douglas Conception Seminary College GROVER, Daniel Gregory TURNER, William Joseph Pontifical North American College Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Conception Seminary College Conception Seminary College Holy Spirit, Mustang Help, OKC St. Andrew, Moore St. Eugene, OKC