Angelus Cover (Page 1)

Odessa’s Fr. Frey National celebrates Graduation Bishop tells Eldorado Rates 50 years in Catholic high schools have the highest confirmands: ‘God priesthood graduation rate in the U.S. West Texas CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ‘When the 99% places no limits on Diocese of San Angelo was OTHER RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS formed, I was the 98% our ability to love’ vicar at St. Mary’s PUBLIC SCHOOLS in Odessa. I (Editor’s Note: The following is a text of the homily actual high % ANGELUS never dreamed school diploma 71 delivered by Bishop Michael Pfeifer to the confir- Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas that I would includes GED certifi cates 87% mation class at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Volume XXVIII, No. 6 JUNE 2008 spend half of my Eldorado, which is also the home of the YFZ Fr. Frey cel- priesthood there./ Source: National Catholic Educational Association polygamist ranch 10 miles north of town. ©2008 CNS ebrates 50. Pg. 3 (RELATED COVERAGE/Pg. 5) FESTIVAL INFO By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer NEEDED So that the Angelus can have Tonight we think about community. We ample amount of time to publicize think about the community of Eldorado that your parish’s 2008 festivals, please has been very much in the spotlight and what begin to send in the date of your has been happening to the community just a event this year. few miles from here, the community of the Email dates as soon as possible compound and we think about another com- (and festival information when avail- munity: the Carmelite sisters, who have a con- able) to: vent down the road and who have been in con- [email protected] stant prayer for all of us in this situation. As we think about community, we’re reminded all JUNE 2008 along of the one human family. We have one S M T W T F S God, one destiny, and we’re all walking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 together on planet earth. The most important thing, even though we 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 may not be in agreement, is that we all walk 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 together. We don’t perhaps fully understand, 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 but we walk together the best way we can, 29 30 supporting one another and loving one another. And we don’t have much time to do it. In that Upcoming dates first reading, St. James, who always hits the 20-21 -- LUBBOCK, 25th nail on the head with a sledgehammer. says, Anniversary of the Diocese of ‘We’re just like a puff of smoke that appears Lubbock and disappears. Who knows if we will have 22 -- JUNCTION, St. Theresa – tomorrow We have today. Confirmation Mass at 11:15 a.m. 25 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the You say I’m 15 or 16 years old, or 50 or 60 King Retreat Center – Meeting and years old, but how does that compare to a mil- Discussion by the Coalition to Abolish RURAL LIFE/FARM MASS the Death Penalty with a perform- (Please See ELDORADO/13) ance by Sara Hickman – 6-9 p.m. Despite heat reaching 103 and consistent, oven-like winds of 30-40 mph, almost 100 farmers and their fami- lies gathered at the Halfman Ranch just north of Norton, near Ballinger, for the celebration of the Rural Life/Farmers Mass June 3. Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer sprinkled holy water and gave blessings to farm ani- ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE ADDRESS Full Schedules, Pg. 4 ANGELO SAN TX 76902-1829 mals and implements used in the operation of the farm. Related photo, story, Pg. 3. ANGELO SAN OF DIOCESE PO BOX 1829 BOX PO THIS MONTH IN THE ANGELUS From the Bishop Class of 2008 From the Editor A number of Which Gospel parishes in the is guiding our diocese I don't remember lives? There is emailed photos growing up with a only one true of confirmation desire to be a Gospel, but very celebrations farmer. But with a US POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE US NONPROFIT ORG. often there is a TX ANGELO, SAN this year. PERMIT44 NO. strong tendency father who grew up Check Pages in Depression-era today to let 10-11 and 20 Northwestern “pseudo- for a photo gospels” replace essay on the Arkansas, I was the one, true Gospel of Christ./ Confirmation always taught to respect them./ Pg. 2 Class of 2008. Pg. 3 Page 2 JUNE 2008 The Angelus From the Bishop’s Desk Which Gospel message is guiding our lives? By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI own purposes. But those paths only lead to destruction. used with prudence and should not take the place of Pope Benedict XVI during his recent visit to the God in our lives. Which Gospel is guiding our lives? There is only United States shed some light on the question about Another “competing gospel” is the “gospel of one true Gospel, but very often there is a strong ten- which gospel is guiding our lives. He points out that power” that invites us to find gratification in positions dency today to let “pseudo-gospels” replace the one, “America’s brand of secularism poses a particular of authority and domination. So, in order to climb to true Gospel of Christ. problem; it allows for professing belief in God, and the top of the ladder, other people are pushed down. After preaching the true Gospel to the Galatians, respects the public role of religion and the churches, Then there is the “gospel of glamour and pleasure” Paul was amazed and saddened that their lives were but at the same time it can suddenly reduce religious that tries to persuade us that physical beauty is the so influenced by other “gospels.” “I am amazed that belief to the lowest common denominator….The key element to finding fulfillment and gratification, Bishop you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you result is a growing separation of faith from life: living and this leads to searching for magic potions to give Michael D. by the grace of Christ for a different gospel, not that ‘as if God did not exist.’ Christians are usually tempt- perennial attractiveness. Pfeifer, OMI there is another….there are some who …wish to per- ed to conform themselves to the spirit of this It is only the Gospel of Christ that teaches us how vert the gospel of Christ.” (Gal.:1:6-7) Paul’s most age…We have seen this emerge in an acute way in the to live truly happy lives in this world, even though severe criticism was directed at those who perverted scandal given by Catholics who promote an alleged there will be difficulties, and even persecution, and the Gospel. He attacked those who offered mere right to abortion.” this Gospel leads to eternal life. The Gospel of Christ “human inventions” or clever ideas instead of the What are some of the “competing gospels” that we is based on acquiring spiritual virtues, through posi- teaching God gave the Apostles through Christ. deal with in our modern society? There is the “gospel tions of service to others, and through fostering the Paul’s words of warning are still relevant today for of consumerism” that tries to convince us that we can beauty and truth about human life, and promoting a our culture often preaches many “gospels” that com- find happiness in a large bank account, and in the culture of life. This is the Gospel that will eventually pete with the true Gospel of Christ. Today countless material things we can buy. Hence, we buy cars, com- bring us true contentment of heart and inner joy, and people manufacture new religions or twist the teaching puters, gadgets, and clothes, hoping to find our hearts lead to eternal life. of the Gospel, and of the Catholic faith, to suit their satisfied. While we need material goods, they must be DIOCESAN BRIEFS St. Mary’s Odessa assistant Henkes and the Msgr. Lawrence J. Stuebben Several people were in attendance in Ballinger Your generosity surely helps religious address the Seminarian Scholarships is June 15. The Msgr. and Abilene to hear presentations by Bishop many challenges they face as they age. Religious principal needed Stuebben Seminarian Scholarship is available Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, along with some dioce- today, as always, continue to make an impact on ODESSA -- Opening for an Assistant Principal only to seminarians attending Assumption san priests and women religious. Several semi- our society. Even as they age, their commitment to at St. Mary's Central Catholic School in Odessa. Seminary in San Antonio. The Msgr. Henkes narians who are presently enrolled in the semi- the ministry of their community, their prayer and Beginning salary is $40,000 - 11 month position - Scholarship is offered to those enrolled in any nary for the Diocese of San Angelo were also spiritual life ar vibrant testimony to the faithfulness beginning July 16th. For more information please Roman Catholic seminary throughout the world. present to share their experience of their call and they promised years ago. Your commitment to them call the school at (432) 337-6052. Applicants who meet the criteria of each scholar- seminary life. is a heartfelt testimony to their faithfulness. Each ship may apply to both. An added component was a presentation made religious, young and old, are grateful for your sup- Lubbock Jubilee Mass Applications may be obtained by visiting by parents of seminarians who are presently in port, LUBBOCK -- Twenty-five bishops are expected www.cliu.com or by contacting the the seminary.

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