Sooner Catholic soonercatholic.org July 14, 2013 archokc.org U.S. Supreme U.S. bishops to educate Catholics through Court will Natural Family Planning Awareness Week review Okla. By Sarah Cooper Even though Pope Paul VI spoke out strongly against For the Sooner Catholic artificial birth control, many Catholics continued to disre- abortion law This year, the members of the United States Conference gard the teaching. of Catholic Bishops have designated July 21 to July 27 as "I believe most couples do not use NFP because they do By Anamaría Scaperlanda Natural Family Planning Awareness week. The theme — not understand that it is a viable method or that the Biddick "Pro-Woman, Pro-Man, Pro-Child, Natural Family Church teaches that artificial contraception is a sin," said For the Sooner Catholic Planning" — reaffirms the idea that natural family plan- Gail Hunt, an Oklahoma City-area NFP teacher. "Artificial contraception has become so mainstream that it is accept- Late last month, on June 27, ning upholds the dignity of life and God's vision for human able in the minds of many people. This misunderstanding the United States Supreme Court sexuality. comes with a heavy price to marriages and health." agreed to review the decision of "Why do you sow where the field is eager to destroy the fruit?" Another local NFP instructor, Robin Spaid, echoed the Supreme Court of Oklahoma Hunt. in a case to determine the consti- Because of the ongoing, divisive debate on healthcare coverage in the United States, the Church's opposition to "Today's Catholic couples either don't know about NFP tutionality of a law to regulate at all or they don't know enough," she said. "The ones who unsafe chemical abortions. contraception has been more in the news recently. The U.S. bishops have been forced to speak out against the Health have heard of it think it is overly time-consuming and dif- Oklahoma H.B. 1970 requires and Human Services mandate to employers to provide ficult. The reality is that NFP is no more difficult and that abortion-inducing drugs, employees with health insurance that covers contracep- avoids the side effects of artificial methods. The Church including RU-486, be adminis- tives and abortifacients. needs to make its position and reasoning clear. We have tered according to the protocol Yet, the clash between Church described on the drugs' FDA- teaching and a contraceptive cul- approved labels. ture is nothing new. The Church Since RU-486 was approved in has always opposed artificial birth September 2000, off-label use has control. Contraception was first con- led to more than 2,200 cases of demned both in the Bible and by severe adverse effects, including the early Church fathers. at least eight deaths, according to "Why do you sow where the field FDA reports. is eager to destroy the fruit, where When the Oklahoma Supreme there are medicines of sterility, Court heard Cline vs. Oklahoma where there is murder before Coalition for Reproductive Justice birth?" asked Saint John in December 2012, it declared Chrysostom as early as the fourth H.B. 1970 to be unconstitutional. century. "Indeed, it is something The case came to the U.S. worse than murder, and I do not Supreme Court at the request of know what to call it, for she does Oklahoma Attorney General Scott not kill what is formed but prevents its formation. What then? Do you Pruitt, who disagreed with the condemn the gift of God and fight opinion of the Oklahoma Supreme with his laws?" Court. The Catholic Church stresses In agreeing to review the case, that the marriage covenant must the U.S. Supreme Court has always be unitive and procreative in "asked the Supreme Court of nature. At every Catholic wedding, Dr. Anne Mielnik, left, founding director of Gianna — The Catholic Healthcare Center Oklahoma to answer two ques- the bride and groom are asked, for Women, prays with patient Judith Guzman in the center's office in New York. tions that will assist them in their "Will you accept children lovingly Located in midtown Manhattan, the center is dedicated to providing primary care, analysis" of whether the state from God, and bring them up obstetrics, natural family planning and infertility treatment with a Catholic pro-life Supreme Court was right to according to the law of Christ and approach. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) decide as it did, according to his Church?" Pruitt. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Spouses certainly failed to do so in the past and we are dealing continued on page 5 share in the creative power and fatherhood of God. with the consequences of that failure in our society today." Married couples should regard it as their proper mission Archbishop Paul Coakley said he would like to make to transmit human life." NFP training a more integral and complete part of mar- By using artificial contraception, the Church believes, riage preparation for all couples in the Archdiocese of humans are interfering with the divine work of God Oklahoma City. through holy matrimony. Theologians have warned that "Natural family planning, unfortunately, is one of our the contraceptive mentality will take a toll on society. The best-kept secrets," the archbishop said. "There is so much catechism refers to contraception as "intrinsically evil." misunderstanding and misinformation about NFP. It is a During the 1960s, when the birth control pill became beautiful way for couples to cooperate with God in achiev- popular, many Catholics believed the Church would relax ing pregnancy, and, when there are sound reasons for its rules on contraception as the Protestant churches had. doing so, to avoid pregnancy. It's based on the careful Pope Paul VI did just the opposite. He confirmed the observations of the signs of fertility in a woman's body. Church's teaching on birth control in 1968 through the Couples who practice NFP find that it helps them commu- encyclical "Humanae Vitae." nicate with each other and take mutual responsibility for "Those who enjoy the gift of conjugal love while respect- their decisions about achieving and avoiding pregnancy." ing the laws of the generative process show that they "We need more qualified instructors who can teach acknowledge themselves to be not the masters of the NFP to other couples," he added. "That's the beautiful sources of human life, but rather the ministers of the thing about it. It is shared by couples who have recognized design established by the creator," the pope wrote in and experienced its value and effectiveness in their mar- "Humanae Vitae." riage." "In fact, just as man does not have unlimited domain NFP has come a long way, baby over his body in general, so also, with particular reason, The term "natural family planning" encompasses a has he no such dominion over his generative faculties as number of methods used to either achieve or avoid preg- such because of their intrinsic ordination to the bringing nancy by noting changes in the woman's cycle. Fertile peri- into being of life, of which God is the source and origin," he ods in a woman's reproductive years are charted by recog- continued. nizing variations in temperature, cervical mucus or both. One of the best-kept secrets of the Church continued on page 5 2 July 14, 2013 Sooner Catholic

Put Out Into the Deep Luke 5:4 Exclusively on National NFP Awareness Week: the website "Pro-woman, Pro-man, Pro-child" By Sooner Catholic Staff Additional coverage of Let's face it: Couples who embrace the practice of because for many couples Church and archdiocesan natural family planning (NFP) are countercultural. it helps them recognize news and events, only on They are swimming against the tide. They bear wit- the optimum time for www.soonercatholic.com: ness to a value that has lost its luster in our society, conceiving a child. They the beauty and goodness of fertility. NFP couples rec- know when they will be As Archbishop Paul Coakley ognize that fertility is neither a nuisance nor a curse, most receptive to God's writes in his column at left, but a great blessing. It is not a disease to be treated creative power working Natural Family Planning and suppressed with chemicals, but a gift to be received through them and the Archbishop Paul S. Coakley Awareness Week is July 21 with respect and reverence. gift of their fertility to to July 27. For more informa- Contrary to both medical evidence and common create new life. tion about natural family plan- sense, our federal government treats fertility as a dis- Because it involves the cooperation of both the hus- ning, visit www.archokc.org/ ease. The Department of Health and Human Services band and wife, NFP enriches marriages by fostering office-of-family-life/home. The (HHS) mandates that all government-approved contra- communication, mutual respect and self-mastery. USCCB also has multiple ceptives (including abortion-inducing drugs) be includ- Husbands and wives must talk about their readiness resources about NFP available ed among the "preventive services" in all health insur- for pregnancy and decide together whether this is the at usccb.org. ance plans. This policy decision is a betrayal; it mani- time to abstain from sexual intimacy. This conversa- fests a profound bias against life and fertility. It is a tion and shared responsibility for their actions fosters Saint Gregory’s Abbey in sad irony that the widespread availability of chemical respect for one another's emotional and physical needs Shawnee hosts a Saint contraceptives coincides with a rising demand for infer- and encourages true tenderness in responding to one Kateri Tekakwitha powwow tility treatments among couples who are unable to con- another during fertile times. today, Sunday, July 14. For full ceive. Natural family planning is not contraceptive. When coverage of the event, visit Each year the Catholic Church in the United States used prayerfully and responsibly by couples it helps www.soonercatholic.com. observes Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. them remain open and faithful to God's plan for mar- This year's observance is from July 21 to July 27, corre- riage as both love-giving and life-giving (unitive and World Youth Day festivi- sponding with the anniversary of the papal encyclical procreative). Unlike all forms of contraception, NFP ties are from July 23 to July "Humanae Vitae" (July 25, 1968), which lays out our does nothing to avoid or suppress conception. Instead, 28 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love couples adjust their behavior according to their prayer- To read reflections and predic- and responsible parenthood. fully discerned family planning intentions. tions from pilgrims from the The Catholic Church is often portrayed as a Church All married couples are called to responsible parent- Archdiocese of Oklahoma City of prohibitions — the Church of "no." In fact we are hood. For Catholics, this ultimately means living all to past World Youth Days, fundamentally a aspects of their mar- visit www.soonercatholic.com. Church of affirma- riage as an expres- tion; a Church of sion of their disciple- Spiritual directors through- "yes." Because we ship and offering out the archdiocese will offer are pro-life, we their marriage to the annual Retreat in Daily oppose abortion, God in openness to Life from October to April. To euthanasia and his wisdom. The learn more about the RIDL, many other practices way a couple accepts visit www.soonercatholic.com. contrary to human and respects their dignity. Because we fertility is an expres- To read Archbishop are pro-woman, pro- sion of this duty to Coakley’s full response to the man and pro-child, remain open to God's latest court decision in the we oppose the use of creative plan and to Hobby Lobby case (see page all forms of contra- form their con- 5), visit www.archokc.org/ ception. There is a sciences and make office-of-communications/ better way. decisions according news-releases. What is NFP? to the truth revealed Natural family plan- by God. Pope Francis released his ning is an umbrella A couple practic- first encyclical “Lumen term for various ing NFP as an Fidei” Friday, July 5. To read methods used by cou- expression of respon- the encyclical in its entirety, ples to achieve and sible parenthood visit www.archokc.org. to avoid pregnancy. may prayerfully con- All of these NFP sider the physical, methods are based economic, psychologi- Plus, don't miss daily on the observation of naturally occurring signs of fertil- cal and social conditions of their marriage and gener- updates on Facebook and ity in the woman's monthly cycle. ously welcome a large family, or, for serious reasons, Twitter! Though rooted in real science, NFP's effectiveness they may choose to avoid a new birth for the time being cannot be judged only by its high degree of success in or even for an indefinite period. Natural family plan- avoiding pregnancy when properly used. Its effective- ning offers a way for couples to enter more deeply into ness is also demonstrated by the positive enrichment it God's plan for marriage and the family. It is truly brings to marriages. NFP is true family planning "Pro-woman, Pro-man and Pro-child."

Archbishop Coakley’s Calendar The following events are part of Archbishop Coakley’s official calendar. July 14 — Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Mass and Powwow, 3 p.m., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee July 16 — Mass, 11:30 a.m., Saint Francis de Sales Chapel at Catholic Pastoral Center July 17 — Priests' Council Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Catholic Pastoral Center July 18 — Mass, 11:30 a.m., St. Francis de Sales Chapel at Catholic Pastoral Center July 19 — Metro OKC Hispanic Ministry Initiative Meeting, 11 a.m., Catholic Pastoral Center July 19 — 120th Anniversary Mass and Celebration, 6 p.m., Church of the Good Shepherd, Boise City July 23 — Mass, 11:30 a.m., Saint Francis de Sales Chapel at Catholic Pastoral Center July 25 — Mass, 11:30 a.m., Saint Francis de Sales Chapel at Catholic Pastoral Center July 28 — Servant of God Father Stanley Rother Mass and Celebration, 10:30 a.m., Holy Trinity Church, Okarche July 29 - July 30 — Emmaus Days, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp July 31 — Priests Continuing Education Committee Meeting, 2 p.m., Catholic Pastoral Center Sooner Catholic International July 14, 2013 3 Encyclical illustrates continuity of two papacies, officials say By Cindy Wooden Archbishop Fisichella said Pope Benedict "was Catholic News Service not convinced he had to undertake the effort" of VATICAN CITY — Presenting Pope Francis' writing an encyclical on faith, but so many people new encyclical and acknowledging how much of it insisted that he decided to write it and offer it to was prepared by retired Pope Benedict XVI, top the church at the end of the Year of Faith, which Vatican officials hailed it as a unique expression concludes in November. of the development of papal teaching and unity in "History had another idea," the archbishop faith. said. Archbishop Fisichella said that while there are "It is a fortunate coincidence that this text was obvious echoes of Pope Benedict's teaching in the written, so to speak, by the hands of two popes," document, "it is fully the text of Pope Francis" as said Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the seen in "the immediacy of the expressions used, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, at a the richness of the images to which he refers and news conference July 5 marking the release of the particularity of some of the citations of "Lumen Fidei" ("The Light of Faith"). ancient and modern authors." "Notwithstanding the differences of style, sensi- He said that, like the first encyclical of any bility and accent, anyone who reads this encycli- pope, one can get from the text an idea of what cal will immediately note the substantial continu- will be the main emphases of Pope Francis' pon- ity of the message of Pope Francis with the teach- tificate. In fact, he said, the encyclical repeatedly ing of Pope Benedict XVI," the archbishop said. uses the three verbs the pope used in his homily Archbishop Muller, along with Cardinal Marc at Mass with cardinals the morning after his elec- Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, tion: "Walk, build, confess." and Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Archbishop Muller said that in the encyclical, Pontifical Commission for Promoting New and particularly "in the meditations that he offers Evangelization, emphasized not only the collabo- us by way of his daily homilies, Pope Francis ration of the two popes, but their shared view of often reminds us that 'all is grace.' This affirma- faith as a "common good," a gift that is transmit- tion, which in the face of all the complexities and ted and nourished by the church, but is meant to contradictions of life might seem naive or be shared with all humanity. a relay, thanks to 'the gift of the apostolic succes- abstract, is in fact an invitation to recognize the Christians have an obligation, they said, to help sion.'" ultimate goodness of reality." others by proclaiming the Gospel, but also by liv- For Cardinal Ouellet, the encyclical's "shared "This is the purpose of the encyclical letter ing their faith in order to transform the world mode of transmission illustrates in an extraordi- 'Lumen Fidei,'" he said. "The light that comes into a place of authentic brotherhood and care for nary way the most fundamental and original from faith, from the revelation of God in Jesus the weakest. aspect of the encyclical: its development of the Christ and in his Spirit, illuminates the depths of Cardinal Ouellet told reporters, "A pillar was dimension of communion in faith," of the impor- reality and helps us to recognize that reality lacking in Benedict XVI's trilogy on the theologi- tance of believing in and with the church and of bears within itself the indelible signs that the cal virtues" begun with his encyclicals on love and living one's faith in solidarity with others. work of God is good." on hope. "Providence willed that this missing pil- The text of the finished encyclical, he said, Cardinal Ouellet told reporters, "The encyclical lar should be both a gift from the pope emeritus reflects "much of Pope Benedict and all of Pope presents the Christian faith as a light that comes to his successor and a symbol of unity." Francis." from listening to the Word of God in history. It is Pope Francis' decision to take up the work Archbishop Muller added, "This is not a patch- a light that allows us to see the love of God at begun by Pope Benedict and add some of his own work encyclical." work, establishing his covenant with humankind." reflections, which he states explicitly in the The encyclical bears the signature only of Pope Pope Francis teaches that the light of faith encyclical, witnesses to their unity in faith, the Francis, he said, because "we have only one pope. "offers us human beings a hope that gives us the Canadian cardinal said. "The light of faith is An encyclical is a papal document and it is Pope courage to journey together toward a future of full passed from one pontiff to another like a baton in Francis' encyclical." communion," he said. Pope clears the way for the canonizations of John Paul II, John XXIII By Cindy Wooden confirmation could come by means Catholic News Service other than someone experiencing a VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis physical healing. For instance, signed a decree clearing the way for Blessed John Paul beatified Victoire the canonization of Blessed John Rasoamanarivo in Madagascar in Paul II and has decided also to ask 1989 after accepting as a miracle the the world's cardinals to vote on the case of a wind-swept brush fire stop- canonization of Blessed John XXIII, ping at the edge of a village whose even in the absence of a miracle. inhabitants invoked her intercession. After Pope Francis met July 5 with Announcing the decision about Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of Blessed John's cause, Jesuit Father the Congregation for Saints' Causes, Federico Lombardi, Vatican the Vatican published a list of spokesman, said the discussions decrees the pope approved related to about the need for miracles and what Blessed John Paul's canonization and can be defined as an acceptable mira- 11 other sainthood causes. cle continue. However, he said, the Publishing the decrees, the Vatican movement in the late pope's cause Pope John XXII and Pope John Paul II. CNS photos also said, "The supreme pontiff does not indicate a general change in church policy. approved the favorable votes of the claim a new saint. without requiring a miracle. ordinary session of the cardinal- and A date for a canonization ceremony According to church rules — estab- "As we all know very well, John bishop-fathers regarding the canon- is announced formally only during or lished by the pope and subject to XXIII is a person beloved in the ization of Blessed John XXIII (Angelo immediately after the consistory. changes by him — a miracle is need- church. We are in the 50th anniver- Giuseppe Roncalli) and has decided The cardinals and archbishops who ed after beatification to make a can- sary year of the opening of the to convoke a consistory that will also are members of the saints' congrega- didate eligible for canonization. Second Vatican Council, which he involve the canonization of Blessed tion met at the Vatican July 2 and Jesuit Father Paolo Molinari, the convoked. And I think none of us has John Paul II." voted in favor of the pope recognizing longtime head of the College of any doubts about John XXIII's Normally, after a pope signs a as a miracle the healing of Floribeth Postulators — or promoters of saint- virtues," the spokesman said. "So, the decree recognizing the miracle need- Mora Diaz, a Costa Rican who was hood causes — has explained that in Holy Father is looking toward his ed for a canonization, the pope con- suffering from a brain aneurysm and the sainthood process, miracles are canonization." sults with cardinals around the recovered after prayers through the "the confirmation by God of a judg- Father Lombardi also noted that world and calls a consistory — a intercession of Blessed John Paul. ment made by human beings" that no date for a canonization ceremony gathering attended by any cardinal The congregation members, accord- the candidate really is in heaven. was announced, but it is likely that who wants and is able to attend — ing to news reports, also looked at But, Father Molinari also has said the two popes will be canonized where those present voice their sup- the cause of Blessed John and voted that for decades theologians have together, possibly "by the end of the port for the pope's decision to pro- to ask Pope Francis to canonize him explored the possibility that such a year." 4 July 14, 2013 Commentary Sooner Catholic Of the fight for marriage rightly understood Responses from right-minded marriage proponents to knew what they were about when they the Supreme Court's June 26 decisions in two cases popped the corks: They had won a major involving the (re)definition of marriage seemed to come in victory. three waves. But it's also true that it was not the The immediate reaction, influenced no doubt by a parti- Roe v. Wade-type victory they sought. The san press, was that the friends of marriage had suffered a proponents of marriage and limited gov- severe, and perhaps lethal, blow when the Court first ernment rightly understood—indeed, the Most Reverend struck down the key provision of the federal Defense of defenders of reality-based law and public Marriage Act (DOMA) and then denied standing to those policy—have not been denied the oppor- By George Paul S. Coakley challenging the judicial overturn of California's tunity to continue the fight at the state Weigel Archbishop of Oklahoma City "Proposition 8," an initiative that restored the classic level. meaning of marriage to California law. And yet, on the other, other hand, Publisher The next, more considered reaction went something like those of us who propose to do precisely that have been this: "Hold on here. The Supreme Court did not declare a labeled bigots and enemies of civility by a majority of the constitutional 'right' to 'gay marriage.' This is not another United States Supreme Court. The Court has implicitly Tina Korbe Dzurisin Roe v. Wade, and the Court did not 'nationalize' the mar- accepted the absurd and offensive mantra of President Director of Communications/ riage debate by peremptorily settling it, like it tried to do Barack Obama's second inaugural address-"from Seneca Editor with abortion in 1973. The fight for marriage rightly Falls to Selma to Stonewall"—which identified the defend- understood, and for an understanding of what government ers of marriage rightly understood with those who simply cannot do, will go on in the states." manned the fire hoses, wielded the billy clubs and Cara Koenig The third reaction tempered the second: "Not so fast. unleashed the attack dogs against peaceful civil rights The terms in which DOMA was struck down-defense of demonstrators in the Sixties. If some way isn't found to Photographer/Special Projects marriage rightly understood involves an irrational bias- counter that false analogy between racial bigotry and mar- make it much more difficult to fight this battle in state riage rightly understood, we are not going to win many legislatures because the rhetorical and moral high ground state-level battles in this period when we're permitted to Brianna Osborne has been ceded to the proponents of 'gay marriage.' conduct them. So now what? Office Staff Moreover, the understanding of marriage in the DOMA In the words of the "Red Tails," the Tuskegee Airmen of decision-marriage is an expression of personal autonomy World War II, "we fight, we fight, we fight." For we are not Volume 35, Number 14 and lifestyle choice-offers ground on which successful, only fighting in defense of marriage rightly understood; we state-level 'limitations' of 'marriage' to heterosexual cou- are fighting against what Benedict XVI often called the Sooner Catholic Newspaper ples will be challenged at the federal level." "dictatorship of relativism," elements of which were omi- Contradictory reactions? At first blush, perhaps. But, nously present in Justice Kennedy's DOMA decision. Some upon further review, as they say in the NFL, all three of those battles will be won, and those expressions of popu- reactions make sense. lar will might further stay any temptation by the 7501 Northwest Expressway The initial reaction—these decisions were bad defeats Supremes to settle this once and for all by federal diktat. At the same time and as I have suggested before, the Oklahoma City, OK 73132 for marriage rightly understood—was correct, both in terms of the defense of marriage and a proper understand- Church must think through, even reconsider, its relation- (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 ing of constitutional order. The DOMA and Prop 8 deci- ship to civil marriage. sions were bizarre in their reasoning at some points and George Weigel’s column is distributed by the Denver Email: [email protected] notable for their lack of reasoning at others. The propo- Catholic Register, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 nents of "gay marriage" and their media echo chamber of Denver. Phone: 303-715-3215. Oklahoma City, OK 73123 "Light of Faith" in the Year of Faith By Pedro A. Moreno, OP, MRE The second chapter, "Unless You Visit us online through the Director of Hispanic Ministry Believe, You Will Not Understand," Archdiocesan website at If anyone was praying for some good reflection material based on Is 7:9, is a healthy emphasis www.archokc.org for the upcoming end of the Year of Faith, I have good on how Scripture invites us to a faith news for you! Your prayers have been answered! that needs understanding. Faith needs Abundantly! truth! Without truth and understand- ing, faith would be darkness and not The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is Signed on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and light. We live in a world where many published biweekly except for once in July Paul, and made public during the first week of July, Pope have disregarded truth and have pre- Francis has gifted us with his first encyclical, "Lumen and twice in December by the Archdiocese ferred to embrace whatever makes them feel good or gives Fidei" or "The Light of Faith." I will leave it to the experts of Oklahoma City. them a temporary happiness, or, worse yet, have created to offer an in-depth analysis and commentary of the letter their own supposed "truth." while here I will just share a few personal thoughts and Not only does chapter 2 delve into the relationship some highlights from my first glance at Pope Francis' first between faith, truth and knowledge, it goes one more step The newspaper is not responsible for encyclical. unsolicited material. and connects these three to love. Later on, this chapter Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, shared with us how this reinforces the connection between faith and reason, faith Copyright © 2013 Sooner Catholic letter is a joint effort between Pope Emeritus Benedict and our search for God, and faith and theology. We need to XVI and himself. Pope Francis refers to it as the work of understand how "blind faith" or "dark faith" isn't good. four hands, a term used in the compositions for piano so Chapter three, "I Delivered To You What I Also enjoyed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Benedict had Subscription rate: $20 per year for all Received," based on 1 Cor 15:3, reflects on how our faith is done much of the work of the letter before his resignation who are not members of the not just an individualistic and private choice that takes and Pope Francis took that work and finished it with his place in the believer's heart nor a completely private rela- Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. own personal touch. tionship between us and God. Paragraph 39 begins with Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma In that light, we can say that Benedict, through his the bold statement, "It is impossible to believe on our City, OK 73125. encyclicals, has given us a trilogy on the three theological own." Faith is open to the "we" that is the Church and the virtues: Love - "Deus Caritas Est" or "God is Love" - 2005; Church is the mother of our faith. We are born and grow POSTMASTER: Send address changes Hope - "Spe Salvi (Facti Sumus)" or "In Hope We Were in this family of faith through our celebration of the sacra- to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box Saved" - 2007; and now Faith - "Lumen Fidei" or "The ments, above all the Eucharist. 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Light of Faith" - finished by Pope Francis in 2013. This The last chapter, "God Prepares a City for Them," based shared magisterial work should be read as the final piece on Heb 11:16, brings the reality of faith back to our daily of a trilogy. building up of the kingdom of God. The Holy Father Here are some key points from the new encyclical. The invites us to live our faith in our families and in society first chapter, "We Have Believed In Love," based on 1 Jn even when sufferings and difficulties, ours or others, tempt 4:16, is a biblical journey through the many examples of us to stop believing. lived, understood and celebrated faith that we find in The letter concludes with a short reflection on the moth- Scripture beginning with Abraham, our father in the faith, er of all disciples, the Blessed Virgin Mary. This last sec- and beyond. The chapter speaks eloquently of the faith of tion is based on Lk 1:45, "Blessed Is She Who Believed." Israel and how this faith comes to its fullest expression in She leads and models for us a faith response and relation- The Sooner Catholic is Jesus Christ. I love it when the Holy Father clarifies that ship with her son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. supported through the Jesus is not only someone whom we believe and believe in These words are just from a first glance at "Lumen Archdiocesan Development Fund. but primarily someone we unite to and become one with! Fidei." I invite you to download your own copy of "The This is fullness of faith! Please read paragraph 18. Light of Faith." Sooner Catholic State/National July 14, 2013 5 State leaders welcome latest ruling in Hobby Lobby case against HHS mandate By Anamaría Scaperlanda Biddick employees or face crippling fines. The owners of Judge Joe Heaton has exempted Hobby Lobby For the Sooner Catholic Hobby Lobby, the Green family, founded their from the fines until then. Proponents of religious liberty were cheered company on biblical principles and continue to State Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D-89th District) this month when Christian companies Hobby run it in accordance with those principles by clos- sees Hobby Lobby's resolution as encouraging. ing on Sundays and starting their employees at Lobby and Mardel received a partial victory in "The fact that Hobby Lobby has persisted 80 percent above minimum wage, among other federal courts. After a lower court had ruled that through the many twists and turns shows their practices. As a Christian company, they object to Hobby Lobby and Mardel, as corporations, had no character, level of commitment to Christian val- facilitating abortion in any way. claims to the First Amendment right of religious ues, and how dearly they hold the freedom of reli- freedom, the Tenth Circuit Court ruled that the The court released the decision after Hobby gion," Rep. Hamilton said. "I'm very glad they companies do have these rights. Lobby petitioned for an injunction to allow the have gotten that and I hope when this goes to the Emily Hardman, communications director for company temporary exemption from the $1 mil- Supreme Court they turn down the mandate with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who is rep- lion-a-day fines while their case is heard in court. a resounding no." resenting Hobby Lobby, said, "We got this tremen- The Tenth Circuit Court found that Hobby Lobby meets two of the four criteria for granting an Archbishop Coakley expressed his concern dous victory from the Tenth Circuit, clearly stat- about the case. ing that Hobby Lobby and the Green family don't injunction: likelihood of success and substantial give up their religious rights just because they burden. "The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City shares the are a company. Beautiful opinion." Despite this tremendous victory, the Tenth Green family's concerns and we are following the Kyle Duncan, general counsel at the Becket Circuit found that it did not have enough evi- course of the lawsuit filed on behalf of Hobby Fund, elaborated: "The Tenth Circuit settled dis- dence on the remaining two criteria for granting Lobby with great interest," he said. "We recognize puted legal issues in Hobby Lobby's favor. Hobby an injunction to make a definitive ruling. The that the serious challenge to religious liberty Lobby and Mardel are able to exercise freedom of case returned to the District Court in Oklahoma implicit in the HHS mandate is not only a threat religion granted under the First Amendment. City to gather evidence on these two criteria: bal- to Catholic religious institutions but to people of This is a very significant holding." ance of equities and public interest. faith and conscience who are being forced to Additionally, the court held that the companies The balance of equities concerns which party to choose between their religious convictions and have a likelihood of success in their case seeking the case — the U.S. government or Hobby Lobby their ability to fully engage in public life. This exemption to the Department of Health and — is harmed more. Public interest regards where includes business owners such as the Green fami- Human Service mandate that all employers must the public interest lies, which Duncan explains is ly and many others." provide abortifacient drug coverage for their clearly on the side of religious freedom. The hear- Anamaría Scaperlanda Biddick is a freelance ing is scheduled for July 19. writer and math tutor living in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma abortion law continued from page 1 The court offered very little analysis encouraged by the U.S. Supreme "Chemical abortions are harmful These two questions pertain to by way of its opinion. Court's review of the case and the not only to unborn children, but to whether these drugs can still be used This lack of analysis is, in part, why questions it returned to the state their mothers, as well — and have led to treat ectopic pregnancies and Pruitt asked the U.S. Supreme Court Supreme Court. to many different dangerous compli- whether the statute is a complete ban to look at the law. "This confirms my concern all along cations, including the deaths of eight on chemical abortions. "What prompted our petition [for that the Oklahoma Supreme Court mothers," he says. "It is typical of the "It is not," Pruitt said. "It is … review] was that… our Oklahoma side-stepped the important issues of abortion industry to fight even mod- within the normal course and authori- Supreme Court summarily struck the the case, which relate to patient safe- est safeguards that might impede ty of the states to adopt laws that pro- statute down without any analysis, ty and the state's right and duty to their headlong rush to sell ever more vide for FDA protocol in the use of saying that it was inconsistent with regulate the use of dangerous drugs," assembly-line abortions for big finan- RU-486 and the area of medical abor- federal law," Pruitt said. "There was a Rep. Grau said. cial profits." tions, so that's what the questions pending Sixth Circuit case that says Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D- Pruitt reiterates the state's interest focus upon and clarify on those issues. the statute, like we believe, is very Oklahoma City) echoed Grau. in the health of its citizens. So the [Oklahoma] court will answer constitutional. Our statute tracked "The Oklahoma Court overstepped it and then the Supreme Court will the Ohio statute very closely. It was in its understanding of [Planned "After all, there have been reported- take it from there." the model of what we did. Our Parenthood vs. Casey], which says ly eight deaths nationally around the use of medically induced abortions, The Oklahoma law was modeled Oklahoma Supreme Court was misap- that the states can't restrict access to but the other side doesn't like to rec- after a similar law in Ohio, upheld by plying Planned Parenthood vs. Casey abortion," she said. "A lot have taken ognize that," he said. "They don't talk the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth and the court precedent around the it to mean that you can't be required about that. We do, because it's the Circuit. Despite the standard that area of medical abortion, and the to have safety measurements. Aside state's right to talk about that. It's this decision set, affirming the ability state had every right to pass a statute from the life of fetuses, it's important the state's right to talk about that to for states to provide health and safety that advanced the health and safety to consider the life of women, and advance the health and safety of its regulations for abortions following of its citizens and to say that FDA these practices are not safe." citizens." Supreme Court precedent, the protocol was a good safeguard and the Tony Lauinger, State Chairman of Oklahoma Supreme Court unani- right safeguard." Oklahomans for Life, is similarly con- Anamaría Scaperlanda Biddick is a mously struck down the law on the Rep. Randy Grau (R-Edmond), a co- cerned with safety measures for freelance writer and math tutor living basis that it conflicts with federal law. author of the measure, said he was women. in Oklahoma City. NFP Awareness Week continued from page 1 Marquette models can be especially As Janet Smith, a recognized expert "We certainly are fighting a culture "These methods respect the bodies of helpful in infertility cases." on "Humanae Vitae," states, "Must that does not have the same vision as the spouses, encourage tenderness One of the main misunderstandings spouses have as many children as the Church," Rigazzi said. "Marriage between them and favor the education about NFP is that the couple is physically possible? This has never is not held in high esteem and not of authentic freedom," the catechism required to have a large number of been the teaching of the Church. seen as a model for living for many states. children. The Church understands Spouses are expected to be responsi- people. Instead of seeing marriage as The science of natural family plan- limitations to families and allows for ble about childbearing, to bring forth the bedrock of societal interaction and ning has greatly advanced over the spacing between siblings. "Humanae children that they can raise well. But order, it has been called archaic. years. Vitae" discussed serious reasons why the means used must be moral. Sadly, many Catholics are adopting "There are many Catholics who still couples can delay pregnancies. Methods of Natural Family Planning the same view. The idea that marriage think that NFP is the old 'rhythm Pope Paul VI wrote, "If, then, there are very effective moral means for is our call to holiness is oftentimes not method,' which was largely ineffec- are serious motives for spacing births, planning one's family, for helping known or it is ignored." tive," said George Rigazzi, director of motives deriving from physical or psy- spouses to get pregnant when they Archbishop Coakley said NFP helps the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City chological conditions of the husband want to have a child and for helping couples to answer that call. Office of Family Life. "Current meth- or wife, or from external circum- them avoid having a child when it "One important thing that sets ods are scientific and well-document- stances, the Church teaches that it is would not be responsible to have a NFP apart from artificial birth control ed (and include) the Couple to Couple then permissible to take into account child." methods is that NFP enhances mar- League, Billings Ovulation Method, the natural rhythms immanent in the Marriage is a call to holiness — riages,” he said. “Contraception cannot the Creighton Model and the generative functions and to make use and NFP helps do that. NFP is God's gift to couples to Marquette model. All are 96 percent of marriage during the infertile times Ultimately, all that the Church help them follow his plan for mar- to 99 percent effective when used only, and in this way to regulate teaches about contraception and mar- riage." properly and taught by a qualified births without offending the moral riage aims not at a legalistic morality, Sarah Cooper is a freelance writer teacher. The Creighton and principles." but at genuine holiness. for the Sooner Catholic. 6 July 14, 2013 Vocations Sooner Catholic Novice professes simple vows of obedience, Meet Our Seminarians stability and conversion of life By Anamaría Scaperlanda Biddick whether that is a way of life he wants to give him- For the Sooner Catholic self to." SHAWNEE, OKLA. — On Thursday, July 11, Brother Francis first came to Saint Gregory's monastery for a retreat to discern whether he This is the seventh part in a 24- Benedictine Brother Francis Brown professed his wanted to become Catholic. He was part of the part series to introduce the semi- simple vows at Saint Gregory's Monastery. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program at narians of the Archdiocese of vows took place at the conclusion of his novitiate year, a period of trial of the monastic way of life, Saint Joseph's Old Cathedral, which he began Oklahoma City to the people they after attending Easter Sunday Mass with a girl- will one day serve as priests. during a Mass at Saint Gregory's Abbey. A dinner reception followed the Mass. friend. He walked up to receive a blessing at "The vows that we make are not poverty, chasti- Communion, and, as he said, "I did know I was ty and obedience, but obedience, stability and con- Meet John Herrera walking toward Jesus that day. I got the blessing version of life," explained Father Boniface Copelin, from the priest, and I decided I would never stop O.S.B., vocations director at Saint Gregory's. "The 1. What is your home parish? going to church." Saint Joseph in Norman vow of stability binds us to a specific house, in this case to Saint Gregory's Abbey. Conversion of life Though Brother Francis first thought of leaving everything he had to pray at the monastery during 2. What seminary do you attend? includes poverty and chastity, but it is more about an ongoing seeking of God, an ongoing striving to this RCIA retreat at Saint Gregory's, he had to Conception Seminary College reach that which we are called to do." wait three years after becoming Catholic before he could start the process of joining the monastery. 3. If it is God's will, what year will you be Brother Francis elaborated in his understanding During this time, Brother Francis met with ordained a priest? of the third vow: "I like to look at that as just a Father Bruce Natsuhara at Saint Joseph's and 2019 conversion of your spiritual growth daily. It's to told him he felt called to leave everything and get closer to Jesus daily. That's why we're here and serve the Church. Both agreed it was probably as 4. How old were you when you first thought that why I'm here. It's a radical self-giving to the way a religious brother. Father Natsuhara nurtured God might be calling you to the priesthood? of the Gospel, for sure. The privilege and benefits his vocation throughout those three years by we have here at the monastery, we're just given I was about 14 years old. allowing him to help at the parish in whatever that freedom and time to focus whole-heartedly on capacity he could. that Gospel way of life." 5.What is your favorite subject in the seminary? Father Pryor Martin, the novice master, is glad Systematic Theology Brother Francis’ simple vows are for a three- to welcome Brother Francis into the community. year duration, after which he will decide whether "Brother Francis has certainly been a very fine 6. Describe your typical day. he would like to make permanent vows. candidate and very fine novice and very sincere in I wake up at 6:00 a.m. most days. We have com- "There's not really a difference in the substance seeking of God," he said. "I'm very happy he is munal prayer at 6:45 a.m. Breakfast follows and between the simple vows and the permanent vows; making vows in our community." then classes. Mass is usually at 11:45 a.m., fol- it's just a matter of duration," he said. "That gives Anamaría Scaperlanda Biddick is a freelance lowed by lunch. Afternoon classes begin at 1:30 a person a good four and a half years to decide writer and math tutor living in Oklahoma City. p.m. At 5:50 p.m. we pray evening prayer commu- nally. Dinner follows and, after that, we are free Emmaus Days Retreat: A chance to think about the question for the evening to study, build fraternity, etc. By Brianna Osborne "I remember the talks being focused on answer- 7. What is the most important thing you have The Sooner Catholic ing lots of questions about the priesthood because, learned in the seminary so far? Young men from around the Archdiocese of at least to me, the priesthood was very mysterious A daily prayer life is of the utmost importance if Oklahoma City are invited to attend Emmaus and I didn't know a lot about it," said Deacon one desires to have a living relationship with the Days, a three-day retreat at Our Lady of Krittenbrink. Lord. I cannot expect to grow in love if I don't Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp, at which they By the end of the retreat, however, he had spend time with Love Himself. can ask the question, "Am I called to become a gained a better understanding of the vocation. priest?" "I took away the view that the priesthood is an 8. What do you look forward to most about It's a perfect time and setting. During summer awesome calling that, far from being mysterious, becoming a priest? break, young men have a respite from some of the makes you open and available to every person on Celebrating the sacraments — particularly demands of school, work and other activities. They the face of the earth. I remember learning that the preparing souls to meet their creator in the sacra- are able to focus more time on listening for the priesthood is a joy-filled life that is about service to ment of the sick persistent voice that might be calling them to the the people of God and to the Lord himself," he said. priesthood. Also, because it is at a summer camp, Deacon Krittenbrink continued: "My advice to any young man thinking about the priesthood 9. Who is your favorite saint? this discernment of a vocation takes place in a fun, would be to go to Emmaus Days and see what the The Blessed Mother encouraging environment. "The purpose of the retreat is to give them a Lord shows you. It can't hurt, and you will walk away with lots of questions answered." 10. Name one thing that every Catholic needs to chance to think about the question in an environ- John Paul Lewis, an archdiocesan seminarian, know. ment that is not intimidating," said Father Joseph came away from Emmaus Days with the happy "Jesus Christ, after having given us all he could Irwin, associate vocations director for the archdio- realization that "priests and seminarians are com- give — that is to say, the merit of his toils, his suf- cese. pletely normal people, like anyone else." ferings, and bitter death — after having given us Father Irwin hopes attendees realize that the Lewis saw the setting of OLOG as significant: his adorable body and blood to be the food of our vocation to the priesthood "is a special calling for "Getting away from all the worldly distractions of souls, willed also to give us the most precious regular people." TV, Internet and all the other things that come thing he had left, which was his holy mother." — "It's for all kinds of people, with all kinds of gifts, with living in our society helped me to actually Saint John Vianney personalities and interests. They all have the same mission from Christ, and the same desire for salva- hear the voice of God and ultimately led to a strengthening of my vocation." 11. Describe your relationship with Christ. tion," he explained. While on retreat, the young men will meet with Christ is always present in my life. He's patient Deacon Carson Krittenbrink, who was ordained priests and current seminarians of the archdiocese, with my many failings and constantly reassures to the transitional diaconate June 1, attended attend Mass, have quiet time for reflection and me of his love, even when I perceive myself to be Emmaus Days in 2001. prayer and participate in fun unlovable. I have found a deeper level of love and activities around the camp. intimacy with him through the Blessed Mother. The first Emmaus Days in She is constantly reminding me, "… Do whatever IF YOU GO the archdiocese took place in he tells you [it always brings you joy]." Emmaus Days 2013 2001, with 53 young men When: Sunday, July 28 to Tuesday, July 30 attending from 26 different 12. Why choose a life of sacrificial love in any Where: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp parishes. Attendees from past vocation rather than a life of self-gratification? Why: For young men in high school to learn about the call to the years include Father Cory Why choose mediocrity and discontentedness priesthood and explore their relationship with God Stanley, seminarian Danny when you can be "reasonably happy in this life For more information or to register: There is no cost for this Grover and Brother Simeon and supremely happy in the next"? Sacrificial retreat. Please contact the Vocations Office at (405) 721-9351, email Spitz, recently ordained a love is painful, dirty and, at times, thankless, but, [email protected] or view the online registration form at deacon at Saint Gregory’s. when one tastes the joy in living for others, the www.archokc.org/vocations/home. Brianna Osborne is a staff answer becomes clear. writer for the Sooner Catholic. Sooner Catholic Spirituality July 14, 2013 7 Spiritual direction fosters life in Christ through dialogue, prayer By J.E. Helm when she found herself asking, For the Sooner Catholic "What more can I do?" If faith is a journey, not a destina- She became involved in formation tion, then, as the faithful make their development because she "wanted to way through life's many experiences, learn how to articulate to other peo- trying to learn and grow in their ple what spiritual direction entails." understanding of God's plan for She points out that a spiritual their lives, it would surely be helpful director is not "a problem solver." to have a guide, someone to walk Instead, a director helps people see with them and share that journey. "the direction, the way they can A spiritual director is just such a respond to God. Even in problems, person. God is there. There is grace in that In the Archdiocese of Oklahoma time," she says. City, spiritual directors undergo a Britton is a retired professor of five-year training program leading English and the humanities at Rose to a certificate of completion. State College; she now devotes her- Directors play a key role in the self exclusively to the spiritual direc- Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life tor formation program. offered through the Office of Worship Steltenkamp sees all of this as a and Spiritual Life, and they function "mobilization of the laity," a way of in other capacities, as well. helping people define their everyday Anyone may ask for a referral to a lives in terms of spirituality. spiritual director. The Office of Spiritual directors are engaging Worship and Spiritual Life main- church members in many ways. tains a roster of directors who are Steltenkamp herself will present available on a short- or long-term two retreats in the next few weeks. basis. Someone might ask for help One is a retreat for teachers in the in dealing with a particular situa- parochial school at Saint Eugene's in tion like the death of a spouse, the Oklahoma City. She is preparing a loss of a job or transitioning into second retreat for all parish and retirement. Some individuals are school staff at Saint John's in simply interested in deepening their Edmond, Okla. relationship with Jesus Christ. She comes to all this with an Surprisingly, applicants are not extensive background as a nursing always Catholic. Today, people of professional. For 15 and a half many faiths are looking for answers, years, she was the director of the and the Church is willing and able CNS photo/Paul Haring Parish Nurse Program. This fall, to support them, drawing on its rich she will begin new duties as a history and treasury of spiritual as well. Steltenkamp calls year four for the Crossings Church "priest's nurse," a nurse for clergy in guidance. the "heavy" year. Community Clinic, which provides the archdiocese. Mary Diane Steltenkamp is the Year five involves peer presenta- medical care for the uninsured and Steltenkamp acknowledged the director of the formation program for tion of actual cases that the appren- underinsured. legacy of the Sisters of Benedict at spiritual directors in the archdio- tice spiritual directors have Randy Hearn is also a recent Red Plains Priory in all of the spiri- cese. She has seen Baptists, assumed. graduate of the spiritual direction tual direction offered in the Methodists, Episcopalians, even min- Steltenkamp points out that the formation program. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City today. isters of these denominations, under- entire five-year formation program While in the Retreat in Daily Life, It was the sisters who developed the go the Retreat in Daily Life, one of is "a discernment process" with par- he found himself "searching for a 30-day Spiritual Exercises into a 30- the areas where spiritual directors ticipants exploring their own spiritu- deeper meaning in my life and what week program, making it more of an are employed. Directors meet with al development. Ignatian spirituali- God was calling me to do." His option for working men and women. retreatants twice each month while ty focuses on "finding freedom in the small group leader suggested that he The sisters also fostered the forma- they are in that 30-week program. spiritual journey." Spiritual direc- look into the idea of becoming a spir- tion program for spiritual directors. Steltenkamp explained that, while tion is not seen as one person with itual director, and he followed that Even though the sisters have now most dioceses have a formation pro- all the answers and one person ask- idea through to completion. left Oklahoma to merge with an gram, they are usually two or three ing the questions. Instead, the Hearn is CEO of New View, for- order of sisters in Kansas, their lega- years long. The program in the director attempts to guide the seeker merly the League for the Blind. cy lives on: Last year saw one of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is five to an understanding of how God is Like Pam Barton, he finds his work largest graduating groups of new years. When recent graduates of the working in his or her own life. to be both "a vocation and a calling." spiritual directors. Twenty one peo- program were asked whether five Everything is seen as an opportunity Kay Britton is the director of the ple completed the five-year program. years was too long, their response for prayer, for developing a truly per- third year of the spiritual direction J.E. Helm is an adjunct professor was an overwhelming "No!" sonal relationship with Jesus Christ. formation program, the year focused of English at several area colleges Steltenkamp explained the forma- Pam Barton recently completed on studying the spiritual classics. and a freelance writer for the Sooner tion program. The first year the formation program for spiritual She became a spiritual director Catholic. involves completing the Retreat in directors. Pam is not a Catholic; she Daily Life. All of the program is cen- was introduced to the Spiritual tered on Ignatian spirituality, which Exercises when she went back to IF YOU GO entails "finding God in all things." school and had to write a paper on Retreat in Daily Life The second year's focus is self- Ignatius. She continued to pursue When: Enrollment from July 1 to Aug. 31; retreat from October awareness. Participants meet with Ignatian spirituality, which she calls through April an established spiritual director for "the Rosetta Stone for understand- Where: Throughout the metro area six hours once a month for a full ing our emotions." It has shown her Why: To "find God in all things" "how to look at your emotions but eight months. Ticket prices: The fee for the program is $90 a month, plus a one- not let them run you.'' She has The third year focuses on reading time fee of $60. However, no one is ever turned away because of a lack of found peace. and studying the spiritual classics, funds and a payment schedule may be arranged. including the writings of Augustine, "There is a stillness in me that For more information or to register: Contact the Retreat in Daily John of the Cross and Teresa of I've never had before," said Barton, Life spiritual director nearest you. Edmond and North Oklahoma City: Avila. who is the assistant office manager Joe Froehle at (405) 341-2515, Nancy Vargas at (405) 715-0283 or Dick In year four, program members Alexander at (405) 844-1747. Guthrie: Mary Ann Henderson at (405) actually serve, with supervision, as For more information about 969-3090. Stillwater and North Central Oklahoma: Marilyn Seiler at spiritual directors for those in the spiritual direction in the (405) 334-1630. Moore, Norman and South Oklahoma City: Julianne Retreat in Daily Life. These spiritu- Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Parker at (405) 872-1120 or Carolyn Sher at (405) 360-0007. West al directors in formation meet with visit www.archokc.org/worship- Oklahoma Counties and West Oklahoma City: Joanne Forgue at (405) program directors on a regular basis spiritual-life/home. 350-6976. and make a three-day silent retreat 8 July 14, 2013 Across the Archdiocese Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic Across the Archdiocese July 14, 2013 9 Church of Oklahoma assumes joint sponsorship of St. Gregory's University Archbishop Coakley ordains

At a sun-dappled afternoon ceremony under Fr. Brian Buettner trees outside of the chapel at Saint Gregory's Archbishop Paul Coakley Abbey, (from left to right) Father Don Wolf, ordained Deacon Brian chairman of the board of directors of Saint Buettner to the priest- Gregory’s, Bishop Edward Slattery of the hood Saturday, June 29. Diocese of Tulsa, Archbishop Paul Coakley of the "We recognize that, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Abbot today, it is not enough Lawrence Stasyszen of Saint Gregory's for a priest to become a University signed a memorandum of agreement good churchman," that indicates the four leaders' shared intention Archbishop Coakley said to sponsor Saint Gregory's University. "The in his homily. "A priest Benedictines came here many years ago to this today must be first and place that is truly the cradle of Catholicism in foremost a disciple, a Oklahoma. What we're doing today signals not faithful disciple of Jesus a discontinuity, but a renewed commitment and Christ and a witness to continuity with this rich history which is ours, Jesus Christ before the this rich legacy which has been handed on to world. A priest today us," Archbishop Coakley said. "Through this ini- must be a herald of the tiative, however it may finally take shape — and Gospel for a new evange- there is still work to be done in completing this lization. This is the agreement — we recognize this as a wonderful urgent pastoral chal- opportunity for us to hand on a vibrant and lenge of our particular strong Catholic university in service to the moment of history." Church and in service to the great state of Oklahoma and our great nation."

Campers revel in faith and fun on Our Lady of Guadalupe grounds "We are living in an age of increasing indifference world. Given certain signs of our times today, it is Nearly 1,000 elementary, middle and high school stu- or even hostility toward faith and toward the naïve to believe it could not happen here. It is dents will have ventured to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church," Archbishop Paul Coakley said during his important, therefore, to be clear. The priesthood is Catholic summer camp in the Archdiocese of homily at the ordination of Father Brian Buettner not a career; it is not a path for those seeking a Oklahoma City by summer's end. During the first five Saturday, June 29. "The generation of priests comfortable life. The priesthood is a vocation of sessions of the jam-packed program, campers' days ordained today will, I suspect, witness increasing radical commitment and radical dependence on have been characterized by regular prayer, hiking, persecution and perhaps even a new age of martyr- Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to swimming, fishing, water sports, volleyball, canoeing, dom. It is already happening in other parts of the serve." archery, Scripture adventures, talent shows, soccer, campfires, drama and more. The sixth session of camp begins today, July 14, and concludes July 19. National High School The final session, for students in grades nine through 12, is July 21 to July 26. For more information, visit Coaches Association www.archokc.org/youth-and-young-adult-office/sum- mer-camp. honors Mount coach Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School head tennis coach Leroy Cantrell was honored as one of the top eight tennis coaches in the nation by the National High School Coaches Association on Wednesday, June 26, in Des Moines, Iowa. Eight coaches from every sport across the country were hon- ored for their dedication, performance, tenure and mentoring of young men and women. Cantrell was selected three months ago by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association to represent Oklahoma and then was selected by the NHSCA as one of the top eight coaches in the country. Cantrell has been a coach and teacher at Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School for 20 years. Cantrell is pictured here holding his plaque with Mount Saint Mary Athletic Director John Keilty.

Center for Family Love celebrates outgoing executive director

Jim O'Brien, longtime executive director of the Center of Family Love in Okarche, Okla., retired at the end of last month. The staff of the CFL feted O'Brien with a party June 30. O'Brien is pictured here with new executive director Debbie Espinosa, who will contin- ue the CFL mission to provide quality lifetime care for adults with developmental disabilities. To learn more about the CFL, visit www.centeroffamilylove.org. 10 July 14, 2013 Summer Reading Sooner Catholic Noted evangelist: Cultural Catholicism is dead as a retention strategy Forming Intentional Disciples: The the twenty-first century, cultural Objectively, grace always flows Path to Knowing and Following Jesus Catholicism is dead as a retention through the sacraments, but, subjec- By Sherry A. Weddell (Our Sunday strategy … We have to foster inten- tively, recipients do not always receive Visitor, 2012) tional Catholicism rather than cultur- that grace; those who receive the Reviewed by Tina Korbe Dzurisin al Catholicism" (p. 39). sacraments without faith might even How to do that? Weddell fleshes out harm themselves spiritually, Weddell the answer to that question in the next says (p. 117). 11 chapters of the book, which, inci- "To benefit from receiving dentally, comes highly recommended Communion, our intention must be to In the Book of Exodus, as the by Archbishop Paul Coakley, who gave please God, to be more closely united Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan copies of it to the priests of the with him, to gain a remedy for our River to enter the promised land, an Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. weaknesses," she suggests (p. 118). "In old and weary Moses prepares to die. Weddell knows whereof she writes. other words, we must already be in a He issues his final appeal to the people One of the cofounders of the Catherine conscious, personal relationship with he led out of slavery in Egypt. of Siena Institute, Weddell leads the God and desire to become ever closer." "Take to heart all the words that I CSI international team of teachers "In calling Catholics to a deliberate am giving in witness against you and facilitators, who have formed discipleship and intentional faith, our today," Moses says. "Give them as a more than 85,000 lay, religious and goal is not to create a community of command to your children, so that ordained Catholics in 105 dioceses. spiritual elites," she says (p. 122). they may diligently observe all the Importantly, Weddell begins with "Rather it is to create a spiritual cul- words of this law. This is no trifling the suggestion that Catholics recali- ture that recognizes, openly talks matter for you, but rather your very brate their sense of what is "normal." about and honors both the inward and life; through it, you may live long in Weddell emphasizes, by which phrase "The common working assumption outward dimensions of the sacraments the land that you are crossing over the she means a person is not automati- that we encounter is that personal dis- and the liturgy." Jordan to possess." cally a disciple of Christ simply cipleship is a kind of optional spiritual Of course, to share this information In her indispensable primer on for- because he or she happens to be born enrichment for the exceptionally pious with others is not the same as to evan- mation and discipleship, Forming to Catholic parents. or spiritually gifted," Weddell writes gelize them, so Weddell does more Intentional Disciples, Sherry A. Consider some of the most sobering (p. 57). "There is a strong tendency to than merely report to her readers: She Weddell rephrases Moses' appeal in statistics cited by Weddell: Just 30 per- account for those who try to live as dis- also shares with them the five thresh- terms that are impossible to ignore. cent of Americans who were raised ciples by labeling them 'extraordinary,' olds of conversion. To read those Take the faith to heart, she implores. Catholic are still "practicing" — with either positively,as called to priestly or thresholds is not merely to learn how This is no trifling matter, but rather "practicing" defined leniently as religious life, or negatively, as pre- to evangelize; it is also to recognize your very life. "attending Mass at least once a tenders to sanctity" (p. 63). that none of us is wholly converted. Just as the presence of an Israelite month." Another 38 percent still claim In reality, Weddell reiterates, each Forming Intentional Disciples in the land of Canaan did not neces- to be Catholic, but seldom or never and every person is called to holiness. reminds us that evangelization is a sarily indicate that he or she had attend Mass. The final 32 percent — "We must be convinced that all the daily, dual process: If we would be internalized all that the Lord had done almost a third of all adults raised baptized — unless they die early or are intentional disciples of Christ, we for His chosen people, so the presence Catholic in the United States — no incapable of making such a decision — must preach the Good News of what of a Catholic in the pews does not nec- longer consider themselves to be will eventually be called to make a God has done for us to ourselves first essarily indicate that he or she has Catholic. Less than half of Catholics personal choice to live as a disciple of and foremost and then to those we love internalized all that the Lord has done are confident that they can have a per- Jesus Christ in the midst of His every single day — and "those we love" for His Church, as Weddell makes per- sonal relationship with God and near- Church," Weddell says (p. 70). should encompass everyone we meet. fectly, painfully, painstakingly clear in ly 30 percent don't believe in a person- Furthermore, the interior disposi- Tina Korbe Dzurisin is the director the gripping first chapter of her book. al God at all. tion of a person affects his or her of communications for the Archdiocese "God has no grandchildren," Weddell doesn't mince words: "In reception of the sacraments. of Oklahoma City. Parish nurse finds rituals heal, uplift and enhance overall quality of life The Blue Boat: A collection of stories physical, mental, emotional and spiri- her parish, Steltenkamp had four about rituals tual sides. A parish nurse walks songs recorded that were familiar to by Mary Diane Steltenkamp though life's most difficult times, an Alzheimer's patient. With tape in Reviewed by Cara Koenig whether it is a long illness, life-chang- hand, she was off to visit her patient ing moments or even a death. A to play the music. parish nurse helps with the transi- She sat, holding hands with the tions and ups and downs on this jour- patient. As the music played, he Do you open your Christmas pres- ney we all travel. began to respond to each song with ents first or your stocking? Do you Steltenkamp sees the ministry of tears or joyful laughter. have the same meal for your birthday the parish nurse as a mission "to walk "I truly believe we connected that every year? with" and "to nourish the soul" of the day. Deeper than words, beyond The list of familiar traditions is patient - but how does the parish understanding, (even) in the tragedy long, from family baptisms in the nurse best help in moments of diffi- of Alzheimer's, each one of us encoun- same church for generations or partic- culty to bring peace and gentleness? ters God," Steltenkamp writes (p. 70). ipating in the Triduum every year to For Steltenkamp, the answer was This is a great book and I highly Saturday night confession and Mass rituals. recommend it. It's not just for parish or Sunday supper after church. "The Blue Boat" is full of personal nurses; it is for any person looking to These are the rituals that define stories of how rituals came about in create rituals in his life, his ministry our lives. They are an ingrained part Steltenkamp's work and personal life. or his workplace. of our Catholic religion that dates There are actual step-by-step rituals Even if you are not looking for ritu- back to the earliest Christians. In our you can use or you can adjust to fit tion, "What can we do for someone als, this book gives you a behind-the- family and work life, rituals are also your particular situation, whether with dementia or Alzheimer's? We can scenes look at what a parish nurse an important part. But what happens that situation is transitioning from a help the family with support and does to go above and beyond for her when there is no ritual? When "Thank home to a nursing home, moving far help, but what can we do for the patients. You also get a glimpse into you" or "Good job" or even "Goodbye" away, blessing a new baby, minister- patient?" Steltenkamp's life with a few rituals is not enough? ing to someone with dementia, saying Steltenkamp did the research and that she created to celebrate in her That's when you pick up "The Blue goodbye, celebrating a big anniversary found that music had a positive role own life as well as in the lives of her Boat: A collection of stories about ritu- or even washing your hands. with dementia patients. family and friends. als" by Mary Diane Steltenkamp, the There are also stories about differ- "Though it is not a medical treat- The book is exclusively available "Ritual Queen of Oklahoma," for the ent kinds of rituals that might help ment, the beneficial effects have been through Catholic Charities Oklahoma guidance you need. you create that new ritual you and seen with some of the symptoms asso- City. To reserve your copy, contact Steltenkamp was the first parish your family might need. ciated with emotional, social and spir- Catholic Charities at (405) 523-3000 nurse in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma A particular ritual that stood out itual behavior. Music appears to assist or www.catholiccharitiesok.org. City. She began her ministry in 1997. was ministering to someone with in providing (improved) quality of Cara Koenig is the photographer The philosophy behind parish nursing dementia. So many times we wonder, life," Steltenkamp observes (p. 67). and special projects editor for the is to treat the whole person — the when we are on the outside of a situa- Working with the choir director at Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Sooner Catholic Local July 14, 2013 11 Year of Faith pilgrimages vivify history of faith in Oklahoma By Brianna Osborne es with distinctive architectural styles The Sooner Catholic and diverse voices. Corpus Christi, a OKLAHOMA — In his new encycli- beautiful Spanish Colonial church, cal, "Lumen Fidei," Pope Francis men- has been associated with African tions the importance of church build- American Catholics. Sacred Heart ings to our concept of faith: "In the parish has seven Masses said in great cathedrals light comes down Spanish every weekend, a testimony from heaven by passing through win- to the vibrancy of the Catholic faith dows depicting the history of salva- among Oklahoma City's Hispanic tion." population. Saint Andrew Dung-Lac This summer, Catholics can see the Church is modeled after a cathedral history of salvation and the faith of in Vietnam and serves the Oklahomans through Year of Faith Vietnamese-speaking faithful. pilgrimages. This month, sites are Finally, Religious Sites of open weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Interest is the most difficult pilgrim- All sites will be open on Sunday, July age, but it will make for both an 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. adventure and a deeply religious Seat of the Archdiocese will take experience. Saint Joseph Church in pilgrims to three beautiful churches, Bison is home to the Our Lady of all located in Oklahoma City. This is Fatima shrine, open 24 hours a day. the easiest pilgrimage to make, as all Assumption of the Blessed Virgin the sites are close to one another and Mary Church in Duncan has a relic of to the Heritage Museum at the Blessed Pope John Paul II, who will Catholic Pastoral Center, where those soon be canonized a saint! Holy who have completed a pilgrimage Trinity Church in Okarche is the may obtain their commemorative pin. home parish of Servant of God Father Stanley Rother. His body is buried in Cradle of Catholicism steps back the nearby cemetery. Saint Patrick to the 1800s, when the Benedictine Church in Oklahoma City will be a monks brought Catholicism to favorite for children-the monolithic Oklahoma. History buffs will not angel carvings are incredible. Saint want to miss the ruins of Sacred John Nepomuk Church dates back to Heart Abbey in Konawa, the quiet the Land Run, and has multiple relics chapel at Saint Gregory's Abbey in for veneration. Shawnee and the traditional devotion Brianna Osborne is a staff writer to the Shrine of the Infant Jesus in for the Sooner Catholic. Prague. Konawa, Shawnee and Prague are within a few hours of one another. Faithful from around the country will be heading to Prague on For more information about July 21 for the monthly pilgrimage to the Year of Faith pilgrimages the shrine. in Oklahoma, visit www.archokc.org/year-of-faith. The Multicultural Presence pil- Sacred Heart Church in Oklahoma City is on the Multicultural Presence pilgrimage. grimage offers a look at three church- Children across the country pour out love and support for tornado victims By The Sooner Catholic Staff is much work to be done in Oklahoma in the aftermath of the In the wake of the ruinous torna- May tornadoes. We will continue to does that swept central Oklahoma keep your state in our prayers." May 20 and May 21, schoolchildren across the country exerted them- Dozens of students at Saint selves in small ways and big to Theresa School in Coral Gables, Fla., express their love, support and con- wrote letters to Archbishop Paul cern for those who lost lives, loved Coakley to assure him — and the ones or possessions in the storms. many people who were affected by the tornadoes — of their prayers. In Tohatchi, N.M., the members of the Saint Mary's Mission Family On loose leaf paper elaborately Youth Group sponsored a Benefit decorated with marker rainbows, Bingo Night June 15, along with a flowers, hearts and crosses, the chil- variation of a cakewalk game, to dren expressed their concern with raise money for the disaster relief endearing sincerity. efforts of the Archdiocese of "I am sorry for what happened in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma, but God is with you and "We wanted to help you because so everyone," wrote one fifth-grade stu- many people come and help us on dent. "God is with all of us protect- our Navajo reservation," youth group ing us. Don't worry because Jesus is president Janelle Buffalo and youth with us." director Sister Pat Bietsch, OSF, VBS students in Alexandria, La., pose with a poster signed by more than 200 people. One little girl also asked the arch- wrote in a June 24 letter to the bishop to pray for her. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Johnathan Atkins took it upon him- bake sale to help." "I am terribly sorry of what hap- This was the first time the church self to organize a bake sale at his In Alexandria, La., the children pened in Oklahoma," she wrote. "I group had reached beyond their parish, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who attended Vacation Bible School hope none of your things got dam- reservation community to offer assis- to benefit those in need — and ulti- from June 3 to June 8 at Our Lady aged or any of your family members tance, according to a June 13 story mately raised $800.00. of Prompt Succor Church donated got hurt. I will be praying for you, in the Gallup, N.M., newspaper "Following the recent tornadoes in $475.00 worth of "loose change and your family and your state. Will you Independent. Oklahoma, I was watching the news small donations" to disaster relief please pray for me? Last week was "I think it's a good idea to help and saw that a lot of children were efforts. my 11th birthday, but it was my first others," youth group member affected," Atkins wrote in a June 5 "The children were very concerned birthday without my bunny, who Tyanna Billy said in the article. "We letter to the Most Reverend W. about the devastation that occurred sadly died. I am very sad about the usually have others help us." Francis Malooly, Bishop of in your area and were more than tornado, but also happy because I Their efforts yielded more than Wilmington. "They lost not just their willing to help by contributing," know that all the souls that died are $500.00 for tornado victims. homes, but their schools, as well. I wrote OLPS parishioner and volun- in heaven with the Lord. Have a nice In Bear, Del., fourth grade student asked my mom if we could have a teer Lesley Moran. "We know there day." 12 July 14, 2013 Spanish Sooner Catholic

Lánzate a lo más Profundo Luke 5:4 Semana Nacional de Concientización sobre la Planificación Familiar Natural "Pro-Mujer, Pro-Hombre, Pro-Niño" Seamos realistas, las parejas que adoptan la práctica de la planificación planificación familiar pues para muchas familiar natural (PFN) son contraculturales. Ellos están nadando contra parejas les ayuda a reconocer el momento la corriente. Dan testimonio de un valor que ha perdido su brillo en nues- óptimo para concebir un hijo. Ellos saben tra sociedad, la belleza y la bondad de la fertilidad. Parejas PFN recono- cuándo van a ser más receptivos a la cen que la fertilidad no es ni una molestia ni una maldición, sino una energía creativa de Dios obrando a través de Arzobispo Pablo S. Coakley bendición. No es una enfermedad a ser tratada y suprimida con productos ellos y el don de la fertilidad para crear químicos, sino un don que debe ser recibido con respeto y reverencia. nueva vida. Contrario a la evidencia médica y el sentido común, nuestro gobierno Por tratarse de la cooperación de tanto el marido como la esposa, PNF federal trata a la fertilidad como una enfermedad. El Departamento enriquece matrimonios mediante el fomento de la comunicación, el Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS, por sus siglas en ingles) manda que respeto mutuo y la auto-maestría. Los esposos y las esposas deben hablar todos los contraconceptivos aprobados por el gobierno (incluidos los sobre su preparación para el embarazo y decidir juntos si este es tiempo medicamentos para inducir el aborto) se incluyan entre los "servicios pre- de abstenerse de la intimidad sexual. La conversación y la responsabili- ventivos" en todos los planes de seguro de salud. Esta decisión política es dad compartida de sus actos fomentan el respeto por las necesidades emo- una traición; revela un profundo sesgo contra la vida y la fertilidad. Es cionales y físicas de cada uno y alienta la verdadera ternura al responder una triste ironía que la amplia disponibilidad de contraconceptivos quími- el uno al otro durante períodos fértiles. cos coincide con una creciente demanda de tratamientos de infertilidad en La planificación familiar natural no es contraconceptiva. Cuando se uti- las parejas que no pueden concebir. liza responsablemente por parte de parejas les ayuda a permanecer Cada año la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos observa la Semana abiertos y fieles al plan de Dios para el matrimonio que es tanto el dar de Concientización sobre la Planificación Familiar Natural. La celebración amor como el dar vida (unitiva y procreativa). A diferencia de todos los de este año es del 21 al 27 de julio y corresponde con el aniversario de la métodos contraconceptivos, la PFN no hace nada para evitar o suprimir la encíclica Humanae Vitae (25 de julio, 1968), que establece nuestras cre- concepción. En cambio, las parejas ajustan su comportamiento en función encias católicas sobre la sexualidad humana, el amor conyugal y la pater- de sus intenciones de planificación familiar discernidas en la oración. nidad responsable. Todas las parejas casadas son llamadas a la paternidad responsable. A menudo la Iglesia Católica es falsamente representada como la Para los católicos, esto significa en última instancia, vivir todos los aspec- Iglesia de las prohibiciones — la Iglesia del "no." De hecho, somos funda- tos de su matrimonio como una expresión de su discipulado y ofreciendo mentalmente una Iglesia de afirmación, una Iglesia del "Sí." Debido a que su matrimonio a Dios y abiertos a Su sabiduría. La forma en que una estamos a favor de la vida, nos oponemos al aborto, la eutanasia y muchos pareja acepta y respeta su fertilidad es una expresión de esta obligación otras prácticas contrarias a la dignidad humana. Porque estamos a favor de permanecer abiertos al plan creador de Dios y a formar sus conciencias de la mujer, el hombre y de los niños, nos oponemos a la utilización de y tomar decisiones de acuerdo con la verdad revelada por Dios. todas las formas de contraconceptivos. Hay una mejor manera. Una pareja practicando la PFN como una expresión de la paternidad ¿Qué es la PFN? La planificación familiar natural es un término genéri- responsable pueden considerar en oración las condiciones físicas, económi- co para varios métodos utilizados por las parejas para lograr y para evitar cas, psicológicas y sociales de su matrimonio y generosamente recibir con el embarazo. Todos estos métodos de PFN se basan en la observación de agrado una gran familia, o, por motivos graves, pueden optar por evitar signos de fertilidad de origen natural en el ciclo mensual de la mujer. A pesar de tener sus raíces en la ciencia real, la eficacia de la PFN no por el momento, o incluso por un período indefinido, un nuevo nacimiento. puede ser juzgada sólo por su alto grado de éxito en evitar el embarazo La planificación familiar natural ofrece una manera para que las parejas cuando se usa correctamente. Su eficacia se demuestra también por el entren más profundamente en el plan de Dios para el matrimonio y la enriquecimiento positivo que aporta a los matrimonios. PFN es verdadera familia. Es verdaderamente "Pro-mujer, Pro-hombre y Pro-niño." Cortas enseñanzas de Apologética Católica Retomamos la temática de los Testigos de comenzaron a usar la palabra Testigos de Jehová, llamado "USTED PUEDE Jehová. Haremos un estupendo viaje junto con Jehová por la traducción que VIVIR PARA SIEMPRE EN EL PARAISO EN la organización de la Watchtower, más conocida hicieron un grupo de sabios LA TIERRA", afirma que no se sabe exacta- como Testigos de Jehová. Para que conozca conocidos como los Masoretas mente como se pronunciaba el nombre de Dios, quienes realmente son. Será un paseo formida- aproximadamente entre los dicen algunos eruditos que pudo ser Yahweh o ble; conocerá a una de las sectas más agresivas años 700 y 1000 después de Yave, que tal vez es la pronunciación correcta. Y y anticatólicas que existen. Cristo. ¿Qué fue lo que hicieron que la pronunciación del nombre de Dios no se Como dejamos aclarado la vez pasada, si esta los Masoretas? Al traducir el sabe con certeza. Así lo expresan los mismos secta no sabe sostener su origen y permanencia Antiguo Testamento, tomaron Por Padre Testigos en este libro. Así entonces, si no saben en el tiempo. Y solo puede dar razón desde 1878 la palabra Adonaí, que significa Raúl Sánchez el origen de su organización y no saben sostener en adelante; tiene que ser uno muy ingenuo Dios, extrajeron de ella las históricamente por qué le dicen a Dios Jehová, para pensar que esta sea la verdadera Iglesia de vocales y las intercalaron en el tetragrama ¿comó serán las demás enseñanzas? Jesucristo. Es decir, la verdadera Iglesia, la del YHWH, y debido a cambios vocálicos por la Ahora bien, en el Nuevo Testamento, que fue Evangelio de Jesús; la que posee la sana y ver- fonética del hebreo quedó entonces la palabra escrito en griego; ningún original jamás uso la dadera doctrina; la que guarda el depósito de la JEHOVA. Pero por ninguna parte de la Biblia palabra Jehová, ningún apóstol la uso, ni fe, etc. Los testigos de Jehová solo tienen 135 en sus textos originales se lee Jehová. Afirmar Jesucristo tampoco. Los testigos no pueden dar años. La iglesia Católica más de dos mil. ¡Por eso es una inexactitud académica del lenguaje razón documentada, en ningún códice, en favor! Seamos serios. ¿Dónde estará la verdad? hebreo. Los católicos sabemos que Jesús nos ningún documento histórico que los apóstoles o Es definitivo, él que no estudia teología e histo- enseñó a llamar a Dios con el nombre de Jesús le dijeran a Dios Jehová. San Pablo a los ria de la Iglesia se volverá ateo o protestante. "PADRE". Concluimos, el nombre de Dios no es Romanos 8,15 expresa que podemos llamar a Vamos ahora a reflexionar, de ¿dónde sacaron Jehová como dice la organización Watchtower. Dios Abba, es decir papa o papito. "No recibis- que el nombre de Dios no es Dios sino Jehová? Solo 1000 años después de Cristo, se hizo la tra- teis un espíritu de esclavos para recaer en el Recordemos que el Antiguo Testamento fue ducción del Antiguo Testamento por los temor; antes bien, un espíritu de hijos adoptivos escrito en hebreo y en esta lengua no había Masoretas, ya no usando YHWH sino Jehová. que nos hace exclamar Abba Padre". vocales cuando se escribieron los originales, más Hoy todas las biblias protestantes traen la tra- El Padre Raúl Sánchez, original de Bogotá, o menos 1800 años antes de Jesucristo. Cuando ducción Jehová. Pero hay que saber historia y Colombia incardinado a esta Arquidiócesis de se estudia la Biblia de los judíos, llamada Tora, un poco de lengua hebrea para poder afirmar Oklahoma City es Pastor Asociado en la que corresponde a los cinco primeros libros de la que en el principio no era así; por lo tanto si Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol en Guymon, nuestra, es decir el Pentateuco; en los textos llega un testigo y le muestra la palabra Jehová Oklahoma. El Padre Sánchez es abogado en originales la palabra que usaban para referirse en la Biblia no se deje impresionar, usted ya Derecho y Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad a Dios eran cuatro letras YHWH, por ningún sabe que los textos originales en el leguaje origi- la Gran Colombia, de su país. Y es Licenciado en lado se lee Jehová o Yave. Al pasar los años, se nal hebreo, jamás se le dijo a Dios, Jehová. Teología del Seminario Mayor de Tegucigalpa, le decía a Dios Adonaí. Los Testigos de Jehová Como dato curioso, si lee un libro de los Honduras. Sooner Catholic Spanish July 14, 2013 13 Luz de la Fe en el Año de la Fe Una carta de dos Papas Por Pedro A. Moreno, OP, MRE algunos de los puntos claves de la nueva encíclica. fe y nacemos y crece- Director del Ministerio Hispano El primer capítulo, Hemos Creído En El Amor, mos en esta familia de inspirado en 1 Jn 4, 16, es un recorrido bíblico a fe a través de nuestra Si alguien estaba orando por un buen material de través de los muchos ejemplos de la fe vivida, celebración de los reflexión para el próximo fin de nuestro Año de la entendida, y celebrada que encontramos en las sacramentos, sobre Fe, ¡les tengo buenas noticias! ¡Sus oraciones han escrituras iniciando con Abrahán, nuestro padre en todo la Eucaristía. sido contestadas! ¡Sobre abundantemente! la fe, y más allá. El capítulo habla elocuentemente Firmado el 29 de junio, la solemnidad de los san- El último capítulo, de la Fe de Israel y cómo esta fe llega a su máxima tos apóstoles Pedro y Pablo, y hecha pública Dios Prepara Una expresión en Jesucristo. ¡Me encanta cuando el durante la primera semana de julio, el Papa Ciudad Para Ellos, Papa aclara que Jesús no es sólo alguien a quien Francisco nos ha regalado su primera encíclica, inspirado en Hebreos creemos y en que creemos, pero sobre todo es Lumen Fidei — La Luz de la Fe. Dejo a los exper- 11: 16, trae la realidad alguien a quien nos unimos para convertimos en tos ofrecer análisis en profundidad y comentarios a de la fe a nuestra uno con Él! ¡Esta es la plenitud de la fe! ¡Por favor, la carta, mientras que aquí sólo compartiré algunas diaria construcción del lea el párrafo 18! reflexiones personales y algunos aspectos destaca- Reino de Dios. El párrafo 51 se inicia con: "Preci- dos de mi primera mirada a la primera encíclica del El segundo capítulo, Si No Creéis, No samente porque su conexión con el amor, la luz de Papa Francisco. Comprenderéis, inspirado en Is 7: 9, es un énfasis la fe se pone al servicio concreto de la justicia, del Nuestro Santo Padre, Papa Francisco, compartió saludable sobre cómo la escritura nos invita a una derecho y de la paz." El Santo Padre nos invita a con nosotros cómo esta carta es un esfuerzo conjun- fe que necesita comprensión, ¡la fe necesita la ver- vivir nuestra fe en nuestras familias y en la to entre el Papa emérito Benedicto XVI y él mismo. dad! Sin la verdad y la comprensión la fe sería sociedad, incluso cuando los sufrimientos y las difi- El Papa Francisco se refiere a ella como una obra a oscuridad y no luz. Vivimos en un mundo en el que cultades, nuestras o de otros, nos tientan a dejar de cuatro manos, término utilizado en las composi- muchos han hecho caso omiso a la verdad y ha creer. ciones para piano tan disfrutadas por el Papa preferido aceptar lo que les hace sentir bien o les da La carta concluye con una breve reflexión de la Emérito Benedicto XVI. Benedicto había hecho gran una felicidad temporera, o peor aún han creado su Madre de todos los Discípulos, la Santísima Virgen parte del trabajo de la carta antes de su renuncia y propia supuesta "verdad". María. Esta última sección es inspirada en Lc 1, 45, el Papa Francisco tomó ese trabajo y lo terminó con El segundo capítulo no sólo profundiza en la Bienaventurada la que ha creído. Ella vive y mode- su propio toque personal. En este sentido podemos relación entre la fe, la verdad y el conocimiento, da la para nosotros una respuesta de fe y una relación decir que Benedicto, a través de sus encíclicas, nos un paso más y conecta estos tres al amor. El párrafo con su hijo, nuestro Señor, Jesucristo. ha dado una trilogía sobre las tres virtudes teolo- 26 incluye una hermosa cita de Romanos 10:10, Estas palabras son sólo una primera mirada a gales de... Amor - Deus Caritas Est - Dios Es "Con el corazón se cree". El Santo Padre dice: " Esta Lumen Fidei. Los invito a descargar su propia copia Amor, 2005; Esperanza - Spe salvi (facti sumus) - interacción de la fe con el amor nos permite com- de Luz de la Fe, que está disponible de forma gra- En Esperanza Fuimos Salvados, 2007, y ahora la Fe prender el tipo de conocimiento propio de la fe, su tuita en nuestro sitio web, y pasar un tiempo de - Lumen Fidei - La Luz de la Fe, terminada por el fuerza de convicción, su capacidad de iluminar oración en el gran don de la fe que hemos recibido y Papa Francisco en 2013. Yo creo que esta comparti- nuestros pasos." Más adelante, en este capítulo cómo hemos respondido. El Año de la Fe tiene unos da obra del magisterio debe ser leída en esa luz, la refuerza la conexión entre la fe y la razón, la fe y la pocos meses más y esta carta nos guiará a una última pieza de una trilogía. búsqueda de Dios y la fe y la teología. Necesitamos mejor comprensión de la Luz de la Fe que se nos ha En una nota aparte, es importante mencionar entender cómo "la fe ciega" o "la fe oscura" no es dado para celebrar y compartir. que Benedicto tuvo otra encíclica en el 2009, algo bueno. Nota del Editor: El Sr. Pedro A. Moreno, O.P., Caritas in Veritate - Caridad En La Verdad, su El capítulo tres, Transmito Lo Que He Recibido, MRE, Director de la Oficina de Ministerio Hispano primera y única encíclica social que se ocupa de los inspirado en 1 Corintios 15:03, reflexiona sobre de la Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma City, es graduado problemas del desarrollo global y nuestro progreso cómo nuestra fe no es sólo una opción individualista de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico hacia el bien común. Esta carta desarrolló la idea y privada que tiene lugar en el corazón de creyentes y fue profesor de teología en la Universidad de fundamental que tanto el amor como la verdad son ni una relación completamente privada entre Dallas. El Sr. Moreno es casado, tiene tres hijas y elementos necesarios de cualquier respuesta real y nosotros y Dios. El párrafo 39 se inicia con la está disponible para actividades de formación en las fue un tema separado de las virtudes teologales de declaración contundente: " Es imposible creer cada parroquias de la Arquidiócesis. Para más informa- Fe, Esperanza y Caridad/Amor. uno por su cuenta." La fe está abierta al "Nosotros" ción pueden contactar a la Sra. Edith Miranda emi- Dejando los antecedentes a un lado, he aquí que es la Iglesia y la Iglesia es la Madre de nuestra [email protected]. El papa despeja camino a canonizaciones de Juan Pablo II, Juan XXIII Por Cindy Wooden milagro. Según las normas eclesiásti- Catholic News Service cas, establecidas por el papa y sujetas CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — El a cambios por él, un milagro es nece- papa Francisco firmó un decreto sario después de la beatificación para despejando el camino para la cano- hacer un candidato elegible para la nización del beato Juan Pablo II y canonización. también ha decidido pedirles a los Al anunciar la decisión sobre la cardenales del mundo que voten sobre causa del beato Juan, el padre jesuita la canonización del beato Juan XXIII, Federico Lombardi, portavoz del aun en ausencia de un milagro. Vaticano, dijo que las discusiones con- Después que el papa Francisco se tinúan acerca de la necesidad de reuniera el 5 de julio con el cardenal milagros y qué puede definirse como Ángelo Amato, prefecto de la un milagro aceptable. Sin embargo, él Congregación Para las Causas de los dijo, la movida en la causa del feneci- Santos, el Vaticano publicó una lista do papa no indica un cambio general de decretos que el papa aprobó rela- en la política eclesiástica.?"Como cionados con la canonización del todos muy bien sabemos, Juan XXIII beato Juan Pablo II y otras 11 causas El Papa Juan XXII y el Papa Juan Pablo II. fotos del CNS es una persona querida en la iglesia. de santidad. Estamos en el año del 50 aniversario ización, el papa consulta a los carde- se reunieron en el Vaticano el 2 de Al publicar los decretos, el Vaticano de la apertura del Segundo Concilio nales de todo el mundo y llama a un julio y votaron a favor de que el papa también dijo: "El sumo pontífice Vaticano, que él convocó. Y creo que consistorio — reunión a la que asiste reconociera como milagro la curación aprobó el voto favorable de la sesión ninguno de nosotros tiene duda algu- cualquier cardenal que quiera y de Floribeth Mora Díaz, costarricense ordinaria de cardenales y obispos- na de las virtudes de Juan XXIII ", pueda — donde los presentes expre- que sufría de un aneurisma cerebral padres respecto a la canonización del dijo el portavoz. "Por lo tanto, el san su apoyo a la decisión del papa de y se recuperó después de oraciones beato Juan XXIII (Ángelo Giuseppe Santo Padre está mirando hacia su proclamar un nuevo santo. mediante la intercesión del beato Roncalli) y ha decidido convocar un canonización". Juan Pablo II. consistorio que también involucrará Una fecha para la ceremonia de Padre Lombardi también señaló la canonización del beato Juan Pablo canonización es anunciada formal- Los miembros de la congregación, que no se había anunciado fecha para II". mente solamente durante o inme- según informes noticiosos, también la ceremonia de canonización, pero Normalmente, después que un diatamente después del consistorio. evaluaron la causa del beato Juan y que es probable que los dos papas papa firma un decreto reconociendo el Los cardenales y arzobispos miem- votaron a favor de pedirle al papa sean canonizados juntos, posible- milagro necesario para la canon- bros de la congregación de los santos Francisco canonizarlo sin requerir un mente "para fines de año". 14 May 13, 2013 Local Sooner Catholic

Briefs "Revitalizing the RCIA" The Catholic Foundation The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will present a workshop about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for RCIA leaders and volunteers. Conducted by Karen Kane, CORNERSTONE director of the Worship Office for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, "Revitalizing the RCIA in the Context of the New Evangelization" offers pastoral ministers and RCIA teams the opportunity to rediscover the Giving through the CFO: richness of the RCIA. The overnight event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July Why it makes sense 19, at the Catholic Pastoral Center and concludes at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20. The registration fee is $15.00 for Friday only, $25.00 for Tax Benefits — Because we are a 501 (c)(3) public charity, Saturday only or $35.00 for both days. Advance registration is required. gifts to the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma receive the For more information or to register, contact the Office of Worship and maximum tax benefits allowed. Spiritual Life at (405) 721-5651 ext. 158. Keeping it simple — By establishing a fund at the Catholic Foundation, you can avoid administrative bur- Masters in Pastoral Ministry program accepts applications dens, legal complexities and compliance requirements The Masters-level ministry formation program of the archdiocese con- associated with private foundations. tinues to accept applications. This program, which leads to a Masters in Pastoral Ministry prepares men and women for leadership in ministry in Flexibility — The Catholic Foundation is able to accept a the local Church — in parishes, schools, health care and other settings. wide variety of gifts including cash, appreciated stocks, This four-year degree program, offered in a cohort model, includes per- mutual funds and other marketable securities, life insur- sonal, spiritual, academic and pastoral formation in a blended learning ance policies, retirement plan assets, business-related format (online and face-to-face). The cohort (the group that forms and assets, and mineral and real properties. continues through the program together) will begin in late August 2013. Cost-effective — Because the Catholic Foundation For more information about the program, visit http://archokc.org/office- administers more than 150 funds, we are able to offer a of-pastoral-ministry/home or contact the Office of Pastoral Ministry at (405) 721-4208 or [email protected]. wide range of services at a much lower cost as compared with operating a private foundation or individual invest- Mount St. Mary’s adopts a 1:1 digital technology program ments. Anyone born after 1994 has never known a world without digital tech- CFO knows the Catholic Church in Oklahoma — Since nology. That includes 100 percent of students who currently attend our founding in 1965, the Catholic Foundation of Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School. Three years ago, the Mount Oklahoma has worked with many individual donors, established a technology committee to investigate how the high school parishes, schools and other Catholic-related organizations could improve learning efficiency for students in this age of technology. to invest in the future of our faith in Oklahoma. CFO has Mount Saint Mary High School will begin the 2013-2014 school year identified and addressed programs and opportunities to with a 1:1 computing initiative that will include a Chromebook for every student. Chromebooks offer students the features of a laptop with pro- improve and enhance our spiritual life, parish life, the arts grams that are specific to their educational needs. Students will be able and music, youth ministries, religious education, Catholic to email homework assignments and papers to their teachers and take School education, senior ministries, campus ministries, tests online, while teachers will have access to websites that provide social services, vocations and many other areas. online course management programs. All Chromebooks will be down- loaded with MSM-approved apps that can be monitored. For more information on Planned Giving contact: Catholic Foundation grant supports parish library The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. A Catholic Foundation grant enabled Saint Francis parish to transform P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 a storage area into a multipurpose library in memory of Father Charles (405)721-4115  www.cfook.org  [email protected] Schettler. It will contain many books and digital resources for the parish and will have a screen, projector and speakers that will be permanently Please Remember the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in Your Estate Plans mounted.

Job Box Administrative Coordinator DeNegri at (405) 631-9209 or by e-mail at tdene- Social Studies and Language Arts Middle School Good Shepherd Catholic School at Mercy is [email protected] teacher. Submit resume to Jacque Cook at 520 E in need of an Administrative Coordinator. This Warner Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044 (405) 282- position requires proficiency in Quick Books, First Grade Teacher 2071, [email protected]. *practicing Microsoft Office, and the ability to interface with Sacred Heart Catholic School - OKC is seek- Catholic preferred but not required. web-based payroll/ time management systems. ing a first grade teacher for the 2013-2014 school Other duties will include; assisting the Director in year. Applicants must be Oklahoma certified in Development Coordinator assigned duties, transmission of a variety of elementary education or early childhood educa- The Center of Family Love in Okarche is look- financial documents , maintaining financial trans- tion. Please send resume to Joana Camacho, ing for a Development Coordinator. For immediate actions, data entry, processes bills and invoices for Principal, at 2700 S. Shartel Ave., OKC, 73109 or consideration, please email your resume to payment, purchases equipment and supplies for [email protected] [email protected] day-to-day operations, receives and screens in- coming inquiries and oversees day-to-day office 5th Grade Teacher Religious Ed/Youth Director administrative functions. Candidate must be able Sacred Heart Catholic School in El Reno is to effectively communicate both written and ver- accepting applications for a 5th Grade teacher. Sacred Heart Church in El Reno is looking for bal, be detail oriented, flexible and maintain con- Contact Shannon Statton at (405) 262-2284. a Religious Ed/Youth Director. Send Resumes to fidentiality at all times. Good Shepherd special- Sacred Heart Church, 208 S. Evans, El Reno, OK 73036 or by email [email protected]. izes in individualized academic and behavioral First Grade Teacher interventions for children with autism and simi- St. Joseph Catholic School in Enid, Oklahoma lar neurological disorders. Our school is fast- is seeking a teacher for First Grade for the 2013- Youth Coordinator paced and highly individualized. For information, 2014 school year. Applicants must be certified in Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma please submit resume and salary requirements to, Oklahoma for Early Childhood or have achieved City seeks a full-time Youth Coordinator. Director Brandi Bramlett at: goodshepherd@cox- certification by the start of the school year. Applicant must be willing and able to work nights ine.net or fax to: (405) 752-4638. Please send resumes to Mr. Wade Laffey, and weekends while maintaining regular agreed Principal, at [email protected] or upon office hours. Minimum one year leadership High School Teachers Needed send by mail to St. Joseph Catholic School, 110 experience in Catholic youth ministry required. Mount Saint Mary High School in Oklahoma North Madison, Enid, Oklahoma 73701. Degree or certification in youth ministry or theol- City has openings for the 2013-2014 school year ogy is preferred. Please send resumes to: for a full-time chemistry/Pre-AP chemistry Middle School Teacher Fr. Richard Stansberry, Christ the King Catholic teacher and part-time special education teacher. St. Mary Catholic School in Guthrie, Oklahoma Church, 8005 Dorset Drive, Oklahoma City, OK Fax resume and copy of certification to: Talita is accepting applications for a full-time certified 73120. Sooner Catholic Local July 14, 2013 15 Calendar JULY ing single-again persons emerge call Al: (405) 631-0763 AUGUST from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move 21-27 Natural Family Planning 14 Saint Kateri Tekakwitha 2 First Friday Sacred Heart into the future with renewed hope. Awareness Week Honor Powwow “Celebrating the Mass at the Catholic Pastoral To register contact the Office of Canonization of the first Native Center. Exposition of the Blessed Family Life at (405) 721-5651. 21 The Secular Franciscan American into Sainthood” Sponsored Sacrament is at 5:30 p.m. with the Order of St. Francis Fraternity By St. Gregory’s Abbey from 3 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation avail- to 10 p.m. at 1900 West McArthur 19 120th Anniversary Mass at meets at 1:15 pm at St. Anthony’s able prior to Mass. Mass is at 7 Street, Shawnee. Church of the Good Shepherd, Hospital Chapel. For more informa- Boise City at 6 p.m. tion call Jim Disbrow at 830-8688. p.m. For more information please call the Office of Family Life at 14 Charismatic Healing Mass, (405) 721-8944. 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception 20 The Lay Missionaries of 27-28 Used Book Sale at Catholic Church, 3901 S.W. 29th Charity, the Secular (Lay) Order Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Street, Oklahoma City. For more of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta,at Help from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 4 The Secular Franciscan Order information call the Church office at St. John the Baptist Parish, July 27, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., of St. Claire Fraternity meets at (405) 685-4806. Edmond, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday July 28. The Book Sale will 1:15 p.m. the first Sunday of the Saturday of each month beginning be held in the Connor Center. month at St. Thomas More Church 17-25 Monthly Novena to The with Mass at 7:30 am in the Chapel. in Norman in the Library. All are Infant Jesus. Nine days of novenas For more information contact Toni 28-30 Emmaus Days is a retreat welcome. If you would like to learn to Infant Jesus of Prague monthly. Harrelson, lmc at (405) 341-2199 or for young men in high school who how Francis lived plan to attend one During these nine days, the novena lmcoklahoma @ sbcglobal.net. want to learn about the call to the of our meetings. For more informa- prayers will be as follows: Monday- priesthood and explore their rela- tion call Alice at (405) 473-7680. Friday following noon Mass, 20 The community of the tionship with God. For more infor- mation contact the Vocations Office Saturday following 6 p.m. Mass, and Secular Order of the Blessed 4 The Byzantine Divine Liturgy Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel and at 405 721-9351, email Sunday following 11 a.m. Mass. will be at St. Mark in Norman, at St. Teresa of Jesus - Oklahoma [email protected] or complete 5:30 p.m. 18 Bingo at St. James the Greater Community and Province of St. the online registration form at Church in Oklahoma City. Therese, meets at Little Flower archokc.org/vocations/home Reasonably-priced food and bever- Church, OKC from 12 p.m. to 4:30 5 Mercy-St. Joseph Church in ages will be served at 5:45 p.m., p.m. For more information call 28 Fr Rother Anniversary Mass Ada golf tournament to benefit while Bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. Katherine Payne (405) 210-4826 or at Holy Trinity parish in Okarche, Abba's Tables at Oak Hills Golf and The evening will feature a variety of Betty Sharp (405) 408-4275. at 10:30 a.m. Archbishop Coakley Country Club in Ada. The shotgun is $10 games, door prizes and special will be the celebrant. Following at 8 a.m. The tournament format is recognition for all players born in 20 St. Charles Catholic Singles Mass there will be an old fashioned a four-person scramble with a modi- July. All players gain automatic (and friends) Dance at St. Charles parish picnic with games and food. fied handicap. Entry fee is $125 entry into a flat screen TV giveaway Borromeo Catholic Church at 5054 After lunch there will be adoration and includes snacks and beverages in October. N. Grove Ave., OKC. Gathering in the church followed by a grave- on the course. In addition, golfers from 7 - 8 p.m. Music begins at 8 side prayer service. Please bring will enjoy a luncheon at Saint 19-21 Beginning Experience p.m. Snacks are welcome for our your own lawn chair or blanket and Joseph Church Benedictine Hall fol- weekend This program helps griev- sharing table. Further information; a dessert to share. All are welcome! lowing play.

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"I said some of the ltenango, Guatemala, in the Diocese prayers in Hebrew." of Sololá, is a little more than 60 He was on his way out of the miles from Santiago Atitlan, the church when he found himself face-to- Catholic mission shaped so strongly face with Father Gramajo. by the presence and witness of "I knew he had to be Hispanic, so I Servant of God Father Stanley Rother, just started speaking Spanish to find who was murdered there in 1981. out he was a visiting priest from In the memory and imagination of Guatemala," Smiley said. the faithful throughout the Diocese of Smiley agreed to tutor Father Sololá, as throughout the Archdiocese Gramajo in English, and the two grew of Oklahoma City, the figure of Father close in the process. Rother (or Padre A'plas, as he's known In 1981, Smiley had read in the in the Guatemalan Tzutuhil dialect) newspaper of Father Rother's death, looms large — so much so that, in the but he didn't remember that the mar- mind of Father Ernesto Gramajo, who tyrdom occurred in Guatemala until was born in Chimaltenango in the he visited with some Catholic friends late 1980s, the priest from Okarche, about Father Gramajo. Okla., assumes legendary proportions. "That's when it dawned on me to "For the diocese, the mission is very wonder whether Father had been out important, along with Father Rother to Okarche yet," said Smiley. and the other priests who came from Together, Smiley and Father Father Ernesto Gramajo at Father Stanley Rother’s grave in Okarche. Oklahoma and stayed there for many Gramajo planned an excursion to years in the parish of Santiago strong personal experience or James the Greater parish in Holy Trinity Cemetery, where Father Atitlan," said Father Gramajo. encounter of God. That implanted in Oklahoma City, where Father Rother is buried. To visit the martyr's To the young Ernesto Gramajo, me a feeling in my life that I wanted Gramajo remained stationed from grave moved both of them. Father Rother was the quintessential to discover who God was for me, what January until June, when he returned "When I visited the grave of Father priest, the ultimate example of what He was calling me to do. I was discov- to Guatemala. Rother, it was very important for my life because of the great example of it means to pastor a people, to walk ering a call of God to be a priest." At Saint James, Father Gramajo Father Rother," Father Gramajo said. with them in either security or peril. He left the university and entered celebrated Mass in English and Smiley added: "He had studied all "He is an example of a true pastor," seminary. In December 2009, his bish- Spanish, heard confessions, assisted of it in Guatemala, but now he had Father Gramajo said. "To be a pastor op ordained him a priest and assigned with formation and catechesis, visited the chance to experience it." is to be with our people, to accompany him to a parish. In 2012, he was reas- the sick and visited other parishes For Gramajo, the implicit fraternity them in good times and bad up to the signed to the parish of Our Lady of throughout Oklahoma. He did not, among those who know and love the point of giving our lives for them." Guadalupe in Guatemala City, where however, go immediately to Okarche, story of Father Rother confirms the he began to pursue an advanced where Father Rother is buried. Given his appreciation for Father universality of the faith. degree in psychology. Rother's faithfulness to the priest- Father Gramajo had grown up visit- "As Catholics, we have the unity of hood, it's not surprising, really, that The degree demanded English pro- ing the mission of Santiago Atitlan; faith in different places," he said. Gramajo himself became a priest. ficiency — and Father Gramajo pre- he'd seen the chapel stained by the "Remember the example of Father "All of the work he did has been a ferred to master the language blood from Father Rother's assassina- Rother and pray for the development model for me, for my life as a person through an immersion experience. tion. Yet, he'd never explicitly known of evangelization. Pray also for help in and my life as a priest," Father "I had these six months to study Father Rother was from Oklahoma — the here and now with the pastoral Gramajo says. English and I talked about it with my and he might not have realized it dur- needs of the many immigrants in Even though he had long been cap- bishop to be the opportunity to come ing his six months in the state had it Oklahoma. They also need spiritual tivated by the history of Father to the United States," said Father not been for an unlikely friendship. attention in their own language. This Rother, though, Gramajo was 20 years Gramajo. Bill Smiley is a Spanish tutor at is a magnificent opportunity to … col- old before he really sensed his own The bishop sent him to Oklahoma. Oklahoma City Community College. laborate in the evangelization of vocation. Specifically, Bishop Gonzalo de Villa y He's also Jewish. At the invitation of a Oklahoma." "In 2002, I was studying at a uni- Vasquez, S.J., and Archbishop Paul friend, Smiley attended a Passover Tina Korbe Dzurisin is the director versity," Father Gramajo related. "I Coakley of Oklahoma City arranged a celebration at Saint James. of communications for the Archdiocese was in the midst of that and I had a place for Father Gramajo at Saint "They put me at the head of the of Oklahoma City. Father Stanley Rother Guild: What is it and why do we need one? By Cara Koenig Rother. For the guild members to pray and ministry. Even sharing a If you become a member of the The Sooner Catholic and to invite others to pray for Father Facebook post or retweeting is a way Rother Guild, you don't have to wash Like other such guilds around the Rother's cause is important. The call to share the story of Father Rother. altar cloths or plan bake sales. That is world, the Father Stanley Rother to make someone a saint proceeds The guild is here to create those all done by the Rother Guild Board, Guild formed to advance the cause for from the people calling the Church to opportunities to share and spread the which includes: President Most sainthood of a person — in this case, declare a person a saint. One of the story. Reverend Paul S. Coakley, Director Father Rother. most powerful ways to do that is The third goal of the guild is to pro- Father M. Price Oswalt, Father Billy through prayer. vide financial support for the cause of Lewis, Cara Koenig, Sheila Morgan, "The guild is a necessary compo- The second goal is to tell Father canonization. There are many finan- Edith Miranda, James Johnson, Jim nent of the canonization process," said Rother's story. The members of the cial considerations when a diocese Father M. Price Oswalt, the director and Jamie Biller, Kathy Vogt, Nancy guild aim to tell as many people the opens a cause for sainthood. Just one Schudalla and Tammy Jacobs. of the Father Stanley Rother Guild. story of Father Rother's life, ministry example is the books. Once the cause If you do become a member of the "It helps unite the people of God and death as possible. The more peo- has moved along and documents can Rother Guild, the board asks you to behind the candidate. Some guilds ple who know of him, the more people be released to the public, all the relat- pray and spread his story. Anyone and begin well before the cause is ever can pray. The guild spreads knowl- ed documents are printed, bound and everyone can do this with or without opened. For example, Servant of God edge of Father Rother by using as given to certain members of the curia. being a member of the Rother Guild Father Emil Kapaun from Wichita. many forms of communication as they They're also made available to the His guild was started after the can, including the guild website, public. At least 55 copies must be but, by becoming a member, you help Korean War ended. However, Facebook, Twitter, parish bulletins, printed. The diocese that is home to to financially support the cause. To Kapaun’s cause did not officially open Sooner Catholic articles, guild Masses the cause has to pay for this. become a member, you can attend a until 2007." and presentations. "Another important aspect is, when Rother Guild event, purchase a mem- The purpose of the Rother Guild is The guild also encourages others to the person is in need of a miracle,” bership through the guild website at three-fold: (1) to pray, (2) to tell Father share what they know of Father Father Oswalt explained “the guild www.fatherstanleyrotherguild.org or Rother's story and (3) to financially Rother — whether they acquired that serves as a place where people can request a form at fatherstanleyrother- support Father Rother's cause for knowledge through a personal rela- write to speak of the favors they are [email protected]. sainthood. tionship with Father Rother or by receiving through the intercession of Cara Koenig is the photographer The first and foremost goal of the reading his book, coming to a Guild the candidate. We are not at this and special projects editor for the guild is to pray for the cause of Father Mass or listening to a talk on his life stage as yet." Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.