LanguageLanguage PPreferencereference More bilingual CatholicCatholic Hispanics prepreferfer West Texas to attend Mass celebratedcelebrated in SpanishSpanish.. SanAngeloDiocese.org MostMost times English Most times Spanish 19% This month at www.SanAngeloDiocese.org: Check 19% throughout the months of November and December for EveryEvery time reprints of Angelus articles and Advent- and ANGELUS EnglishEnnglish 16% Christmas-related information. Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Every time Spanish Spaanish Reminder: November 30 is Volume XXVIII, No. 11 NOVEMBER 2008 46% the First Sunday of Advent Source: Pew Forum on ReligionReligion & PubliPublicc LifLifee ©©2008 CCNSNS Prayer Sharing Freedom of Choice All parishioners in the San Angelo Diocese are invited to submit their VIOLENCE favorite prayer so we might all share in the many devout and var- Act would cause ied ways we pray. A different prayer will be published in each Angelus IN INDIA issue. Email your favorite prayer to the editor, JimmyLPatterson abortion rate to @grandecom.net A Christian woman and her Submissions may also be an indi- daughter take shelter in a vidual’s prayer tradition, such as our church in the eastern city of first submission, on Page 7. Cuttack, India, Oct. 8. At least rise dramatically 52 people have been killed in anti-Christian violence in the NOVEMBER 2008 state of Orissa. The violence By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer S M T W T F S has led to more than 20,000 mainly poor villagers taking Today we face the threat of a federal bill that, if refuge in camps and shelters. 1 enacted, would obliterate all the pro-life gains for 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (CNS photo/Parth Sanyal, Reuters) the past 35 years and cause the abortion rate to 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 skyrocket. This federal bill called, “Freedom of 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Choice Act” (FOCA) (S.1173,H.R.1964) already Killings devastate homeland of many San Angelo priests has many congressional sponsors, some of whom 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 are pledging to act swiftly to help enact this pro- 30 posed legislation. FOCA is a radical bill. It cre- Editor’s Note: Fr. George By Fr. George Varakukala Dal and the VHP (Vishva ates a “fundamental right” to abortion throughout Upcoming dates Varakukala and several other Hindu Parishad), from August 2 -- BIG SPRING – Mass at the nine months of pregnancy. No governmental priests in the Diocese of San The whole world watched of this year. There was no Prison Facilities body at any level would be able to “deny or inter- Angelo are from India. Fr. in disbelief and horror the provocation whatever from 6 -- ABILENE, Holy Family – fere with” this right. For the first time, abortion Varakukala writes this month unspeakable orgy unleashed the Christian Community. Training Workshop for Members of about the anti-Christian vio- would become an entitlement the government Pastoral and Finance Councils lence and what it is doing to on innocent, peace-loving On August 23, Swami 7 -- SAN ANGELO, Mass at Fort must condone and promote. his homeland. Christians in the State of Concho Chapel at 11 a.m. Orissa, India, by the Bajrang (Please See INDIA/12)

Full Schedules, Pg. 4 (Please See FOCA/19)

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED ADDRESS SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 TX ANGELO SAN

THIS MONTH IN THE ANGELUS SAN OF DIOCESE ANGELO PO BOX 1829 BOX PO From the Bishop’s Desk Catholics and their Bibles Applying basic principles to the economy We have all heard the little say- ing—“Revenge is sweet”—and there Few people think of it is an innate desire in us to want to this way, but we live in a get even with those faith-based economy. who have offended Not religious faith, to be us. “An eye for an sure, but faith nonethe- eye and a tooth for less. Religious language a tooth” a norm of

without religious mean-

US POSTAGE US PAID NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT

the Old Testament TX ANGELO, SAN in many ways is still ing has dominated the Byron 44 NO. PERMIT the standard of headlines in recent weeks. ethics that is "Confidence in Financial Markets applied by most Catholics have long been criticized for not following Plummets," we read. Notice that "con" people today. / the Bible as much as other Christian-based religions. is English for "cum," the Latin preposi- Pfeifer But why? And how do we overcome that stigma? As tion meaning "with," and "fides" is Latin Pg. 2 the Bishop’s October Synod looks into the Bible, we talked to local church representatives. for "faith." So con-fidence means "with Special report, Pg 3, 10-11. faith." / Pg 8 Page 2 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus From the Bishop’s Desk Revenge is sweet, but mercy is twice blessed By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI being passive or submissive to an injustice. But careful gives it and blesses the one that takes mercy. examination of the norm given us by Jesus as regards Our contemporary culture teaches us to settle the We have all heard the little saying—“Revenge is revenge and vengeance enables us to see that our faith score, to get our just deserves. The problem is, we do not sweet”—and there is an innate desire in us to want to and the gospel standard of Jesus calls us to create a know where to stop. There is a certain tendency in all of get even with those who have offended us. “An eye for way to deal with offenses and not to escalate evil. us to want to take just a little extra “justice” against those an eye and a tooth for a tooth” a norm of the Old The norm of Jesus is to forgive, and to even love our who offend us. We want to hurt those who hurt us. Testament in many ways is still the standard of ethics enemies. In other words, we have to show mercy to The teaching of Jesus as regards love and mercy that is applied by most people today. those who offend us, and in God’s design, mercy ulti- requires that we de-escalate the situation while reduc- Bishop However, instead of taking revenge on those who mately triumphs. Hence, while revenge is sweet, and ing and diffusing revenge. When we do this, then we Michael D. offend us, Jesus teaches us to use non-violent resist- gives some natural satisfaction or pleasure, showing are not answering evil with evil but will be replacing Pfeifer, OMI ance which perhaps at first is interpreted by some as mercy is twice blessed, as mercy blesses the one that evil with good.

DIOCESAN BRIEFS OBITUARY Fall Festival in Rowena Monday, Dec. 8 til 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. The Dec. 14: 2009: March 8, May 17, Sep. 13, Dec. 6. National Hour of Unity during the event is from 11 Contact Amy at [email protected]. Deacon Simon C. Franco, Sr. November 9 p.m.-Midnight, Central time. MIDLAND-ODESSA, Our Lady of Guadalupe, ROWENA The National Night of Prayer for Life is a pro-life call Christina Nevarez, (432) 682-2581; prayer service consisting of exposition and adora- ABILENE, Holy Family Church, call Mrs. FORT STOCKTON -- Deacon Simon St. Joseph C. Franco, Sr., 85, of Fort Stockton, 86th Annual Fall Festival-Sun., Nov. 9 tion of the Blessed Sacrament, 20 decades of the Herman Blahak, (325) 692-1820. Theme: "Count Your Blessings" Rosary, the prayer of St. Michael, silent prayer passed away on Wednesday, October Flag Raising: 10:30 a.m. and hymns. 8, 2008 in Fort Stockton. The vigil serv- at Veteran's Monument The date for the National Night of Prayer for Life Scheduled Executions ice was October 10 at St. Agnes Meal 11 a.m.-2 p.m.-Turkey, Dressing & unites the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Bishop Michael Trimmings-Rowena German Style Sausage with the Feast of St. Juan Diego. It was on the The Presbyteral Council voted recently to have the Pfeifer, O.M.I. presiding. The homilist Drive Through plates to go available Feast of the Immaculate Conception (formerly cel- execution dates of Texas offenders on death row at the vigil was Deacon Julio Carrasco, Auction begins at 1:30 p.m. ebrated on Dec. 9) that Our Lady of Guadalupe, published in The Angelus each month so that the a classmate of Deacon Franco. The Games for all ages 11:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. patroness of the Americas and the unborn, first faithful in the Diocese of San Angelo can pray for Funeral Mass was celebrated on Country Store throughout the day appeared to St. Juan Diego. The National Night of them. The following offenders face upcoming execu- October 11 at St. Agnes Church. Rev. Sausage Sandwich Supper begins at 4:30 p.m. Prayer for Life bridges these two feasts to honor tion dates. Please pray for them: Thomas Manimala presided and Rev. Our Blessed Mother and to pray for the sanctity of Offender/Execution Dates Felix Okeke concelebrated at the all human life. Web site: www.priestsforlife.org George Whitaker, III, Nov. 12 Mass, and the homilist was Deacon Upcoming Cursillo Dates Denard Manns, Nov. 13 Eric Cathey, NOv. 18 Reuben Reyes. Burial was at the Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery. Women (English) Nov. 13-16, St. Thomas, Natural Family Planning Rogelio Cannady, Nov. 19 Big Spring Robert Hudson, Nov. 20 Deacon Franco was born January 5, For more information, contact: Helping couples to deepen conjugal love and Curtis Moore, Jan. 14, 2009 1923 in Terlingua. He moved from Greg Perez, Lay Assistant Spiritual Director achieve responsible parenthood is part of the Jose Garcia Briseno, Jan. 15, 2009 Terlingua to Fort Stockton in July 1944. Diocesan Cursillo Movement Church’s total pastoral ministry to Catholic spouses. He was a retired test driver for Phone: (432) 699-0460 Mobile: (432) 296-0206 Fulfillment of this ministry includes both education Firestone Test Truck Co. He was Address: 3513 Imperial Ave. Midland 79707 and pastoral care. This means “instilling conviction Hahn to speak in Lubbock ordained a deacon in the San Angelo E-Mail: [email protected] and offering practical help to those who wish to live Most Rev. Plácido Rodríguez, Bishop of Diocese, and had served in the Fort out their parenthood in a truly responsible way” Lubbock invites you to “A BIBLICAL CONFER- Stockton area since 1979. As one of (Pope John Paul II, Familiaris consortio, #35). Below ENCE: Our Lady in Scripture” Feb. 14-15, 2009, the first permanent deacons ordained National Night of Prayer for Life are scheduled seminars (San Angelo) and contact City Bank Auditorium, Lubbock, featuring Dr. Scott in the diocese after the Vatican author- Bishop Michael Pfeifer encourages all Catholics numbers for people who can help you with more Hahn with Dr. Brant Pitre and Michael Barber ized the restoration of that branch of in the Diocese of San Angelo to participate either information: Tickets are on sale at: FootstepsInFaith.com and Catholic clergy, Dcn. Franco was a singularly or in a group in the 19th annual SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Retreat Brother John’s Catholic Books & Gifts in Lubbock. minister to many families and individu- National Night of Prayer for Life, from 9 p.m., Center, (325) 651-5352, 2-4 p.m. 2008 dates: For information:806-698-6400 or 806-438-5253. als for decades. He married Maria L. Velasquez, September 22, 1946 in Fort Stockton. DISMISSAL: Options approved by the Vatican in July He was preceded in death by a grand- daughter, Anna Marie Benavides on (From 3) had a desire to find ways to express more revised Roman Missal, which will include December 21, 1991, a son-in-law, Tony clearly the connection between what's cele- modified interpretations of many of the Benavides on July 11, 2000. missa est," the Latin phrase now translated brated in the liturgy and how the faithful common acclamations and prayers. Survivors include his wife, Maria as "The Mass is ended, go in peace," he said live their lives beyond liturgy, that move- The U.S. bishops will take up the second of Franco of Fort Stockton; one son, the new options are: ment from the altar to the world," Father the 10 sections into which the Roman Simon Franco, Jr. of Austin; four "Ite ad Evangelium Domini annuntian- Hilgartner said in an interview with Catholic Missal has been divided at their fall general daughters, Linda Blanco, Gina Rodarte of Fort Stockton, Mandy Franco and dum" (Go and announce the Gospel of the News Service. meeting Nov. 10-13 in Baltimore. The 700- Carol Garza of San Antonio; one broth- Lord). The closing options will be included in the page section failed to receive the necessary er, Tino Franco of Odessa; two sisters,  "Ite in pace, glorificando vita vestra new English-language translation of the two-thirds majority for approval after sever- Rita Sanchez of Fort Stockton; Canda Dominum" (Go in peace, glorifying the main constant parts of the Mass, which was al long discussions during the bishops' June Silva of Las Vegas, Nevada and eight Lord by your life). approved, or given "recognitio," by the meeting and a subsequent mail ballot. grandchildren.  "Ite in pace" (Go in peace). Vatican in July. "It's our understanding that the Holy Father The new dismissals will be part of the The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 3 The Visiting Priest From the Editor Terlingua resident Cynta de Narvaez Why don’t Catholics read the Bible? holds up a Mexican quilt By Father Bernard L Gully freely. Sundays consist of four Scripture read- handcrafted by I say it is puzzling when we consider ings. Generally the first reading is from Mexican village Have friends, perhaps even relatives, the central action of worship for the Old Testament—our ancestors in women from the who are faithful members of other Catholics is the Mass. We hold to the faith. We listen to the inspired words of small border town denominations, asked obligation to assist at Mass on Sundays wisdom that have been handed down for of Boquillas and you this question? My and holy days of obligation. We further thousands of years. After a silent, reflec- put up for sale at experience is that they have the opportunity of Mass every day tive individual response, we sing (or the 3rd annual are people who have of the year. Let’s consider how integral recite) the “Responsorial Psalm”. This is Boquillas quilt found much meaning in the Bible is in the Holy Eucharist. our personal and community response to show in October their lives through the The Mass has two principal parts: the what we have just heard, and we use in Marfa. Photo by written word of God. Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the inspired words of one of the 150 Jimmy Patterson What is more puz- the Eucharist. We come to Mass to gather psalms of the Bible. We even repeat sev- zling for me is that together as a community of faith to listen eral times the refrain, for example, “The Catholics also wonder to God’s word proclaimed, to participate Lord is My Shepherd, there is nothing I Catching up: Effort why our brothers and in the Lord’s Supper and to be sent forth shall want”, or “To You, O Lord, I lift my sisters of some congre- Fr. Gully to go in peace to love and serve the Lord. soul”. When this is sung, as it gations seem to know Let’s begin with the first part, the always should be, it becomes a memory to help villagers in more about the Bible than we do. At least Liturgy of the Word. The essential ele- they can quote Scripture verses quite ments of the Liturgy of the Word on (Please See GULLY/10) Boquillas complete New dismissal options to help faithful live the Gospel By Jimmy Patterson

By Dennis Sadowski mately helps to transform us as those body and blood of Jesus, and as the ARFA -- Two years ago this month, we shared Catholic News Service who receive the Eucharist," said Father faithful share in the body and blood of with you the story of a remarkable woman from Richard B. Hilgartner, associate direc- Christ the prayer is that we become MTerlingua, Cynta de Narvaez, who, despite a WASHINGTON -- The new options tor of the Secretariat of Divine more the body of Christ, which has to chronic illness, devoted much of her time to for dismissal at Mass are meant to help Worship. do with how we live," he said. helping the women in the border village of worshipers connect the liturgy with the However, U.S. Catholics are unlikely The options were outlined by Boquillas, just across the Rio Grande from missionary call of the rest of their to hear the new forms of dismissal at Cardinal Francis Arinze of the Big Bend National Park. The woman’s lives, explained a liturgist with the U.S. Mass until 2012 or later, when the new Congregation for Divine Worship and efforts were made even more selfless when Conference of Catholic Bishops in English translation of the Roman the Sacraments at the Vatican, in an you factor in that even though it took her Washington. Missal is introduced. interview published in the Oct. 17 only 45 minutes to travel from her home in Chosen by Pope Benedict XVI him- Father Hilgartner said the new options issue of L'Osservatore Romano, the Terlingua to Boquillas, it took as many as 16 hours to return. The sealed border made re- self, the closings were created to help are meant to reflect "several transforma- Vatican newspaper. Along with "Ite, Patterson the faithful see that the "transformation tions" that occur during the Mass. entering the U.S. at the un-patrolled crossing that takes place in the Eucharist ... ulti- "The bread and wine become the (Please See DISMISSAL/2) a felony and anyone crossing over risked a $10,000 fine and being labeled a potential terrorist upon return. So Cynta routinely shared a rickety old Mexican bus Del Escritorio del Obispo with goats, crossing treacherous, unpaved mountain roads before hours later she would arrive in Del Rio at the legal Dulce es la venganza, pero la misericordia es doble bendecida point of entry. September brought Cynta’s final trip to Boquillas, ending Por el Obispo Miguel cia. Pero una reexaminación misericordia bendice al que la da a multi-year effort to teach the village women not only Pfeifer, OMI cuidadosa de la norma que se y bendice al que la toma. nos ha dado por Jesús tocante a Nuestra cultura contemporánea how to quilt, but to lift their self-esteem and make them self-sufficient. A series of quilt shows brought in thousands Todos hemos oído el dicho— la revancha y la venganza nos nos enseña que debemos arreglar hace ver que nuestra fe y la cuentas, para tomar nuestro mere- of dollars for the villagers. Future donations that come into “Dulce es la venganza”—y hay Cynta’s non-profit organization, fronterasunlimited.org, un deseo innato para norma del evangelio de Jesús nos cido. El problema es, no sabemos llama a crear una manera para donde parar. Hay cierta tendencia will go toward paying for the education of some of the desquitarnos con los quienes nos young people in the town. han ofendido. “Diente por diente tratar con las ofensas y no en todos nosotros de tomar un escalar la maldad. poco mas de “justicia” contra los And the women? They will soon busy themselves planning y ojo por ojo” una norma del their own quilt shows in larger towns in the interior of Mexico Antiguo Testamento que en La norma de Jesús es de per- que nos ofenden. Queremos lasti- Obispo donar, y hasta amar nuestros ene- mar al que nos ha lastimado. such as Muzquiz for they are now fully equipped to set out on Miguel Pfeifer muchas maneras sigue siendo la their own and support themselves and the others in their vil- OMI norma de ética que se aplica por migos. En otras palabras, debe- Las enseñanzas de Jesús tocante mos demostrar misericordia a los al amor y la misericordia requieren lage, thanks to the work of a group of selfless Americans on la mayoría de la gente hoy día. the border. Sin embargo, en vez de tomar que nos ofenden, y en el diseño que no escalemos la situación de Dios, últimamente la miseri- mientras reducimos y difundimos Cynta’s generosity and story of helping those not as for- venganza a los que nos han ofen- tunate as she remains one of the most selfless acts of kind- dido, Jesús nos enseña que use- cordia triunfa. Entonces, mien- la venganza. Cuando hacemos tras dulce es la venganza, y nos esto, entonces no estamos respon- ness I have ever had the privilege to write and witness. mos resistencia sin violencia que That this story has the positive ending it does and that quizás, a primera vista, se inter- da una satisfacción y placer natu- diendo a la maldad con maldad ral, demostrar misericordia es pero más bien estamos reem- Cynta’s mission was a success makes it all the more prete por algunos como ser remarkable and worth sharing with others. pasivos o sumisión a una injusti- doble bendecida, tal como la plazando la maldad con lo bueno. Page 4 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus DIOCESAN DATES Perpetual adoration fosters a personal, Bishop’s Calendar at 6 p.m. 18 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – 11:00 a.m. Meeting loving relationship with Jesus Christ NOVEMBER of Presbyteral Council and Diocesan Finance Council By Bishop Michael Pfeifer of devotions, as it centers our lives mitment to host and participate in 9-13 -- WASHINGTON, DC – 18 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the on Jesus our risen Savior who is perpetual adoration. While I know Meeting of the United States Catholic King Retreat Center – 5:30 p.m. In today’s world, there are a present in the host in a personal, that it is difficult for an individual Conference of Bishops Christmas Party for Priests, Sisters, loving manner for our adoration parish to have perpetual Deacons and Wives great many demands placed on 14-15 -- Rest and Prayer priests, deacons and religious who and worship. Adoration of the Eucharistic adoration, I have 17-18 --Corpus Christi, Kenedy 19 -- SAN ANGELO, Angelo Foundation Board Meeting Catholic School – Christmas Mass at serve God’s people, and on all the Blessed Sacrament should deepen encouraged several parishes of the 19 -- SAN ANGELO, Santa Rita 8:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart faithful who deal with many press- our appreciation for our larger cities to come together to Elementary School – Read to 19 -- Baptist Memorial – Mass at ing responsibilities. With a firm Eucharistic celebrations. support perpetual adoration in des- Students at 8:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. determination to face these many Adoration of the Blessed ignated chapels of the four major 20 -- SAN ANGELO, C.A.R.E.S. 20 - CARLSBAD -- Carlsbad State Sacrament always involves acts of cities. I encourage more people to School - Christmas Prayer Service at challenges without disregarding Meeting -1:00 to 2:00 p.m. the difficulties and struggles, it is reparation for sin, thanksgiving for participate in perpetual Eucharistic 21-23 -- AMARILLO, Region 10 3:30 p.m. Youth Conference 20 -- SAN ANGELO, Dinner with necessary that all – the ordained, God’s countless favors, and focus- adoration, which brings countless 24 -- SAN ANGELO – Victory Seminarians at 6:00 p.m. the consecrated, and all the bap- es our attention on our main personal and community blessings Community Church –Ecumenical 21 -- BROWNWOOD, St. Mary – tized make special time to develop responsibility as followers of to all who share in this devotion. I Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Mass at 11:00 a.m. and Meet with a deep, personal, intimate union Christ, which is to give Him strongly recommend that fami- 25 -- MIDLAND, Task Force Pastoral Council after Mass praise, worship, and adoration lies—parents and children—take 24 --SAN ANGELO, Masses at with Jesus Christ, especially in the Coalition meeting – 2:00 – 3:00 pm Eucharist. A special way of doing with our lives and all our works. even a few moments to visit our 27 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Tom Green County Jail at 9:00 a.m. Cathedral – Thanksgiving Day Mass and 10:00 a.m. this is by taking part in perpetual I thank God we have perpetual Eucharistic Lord. We all deal with at 9:00 a.m. 24 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Eucharistic adoration, which leads Eucharistic adoration in the four many complex situations in life 28-30 -- Rest and Prayer Cathedral –Midnight Christmas Mass to the true sanctification of all larger cities of our diocese— today and seek many answers, and 25 -- SAN ANGELO, Goodfellow those who share in this devotion. Odessa, Midland, San Angelo, and all the ultimate answers to our AFB- Christmas Day Mass at 11:45 Perpetual adoration of the Blessed Abilene. I am deeply grateful to DECEMBER a.m. 26-28 Rest and Prayer Sacrament, which comes to us the priests and people of the com- 2 -- BIG SPRING – Mass at Prison through the Mass, is the devotion munities who have made the com- (Please See ADORATION/18) Facilities 3-4 -- DALLAS – Holy Spirit Circle Christ the King Mass 6 -- ABILENE, Holy Family – Retreat Center November is National Donor Month Training Workshop for Members of Pastoral and Finance Councils November By Bishop Michael Pfeifer their congregants can affirm that transplantation can save lives, yet 7 -- SAN ANGELO, Mass at Fort 10 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer choosing to be an organ and tissue the need for organs far exceeds the Concho Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Group In November, faith communities donor offers the opportunity to supply. In 2007, more than 8 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart 11 -- Annual Audit Review - throughout the country will share the greatest blessing of all – 28,000 organs were transplanted Presbyteral & Finance Council Cathedral – Mass for the Feast of the observe a special time as they the gift of life. All religions in the but thousands more critically ill Immaculate Conception at 12:00 Meeting noon 11 -- Adoration of the Blessed unite for one cause: to increase United States support organ and patients could have been helped if 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Shannon Sacrament 5-6 pm awareness of the critical need for tissue donation as an honored and more organs were available. An Hospital –Christmas Mass at 11 a.m. 13-16 -- Men’s Walk to Emmaus organs and tissues and the miracle compassionate expression of gen- average of 18 people die each day 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Newman 17 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer of transplantation. This annual erosity and love. because an organ is not available Center – Advent Prayer Service for Group interfaith celebration of life will As of October 2008, more than for them. Prayerfully consider 18 -- Adoration of the Blessed Priests, Sisters, Deacons and Wives stress the importance of donation. 100,000 men, women and children being an organ donor.” For more at 6:30 p.m. Sacrament 5-6 pm 10 -- SAN ANGELO, Meeting of 24 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Religious leaders who participate were listed on the national trans- information contact Michelle Big Brothers Big Sisters at 12:00 Group in discussions of donation with plant waiting list. Donation and Segovia at 512-459-4848. noon 25 -- Adoration of the Blessed 11 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Sacrament 5-6 pm Pastoral Center – Staff Mass at 8:30 27-30 -- Office Closed – a.m. and Meeting at 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Holiday 10 from diocese installed in order of Holy Sepulchre 12 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – Our Lady of Guadalupe The Angelus (Midland), Tom and Laverne (San Angelo). – Mass at 6: 30 p.m. Morgan (Midland), Dan and There are sixty-one active mem- 13 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart NECROLOGY Ten persons from the Diocese of Joanne Vaughan (Abilene), Rev. bers of the Knights and Ladies of Cathedral – Diaconal Ministries at San Angelo were installed as Maurice Voity (San Angelo), and the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem 10:30 a.m. – December 13 --SAN ANGELO, Santa Fe Knights and Ladies of the Holy Rev. Mark Woodruff (Odessa). in the Diocese of San Angelo. Historical Depot- Read Christmas 1 -- Rev. John Pierce (1979) Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Little The impressive ceremonies and Msgr. Robert Stern, president of Stories at 7:00 p.m. 5 -- Rev. Angel Vizcarra, O.P. Rock on October 19. The organiza- Mass were presided over by the Pontifical Council of 14 -- SANDERSON, St. James – (2004) tion promotes peace in the Holy Archbishop Eusebius Beltran of Palestine, who recently spoke in Mass at 3:00 p.m. 12 -- Deacon Nestor Perez Land and provides financial assis- Oklahoma City. San Angelo, urged the Little Rock (1993) 15 -- EDEN- Mass at Eden tance to educational and humanitari- The previous day, several attendees to follow the guidance Detention Center at 1:30 p.m. 12 -- Rev. James Aaron (1999) 16 -- ABILENE, Holy Family – 20 -- Rev. John Waldron (1995) an projects of the Catholic Church in Knights and Ladies from the of Pope Paul VI "to engage in a Advent Night of Prayer for Abilene 28 -- Rev. Nicholas Femenia, Palestine, Israel, Jordan and Cyprus. Diocese of San Angelo were pro- courageous struggle for justice Deanery Priests, Sisters and C.M. (1999) The new members are Norbert moted. These were Msgr. Larry and peace" in their own sphere of Deacons at 6:30 p.m. 30 -- Rev. John Hoorman, and Dedria Dickman (Midland), Droll (Midland), Brian and Evelyn influence, which will assist in 17 -- SAN ANGELO, Bishop’s C.PP.S. (1995) Richard and Lois Folger Martin (Midland), and Len Mertz bringing peace to the world. Residence – Staff Christmas Dinner The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 5 F. Worth-area minister brings much fun to diocesan junior high event ODESSA -- October 12 was a day filled with music, prayer, presentations on call and discipleship and tons of fun at the gym of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Young people from across the dio- cese came bustling through the doors look- ing to experience the “Great I Am”. Gabe A volunteer works Gutierrez, a youth minister from Keller, in with Junior High the Fort Worth Diocese, was the keynote of Youth in Odessa, the biennial Jr. High Youth Event spon- left; at right, Gabe sored by the Office of Education and Gutierrez, a youth minister from Formation. Keller, led the The youth choir and band from St. weekend. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Odessa kept the day moving with their wonderful music led by Claudia Richards. Young people sang and danced to the music. The youth from St. Stephen’s in Midland led a powerful prayer service on the call of Moses and reflected on how God continues to call us to mission in the world today. Christian Beltran and cipleship and the need to go out and serve Redeemer, Odessa, David Ramos, two young men from St. Mary Parish, Odessa were the emcees for in society. A gifted musician, he also was the presider. A collection was taken the day. What a great witness to the shared some songs with the group to rein- during the offertory to help the victims of Church to see these young people leading force his point in his presentations. Hurricane Ike in the Galveston-Houston the day. A tasty supper was served by the Catholic Archdiodese. The event concluded with a Gabe spoke about call in our lives and Student Association from the university in dance deejayed by Bob Mueller. the openness and courage required to the evening after the Sunday Eucharist. answer that call. He also talked about dis- Rev. Bernardito Getigan from Holy Hermits near Christoval visited by Carmelite prior

The Angelus Fr. Elias O’Brien, O. Carm., far left, and a group photo of the hermits in Christoval with CHRISTOVAL -- In October, the guest, Fr. Elias, third from left. Carmelite Hermits in Christoval celebrated the 800th anniversary of Carmelite Rule with two visiting hermits from the silence, prayer, and work, and their days Monastery in Lake Elmo, Minn., and by a follow the pattern set down by Saint Albert. Carmelite from Washington, D.C. The Fr. Elias wrote a dissertation for Oxford rule, written by Saint Albert (1208), University in England, which examines the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Carmelite Rule in its original context. He Father Elias O'Brien, O.Carm., came looked at the other religious rules that were from Whitefriars Hall in Washington to written in the Holy Land, and other monas- speak about the Rule and to speak about teries that were founded there, to see what Religious Life in the Holy Places. Though they share in common. The oldest monas- the Carmelites were driven from Mt. teries in the world, such as St. Sabas, near Carmel in the year 1298 because of the fall Jerusalem, have housed monks for more of the Crusader Kingdom of Acre, they still than 1,500 years without interruption and under and what was going on; there was a the religious years he came out looking love to speak about what life was like in are still living the same pattern of life war going on, The Crusades. I also spoke healthy and well, full of the grace God had those early days, when the Rule was writ- today. on some of the traditions and stories the given him. ten. “What we celebrate here at Christoval, is hermits would have heard and told 800 “The message I hoped to convey is that Fr. Elias, a Carmelite since 1975, has that we do not have to turn to history books years ago.” the hermit way of life is how we live and preached retreats, and served as novice to discover what the hermit life is like in Fr. Elias said in the early days, Carmelite serve God, and how we celebrate God's master in the Order. He has studied in our Church,” said Fr. Fabian Rosette, prior hermits would tell about the saints, the sto- love and serve the church through dedica- Europe and done research into the lives of of the monastery near Christoval. “There ries of the holy people, such as St. Anthony tion and prayers,” Fr. Elias said. the early Carmelite hermits and the lives of are hermits now, and their lives are living and how he would go into a hermit cave in The life of the Carmelite Hermits in hermits in the Holy Land. examples of timeless wisdom. We are lucky silence and dedicate himself to God and Christoval, and those in Lake Elmo, contin- “What I spoke on here was what life was that the tradition of the hermit life is not a stay there for years at a time sometimes ues a very venerable tradition in the like 800 years ago,” Fr. Elias said, “and treasure from the past, but a living reality and even though praying and struggling in Catholic Church. They spend their days in what kind of conditions the hermit lived right here in our own diocese.” Page 6 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus Making Sense of Bioethics Salas de Inyección Religion and Science: Are they really enemies? By Fr. Tad Pacholczyk tion. Religion can purify science from thinking of the student of geometry. Segura y Campañas idolatry and false absolutes.” The rules of geometry do not “spare us One subject I often end up discussing This task of collaboration and purifi- the trouble of thinking” but, on the con- contra las Drogas with friends and acquaintances is the cation, however, is not an easy one in an trary, help us to think in a structured apparent conflict between religion and environment of mutual doubt, suspicion way, providing us with the very cate- science. A surprising and hostility. One reason for such hostil- gories we need in order to be able to Por Padre Tad Pacholczyk number of people ity is that religion often purifies science enter more deeply into this branch of believe these two power- by insisting on the primacy of ethics. mathematics. Similarly, religious dogma Las llamadas “salas de inyección segura” son ful forces in our society Yet many scientists are clearly unwilling and sound ethical teaching afford us the lugares especiales a donde los adictos a las drogas are incompatible with to acknowledge that the interests of essential categories we need to enter rea- pueden acudir para inyectarse substancias ilegales, each other. Some even humanity are authentically served only sonably into a discussion of the ultimate sin el temor de ser arrestados o investigados. Uno claim there is an "inher- when scientific knowledge is joined to a questions that every person faces, ques- de estos sitios ha estado operando durante varios ent conflict" between truthful conscience, and the pursuit of tions of purpose, morality and human años en Canadá, en el lado Este de Vancouver. them. science is attenuated through the filter of destiny. Religion, in the words of G. K. Los adictos de las áreas cercanas reciben ahí agu- When people learn that ethics. Chesterton, is never “an arrest of jas higiénicas, ampolletas con agua estéril, algo- Pacholczyk I am a scientist and a In fact, the much-hyped conflict thought, but a fertile basis and constant dones con alcohol para higienizar las áreas de Catholic priest, a common response is, between religion and science turns out provocation of thought.” inyección, bandas adhesivas, ácido ascórbico en "Wow, how do you do it?" Although it to be largely a conflict between men of Moving past the mutual suspicion that polvo (para diluir las drogas) y herramientas en may appear to a casual observer that sci- science and men of religion, rather than has arisen between scientists and men of forma de pequeñas cucharas metálicas. El gobier- ence and religion make competing between science itself and religion itself. faith is thus a critical first step in seeing no canadiense ha estado aportando los fondos para claims over the same questions, in reali- Ultimately, some scientists may become how religion and science are not, in fact, esta sala y está en el proceso de renovarlos. Otras ty they do not. uncomfortable when they perceive that enemies at all. The two are able not only ciudades como San Francisco y Nueva York tam- Already back in the late 1500's a well- science cannot adequately address value to co-exist peaceably, but within the per- bién están considerando el instituir sitios como known churchman named Cardinal questions or provide answers to the ulti- son of the scientist, religion and science éste. Muchos grupos se oponen a estas zonas de Baronius made the point that religion mate questions that religion addresses. can ultimately interconnect and strength- drogas pues las ven como colaboradoras, si no teaches us “the way to go to heaven, not Some men of faith may similarly feel en one another. The pioneering como promotoras directas, de una práctica clara- the way the heavens go." Science, on the threatened when they finally have to astronomer and mathematician Johannes mente contraria a la ética y que daña seriamente a other hand, addresses the physical world acknowledge that the Bible is not, in Kepler, who first calculated the elliptical la sociedad. El argumento de estos grupos es que and “how the heavens go.” This simple fact, a scientific textbook. orbits of the planets, perhaps put it best los contribuyentes de impuestos no deberían ser but important distinction, which was A further explanation for the suspicion when he wrote: “The chief aim of all obligados a aportar dinero para sitios donde las later incorporated into the writings of between scientists and men of faith can investigations of the external world personas pueden consumir substancias ilegales y Galileo, reminds us that science and reli- be the ill will generated by a vocal should be to discover the rational order destruir sus vidas. gion are objectively compatible with minority of scientists who suggest that and harmony which has been imposed La idea detrás de las salas de inyección segura each other since they have distinct and religion has a “softening influence on on it by God and which He revealed to es reducir los daños colaterales de la drogadicción. unique domains. the brain,” or that men and women of us in the language of mathematics.” Quienes apoyan la iniciativa afirman que desde Yet even if they deal with different faith are “spared the trouble of thinking” That source of rationality, which is que los adictos hacen uso de estos sitios el índice domains, science and religion can and when they live by religious dogma and God himself, should be a source of con- de criminalidad en el lado Este de Vancouver ha must speak to each other. Albert Einstein strong ethical principles. Quite the oppo- tinual wonder for each of us, as it was descendido, y que los índices de SIDA y hepatitis already saw this when he made his now- site is actually the case. True religion, for Einstein when he mused: “The most han disminuido debido a la disponibilidad de agu- famous remark: “Science without reli- like good science, promotes a more incomprehensible thing about the uni- jas limpias. Así mismo, manifiestan que la obser- gion is lame; religion without science is measured rationality, and a more ordered verse is that it is comprehensible.” vación por parte de las enfermeras hará que dis- blind.” Science and religion need each thoughtfulness as we consider the creat- Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his minuyan las muertes por sobredosis pues desde ed world we are a part of. Absolute reli- doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did other and must work together. Pope post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest dicho lugar se puede llamar a las ambulancias más John Paul II asserted this same funda- gious dogmas and invariable ethical of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves fácilmente que si los adictos se inyectan estando mental point when he said: “Science can principles do not stifle thinking any as the Director of Education at The National purify religion from error and supersti- more than absolute definitions and unal- Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See (Mira PADRE THAD/19) terable geometric postulates stifle the www.ncbcenter.org.

Pilgrim Journeys – Regina Tours       -,/(          +5 .+ Alexandra Morris, CDS International Specialist   12/# 4  +5.+ Advent Season brings the arrival of the German Christmas Markets, held throughout     Bavaria. The enchanting atmosphere, local food and drink mixed with gifts of    ./ . 122 unequaled craftsmanship brings forgotten memories. Experience the sights and 21-%-3, ** 11  2 1  sounds of a traditional holiday in the country where the Christmas tree was first intro- 1/2#-0/03"",$1 duced. Relive the wonder of Christmas surrounded by nostalgic charm as you discover the joy of the Season all over again. -0 /($0$3$*/41 12$0/-00$0(!*$0--)0 Dream about where you would like to go, then get in touch and we will go there." 2(,"$ ,$/  $##(,& ,#-,%(/+ 1(-,(1$+0 [email protected] www.pilgrimjourneys.joystar.com     (/01-++2,(-,/$00$0$(*0 ,#&(%10  !* 0. ,-*'-,$-/#$/0 /$3$*"-+$- Or call Alex at 432.687.1038    The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 7

Veteran’s Day: Sacrifice the price of guarding our nation Prayer Sharing Every time I hear a siren out By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI served their country. On this Veteran’s Day, for us, our nation owes our veterans a profound my office window, while I’m November 11, we need to pause and remember debt of gratitude. Although our appreciation is driving or when I’m at home, I Those who accept the challenge of military and pay tribute to the millions of patriots expressed officially on Veterans’ Day, it should quickly say a Hail Mary. My service quickly learn that sacrifice in the price whose bravery and sacrifice have secured our be expressed throughout the year. prayer is intended for Mary to of guarding the nation. They are often exposed freedom since the beginning of our nation. As we celebrate Veterans’ Day, it is a time to help the responders – whether to danger, given difficult assignments, and Veterans’ Day honors the hidden heroes of pray for all those who have served our country police, fire or ambulance – so experience the loneliness of long separations our country who put their lives on the line for in the cause of peace, to pray especially for they are not injured in the from their families. Many pay with the greatest the protection and freedom of our country and peace in our world today and for all those actu- course of responding to that sacrifice of their own lives. promote the ideals of democracy. ally serving in the military, many in conflict sit- emergency. In less than a Throughout our history, Americans have kept To pay tribute to those who have served in uations. Let all of us pause today to thank God minute, I’ve possibly made a our armed forces, the U.S. Congress has pro- for our veterans and to remember those who a special place of honor in their hearts for our difference in someone’s life. veterans—those who have generously served vided that November 11 of each year should be have made the supreme sacrifice of their lives God and country. For more than 70 years, set aside as a public holiday to honor American for peace and freedom. Submitted by Ellen, November 11 has been set aside to recognize veterans. For their sacrifices and for the peace, in Midland the women and men who have courageously prosperity and liberty their service has secured

EDICTAL SUMMONS Poetry October 31, 2008 CASE: WEST – WHITE NO.: SO 08/65 “MY NAME IS NOT FETUS, MY NAME IS AMY” The doctor said you have nothing to worry about, Dedicated to the 46, 000,000 babies aborted each year worldwide It’s practically painless and it won’t take very long. The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo is By Waller Mueller / Holy Family Parish / Abilene Mother, you didn’t tell me our family was so large, seeking Michelle Christina White. all the children here were called Fetus, too. You are hereby summoned to I am not yet born. I am not human, so they say, What now, mother? Will you go back to church? appear before the Tribunal of the they claim that I have no brain and cannot feel pain. I didn’t know abortions were something Christians do. Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, My mother and I visited Planned Parenthood today, Mother, I know what you are planning, but why? at 804 Ford Street, San Angelo, I sensed her anxiety and my apprehension very real. Am I the result of rape, incest or just illicit pleasure? Texas 76905, on or before the Do I have a congenital defect or am I inconvenient? 31st day of November 2008, to You say tomorrow will be my last on earth, What were you told to coerce this drastic measure? answer to the Petition of do I have a grandmother? Wouldn’t she want me? Christopher NMI West, now intro- What about my other relatives, aunts or uncles, God Himself held me in the palm of His hand today. duced before the Diocesan do I have sisters or brothers who I will never see? Amy, you are early, deviating from My divine plan. Tribunal in an action styled, It was preordained that you should find a cure for cancer, “Christopher West and Michelle Mother, I don’t understand. Why are we here? I planned this since the first instance time began. White, Petition for Declaration of Why do they call me Fetus and not by my name? Invalidity of Marriage.” Said Why do you not want me, mother? Are you ashamed? You say it is your body to do with as you please, Petition is identified as Case: What is evacuation and aspiration? Are they the same? a growth within your womb is how you refer to me. WEST – WHITE; Protocol No.: Must I die so as not to hinder your social activities? SO 08/65, on the Tribunal Docket I don’t know why we have to get up so early? Why, mother, can’t you just live and let my life be? of the Diocese of San Angelo. Is there really any rush? Do we really have to go? You may communicate with the The doctor said you will be sedated and feel no pain, Lord, I asked, can’t you choose another for this task? Tribunal in person or in writing. but, what about me? I will be conscious, I will know. Not for a century or two, it’s not written in the Book. Failure to communicate within the I gave mankind free will, now thoroughly to my disgust, prescribed period of time will be Mother, can we go home now, I am becoming afraid. when I get time, I may just have to take another look. considered your consent for the You said you came here to talk about another option. Tribunal to continue its proceed- I don’t like what I’m hearing; it’s all terrible for me. Everybody else has civil rights, why not tiny me? ings in the above-named case. Mother, did they not tell you about adoption? Roe v. Wade said it was all right to take my life away. Given at the Tribunal of the Didn’t they know it’s a sin according to God’s law? Diocese of San Angelo on the It’s done! It’s over! No one heard my silent scream, I’m not viable, so it’s not murder, Roe supporters say. 31st day of October 2008. at first I didn’t know if I was dead or just sleeping. Mary, Mother of God, pressed me close to her breast, Mother, I wanted you to know God loves me, Rev. William R. Du Buisson, I know the sorrow Christ felt as He was weeping. will you put Fetus on my tombstone, or not? OMI, MCL, JCL I wish you would write, “Amy, my beloved little girl,” Judical Vicar I have no rights they say. What about my right to life? or am I just another throw away child the world forgot? Mother, don’t do this. I have done nothing wrong. Page 8 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus Catholic Voices Applying a classic business principle to the economy

By Father William J. Byron, SJ derives from the Latin "credo," "I involves mutual trust between buyer fied borrowers by greedy and profit- Catholic News Service believe," and there again, when credit and seller, lender and borrower in the seeking lenders. stops flowing, faith has preceded lend- marketplace. As the whole world knows, all this Few people think of it this way, but ing into the deep freeze. There are many markets in the world led to a legislative crisis and executive we live in a faith-based economy. Not Banks stop lending to other banks -- of finance. Best known, perhaps, is the leadership challenge in our national religious faith, to be sure, but faith and to business or individual borrowers stock market, but that's not where the government. nonetheless. -- because confidence in their ability to problem lies today. Neither Treasury Secretary Henry Religious language without religious repay has vanished. To the extent that speculation dis- Paulson nor President George Bush is meaning has dominated the headlines Interesting, isn't it, to recall that when places investment, and greed drives familiar, I suspect, with a classic princi- in recent weeks. "Confidence in a company was formed in Boston some decisions to buy or sell, there will be ple of Catholic social teaching known Byron Financial Markets Plummets," we read. years ago to manage other people's speculative bubbles in the stock market as the "principle of subsidiarity." Notice that "con" is English for "cum," financial assets, the founders decided to and cause for genuine concern. Indeed, This principle is designed to keep the Latin preposition meaning "with," call it "Fidelity." stock market fluctuations signal stress government in its place. In essence, it and "fides" is Latin for "faith." So con- You'll find "trust," "providence" and in the nation's economic nervous sys- says that no decision should be taken to fidence means "with faith." other terms from the vocabulary of reli- tem. a higher level of organization that can Whenever confidence in markets gious faith sprinkled throughout busi- But our current problems relate be taken as efficiently and effectively at takes a hike, faith has slipped away ness directories listing banks, insurance chiefly to the credit markets and have a lower level. before it. and mortgage companies. their underlying causes in overpriced This principle was articulated by The credit markets are frozen, busi- Religious faith would have you real estate and the subprime mortgage ness analysts warn. Well "credit" entrust yourself to God; secular faith loans foisted upon willing but unquali- (Please See BYRON/19)

You’re never alone in the voting booth Church guidelines for By Effie Caldarola election), I cannot point to one elec- You are carrying with you the thou- Catholic News Service tion in my whole life which would sands of freedom fighters and jour- prayers of the faithful have turned out differently if I had nalists and religious activists all over Earlier this year, my son Mike and stayed home and voted for an the world who suffer in prison By Father John Dietzen I made the trek to the elections office "American Idol" instead. because they stood up for their rights Catholic News Service so that he could reg- So, I pondered. What difference and freedoms and do not have the ister for the first time does it make if I vote? protections we take for granted. Q. Does the church have guidelines for the as a voter. It seemed The question itself raises interesting You carry with you the words of prayers of the faithful at Mass? It gets wearisome like a big step, and points about people's views of com- papal encyclicals that insist that we hearing the same ones week after week, and we both took it very munity and communal responsibility. have inherent rights and human dig- sometimes they are awfully long. Are there sug- seriously. Do the young see things more indi- nity, and that these rights carry obli- gestions that would help us know what they are But later, he asked vidualistically, more "what's in it for gations. You walk into your precinct supposed to be? (Texas) me, "You know, real- me"? Does this explain why older with the words of the Declaration of A. It appears that most Catholics, including many ly, what difference people statistically vote more than the Independence and the Bill of Rights priests and parish liturgical ministers, would find some does it make if I Catoir less communally minded young? written between the lines on your good catechesis about these intercessions extremely vote?" If so, it doesn't bode well for voter registration card. helpful. He wanted a prac- democracy. When you cast your ballot, you do The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (Nos. tical answer, and it gave me pause to So, without lowering the boom on so with your fellow citizens, thou- 55, 69) gives the bare rubrical bones. Of the general come up with one. my own son too much, I'd say to him, sands locally, millions nationally, intercessions, or prayer of the faithful, it says, the We live in Alaska, and we have no, Mike, on a practical level your who with one communal voice rise people, "exercising the office of their baptismal priest- some notoriously close races here, one vote may not affect anything, any up and make their choice. You affirm hood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all." real cliffhangers. A couple of years year, any election. But that's not the your membership in that precious It gives a general rule for the sequence of intentions: ago a race out in a rural district for a point. community by voting. a) For the needs of the church; state legislative seat was so close -- When you go into a polling booth, Maybe that's why I still sometimes b) For public authorities and the salvation of the actually a tie -- that the winner was you are acknowledging that you are a get a tear in my eye when I go to my world; decided by a coin toss. member of a community with pre- precinct voting place, watching my c) For those oppressed by any need; and Now, there's where you'd kick cious rights and corresponding neighbors streaming in and out of the lit- d) For the local community. Intentions may also yourself if you had stayed home. responsibilities. tle fire station where we cast our ballot. appropriately be related to special occasions such as And even in modern presidential You are remembering the women, No, Mike, your one vote may not weddings, funerals, baptism and confirmation. politics, we've had some tight runs. many beaten and imprisoned, who make the difference. But the votes of These brief lines in the GIRM are based on a num- Who can forget the Gore/Bush deba- fought for the right to vote in this all of us can change the world, and ber of documents about the history and nature of cle in Florida and how breathtakingly country. You are remembering the don't ever miss out on your chance to these intercessions and the prominent place they tight that mess was? civil rights workers, many of them say you were part of that. have held in the liturgy nearly from the beginning. Still, I've been voting for over 30 murdered, who fought to overturn You may pull back the curtain and We know that by the year 150 they already held an years, and even though I'm what they laws that barred blacks from the enter the polling booth by yourself, honored place in the Sunday Christian celebrations. call a "super voter" (I never miss an polling booth. but you are never in there alone. The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 9 Nation Panel deconstructs notion of a ‘Catholic vote’ and what defines it By Patricia Zapor of Al Smith as the Democratic nominee for the winner of the popular vote in nearly Democrats did in 1928,” he said. The effort Catholic News Service president was less about appealing to every election since 1972; 1988 was the won Catholic voters to the Democrats, but Catholics in particular than it was about exception. failed to get Smith elected president. WASHINGTON — The first Catholic attracting votes of recent immigrants from At the colloquium, White described He described the nomination of John F. from a major political party to appear on a Europe, many of whom were Catholic. Smith’s nomination in 1928 as a political Kennedy in 1960, the first Catholic to win U.S. presidential ticket wasn’t nominated Smith, the governor of New York, had “what the heck, what have we got to lose” the White House, as more about trying to in 1928 because the Democrats were con- grandparents who were Irish, German, play. Going into the 1928 Democratic con- pull Catholic voters back to the Democratic sciously trying to attract Catholic voters Italian and English and he was from a mul- vention, Herbert Hoover, the Republican Party than about anyone in power in the but because the party leaders figured they tiethnic section of New York. secretary of commerce, was popular and party thinking it was high time a Catholic had nothing to lose. As this year’s presidential election strongly favored to win the White House. became president. John White, professor of politics at The approached, the question of whether there That helped give Smith the nomination, In the 1970s and ‘80s, Catholic voters Catholic University of America in is a cohesive Catholic vote and how to win White said. began to shift from being reliably Washington, told a colloquium on the it arose among those who have pointed out “When the parties know they’re going to Catholic vote Oct. 22 that the nomination that a majority of Catholics have voted for lose, they take bold gambits, as the (Please See VOTE/17)

Guest Commentary After November 4

Responding to editors’ requests for a regular sampling of current commentary from around the Catholic press, here is an editorial titled “After Nov. 4 ....” It appeared in the Oct. 24 issue of Catholic San Francisco, the news- Pope Benedict XVI, paper of the San Francisco Archdiocese. It was written center, and bishops by George Wesolek, director of public policy and social from around the world concerns for the archdiocese. attend the Synod of Bishops on the Bible at The study of “Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. bishops’ the Vatican Oct. 14. statement on the formation of conscience in the political (CNS photo/ process, is helping many American Catholics to under- L'Osservatore Romano) stand the role that their faith plays in this election cycle. The arguments have been furious between Catholics who Bishops address abortion, elections in columns, letters believe that they cannot, in conscience, vote for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama because of his abysmal By Catholic News Service capital punishment, to abortion, to cannot justify my voting to remove all pro-abortion record and those who feel that, in con- euthanasia, to the attempt to use force current restrictions on abortion.” science, they cannot vote for Republican Sen. John WASHINGTON — As the presiden- to bring about justice and God’s will in Contrasting the judgment day of the McCain because of his record on the war, taxes and tial election campaign drew to a close, any way.” election to the final judgment day in health care. some U.S. bishops urged Catholics not In other words, Bishop Steib said, heaven, Bishop Hermann urged St. The division in the American Catholic community is to base their votes on one issue alone, “we cannot be a one-issue people. We Louis Catholics to “pray your way into stark and deep. But Catholics will vote, hopefully in while others said no combination of must recognize that God, through the conformity with the teachings of record numbers, and they will again be the deciding fac- issues could trump a candidate’s stand church, is calling us to be prophetic in Christ and his church.” tor in this election. on what Milwaukee Archbishop our own day. If our conscience is well- Bishop Robert F. Vasa of Baker, It is time for us to look ahead to after the election. Timothy M. Dolan called the “premier formed, then we will make the right Ore., in a column for the Oct. 21 issue Casting our vote on Nov. 4 should not be the end of our civil rights issue of our day” — abor- choices about candidates who may not of the Catholic Sentinel diocesan involvement in the political process. Both political par- tion. support the church’s position in every newspaper, warned against what he case.” said were mistaken interpretations of ties are in need of serious Catholic intervention. Neither “When we are presented with candi- party adequately reflects Catholic social teaching. dates whose views do not reflect the But Bishop Robert J. Hermann, a St. the U.S. bishops’ 2007 document, full teachings of the church, what are Louis auxiliary who is apostolic adminis- “Forming Consciences for Faithful If McCain wins, Catholics who voted for him have a we to do?” asked Bishop J. Terry Steib trator of the St. Louis Archdiocese, writ- Citizenship.” responsibility to influence the actions of his administra- of Memphis, Tenn., in his column for ing in the St. Louis Review Oct. 17, said “The document does not say, for tion to reflect policies of economic justice. With the the Oct. 16 issue of The West the choice was clear. instance, that it is just fine to vote for a notion of a “free market economy” in shambles with gov- Tennessee Catholic, the Memphis “The decision I make in the voting pro-abortion candidate as long as one ernment ownership of banks, insurance companies and diocesan newspaper. booth will reflect my value system,” votes for that candidate only because the like, supporters of McCain will have to look long and In response he quoted from a book by he said. “If I value the good of the of his or her stand on other important hard at how these failed policies can be converted to ones Oblate Father Ronald Rolheiser: economy and my current lifestyle more social issues,” he wrote. “Casting a that justly and fairly “rescue” the poor and the working “Perhaps the first witness we must give than I do the right to life itself, then I vote, even for reasons other than the poor throughout our land. to our world is a witness to God’s non- am in trouble. ... My desire for a good candidate’s pro-abortion position, is violence, a witness to the God revealed economy cannot justify my voting to still casting a vote for the preservation (Please See COMMENTARY/17) by Jesus Christ who opposes violence remove all current restrictions on abor- of ‘a legal system which violates the of all kinds, from war, to revenge, to tion. My desire to end the war in Iraq basic right to life.’” Page 10 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 11

BooksBooks of the Old TestamentTTeestament Bible always Bishops: Books of the New TestamentTTeestament

The first firrst fivefive books are are known known as the as the TorahTorah to Jews and the Pentateuch to a ‘central part GospelGospel meansmeans “good“good news”; thesethese booksbooks Christians;Christians; theythey form “the law.”law.” tetellll thethe storystory ofof Jesus Christ,Christ, thethe Son ofof Bible unites God,God, fromfrom differentdifferent perspectives.perspectives. entateuchatteeuchh of the church’ ospelsospels GenesisGenesiis Numbers all Christians Exoduss DeuteronomyDeuteronomy ‘We must prevent the election of Alfred E. Smith to the pres- MMatthewatthew LeviticusLeviticus idency. If he is chosen president, you will not be allowed to By Cindy Wooden Luke read or have a bible.’ -- Daytona Beach School Board MMarkark John ( Catholic News Service ( By Jimmy Patterson VATICAN CITY — The Bible unites Christians, calls them to TheseThese booksbooks dodo not provideprovide a Editor task for the divisions they have allowed to endure and urges The sequelsequel to Luke’sLuke’s Gospel,Gospel, Acts traces chronologicalchronoological history,historyy,, butbut looklook at The Angelus certaincertain important times andand leaders.leaders. them to reach out to the world’s poor and suffering, said ecu- tthehe beginningsbeginnings ofof Christianity,Christianityy,, mainlymainly in menical delegates to the world Synod of Bishops. tthehe ministryministry ofof Peter and Paul.Paul. Anti-Catholic rhetoric aimed at Al Smith in the 1928 Many Catholic members of the synod speaking Oct. 7-9 istoricalistotorrical Books election was surely not the first time the faithful were praised Protestant groups for their work in distributing Bibles accused of not reading the Bible, but the quote, which the and expressed admiration for the centrality their churches give to cts ooff the AApostlespostles Joshuaa EzraEzra Daytona Beach Fla., school board ordered placed in the the word of God. JudgesJudges NehemiahNehemiah lunch pails of all its students, still packed a wallop. At the same time, the first three ecumenical delegates to RuthRuth TobitTobit It’s unclear how the rumor spread and multiplied among address the synod expressed hope that as Catholics focus more ( 1 SamuelSamuuel JudithJudith the masses that Catholics don’t read the Bible. It is a rumor on the Bible, the Christian churches would draw closer together 2 SamuelSamuuel EstherEsther Catholics and still making the rounds, from well-educated adults wondering in faith and in action. 1 KingsKinggs 1 MaccabeesMaccabees out loud to elementary school students who question their WrittenWritten byb PaulPaul or hishis followers,followers, thesethese 2 KingsKinggs 2 MaccabeesMaccabees U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation Catholic classmates about their disregard of God’s word. lettersletters focusfoocus on thethe apostle’sapostle’s teacteachings,hings, 1 ChroniclesChronicles for the Doctrine of the Faith, told the synod Oct. 8 that a close adviceadvice andannd personalpersonal witness.witness. 2 ChroniclesChronicles “The idea that Catholics don't read the Bible is common among some of our Protestant brothers and sisters,” said (Please See BIBLE/13) Deacon Tim Graham, of Junction. “I don't know how that ( falsehood historically started. The truth is that there has ettersttteers of St. PPaPaulaul never been a ban on reading scripture by the Catholic Cardinal DiNardo: Church, as I have heard some say.” UsingUsing the balanced and symmetricalsymmetrical their Bibles Romans 1 Thessalonians phrasesphrasees unique to Hebrew poetry,poetryy,, thesethese Graham said growing up in a pre-Vatican II Church, the 1 Corinthians Corinthhians 2 Thessalonians books’books’ main purposepurpose is instruction.instruction. Bible was honored and revered. “We read the Bible in my 2 Corinthians Corinthhians 11T Timothyimothy family. We had Bible stories, studies and readings all Bible Belt is a Galatianss 22T Timothyimothy through the Catholic grade school I attended and when EphesiansEphesians TitusTitus isdomdom Books Vatican II began, the emphasis was made even stronger.” PhilippiansPhilippians Philemon Some fundamentalist ‘Bible’ churches seem to think that ColossiansColossianns Hebrews Job SongsSongs GULLY: Even homily utilizes Bible the Catholic Church pays little heed to the Bible, Graham ‘frame of mind’ Psalmss WisdomWisdom ProverProverbsrbs SirachSirach said. What they fail to realize is that the Roman Catholic (From 3) At the beginning of the Gospel, we self-giving, and not only during Mass, ( EcclesiEcclesiastesastes (Ecclesiasticus)(Ecclesiasticus) Church is responsible for their having a Bible at all and that have the custom of making the sign of but in their entire Christian life.” Catholic News Service for 2,000 years scripture has been central to Catholic verse as a strength and encourage- the cross of Jesus Christ on our fore- The second part of the Mass, the TheseThese letters,letters, testifyingtestifying to apostolicapostolic thought, teaching and preaching. ment in our daily lives. heads to open our minds to under- Liturgy of the Eucharist, has many VATICAN CITY — The Bible Belt refers geographically to bbeliefs,eliefs, areare “Catholic”“Catholic” becausebecause theythey ( “The Bible is central to the Catholic Church because the Then after another pause for silent stand and remember the words of themes from the Bible, so explicit in parts of the southern United States, but it is also “a frame of mainlymainly addressadddress thethe churchchurch at large.large. Word of God is alive,” he said. “For Catholics, Sacred reflection, we listen to a second read- Christ, on our lips that we may coura- the Institution narrative: “Take this, mind” in which Bible passages and images are alive and rele- The prophetsprrophets were chosen byby God Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the actual practice of the ing from the New Testament: the Acts geously speak the words and life of all of you, and eat it: this is my body vant to life, said Texas Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of to receive receeive divine communications and faith all come together to form a unified approach to life of the Apostles or one of the letters, Jesus in our daily lives, and in our which will be given up for you.” Galveston-Houston. atholictholic LettLettersteers tranmittranmit them to the Jewish people.people. and the marvelous ways God has revealed the reality of the depending on the time of the year. heart that we may give our soul and “Take this, all of you, and drink from The cardinal addressed the world Synod of Bishops on the Trinity to us and continues to call us into a deeper relation- There is another quiet moment to will entirely to Jesus Christ. it: this is the cup of my blood, the absorb this Word of God. Even the homily is a careful reflec- blood of the new and everlasting Bible Oct. 11, sharing stories of faith from his region and sug- JamesJames 1 John ship throughout our lives.” gesting the Catholic Church draw up a “compendium for the 1 Peter 2 John ropheticophetichetic BooksB Bishop Michael Pfeifer reiterated Graham’s words, say- Then comes the climax of the tion and application to our daily lives covenant. It will be shed for you and Liturgy of the Word—a passage from of the Scriptures just proclaimed. for all so that sins may be forgiven. reading and sharing of sacred Scripture.” 2 Peter 3 John ing, the Bible is given great importance in the life of the Cardinal DiNardo said the document should be addressed to Jude Isaiah Obadiah one of the four Gospels. We prepare The weekday Masses are similar, Do this in memory of me.” church, “especially since Vatican II, which pointed out its for this proclamation of the “Good except there is only one reading taken Many of us growing up in the last the faithful, not experts, and should “highlight the rich and use- JeremiahJeremiah Jonah great importance,” Pfeifer said. “Vatican II pointed out the ( LamentationsLamenntations Micah News” (that is what Gospel means) from the Old Testament or New millennium lived in a time when there ful methods and approaches in the church, past and present, for Baruchh Nahum readings we would have in the Mass, the A, B and C years by standing for full attention and by Testament with the psalm, in a two- was a great fear of private and person- reading, interpreting, praying and living the word of God.” EzekialEzekiaal Habakkuk that would allow us to basically cover the entire Bible. In singing the gospel acclamation –the year cycle, and the Gospel. The al interpretation of the Bible. The The compendium would provide guidance to Catholics who Also calledcalled the Apocalypse,Apocalypse, this highlyhighly Daniell ZeZephaniahphaniah our preaching, we’re supposed to preach out of the word of Alleluia, Praise be to God, (except in Lectionary for the Mass states in its Bible was always at the heart of read the Bible alone or in groups and would give them an symbolicsymbolic work was written to meet Hosea HaHaggaiggai God. Our preaching is not from human word, it is from Lent when a different acclamation is Introduction, #48, “When they hear Christian faith and practice, but it understanding of the church’s approach to the Scriptures, which the crisis ofof Roman persecution.persecution. Joel Zechariah God’s word.” sung). This is joyful and exciting to the word of God and reflect deeply on was largely dormant until the Second is important especially for Catholics who “deal regularly with Amos Malachi In the December Angelus: As we approach the beginning of a stir our hearts to receive the encour- it, Christ’s faithful are enabled to Vatican Council in 1962-1965. The New Year, many people make attempts to read their Bible. How can ©2008 CNS you better do that, and not get bogged down in Leviticus. agement, and even challenges of the respond to it actively with full faith, (Please See DiNARDO/12) evelationevelation Words of Jesus Christ. hope, and charity through prayer and (Please See BIBLE/20) Page 12 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus DiNARDO: INDIA: Appeals to end violence have fallen on deaf ears (From 1) killed, and some 50,000 poor Christians Ahimsa? After all, Hindus are by and large the abandoned everything they had, had run most tolerant and peace-loving people in the Lakshananda Saraswathi, a VHP guru who away to the forests to save their lives. world. Bible belt a violently opposed Christian Missionaries, Repeated appeals by the Church authori- Terrorists, whether Islamic Taliban or was brutally murdered together with four of ties and others to the Chief Minister of Hindu Bajran-Dal, are but the different faces his disciples by Maoists, an extremely vio- Orissa, Naveen Patnaik – a BJP man,whose of the same coin - evil. What made these lent leftist Communist faction, who follow Party openly supported the radical Hindu radicals so brutal and evil in this 21st centu- ‘frame of the “Cultural Revolution” policy of the late factions -- fell on deaf ears. The Central ry? People have lived for thousands of Chinese leader Mao – eliminate all those Government in New Delhi ruled by the years in perfect harmony and peace in India. opposed to you. The Swamy and his fol- Congress-led coalition promised all help to Why then this narrow fundamentalism that lowers opposed all conversions, especially protect the lives and property of the we see in India now. A certain sense of mind’ to Christianity – not only of Hindus convert- Christians, and sent paramilitary force to the insecurity felt by some, for their ancestral (From 11) ing to Christianity, but also the tribals who State to establish law and order, and protect religion may be one reason. A peek into the are not Hindus, becoming Christians. Along the lives and property of the Christians. But recent history of India may give us a clue. the way, the Swamy also clashed with the the BJP, the ruling party in Orissa did little Before the arrival of the Europeans in the non-Catholic Bible study groups and Maoists, the radical Marxist faction who, to help the battered Christian Community. Middle Ages, India was ruled by Mogul individuals,” he said. true to their doctrine decided to do away Mr. Man Mohan Singh, the Prime Emperors (Moslem) from Delhi, and many Cardinal DiNardo told the synod he with him. On August 23, a group of well- Minister of India called the happenings in of the princely states had Moslem rulers too. was speaking on “behalf of Catholics armed Maoists surprised the Swamy and his Orissa a “national shame.” I would say it is Under centuries of Islamic rule, many who live in the famous Bible Belt of the disciples in his ‘Ashram’, and cold-blood- an “International Shame!” But the Prime Hindus embraced Islam and the Moslem southern United States. But, though a edly shot them dead. Later, the Maoists Minister, while sympathetic toward the population grew. At the time of location, the Bible Belt is a frame of claimed responsibility for the murder of the Christians, was more preoccupied with sign- Independence, the Moslems wanted a sepa- mind also.” Swami, but the Maoists are an invisible ing the nuclear deal with the US than with rate country based on religion carved out of “There are surely issues and problems group who mostly hide themselves in the the events in Orissa, and was away from the India. Thus Pakistan, and later Bangladesh with this mindset,” he said, “but it has vast forests and inaccessible areas of the country while Orissa was burning! And the came into being for Moslems only. Many kept alive a biblical imagination and country. But the Christians are very much Chief Minister of Orissa, was claiming all Hindus are worried that conversion to vocabulary” as well as a sense of God visible and an easy target, even though they the while, that peace has been restored, and Christianity would create a similar situation still at work in the world. had nothing to do with the murder of the everything was normal -- while the orgy in the future, when Christians may demand Cardinal DiNardo told the synod about Swami. The radical Hindu factions -- the continued unabated! Hatred of Christianity a State for them – a la Pakistan, Bangladesh! a Catholic woman whose home was VHP and Bajrang Dal who hate the is nothing new to Orissa. It was some ten Hence they are allergic to Missionaries try- destroyed by Hurricane Ike and a non- Christians anyway -- turned their fury on years ago that the Australian Missionary ing to convert people to Christianity. Catholic woman whose home was flood- them. The murder of the Swami was not the Graham Stains, together with two of his lit- We have also to admit that some funda- ed to the second floor. reason but only an occasion for these radical tle children were burnt alive in their jeep. mental Christian sects have hurt the feelings He met the Catholic when he went to Hindu groups supported by the BJP The Stains family had lived and spent all of Hindus by going to places where they the cathedral to assess the damage. She (Bharathiya Janatha Party), a Hindu Political their life among the lepers to give them gather in great numbers for their feasts and hope and a better life. The reward they celebrations, and proclaim a narrow, pervert- noted that the statue of Mary was still on party that is in power in the State of Orissa, to give vent to their anger and hatred received in return? A brutal death by fire for ed form of Christianity, declaring that, to be top of the cathedral and, quoting from towards Christians and Christianity, in a him, and for his two little children. saved, all must become Christians, if not, it the Gospel of Luke, she said, “‘Blessed well planned, well- organized manner. Country-wide protests in India by is hell for them! The average man in India is she among women.’ We will be okay.” All hell broke loose as mobs of hundreds Christians, closing down all their educational does not make a distinction between the An hour later he met the other woman of these radicals, well armed with all types institutions and taking out peace-marches, Catholic Church and the other Christian who talked about the damage to her of weapons began a systematic, selective concern expressed by the Vatican, the US, the sects. For him all are Christians, just as for home, saying, “but ‘the Lord drew me attack on Christians. Their houses were loot- European Union , the UN and others, made most average Americans, Moslems are all out of the miry clay,’” a line from Psalm ed and burned, churches and prayer huts the rulers in New Delhi warn the BJP-led the same, whether Shia or Sunni, little real- 40. destroyed, sacred images and statues thrown government of Orissa to reign in the terrorists izing that Shias and Sunnis kill each other “Both responses were deeply biblical down and desecrated. Schools, hospitals, and protect the Christians. The worst affected with religious fervor! and touching,” the cardinal told the orphanages, convents and homes for the dis- region was the District of Kandhamal. What is the remedy for this tragic situa- synod. abled – everything that was Christian -- was By mid-October the orgy somewhat sub- tion? For one thing, many well informed While some Americans would ridicule razed to the ground or burned with inmates sided. But what of those thousands of who Indians of all creeds and political leaders their faith and Bible quoting, he said, still in them. Priests, catechists and other fled into the forests abandoning everything have demanded that the radical Hindu outfits “they both displayed intelligence and ministers brutally assaulted, nuns and the to save their lives? Now they are allowed to like the Bajrang Dal and the VHP be banned, humility. Their attitude reflected open- inmates of asylums for the physically and return to their villages only on one condition just as SIMI, the Taliban and other radical ness to the Holy Spirit and their quota- mentally disabled were assaulted and raped – convert to Hinduism! Sadly a number of Islamic outfits have been banned in the coun- tions of the biblical texts were wise and in public. Scores of people were brutally Christians have been physically forced to try. Many in India, including political leaders prayerful.” murdered, some burned alive. The most des- ‘become’ Hindus and allowed to come back. and Hindu religious heads are embarrassed Cardinal DiNardo said he hoped the picable aspect of this orgy of violence was “Why?”, one may ask, “India, a democrat- and ashamed of the brutal attack on helpless synod would keep such people in mind that while this religious “cleansing” was ic country- the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the Christians, destruction of their Churches and Father of Non-Violence - of Mother Teresa, places of worship, the dastardly assault and in its deliberations, helping the faithful, going on, police in Orissa turned a deaf ear to the cry for help from the victims -- some the Apostle of the slums who was honored rape of helpless nuns. Many of these well- correcting them when necessary, but of them even joining in this diabolic horror. with a state funeral – a rare honor given to placed men in society had their education in especially supporting “their hope and By mid-September more than 300 vil- no other non-political persons in the long Christian schools and colleges. their lived knowledge that God is active lages were burnt, more than 4,000 houses history of the country -- should be victimized We hope and pray this cancer of intoler- in the world.” destroyed, scores of people killed or burnt by a small section of Hindu fanatics and ance that has appeared in Orissa, does not alive, many more missing, very likely, thus tarnish the fair name of the land of spread to other parts of India. The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 13 Satan The Adversary (Pt. 2) ARE YOU QUALIFIED? Devil has been counter to all things good since dawn of time Are you… Unhappy with your cur- (The following is Part 2 of a three creations, the human body—espe- method of predation, refused to turn to God, holy and completely, rent job (underpaid, over- part series. Kyle Clement is a cially obvious in the practice of succumb to it, led others to God, we come as close as possible to worked, blocked from parishioner at Sacred Heart abortion. Abortion not only kills an and thereby defeated the adversary. reentering the garden, that preter- promotion)? Church in Abilene.) innocent human being, but also Our victory lies in his defeat; we natural relationship, because every-  Currently looking for cancels a ray of creation. What cannot peacefully co-exist, for he thing else falls away. When Eve a new career (sending By Kyle Clement great works in the world would this militates against our seeking God. encounters the serpent, and he out resumes, asking child have done? What example We go to the Scriptures for our beguiles her, she totally focuses on about opportunities, Building upon the last article, would this child have been? basis of cosmic law; that is, those him and not God. We must main- unemployed)? Satan the Adversary, we shall dis- The adversary need not worry rules of creation which God prom- tain our focus on God lest we be  Facing an uncertain cuss the multi-generational aspect about the opponent he can cause to ulgated to govern his creation and beguiled. We must talk to God and future (downsizing, of the adversary’s predation upon be killed in the womb. Gossip, maintain the natural order. The listen to him, so that when he involved in a family mankind, and some cosmic laws slander, calumny, addictions, infi- adversary deliberately seeks to speaks we may recognize his voice. business, in an appoint- which govern engaging him in bat- delities, and all the sins of the flesh cloud and confuse the many sub- Eve knew very well the voice of ed position)? tle. — though less obvious —cancel or tleties of the natural law and has God, yet chose to listen to the voice  Being paid less than Spiritual beings such as demons dim rays of creation. The adver- become quite adept over the ages at of the adversary. We see the venge- your worth (maxed out must have a physical presence in sary, an opportunistic predator, will actually pitting the creation against ful and hateful nature of the adver- in pay, subject to pay order to facilitate many of their continue to tempt us in the same the creator; for example, the atheist sary in his choice of an animal form limits, can’t go any high- activities here on earth. Their pos- weaknesses and wounds as long as whose very denial of a God who to tempt the woman. His disdain er)? session, oppression, and infestation he succeeds. Self destructive created him. Man continually seeks and hatred for his creator, who in  A member of the (the varying levels of demonic behaviors run in families (rays of God, suffers, and dies. This attack our discussion of the Incarnation in Knights of Columbus (or influence in a human’s life) are the creation): so he attacks families is nothing new. In Genesis we first the previous article, is willing to eligible to join)? counterfeit of the action of God fill- which produce or can produce spiri- glimpse cosmic law in the narrative take a form less than himself, so  Personable and out- ing someone with the Holy Spirit. tual warriors. Examples abound of of “The Fall.” Adam and Eve enrages Lucifer that he rebels and going? Humans must be willing to accept, families who succumb to alco- enjoy a preternatural relationship says “I will not serve a God who  Anxious to earn an encourage, and make themselves holism, divorce, infidelity, drug with God in which they had direct will take a form less than me,” (the income equal to your available to be filled with Holy addiction, child abuse, pornogra- communication, and creature was sin of Satan). In the most belliger- worth? Spirit; likewise, evil operates in phy, and countless other sins. Each directly connected to creator with- ent and hateful manner possible  Seeking independ- those willing to facilitate evil. generation within a family may per- out interference. Envious of this toward God Satan takes one of the ence and control of your Those who seek a life in Christ petuate nefarious and self-fulfilling relationship, the adversary enters lowest animal forms to cause the own destiny? endeavor to make themselves a prophecies or curses (my father/ the picture and seeks to confuse, fall of God’s human creation. As a worthy receptacle of the Holy Spirit mother did it, I’m no better than contaminate, and obviate it. He result of the fall, God addresses Do You… by pursuing devotions and various them, it is inevitable). Once we tempted Eve with a lie (“surely you man, woman, and Satan (in the Have a Catholic acts of piety with an eye toward recognize that our family may have shall not die, but have knowledge”). form of the serpent). In Genesis 3, Heart? Need a sanctity. Likewise, the adversary exposed us to this vulnerability The adversary still lies and man God bans Satan from all animals Professional Income? “scouts” those who show disre- through the sins of parents and/or still falls for it. God knows our and all wild creatures, a clear cos- Desire your own busi- spect, disdain, or outright contempt ancestors, we become responsible relationship to Him is purest when mic law or edict from God, where- ness? Want excel- for God’s presence in the world and for the rehabilitation of our ray of nothing else occupies our mind, by demons are banned from enter- lent company benefits? for others. creation. Tumultuous times make time or efforts. ing animals or wild creatures. This Want a chance of a life- This contempt may be subtly truly great spiritual warriors and The Israelites were never closer cosmic law is affirmed in the time career? shown in various ways—like acts saints. Many of them, once great to God than in the desert. When we of desecration against one of God’s sinners themselves, recognized this suffer or undergo great trial and (Please See SATAN/18) Opportunity open in San Angelo Diocese BE A MEMBER OF THE BIBLE: Synod holds promise of renewal for entire Christian faith TEXAS HIGH PER- FORMANCE AGENCY (From 11) members to keep the ecumenical dimension of the life and mission of ately needs the united witness of TEAM! importance of the synod’s theme in the church.” Christians who love one another. BROTHER KNIGHTS relationship exists between the mind as they discuss and deliberate The message, read by Romanian The Rev. Robert K. Welsh, the SERVICING BROTHER Scriptures and ecumenism. because “the attention given to the Orthodox Metropolitan Nifon of U.S.-based president of the Disciples KNIGHTS “The Bible is truly a terrain for written word of God is certainly a Targoviste, the WCC representative of Christ’s council on Christian unity, unity,” he said. very strong bond that draws the at the synod, also said the synod’s told the synod Oct. 9 that “Christian For career information However, the cardinal said, “one Catholic Church closer to the other focus held a promise for the renew- unity stands at the heart of the contact General cannot ignore the historical fact that confessions.” al of the entire Christian church. Gospel’s message; division within Agent: is at the root of the division In an Oct. 7 message to the “How the word of God resonates in the body of Christ is a scandal before Jim Seideman, FIC, between Christians: the controver- synod, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, gen- our lives, transforms us and motivates God and before the world.” CLU, CSA sial interpretation of certain impor- eral secretary of the World Council deeds of love among us is indeed He also said that focusing on the (877) 797-5632 – Toll tant fundamental biblical texts,” of Churches and a Methodist minis- central for the holistic mission of the importance of Scripture is “a theme Free, including those over the identity of ter from Kenya, said that Jesus’ church,” Rev. Kobia wrote. that is central to the life of the whole or email Christ, the means of salvation and prayer in the Gospel of St. John that He said the world, “torn apart by church, calling forth obedience in the James.seideman@ the role of the church in interpret- his disciples would be one shows conflict and war, divided between church’s listening, obedience in our kofc.org ing Scripture. that “the search for the visible unity rich and poor and haunted by com- proclamation and obedience in our Cardinal Levada asked synod of the church is an indispensable munal hatred and violence,” desper- responding to the Word of God .” Page 14 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus Family Is Thanksgiving losing its niche in today’s world? By Dan Morris / Catholic News Service Actually, I support Halloween lights, that is, not starting to candy, costumes, cards and weird boxer shorts. It has added decorate the nation like it's Christmas before the nation's chil- lights. Christmas has everything else. knew I should have been worried about Thanksgiving a couple of dren have had a decent chance at making themselves sick on Thanksgiving has to start thinking outside the box. Contests months ago when I saw Halloween stuff starting to sneak onto the Halloween candy and their parents have enjoyed the annual tra- to see who can make the most intriguing sculptures of turkey Ichain store shelves shortly after Labor Day. Actually, it might have dition of shoveling stomped pumpkin moosh off the front porch. carcasses won't pack it anymore. (Although I admit a deep been a little before Labor Day. Halloween lights are festive and provide little children a respect for the carcass artists who can turn a turkey skeleton I would have mentioned this sooner, but I measure of additional safety so they can see where they are into a pretty cool-looking pirate ship.) have been busy reading the Christmas sale falling when their masks cover their faces and they can't see Maybe Thanksgiving can steal a little thunder from promotions that started a couple of weeks and they start screaming: "I'm scared. I want to go home. Christmas and start billing itself more as a time to launch a before Halloween. Mommy ate my best Snickers. I can't see. Help." renewed awareness that Christmas is the celebration of the It is my sincere hope that we will have a Worried about Thanksgiving, you ask? It is being squished birth of Jesus. It can bill itself as a kind of advance warning chance to celebrate Christmas before Valentine's between Halloween and Christmas until its eyes are bugging system for Christmas. Advance? That's almost like Day advertising and heart-shaped candy boxes out. It is being reduced to a kind of national drum roll preced- "Advent." and disgusting heart-festooned underwear dis- ing the biggest shopping day of the year. I know what you are thinking: Advent lights. Maybe we plays muscle their way onto the scene. Morris You get the impression that the traditional intake of a could even go with Advent candles. Buy new ones on Candidly, I find this all a little confusing -- month's worth of food on Thanksgiving Thursday itself is pri- Thanksgiving! and not just the weird underwear. For one thing, this is the marily so that you won't have to eat on Friday as you tear This could be a good start. first year I can recall seeing so many Christmas lights set up through malls and shopping centers wondering why there are By the way, Dec. 3 is the first Sunday of Advent. Suddenly, before Halloween. People are calling them Halloween lights, so many displays of heart-shaped candy boxes. I am not so worried about Thanksgiving. even though they are about the same color as Christmas But at least they are on sale. --- lights, lots of them twinkle and no one seems to be in a big Yes, Thanksgiving needs to start standing up for itself again. (Comments are welcome. E-mail Uncle Dan at cnsun- hurry to take them down. It needs to find a stronger marketing theme. Halloween has [email protected].)

Bill & Monica Dodds Fostering your ‘missionary spirit’ By Bill and Monica Dodds row. Or get some fresh air and exercise. Or a brother or sister, a friend, a classmate, a Catholic News Service just settle down and be in a "time out." Or neighbor, a workmate, an employer, a spouse come to appreciate the fact that money does- or single person, a priest or religious, a par- e parents can't be accused of not fostering a n't grow on trees. ent, a grandparent, a retiree, a healthy person missionary spirit in our children. (Yes, you promised yourself you'd never or one with health problems, and on and on W("Missionary," coming from the Latin tell your kids that money doesn't grow on and on. "mitto," "mittere," "misi," trees, but there you are telling them just that. And in every setting that we find ourselves "missus," meaning "to send.") And if you want to do something nice for or move ourselves into over the years, it's our As our kids grow up, one of the your own parents, let your mom and dad heavenly Father who sees the infinite picture most frequent commands they know that you told your children about and tells us to go. To love. And to serve. hear from us is "Go!" money and trees. That'll make their day.) On the Web: A Mom and Dad on World "Go get ready for bed." Why are parents so fond of "Go!"? It's part Mission Sunday, Oct. 19 "Go help your sister." of our job. Our duty. Our responsibility. We And speaking of parents and missionaries, "Go set the table." know from experience that after our children the mother and father of St. Therese of "Go say you're sorry." have heard it for many years they're more Lisieux (1873-1897) are scheduled to be "Go do your home- likely to say it to themselves as they get beatified on World Mission Sunday. Therese work." Monica and Bill older. Maturity lets a person spot "here" and (along with St. Francis Xavier, 1506-1552) is "Go outside and play." Dodds "there" and recognize there are some things the patron of foreign missions, even though "Go to your room! he or she should be doing "there." she was a cloistered Carmelite nun. You can Now! Go!" In high school it might mean going over read more about Therese and Francis at "You want more money? Go get a job this and talking to the new kid who seems to be www.xaviermissionaries.org, and about summer." floundering or the classmate who has a hard Therese's parents at www.sttherese.com. Seeing the big picture, we moms and dads time making friends. In college it could be Next: Why Halloween can be good for the know that our little dears are "here," but now getting up and going to class even if that soul it's time for them to move "there." And while class begins at (yawn) 9 a.m. --- ANSWERS they're "there," they should brush their teeth On the job, in a marriage, as a parent, at Bill and Monica Dodds are the founders of and put on their pajamas. Or assist a sibling. the parish and, of course, at the end of Mass: the Friends of St. John the Caregiver and edi- Or get the dishes and silverware out. Or apol- "Go. Love. Serve." tors of My Daily Visitor magazine. Their Web The Just 4 Kids page with puzzle will ogize (face-to-face) for misbehavior. Or fin- site is www.FSJC.org. They can be contacted return in the November Angelus. As Catholics, each of us is a "multiple mis- at [email protected]. ish that school assignment that's due tomor- sionary." Called. Sent -- as a son or daughter, The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 15 JUST 4 KIDS Jesus' teaching authority is questioned

esus was teaching in the temple area not go. Which of the two did his father's when some of the chief priests and will?" Jelders came up to him and asked him, Many of the people answered at the "By what authority are you doing these same time. "The first," they said. things? And who gave you this authority?" "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and Jesus knew they were trying to trick him, prostitutes are entering the kingdom of so he said in reply, "I shall ask you one God before you." SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS him on Sept. 28. question, and if you answer it for me, then Jesus stood up and pointed out into the St. Wenceslaus Wenceslaus (907- 929) was the son of the ruler of BIBLE TRIVIA I shall tell you by what authority I do these crowd. "When John came to you in the Bohemia who had become a Christian. Which Gospel opens with, "In the things. Where was John's baptism from? way of righteousness, you did not believe He was raised by his grandmother St. beginning ..."? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?" him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Ludmila, who was committed to teach- Answer: John. The men whispered to each other. "If we Yet even when you saw that, you did not ing him to love God and to follow his say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, later change your minds and believe him." commandments. She was aided by a PUZZLE 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if Jesus continued to teach using para- priest in this endeavor. Wenceslaus' Using the Gospel of Matthew as a we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the bles. He told the people about greedy ten- father died and his mother assumed guide, indicate whether the following crowd, for they all regard John as a ants who beat a landowners' servants and leadership of the country. She was not statements are true or false. Chapter prophet." One of the men, speaking for the even killed the man's own son. He remind- numbers have been provided as hints: as Christian as her husband and did others, said, "We do not know." ed them of a passage from the Psalms not encourage the people to become Christians. Ludmila told Wenceslaus T F 1. Matthew traced Jesus' family So Jesus told them, "Neither shall I tell that said, "The stone that the builders that if he became the ruler to continue back as far as Abraham (1). you by what authority I do these things." rejected has become the cornerstone." to serve God. Ludmila was murdered, T F 2. Joseph was "a voice crying out Jesus continued with his teaching by And he said to them, "Therefore, I say but Wenceslaus' mother was dethroned in the wilderness" (3). telling the people a story. "What is your to you, the kingdom of God will be and he became the new leader. He T F 3. Jesus chose 150 men to be his opinion?" he asked them. "A man had two taken away from you and given to a said he would support God's law and closest followers (10). sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, people that will produce its fruit." oppose murder. He also tried to estab- T F 4. Peter walked on water (14). go out and work in the vineyard today.' He lish friendly relations with neighboring T F 5. The greatest commandment is said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards READ MORE ABOUT IT: Matthew 21 countries. After being murdered by his to love God (22). changed his mind and went. The man Q&A 1. Who asked Jesus about his own brother, Wenceslaus was declared T F 6. Andrew betrayed Jesus (26). a martyr by his people. We remember T F 7. Mary found Jesus' tomb empty came to the other son and gave the same authority? 2. What did Jesus say about the (28). order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did rejected stone?

Coming of Age A question for teens to ask: What's the point? By Erick Rommel class, for example, you're shown people attempting the Academy Award, wanted to be a reporter. On the first day Catholic News Service same things centuries apart, and you learn that those who of a high school journalism class, her teacher wrote six forget the past are condemned to repeat it. words on the blackboard: who, what, when, where, why You don't realize it at the time, but the most important In art you are exposed to a variety of styles. It's easy to and how. These are the six basic questions that should be in thing you learn in school isn't reading, writing or arith- see how predecessors and mentors influence each genera- the lead of any news article. metic; it's learning how to take those skills and apply them tion once you become familiar with an artist's preferences. Then Ephron's teacher told the class to write a lead using to questions you've never been asked before. Every school lesson has one goal: To teach you to think. these facts, "The principal of Beverly Hills High School This process begins at an early age. A decision made in the present moment becomes the cul- announced today that the faculty of the high school will When you learn to read and write, you don't memorize mination of everything leading to up to it and influences travel to Sacramento Thursday for a colloquium in new every word in your spoken language; you learn how words everything to come. teaching methods. Speaking there will be Margaret Mead, are formed so you can identify new words as you see them. To put it another way, a kiss may just be a kiss. But if it's the anthropologist, and two other people." Even decades later, you use those skills to read and spell the first kiss with your future spouse, then your future chil- The students each wrote lead paragraphs. All said some- words you've never learned before. dren have a lot riding on it. thing along the lines of "Margaret Mead and X and Y will The same is true for math. You learn multiplication tables While we're all exposed to these lessons in school, how address the faculty in Sacramento, Thursday, at a colloqui not just to know that six times eight is always 48, but to we apply them makes us who we are and sets us on the um on new teaching methods, the principal announced know that six times 1,334 is always 8,004. career paths we choose. today." Variations of this lesson exist with all subjects. In history As a child, Nora Ephron, a screenwriter nominated for an (Please See AGE/19) Page 16 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus A Mother’s Guilt: Handing life over to God By Sylvia Moreno turn to a support group for families with a Criminal Justice Ministry loved one in prison. I was able to open up Our Holy I have a son and grandson who both In February 2008, a New Life Ministry (NLM) and share the struggles with my son and Father’s have had a history of drug abuse. My son support group was established in Midland. The grandson, and the fear associated with Monthly struggled with drugs since he was 16 and group meets every Thursday at 7p.m. in Rooms both being released from prison very soon. he is now 32, while my grandson has had 1&2 of the parish hall at St. Stephen’s, 4601 The support group was loving and help- Intentions Neely Ave., in Midland. The NLM support group an addiction since age 11, and he recently is for families with a loved one in prison or jail. ful. They told me that I shouldn’t blame 2008 turned 21. It was not just narcotic drugs Also, those who recently returned home from myself, as my son and grandson have a that lead to incarceration, but alcohol, as prison are encouraged to attend so they can be free will to make their own choices. I offered love and support which is so desperately well. Both have spent time in juvenile needed during the difficult transition period follow- learned that addiction to drugs is very dif- November detention and county jails prior to extend- ing incarceration. In addition, children are wel- ficult to overcome. I began to realize that Love of God and Neighbor. That the tes- ed time in federal and state prisons. I come as a separate program is offered for them. I needed to give my son and grandson’s timony of love offered by the saints may forti- knew very little about drugs and felt hope- An 8-week program concluding with a healing problems to God, as I was not going to be fy Christians in their devotion to God and Mass is the focus. A different reflection is pre- neighbor, imitating Christ, who came to less in not being able to help them. Their sented each week. This is a community wide able to fix things on my own. I now serve and not to be served. drug activities led to gangs, guns, fighting support group; open to all, Catholic and non- understand that God was by my side all The Church in Asia. That the Christian and to very serious drive by shootings at Catholics. There is time devoted to listen to oth- along, and was just waited for me to give communities of Asia, contemplating the face ers and share, if one desires. Everything shared of Christ, may find the most suitable ways to my home. is held in strict confidence. Prayer is an impor- things to Him. I have found great faith in I was a single mother and worked long tant part of our time together. As a Church, we being able to let God take charge. My son announce him, in full faithfulness to the hours to provide for my children. During are to be Christ’s hands and feet, offering love and grandson are now home and making Gospel. and compassion to others, so that they might their times of incarceration, I would blame experience peace and a renewed sense of good progress. They have both found jobs December myself. I would ask, “Where did I go hope, a New Life in Christ. and are attending Church. I am now able Culture of Life. That, faced with the grow- wrong, and what kind of a mother am I.” The NLM support group in Midland is just the let God take control, while I pray for con- ing expansion of the culture of violence and I would pray and ask God to give me the beginning. For more information on how you or tinued positive changes in their lives, and death, the Church may courageously pro- your parish community can help in this important mote the culture of life through all her apos- strength so I could ‘fix things’. With this ministry, call Deacon Bob Leibrecht at 432-889- just take things one day at a time. situation seeming hopeless, I decided to 3858. tolic and missionary activities. Fraternal Witness. That, especially in mission countries, Christians may show through gestures of kindness that the Child Criminal Justice Sunday scheduled for Nov. 15-16 born in Bethlehem is the hope of the world. Within the San Angelo diocese, there are also provide an opportunity for a focused Besides ministry to the incarcerated, Daily Offering Prayer 50 facilities of incarceration with a effort to recruit volunteers to join this min- there is a great need to establish a New O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart Catholic population of over 8,000 in feder- istry. Life Ministry (NLM) support group in of Mary I offer you my prayers, works, al, state, juvenile and county jails, about After the weekend Masses, there will be each parish or town. This NLM support joys and sufferings of this day in union 10% of our diocesan congregation. To a table at the back of church at each parish group is for families dealing with a loved with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass increase awareness and heighten concern where active ministry volunteers and/or one incarcerated, as well as, those return- throughout the world. I offer them for all for our incarcerated brothers and sisters, helpers are available, to provide material ing home from prison. Your involvement the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the Bishop Michael Pfeifer is officially declar- to solicit interest. The volunteers in these in this effort will help those struggling and salvation of souls, reparation for sin and ing Nov. 15-16 (33rd Sunday in Ordinary parishes will be speaking about their jail in pain come to realize that “Church” is the reunion of all Christians. Time) as Criminal Justice Sunday. To and prison experiences, either from the where they truly can receive love, accept- I offer them for the intentions of our bring the topic of injustices within the pulpit and/or at the tables to encourage ance and understanding. Won’t you bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, prison system to the forefront of our faith- your involvement. Please stop by to learn respond to God’s call and put your faith and in particular for those recommend- ful, the celebration of Mass for this week- about the various areas of Criminal Justice and love into action? Please contact ed by our Holy Father this month. end will take on the theme of Criminal Ministry that you might want to join. Just Deacon Bob Leibrecht at 432-889-3858 Justice in terms of the homily, music, fill out the application portion of the min- for further details. prayers and petitions. The weekend will istry form and leave at the table.

Mystical Rose Catholic Books and Gifts

1317 N. 8th Street, Suite 100 Abilene, TX (325) 829-8512 Our sole purpose is to bring Jesus and Our Blessed Mother to Catholics in West Texas by offering Catholic books, statues, rosaries and other Sacramentals. All of our profits are donated to Catholic causes.

Hours -- MWF -- 2:00-5:00 [email protected] Sat. -- 12:00-5:00 The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 17 VOTE: Poll finds Catholic Culture lawmakers largely pro life (From 9)

Democratic votes to more closely mirroring the general public’s voting, White said. Actor Michael York poses during an interview in For some voters that shift was about supporting the party that, Rome Oct. 15 to promote a new documentary beginning with Republican President Ronald Reagan, was more film on the life of Pope John Paul II. The late closely identified with anti-abortion policies. But White said it pope was lightly wounded by a knife-wielding was more rooted in the upward mobility of Catholics whose par- priest in 1982, one year after a gunman tried to ents had been blue-collar workers but who themselves had high- kill him in St. Peter' s Square, the late pope's er incomes and higher standards of living. top aide discloses in the documentary “Catholics became the ‘haves,’” he said. Gregory Smith, a research fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, said Catholics this year were closely mirroring overall support being shown in polls for Sen. Barack Obama, an Illinois Democrat. Pew polling through mid-October showed white Catholics supporting Obama by 8 points, a shift since September when white Catholics favored Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona by 13 points. Pew divides its religion subgroups into white Catholics and Hispanic Catholics, but Smith did not pro- vide information on Hispanic Catholics or for all Catholics. Poignancy, surprises in new film about late pope Zogby International’s daily tracking poll of Oct. 23 showed Obama favored by 56 to 37 points among Catholics and with a By John Thavis based on a book of memoirs by In the film, Cardinal Dziwisz said lead of 52 to 41 points among all voters surveyed. Catholic News Service Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of the pope was in fact able to carry on This year, much has been made of the back and forth between Krakow, Poland, who was the late with the prayer service and the rest those who argue that church teaching obligates Catholics to base VATICAN CITY -- Pope John pope's personal secretary for 39 of his schedule in Fatima. their votes only on the issue of abortion and those who say church Paul II was lightly wounded by a years, until the pope's death in "It was only when we returned to teaching calls Catholics to consider a broader range of issues. knife-wielding priest in Portugal in 2005. his room that I saw blood on his But Smith said fewer than half of Catholics say they believe abortion should be illegal in most or all cases and he said even 1982, one year after a gunman tried In the film, Cardinal Dziwisz vestments," the cardinal added. He fewer base their votes primarily on the issue of abortion. to kill him in St. Peter's Square, recalled that the pope went to the did not elaborate, but other Vatican “While pro-life Catholics who say abortion is very important to according to one of the late pope's Marian sanctuary of Fatima, sources said the pope may have them as an issue are much more likely to support McCain,” Smith closest aides. Portugal, in 1982 to thank Mary for been superficially wounded in the said, “they constitute less than one-quarter of all Catholics. In that The disclosure came in a biogra- saving his life in the 1981 shooting. attack. way, Catholics are very much like the population overall.” phical film screened for the first During an evening ceremony, a The 90-minute film, narrated in Catholic University sociology professor William D’Antonio time at the Vatican on Oct. 16, the priest carrying a large knife lunged English by the actor Michael York looked at data showing how Catholic members of Congress have voted on legislation that had a clear pro-life position. By 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul toward the pontiff. but dubbed in Italian for the Vatican that standard, D’Antonio said, the politicians’ votes “were much II's election. Pope Benedict XVI At the time, Vatican officials said screening, used actors to depict more defined by party line than they were by religious affilia- and many of the world's bishops the pope was unharmed and was scenes from the pope's life along tion.” were in attendance. only informed about the incident the with historical video footage and Titled "Testimony," the film is next day. still photographs. COMMENTARY: Catholic involvement doesn’t end after vote is cast (From 9) lence. from the books of more than 35 states laws Obama will have to work long and hard to If Obama wins, Catholics who voted for which provide for informed consent in abor- stop this from happening. If they fail, this him will have a heavy responsibility. As his tion clinics, parental consent or even notifi- will be an immense burden on their con- They will especially have to look at the first act in office, he has pledged to support cation of parents in the case of minors. It sciences for there will be an immediate ongoing scandal of health care access for and sign into law the Freedom of Choice Act, will obliterate laws that protect doctors, uptick in the numbers of the unborn killed millions of families and children who have or FOCA. This legislation is also supported nurses and health workers from having to through abortion. none. In this new economic environment, by our own, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. perform abortions or other procedures that The responsibilities of voting are heavy. we must ask if there is a greater role for The Freedom of Choice Act establishes, they find morally objectionable. On the Catholics voting for either Obama or government in providing this basic right by federal law, that abortion is a “fundamen- world scene, the Mexico City policy will be McCain will have to realize that their vote and others. The poor and working poor on tal right” throughout the full nine months of reversed by executive order, allowing U.S. has consequences that go far beyond Nov. the economic margins need a “bailout,” pregnancy. If passed, it will effectively wipe taxpayer dollars to promote and perform 4. Their involvement can’t end on Election too. Catholics who vote for McCain must out 35 years of legislation seeking to modify abortions overseas. Day in pursuing a culture of life and justice also hold him accountable for the acts of some of the worst aspects of abortion. It It will be devastating for the cause of life and peace for all. war in our name to make sure they are jus- would eliminate restrictions on the infanti- and major victory for the culture of death. tified and not actions of irresponsible vio- cide of partial-birth abortions. It would wipe American Catholics who voted for Page 18 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus

SATAN: Fortunately, we are given the option of turning back on devil EDICTAL SUMMONS (From13) safe and unexposed passage from tion lies in the salvation of others, opportunity for returning to God the man possessed back to the for no man may exist outside his but as a misfortune. God speaks October 31, 2008 Gospel of Mark (5:1-20) in the netherworld. The demons are place in creation. to this turning away specifically CASE: RONEY – JARMON discussion of the Gadarene vulnerable in the air; imagine the Today people commonly make in Exodus 34:7, “punishing chil- NO.: SO 08/54 demoniac. Throughout the min- host of angels which accompa- themselves vulnerable to the dren and grandchildren to the istry of Christ, the demons recog- nied Jesus throughout his earthly adversary through the occult in third and fourth generation for nized him as the Son of God. life, standing at the ready to bind all its forms—including divina- their father’s wickedness”—a The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Ancient cultures had a more and cast down the demons as did tion, tarot cards, horoscopes, the reiteration of the first institution Diocese of San Angelo is seeking complete grasp of the spiritual the archangel Raphael the healer Ouija board, good luck charms, of the commandments. Many of David Allen Jarmon. in Tobit 8. Return to Mark the and psychics. When a person, a us forget that this admonition fol- realm than modern man due in You are hereby summoned to large part to the absence of tech- fifth chapter. In the aftermath of family member, parent, and/or lows God’s promise of blessing appear before the Tribunal of the nology. Ancient man was in con- the event the formerly possessed ancestor does so, he gives the to the thousandth generation of Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, at stant contact and immediately but now healed man, in his right adversary a legal right to partici- those who turn toward Him and 804 Ford Street, San Angelo, Texas subject to the natural law in the mind, begs Jesus to be allowed to pate in, or interfere with, his life. take up His commandments. It is 76905, on or before the 30th day of world in which he lived. The accompany him. Jesus refuses This legal right becomes part of that thousandth generation bless- November 2008, to answer to the demons would react immediately and instead said to him, “Go his “ray of creation,” turning him ing that the adversary seeks to Petition of Teresa Irene Roney, now to the presence of Christ and still home to your friends.” In this away from God—an affirmative destroy. Though our line of cre- introduced before the Diocesan do. In the account of the demo- short sentence, home represents act of defiance, just as Eve’s act ation may have had a parent or Tribunal in an action styled, “Teresa niac in the fifth chapter of Mark, family; friends are community, in the garden. Adam, although he ancestor who lost a spiritual bat- Jarmon and David Jarmon, Petition we see many insights into the those who care about him. The does not initiate the sin, partici- tle and subjected us to three or for Declaration of Invalidity of demonic world. This possessed predator cannot overcome one in pates in it and more importantly, four generations of curse, we Marriage.” Said Petition is identified man lived among the tombs, out- right relationship and under the does not admonish Eve. have the opportunity to regain the as Case: RONEY – JARMON; side the community, with no protection of family and friends. Similarly, the act of using a thousandth generation blessing Protocol No.: SO 08/54, on the friends among the living. He was The adversary seeks to isolate us Ouija board or reading horo- by turning toward God and lead- Tribunal Docket of the Diocese of fully possessed. His behavior from those who would strength- scopes in the home is “Eve’s ing our family back. God pro- San Angelo. indicates the conflict raging with- en, protect, nourish, and love us. sin;” allowing it to happen is vides a myriad of tools for us to in. He goes to Jesus, seeking to We also learn that not even a “Adam’s sin.” Just as the sin of accomplish this task. Church in You may communicate with the be delivered. The demons beg by legion of demons can keep one Adam and Eve affected the all her three forms, Militant, Tribunal in person or in writing. the name of God not to be tor- from crying out to, and being whole human race, so also our Penitent, and Triumphant will Failure to communicate within the healed by, our Lord and Savior occult sins will affect our family assist us. prescribed period of time will be con- mented. The demons, who are sidered your consent for the Tribunal many (a common occurrence as Jesus Christ. and its descendents to the third The final article in this series to continue its proceedings in the once demons find an acceptable Though Satan has demanded that and fourth generation—if not will deal with the specifics of above-named case. host they run in gangs), petition we be “sifted like wheat” (Luke cancelled by repentance. If we how to rid our lives of the influ- Jesus to abrogate the cosmic law 22:31), we have recourse to God know the circumstances which ence of the adversary so that we Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese which God set forth in Genesis 3, through Jesus, for in the very will confront us and choose not may be effective members of the of San Angelo on the 31st day specifically prohibiting them next verse Christ assures us that to follow, then we diminish our Church Militant. The last article October 2008 . from entering animals. They he prays that our own faith may trust, reliance, and obedience to will deal with specific strategies enter the swine with the permis- not fail. As soldiers of Christ we God. He knows it is harder for for reclaiming the thousandth sion of the Son of God, and can do great things; but the us to seek him in prosperity than generation blessing in spite of the Rev. William R. Du Buisson, immediately run to the lake. adversary conquers mere humans. adversity for we tend to see pros- adversary’s attempts to rob OMI, MCL, JCL Under the water is the same as We must engage the adversary in perity not as a blessing but as a mankind of his eternal birthright. Judical Vicar under the ground, it gave them the name of Christ. Our salva- right, and adversity not as an ADORATION: Mary always to be a guide for us when praying with Blessed Sacrament

(From 4) to the People of God the practice of The holiness of the Church, and of each tion, the one we need to call upon to help Eucharistic adoration, both individually individual, is found first in a mystical us to know how to adore, praise and thank problems are found in our Eucharistic and in community.” [194] “Great benefit union with Christ, in forming a deeper, Jesus is His own mother, Mary. She will Lord. When we spend time with our would ensue from a suitable catechesis loving relationship with our Eucharistic always guide us as regards what we need Eucharistic Lord, we are sure to receive all explaining the importance of this act of Lord. After using the light and guidance of to say and pray for, and to help us obtain the grace and strength that we need to deal worship, which enables the faithful to the Holy Spirit to achieve this union, the all the graces that we need to carry out our with all of life’s issues. Our Eucharistic experience the liturgical celebration more one who can help us most is Mary, the many responsibilities, and to find answers Lord will never fail us. fully and more fruitfully. Whenever possi- Mother of the Word Incarnate. Mary was to the difficulties and struggles of life. In his great apostolic exhortation, ble, it would be appropriate, especially in the one whom Jesus desired to be intimate- I strongly encourage more and more peo- “Sacramentum Caritatis,” our Holy Father, densely populated areas, to set aside spe- ly united with Himself for the salvation of ple of our Diocese to take part in the per- Pope Benedict XVI concretized the peren- cific churches or oratories for perpetual our humanity. Mary is the one who can petual Eucharistic adoration in the cities nial teaching of the Church on the centrali- adoration. I also recommend that, in their teach us the most about Christ, because she where we have established chapels for this ty of Eucharistic adoration in the life of the catechetical training, and especially in was His teacher and she had an intimate, devotion in our Diocese. I am deeply grate- Church by a direct appeal addressed to all preparation for First Holy Communion, personal, loving relationship with Him that ful to the priests of these parishes for pro- pastors, bishops, priests, as well as all the children be taught the meaning and beauty has never been achieved by any other moting perpetual Eucharistic adoration, the People of God for perpetual Eucharistic of spending time with Jesus, and help to human being. devotion of devotions. adoration. Our Holy Father said: “I hearti- cultivate a sense of awe before His pres- Hence, when we come to spend time ly recommend to the church’s pastors and ence in the Eucharistic.” [67] with Jesus in perpetual Eucharistic adora- The Angelus NOVEMBER 2008 Page 19 FOCA: Act’s passage may recede right to life into distant future (From 1) or “discriminate” against it in public funding birth and other late-term abortions would be into the very distant future. Now is the time and programs. If FOCA became law, hun- eliminated. FOCA would knock down laws for all of us to act! I strongly encourage all In his statement to mark Respect Life dreds of reasonable, widely supported, and protecting the conscience rights of nurses, to write to their congress people, asking Sunday, October 5, Cardinal Justin Rigali constitutionally sound abortion regulations doctors, and hospitals with moral objections them to review the terrible effects that would who leads the pro-life office of the U.S. now in place would be invalidated. Gone to abortion, and force taxpayers to fund follow from such legislation and to encour- Catholic Bishops pointed out the sweeping would be laws providing for informed con- abortions throughout the United States.” age our leaders to claim the higher ground and dire effects if this legislation were sent, and parental consent or notification in As we work to promote the dignity and by voting against such deadly legislation. approved: “FOCA establishes abortion as a the case of minors. Laws protecting women sacredness of all human life, we look for- More than ever let us pray for the guidance “fundamental right” throughout the nine from unsafe abortion clinics and from abor- ward to the day when every child is wel- and light of the Holy Spirit as we deal with months of pregnancy, and forbids any law or tion practitioners who are not physicians come in life and protected in law. If FOCA this and other critical pro-life issues. policy that could “interfere” with that right would be overridden. Restrictions on partial- is enacted, however, that day may recede PADRE THAD

(Para 6) ciones debe siempre mostrar una gran sensi- fondos públicos deberían ser dirigidos hacia su adicción es a través del apoyo mutuo bilidad hacia ese pequeño espacio de liber- programas de rehabilitación. Hay quienes para no volver a tomar otro trago. solos en un callejón obscuro. Argumentan tad que permanece en cada individuo que manifiestan que tal vez estos sitios pueden Imaginemos por un momento que, en lugar también que el programa de intercambio de lucha contra su adicción. Después de todo, ser la oportunidad para encaminar a los de respaldar estos programas de AA y los agujas usadas por agujas nuevas permite a es precisamente esta libertad la que nos dis- adictos hacia a la rehabilitación. Sin embar- centros de rehabilitación, el gobierno los usuarios mantenerse sanos hasta que tingue de las demás creaturas. go es una contradicción que por una parte estableciera bares donde los alcohólicos reciban ayuda en cuanto a su problema de La afirmación tan publicitada de que las se facilite la adicción y por la otra se pro- pudieran ir a embriagarse, donde se les pro- adicción. Hasta un sacerdote ha escrito, a salas de inyección segura reducen los daños mueva la rehabilitación. porcionaran vasos limpios, mobiliario y manera de defensa de estos sitios, que colaterales del abuso de las drogas es en sí Esta contradicción se puede apreciar baños, aperitivos y entremeses saludables “Algunas personas podrían decir que les misma dudosa. El investigador científico claramente en lo que nuestra sociedad ha además de protección policiaca para que no estamos dando nuestra aprobación. Yo no Garth Davies, en la conclusión de un exten- aprendido respecto al alcoholismo. La may- sean asaltados en los callejones obscuros. estoy de acuerdo con eso porque sería como sivo análisis sobre el tema, hace notar cómo oría de nosotros hemos visto –inclusive en ¿Pensaríamos realmente que esto sería pro- asumir que se trata de personas capaces los lugares para inyección segura son “fre- nuestras propias familias y vecinos– lo mover su rehabilitación? Quienes luchan tomar decisiones. Y cuando de personas cuentemente acreditados como generadores destructiva que puede ser la adicción al contra las adicciones merecen iniciativas adictas se trata, estamos hablando de peces de efectos positivos, lo cual no surge de una alcohol. El alcoholismo puede devastar no públicas que los rehabiliten, no que faciliten de otro estanque”. Esto es como decir, en evidencia empírica sólida”. La declaración sólo la vida de la persona sino la de su su adicción. otras palabras, que los adictos, al igual que de que los índices de criminalidad bajaron familia también; puede hacerla perder su los peces, no tienen libre albedrío. en Vancouver a partir de la apertura de la empleo y hasta poner en peligro las vidas de El Padre Tadeusz Pacholczyk hizo su doctorado sala de inyección segura, puede ser el otras personas en algunos casos cuando se en neurociencias en la Universidad de Yale y su Aunque ciertamente la adicción a las dro- trabajo post-doctoral en la Universidad de gas lesiona profundamente la libertad resultado de la inyección de 60 oficiales de está o se conduce en ese estado. También Harvard. Es Sacerdote para la Diócesis de Fall humana, sería falso concluir por ello que un policía en el área cuando las instalaciones hemos sido testigos de lo útiles que han River, Massachusetts, y se desempeña como adicto no puede elegir. La única razón por abrieron (incluyendo cuatro oficiales posi- sido para los alcohólicos los programas de Director de Educación en el Centro Nacional la que aún existe alguna esperanza para él cionados justo afuera del edificio) y no doce pasos como el de Alcohólicos Católico de Bioética en Philadelphia. The National Catholic Bioethics Center: www.ncbcenter.org es, precisamente, porque todavía conserva debido a las inyecciones que se llevan a Anónimos, donde la experiencia de mil- Traducción: María Elena Rodríguez un pequeño espacio de libertad para actuar cabo dentro de la sala misma. El investi- lones de otros adictos hace evidente que la y decidir si emprende o no un nuevo gador concluye, “Lo cierto es que ninguno única manera en que ellos pueden superar camino. Él todavía puede elegir dar el de los impactos atribuidos a las salas de primer paso por una senda que lo aleje de la inyección segura pueden ser verificados con BYRON: adicción y lo conduzca a la rehabilitación. certeza”. Ideology gets in way Nuestra estrategia pública al tratar las adic- Más que a salas de inyección segura, los (From 8) were right. The Senate immediately agreed and the House of Representatives eventu- AGE: Pope Pius XI in 1931 in "Quadragesimo ally came around to seeing the light. Always get to the point Anno," marking the 40th anniversary of This is not socialism any more than the (From 15) when she realized journalism is about more Pope Leo XIII's "Rerum Novarum." New Deal was socialism. Much repair than facts; it's about identifying the point. Although they may never have heard of work remains to be done. The tradition of That lead is entirely accurate and correct. When you learn something you didn't it, both Secretary Paulson and President Catholic social thought can help. Every day in every newspaper across the already know -- in class, at work or watch- Bush did, however, use the language of Those responsible for fixing our prob- country you'll find articles that begin in a ing the evening news -- ask the question subsidiarity when they argued in lems must have competence (knowledge of similar manner. Ephron learned to ask, "What's the point?" September that the federal government had economics and finance) and conscience But Ephron's teacher thought the lead In addition, you should ask, "How can I use to come to the rescue because the problem (ethical principles). should go beyond the basic questions of this to make my life and the lives of those was "too big" to be handled efficiently and Faith in themselves will help. Faith in who, what, where, when, why and how. around me better?" effectively at any other level in our eco- God is not to be overlooked. "You're all wrong," he told them. "The Sometimes, the answers will be clear. nomic system. Ideology at either extreme of the politi- lead to this story is: 'There will be no school Other times, not so much. I still don't know Only government, what some critics cal spectrum will only get in the way. Thursday!'" why it's important to remember that six scornfully call "big government," was up Ephron called that class a great epiphany. It's times 1,334 is always 8,004. to the job. The president and treasury secretary E-mail: [email protected]. Page 20 NOVEMBER 2008 The Angelus Dioce-Scenes The West Texas Angelus Official Newspaper of the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Rowena San Angelo POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: WEST TEXAS ANGELUS P.O. Box 1829 SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 ______

Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Publisher

Jimmy Patterson Director of Communications Editor

Member Server Appreciation Sunday Catholic News Service St. Joseph Parish honored 45 altar servers at a Mass of Women's ACTS Retreat Ladies from throughout the San Angelo Diocese participated in an ACTS Catholic Press Association Appreciation on Sept. 14. Fr. Bhaskar, pastor, commended retreat September 25-28 at Christ the King Retreat Center. There were 24 lay women on the team Texas Catholic News the group for their dedication and faithfulness in serving at who planned, organized and hosted the event, in addition to 47 retreatants. Fr. Anthony Sloan of the the altar. Alisha Multer, Tucker Travis, Morgan Halfmann Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Christoval served as the spiritual counselor for this faith-filled week- and Nathan Kalina, all high school seniors, were specially end. The ACTS movement started in 1987 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in near San Antonio. Published the first Monday following recognized for their almost nine years of service. Candice the 1st Saturday of each month and Legg, a 2008 high school graduate also received recognition ACTS retreats are patterned after the description of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles; breaking bread together, receiving instruction together, sharing in common, and reaching out in lov- delivered to all registered parish- for her unselfishness and willingness to serve. Fr. Bhaskar thanked Penny Zentner and Denise Medrano who train and ing service. The acronym "ACTS" stands for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. During ioners in the San Angelo Diocese. practice with the altar servers. In closing remarks, Ms. the past 20 years, ACTS has grown tremendously, and is now in Alaska, California, Connecticut and Medrano challenged the servers to follow the example of St. Missouri, as well as all over Texas. Retreatants are not required to be Catholic, and all who are look- Subscription rate for all others: John Berchman, patron saint of altar servers, by leading a ing for a deeper relationship with Christ are encouraged to attend. Dates for the 2009 retreats for the $10 per year life of holiness. kindness and love of Jesus. San Angelo area have already been scheduled: The Men's ACTS retreat will be September 17-20, 2009, and the Women's ACTS retreat will be September 24-27, 2009. Additional information regard- THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT ing the ACTS movement in the Concho Valley can be found at www.sanangeloacts.org SAN ANGELO, TEXAS San Angelo

Printed by the San Angelo Standard Times San Angelo A Scripps-Howard Company

Submissions: Here are a couple of pictures from the Story suggestions, calendar items, Living Rosary with parish briefs and all other the Bishop. The submissions should be emailed to event was held on [email protected]. Oct. 6, in honor of COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: In foreground, Nati Delaney, Terry Thomas, Mary Ford, Sharon Tackett, the Feast of the Holy Third Friday of every month. Brenda Zapata, Toni Gonzales (at podium), Mr. Camp; Mrs. Russell Rosary, at Holy Millar, Gay Garcia, Tillie Dickison, and Alfred Hernandez are a few of Angels Parish. The Photos should be in jpeg format. the more than 50 people that gathered October 11 in front of Sacred children in the picture Heart Cathedral to pray for America. The Public Square Rosary was are members of Holy Angels Parish. Letters to the editor are welcome, one of many held all over the nation in answer to Our Lady of Fatima's and should be emailed to call for us to pray the rosary. Learn more at americaneedsfatima.org. [email protected]. Letters to the editor are printed at the discretion of the editor and iden- BIBLE: tities of the writer are subject to Year of Paul may work to bring more Catholics to their Bible verification. Please include name, (From 11) lated the Bible into the common lan- importance of the Bible in two ways. time and other sectors of society and address and phone number when guage of the people (Vulgate) in the First, he has proclaimed this the our lives”. submitting letters. Catholic Catechism of the Catholic fourth century, “Ignorance of the Pauline Year (June 29, 2008-2009) If you and I respond to these vari- Church (#133) in referring to the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” In urging us to listen to Paul’s letters in ous encouragements, the next time Dogmatic Constitution on Divine that same constitution, the Council the Bible. We should let him teach us we get that question, “Why don’t Revelation from Vatican II states that further urged the church to make as his disciples. We can do that by Catholics read the Bible?” We can the Church “forcefully and specifi- every means available to read, study beginning with his letters to the truthfully respond, “I don’t know cally exhorts all the Christian faith- and pray the Scriptures, “Access to Philippians and Thessalonians. about others, but my life is immersed ful…to learn ‘the surpassing knowl- Sacred Scripture ought to be open Second, in October he convoked a in the Bible, and I am going deeper edge of Jesus Christ’ by frequent wide to the Christian faithful”. (#22) Synod of bishops with the Bible as and deeper each day!” reading of the divine Scriptures.” It In just the last few months Pope the theme, to seek renewal “from the further quotes St. Jerome, who trans- Benedict XVI has emphasized the family, to schools, culture, work, free