Volume 22, Number 3 ~ February 2020
source: usccb.org A message from Bishop Joseph V. Brennan “Bishop Joe” Un mensaje de Obispo Joseph V. Brennan “Obispo Joe”
My Dear Ones in Christ, Mis queridos míos,
Most of us, I am guessing, are wondering about how fast this year is La mayoría de nosotros, supongo, nos preguntamos qué rápido está going. It really does seem like ‘yesterday’ when we celebrated the Lord’s pasando este año. Realmente parece que sólo fue ayer cuando celebramos birth. In the previous edition of ‘Catholic Life’ I remember sharing with el nacimiento del Señor. En la edición anterior de “Vida católica” you a few of my own Christmas memories and those I live and work with (Catholic Life) recuerdo haber compartido con ustedes algunos de mis already know that to say that I like to hold on to recuerdos navideños y aquellos con quienes vivo y trabajo saben que me gusta aferrarme the Christmas season would be putting it mildly. a la temporada navideña. ¡Me gusta todo lo I love everything about that season. I love the relacionado con esta temporada! Me gusta la music, the food the decorations. I can’t wait for música, la comida, las decoraciones. Espero it to begin and get more than a little sad when it ansioso a que esta temporada comience, y me ends. Having said that, I am also keenly aware entristece cuando termina. En pocas palabras, of the fact that Christmas is just part of the la Navidad es sólo una parte de la historia, es story, that is, it is only the beginning. To put decir, es sólo el principio. En pocas palabras, la it simply, Christmas celebrates that fact THAT Navidad celebra el HECHO de que Él vino. La he came. Easter celebrates WHY he came. As Pascua de Resurrección celebra PORQUÉ vino. they say, Jesus is the reason for the season. I Como dicen, Jesús es la razón de la temporada. would add that Easter is the reason for it all! Yo añadiría que la Pascua de Resurrección es la Our forty days of Lent are that essential razón de todo. time of prayer and penance. It is that time Nuestros cuarenta días de Cuaresma es un in our life as individuals before God and as a tiempo esencial de oración y penitencia. Es community of faith to examine our consciences ese momento en nuestra vida como individuos ante Dios y como comunidad de fe para well, to literally do a 180 degree turn in our life examinar bien nuestras conciencias, para hacer and not the 360 degree turns that find us ending literalmente un giro de 180 grados en nuestras up where we started. Wasn’t that the message vidas y no los giros de 360 grados que nos each of us heard when we received the sign of encuentran terminando donde empezamos. the cross on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday? ¿No es ese el mensaje que cada uno de nosotros It most certainly was: “Turn away from sin escuchamos cuando recibimos la señal de and be faithful to the Gospel!” In that spirit of la cruz en nuestras frentes el Miércoles de repentance many of us will be going to Confession or have already done Ceniza? Ciertamente lo es: “Apártate del pecado y sé fiel al Evangelio.” so and children all over the world will be making their First Confession Con ese espíritu de arrepentimiento, muchos de nosotros nos confesaremos as they prepare for First Communion. I am reminded of a first confession o ya lo hemos hecho, y los niños de todo el mundo harán su primera from years ago. It took place right after a 2nd grader had finished his very confesión mientras se preparan para la Primera Comunión. Recuerdo first confession with me. He came back into the confessional to ask me if de una primera confesión de hace algunos años; sucedió después de que 1st graders needed to go to confession too. I know enough ‘theology’ to un alumno de segundo grado terminó su primera confesión conmigo. tell him that, “No, you have to be at least 7 years old like yourself before Él regresó al confesionario para preguntarme si los alumnos del primer you can go to confession.” He seemed really disappointed at my answer grado necesitaban confesarse. Basado en mi conocimiento de ‘teología’ le dije, “no, tienen que tener por lo menos 7 años como tú antes de poder as he told me, “Well, that’s too bad because my little brother really needs confesarse.” Aparentemente muy decepcionado por mi respuesta, él me to go!” dijo, “es una lástima porque mi hermano pequeño realmente necesita Brothers and sisters, we all need to go. We all need to turn our lives confesarse.” around. We have sinned and we have hurt people, both as individuals Hermanos y hermanas, todos necesitamos ir a confesarnos. Todos and as a Church. We must ask for forgiveness always and make that firm necesitamos cambiar nuestras vidas. Hemos pecado y hemos lastimado a la purpose of amendment, that is, to do things differently. Here is a simple gente, tanto como individuos y como una Iglesia. Debemos pedir perdón prayer to help us to engage in the penance and to celebrate the Feast of siempre y hacer ese firme propósito de enmienda; es decir, hacer las cosas Easter: de manera diferente. Les ofrezco una sencilla oración para ayudarnos a Almighty and everlasting God, You have given the human race Jesus hacer penitencia y a celebrar la fiesta de la Pascua de Resurrección: Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled Your will by becoming Dios Todopoderoso y eterno, has dado a la raza humana a Jesucristo man and giving His life on the Cross. nuestro Salvador como un modelo de humanidad. Él cumplió Tu voluntad Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering. haciéndose hombre y dando Su vida en la cruz. Make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. We ask this through Our Ayúdanos a dar testimonio de ti siguiendo Su ejemplo de sufrimiento. Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. AMEN! Haznos dignos de compartir Su Resurrección. Te lo pedimos por Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Tu Hijo. ¡AMÉN! Have a simply joyous Easter season! ¡Tenga una temporada de Pascua simplemente alegre!
In Christ, En Cristo, Bishop Joe Obispo Joe
The Rite of Ordination to the Order of Diaconate took place on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at St. John’s Cathedral, Fresno.
Pictured are Rev. Daniel Avila, Vocations Director, Transitional Deacon Oscar Saul Medina Zermeno, Bishop Joseph Brennan, Transitional Deacon Bonaventure Chukwunomso Okoro and Bishop Emeritus Armando X. Ochoa.
2 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life Safe Environment Results are in: WE ARE COMPLIANT!!! Aquí están los Resultados de la Auditoría del Ambiente Seguro: ¡ESTAMOS EN CUMPLIMIENTO submitted by Bianca Blanchette, Safe Environment Coordinator, Diocese of Fresno presentado por Bianca Blanchette, Coordinadora de Ambiente Seguro, Diócesis de Fresno
Bishop Joseph Brennan has received notification El Obispo Joseph Brennan ha recibido notificación from Stonebridge Business Partners, an independent de parte de Stonebridge Business Partners, una auditing agency in Rochester, New York, that the agencia independiente de auditoría en Rochester, New York, que la Diócesis de Fresno está en Diocese of Fresno was found to be compliant with cumplimiento con los Estatutos para la Protección The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young de Niños y Jóvenes para el año 2018-2019. People for the 2018-2019 audit period. Cada año, la Diócesis de Fresno es responsable Every year, the Diocese of Fresno is responsible de dar cuenta de qué tan bien seguimos los requisitos for providing an accounting of how well we follow que están definidos en los Estatutos de la Conferencia the requirements which are outlined in the United de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos para States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes. Esta auditoría the Protection of Children and Young People. The implica meses de recopilar reportes de todas las audit entails months of gathering reports from all the parroquias/misiones y escuelas Católicas a través de la Diócesis sobre el número de personas del clero parishes/missions and Catholic Schools throughout the que sirven como ministros dentro de los límites de la diocese on the number of clergy ministering within diócesis así como también el número de empleados our boundaries as well as the number of employees que trabajan para la diócesis y por último, el número who work for the diocese and then lastly the number of volunteers who de voluntarios que tienen un contacto sin supervisión con menores have unsupervised contact with minors. Each of these individuals must de edad. Cada una de estas personas deben llenar ciertos requisitos tal meet certain requirements such as fingerprint clearance, proof of receiving como pasar las huellas digitales y mostrar un comprobante de haber Safe Environment training, and have a signed Code of Conduct on file. recibido la educación de seguridad referente al abuso de menores de A summary of the information gathered is as follows: 38,529 children edad y haber firmado un Código de Conducta que debe estar en archivo. received training and education to increase their personal safety skills, A continuación está un resumen de la información recopilada: 38,529 niños recibieron entrenamiento y educación para aumentar sus destrezas 1,239 diocesan employees and 7,873 adult volunteers received Safe de seguridad personal, 1,239 empleados de la Diócesis y 7,873 adultos Environment training on the topics of child abuse, bullying, and cyber voluntarios recibieron entrenamiento del Ambiente Seguro en los temas safety. This knowledge will help them increase the safety and well being de abuso de menores de edad, acoso escolar, y seguridad en el Internet. of a child or young person. Our clergy and seminarians also fulfilled Este conocimiento les ayudará a aumentar la seguridad y el bienestar the requirement to refresh their knowledge of child abuse and diocesan de un niño o persona joven. Nuestro Clero y nuestros seminaristas policies on what constitutes a safe environment for young people. también cumplieron con el requisito para actualizar su conocimiento While the Diocesan Safe Environment Office provides guidance sobre lo que es el abuso de menores de edad y las normas diocesanas and assistance to the parishes and Catholic schools in maintaining safe sobre lo que constituye un ambiente seguro para la gente joven. environments, the continued success experienced by the diocese in this Mientras que la Oficina del Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis proporciona guía y ayuda a las parroquias y escuelas católicas para mantener ambientes endeavor is mainly the result of the dedicated efforts of the numerous seguros, el continuo éxito que tiene la diócesis en esta tarea es principalmente pastors, administrators, principals, educators, employees, and volunteers el resultado de los dedicados esfuerzos de los innumerables pastores, throughout the diocese. We sincerely appreciate your devoted commitment directores, empleados y voluntarios a través de la diócesis. Sinceramente to keeping our children safe. apreciamos su devoto compromiso para mantener a nuestros niños seguros. As always, the goal of the Safe Environment office at the Diocese Como siempre, la meta de la Oficina del Ambiente Seguro en la Diócesis of Fresno is to keep children safe and protected. The Diocese of Fresno de Fresno es de mantener a los niños seguros y protegidos. La Diócesis is committed to ensuring that when your child is in our care in parish de Fresno está comprometida a asegurar que cuando su niño(a) está bajo programs or in Catholic Education that their safety is of utmost importance nuestro cuidado en programas de la parroquia o de Educación Católica, de and priority. To know more about what your parish and school is doing que su seguridad es de la máxima importancia y prioridad. Para informarse más acerca de lo que su parroquia y escuela están haciendo y cómo usted and how you can be part of creating and maintaining a safe environment, puede formar parte para crear y mantener un ambiente seguro, favor de contact the Diocese of Fresno Office of Safe Environment at 559-493- comunicarse a la Oficina del Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis de Fresno al 2882 or visit us online at dioceseoffresno.org. 559-493-2882 ó visítenos en el Internet en dioceseoffresno.org.
Diocese of Fresno Diócesis de Fresno Victim Assistance Hotline 559-488-7400 Línea Directa para la Asistencia de Víctimas 559-488-7400 To report an incident of child abuse that occurred past or present Para reportar un incidente de abuso de menores que ocurrió en el within the Church by a member of the clergy, religious order, employee pasado o en el presente dentro de la Iglesia por un miembro del clero, or volunteer, contact your City or County Law Enforcement agency where orden religiosa, empleado o voluntario, ponerse en contacto con la agencia policíaca de su ciudad o condado donde ocurrió el supuesto abuso. Después, the alleged abuse occurred. Then, contact the Diocese of Fresno Victim ponerse en contacto con la Coordinadora de Ayuda para las Víctimas de la Assistance Coordinator at the number listed above. Diócesis de Fresno al número de teléfono que se menciona arriba.
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 3 The Word of God Alive! a reflection for the day. This may mean reading the scripture from the by Rose M. Hernandez, Director, lectionary, or starting a plan to read a specific book of the Bible each month. Office of Formation and Evangelization Whatever the plan, I need to stick with it and make the time to truly read. Second, I need to keep the Word in my heart In January, Pope Francis called for a day of as I go through my day. Sometimes I forget that celebration, “Sunday of the Word of God”. All the the word is active and alive, and does indeed have homilies and written word on this day emphasize just meaning; I just need to keep my eyes open. I can one thing: the importance of honoring God’s Word as not do this by remembering one line throughout the day, only sacred, but as alive and relevant to our everyday life. sort of as a mantra, so it stays with me. It might As Christians, we are called to put our trust in our mean writing in my journal or in my daily planner. Father, follow the Son, and be open to the movement There are many ways I can keep the scripture alive of the Holy Spirit. Everything we need to know about throughout the day; I have to find what works for me. doing this is found in the Word. The Scriptures guide Finally, I need to remind myself that I AM the our lives if we truly take the time to read and take in all Gospel! I AM a part of the Good News of Christ. By that they have to offer! that I mean that I don’t just read it, store it in my heart, How do I do that, though? I mean, I read the Bible, and perhaps proclaim it to others in word, but I must and I listen to the readings at Mass. What more can I LIVE the word in my deeds and attitudes. The Word do? in me will transform me to live and be an example First, I feel I need to make reading scripture a to others of that Word, when they see me loving my priority in my life. As a lifelong Catholic, I feel enemies, or praying always, or asking God for what sometimes like I already know the stories, so I may I need. Whatever the Gospel proclaims needs to be start reading but often end up skimming through, because I already know a part of my lived experience, of my everyday life, so that it can truly be what it says. Instead, I need to remind myself that each time I read scripture alive in me! there is a new message, a new detail that I might have missed. I need to As we begin this time of Lent, it is a good time to make a Scripture resist the temptation to skim ahead and focus on the word in front of me. plan. How will you make the Scriptures a priority in your life? How can I need to make time each day to read a little, and keep it in my heart as you live and BE the Gospel each day?
Pray for Spiritual Renewal Orar por la Renovación Espiritual submitted by Roman Flores, presentado por Román Flores, Catechetical Ministry Coordinator, Diocese of Fresno Coordinador del Ministerio Catequético, Diócesis de Fresno
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask “Si permanecen en Mí, y Mis palabras permanecen whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John en ustedes, pidan lo que quieran y les será hecho.”(Juan 15:7, NASB) 15:7, NBLA) In this Lenten season as we focus on prayer and En este tiempo cuaresmal, al centrarnos en la reconciliation for the preparation of the coming celebration oración y la reconciliación para la preparación de la of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ allow prayer próxima celebración de la resurrección de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, permitan que la oración se manifieste to be manifested in the many ways that it can throughout de las muchas maneras en que puede a lo largo de sus your everyday lives and by the Grace of God be guided in vidas cotidianas y por la gracia de Dios sean guiados discipline of mind, body, and soul to be renewed in His en la disciplina de la mente, cuerpo y el alma para ser Spirit, for without our Lord we can do nothing. Find new renovados en Su Espíritu, porque sin nuestro Señor no life through penance and be kept from sin, and choose podemos hacer nada. Encuentra nueva vida por medio to live by His commandments. He will send the Spirit to de la penitencia y sean alejados del pecado, y elijan vivir make us strong in faith and convection and we will be según Sus mandamientos. El Enviará al Espíritu para nourished by Him through love and prayer and be kept faithful to Him hacernos fuertes en fe y convección y seremos nutridos por El a través del through the Gospel. Our Lord is the source of life, reach out with joy amor y la oración y seremos fieles a El a través del Evangelio. Nuestro and grasp His hand and walk more readily in His ways and gentle mercy, Señor es la fuente de vida, extiende la mano con gozo y agarra Su mano for left to ourselves we cannot do His Will and will fall to our human y camina más fácilmente en Sus caminos y gentil misericordia, porque weaknesses. dejados a nosotros mismos no podemos hacer Su voluntad y caeremos en Humble yourself to truly be open to receive His word and grace. We nuestras debilidades humanas. Humíllate para estar verdaderamente abierto a recibir Su palabra y are not isolated vessels that simply flow through life like a lost ship but gracia. No somos naves aisladas que simplemente fluyen a través de la are truly made for a purpose, a reason, and a cause. Allow yourself to be vida como una nave perdida, sino que estamos hechos para un propósito, guided and you will be guided, allow yourself to be molded and you will una razón y una causa. Permítete ser guiado y serás guiado, permítete ser be molded in His image, allow yourself to receive new life and you will moldeado y serás moldeado a Su imagen, permítete recibir nueva vida y receive new life in His Grace. My brothers and sisters in Christ may this recibirás nueva vida en Su Gracia. Mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, Lenten Season truly be a season of renewal and prayer and may Easter que este tiempo cuaresmal sea verdaderamente un tiempo de renovación Sunday be a celebration of new life for which you have prepared yourself y oración y que el Domingo de Pascua sea una celebración de una nueva in Christ’s name. vida para la que se han preparado en el nombre de Cristo.
WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE Liturgy. It was very uplifting. submitted by Sr. Invencion Canas, RAD After Mass the Religious gathered at the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master for a delicious lunch. It was a very grace-filled day. In 1997, Pope Saint Paul II instituted a day of prayers for women and Let’s continue praying for an increase of vocation to the priesthood men in consecrated life. This day is intended to help the entire Church to and to the religious Life. esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels: chastity, poverty and obedience and, at the same time, is intended to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindled the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord. On February 2, “World Day for Consecrated Life”, a group of Religious women of the Diocese of Fresno gather at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles for the 11:00 am Mass. Rev. Timothy N. Cardoso was the main celebrant. The “Fruit of the Vine Choir” added so much to the
4 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life Planning for the Inevitable: Why We Should Prepare! We encounter dozens of families annually that are not prepared for the submitted by Ronald E. Smith, loss of a loved one. People come in asking for help: financial assistance, Funeral Director, Sterling & Smith Funeral Directors, Fresno payment plans, credit and at times are not prepared to put forth any money upfront. We have been burned so many times that it is hard to help families The Old Testament, from Genesis to the last book because the outcome is usually a loss to the business. As a (Malachi) is about preparation for when the Messiah would result, we encourage people to plan ahead: purchase life come. God spent a lot of effort planning, preparing and insurance, burial insurance, final expense coverage or set teaching us; providing us with laws and commandments aside money in the bank. When I speak in churches and and the way that he wanted us to live to remain close to him. in the community I also stress the need to plan for the John the Baptist came baptizing with water and preparing inevitable because no day is promised (Matthew 25:13). the way - telling people that they needed to repent of their When we talk about planning ahead we talk about several sins and be prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God. things. First, there is prearranging at a funeral home and He prepared the way for the Messiah! He was planning for this can be as simple as going in and putting on paper what our future (Luke 3:1-18). your wishes are. You may not have to spend anything to Jesus Christ’s entire three-year ministry was about prearrange and you can still lift a burden from people by planning ahead: preparation for the future. Jesus Christ letting them know what you want. If you are not sure what emulated God’s ways by healing people, by teaching a message of love you want or if you do not have money, you can take the easy way out for your God and for your brother and yourself (Matthew 22:37-39), and and plan for a simple cremation. This can provide peace of mind and by telling us to go forth and spread the good news to all ends of the Earth equally as important you do not leave a burden for those left to mourn. (Matthew 28:19). His message was all about planning ahead and preparation Another option is to purchase life insurance or final expense insurance. for the future. I say all that to ask this question: Why is it that 2000 years You’ve probably seen numerous television commercials offering products later people choose not to plan for the future including the inevitable- death? that allow you to plan ahead and pay for it: either all at once or over time. This Individuals are not planning ahead for funeral services, couples are option ensures that the resources are in place to cover your final expenses. not saving for retirement, government leaders are not spending Another option is to purchase life insurance through your on the infrastructure necessary to support a growing population employer if available. This insurance may be portable which means and people have become wasteful and are not recycling you may be able to take it with you if you leave your employer. the resources that God blesses the planet with. The lack of Another option and a very important step that people should take is to planning is disappointing and will lead to ruin (Proverbs 15:22). speak with your loved ones and let them know what your wishes are. Put As a funeral director, I encounter hundreds of people every year that things in writing and sign it so that your family members do not squabble do not have life insurance and/or who have not planned for or prepared for later on, providing their own perspective as to what your wishes were. the inevitable – death of the physical body. Spiritually they may be in great Telling people is easy, but if everyone does not hear the same message it shape and may have all their plans and prearrangements done with God. can create friction later. We have experienced this numerous times over the They may have their ticket punched with access through the pearly gates years so do not think your family is unique and that sibling rivalries will into heaven, but here on earth they have not taken steps to address their not erupt during a time of grief. Putting your final wishes in writing can final arrangements: burial, cremation, scattering, etc. Rather, many people prevent disagreements between people that believe they know what your are willing to leave the burden to their loved ones or to friends or to the final wishes are because if you put your final wishes in writing people will government agencies that handle those affairs. One would be surprised to not have to think or wonder about them. They will know what they are. learn how many individuals including veterans are abandoned each year, This is another form of planning ahead. leaving the government to pay for their final disposition. The time has If you are thinking about being buried pick out the cemetery and if you come for us all to plan ahead; to get our affairs in order and be prepared. Planning for the Inevitable: Why we should prepare! - continued on page 6
way to address our sustainability commitments and allow for continued growth while also contributing to the care of our common home, our planet and all its beauty.” St. Anthony Retreat and Conference Centers is located at 43816 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA. They can accommodate large group retreats as well as individual private retreats. Spiritual direction is available upon request. To learn more or to schedule a retreat, please contact (559) 561- 4595 or email [email protected]. Caring for our Common Home at St. Anthony Retreat and Conference Centers submitted by Julia Fracker
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, Bishop Joseph Brennan blessed the new solar array for St. Anthony Retreat and Conference Centers in Three Rivers, CA. The solar field includes 555 solar panels and will meet 100 percent of the energy needs of the retreat center and reduce operating expenses by $127,000 annually. The array will also support the all planned expansions. According to Fr. John Griesbach, Retreat Director, future plans include the addition of a third dormitory in the youth conference center as well as a new wing for the retreat center. The panels were fully funded by a generous donation from Manuel and Shirley Maciel. Mike Hand, business manager, explained, “The donors were looking for the best gift that they could give to this retreat center that would have the longest lasting effect on our future and continued growth.” This project will not only benefit the retreat center, but also has a positive impact on the environment, which the retreat center is deeply committed to protecting. All new buildings have and will be built using insulated concrete forms with an insulation value of R23 through R34 and with low-E glass double pane windows. The facilities also include a water treatment system, which efficiently filters, cleans, and returns waste water to the ground. “As part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, reducing our carbon footprint and our impact on the planet and our local community is a top priority,” said Julia Fracker, Director of Marketing and Development, “the renewable energy generated by our solar field is a reliable, cost-effective
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 5 Another Student/Parent Project at St. Anthony School, Fresno submitted by Rosalinda Luna
Families gathered at St. Anthony of Padua School for the First Annual Advent Wreath Making & Potluck. “What a blessing for our family to begin the season of Advent with an activity that included our school community,” said Lisa Waddill, parent and 8th grade teacher at St. Anthony’s. Each family worked together to wrap the fresh garland around the wreath, place the candles, and tie on the pink and purple ribbon details. They also received an Advent prayer guide to use during this time of preparation for Jesus’ birth. “The goal of our school’s Advent wreath making catechesis night was to support our families in growing together in faith,” said Nancy Shearer, Religion Coordinator at St. Anthony’s. “It was beautiful to watch the families work together to build a wreath they will gather around in prayer as they prepare for Christmas.” Deacon Alan Shearer led the group in prayer and explained the history of Advent. The children were happy holding their completed family wreaths as they received a blessing by Deacon Shearer. “Seeing the deacon bless the families and their new Advent wreaths was such a beautiful and joyous sight to behold. It reminded me not only of the blessings of the season, but the great blessing it is to share in the faith journey of our students and families,” said Jeanette Suter, Principal at St. Anthony of Padua School. The families agreed this was a wonderful way to begin the Advent season. “As a new family to St. Anthony’s School, it gave us an opportunity to meet and get to know other SAS families,” said Lisa Waddill. Everyone agreed to make this event a new annual tradition for the school community. It is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts and homes for the birth of Jesus.
Planning for the Inevitable: Why we should prepare! - continued from page 5 you are gone, but you lived a life worth living and that you know where have the resources go out and start paying on the plot or pay for it all if you you are going (Heaven). Let people know that there is no doubt to where can. These are things that you can do to ensure that your final instructions you are going and that if they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be carried out. You can go make plans, but if you do not have money they will be with you again. your family is not obligated to spend their money to bury or cremate you. Funeral traditions vary by culture, ethnicity and country. While More and more families are letting the government cremate and scatter most services will include a vigil, funeral liturgy and the rite of or bury deceased individuals in a county cemetery or potter’s field. The committal, I encourage speaking with your priest or pastor and family potter’s field is where people end up that do not have resources togo members to determine which traditions are right for you and your anywhere else and/or for individuals that are abandoned by or unclaimed family. Financial resources may play a part in your decision making by their family. That is a conscious decision people make to not plan ahead. process and it is so much easier if the resources are in place beforehand. God gives us resources and encourages us to plan ahead for our futures. I will always advocate that people give our family business, Sterling It is up to us to do so and to let others know what those plans and wishes are. & Smith Funeral Directors and Sterling & Smith Funeral Home an Amen! For if we do not, the burden you leave may not just be a financial opportunity to be of assistance. If you do not choose us, take heart burden; it can be an emotional burden. It can scar those left behind because knowing that there are Catholic funeral directors in the community they might have guilty feelings thinking they should be doing more for that are professional – please support the Catholic business community you, but they cannot raise the money. People do car washes, bake sales and especially those that give back to the faith! As a Catholic business owner borrow against retirement plans to pay for a service that you may not want. I would do a disservice to you the reader if I did not let you know that This happens when people do not share their wishes. you have choices and in this most delicate of matters take time to find the I always encourage people to share your wishes; plan ahead and if funeral director and funeral home that is right for you and your family. you really want to be forward thinking; use today’s technology and record Remember, the entire ministry of Jesus Christ was built on planning your final words to people. You can participate in your own funeral. You ahead. Jesus fulfilled the scriptures (Old Testament planning) and provided can leave an audio or video recording to people. You can put the good, the guidance and examples on how to live our lives (New Testament planning). bad and the ugly if you choose. You can send words of encouragement, As you enjoy this Lenten season please take steps to plan for your future. final remarks or messages for the next generation to let them know that God Bless, Your Servant, Ronald 6 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life Lent asked God our Father to strengthen us in our observance of Lent. When we submitted by Rev. Jim Rude, S.J. fast, we should be doing it precisely in the presence of our God. Above I have mentioned repentance, fasting and helping the poor. But I Most Catholics see Lent as a month of fasting and penance and have said that we should be doing all of those things in a prayerful attitude. repentance and confession and sacrifice and helping the poor. However But there is another reason for prayer, our basic reason for prayer: God there is something else. What else? God’s presence and that very special did not create the world for the sake of buildings and cities and countries moment that happens at the end of Lent. Listen to the prayer of Ash but for the sake of people, that they might live together and live with God, Wednesday, which happens to be the first day of Lent. or better, that WE might live together and live with God. Jesus did not “God our Father, strengthen us as we begin our observance of Lent. May just happen along. His divine Father sent Him to live with us humans to our self-denial and our sacrifice on behalf of others protect us against all show us how to live, to give us life and love. Love without forgiveness is evil, bring us your forgiveness and prepare us to celebrate impossible, for love sees only the Holiness and innocence the Paschal Mystery.” of God’s Son. There’s no question that we have a lot to do. So how The last Thursday of Lent is a very special day. are we going to do it? Are we going to spend an hour Jesus knew that He had been teaching in the Temple and in the morning twice a week rethinking our mistakes, our that what He had been teaching was radically different sins? Remember what we Catholics believe: we don’t just from what the Jewish leaders were doing there, and the look for our sins, but rather God shows us in our prayers a result, as He was aware, was that they were going to do remedy for sin. So we don’t just rethink our mistakes, we away with Him. So that night He gathered His closest pray with God about them. And remember our sins are not buddies together for what He believed would be their last always just mistakes we make, but actions that we make supper as a group, and He tried His hardest to get them to following the intentions of devils. And so we should pray feel themselves together with Him. For example, He took and ask God to hear our prayer and rescue us from the some bread, broke it, gave it to them and said, with great snares of the wicked. hope, “This is my body which is given for you.” He said this hoping to And how are we going to help the poor? Of course we can always make his buddies one with Him. It did not work. make financial donations to the poor but one can also donate his or her A couple hours later He was arrested and the next day He was hanging time, work at Poverello House or among the prisons in our diocese, or in horribly on the cross. His buddies? Peter had denied Him, most of them our various parishes or even in Homeboy in Los Angeles. Homeboy is for were at a distance watching, only John was right there at the cross. gang members, but once they are on the inside, they are good people, and There are questions for us. Do we treat Jesus the way Peter did? Are also very poor people. It basically creates jobs for them. But they’re not we like the group, wandering away at a distance? Are we like John, close just poor, they are also victims, and so need a lot of help and a lot of love. to Jesus, accepting His life and His death for ourselves? And our love means that we need a lot of God’s help. God has given us a purpose, a function, celebrating the Paschal Mystery. Fasting is what our mothers do for us at our meals, but it also means that Unless we fulfill it, happiness will elude us. When we find the Christ, our we can’t take booboos on the side. But when our friends take something true identity, we find a joy and happiness that is lasting and imperishable. extra, what goes on in our mind? Are we just saying no, or are we talking God bless you all. with God? Remember what we said in that Ash Wednesday prayer, we
Anniversaries of Our Priests, Deacons and Religious
Clergy March Sr. M. Rosario Gallardo P.D.D.M. Rev. Msgr. John Esquivel 4/27/1968 Rev. Zacarias Martinez Martinez 3/25/1962 Rev. Jean-Michael Lastiri 4/27/1985 3/6/2004 Sr. Elaine Elgart E.S.E.H. 3/25/2015 Rev. Msgr. Michael Braun 4/29/1967 Rev. James Catalano O.S.J. 3/19/1963 Rev. Kevin Bray 4/29/1967 Rev. Daniel Bringas 3/26/1976 Clergy April Rev. Msgr. John Coelho-Harguindeguy Rev. Gerald Chavez 3/31/1973 Rev. Victor P. Hernando 4/1/1982 4/29/1967 Rev. Roger LeDuc 4/2/1960 Rev. Msgr. Ronald Swett 4/29/1967 Permanent Deacon Rev. Larry Toschi O.S.J. 4/3/1976 Rev. Don Flickenger 4/30/1964 Rev. Mr. Ed Harmon 3/4/1995 Rev. James LaCasse S.J. 4/6/1974 Rev. Msgr. Anthony Janelli 4/30/1964 Rev. Showreddy Thirumalareddy 4/7/1997 Religious Rev. John Burns 4/12/2003 Permanent Deacon Sr. Daisy Dy-Tiapco F.D.Z. 3/19/1984 Rev. Jose Luis Vega 4/17/1954 Rev. Mr. Leon Miller 4/10/1988 Sr. M. Crucis D’Amico P.D.D.M. Rev. José de Jesús Valle Alvarez M.S.C. 3/25/1944 4/19/1999 Religious Sr. M. Eugenia Pia Bianco P.D.D.M. Rev. David Norris 4/20/1974 Sr. Caridad Reguera R.A.D. 4/13/1957 3/25/1957 Rev. Edgar Magaña 4/20/2002 Rev. Rayanna Pudota 4/24/2001
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 7 Census 2020 submitted by Mildred Diaz, Project Manager
The Census 2020 is quickly approaching! So, let P.A.T.Y.’Studio help bring awareness to your community. P.A.T.Y.’Studio, is a faith-based dance studio located in Hanford. We’ve been blessed with a contract through Empower.Vote, in partnership with the Sierra Health Foundation, the administrative community-based organization (ACBO) selected by the California Complete Census Office to outreach in rural areas in Kings and Tulare Counties. We especially want to outreach to local schools, parishes and missions in the communities who often go unaccounted for. In an effort to raise awareness of the Census 2020. P.A.T.Y.’Studio will include music, dance and theater to visually educate the community on the Census. Patricia Diaz, the Owner and Director of P.A.T.Y.’ Studio, has produced and written different theatrical skits that will educate the community on some of the misconceptions around the Census. The first theatrical skit entitled “En La Vecindad” takes place ina neighborhood where the local newspaper seller is going door to door to sell the newspaper on the Census 2020. Each neighbor who opens the door presents an issue like the fears of information being shared because of immigration status. The skit concludes with a choreographed dance performance to a Census themed Banda song provided by Empower.Vote. The second theatrical skit takes place in a school setting where actors take the role of students and listen to the teachers lecture on the Census 2020. This skit is performed in a level where the children watching can understand and later share the information with their parents. The third performance is a full production show with different styles of dancing being presented while incorporating different verses from the Bible that speak on the importance and meaning of the Census on a biblical point of view. Help us raise awareness on the Census 2020! Please contact Mildred Diaz, Project Manager for P.A.T.Y.’Studio at (559) 410-3546.
Watering the Seeds Trinity, The Holy Family, my own family of origin, my Holy Cross submitted by Sister Joanne Bauer, CSC, Family Life Ministry Coordinator Congregational family, my Diocese of Fresno family, the “family” of health care professionals and all of you who are supporting me with your Navigating my right foot brace and walker over the icy ground with prayers, love, care and encouragement. the assistance of my cousin, Susie, and David, I made my way into the The next seed is recognizing that God plants the seed of God’s life, American Pancake House. Then we went to see “It’s a Wonderful Day in love and light in me and in every the Neighborhood” at a local theater in South Bend, Indiana. This New one of us; in all of creation, in Year’s Day experience was my first time out anywhere, since Friday, the Word made flesh and in our September 27, 2019. awareness and efforts to further God’s reign “on earth as it is in heaven.” John 4:14 “the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life”; John 17:21: “…that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us”; Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor as yourself”; Luke 7:50: “Your faith has saved you”; Acts 17:28 “For in him we live & move & have our being”; Galatians 2:20: “Christ lives in me”; “I live by faith.” Another seed would be that I choose to be willing rather than willful. Willingness is bringing the attitude of full participation to your
Villa Bauer-Still, RN, Sr. Joanne Bauer, life. Willfulness is … the opposite of willingness. If willingness is Neurosurgeon Ian T. Johnson, M.D. realizing you are a part of and connected to life, willfulness is denying After leaving the convent that morning, my intention had been to stop at reality, refusing to be part of the cosmic process, or giving up hope. https:// the doctor’s office before going to work at the Diocese of Fresno Pastoral www.dbtselfhelp.com › html › willfulness Center. But the doctor told me to stop by Saint Agnes Medical Center And finally, I find myself resonating more and more with my Mother’s Emergency Room to confirm that I had not had a stroke when I called wisdom when she stated, “Life is hard, but I wouldn’t have missed it for 911 at 2 am that morning; then, come back to see him. Instead, I found the world.” myself admitted to the hospital for emergency brain surgery, followed by “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable treatment and therapy in Fresno, CA, and then at St. Mary’s Convent, ND, can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they IN. (This dream event was realized because Susie and David drove six become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we hours to and then from TN, arriving from midnight to noon in IN.) trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” Lent is the springtime of the Church. In spring, watered seeds shoot - Fred Rogers forth new sprouts from the earth. I find myself watering seeds sprouting forth from my latest life experience that I offer to you as a gift: What seeds from your most recent life experience have you been The first seed is heartfelt gratitude to my “families”—The Holy watering in your life, your spouse’s life and in the lives of your children? Lent is a good time to water these seeds. 8 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life Holy Spirit Stephen Ministry adds 12 new Ministers submitted by Bruce Blau
Begun in 2006, Stephen Ministry, at Holy Spirit in Fresno, has grown to over 50 trained caregivers. So far, the Stephen Ministers at Holy Spirit have provided over 13,000 hours of one-on-one support to parishioners and others in need of loving spiritual care giving. The ministry is an international Christian one-on-one life crisis support organization. Our ministers provide loving confidential support. Stephen ministers are simply compassionate, loving Christian people, following their Christian mandate to follow Christ’s teachings and help care receivers through difficult times. The purpose of the ministry is for men and women to unload their problems to a trained caring minister. Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis recently established a Stephen Ministry. The support that these two ministries offer the parish priests cannot be understated. When a person in need calls the parish office, they are asked if they are in need of a person to talk to. If they say yes, they are referred to a Stephen Minister. The weekly meetings between the Stephen minister and the care recipient are done in strict confidence. The Stephen Minster is there to listen and pray with the person in need. Parishes with the Stephen Ministry program offer a support network that ensures that parishioners in need have someone to talk to. “As a pastor, I’m grateful for our congregation’s Stephen Ministers. The ongoing support they provide helps insure that the needs of hurting people are met in our congregation and throughout our community,” says Rev. Msgr. Patrick McCormick, Pastor of Holy Spirit Church. an all-inclusive caring ministry. For more information on this ministry, Stephen Ministry is the perfect fit for Catholic parishes in need of contact Holy Spirit Parish at (559) 434-7701.
Catholic Daughters at Terry’s House, Fresno submitted by Maria Lara
On this fine sunny day January 12, 2020 the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. John #2526 volunteered at Terry’s house to do lunch for the families staying here. It was an honor to serve this great organization, helping families with housing during their loved ones who are in long-term care, staying at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center. The Representative Rebecca gave us a tour and history of how Terry’s house came to be. Built in 2011, it is a home away from home for families of patients including those from outside the Central Valley who must be away from home for extended periods of time. Terry’s House is a place where families can find rest, meals, comfort and the feel of home away from home. Our Catholic Daughters of St. John’s went on this beautiful day to provide a meal for these families. I was so honored to come and serve, along with our Worthy Regent Monica Herrera, Secretary Jennifer Rodriguez, members: Ismaela and Michael Heiden, Kelly Ortiz, Celma Chavira and Pam Zarate. There is always something that is needed, whether it’s cleaning, grocery shopping or just being there to hold a hand or lending an ear. One can also donate, or do care packages; there are so many ways to volunteer. If you have never visited this place, I highly recommend you do. It humbles you and reminds us that this could be us in need and there are so many ways to help, donate and be of service to Terry’s House. If you wish to help contact: Whitney Horn: whorn@communitymedical. org or (559) 459-2648.
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 9 Bishop Brennan and Bishop Reed need your help to keep CatholicTV programming in the Diocese of Fresno
On March 31, 2020, KNXT will cease operations, but together we can keep the programming of CatholicTV — the quality programming that you have enjoyed for years — on air.
Please encourage your cable or satellite provider to continue the KNXT/CatholicTV partnership by simply replacing the KNXT channel with the CatholicTV channel. We humbly and urgently ask that you write or call your cable or satellite provider and let them know you want CatholicTV to continue on their system. In late February we will also provide postcards at the parishes for you to mail.
submitted by Gloria Garibay, Media Center Secretary
Hello Everyone! Here are some books that will help us reshape and change our hearts to While Lent might feel like it is only about our regrets, sufferings, and a deeper understanding of God’s mercy, so we can be renewed this Easter! disappointments, this is a time for New Life, time to reflect on the changes Let us continue to reshape and change our hearts this year to a deeper we make to get closer to Jesus. Change and/or conversion are important if understanding of God’s mercy so we can become messengers of God’s we want to grow in our relationship with Christ. peace, love, and compassion to others!
Lent and Easter – Wisdom from St. God for Us – Rediscovering the Meaning Thérèse of Lisieux of Lent and Easter By John Cleary By Greg Pennoyer & Gregory Wolfe
In Lent and Easter Wisdom, John Cleary Explore the meaning of Lent, its uses passages from St. Thérèse’s The importance in spiritual formation, its Story of a Soul to comfort and challenge significance in the preparation of Easter, us this Lenten season as we meditate and the holy season of Easter itself. It on St. Thérèse’s life and the passion of is not about becoming lost in feelings of Jesus Christ in the days leading to his brokenness, but about cleansing the palate resurrection. so that we can taste life more fully. Lent and Easter reveal the God who is for us in all of life.
¡Oiga! Déjeme hablarle de Cuaresma y The Catholic Playbook, Lenten Pascua Reflections for Singles Con Abundio Parra Sánchez By Christina Ries
Este librito sobre La Cuaresma y Embark on a Lenten journey you’ll La Pascua presenta de forma breve y never forget! animada, algunos de los principales Lenten Reflections for Singles offers 40 elementos históricos, litúrgicos, teológicos meditations – one for each day of Lent – to y simbólicos de la Pascua y la Cuaresma. guide you through this Liturgical season. De esta manera se pretende motivar la Unite withsingle Catholics across the experiencia personal y comunitaria de los country, pray with Father Gary Caster and cristianos hispanos en torno al misterio arrive at new levels of discipline and pascual. discovery.
10 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life
Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno Save the Date! Restorative Justice Ministry Ministry of Encounter and Accompaniment Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus Council 16185
th Listening Session For Crime Survivors 5 Annual Seminarian Dinner Fundraiser “Casino Night” People who have lost a loved one to homicide or an act of violence often live in isolation and overwhelming grief. The immensity of such Saturday, June 6th, 2020 emotional suffering can seem unbearable, leaving loved ones feeling Fort Washington Country Club, 10272 N. Millbrook Ave., Fresno, CA alone or abandoned, including within our church. 5:00 PM Champagne Reception – 6:00 PM Dinner Restorative Justice seeks to help heal the relational harm caused by Gala event, formal attire is encouraged crime and violence that includes providing caring support for those suffering such a tragic loss.
If you are suffering the loss of your loved one due to homicide or other act of violence, the Diocesan Restorative Justice would like to learn more about how our church can better serve and support you. We would like to invite you to come and share your personal experience, thoughts, and ideas with us in a safe and caring listening environment. We will be meeting on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 2pm– 4pm at the Bishop Steinbock Center located at 2540 East Floradora Ave., Fresno CA 93703. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP required : Maciel Godburn (559) 325-6888 or [email protected] or Jim Grant work (559) 488-7463 or cell (559) Guest of Honor: 708-3530 or [email protected]. Please feel free to contact us if Most Rev. Joseph V. Brennan, D.D.
you have any question. For more information and ticket reservations, please contact:
Rod Olguin 559-681-2630
Alan Ames Lenten Healing Mission submitted by Brian Kravec Sacred Heart Catholic Church Rev. Juan Maldonado cordially invites you to a very special Lenten Presents Healing Mission Service on Wednesday, March 4, 7pm at Sacred Heart The Healing Ministry of Church in Merced, 519 W. 12th St. with Catholic lay evangelist, Alan Ames of Perth, Australia. This exclusive one night mission, one of ALAN AMES three Northern California Mission services in the Fresno, Stockton and Sacramento Dioceses, will include Holy Mass, Alan’s miraculous personal testimony, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and healing service. Alan Ames began his healing, speaking, and writing ministry in 1993, the turning point in his life, when he experienced a mystical illumination of his conscience and understood how his sins had hurt God. Alan saw how Jesus offered him forgiveness from the Cross. Alan accepted the forgiveness of Jesus in the sacrament of Confession and returned Catholic Mystic to the Church. Alan’s hatred and pain, rooted in a life of violence and Evangelist & Author addiction, was transformed into love. Alan has brought hope and blessing to hundreds of thousands of faithful around the world through his holy Holy Mass zeal and extraordinary charisms with which the Lord has gifted him - the hope and blessing which he himself draws from his sacramental Testimony & Adoration relationship of love with the Trinitarian God through the Catholic Church. Healing Service & Confession To date, Alan has published over twenty books and continues to receive messages from the Holy Trinity and the saints. Alan’s March 4, 2020, 7PM ministry enjoys the full and explicit support of the archbishop Saered Heart Church of Perth, Australia, where he resides. See www.alanames.org. Alan’s fascinating story was recently published in the #1 Amazon 562 West 13th St. Best Seller, The Warning: Testimonies and Prophecies of the Merced, CA Illumination of Conscience by Catholic author, Christine Watkins. See www.queenofpeacemedia.com. 209.383.6604
Admission is free. A free will offering will be accepted for Alan Ames WWW.ALANAMES.ORG International Ministry.
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 11 A letter from Bishop Joe on the 2020 Census Census! Our goal is to gather cards across the Diocese. Faith in the Valley can help us with the resources and support needed to do this. The 2020 Census is coming very soon and it is beyond important for us to support it, and if possible, help with it in any way we can. As you may 2. Neighborhood Canvassing: Work with Faith in the Valley organizers know, the Census data helps allocate more than $600 billion annually to to coordinate a volunteer canvassing in your parish neighborhood, or vital programs and services. in a neighborhood that is considered “hard to count,” as we inform the One difficulty is that our state, and more specifically, the region of the community of the importance of filling out the census. This will help us Fresno Diocese, is considered traditionally “hard to count”- with immigrant ensure that the communities that need these resources the most have the residents, renters, people living close to or below the support they need. poverty line, and families with young children. Thus, as a Diocese, we have been entrusted and invited 3. Parish educational events, established ministries, into a very important mission in ensuring that our and informational gatherings: Faith in the Valley staff communities are represented in the 2020 Census, can work with your parish to explore the outreach which will significantly impact the trajectory of the opportunities within the work you are already doing. families we serve. We have a unique opportunity and Whether it be festivals, posadas, or the already responsibility to ensure that our parishes feel informed, established ministries, FITV can ensure that our equipped, supported, and most importantly, safe to fill parishioners are aware of the importance of the census, out the 2020 Census. and the resources it can bring to their families and our There are several ways that all of our parishes and communities. missions could include the Census in work that we are already doing, or seek support in establishing new If you are already working with a representative efforts. We have partnered with Faith in the Valley, a from the Faith in the Valley team, please contact them multi-faith and non-partisan coalition of Central Valley so you can explore what ways of Census involvement faith institutions, to ensure that every parish has the fits your parish. If you do not have someone you are resources, education, and tools necessary to help carry already working with, contact Ariana Martinez Lott out 2020 Census work in our community. There are a ([email protected] or (559) 288-4690) and few specific ways that I am inviting you to participate: she can help you get connected. I would love to hear about any level of participation you might happen to land on. 1. Mass announcements with commitment cards: We are excited to I look forward to the innovative ways our various parishes, church groups announce that we have created our very own Diocese/Faith in the Valley and organizations might help with this census so that our communities and commitment cards! In doing so, we will be demonstrating that we people can receive the programs and services so vitally needed. are ready to put our faith into action by educating our parishes during mass announcements, and inviting the community to fill out and turn in In Christ, commitment cards to show our collective commitment to filling out the Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan, D.D. Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
What have we done to implement Laudato Sí 2. Has your parish or school taken any of the following energy measures? in the Diocese of Fresno? _____Conducted energy efficiency audit submitted by Jim Grant, Director, Social Justice Ministry, Diocese of Fresno _____Installed solar panels _____Energy acquisition from renewable sources Pope Francis published his _____Purchased carbon offsets landmark encyclical “Laudato Sí: On Caring for Our Common Home” 3. Does your parish or school have any of the following? on May 24, 2015. That’s almost _____An active Care for Creation Parish Team 5 long years ago! Please consider _____Hosted a Green Mass? completing this brief survey and _____Hosted other special events in observance of creation care returning it to me so that we can, as a diocese, evaluate just what we 4. Briefly describe your parish or school’s efforts towards creation care: have been able to do, and commit to making 2020 the year we not only study the encyclical, but implement 5. Are you interested in doing something in 2020 to respond to the it locally as best we can. constant calls of Pope Francis and the June 2019 Pastoral Statement of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops to protect our common home? • Parish or School Name and ______Yes _____No Address: • Parish or School Website: 6. If you’d like any information about Care for Creation Teams and • Parish or School Respondent to this Survey: diocesan support to start “Caring for the Earth and Caring for the Poor”, • Parish or School Respondent’s “title”, e-mail and phone number: please contact me!
1. Has your parish or school implemented any of the following waste Jim Grant, Director reduction initiatives? 1550 North Fresno Street, Fresno CA 93703 ______Eliminated single-use plastics [email protected] ______Eliminated Styrofoam cups and/or plates (559) 488-7463 ______Composts food waste ______Hosts recycling events
Thank you for considering a legacy gift for one of our Parishes or Catholic schools. Designating your gift to our diocesan television station, KNXT, is also a beautiful way of supporting our shared mission to share the Gospel message of faith, hope and love. For more information, visit our dedicated website www.catholicgiftannuity.org or contact Bobbi Hannigan, Manager of Diocesan Initiative, at 312-795-6047 or [email protected].
12 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Reedley submitted by Barbara Alaimo We are thrilled to share two events with you for your Youth Group and parish community. Father Ubald Rugirangoga, who lived in Rwanda in 1994 during the Genocide, will be at our parish presenting a Youth Rally and a two-day Lenten Parish Mission. Father is known as the Apostle of Forgiveness/Warrior of Mercy due to living an unspeakably difficult act of mercy to the man who murdered his mother and family members. All of us live with divisions in our life: pain of unforgiveness or alienation. Father Ubald will give us five spiritual keys for healing. His testimony will be inspiring for our Lenten 2020 journey as he proclaims the power of God to release us from the wounds of the past. He will give the people of the Diocese of Fresno hope to come to Jesus for healing. You may learn more about Father Ubald’s mission by going to YouTube: “Forgiveness: The Secret of Peace”, his website: https://frubald.com, or reading his book: Forgiveness Makes You Free. If you will need someone to address your parish, please call Michael Osborne at (559) 471-6748. If you need us to e-mail flyers, please call (559) 930-7048. In Jesus’ most holy name,
Intentional Disciples of St. Anthony of Padua, Reedley Rosa Hernandez, Ramona Bujulian, Michael Osborne, and Stella Pardo
Annual Scout Awards Mass 2020
The Annual Scout Awards Mass was celebrated at St. John’s Cathedral on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The celebrant was Scout Chaplain, Rev. Gregory Beaumont, and he recognized 48 scouts with Catholic Religious emblems and pins. Catholic Scouts, boys and girls, fulfill their duty to God and reverence by completing requirements and performing service duties to earn recognition. Next year’s Mass at St. John’s Cathedral will be held on February 6, 2021. Information on Religious Programs for Scouts BSA: https://www.nccs-bsa.org Information on Religious Programs for Girl Organizations: https://nfcym.org/programs/nccgscf/ Contact: Michale Phillips at [email protected]
The Diocese of Fresno Catholic Committee on Scouting Presents: “Native American Adventure Trek” Earn Merit Badges & St. Kateri Tekakwitha Patch
What: A Boy Scout Adventure Trek Where: Kelty Meadows When: Sunday, June 7 to Wednesday June 10, 2020 Cost: $35.00 There will be daily Mass, prayers, and activities to earn the St. Kateri Patch and to earn the Indian Lore & Basketry Merit Badges
For more information or to request a registration/permission form, please contact: Scout Chaplain Father Greg Beaumont Holy Family Church P.O. BOX 798, Kingsburg, CA 93631 Email: [email protected] Tel: (559) 707 – 4280
Or Victor Carrillo Troop 321 Leader
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 13 Walk For Life Guadalupe Robledo, 16, said the march packed with thousands of pro- submtted by Eddie Jimenez, Reedley resident and a St. Anthony’s parishioner life advocates is a heartening and uplifting gathering. “You feel the vibes, Photo Credit: Michelle Montag you feel the joy, you feel welcomed,” she said. Lois Ellsworth agreed, saying, “It’s a beautiful day. You’re with friends A woman’s emotional story about being raped and her decision to have and you’re worshipping Jesus.” her child was the perfect message for pro-life advocates The large number of young people he sees at the at the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, local walk always impresses Jim McGahan, a leader of St. residents said. Anthony’s Respect Life Group and organizer of the Kathy Folan’s account of her ordeal during a rally at San Francisco bus trip. “People are so happy. They’re the Civic Center Plaza clearly touched many parishioners celebrating life.” from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Reedley Among those who attended the event were St. who traveled to the annual event on Saturday, Jan. 25. Anthony’s parishioners from various church groups, Folan shared her story about the rape while she was in including St. La Salle School students, the Knights of college, the initial shame and not wanting to tell her Columbus, youth from KHI-RHO Club, Catholics in parents. Uncertain of how they would react, she found Action students from Reedley High School, and Grupo that her parents were understanding and supportive. She Jovenes Majestad. spoke about giving birth to her child and then giving Danny Brooks noted the walk was so packed with him up for adoption. pro-life supporters that the trek along Market Street “Let me show you my decision,” Folan said as at times moved at a slow pace. He strongly believes her now-grown son, Nathan Sullivan, walked to the that abortion eventually will be illegal in the U.S. “I podium. The young, successful man in his late 20s said think through perseverance and sheer numbers we will he was grateful to his mom for showing “that his life prevail.” mattered.” Bernadette Tasy said the walk brings together tens “It was an impactful moment,” St. Anthony’s of thousands of people “to protest the biggest human parishioner Lidia Cervantes said. rights issue of our time. The pro-life generation comes “A lot of people say, well it’s rape,” said Mary from far and wide, finding that we are not alone and Sanchez, another St. Anthony’s parishioner, “but it’s that we are called to continue to do more and more for not the baby’s fault.” those who cannot advocate for themselves,” said Tasy Michelle Montag said the woman’s story was inspiring. The son is who is president of Fresno Pro-Life Future. Though we mourn lives lost to “living and breathing” because his mother “did the right thing.” this legal tragedy, so much joy is found in the people at the walk, ready to About 300 people journeyed from St. Anthony’s Church to participate continue fighting until abortion is abolished for good.” in the walk. Most on the five buses were Reedley parishioners, though “Pro-life advocates are gaining momentum,” Chris Tasy said. “Every residents from Dinuba, Sanger, Orange Cove, Parlier and Kingsburg joined year, the pro-life walks coast to coast draw more and more people. More them. Many people have taken part in the San Francisco walk several than 80,000 people will be walking in three pro-life walks in California,” times, including 18-year-old Alfredo Cervantes. he said. “This clearly demonstrates that increasing numbers of Americans “I believe we should spread the message of stopping abortions and pray understand the science, morality and value of life.” for women who have gone through abortions and regret it,” he said.
We are the NOW of God: we are the arms of the Church that must reach out to all the peripheries A New Diocesan-wide Process to to encounter young people, to be in touch with reality and interpret it Transform Pastoral Juvenil from a Gospel perspective, and to work collaboratively to bring about the Benito Medrano, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator Kingdom of God. On the first weekend of February, at Santa Teresita Youth “Here and now; we can feel it; we are listening to Your Conference Center, we presented this vision to young adult voice.” Those are the opening lyrics of a song that has leaders of 15 grupos juveniles—the most representation been on repeat in my head. They create a sense of urgency we’ve had in this yearly retreat for parish leadership of and excitement about something new that is born out of pastoral juvenil groups. This retreat, entitled “Protagonistas discerning God’s voice. These feelings resonate with our de la misión” (Protagonist of the Mission), was the first of emerging diocesan vision for pastoral juvenil Hispana several moments throughout this year that will be part of a (Hispanic youth and young adult ministry). diocesan process that frames this vision: the First Diocesan This 2020, moved by the urgency of minister to our Jornada of Pastoral Juvenil: On the Evangelization of and young people, and influenced by national processes like by young people. The second moment is quickly approaching the V Encuentro and the National Dialogue, and most on the season of Easter! definitely inspired by the words of Pope Francis’ apostolic During this retreat, in a gesture of synodality, we chose exhortation Christus Vivit, we will be promoting a vision together the theme for this first jornada: echoing Pope Francis, of a pastoral juvenil that is missionary, prophetic, and synodal. we’ll call it “We are the NOW of God.” Join us in prayer for this process, Instead of simply reminding our young people, we want to empower them for all our diocesan young people. Contact us for more information about to live our baptismal call to be active agents, and not simply spectators this jornada at [email protected]. of the mission of Christ. As parish groups for youth and young adults,
14 February 2020 Central California Catholic Life St. Jude Catholic Church Golden Anniversary Students busy at Work, St. Anthony School, Fresno submitted by Angelo Hanamandaris submitted by Rosalinda Luna
Over fifty years ago, on February 6, 1969, Bishop Timothy Manning decreed that our St. Jude Catholic Church in the Kern River Valley was now a church able to stand on its own. Prior to that, St. Jude was a mission church for many years under the management of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bakersfield. From 1969 on the parish continued to grow and the little church became too small to accommodate services. In the early 1980’s, after many years of fundraising and donations, a new church was built where it stands today. During 2019, in celebration of fifty years as a parish, a luncheon event was held on February 10 to begin the Golden Jubilee year. A BBQ celebration was held on June 9 and the final jubilee celebration was held on Sunday, October 27 at St. Jude church in Wofford Heights. Newly assigned Fresno Diocese Bishop, the Most Reverend Joseph V.
5th grade students at St. Anthony of Padua School took time out from their studies to create knot tied fleece blankets to be donated to Catholic Charities in Fresno. This is the 5th annual blanket making event and this year the students in both classes handmade 32 blankets.
Brennan, celebrated a Golden Jubilee Mass at St. Jude Church in Wofford Heights with previous parish administrator, the Rev. Fr. Anthony Iromenu, and present parish administrator, the Rev. Fr. Showreddy Thirumalareddy and the Rev. Mr. James Dewey. A parish luncheon followed to celebrate this monumental event.
“The students work in pairs to make their blankets and then we deliver them to Catholic Charities,” said 5th grade teacher Mrs. Tuel. “While the students are at Catholic Charities they volunteer and work in the food warehouse and thrift store. It is a great tradition and the kids really love making the blankets.”
Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage?
Do you feel frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse?
Do you argue or fight frequently? Do you feel isolated?
Do the problems get worse when talking about them?
Are you thinking about separation or divorce?
Retrouvaille can help your marriage! This is a 5th grade tradition led by Mrs. Asparuhov and Mrs. Tuel
Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi) is a program designed to help married couples heal their at St. Anthony of Padua School “We always make them extra large so a marriage with a special technique taught during the program. It helps couples discover or family can snuggle up under the blankets,” said Mrs. Tuel. The blankets awaken the love, trust, and dedication that originally united them. were created with love and decorated with holiday ribbons before being delivered to Catholic Charities in time for Christmas. The program has been successful in saving marriages - it can even bring reconciliation to couples who are already separated or divorced. For information on locations and weekend dates, or to register, please visit our website www.HelpOurMarriage.com For your planning needs, here are the deadline dates to submit articles, For confidential information within the Fresno Diocese you may also email or call one of the following areas: flyers, ads, etc. Easter/Pentecost, 2020 - Deadline: 3/16/20 • Fresno - [email protected] or call (559) 862-6765 Summer, 2020 - Deadline: 4/6/20 • Bakersfield - [email protected] or call (661) 747-2212 Central California Catholic Life is published by the HelpOurMarriage.com Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, which comprises the counties of Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare.
Publisher: Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
Co-editors: Sr. Rosalie Rohrer, IHM and Rudy Luna • Graphics: Nick Cadena 1550 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93703 Telephone: (559) 488-7440 E-mail: [email protected] • Diocesan website: dioceseoffresno.org
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 15 Bishop Joseph Brennan’s Visit to Men’s Valley State Prison There’s no doubt that it is wonderful to give helpful advice to a friend, submitted by Sandra Espinoza, Santa Libertad Prison Ministry bring healing to a sick person, offer wise counsel to a colleague, but there is a greater gift than all of these, it is the gift of our own life that shines Dear friends, through all we do. It is with great joy and gratitude that we I’m not sure most people would view their difficult and tragic times as want to share with you, a wonderful moment an experience of a grateful love. But this is how I chose to view my present we experienced at the Men’s Valley State Prison circumstance. We have been blessed with courage and resilience in the in Chowchilla, last December. Most Reverend midst of this tribulation. Though I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, we see Joseph Brennan, Bishop of our Diocese of that in moments of deepest despair, we have been given comfort of peace, Fresno, visited prison and celebrated Mass in in the dark nights of doubts, we have been given light of hope. We have English and Spanish. All this was possible due come through the storm with a calm and learned to draw upon in a moment to collaboration with Spanish Prison Ministry to realize the most valuable lesson, that God is faithful without fail. We all “Santa Libertad,” from St. Patrick’s in Merced, have experienced God’s faithfulness in you, Your Excellency! Mr. Danilo Grajales, Catholic Chaplain at VSP, Mr. Jim Grant, Director of Once again, we thank you for your visit and for caring. Please tell our Social Justice, and staff from the diocese. brothers and sisters out there to love each other, not once in a while, but Bishop Joseph Brennan, volunteers and inmates became one soul every moment of everyday as our Lord loves us. Your Excellency, remind experiencing the love of God in many ways. That day, we prayed, sang them not to be self-righteous because such way of life leaves no opening and cried together (literally.) for God’s presence. Finally, tell them that the gift of life given by God in Here we show a letter that an inmate wrote for the Bishop and was each of them was also given to their brothers here at VSP from the same read by the inmate in a public manner during the service that day. The one loving and merciful God. author wrote one in English and one in Spanish. May God Bless you and embrace you close to His We have just transcribed that with his permission. bosom, so that you may always feel His love that ______translates into serving others.
Estimados amigos, Sincerely, Es con gran gozo y gratitud que queremos R. Luna - Layug (RHOAN LAYUG) compartir con ustedes un momento maravilloso ______que en diciembre pasado experimentamos en la Prisión Estatal del Valle en Chowchilla. Su Excelencia, Su Excelencia Joseph Brennan, Obispo de la Diócesis de Fresno, visitó a los hombres de la Yo estoy profundamente conmovido por la prisión y celebró Misa en inglés y español. Todo generosa expresión de su amor y oraciones hacia la esto fue posible gracias a la colaboración entre comunidad creyente de VSP. el Ministerio Carcelario “Santa Libertad” de La alegría de saber que usted estuvo entre nosotros, San Patricio en Merced, el Sr. Danilo Grajales, nos da mucho entusiasmo, pero sobre todo porque Capellán Católico de la prisión, el Sr. Jim Grant, usted manifestó el deseo verdadero de traer a Director de la Justicia Social y el personal de la nosotros la Palabra de Dios! y el confort que el amor diócesis. de Él, nos da por medio de su presencia. El Obispo Joseph Brennan, los voluntarios Como usted bien lo sabe, en este lugar es donde y los internos nos fundimos en una sola alma se encuentra la gente menos amada y deseada por la al experimentar el amor de Dios de muchas sociedad. Mucha gente ni siquiera intentaría venir maneras. Ese día, oramos, cantamos y lloramos cerca de un lugar como este y mucho menos tener juntos (literalmente.) algo que ver con los prisioneros. Esta es una triste verdad que existe dentro Aquí mostramos una carta que un interno escribió para el Obispo y el de todos nosotros que nos encontramos dentro de este lugar. Pese a todo interno la leyó públicamente durante el servicio ese día. El autor escribió este estigma y humillante experiencia de nuestra decayente situación, una en inglés y otra en español. Con su permiso, las hemos transcrito aquí. nosotros encontramos consolación y esperanza en gente como usted Su Excelencia. ______En estas difíciles y dolorosas épocas, sentimos que nuestras vidas se han detenido y que no tenemos nada que ofrecer, pero debido a Most Reverend Joseph Brennan su presencia, ahora entendemos que tiempos como Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno estos, nos hacen estar dispuestos a dar más en vez de menos. Nos abre un camino más profundo para December 7, 2019: compartir nuestras esperanzas. Yo no estoy seguro si la mayoría de la gente I am deeply moved by the genuine expression observa como experiencia, lo difícil y trágico de of your love and prayers for the faith community estos días y lo toma como un amor agradecido, of VSP Chowchilla. The joy of your visit and your pero esta es la manera como yo decido observar presence, makes us all feel affirmed of God’s love ésta presente circunstancia por la cual yo vivo. and closeness of Christ to us through His church. Nosotros hemos sido bendecidos con mucha As you may very well know, this place is where valentía en medio de esta tribulación. Pese a que the unlovable of the society are found. A lot of people will not dare to come yo no deseo esto a nadie, nosotros nos damos cuenta que en momentos close to places such as this, and even more so, to desire to have anything to de gran desesperación, se nos ha dado el confort de paz y esperanza en do with prisoners. This is the sad truth and nature of our existence inside esos días oscuros de gran duda. Nosotros hemos pasado por medio de la this place. Yet amidst of the stigma and humiliating experience of our tormenta con mucha calma, sabiendo y comprendiendo una lección muy fallen situation, we find consolation and hope in people such as you, Your valiosa, que Dios es fiel y nunca falla. Su Excelencia, nosotros hemos Excellency, that despite of the negative perception society has labeled us, experimentado la fidelidad de Dios por medio de usted! it did not prevent you from coming to be with us to celebrate the Holy Una vez más, mil gracias por visitarnos, por favor dígale a todos nuestros Mass in this place of worship. In these difficult and painful times, we often amados hermanos en toda la Diócesis de Fresno de nuestra parte, pese a felt that our lives had come to a standstill, and that we had nothing to que muchos dirán que ya lo saben: 1) ámense unos a otros tal como Jesús offer, but because of your presence, Your Excellency, now we realized this nos amó, 2) no se hagan llamar ustedes mismos justos en todo momento, period have proven to be the times that made us able to give more instead porque esto da lugar a que no exista la presencia de Dios, 3) el respiro de of less, it opened our hearts to a deeper sharing of our lives and offering vida en cada uno de ustedes hermanos, fue respirado a los prisioneros aquí each other hope. en VSP por el mismo Dios! At times we tend to forget that our gift is not so much what we can do, but who we are. The real question is not “what can we offer each other?” Sinceramente, but rather “who can we be for each other?” R. Luna - Layug (RHOAN LAYUG)
Central California Catholic Life February 2020 16