INSIDE

The Epiphany of Celibacy, pp. 6-7, 10

TheVol. LIV, No. 19 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPEMir GIRARDEAU, MISSOURIr Januaryr 11, 2019 One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus

Diocese celebrates ordination of Fr. Andrew Williams, pp. 8-9 Christian faith hinges on the incarnate Analysis: The non-trial of Theodore McCarrick, p. 16 By David Gibson he Christmas story is vibrant with vivid images of angels celebrating an infant’s birth and shepherds going “in haste” to Tfind this newborn child “lying in the manger” (Lk 2:16). Some may think it resembles a children’s story in certain ways. But there are compelling reasons for adults to hear it again and again too. The Spirit of Christ in Without the story of the birth in the Fullness of Time Bethlehem of an infant named Jesus— 745 as a real child needing a place to sleep The Son of God was conse- peacefully, as all babies do—Christianity crated as Christ (Messiah) would be a very different kind of faith. by the anointing of the The familiar scene of Jesus lying in Holy Spirit at his Incarna- a manger, tended by Mary and Joseph, BROTHERS & SISTERS IN ONE ANOTHER—Christian faith does not profess an tion (cf. Ps 2:6-7). points beyond itself to remind believers “insurmountable separation between Jesus and everyone else,” Pope Francis said that this child is the Word of God, who in a letter to an Italian journalist. Instead, “in him we are called to be children “became flesh and made his dwelling in the one Father,” and thus “brothers and sisters to one another.” (Shutterstock) among us” (Jn 1:14). “The incarnation of the Word in a to acknowledge Jesus’ wisdom.” goodness in the world or in the human human family, in Nazareth, by its very The message of the incarnation body—a goodness that Jesus’ birth as a newness changed the history of the was not always welcomed by all who child affirmed. world,” Pope Francis wrote in “The Joy considered themselves followers of “The Son of God coming in our of Love” (“Amoris Laetitia”), his 2016 Jesus. Some were convinced over the flesh and sharing the joys and sorrows, apostolic exhortation on marriage and course of Christianity’s first few centu- the successes and failures of our life … the family. ries that human flesh was unsuitable for testifies to the astonishing love of God “We need to enter into the mystery God—that it would debase divinity for for all people and to the inestimable of Jesus’ birth,” said the pope. We need, God’s Word to be worth that he sees in them,” Pope Fran- as well, “to contemplate the joy of the made flesh. cis wrote in a 2013 letter to an Italian shepherds before the manger, the adora- Some doubted, journalist named Eugenio Scalfari. tion of the Magi and the (Holy Family’s) therefore, that The utterly charming story of flight into Egypt, in which Jesus shares Because the Lord could be Christmas stirs a conversation about his people’s experience of exile, persecu- of the divine or one in incarnate faith—the faith of believers to- tion, and humiliation.” being with God the day who find goodness in the world and It also would be good, Pope Francis incarnation, Father. Early Chris- in all human life, and set out to bring all continued, “to peer into those 30 long each one of tians debated such that goodness into the light. years when Jesus earned his keep by the us is called to issues, and some So, while the Christmas story is work of his hands, reciting the tradi- battled over Christ’s about Jesus, it really is about us, too. tional prayers and expressions of his make Christ’s identity. As Pope Francis wrote to Scalfari, people’s faith and coming to know that gaze and love There were “Christian faith hinges on the incarna- ancestral faith until he made it bear fruit our own. those who found tion.” Because of the incarnation, more- in the mystery of the kingdom.” the Incarnation a over, “each one of us is called to make All of this, said the pope, “is the bitter pill to swal- Christ’s gaze and love his own.” mystery of Christmas.” low. They wondered Christian faith does not profess an Notably, it exudes “the beauty of how the divine “insurmountable separation between The next issue of The Mirror family life,” filling families today with Word of God could enter this world as Jesus and everyone else,” said the pope. will be Jan. 25, 2019. hope. fully as the birth of Jesus informs us he Instead, “in him we are all called to be Experiencing delayed USPS In fact, a point Pope Francis did. children in the one Father,” and thus delivery? Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email wanted to emphasize was that “Jesus’ For Christianity’s early centuries “brothers and sisters to one another.” in digital format: Contact Angie own family, so full of grace and wisdom, witnessed many who, viewing our phys- Let this year, 2019 be one of Toben at (417) 866-0841, or did not appear unusual or different from ical, earthly world as a place deserving spreading the faith in our one Father in Email: [email protected]. others. That is why people found it hard to be fled, did not believe that there is love and truth. ©CNS 2 The Mirror COLUMN January 11, 2019

COME, AND YOU WILL SEE Love ‘incarnate’ in the new year Bp. Edward M. Rice

he Feast of the Baptism of the spirit of Christmas throughout the Lord, Jan. 13, draws to the year, we must use our hands to close the Christmas Season. help others. We must seek out the Decorations in the malls are poor and needy, see those suffering Tlong gone and Valentine candy is on our city streets and hear their fully stocked in the convenience cries. Our works of charity, through stores. That is the way of the world: the parish St. Vincent de Paul Soci- move on to the next opportunity to ety, or our support of a local food make a sale! pantry or emergency shelter, will How do we carry the spirit of make and keep love “incarnate.” As Christmas into the New Year, 2019? Charles Dickens wrote in A Christ- St. Augustine has a great answer to mas Carol, “I will honor Christmas that question based on love: “What in my heart, and try to keep it all does love look like? It has the hands the year.” to help others. It has the feet to Did you make a New Year’s hasten to the poor and needy. It has resolution? If not, here is one I eyes to see misery and want. It has read recently: “ Resolution One: I the ears to hear the signs and sor- will live for God. Resolution Two: rows of humankind. That is what If no one else does, I STILL WILL.” love looks like.” Enough said! Of course, at Christmas, love became “incarnate” in the flesh of Lenten Youth Challenge Jesus, born in Bethlehem. Now, as So, we now return to the we dismantle the manger scenes Ordinary Time in the liturgical from our churches and homes and year of the church until March 6, pack them away for another year, Ash Wednesday. Once again, dur- we are faced with the consequences ing Lent, I will ask the youth of of the “Word Made Flesh.” As St. our diocese, from east to west, to Augustine stated so well, to keep support a special, diocesan project. 33 YEARS A PRIEST—Bishop Edward M. Rice celebrated Mass Jan. 2 with Last year the the Sisters of Mt. Grace, in St. Louis, “The Pink Sisters,” in anticipation of his youth raised Jan. 3 priesthood anniversary: 33 years. Thank you for your ‘yes’ to God and over $38,000 your service to his Church. His episcopal anniversary is Jan. 13, and he will dollars for mark seven years as a bishop. (The Mirror) the Tiny Home Proj- I recently received a prayer all of the bishops of the United ect in Eden card for the beatification of Fr. Pat- States gathered for prayer was Village, rick Peyton. Does his name sound amazing. There were numerous Springfield. familiar? I hope so. He coined the times when the weight of the “Of- This year we phrase, “The family that prays fice” and the failure of the bishops will support together, stays together.” He spent weighed heavily on me, bringing Birthright of his entire priesthood promoting me to tears. At one particular Mass, Cape Gi- the family rosary. In 1971, Fr. Pey- after Holy Communion when we rardeau and ton, along with St. Oscar were singing, I was touched its efforts Romero promoted “Rosary by the moment and the to support Rallies” in El Salvador. It is gravity of the current scan- women estimated that more than dal and the failure of many facing two million people attend- bishops in the Church. The unplanned TUESDAY MONDAY ed the Rosary rallies. Which I will live refrain of the song, “Lord, Alexander Sutachan Fr. Mark G. Boyer pregnancies. brings me to my point— I need you, Oh, I need Daniel Belken Fr. M. Oliver Clavin I know the when was the last time your for God. you” brought me to tears. I Fr. Peter Morciniec youth of the family prayed together in If no one tried to hide my tears, but I WEDNESDAY diocese will Allen Kirchner TUESDAY the home? Maybe for some else does, noticed other bishops were Nicholas Newton Msgr. Edward M. Eftink again rise to of you it was just yesterday. I STILL wiping their eyes, too, so I Fr. Robert A. Landewe the Lenten Maybe for others, it is nev- was not the only one to be THURSDAY Youth Chal- er! With all the challenges WILL brought to tears. Jesse Hiett WEDNESDAY lenge and Ethan Osborn Bp. Emeritus John J. Leibrecht facing family life and the Regarding our diocese, do their best Church, we all know the I hope to make a report FRIDAY THURSDAY to support answer is PRAYER. Maybe of our findings as soon as Nick Zummo Fr. Ernest J. Marquart this Lenten another New Year’s Resolu- possible. To be as thorough Charles Peirano Fr. Michael V. McDevitt Mission Fr. Paul J. McLoughlin tion can be prayer in the as possible, the report will SATURDAY of Mercy! home. Begin with a decade naturally include religious Ryan Biggs FRIDAY Materials of the rosary after dinner or before order priests as well as our own John Hawks Fr. Justin Monaghan with further homework or bedtime. Make your diocesan priests. I hope to make Msgr. Raymond V. Orf SUNDAY details will home a “prayerful home.” You’ll that report, which is almost com- Jacob Mezzacapa SATURDAY be sent next grow closer to one another and to plete, by the end of January. In the Msgr. Richard C. Rolwing week to all our Lord. meantime, remember that New Fr. Normand G. Varone parishes and Year’s Resolution I mentioned at the SUNDAY schools kick- US bishops retreat in Chicago beginning of the column, “Resolu- Fr. Mitchell S. Wilk ing off this I returned from the US Bish- tion One: I will live for God. Reso- Fr. J. Patrick Wissman project for op’s Retreat at Mundelein Seminary lution Two: If no one else does, I Lent 2019. in Chicago, Jan. 2-8, 2019. To see STILL WILL.” ©TM January 11, 2019 COLUMNA The Mirror 3

VEN Y VERÁS El amor ‘encarnado’ en el año nuevo Obispo Edward M. Rice

a Fiesta del Bautismo del Se- el año, debemos usar nuestras manos y harán todo lo posible para apoyar ñor, el 13 de enero, lleva a su para ayudar a los demás. Debemos esta Misión de Misericordia Cuares- plenitud al tiempo de Navidad. buscar a los pobres y necesitados, mal! La próxima semana se enviarán Las decoraciones en los cen- ver a los que sufren en las calles de materiales con más detalles a todas Ltros comerciales han desaparecido y nuestra ciudad y escuchar sus gritos. las parroquias y escuelas que inician los dulces de San Valentín ya están Nuestras obras de caridad, a través este proyecto para la Cuaresma de Public calendar almacenados en las tiendas. Así es el de la Sociedad Parroquial de San 2019. mundo: ¡pasar a la siguiente opor- Vicente de Paúl, o nuestro apoyo a Hace poco recibí una estampa Mon., Jan. 14 Diocesan Safe tunidad de vender! una despensa de comida local o refu- con la oración por la beatificación Environment Review ¿Cómo llevar el espíritu de la gio de emergencia, harán y del P. Patrick Peyton. ¿Le suena su Board Meeting, Springfield Navidad al año nuevo, 2019? San mantendrán el amor “encar- nombre? Eso espero. Él acuñó Tue., Jan. 15 Clergy Day of Recollection Agustín tiene una gran respuesta nado”. Como Charles Dick- la frase: “La familia que reza Sacred Heart Parish, a esa pregunta basada en el amor: ens escribió en Un Cuento de unida, permanece unida”. Springfield «¿A qué se parece el amor? Tiene las Navidad: “Honraré la Navi- Viviré para Pasó todo su sacerdocio manos para ayudar a otros. Tiene dad en mi corazón y trataré promoviendo el rosario fa- Wed., Jan. 16 Clergy Day of Recollection los pies para apresurar a los pobres de mantenerla todo el año”. Dios. Si miliar. En 1971, el P. Peyton, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, y necesitados. Tiene ojos para ver la ¿Hizo usted una reso- nadie más junto con San Oscar Romero, Cape Girardeau miseria y la escasez. Tiene los oídos lución de Año Nuevo? Si no, lo hace, promovieron los “Mítines del Thu., Jan. 17– Annual March for Life, para oír los suspiros y angustias de los aquí hay una que leí reci- YO LO Rosario” (Rosary Rallies en Sat., Jan. 19 Washington, DC hombres. Así es como luce el amor”. entemente: «Resolución Uno: inglés) en El Salvador. Se es- Sun., Jan. 20 Annual ‘Strike Out for Por supuesto, en Navidad, el Viviré para Dios. Resolución HARÉ tima que más de dos millones The Kitchen’ Knights amor se hizo “encarnado” en la carne Dos: Si nadie más lo hace, YO de personas asistieron a los of Columbus Bowl-A- de Jesús, nacido en Belén. Ahora, LO HARÉ». ¡Ya está dicho! mítines del Rosario. Lo que Thon, Enterprise Lanes, cuando desarmamos los pesebres me lleva a mi idea: ¿cuándo Springfield de nuestras iglesias y hogares y los Desafío Cuaresmal de la fue la última vez que su guardamos para fin de año, nos Juventud familia oró junta en el hogar? Tal vez Mon., Jan. 21 MARTIN LUTHER enfrentamos a las consecuencias de Ahora volvemos al Tiempo para algunos de ustedes fue ayer. Tal KING, JR. HOLIDAY, The la “Palabra hecha carne”. Como bien Ordinario en el año litúrgico de la vez para otros, ¡nunca! Con todos los Catholic Center Closed dijo San Agustín, para mantener el iglesia, hasta el 6 de marzo, Miércoles desafíos que enfrenta la vida famil- Wed., Jan. 23 Week of Prayer for espíritu de la Navidad durante todo de Ceniza. Una vez más, durante la iar y la Iglesia, todos sabemos que la 7 p.m. Christian Unity Annual Cuaresma, respuesta es la ORACIÓN. Tal vez otra Joint Worship: Catholic/ pediré a resolución de Año Nuevo pueda ser Pentecostals, Immaculate los jóvenes la oración en el hogar. Comience con Conception Church, de nuestra una decena del rosario después de la Springfield diócesis, de cena o antes de hacer los deberes o Thu., Jan. 24 2019 Diocesan este a oeste, antes de acostarse. Haga de su hogar Development Fund que apoyen un “hogar de oración”. Se acercarán committee meeting, un proyecto unos a otros y a nuestro Señor. The Catholic Center, diocesano Springfield especial. El Retiro de los obispos de los EE. año pasado UU. en Chicago Fri., Jan. 25 Mass at Mary, Cause los jóvenes Regresé del Retiro de Obispos 6 a.m. of Our Joy Convent, recauda- de los Estados Unidos en el Semi- Springfield; DioSCG @DioSCG ron más nario “Mundelein” en Chicago, del 7 p.m. Puck Drop at Missouri Bishop Edward M. Rice at St. Sylvester de $38,000 2 al 8 de enero de 2019. Ver a todos State University Ice Bears Mission in Eminence on their feast day, dólares para los obispos de los Estados Unidos vs. MIZZOU’s Ice Tigers, Dec. 31. St. Sylvester, pray for us! el Tiny Home reunidos para orar fue increíble. En Jordan Valley Ice Rink, Project en numerosas ocasiones, el peso del Springfield “cargo” y el fracaso de los obispos Eden Village, Sat., Jan. 26 Opening prayer, Jack Frost me pesó mucho y me hizo llorar. En Springfield. 9 a.m. Run, O’Reilly Catholic una misa en particular, después de la Este año Student Center, Springfield; apoyaremos Comunión, cuando cantábamos, me el Derecho conmovió el momento y la grave- 4:30 p.m. Sacrament of a la Vida de dad del escándalo actual y el fracaso Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Cape Gi- de muchos obispos en la Iglesia. El Ann Seton Church, rardeau y estribillo del canto: “Señor, te necesi- Springfield sus esfuerzos to, oh, te necesito” me hizo llorar. Sun., Jan. 27- CATHOLIC SCHOOLS para apoyar Intenté ocultar mis lágrimas, pero me Sat., Feb. 2 WEEK di cuenta de que otros obispos tam- a las mujeres Mon., Jan. 28 Presbyteral Council bién se enjugaban los ojos, así que no que enfren- Meeting, Sacred Heart fui el único que se puso a llorar. tan em- Church, Willow Springs,

barazos no MO planeados. Con respecto a nuestra diócesis, espe- ¡Sé que los ro hacer un informe de nuestras con- jóvenes de la clusiones lo antes posible. Para ser diócesis volv- lo más completo posible, el informe de enero. Mientras tanto, recuerde erán a estar incluirá naturalmente a los sacerdotes que la Resolución de Año Nuevo que a la altura de las órdenes religiosas, así como a mencioné al principio de la columna, del Desafío nuestros propios sacerdotes diocesa- “Resolución Uno: Viviré para Dios. Cuaresmal de nos. Espero que ese informe, que está Resolución Dos: Si nadie más lo hace, la Juventud casi terminado, esté listo para finales YO LO HARÉ”. ©TM 4 The Mirror NATIONAL NEWS January 11, 2019 New Congress is more than one-third Catholic

Washington, DC upsets of the 2018 election.

he 116th Congress was gav- In total, there Faith forms disciples elled into session on Jan. 3, In June, the day after her pri- 2019, bringing almost 100 are 163 Catholics mary win, Ocasio-Cortez published new lawmakers into office, an op-ed in America magazine about Tand with Catholics making up nearly sitting in either how her Catholic faith has inspired 30 percent of the congressional fresh- her to work on criminal justice man class. the Senate reform. Catholics account for 28 of the Catholic education also played 96 new members of Congress, includ- or House of a role in shaping many members of ing newly-elected Sen. Mike Braun the new Congress. According to the (R-IN), the only Catholic freshman in Representatives, Association of Jesuit Colleges and the Senate. Universities, one out of 10 members In total, there are 163 Catho- more than 30 of Congress graduated from a Jesuit lics sitting in either the Senate or institution, including 12 Senators House of Representatives, a drop of percent of the and 43 members of the House of five from the 115th Congress, but Representatives. still more than 30 percent of the legislature. Of the 12 Jesuit schools with legislature. alumni currently in Congress, According to figures from Pew Georgetown University has the high- Research, the new session sees an officer, and city councilman, is the District, covering parts of the Bronx est number of graduates with 28. end to what had previously been a second Catholic to win the seat in and Queens. At the age of 29, Oc- Boston College and Fordham Univer- near even split of Catholic members seven decades. asio-Cortez became the youngest sity each have six alumni serving on between the parties in the House of Stauber, a married father of four, woman ever elected to Congress this Capitol Hill. Representatives, with 86 Catholic campaigned as a defender of life from November. The 116th Congress is also one Democrats now serving alongside 55 “conception until natural death” and Widely expected to become of the most religiously diverse in US Republicans. promised to “always be a strong and a leading voice for the progressive history, with the first two Muslim Among the newcomers in the constant voice for the right to life.” wing of the new Democratic House women elected to the House, which House is Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Another notable Catholic in majority, Ocasio-Cortez won a sur- has already moved to change proce- who represents Minnesota’s 8th Con- Congress is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- prise primary victory over Democrat dural rules so that Ilhan Omar (D- gressional District. Stauber a former Cortez (D-NY), who now represents incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley, a result MN) can wear her Muslim hijab on professional hockey player, police New York’s 14th Congressional considered to be one of the biggest the House floor. ©CNA

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. Eidson Production: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, [email protected] Published every other week except the last week in December at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; FAX (417) 866-1140; Email [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LIV No. 19 Jan. 11, 2019 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year. Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact [email protected]. Copyright © 2019, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org “Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG January 11, 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Mirror 5 Announcements Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Advance—The ladies of St. Joseph Kelso—St. Augustine Home and School will Parish will host a Fish Fry and Bake Sale, Fri., host a Trivia Night, Sat., Feb. 2, in the school gym. Jan. 18, 5-7 p.m., in the Knights of Columbus Doors open at 6 p.m. with questions beginning at 7 Hall on Hwy. 91. Adults: $10; children (ages p.m. Cost: $10/player. Maximum of eight per team. 15 and under: free). Proceeds will benefit Light snacks and soft drinks provided. To reserve a St. Joseph building and renovation fund. For table, contact Brian Ziegler, (573) 450-4902. more information, contact Rachel Hawkins at, [email protected]. Springfield—Sacred Heart Parish Heart-to- Heart Ladies Group, will host its 16th Annual Chili Branson—The Knights of Columbus has Cook-off, Jan. 24, in the parish center. Chili must partnered with the American Red Cross to be submitted for tasting/judging no later than Jan. schedule a blood drive on Jan. 25, in the parish 24, 5 p.m. Votes will be tallied at 7:30 p.m. with center at Our Lady of the Lake, Branson, noon-5 winners announced soon after. Attendees will be p.m. There is a critical shortage of all blood types the judges, so bring all your friends and relatives and blood products. You are eligible to give blood out to vote. No need to submit an entry to just if you are 18 yrs. old, weigh 118 lbs., are in come out and eat different styles of chili and be Second Union Marriage Preparation Seminar good health, and have a valid photo ID. Walk-ins a judge. Tickets are $5. Proceeds will be used to are welcome, an appointment is recommended. support our parish liturgical environment. For more Diocesan Region 6-9: To schedule an appointment go to www. information, contact Ruth Kellner, (417) 736- A Second Union Seminar will be redcrossblood.org., or call, (573) 465-0263. 2834, or Joellyn Reuter, (417) 224-3980. held 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 26, 2019, in the Church Scott City—The St. Joseph Knights of Springfield—Beginning Experience of Meeting room on the lower level, Columbus are taking orders for homemade pork Springfield will offer a six (6)-week “COPING with at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1913 Ritter Dr., Cape Girardeau. sausage. Cost: $3/lb., and will be ready for pick- life alone” class on Thursday evenings beginning Lunch will be provided. up on Sat., Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Knights Thu., Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton of Columbus Hall on Hwy 61. To order, call Gary, Catholic Church, 2200 W. Republic Rd. Cost: $20. Please remember to mail the (573) 576-6451. Scholarships are available (no one is excluded be- Marriage Preparation forms along cause of inability to donate). Classes are designed with the $25 program fee to the Kelso—St. Augustine Home and School to help individuals work through the trauma of los- Office of Family Life. Attendance will host a Sausage Breakfast, Sun., Jan. 27, ing a spouse through death, divorce, or separation. at this program will satisfy the 7:30-10:30 a.m., in the school gym. Menu COPING is a Christian-based peer-to-peer ministry Diocesan Marriage Preparation includes pork sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits and open to all faiths. For more information, call Guidelines for those couples that and gravy, pancakes and fruit cocktail. Cost is a Diane, (870) 688-8829; Donna, (417) 528- seek to have their civil marriage validated in the Church. goodwill donation. 1085; or Mary Alice, (417) 838-4651.

Schedule Safe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations:

Sat., Jan. 19 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . .The Catholic Center, Springfield Sun., Jan. 27 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. . .St. Cecilia, Kennett (Spanish) Thu., Feb. 7 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . .Immaculate Conception, Springfield Mon., Feb. 11 6-9 p.m...... St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Thu., Feb. 21 6-9 p.m...... Sacred Heart, Verona Sat., Feb. 23 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . .St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield Fri., March 1 9 a.m.-12-noon. . . . .The Catholic Center (Pallotti Center), Springfield Thu., March 7 12:30-3:30 p.m. . . . .The Catholic Center (Pallotti Center), Springfield Sat., March 9 9 a.m.-12-noon. . . . .St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Sun., March 10 1-4 p.m...... Our Lady of the Lake, Branson Sun., March 24 6-9 p.m...... St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield Sat., April 6 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . .St. John the Baptist, Licking Thu., April 25 6-9 p.m...... St. Denis, Benton Sat., April 27 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . .St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield Pre-registration is necessary; go to www.virtus.org and click on “registration” on the left or call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Rosie Francka at The Catholic Center, (417) 866-0841; or Email her at [email protected]. Participants must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the diocesan events calendar at www.dioscg.org, or at www.virtus.org. 6 The Mirror ADULT FAITH January 11, 2019

The Epiphany of COMMENTARY: Celibacy Until Jesus Christ, celibacy was virtually unknown. Our Lord’s celibacy revealed the essence of his mission, and manifested him as the Bridegroom of the Church.

By Father Paul Scalia from procreation made no sense and man. In that same spirit, we can because the Messiah was to be born of discern in the gifts of the Magi certain ver the past six months the Jewish blood. Thus, every man desired essentials of celibacy. Church has suffered horrid to have descendants. In Bethlehem, That they are gifts reminds us revelations of clergy sexual something new appears. The new immediately that celibacy is itself abuse, homosexual activity, light of Christ has revealed a new a gift—a “treasure” as the Church Oand attendant cover-up. These scan- kind of birth, that of the “children describes it. Discussions on this topic dals have understandably prompted of God; who were born, not of blood inevitably include the insistence that some to call for an end to celibacy in nor of the will of the flesh nor of the celibacy is not a doctrine but a disci- the Catholic Church. Of course, we will of man, but of God” (Jn 1:13). pline (as if a discipline in the Church should not quickly jettison a practice Of greater importance now is not is something to be treated lightly). so deep in the Church’s history and physical generation but spiritual. The That is true, as far as it goes. But that so strongly recommended by our Lord essential thing is to be born anew, or kind of positivism fails to grasp celi- and his Apostles (see Mt 19:12; 1 Cor “from above” (Jn 3:3). bacy’s deeper reality, to which both 7:25-40; Rev 14:4). Perhaps in this sea- Priestly celibacy is ordered to Scripture and Tradition so constantly son, in the light of Christ’s Epiphany, participation in this spiritual genera- witness. Indeed, the Church speaks of we can reflect upon this sacred disci- tion, to becoming a spiritual father. celibacy as not just a discipline but a pline, which the Church has always “Presbyterorum Ordinis,” (PO) Second charism. It is a gift given to some for referred to as a treasure, not a burden. Vatican Council’s decree on the life the benefit of all; it is given to some The Feast of the Epiphany is and ministry of priests, calls celibacy members for the upbuilding of the about God’s sudden self-manifesta- “a sign and a stimulus for pastoral entire Body. By way of the charism tion or, from another perspective, charity and a special source of spiri- of celibacy, a certain number in the our sudden perception about him. To tual fecundity in the world.” By way Church make themselves available for borrow from the Christmas Preface, of it, a priest foregoes marriage and that undivided attention to the Lord with Christ’s birth “a new light of children precisely so that he can and service of the Kingdom spoken [his] glory has shown upon the eyes become a spiritual father. In so doing, of in Scripture. By way of celibacy, of our minds.” The Word made flesh he witnesses to the truth and supe- priests “dedicate themselves more is revealed as a light to the nations, riority of spiritual generation. As St. freely in him and through him to the present in the Magi: “On entering Paul became father to the Corinthians service of God and men, and they the house they saw the child with through his ministry (cf. 2 Cor 4:16), more expeditiously minister to his Mary his mother. They prostrated so priests father children in Christ by Kingdom” (PO 16). themselves and did him homage” their ministry, their preaching, and (Mt 2:11). administration of the sacraments. The Gift of Gold Without this purpose of celibacy Of course, a gift must be received Celibacy and the Epiphany firmly in mind, we will inevitably lose as it is given. We are ungrateful recipi- Celibacy itself is something of an sight of its significance. Indeed, the ents if we only receive a gift on our epiphany—that is, a sudden mani- scandals witness to this truth: one own terms. To receive celibacy as the festation or revelation. Until Jesus of the horrors of the current crisis is gift it is, we must appreciate the quali- Christ, it was virtually unknown. precisely that spiritual fathers—not ties of the charism—qualities nicely Some, but few, of the prophets appear just anyone, but spiritual fathers—have symbolized by the gifts of the Magi. to have been celibate (and Hosea abused the children entrusted to The first of which is gold, something might have desired to be). These them. of lasting value. So also, celibacy is men are significant not so much as Of course, the Feast of Epiphany of enduring worth. Despite painfully exceptions that prove the rule but as which the Church just celebrated Jan. conspicuous failures and perennial types of the One to come. The chaste, 6 is best known for the mysterious calls for its elimination, it remains celibate Christ is a new way of God gifts of the Magi: “Then they opened valuable. In fact, like gold in a bad manifesting himself. The Child in their treasures and offered him gifts economy, its value only increases in a the manger will be celibate, not as of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt sex-saturated culture. As people chase an accidental feature of His life but 2:11). These gifts help to flesh out or after fulfillment in the flesh, celibacy to reveal something essential about reveal the content of this epiphany points them to a higher, more authen- Himself and His mission; to manifest of celibacy. The Church has always tically human happiness. It witnesses Himself as the Bridegroom of the understood these gifts as more than to the truth that man is created for Church. just material goods. They are impor- something beyond the material—for Our Lord’s birth is also the tant not so much in themselves but true joy, not mere pleasure. epiphany of spiritual generation in in what they reveal about Christ, Gold’s enduring value was of the world. Prior to his coming, ab- their recipient. Traditionally they are staining from marriage and therefore taken to proclaim him as king, God See Celibacy / 7 January 11, 2019 ADULT FAITH The Mirror 7

From Page 6 Bridegroom. The most obvious form God—that they ought to detach from of priestly unchastity comes from lust both creation and procreation (an- course the philosophy behind the and disordered sexual desires; that, other indication of the link between erstwhile gold standard. A currency unfortunately, needs no explanation. poverty and chastity). Approaching tied to that standard in effect partici- But this other form of priestly unchas- supernatural life calls for detachment pated in the value of gold. Even with- tity comes from vanity: when a priest from natural life. At Mount Sinai, in out the literal “gold standard,” we still wants himself to be known more than preparation for the epiphany of the use that phrase to indicate something Christ, loved more than Christ, and Lord, the Israelites were commanded, that serves as the basis for evaluating praised more than Christ. It is the ce- “Be ready on the third day; do not everything else. lebrity priest who makes his homilies go near a woman” (Ex 19:15). The In that sense, we should view and his Mass more about him than priests on service in the Temple were our Lord’s celibacy as the gold stan- about Christ. Who indeed comes to to refrain from marital relations. And dard. All the motives or arguments see the homily and the Mass as his. St. Paul exhorts married couples to pe- for celibacy ultimately come down This priestly vanity is the taproot riodic continence—in effect, a tempo- to this one: Jesus Christ was celibate. of clericalism. It uses the freedom of rary celibacy—that they may devote Any celibacy prior to him points to celibacy for oneself, not for sacrificial themselves to prayer (cf. 1 Cor 7:5). his, and all celibacy after him imitates service. Clericalism is in effect a form The ancient Church reasoned it. He sanctifies this state of life and of unchastity—the assuming of the that since those in lesser offices were gives it meaning. He was celibate for a Bridegroom’s place. And this privi- obligated to continence for a time reason and thus reveals the purpose of leged (rather than sacrificial) view of (the Israelites, the Levites, married priestly celibacy: to love the Church the priesthood paves the way for oth- couples), those who minister daily and give himself up for her; to sanc- er forms of unchastity. Disconnected at the altar should observe perpetual tify her; to cleanse her by the from the gold standard of continence—which ultimately be- washing of water with the Christ’s celibacy, a priest’s came celibacy. The conviction was word; to present the Church celibacy not only loses value that such detachment enabled minis- in splendor, that she might but also causes harm. ters (not just priests, but deacons and be holy and without blem- A priest’s It is worth noting that subdeacons) to pray with an undivid- ish (cf. Eph 5:25-27). Christ’s celibacy Christ’s celibacy sets the ed heart that, as the Council of Car- celibacy is the gold standard. has value standard for all vocations, thage put it, “they may obtain in all A priest’s celibacy has value only as he because his love is the only simplicity what they are asking from only as he imitates and par- perfect love. His complete God.” It is therefore fitting that the ticipates in the Lord’s, only imitates and gift of self, lived out in priest, who approaches the altar and to the degree that he lives participates celibacy, serves as the para- offers the life-giving sacrifice, observe it in sacrificial love for the in the digm for the self-giving that perpetual continence. The man who Church. should characterize the love exercises a spiritual fatherhood in a In this regard, another Lord’s, only between husband and wife. unique manner at the altar should helpful image is the celibate to the degree His celibacy speaks to single draw back from natural fatherhood. man who frames the Christ- that he people and engaged couples. The man who speaks the words of the mas season: John the Baptist, It teaches them how to cul- Bridegroom—This is my body—should the “Friend of the Bride- lives it in tivate the maturity and self- not speak those same nuptial words to groom” (Jn 3:29). Advent sacrificial possession to live in a chaste a woman. begins with the Baptist’s cry love for the celibate manner. Someone Incense also indicates mystery. and Christmas concludes incapable of living a chaste That is part of the reason we use it at with his baptizing our Lord, Church. celibate life lacks also the Mass: to make mysterious what we Jan. 13 this year. John antici- self-possession necessary to might be tempted to treat as mun- pated the evangelical celi- give oneself in marriage. In dane and ordinary. It serves as a veil bacy of the New Testament— that sense, chaste celibacy reminding us (because we are always that is, the celibacy lived for “the is the necessary precursor to all other in danger of forgetting) of the holi- sake of the kingdom of heaven” and vocations. ness—the otherness—of the One who for “undivided devotion to the Lord” comes so humbly in the Eucharist. (Mt 19:12; 1 Cor 7:35). He embraced The Gift of Frankincense Celibacy serves a similar purpose in celibacy so that he could more freely Next the Magi give frankin- the world. It is a kind of veil that calls fulfill his mission to prepare the way cense, which we rightly associate attention (the priest’s own, first of all) of the Lord and to make him known with worship. The Psalmist sings, to the otherness of the priest, to the when at last he came. “Let my prayer arise before you like holiness of what he is and does. More to the point, John’s incense” (Ps 141:2). Revelation speaks Not infrequently after Sunday celibacy was a sign and type of the of incense as “the prayers of the holy Mass, a child approaches the priest Bridegroom’s. It derived its value ones” (Rev 5:8). The early Christians and asks him about some aspect of only in relation to him. Naturally, ran afoul of the pagan world pre- the liturgy: Why? The child’s ques- then, the friend sent to announce cisely because they would not offer tion means that the liturgy has done the Bridegroom grew to resemble the incense—worship—to idols. So also, its work. It has provoked a wonder Bridegroom Himself. So much so, in celibacy is intended for worship. This and awe that can then be turned to fact, that he needed to clarify, “I am charism is bestowed upon the priest greater understanding and devotion. not the Christ” (Jn 1:20). His celi- precisely so that he can pray, and The priest then has a welcome op- bacy pointed to the Other. Hence, he most especially so that he can stand at portunity for mystagogia, to explain had nothing to say about himself: he the altar, with “undivided devotion” the sacred mysteries. A similar thing was not the Christ, not the prophet, (1 Cor 7:35). Of course, celibacy is not happens with celibacy. Few things in but just a voice. So also, the celibate an absolute requirement for the of- the Church provoke more questions, priest—sent to announce the Bride- fering of Mass. But we should not for wonder and interest. Even those who groom—introduces people to Christ that reason skip over the deep relation know little else about the Church not by assuming his place but by imi- between the two—a relation found in have at least heard of this mysterious tating him, by growing to resemble Scripture and Tradition. What makes kind of man that foregoes not only him, by pointing others to him. priestly celibacy distinct is its orienta- what is evil but even what is pro- The Baptist’s example helps to tion to standing at the altar and of- foundly good. They wonder, Why? identify one kind of failure in priestly fering the Mass. indeed, both celibacy As a witness to something more, celibacy. The priest, while striving to and the Mass are about sacrificing and celibacy is meant to be mysterious imitate and even resemble the Bride- offering the body so that others can and cause wonder. The world’s chil- groom, can never assume his place. To have life. dren’s questions about it means that do so would be a violation of celi- In Scripture we find the admoni- bacy, a taking of the bride from the tion to those who approach the living See Celibacy / 10 8 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS January 11, 2019

HANDING OVER OF BREAD & WINE—Bishop Edward M. Rice presented Fr. Andrew Williams with the sacred vessels containing the Bread and Wine, placing them in the newly-ordained’s hands. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

Diocese celebrates ordination of Fr. Andrew Williams

By J.B. Kelly 8 in Springfield, and just recently that the following reflections to be shared sister and friend, formed so much of Cape Girardeau of Fr. Andrew Williams. Bishop Edward with readers of The Mirror regarding my understanding of prayer beginning Rice ordained Williams in his home his discernment, formation, and what early in my seminary days. There is so he Diocese of Springfield-Cape parish on the evening of Fri., Dec. 14, he looks forward to in exercising his much to learn from St. Teresa of Avila Girardeau celebrated two in the filled-to-capacity Cathedral of priestly ministry in southern Missouri: and St. John of the Cross, and my priestly ordinations in 2018, St. Mary in Cape Girardeau. thesis for school is on a 17th century, that of Fr. Brian Straus on June Fr. Williams graciously offered Who have been your biggest Carmelite Lay-Brother named Law- T supporters in the journey to rence of the Resurrection. The spiritu- priesthood? ality of the Carmelite Order is likely My greatest support has been the backbone of my priestly ministry, my parents, Dan and Marsha, who are and their prayers will pump the blood deeply faithful to the Church and our of my priestly heart. family. Secondly, my brother seminari- ans, some of whom are now my broth- What advice or insights you er priests, have shared the journey could offer regarding vocational with me through our formation. Study discernment? sessions, late-night talks, discussions It cannot be stressed enough: about our parish work, and the daily Invite others, especially young people, worship of Mass and the Breviary: all to consider a call to the religious life or of these lead to a special bond among priesthood. It is truly a beautiful and priests, especially those who were in fulfilling life. Parents needn’t be afraid school or a parish together. that their son or daughter will “miss I also had the great blessing of out” on life if they pursue these call- attending Notre Dame Regional High ings. Clearly, not all are called to be a School in Cape Girardeau. The support priest or religious, but St. Paul urges from Bro. David Anthony Migliorino, every person who isn’t already married OSF, and the faculty and staff, and our to truly discern the celibate life. education in theology, really formed For those currently discerning: me as a disciple and encouraged me in Open your heart to God in prayer, my discernment. I spent time in the with simplicity, and ask Him to guide school chapel nearly every day I was you. God is not trying to trick you, there. and His plans are for your happiness. Start simple, jump on YouTube, and What—or who—else has given you just search “why did you become a special spiritual support through nun?” or “why did you become a discernment? priest?” and check a few videos from The Carmelite Order. My aunt, priests or religious. See if any of their Mother Marya of Jesus Crucified, has messages or stories move your heart, VESTMENTS—After the Laying on of Hands by Bp. Edward M. Rice and the been in a Carmelite Monastery since and ignore the ones that don’t. Most recitation of the Prayer of Ordination, assisting Fr. Andrew Williams in vest- she was 19, and I was given the Brown of all, be persistent in prayer; when ing were Fr. Joseph Stoverink and Fr. Rick Jones. Father Andrew Williams was Scapular at the age of nine. St. Thérèse we sit with Him daily in prayer, then ordained to the priesthood Dec. 14 in St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau. of Lisieux, in her writings and in the His desire for us will begin to become (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) sense of her presence as my spiritual clear. January 11, 2019 DIOCESAN NEWS The Mirror 9

FIRST BLESSING—Bishop Edward M. Rice sought the blessing of newly-or- dained Fr. Andrew Williams after the recessional out of St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, having completed the liturgy that ordained him a priest in his home parish on Fri., Dec. 14, 2018. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

The expectations of of the Church are Diocese celebrates ordination Fr. Andrew Williams clear: preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate Anything you especially look my driver’s license, and visiting home the sacraments forward to doing as a priest? while in the seminary. I was repeating As a priest, I most look forward to a line from The End of Affair, by Gra- faithfully and preaching and teaching, forming peo- ham Greene, which has been on my reverently, pray ple as disciples of Jesus Christ. In for- wall since freshman year of college. “If mation to be priests, seminarians are I could love you, I’d know how to love without ceasing, given the privilege to study the Scrip- ordination of Fr. William Hennecke, them. I believe the legend. I believe tures and Tradition for many years, an when I was still in high school, two you were born. I believe you died for and unite yourself opportunity which few people have. moments stuck in my imagination: the us. I believe you are God. Teach me to Christ the High To help others understand the Scrip- first blessings of the new priest, and to love. I don’t mind the pain … if I tures, the Lord Jesus, and the Church the sign of peace with the other priests could suffer like you, I could heal like Priest. And, with St. which he gave to guide us, is to help during the ordination. These both you.” It sounds a lot like what Bishop John of the Cross as unlock for them the way to eternal life represent my new relationship to the told me in his homily, “A priest is most and joy. It is a great honor to teach world with his grace: A blessing and a priest when he suffers.” I feel incred- your patron, may and to preach the Word of God, and a father to all of God’s people, and a ibly blessed and full of joy to share in your priesthood task enough for a whole lifetime. brother to my fellow priests. the priestly ministry of Jesus. During my priestly ordination, I Fr. Andrew Williams is complet- begin a reform What do you most look forward to just kept staring at the crucifix in St. ing his studies this semester at Mun- of the priesthood in celebrating the liturgy? Mary Cathedral, the same one I looked delein University. He will receive a In seminary, I would regularly at as a student in grade school, at pastoral assignment from Bp. Rice in throughout put on bonfires and invite the whole daily Mass in the summers after I got the coming year. ©TM the Diocese of school. The guys could take a break from homework, be together, and be Springfield-Cape re-energized. My love for liturgy shares Girardeau. Wherever some similarities with that. Myself and the other ministers seek to create you may be assigned, a space where all can worship and en- Congratulations always place yourself counter God, and find support in their joys and trials. to Troop 16 Eagle Scout under the shadow Beauty. Many people do not have of the Cross, for it is much beauty in their daily lives, but Andrew Williams on a privileged place to liturgy can be a place for us to step his ordination to the out of time for a moment, out of the be. May you live the world, and enter into a place of com- Priesthood from current munion and rest. From the daily Mass highest ideals of the at a small parish mission to a Easter and past members and Mass at the Vatican, both the simple priesthood, sharing and the grand, the Mass can be beauti- families of Boy Scout it with Christ the ful and encouraging for believers. Troop 16 Cape Girardeau. High Priest. Do you have any other thoughts A Scout is reverent. —The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice, homily to share with The Mirror readers? Ever since I attended the 10 The Mirror ADULT FAITH January 11, 2019

Similarly, celibate chastity only grows and bears fruit in the soil of mortification. It only makes sense The Epiphany of Celibacy when lived in union with the other evangelical counsels: poverty and obedience. It is only one part of the From Page 7 threefold renunciation of wealth, marriage, and independence. Indeed, celibacy has done part of its work. this became painfully clear as the Their wonder provides us with the reports surrounding former-Cardinal opportunity to speak of Christ’s own McCarrick revealed not just unchasti- celibate chastity, of sacrifice, and of ty but also a lavish lifestyle and abuse the world to come. The question pro- of power. As an asceticism, celibacy is vides an opportunity to speak of the out of place and ultimately unsustain- One who transcends all other loves able when not united with sacrifice in and of the Kingdom that lays claim to these other areas. To a man of wealth our hearts. and independence, celibacy appears absurd. Unless poverty and obedience The Gift of Myrrh are more deeply lived, priestly celi- Lastly, the Magi bring myrrh—an bacy will always appear as an oddity ointment used in the ancient world to in clerical life. prepare a body for burial. Its use was practical in a rather depressing way: Friendship and celibacy it covered the stench of a decaying We know that the Magi made corpse. Although it brought a pleasing the journey to Bethlehem together. odor to something otherwise horrify- Were they friends beforehand? Did ing and ghastly, myrrh still served as GIFTS OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH—To receive celibacy as the gift they discern the star together? Or did a reminder of death and the passing it is, we must appreciate the qualities of the charism, qualities nicely symbol- the star bring them together? What- nature of this world. At the same ized by the gifts of the Magi: Gold, something of lasting value and enduring ever the case, it was together that they time, its use also indicated a certain worth; Frankincense, associated with worship, prayer, and undivided devo- traveled, worshipped, and returned reverence for the body. It conveyed to tion; myrrh, a reminder of death (to self) and the passing of nature of this home “by another way” (Mt 2:12). mourners that their loved one’s body world. (Mosaic with gift of three Magi of Cathedral Sant Apollinare Nuovo This reminds us of the importance of was not just a carcass to be discarded. [Shutterstock] friendship for celibacy. Indeed, one The body still retained a human sig- of the depressing revelations of the nificance that needed to be respected body to its resurrection, and marriage theology, celibacy is still a sacrifice. It past six months is the apparent dearth and indeed anointed. to the wedding feast of the Lamb. is an ascetical discipline that theology of friendship within the clergy. Or, As an eschatological sign, Note that celibacy does not condemn can elevate and dignify, but cannot rather, the lack of that kind of friend- celibacy serves a similar purpose: it them. It in fact serves them by iden- take away. It is a way of living the ship by which men strive together in reminds us of death and the pass- tifying their limits and thus bringing Apostle’s description of Christ’s minis- sacrificial service, by which one man ing nature of this world. Those who out their true meaning. It orders them ters: “always carrying in the body the confronts and corrects another, and embrace celibacy choose to live here toward that true human fulfillment death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus by which men aspire together for and now what everyone will live in that is beatitude. may also be manifested” (2 Cor 4:10). greater things—even holiness. the world to come. Marriage exists in Like myrrh, celibacy also wit- The neglect of celibacy’s ascetical It is interesting that the Cat- this world only. It speaks of the not nesses to the dignity of the human dimension has deprived many priests echism’s only paragraph on friend- yet dimension of the faith; the defini- body. If the body were of no value, of the traditional means for living it: ship is in the section on chastity. tive marriage, the one to which all there would be no point to anointing prayer, self-denial, penance, physical Point is, friendship enables a man to others must yield, has not yet arrived. it after death and, indeed, no purpose mortification, etc. The most impor- have deep relationships that are not Celibacy speaks of the already dimen- to its burial at all. Likewise, if the tant of these means is, of course, sexual—and only that kind of man sion of the faith; the Bridegroom has body were of no value—if sexuality prayer. The Church exhorts her priests can truly live celibacy. Of course, already initiated the nuptials with were bad—then there would be no to “humbly and fervently pray for” friendship is not a “solution” to His Bride and the world as we know significance to its offering in celibacy. this gift of the Spirit (PO, 16). It celibacy. There is no practice or secret it is passing away. It speaks of the end As it is, the celibate lives as a sign that should be clear that living celibacy in to making celibacy easy, because of this world and the coming of the the human body is not just an object a healthy manner requires a priest to it is supposed to involve a death. next. but a sacred vessel; it has dignity and ask daily for the grace to do so. Only a Nevertheless, friendship does bring The fallen world forever presents is capable of being sanctified. Celibacy beggar can live this charism authenti- support. First, because it provides itself to us as our final destination. It is a sacrifice precisely because the cally. Neglecting prayer indicates ei- friends—indeed, even brothers—with bids us remain, set down roots and body and sexuality are goods. ther a casual attitude toward celibacy’s whom the priest shares a mission and cut short our pilgrimage. Likewise, Still and all, myrrh is meant importance or a delusional sense of purpose. Second, and perhaps more the body—the flesh—bids us to find for the dead. A pious tradition has it one’s own strength. practically, because it provides those fulfillment in it alone. People go that our Lord’s body was anointed But prayer is essential for celi- who can hold us accountable and from pleasure to pleasure, chasing with the same oil presented to Joseph bacy for another reason: because it provide correction. after what the flesh always promises and Mary in Bethlehem. Whatever is one of the purposes of celibacy. A One final thought about the gifts but can never deliver. Even marriage its historicity, this tradition expresses priest receives this charism not so of the magi: they were not given to suffers this reality. Many mistakenly the truth that the myrrh of the Magi much that he can be free from mar- the Christ Child. They were meant for think that marriage will bring them points to the sacrifice of Christ. riage and family, or even just free for him, of course, but they were en- fulfillment—when, in fact, it never Which reminds us that celibacy is work, but so that he can be free for trusted to Mary and Joseph. Which is can and was never supposed to. Mar- also a sacrifice, the putting to death of prayer. He chooses to be alone so that a good reminder to us priests of their riage is designed to lead spouses to something. It requires a death-to-self, he may be more present to the Lord; necessary intercession for our liv- fulfillment; not to fulfill them here an offering that costs something, that so that he can more freely intercede ing out of celibacy. This gift of gold, and now. These things—the world, digs into us priests. And it is supposed for his people and contemplate truths frankincense, and myrrh has been the body and marriage—are goods. to. It requires the sacrifice of marriage to hand on to them. The more a priest given to us priests. It will only remain But for them to remain good, they and all its benefits—not once for all, lives according to this purpose of an authentic gift—a charism—when must remain in their proper place and but at all times and at different mo- celibacy, the more he integrates the we entrust it into the virginal hands not claim a throne that is not theirs. ments in a priest’s life and ministry. charism into his life. The greater the of Mary and Joseph. ©NCR Like myrrh, celibacy witnesses This death-to-self has been over- devotion to prayer, the more celibacy to death, to the passing nature of looked in recent years. Perhaps the fits his life. But for the priest who Father Paul Scalia is a priest of the all things—including the world, the desire to emphasize its Christological, does not strive to grow in prayer, the Diocese of Arlington, VA. Copyright © body, and marriage. As such, celibacy nuptial, and eschatological dimen- more awkward celibacy will become, 2019 EWTN News, Inc. Reprinted with relativizes them all. It sets the world sions prompted formators to skip over the more it will feel like a suit that permission from the National Catholic in proper relation to eternity, the the reality that, for all its beautiful doesn’t quite fit. Register—www.ncregister.com January 11, 2019 DIOCESAN/NATIONAL NEWS The Mirror 11 Pope calls for unity and conversion in letter to US bishops Washington, DC “renewed and decisive victim, or the scold in our relation- approach to resolving ships,” and instead should focus their ope Francis wrote to the US conflicts,” said Pope attention on “the gentle breeze that bishops calling for a “change Francis, as he cautioned the Gospel alone can offer.” Instead, of mindset” to restore the against a reliance on he said, the bishops should work Church’s credibility and trust structural solutions to avoid “gossip and slander” and Pamong the faithful. that would reduce the promote dialogue, discussion, and “Clearly a living fabric has come role of a bishop to “a discernment among one another. undone, and we, like weavers, are mere administrative or “As a Church we cannot be held called to repair it,” the pope wrote organizational func- hostage by this side or that, but must in a letter to the American bishops, tion” in the “business of be attentive always to start from dated Jan. 1, 2019, and released Jan. evangelization.” those who are most vulnerable.” 3, 2019, by the USCCB. The paramount The pope warned that while This repair process must involve task facing the American many responses were being consid- a “change of mindset” by bishops in PAPAL LETTER—Pope Francis issued a letter to bishops, Pope Fran- ered by the bishops, they must be relation to prayer, power, exercising the US bishops as they gathered on a prayer re- cis said, is to create “a cautious to avoid those that do not authority, and handling money, he treat Jan. 2-8 at Mundelein Seminary after a year shared spirit of discern- necessarily align with the “flavour” explained, with the change rooted in of scandal. (Photo by Bob Roller/CNS) ment” leading to true of the Gospel. an acknowledgment of the “sinful- communion, without For this to be accomplished, he ness and limitations” which necessi- Pope Francis said that a cover-up giving in to the “relative calm” of said that the bishops must engage in tate God’s grace. mentality “enabled them to fester a sterile compromise or a vote with “wisdom, prayer, much listening, and The letter was sent ahead of and cause even greater harm to the winners and losers. fraternal communion.” ©CNA the US bishops’ week-long prayer network of relationships that today The pope said that the bishops retreat at Mundelein Seminary, in we are called to heal and restore.” must abandon the “modus operandi of The full letter from Pope Francis the Archdiocese of Chicago, Jan. 2-8. A unified body of bishops, he disparaging, discrediting, playing the may be read at www.usccb.org. The retreat was proposed by the pope said, would be helpful in regaining in October as an opportunity for this credibility. them to reflect and pray after a year “Credibility will be the fruit of a of scandals which have rocked the united body, that, while acknowledg- All are invited Church in the US and worldwide. ing its sinfulness and limitations, is Please join us for the Sixth Annual Following months of scandals, at the same time capable of preach- Catholic/Pentecostal Joint including the allegations against ing the need for conversion,” he said. former cardinal Theodore McCarrick Francis also condemned what Worship Service and the release of the Pennsylvania he called a sense of “division and dis- grand jury report, American bishops persion” among the communion of Wed., Jan. 23, 7 p.m. met in November for their annual bishops that has erupted in the wake Immaculate Conception Church, general assembly in Baltimore, at of abuse allegations. This discord, the which bishops vocally disagreed with pope said, goes beyond the typical one another on the root causes of the disagreements bound to arise among 3555 S Fremont Ave, Springfield crisis facing the Church, and on the any group of people and comes from best means of addressing it. “the enemy of human nature” taking Acknowledging that recent advantage of current crises to further As we gather for worship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we seek to be renewed and to build up abuse scandals have undercut the divide the Church. Weekour of mutual Prayer relationship for Christian in Christ through Unity, song, word, Jan. and gesture. 20-26 credibility of the Church in the US, The bishops must take a Sponsored by the Roman Catholic—Pentecostal Dialogue Students make donations to LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home

ADVENT GIVING—Students in Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Springfield, celebrated a season of giving this past Advent. Many classes collected and donated items for LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, Springfield. Pictured are the classes of Mrs. Cathy Potts and Mrs. Angel Pruett. (Submitted photos) 12 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS January 11, 2019

Junior Beta convention winners Graviett to be inducted into MHSBCA Hall of Fame

Cape Girardeau, MO include but are not limited to the otre Dame Regional High following: School (NDRHS) Baseball • Head and Softball Coach, Jeff coach of an or- Graviett, will be inducted ganization for 15 Ninto the Missouri High School Base- years ball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) • Active Hall of Fame Jan. 19, 2019. Graviett member of the Graviett has been an educa- Missouri High tor and coach at NDRHS for over 20 School Baseball years, taking over as Athletic Director Coaches Association in 2017. He continues to be the head • Involvement in leadership coach of both the baseball and soft- positions in the MHSBCA ball programs and was inducted into • Dedication to baseball, the the Notre Dame High School Hall of MHSBCA, and the teams the coaches Fame in 2016. serve “Jeff Graviett is a man who lives “As Vice President of Class 4 STATE COMPETITION —The Missouri State Jr. Beta Convention was out his faith everyday,” said Notre in the MHSBCA, Jeff is very active, held in December in Springfield, MO. St. Teresa Catholic School in Dame High School Principal, Bro. attends all the meetings, and does a Campbell, MO, placed in three different areas, making them eligible for David Anthony Migliorino, OSF. “He great job,” said MHSBCA Executive National Convention in Oklahoma City in June. Marie Wheeler placed has been a tremendous asset to not Director, Bill Seamon. “I appreciate First in Speech; Alaska Olinger placed Third in 6th grade Science; and only our Baseball & Softball pro- all he does.” Alice Hankins, Emmalee Hankins, and Marie Wheeler placed Fourth in grams, but to all our student athletes Graviett will attend an induc- the Book Battle. (The Mirror) over the past 21 years.” tion ceremony Jan. 19 in Jefferson Recipients of this honor are City. In addition to the honor, he nominated and selected by peer will receive a plaque and a Hall of coaches active in the Missouri High Fame ring. He is the only active School Baseball Coaches Associa- coach in the region to be inducted tion. The considerations given for into the MHSBCA Hall of Fame. The Catholic Man Retreat the selection of the Hall of Fame ©TM Parish Center of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 203 Vaughn Dr., Branson, MO 65616

Sat., Feb. 16-Sun., Feb. 17, 2019 8:30 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday

The Catholic Man Retreat is a two-day fellowship retreat with 10 regular guys sharing how Jesus has impacted their daily lives in the areas of personal commitment, spirituality, Christian community, Scripture, and discipleship. Prayer, personal reflection, and Mass are included. The retreat is open to all Catholic Men 18+ years of age and out of high school. Limited spots (32) are available. Please RSVP so material and meals can be planned. • Free (donations accepted) • Meals provided • Overnight optional Director of Sacred Music For more Immaculate Conception, Springfield, MO information contact: Immaculate Conception Parish in Deacon Gary Steffes— Springfield is seeking a full-time (660) 651-1779, Director of Sacred Music. Re- [email protected], sponsibilities include planning and or providing music for Sunday and weekday school liturgies; training Deacon Dan Vaughn— and instructing choirs and cantors (812) 204-2625, dan. in sacred music. Must be a strong [email protected] organist with a choral background; *Hosted by men in the a degree in music or liturgical music parishes of Our Lady is preferred. Must be a practicing of the Lake, Branson Catholic. A complete job de- and St. Francis of Assisi, Nixa. scription with instructions for application can be found on the parish Website www.ic-parish.org. January 11, 2019 COLUMN/DIOCESAN NEWS The Mirror 13

THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE Avoiding another Roman fiasco in February George Weigel

y peremptorily ordering the priests, tacit among too many on the society-wide plague of sexual American bishops not to vote bishops, and tolerated for the abuse suggests that most of these on local remedies for today’s sake of keeping the peace. horrors take place within families. Catholic crisis of abusive That appeasement strategy was Celibacy is not the issue. The issues Bclergy and malfeasant bishops, the disastrous. February meeting- are effective seminary formation for Vatican dramatically raised the stakes planners have said that the living celibate love prior to ordina- for the February 2019 meeting that Church needs a change of cul- tion, and ongoing support for priests Pope Francis has called to discuss the ture. Does that include chang- afterwards. (See more on the gift of crisis in a global perspective. How ing the culture of dissent that celibacy on pp. 6-7. 10 of this issue of the Americans taking decisive action seems to have been involved in The Mirror) last month would have impeded Ro- spiking the number of abusive 5. Resist playing the hierarchy man deliberations in February—the clergy and malfeasant bishops? card. strange explanation offered by the US BISHOPS TOLD TO HOLD UP—An Then let the bishops gathered Drawing on lay expertise does Vatican for its edict—will remain an American bishop reacts during the Novem- in Rome in February issue a not diminish episcopal authority; it open question. Now, the most urgent ber 2018 meeting of the US Conference of clarion call to fidelity to the enhances it. Bringing lay expertise to matter is to define correctly the issues Catholic Bishops when the Holy See insist- Church’s teaching on the ethics bear on this crisis is essential in get- that global gathering will address. As ed that consideration of new measures to of human love, as explained ting at the facts and to restoring the there are disturbing signs that Those address the sexual abuse crisis in the US be in the Catechism of the Catholic badly-eroded credibility of too many Who Just Don’t Get It are still not delayed until a Rome-based meeting in Feb- Church and St. John Paul II’s bishops—and the Vatican. The leader- getting it, I’d like to flag some pitfalls ruary of the heads of the world’s bishops’ “Theology of the Body.” And ship of the US bishops’ conference the Feb. 21-24 meeting should avoid. conferences. (Photo by Bob Roller/CNS) let them affirm that ethic as a understood that, and the majority of 1. The crisis cannot be blamed pathway to happiness and hu- American bishops were prepared to primarily on ‘clericalism.’ “Protecting children” is abso- man flourishing, rather than treating act on that understanding with seri- If “clericalism” means a lutely essential; that is the ultimate it as a noble but impossible ideal. ous remedies. The February meeting wicked distortion of the powerful no-brainer. But the mantra that 4. Forget bogus ‘solutions.’ must be informed of those rem- influence priests exercise by virtue of this entire crisis—and the February How many times have we heard edies—and it should consider how their office, then “clericalism” was meeting—is about “child protection” that changing the Church’s disci- Roman autocracy made a very bad and is a factor in the sexual abuse of avoids the hard fact that in the US pline of celibacy would reduce the situation worse. ©TM young people, who are particularly and Germany (the two situations incidence of clerical sexual abuse? It’s vulnerable to that influence. If “cleri- for which there is the largest body just not true. Marriage is not a crime- George Weigel is Distinguished calism” means that some bishops, of data), the overwhelming majority prevention program. And the data Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public faced with clerical sexual abuse, re- of clerical sexual abuse has involved Policy Center in Washington, DC. acted as institutional crisis-managers sexually dysfunctional priests preying Bible Belt Studies rather than shepherds protecting on adolescent boys and young men. their flocks, then “clericalism” has In terms of victim-demographics, this offers new course certainly been a factor in the abuse has never been a “pedophilia” crisis, Course will be based on Pope Francis crisis in Chile, Ireland, Germany, the although that language has been ce- Exhortations and post Christmas/ UK, and Poland, and in the McCar- mented into much of the world me- Epiphany Scriptural readings. The first 10 rick case (and others) in the US. There dia’s storyline since 2002. If the Rome to apply will be enrolled. Begins Jan 28. are more basic factors involved in the meeting ignores data and traffics in epidemiology of this crisis, however. media “narratives,” it will fail. For further information and to enroll contact And “clericalism” cannot be a one- 3. Don’t ignore the devastating Sr. Francis Wessel, SSND, at fwessel@ seeks size-fits-all diagnosis of the crisis, or impact of a culture of dissent. ssndcp.org. DIOCESE a dodge to avoid confronting more Ireland and Quebec demonstrate SUPERINTENDENT of basic causes like infidelity and sexual that sexual abuse occurred in the dysfunction. “Clericalism” may facili- pre-conciliar Church. Still, the data CATHOLIC SCHOOLS tate abuse and malfeasance; it doesn’t suggest that there was a large spike in cause them. abuse in the late 1960s, 1970s, and The Diocese of Springfield- 2. The language describing much of the 1980s: decades when Cape Girardeau seeks to the crisis must reflect the empirical dissent from Catholicism’s settled fill a permanent, full-time evidence. moral teaching was rampant among position as the diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Applicant must be a practicing Roman Catholic. Qualified individuals will have a master’s degree in education, preferably educational administration. Applicants should also have work experience in Catholic schools and in Catholic school administration and be able to assume duties on or before June 1, 2019. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2019. For more information or to request an application packet, please contact Janet Smith at The Catholic Center by Emailing jansmith@dioscg. org, or calling (417) 866-0841. 14 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS January 11, 2019

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Greetings from the Diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith Missionary Cooperation Plan for 2019 The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau’s Society of the Propagation of the Faith encourages an invitation to priests to come share news of the missionary work his community provides with our parishes, schools, and missions in southern Missouri, as this work represents the global effort for the building up of over 1,000 local churches in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, parts of Latin America, and Europe. Through the witness of these priests to Christ in southern Missouri, the poor in their own midst may then receive the practical help they need to experience God’s love and mercy, His hope and peace. Missionary groups will be contacting pastors before the end of January 2018 to make plans for their visits during 2018. Thank you for your welcoming spirit! Missionary Cooperation Report for 2018 Below is the annual report of the Missionary Cooperation Plan throughout the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau by region. The amount raised by each parish within the region of the diocese is listed along with the total sent to each missionary group that came to the diocese. If you notice any errors, please notify me so that I may correct the report.

Fr. Glenn Eftink Diocesan Director, The Society for the Propagation of the Faith [email protected]

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies. It is established in every country where the church is free to operate and seeks prayer, sacrifice, and financial support for mission dioceses around the world. Offerings received by the Propagation of the Faith in the United States are joined with offerings from all other countries and are distributed annually to more than 1,100 mission dioceses and vicariates around the world!

2018 Diocesan Missionary Co-Operation Plan Report December 31, 2018

Note: Each missionary group received the total collected Cabool, St. Michael 294.00 Chaffee, St. Ambrose 1,481.00 from the region less five percent, which was sent to the Eminence, St. Sylvester 000.00 Glennon, St. Anthony 572.25 Society of St. Peter (1%) for the education of missionary Gainesvile, St. William 319.00 Jackson, priests and to cover the expenses for the Missionary Co- Houston, St. Mark 279.00 Immaculate Conception 2,597.64 Operation Plan (MCP) program (4%). Licking, St. John the Baptist 432.00 Kelso, St. Augustine 3,011.00 Mansfield, Leopold, St. John 1,053.54 Region 1: Missionary Society of Humansville, St. Catherine 154.00 Immaculate Heart of Mary 429.46 New Hamburg, St. Lawrence 000.00 St. Paul Lebanon, St. Francis de Sales 800.00 Montauk, St. Jude Chapel 000.00 Oran, Guardian Angel 1,148.85 Carthage, St. Ann 2,319.63 Marshfield, Holy Trinity 751.00 Mountain Grove, Sacred Heart Scott City, St. Joseph 1,274.26 Joplin, St. Mary 3,400.00 Stockton, St. Peter 411.13 381.00 Total $24,502.20 Joplin, St. Peter 2,821.00 Total $3,440.28 Mountain View, Lamar, St. Mary 713.00 St. John Vianney 000.00 Region 8: Franciscans Neosho, St. Canera 1,463.50 Region 4a: Indian Mission Roby, St. Vincent 465.00 Caruthersville, Sacred Heart 878.00 Noel, Nativity of Our Lord 716.98 Society Salem, Sacred Heart 1,311.00 Charleston, St. Henry 1,192.00 Seneca, St. Mary 319.56 Branson, Thayer, Sacred Heart 127.60 Kennett, St. Cecilia 674.00 Webb City, Sacred Heart 1,367.98 Our Lady of the Lake 3,896.00 West Plains, St. Mary 1,624.25 New Madrid, Other 20.00 Forsyth, White Church, St. Joseph 441.00 Immaculate Conception 932.00 Total $13,141.65 Our Lady of the Ozarks 546.00 Willow Springs, Sacred Heart 826.56 Portageville, St. Eustachius 1,056.00 Kimberling City, Total $7,433.87 Sikeston, St. Francis Xavier 1,490.00 Region 2: Heralds of the Good Our Lady of Cove 1,675.95 Total $6,222.00 News Ozark, Region 6: Society of Our Aurora, Holy Trinity 681.00 St. Joseph the Worker 1,588.17 Mother of Peace Region 9: Divine Word Billings, St. Joseph 686.30 Springfield, Holy Trinity 2,732.40 Fredericktown, St. Michael 698.52 Missionaries Cassville, St. Edward 575.75 Total $10,438.52 Ironton, Ste. Marie du Lac 864.00 Dexter, Sacred Heart 1,099.00 Greenfield, St. Patrick 99.00 Lesterville, Doniphan, St. Benedict 317.00 Monett, St. Lawrence 000.00 Region 4b: Apostles of Jesus Our Lady of Sorrows 000.00 Glennonville, St. Teresa 990.31 Mount Vernon, St. Susanne 273.00 (STAR Academy) Piedmont, St. Catherine 636.00 Malden, St. Ann 178.00 Pierce City, St. Mary 314.00 Nixa, St. Francis of Assisi 2,078.00 Van Buren, St. George 552.00 Poplar Bluff, Sacred Heart 000.00 Pulaskifield, SS. Peter & Paul 347.00 Springfield, Viburnum, St. Philip 73.00 Total $2,584.31 Sarcoxie, St. Agnes 951.00 Immaculate Conception 2,716.20 Williamsville, Shell Knob, Holy Family 1,146.42 Springfield, Sacred Heart 1,386.43 Our Lady of Sorrows 62.00 Total MCP $94,568.32 Verona, Sacred Heart 000.00 Springfield, St. Agnes 4,704.10 Total $2,885.52 Total St. Peter -$945.68 Total $5,073.47 Springfield, Total Office Expense -$3,782.73 St. Eliz. Ann Seton 6,004.01 Region 7: La Salette Total MCP Sent $89,839.91 Region 3: Glenmary Springfield, St. Joseph 1,957.76 Advance, St. Joseph 182.00 Bolivar, Sacred Heart 435.00 Total $18,846.50 Benton, St. Denis 1,329.00 Respectfully submitted, Buffalo, St. William 200.00 Cape Girardeau, Fr. Glenn Eftink Conway, Sacred Heart 532.00 Region 5: Vincentians St. Mary Cathedral 5,765.54 Diocesan Director, Society for El Dorado Springs, Ava, St. Leo 504.00 Cape Girardeau, St. Vincent 6,087.12 the Propagation of the Faith St. Elizabeth 157.15 Bunker, Christ the King 000.00 January 11, 2019 DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING The Mirror 15 US Bishops approve $9.5 million in grants to US Mission Dioceses

Washington

he US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommit- tee on Catholic Home Missions recently approved $9.5 mil- Tlion in grants to assist 79 dioceses and eparchies, including the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. “Many dioceses and eparchies throughout the United States cannot provide basic pastoral services without outside assistance,” said Abp. Paul D. Etienne of Anchorage, Chairman for the Committee on National Collec- tions. “Through the generosity of Catholics to the Catholic Home Mis- Gorman-Scharpf sions Appeal, we can help strengthen the Church here at home.” Funeral Home, Inc. Subcommittee grants assist dio- Brentwood Chapel • University Chapel ceses and eparchies that would other- CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY—Catholic Home Missions grants support vari- Crematory • Columbarium wise struggle due to difficult geogra- ous pastoral programs throughout the US, including some Catholic Campus phy, impoverished populations, and Ministry efforts in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Catholic Campus 1947 E. Seminole limited resources. For example, the Ministry serves students on the campuses of Southeast Missouri State Univer- Springfield MO 65804 Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau sity, Cape Girardeau; Missouri Southern State University, Joplin (pictured here); (417) 886-9994 • fax (417) 886-9996, covers nearly 26,000 square miles and College of the Ozarks, Hollister; and Missouri State University, Drury University, [email protected] Missouri’s top 10 poorest counties and Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield. (The Mirror) Licensed funeral directors of distinction: are within its boundaries where the W. Bruce Howell Heather K. Howell Clint W. Mease Catholic population in the lower third Cape Girardeau; Missouri Southern in April, April 28, 2019. Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer of the state is roughly six percent of State University, Joplin; College of More information on Catholic Angela N. Collins Nichole E. Bauer Harley R. Williams Russell C. Allen the general population. the Ozarks, Branson; Missouri State Home Missions can be found Online Andy D. Vowell Avery A. Weeks Catholic Home Missions funding University, Drury University, and at www.usccb.org/home-missions. Barbara A. Hinds Dulci M. Lane supports various pastoral programs, Ozarks Technical Community College, ©TM Locally owned and operated for over 50 years including religious education and Springfield. youth ministry, priestly and religious The Subcommittee’s grants are formation, prison ministries, and lay funded by donations to an annual col- ministry training. lection, the Catholic Home Missions Projects approved for funding Appeal. The Subcommittee on Catho- in the Church of Southern Missouri lic Home Missions oversees the Catho- include funding for prison minis- lic Home Missions Appeal as part of try, Catholic Leadership Ministry in the USCCB Committee on National Kennett, MO, and Catholic Campus Collections. The date for the annual Ministry for students on the campuses appeal In the Diocese of Springfield- of Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau is the fourth Sunday

Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home Locally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional Offices of the Catholic Cemeteries Paul & Lynn Wunderlich Tom Smith • Kent Franklin • Maddy Davis Buddy Pilmore • Charlene Harris-Bengsch Chuck Wooten • Harold Futrell 500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417) 862-4433 www.hhlohmeyer.com 16 The Mirror INTERNATIONAL NEWS January 11, 2019 Analysis: The non-trial of Theodore McCarrick

By Ed Condon investigation, Grein financially independent. Vatican City testified that McCarrick, a family friend, sexually Verdict from pope? hile recent media abused him over a pe- It also seems likely that as a reports suggest that a riod of years, beginning technical matter, it will be Pope trial of Abp. Theodore when he was 11 years Francis, not the CDF, that declares a McCarrick is underway, old. He also alleged verdict and imposes a penalty on the WVatican sources said that his case is that McCarrick carried archbishop. not being handled by a full judicial out some of the abuse The CDF’s legal procedures for process. during the sacrament an administrative process include Sources at the Congregation for of confession—itself a the option to “present the most the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) have separate canonical crime grave cases to the decision of the Ro- confirmed that allegations against that can lead to the pen- man Pontiff,” especially when they McCarrick are being considered alty of laicization. include dismissal from the clerical through an abbreviated approach The CDF has also state. Among the reasons Pope Fran- called an “administrative penal POSSIBLE LAICIZATION—A bishop’s skullcap. Pope reportedly received cis might decide McCarrick’s case per- process.” Francis himself may cast the verdict in the admin- evidence from an ad- sonally is expediency. If CDF chooses That decision gives insight into istrative penal process considering the sexual abuse ditional alleged victim to make a recommendation to Pope the strength of evidence against Mc- allegations against now-Abp. Theodore McCarrick. of McCarrick—13 at Francis that he personally declare Carrick, and suggests that resolving The abbreviated approach, rather than a full ju- the time of the alleged the guilty verdict and the penalty of sexual abuse allegations against the dicial process, gives insight into the strength of evi- abuse began—and from laicization, and if the pope does so, it archbishop is a top priority for Pope dence against McCarrick, which may result in his la- as many as eight sem- would be formally impossible for the Francis and other senior Vatican icization, returning him to the status of a layperson. inarian-victims in the decision to be appealed. officials. (Photo by Antonio Nardelli) New Jersey dioceses of Since the announcement of the Canon law outlines specific Newark and Metuchen, first formal accusation against him processes for handling allegations of suggests that the Vatican has clear in which McCarrick served as bishop. in June, McCarrick has become for sexual abuse by clerics. All of these evidence the archbishop has com- Because of the collection of that many the public face of the sexual are reserved to the Congregation for mitted a delict, an ecclesiastical evidence, McCarrick now faces mul- abuse crisis. His fall from grace has the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. crime, especially because his position tiple canonical charges of sexual mis- damaged the credibility of many When the charges involve a bishop, as an archbishop and former cardinal conduct and abuse concerning both senior members of the Church’s hier- the CDF requires specially delegated guarantee considerable scrutiny of minors and adults, including solicita- archy, both in the US and in Rome, authority from the pope to handle the result. tion in the confessional. Use of the and has touched the legacies of three the case. The use of the abbreviated abbreviated administrative process, successive popes. process for McCarrick also indicates which is only employed in cases of If his case is resolved before the Full canonical trial vs. a significant change in the CDF’s compelling evidence, indicates that February summit, it could be seen a administrative process assessment of the evidence and McCarrick is likely to be convicted much-needed demonstration by Pope A full canonical trial is a allegations. on at least some of the charges. Francis that he is serious about pun- lengthy affair. Depositions of wit- According to CDF sources, the ishing offending bishops. But even nesses and alleged victims are taken Compelling evidence investigative phase of the process if resolved, the McCarrick case will by the court at which a prosecutor, The first public accusation has now been formally concluded pose serious questions for the bish- called the “promoter of justice” against McCarrick, announced by and McCarrick has been given the ops to consider next month in Rome. in canon law, and lawyers for the the Archdiocese of New York in June, chance to speak in his own defense. The long list of charges he faces defense are present. Written argu- concerned abuse against an altar boy His canon lawyer may also submit includes many seminarians and other mentation is exchanged through a who was, at the time of the alleged arguments on his behalf. adults. While he may be convicted panel of judges, with precise time- abuse, 16 years old. The CDF is expected to formally and laicized on the strength of the lines, manners of proceeding, and While that allegation was assess the evidence and defense as evidence he abused minors, his other legal minutiae that must be observed enough to trigger a number of subse- soon as the week of Jan. 13, and to victims will also look for justice. at each step of the way, in order to quent disclosures about McCarrick’s reach a final determination. Prominent voices like Card. ensure that the rights of the accused alleged behavior over a period of While many Catholics, includ- Sean O’Malley and Marie Collins, an are protected. years, and prompted his departure ing some bishops, have expressed abuse survivor and former member In previous sexual abuse cases from the college of cardinals, sources frustration at a lack of resolution to of the Pontifical Commission for the against bishops, full and formal trials close to the CDF said that a trial over the McCarrick case, his process is Protection of Minors, have called for have taken years, and include the that allegation was, by itself, unlikely proceeding at break-neck pace, at a change in the CDF’s legal defini- possibility of appeals by both the to result in McCarrick’s laicization. least by canonical standards. tion of “vulnerable adults,” who are prosecution and defense. This is not In addition to the relative pau- Nevertheless, the CDF has classed alongside minors by the CDF happening with McCarrick. city of evidence, sources also noted been under pressure from the pope, in sexual abuse cases. Under certain circumstances, that at the time of the alleged abuse together with several senior Ameri- Currently, a vulnerable adult is canon law allows for a legal investi- in the early 1970s, canon law did can cardinals, to resolve the mat- someone who “habitually lacks the gation and determination to be con- not consider someone over 16 years ter before the heads of the world’s use of reason.” O’Malley and Collins ducted by an administrative penal old to be a minor, which means that bishops’ conferences gather in Rome have both called for the definition process. This is a much-abbreviated a trial might have concerned delicts next month, Feb. 21-24, for a crisis to be broadened to include other mechanism that leaves out many of more difficult to prosecute than summit on the recent sexual abuse victims, especially when sexual abuse the procedural stages of a full judicial child abuse. scandals. it accompanied by an abuse of au- process or trial, including the back- But in the course of the CDF’s If found guilty, McCarrick is thority or power. Such a redefinition and-forth argumentation between investigation, evidence has been likely to be laicized. would include McCarrick’s alleged prosecution and defense. received from a number of other al- The Church has refrained from seminarian-victims. An administrative process is leged victims of McCarrick. dismissing clerics who are either If the Rome meeting Feb. 21-24 only used when the evidence collect- Key among McCarrick’s ac- too old, infirm, and without other sets out to narrowly treat only the ed during the preliminary investiga- cusers is James Grein, who gave means of support, recognizing a issue of minors, and seems to ex- tion is so clear as to make a full trial evidence before specially deputized moral obligation by the Church to clude other victims of coercive sexual unnecessary. archdiocesan officials in New York see to their basic subsistence. But abuse, the figure of Theodore McCar- In McCarrick’s case, the use of on Dec. 27. while McCarrick is old and in fail- rick might still cast a shadow over an administrative process strongly As part of the CDF’s ing health, he is also known to be anything it tries to achieve. ©CNA