WESTERN CATHOLIC KENTUCKY Western Kentucky Catholic, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301

Volume 36, Number 3, March, 2009 Change Service Jesus Never Turns Anyone Away Who Comes To Him Requested

OWENSBORO,Ky. - On January 22, est form of Catholic Church work, prayer, in government, prayer is the Church’s most 2009, the Diocesan Gospel of Life Com- and worship, the Mass. It is at Mass that effective way to correct the wrong. mittee sponsored a commemoration, a Catholics can be the most effective in bat- A highlight of the Jan. 22, 2009 dioc- marking of the passage of 36 years of the tling spiritual enemies such as those which esan commemoration of the Roe v Wade tempt expectant parents to abort the life decision legalizing abortion in the USA, U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Owensboro, KY

Permit No. 111

Nonprofit Org. Wade. Though not a celebration of the Roe of the child they, with God, have created. Father Richard Meredith’s homily inspired U.S. Postage

When humankind’s spiritual enemies suc- the assembly to continue the good fight to 42301 v. Wade decision, the commemoration was Paid contained within a celebration of the high- ceed at prompting bad laws to be executed end legalized abortion in this country: January 22, 2009 Homily by Rev. Richard Meredith, Pastor Saint Pius Tenth Church, Owensboro On this 36th anniversary of the U.S. are final, we are, each generation in turn, murder, one of history’s most continuous Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. enlisted in a spiritual battle for the very themes. The “one flesh” union of man and Our Bishops have mandated that “this heart and soul of the human race, with woman was the serpent’s point of attack day shall be observed in all dioceses of eternal consequences. to undermine and destroy that which as it had become hellishly horrible in our the United States as a particular day of Consider the treasure over which the was created in the image and likeness of hands. But in God’s hands it still became penance for violations to the dignity of the battle is waged. I am awed by the miracle God on earth. Death, the inherent conse- our cure as God raised the Son, one flesh human person committed through acts of of human life. In the first moments of quence of sin, was taken to be and was and one Spirit with us, making death work abortion, and a day of prayer for the full our personal existence, each of us was experienced as a punishment, but in the backwards now from the very source of restoration of the legal guarantee of the about the size of a period at the end of hands of God, who is love, was crafted to Life. right to life.” a sentence. Only with the advent of the be, however terrible, our cure. The very Before the Father’s throne Jesus We gather for Mass on this day of microscope was this wonder told. Each Son of God in divine freedom chose to Christ leads the spiritual battle against prayer and penance as a new political advance of embryological science has join us so as to take the cure himself, for the tyranny of sin and death by pleading crisis brews in our nation’s capital. Shift- only furthered my awe at such sophisti- the therapy would not be complete until mercy on our behalf. The Crucified and ing political alliances riding the wave cated complexity in such a small living Resurrection stepped through the door of Risen Lord, also always with us, calls us of historic aspirations threaten to erase parcel. And while I abhor the quest to cre- death. to his healing, to embrace the cross in his thirty-six years of hard-won progress ate and kill our tiniest embryonic siblings According to Scripture, the very image, for him to doctor us on this pass- to diminish the destruction wrought by to cannibalize their parts, i.e., their stem first human death was a murder. While ing earth. He teaches us to release our judicial fiat in 1973. Those who hold cells, I too appreciate the magnificent the serpent had disappeared from the grasping hands trained by lust and drop to the sacredness of every human life, potency of these tiniest structures of our scene, it sought to horrify the plan of our pretenses to be gods, false lords of especially the innocent life of the human earliest cellular bodies. I wonder that any God to redeem by placing death, as it life and death. Those who heed his voice embryo and the child in the womb, fear of us survive the hazards of our cellular had the forbidden fruit, in human hands. drop their vices and flock to him. He never a brutal reversal of all limitations on Roe origins. How terrible it has become! Lust always turns anyone away who comes to him. v. Wade. I am speechless before the divine de- becomes hungrier and thirstier as it feeds His word to us is “Courage.” The Many gather in Washington, DC, sign which bound the origin of human life and drinks. Vengeance waxes into war. Peace and the Joy of the Crucified and today to pray, to march, and to witness to to the sexual coupling of male and female, Death is the weapon of conquest and Risen Christ will sustain and guard our the human life and dignity of the unborn husband and wife, father and mother, a domination not only of geopolitics but hearts as we in our day wage the spiritual child, now mortally threatened by an as- coupling of immense biological complex- also of science’s, even medicine’s lust for battle to win ourselves and all our sisters sured attempt in Congress to codify a right ity meant nonetheless to be so rich in the power. Every human killing of another and brothers for God. The wiles and to abortion in nearly absolute terms. The gift of love as to exceed the capacity of human is a fratricide or sororicide, ulti- tactics of the Devil have been exposed. political foundations on which this contest poetry or music to express it. mately a suicide. Each would be a deadly The armor and weaponry of Christ have of life and death is being waged have once What a mystery and a miracle is the spark on a quest to reach a kindling point nothing to do with hatred or sophistry, again proven to be as shifting as sand. origin of human life! The “one flesh” at which humanity would combust into but everything to do with the Holy Spirit, While free citizens and self-governing union of man and woman divinely united extinction. Like that first forbidden fruit, faith, hope, and love. Chastity and Char- people must continually create coalitions with procreation bespeaks, as Pope John death too was forbidden to the human ity guard the door of the heart from the committed to the common good to craft Paul II described it, a primordial, sacra- hand but taken nonetheless. The wages attacks of lust. laws securing human rights and a culture mental imaging of the very love of our of sin is the culture of death. In the battle for human life, that of life, all gains must be considered tem- God who created us. The less than original The Son of God, incarnate in our wonder made in the image and likeness porary. but inaugural sin, “The Fall” of the human humanity, our own flesh and blood, was of God, the enemy is not flesh and blood, The fact is we are a fallen race, self- race, nearly sundered the relationship humanly perfected by being completely for these are the object of that redemption seeking and infected by sin, fascinated by of man and woman, inclining them to obedient to the Father, suffering our promised in Genesis and which is ours the power of death. The grace of a plen- shame and blame, alienating them from condition, being made sin though he was sealed in the Blood of Jesus Christ our teous redemption in Jesus Christ far sur- each other’s love, exposing them to each sinless, even to the point of accepting Lord. To whom is the Victory, the Power, passing this horror is absolutely offered other’s lusts, alienating their relationship murder at the hands of his siblings. He and the Glory, with the Father and the every one of us. But until the trumpet of to the earth, and disorienting their parental experienced death not as perhaps the Fa- Holy Spirit, One God, Reigning now and Judgment Day sounds and all decisions roles so as to set the stage for fratricidal ther would have applied it as a cure but for ever. Amen. 2 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 KY Bishops Support Pope’s Act VATICAN LETTER Remembering the Holocaust: A of Paternal Mercy in Lifting Ban Roman Catholic Bishops of Kentucky Father recalled the deaths of “millions Catholic Conference of Kentucky of Jews” in the Nazi death camps and scientific fact, a religious obligation Statement Regarding the Lifting of the expressed his “full and indisputable soli- By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service die in order to ransom humanity, Father Personal Penalty of Excommunication darity” with the Jews. Today he called for VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Acknowl- Lombardi said. Incurred by Four Schismatic Bishops a public repudiation of any anti-Semitic edging and remembering the Holocaust Denying the Holocaust is a sign of Belonging to the Priestly Society of Saint statements. The lifting of the excommu- is not only a matter of historical honesty; not understanding the reality of evil and, Pius X, February 6, 2009 nications was an act of “paternal mercy,” it is a religious obligation, especially for “therefore, of not living the faith,” he said. which the Holy Father hopes will eventu- bishops, several Vatican officials said. “For this reason, it seems right to me that a We, the Roman Catholic Bishops ally bring the Society into full communion When Pope Benedict XVI publicly bishop who denies the Shoah is better off of Kentucky, urgently desire to join His with the church. The Society of St. Pius X, distanced himself from the Holocaust- growing potatoes or doing anything else, Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and His however, must fully accept the authentic- denying views of traditionalist Bishop but not being a bishop.” Eminence, Francis Cardinal George, Presi- ity of the Second Vatican Council as well Richard Williamson and the Vatican Sec- Father Lombardi said denying the Ho- dent of the United States Conference of as the legitimacy of all of the pontificates retariat of State called on the bishop Feb. locaust “is an obvious error,” but whether Catholic Bishops, in giving our assent to since Pius XII died. Thus, the lifting of the 4 to publicly disavow his views, they were or not it is a sin depends on whether the all that the Church professes, including the excommunication is only the beginning of not simply responding to a public uproar. person is conscious that it is erroneous and teachings of the Second Vatican Council. a process that will definitely mean the full “Denial of the Holocaust by a person affirms it anyway. Moreover, we confirm the importance of acceptance of all of the teachings of the who should know better is indistinguish- “In that case, it is a serious sin of ly- our ecumenical and interreligious minis- Second Vatican Council, including those able from an anti-Semitic prejudice,” said ing mixed, in addition, with components tries in the state of Kentucky. Our duty in that reject anti-Semitism and that address Bishop Brian Farrell, vice president of of racism and anti-Semitism,” the papal these efforts is grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church’s relationship with all the Pontifical Commission for Religious spokesman said. Vatican II, specifically theDecree on Ecu- non-Christian religions. Relations With the Jews. Bishop Farrell told CNS Feb. 5 that menism (1964) and the Declaration on the Along with Pope Benedict XVI, we “Anti-Semitism has been condemned there are several reasons why “the Shoah Relation of the Church to Non-Christian are committed to fostering friendship and by the Second Vatican Council in the clear- is a religious concern.” Religions (1965). collaboration with all people of good will est terms,” he said. First, he said, “every destruction of The media attention given to recent and in particular with our Jewish brothers Bishop Williamson is one of the four human dignity, every murder of a human remarks by two members of the Society and sisters. bishops whose excommunications were being is an evil that goes against God’s of Saint Pius X came about due to the In our Commonwealth, we have lifted in late January by Pope Benedict. plan. In that sense, it is an issue for re- decree made public on Saturday, January enjoyed ground-breaking, interreligious The bishops had been excommunicated ligion.” 31, 2009, by the Vatican, which lifted the relationships due to the fruitful labors of in 1988 after being ordained against pa- “There is a second reason that is much excommunication of four bishops of the religious leaders, clergy, and laity in Ken- pal orders by the late Archbishop Marcel more specific to the Shoah and it is that Society of Saint Pius X illicitly ordained tucky. These relationships have opened Lefebvre. the Shoah took place in the heart of what to the episcopate by Archbishop Marcel doors to lasting friendships and enabled Just a few days before the Vatican was supposedly the Christian continent, Lefebvre in 1988. Regretfully, the issu- countless good works for the common made public the fact that the pope had Europe,” he said. ance of the decree by His Holiness, Pope good. We are the beneficiaries of this lifted the excommunications, a television Rabbi David Rosen, co-chairman of Benedict XVI has been criticized as an history of interreligious cooperation, and interview with Bishop Williamson aired; in the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison affront to Jewish-Catholic relations. we hope to build on the meaningful friend- the interview he claimed that the Holocaust Committee, said there is a well-docu- We want to be clear that the Holy Fa- ships and respectful cooperation among all was exaggerated and that no Jews died in mented connection between centuries of ther’s decree is intended to foster “church people of good will and especially with our Nazi gas chambers. Christian teaching of contempt for the unity” within the Roman Catholic Church. Jewish brothers and sisters. At his weekly general audience Jan. Jews -- blaming them for the death of His intent in lifting the excommunication May the Lord help us to construct 28, Pope Benedict affirmed the obligation Christ -- and the atmosphere that allowed of the four bishops of the Society of Saint bridges of solidarity rather than walls of to remember the Holocaust as a concrete the Nazis’ attempts to destroy European Pius X is in no way a political or social misunderstanding. And may the Lord example of “the unpredictable power of Jewry to nearly succeed. appraisal of the history of the Holocaust bless us abundantly in the ways of peace, evil when it conquers the heart of man.” “When the church declares anti- or a suggestion that the fruits of dialogue solidarity, and respect. “May the Shoah be a warning for all Semitism a sin against God and man, it is and friendship with the international Jew- - Most Reverend Joseph E. against forgetfulness, denial or reduction- demonstrating a fundamental sea change in ish community are taking a different turn Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville; ism because violence committed against prevailing Catholic attitudes toward Jews,” under his pontificate. And of course, we Reverend Michael Clark, Diocesan one single human being is violence against the rabbi told CNS. “Arguably nothing share the gravity of his concern about any Administrator, Diocese of Owensboro; all,” the pope said. raises a question mark over that change as expression of anti-Semitism or any state- Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, Bishop Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the much as expressing or tolerating Holocaust ments -- written or spoken -- that attempt of Covington; Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Lexington; and papal spokesman, said that to deny the denial.” to deny or diminish the Holocaust. Holocaust is to deny “the most obvious Robert J. Castagna, Executive Director, In an article for the Vatican newspa- At the Vatican last week, the Holy Catholic Conference of Kentucky manifestation” of the presence of evil in per, L’Osservatore Romano, the Italian the world. historian Anna Foa wrote that Holocaust “A religious person, a Christian must denial is a lie cloaked in scientific jargon zis prove that the Holocaust and the death and of goodness, denies the Holocaust,” face the challenge to faith represented by “to cover its true origins, its true motive: of 6 million Jews is a historical fact that he said. this fact, by evil in the world,” he told anti-Semitism.” can be denied “only through ignorance or “The fact that the pope asked the bish- Catholic News Service Feb. 5. Bishop Farrell said the testimony of prejudice.” op to reject these opinions and to apologize Unless a person recognizes the reality the survivors of the Nazi death camps, the “That is why it becomes an issue when for them results from the fact that a denial and enormity of evil in the world, he or remains of the camps themselves and the a bishop, who should be a teacher of truth she cannot understand why Jesus had to meticulous documentation kept by the Na- Continued on page 4 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 3

CLARIFICATION: Mrs. Fleming’s bulletin board reflects the national We regret the omission of the Holy Name School kicked off Catholic Schools Week on Monday, theme of service. She asked each family to write on date of ordination for Fr. Daniel January 26 with a dress up day to attend our Opening CSW Mass. the hands what they do for service within their family. Goff in the recently published Pictured are some of Mrs. Fleming’s second graders all dressed HNS Photos Timeline of Bishop John McRaith’s up for Church: Collin Alvey, Hannah Book, Abby Haley, Emma tenure as Bishop of Owensboro. Arnold, and Jackson Deep. Unfortunately, the date of his death was also incorrect. Our apologies to Fr. Danny’s family and friends. The correct dates are listed below. Ordination: May 11, 1985 Date of Death: March 5, 1994

Also, Father Clarence Pettit died on May 10, 1991.

Catholic Schools Week 2009 The results are in for the 2nd District Governor’s Cup Com- petition held last week, February 9-10, at St. Mary High School. St. Mary Holy Name Parish celebrated the Celebrate Service beginning of National Catholic Schools On Monday, January 26, 2009 Holy Name High School was the overall winner by a margin of 20 points with a score of 47. Mayfield was 2nd with a score of 27. Graves came in 3rd place with Week by inviting all parishioners to School celebrated Catholic Schools Week with wear school clothing to Mass the an opening Mass. Holy Name was honored to a score of 24. Ballard was 4th with a score of 22. Individual winners from weekend of January 24 and 25, 2009. have many visitors join us for the celebration. St. Mary are: Mathematics: 1st place – William Smith, 3rd place – Alex All ministers for the weekend Masses Father Bradley, Pastor of Holy Name Church Blackwell; Social Studies: 3rd place – Jessica Jones, 5th place – Madison comprised of school students, facutly, welcomed Vocation Director, Fr. Andy Garner; Loyd-Webster; Science: 1st place – William Smith, 2nd place – William staff, parents, grandparents, and Vocation Director for the Ursuline Sisters, Sister Parsons; Language Arts: 3rd place – Lesley Nash, 5th place – Laikin Si- friends of the school. Pictured is John Alisha Coomes, Deacons Daniel Dillard and Josh mons; Composition: 2nd place – Lesley Nash; Arts and Humanities: 1st and Dana Myers with their daughter McCarty and seminarians Will Thompson, Mike place – Laikin Simons; Future Problem Solving: 2nd place – St. Mary High Ainslee as they prepare to bring up the Pawlowicc, Pat Gothman, Steve Hohman. Holy gifts at Mass. Name School Photo School; Quick Recall: 1st Place – St. Mary High School. 4 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Bishop McRaith’s Model of Service to the Poor By Suzanne Rose The story of how our dio- and forging a friendship that draws us in to concern and cese came to adopt the Diocese of compassion for the needs of our friends. They are no longer Mandeville as its Sister Diocese strangers; as Christ told us, “Now I call you friends.” And reveals that Bishop McRaith gave to it hurts us to see our families and our friends suffer and us not only partnership, but a model hurt, particularly when that suffering can be alleviated so for understanding that we must bear easily by simply sharing our abundance. We can share our responsibility for the poor by entering pencils with our friends. into relationship with them. Bishop McRaith taught me that service to the poor is The story is really very simple, about entering into relationship, growing and nurturing and yet it is the story of our Lord at those relationships, first and foremost. If we enter into work in the world. Bishop McRaith relationship, obeying the Lord’s command to feed the attended a Bishops’ Conference, hungry and clothe the naked will naturally follow. where he was seated next to Bishop Paul Boyle, who had been appointed first Bishop of the new Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. After exchang- ing pleasantries, the two men began discussing the concerns of their re- These two girls are students at St. Mary Margaret Basic School in Lionel spective dioceses. Bishop McRaith, Town, Jamaica. The Daughters of Mercy recently reopened this school whose heart is always open to the after many years of closure. They have 140 students in the first year poor, became increasingly engaged by with many others on a waiting list. Suzanne Rose Photo Bishop Boyle’s stories of great hunger and want among the Jamaican people. CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF McLEAN COUNTY An immense gap existed between the plenty in his own diocese and the CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME need of the people in Bishop Boyle’s diocese, and Bishop McRaith’s con- Are you a Catholic who now feels distant or estranged from your fidence in the loving generosity of Church? people in the Owensboro Diocese No matter how long you have been away, or for whatever reason, led him to ask Bishop Boyle, “How we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Church. can we help you?” A practical man, Christ is seeking you out and inviting you back to the community of Bishop Boyle replied, without hesita- faith. tion, “Pencils. We need. Pencils.” He Is this not the moment for you to experience the joy of returning explained to Bishop McRaith that to the Father’s house? Please join us for informal gatherings and an among the many obstacles preventing update of the Catholic Faith. Jamaican children from receiving an education is the lack of basic school ST. SEBASTIAN CHURCH, 180 HWY 136 WEST, CALHOUN, KY. supplies. Children in Jamaica often must break a single pencil into 3 or WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 6:00 P.M. 4 pieces so that each child may have MARCH 4 THROUGH APRIL 1, 2009 something with which to write his or her lessons. Welcome home! And thus began the friendship of For more information, call Judy Fee at the parish office, 270-273-3185. two bishops and the Sister Diocese relationship between Mandeville and Thanksgiving 1985, Bishop John McRaith Owensboro. This story has been, for visited Owensboro citizens who had come me, a model of service to the poor. to the Help Office for food. Bishop John Service begins with a conversation later that day shared dinner with his new friends. WKC file photo

Remembering the Holocaust (Continued from page 2) for them results from the fact that a denial of the Holocaust by a person who should know better is indistinguishable from an anti-Semitic prejudice,” Bishop Farrell said. After visiting a Nazi death camp in Poland in 2006, Pope Benedict said, “May contemporary humanity never forget Auschwitz or the other ‘death factories’ where the Nazi regime attempted to eliminate God in order to replace him. May it not succumb to the temptation of racial hatred, which is at the root of the worst forms of anti-Semitism. May people recognize once again that God is the Father of all and calls us all, in Christ, to build a world of justice, truth and peace together.” 2/06/2009, Copyright (c) 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Mandeville Mission Immersion The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 5 Trips for 2009 Announced By Richard Murphy aviation fuel, and demand for flights, $300 The Diocese of Owensboro has for room, board, and travel costs around confirmed with our Sister Diocese of the island, and between $50 to $100 for Mandeville Jamaica the schedule for two incidental expenses such as a meal out and trips in 2009. The first Mandeville Mission tips for those serving the group during the Immersion Trip is scheduled for May 20 journey. Others may wish to bring extra to May 26, 2009, and the second trip is cash for gifts, etc. You will need a passport scheduled for October 6 to October 12, to go to Jamaica and return to the United 2009. Both of these trips will have flights States, so there could be additional cost originating out of Nashville Tennessee and if you do not already have one. Scholar- flying to Montego Bay Jamaica. ships are available, however an application Perhaps you have considered a trip to process is necessary to receive one. our Sister Diocese in Mandeville Jamaica To apply to go and represent the Dio- for some time, or are just now doing so. cese on an upcoming trip, please submit an Maybe you know and have talked with one application to the Diocesan Sister Diocese Mandeville Mission # 8 Team with Mandeville Bishop Tiedemann and Deacon of the many people that have been so far, Committee. An application can be obtained Hendriks. Submitted photo or read about past trips as described in the in one of three ways. Call Richard Murphy be done by clicking on Diocesan Offices, and locating the office of Social Concerns, Western Kentucky Catholic of these won- at 270/ 683-1545; Email him at richard. and click on it. Once there, find the section on Mandeville Sister Diocese and click on derful life changing experiences. Now, [email protected] and request that a it. You’ll find an application on the upper left of the page. Complete the application how about considering going yourself? form be forwarded to you; or go to the and mail it to: Richard Murphy, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro KY 42301. The cost for the trip run about $500 to diocesan website at www.owensborodio. We invite you answer the call to a Spirit-led adventure that will provide a lifetime of $700 for airfare, depending on the cost of org and download an application. This can memories of sights and experiences, and to lead you on in your walk with the Lord. Ursuline Book of Prayer Available that of the official Liturgy of the Hours: Sister Dorothy Marie Willett, OSU, psalms with antiphons, Scripture read- ings, intercessions, and prayers. Praying 87, Died Feb 4, 2009 through this cycle of prayer opens a veritable treasury of Scripture passages, MAPLE MOUNT, Ky. -- Sister Dorothy Marie offers prayer antiphons from the writings Willett, 87, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Joseph, died Feb. 4, 2009, at Mount Saint Jo- Ursulines, and other prayer antiphons seph, in her 68th year of religious life. She was taken from writings of the saints. a native of Waverly. The Ursuline Book of Prayer is An educator for 42 years, Sister Dorothy typeset in an easily readable 14-point Marie had long-lasting relationships with for- font and printed on “bible paper” that mer pupils, and inspired some students to enter makes the book much lighter to hold religious life. She loved to joke among other and carry. Each volume has two ribbon- sisters, and tend to those who were ill. Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph pray markers, making it easy to find one’s Sister Dorothy Marie began her teaching using the new Ursuline Book of Prayer that place during the course of prayer. Each ministry at St. Paul, Leitchfield (1943-44), and was just published by Sister Cheryl Clemons, volume also includes a one-week cycle taught for many years in the schools of the OSU, in November 2008. A limited number of of Night Prayer, and a collection of 73 Diocese of Owensboro: Immaculate Concep- Sr. Dorothy Marie copies of the prayer book are still available. Willett, OSU hymns, most not available in standard tion School, Earlington (1946-47); St. Eliza- The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in- hymnals. These hymns should be easy to beth School, Curdsville (1947-50); St. Raphael Evansville, Ind.; nieces and vite you to join with them and Ursulines throughout use in group settings: though the words School, Daviess County (1950-51); Sts. Joseph nephews, and the members the United States and Canada in praying Morning are new, the melodies are often familiar and Paul (1951-54, 1972-74), Precious Blood of her religious community. and Evening Prayer with a special Ursuline “fla- from other settings. (1960-61), and Blessed Mother (1965-72) in The funeral Mass was vor.” Volume I: Advent-Christmas will Owensboro; and St. Thomas More School, Pa- on Feb. 7 at Mount Saint Volume I: Advent-Christmas of the Ursuline be followed by Vols. II: Lent-Easter and ducah (1961-65). Joseph Chapel, with burial in Book of Prayer is now available. It contains Morn- III: Ordinary Time. These last two will She also taught at St. Brigid School, Vine the convent cemetery. Glenn ing and Evening Prayer for each day of the Advent be published next year. Grove, Ky., St. Bartholomew School, Buechel Funeral Home, Owensboro, and Christmas seasons, as well as liturgies for the If you would like a copy (or cop- (Louisville), Ky., and Lourdes Elementary was in charge of arrange- major feasts and celebrations during this time. ies) of Volume I: Ad- School, Nebraska City, Neb. ments. For example, Morning and Evening Prayers are vent-Christmas, please From 1985 to 1989, she served at Mount Gifts in memory of provided for Thanksgiving Day, the Solemnity of contact Sister Cheryl Saint Joseph as assistant superior for the Moth- Sister Dorothy Marie Willett the Immaculate Conception, and the World Day of Clemons, OSU, at (270) erhouse, then served in personal and pastoral may take the form of dona- Prayer for Peace. Brief biographies and prayers are 229-2004 or at cclem- care until her retirement in 2001. tions to the Ursuline Sisters also provided for the saints whose feast days occur [email protected]. Survivors include two sisters, Kathleen of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 during the Advent and Christmas season. Dunkel, Englewood, Ohio; and Doris Trapp, Cummings Road, Maple The format for Morning and Evening Prayer is Sr. Cheryl Clemons, OSU Mt. Carmel, Ill.; a brother, Vernon Willett, Mount, KY 42356. 6 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Body Language: Commentary on the Intersection of Faith, Sex, & Culture By Christopher West Teens Encounter Christ Why Sex Sells The Paschal Mystery in the Year of Saint Paul Time Magazine recently reported that a “sexy” PETA (People (First and Second Timothy and Titus) for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) commercial was “too hot” for By Father Eric D RIley, WKYTEC Spiritual TV and got nixed from the Super Bowl’s lineup of provocative com- Director, wkytec.org mercials. That’s good, I thought. At least somebody is drawing a line As we continue our journey through somewhere. But as I thought about it, I realized that the fact that that the Holy Year of Saint Paul, 28 June 2008-29 was my first reaction only demonstrates how numb I’ve become to June 2009, let us spend some time with the Letters of Saint Paul to the absurdity of using sex to sell, well, everything. A commercial on the Saint Timothy and Saint Titus. These letters, sometimes called saving cows from the butcher block so “sexy” that it’s “too hot” for the “Pastoral Epistles,” appear to have been written late in St Paul’s the Super Bowl? C’mon! ministry. Saint Paul is addressing some of the difficulties of local Churches with these Why does sex sell? That may seem like a question with an obvi- two Bishops of the early Church in Ephesus and Crete. The greatest difficulties dealt ous answer, but I want to dig a little deeper. I recently came across an article by James with in these letters are false teachings from those who are leading early Christians into K.A. Smith, a philosophy professor at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., that error by claiming to have a secret knowledge that is necessary for salvation. provides some provocative insights into this question. And he draws from none other In his First Letter to Saint Timothy, Saint Paul reminds the younger Timothy to than St. Augustine to make his point. In the article, entitled “The Erotics of Truth, and call people back from “meaningless talk” to a life centered in the love of Christ with Other Scandalous Lessons from Augustine of Hippo,” Smith wrote: “I think [Christians] “a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tm 1:5-7). It is certainly a should first recognize and admit that the marketing industry – which promises an eroti- temptation to allow meaningless talk to creep into our lives. As disciples of Christ we cally charged transcendence through media that connect to our heart and imagination are to be mindful of what we say and what we do so that we might be faithful to the – is ... able to capture, form, and direct our desires precisely because they have rightly mind of Christ. In a world filled with constant babel, we would do well to take to heart discerned that we are embodied, desiring creatures.... They have figured out the way the instruction of St Paul to steer clear of meaningless talk. to our heart because they ‘get it’: they rightly understand that, at root, we are erotic Saint Paul gives sound advice for us today with regard to those who have authority creatures – creatures who are oriented by love and passion and desire” (Comment, June in this world. We would do well to offer “supplications, prayers, petitions and thanks- 2008). givings” for the leaders of our nation and those of the whole world “that we may lead a Here it seems Smith is referring to “eros” in the sense that Plato used the term – the quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity” (1 Tm 2:1-2). Our leaders need our inner desire and yearning of the human being for the true, the good, and the beautiful. prayerful support. The world, and our nation, is facing many critical issues with regard This yearning passes by way of sexuality, but it points beyond it as well. Eros speaks to the respect of life and the recognition of the dignity of every person from natural to our longing for transcendence – for a beauty, for a love ultimately beyond what this conception through natural death. Prayer is the most powerful force a person has under world has to offer. their control. When we pray, we are not trying to change the mind of God, but we are Ironically, eros cannot be satisfied by the merely “erotic.” Even Freud understood opening ourselves to a deeper communion with Him. This will allow us the ability to this: “We must reckon,” he wrote, “with the possibility that something in the nature of make changes in our lives that will have a positive effect on the whole world. the sexual instinct itself is unfavorable to the realization of complete satisfaction” (“On Saint Paul also has words for us as we pray for the fourth Bishop of Owensboro. St the Universal Tendency to Debasement in the Sphere of Love,” sct. 3). Paul says “This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a And it’s on this point that the media does not “get it.” Marketers continually promise noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, “complete satisfaction” for “three easy payments of $19.95.” As Smith puts it: “Certain self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but modes of advertising appeal ... directly to eros, ... and then in a bait-and-switch move of gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, substitution, channel our desire into a product.” Smith rightly calls this the “bastardiza- keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how tion of the erotic.” to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? He should To “bastardize” means to debase something – to reduce from a high state to a lower not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s state. That’s precisely what’s happening in us when we image that eros can be satisfied punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not by the things of this world. The union of man and woman – as beautiful and wonderful fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap” (1 Tm 3:1-7). Let us pray for this kind of man to as it can be – is only a sign, an icon that is meant to point us to something infinitely lead the Church in Western Kentucky. greater – the love of God himself. As Augustine famously put it: “You have made us In the Second Letter to Timothy, Saint Paul gives us even deeper insight into the for yourself oh God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Paschal Spirituality of the TEC movement, “This saying is trustworthy: If we have died A beloved professor of mine, Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete, put it this way: “We with Him we shall also live with Him; if we persevere we shall also reign with Him. talk about different ‘sexual orientations’ in human life. But the ultimate orientation of But if we deny Him He will deny us. If we are unfaithful He remains faithful, for He human sexuality is the human heart’s yearning for infinity. Human sexuality, therefore, cannot deny Himself. Remind people of these things and charge them before God to is a sign of eternity” (God at the Ritz, p. 120). This means, as Smith observes, that the stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who “erotic – even misdirected eros – is a sign of the kinds of animals we are: creatures who listen” (2 Tm 2:11-14). Christ has promised eternal life and glory to those who are desire God.” faithful to Him. The TEC movement strives to teach us how to be faithful to Christ so Christians are right to raise serious concerns about the provocative and even porno- that we may share His glory. graphic nature of so much of today’s advertising. But how should we respond? Rather By sharing in the Word of God, we are given the tools necessary to develop a real than condemning the media outright, Smith suggests that Christians should honor what encounter with the Word-made-Flesh, Jesus Christ, Who is our salvation. Saint Paul the marketing industry has right – that we are creatures of desire – and then respond in says, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for kind with countermeasures that demonstrate where desire really points us (to God). correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be The Church is not opposed to desire! Rather, she is opposed to counterfeit satis- competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tm 3:16-17). faction of desire and yearns to lead the world to One alone who satisfies. “Why spend As Saint Paul reminded Saint Titus, so he reminds the whole Church, “For the your money for what is not bread ... for what fails to satisfy? Heed me and you shall ... grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly delight in rich fare” (Is 55:1-2). desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, Who As members of the TEC movement, let us pray for those who have yet to encounter gave Himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a Christ that they may be drawn to the full participation in the Paschal Mystery of Christ. people as His own, eager to do what is good. Say these things. Exhort and correct with Let us be examples of Truth in word and in deed so that more may want to have what all authority. Let no one look down on you” (Titus 2:11-15). we have discovered and be drawn to Christ through the TEC movement. The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 7 Memories Catholic Ecumenism Jesus Calls Us to Be One in Him By Fr. Tony Bickett, Ecumenical Officer with Faithful Friends Diocesan Office of Ecumenism This is the first in a series of articles I am writing to share with you what our Church teaches us about ecumenism, the movement of Christians toward unity. In January I was appointed by Fr. Mike Clark, Diocesan I remember Administrator, to replace him as the Director of Ecumen- when... ism for the diocese for a one-year period. Although I am by no means an expert in ecumenical relations with other Christians, I have accepted this posi- tion because of my great hope to see us advance Jesus’ desire that we all be one in Him. To help me in this work, I would like to gather with a group of people who also have an interest in advancing the mission of ecumenism in our diocese. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please contact me at St. Romuald Church, 394 N Hwy 259, Hardinsburg, KY 40143, 270/756-2356, [email protected]. The Catholic Church’s recent work in ecumenism can be traced back to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The Council’s Decree on Ecumenism was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964. So, for over forty years now the Catholic Church has been engaged in efforts to restore greater unity among If you have a favorite memory to share of an all Christians. We find the Church’s commitment to ecumenism in the opening sentence of Ursuline Sister, visit www.ursulinesmsj.org and the Decree: “The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal click on the Memories with Faithful Friends box. concerns of the Second Vatican Council.” The Council goes on to state, “Christ the Lord founded one Church and one Church only. However, many Christian Online memories already posted feature Sister Emma Cecilia communions present themselves as the true inheritors of Jesus Christ; all indeed profess to be followers of the Lord but differ in mind and go their different ways, Busam and the late Sister Mary Cecilia Payne. as if Christ Himself were divided. Such division openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world, and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature.” Boulware Ministries of Owensboro It is because of this concern that the Catholic Church has committed herself to the work of restoring Christian unity. The Decree on Ecumenism reminds us that the division among Christians is the and Saint Pius X Parish, Owensboro result of sin. Catholics and Protestants alike have contributed to this, but fault- The Boulware Mission in Owensboro need is beyond desperate for many of our finding only perpetuates the division among us. Because of this, we need to have is expanding to offer long term residential families and their members enslaved by a conversion of our hearts in order to regain the desire and the hope of one day rehabilitation from drug and alcohol ad- addictions. This much was clear. being reunited with one another. dictions. In pursuit of this mission, they We also knew that we could not sim- There are many people today, both Catholic and Protestant, who have remorse hosted a meeting with the leaders of the ply commit to a $6,000 annual subsidy over our divisions and long for unity. As the Decree states, “Almost everyone, Catholic parishes in Owensboro/Davies from our current budget. But, after long though in different ways, longs for the one visible Church of God, a Church truly County on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. consideration, this is what we proposed universal and sent forth into the world that the world may be converted to the Having explained the services which they to do. Since we did not at the time take up Gospel and so be saved, to the glory of God.” But true unity is only possible by were committed to offering, they made the collections on Holy Days of Obligation, the grace of the Holy Spirit. bold request of parishes to fund the minis- even though parishioners have envelopes The Church tells us today that to be Catholic means to be ecumenical. We all try, asking each parish to contribute $6,000 for that purpose, beginning December 8. have a part to play in working to restore greater unity among all Christians. The annually. Boulware made this request of all the Holy Day of the Immaculate Concep- Council wished that all Catholics would make this desire for unity their own. local churches and congregations. tion. we decided that Holy Day collections For more information, go to our diocesan website at: http://www.owensborodio. At St. Pius X, knowing that we would be taken and dedicated to the Boul- org/ecumenism.html. did not have any extra or discretionary ware Ministries on an annual (fiscal year) funds to contribute, the pastor, finance basis up to $6,000, i.e., donations made the solemnity of the Immaculate Concep- portunities which Boulware Mission will committee and pastoral council, nonethe- using Holy Day envelopes [Mary Mother tion, December 8, 2008. Following the col- bring to our community for healing from less, determined to investigate a possible of God (January 1), Assumption (August lection on the solemnity of Mary Mother of addictions and are grateful to Our parish- response. We considered: Through the 15), All Saints (November 1), Immaculate God, January 1, 2009, we had met the goal. ioners for responding to this dire need. extensive work Boulware will offer, many Conception (December 8), and Christmas It even appears, although our collections And, although we are struggling to meet in our community will have a real hope (December 25)]. are below last year’s giving level, that this our other pressing obligations, we will for becoming free of addictions to drugs We trusted that this would allow us to was new giving and not merely shifted by continue this practice for Holy Days in the and alcohol; likewise, the potential for support Boulware while meeting our other our people from their usual offerings. new fiscal year. recovery and healing is immense; and the responsibilities. We began this practice on So, we thank God for the new op- Fr. Richard Meredith The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Fifteen schools from 8 the Owensboro Diocese participated in an annual Wisdom by Ginny Knight-Simon spelling bee held at St. Ann’s School in Morganfield on Monday, Barbara Oliver, St. William Parish, Marion, KY January 26th. Overall school winners competed In a recent conversation, Barbara Oliver of Fredonia, in two age categories. Ky, told me of her great love of the Catholic Faith, and of Winner of the 7th and 8th her struggle to join the Church. grade competition was “I remember wanting to join the Catholic Church when Melanie Ashworth (left), I was 10 years old. I am from Evansville, Indiana, and I 8th grade student from grew in the St. Anthony Parish area. All my friends went Holy Name Catholic School to Mass and sometimes I would go too. If the nuns were in Henderson. Winner of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade standing on the front step I knew not to say a word. If they competition was Audrey were there it was to be strict silence. But, you know, I liked Wright (right), 6th grade that silent reverence. student from Owensboro “My mother was Baptist, and when I would go to church Catholic Middle School. with her, I just didn’t feel comfortable there. I didn’t like it. I told my grandmother, who was also Baptist, that I wanted to join the Catholic Church. She told me that I would grow horns and a tail if I did! “Later, I joined the Mormon Church. My sister was Mormon and she told me it Catholic would be a good place for me. I joined the Mormon Church in 1964, and stayed there most of my adult life and felt good there for awhile. But I knew I still wasn’t where I School needed to be or where I wanted to be. When I would drive by St. Anthony’s or other Catholic churches, I always felt pulled to them. I would sometimes stop and go inside Students and just sit in the quiet. The feeling was peaceful and safe. “My mother and my first husband died in 2000 and I moved to Fredonia to be close Celebrating to my sister and her husband. I was still attending the Mormon church when I met my husband, Richard, through his mother who was also attending the same church. We Service dated about six months and got married. I was still attending the Mormon Church. I quit going for about three weeks and one Sunday I got up and got ready for church. My In The picture at right, St. husband asked me where I was going and I told him I was going toward Marion and Ann participants, Audrey Wheatley and Kayln Peak, find a church. were awarded certificates “ I drove to Marion and pulled in the parking lot of a Baptist church and sat there for their efforts. for a minute and left. It wasn’t right. But the next driveway was to St. William Catho- lic Church. My car acted as if it had a mind of its own and turned into the parking lot Letters to the next generation of St. Ann students almost before I realized what I was doing. I got out and a lone greeter was at the door; There are 24 students currently enrolled in kindergarten at St. Ann School in Mor- she was so welcoming and nice. I went inside, the only person there at that time. I sat ganfield. Next year, they are hoping for 27. St. Ann 8th grade students wrote personal, down in the pew and I began to cry, and cry, and cry. I felt like God and I were the only handwritten letters to 27 student hopefuls on Monday, January 26th in Mrs. Nicole Cle- ones there, and He had called me to Him. I could have crawled up on that bench and ments’ class as part of Catholic Schools Week. A charge to come and take their place in stayed forever. I was at peace. this school, these letters will be mailed to the next generation of students celebrating the “After that, I attended Mass and after one Sunday I just knew I would join the fifth anniversary of their baptism in the Catholic Church. Church. I called Fr. Larry McBride and told him. He St. Ann School will graduate 20 students from 8th grade couldn’t believe I wanted to join just after one Sunday. It this May. wasn’t one Sunday; it was my whole life! This is a sample letter written by Maggie Hancock: “So, last April, I was baptized one week after Eas- on January 26, 2009: ter. My whole family was there, as were my two sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and much Dear Sydney, of the parish community. My family had a huge dinner at My name is Maggie Hancock. I am an eighth grader our house for me. It was just wonderful. I’ll never forget at St. Ann School. As I congratulate you on your Bap- it. Fr. Larry is just a super priest; he is so caring and con- tismal Anniversary – I need to ask you a favor – I am cerned. graduating from St. Ann Catholic School this year and I “One of my long-time friends just couldn’t believe need someone special like you to come and take my place I would join a “Catholic” Church. How could I pray to as a student here. I have many memories of this school statues and Mary, she wondered? I explained that we ask as a child, and I think you would love the kindergarten Mary to pray for us and the statues were just reminders of teacher, Mrs. Brewer. I have recently met your brother, holy people. She seemed to understand a little better. Sam, and I always enjoyed sitting with him in church. “My life has been blessed a hundred-fold since I In kindergarten, you will do many exciting things, such joined the Church. Each night when I go to bed and say as having an Easter egg hunt, doing crafts with your 8th my prayers, I always say how thankful I am for my faith. grade buddy, and learning new songs and letters. I hope It has taken me so long to get it. It fills my heart with such your preschool year has been fun and educational. St. Ann joy.” School hopes to see you! Have an awesome summer! St. Ann School eighth grade students writing letters; Your friend,, at back is Maggie Hancock; at lower right is Sean Maggie Hancock Michael Hargrove St. Ann School Photo Pope says fasting in Lent opens hearts to God, hands to the poor The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 9 VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Fasting from food and detaching oneself from material goods during Lent help believers open their hearts to God and open their hands to the poor, Pope Benedict XVI said. The Lenten fast helps Christians “mortify our egoism and open our hearts to love of God and neighbor,” said the pope in his message for Lent 2009. The papal message for Lent, which began Feb. 25 for Latin-rite Catholics, was released Feb. 3 at the Vatican. Cardinal Paul Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican’s office for promoting and coordinating charity, told reporters that Christian fasting brings together love for God and love for neighbor. The Vatican invited Josette Sheeran, executive director of the U.N.’s World Food Program, to help present the papal message. “Serving the hungry is a moral call that unites people of all faiths,” said Sheeran, whose organization relies heavily on Catholic charities and other faith-based organizations to distribute food aid. About 65 million people -- 14 percent of the world’s population -- are undernourished. (CNS graphic/Emily Thompson) (Feb. 4, 2009)

Pope Benedict XVI’s General And Mission Intentions For March, 2009 • General: The Dignity of Women. - That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world. • Mission: Church Unity in China. - That, in the light of the letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the Bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catho- lic Church in the Popular Republic of China may commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace. Celebrating Catholic Schools Week At St. Joseph School in Bowling Green, KY students and teachers celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Preschool through 2nd grade collected toiletry items for the Red Cross for the 100th Day of School celebration In the two pictures here, below, Kindergarten students made Christmas cookies for the neighbors of St. Joseph School.

At right, Kindergarten students visit the neighbors of St. Joseph School delivering homemade Christmas gifts and singing carols to bring some Christmas cheer.

Photos Submitted by Betty Anne Watt 10 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Reflections on Bishop John McRaith as an Associate of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph By Ursuline Sister Marietta Wethington, Director Life Office he made Mount Saint Joseph Confer- of spiritual formation for Ursuline Partnerships ence and Retreat Center the site of the office. As I reflected on this, my first thought is When Bishop McRaith came to Owensboro, that I don’t think I know anyone who loves one of his goals was collaboration. He invited our Ursuline community more than Bishop two Ursuline Sisters – Sisters Therese Martin McRaith. He attends important community Mattingly and Aloise Boone – to go to Benton to events when possible and uses that opportu- provide a Catholic presence in Marshall County. nity to express his love and gratitude to us for Following that, he funded ministry in Caneyville the over 130 years of service to the Church in in Grayson County, Horse Branch in Ohio County, Western Kentucky and beyond. On the feast of and Centro Latino for Hispanics in Daviess and Saint Angela we can always count on a touch Webster counties. of beauty in our dining room – fresh cut flowers Occasionally, Bishop McRaith visited our from Bishop McRaith. infirmary, said Mass for the sisters, and adminis- Our sponsored institutions have always tered the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. been of special interest to Bishop McRaith. Sister Mary Irene Cecil, major superior when Ursuline Associate Most Rev. John McRaith The pastoral staff was the first group to come Bishop McRaith came to Owensboro, said, “He Bishop John J. McRaith talks to Ursuline Associate Stella McClure to Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat was always willing to do anything we asked.” and her husband, Louie, of Leitchfield, at a donor appreciation event Center after it opened in 1983. On other oc- Bishop McRaith is truly an Ursuline at heart and on March 24, 2007 at Maple Mount. Bishop McRaith made his lifetime casions the staff has used the Center for their lives the gospel message according to the charism commitment as an Ursuline Associate in 1985. Ursuline Associates are meetings. When he established the Spiritual committed to living the charism of Saint Angela Merici in union with of Saint Angela Merici. and in support of the Ursuline community of Mount Saint Joseph. Saint Gerard Life Home offers free housing and hospitality for OC Right To Life Students pregnant women age 18 and older. A woman may come to us at any point in her pregnancy and may stay for up to three months Pray Rosary For Life after the birth of her child. The mission of St. Gerard Life Home is to provide assis- tance to the pregnant woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy who has chosen life for her child. St. Gerard’s will assist each woman in preparing for her role as a parent while providing a supportive and healthy environment for her during her preg- nancy. St. Gerard Life Home is located in the city of Owensboro, Kentucky. We can house several women at a time in a comfort- able home environment. House mothers are on staff to provide 24-hour support. St. Gerard’s convenient location gives easy access to doctors, schools and employment. Pregnancy presents many challenges. At St. Gerard Life Home you will find relief from Student many of life’s pressures while you work through the difficul- organizers ties presented by a crisis pregnancy. St. Gerard Life Home of the OCHS provides assistance and emotional support in a loving family Right To Life Group with style home. their adviser Mrs. Sherry Frequently Asked Questions: Orth, got • Can you help me? their school We serve pregnant women (age 18 and older) who are in need together Jan. of housing. There are no limitations on race, nationality or 15 to pray religion. We help women who need a supportive and loving a Rosary in place to stay and who want a chance to make good choices for defense of all life. From themselves and their children. On Jan.15, 2009, Catholic High students • I have other children. Can they live at St. Gerard’s too? L-R: Kelsey Cash, Sierra in Owensboro gathered in the school gym St. Gerard’s is not equiped to care for children other than White, Lindsey to pray the Rosary with petition to Mother newborn babies. Whitehouse, Mary to intercede before her Son Jesus • Will I be pressured to choose adoption? Mrs. Sherry to move hearts in the USA to support life St. Gerard Life Home employees will provide information re- Orth, OCHS wherever it is threatened, but especially garding both options of parenting and adoption, but we will not Religion to move hearts not to pass the FOCA bill encourage one or the other. The decision is yours to make. Teacher, if it comes up in Congress. OCHS guys MARY,The shown here praying the Rosary are from Call Catholic Charities of Owensboro, Ky. Mother of God, left to right Aaron Cecil, Ryan Grooms, Drew Probus, Jarrod Reynolds. OCHS 1-270-852-8328 or e-mail [email protected] Call toll free: 1-877-803-5064 Brad Blincoe, Jack Wilson. Photos Meeting the Needs of Our Students The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 11 Holy Name’s Student/Staff Support Team (SST) HENDERSON,Ky. - The SST was formed at Holy Name School in Henderson, Ken- tucky in the fall of 2000 under the leadership of Mrs. Connie McFarland, counselor at the school. The team is comprised of teachers and support staff who are trained to help classroom teachers identify the needs of their students. Teachers are encouraged to attend SST meetings if they have difficulties with any of their students, be it academic or behavior related. The SST’s purpose is to help the teacher identify tactics that target the student’s area of weakness. This may be done without any formal screenings or evaluations involved. However, in cases where efforts do not help the child improve, the SST and the student’s teacher may refer a student for formal academic screenings, evaluations, or outside counseling. These referrals may be suggested in order to: 1) help teachers/staff identify why the student has difficulties, and 2) direct teachers to better address specific difficulties. The SST has been organized to help meet the needs of both the educator and the student by exploring various ideas and techniques to help each student succeed. A systematic approach has been developed to communicate the levels of assistance and modifications being offered to a student. M1’s, M2’s and M3’s are categories ranging from minimum to moderate to maximum modifications. The chart below summarizes the data for the first two nine weeks of the current school year. Quarterly, parents receive a detailed analysis of the modifications being utilized to assist the student in mastering the curriculum. The Holy Name SST Committee members are Connie McFarland, Counselor; Mary Caton, Assistant Principal; Malissa Crafton, Resource Teacher; Christi Number of students Number Quarter Number Number Number Poole, Title I Teacher; Audrey Young, Primary Teacher; Cheri Phillips, Middle receiving of Modified of M1’s of M2’s of M3’s School Teacher; and Janet Barkley, Music Teacher modifications Classes First 58 217 66 83 68 Sister Rita Edge, 86, Died Feb 3 Second 58 235 78 90 67 Sister Rita Edge, also known as Sister Mary Lawrence, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at St. Patrick’s Glenmary Sisters Postpone Annual Fundraiser Manor in Framingham, Mass. She was born Aug. 2, 1922, in Whitesville. She was the daughter of Phillip Lawrence (Owensboro, KY, January 20, 2009): The annual Men Who Cook – Celebrity Chefs and Mary Horseman Edge, both of Whitesville. Sister had Gala to benefit the Glenmary Sisters has been officially postponed. With the slowing five brothers and four sisters. economy and hardships facing local businesses, committee members faced a harsh real- She entered the Marist Missionary Sisters in Bedford, ity: should they postpone? The event was scheduled for October and included dinner, Mass., on Feb. 15, 1945, and made her first profession on dancing and an auction. But soon after the 2008 event, with the sluggish economy, the Aug. 15, 1947. Her first assignment was to the North Solo- organizers were finding the response for funding mon Islands, PNG. She less than positive. received a certificate “This was a very difficult decision,” said as a primary teacher Richard Remp-Morris, Business Manager. “We and in 1970 she fur- had the event for past two years and believe this thered her studies at is the right fundraiser for us. We’re hopeful that the Teachers Training the economy will improve and allow us to host the College in Sydney, Australia. She then returned event in 2010.” Founded in 1941, the Glenmary to teach in the Solomons, remained there as a Sisters are a community of Catholic religious teacher, and served in various leadership positions women who are dedicated to providing relief and until 1990. She returned to the United States and emotional support to the poorest of Americans worked in parish ministry, pastoral care and com- living in the rural south and Appalachia. munity service. “There are many factors to consider. We’re so In 1997, Sister celebrated her golden jubi- well known for the Men Who Cook Gala, this does lee. Then in 2002, her health steadily declined and place our event out of cycle. While Owensboro- her vision became greatly impaired. Nonetheless, Daviess County is a very generous community, she continued to visit Marist Hill residents until right now businesses and individuals don’t have 2005, when she was missioned to the Marillac the disposable Residence. income for fundraisers,” added Remp-Morris. Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Nora Sister Sharon Miller, Community President Edge of Whitesville and Huberta Edge of Owens- said, “We are very honored by the support of the boro; and several nieces and nephews, friends and community. So many men have volunteered as Marist Missionary sisters. chefs and local businesses have given generously. She was buried at Missionary Sisters’ Lot We thank everyone for their patience and we will at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Watertown. Expres- continue to pray for the economy and those most sions of sympathy may be made to the Marist affected.” Missionary Sisters, 349 Grove St., Waltham, MA To learn how you can support the Glenmary 02453. Memorial Mass services in her honor were Sisters visit: www.glenmarysisters.org or (270) Feb 7. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Whites- 686-8401. ville. 12 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009

Bishop McRaith visits with students at the Brescia University booth at the GREENing Western Kentucky Expo on July 28, 2007. This expo, which took place Bishop McRaith celebrates Mass during the Aug. 5-7, 2008 Acculturation on Brescia’s campus, was held to raise awareness of environmental issues. workshop at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center chapel. GREENing stands for Getting Renewable Energy Education Now. The event was Acculturation means the assimilating of cultural features or social patterns from sponsored in part by Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. one group to another. A Gallery Tribute To At left, Bishop John McRaith congratulating the people of St. Agnes Bishop John McRaith Parish, Uniontown as they opened their new parish hall on Jan. 24, 2000 WKC File photo At left, Bishop McRaith makes remarks during the 25th anniversary celebration Below, Fr. John Vaughan assisted and rededication of Mount Saint Joseph Bishop John McRaith during the Conference and Retreat Center on Aug. Baptism of Brandon Voytko in April, 10, 2008. He was standing outdoors in 2003 at St. Stephen Cathedral. front of the Center (formerly the Mount Brandon’s Dad, Andy, held him over Saint Joseph Academy for Girls) at the baptistry. Lois Rutigliano Photo Maple Mount. Readers are invited to send in pictures Below, Bishop McRaith speaks at a of Bishop John McRaith during this year Catholic Pastoral Center event at Mount to The Western Kentucky Cahtolic: e- Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat mail photos at mel.howard@pastoral. Center. org. Mail: Mel Howard, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301. The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 13 Parishes explore best options at Mass for families with children By Dorothy K. LaMantia, A window and speakers let parents see and hear Catholic News Service the liturgy. TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- It is Sunday “It provides a pressure-valve release,” said morning and Sally and Tom are preparing Marge McGinley, pastoral administrator at to take their three children -- 6-year-old Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Holly. “It takes Abby, 3-year-old Matthew and 1-year-old pressure off the parent and the child without Joey -- to Mass. excluding them from the liturgy.” Armed with a survival bag contain- “We call it the ‘quieting room,’ where par- ing sandwich bags filled with Cheerios, ents can hear and participate at Mass without three miniboxes of raisins, Matthew’s making others feel uncomfortable,” McGinley teddy bear, Joey’s blanket and teething told The Monitor, newspaper of the Trenton ring, diapers, an emergency bottle and a Diocese. “But we do not consider it a permanent few children’s books, the family can opt place for families with small children.” to be seated in the assembly or in the rear Parishes where cry rooms are used success- of the church, in case they need an easy fully often regard them as a place to introduce exit with an unhappy child. very young children to the Mass, with the ex- Or, if theirs is a church with a sepa- pectation that as soon as possible they will sit rate space often called a “cry room,” they with the congregation. can opt for the place away from the con- “Our cry room is used by families with gregation. children age 3 and younger,” said Father Tim Cry rooms, places meant to help par- Capewell, pastor of St. David the King Parish in ents soothe or quiet upset or misbehaving West Windsor. A weekday chapel is converted infants and young children, may seem into a cry room for weekend Masses. like an obvious solution to a challenging “We thank God for it,” he said. “People problem. Yet, opinions are mixed on their who use the room form friendships and bond Christy Fitzpatrick holds her restless son, Matthew, in a room set off from because they have children of the same age and effectiveness and how they impact the the rest of the congregation at St. Mary Church in Williamstown, N.J., Jan. community. 11. While parents are often encouraged to use cry rooms or quieting rooms share a lot of common experience.” Many parishes do their best to wel- with their children, they ar e discouraged from letting the rooms become Problems arose in some parishes when come everyone at Sunday liturgy and to play areas. (CNS photo/Craig Pittelli, The Monitor) (Jan. 27, 2009) the cry room was treated as the only place for young families to be. As soon as parents with serve the needs of families with young “The main concern of church lead- liturgy,” said Mercy Sister Eleanor children age 5 and under entered the church, children while preserving a positive wor- ership is that all those present have the McCann, associate director of the ushers automatically opened the door to the cry ship experience for all. right to participate in the action of the Office of Worship in the Diocese room and directed them inside, so the parents of Trenton. felt unwelcome. The church’s leading docu- Or in some cases adults without children ments related to liturgy and church occupied the room, then complained when construction do not make any Receptions for Bishop John McRaith parents came in with small children. “stipulation about removing a child Msgr. Ronald Bacovin, pastor of St. James from the Mass,” she said. Even Parish in Pennington, said his parishioners Most Reverend John J. McRaith shepherd- so, sensitivity to other worship- would not consider including a cry room in pers sometimes warrants a parent ed the Diocese of Owensboro for 26+ years renovation plans for their church. removing a child from the assem- with loving and faithful service. Please join “Cry rooms are not only noisy but none of bly. the parents had time to focus on the liturgy or us as we express to him our deep apprecia- In the era before the Second could hear or even see what was going on at the Vatican Council, a timeout usually tion and love. Mass,” he said. “When one child starts to cry or meant an embarrassingly long walk • May 3, 2009 (Sunday) -- Mass at Saint talk to another, the others pick it up.” to the foyer, and parent and child “They became playrooms,” said Father Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro at 2:00 p.m. would be behind heavy wood doors Sam Sirianni, director of the diocesan Office followed by a reception. without any kind of sound system, of Worship and pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine separated from the assembly and • June 3, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Mass at Parish in Freehold. the liturgy. “There was no training happening for how Saint Thomas More, Paducah followed by a In the late 1960s, the Vatican to go to Mass,” he said. “Some parents refused reception (time pending). II changes introduced a new kind to take their children to the cry room because of church building: semicircular • June 14, 2009 (Sunday) -- Bilingual Mass they could not train them to behave appro- rather than rectangular, with shorter at Sts. Peter & Paul, Hopkinsville at 1:30 p.m. followed by a recep- priately at Mass. Children must be trained to aisles, sections of pews that al- sit still and pay attention at Mass. It must be tion. lowed greater visibility of the altar, instilled.” and a cry room. • June 20, 2009 (Saturday)-- Prayer service at 11:00 a.m. at Gasper In recent years, many parishes have created Set adjacent to the congrega- River followed by a barbecue. children’s liturgies or programs for children age tion, the cry room provided a con- 3 and up that include readings written for their venient place for parents to calm level and activities based on them. an unhappy or misbehaving child. 14 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Pilgrims of Hope Invitation

Power Week 2009 Pilgrims of Hope is a newly founded lay association of the faithful, working in Catholic Summer Camp Sponsored by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, community to facilitate the relationship between the Diocese of Owensboro and the Owensboro, Ky. Phone: (270)684-5369 Fax: (270)683-8008 Church in Jamaica. June 22-26, 2009 You need not have taken a mission trip to Mandeville to join us in our efforts to Name ______Name for Name Tag______pray for and respond to “the cries of the poor” in Jamaica. Join us for prayer, study, Parent/Guardian Name______and reflection on missionary spirituality and contribute your enthusiasm for assisting Address ______the missions of Jamaica in their work for the poor. City______State______Zip______Phone ______Age______Birth Date ______Gender______School ______Grade (2009-10 school year)______When: Saturday, March 7, 2009 Parish______Where: Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville, Ky. The total cost of PW 2009 is $225.00 per person (regardless of the Time: 1-3 pm. number from the family). A deposit of $100 is due when the application is turned in. Make checks payable to Our Lady of Lourdes Summer Camp. ALL If you feel compassion for the poor and have been applications need to be sent to the above address as soon as possible since moved to help our diocesan efforts to relieve the suf- space is limited and usually fills quickly. It is important that you notify us fering of the Jamaican people through donations and immediately if you will not be able to make PW 2009, so that we can let a collections, or if you assist the work of the missions child on the waiting list take the open slot. Deposit will only be refunded with a 30-day notice prior to the beginning of camp. You will be notified of your by praying for their efforts, you may be practicing acceptance and detailed information about arrival and housing will be sent to the missionary spirituality of the Pilgrims of Hope. your home in May. If you need financial assistance, please check here. ( ) I invite you to join us for this meeting. If you If you have any questions, please call Danny at 684-5369 or email: know anyone who might be interested in this work, [email protected] please forward this invitation to them. Peace, Suzanne Rose Catholic Schools Celebrate Service By Pat S. Smith is created in God’s image and is a child of “We help others not because they are God. This Gospel continues with Jesus Catholic, but because we are Catholic.” beginning to choose his apostles, telling Cardinal James Hickey, Washington, D.C. them, “I will make you fishers of men.” (dec.) She explained that Jesus was calling them BOWLING GREEN,Ky. - Principal Jan to a life of service. The theme for 2009 Lange spoke after all the Masses on Sun- school year is “Catholic Schools Celebrate day preceding the beginning of Catholic Service.” She said that the school is en- Schools Week. Mrs. Lange has been prin- couraging their students to become lifelong cipal of St. Joseph Interparochial School “fishers of men”, people who see service in Bowling Green for eight years and had as a way of life and commitment to the taught there for 13 years, prior to becom- Gospel. “Service,” she said, “is an integral ing principal. part of life at St. Joseph School; not just “Today, along with over 2 million stu- because of the many service projects we dents in 7,300 Catholic schools across the complete, but because we encou rage our United States, we begin our week-long students to look for ways to serve others celebration of Catholic Schools Week,” daily.” She said that ways the students are she said. encouraged to serve are through compas- Mrs. Lange explained that during this sion, kindness and forgiveness. annual celebration the Catholic schools She then quoted the late Cardinal James strive to build community awareness of the Hickey of Washington, D.C. who said, “We mission of Catholic education--to educate help others, not because they are Catholic, the whole child; academically, physically, but because we are Catholic.” morally and spiritually. “The mission of Mrs. Lange said she feels truly privi- St. Joseph Interparochial School,” Mrs. leged to work with a dedicated and talented faculty who make many personal sacrifices Lange explained, “is to teach as Jesus did, This is a picture of St. Joseph students delivering collected items to the Humane challenging our students to embrace the to serve in the ministry of Catholic Educa- Society. From L to R, Paul Warrell, Christopher Mason, Allison Kaelin, John Paul Gospel message, achieve their academic tion. “We have dedicated families who Mason and Future St. Joseph Student Lincoln Mason; with first grade teacher best and to make a positive difference in partner with the school to build a com- Amanda Hughes. Submitted by Betty Anne Watt, St. Joseph School, Bowling the world.” munity of faith and also make personal Green. Quoting from St. Mark’s Gospel Chapter sacrifices to give their children this faith- filled education.” Mrs Lange added that St. the community gave a large round of applause for Mrs. Lange and all the students, 1, verses 14-20, Mrs. Lange said that Jesus parents and faculty. Holy Spirit Parish is proud of Mrs. Lange and the faculty for the was challenging each of us to “repent and Joseph has great students who recognize what a great gift they are being given, a fine job they do and look forward to seeing the difference a Catholic education makes believe in the gospel.” She says that St. in the lives of our children. Joseph’s provides daily experiences of the Catholic education. At the close of her talk, Principal Lange Pat S. Smith, has been a parishioner at Holy Spirit since 1988. She and husband, Gospel and creates a learning community Galen, have one son, Tony,now a Senior at Western KY University, who attended St. where each student is taught that he or she had all the St. Joseph students, parents, teachers and alumni stand; as they stood Joseph for 8 years. A Family “On-Call” for God’s will The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 15 sponsors to help Hispanic couples prepare By Matt Weafer for marriage. OWENSBORO,Ky. - For Yolanda Gonza- For Lent in 2008, the homily of the lez’s family serving the church has become Ash Wednesday Mass was to do something more a way of life than a service. rather than give up something. “It becomes a lifestyle that you don’t “I took that to heart,” Gonzalez said. think about what you do,” Gonzalez said. So, she contacted Mel Howard, editor of “Whatever Sr. Fran (Wilhelm) needs, we the Western Kentucky Catholic, and vol- do. We’re just on call.” unteered her time to archive the newsletter Gonzalez and her husband Jaime from 1974 to 2008 in digital files that will Navarette with their two daughters Naomi be accessible on the Owensboro Diocese (eight years old) and Nina (six years old) Web site. offer their time to Sts. Joe and Paul Church Her task took much of the year and she and to Centro Latino among many other expects to finish before Lent this year. callings. “I spent several hours over a scanner,” In January, the family helped decorate she said. “(But) I love challenges. I was the parish hall of Sts. Joe and Paul for Sr. compelled to do it. I was called.” Fran’s 80th birthday. This past Christmas season was the “We are her spiritual children,” second year that they welcomed people Gonzalez said. Sr. Fran has been a major into their home for Las Posadas (translated inspiration and guide for the family, she literally as “the inns”), a nine-day celebra- said. tion before Christmas honoring Mary and The family is deeply involved with the Joseph’s travels to the manger. Spanish Mass as liturgical and Eucharistic About 30 to 40 people entered their ministers. They also collect the gifts. home on one of the nine nights, and the “The need is greater within a smaller family offered food and drink. community so we’re more involved,” Gonzalez and her family are involved Gonzalez said. in many different aspects of the church, Every year the family gathers to help though they dedicate much of their time raise money for Centro Latino in Owens- to the Spanish Mass. boro by using the parish kitchen to make “Being part of the Spanish Mass is an tamales. enriching experience,” Gonzalez said. “(Making and selling the tamales) One of the main reasons Gonzalez gets people involved in church and gets and Navarette devote so much time to the people in the Latino culture involved that Church—aside for accepting a call—is otherwise may not have been,” Navarette to offer their daughters an opportunity to said. experience some of their Hispanic culture The couple also serves as marriage and to help them grow to be good-hearted,

Yolanda Gonzales and her husband Jaime Navarrette with their two daughters Naomi (eight years old), left, Nina (six years old), and Tomo, front and center. Submitted photo caring women. ating service dogs. Tomo is Gonzalez’s “I was away from the church for 20 sixth CCI dog and she has had three out years from my late teens to the late 90s,” of five graduate so far. “And that’s kind of Gonzalez said. “And I went back at a mo- a high ratio,” she said. ment of crisis. I was sorry I was away for In November, Gonzalez and her fam- so long. You can miss out on a lot” ily drove to Columbus, Ohio, to drop off For her girls, being surrounded by the Tomo, a black Labrador Retriever, for Church and her parents’ frequent involve- the official training as a CCI service dog. ment, “they’re getting a great education There he was monitored for a week and because they’re part of it,” Gonzalez said. then they began training. “That’s their second home.” “He’s a member of the family,” Gon- They take part in many of the activities zalez said. including the Ballet Folklorico that Central While Gonzalez and her family raised Latina puts on during the Multicultural Tomo as a donation of time and service for Festival. CCI, Gonzalez also used this experience to One of the family’s most recent help her daughters understand the value of endeavors was to raise a service dog for doing good work just for the sake of doing Canine Companions for Independence. it. Dogs working for CCI live with “I want to empower them to not people with disabilities to help in many be afraid to do something so incredible different functions of daily life. because they are afraid of getting hurt,” CCI has strict requirements for gradu- Continued on page 16 16 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 St. Thomas More’s Celebrate Your Marriage PADUCAH,Ky. - Married couples gathered together for a prayer service and renewal of vows to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Thomas More Church, Saturday, February 7, 2009. A reception followed in the Parish Hall including a wedding cake and dance. The Parish wanted to bring the significance of the Sacrament of Marriage to center stage for one important day. The World Marriage Day (WMD) symbol at left here expresses that married love calls us to help enlighten the world. The couple is joined by a heart, focusing on love as the power that fosters unity within the couple and generates the capacity to be life-giving and inspire others to fruitfulness and unity. The Theme for WMD has been permanently adopted as “Love One Another.” This phrase is the commandment given us by Jesus in John 15:12. It speaks to us in a simple but challenging way of how our Father wishes us to live. Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging. Worldwide Marriage Encounter established World Marriage Day, Feb 8, this year, to honor the husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their Louis and Karen Derose enjoy time with Felicia and Matt LaBarge. faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily, married life. Photo by Lori Meredith A Family “On-Call” (Continued from page 15) because they are afraid of getting hurt,” Gonzalez said. “I want them to learn that even a kid six or eight years old can make a difference and sometimes through an act of selfless love.” Dropping him off was difficult, Gonzalez said. “But hopefully this will give my girls the courage to pursue what they want to do. Make them incredible people and teach them not be afraid of emotional hardship.” Unfortunately, Tomo did not make it into the program, but Gonzalez and her family were able to pick a good family to adopt him. “He wanted to be a regular dog,” Gonzalez said. The girls miss him, Gonzalez said, but they know he’s happy and healthy. “Nina wrote two or three letters to him, so she knows she can contact him,” she said. Dedicating one’s life to the Church is not easy. And for a family in this modern age it can be taxing on their time. But Gonzalez and her family manage to stay involved. “I’m not even sure it’s a conscious decision,” Gonzalez said. “God calls on us and we try to answer. Otherwise our life is quite quiet.” “It becomes a lifestyle,” Naverette said. And hopefully, Gonzalez said, their lifestyle will serve as an example for their daughters.

St. Jerome parishioners and pastor Fr. Snow Is For .....Snow Ball Fights! David Willett Ice Storm 2009 had been raging for a to enjoy the snow. More snow fights worked to couple days. On Wednesday, January ensued. In the back row (left to right): disassemble 28 at around 4:30 pm, several Brescia Brian Perras, Lauren Varble, Emily the church’s University students were enjoying time Whelan, Jodi Tanner, Gabrielle Murphy.; Kilgen Pipe off from classes, throwing snow balls Front row (Left to right): Kristin Tucker, Organ to ship at each other, when President Larry Kayla White, Melissa Crawford. Photo it to Louisville Hostetter walked through the Quad and by Fr. Larry Hostetter to be restored. informed them of at least one more day Photo submitted by St. Jerome, Fancy Farm, To Restore Lacy Riddle 115-yr. old Pipe Organ FANCY FARM,Ky. - On January 12, 2009, St. Jerome began the long awaited removal the pipes were loaded and brought to Miller Pipe Organ in Louisville to be cleaned and of the old Kilgen Pipe Organ for restoration. The present church was dedicated in 1893, repaired. They will also be repairing, cleaning, and re-leathering the reservoir which and it is believed that the Kilgen Pipe Organ was installed around the year 1894 (which allows for large amounts of wind to be stored up to provide enough air for the pipes to would make this organ approximately 115 years old). Many parishioners came out to speak. There will be some minor repairs done to the organ console. help and some just wanted to get a glimpse of history. One of our parishioners, Gayla Elliott has volunteered to paint additional patterns Miller Pipe Organ from Louisville, KY under the direction of Jim Miller got ev- and stenciling on the 23 facade pipes. In addition to the restoration of the Kilgen Pipe erything started. Parishioners helped hand down the pipes and got educated as to how Organ, we will also be having an additional Pipe Organ installed with 9 ranks of pipes the pipe organ works. While taking apart the organ, we discovered two old pennies: an on three manuals and pedal. The console will be placed in the current location of the 1893 Indian Head Penny and a 1946 Wheat Penny. There were hundreds of pipes in an electric organ console and the pipes will be located on the left side of the Kilgen Pipes. endless variety of shapes, sizes and construction, which determine each pipe’s voice: All finances for this project are being provided by an anonymous donor. brassy, naturally reedy, or wood-flutish. The project is anticipated to be finished by early April and ready for Holy Week As organs age, they gather layers of dust and they can begin to sag and creep out of and Easter services. Once the organs are in place, we would like to have a dedication shape which can make it difficult for them to speak distinctly and in full voice. All of of both organs and the new piano. The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 17 How do you open your doors to others when you have no lights, water, or heat? By Fr. Jerry Calhoun Several months ago some members of Christ the King Parish, Madisonville, began dreaming about a parish mission trip to our sister diocese, Mandeville, Jamaica. Ultimately ten members volunteered and were looking forward to the mis- sion experience. The date of departure was set for February 10, 2009. Then the great ice storm of the century hit Kentucky. Madisonville suffered total electrical power outage. Generators were in high demand and furnished the only electrical power for shelters set up for people suffering from the severe zero temperatures. The Mandeville group (shown in the group picture at right) met to evaluate the emergency crisis of our city. Most of the team members were without power. After some discussion it was de- cided that our mission work for now was in our front yards. The team decided to serve hot meals free of charge to anyone who had a need beginning the next day. What is so remarkable about their decision is that they served almost two hundred meals the following three days in our parish hall that had no water, electricity or heat. They brought in water and generators to fulfill their needs. Christ the King par- ish was without electrical power for thirteen days. But the members experienced a greater power in their desire to help others. The Mandeville mission trip was rescheduled for October, 2009.

Christ The King parishioners Brian Cullen, Hayden Reynolds, Bill Jungblom, Charlie Jungblom, Jimmy Riddle. Photo Submitted by Patty Brown

St. Thomas More Encourages Parishioners to Make Their Voices Heard

PADUCAH, Ky. - On Sunday, January 25, Christ The King parishioners Debby Brown, Bill Jungblom, and Carol Lyon 2009, St. Thomas More pastor Fr. Patrick helping out during the Ice Storm 2009 . Submitted by Patty Brown J. Reynolds encouraged parishioners to make their voices heard regarding In the photo at left, Pastoral Council member, Vicki Woods accepts a signed post- card from parishioner Bill Wade. Missy Eckenberg Photo the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) by signing postcards that were forwarded bers filled out the cards at the end of the Homily and Pastoral Council members to Congressman Whitfield and Senators accepted the cards in baskets in front of the altar. Bunning and McConnell. Church mem- 18 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Community Gathers for Prayer Service By Dawn C. Ligibel HOPKINSVILLE,Ky. - “All God’s children deserve to live,” chanted children from Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville on Thursday, January 22, 2009, as they and a group of adults marched around the block surround- ing the church to commemorate the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion. The candlelight march (modified with glow sticks) was organized as a pre-curser to an annual ecumenical prayer service held in Hopkinsville on this date. Sts. Peter and Paul hosted the prayer service this year. The event was sponsored by Alpha Alternative (a pro-life pregnancy crisis center in Hopkinsville), Pennyrile Right to Life, and the Knights of Columbus Msgr. James H. Willett Council, 7847. In his opening remarks, Fr. John Thomas, Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, explained the purpose of the prayer service. “We come together tonight not as Catholics, not as Baptists, not as part of any specific denomina- tion. We come together in Christ and in unity praying for something we all value and that is life,” he said. In addition to Fr. Thomas, the other clergy par- ticipating in the service were Rev. Buddy Slaughter, Pastor of Means Baptist Church, Chaplain Jim Odell, a chaplain in the Army Reserves, Fr. Shijo Vadakkum- kara, Associate Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, and Tom Bell, an Associate Minister of the All Nations House of Clergy from various churches in Hopkinsville gathered on January 22, 2009, to commemorate the Roe v. Wade Prayer. decision with a prayer service at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. 154 people from the community attended the Invited to deliver the homily (message) that eve- service. Picture from left to right: Fr. Shijo Vadakkumkara, Associate Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul; Chaplain ning, Rev. Slaughter reminded the congregation why Jim Odell, a chaplain in the Army Reserves; Fr. John Thomas, Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Rev. Buddy life should be valued. “Our value comes from the fact Slaughter, Pastor of Means Baptist Church, and Tom Bell, an Associate Minister at the All Nations House of Prayer. Photo taken by Dawn C. Ligibel. that we come from God,” Rev. Slaughter preached. “If we want our children to understand the value of life, we have to demonstrate how we value life,” he continued. Rev. Slaughter challenged everyone in attendance to demon- strate how he or she values life through love. “If you love life, demonstrate it,” he implored. “Love always demonstrates itself in action. It’s not just an emotion; it’s an action. Demonstrate your love in your community.” After thanking the other members of the clergy for participat- ing in the prayer service, Fr. Thomas concluded by encouraging the congregation. “It is important for us all to stand together. We are not competitors. We are drawn together by our basic belief in what is right. Let us stand firm in that belief,” he implored. In fact, 154 people were drawn to this particular unifying event. The organizers were basically pleased by the number of people in attendance. “I was glad to see people come together who value life,” said Rev. Slaughter. “I believe the people who were here are the people God wanted here,” he added. Kaye Munday, Executive Director of Alpha Alternative, was also pleased with the attendance. “I believe it (the crowd) was a little larger than in the past,” she observed. “Sadly it was not a big crowd, but we certainly have more support in our community.” “Unfortunately, this prayer service is not normally well at- tended,” admitted Fr. Thomas. “Scripture states, however, that where two or more are gathered in God’s name, he is there also. I have no doubt that he was present on this night,” Fr. Thomas concluded.

ecumenical prayer service hosted at the church. The youth Children from Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville led The march was held on the anniversary of holding the banner from left to right are Bridget Intessimone, a march of parishioners around the neighborhood the Supreme Court’s decision in 1973 to Allison Watson, Theresa Garnett, Zach Nosbusch and Daniel surrounding the church on January 22, 2009. legalize abortion and occurred just prior to an Sweet. Photo taken by Dawn C. Ligibel. good and expert priests, considering spiritual The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 19 Saints Among Us direction as one of the most effective means A Simple Seamstress shows us to reach sanctity” says the Pope. Evangelization Who is Saint Narcisa? the Path to Sainthood She was born in Ecuador, in 1832 to a modest family. She grew into the habit “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” By Byron ‘Paco’ Macias of the contemplation of divine realities. She turned Saint Narcisa de Jesus was canonized says Our Lord Jesus Christ. It flows that the encounter with the living Christ makes new a small room in her house into a domestic chapel. last October 12th, 2008 by Pope Benedict She was a young, thoughtful, happy girl with a XVI, who said: “St. Narcisa de Jesus gifts to be born –the Good News need to be spread. Evangelization is the realization of sweet and peaceful character, extremely good shows us a path to Christian perfection and obedient, generous, compassionate towards accessible to all faithful.” This is beauti- our fidelity and consecration to God. It is our baptismal call. It is the response to God’s the poor, very devout, loved by all the neighbors. ful indeed, but how do we incarnate this She was a very attractive young woman, blonde path into our lives? Looking at the life of goodness and grace. Saint Narcisa, who worked as a seamstress, had a client whose with blue eyes, tall, strong and agile and an this Ecuadorian Saint, I have identified excellent catechist. The Holy See writes of her: four points (or steps) that elevated this had not quite gotten what being a Catholic was like. Narcisa catechized her: the Mass “In 1869, she had high fevers. Medical remedies laywoman to the altars: prayer, simplicity, could do little, but she kept up her normal rhythm is the center and summit of our faith and our spiritual direction and evangelization. of life, ending with a novena and the celebration life must be patterned on it. Eventually the Prayer of the Eucharist, with great joy, dressed in white, client understood that faith cannot be limited It all begins with prayer. What is on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception to Sunday, but it is something that needs to important here is to ask for the grace of of Mary, 8th December 1869, the same day on awareness, awareness of God’s merci- be lived and renewed every day. In addition, Narcisa was a catechist and her love to teach which Blessed Pius IX opened in Rome Vatican Council I. At the end of the day ful actions in our life. “Ask and you she took leave of the sisters, saying she was going on a journey very far. Later on, shall receive” says Matthew 7,7 and Our about Jesus to everybody made her leave not only her home but even her country in order the sister charged with blessing the cells, noticed a splendor and a special scent Lord takes it from there. Prayer implies in Narcisa’s cell. The community gathered and they saw that she was dead. She patience, docility and a good ear. Since to fulfill her baptismal call. As we can see, these are the four steps to- was 37 years old. The city of Lima acclaimed her as a saint, as did the people of her early years, little Narcisa nourished a Ecuador. Her body, practically incorrupt, was transferred to Guayaquil in 1955. ward sanctity that St. Narcisa shows us today. dynamic relationship with the Lord. She The documents of the diocesan process of canonization were handed over to the And these steps are achievable. God is always would quietly withdraw to the river front to Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1964. Pope John Paul II beatified her on giving us opportunities to be saints: that is our say a prayer. Devotions were important as 25th October 1992.” She was canonized as a saint last October 12th. well. On September 16th, 1939, Narcisa ultimate call. Let us think, for instance, about received the Sacrament of Confirmation, the power outages we had last month; we had we ask for the grace to be aware of God’s presence and love and the Lord will take and along with the Sacrament, she received plenty of time to think, to talk, to read. May it from there. a grace: a solid perception of her call to sanctity. Since then, Narcisa patterned her life on this grace. Simplicity In simplicity we go about our lives with a deep purpose and sense. A person who prays is humble and simple. Sim- plicity does not mean insipidity. It is actually the opposite: “You are the salt of the earth.” Once we are aware of God’s love and presence, we live good lives, wherein everything makes sense, the crosses are humbly accepted and hope and faith are solid. The Holy Father says of Saint Narcisa: “Despite the abundant and extraordinary graces she received, her life developed in great simplicity, dedicated to her work as a seamstress and her apostolate as a catechist.” Spiritual Direction This is one of the greatest gifts the Church freely gives us. Spiritual direc- tion nourishes the soul and helps alleviate confusions and existential debacles. Gen- erally, our parish priests can offer spiritual direction to us. There are also wonderful lay women and men who have formally studied and prepared to be spiritual direc- tors. In spiritual direction we discern, learn to recognize what comes from God, and grow in our real identity as children of Bluegrass Music Good Fit For Honoring President Lincoln’s Birthday God. “To assist with docility the action of Fourth grade students from the Owensboro Catholic Elementary 4-6 Campus participated in a production of the International the Holy Spirit in her soul, [St. Narcisa] Bluegrass Music Museum with assistance from Theatre Workshop of Owensboro on Thursday, Feb. 12th. The students, always sought the counsel and guidance of dressed as children from the 1800’s, performed in three vignettes. The fourth graders helped to compose one of the songs. OCS Photo 20 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Submitted by Cathy Carrico, We Are Called To Serve Others Spiritual Coordinator for St. Mary Elementary School, Paducah PADUCAH,Ky. - Mrs. Cecelia Farrell’s 2nd grade class drew posters depicting the corporal works of mercy. Demonstrating these pictures was a way to emphasize the importance of service to others...which ties into our Catholic School Week theme of Service at St. Mary Elementary School. In 2nd grade we are learning about the WORKS OF MERCY. President Obama told our country how important it is for everyone to help make this world a better place. Here’s how we could help:

Give clothing to the poor…. If people don’t have clothes and want Visit those in prison… to go somewhere they probably can’t We need to let them know what they did wrong go. They can’t get a good job if they and to teach them not to be mean. We could don’t have the right clothes to wear. In teach them about Jesus and God. Charlie, the winter they won’t be warm if they Josh, Keagan, Brian don’t have a coat, scarf, and gloves. Abi, Nalu, Adisyn

Feed the hungry…. We should feed the hungry so they don’t starve to death and die. The Visit the sick…. United States could take food to Africa and places that can’t grow their So they’ll know we’re coming to make own food. We should give food to the poor. We can take it to church on them feel better. They can cheer up. Sunday. Cash, Eli, Caleb, Sophie Shelter the homeless…. So they’ll know we are praying for Jesus wants us to help the homeless because them. We want them to know Jesus they could get hurt by not having a house. loves them even if they’re not feeling They could get hit by lightning. You can be well. Faith, Cianna, Madeline warm and have a happy family if you have a place to live. Taylor, Grace, Kimberly

Pray for those who have died…. We should pray for those who have Give drink to the thirsty…. died so they can get to heaven. We The poor people don’t have anything to drink pray so it’ll only be a moment ‘til their and they’re dying of thirst. We need to help loved ones are with them. We pray for Mrs. Cecelia Farrell’s 2nd grade class also made a wall poster with paper them get clean water to drink. Jessie, Allie, their family so they won’t be so sad. doll cut-outs of people performing a particular “work of mercy.” Meredith Nick, Hope, Mary Kate Helping Others Through Works of Mercy The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 21 During Catholic Schools Week, staff at St. Mary School in Paducah took pictures of Mrs. Annette Ellis’ 5th grade students standing in front of their posters depicting the Corporal Works of Mercy. These are some of the actions which all Christians, and Catholics, in particular, are taught to do for other people because this is part of our Catholic culture handed down from the earliest times in the Church that Jesus Christ founded. These are actions which He did for others in his life and public ministry. As members of the Catholic Church through baptism, we all are called to perform Corporal Works of Mercy for any who need Christ’s mercy in their lives. Catholic School students learn about these Works of Mercy from the earliest days of faith formation in Catholic families, schools, and parish life. Some of the examples depicted on the posters are: “Shelter the Homeless,” “Feed the Hungry,” “Visit Those in Prison,” and “ Bury the Dead.” Demonstrat- ing these pictures was a way to emphasize the importance of service to others... which ties into the 2009 Catholic Schools Week theme: “Celebrate Service.” Visit the sick Hannah, Emily, Pictures submitted by e-mail by Cathy Carrico. Spiritual Coordinator, St. Justice Mary Elementary School, Paducah, Kentucky

Feed the hungry Jordan, Ashley, Maddie

Visit those in prison Gavin, Jack, Cole, Jacob Give clothing to the poor Matthew, Tim, Tommy, Will

Pray for those who have died Hayden, Tanner, Ben, Nathan Shelter the homeless Kelly, Hannah, Daniel, Paige 22 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Why Net Team? “I wanted to take another step in my faith.” By Edie Keeney PADUCAH.Ky. - St. Francis de Sales parish- ioners were invited to a retreat put on by a team of eleven young adults that travel around the country putting on retreats as an answer to the Church’s call for evangelization. The National Evangelization Team (NET) mem- bers arrived Thursday evening January 15th, met the St. Francis staff who had arranged the retreat, enjoyed a meal and met their host families with whom they would spend the next two nights. Friday morning the host families brought the NET team members back to St. Francis where the group spent some time relaxing and rehearsing their program for Friday evening. The retreat began with a parish potluck dinner where the parishioners met and talked with the NET team. After the meal the team presented a program that was entertaining and also carried a serious mes- sage about faith and commitment to Christ. Especially meaningful was the silent presenta- tion in the church. The National Evangelization Team (NET) consists of young adults from all parts of the United States that spend several weeks in for- mation to learn how to put on retreats. Their main focus is to reach out to young people to help them grow spiritually and to help them get a better insight into their Catholic faith. After formation the young adults are divided into groups of 10 to 12 and for the next sev- eral months they travel in vans all across the USA giving retreats. This is a 9-month The NET Retreat Team at Saint Francis de Sales Church Jillian Wayland, Gini Voegeli, Amanda Salazar, Christine commitment and several of the team have in Paducah: - Back row, L to R: P.J. Bush, Bryant Ortaga, Naval, Kathryn MCMillian, Jacki Halland. Edie Keeney been NET team members before. Dan and David Diaz, Michael NapoI, Ben Arvoin; Front row, L to R: Photo Linda Quinlan were hosts for 2 of the team 20’s and is a former NET team member returned for a second is near. And to illustrate that God definitely is near and cares members. “Dan and I really enjoyed them so time. He explained, “I saw the need for missionary work in for His own I will share something that happened. Thursday much; it was a blessing hearing people that our own country, there is a spiritual poverty here. Also I see night after we arrived at our home, Michael told us he had age who are not disillusioned with the Church, it as an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Being able had an earache since the night before and it was becoming that was very positive experience for us and it to get a better insight into the faith of young Catholics or the even more painful. I am a registered nurse and just happened was very uplifting,” Linda commented. Leslie perhaps the lack of it has been a good experience for me.” to have an instrument that I could use to look into Michael’s Nash is a young adult who attended the retreat. Being around these young people you just know that God ear. His eardrum was bright red; it was infected. A very She commented, “I think it’s wonderful that young people would give up their time to do good friend of mine is a Nurse Prac- something like NET. It was really powerful titioner; I called her and she quickly to be with people who felt so strongly about Owensboro Serra Club volunteered to see him at her clinic their faith.” the first thing Friday morning. After Invites You To Adopt A Priest checking his ear she quickly agree it My husband, Dave, and I were also hosts. David Diaz and Michael Napoli spent two was infected. She wrote a prescrip- The Serra Club of Owensboro has launched tion for antibiotic eardrop and another nights with us. It was a joy to have them and a program to provide prayerful support for to talk more in depth with them. David is 19 eardrop for pain and sent us on our the priests of our Diocese called ADOPT A way with a heartfelt prayer. I got years old and this is his first time to be on a PRIEST. A lapel pin has been designed as NET team. When asked why he became a the prescription filled and he began shown. The initials of the priest and his date using it. God truly takes care of His team member he responded, “I wanted to take of ordination have been engraved on the back another step in my faith. Personally I wanted people. of each pin. Along with each pin, a card and There were 5 host couples and I to grow spiritually mostly in prayer and to envelope will be included, designed especially be able to be an example to young people, as am the only one who is a nurse and to be sent by the wearer to the adopted priest. had the friend who was able and they become adults. The generosity of the The Serra Club is asking that you pray daily for your adopted priest. people and meeting young people of differ- more than willing to help. I felt very To order a pin, send a check or money order for $15.00 to: Serra Club of Ow- blessed that I was there for God to use ent cultures have been the highlights of being ensboro, 4213 Spring Bank Drive, Owensboro, KY 42303 able to do this,” he added. Michael is in his me. NET Team Touches Youth The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 23 By Dawn C. Ligibel HOPKINSVILLE,Ky. - “Jump in, jump the youth into several small groups based out, introduce yourself,” sang the eleven on their ages and held group discussions young people who comprised the group with one NET team member leading each from NET (National Evangelization Team) group. At this time the middle school Ministries who visited here from January youth had the opportunity to discuss any 13 - 15. difficulties they were experiencing in their As their first retreat after the Christmas relationships with God and they shared break, the NET team met with the middle ways to build stronger relationships with school youth group of Sts. Peter and Paul God. on January 14 and presented a retreat At the conclusion of their discussions, entitled “The Adventure.” This particular the NET leader of each small group went drama showed the middle school students around the circle and silently prayed for how they fit into the story of salvation. each middle school youth while laying a After the members of NET introduced hand on their shoulders. themselves and performed an “ice break- “It felt good to have someone else ing” activity or two, they recreated the pray for me,” admitted ninth-grader Harley story of Salvation by showing how God, Nittler. in the form of three persons, created the “It was wonderful,” exclaimed Mary angels, specifically Lucifer who rebelled Kranz, who is in the sixth grade. and was cast out of heaven. Elenora Cincotti, also in the sixth grade agreed. “It was beautiful, very They then showed how God created Eleven members of the National Jillian Wayland, Ben Ardoin, and Jacki man and woman who, when tempted by touching.” Evangelization Team 4 visited Sts. Halland. From left to right in the back Satan, sinned and broke the relationship Although the members of the NET Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville on row: Kathryn MacMillan, David Diaz, between humanity and God. This broken team certainly touched at least some of January 14 to conduct a retreat called Christine Navar, PJ Bush, Amanda relationship was depicted when a string the middle school youth at Sts. Peter and “The Adventure.” Pictured from left to Salazar, Michael Napoli and Gini Voegeli. was dropped to the floor that “God” and Paul in Hopkinsville, they rarely get to right in the front row: Bryant Ortega, “Adam and Eve” were previously hold- stay in one place long enough to witness ing. changes in young people’s lives. “We don’t normally see the fruit of The story continued showing how our work,” admitted NET team co-leader Jillian Wayland, a 19-year-old Mary brought Jesus into the world to save from Faribault, Minnesota. “But we have seen some dramatic changes us from Satan and our sins. When Jesus in the youth.” died and rose again, the relationship be- Navar agrees. “Seeing lives change is the biggest reward,” she said. tween God and humanity was restored. A “We have seen some conversions to Christianity. One young man, who NET member representing the Holy Spirit claimed to be an atheist, became a Catholic after one of our retreats,” then moved to the characters depicting Navar elaborated. humanity to show how at our baptism we Approximately 100 young men and women serve as volunteers are freed from original sin. The string was with NET Ministries each year. They are divided into nine teams and then picked up to show that the relationship travel more than 200,000 miles around the country while personally with God had been renewed. ministering to more than 60,000 junior high and high school students “I liked the part with the string,” said from September through May. Thomas Folz, an eighth grade member of This particular NET team spent two nights in Hopkinsville. After arriving on the evening of January 13 and getting settled in a home the Sts. Peter and Paul middle school youth Gini Voegeli, a 20-year-old member of NET from group. “It symbolized that you have your provided by parishioners from Sts. Peter and Paul, the group gathered Wichita, Kansas, prays for Abby Craft, a sixth-grade own choice and use your own will to fol- at a local restaurant for dinner with Libby Downs, the parish’s Youth student from Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville. low the Christian path.” Minister, and a few members of the high school youth group. The team NET conducted a retreat called “The Adventure” for Sixth grade student, Harley France, spent the night again at the host home after the retreat and left town the middle school youth of Sts. Peter and Paul on agreed with Folz. “I liked how they said around noon on January 15. From Hopkinsville, Team 4 continued their January 14. Photo taken by Dawn C. Ligibel. you could follow the string to go to God. journey to Paducah, Kentucky. After that they are scheduled to travel They showed how the devil broke it and to Memphis, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and day,” she added. Although hard at times, MacMillan they put it back together,” France said. “I then finish the year in Ohio. agrees the challenges are worthwhile. “Being on a team want to do that,” she added. According to co-leader Ben Ardoin, who is 26 years old and from where everyone on the team is striving for holiness is very Christine Navar, a 21-year-old NET Pineville, Louisiana, he is enjoying his year with NET. “It’s probably rewarding.” member from El Paso, Texas, narrated the one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Ardoin admitted. “But also “It’s beautiful,” said Wayland regarding her time with skit and summarized by challenging the the most rewarding. I have personally grown so much.” NET ministries. “You learn a lot about love and about middle school youth. “We are here to say Being a member of NET isn’t always easy, according to Navar. “It’s being selfless and how to care for others.” Wayland is that we can actively live our faith, more definitely a challenge,” she admitted. “The biggest challenge is loving currently serving her second year as a NET volunteer. than reading a book and going to church,” at all times, especially the people you are with twenty-four-seven.” Downs, who has been affiliated with NET in the past, Navar said. “Are you going to continue The greatest difficulty for team member Kathryn MacMillan, an was instrumental in bringing the team to Hopkinsville. to follow Satan or start a relationship with 18-year-old from Olney, Maryland, is not always having enough time “They always impress me. They give up a year and travel God and live with Jesus? We’ll let you alone. Explaining that most of her time is spent with team members and around the country,” she said. “They make the spirit of decide,” she concluded. host families, MacMillan admits, “I’m an introvert, so it can be hard. If God grow. I thank them for their love of Christ.” After the skit, the NET team divided I don’t take my prayer time in the morning, I know it won’t be a good 24 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009

The recipients for January are: (row 1) Heather Crowdus, Alyssa Tripp, MacKenzie Godbehere, Caroline Kanipe; (row 2) Taylor Clements, Ashley Conway, Zedric Greenwell; (row 3) Holly Greenwell. Each child received a certificate of recognition and will receive a medal representing the saint. St. Ann School Photo St. Ann School Gives St. Maria Goretti and St. Dominic Savio Awards UC Wrestling Head Coach Brad Hagedorn top center, posed with some of the medalists MORGANFIELD,Ky. - St. Maria Goretti and St. Dominic Savio were saints on UC’s Three-Peat Wrestling Team from St. Ann School, Gabe Ervin, Jeffery Wurth, Brock who each had the desire to follow Jesus and live a pure and holy life. St. Maria Ervin, and Brian French (back row); Bryce Sheffer and Saul Ervin (front row). Submitted Goretti and St. Dominic Savio each died when they were twelve years old; photo. they are the perfect choice for an award for our students who are attending the primary grades at St. Ann School. It’s a 3-Peat for the Middle School Wrestlers Each month St. Ann Catholic School elementary classes will recognize By Angela Hagedorn a student from each classroom with this award. If the chosen student is a MORGANFIELD,Ky. - “Three-peat!” That is what the Union County High School fans were female, they will receive the St. Maria Goretti award, if the chosen student is a saying as the UC wrestlers won their third straight state title. UC jumped out to an early 35-25 male, they will receive the St. Dominic Savio award. The teacher, along with lead and never looked back. When that day was over, it was UC with 176 points and the closest the recommendations of her class, will choose the recipient each month. competitor Johnson County was 120 points. “It is great to be on top and my wrestlers deserve Students are searching for a classmate with the following characteristics: it. They work harder and wrestle the toughest schedule in the state.” a cheerful character, lively disposition, someone who has a clean mind and Brock Ervin won his 2nd straight State title winning the 82 lb weight class. “He’s a wrestler lives a clean life, good natured, helpful, always smiling, always very polite, that everyone loves to watch because he is in constant motion. He makes his opponents make neat in dress, well mannered, courteous, pleasant, angel like, seems to be in mistakes and then capitalizes on them.” the presence of God, has the attitude of “I want to” or “I must” not “I should Kenneth Brummett won the 150 lb weight class in style by pinning his way through the like to” or “if only I could”, always giving to others, has a duty to look out tournament. He was a man among boys, destroying each wrestler. “Brummett put on one of the for others, has an instinctive love for purity, and has a hatred for anything that most dominating performance in middle school state history. He pinned all of his opponents in will spoil the innocence of their soul. Each class was visited by the principal the time it takes to finish one period of a match.” to discuss these saints and their characteristics. Logan Wedding won the toughest weight class in the state—the 103 lb weight class. Wed- ding is always smiling but when the whistle blows, he’s a beast. He goes after his opponents with everything he has. “It is a well deserved award. Logan is a class act.” Jeffrey Wurth also wrestled in the 96 lb championship match. After having no problem class this year. “I told Chad that named Coach of the Year for the 3rd with his first two wrestlers, his semi-final match was a nail biter. Wurth took his opponent down because of the toughness of the straight year. Hagedorn also notes that only to have the opponent get an escape which left the score 2-1. He held on and won the match weight class, people would over- he has the best coaching staff in the state with that score. “Jeffrey was not intimidated by Fahy and wrestled a tough match. Being a State look him. If he took advantage with Loader Thomas, Tin Ervin and Gary Runner-up is a great accomplishment and I am very proud of Jeffrey’s performance.” of that he would place. Great job Ervin. He said, “You can’t get much but Gabe Ervin made a complete turnaround from last year and placed third. Coaches were Chad.” than that. They take all of their years of impressed with how much G. Ervin has improved. “I know he wanted to make it to the finals, Also wrestling but not plac- experience and dedicate it to these boys. but I couldn’t be more proud of him and what he has done this year.” G. Ervin showed his team ing were: Chance Oxford, 70 lb I couldn’t do it with them. what hard work and dedication can do for you. weight class; Robert Smith, 82 “My wrestlers were ready and peaking Joe Gaines also placed 3rd, improving on his 5th place finish last year. “I know Joe and lb weight class; Jackson Oxford, at the right time. Everyone knew who the guarantee you that he will be back next year with a state title.” 89 lb weight class; and Devin best team was. The only thing left to do Brian French placed 4th in the 117 lb weight class at the tournament. “He has been a big Smith, 145 lb weight class. was lay my cards on the table and let the part of our success this year. It was like someone turned on a light switch.” Brad Hagedorn, Head rest of the state come after us. As always, Chad Gahafer placed 5th in the 103 weight class which was, hands down, the toughest weight Coach of the team, was also my boys did not disappoint.” St. Thomas More Supports Hope Unlimited The Western Kentucky Catholic. March, 2009 25 PADUCAH,Ky. - The Couples in Christ and MOMs Group of St. Thomas More sponsored a bake sale to benefit the non-profit organization Hope Unlimited, Saturday and Sunday, January 24th and 25th, 2009. Nearly $800 was provided to this community organization that provides services and counseling for women facing crisis pregnancies.

Karen Derose and Mari Lurtz work to raise money to assist Hope Unlimited Beauty Inspires Even In An Ice Storm For those who were watching the waistline, donations were also accepted.

Strange popping noises broke the night’s slumber as tree limbs and power lines weighted down with ice broke and fell, and just before the lights went out across Daviess County, during a still moment, Beauty reigned across the Brescia University campus. During the first night after the ice of the January Winter Ice Storm of 2009 fell, Brescia University’s Jeff Rudnik, Director of Residential Life was inspecting the campus, camera at the ready, and he saw unexpected beauty as ice draped everything, including a view toward the southeast of the University’s Arch on Frederica St., and in the picture at top right, a snow-cleared, icy sidewalk outside Young Hall. Jeff Rudnik Photos 26 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Ice Storm 2009 Leaves Its Mark In Our Memories Special to The Western Kentucky Catholic The ice storm that hit all of Kentucky during Catholic Schools Week on January 27, 2009, caused many disruptions in daily life and people’s normal routines. Many scheduled events had to be postponed. For example, Catholic Schools Week celebrations in the classrooms started on Monday, Jan. 26, and then most schools were closed until the next Tuesday, Feb. 3. Most Catholic schools and parishes in Western Kentucky had similar experi- ences. Brescia University never lost power and so was able to house several staff and faculty families in their offices and some of the University’s spare rooms. Several also National Guard Chaplain Curry with Fr. Randy Howard, This particular unit was utilized to go door to door making “welfare made use of the campus’ laundry facilities, pastor of St. Joseph, Leitchfield, Ky. National Guard checks” on people and their food and water needs. Photos showers and cafeteria services. troops were housed in the St. Joseph Parish Hall submitted by Joanne Deweese. Western Kentucky Catholics learned following Ice Storm 2009 which hit Kentucky Jan. 27. Faith: I saw lots of branches in my much about living without electricity, yard. My bike and my tree that I climb of residents in ten western Kentucky indoor plumbing, water from the tap, and saw a branch fall on our house. on with my sister broke. The storm was counties. Results from more than 500 modern home heating methods. Many had Nick: A big limb fell on our house. crazy. households reveal serious safety concerns to go to shelters in their area to survive the Another limb broke two parts of our fence. Because of the ice storm, St. Pius cold day and night, to find food, water, for those without power. Water leaked into our house. A tree got Tenth Parish, Owensboro, rescheduled and heat. Others stayed in their homes as In addition, initial results indicate that uprooted at the ballpark. I heard lots of their Koinonia #9 for March 12-15, gas and charcoal grills and camp stoves long as they could stand it, many buying chain saws. 2009. designed to be operated outdoors are being generators for powering lights, freezers Allie: I lost my power at night and St. Stephen Cathedral Pastoral Musi- with food, refrigerators and even home used inside homes for heat and cooking I had to go to my grandmothers at night. cian Mike Conley e-mailed The Western heating systems. purposes. Such devices should never be I heard a lot of chain saws. I heard trees Kentucky Catholic, “ I am very lucky to People brought out the oil lamps, the used inside your home, basement or garage cracking. It was bad. I saw a lot of trees have friends and coworkers that love and flashlights, the blankets, winter clothing, or near a window. on the road. care for me. I was truly blessed in having candles, coolers for keeping food outside These are some stories about “Ice Sophie: We had a bad ice storm. It my power restored so soon. One of my in the sub-freezing temperatures, and used Storm 2009” written by second graders was so bad that the power went out. You choir members told me this morning that wood stoves or other heaters. Some of at St. Mary School, submitted by Nikki could ice skate in my driveway. I had to he and his family may not have power for those heaters can be dangerous to human Fuller, Marketing Coordinator, St. Mary spend the night with my friend. another month. They live on River Road health when used improperly. School System, Paducah, Ky.: Kimberly: The ice storm was very right at the district line between OMU and On February 10, 2009, the Kentucky Keagan: We had a crack in our roof. bad. After the ice storm there was not one Kenergy. They live in a wooded area, so A lot of icicles fell. We got a whole tree Department for Public Health (DPH) tree standing in my yard. My favorite power lines are tangled-up amidst a sea of uprooted. Our backyard looked like a war and the Centers for Disease Control and climbing tree broke. We had to sleep on fallen trees and broken branches. happened. I had to sleep on the couch. I Prevention (CDC) reported their surveys the couch to stay warm. April Dickens emailed the WKC, Cash: I had to go to my Grandmoth- “Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish had a shelter. er’s house. I had to wait in a car line for Mike Bogdan served as a volunteer. St about an hour! Finally I made it there! My William Parish in Marion opened there cousin was there. I stayed for 1 day. Then Parish Hall to power workers for a shelter. there was some news. I got POWER! I was The Power guys had to provide their own excited! I went home. generators. And, Precious Blood Church Nalu: We lost our electricity during where I go to church, had mass without the ice storm. It was cold, dark, and icy. power this past weekend.” We used our gas fireplace to keep us warm. Always one to see the humor in a Many of our trees crashed. One very big situation, Fr. Ray Goetz e-mailed the tree fell on our front yard and another fell WKC, “At St. Peter Church in Stanley, we on our garage. It was a mess! I’m glad my had one Mass the weekend of Feb 1—for family was safe inside the house. both St. Peter and St. Augustine, Reed. It Madeline: There was an ice storm. was very cold—the metal chalice felt like Our family heard limbs crashing all night. dry ice! The church was about ¾ full, and A limb broke our kitchen window! Our everyone seemed to be in good spirits. I electricity went out. Our yard is awful. We did give a homily, but when I asked if they had some guys come out and fix it. wanted to hear more, only two people said Grace: I was trapped in the house and that they did. I couldn’t get out. I was scared. It was a “I don’t know if it was connected to very long week. It was cold for a week. Helping out the community during Ice Strorm 2009 from left, Anna Marie Hayne, presiding in an ice cube or not, but by Sun- Yolanda Gonzales, Paul Haynes, parishioners working in the kitchen at Sts. There are limbs everywhere. But I was day evening I had a temp. of 101—took all Joseph and Paul Church shelter in the parish hall. Photo by Carol Alvey OK. the fun out of freezing!” Marching for Their Beliefs The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 27 our goal.” By: Dawn C. Ligibel Sophomore Dean France HOPKINSVILLE,Ky. - When pundits talk also felt the energy. “It was about how the youth of today lack convic- powerful. There were a lot of tions and possess weak morals, they must people coming together for a not have met several of the high school good cause,” he said. France’s youth at Sts. Peter and Paul Church here. younger brother, Nicholas, who Recently eight young people in high is a freshman, agreed with his school took advantage of a trip arranged brother’s assessment. “It was by their Youth Minister, Libby Downs, awesome. It was good that I was and assistant, Barb Isenberg, to travel to around a bunch of people who Washington D. C. and join the March for were also protesting and have Life on January 22, 2009. In addition to the same frame of mind.” Isenberg, the group also included four Freshman Jerome Soldo also other adult chaperones. felt gratified by participating in “I feel if you believe in something, the march. “It felt good to know you need to stand up for what you believe a person can make a difference and not just talk about it,” stated Sierra and stand up for you believe in,” Hall, a junior in high school. “If you re- he said. “It was good to see how ally believe in something, you shouldn’t many other people believe in the let anyone hold you back. That’s your same thing I do,” he added. obligation,” she added. “It showed how many peo- “I should stand up for what I believe,” ple are against it (abortion) and agreed sophomore Michael Ligibel. “As fighting against it,” said Ligibel. an American citizen, I have the right to “And those were just the people have my beliefs and exercise my faith,” who could come (to the march),” he elaborated. he added. Eight members of the high school youth group from Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville None of the eight young people had “It seemed like there were traveled to Washington D.C. with five adult chaperones to participate in the March for Life ever participated in the March for Life, nor a million people there, and they on January 22, 2009. Pictured from left to right: Jerome Soldo, Michael Ligibel, Mackenzie in any other protest. “It didn’t feel like a were all pro-life,” Hall said. “To Isenberg, Brianna Craft, Dean France, Sierra Hall, Ace Crawford and Nicholas France. protest,” said Mackenzie Isenberg, who is see that many people and know Photo taken by Anthony France. also a junior in high school. “I think of a they all believe in the same many people. All you could see was people. has to stand up and talk for them.” protest as negative and it wasn’t negative. thing is really awesome! When When you live in a small town like this, you “I think it’s wrong that anyone would There was a lot of positive energy toward I looked down the hill, I saw so can’t imagine seeing that many people all in want to kill a baby,” explained Craft. “Just one place.” because it hasn’t taken its first breath “It was amazing,” said Barb Isenberg. outside the womb doesn’t mean it’s not a “To walk up the hill toward the Capitol human,” she added. and turn around to see people as far as you After learning the details about abor- could see was amazing.” Even more stun- tion several years ago, Mackenzie Isen- ning for Isenberg was watching the footage berg believes the right course of action is of the march on EWTN after returning to simple. “I don’t understand how you can’t Hopkinsville. “I thought, ‘Wow, we were be pro-life,” she said. there with all those people!’” “I just don’t see how it’s right. I just It has been reported that more than can’t grasp why someone would have an 200,000 people participated in the March abortion,” agreed Ligibel. for Life in Washington D.C. this year. “It’s murder,” Nicholas France simply This is known to be the largest crowd in stated. the history of the march, which has been Ace Crawford, high school sopho- held every year on January 22 since the more, admitted that the march helped to Supreme Court legalized abortion on that reaffirm his already strong belief about date in 1973. abortion. “It’s killing someone,” he said. “The most inspiring part of the march “It (the march) helped strengthen my view was at the beginning,” explained Hall. on that.” “There were a whole bunch of women On the morning of the march, the holding signs saying ‘I regret my abortion.’ group from Sts. Peter and Paul attended Now they are standing up and doing the Mass and a rally held at the Verizon Center right thing,” Hall added. Brianna Craft, near the mall area of D.C. Reportedly, also a junior, agreed with Hall. “I thought more than 35,000 people attended the Mass that was really cool and big of them to do and rally. Nearly 20,000 of those attending that,” Craft said. were young people. Aside from standing up for what they “I think that was really inspiring to believe, this group of young people feels see so many young people,” said Hall. strongly for whom they are representing. “That’s my generation. We’re the future “They are innocent,” said Hall. “Someone Continued on page 28 28 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Making a Difference in Our Community OWENSBORO,Ky. - One of the pillars of the Brescia Difference and part of Brescia’s mission that President Larry Hostetter speaks about frequently is servant leadership. Brescia instills that value into each and every student who attends the University. Most recently, student leadership was exemplified in several of our students through an opportunity to help those in need during January’s ice and snow storm. While the University never lost Brescia students smiling as they make power, campus was shut down for four a difference cleaning restrooms at First Baptist Church; L to R: Cedric O’Neal days. Many students took that opportu- and Clive Otigno. Brescia Photos nity to help those in the community who were unable to stay in their homes due to At Left, a group of Brescia student the loss of power, heat, and food. Several volunteered a Saturday at Sts. Joseph shelters were set up across Owensboro, and Paul Block Party. Back Row: (L to including one at First Baptist Church. R) Grace Frizzell, Clare Martin, Esaie For several nights, students, along with Nazarie, Mindes Dorlean; Front Row: (L Campus Minister Sr. Pam Mueller, OSU, to R) Sara Worth, Debra Case, Danielle volunteered their services to sweep and Zogg, Jodi Tanner. mop floors, clean restrooms and sanitize toys, books, school supplies and much the church. more were given away. Health screen- Another example was last fall at Sts. ings were performed and everything at Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro, the Block Party was free to those who where a Block Party was held with at attended. least one thousand people in attendance. These two events are a testimony of More than 100 volunteers manned the Brescia. students putting the mission of Brescia booths, including many students from Clothes, baby items, bags of groceries, cakes, gift certificates, cash door prizes, University into action.

Marching for Their Beliefs D.C. for the March for Life will become ence. Maybe we changed some people’s (Continued from page 27) an annual event. “I think it will grow,” minds by our actions.” said Barb Isenberg. “I hope it continues “If you could have seen how many to Downs, the school provides this minis- of this country. When you see so many and we have a group again next year and people were there, you would realize that try each year for young people traveling young people who care and who believe for many years to come,” she added. we had to have made a difference,” said to Washington D.C. for the March for like I do, it’s inspiring,” Hall explained. “It means a lot to us,” said Ligibel, Craft. Life. “Somewhere between two and three In addition to participating in the explaining how the youth group and the “The government can see how many thousand people stayed there this year,” march and the rally, the group added time parish made the trip possible. “It gave me Americans feel about it (abortion),” ex- said Downs. “They hosted a concert with to their trip in order to visit several sites a chance to go and I probably wouldn’t plained Soldo. “And the people in the Christian artist Matt Maher on Wednesday in the nation’s capital. Their itinerary have had the opportunity otherwise.” march is just a fraction of a percent of the evening, they provided breakfast and sack was aggressive, but rewarding. They left “It meant a lot to me,” said Craft. “It people who believe abortion is wrong,” he lunches on Thursday, they offered Eu- Hopkinsville at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Janu- was a big deal, a bigger deal than people added. charistic Adoration through the night and ary 20 after a prayer and blessing given think. We showed that we were pro-life “I think we’re making small steps. I arranged for several priests to be present by their Pastor, Fr. John Thomas. After by walking in the march.” think the young people are going to change to hear confessions,” Downs explained. driving through the night, they stopped for “I will go again,” said Mackenzie it. We are slowly chipping away at it,” said “This is their ministry.” breakfast and a quick “clean up” at a rest Isenberg. “If anyone wants to go, I would Barb Isenberg. While the lodging accommodations area before beginning their site seeing. really encourage them to go.” “I think that whenever you stand up were affordable, since St. Vincent Pallotti The sites they visited included the Setting the cost aside, as well as the for something, that a difference has been High School only charges a small amount Holocaust Museum, the Vietnam, Korean somewhat uncomfortable sleeping ac- made because you tried,” explained Hall. per person, the cost of the trip was signifi- and World War II memorials, the Air and commodations, the young people who “If you sit around, nothing will change. If cant. To offset the cost for each person Space Smithsonian, a trip up the Washing- participated in the trip unanimously agreed everyone felt it could happen, and stood traveling, the youth group held some ton Monument, and tours of the Basilica it was worthwhile. More importantly, up for what they believed, anything can fundraisers. In addition, several members of the National Shrine of the Immaculate they believe they may have made a differ- be done. It’s that powerful.” of the Sts. Peter and Paul parish made Conception and the Pentagon. The group ence. “I’m hoping that it will make a dif- financial donations to assist the youth. then traveled through the night to return “It backed up my beliefs. A lot of ference,” Ligibel said. “If it didn’t help “We are so grateful for our parishioners to Hopkinsville early Saturday morning, people, millions of people, have the same the cause, it helped me. Seeing all those who support our youth,” said Downs. January 24. beliefs. If we keep fighting, we’re going people gave me a sense of hope that we “Without their support of our fundraisers Other than sleeping on the bus for two to win,” said Mackenzie Isenberg. may win one day.” nights, or not sleeping as was the case for and their donations, the cost would have “It may have changed some people’s several, the group slept on the gym floor at been prohibitive,” she explained. mind who were previously for abortion,” St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, The young people, as well as the orga- hopes Dean France. Crawford agrees. “By Maryland, the other two nights. According nizers, hope the pilgrimage to Washington our actions, it could have made a differ- The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 29 Five Years After Dallas Charter: Has Any Good Come of the Crisis? Special To The Western Kentucky Catholic How would I describe them person- put some of this together? ally? From the stories I have heard and It was painful because for so many of Everyone wants church to be a safe setting. from the abuse victims with whom I have So the faith of the whole American Catholic us -- clergy, religious and laity -- we saw met and spoken, it was a time of great pain, a reality, the reality of sexual abuse in the community was strained when cases were made certainly a time of embarrassment, and a public of minors and other vulnerable people Church, that was much greater than we brokenness of spirit. Some of the leaders had expected to find. It was also painful being harmed by their priests, by those intended of the Church, the clergy, the people into to share and teach the Catholic faith. because bishops lost credibility because whom we had put so much faith and belief of their actions or their lack of actions. When the U.S. bishops met in Dallas in … no matter how you say it, they let us 2002 and developed the Charter for the Protec- We knew, as we knew in families, down. and in our society, that there was sexual tion of Children and Young People, their goal was to create better methods to prevent sexual abuse. We had heard a story or two here abuse of minors within the Catholic Church Why was it painful? and there about it in the Church, but in and to create a higher degree of transparency It was story after story of an innocent 2002 it became a reality that we could not and accountability. They wanted sexual abuse child made a victim. A shattered life, a in any way dismiss. cases within the Church to be handled properly child, very young or not so young, whose It was also painful because, I dare say, in every instance and for sexual abuse to never faith was affected and shattered. As we that for each one of us here tonight, we had be tolerated. The 2002 Dallas Charter expanded know with sexual abuse, it’s not just the that painful desire to literally hold and to our diocese’s existing mechanisms for handling person abused, but it’s their family and comfort the abused and their families, to cases, but the Diocese of Owensboro has had a many others around them who bear the hold them and to comfort them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. written policy in place since 1985. Bishop Gregory Aymond wounds, the hurts, and the pains. Following the bishops’ meeting, the Dio- It was a time of pain for many of It was painful because we were put cese of Owensboro developed further standards clergy and then reactions by dioceses. us because as we looked at our brother in the position of having to defend good and began training adults for Safe Environ- As I was reading these stories, and priests, we felt a sense of betrayal. These priests who were bearing the burden of the ment in September of 2003. The people of seeing them in the media, what always were trusted colleagues with whom we had scandal and some of whom were ashamed the diocese have accepted the requirements came to mind was, and still is, “What worked, gone to the seminary, and been to wear the sign of their ordination. because they care about the Church’s youngest about those who are the victims of stationed. And we asked the question, It was painful because you and I had members. Five years later one might wonder: abuse?” It’s hard enough for us who “How can this be?” I did not know that he anger toward bishops and priests and Has any good come of this crisis? How do we have not been victimized by sexual was so troubled or sick. The signs were deacons who were the root causes of the progress? Bishop Aymond, the chair of the abuse to see it and to hear about it. not there, or, the signs were there, and why abuse. And for those who had been abused, U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Protection of But what kind of wounds and pain and didn’t we act more quickly? Why didn’t we the wounds opened over and over and Children and Young People, spoke well about brokenness does it bring to those who over again. As Father Tom Reese said, it the Church’s response and continuing goals. have been abused? They see it and hear certainly has been a time we will never it in a much different way than those forget, the most painful time in the history who have not. of the Catholic Church in this country. A Conversation with Bishop In the first half of 2002, it got My sisters and brothers, I suggest to worse night after night after night: you tonight that five years later, this is not Gregory Aymond (http://www.usccb. at all an anniversary. It is a commemora- org/ocyp/aymond.shtml) one painful, negative, tragic story after another. This went on for six months. tion, because in it people were hurt and Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond is Bishop there was pain. of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, and chair of Some would say this paved the way to our bishops’ meeting in Dallas. I would This evening with you, I would like to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Protection ask three questions. In the last five years, of Children and Young People. like to say it another way. Those six months “pained” the way to Dallas. as a Church and as a society, what have we Most people start their speeches with a learned? Secondly, what have we done? disclaimer, so I’m going to do two at the begin- The bishops gathered to discuss this tragedy, and then in the midst of Thirdly, what are our challenges, because ning of this one. This evening I’m representing we know there is still much to do. myself. I serve as chair of the U.S. bishops’ that meeting in Texas developed the Committee on the Protection of Children and Charter for the Protection of Children Young People, but what I will be sharing with and Young People. What have we learned? you this evening are personal reflections about In the last few months, I have May I suggest that there are six major what we have experienced in the church, not received many, many invitations for lessons. as a representative of the Committee or of the comments and interviews on what has • First, June of 2002 was our 9/11. It U.S. bishops’ conference. happened in the last five years. Inevi- was a time of terror; it was a wake up call We know that famous question, “where tably the question is, Could you please that sexual abuse was certainly a reality in were you when” some event happened -- when comment on this fifth anniversary of our American society that was not much JFK was shot, or Watergate, or the space shuttle the charter? talked about at that time. But all of a sud- exploded. This evening, I ask us the question, I don’t know about your definition den it was within our family, the Church. “Do we remember where we were and some of of “anniversary,” but in my dictionary, And we learned not just that it was present, the images that you and I saw on television or it suggests memories of a happy, joy- but we learned the depth of it and the pain in reality in the first six months of 2002?” filled event. For none of us Catholics that so many people had experienced. in the United States, could we say that Keeping Our Promise • We learned of the errors that Church Day after day and night after night we To Protect heard on television and saw in the newspapers June of 2002 and the months leading leaders made in dealing with these very up to it were happy events. USCCB Office of Child and article after article about the sexual abuse by Youth Protection Continued on page 29 are broken in the same way, or two pasts drugs or alcohol. Not excuses, but that’s re- 30 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 that have been shattered and the futures ality. One of the things that we have to look Five Years After Dallas Charter affected in the same way. at as brother priests and bishops, especially (Continued from page 29) So in dealing with numbers and sta- when we examine the cases of priests who delicate, sensitive situations. We have tistics, we could easily get lost in that and have abused one to three victims, is that learned that in some areas of our Church forget the individuals. I don’t want to do the research shows that these factors were we did not have what we would call a safe that. At the same time, the numbers from present. It raises an important question. Do environment. That’s become a very popu- John Jay College and CARA do provide we look out and care for our brother priests lar phrase nowadays, and it should be. We for us a perspective. I would like to share and brother bishops? What about the lone should have safe environments for children with you some numbers, but I would like ranger who no one knows what he’s doing and for all vulnerable people where they are to say first -- and this is more important in his hidden life? We cannot allow that. respected. We learned that in some parishes, than the numbers that I will share with you The Church cannot tolerate that. We need and rectories, and schools, we did not have -- one incident of sexual abuse by a Church to shepherd the shepherds in their spiritual safe environments; we also did not have leader is one too many. and emotional health. “faith environments.” From 1950 to 2002, the number of My sisters and brothers, we have I would like to think that as a Church, priests, diocesan priests and religious who learned much. We have done a lot, and we don’t want just a safe environment, but served in the United States was 109,694. there’s still a lot more to do. What must we an environment that truly reaches out with During that same period, we found out in continue to do? As a Church, we must con- the heart of Jesus, as He said to the children, 2002 that 4,392 of them had been accused tinue to implement the charter, which calls “Come to Me.” We realized that many of sexual abuse. One incident of sexual us to integrity, to transparency, to fidelity. people had not found a place of welcome abuse by a Church leader is one too many, We must continue to have regular audits or love. Maybe it looked like that on the but we also want to acknowledge that it within our dioceses, true accountability, surface, but in the abuse, people were pained was a little less than four percent of the true transparency. We must continue to by manipulation, sin, and suspicion. clergy during that period of time who were dialogue very honestly with the National • Thirdly, we learned not a new face, involved. No excuse. Statistics, though, do Review Board. The National Review but a different kind of face that we call sin. bring us to a level of reality. Board has been an asset to our work and We saw it. Some saw it in the reality of their Bishop Gregory Aymond Of those who had been accused, 56 we have a very good relationship with the lives. The rest of us saw it on television or percent of them had one allegation; 27 members of the board. not addressed. we heard people talking about their abuse. percent had two to three allegations. And We also learned, painfully so, that We saw and experienced the sin, the infi- this part is frightening: 149 of that 4,392 What must we do? very often rehabilitation of a sex offender delity, the brokenness of individual clergy. had 10 or more victims. This is a small may not be possible. At least for some, Once again, this was somewhat ac- But we also saw a sin in the weakness of number responsible for a substantial num- it’s not. And treatment, we found out the cidental, but there are six points that I’m the church leadership, in the way in which ber of allegations. That doesn’t excuse it. hard way, was often not effective. In the going to cover here, too. I’m not into sixes; some of these situations were addressed or It only gives us a perspective. midst of that, John Paul II said bluntly, • Fifth, we learned that the majority it just happened this way. What must we that there is no place in the priesthood of cases of sexual abuse by clergy – bish- do today, tomorrow, and for decades to for those who would abuse a child or a ops, priests and deacons -- occurred in the come? young person. He called a sin a sin. Yes, 1970s. The majority of those who were • First, we must continue to find those God is the God of forgiveness, but when involved in sexual abuse as clergy were who have been the victims of sexual abuse. we lose the trust of those whom we are ordained between 1950 and 1979. This And when we find them, we must offer called to serve and to lead in the name causes us to ask a very, very important them an apology, and healing, and counsel. of Christ and the Church, such a person question: why? This is what John Jay They deserve healing. We know what God should not be in a leadership position as College is still helping us to try to answer. was doing when they were being abused. a priest or a bishop or a deacon. What was going on in the Church? What God cried because in God’s heart sexual We as leaders of the Church must was going on in society? What was the abuse can never be justified. God would sincerely apologize, even if we were not morality of society at that time? Was there want us to be for them his healing power. directly involved, because it’s happened something going on in priestly formation So we must reach out and provide, to the in this family that we belong to and that that was causing this to happen at a certain best of our ability, true, genuine healing. we call “church.” time? No excuse, but those all become • Secondly, we must continue the educa- • Fourthly, we learned a great deal from contributing factors. The research on this tion of our bishops, priests, and deacons the John Jay College of Criminology is not yet finished. regarding boundaries in healthy, celibate, and from CARA, the Center for Applied The fact that fewer cases have been and chaste lives. Research in the Apostolate. They helped reported in recent years is, we believe, a • Thirdly, we must continue to focus our us to look beyond the actual situation sign of hope. We are teaching boundaries. attention on the importance of seminary and to ask some very important socio- We are using modern psychological evalu- life and priestly formation. We must be logical, psychological, and philosophical ations and a great attentiveness to this, both vigilant. We must do everything possible questions. with our priests and with seminarians. But to prepare men today in the seminary, They helped us put numbers to the why did this phenomenon take place in the the young and the not-so-young, to know story. There’s always a terrible human 1970s of those ordained between 1950 and themselves spiritually, psychologically danger when we deal with numbers that 1979? We can’t let go of that question, and and sexually. We, as their formators, must we forget the individual and what they it’s not fully answered. make sure that, if there are any signs that have been through. For each and every • Sixth, we have learned from psychol- may be suggestive of sexual abuse, they Keeping Our Promise person I have spoken with and walked ogy that people often abuse when they are do not have a right to the priesthood. The To Protect with who has been a victim of sexual under stress, when they have poor support unfortunate difficulty, psychology tells us, USCCB Office of Child and abuse, I have never, ever found two sto- systems, when their personal inhibitions is that sometimes we only see the signs Youth Protection ries that are the same, or two hearts that are lowered, when they are involved in Continued on page 31 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 31 Five Years After Dallas Charter (Continued from page 30) when it’s too late. No excuse. We must restored trust. New seeds are usually planted with workshops! continue to be vigilant. My sisters and brothers, this is not • Fourthly, we must create in our Church the pain and the hurt of human beings. Just as Jesus died and was buried, so, too, His Church today must an anniversary. It’s a commemoration. I – in our parishes and missions, and wher- would like to end with a quote from the ever we find the people of God -- not just die and be buried in order to rise to new life. Thirdly, I do believe that we as a Church are Pastoral Constitution on the Church and safe environments. We would hope that the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, No. there is a safe environment in every youth wounded and sinful -- and also filled with God’s Spirit. That’s the mystery of the Church. We have 43, written in the 1960s in Vatican II: “Al- group and in every organization in our though by the power of the Holy Spirit the country. But we want environments of something to teach society. We cannot keep our heads in the sand, and we cannot allow society to Church will remain the faithful spouse of faith, where people can trust one another her Lord and will never cease to be a sign and their leaders, the clergy. keep their heads in the sand. We as a Church must not only make up for our wrongdoing, but we must of salvation on earth, still she is very well • Fifth, we must continue to educate aware that among her members, both cleri- about safe environment and faith envi- help to change this society in this country, and we can by doing our best to protect our children, so that cal and lay, some have been unfaithful to ronment to our bishops, priests, deacons, the Spirit of God during the course of many religious, volunteers, and people in lay sexual abuse will never happen again. Someday I think someone is going to thank God centuries. In the present age, too, it does ministry. We cannot accept mediocrity not escape the Church how great a dis- in safe environment programs and faith that the Church repented and purified itself, because it also helped to change society. It’s already begun to tance lies between the message she offers environment programs. Sometimes it is and the human failings of those to whom very difficult and even disheartening when happen. Now in public schools, and in youth groups, and where I come from, just this month the Texas the Gospel is entrusted. Whatever be the we hear people who don’t understand judgment of history on these defects, we this arguing, Why do we have all these Youth Commission, which serves young people in the criminal system, they’re talking about sexual ought to be conscious of them and struggle programs that we have to tell young kids against them energetically, lest they inflict about boundaries? Mediocrity in this is abuse. Our sin, our failure, has raised this to another level that can protect others in our society. more harm on the spread of the Gospel. simply not acceptable. Keeping Our The church also realizes that in working • Sixth, as a Church, who has sinned Promise out her relationship with the world, she and failed, through our repentance and To Protect A Offer of Heartfelt, Sincere USCCB Office of Child and also has great need of the ripening, which our purification, we want to be able to say comes with the experience of the centuries. to families, schools, youth groups, and Youth Protection Thanks In closing, I would like to offer heartfelt, Led by the Holy Spirit, mother Church those involved in youth recreation, that The second challenge that I unceasingly exalts her sons and daughters we have been through the pain of sexual think faces us is a very, very im- sincere thanks to the individuals and the groups who have called us as a church to integrity and to to purify and renew themselves as a sign abuse. Through our pain, and through our portant question of faith. What of Christ in the world.” Written at Vatican repentance and our conversion, we be- does God want? What does God this repentance and purification. Thank you. What you have done has caused us pain and caused us to II, we are living these words today, calling lieve that we have something to share that want of his Church today in the us to conversion and to integrity. will prevent not just sexual abuse in the United States? How is he call- recognize brokenness. But thank you for calling us to integrity and repentance. It is God’s Church, and to even have Church, but in families, schools, and other ing us to continue to go through to talk about this is not pleasant. But as we organizations that serve young people. We a conversion that will lead the I want to thank those of you who have worked very hard in praying for and caring for victims and know, Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock I believe that in some way we can be used by Church to faith environments, will build my Church, and the gates of hell God to give life and wisdom to others and to new life, to the healing of vic- their families. God has used you as an instrument of healing. shall not prevail against it.” As we admit to perhaps save others from the hurt that tims? We really do need prayer our weakness, and our brokenness, and our somehow we allowed in the past. and penance. And especially for I want to give thanks and admiration to those priests, thousands and thousands of them, who have wrongdoing, and sin, we can change our There are at least three challenges those of us who have in some Church and our society. that I think we face, challenges that we way been involved as leaders, been affected by this, who have been misjudged because of the actions of their brothers. They are Most of all, we want the victims embrace as a Church, challenges around we must be asking the all-im- to experience healing. If we have heard which there is much discussion, at least portant question: God, how do faithful priests, and we have lots of them. We can’t forget them. They need your love and support and nothing else tonight, I ask all of us as the in some circles. you want to use us in this time to Church to pray every day, and more than One of the challenges that our com- purify your Church and to restore your prayers, maybe more than ever before. I also want to thank the diocesan safe environ- once a day, for those who have been hurt mittee faces, which has been discussed in trust? and victimized. They’re ours. They’re part the media frequently, is a national data- I must say that my image of ment coordinators, the diocesan victims assistance directors, and the National Review Board, with of our family. We love them and we want base of clergy accused of sexual abuse. ministry has changed in this five- for their healing. Thank you. I would like to give one perspective year period. I have many images whom we work very, very closely. Thanks to our on that position. I believe that if we did of the Church and of ministry and own staff at the bishops’ conference, the director of that, there would be very little chance that of serving as a leader, shepherd, our Office for Child and Youth Protection, Teresa list would be comprehensive or accurate. a bishop. One of my images Kettelkamp and her deputy Sheila Kelly, and those End Note: Some of those people are dead. Some have was that beautiful image that who work with them. Thank you to all who have partici- Also I want to thank the laity, the parents, the left ministry. Some, we have no idea where Jesus gives of the vine and the pated in Safe Environment Training they are. I would have a great concern for branches, and cutting the vine, volunteers who undergo background checks and the miscarriage of justice and the ruination and making sure that it’s grow- training. It’s become a part of our life, and it should and background checks. Thank you of good reputations. ing right. And that’s all good and be. What I hear very often as I move around the for your commitment to the safety of I believe that this is best decided on well, but in the last five years, my Austin Diocese, in Texas, from adults and parents our children and youth. an individual basis by the diocesan bishop, image has changed. is, thanks. Thanks for the background checks. in consultation with the diocesan review Perhaps we live in a time of Thanks for the training. They may have yelled and Office of Safe Environment, Diocese board. One size does not fit all, and I think carefully trimming the vine and screamed on the way to the workshop, but then they of Owensboro, Ky. we have to be very careful. That is my planting new seeds for growth tell me how valuable they found the information, opinion, and I humbly submit it to you. that will bring us healing and and that they wished everybody would go to the 32 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Blessed Sacrament’s Gospel Explosion 2009 Offers Praise and Worship By Tami Schneider OWENSBORO,Ky. - The neighbors along Sycamore Street guitars and drums for the Asbury United Methodist Church, meandered outside, wandered about in their yards, tinkered with Tenth Street Baptist Church and the Church of the Living their cars, or greeted neighbors, enjoying the unseasonably warm God choirs. The Fourth Street Baptist Church and Blessed temperatures, as a grand celebration took place nearby. Sacrament Chapel choirs’ renditions of traditional Gospel For the past 15 years, Blessed Sacrament Chapel has hosted Spirituals was no less moving for those attending. The its Annual Black History Month Gospel Explosion, an occasion Craig Allen family, with 6th generation roots at Blessed for African American churches from the community to join in Sacrament closed the program with a comtemplative, soul- an ecumenical worship and praise service with Christians of all stirring trio of gospel spirituals. Michael Conley, Director faiths and colors. Again this year over 200 people turned out for of Music Ministry at St Stephen Cathedral was the pianist this spirit-filled afternoon of gospel music. for the Black National Anthem. The Kuumba dancers of Blessed Sacrament Chapel opened The enthusiasm and fellowship aroused by this event the celebration with a simple liturgical dance of purification continued on into the parish hall where a meal was served, (choreographed by Jill Mueller) with incense, preparing the old friends were greeted and good times were shared. This sanctuary for praise to the gospel hymn “Holy Spirit Come Fill day renewed the exclamation often used by our Black this Place.” protestant brothers and sisters: PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! “It was at the Black Catholic Conference this past Summer Each year the community supports this program with that I was moved to dance for God,” stated Nadija Hanley, the 13 year-old who leads this group. The Kuumba Dancers “I was excited by the young dancers and their enthusiasm. I stand in the doorway had not seen so many young people before making such a joyful of Blessed Sacrament noise in the name of Jesus. I knew that we could come back to our Chapel as they wait to perform the next church and begin a dance ministry that could include our youth selection. Tami in the celebration of praise and worship. Throughout the bible, Schneider photo God’s people have sung, danced and made music to celebrate and praise God. Just as the women in 1 Samuel 18:6 met king Saul with singing and dancing in celebration of his victory over the The Fourth Street Baptist Philistines; just as Miriam the prophetess, led the women through Church, SISTAH’S IN the divided sea, singing and dancing in Exodus 15: 19-21and just CHRIST also performed as King David danced for God before the Ark of the Covenant a moving dance to the in 2 Samuel 6: 14-23, so do we dance and make a joyful noise contemporary gospel song today just as our ancestors have done for centuries in celebration “I Told the Storm” and thanksgiving for the goodness of GOD.” The Holy Spirit truly The KUUMBA dancers, clothed in African style wraps (made filled the small chapel by Margaret O’Brien), who range in ages 4-12 brought a new on this day with contem- flavor to the Explosion with their three well- choreographed Hip porary gospel music ac- Hop Gospel style dances and they received tremendous applause. companied by keyboards, Guitarists Wayne Pickerill , at left, and Dennis Mayfield who play liturgical music at Blessed Sacrament Chapel, accompanied singers durintg the Gospel Explosion. Lois Rutigliano photo

enthusiasm and widespread participation. Special thanks to the churches and individuals who participated this year and to our friends in other parishes who helped make this a special day of celebration.. Considering the recent ice storm, the current economic situation and each one’s personal struggle, this year’s theme was “Through it all, we have something to celebrate!” And that something is our faith in and love of Christ Jesus. Veronica Wilhite contributed to this article.

Diocesan Black Catholic Gathering March 21

The Next Diocesan Black Catholic Gathering Will Be Held At Blessed Sacrament Chapel In Owensboro On Saturday, March 21, 2009 From 9:30 Am Until 2:30 Pm. Youth Are Encouraged To Along With 200 other audience members, Blessed Sacrament Chapel pastor Fr. John Vaughan, at Attend. (Of Course There Will Be Lunch!) - F. Veronica Wilhite right center, applauded musicians and singers during the Gospel Explosion. Lois Rutigliano photo The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 33 Wisdom by Ginny Knight-Simon us as children and I still have those ideals and morals ingrained within me, and I hope to pass them on to my grandchildren.” Wisdom- by Ginny Knight Simon Speaking of grandchildren, Millie said Millie Carrico and Mary Helen Rhodes she never knew what a ‘blessing’ was until St. William and St. Lawrence Parishes, Knottsville, Ky she held each of her three grandchildren in her arms. “Each one was so special; it was just like “ ... in the Church there is diversity of ministry but unity God handed me a blessing from His hands to of mission.” mine.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 873. Millie and Tony have been married 37 years, “... and he is as wonderful as the day I married Mary Helen Rhodes and Millie Carrico met at Our Lady him.” Millie said with a big smile. “I don’t see of Mercy Hospital in Owensboro “several” years ago and him as getting older at all; he is still that same became instant friends. “We stayed up until all hours talking handsome boy I married all those years ago.” and smoking in Mary Helen’s room. The nurses finally had Mary Helen says she’ll be 70 years old in to make me go back to my room and go to sleep,” Millie June, “I don’t feel like it in my head, but some- said in a recent conversation I had with the two women at St. times I do in my body,” she said with a laugh. William/St. Lawrence Parish Office in Knottsville, Ky. Little “I don’t have plans to retire. I really like what I did they know at that time they would become best friends, do, and as long as the children are getting what work together, and share in the same type of ministry. they need, I’ll stay.” Millie, her husband, Tom, and their two children, moved Mary Helen Rhodes. Left, and Millie Carrico. GKS Photo Both women agree that age has a lot to do to Knottsville where Mary Helen and her husband, Tony, with understanding and attitude. For instance, and their three children lived. Of course they already knew hear a lot of heart felt answers too. I take interest in them because when a young mother is having a hard time in each other from the “slumber party” at the hospital and I love them. My gosh, I know their parents and probably went to church with her baby, sometimes just a knowing their friendship is still thriving. Mary Helen had worked school with some of their grandparents.” nod and smile will help the mother and a quick for the Church most of her life as a volunteer and now as “You know, one might not think being a secretary/bookkeeper prayer to the Holy Spirit might help the baby. the Director of Religious Education for St. William and St for the church is a vocation, but it really is a ministry and a ministry Children show a certain amount of respect when Lawrence parishes in Knottsville,. in the church is a vocation according to Vatican II,” Millie told you show respect to them. Age has a mellowing “It’s really a vocation working for the Church. You have me. She went on to say, “What I mean is I - we all - have to be effect, and an ability to help you take things in to dedicate yourself to your ministry and you are working available to the community all of the time. I don’t know when I stride. maybe because you’ve seen it all and that ministry twenty-four hours a day,” Mary Helen said. answer my phone at home at night or during the weekend if the nothing shocks you any more, they explained. “There are some perks, and mine are the kids of the Parish call is going to be for us or the Parish. People in this community One of the greatest blessings I personally Religious Education Program. I see kids who are hungry know they can call me or stop by and pick up something from the observed from talking with these two ministers for much love, attention, and knowledge of their Faith. office after hours and I don’t mind! I love it. I feel like I am an of the Church was their wonderful friendship. It’s so great for me to see them attending class and learn- ambassador for the church and I always want to do my best for Sometime they would even finish each other’s ing about, and receiving the sacraments. Also included in it. I feel like patience is one of the things you need when work- sentences! They were so genuinely aware of the the Sacramental Program are the second and eighth grade ing with the public, and sometimes I have to say a quick prayer other’s importance and worth. students of Mary Carrico Memorial School. I also enjoy my to the Holy Spirit to help me out! We get a lot of calls regarding Ladies, thanks for a job well done! There are ministry with these children. The children who attend the genealogy here at St. Lawrence since it is the Mother parish of many great vocations available with the Catholic Wednesday night class are expected to mind and I take them the diocese.” Church. to the “office” when they don’t. I don’t scold or belittle them, Millie said that early in her working career she was employed instead I ask them what is going on if they are disrupting by a lending institution where she didn’t feel comfortable with class. I hear a lot of funny answers to that question, and I the way people were treated. “I just wasn’t happy with the way things were done there. I re- Benedictine Life The Office of Wisdom presents ally wasn’t proud of where I worked, so after leaving that Weekend Washington, DC, our Nation’s place I vowed I would only work for an institution where March 20-22, 2009 -- Come & see a vi- Capital Motorcoach Tour I could be proud of my work.” brant, joyful community of Benedictine sisters Millie also worked for a credit at Ferdinand, Indiana!? April 30 to May 5, 2009 union where she was very If you are a single, Catholic woman age Come join us for a 6 day and 5 night trip to Washington, happy, mostly because of all 18-40 and you would like to experience reli- DC and Baltimore, Maryland. The spacious, the wonderful people she met gious life this is just the event for you.? During motorcoach will depart from Paducah, KY (place to be that were members there. “Of this Benedictine Life Weekend you will have determined) at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 30th and return on Tuesday. May 5th. Pick course, working where I go to the opportunity to share in the prayer and Up of riders is also available in Hopkinsville. The cost is $575 per person, double church just couldn’t be better! community life of the sisters as well as hear occupancy. Included in the one low price: transportation, 5 nights lodging, including I believe in what I do and the input on the theme The Spirit of the Rule of 3 consecutive nights in Washington, DC, 5 continental Breakfasts and 3 dinners, way it’s done. I still volunteer Benedict.? 2 full day guided tours of Washington, DC. Evening Guided Memorial Tour. Tours and I lead the choir. I love the This vocation weekend is free: a room, feature the new WW II Memorial, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, Kennedy Graves, The people here at St. William and meals, and input are provided. For more Smithsonian, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and St. Lawrence. I really try to set information or to register online, visit www. more. We will also visit the Baltimore Inner Harbor and more! an example for those around thedome.org/JoinUs, call Sister Agnes Marie Come alone, or bring some friends for a wonderful Spring Trip! For more information me because of where I work. Dauby or Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-734- and to register call Ginny Knight-Simon at 270-683-1545 My mother set an example for 9999, or email [email protected]. 34 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Welcome, All! To welcome into our local church our new members, the March, April, and May 2009 editions of The Western Kentucky Catholic will print as many pictures and stories as possible about people from our parishes entering the Church at Easter like the one at right from Saint Jerome Church, Fancy Farm. - Mel Howard, Editor Twenty Something Meeting at Mass: ‘our need for one another’ By Christina Capecchi I can count on Elsie to be in the fifth pew, toward the aisle. Her white hair and purple pea coat are just as much a fixture at St. Pat’s as the gold Celtic cross. And though she is frail, her smile is bright. In the front pew to the far right, the handsome couple is watching Christina Capecchi their daughter serve at the altar. Her red curls as a toddler have softened into a wavy strawberry blond. In a white robe, she is the picture of grace. The middle-aged mom lectors despite her raspy, damaged voice. She could have chosen another role, but she wants to proclaim the word of God. There is the blond widower who sings in the choir, who, some Sundays, even Welcome To Saint Jerome Church! claps. St. Jerome in Fancy Farm, KY is proud to announce that we currently have 4 The kid a few pews behind me shouts out every song, blissfully unaware of his people completing the RCIA process. Brandy Stamper and Tyler Trevathan are volume, boyishly confident. Catechumens and Alan Webb and Kevin Elliott are Candidates. We have a few Our state representative, who fields calls and letters from constituents all week, people attending the RCIA classes that have been away from the church and comes on Sunday to absorb their silent prayers. want to re-educate themselves about the Catholic faith. We are so exciting about these wonderful individuals joining our community. The picture features the A TV meteorologist, who gets it right and sometimes wrong, bows his head in Catechumens and Candidates as well as sponsors, the RCIA team, and those deference to the incalculable Creator. attending for educational purposes (Front (from left): Richard Thomas, Michelle There is Paul, whose mental disability hasn’t impeded his rhythm, bursting with Trevathan, Misty Webb, Christy Cash, Brandy Stamper, Kristen Redden, Fr. David pride to play the drums. Willett; Second Row (from left): Tyler Trevathan, Alan Webb, Mona Petty, Jeanie The teen who became a mom brings her toddler every Sunday. The grandparents Stamper, Bryan Cash, Kevin Elliott). Photo submitted by Lacy Riddle sit with them, enraptured by the unplanned blessing. And in the last pew, the older parents bring raw grief for their son, killed in a snow- mobiling accident. The dad can’t bear to make eye contact when I tell him, “Peace be with you.” I repeat the prayer in my head as he tearfully hugs his wife. Inside our church walls, it is all there – the circle of life, overlapping and intersect- ing: infertility and pregnancy, funeral and baptism, tragedy and triumph. They keep coming. In spite of it all. Because of it all. I don’t take that lightly. More than ever, these flesh-and-blood communities mean something, especially to us young adults, so inclined to turn inward and live our lives online. We can blog and tweet, post and poke, but there is nothing like showing up. Messages in an inbox, comments on a blog, visitors to a website – they are nothing like bodies in a pew. Our presence carries immeasurable information: heads bowed in prayer; voices thrown in song; wallets, opened; hands, held. You never know who may be inspired by the simple fact that you showed up. You never know what private gesture will take on new meaning in that public space. In his last encyclical, Pope John Paul II reflected on the “unifying power of partici- pation in the banquet of the Eucharist,” which counters the “seeds of disunity,” fostering community and building up the church. Our celebration of the Sabbath, our coming together, is at “the very core of the Christian mystery,” he wrote. That’s why I keep going: I want to kneel in the core of that mystery. I decided to make my commitment official, so I finally registered at my parish – as an adult member, not just the daughter of members. Pam, the administrative assistant, sent me a lovely welcoming letter. “We tend to forget our oneness and our need for one another,” she wrote. “Yet our Welcome to Holy Name Church! heritage is founded on the fact that God calls us to work together in establishing His Dr. and Mrs. Joe Morton will be welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter. Kingdom.” Their children, Lilly, Lucie, and Dylan were brought into the Church during a It’s an honor being part of that mission, sitting among these people who restore school wide Mass in January. The entire student body was present for Lilly and and renew each other in untold ways. Lucie’s baptism and all three children received their First Communion at the Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. E-mail Mass. Father Bradley celebrated the Mass and during his homily reviewed the meaning of the water, oil, candles, and stole used during the girl’s baptism. HNS her at [email protected] . Photo The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 35 Diocesan History Books For Sale At Catholic Pastoral Center

$20.00

Contact Diocesan Chancellor Sister Joseph Angela Boone, OSU, at 270-683-1545 for information. Or e-mail [email protected]

Diocesan Review Board Members Ready To Respond To Calls The members of the Board who deal with sexual abuse allegations in the Diocese of Owensboro are as follows: Ms. June Bell, Chair, Mr. Ken Bennett, Dr. Charles Boh- le, Ms. Susan Clark, Rev. Pat Connell, Mr. Jeff Ebelhar, Mr. Nicholas Goetz, Ms. Teresa Henry, Vice-Chair, Dr. Carroll Howard, Mr. Dan Howard, Sr. Eula Johnson, SCN, Rev. Pat Reynolds, and Dr. Michele Thomas. Ms. Louanne Payne serves as the Diocesan liaison to the Re- view Board. Any person who wishes to communicate with the Diocesan Review Board is asked to call the Catholic Pastoral Center at 1-270-683-1545 and ask to speak with a member of the Review Board. To speak with a par- ticular member of this Board, tell the receptionist. In either case, the receptionist at the Catholic Pastoral Center will give the caller’s information to the member of the Review Board for follow-up. Callers may choose to remain anonymous for the initial call to the Catholic Pastoral Center receptionist. The phone numbers of the members of this Board will not be made public. You may also contact the Board via email at [email protected]. Be sure to include your contact information. No direct response will be given by email because confidentiality is never guaranteed when using email. Follow-up will be made by telephone.

The Whole Again Support Group A support group for Separated & Divorced People meets the first and third Thursday’s of each month at 7:00pm at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301 For more information contact (270) 683-1545 ext. 357 St. Mary High School Science Teacher Announcing: Wins $2,500 Toyota Tapestry Grant St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Calhoun PADUCAH,Ky. - St. Mary High School science teacher, creativity, involve risk-taking, possess a visionary quality, and Fish Frys Mr. Billy Sensing, has received a Toyota Tapestry Grant model a novel way of presenting science. Proposed projects March 6, 13, 27 and April 3, 5:00pm - 7pm for $2,500 to be used in his Physics classes. He will use the should promote exciting and innovative activities to motivate Catfish fillets, cole slaw, potato wedges, grant money to purchase software and equipment that will students in science.” baked/white beans, allow his physics classes to begin experimental projects Toyota Tapestry is a partnership between Toyota Motor hushpuppies, dessert and drink. using engineering techniques in electrical labs. Sales, U.S.A. and the National Science Teachers Association Adults $8.00, children $4.00, pizza In order to win the grant, Mr. Sensing wrote a proposal (NSTA). NSTA selected 24 top science educators in environ- by the slice $1.00. that possessed the qualities that Toyota Tapestry looks for. mental science, physical science, and integrating literacy and According to their website, a proposal must “demonstrate science to serve as judges. 36 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Ursuline Sister honored with Owensboro Symphony endowed chair An Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph who was one of the pioneers of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra was honored Jan. 24 on behalf of all Ursuline Sisters with an endowed chair at the symphony. Sister Mary Cecilia Payne directed the Brescia String Ensemble at its first concert in 1952. Over the next 15 years, that group grew and evolved into what is today the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Sister Mary Cecilia died July 29, 1987, at age 81. The principal chair in the second violin section was endowed in Sister Mary Cecilia’s memory at the Jan. 24 symphony concert, and is established in honor of the The cost of a raffle ticket is $100. One ticket entitles you to dinner, some free beverages Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, in recognition of their role in music education of choice, and entry of your ticket into the raffle. For an additional $35, you may buy in Owensboro and the surrounding region. The principal chair in the second violin sec- another dinner ticket. You or your representative must be present to win. If a representa- tion was previously endowed by Dr. Frank Yarbrough, but with his and the symphony tive is needed, one can be arranged. All tickets must be registered at the door by 7:30 foundation board’s consent, Dr. Yarbrough’s endowed chair was reassigned to the as- p.m. Dinner and beverages of choice will be available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The drawing sistant concertmaster’s chair to make the second violin available to honor Sister Mary will begin at 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 842-2525. Cecilia. “Music is an integral part of our religious life, both in our private devotions and in Camp Ondessonk 50th Anniversary Gala our liturgical celebrations,” said Ursuline Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader. Saturday, April 18, 2009, 6:15 p.m. “Literally for centuries, music has been a hallmark of an Ursuline education. We appreci- Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, Belleville, Illinois, $65 per person ate the contributions of our Ursuline music teachers throughout the years, and wanted to Join Steve Jankowski, former KMOX Radio Personality and KSDK-TV reporter, give the friends, family, and students of Sister Mary Cecilia a chance to help us honor who will serve as Master of Ceremonies for an evening of dinner, music, fun and reflec- her, and to honor tion of the past 50 years. Bid on unique items in the silent and verbal auc- this piece of our his- tions with auctioneer Dave Schumacher of Prindable Schumacher Auction tory.” Service. Begin the evening by celebrating Mass at the Shrine Church at 5:00 Anne Damron, p.m. Specially priced lodging is available at the Shine Hotel. Registration former development information is available at www.ondessonk.com. Register for Summer Camp director at Brescia 2009! and a product of Camp Ondessonk, the youth camp of the Diocese of Belleville, is tak- Ursuline education, ing registrations for our traditional rustic summer camps. Sessions are one said during the con- week long and open to boys and girls ages 10-16. A special 3 day session for cert presentation that 8-9 year olds, and a Family Camp are available as well. Camp opens June Sister Mary Cecilia 6, and runs for 9 weeks. Two open houses will be held April 26 and May 3 “pushed for excel- from 11am-4pm. Call 618-689-2489 to register, or visit www.ondessonk. lence,” and made her com. dream of Owensboro having a symphony happen. The 31 Ursuline Sisters who attend- ed the concert were asked to stand and received an ovation from the audience. Prior to the concert, the Symphony Foun- dation sponsored a reception for all the sisters. Anyone wish- ing to donate to the establishment of the Sister Mary Ceci- lia Payne endowed chair may send do- nations to the atten- tion of Debra Noble, director of develop- ment at Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cum- mings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. With God’s Help the Storm is Weathered The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 37 By Missy Eckenberg thinking of the potential harm from incom- PADUCAH,Ky. - During the Ordinary ing bombs and missiles. time weekend of January 25, 2009 life As the sun came up oak and pine trees continued on its usual fast pace at St. lay splintered along with a puzzle of enor- Thomas More parish. Our family acted mous branches. Hollies bowed double with as greeters that Sunday and we continued their uppermost limbs frozen to the ground the day without attention to the news. A due to the weight of the ice on each branch telephone call Sunday evening from a and leaf. Electricity, telephone, television, relative was the first we had heard about and internet were no longer in service and the impending weather. This information in the midst of the surrounding damage, we prompted attention toward the ten o’clock were blessed that only a garage and fence news that reported a winter storm warn- would need repair. ing was being issued for Monday night As we took inventory of what we continuing through Wednesday. needed to do to get through the now snowy We had heard the warnings before and day, we began to consider what had hap- were thankful when the weather system pened to other family members. Electricity changed just enough to skirt the area or remained off with the radio suggesting lessen the impact. Surely this storm would power may not be restored for 3 to 5 days not be significantly different from those in Paducah and an even longer waiting of the past. Nevertheless, Monday after period for McCracken County. Cell phone work and picking up my daughter from communication had also ceased for AT & St. Mary High School basketball practice, T customers so the fate of loved ones was we stopped at the grocery for the staples uncertain. The radio announced school had including milk, eggs, bread and water, as been cancelled for the rest of the week due well as kitchen matches for the gas stove to the disaster we were all experiencing. Memories of the week include: and D batteries for the radio. I realized the As during the 1902 “White Week” ice storm, people saw winter beauty and items may go unused but decided to err on broken trees: thick ice covered every limb, branch, and new buds; the weight • staying very close to the fireplace the side of grace. of the ice took its toll as trees splintered and branches took out power lines, for warmth while reading and playing The storm did begin Monday night impeding passage, leaving thousands of Kentuckians with no electricity, some scrabble and continued all day Tuesday. Schools for three weeks or more; others had no without water. The state was put into a • drinking hot tea, hot chocolate, and were cancelled, and by noon the electric state of emergency the last week of January and into February, 2009. Photo taken soup to stay warm current to our home was no more. Tem- at Country Club of Paducah, submitted by Missy Eckenberg • talking to my daughter about school, basketball, and her upcoming trip to Wash- peratures began to drop as the day turned we were together and we had supplies whole trees. ington, D.C. to darkness without electricity, gas logs and warmth. Freezing rain turned to ice All around our house the raucous • taking trips to Marion, Illinois to get became our sole source of heat and candles and engulfed each limb of our trees and noise could be heard throughout the night a generator, fuel, and warm meals and flashlights were used to light our way. the massive weight began to take its toll. with each one of us questioning at intervals • beating ice off a holly tree to allow it A mattress was placed by the living room The radio advised all to stay away from “Did that one hit the house?” Prayers for to stand upright so the garage door would fireside and a sleeping bag on the couch. windows as the branches began to break our safety and the safety of others filled open We gathered extra cover to ensure warmth in loud groans and cracks coupled with our minds and hearts as the bombardment • being thankful that my parents were and turned to the radio for news. the boom of transformers. A strange blue continued. I remember thinking how fear coping and that each of their children had As we lay our heads down to begin electrical light appeared as the power lines and worry must permeate homes in war helped them in some way our restless night, we were thankful that were severed by overwhelmed limbs and torn countries with endless nights spent • hiring workers to clean the front yard and helping them move broken branches During the end of the week, the cold temperatures thawed and the frozen roads melted to allow passage. The route to check on parents passed St. Thomas More and we spoke with Seminarian Ryan Har- pole who was covered with fine saw dust from the chainsaw he had been using to clear the grounds of the rectory along with The Franciscans have been in the Holy Land since 1209, walking in Jesus’ footsteps, caring for the poor, Sr. Lucy and parishioner Delores Webber. educating young people, providing scholarships, protecting the Holy shrines, conducting pastoral ministries, and He reported the good news that St. Thomas keeping Christianity alive. More Church had power and that weekend Masses would stay on schedule. APRIL 10, 2009 There was a reverence in the gather- GOOD FRIDAY Collection ing of parishioners that Sunday. So much PRESENCE • CARE • SERVICE that had been taken for granted one week The daily news reminds us of the violence and instability plaguing the Middle East, but we rarely hear of the ago was now gone. The readying for and shrinking Christian community there, a community that struggles to remain in the land of Christ’s birth, death and participating in Mass helped those in at- resurrection. Please help support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land by giving to the special Good Friday tendance have a sense of normalcy in the Collection. This Pontifical Collection allows the Franciscans and others to continue caring for Christianity’s holiest Continued on page 40 sites and for God’s people in the Holy Land. PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR SUPPORT. 38 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 Catholics Offer Warmth to Displaced Residents During Winter Ice Storm Crisis By Tami Schneider signing in newcomers and setting up OWENSBORO, Ky – Waves of wind, cots. snow, and rain blew over a large portion And so, from Wednesday until of Western Kentucky on Monday evening Sunday grey Red Cross blankets cov- January 26, covering buildings, streets, ered lines of makeshift beds and food power lines, trees, everything on the and drinks filled kitchen counters. ground with over an inch of ice, splintering Over 100 guests from Owensboro power poles and trees, dropping live lines and the surrounding area stayed in to the ground, shutting down the electri- the parish center building for varying cal power grid as well as both land line amounts of time, including around and cell phone services. The icy “precip” 30 Sebree residents. Neighbors and continued for over 24 hours, confining parishioners stopped by regularly to most Western Kentuckians to their homes volunteer their time. “We have power with no heat, some no water, and all in and we just wanted to come and see darkness. Not since 1902 had the area seen if ya’ll needed anything,” one woman such a black out from a storm. said. “We are here to help with what- “I don’t have power at my house ever you need,” a family offered. either. My cot is right over there. I just “I’d like to make a donation of some thought I would come and help out.” ham and bacon,” a local farmer said. These comments were not uncommon at Many, many others stopped by to the Red Cross shelter at Saints Joseph and offer cash donations, air mattresses, Paul Parish. A neighborly spirit abounded. pillows, blankets, games, toiletries, Everyone just wanted to help out. Parish wash cloths, toilet paper, paper tow- Maintenance Supervisor, Philip McCar- els, baby food, formula, and other thy, went from house to house to check supplies. on parishioners and neighbors. Hispanic In fact, so many people respond- Minister, Chris Gutierrez, traveled as far ed to Fr. Carl’s radio plea for baby Shelter from the Storm - Mealtime at Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish as Lewisport to make sure Hispanic pa- food, that much of it was donated Hall, a shelter form the 2009 Ice Storm. Serving food for the Velasquez and Apolinar rishioners were safe and warm. Pastor, Fr. to a different shelter in need. On families who came to the parish hall to find shelter from the storm were from left, Carl McCarthy and Youth Minister, Ken the fourth day of the crisis, Jan. 30, OCHS students Matt Scott, Andrea and Stacey Schepers, with the girls’ parents, Joe Caselden spent hours at the shelter among around 7:00 am, Father Carl called and Chris Schepers. Carol Alvey Photo those in need. Stewardship Minister, Owensboro’s WBIO 102.7 FM ra- confirm that Mass would be held during the normal scheduled times and they put him on the Alan Sims, coordinated the scheduling of dio station to make sure they were air again. They asked him several questions, such as “What are your needs? Where are you volunteers. Parishioner, Ashley Williams broadcasting the correct information located? What would you encourage the public to do considering the severity of the storm?” spent many hours at the parish hall, help- and they asked him to go on the air They ended by asking him to say a prayer on the air. ing a gentleman recently released from the live with a DJ. On Saturday after- “Emergencies like this always bring out the best (and worst) in people,” commented Paul hospital, playing cards with young people, noon, he called WBKR 92.5 FM to Witte, Pastoral Associate of St. Susan Parish in Elkton. Sure, there were a fair share of angry and impatient customers at any open stores making mad dashes for generators, stressed out as a result of displacement and lack of sleep, but all in all, people were looking out for one another. Someone’s good example led to another’s act of kindness; one act of com- passion and care caused another person to reach out. One person’s need sparked another’s generosity. Fr. Dave Johnson, pastor of St. Mary’s in Whitesville, said that he saw people “putting the words of Jesus into action hour by hour.” He observed “the usual ex- pected thing of people looking out for their family members as families clustered together to get through the crisis. The next step was unexpected: we looked in on the family next door, down the road; we did welfare checks on the older folks down the street, made sure they were OK, and got them what they needed if they were having problems. I saw people coming by here asking me if I was alright, ‘Just checking, Father.’” An interesting thing happened at St. Mary’s last Sunday morning Mass that weekend. Firefighter and parishioner Chuck Hagan related how the lights came back on : “The first time the lights flickered on was during the second reading, the one where Paul was saying to the people of Corinth, ‘A married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided.’ Later after the homily, Fr. Dave up there threw out a prayer for all the utility workers doing all those hours and, BOOM!, The lights came on and stayed on. It was about 10:15 A.M., right there at the Prayer of the Faithful.” Only altar candles , windows, and a skylight illuminated the 7:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s, Whitesville, Feb 1; neither cold nor darkness could stop the prayer and worship of That kind of prayer and response can make a man a true believer! diocesan faith communities the weekend of Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2009. Staff Photo Editor Mel Howard contributed to this article. Vocation The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 39 Mission, as a witness of divine love, becomes particularly effective when it is shared in a communitarian way, so that the world may believe.

In Rome with the Roman Collar Two Seminarians Receive New Ministries By Deacon Daniel Dillard Saints and Swiss guards, Popes and Palaces, Tombs and towers: these are just a few of the many things that Deacon Josh McCarty, Brandon Williams, and I saw on our recently completed pilgrimage to Rome. If I had a thousand pages I could not even begin to describe the impact that these experiences had on me. To see the sights of this city that was the cradle of our Church and in many ways the cradle of modern civilization was an experience beyond compare. While describing the impact of these events is beyond my power I will try to at least hit the high points. On our first day in Rome we arrived Here Deacon Daniel Dillard places his hand in “Boca della Veritas.” According to an ancient tradition, those who lied early in the morning with our bodies telling with their hand in the lion’s mouth would get it chopped off. us it was late at night, but the priest who was Photo by Deacon Josh McCarty. leading our tour had a full day planned for us. It began with what was the first of many trips to Saint Peter’s and this was one of the highlights of the trip for me. There, we saw Michelangelo’s Pieta and I was so struck by his ability to show Our Lady’s pain when she held her Son after He had been taken down from the cross. We then went down to the tombs of the Popes where we saw the tomb of John Paul II. The first day was a real highlight Byron (Paco) Macias, stands with a group of his fellow for me, but very little could compare to the seminarians during the Ministries Mass at St. Meinrad Scavi tour. Seminary. As a 2nd-year Theology student, he received Scavi is the Italian word that means the ministry of acolyte during a special Mass on February excavation. This tour is the excavations under 10th. Photos by Tami Schneider. St. Peter’s. Only a limited number of people are allowed to go on this tour every year due to the desire to preserve it, and I was honored One of the few photos of Deacon Joshua McCarty during the to be able to go on this tour. The tour takes trip, he is seen here in St. Peter’s Square. His great interest you through the catacombs beneath St. Peter’s in photography normally has him on the other side of the where many early Christian martyrs were camera. Photo submitted by Deacon Josh McCarty. buried, but there are catacombs all around Rome. This one is different because it doesn’t just contain the remains of those thousands of nameless Saints who gave their lives for their faith in the early centuries of the Church, but it also contains the remains of St. Peter himself. As a Deacon who is about to be ordained a priest the opportunity to see the bones of St. Peter and to pray at his tomb was amazing. As I said I could go on for thousands of pages and not even begin to describe the impact of this trip. So I will leave it with this, I have been to Rome and been forever changed by it. I come back with a true understanding of the depth of history of our faith and a real sense of the universality of the faith. It is my hope that with this understanding I can better Brandon Williams, Third Year Theology student at St. Meinrad serve each and every one of you when I am Julio Barrera, center, holds the Lectionary as he receives Seminary, poses in front of the Roman Forum during his trip ordained a priest in a few short months. May the ministry of Lector during the Ministries Mass at St. to Rome in January. Photo by Deacon Josh McCarty. God bless you all. Meinrad Seminary. Julio is a 1st-year Theology student. 40 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 With God’s Help (Continued from page 37) current state of chaos. Many enjoyed a building with heat and light for the first time in nearly a week. Fr. Patrick Reynolds welcomed those from other parishes who still did not have power and asked special prayers for those who where suffering from the effects of the storm. He spoke of the rectory that continued to be without power and joked that daily showers were overrated. He suggested that perhaps our prayer lives had improved a great deal this week and talked of a conversation he and Seminarian Ryan Harpole had during the storm. Ryan had compared the ice to sin that gradually builds up in our lives, first in little ways and then as we get farther away from God and the sins get larger, the burden gets heavier and becomes overwhelming. As the trees needed the warmth of the sun to release their burden, so we need the grace of God provided in confession to release us from sin. Fr. Pat went on to compare the splintered trees to our lives and talked of pruning the broken limbs and the healing that must occur. Upon the conclusion of Mass, the parish family stayed for a long time reaching out to each other to make sure everyone had all that they needed. Stories were shared about when and how each Lunch With Principal Mike Clark family’s power had gone and what they were doing to cope. Talk These students were chosen to be the Students Zachary McDowell; 4th grade- Zachary of generators, gas logs, stoves, water heaters and various cooking of the Month for January. Pictured here with our Boarman; 5th grade- Mickaela Mills; 6th grade- methods were shared. One parishioner mentioned to Fr. Pat that principal Mike Clark during a special lunch are Cole Payne; 7th grade-Tori Lanham; 8th grade- for the once he wished the Mass had lasted longer since there was Kindergarten-Riley Millay; 1st grade- Amanda Katelyn Evans. Submited by Mary Shupe warmth and light in the Church and another related thinking more Bickett; 2nd grade-Devin Rhinerson; 3rd grade- about the homeless with their daily uncertainty of food, warmth, and shelter. reached out to help one another. Some parishioners stayed with those who had power restored and others Monday, February 2nd began our first day back to work at St. housed multiple family members from outlying counties, food and water were shared as needed, laundry Thomas More with only two employees having restored power. was done where power was restored, and supplies were taken to others who would not leave their homes Stories were shared of staff resetting the furnace with emailed in- even as the temperatures dropped again to below freezing. structions on Saturday to allow the church to be ready for evening Ordinary time revealed extraordinary faith and effort as the winter storm of 2009 challenged the Mass. Fr. Pat and Seminarian Ryan checked to make sure the shut-in members of St. Thomas More Catholic Church to come together as a church community to cope with loss, parishioners were coping and had support. The parish community destruction, and the needs of their families and others. With God’s help the storm was weathered and the healing has begun. I completely destroyed everything I was working for My name is Peter H. and I am a Nar- of it. In 1980 I moved to Colorado and all of my bridges in regards to my business I was sleeping through the night and had conon Arrowhead Graduate. I have been lived in a major ski resort, where there was relations. no drug cravings whatsoever. After com- clean and sober now for over 2.5 years. basically a party going round the clock. IN At age 45 I was homeless, penniless, pleting the entire program I had a whole I owe all of my success to the Narconon this atmosphere it was impossible to create and almost dead. I received a call from a new outlook on life and knew without program. any kind of productive life. I got out of Narconon Arrowhead Counselor and after a doubt that I can live my life without I first started drinking alcohol and there and settled down a bit and started a he explained Narconon’s natural drug free escaping back into the sick world of us- smoking pot when I was 14 years old, thriving construction company outside of program, I was sold. I arrived at Narconon ing drugs. After two and a half years of this was over 34 years ago. By the time Denver. Life was great. Arrowhead in August 2004, and from being clean I can truly say that I am back I was 16 I had tried LSD, speed, crystal Then my old friend “addiction” the time I was picked up at the airport in and feel incredible. Thank you Narconon “T” < MDA, mushrooms, peyote, angel knocked at my door and at the age of 40 I Tulsa to the day I graduated the program Arrowhead for SAVING MY LIFE! dust and cocaine. Throughout my life I was hopelessly strung out on heroin. My and every staff member I came in contact - Peter H., Narconon Arrowhead went in and out of drug binges. When I life was put into a downward spiral and with was friendly and really truly wanted Graduate., NARCONON ARROW- was 19 I was heavily into the cocaine completely destroyed everything I ever to help me. HEAD SAVES LIVES! 1-800-468- sceneof the late 70’s snorting close to two worked towards. I spent over $160,000 on After I completed the sauna portion 6933 grams per day and almost died because heroin and cocaine in one year and burned of the program I was clear headed again, When Does The Hurting Stop The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 41 By Betty Medley The journey through grief is difficult…and painful. We are forever changed I am No Longer Needed By Betty Medley by a major loss experience. Clearly, we will never be the same person w were An elderly man’s wife had died after a long, prolonged illness. He before this loss became part of our lives. The real struggle occurs when we was with her almost every hour of the day and night. He tried to antici- consciously or subconsciously resist the change that must take place if we are pate her every need. He told me that he loved doing this for her. He felt to survive and learn to live with our loss. (It is difficult to get to know and accept needed and helpful. Now that she is no longer here, he misses her and this new person who is emerging.) misses taking care of her. He asked if something was wrong with him because he was Grief is a complex process, unique to each individual, based on personality missing not just his wife but taking care of her. type, circumstances of death, and our relationship with the person who died. I explained to him that grief is as individual as snowflakes and fingerprints. After There are, however, emotions common to almost all bereaved persons. a long, painful illness, there are some who experience a sense of relief that they are Understanding is the KEY to the tolerance and patience necessary to ac- released from an all-consuming task and that the excruciating torment is over. Some cept and integrate loss into our lives. others may experience a sense of physical exhaustion, feeling constantly tired and There will be a bereavement support group for anyone who has experienced fatigued. a death at any time of his/her life. This group will run every Tuesday for four Others may experience a persistent, pervasive loneliness. They no longer feel consecutive weeks and is open to all the public at no charge. needed. Their daily routine of living is totally altered. A bereaved spouse in a similar Bereavement Program - four Weeks Sessions situation said, “I feel cheated. What a dreadful void. I don’t know what to do with WHERE: Catholic Pastoral Center TIME: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CONTACT PERSON: Betty Medley (270) 683-1545 ext. 357 time.” • March 10 What Grief is Really Like: Some common reactions to a And it’s not just the issue of time. The loss of your loved one may affect you situation no one is ever prepared to handle. Why we feel the way we do, and spiritually. Caring for him/her gave your life meaning and purpose. It may be difficult why no one seems to understand. to find a new sense of significance. • March 17 Depression: Sadness, loss, and the feeling that nothing Now, too, you face all the pain of her loss. This adds to the sense of drift that you will ever be the same. Physical symptoms; healing can happen. Anger: Nice seem to be experiencing. people DO get angry. Recognizing our anger, coping with it and getting over It’s difficult to have the link with your past severed so completely. It may be hard it. (Address suicide and our feelings of outrage and shame.) to develop new routines. It may seem that time is endless. But this is an opportunity • March 24 Guilt: Blaming ourselves for what has happened, handling for grieving. In fact, the constant activity may have been comfortable since it allowed the “what ifs…” and “if onlys…” (touch on suicide, and our responsibility or lack you to avoid such grieving. of it.) From Grief to Living Again: Putting grief in perspective, learning to share Grieving allows you to be aware of your human thoughts and feelings. As you our lives with the living and realizing that we will never “get over” our grief, but begin to accept the reality of your loss, you may start to withdraw the emotional and we can learn to live with it. physical energy that you had so unselfishly devoted to your loved one. You might reach • March 31 Memorial Service out and reinvest in others—hospital, church or hospice. You might discover that as you lift a hand to help another, you are lifting yourself.

But I got to thinking; do I really listen to and God. So many people, young and old, have profound experiences of God at camp “Conversation” God? Conversation is about speaking and retreat centers. It is because of the busyness and distractions of everyday life are By Ben Warrell and listening, it is a two-way street and removed and God is able to be heard. Again, God is not in the wind or the roar of fire or With the ice storm and loss of often I’m only going one direction. Our the earthquake, but in the whisper. We have to be still to hear God and camp provides power this week it was so obvi- world is so full of distractions that it is the perfect setting for such an encounter. Come to camp this summer as a camper or ous how we are completely de- easy to lose conversation with others volunteer and work on your conversation skills with God. pendent on electricity. The power and more importantly it easy to lose Please check out our website, www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org, to see the entire was only out for 24 hours here at Gasper River that conversation with God. summer camp schedule, to download registration forms for camp and to check out our but so many things we take for granted daily I have tried to make a more concen- wish list. Contact our office at 270-781-2466 if have any questions or needs. were put on hold, phones, internet, television, trated effort to listen to God. To turn heat and so much more. However, one of the off the radio in the car or office, to leave 2009 Summer Camp Schedule positives that came out of the experience was Camp Grades Dates the TV off, to turn the cell phone off and Explorer Camp Youth entering 3rd & 4th grades July 19th-July 22nd simply conversation. The staff and my family just spend a few moments listening to got together and just talked about all kinds of Expedition Camp I Youth entering 5th & 6th grades June 14th-June 19th & God. I have a great environment here Expedition Camp II June 21st –June 26th things for hours. It was so refreshing and I at camp to just be still and see what the realized that conversation is a lost. Quest Camp Youth entering 7th & 8th grades July 5th-July 10th Lord has to say. It took the storm to Camp LIFE I Youth entering 9th through 12th grades June 28th-July 3rd & It made me think back to the first work realize that I don’t take enough advan- team we had at Gasper River. Joe Bland Camp LIFE II July 12th – July 17th tage of the setting here and that I often Eucharistic Life Camp Young adults 18 and over June 1st-June 5th had brought his youth group down from lose the art of conversation with God. Whitesville for four days to help us clean up It truly is amazing to see how God Women Invited To Experience Monastery Life the grounds. There is almost no cell phone chooses to reveal Himself to us when Single Catholic women, ages 18 to 40, who want to experience the Benedictine service here at camp, so nights were spent we take the time from our busy lives to way of life are invited to attend a Benedictine Life Weekend March 20-22, 2009, at playing games and just talking with others. be still and listen. Scripture tells us all Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana. One young man leaned over to me at the end we have to do is seek God and He will The weekend, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, will focus on of their stay and said, “It’s amazing what the theme “The Spirit of the Rule of Benedict.” Participants will have the opportunity reveal Himself to us. We just have to to experience the rhythm of the monastic schedule, pray with the sisters, and participate you can learn from someone by just talking make the time to do it. to them.” in community life, as well as meet other women who are considering religious life. That’s also why I believe summer There is no charge for the program, which runs from 7 p.m. EDT Friday to The results of the storm also got me think- camp to be such a great benefit to so ing about God and my conversations with 1 p.m. Sunday. Women wishing to register or obtain more information can call Sister many. There is no television, there Agnes Marie Dauby or Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-738-9999 or e-mail them at Him. I’m a fine speaker, but my listening is no cell phone service, there is no [email protected]. skills need work. I often go to God in prayer internet, and there is no texting. There Registration is also available online at www.thedome.org, where there is more and quite often, only when I need something. are only you, your camp community information about the vocation program of the Ferdinand Benedictines. 42 The Western Kentucky Catholic, March, 2009 ‘I Will Follow You’ Submitted by Tom Malewitz HARDINSBURG,Ky. - These few words summarize the recent message given to the 150+ youth at the recent Lee Roessler Band concert at St. Romuald’s gym, on February 7th. Throughout their stay in Breckinridge County the band led XLT (praise & worship) during 1st Friday Eu- charistic adoration, music for the Saturday evening mass, joined the community for a potluck supper, and played a concert to help inspire passion in the youth to deepen their love for Christ and the Church. Left: Lee Roessler; above: Lee Roessler offering his testimony; Through their songs and short videos, below, the crowd getting into the music. Kim Brumfield photos. the band focused on the need for prayer and the Blessed Sacrament in the lives of today’s youth. During the concert, Lee Roessler also took time to offer his testimony of some of the struggles he has experienced throughout his faith journey in Christ, some experiences of his missionary work in Uganda, and over two hours of praise & worship. Besides several praise and worship standards, such as ‘Blessed Be the Lord’ and ‘Your Grace is Enough,’ many unfamiliar tunes got to the hearts of the youth, especially one of their newest songs, ‘Mud and Snow.’ With many of surrounding communi- ties still out of electricity from the recent ice storm, the youth could relate to the theme of the song and cheered incessantly at the imagery of the storm of one’s life. Likewise, ‘Princess,’ another recent Lee Roessler song, struck a chord with many of the girls

in the audience, through its message of the preciousness family, all members of St. Romuald’s and Breck County youth of their identity and the respect that is warranted from ministry program. being ‘daughters’ of the King. By the end of the evening it seemed as though many The Lee Roessler Band is comprised of Lee Roessler of the youth from Grayson County, Whitesville, and (vocals, guitar, songwriting), Derek Kramer (bass, vocals), Breckinridge County didn’t want the show to end. The and Zorin McGuire (percussion, vocals), along with Donna band also felt this excitement and elaborated upon the Heim (band manager) and Brianne Webb (merchandise, solos of many of their songs, and got the crowd enthralled website/internet designs). The band recently played the with an improvisational version of the Lee Roessler Band World Youth Day at Gasper River, and is scheduled to be ‘Cha Cha Slide.’ headliners at the upcoming NCYC 2009, in Kansas City. Be sure to check out their latest songs and tour dates at: www. leeroesslerband.com. They are inspirational Catholic musi- Lee Roessler and Derek Kramer rocking out. Kim The concert opened with the Nick Carwile, and Lo- Brumfield photo. gan Payne band, Season’s Pain, followed by the Anthony cians that live offstage what they preach onstage.

Stos. José y Pablo. Fotos por Carol Alvey. Carol por Fotos Pablo. y José Stos.

Continuado en la página 4

Unos jóvenes ayudan a servir la comida en el amparo de de amparo el en comida la servir a ayudan jóvenes Unos

Carl McCarthy y el Ministro de Jóvenes, Ken Caselden Caselden Ken Jóvenes, de Ministro el y McCarthy Carl

parroquianos hispanos estuvieron bien. El Pastor, el P. P. el Pastor, El bien. estuvieron hispanos parroquianos

Gutiérrez, viajó hasta Lewisport para asegurar que los los que asegurar para Lewisport hasta viajó Gutiérrez,

parroquianos y vecinos. El Ministro Hispano, Chris Chris Hispano, Ministro El vecinos. y parroquianos

McCarthy, iba casa a casa para ver las necesidades de de necesidades las ver para casa a casa iba McCarthy,

Supervisor de Mantenimiento de la Parroquia, Philip Philip Parroquia, la de Mantenimiento de Supervisor

evidente. Todo el mundo simplemente quiso ayudar. El El ayudar. quiso simplemente mundo el Todo evidente.

José y Pablo. Un espíritu de hermandad era muy muy era hermandad de espíritu Un Pablo. y José

en el amparo de la Cruz Rojo en la Parroquia de Santos Santos de Parroquia la en Rojo Cruz la de amparo el en

Se escucharon comentarios semejantes frecuentemente frecuentemente semejantes comentarios escucharon Se

Allí está mi camilla. Nada más pensé venir a ayudar.” ayudar.” a venir pensé más Nada camilla. mi está Allí

“No tengo electricidad en mi casa tampoco. tampoco. casa mi en electricidad tengo “No

pudieron salir de sus casas y al mismo tiempo se fue la luz. luz. la fue se tiempo mismo al y casas sus de salir pudieron

siguió por más de 24 horas, resultando en que muchos no no muchos que en resultando horas, 24 de más por siguió

en la tarde del lunes, 26 de enero. El tiempo invernal invernal tiempo El enero. de 26 lunes, del tarde la en

hielo circundaron una gran parte de Kentucky del Occidente Occidente del Kentucky de parte gran una circundaron hielo

OWENSBORO, Ky – Olas de viento, nieve y y nieve viento, de Olas – Ky OWENSBORO,

Por Tami Schneider

un lugar de amparo después de la tormenta de hielo. hielo. de tormenta la de después amparo de lugar un

Parroquia de Santos José y Pablo donde la Cruz Roja puso puso Roja Cruz la donde Pablo y José Santos de Parroquia

Una familia hispana come en el salón parroquial de la la de parroquial salón el en come hispana familia Una

Fotos por Carol Alvey. Alvey. Carol por Fotos

sus recursos para ayudar a los demás. demás. los a ayudar para recursos sus

de todos los que ofrecieron su tiempo y y tiempo su ofrecieron que los todos de

amparo. También apuntaron los nombres nombres los apuntaron También amparo.

registrar a todos los que llegaron al al llegaron que los todos a registrar

ofrece su tiempo como voluntaria para para voluntaria como tiempo su ofrece

Abajo, la Hermana Michelle Morek, OSU, OSU, Morek, Michelle Hermana la Abajo,

sin electricidad durante la tormenta. tormenta. la durante electricidad sin

lugar de amparo para los que quedaron quedaron que los para amparo de lugar

salón parroquial a la Cruz Roja como un un como Roja Cruz la a parroquial salón

acerca en frente de la Iglesia. El ofreció su su ofreció El Iglesia. la de frente en acerca

McCarthy, quita la nieve y el hielo de la la de hielo el y nieve la quita McCarthy,

Iglesia de Santos José y Pablo, el P. Carl Carl P. el Pablo, y José Santos de Iglesia

A la derecha (centro) el Párroco de la la de Párroco el (centro) derecha la A

de servicio y hermandad. hermandad. y servicio de

en todas partes un espíritu espíritu un partes todas en

lo que se podría. Se veía veía Se podría. se que lo

necesidades y ayudarle en en ayudarle y necesidades

para ver cuales son sus sus son cuales ver para

le habla a un enfermo enfermo un a habla le

A la derecha, un señor señor un derecha, la A

tormenta de hielo. hielo. de tormenta

y Pablo después de la la de después Pablo y

Parroquial de Stos. José José Stos. de Parroquial

la Cruz Roja, en el Salón Salón el en Roja, Cruz la

camillas, proveídos por por proveídos camillas,

señores ayudan a poner poner a ayudan señores

A la izquierda, varios varios izquierda, la A

La Iglesia de Santos José y Pablo Ofrecen un Amparo para los Afectados de la Tormenta

de Kentucky Occidental Kentucky de

Owensboro, Kentucky 42301

Católico

Marzo, 2009 Marzo,

600 Locust Street

Volumen 36, Número 3 Número 36, Volumen The Western Kentucky Catholic

Fotos por Tami Schneider. Tami por Fotos

curso de Liderazgo Latino. Liderazgo de curso

recipiente del certificado de cumplimiento del del cumplimiento de certificado del recipiente

activa de la Parroquia de Stos. José y Pablo y y Pablo y José Stos. de Parroquia la de activa

grupo de Ministros Hispanos. Ella es miembro miembro es Ella Hispanos. Ministros de grupo

servicio a los demás al prepararle la comida al al comida la prepararle al demás los a servicio

Arriba, la Sra. Julia da un buen ejemplo de de ejemplo buen un da Julia Sra. la Arriba,

la foto.) foto.) la

(Patti Gutiérrez y Tami Schneider no salen en en salen no Schneider Tami y Gutiérrez (Patti

Jiménez y la Hermana Esperanza Rivera, MAG. MAG. Rivera, Esperanza Hermana la y Jiménez

Gallegos, José Gallegos, el P. Carmelo Carmelo P. el Gallegos, José Gallegos,

Hermana Adelina Saavedra, MAG, Patricia Patricia MAG, Saavedra, Adelina Hermana

MAG, la Hermana Luisa Bickett, OSU, la la OSU, Bickett, Luisa Hermana la MAG,

Wilhelm, OSU, la Hermana Imelda Quechol, Quechol, Imelda Hermana la OSU, Wilhelm,

Paul Witte, Luis Ajú, la Hermana Panchita Panchita Hermana la Ajú, Luis Witte, Paul

izquierda a derecha son: Cristóbal Gutiérrez, Gutiérrez, Cristóbal son: derecha a izquierda

todos en la cocina antes del almuerzo. De De almuerzo. del antes cocina la en todos

P. Carmelo Jiménez ofrece una oración para para oración una ofrece Jiménez Carmelo P.

José y Pablo en Owensboro. A la derecha, El El derecha, la A Owensboro. en Pablo y José

equipo se reunió en la parroquia de Santos Santos de parroquia la en reunió se equipo

comunidades hispanas. El 9 de febrero, el el febrero, de 9 El hispanas. comunidades

y evaluar eventos y actividades para las las para actividades y eventos evaluar y

Owensboro se reúne para proponer, planificar, planificar, proponer, para reúne se Owensboro

del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de de Diócesis la de Hispano Ministerio del

Cada tres meses, el equipo de los Agentes Agentes los de equipo el meses, tres Cada

email. Nos comunicaremos con ustedes por teléfono. por ustedes con comunicaremos Nos email.

directamente por email porque nunca se puede garantizar la confidencialidad al usar usar al confidencialidad la garantizar puede se nunca porque email por directamente

toral.org. Asegúrense de incluir su información personal. No les contestaremos contestaremos les No personal. información su incluir de Asegúrense toral.org.

- reviewboard@pas al: email por Comité el con comunicarse pueden También

mité.

Católico. No se harán públicos los números telefónicos de los miembros del Co del miembros los de telefónicos números los públicos harán se No Católico. -

mantenerse anónimos para la primera llamada a la recepcionista del Centro Pastoral Pastoral Centro del recepcionista la a llamada primera la para anónimos mantenerse

que llamó al Comité de Revisión para seguimiento. Los que llaman pueden escoger escoger pueden llaman que Los seguimiento. para Revisión de Comité al llamó que

recepcionista en el Centro Pastoral Católico entregará la información de la persona persona la de información la entregará Católico Pastoral Centro el en recepcionista

particular del Comité, lo puede mencionar a la recepcionista. En cualquier caso, la la caso, cualquier En recepcionista. la a mencionar puede lo Comité, del particular

gunte por un miembro del Comité de Revisión. Si quiere hablar con un miembro miembro un con hablar quiere Si Revisión. de Comité del miembro un por gunte

esano se le pide que llame al Centro Pastoral Católico al 1-270-683-1545 y pre y 1-270-683-1545 al Católico Pastoral Centro al llame que pide le se esano -

- Dioc Revisión de Comité el con comunicar quiera que persona cualquier A

Ms. Louanne Payne sirve como enlace Diocesano al Comité de Revisión. de Comité al Diocesano enlace como sirve Payne Louanne Ms.

Dan Howard, Sr. Eula Johnson, SCN, Rev. Pat Reynolds, and Dr. Michele Thomas. Thomas. Michele Dr. and Reynolds, Pat Rev. SCN, Johnson, Eula Sr. Howard, Dan

elhar, Mr. Nicholas Goetz, Ms. Teresa Henry, Vice-Chair, Dr. Carroll Howard, Mr. Mr. Howard, Carroll Dr. Vice-Chair, Henry, Teresa Ms. Goetz, Nicholas Mr. elhar,

Ken Bennett, Dr. Charles Bohle, Ms. Susan Clark, Rev. Pat Connell, Mr. Jeff Eb Jeff Mr. Connell, Pat Rev. Clark, Susan Ms. Bohle, Charles Dr. Bennett, Ken -

abuse en la Diócesis de Owensboro son los siguientes: Ms. June Bell, Chair, Mr. Mr. Chair, Bell, June Ms. siguientes: los son Owensboro de Diócesis la en abuse

Los miembros del Comité quienes tratan las alegaciones de abuso sexual sexual abuso de alegaciones las tratan quienes Comité del miembros Los

Están Listos para Contestar Llamadas

Los Miembros del Comité de Revisión Diocesano

(Más detalles a futuro.) a detalles (Más

-Posible Recibimiento de la Convención Nacional de Seminaristas Hispanos Hispanos Seminaristas de Nacional Convención la de Recibimiento -Posible

10 de Octubre

tares Eucarísticos tares

-Solemnidad del Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, Primeras Comuniones, Posibles Al Posibles Comuniones, Primeras Cristo, de Sangre y Cuerpo del -Solemnidad -

- Celebración de la Semana Nacional de Migración de Nacional Semana la de Celebración - 14 de Junio

31 de mayo - 6 de junio - Domingo de Resurrección - Celebración Pascual Pascual Celebración - Resurrección de Domingo -

(se requiere cita) 8:30-4:00 de 12 de Abril

Consulado Mexicano Mobil en Sto. Tomás Moro, Paducah Paducah Moro, Tomás Sto. en Mobil Mexicano Consulado - -Vigilia Pascual - 11:00pm. Recepción de Sacramentos Sacramentos de Recepción 11:00pm. - Pascual -Vigilia

30 de mayo

11 de Abril

- Retiro Juvenil en Gasper River Gasper en Juvenil Retiro - -Viernes Santo: Via Crucis Viviente y Marcha del Silencio - 3:00pm. - Silencio del Marcha y Viviente Crucis Via Santo: -Viernes

17-18 de abril 10 de Abril

- Conferencia de Justicia para Inmigrantes para Justicia de Conferencia - - Procesión del Domingo de Ramos Ramos de Domingo del Procesión -

26-28 de mayo 5 de Abril

- Inicio del curso de sacramentos, 10:00-4:00 en Sto. Tomás Moro, Paducah Moro, Tomás Sto. en 10:00-4:00 sacramentos, de curso del Inicio - - Ejercicios Espirituales de Cuaresma (mas detalles a futuro) a detalles (mas Cuaresma de Espirituales Ejercicios -

14 de marzo, 2009

2-6 de Marzo

Calendario de Actividades del Ministerio Hispano

-Miércoles de Ceniza: Misa 7:30pm. 7:30pm. Misa Ceniza: de -Miércoles

25 de Febrero

Horario de Actividades: Stos. José yPablo, Owensboro

2 Católico de Kentucky Occidental, Marzo, 2009 Católico de Kentucky Occidental, Abril, 2009 3 La Diócesis de Owensboro les invita a TODOS LOS JOVENES Renovando la Esperanza

Entre 15-30 años a un Buscando la Justicia RETIRO En el Centro de Retiros de Gasper River Cerca de Bowling Green, KY El 17-18 de abril empezando a las 5:00pm Ven a aprender sobre ti mismo, Profundizar tu Fe y La Semana Nacional De Migración 2009 Convivir con otros jóvenes de la Diócesis ¡Invita a tus amigos! La Diócesis de Owensboro Celebrará La Semana Nacional De Migración del 31 de Mayo al 6 de Junio *Motivamos a las parroquias que celebren como parroquia a lo largo de la semana. **Comuníquense con Patti Gutiérrez si desean un paquete informativo. Celebración Diocesana el 6 de Junio. USCCB WASHINGTON—[Cada año} la Iglesia Católica en Estados Unidos celebrará la Semana Nacional de la Migración []. El lema de este año —Renovando la Fe, Buscando la Justicia—“nos recuerda nuestra obligación de traer esperanza a aquellos que carecen de ella y de buscar la justicia para aquellos que son explotados fácilmente”, dijo el Obispo John C. Wester de Salt Lake City, presidente del Comité para asuntos migratorios de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB), en una carta enviada a cada parroquia y escuela católica del país. “Para muchas comunidades inmigrantes la injusticia y la penuria son experi- encias demasiado comunes. Dado el estatus a menudo marginal y vulnerable de los inmigrantes, es importante que las comunidades en todo lugar traten a los inmigrantes con justicia y estén presentes para ofrecer la bienvenida a toda la gente itinerante”, dijo el Obispo Wester. Este año, la semana nacional de la migración se enfoca en los aspectos religiosos, políticos y culturales de la emigración en todas sus formas. Los obispos esperan que los recursos que la Conferencia ha hecho disponibles ayuden a los católicos a familiarizarse con muchos de los aspectos que rodean a la inmigración. “Mientras el rostro de las iglesias locales continúa cambiando, la información de “Se hizo carne, y habitó entre nosotros” (Juan 1,14) este tipo se vuelve cada vez más importante. Personas, familias, escuelas y parroquias necesitan oportunidades como la Semana Nacional de la Migración para informarse Para mayor información, puedes comunicarte con acerca de las realidades [que viven] los recién llegados a sus comunidades”, comentó Todd Scribner, coordinador de educación del Servicio a Migrantes y Refugiados de la Tami Schneider o Luis Ajú al (270) 683-1545 o tami. USCCB. [email protected] El pasado mes de abril, el papa Benedicto XVI animó a los obispos de Estados Unidos a seguir actuando en este aspecto. o con el Ministro Hispano de tu parroquia. “Quiero animarlos a ustedes y a sus comunidades a continuar dando la bienvenida a los inmigrantes que ingresan hoy en sus filas, a compartir sus gozos y esperanzas, a darles apoyo en sus padecimientos y pruebas, y a ayudarles a florecer en su nuevo Debes traer: Cosas personales, toalla, sábanas, hogar”, dijo el Papa. cobija y almohada o saco de dormir, $10 para la Los materiales incluyen varios insertos para el boletín parroquial que hablan de temas relacionados con el tráfico ilegal de personas, la inmigración, los refugiados y la participación, cuaderno y pluma, Biblia, algo de enseñanza social de la Iglesia sobre estos asuntos. También contienen información sobre comer para compartir con todos (hable con tu cómo obtener la edición revisada de Unidad en la Diversidad: Un Rosario Bíblico para Ministro Hispano sobre la comida). guiar la reflexión espiritual sobre la inmigración, así como un póster plegado. Varios de estos recursos están disponibles en español.

Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos. Unidos. Estados los de Católicos Obispos de Conferencia

Mar Muñoz-Visoso es la directora asistente de los Medios de Comunicación para la la para Comunicación de Medios los de asistente directora la es Muñoz-Visoso Mar

luego, rezar a menudo por las vocaciones—y no sólo de casa del vecino. del casa de sólo no vocaciones—y las por menudo a rezar luego,

como modelos. Estar abiertos al discernimiento vocacional es algo clave. Y desde desde Y clave. algo es vocacional discernimiento al abiertos Estar modelos. como

frecuente con ellos también es importante, especialmente a la hora de proponerlos proponerlos de hora la a especialmente importante, es también ellos con frecuente

de la vida generosa y sacrificada que la mayoría de ellos lleva. El trato directo y y directo trato El lleva. ellos de mayoría la que sacrificada y generosa vida la de

desempeñan en nuestras comunidades— de su necesidad para la vitalidad de la Iglesia, Iglesia, la de vitalidad la para necesidad su de comunidades— nuestras en desempeñan

Quizá hablar con los hijos acerca del papel importante que los sacerdotes y religiosos religiosos y sacerdotes los que importante papel del acerca hijos los con hablar Quizá

Como familias cristianas, ¿qué podemos hacer para promover las vocaciones? vocaciones? las promover para hacer podemos ¿qué cristianas, familias Como

). ). hispanicaffairs/Vocaciones_Spanish_Translation2009.pdf>

Es cierto que influyen muchos otros factores, que Mons. Flores no pasa pasa no Flores Mons. que factores, otros muchos influyen que cierto Es

que vienen de otras denominaciones. denominaciones. otras de vienen que

comunitaria sin contenido religioso”, dice, o se abren a las invitaciones insistentes insistentes invitaciones las a abren se o dice, religioso”, contenido sin comunitaria

tiempo se adaptan al modo secular y establecen costumbres de familia y orientación orientación y familia de costumbres establecen y secular modo al adaptan se tiempo

hallan cómo enlazarse con la vida de la Iglesia Católica en su nuevo país, con el el con país, nuevo su en Católica Iglesia la de vida la con enlazarse cómo hallan

una familia inmigrante ocurre en los primeros años de su llegada. “Si los padres no no padres los “Si llegada. su de años primeros los en ocurre inmigrante familia una

Monseñor Flores afirma que el momento de crisis religiosa en la vida de de vida la en religiosa crisis de momento el que afirma Flores Monseñor

inmigrante sujeta especialmente a procesos de mestizaje y asimilación cultural. cultural. asimilación y mestizaje de procesos a especialmente sujeta inmigrante

familia en la dinámica religiosa de sus hijos, sobre todo en el contexto de una familia familia una de contexto el en todo sobre hijos, sus de religiosa dinámica la en familia

de la vocación cristiana”. Relacionado con esto está el papel jugado por los padres de de padres los por jugado papel el está esto con Relacionado cristiana”. vocación la de

refiere a que el joven se críe en un contexto donde luego pueda entender el “lenguaje “lenguaje el entender pueda luego donde contexto un en críe se joven el que a refiere

generosidad, compromiso y fidelidad que deben ser parte de la experiencia familiar. Se Se familiar. experiencia la de parte ser deben que fidelidad y compromiso generosidad,

Esta lógica pasa por experimentar la belleza de seguir el camino de de camino el seguir de belleza la experimentar por pasa lógica Esta

por lo menos un poco, la lógica de Cristo”. Cristo”. de lógica la poco, un menos lo por

que hablarle a un joven de vocación “no tiene sentido si el joven no ha encontrado encontrado ha no joven el si sentido tiene “no vocación de joven un a hablarle que

llega hasta nosotros por medio de la familia y de la Iglesia”. Mons. Flores insiste en en insiste Flores Mons. Iglesia”. la de y familia la de medio por nosotros hasta llega

de la familia a la hora de generar vocaciones: “El encuentro con el amor de Cristo Cristo de amor el con encuentro “El vocaciones: generar de hora la a familia la de

conferencia a la Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos recordó el papel esencial esencial papel el recordó Hispanos Sacerdotes de Nacional Asociación la a conferencia

El pasado otoño, Mons. Daniel Flores, obispo auxiliar de Detroit, en su su en Detroit, de auxiliar obispo Flores, Daniel Mons. otoño, pasado El

así como necesario para la Iglesia. la para necesario como así

familias, un cierto aprecio por esta vocación como algo deseable para nuestros hijos hijos nuestros para deseable algo como vocación esta por aprecio cierto un familias,

en las comunidades religiosas. Tal parece que se está perdiendo entre nosotros, las las nosotros, entre perdiendo está se que parece Tal religiosas. comunidades las en

15 por ciento de los seminaristas en Estados Unidos y el porcentaje es todavía menor menor todavía es porcentaje el y Unidos Estados en seminaristas los de ciento por 15

Lo cierto es que los seminaristas hispanos son en estos momentos sólo un un sólo momentos estos en son hispanos seminaristas los que es cierto Lo

ingenieros y darme nietos!” darme y ingenieros

a mi Juanito o a mi Carmelita que no me los toque, ellos han de ser doctores o o doctores ser de han ellos toque, los me no que Carmelita mi a o Juanito mi a

veces hemos rezado por las vocaciones pero en secreto quizá hemos pensado “¡pero “¡pero pensado hemos quizá secreto en pero vocaciones las por rezado hemos veces

la posibilidad de que el Señor genere vocaciones dentro de nuestra familia. Cuántas Cuántas familia. nuestra de dentro vocaciones genere Señor el que de posibilidad la

“Me gustaría hacer un donativo de jamón jamón de donativo un hacer gustaría “Me comentó Paul Witte, Asistente Pastoral Pastoral Asistente Witte, Paul comentó

Es importante rezar por las vocaciones, pero también lo es estar abiertos a a abiertos estar es lo también pero vocaciones, las por rezar importante Es

dijo un padre de que llegó con su familia. familia. su con llegó que de padre un dijo surgir lo mejor (y lo peor) de la gente,” gente,” la de peor) lo (y mejor lo surgir

familias hispanas. hispanas. familias

en cualquier capacidad que necesitan,” necesitan,” que capacidad cualquier en

“Emergencias como estas hacen hacen estas como “Emergencias

queremos sacerdotes y religiosos/as hispanos tenemos que generarlos nosotros, las las nosotros, generarlos que tenemos hispanos religiosos/as y sacerdotes queremos

dijo una señora. “Estamos aquí para servir servir para aquí “Estamos señora. una dijo pidiendole que hiciera una oración. oración. una hiciera que pidiendole

de los hispanos en su diócesis. Más bien, puso de manifiesto una gran verdad: si si verdad: gran una manifiesto de puso bien, Más diócesis. su en hispanos los de quisimos pasar a ver si necesitan algo,” algo,” necesitan si ver a pasar quisimos la gravedad de la tormenta?” Terminaron Terminaron tormenta?” la de gravedad la

parte de un hombre que ha hecho grandes esfuerzos por asegurar el cuidado pastoral pastoral cuidado el asegurar por esfuerzos grandes hecho ha que hombre un de parte voluntarios. “Nosotros sí tenemos luz, y y luz, tenemos sí “Nosotros voluntarios. motivaría al publico hacer considerando considerando hacer publico al motivaría

frecuencia para ofrecer su tiempo como como tiempo su ofrecer para frecuencia La inteligente respuesta no fue una forma de lavarse las manos—no de de manos—no las lavarse de forma una fue no respuesta inteligente La necesitan? ¿dónde están localizados? ¿Qué ¿Qué localizados? están ¿dónde necesitan?

Vecinos y parroquianos se pararon con con pararon se parroquianos y Vecinos Le hicieron varias preguntas, como “¿qué “¿qué como preguntas, varias hicieron Le deben venir de ustedes.” de venir deben

alrededor de 30 personas de Sebree. Sebree. de personas 30 de alrededor y de nuevo le pidieron que hablara en vivo. vivo. en hablara que pidieron le nuevo de y hijos y los enviaré al seminario a prepararse. Yo no puedo tener hijos. Las vocaciones vocaciones Las hijos. tener puedo no Yo prepararse. a seminario al enviaré los y hijos

días, otros por unas horas, incluyendo incluyendo horas, unas por otros días,

de semana seguían según horario normal normal horario según seguían semana de

nos entiendan”. El obispo con una sonrisa respondió: “Por supuesto. Denme a sus sus a Denme supuesto. “Por respondió: sonrisa una con obispo El entiendan”. nos

del salón parroquial, algunos por unos unos por algunos parroquial, salón del 92.5 para confirmar que las misas de fin fin de misas las que confirmar para 92.5

que le dijo: “Señor Obispo, por favor envíenos sacerdotes que cuiden de nosotros y y nosotros de cuiden que sacerdotes envíenos favor por Obispo, “Señor dijo: le que

los alrededores se quedaron en el edificio edificio el en quedaron se alrededores los El sábado por la tarde, llamó a WBKR WBKR a llamó tarde, la por sábado El

de su diócesis. Entre las muchas inquietudes que le compartieron hubo un matrimonio matrimonio un hubo compartieron le que inquietudes muchas las Entre diócesis. su de

Más de 100 huéspedes de Owensboro y y Owensboro de huéspedes 100 de Más hablara en el radio en vivo con Jeff Malley. Malley. Jeff con vivo en radio el en hablara

Hace algún tiempo un obispo se reunió con representantes de grupos hispanos hispanos grupos de representantes con reunió se obispo un tiempo algún Hace

y comida y bebidas llenaron la cocina. cocina. la llenaron bebidas y comida y

información correcta, y le pidieron que que pidieron le y correcta, información

Por Mar Muñoz-Visoso del USCCB

Cruz Roja cubrieron filas de camillas camillas de filas cubrieron Roja Cruz

en la mañana para asegurar que tenían la la tenían que asegurar para mañana la en

hasta el domingo, cobijas grises de la la de grises cobijas domingo, el hasta

de radio de WBIO 102.7 FM el viernes viernes el FM 102.7 WBIO de radio de Familias Hispanas que Generen Vocaciones

Entonces, desde el miércoles miércoles el desde Entonces, también. El P. Carl llamó a la estación estación la a llamó Carl P. El también.

Se Buscan:

nuevos huéspedes y poniendo camillas. camillas. poniendo y huéspedes nuevos otro lugar de amparo que la necesitaba necesitaba la que amparo de lugar otro

cartas con los jóvenes, registrando a a registrando jóvenes, los con cartas de bebes, que pudieron donar mucho a a mucho donar pudieron que bebes, de

señor recién salido del hospital, jugando jugando hospital, del salido recién señor al pedido del P. Carl por radio para comida comida para radio por Carl P. del pedido al

en el salón parroquial, ayudando a un un a ayudando parroquial, salón el en de otro. “Haz a los demás lo que te gustaría que te hicieran a ti” se hizo carne… carne… hizo se ti” a hicieran te que gustaría te que lo demás los a “Haz otro. de De hecho, tanta gente respondió respondió gente tanta hecho, De

Williams también pasó muchas horas horas muchas pasó también Williams a otra persona pensar en los demás. La necesidad de uno, dio inicio a la generosidad generosidad la a inicio dio uno, de necesidad La demás. los en pensar persona otra a comida para bebes, y otras necesidades. necesidades. otras y bebes, para comida

entre los necesitados. Parroquiana, Ashley Ashley Parroquiana, necesitados. los entre Un buen ejemplo guiaba a otro acto de caridad. Un acto de bondad causaba causaba bondad de acto Un caridad. de acto otro a guiaba ejemplo buen Un toallas, papel de baño, toallas de papel, papel, de toallas baño, de papel toallas,

pasaron largas horas en el amparo amparo el en horas largas pasaron y un ambiente diferente, pero más que nada, la gente buscaba ayudar al prójimo. prójimo. al ayudar buscaba gente la nada, que más pero diferente, ambiente un y almohadas, cobijas, juegos de mesa, mesa, de juegos cobijas, almohadas,

Continuado de la página 1

ultimo generador y sentidos de humor un poco agrias a causa de perdida de sueño sueño de perdida de causa a agrias poco un humor de sentidos y generador ultimo donativos monetarios, colchones de aire, aire, de colchones monetarios, donativos

e impacientes en las filas de Wal-Mart, intentos desesperados para comprar el el comprar para desesperados intentos Wal-Mart, de filas las en impacientes e

muchos otros vinieron para ofrecer: ofrecer: para vinieron otros muchos

4

Católico de Kentucky Occidental, Marzo, 2009 de la Parroquia de Santa Susana en Elkton. Por supuesto habían personas enojadas enojadas personas habían supuesto Por Elkton. en Susana Santa de Parroquia la de y tocino,” dijo Tony Bittel. Muchos, Muchos, Bittel. Tony dijo tocino,” y

niños. Donde no se tutela la dignidad de de dignidad la tutela se no Donde niños.

fenómeno se produce en países que han han que países en produce se fenómeno balización que tienda a los intereses de de intereses los a tienda que balización Continuado en la página 6

daños recaen inevitablemente sobre los los sobre inevitablemente recaen daños atro mil millones y, en buena parte, este este parte, buena en y, millones mil atro - glo una es paz la construir para maestras

uestra también que la actividad financiera financiera actividad la que también uestra

interior. Cuando la familia se debilita, los los debilita, se familia la Cuando interior. - cu en crecido ha tierra la de población la cha contra la pobreza. “Una de las vías vías las de “Una pobreza. la contra cha

- dem crisis reciente “La afirma. riesgo”,

y de la estabilidad de las relaciones en su su en relaciones las de estabilidad la de y de la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta hoy, hoy, hasta Mundial Guerra Segunda la de - sidad de la solidaridad global en la lu la en global solidaridad la de sidad

gestión técnica de las diversas formas de de formas diversas las de técnica gestión

el compromiso en la defensa de la familia familia la de defensa la en compromiso el El Papa afirma que “desde el final final el “desde que afirma Papa El - Asimismo, el Papa subraya la nece la subraya Papa el Asimismo,

tividades financieras y se concentra en la la en concentra se y financieras tividades

guardia del medio ambiente y, sobre todo, todo, sobre y, ambiente medio del guardia pobres”. cios más altos”. más cios

- busca el incremento del valor de las ac las de valor del incremento el busca

- salva la potable, agua al y médicas curas la eliminación de los seres humanos más más humanos seres los de eliminación la - marginación, beneficios más bajos y pre y bajos más beneficios marginación,

do en una lógica a muy corto plazo, que que plazo, corto muy a lógica una en do

ea educativa, el acceso a las vacunas, a las las a vacunas, las a acceso el educativa, ea la lucha contra la pobreza es, en realidad, realidad, en es, pobreza la contra lucha la de los países más pobres sufre una doble doble una sufre pobres más países los de

- —en el plano nacional y global— basa global— y nacional plano el —en

- ejemplo, el cuidado de las madres, la tar la madres, las de cuidado el ejemplo, lones de niños no nacidos en nombre de de nombre en nacidos no niños de lones ta así que la mayor parte de la población población la de parte mayor la que así ta

de un sistema de intercambios financieros financieros intercambios de sistema un de

conciernen más directamente como, por por como, directamente más conciernen - mil de exterminio El vida. la a derecho el - que poseen los países más pobres. Resul pobres. más países los poseen que

frágil: se resiente de los efectos negativos negativos efectos los de resiente se frágil:

como prioritarios los objetivos que los los que objetivos los prioritarios como aún, frecuentemente ni siquiera respetan respetan siquiera ni frecuentemente aún, ductos agrícolas y de las materias primas primas materias las de y agrícolas ductos

tanto, el desarrollo, se manifiesta hoy muy muy hoy manifiesta se desarrollo, el tanto,

de parte de los niños impulsa a estimar estimar a impulsa niños los de parte de número de hijos y, lo que es más grave grave más es que lo y, hijos de número - rápidamente que los precios de los pro los de precios los que rápidamente

plazo la posibilidad de inversiones y, por por y, inversiones de posibilidad la plazo

ma. “Considerar la pobreza poniéndose poniéndose pobreza la “Considerar ma. cónyuges a elegir responsablemente el el responsablemente elegir a cónyuges industriales, que aumentan mucho más más mucho aumentan que industriales,

tante de las finanzas, el sostener a largo largo a sostener el finanzas, las de tante

- n a orz aslt sn io” afir niños”, son absoluta pobreza la en dignidad de la mujer ni el derecho de los los de derecho el ni mujer la de dignidad evolución de los precios de los productos productos los de precios los de evolución

- “La función objetivamente más impor más objetivamente función “La

nerables: casi la mitad de quienes viven viven quienes de mitad la casi nerables: “incluso con métodos que no respetan la la respetan no que métodos con “incluso de la distribución de la renta y, por otra, la la otra, por y, renta la de distribución la de

pación similar en el área de las finanzas. las de área el en similar pación

- vul más víctimas las son niños los milia, y de campañas para reducir nacimientos nacimientos reducir para campañas de y eficios se concentran en el nivel más alto alto más nivel el en concentran se eficios

- preocu una expresó Padre Santo El

- fa una a afecta pobreza la “Cuando

las implicaciones morales de la pobreza pobreza la de morales implicaciones las - ben cuyos tecnológico, cambio el parte,

marginaciones”.

pecial la pobreza infantil. pobreza la pecial de la globalización”. También habla de de habla También globalización”. la de principales de este fenómeno son, por una una por son, fenómeno este de principales

mercado mundial, evitando exclusiones y y exclusiones evitando mundial, mercado

- es manera de resalta Benedicto Papa El erar atentamente el fenómeno complejo complejo fenómeno el atentamente erar entre ricos y pobres. Sin duda, las causas causas las duda, Sin pobres. y ricos entre

gan las mismas posibilidades de acceso al al acceso de posibilidades mismas las gan

la necesaria atención sanitaria de base”. de sanitaria atención necesaria la - consid implica pobreza la “combatir que nios indican un aumento de la diferencia diferencia la de aumento un indican nios

- ten países los todos que para mamiento

intelectual, con el fin de garantizar a todos todos a garantizar de fin el con intelectual, áreas que causan preocupación y afirma afirma y preocupación causan que áreas - la pobreza relativa en los últimos dece últimos los en relativa pobreza la

- factor de riesgo. Quisiera renovar un lla un renovar Quisiera riesgo. de factor

reglas internacionales sobre la propiedad propiedad la sobre internacionales reglas El Papa hace un repaso de varias varias de repaso un hace Papa El

“Todos los datos sobre el crecimiento de de crecimiento el sobre datos los “Todos

materias primas sigue siendo un fuerte fuerte un siendo sigue primas materias

lxbldd cad sa eeai, las necesario, sea cuando flexibilidad, hasta ahora impensables”. ahora hasta que pueden llegar a ser violentas”, dice. dice. violentas”, ser a llegar pueden que

dependencia de las exportaciones de las las de exportaciones las de dependencia

innovaciones terapéuticas, y aplicar con con aplicar y terapéuticas, innovaciones disposición de la justicia y la paz recursos recursos paz la y justicia la de disposición desigualdades, provocando reacciones reacciones provocando desigualdades,

En estos países, la mayoría africanos, la la africanos, mayoría la países, estos En

damente la investigación médica y las las y médica investigación la damente la lucha contra la pobreza y para poner a a poner para y pobreza la contra lucha la contribuye a ampliar la magnitud de las las de magnitud la ampliar a contribuye

la casi totalidad de sus exportaciones. exportaciones. sus de totalidad casi la

- necesarios; esto exige fomentar decidi fomentar exige esto necesarios; propicia para realizar algo importante en en importante algo realizar para propicia especial, de su estado de pobreza. Esto Esto pobreza. de estado su de especial,

en las últimas décadas, que constituyen constituyen que décadas, últimas las en

nes pobres las medicinas y tratamientos tratamientos y medicinas las pobres nes tido, hay que verla como una ocasión ocasión una como verla que hay tido, energía necesaria para salir, sin una ayuda ayuda una sin salir, para necesaria energía

precios de las materias primas registrada registrada primas materias las de precios

- que se pongan a disposición de las nacio las de disposición a pongan se que - sen este En uno. cada y todos de bien al población, privando a las personas de la la de personas las a privando población,

resentido por la rápida disminución de los los de disminución rápida la por resentido

del virus. Además, se requiere también también requiere se Además, virus. del tivo de profunda solidaridad, que tienda tienda que solidaridad, profunda de tivo también graves daños psicofísicos a la la a psicofísicos daños graves también

flujos comerciales. Su crecimiento se ha ha se crecimiento Su comerciales. flujos

vos, haciendo disminuir la propagación propagación la disminuir haciendo vos, - obje un hacia orientada estar de la dad: cias. La malnutrición puede provocar provocar puede malnutrición La cias.

gravemente marginados respecto a los los a respecto marginados gravemente

- u y hn ao eutds significati resultados dado han ya que - pone de manifiesto más bien una necesi una bien más manifiesto de pone - emergen y necesidades las afrontar de

países de renta baja que siguen estando estando siguen que baja renta de países

la persona; hay iniciativas en este sentido sentido este en iniciativas hay persona; la divisiones y conflictos. La globalización globalización La conflictos. y divisiones ciones políticas y económicas capaces capaces económicas y políticas ciones

cierta relevancia. Sin embargo, hay otros otros hay embargo, Sin relevancia. cierta

plenamente concorde con la dignidad de de dignidad la con concorde plenamente la paz, más aún, genera en muchos casos casos muchos en genera aún, más paz, la - por la falta de un entramado de institu de entramado un de falta la por

países emergentes, que han adquirido una una adquirido han que emergentes, países

cialmente a los jóvenes a una sexualidad sexualidad una a jóvenes los a cialmente la globalización es incapaz de construir construir de incapaz es globalización la por fenómenos especulativos y, por tanto, tanto, por y, especulativos fenómenos por

añadido de modo significativo muchos muchos significativo modo de añadido

- espe eduquen que campañas emprender del desierto o la degradación. Por sí sola, sola, sí Por degradación. la o desierto del sino por las dificultades para obtenerlos y y obtenerlos para dificultades las por sino

antigua industrialización, a los que se han han se que los a industrialización, antigua

virus”, continua. “Es preciso, ante todo, todo, ante preciso, “Es continua. virus”, construir una casa dorada, pero rodeada rodeada pero dorada, casa una construir tanto por la insuficiencia de alimentos, alimentos, de insuficiencia la por tanto

mundial se ha centrado en los países de de países los en centrado ha se mundial

los que está relacionada la difusión del del difusión la relacionada está que los “Únicamente la necedad puede inducir a a inducir puede necedad la “Únicamente básicas”. “Esta crisis se caracteriza no no caracteriza se crisis “Esta básicas”.

toria”, afirma. “Gran parte del comercio comercio del parte “Gran afirma. toria”,

se afrontan los problemas morales con con morales problemas los afrontan se tura a todos”, afirma el papa Benedicto. Benedicto. papa el afirma todos”, a tura gro la satisfacción de las necesidades necesidades las de satisfacción la gro

- his la en precedentes sin dinamismo un

sida, causa dramática de pobreza, si no no si pobreza, de dramática causa sida, - fac pasan después o antes injustos mas - tual crisis alimentaria, que pone en peli en pone que alimentaria, crisis tual

crecido con extraordinaria rapidez, con con rapidez, extraordinaria con crecido

“Es difícil combatir sobre todo el el todo sobre combatir difícil “Es

- efecto, las tergiversaciones de los siste los de tergiversaciones las efecto, - ac “la menciona también Papa El

internacional de bienes y servicios ha ha servicios y bienes de internacional

a la vida.” la a bilidad de un crecimiento razonable. En En razonable. crecimiento un de bilidad y conflictos”. y

Segunda Guerra Mundial, el comercio comercio el Mundial, Guerra Segunda

puesta en práctica de políticas contrarias contrarias políticas de práctica en puesta - se construye la paz si se asegura la posi la asegura se si paz la construye se mente, en factor de inestabilidad, tensión tensión inestabilidad, de factor en mente,

“En los decenios sucesivos a la la a sucesivos decenios los “En

condicionan las ayudas económicas a la la a económicas ayudas las condicionan rece con mayor claridad que solamente solamente que claridad mayor con rece - ación, transformándose así, paradójica así, transformándose ación,

tos y guerras”. y tos

restarlas, sufren los chantajes de quienes quienes de chantajes los sufren restarlas, - “En el mundo global actual, apa actual, global mundo el “En

- bolsas de subdesarrollo y de desesper de y subdesarrollo de bolsas

- creando peligrosas premisas para conflic para premisas peligrosas creando

- de dichas pandemias, a la hora de contrar de hora la a pandemias, dichas de celebra el 1 de enero. de 1 el celebra ar la carrera de armamentos, que provoca provoca que armamentos, de carrera la ar

“que dividen y marginan a los pueblos, pueblos, los a marginan y dividen “que

nificativos. Además, los países aquejados aquejados países los Además, nificativos. mundo. La Jornada Mundial de la Paz se se Paz la de Mundial Jornada La mundo. - del gasto militar corre el riesgo de aceler de riesgo el corre militar gasto del

y expresa preocupación por los procesos procesos los por preocupación expresa y

- sig resultados logran siempre no blación de igualdad masiva entre los pueblos del del pueblos los entre masiva igualdad de añade. Además, un incremento excesivo excesivo incremento un Además, añade.

comercio y las finanzas internacionales internacionales finanzas las y comercio

- po la en enfermedades estas de cuencias y pone de relieve los peligros de la falta falta la de peligros los relieve de pone y sarrollo de la comunidad internacional”, internacional”, comunidad la de sarrollo

En el mensaje también habla del del habla también mensaje el En

- sida. “Los intentos de frenar las conse las frenar de intentos “Los sida. “Combatir la pobreza, construir la paz”, paz”, la construir pobreza, la “Combatir - cución de los grandes objetivos de de de objetivos grandes los de cución

afirma.

tales como la malaria, la tuberculosis y el el y tuberculosis la malaria, la como tales de diciembre. El mensaje lleva por título título por lleva mensaje El diciembre. de - conse la seriamente entorpece facilitar,

derechos humanos vinculadas a ellas”, ellas”, a vinculadas humanos derechos

pación por las enfermedades pandémicas, pandémicas, enfermedades las por pación XVI que el Vaticano hizo público el 11 11 el público hizo Vaticano el que XVI “Este estado de cosas, en vez de de vez en cosas, de estado “Este

en el mundo y por las violaciones de los los de violaciones las por y mundo el en

- preocu la menciona Padre Santo El

dial de la Paz - 2009 del Papa Benedicto Benedicto Papa del 2009 - Paz la de dial pobres y necesitados de ayuda»”. de necesitados y pobres

almente herido por las injusticias que hay hay que injusticias las por herido almente

como un factor de pobreza”. de factor un como - spuesta al Mensaje para la Jornada Mun Jornada la para Mensaje al spuesta de los pueblos, especialmente de los más más los de especialmente pueblos, los de

- ización si todo hombre se siente person siente se hombre todo si ización

está confirmando como una riqueza y no no y riqueza una como confirmando está - declaraciones el 12 de diciembre en re en diciembre de 12 el declaraciones se sustraen a los proyectos de desarrollo desarrollo de proyectos los a sustraen se

- tos válidos de emancipación en la global la en emancipación de válidos tos

rollo. En otros términos, la población se se población la términos, otros En rollo. El Cardenal George realizó sus sus realizó George Cardenal El dos en gastos militares y en armamentos armamentos en y militares gastos en dos

- planeta sólo puede encontrar instrumen encontrar puede sólo planeta

- frutan de mejor potencial para el desar el para potencial mejor de frutan mos lograr la paz mundial”. paz la lograr mos - emplea humanos y materiales recursos

“La marginación de los pobres del del pobres los de marginación “La

- tienen un mayor índice de natalidad dis natalidad de índice mayor un tienen - quere si mundo el en pobreza la de moral tenido ocasión de subrayar, «los ingentes ingentes «los subrayar, de ocasión tenido

dad global. dad

tre las naciones más avanzadas, las que que las avanzadas, más naciones las tre Unidos. “Debe abordarse la dimensión dimensión la abordarse “Debe Unidos. to militar en la actualidad. Como ya he he ya Como actualidad. la en militar to

- solidari la a llama nos natural ley la que

- en Además, habitantes. sus de número ferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Estados de Católicos Obispos de ferencia - gas del global magnitud la preocupante

El Papa hace alusión al hecho de de hecho al alusión hace Papa El

sarrollo precisamente gracias al elevado elevado al gracias precisamente sarrollo - George de Chicago, presidente de la Con la de presidente Chicago, de George entre el desarme y el desarrollo”. “Es “Es desarrollo”. el y desarme el entre

aunque sea rico”. sea aunque

- de rápido un obtenido han y económicas, eden crecer”, dijo el Cardenal Francis Francis Cardenal el dijo crecer”, eden El pontífice destacó la “relación “relación la destacó pontífice El

países pobres, como dentro de cada país, país, cada de dentro como pobres, países

internacional como nuevas potencias potencias nuevas como internacional - pu todos cuando funciona sólo ización son principalmente los hijos”. los principalmente son

daridad global, tanto entre países ricos y y ricos países entre tanto global, daridad

aparecido recientemente en el escenario escenario el en recientemente aparecido

- WASHINGTON USCCB—“La global USCCB—“La WASHINGTON la mujer y de la madre, los más afectados afectados más los madre, la de y mujer la

- afirma que “se necesita una fuerte soli fuerte una necesita “se que afirma

El Cardenal George Sobre Mensaje Del Dí A Mundial De La Paz

la gran familia humana”, al tiempo que que tiempo al humana”, familia gran la

5 La Globalización Sólo Funciona Cuando Todos Pueden Crecer, Dice Católico de Kentucky Occidental, Marzo, 2009

desarrollo humano”. desarrollo

ya que el Señor hará el resto. resto. el hará Señor el que ya que viene de Dios, y crecemos en nuestra nuestra en crecemos y Dios, de viene que

nidades en el camino de un auténtico auténtico un de camino el en nidades

hablar, leer. Ojalá que pidamos la gracia de estar atentos de la presencia y amor de Dios Dios de amor y presencia la de atentos estar de gracia la pidamos que Ojalá leer. hablar,

discernimos, aprendemos a reconocer lo lo reconocer a aprendemos discernimos,

- comu y familias personas, las a pañar

apagones eléctricos que tuvimos el mes pasado; tuvimos mucho tiempo para pensar, pensar, para tiempo mucho tuvimos pasado; mes el tuvimos que eléctricos apagones

res espirituales. En la dirección espiritual espiritual dirección la En espirituales. res

- acom de capaces sean y fraternidad

para ser santos: ese es nuestro llamado más sublime. Pensemos, por ejemplo, en los los en ejemplo, por Pensemos, sublime. más llamado nuestro es ese santos: ser para - preparado formalmente para ser directo ser para formalmente preparado

mujeres que vivan en profundidad la la profundidad en vivan que mujeres muestra hoy. Y estos pasos se pueden hacer. Dios siempre nos está dando oportunidades oportunidades dando está nos siempre Dios hacer. pueden se pasos estos Y hoy. muestra También hay laicas y laicos que se han han se que laicos y laicas hay También

contra la pobreza necesita hombres y y hombres necesita pobreza la contra Como lo podemos ver, estos son cuatro pasos hacia la santidad que Sta. Narcisa nos nos Narcisa Sta. que santidad la hacia pasos cuatro son estos ver, podemos lo Como

como director espiritual si se los pedimos. pedimos. los se si espiritual director como

misión. misión. daderamente. En cambio, la lucha lucha la cambio, En daderamente. erdotes de la parroquia ofrecen su ayuda ayuda su ofrecen parroquia la de erdotes

a todos no sólo la hizo dejar su hogar sino incluso su propio país para así cumplir su su cumplir así para país propio su incluso sino hogar su dejar hizo la sólo no todos a - que las personas se involucren ver involucren se personas las que - sac nuestros Generalmente existenciales.

renovada cada día. Además, Narcisa fue catequista y su amor por enseñar sobre Jesús Jesús sobre enseñar por amor su y catequista fue Narcisa Además, día. cada renovada ayuda a aliviar las confusiones y debacles debacles y confusiones las aliviar a ayuda asignar subvenciones anónimas, sin sin anónimas, subvenciones asignar

no se puede limitar al Domingo únicamente, sino que es algo que necesita ser vivida y y vivida ser necesita que algo es que sino únicamente, Domingo al limitar puede se no

dirección espiritual nutre el alma y nos nos y alma el nutre espiritual dirección acuerdos sobre precios y cuotas, en en cuotas, y precios sobre acuerdos

fe y nuestra vida debe surgir desde allí. Eventualmente esta clienta entendió que la fe fe la que entendió clienta esta Eventualmente allí. desde surgir debe vida nuestra y fe

que la Iglesia nos da gratuitamente. La La gratuitamente. da nos Iglesia la que

establecer estructuras, poner a punto punto a poner estructuras, establecer

como una Buena Católica. Narcisa la catequizó: la Misa es el centro y cúlmen de nuestra nuestra de cúlmen y centro el es Misa la catequizó: la Narcisa Católica. Buena una como Este es uno de los regalos más grandes grandes más regalos los de uno es Este

cuestiones técnicas, que se agotan en en agotan se que técnicas, cuestiones

de Dios. Santa Narcisa, quien trabajaba como costurera, tenía una clienta que no vivía vivía no que clienta una tenía costurera, como trabajaba quien Narcisa, Santa Dios. de

Dirección Espiritual

nal se afrontan a veces como meras meras como veces a afrontan se nal

consagración a Dios. Es nuestro llamado bautismal. Es la respuesta a la gracia y bondad bondad y gracia la a respuesta la Es bautismal. llamado nuestro Es Dios. a consagración

- das y de la cooperación internacio cooperación la de y das

Nueva debe ser esparcida. La evangelización es la realización de nuestra fidelidad y y fidelidad nuestra de realización la es evangelización La esparcida. ser debe Nueva

turera y su apostolado como catequista.” catequista.” como apostolado su y turera

- ayu las de desarrollo, del problemas

deducimos que el encuentro con el Cristo vivo hace que nazcan nuevos dones –la Buena Buena –la dones nuevos nazcan que hace vivo Cristo el con encuentro el que deducimos - simpleza, dedicada a su trabajo como cos como trabajo su a dedicada simpleza,

avidez y la estrechez de miras. Los Los miras. de estrechez la y avidez “Una ciudad puesta en la loma no puede esconderse” dice Jesucristo. Entonces Entonces Jesucristo. dice esconderse” puede no loma la en puesta ciudad “Una

que recibió, su vida la desarrolló en gran gran en desarrolló la vida su recibió, que

están en el corazón humano, como la la como humano, corazón el en están Evangelización las gracias abundantes y extraordinarias extraordinarias y abundantes gracias las

de la pobreza, sin referirse a las que que las a referirse sin pobreza, la de Santo Padre dice de Narcisa: “Aparte de de “Aparte Narcisa: de dice Padre Santo

para alcanzar la santidad” dice el Papa. Papa. el dice santidad” la alcanzar para causas superficiales e instrumentales instrumentales e superficiales causas y la esperanza y la fe se solidifican. El El solidifican. se fe la y esperanza la y

y expertos, considerando la dirección espiritual como uno de los medios más efectivos efectivos más medios los de uno como espiritual dirección la considerando expertos, y las cruces son aceptadas humildemente humildemente aceptadas son cruces las al. En efecto, se limita a menudo a las las a menudo a limita se efecto, En al.

Santo en su alma [Sta. Narcisa] siempre buscó el consejo y guía de sacerdotes buenos buenos sacerdotes de guía y consejo el buscó siempre Narcisa] [Sta. alma su en Santo

buenas vidas, en donde todo tiene sentido, sentido, tiene todo donde en vidas, buenas - y político, así como espiritual y mor y espiritual como así político, y

identidad verdadera como hijos de Dios. “Para asistir con docilidad la acción del Espíritu Espíritu del acción la docilidad con asistir “Para Dios. de hijos como verdadera identidad

del amor y presencia de Dios, vivimos vivimos Dios, de presencia y amor del La desproporción es de orden cultural cultural orden de es desproporción La

sal de la tierra.” Cuando nos damos cuenta cuenta damos nos Cuando tierra.” la de sal

los hombres adoptan para afrontarlos. afrontarlos. para adoptan hombres los

De hecho, es lo opuesto: “Ustedes son la la son “Ustedes opuesto: lo es hecho, De

lemas de la pobreza y las medidas que que medidas las y pobreza la de lemas

de Narcisa. de

Pero la simpleza no significa ser insípido. insípido. ser significa no simpleza la Pero de octubre. de

- prob los entre existente sproporción un aroma especial en la celda celda la en especial aroma un

sona que reza es alguien humilde y simple. simple. y humilde alguien es reza que sona

de 1992.” Fue canonizada como santa el pasado 12 12 pasado el santa como canonizada Fue 1992.” de

las celdas, notó un esplendor y y esplendor un notó celdas, las

- de la de escándalo el superando ra,

- sentido y propósito profundos. Una per Una profundos. propósito y sentido

El Papa Juan Pablo II la beatificó el 25 de Octubre Octubre de 25 el beatificó la II Pablo Juan Papa El

hermana encargada de bendecir bendecir de encargada hermana

-

las exigencias de los pobres de la tier la de pobres los de exigencias las

En simpleza vivimos nuestra vida con con vida nuestra vivimos simpleza En

Congregación para las Causas de los Santos en 1964. 1964. en Santos los de Causas las para Congregación

un viaje muy lejano. Luego, la la Luego, lejano. muy viaje un

“debe tener en cuenta en primer lugar lugar primer en cuenta en tener “debe

Simpleza Simpleza diocesano de canonización fueron entregados a la la a entregados fueron canonización de diocesano

manas, diciendo que se iba en en iba se que diciendo manas,

Finalmente, nota que la globalización globalización la que nota Finalmente,

construyó su vida basada en esta gracia. gracia. esta en basada vida su construyó a Guayaquil en 1955. Los documentos del proceso proceso del documentos Los 1955. en Guayaquil a

- del día se despidió de sus her sus de despidió se día del

civil local e internacional”. e local civil la santidad. Desde ese entonces, Narcisa Narcisa entonces, ese Desde santidad. la Su cuerpo, prácticamente incorrupto, fue transferido transferido fue incorrupto, prácticamente cuerpo, Su

Vaticano I en Roma. Al final final Al Roma. en I Vaticano

una sólida percepción de su llamado a a llamado su de percepción sólida una pativa capaz de valorizar la sociedad sociedad la valorizar de capaz pativa santa como también lo hizo la gente del Ecuador. Ecuador. del gente la hizo lo también como santa

Papa Pío IXX abría el Concilio Concilio el abría IXX Pío Papa

al mismo, recibió también la gracia de: de: gracia la también recibió mismo, al do. Tenía 37 años. La ciudad de Lima la aclamó como como aclamó la Lima de ciudad La años. 37 Tenía do. - cionales y una correcta lógica partici lógica correcta una y cionales

el mismo día en el que el Beato Beato el que el en día mismo el

Sacramento de la Confirmación y junto junto y Confirmación la de Sacramento - La comunidad se reunió y vio que había falleci había que vio y reunió se comunidad La

- institu responsables los de parte por

María, 8 de diciembre de 1869, 1869, de diciembre de 8 María,

de Septiembre de 1939 Narcisa recibió el el recibió Narcisa 1939 de Septiembre de

cional, una correcta lógica política política lógica correcta una cional, la Inmaculada Concepción de de Concepción Inmaculada la Santa Narcisa de Jesús de Narcisa Santa

devociones eran muy importantes. El 16 16 El importantes. muy eran devociones

- de los agentes del mercado interna mercado del agentes los de

blanco, en la solemnidad de de solemnidad la en blanco,

ir a la orilla del río a rezar. También las las También rezar. a río del orilla la a ir

con gran alegría, vestida de de vestida alegría, gran con correcta lógica económica por parte parte por económica lógica correcta

relación dinámica con el Señor. Ella solía solía Ella Señor. el con dinámica relación

la celebración de la Eucaristía, Eucaristía, la de celebración la les dé un espacio adecuado para una una para adecuado espacio un dé les

su infancia, la pequeña Narcisa nutría una una nutría Narcisa pequeña la infancia, su

terminando con una novena y y novena una con terminando en el primer puesto comporta que se se que comporta puesto primer el en

paciencia, docilidad y un buen oído. Desde Desde oído. buen un y docilidad paciencia,

ella siguió su ritmo normal, normal, ritmo su siguió ella

El Papa afirma que “situar a los pobres pobres los a “situar que afirma Papa El

Nuestro Señor lo hará. La oración implica implica oración La hará. lo Señor Nuestro

médicos no la ayudaban, pero pero ayudaban, la no médicos

nanciera”. “Pidan y se les dará,” dice Mateo 7, 7 y y 7 7, Mateo dice dará,” les se y “Pidan

tuvo altas fiebres. Los remedios remedios Los fiebres. altas tuvo

- de ella durante las fases de euforia fi euforia de fases las durante ella de misericordiosos de Dios en nuestras vidas. vidas. nuestras en Dios de misericordiosos

La Santa Sede escribe: “In 1869, 1869, “In escribe: Sede Santa La

darnos cuenta, darnos cuenta de los actos actos los de cuenta darnos cuenta, darnos también para quien logra beneficiarse beneficiarse logra quien para también

ágil y una excelente catequista. catequista. excelente una y ágil

es importante es rogar por la gracia de de gracia la por rogar es importante es plazo llega a ser peligrosa para todos, todos, para peligrosa ser a llega plazo

con ojos azules, alta, fuerte y y fuerte alta, azules, ojos con

Todo empieza con la oración. Lo que que Lo oración. la con empieza Todo

nanza restringida al corto o cortísimo cortísimo o corto al restringida nanza

jovencita muy atractiva, rubia rubia atractiva, muy jovencita

Oración

- fi Una plazo. largo a trabajo de y ción amada por sus vecinos. Fue una una Fue vecinos. sus por amada

- de nuevas oportunidades de produc de oportunidades nuevas de

con los pobres, muy devota, devota, muy pobres, los con

zación. zación.

diente, generosa, compasionada compasionada generosa, diente, turo, con vistas a sostener la creación creación la sostener a vistas con turo,

- evangeli y espiritual dirección simpleza,

- extremadamente buena y obe y buena extremadamente - de puente entre el presente y el fu el y presente el entre puente de

elevaron esta laica a los altares: oración, oración, altares: los a laica esta elevaron

un carácter dulce y de paz, paz, de y dulce carácter un finanzas para desempeñar su función función su desempeñar para finanzas

he identificado cuatro puntos (o pasos) que que pasos) (o puntos cuatro identificado he

una joven, prolija, feliz con con feliz prolija, joven, una

de tiempo reduce la capacidad de las las de capacidad la reduce tiempo de

Mirando la vida de esta santa ecuatoriana, ecuatoriana, santa esta de vida la Mirando

una capilla domestica. Fue Fue domestica. capilla una

cieros globales a un brevísimo plazo plazo brevísimo un a globales cieros lo podemos encarnar en nuestras vidas? vidas? nuestras en encarnar podemos lo

casa, convirtió un cuartito en en cuartito un convirtió casa,

- finan operadores los de objetivos los todos los fieles.” Esto es bello pero, ¿cómo ¿cómo pero, bello es Esto fieles.” los todos

de las realidades divinas. En su su En divinas. realidades las de

hacia la perfección Cristiana accesible a a accesible Cristiana perfección la hacia común a largo plazo. La reducción de de reducción La plazo. largo a común

en el hábito de la contemplación contemplación la de hábito el en

Narcisa de Jesús nos muestra un camino camino un muestra nos Jesús de Narcisa refenciales, sin consideración del bien bien del consideración sin refenciales,

en una familia humilde. Creció Creció humilde. familia una en

por el Papa Benito XI, quien dijo: “Santa “Santa dijo: quien XI, Benito Papa el por

Nació en Ecuador en 1832 1832 en Ecuador en Nació

Continuado de la página 5 página la de Continuado

izada el pasado 12 de Octubre del 2009 2009 del Octubre de 12 pasado el izada

dos Pueden Crecer

cisa? cisa?

- Santa Narcisa de Jesús fue canon fue Jesús de Narcisa Santa

- To Funciona Cuando

¿Quién es Santa Nar- Santa es ¿Quién

Por Byron ‘Paco’ Macías La Globalización Sólo

Una Simple Costurera nos muestra el Camino a la Santidad

6 Católico de Kentucky Occidental, Marzo, 2009