North Texas Catholic Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 25 No. 7 April 10, 2009

The resurrection of is depicted in a mosaic at the Basilica of the National of the Immaculate Con- ception in Washington. Easter, the feast of the Resurrection, is met by the Church’s cries of “Alleluia, Christ is risen

indeed!” (CNS PHOTO/

PAUL HARING)

40th anniversary series Bishop Vann to lead Stations of the to highlight the development of the Cross in downtown Fort Worth Bishop Kevin W. Vann will lead a liturgy hours of Jesus’ life on Earth. The liturgy communion on Good Friday along Fort Worth’s new will use the Stations of the Cross written downtown grand boulevard, Lancaster by Pope John Paul II. of Catholics in our Ave., to commemorate the passion and The public proclamation of the Stations crucifi xion of Jesus Christ. of the Cross is a reminder to Catholics and 28 counties Organized by the diocesan Offi ce of all Christians of Jesus’ example of the pow- The fi rst article in the series appears Peace and Justice, Bishop Vann will be er of prayer, especially at times when there on p. 20 of this issue. joined by a gathering of people on Lan- are crosses to bear, diocesan Peace and At right is the diocesan seal to be caster, between Houston and Jennings Justice Director Deacon Len Sanchez said. used during the 40th anniversary. Streets, at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, for the “In walking the Stations of the Cross we Stations of the Cross which recalls the fi nal SEE STATIONS, P. 20 Bishops Vann, Farrell honored for ‘exemplary pro-life leadership’ By María del Carmen Uceda by building on our young. We need to Left to Right: Dallas and Jesús Gras transmit the value of life,” he said. “Our Bishop Kevin Farrell Correspondents young people do not live in a world in and Fort Worth Bishop DALLAS — Dallas Bishop Kevin Far- which most of us lived where human Kevin Vann pose with rell and Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann life was sacred, and we need to transmit the plaques they were received a special award March 28 for that culture. awarded, signifying their leadership and support in protecting “It is a time when we need to make a their receipt of the the sanctity of life. special effort to promote a culture of life With more than 2,200 people in at- from conception to natural death among Bishop Grahmann tendance at the 16th annual Catholic our young people,” Bishop Farrell said. Award for Exemplary Pro-Life Dinner, Bishops Farrell and Vann Bishop Vann, in an interview, said that Pro-Life Leadership received the Bishop Grahmann Award for teaching is important for shepherds. from the Catholic Exemplary Pro-Life Leadership from the “The mission of a shepherd is that of Pro-Life Committee of Catholic Pro-Life Committee of North a teacher, and you do what you need to North Texas at their Texas. do … you teach,” he said. 16th annual banquet In his remarks, Bishop Farrell spoke Like the bishops, the keynote speaker, March 16. about Pope John Paul II’s “Gospel of Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor who (TEXAS CATHOLIC PHOTO BY Life.” has cerebral palsy, talked to the youth DAVID SEDEÑO) “His sense was that we need to cre- about making faithful decisions. Jessen’s ate a new culture of life and we do that SEE BISHOPS, P. 20 Page 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Diocesan The Resurrection of the Lord Dear Friends in the his favorite Greek terms are the two is peace. For this reason the Church he clearest witness words dynamis and energeia. It is from repeats insistently: “Christ is risen Risen Lord, these Greek terms that we get words — Christós anésti.” Let the people of to God is love, in like dynamic and energy, words that the third millennium not be afraid to nce T open their hearts to him. His Gospel convey a profound meaning especially again, that the power of the when used to refer to the power of the totally quenches the thirst for peace O cross and resurrection of Christ, which and happiness that is found in every with great is shared with every member of the human heart. Christ is now alive and Risen Lord is evident in Body of Christ. he walks with us. What an immense joy and The Risen Christ also offers us a mystery of love! Christus resurrexit, our lives and how we live. unique perspective regarding the true quia Deus caritas est! Alleluia! Faith, power of life. He shows us that this May we live the truth of the power If Christ is not risen, then power of life is born out of weakness our local and love of the Lord’s Resurrection in expressed by his humble death on all of the Season of Easter. This “im- Bishop Kevin W. Vann the cross on Good Friday. Christ is an Church is “we are the most foolish mense mystery of love” should be re- example to all of us of the connection fl ected in all aspects of our lives: our between power and humility. He also united with followers of of men” as St. Paul says relationships, our speech, and how shows us how power without humility we treat each other in the Body of Christ around the globe to does not promote life and many times in another place. Christ and to all who come our way. can weaken and end it. This is not un- celebrate the triumphant The clearest witness to God is love, like some of the leaders in the Lord’s in that the power of the Risen Lord is ter Vigil, participate in the new and day and our day as well, as we strive Resurrection of our Lord evident in our lives and how we live. everlasting life of the Risen Christ. St to live a culture of life in the face of If Christ is not risen, then “we are the Paul, whose year we are still celebrat- challenges in our own culture and our and Savior Jesus Christ, the most foolish of men” as St. Paul says ing, speaks of this power of God in the own household, at times. in another place. central mystery and foun- Risen Christ, by saying: Salvation is the power of life which Thanks to all in our Diocese and we celebrate throughout Easter. Sin dation of our Faith. As St. For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It parishes who have worked so hard and death have been given a fatal is the power of God for the salvation of for the Lenten Days, the Triduum, the blow and have been defeated for all Paul says in Romans 6:9, everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16) reception of the Easter Sacraments, time. We need to joyfully celebrate and especially our parish priests, cat- We know that Christ raised from the sing our Alleluias with dynamis and God raised the Lord and will also raise us echists, teachers, and RCIA directors. dead, dies no more; death no longer energiea! We need to give testimony by by his power… (1 Corinthians 6:14) Safe travels to all this holy season. has power over him. our lives that as people of the Resur- I ask your prayers and congratula- Pope Benedict XVI in his fi rst Urbi et rection, we live in hope and love. Why does St. Paul teach this in tions for my good friend Archbishop Orbi message in 2006 also emphasized I would like to bring my refl ection his letter to the Romans? Because Dolan, who will be installed as Arch- this point of the power of life over death to a close with the fi nal words from Christ has the POWER OF LIFE! bishop of New York on April 15 and in the Risen Christ: Pope Benedict’s Urbi et Orbi Message The Paschal candles of the Easter for my parents who will be celebrat- from 2006. Vigil throughout the Diocese of Fort His resurrection becomes our resur- ing their 59th wedding anniversary Worth are lights that proclaim to the rection, through Baptism which “in- May the Risen Lord grant that the that same day! world that our Lord Jesus Christ, the corporates” us into him. The prophet strength of his life, peace and freedom Christ is risen, He is Risen Indeed. light of the world, is alive! He has Ezekiel had foretold this: “Behold, I be experienced everywhere. Today the Alleluia! the Power of Life and because of this will open your graves, and raise you words with which the reassured Gratefully in the Risen Lord the tomb is empty! from your graves, O my people; and the frightened hearts of the women on The meaning and true signifi cance I will bring you home into the land Easter morning are addressed to all: of power is often diffi cult to under- of Israel” (Ez 37:12). These prophetic “Do not be afraid! ... He is not here; stand and live in today’s world. For words take on a singular value on Eas- he is risen” (Matthew 28:5-6). Jesus is + Bishop Kevin W. Vann example, many believe that money is ter Day, because today the Creator’s risen, and he gives us peace; he himself Bishop of Fort Worth power, whereas those in the political promise is fulfi lled; today, even in this realm believe it comes from the num- modern age marked by anxiety and ber of their adherents or the exercise uncertainty, we relive the event of the of authority over others. Resurrection, which changed the face North While all these examples may be of our life and changed the history of Texas true in their limited scope, they must humanity. From the risen Christ, all be seen in the light of the power of those who are still oppressed by chains Catholic life manifested in our Risen Lord in of suffering and death look for hope, his victory over sin and death itself. sometimes even without knowing it. Jesus Christ truly is the resurrection Publisher: and the life as he himself said. I think it is important to remember Bishop Kevin W. Vann Easter (or more properly the that this, the power of life, comes only Editor: Jeff Hensley Solemnity of the Resurrection of the from God and is solely in his hands. Associate Editor: Tony Gutiérrez Editorial Assistant: Nicki Prevou Lord) is our celebration of Christ’s No one but God has this power of Administrative Assistant: Judy Russeau triumphant conquering of evil and life, and any effort to take the power of life into our own hands results in Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) eternal death. Easter is our procla- 244-8839. “playing God” with the attendant evil mation of the infi nite Power of Life Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) clearly manifested through Christ’s consequences. To promote and defend 560-3300. resurrection from the dead. life is in its truest sense to promote the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published semi-monthly, except The Resurrection of Christ, which Easter message of respect for God’s for the months of June, July, and August when it is published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. sovereign power over all life. Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South. Subscription rates are $24 we celebrate during the 50 days for one year, $46 for two years, $68 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. of the Easter season, points every Many times English does not have POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort believer to salvation and eternal life. the exactness nor the preciseness of Worth, Texas 76108. All those who unite themselves to the biblical languages. This is certainly Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of Wednesday of the week before true for the use of the word “power.” the paper is published. The NTC is published two times a month on Friday, except for the months Jesus Christ, The Way, The Truth and of June, July, and August when it is published one time each month. For example, while St Paul uses vari- The Life through the living waters of The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, baptism, as done during the Eas- ous words to speak to us of power, or products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 3 Diocesan / State

Father Kyle Walterscheid, Catholics advocate director of the Offi ce of Vocations, is shown walking life, family life issues out of Parish Responding in Muenster following his ordination to the at Texas Capitol priesthood in May to od’s all 2002. Even then, he G C appeared to be inviting people to ask if they were being We must proclaim with called to a vocation. our words and actions, Jesus is Risen!

By Father Kyle Walterscheid for all mankind as he opened scars that may never be healed. Jennifer Allmon from the Texas Catholic Conference, Auxiliary Bishop Oscar the doors to eternal life, as he Likewise, the easiest battle I Cantú of San Antonio, and Father Kyle Walterscheid, director of Vocations for the hat do Chris- would think our society could Diocese of Fort Worth, stand inside the state capitol in Austin. opened up his hands on the tians believe cross and died for us. overcome is drugs. We all AUSTIN — Over 400 Catholics person.” W Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Yes, know the facts. Drugs are an from around the state, including After a quick lunch, volunteer about Jesus? Was as Christians we proclaim assault on every aspect of the more than 50 from the Diocese of groups began their Capitol visits. loudly our belief in our Re- person: the mind, the body, and Fort Worth, gathered in Austin to Over the course of the day, every Jesus simply a great deemer and our Savior. Now the soul. Even as they remain participate in the Life and Fam- single legislative office in the we all have a reason to live. As illegal, our society’s addiction ily Life Advocacy Day at the state Capitol received a visit from con- teacher, a St. Paul writes, “… I live, no is so strong it is now causing Capitol on March 31. Donning blue cerned Catholics who discussed longer I, but Christ who lives chaos in other countries. If we t-shirts that read “One Catholic the importance of funding abortion worker, a prophet, in me … I live by faith in the can’t eliminate drugs from our Voice — Life, Charity, Justice,” alternatives providers, programs or a servant? No, we Son of God who has loved me society, then I say as a society volunteers from around the state that encourage healthy marriages and given himself up for me” we couldn’t fi ght our way out made visits to legislative offi ces to and families, abstinence education, believe him to be far (Galatians 2:20). of a wet paper bag. We need to address public policy priorities of “Choose Life” license plates, and Thus, as Christians we turn to our Lord, and we need the bishops of Texas. adult stem-cell research, while more signifi cant than have a specifi c purpose for to turn to him now! Jesus is the “As a community of faith, we opposing the use of the death our existence. We live not for only one who can save us; save have a moral obligation to be in- penalty as well as any funding any other human be- ourselves but for Christ and for us from our enemies and save volved in our political process,” for embryonic stem-cell research, ing. We believe that in the building of the Kingdom of us from ourselves. said Andrew Rivas, executive cloning, or comprehensive sex God here on Earth. With faith Jesus has Risen! The apostles director of the Texas Catholic Con- education. Diocesan directors and his earthly life Jesus in Christ, or rather, in faithful- and the early Christian com- ference. “We are called to share our representatives made visits to the ness to Christ, we believe that munity testify to this. They saw Catholic Teaching with our civic speaker’s offi ce and also visited was fully human and we shall inherit eternal life. I him in his resurrected body leaders so that they can make the with Governor Rick Perry. make this distinction because many times after he was cruci- best decisions on behalf of our Once the visits were complete, fully divine. Jesus’ many Christians, if not most, fi ed. Jesus is real and he is here overall community, especially for several volunteers were able to sub- teachings, , in our nation and throughout for you and me. He gives his the most vulnerable in our society, mit testimony on two house bills, the world say they believe in Spirit to all who are baptized in which includes those who cannot HB 741 and HB 1567, which were and service are all Christ, but their works reveal his name. He is the only Way, represent themselves.” being heard in committee that day. their true beliefs which prove the only Truth, and the only The Advocacy Day began with Both bills would reduce the focus on unmatched in human them liars. This sounds harsh, Life that brings us to . prayer at Mass celebrated by Bishop abstinence education during educa- right? It sounds like I am being Our lives certainly depend on Gregory Aymond of Austin, and tion on human sexuality. Twice as history. judgmental, right? It is neither him, so let us strengthen our concelebrated by Bishop Armando many witnesses testifi ed against harsh nor judgmental, rather, it faithfulness to him. Ochoa of El Paso, as well as other these bills as for them, a committee All the more, out of love is the truth. Can we not work together clergy from around the state. clerk told the Texas Catholic Confer- for humanity and obedience We, the Christian majority in our communities to build “We come here to speak of the ence the following day. to , we believe of our country have slowly let up the body of Christ? Are we value of family life, the value of hu- At a debriefi ng at the conclusion that he emptied himself of his the Christian values and the not called, as was St. Paul, to man life, and we do so respectfully, of the event, several volunteers divinity and brought about Christian principles, which glorify God in our body and to with perseverance, and determina- stated that they had positive visits the only true atonement of the this nation was founded on, help build the Kingdom of God tion, knowing that God is working and felt that their visits helped shed sins of the world by humbly be eroded away. Why? I am on earth? Can we not renew a in us,” Bishop Aymond said during light on the issues for which they accepting a most torturous not sure why, but mainly Christian culture in which par- his homily. advocated. Many also mentioned death: he was severely beaten because our focus and our faith ents are honored and children Aware of the rain clouds over- their intent to continue to followup and scourged by whips; he was in Christ have eroded away. are seen as a blessing from God head, volunteers briskly walked the with their legislators back in their crowned with thorns; he car- The teachings of Christ are no rather than a curse? Sisters, short few blocks from the cathedral districts. ried a heavy wooden cross; and longer being lived by the over- brothers, and priests come from to the state Capitol after Mass. Diocesan staff and volunteers then he was crucifi ed as his whelming majority of people Christ-centered families and Participants of the Advocacy Day promoted the Advocacy Day as hands and feet were nailed to who consider themselves Christ-centered families are were recognized in the House and an opportunity to engage in public a cross; and he hung to death. Christian. At the same time, the to be strengthened by sisters, Senate chambers, and Auxiliary policy in the state and helped raise We believe that he is the fi rst to perversions of this age that are brothers, and priests. Together Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Antonio awareness for the Catholic Call rise from the dead. Death did now acceptable as mainstream we are called to build a culture opened the Senate chamber with to Faithful Citizenship. Several not have power over him as he social norms are unbelievable. and spirit of life in Christ. Let us prayer. dioceses held advocacy day train- won the favor, through obedi- How can any form of pornog- live by faith in the Son of God “We are born into families. This ings to organize and prepare their ence, of his heavenly Father raphy, abortion, or contracep- who has loved us and given was by your design, to refl ect your volunteers for the day. In addition to and is thus forever exalted. tion be a civil law protected himself up for us. Alleluia! marvelous wisdom, for you are advocacy days, the conference also We believe that he is the Son as a right? These are all moral a God of love, graciousness, and sends out e-mail “Action Alerts” of God who chose to come evils; they promote promiscu- Father Kyle Walterscheid is the unity,” said Bishop Cantú. “Give and e-newsletters to keep Texas into this world in human fl esh ity and directly violate the director of Vocations for the us clarity to discern your wisdom, Catholics informed legislatively. to redeem all mankind from teachings of Christ. They not Diocese of Fort Worth. He can an untiring resolve for justice, For more information on the their sins. We also believe that only remove human dignity be reached by e-mail to kwalters- compassion for the weak, love for Texas Catholic Conference, visit he is the only way to heaven but create deep psychological [email protected]. truth, and respect for every human www.TXcatholic.org. Page 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 OMM prepares St. Ann Spring Divorce and Be- Silent retreat for fi rst Spring Fest April 26 yond program at Montserrat Gospelfest The parking lot of St. Ann to be held at St. to be held May Church in Burleson will be trans- Our Mother of Mercy Church formed into Spring Fest, a festival PeoplePeople Andrew Apr. 16 14-17 in South Fort Worth will host its with games for children, bounce St. Andrew Church will host a Contemplative Outreach of first annual Spring Gospelfest houses, dunking booths, bingo, “Divorce and Beyond” program Dallas’s annual Four-Day Silent Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in its cake walks, food from different Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 retreat will be held May 14-17 at building at 1001 E. Terrell St. countries and regions, pastries, p.m. April 16 through June 4 in its Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House “We are kicking off 2009 with and auctions. The festival will EventsEvents pastoral center at 3717 Stadium located at 600 N. Shady Shores one purpose in mind — to share be held Sunday, April 26 from Dr. in Fort Worth. in Lake Dallas. God’s unconditional love and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may &of Importance for the Divorce and Beyond is an The annual retreat is for Word with everyone; to express be purchased on site. The public eight-week parish-based self- those interested in deepening the true joy of the Lord in serving is invited to enjoy the food, fun, Church of Fort Worth help program for people who their spiritual practice in an Him with fellowship, worship, and fellowship. For more infor- are divorced or who have already atmosphere of silence, solitude praise, prayer, music, and dance,” mation, call the church office at filed for divorce, and is based and community. Father Justin says a flier for the event. (817) 295-5621. Our Mother of Mercy will on the premise that sharing Langille, an experienced retreat host multiple choirs and other thoughts, feelings, and experi- director from San Diego, will groups from a variety of Christian Catholic histori- ences with others in the same return again as retreat leader. denominations to join in its cel- an to speak on or similar situation is one of Registration form and de- ebration in conjunction with the the most helpful ways to move tails are available at www.Cel- parish’s 80th anniversary. Cardinal New- beyond the pain of divorce to a lOfPeace.com or by e-mail at For more information, call Joi life of wholeness and joy. [email protected] or Bernard at (817) 565-6717. man’s legacy Topics for sessions include: call, (972) 722-6029. Registra- Dr. Patrick Foley will present a “The Process of Divorce”; “Self- tion deadline is May 1. lecture entitled “John Henry New- image, Self-esteem”; “Self-affir- St. John invites man: Following in His Footsteps” mation”; “Stress, Anger, Blame, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 15, Guilt, Loneliness”; “Forgive- potential stu- at St. Mary the Virgin Church’s ness”; “Happiness”; “Pathway Texas Annual parish hall at 1408 N. Davis Dr. in to growth”; and “The Catholic dents to kinder- Arlington. The event is sponsored Annulment.” Conference garten and pre- by the Cardinal Newman Institute The cost for registration is $15, scheduled for of Fort Worth. and includes the cost of book and Eighth-graders from St. Rita School in Fort Worth helped Dcn. Tom Giovan- supplies which will be available k ‘Round Up’ Foley, a noted Catholic his- nitti (far right) burn palms, which were used on Ash Wednesday. April 18 torian and editor emeritus of the first evening. St. John the Apostle School, Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Catholic Southwest, a historical Pre-registration is required. Tarrant County’s only 2008 Voices for Creative Nonviolence, journal, is a member of Holy For more information or to reg- nationally recognized Blue a peace activist organization Trinity Church in Azle. Hospi- YOUTH 2000 Passionist ister, call Alice Curran at (817) Ribbon School, will host a pre- opposed to the war in Iraq, will tality begins at 6:30 p.m. in the 927-5383 or Delphine Exman at kindergarten and kindergarten retreat at Nolan priest to lead speak at the 2009 Pax Christi parish hall. (817) 292-1453. “Round Up” on Saturday, May 2 Texas annual conference in All lectures are free, though of- from 9 to 11 a.m. This is open April 17-19 St. Paul Mission Houston April 18. The theme of ferings will be accepted. For more for all families who wish to learn The 2009 YOUTH 2000 Retreat, her presentation is “Courage and information, visit the institute’s St. Paul the Apostle Church in more about the programs for the led by the Franciscan Friars of NTC dead- Hope in a Violent World.” Kelly Web site at www.cardinalnewma- the River Oaks area of Fort Worth, 2009-2010 school year. the Renewal of the Bronx, will be has written a book titled Other ninstitute.org. will host a parish mission April lines for Children who will be between held the weekend of April 17-19 26-28, with Passionist Father Lands Have Dreams, which is ages 4 and 6 by Aug. 1 will be able at Nolan Catholic High School at Cedric Pisegna, CP, giving talks submission available through www.coun- to experience pre-kindergarten ‘The Human 4501 Bridge St. in Fort Worth. at 7 p.m. terpunch.org. or kindergarten while parents Experience’ pre- This eucharistic-centered re- Father Tom Wigginton, pastor The North Texas Catholic Pax Christi Houston and the focus on the curriculum and treat is for and by all youth and of St. Paul, says that Fr. Pisegna is published twice monthly, Dominican Sisters of Houston benefits of the program. screening at St. young adults between the ages is an “excellent retreat master except during the months will host the conference, which Siblings between the ages 1 of 13 and 30. and in the previous retreats has of June, July, and Au- will be held in the Dominican and 3 are welcome to stay in Vincent de Paul “This is a unique experience received a great response from gust when it is published Sisters meeting room at 6501 the St. John Child Care at no St. Vincent de Paul Church will that you won’t forget!” say event people of all ages. He includes monthly. The deadline Almeda Rd. in Houston. Registra- cost. Reservations for childcare host a free pre-screening of “The organizers. “The talks are inspir- much humor in his talks and is to submit information is tion begins at 8:30 am. are required. Human Experience” at 7:30 p.m. ing and will help you to grow in down to earth.” noon on the Wednesday of For more information about This free event will begin in the Friday April 24, and Saturday, your faith!” Fr. Pisegna has been giving the week before the paper registration or the conference, St. John School office located at April 25 at 5819 Pleasant Ridge Registration is $50 per person. retreats for the last 19 years and is published. call (281) 955-0342 or e-mail 7421 Glenview Dr. in North Rich- Rd. in Arlington. Doors will open Housing will not be provided. will preach at all the Masses Items for the April 24 [email protected]. land Hills. The office entrance at 7 p.m. Participants who wait to reg- on the weekend of April 25-26. issue must be received by Pax Christi strives to create a is located on Frawley Street, off The documentary chronicles ister at the door must have the The parish mission will start noon on Wednesday, April world that reflects the Peace of Glenview Drive. two brothers who travel the world YOUTH 2000 “Liability Release on Sunday night with the topic 15. Items for the May 8 Christ by exploring, articulat- For more information, call and interview people about what Form” and all diocesan required “Happiness;” Monday night, with 10 issue must be received ing and witnessing to the call Linda Wheeler, admissions direc- it means to be human forms signed by a parent or legal the theme “Change is Possible;” by noon on Wednesday, of Christian nonviolence. Pax tor, or Cindy Cummins, principal, For more information, contact guardian and will only be allowed and Tuesday night with the theme April 29. Christi rejects war, prepara- at (817) 284-2228 or visit the Web Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore, director entrance if space is available. “The and Passion.” tions for war, and every form site at www.stjs.org. Childcare of Respect Life for the Diocese of All minors must be accompa- St. Paul the Apostle is located of violence and domination. It reservations for children ages 1 Fort Worth at (817) 560-3300, nied by an adult, and all adults 5508 Black Oak Ln., in Fort FertilityCare advocates primacy of conscience, to 3 must be made by Friday, April ext. 257, or by e-mail at cruth- must have had the Safe Environ- Worth. The Mass schedule is economic and social justice, and 24, to assure availability. [email protected]. ment training of their diocese. Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 8:30 Center offers respect for creation. For more information, call a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. in training for (817) 558-9805, or visit the Spanish. For more information, St. Rita includes Web site for the event at www. contact the church office at (817) NFP teachers fwdiocyouthretreat.org. 738-9925. Jamaica cel- The FertilityCare Center of ebration with Golf tourna- IWBS Sisters North Texas will offer an infor- mational luncheon May 30 from 100th anniver- ment to benefi t host discern- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for individuals interested in teaching a natural sary festivities OMM School ment weekend form of family planning and Our Mother of Mercy School’s women’s health maintenance. As part of its 100th anniversary fourth annual “Golf and Net- The Incarnate Word and The luncheon will be held at St. celebrations, St. Rita Church in working Event” will be held at Blessed Sacrament Sisters will Maria Goretti Church, located at Fort Worth will host the second Squaw Creek Golf Course April host a Weekend 1200 S. Davis Blvd. in Arlington. annual Jamaica charity fair Sat- 18, at 1605 Ranch House Rd. in April 25-26 for single Catholic RSVP to Mandy Cox at fccont@ urday, April 25, beginning with a Willow Park. All are invited to women from high school seniors att.net or at (817) 685-0756 or “Jamaica Mass” at 5 p.m. From 6 participate as players or spon- through women 50 years of age visit www.fwcreighton.com. The to 11 p.m., the celebration will in- ST. JOSEPH, RHINELAND — Thirteen candidates for the sac- sors. at Incarnate Word Convent in cost is $6 per person. clude food, carnival rides, games, rament of first holy Eucharist participated in an all-day retreat For more information, contact Victoria. “This is a great opportunity to and entertainment, including a Saturday, April 4, led by Mary Escamilla, who was assisted by tournament co-chairs Howard For more information, visit learn more about what is involved dance with a live band and DJ Leno Hernandez, Marie Gonzalez, Josie Hernandez, and Gloria Rattliff at [email protected], the Sisters’ Web site at www. in becoming a FertilityCare from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. St. Rita Mendez. Student helpers were Sonora Escamilla, Elida Hernandez, or Mike Barks at barkskully@ iwbsvictoria.org, or contact practitioner, instructing women is located at 5550 E. Lancaster and Hilda Mendez. The candidates’ first holy Communion will sbcglobal.net, or visit the Web Sister Mildred Truchard, IWBS, and couples in a moral family Ave. in Fort Worth. For more in- be celebrated Sunday, April 26 at 9 a.m. site www.tournevents.com/ by phone at (361) 575-7111 or planning method,” say event formation, call the church office omm2009 to register. e-mail [email protected]. organizers. at (817) 451-9383. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 5 The future is bright for the Diocese of Fort Worth! We currently have 26 seminarians the vetting process. Two years of prayers and support, we in formation considering the philosophy are now required to be anticipate 15 of these men to be calling of priesthood, and we accepted into the Master of Divinity ordained in the next ¿ve years. expect to have 30 as we begin program. Seminarian formation God willing, we will begin to the fall semester 2009. In recent now takes seven years for those reverse the priest shortage in our years Catholic seminaries have with a bachelor’s degree and 9 diocese and have a pastor back in signi¿cantly raised the bar in years without a degree. With your each parish.

These men are currently in formation for the priesthood to proclaim the Risen Christ to the people of the Diocese of Fort Worth…

Front Row, left to right: Amado Vallejo, Alfredo Barba, Richard Kirkham, Fr. James Pemberton, Fr. Richard Flores, Bishop Kevin Vann, Fr. Kyle Walterscheid, Philip Petta, Ronald Mercado, John Burton Second Row and Higher left to right: Derek Histen, David Keith Garvin, Tom Kelley, Eduwin Floriano, Nghia Nguyen, Raúl Martinez, Stephen Hauck, Mike Galbraith, Keith Hathaway, Khoi Tran, Tommy Nguyen, James Wilcox, John Pacheco, Moloney, Michael Greco Not pictured are: Denis Curran, Angel Herrera, Juan Carlos de Jesus, Khiem Nguyen, Fernando Villegas Preciado

These sessions are for any single man or woman to further discern whether the religious life is for them. These gatherings are held at St. Patrick Cathedral the second Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The program includes a of , an hour of discussion on discernment, and a free meal is provided by the Serra Club. For more information, please call Fr. Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300, ext.110 or [email protected] or go to Religious Vocations at www.fwdioc.org Page 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Diocesan Retired rail worker ordained to diaconate Story and photos by March 29 at St. John the Apostle for the Diocee of Tyler in 2000, His actual formation in the fl oor,” Dcn. Aguirre said of Kathy Cribari Hamer Parish in North Richland Hills, and in December 2007, he retired Longview took seven years of the ordination liturgy, “I felt like Correspondent Deacon Aguirre had taken his from the BNSF, and made plans twice-monthly all-day sessions, I was on air. I could not feel the For 30 years, the Burlington training for the diaconate in to return to the Diocese of Fort where the class received instruc- concrete. It is like marble — hard! Northern Santa Fe Railway Longview, where he was trans- Worth, where he would begin a tion from University of Dallas. But I could not feel anything. carried a locomotive engineer, ferred in 2000, he said, when year’s internship at St. John’s. At his ordination, Bishop “All the people singing the Ruben Aguirre, on trip after trip. his long-time job with the BNSF “I used to tell the guys, ‘I’m Kevin Vann spoke of the history litany sounded so angelic,” he But it was his last trip back home began to dwindle. His family closing one door working on the that had returned the deacon to remembered, “and later, when to the Metroplex that meant the lived in Hurst, where he and wife railroad, and with the other foot the diocese, noting the Gospel I lifted the chalice, I was teary- most because it returned him to Carmen and their three children I’m working for the Lord.’” reading (John 12:20-33) where the eyed. It was a big moment for the Diocese of Fort Worth where attended St. Michael Parish in Dcn. Aguirre’s ordination people came to Philip and said, me.” he would begin his second career Bedford, the new deacon said. took place in front of a crowded “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Dcn. Aguirre spoke of the as a deacon. So, when Aguirre took the work sanctuary at St. John the Apostle, “Take those words,” the actual moment of ordination, Ordained to the diaconate transfer, Carmen remained in where the new deacon said the bishop said, “and refl ect on all during the laying on of hands. “It Hurst, with her husband work- people not only accepted him, the events that brought you to was glorious. I thought I would ing in Longview, making regular but embraced him from the fi rst St. John’s. Think of all the people feel a little shock or something, two-and-a-half hour trips back day of his pastoral year. “It was that will come your way — it will but it just felt like, ‘I’m there home. a blessing to be there,” he said, “I be your job to help those people now… The Lord has accepted me Aguirre became active in learned so much and I was better fi nd the Lord.” as a deacon.’” his Longview parish, where he formed because of it.” “When I was lying on volunteered to work in the fl ow- erbeds. As he became closer to the church, Aguirre spoke to the pastor, who suggested he might have a calling, “and he told me the diaconate program orienta- tion was the following Saturday. “I attended the orientation,” Aguirre said, “and when they mentioned the length of time the program would take, I counted the years, and thought, ‘That’s Newly ordained Deacon Ruben when I retire.’” Aguirre blesses his grandson Steven Deacon Aguirre is vested by his wife Carmen, Davey during communion, while his So Ruben Aguirre began his Deacon Aguirre assists Bishop Kevin Vann at the after his and Deacon Don Warner, director of the Offi ce of daughter, Alicia Davey looks on. deacon formation in Longview ordination. Permanent Deacons for the diocese. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 7 Diocesan UTA Catholic Community to host diocese-wide art contest The University Catholic Com- Entries should not exceed 24 university juniors and seniors. munity at the University of Texas inches by 36 inches in size and To receive an application, call Size: No larger than 24” x 36” at Arlington is sponsoring a juried should be mounted with wire for the UCC at (817) 460-1155 or Mounting: With wire for hanging art competition entitled Amor hanging. A limit of three pieces download it from the Web site at Limit: 3 pieces per artist Vitae: Love of Life! on Saturday, per artist is allowed. Entries can www.utacatholics.org. Mediums: Can be all mediums and April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at be in all mediums and mult-di- Deadline to submit work will multi-dimensional Artspace 111 in downtown Fort mensional. There is a $5 entry fee be Monday, April 20. Artwork, Fee: $5 for each piece submitted Worth. for each piece submitted. Artists application forms and money can Deadline: Monday, April 20 The show is open to high will also be permitted to offer their be dropped off Monday through Categories: • High school juniors and seniors school juniors and seniors and work for sale with a 25 percent Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. at the • University freshmen and sophomores undergraduate college students commission collected by the UCC UCC, located at 1010 Benge Dr. in • University juniors and seniors throughout the Diocese of Fort to support pro-life initiatives in Arlington, or at the Catholic Cam- Prizes: 1st —$100; 2nd — $50 Worth. Artists are asked to depict the Diocese of Fort Worth. pus Center for the University of Drop-off Locations: • University Catholic Center work that refl ects Catholic Social There will be one fi rst-place North Texas, located at 1303 Eagle 1010 Benge Dr., Arlington Teaching to respect all forms of winner with a cash prize of $100 Dr. in Denton, Monday through 12 to 6 p.m., M-F life including, but not limited and one second-place winner with Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Catholic Campus Center to, abortion, euthanasia, capital a $50 cash prize in each of the fol- For more information, con- 1303 Eagle Dr., Denton punishment, human cloning, lowing categories: 1) high school tact Lisa Campbell at the UCC 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F embryonic stem cell research, and juniors and seniors; 2) university at (817) 460-1155 or by e-mail at Applications: Found at www.utacatholics.org contraception. freshman and sophomores; 3) [email protected]. Fort Worth and Dallas dioceses team with University of Dallas for fi rst North Texas Ministry Conference, Oct. 23-24 Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann preeminent ministry events in the help them more effectively further Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl include Spanish, Vietnamese, and and Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell country. We are asking our respec- the Church’s evangelizing and will be among several notable English presentations. announced April 2 that the two tive staffs to assist the university in catechetical mission, he added. speakers to address the gathering. The event will also offer more dioceses are teaming with the order to make this happen,” Bishop According to information from On Friday, Oct. 23, Archbishop than 60 exhibitors, a display of University of Dallas to create “a Vann said. the two dioceses, The University of Wuerl of Washington, will deliver religious artwork, and ample net- premier ministry conference for “The University of Dallas is Dallas Ministry Conference will be the opening keynote address, and working opportunities. This will be North Texas.” a wealth of knowledge and the the only ministry conference held Christian contemporary musical a great opportunity to learn more, The conference will be held Diocese of Dallas is blessed to have in the dioceses of Dallas and Fort artist John Michael Talbot will listen to dynamic speakers, and Oct. 23-24 at the Dallas Conven- this valuable Catholic resource so Worth in 2009. It is estimated that perform an evening concert. celebrate faith, say the organizers. tion Center. close to home,” said Bishop Farrell. 3,000 persons involved in dioc- Saturday, Oct. 24, is designed Those interested in more in- “By conducting one ministry Catholic ministry leaders from esan ministry offi ces, the Catholic with the lay “Catholic in the formation and registration may conference for both dioceses that across Texas and the Southwest schools, , and lay pew” in mind and will feature visit www.udallas.edu/minis- is led by the University of Dallas, will be able to use the conference people in their respective parishes John Allen, senior Vatican analyst try/conference.cfm or call (972) we believe we will create one of the to develop valuable tools that will will attend the October event. for CNN. Breakout sessions will 265-5809.

Nolan Catholic freshmen honor Mary Mother of Nations in annual celebration Nolan Catholic High School freshmen recently celebrated their class patroness, Mary Mother of Nations, with a special festival. In keeping with the school’s Marian- ist heritage, and since freshmen study world cultures in various areas of their curriculum, world cultures teacher Stephen Kai Ne- meth, along with other freshmen teachers, chose this title and de- signed a celebration in her honor, which they do annually. “Over the years, this festival has taken various forms,” said Nemeth. “This year, we chose a special prayer service which TRIDENTINE MASS included NCHS alumna and Nolan Catholic High School (NCHS) freshmen, participating in an annual principal of St. Peter’s Elementary school tradition, honored Mary as the Mother of All Nations in a prayer service for freshmen students, teachers, and their guests March 31. Mary was Latin Indult Mass School, Erin Vader portraying portrayed by NCHS alumna Erin Vader (center), principal of Saint Peter School : p.m. Sundays Mary.” In her role as Mary, Vader, in Fort Worth. The Nolan Catholic Asian Club and the NCHS band and choir accompanied by a freshmen court also took part in the service, which emphasized global cultures. St. Mary of the Assumption Church of honor, led the service.  W. Magnolia, Fort Worth The celebration included vari- forming in the celebration were meth. “It is a time to show class High Mass Second and Fourth sundays ous cultural presentations includ- the NCHS band and choir. unity, to honor global cultures, Low Mass First and Third Sundays ing a special dance by the Nolan “This is a special blessing for and most important, to honor our Catholic Asian Club. Also per- our freshman students,” said Ne- beloved Mother.” Page 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Diocesan Mother Nadine Brown, founder Queen of Peace Center of Intercessors of the Lamb invites expert to speak in diocese invited to speak at Magnifi cat Monsignor Carl Morris from the Archdiocese of Saint Louis breakfast in Grapevine May 2 will give a talk entitled: “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Pillar of Mother Nadine Brown, of achieving a relationship with reached at (817) 275-3727; St. Faith and Model of Truth” at St. founder of Intercessors of the God, which was formerly seen Anthony’s Bookstore located at Patrick Cathedral located at 1206 Lamb, has been invited to speak as only available to consecrated 3121 McCart Ave. in Fort Worth Throckmorton St. in Fort Worth on at the Grapevine chapter of Mag- religious. She will lead us in and can be reached at (817) Tuesday, April 28, beginning with nifi cat’s breakfast for Catholic meditative prayer at the con- 924-7221; Little Catholic Mass at 7 p.m. women in the Dallas-Fort Worth clusion of her testimony,” the Store, located at 600 E. Sandy He will also speak at St. Maria Metroplex. The breakfast will be fl ier says. Lake Rd., Ste. 108 in Coppell, Goretti Church located at 1200 S. Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to The Intercessors of the Lamb which can be reached at (972) Davis Dr. in Arlington on Wednes- 12 p.m. at the DFW Hilton Lakes were recognized as a Public 304-5200; and Catholic Art & day, April 29. Executive Conference Center Association of the Christian Gifts located at 2761 Valwood Msgr. Morris was born in 1965 and Hotel at 1800 Hwy 26 East Faithful on May 27, 1998 and Pkwy. in Farmers Branch and can and has been a priest in St. Louis Msgr. Morris in Grapevine, followed by a promotes contemplative spiri- be reached at (972) 934-3553. since 1996. He served as a parish prayer and confession service tuality by providing spiritual To obtain tickets or prepaid priest before eventually being as- sibilities, Msgr. Morris hosts a from 12 to 2 p.m. guidance in the development reserved tables by mail, send a signed teaching positions fi rst in weekly radio program on WRYT, According to a fl ier provided of individual relationships with self-addressed stamped return a Catholic high school and then Catholic radio in St. Louis, and is by Magnifi cat, Mother Nadine God. Their primary ministry envelope to Nancy Ferri at 8921 in the seminary. Currently, he is considered an expert on Mariol- spent 16 years as a contempla- is contemplative communal Thornmeadow Ct., N. Richland the director of the Offi ce of the ogy. He frequently gives retreats tive with the Sisters of the Cross intercession. More information Hills, TX 76180, (817) 498-7980, Permanent Diaconate, the direc- and days of recollections both in of the Good Shepherd Congre- about the Intercessors can be with a check made out to Mag- tor of the Saint Maximilian Kolbe St. Louis and around the United gation, before she discerned found at their Web site, www. nifi cat-Grapevine Chapter. House of Discernment, an adjunct States. He received the title mon- God was calling her out of the bellwetheromaha.org. Because the day is designed professor of sacramental theology signor in September of 2008. . Tickets are $18 and are avail- for women to be free of distrac- at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, a For more information, contact “She was to bring the rich able at various Catholic book- tion, organizers request that lecturer for the Paul VI Catecheti- the Queen of Peace Center at (817) heritage of this contemplative stores in the area, including: children not attend. The cutoff cal Institute, and the spiritual advi- 244-7733 or (817) 558-9805. For in- spirituality and its intercessory Keepsakes Catholic Books and date for tickets is Tuesday, April sor to the Marian Catechists in the formation about the presentation fruits to the broader Church, of- Gifts located at 2304 Park Row 28, and tickets will not be sold Archdiocese of St. Louis. at St. Maria Goretti, contact Cindy fering to all Christians the means #20 in Arlington, which can be at the door. In addition to these respon- Alford at (817) 274-0643 ext 223.

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april 26 @ nolan catholic high school North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 9 Diocesan Holy Family School remembers Easter through class activities celebrations planned throughout diocese

Churches throughout the Diocese of Fort Worth will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 19, the week after Easter. The desire for this annual celebration was expressed by Jesus to St. Maria Faustina and found recorded in her diary. The for Divine Mercy begins on Good Friday, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet is typically prayed at 3 p.m., which is considered the hour of mercy. Additional information on Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, the novena prayer, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy can be found on the Web site www.marian.org.

Celebrations in the diocese include: Our Lady of Mercy — Hillsboro 107 Crestridge Dr. 2:30 p.m. Father Baby George will preside over a prayer service that will include the Divine Mercy Kimberly Pierce and her sixth grade class at Holy Chaplet, conclude the novena, and end with Adoration. For information and directions call the Family School in West Fort Worth prepare for a church offi ce at (254) 582-5640 or Linda Alesi-Miller in the evenings at (254) 694-6188. re-enactment of Jesus’ Last Supper, at which they Saint Maria Goretti — Arlington celebrated the Jewish Seder meal of Passover. 1200 S. Davis Dr. Divine Mercy Novena A Divine Mercy Novena will begin on Good Friday, April 10, after the Stations of the Cross at 12 p.m. Prayers for the second day will be held at 8 a.m., and because of large crowds during Mass on Sundays, participants should pray the novena on their own for the third day, say organizers. From the fourth day, Monday, April 13 to the ninth day on Saturday, April 18, the novena prayers will begin following the regularly scheduled 8 a.m. Mass. On Divine Mercy Sunday the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed after the 1 p.m. Mass until 3 p.m. and conclude with Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. For more information, contact the church offi ce at (817) 274-0643.

St. Mark — Denton 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event will include a 45-minute video presentation, a eucharistic holy hour, and singing of Holy Family students also participated in an Easter the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Knights of Columbus from Assembly 2043 serving as an honor guard for the image of Divine Mercy. food drive to assist the St. Vincent DePaul Society with Easter food baskets. Ellen Muffett’s third St. John the Apostle — North Richland Hills grade class was assigned to collect rice and set the 7341 Glenview Dr. standard for the other classes by collecting the most 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. rice.

Pastoral music expert Joanne Catholic author to discuss Werner to lead OCP reading proof of God May 16 World-renowned theologian Catholic philosophers currently Dr. Peter Kreeft will give two residing in the United States. He session in Bedford May 2 talks at St. Maria Goretti Church, is a regular contributor to several located at 1200 S. Davis Drive in Christian publications, is in wide Nationally-recognized Cath- to cantors throughout the will teach 15 of the octavos in Arlington from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. demand as a speaker at confer- olic music authority Joanne country. detail. Saturday, May 16. The topics ences, and is the author of over Werner will lead an Oregon “A reading session isn’t just OCP, a not-for-profit pub- covered will include “A Refuta- 45 books including Fundamentals Catholic Press reading session about learning new music,” lisher of liturgical music and tion on Moral Relativism”, and of the Faith, Everything you Ever at St. Michael Church located at says Shannon McNerney, OCP’s worship resources based in “Proofs of God’s Existence.” Wanted to Know about Heaven, and 3713 Harwood Rd. in Bedford. Executive Manager of Events. Portland, Oregon, has been “Both of these powerful talks Back to Virtue. His ideas draw The two-hour workshop will “This is a master class for musi- in operation for more than will give the philosophical and heavily from religious and philo- begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, cians. Our clinicians highlight 80 years. Worship programs theological arguments on how to sophical tradition, especially St. May 2. the spiritual dimension of the produced by OCP are used in refute the modern errors of moral Thomas Aquinas, Socrates, G. K. Werner currently serves music that participants will two-thirds of Catholic churches relativism and atheism and help Chesterton, and C. S. Lewis. as chairwoman of the Board carry with them long after they in the United States and are dis- you develop sound reasoning The event is free, but dona- of Directors of the National leave.” tributed worldwide. For more and logic on how we can know tions will be accepted. For more Association of Pastoral Musi- The $25 registration fee information on OCP, visit OCP. God’s existence with certainty, information, contact Lucas cians (NPM), after eight years ($20 for members of the NPM) org/about. and also be certain about his Pollice, director of the Offi ce of on the NPM as director of the includes time with the pre- For more information on moral truths,” say event organiz- Adult Catechesis for the Diocese Music Ministries Board. She is senter, 25 octavos, discounted OCP reading sessions or to ers in a press release. of Fort Worth at (817) 560-3300 a faculty member for NPM’s merchandise, a question and register for this reading session, Kreeft is a professor of phi- ext. 260 or [email protected] or Cantor Express and has given answer period with the clini- e-mail [email protected], or call losophy at Boston College and John Cox at (817) 274-0643 ext. workshops and presentations cian and other benefits. Werner 1 (800) 548-8749. is considered one of the best 226 or [email protected]. Page 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Diocesan / State April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month Catholic Charities offers abuse prevention resources through CARE

By Nicki Prevou t this point, we have a 100 percent success program services is that they Editorial Assistant must live in Tarrant County, ‘A rate... None of our families who have been have a child under the age of t was a sadly served by CARE have ended up being investigated 18, and not already be in the familiar story, the [Child Protective Services] I or having children removed from their homes. system,” explained Reynolds. Catholic Charities The agency and the pro- We consider this a very proactive way of serving gram’s state funding sources social worker ex- families and protecting children.’ have the goal that families served through the CARE plained. “I went to — Heather Reynolds program will obtain the tools they need to build strong meet this new client Catholic Charities Fort Worth president and CEO families, thus staying out of at her home,” she Child Protective Services’ came to believe she was no This spring, local Catho- system, she said. “At this recalled. longer a victim, but a capable lic Charities officials hope point, we have a 100 percent mother with the ability to ef- to create greater awareness success rate,” she noted. “This tiny, emaciated fectively care for her family. about the realities of child “None of our families who This fi le photo from Catholic woman met me at the door. “She, like so many victims abuse and neglect within Tar- have been served by CARE Charities USA depicts a young She looked like she had been of domestic violence, had rant County and to increase have ended up being investi- mother with her child. April in a war. She was so trau- felt powerless to leave the awareness of helpful resourc- gated or having children re- marks national Child Abuse matized, so fragile, and very relationship, but ultimately es within the community. moved from their homes. We Prevention month, and local fearful. We sat down togeth- she realized that she had to Several factors can indi- consider this a very proactive Catholic Charities offi cials are er, and she just fell to pieces. do so in order to protect her cate that a child is at risk of way of serving families and seeking fi nancial assistance and She told me it was such a children,” said Ed Mahan, being abused or neglected, protecting children.” volunteer hours to help support relief to talk with someone lead case manager for the said Heather Reynolds, Don Shisler, president the CARE abuse prevention who would not judge her, CARE program. “One of the president and chief executive and chief executive officer program. who would help her to know best things about the CARE officer of Catholic Charities of Union Gospel Mission of how to offer a better life to program is its flexibility. Our Diocese of Fort Worth, Inc. In Tarrant County, says that program stops the problems her children.” staff members are able to de- families experiencing stresses the CARE program offers before they start.” The caseworker’s new sign programs that help each such as economic hardships, invaluable help — such as The client who fled her client was a longtime victim family to meet their particu- substance or alcohol abuse, parenting classes, assistance abusive husband recently of domestic abuse, she ex- lar needs. In this situation, isolation, domestic violence, with budgeting, and access- sent a glowing letter of plained. Fears for the safety our social worker was able or chronic illness, children ing medical services — to thanks to Catholic Charities. of her two young children to give the client the tools often suffer from the results the homeless families he sees “CARE does a great job of had finally compelled the she needed to strengthen her of adults’ feelings of helpless- every day in the emergency teaching parenting skills and woman to flee from her hus- family and to be a successful ness, rage, or pure exhaus- shelter. modeling alternatives in dis- band after years of endur- parent. CARE is really about tion. “The CARE program social ciplining your children,” she ing his violent, controlling breaking the cycle of abuse, “That is what the CARE worker we have here on-site wrote. “From the first day behavior. which is generational.” program is all about,” said provides excellent, in-depth [the social worker] helped me With the help of services Increasing public aware- Reynolds. “We work to ad- assistance to these families, and my girls to get us on our provided through the Catho- ness of the need to ensure the dress the stress factors that, who are all, obviously, in feet…. The main service that lic Charities Community Ap- safety and welfare of children in our experience, can result crisis,” he explained. “These CARE has provided is the proach to Resource Empow- led to the creation of the first in child abuse and neglect.” children in a homeless situa- opportunity to see that I can erment (CARE) child abuse National Child Abuse Pre- Families who seem to be at tion, they need every extra bit make it and that I am a great prevention program, she and vention Month, held in April risk are referred to Catholic of care and help that they can mother.” her children embarked on of 1983. Since then, child Charities through Fort Worth get. I see the CARE program For every dollar raised in an intensive 90-day process. abuse and neglect awareness Independent School District giving these families tools for funds, volunteer hours, or During that time, the family activities have been promot- faculty and staff members, self-sufficiency, to be suc- in-kind donations, the state received individualized coun- ed across the country dur- through social workers at cessful when they transition of Texas will provide three seling, food, clothing, and ing the month of April each homeless shelters, or by out of our shelter. Children dollars to the CARE program. the help of an attorney who year, when current statistics families who have success- who are abused or neglected, For more information on assisted the young mother on child abuse and neglect fully completed the 90-day these are the ones who end how to help to prevent child in obtaining a restraining are released by the national program themselves. up with anger problems, and abuse, contact Catholic Chari- order against her husband. Department of Health and “The only criteria for we often find them in the ties at (817) 413-3926 or at Through therapy, the woman Human Services. a person to access CARE prison system later on. This [email protected]. Freshmen could attend St. Mary’s University tuition free SAN ANTONIO (CNS) — St. mate that could make college expensive, when in fact we are men for fall 2009 can qualify for ing the aid. With the full price of Mary’s University in San Anto- tuition an extreme hardship or very affordable,” said Cotrell in the tuition program if they are tuition covered, students will be nio announced a new fi nancial simply out of reach for many a statement. eligible for a federal Pell Grant able to apply other aid for which aid program called “Access St. families. “We don’t want to be off the and qualify for the St. Mary’s they are eligible toward room, Mary’s” to enable incoming It was approved by Charles table when students are consider- president’s or trustee’s academic board and other fee charges. freshmen who have excelled in Cotrell, president of the Marian- ing where to go, especially dur- scholarship. Recipients must Students must complete the high school and who have fi nan- ist-run university, and the alumni ing these tough economic times,” plan to attend St. Mary’s full time school’s undergraduate admis- cial needs to get a tuition-free association. The program is for he said. “When students choose and live in university housing. sion application, available online college education. members of the 2009-10 fresh- St. Mary’s, they are getting a The school’s annual tuition is at www.stmarytx.edu/finaid, University offi cials said the man class. huge return on their investment approximately $21,000. “Access and the U.S. government’s free program, announced Feb. 5, “There is the misconception because we have one of the high- St. Mary’s” would be a four-year application for federal student was created in response to the that St. Mary’s as a private, est graduation rates in Texas.” commitment for students who aid, found online at www.fafsa. nation’s current economic cli- liberal arts university is too Prospective full-time fresh- meet the requirements for renew- ed.gov. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 11 Diocesan Rachel Ministries conference to offer training and tools to help people heal By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen North Texas, the program is de- he incredibly deep hurt they feel is Correspondent signed to give therapists, clergy, counselors, and others involved “Tmatched only by how much they crave ccording to some in abortion recovery the tools forgiveness. Coming in touch with what their researchers, needed to help people deal with A grief and loss. Theresa Burke, a pain is like makes it much easier to address their women who terminate licensed professional counselor and founder of Rachel’s Vineyard problems in a healthy way.” a pregnancy experience Ministry, will conduct the work- — Father Tom Kennedy shop along with her husband no negative emotional Kevin Burke. Both are published Rachel Ministries of North Texas retreat chaplain authors and internationally rec- or mental effects after ognized experts in post-abortion seeing kids or babies,” the coun- they feel is matched only by the procedure. They trauma and healing. selor says. And the psychologi- how much they crave forgive- Cost of the conference before cal distress can manifest itself in ness,” says the priest, who offers claim the term “post- April 17 is $65 and includes physical symptoms, like sweating spiritual direction and counsel- lunch. Late registration is $85. The and a faster heartbeat. ing to participants attending the abortion syndrome” is continuing education workshop While ignored by many men- abortion recovery weekends. is worth 6.5 credits. tal health professionals, abortion- “Coming in touch with what a myth fabricated by Organizers say therapists who related issues are becoming more their pain is like makes it much anti-abortion forces. attend the conference will gain and more prevalent in patients easier to address their problems insight into recognizing and treat- seeking help. in a healthy way.” Don’t tell that to Lee, a middle- ing the symptoms of post-abor- “Our therapists in the Fort The presence of clergy at the aged mother of six. The Abilene tion syndrome. Despite reports to Worth Diocese have a clear retreat serves as a conduit for resident suffered bouts of depres- the contrary, 80 percent of women concern for their clients, and this individuals estranged from their sion and suicidal tendencies for who terminate a pregnancy de- conference will prepare them faith. Women and men troubled years after her 1976 abortion. velop emotional and psychologi- with the knowledge and skills by abortion trauma often feel “We were both divorced, not cal problems, says Steve Kopor, they need to diagnose and treat unworthy and create a wedge Catholic churchgoers spoke with married and had other children. a licensed professional counselor post-abortion trauma,” Kopor between themselves and the a professional counselor, prayed A pregnancy would have been who serves as the clinical director explains. Church. with clergy, and attended wor- diffi cult to explain, “ Lee says for Rachel Ministries. The conference will also “This is a way to connect ship services. citing the reason for the decision. “Of those, approximately 20 explore issues relevant to the cler- people with God and show how Today the couple not only feels “Things got worse right away. We percent have symptoms seri- gy’s role in post-abortion ministry much the Church loves and cares forgiven, but healed. They call the separated but eventually married. ous enough to be classifi ed as and the importance of connect- for them,” Fr. Kennedy says. baby they aborted, Matthew. Thirty-one years is a long time to post-traumatic stress disorder,” ing the post-abortive person to a People receiving help with “We could never fi nd peace carry shame and guilt.” he adds. larger support system. pregnancy loss and unresolved because of the loss of Matthew,” Offering hope and healing to Problems can range from Father Tom Kennedy, who grief are freed from their guilt Truett says. “It was that personal women like Lee is the focus of sleep disturbances and intrusive serves as the chaplain for Rachel’s and often feel an intense spiri- intimate experience with the liv- Pregnancy Loss & Unresolved thoughts to eating disorders, Vineyard retreats in the diocese, tual connection to their child. ing Christ that fi nally gave us a Grief — an abortion recovery depression, anxiety, substance didn’t fully understand the pain That’s how Lee and her husband, sense of resolution.” conference set for Friday, May abuse, and marriage or family felt by people affected by abortion Truett, felt at the end of a Rachel’s To register for the conference, 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the problems. until he began actively working Vineyard retreat they attended in visit www.racheltx.org and fol- Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. “Some women may avoid in the pro-life ministry. Fort Worth two years ago. During low the link to “2009 Conference” Hosted by Rachel Ministries of going places like parks for fear of “The incredibly deep hurt the weekend, the devout non- or call (817) 923-4757. Pastoral theologian to speak on Nolan Catholic hosts middle diocesan anniversary theme school summer band camp The diocesan Office of Adult Cat- drawn into this life of communion. This Middle School band members from through completing the eighth grade. echesis has invited Douglas Bushman, communion is also the vital source of all across the Metroplex are invited to at- Band members from public schools are STL, director of the Institute for Pastoral mission and service in the Church.” tend the Nolan Catholic High School’s welcome to attend. Theology at Ave Maria University, to Bushman’s work in pastoral theology ninth annual Middle School Summer Camp will be held in the Music Hall speak on Wednesday, April 22 from 7:30 and the master’s program he directs Band Camp June 8-12 from 9 a.m. to of the Multi-Purpose Activity Center at to 9 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church’s are recognized nationwide as faithfully 12 p.m. Nolan Catholic High School located at parish hall located at 861 Wildwood Ln. developing the teachings of the Second Summer band camp provides op- 4501 Bridge St. in East Fort Worth. An in Grapevine. In the talk, titled “The Vatican Council, Pope John Paul II, and portunities to bring together young end-of-camp concert will be held on Spirituality of Communion: God’s Gift Pope Benedict XVI. Besides numerous musicians from across the Metroplex June 12 at 11 a.m. and Our Task,” Bushman will speak and articles in Catholic magazines, he is the and learn from some of the best music Cost of the camp is $75 which includes reflect on Communio, the theme Bishop author of In His Image: Program of Renewal teachers in the area, according to a press five days of group, ensemble, and in- Vann has chosen for the diocese’s 40th through Education (1990), introductions release. dividual instrument instruction, and a Anniversary Celebration. to a new publication of The Sixteen “Participants will be able to perform concert experience. The cost is $65 for “This is a great opportunity to learn Documents of Vatican II (1999) and several in both concert and jazz bands as well those who register and pay by 5 p.m. more about this theme and how we are articles in the forthcoming Catholic Ency- as attend master classes,” said Camp on Friday, May 22, and an additional called to live in communion as a local and clopedia of Apologetics and Evangelization. Director Chuck Compher. “Summer $10 can be saved for each new student universal Church,” say event organizers In addition, he also appears regularly on band camp is a great way to help mo- referred to this year’s camp. in a press release. Catholic radio and television. tivate students to practice during the For more information and to register, According to the release, the presen- There is no cost to attend. For more summer months.” visit the “Band” page on the school’s tation will address how “communion information, contact Lucas Pollice, di- The camp is geared toward private Web site at www.nolancatholichs.org is the inner mystery of God’s own life rector of the diocese’s Office of Adult and parochial school students who or contact Melissa Korzekwa at mkorze- and how in Jesus Christ the very life of Catechesis at (817) 560-3300 ext. 260 or have completed at least one year of [email protected], or at (817) God becomes a gift so that we can be at [email protected]. band and are entering the fifth grade 457-2920 ext. 1733. Page 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Viewpoints Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives purpose to our faith

By Lucas Pollice Thus, the Resurrection is at the very s we continue to Thus, the Resurrection is at the very heart of the Christian heart of the Christian faith. If Christ is not celebrate the Year faith. If Christ is not truly risen, then all is in vain. However, truly risen, then all is in vain. However, our hope as Christians lies precisely in that Christ is alive our hope as Christians lies precisely in of St. Paul, in which that Christ is alive and is present and and is present and working in and through the Church. working in and through the Church. Our A we commemorate the 2,000th task is to live as if Christ is truly risen! Do Our task is to live as if Christ is truly risen! Do we really we really believe that Christ is risen and anniversary of his birth, I believe that Christ is risen and has truly conquered sin and has truly conquered sin and death? Do our lives truly refl ect this? St. Paul chal- thought it would be appro- death? Do our lives truly refl ect this? St. Paul challenges us to lenges us to vibrantly live our lives alive priate to refl ect on St. Paul’s vibrantly live our lives alive in Christ: in Christ: teachings on the Resurrection If then you were raised with Christ, seek For Paul, just as the disobedience of Church in Corinth to correct both liturgi- what is above, where Christ is seated at of Christ. St. Paul himself Adam brought death to all, the obedience cal abuse and doctrinal error. One of the the right hand of God. Think of what is of Christ through his death brings life to dangerous heresies circulating around above, not of what is on earth. For you have powerfully encountered the all in the Resurrection. In the same way Corinth was a denial of the resurrection of died, and your life is hidden with Christ in Risen Christ on the Road to that Original Sin affected all of humanity, the dead. Paul forcefully corrects this er- God. When Christ your life appears, then the Resurrection changes and elevates the ror, explaining the consequences of such you too will appear with him in glory. Put Damascus, and this encoun- entire human family to a dignity beyond a teaching: to death, then, the parts of you that are measure. Thus, Easter morning is truly earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, ter changed his identity and the dawn of a new humanity, a new But if Christ is preached as raised from the evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. creation transformed and alive in Christ. dead, how can some among you say there Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy mission forever. St. Paul has What then, are the true consequences of is no resurrection of the dead? If there is and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kind- left us a treasury of teachings the Resurrection of Christ? Paul con- no resurrection of the dead, then neither ness, humility, gentleness, and patience, cludes with this powerful passage: has Christ been raised. And if Christ has bearing with one another and forgiving on the Resurrection itself and not been raised, then empty (too) is our one another, if one has a grievance against What then shall we say to this? If God is preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so the profound consequences for us, who can be against us? He who we are also false witnesses to God, because must you also do. And over all these put did not spare his own Son but handed we testifi ed against God that he raised on love, that is, the bond of perfection. for the human family and for him over for us all, how will he not also Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact And let the peace of Christ control your each of us in our own lives. give us everything else along with him? the dead are not raised. For if the dead hearts, the peace into which you were also Who will bring a charge against God’s are not raised, neither has Christ been called in one body. And be thankful. Let chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. raised, and if Christ has not been raised, the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as The fi rst of Paul’s powerful passages Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus your faith is vain; you are still in your in all wisdom you teach and admonish comes in his letter to the Romans where who died, rather, was raised, who also sins. Then those who have fallen asleep one another, singing psalms, hymns, and he speaks of Christ as the New Adam is at the right hand of God, who indeed in Christ have perished. spiritual songs with gratitude in your who reverses the sin and death of Adam. intercedes for us. What will separate us If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, hearts to God. And whatever you do, Through the mystery of his death and from the love of Christ? Will anguish, we are the most pitiable people of all. in word or in deed, do everything in the Resurrection, Christ brings life and grace or distress, or persecution, or famine, or — 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to to all: nakedness, or peril, or the sword? For I God the Father through him. am convinced that neither death, nor life, Paul then teaches us the reality of the — Colossians 3:1-5;12-17 Therefore, just as through one person sin nor angels, nor principalities, nor present Resurrection: that Christ is truly alive and entered the world, and through sin, death, things, nor future things, nor powers, nor has destroyed sin and death forever and May we, through the intercession of St. and thus death came to all, inasmuch as height, nor depth, nor any other creature that the mystery of the Resurrection trans- Paul, encounter anew the life and grace of all sinned — for up to the time of the law, will be able to separate us from the love forms us from being dead to sin to being the Risen Christ and become more effective sin was in the world, though sin is not of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. alive in Christ and complete sharers in his witnesses of the truth of the Resurrection. accounted when there is no law. But death — Romans 8:31-35; 38-39 victory over death: It is only through the grace, power, and reigned from Adam to Moses, even over conviction of the Resurrection that we can those who did not sin after the pattern of Therefore, if Christ is truly raised from Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not be the instruments that transform our cul- the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the dead and has truly defeated sin and all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, ture into a culture of life and civilization of the one who was to come. But the gift is death, then what do we have to be afraid in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the love so that all may come to know fullness not like the transgression. For if by that of? This message is particularly important last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, of life in Christ. Happy Easter! one person’s transgression the many died, for us to remember this Easter as we pres- the dead will be raised incorruptible, and how much more did the grace of God and ently face many moral, economic, and for- we shall be changed. For that which is the gracious gift of the one person Jesus eign threats in our world today. We need corruptible must clothe itself with incor- Lucas Pollice is director of Christ overfl ow for the many. And the gift to remember that ultimately Jesus Christ ruptibility, and that which is mortal must Catechesis and Adult Faith is not like the result of the one person’s is victorious, and nothing can separate us clothe itself with immortality. And when Formation and RCIA for the sinning. For after one sin there was the from the love of Christ. We must also be this which is corruptible clothes itself with diocese. Lucas holds a degree judgment that brought condemnation; but convicted that we must work diligently incorruptibility and this which is mortal in theology from the Francis- the gift after many transgressions, brought to live and preach the Gospel in our own clothes itself with immortality, then the can University of Steubenville acquittal. For if, by the transgression of lives in order to bring about Christ’s vic- word that is written shall come about: and has a master’s degree in one person, death came to reign through tory and not allow worry, stress, greed, or “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, theological studies from the Institute for that one, how much more will those who indifference to rob us of our share in the O death, is your victory? Where, O death, Pastoral Theology of Ave Maria University. receive the abundance of grace and of the salvation of Christ. is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, He is an adjunct professor of theology with gift of justifi cation come to reign in life We also see St. Paul’s most explicit and and the power of sin is the law. But thanks the Cardinal Newman Institute in Fort through the one person Jesus Christ. developed teaching on the Resurrection be to God who gives us the victory through Worth. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have fi ve — Romans 5:15-17 of Christ in his First Letter to the Corin- our Lord Jesus Christ. children, Cecilia, Nicholas, Timothy, Chris- thians. Paul was writing his letter to the — 1 Corinthians 51-57 tian, and Julia. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 13 Views

Nattie’s note reminds us all: Stem Cell Decision We can ask for help too a step toward darkness

By Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

resident even to save themselves. Sadly, the president’s stem-cell deci- Obama, on The president is sion encourages this kind of un- offering Americans ethical behavior by an emotion- March 9, 2009, al appeal to patient desperation. P the prospect of using The president’s ethical mistake signed an important the powers of science is further compounded by the executive order that fact that remarkable and power- to oppress, or more ful scientifi c alternatives exist, By Kathy Cribari Hamer vastly expanded accurately, to suppress such as cellular reprogramming the youngest members on the one hand, or the use of federal funding for adult or umbilical cord stem ike most fi ve or six-year-old of the human family human embryonic cells on the other, neither of to serve the interests which requires ever laying a athletes, my granddaughter stem-cell research and hand on a human embryo. Natalie’s major athletic concern of older and more His stem-cell decision also L crossed a signifi cant wealthy members. manifests a troubling shift is soccer fi eld fl ora. toward a more widespread and and troubling ethical systemic form of oppression In addition to noticing grass or weeds, however, line. they feigned they couldn’t hear within our society. The presi- Natalie is interested in looking pretty out there. That in- him and continued to swim dent is offering Americans the tuitive description comes from her paternal grandfather, This decision, and the rheto- out even further. Their dad got prospect of using the powers of a longtime award-winning coach and athletic director ric during the signing, encour- nervous, and began to walk out science to oppress, or more ac- whose true ecstasy is watching his grandchildren’s aged scientists and researchers into the water, as it got deeper curately, to suppress the young- childhood sports. to enter the moral quagmire and deeper, and suddenly he est members of the human Natalie takes the fi eld in pink uniform, pink cleats, of taking some human lives in moved into the drop-off section family to serve the interests of French-braided hair with side-by-side pink hairbows order to benefi t others. During and began sinking. older and more wealthy mem- and pink cheeks. his signing speech, in order From a distance, the boys bers. He is offering Americans After the game, her grandfather, Papa, will give her to support his decision, the spotted him fl ailing around in the prospect of reducing fellow his standard praise, the same words he says to each of president invoked the name of the water, gasping for breath, human beings to cogs and com- his four grandchildren whose multiple events are our Christopher Reeve and other trying to keep his head above modities in the assembly line of family’s Saturday fare. patients desperate to fi nd cures water, and slapping the water the medico-business industrial “I love watching you play,” he will say, hug them, for their ailments. with his hands. They suddenly complex. and beam. Desperation, however, rarely realized he was drowning, and Many Americans, however, Natalie, like her grandfather, glows happily at her makes for good ethics. swam toward him. As they got seem only vaguely aware of games, which she plays with her aptly-named team, I once heard a true story near him, he yelled at them not what has transpired in the “Tickled Pink.” I laugh inside when they kick off be- that brought this point home to come any closer. He cried president’s decision. Supreme cause Nattie always glances at her family in attendance, for me in a dramatic way. The out, “Get away! Don’t touch Court Justice William O. Doug- fl ashing a smile. She proceeds with the quality I love story involved a father and his me!” In fear, they kept their las once commented on the way most about her, the quality she has shown since baby- two young sons. They had a distance until he stopped strug- that oppression can subtly arise hood: unbridled joy. favorite swimming hole out gling in the water, and began to in our midst: “As nightfall does Playing the game, Natalie skips a little, sometimes in the countryside which they sink beneath the surface, with not come at once, neither does combining skip steps with sideways running that would visit on hot summer gurgling and bubbling. oppression. In both instances, reminds me of sewing machine stitches: right, together, days. The father, however, had As he slipped into uncon- there’s a twilight where ev- right, together, leaving a long connected mark of new never learned to swim, while sciousness, the boys approached erything remains seemingly cleat-steps on the recently-mown fi eld. the boys had learned when him and grabbed him as best unchanged, and it is in such And, like the other children, Nattie is frequently they were younger and could they could and dragged him twilight that we must be aware interrupted by the sight of the grass itself, the clover or swim moderately well. back to shore, where he sput- of change in the air, however dandelions nearby — or the fl uffy weeds billowing at a Their father would sit on tered and revived and fi nally slight, lest we become unwitting distance, outside the fence that separates soccer from, the shore while the boys would coughed out the water he had victims of the darkness.” well, everything else God made. swim inside a line of bright taken in. Later, the boys asked Some would suggest that Like a true kindergartener, Natalie’s attention is red buoys that marked where him why he shouted at them to perhaps the darkness is already easily interrupted by the creations her Father in heaven the shelf on the fl oor of the stay away. He said he was afraid upon us. But a few moments placed there before he even placed her. So, she steals a swimming hole would drop off if he put his hand on them, he of twilight may still remain, in glance, looking around at the sky, the fl owers, his gifts steeply. Each year, the father would drag them under the which Americans can turn back of spring, his signs of life. would tell his sons not to cross water with him. He knew that a the moral darkness that threat- Sometimes Natalie’s consciousness is broken with that line, because if they did, desperate person would reach ens our society and our future. words: “Run, Natalie!” So, like Forrest Gump, she runs! he would not be able to swim for almost anything nearby in One night in early Lent, Natalie wrote a letter to God. out and rescue them. Each year order to save himself, maybe Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk earned It was on the evening after a soccer game at which the they would faithfully obey. even his own children, and he his doctorate in neuroscience from coach (Nattie’s own dad) had encouraged her to hustle This particular year, however, didn’t want to do that. Yale and did post-doctoral work at more — such a bore, such an interruption for a creative, they decided to challenge their We must be similarly con- Harvard. He is a priest of the dio- fun-loving child — and he suggested, “practice your dad’s authority and venture cerned in our society when cese of Fall River, Massachussets, running.” beyond the buoys. scientists and desperate patients and serves as the Director of Edu- That message stuck with Nattie. As they swam beyond the are tempted to put their hand cation at The National Catholic So she took 10 minutes before bedtime, carefully line, their father saw them and onto our embryonic children Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. SEE HAMER, P. 30 called out to them to return, but in a bid to alleviate suffering or See www.ncbcenter.org. Page 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 International Oils from Chrism Mass represent a symbol for priests of diocese to Recommit to ministry Story and photos by Kathy Cribari Hamer Correspondent hen Bish- op Kevin WVann pro- cessed into St. Pat- rick Cathedral for the celebration of the ABOVE: Deacons Simón Tórrez (left) and Rubén Castañeda process from the 2009 Chrism Mass, cathedral with blessed holy oil from this year’s Chrism Mass. a young St. Mary of LEFT: Bishop Kevin Vann prays over the Assumption pa- the sacred oils at the Chrism Mass, assisted on the altar by seminarian rishioner unoffi cially Stephen Hauck, a third-year philosophy student at the University of Dallas. greeted him, reach- BELOW: All priests of the diocese gathered with the bishop on the ing into the aisle to cathedral’s altar to renew their commitment to their vows of ministry. clasp his hand. “All these events taken to- experience for the community, gether pull us out of the pres- beginning with their line-up The gesture of that hand- ent moment of our lives to on a busy Fort Worth side- clasp, between 12-year-old some sense of the timelessness walk, and culminating with Brigid Condors and the and eternity in every eucha- their gathering around the bishop of the Diocese of Fort ristic celebration, and together cathedral altar to concelebrate Worth, seemed to personalize with every Chrism Mass that with the bishop. what Bishop Vann called the has been celebrated for nearly Bishop Vann spoke of the yearly liturgy: “The Body of 40 years in our diocesan fam- priesthood in his homily, Christ in sacred assembly.” ily,” he said. quoting Extraordinary Lives, Brigid was one of the par- Looking back at the birth a book that likens the priest- ish emissaries who presented of the Church in North Texas, hood to the story of Zaccheus, holy oils and chrism during when French missionaries a diminutive tax collector in the offertory procession. St. brought their faith to the the Gospel of Luke. Zaccheus Mary of the Assumption pa- area, the bishop said, “We are climbed a sycamore tree to rishioners were bearers of the with all of them today, with see Jesus as he passed by, the death and in life.” the Chrism Mass this day,” Oil of Catechumens, and rep- the same Lord, to profess the book described, and added, The Chrism Mass was a Bishop Vann concluded, “as resentatives from Immaculate same faith that they did. The “Every priest is a Zaccheus.” broadly supported effort, with we cast our eyes and turn Heart of Mary Parish in Fort blessing of these oils teaches Bishop Vann went on to representatives from all parts toward Holy Week, may the Worth, and Holy Redeemer how the Lord lives along with explain, “In their ministry of of the diocese. St. Andrew Lord bless our priests and all Parish in Aledo, were bearers us still, and how he is still preaching and teaching and Church’s Adult Choir, direct- gathered here this day. May for the Oil of the Sick and the present in word and sacra- sanctifying, which the oils re- ed by Jerry Bierschenk, pro- he bless in fact all of us, in Sacred Chrism. ment. mind us of today, priests share vided the music and fourth- these most sacred days which “It thrills Brigid to see the “This visible moment of their unimpeded view of the degree Knights of Columbus lie just ahead of us, in which bishop,” Brigid’s mother, Pam solidarity and community Lord that they have after or- from the General the Lord beckons us, to come, McGehee said, explaining the stands as an eloquent, time- dination, with all who come Worth Assembly to be, and to walk with him.” child calls him “’ship Vann.” less witness to this culture their way, so that God may provided an “I do believe she is his and time that not only is indeed be visible, and known honor guard. greatest fan! She also loves indifferent to God, but tries to with love, in good times and “As we pray Father David Bristow (the push us apart from the reality in bad, in joy and sorrow, in these prayers of family’s priest at St. Mary of of the risen Lord,” he said. the Assumption) and ‘The The annual Chrism Mass, Hope,’ which is her name for historically celebrated on the Holy Father.” Holy Thursday morning, In his homily, Bishop Vann takes place in the Diocese of said this year’s Chrism Mass Fort Worth one week earlier, brought together four impor- so that the holy oils may be tant elements: the diocese’s distributed to every parish in approaching 40th anniversary time for the Easter vigil. celebration, the final months The solemn liturgy is the of the Year of St. Paul (June occasion not only for the 2008-2009), the approach- blessing of the oils, but also ing Year of the Priesthood, for a public gathering of all dedicated to St. John Vian- diocesan priests to renew ney (June 2009-2010), and the Brigid Condors, a young parish emissary from St. Mary of their commitment to the vows Fred and Mary Lopez, parishioners at St. Patrick Cathedral, fourth anniversary of Pope the Assumption Parish who presented holy oils and chrism of ministry. The grand proces- help to prepare the holy oils for distribution to parishes John Paul II’s death. during the liturgy, reaches out to greet Bishop Vann as he sion of clergy is a rare visual throughout the diocese. processed into Mass. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 15 National Parish leaders attend Why Catholic? launching workshops

By Nicki Prevou Editorial Assistant Photos by Donna Ryckaert Evangelization Workshops in English

enacing thunder- Day Date Time Church City storms and heavy Wednesday April 22 11 a.m. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Decatur M Wednesday April 22 7 p.m. St. Michael Bedford rains failed to dampen the Thursday April 23 10:30 a.m. Catholic Center Fort Worth Thursday April 23 7 p.m. Most Blessed Sacrament Arlington enthusiasm of participants Friday April 24 7 p.m. St. Ann Burleson Saturday April 25 10 a.m. Catholic Center Fort Worth at the evening gathering Saturday April 25 3 p.m. St. Rita Ranger Sunday April 26 3 p.m. Sacred Heart Wichita Falls held March 11 at St. Andrew Monday April 27 10:30 a.m. St. Vincent de Paul Arlington Church in Southwest Fort Monday April 27 7 p.m. Immaculate Conception Denton Worth. year period, explore the four pillars of the More than 150 Catholics met in teams Catechism of the and representing pastors, staff members, and offer in-depth information and insight into volunteer leaders from parishes across the core beliefs, the sacraments, morality, and diocese for one of the six English language prayer. Sessions will be offered in English “Launching Workshops” held in March as and in Spanish in parishes throughout the part of the Why Catholic? Journey Through diocese. the Catechism process. “I know that about [15] years ago, the “Evangelization Workshops” will also RENEW program was in this diocese,” be held for the parish teams during the said Sr. Thomas as she welcomed work- week of April 22-27 (see schedule, right). shop participants on March 11. “Over the The Why Catholic? process, now in years, RENEW has changed its process its planning stages within the Diocese somewhat, but the emphasis upon the val- of Fort Worth, is presented by RENEW ue of small communities and faith-sharing International, a Newark, New Jersey- within those communities has remained. based Catholic ministry organization, as a Small Christian community,” she added, vehicle for adults to explore the richness “is at the heart and soul of the process.” Father Richard Flores, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, works with cathedral parishioners of their Catholic faith and to apply it to Workshop participants listened intently Carla Gonzales (center) and Sarah Frost on plans for WHY CATHOLIC? sessions to be offered their daily lives. Based on the Catechism to information presented in the fi rst half this fall. of the Catholic Church, the United States of the evening, then had an opportu- Catholic Catechism for Adults, and Scrip- nity to take part in practice faith-sharing ture, Why Catholic? is described by Father sessions.“It’s really exciting to be here and Carmen Mele, OP, diocesan coordinator of to take part in this effort to revitalize our the Why Catholic? program, as “a dynamic Catholic faith in Wise County,” said Victor adult faith formation program for the Gonzalez, a team leader representing St. renewal of parish life.” John the Baptizer Church in Bridgeport. Sister Marie Cooper, SJC, and Sister “I’ve been involved in RCIA for quite Patricia Thomas, OP, of RENEW Inter- some time and I really enjoy that ministry, national, served as workshop presenters which is why I decided to become in- at the March Launching Workshops. The volved with Why Catholic? Our pastor sees purpose of the Launching Workshops was this as a great opportunity for evangeliza- to help parish teams learn how to imple- tion within our parish.” ment Why Catholic? to offer practical sug- The most important aspect of the pro- gestions for inviting maximum participa- cess, however, is the opportunity “to build tion in all parishes and to share resources up the spirit of evangelization and give Texas Christian University Catholic Community students Paul Petrie, Veronica Sandoval on how to effectively lead the sessions. people the opportunity to grow deeper in (center), and Kristin Pelzel discuss ways to encourage other college students from their to Forty-eight sessions, held over a four- faith,” said Fr. Mele. participate in WHY CATHOLIC? sessions. Cassata High School hosts annual Noche de Gracias By Nicki Prevou Lancarte, will host the event as the Diocese of Fort Worth. graduated and are continuing evening will include luxury din- Editorial Assistant longtime supporters of the high “This unique educational their education at colleges, trade, ners, hotel accommodations, and The 12th annual celebration school. institution serves far beyond or technical schools, are gainfully tickets to an evening at Bass Hall of Noche de Gracias, a “night of Cassata High School, founded the Catholic community,” Cas- employed, or have enlisted in the in downtown Fort Worth. thanks” fundraising event bene- in 1975 with the name “Cassata sata president Sal Espino, said, military,” added Espino. Tables for 10 for corporations fi ting Cassata High School in Fort Learning Center,” offers small noting that the school welcomes Espino described the fund- or private parties are available Worth, will be held Tuesday, April class sizes, a self-paced curricu- students of all faiths and back- raising event as “an evening of at prices ranging from $1,500 28 at Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant, lum, and personalized instruc- grounds. “[We] have a track “feasting, entertainment, and to $3,000. To reserve a table, located at 2201 N. Commerce St. tion designed to meet the needs record of educating at-risk stu- prize awards in recognition of purchase individual tickets, or in Fort Worth. A social hour will of students seeking an alternative dents,” said Espino, noting that [our] non-traditional high school, for more information, call the begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a to a traditional high school. The more than 3,500 students have frequently referred to as the ‘high school’s development office buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m. Joe T. school was named for Bishop graduated from the school since school of hope.’” at (817) 926-1745 or e-mail to Garcia’s owners, Jody and Lanny John Cassata, the fi rst bishop of 1975. “Last year 68 students Prizes to be won during the sfl [email protected]. Page 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Jesus’ Resurrection shows us the fullness of New LifeGod has prepared for all who believe

Food for Thought he second reading for the Mass of TEaster Day reminds us: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:3-4). What comforting words! The sin of Adam still renders all of man- kind spiritually dead. “But God, who is rich in mercy, be- cause of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ. ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8)! Not only does God grant us salvation through Christ, he gives us the gift of faith to believe that Jesus is our Messiah! When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the lifeless man never could have responded had Jesus not also given him the power to obey. So just as Jesus called Lazarus back from death, he likewise calls those who are his own — a gift from his Father before the foundation of time — giving us also the power to respond in faith. Hallelujah! Carole Norris Greene “When the resurrected Jesus appears to the apostles, he imparts to them a profound experience of his glorifi ed, bodily presence,” writes ASSOCIATE EDITOR, FAITH ALIVE! Benedictine Father Dale Launderville, a Scripture scholar. (CNS photo/Crosiers) The resurrected Jesus encounters his apostles: Why their meetings were so critical

By Father Dale Launderville, OSB This reality of Jesus’ ongoing presence fi gment of their imaginations. breaking into our lives even now. Catholic News Service in the world is made known by the acts of The resurrection of Jesus’ body not only The earthly and the resurrected Jesus faith, hope, and love of the apostles. gives hope of a life after death, it also raises is a paradoxical fi gure; he challenges the hen the resurrected Jesus ap- As Jesus’ resurrected body becomes the value that we ascribe to the human suffi ciency of the judgments of our com- pears to the apostles, he imparts incarnated in the community of believers, body. mon sense. His submission to the forces Wto them a profound experience of it becomes the primary place in which we This body is a privileged place in which of violence goes contrary to typical ways his glorifi ed, bodily presence. This encoun- acknowledge God’s desire to draw us into we come to know God. God not only chal- of human behavior, and so he becomes a ter not only gives them courage but also the sphere of divine love. lenges us through physical trials but also stone rejected by those who would build moves them to refl ect on who Jesus is. The apostles already saw Jesus’ miracu- communicates his love to us through our up their lives only with materials they can During his earthly life, Jesus walked lous healings and the powerful impact of interactions with others and through our control. with the apostles and shared a wide range his preaching. But more importantly, they bodily perception of his divine presence. But the truth of Jesus’ paradoxical way of experiences with them. These kinds of heard his that he had to suffer, With Jesus’ resurrection, we learn that of living is confi rmed through his resurrec- human interaction are the privileged places die, and rise from the dead, and now saw it our bodies will be raised in a transformed tion: The stone that the builders rejected in which God quietly lets us humans know fulfi lled! state and will come to deeper communion has become the head of the corner (Psalm that he is with us. Their earlier expectation for a trium- with God. We do not simply discard our 118:22). The apostles were in the unique position phant, earthly Messiah who would crush bodies at death but continue to exist with We join in the apostles’ Easter proclama- of being able to make known the continu- his opponents was transformed into an Jesus in a physically transformed way. tion by embracing this Jesus who longs to ity between the earthly and the resurrected abiding hope that the resurrected Jesus Our experience of aging raises questions be present with us. The truth of this procla- Jesus. They are the chosen ones who are to conquered death and is imparting to them about who we are and what will become mation becomes more vivid and persuasive testify by their words and actions that Jesus a love that is stronger than death. of our bodies. At times, Jesus’ dramatic as our way of life manifests the presence of is still present among them in the Spirit. This conviction that Jesus has opened a triumph over death seems almost too good the Spirit of Jesus and his Father. The resurrected Jesus’ body is trans- way through death to new life is strength- to be true. His resurrected reality seems to formed, but still bears the marks of his ened by the apostles’ testifying to one be a stumbling block along with his diffi cult Benedictine Father Launderville is a earthly identity and experience, for he eats another that this reality of the resurrected message of loving one’s enemies and his Scripture scholar at St. John’s University, and drinks with his apostles. Jesus is a tangible reality and not simply a claim that God’s kingdom is at hand and Collegeville, Minnesota. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 17 Christ the Lord, Risen to New Life Resurrection: Not to be confused with resuscitation By David Gibson St. Paul wrote that Christians were Catholic News Service incorporated by baptism into Christ’s body. Though members of the community dif- father told me his child died for a “Easter fered in ethnicity or talents or wealth, each few moments after falling seriously also would become the one was a valued, needed part of Christ’s Aill and being rushed to the hospital premier time of year for body. where the child’s vital signs were revived. That Christians are joined with Christ’s After a recovery period, the child’s life baptisms, a development body is no small statement to make. journey resumed. Christ’s life, this suggests, gives baptized Such accounts no longer are rare. Con- that makes complete Christians vitality. temporary medicine sometimes restores My wife and I photographed the “old life, sometimes extends it. Patients are sense,” notes David Gib- creation” — stunning mountain settings, enabled to continue the life they’ve known. son. “Isn’t baptism the glistening waterways — when we visited Was Jesus’ resurrection like that? Did Alaska recently. life continue as before? sacrament of new life The new creation, however, is visible Not exactly. whenever God, neighbors, and enemies are The early Christians saw Easter as the in Christ, who died and loved. Christ’s new life is glimpsed when day of new life. A new creation was born rose?” (CNS photo/Bill people sacrifi ce, live simply, act selfl essly, with Jesus’ death — and resurrection! or serve as healing agents in troubled situ- The new creation even gained a label: Wittman) ations. “the eighth day.” If a seven-day week char- The new creation’s horizons are wide. acterized our world’s original creation, the Participants in Christ’s new life, his body’s eighth day signifi ed that time itself now was Christian faith affi rms, Fr. Senior said, they grasped that he’d risen and that they members, are impelled to serve life, transformed. that “Jesus, who truly died, who lost his shared in his new, transformed life. transform it, and not give up on it, even in Passionist Father Donald Senior, in a life, was transformed by the power of God So Easter was to become an annual cel- highly diffi cult circumstances. 2008 speech, discussed bodily resurrec- and given renewed life, new corporeal, ebration not solely of what happened “to” In the new creation, life often is re- tion — including the resurrection of the bodily life.” Yes, this still was Jesus, but his Jesus long ago. Easter would celebrate his stored, revitalized — but not just in order dead that all Christians anticipate. The “body-spirit is transformed and has new new life and how it transformed people and to continue as before. U.S. biblical scholar said St. Paul, address- power.” their world. ing the Corinthians, made clear that bodily No wonder the early Christians took the Easter also would become the premier David Gibson served on Catholic News resurrection should not be “confused with resurrection seriously! time of year for baptisms, a development Service’s editorial staff for 37 years. When resuscitation.” Bodily resurrection “is not Like Christians today, early Chris- that makes complete sense. Isn’t baptism he retired as special projects editor at some kind of rescue from a near-death tians struggled with Easter’s implications the sacrament of new life in Christ, who CNS, he was the editor of ORIGINS and the experience; it is not more of the same.” — what it meant for Jesus and them. But died and rose? columns and Faith Alive! packages. Sometimes God sends us a messenger By Jeff Hedglen ence to see the place of burial for the dead NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC teeming with life, color, and beauty. These two stories bring to life the mes- ecently, while on a retreat, I saw a These two stories bring to life sage of Easter. Death is not the end. Loss short movie that begins in a fl ower of life on this earth does not have to be Rshop. An older gentleman is look- the message of Easter. eternally sad. Yes, loss hurts deeply and ing at cards and puts them back if they are grieving those who have died is real and too expensive. He is looking for a plant too, Death is not the end. Loss of life on this earth does not have to important, but for those who believe in Je- but tends to look mostly at the small potted sus, grief is not only bitter, it is also sweet. ones. He looks worn out and very sad. Early in the morning, that fi rst Easter, In comes a teenager with lots of energy. be eternally sad. Yes loss hurts deeply and grieving those who the women went to Jesus’ tomb to continue He goes straight for the fresh fl owers and their mourning. They are greeted and told seems undecided about the medium or have died is real and important, but for those who that this is not a place to mourn, for Jesus large size. He moves on to the cards and has been raised. The shock and confusion next to the balloons, where he chooses one believe in Jesus, grief is not only bitter, had to have been staggering. Memories of that says “I love you.” A young lady behind Jesus saying he would rise again must have the counter is a bit envious of whoever he rushed into their heads. I imagine they is buying all this for. it is also sweet. were too afraid to believe that this might The older man sees the young man and actually be true. says under his breath: “Wait 30 years, bud- I think the old man in the movie had dy.” It is so clear that one man is bitter and awe, sadness, smiles, and curiosity. Then to set things right. Of course I have no idea also forgotten the promise of Jesus, and wounded and the other is alive with hope. the retreat leader says this: “What does this if that actually happens because the movie seeing the young man, he too had the The young man purchases his gifts and tell us about believing in the resurrection?” has ended. memories of long held belief come rush- moves on. In the next scene we see the The question penetrates my heart and One thing is certain, I have never ing back. I imagine him returning to the older man walking down a sidewalk. He bangs around inside my brain. Immediately brought balloons to my mom’s grave, and cemetery standing at the grave of his dearly comes to a short brick wall, and we realize I think, well the young man has it fi gured now I am thinking about doing just that. loved bride, arms fi lled with flowers and he is headed to a cemetery. Now we know out, and the old man is too wrapped up in My wife’s hometown is in the hills of heart overfl owing with hope and love why he is so sad. He despondently looks his loss to be joyful. Then I begin to wonder southwest Germany. The cemetery in her reaching to the . into the burial ground, and his eyes get if the young man is really a messenger sent town is one of the most beautiful places Alleluia Alleluia! big as he sees the young man standing at a for the older gentleman. I have ever been. Each grave always has grave. He looks at his small withering plant, Upon seeing the big fl owers and “I love fresh fl owers and greenery planted; some Jeff Hedglen, is youth minister at St. Bar- then back at the young man and turns to go you balloon” of the young man, he looks at have candles burning. When I visit there I tholomew Parish in Southwest Fort Worth back to the fl ower shop. his meager gift and realizes that this is not always see people on their hands and knees and chief organizer of Camp Fort Worth. The lights come up and those of us on a fi tting expression of his feelings for his tending to the resting place of their loved He and his wife Monika are active parish- the retreat look at each other with wonder, loved one who has died. So he turns around one. It is a strange but faith-fi lled experi- ioners at St. Bartholomew’s. Page 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Christ the Lord, Risen to New Life Women: First witnesses of the resurrected Jesus By Joseph F. Kelly Catholic News Service

he Gospel narratives of Jesus’ When the women go to resurrection from the dead contain Taccounts of his appearances to sev- eral of his followers — those on the road to anoint Jesus’ body, Emmaus, doubting Thomas. These stories are well-known. they encounter an empty Less well-known, however, is that all four Gospels recount that the initial tomb and a heavenly being witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection were all women. who informs them that Jesus This may surprise some people today; in the ancient world, it would have stunned has risen from the dead and everyone. Women played a diminished role in ancient society. They were considered that they should inform his weaker and less intelligent than men. They could not hold public offi ce, nor could they other disciples. (CNS photo/ bear witness in court by themselves. Their testimony had validity only if validated by Crosiers) their husbands or other men. Yet the Gospels affi rm that women were the fi rst witnesses to the resurrection. This leads to two other points about women in the Gospels. to him. In his account of Jesus and the over to his church. pel. Mary encounters Jesus but does not — First, the Gospels speak of the Twelve Samaritan woman, the evangelist John tells The four Gospel accounts do not agree recognize him; she thinks he is a gardener. Apostles, but they also speak gener- us that the apostles “were amazed that he exactly on all the details, but the combined This follows a central theme of John’s ally of “disciples” whose ranks included was talking with a woman”! But to Jesus, accounts are of pious Jewish women who Gospel: People like Nicodemus and the women. These women played a great role all people were equal. want to anoint Jesus’ body, a ritual honor- Samaritan woman, for example, do not in supporting Jesus and the apostles. The Luke’s Gospel also emphasizes the role ing the deceased. But instead of fi nding initially understand Jesus, but in faith they Gospel of Luke tells us, for example, that that Jesus’ mother Mary played in the a closed tomb, they encounter an empty come to know who he really is. women “provided for them out of their own economy of salvation when she accepts tomb and a heavenly being who informs Thus Mary Magdalene represents all resources,” helped pay for the lodging and the angel’s announcement that she was them that Jesus has risen from the dead believers for whom accepting the risen food that a group constantly on the move to be the mother of the Lord. As such, a and that they should inform his other Christ is a challenge. But God’s gift of faith would need. woman acted decisively when Jesus began disciples. enables us to embrace that challenge. — The second and far more important his salvifi c mission to humanity, and the Women were the fi rst ones commis- point about women in the Gospels is that evangelists recount how several women sioned to accept and report the good news Joseph Kelly chairs the Department of Re- Jesus rose above the prejudices of his day, acted decisively when Jesus completed his of Christ’s resurrection! ligious Studies at John Carroll University prejudices shared even by those closest salvifi c mission, which he would soon turn Consider Mary Magdalene in John’s Gos- in Cleveland. Easter’s call to those Easter Catholics

By Dan Morris potential impact of an Easter or Christmas from baseball to church-going.” Catholic News Service homily cannot be overstated. He shakes his head. “I’m not kidding, The conduits to grace Now-retired Father Miles Riley of the people remember that sermon now 30 to he Catholic community has long San Francisco Archdiocese recalls vividly 40 years later, and tell me that the humor been a bit confl icted about what are mysterious and myriad, an Easter homily he delivered many years and hope they experienced then renewed Tthey call Easter and Christmas ago, before the advent of the cell phone. their faith in the oh-so-human church Catholics. One school of thought seems to say pastors, catechists, and “I was casting about for some modern Jesus established 2,000 years ago.” say, “Nice to see you, but where are you symbol as a reminder of the risen Christ,” When he recalls the impact of that the rest of the year?” others. They consistently he said. “I came up with a telephone. A homily, Fr. Riley said, he often leaves out Another school appears more hopeful radio station engineer I know rigged the a touching postscript. A little girl of 7 or and charitable: “Nice to see you at Easter underscore that the poten- phone so that it would ring when I turned 8 came up to him after that Easter liturgy Mass. We hope to see you again next week, on a switch in the pulpit. and asked, “Father, what did Jesus sound and the week after that, and the week after “I set it up by asking: ‘Wouldn’t it be like?” that.” tial impact of an Easter or great if the risen Lord could actually “She caught me completely off guard,” Still, a soft condemnation or judgmental contact us, talk to us, even call us on the he laughed. “I stammered and then replied, attitude colors the greeting. Unspoken is Christmas homily cannot be phone?” ‘Well, he sounded Jewish’ which completely either, “But we kind of doubt we will,” or Father Miles smiled. “And then the ‘God befuddled the little child, but it was the “You are less than we, if you don’t.” overstated. phone’ begins to ring, and I ask the congre- only answer I could come up with!” A lot of us fi nd ourselves in both schools, gation, ‘Should I answer it?’ say many parish leaders, notably pastors “And, of course, all the kids are cheer- Dan Morris is a veteran Catholic journal- and others who are frontline evangelizers. The keyholes to those moments are ing, ‘Answer the phone, answer the phone!’ ist, whose last stint as a diocesan editor They tell stories of hurt, disenfranchised, often associated with tangibles such as And, eventually, I do. was with CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO, newspa- or poorly catechized Catholics who have a homily, a children’s choir, a warm and “And in the hushed silence,” the priest per of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. found their way back to full participation sincere greeting, a caring remark. The con- continued, “I say, ‘Hello, Jesus, I hope He has also had two long runs as a humor in the life of the church, for example, as duits to grace are mysterious and myriad, you’re not calling from Salt Lake City.’ And columnist for Catholic News Service, each the Easter liturgy’s light of love and hope say pastors, catechists, and others. then Jesus and I proceed to have a great column as a different persona. Morris cur- illuminates their faith anew. They consistently underscore that the 10-minute conversation about everything rently writes from Anacortes, Washington. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 19 Christ the Lord, Risen to New Life St. Paul refuted mistaken notions of the Resurrection

By Sheila E. McGinn ferent plane altogether. Catholic News Service Of course, here is where the second type of misunderstanding arises. How easy “Alleluia, Christ is risen! The The act of emerging it is to jump from the (rather unusual) Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!” notion of a radically transformed human from a cocoon life to the (nearly ubiquitous) notion of an his paschal acclamation of the ever- afterlife. ancient, ever-new mystery of the into a beautiful creature Greeks believed in the immortality of Tdying and rising of the Lord Jesus the soul for 400 years before Paul came Christ derives from the earliest Easter to Corinth; the death of the body meant proclamation. makes the butterfl y the escape of the soul to the spirit world, The heart of the Christian faith, this res- untainted by corporeal realities. urrection message forms the basis for the Belief in a disembodied, spiritual after- earliest and most fundamental of Christian a Christian symbol life was the logical consequence of their creedal statements: “Jesus is Lord.” profoundly negative view of the mate- Without the resurrection, Jesus of Naza- rial world. Which, of course, is why the reth would have been merely one more Jew of resurrection from confl ation of the resurrection proclamation killed by gentile rulers; Christianity would with a disembodied afterlife of the soul is never have existed. a profoundly anti-Christian move: “For if Christ’s resurrection changed every- the dead. (CNS photo/ the dead are not raised, neither has Christ thing. been raised, and if Christ has not been Through the resurrection, God mani- raised, your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians fested to the entire world that Jesus is the Crosiers) 15:16-17). Christ, the goal for which creation groans Resurrection is the profound mystery of in labor and toward which the universe is the perfection of all life — human life, yes, being drawn enticingly, ineluctably, until it but as part of the entire cosmos. reaches its ultimate fulfi llment in God. istence; nor, for that matter, is it an event Ezekiel’s graphic of God raising the The material world is God’s creation and Many of my students focus on Jesus’ in which only the dead can participate. righteous dead (37); Paul’s pagan converts, is fundamentally good. Resurrection is not death and more or less ignore the resurrec- When Christ returns in glory, Paul says, however, would likely be confused by the an escape from embodied life, but rather tion — his or ours. When reading the First even the living will be transformed: “in an idea. Two common misunderstandings its ultimate affi rmation. Resurrection is the Letter to the Corinthians, we often fi nd instant, in the blink of an eye ... the dead would be that “resurrection” refers to the reality of a truly human life, body and soul, that the Corinthians have redefi ned “resur- will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be resuscitation of a corpse or a disembod- transformed and restored to the fullness of rection” exactly as did that early church, changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). ied, spiritual afterlife. Paul refutes both the divine image in Christ. spiritualizing a very “earthy” claim about Several Pauline letters discuss the mistakes. Think about that the next time you are the transformation of human life. resurrection, which suggests that many A resuscitated person gains a temporary saying the creed. St. Paul corrects that view, emphasizing early Christians needed help exploring its reprieve; eventually, inescapably, death will that Christ’s resurrection is a bodily event. signifi cance. come. Resurrection involves a permanent, Sheila McGinn is professor of biblical “Resurrection” does not mean afterlife Most fi rst-century Jews believed in res- metaphysical change in a person’s mode of studies and early Christianity at John of the soul or a disembodied heavenly ex- urrection, especially in light of the prophet existence, and denotes existence on a dif- Carroll University in Cleveland. First the waiting, then the joy!

By Mary Eileen Andreasen pany sent the wrong color. too are eager to go to Mass once more in Catholic News Service The community learned to wear hard the monastery. Excitement builds when hats over veils when visiting the renova- plans for the new spirituality center are aster Sunday’s Gospel reading (John I see the sisters tion site. I chuckled at this sight one day discussed. The anticipation leaves people 20:1-9) tells us that the stone that as they were walking with the work crew breathless. Esealed the tomb of Christ is moved in Nebraska as having down dusty, gutted hallways, wires hanging It’s been a long, irritating wait, but aside. He has emerged from the grave vic- everywhere. worth every moment. torious! Centuries of waiting for salvation One elderly sister smiled and said to me How appropriate it is that the sisters’ are over! lived a long Lent that very softly, “It will be so wonderful, you time of freedom has come around Easter, This means that the stones that sealed know, to fi nally go home.” when we recall that, like Lazarus, we were us in our own dark tombs have been I paused a moment to ponder what she dead spiritually, in need of God’s mercy removed as well, and we fi nd comfort in was challenging to say meant. She betrayed longing — even a hint and our Savior’s voice. that verse in Romans that says that those of desperation. Jesus instructed those mourning Laza- who die with Christ shall also live with him the least. Another sister who was placed in a nurs- rus to “take away the stone.” The Lord (8:6)! ing home during the renovation greeted shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” He urged Appreciation is certainly sharpened every visitor with, “Is it ready yet?” spectators to “untie him and let him go” after a long wait! But now that the wait is almost over, (John 11:39-44). Some 30 Missionary Benedictine Sisters munity whose members live and work in a committee has gathered to plan the Likewise, Jesus calls to us to come forth in Norfolk, Nebraska, are about to fi nish 18 countries on fi ve continents. They seek archbishop’s coming to join in rededicating from our private tombs, to blink in the sun- what has been for them a particularly long to lead people to Christ by helping to build the monastery. An invitation list has been light and smell the fresh scent of the earth. wait. These hardy souls are living in tem- up and strengthen Christian communi- started. The sisters have had a chance to The wait is over! Like the Missionary porary housing while their beloved home is ties, working in solidarity with the poor in get a fi rst glimpse of their new rooms. And Benedictine Sisters in Norfolk, Nebraska, gutted and refurbished into a newer mon- particular. the maintenance crew is itching to start we too can fi nally go home. astery and spirituality center. It has taken I see the sisters in Nebraska as having moving furniture back in. The new carpet about 18 months so far for the rebirth. But lived a long Lent that was challenging to smells wonderful. Mary Andreasen is the program coordina- the waiting and enduring cramped living say the least. Their lives have been full of For the sisters, their anticipated home- tor for Immaculata Monastery & Spiritual- conditions on two fl oors of an apartment architects and contractors. New furnaces, coming has given them a renewed desire to ity Center in Norfolk, Nebraska, and the complex is almost over! boilers, and bathrooms were installed. The underscore God’s good news as they serve regional coordinator for Ignatian Volun- The sisters are a culturally diverse com- chapel was to get new tile, but the com- the rural community around them. Locals teer Corps in Omaha. Page 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009

takes made, that we always get North Texas Catholic to offer a look backwards in along. But that is the purpose of redemption, and growing in our series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Diocese sense of unity. Learning to live with the differences among us, By Jeff Hensley of the Church and sacred Scrip- Namur had already contributed is the great purpose of growing Editor ture, will serve as a cornerstone to the founding of the University in communio. emembering of the low-key year of celebration. There are no strangers of Dallas in Irving, on the Dallas The anniversary observance it- Part of remembering and grow- side of the Diocese of Dallas-Fort self will begin on Sunday, August the past and ing in communio is gathering in in the Church, there Worth, folding the college por- 9, 2009 with a diocesan Mass at small groups within our parishes are no outsiders in tion of the Our Lady of Victory the Fort Worth Convention Center Ranticipating and specifi cally bringing to mind Academy and College on Hemp- and will conclude on Monday, Au- the future are natural what it is that makes us unique, the Church; all are hill Street in Fort Worth into the gust 9, 2010 with Evening Prayer makes us who we are, gives us new co-ed institution, which at St. Patrick Cathedral. parts of any anniver- our identity as Catholics, part of included in her, and all received its charter in 1955. the Communion of Saints, the are welcome. Many things have changed sary celebration, and one, holy, and apostolic Catholic since the founding of the diocese: A SNAPSHOT OF THE DIOCESE Church. That doesn’t mean Catholics were worshipping in the celebration of the When the diocese was estab- English and Spanish in 1969, but The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth lished, being separated from the there is no friction, that seldom in the same churches. was established August 9, 1969, after 40th anniversary of being a part of the Diocese of Dallas former Diocese of Dallas-Fort there are no mistakes There were few Vietnamese in the the establishment of Worth in 1969, and Bishop John area and no Vietnamese parishes. for almost 80 years. J. Cassata was announced as the made, that we always Now there are fi ve Vietnames On October 21, 1969, Bishop John the 28-county Catholic fi rst bishop of the new diocese, churches in our diocese. The J. Cassata, a native of Galveston, it brought to birth a local church get along. But that is the mission of St. Joseph Hospital Diocese of Fort Worth was installed as the fi rst bishop of that counted a population of purpose of redemption, — serving the least among us, the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. will be no different. only 67,690 Catholics, around 5 those most neglected in the pro- From 1969, when the Diocese of Fort percent of the population of the and growing in vision of medical care — is now Worth was established, to 1986 the In this issue of the North Texas area. Catholics were a distinct carried forward by the St. Joseph Catholic population in the diocese Catholic, we will begin to look minority. And they came together our sense of unity. Health Care Trust, which engages increased from 67,000 to 120,000. back on signifi cant events and around their new bishop, a par- Learning to live with the in preventive care and provi- Pope John Paul II named Joseph institutions and persons in the ish priest for 35 years in Houston sion of medical services, funded P. Delaney the second bishop of the life of our diocese. before he was named an auxiliary differences among us, largely by the endowment of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. He Bishop Kevin Vann, in an- bishop of the Diocese of Dallas- former St. Joseph Hospital. was installed on September 13, 1981. nouncing the commemoration Fort Worth by Pope Paul VI. is the great purpose of But some things remain con- During his tenure, new Catholic said, “It is my hope that in our Joining him to serve the growing in Communio. stant. Catholics still believe the elementary schools opened, new 40th year as a diocese, we can Catholics of this frontier diocese Eucharist, as the Body of Christ, parishes were established, and The deepen our commitment to live — which would, during its fi rst joins us all in a mystical union Catholic Center was built, bringing more fully in spiritual union with decades, still receive grants in of all races, ages, ethnic groups, together under one roof all pastoral our Savior and with one another, aid from the the 19th century. St. Patrick was and incomes. Though the church and administrative offi ces of the dio- as our call to “communio” urges Society, as an area with a low and founded in 1876, St. Mary’s, in has grown from 67,000 Catholics cese. His leadership of the Catholic us.” (Communio refers to what is underserved, Catholic popula- 1879, and Sacred Heart, in 1889. to near 550,000, and the diocesan Diocese of Fort Worth spanned 24 the source, the means, and the tion — were the priests already Our Mother of Mercy was, as it staff has gone from Bishop Cassata prosperous years, and the diocese goal of the Church’s life: The in place in the parishes of the 28 still is, the only historically black and a secretary in the basement of grew to 400,000 Catholics. Trinitarian communion that gra- counties, but also many young Catholic Church, and if Mass was the St. Patrick Cathedral rectory to ciously will draw all of creation priests eager to implement the offered in Spanish, it was most a full diocesan staff in the Catholic Pope Benedict XVI named into its loving embrace through recently promulgated church likely in a parish that served only Center, we still seek to know, love, Kevin Vann as the third bishop of the life, death, and resurrection documents of the Second Vatican the Spanish-speaking. and serve God, to show the face of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. of Jesus Christ that the Spirit Council. St. Joseph Hospital was a thriv- Jesus to the world by our worship, Bishop Vann was installed as the keeps perennially present in The diocese, as today, was a ing entity. Its emergency room, our words, and our actions. bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth the communio and its universal varied mix of rural, urban, and maternity and cardiac care, and There are no strangers in the on Wednesday, July 13, 2005. Today, mission.) suburban parishes. Some, like St. the general quality of its care, Church; there are no outsiders in the diocese has an estimated 550,000 In that spirit, the bishop an- Patrick Cathedral, and St. Mary’s among the best in the city of Fort the Church; all are included in Catholics. nounced that the Why Catholic? in Gainesville, and Sacred Heart Worth. It was a fl agship institution her, and all are welcome. The diocese has 88 parishes program with its examination of in Muenster had rich histories of the Catholics in the city. That doesn’t mean there is no throughout the 28-county region our spiritual roots in the teachings that stretched back well into The Sisters of St. Mary of friction, that there are no mis- served by 97 priests.

and died on the cross, an obser- ing taught that every decision we nearly 50 million lives. vance that dates to the early years make is ours alone, and it does Bishop Farrell, in an inter- Stations… of the Christian faith. No Mass Bishops… not affect others,” she said. “I view, reiterated that the young is celebrated on Good Friday. bear the mark of someone else’s people were the most important FROM PAGE 1 In the Seventh Century, the FROM PAGE 1 decision and gladly! Make great guests at this dinner. ask God to help us to remain Church in Rome adopted the cerebral palsy was caused by decisions because you are affect- “They are our hope for the faithful to a holy way of life and practice of Adoration of the Cross swallowing saline solution when ing everyone around you.” future. We need to prepare to guide us to the inheritance that from the Church in Jerusalem she was subjected to a saline Lisa Garcia, in a trembling them. It is very important that he has promised,” Sanchez says. where a fragment of wood be- injection abortion. She breathed voice, told the audience about they get involved,” he said. All are invited to join Bishop lieved to be the Lord’s cross had in the salt water solution in the her own sacrifi ce and the dif- “We need to teach them that Vann in the procession, which been venerated every year on womb, depriving her brain of fi culty of putting her daughter, they have to be a part of what recounts the torture and cruci- Good Friday since the Fourth oxygen for 17 hours. Doctors Gabriela Marisol, up for adop- is going to defi ne the future of fi xion of Jesus. Century. believed she would never be tion. She said she is happy and our nation.” The liturgy will take place Adoration, or veneration able to raise herself to a seated that there are alternatives to Several other awards also only a few blocks from St. Patrick of an image or representa- position, much less walk. Prog- abortion. were handed out during the Cathedral where at 3 p.m. Friday, tion of Christ’s cross, does ress was slow, but therapy and “I did it for her. I feel proud of evening. Proceeds from the Bishop Vann will lead a Good Fri- not mean that Catholics actu- prayer brought her to be able myself to have chosen adoption dinner benefit the Catholic day service. St. Patrick’s is located ally adore the material image, to walk with braces at age 4. In for my baby,” Garcia said about Pro-Life Committee and its nine at 1206 Throckmorton St. but rather what it represents. April 2005 she completed her her decision. ministries. The Good Friday service, Bishop Vann will celebrate the fi rst marathon. In the 36 years since Roe vs. María del Carmen Uceda and known as the “Veneration of risen Lord with an Easter Vigil “To the young people I say … Wade was upheld by the Supreme Jesús Gras are free-lance writers the Cross” recalls the day that Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral,at we live in an age where we are be- Court, abortion has claimed for Texas Catholic. Christ suffered, was crucifi ed, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 21

said that for many the issue was about giving an honorary degree Reaction to Notre Dame’s choice of to Obama, seen as “tantamount to an imprimatur.” The magazine’s editors dis- Obama for commencement continues agreed with that view, saying: “Honorary degrees signify an By Carol Zimmermann Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. posted on YouTube.com. of mutual respect. institution’s admiration for the Catholic News Service Olmsted called the university’s In the video, he said that, Retired Archbishop John accomplishments of the recipi- WASHINGTON — Bishops decision “a public act of dis- at a recent family and pro-life Quinn of San Francisco ques- ent. They do not signify blanket from across the country con- obedience to the bishops of the conference, he was asked what tioned whether a rescinded moral approbation.” tinued to express their disap- United States.” he was doing about Notre Dame invitation would do more harm As of April 6, the Cardinal proval of the University of Notre Some U.S. bishops have urged and Obama, and his reply was: than good. Newman Society — a Manassas, Dame’s choice of President Father Jenkins to rescind the of- “What are you doing? The bish- In a March 30 editorial in Jesu- Virginia-based Catholic college Barack Obama as the May 17 fer to Obama. Among them are ops don’t control the University it-run America magazine, he said: watchdog group — had received commencement speaker. Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of Notre Dame, and if it is do- “We must weigh very seriously more than 245,000 signatures Their comments, in publicly of St. Paul and Minneapolis, ing something that you don’t the consequences if the Ameri- for an online petition calling released letters to Holy Cross Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa, like, it’s not enough to put the can bishops are seen as the agents for Notre Dame to rescind its Father John Jenkins, president of Oklahoma, and Bishop Thomas responsibility on the bishops of the public embarrassment of invitation to Obama. the Indiana university, have used Doran of Rockford, Illinois. to say something. ... Take your the newly elected president by On campus, about a dozen words such as “travesty,” “dis- Father Jenkins has not issued responsibilities in hand and you forcing him to withdraw from student groups formed a coali- appointment” and “scandal” any statements beyond what he write to them.” an appearance at a distinguished tion called Notre Dame Response that Obama would not only ad- said March 23, when he said the However, in the Catholic com- Catholic university.” to express their opposition and dress graduates but would also invitation to Obama “should not munity what one person does “It is in the interests of both held a prayer rally April 5. be given an honorary degree. be taken as condoning or endors- affects everybody, he added. “No the church and the nation if Charles Rice, professor emeri- Critics of Obama said his sup- ing his positions on specifi c issues university, no bishop, no parish both work together in civility, tus of law who is on the law port of legal abortion and em- regarding the protection of hu- can (make) a decision unilater- honesty, and friendship for the school faculty, wrote in the March bryonic stem-cell research make man life, including abortion and ally and then be surprised by the common good, even where there 31 issue of Notre Dame’s student him an inappropriate choice to embryonic stem-cell research.” reaction ... particularly around a are grave divisions, as there are newspaper, The Observer, that be commencement speaker at a He also said the university profoundly, deeply divisive is- on abortion,” he added. “on-site demonstrations would Catholic university. community sees “his visit as a sue such as the protection of hu- Bishop Robert Lynch of St. be counterproductive” and In criticizing Notre Dame’s basis for further positive engage- man life in mothers’ wombs.” Petersburg, Florida, said in a urged those against Obama’s decision, announced March 20, ment.” No one questions the good March 27 blog entry on the dioc- presence at the school to pray most of the bishops referred to Cardinal Francis George of faith of Father Jenkins or Obama, esan Web site that the university the at the campus Grotto their 2004 document, Catholics Chicago, president of the U.S. Cardinal George said, adding “may have acted way too early during the commencement. in Political Life, which states in Conference of Catholic Bish- that he has great respect for the and too generously” in its invita- The Associated Press reported part that “the Catholic commu- ops, said April 3 that he has U.S. president and his offi ce, and tion to Obama. that less than a week after the uni- nity and Catholic institutions had private discussions with “he knows that.” They agree on However, he said he was versity announced its commence- should not honor those who act the university, but that “unfor- other issues, but on abortion they “more alarmed that the rhetoric ment speaker Notre Dame’s stu- in defi ance of our fundamental tunately those discussions are profoundly disagree, he said in being employed is so uncivil and dent newspaper received more moral principles. They should now complicated because of the the video. venomous that it weakens the than 600 letters — almost equally not be given awards, honors, or publicity” on the issue. “I and many others, not only case we place before our fellow divided among alumni and cur- platforms which would suggest He made the comments at because of Catholic teaching but citizens, alienates young college- rent students — about it. support for their actions.” Vincentian-run DePaul Univer- for other reasons as well, even age students who believe the Seventy percent of the alumni Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort sity where he was delivering an outside the Catholic community older generation is behaving like letters said they opposed the Wayne-South Bend — the diocese address about education and ... think it is a crime to kill an in- an angry child and they do not invitation to Obama and 73 per- where Notre Dame is located the Latino community. Before nocent human being even though wish to be any part of that, and cent of students supported it. Of — said he would not attend the he began his formal talk, he dis- he or she is not yet born,” he said, ill-serves the cause of life.” the 95 seniors who wrote to the graduation in protest of Obama’s cussed the Notre Dame situation. but added that he hoped discus- A March 27 editorial in the paper, 97 percent supported the policies regarding life issues. A video of those remarks was sion on the issue can return to one Catholic magazine Commonweal school’s decision.

Head of Holy Cross order asks Obama to rethink position on abortion

By John Thavis life in every form at every stage to “rethink, through prayerful lock; a child conceived through a Dame,” he wrote. Catholic News Service — from conception to natural wrestling with your own con- hideous crime,” he said. He suggested that at his Notre ROME — The head of the death.” science, your stated positions on Father Cleary said the United Dame appearance Obama speak Holy Cross religious order that The 13-page letter, dated the vital ‘life issues’ of our day, States has a history of defi ning the about how Catholics “can be founded the University of Notre March 22, was made available to particularly in regard to abortion, parameters of human life “when taken seriously for our faith con- Dame has written to U.S. Presi- Catholic News Service in Rome. embryonic forms of stem-cell re- it suits our self-interest.” One victions without being dismissed dent Barack Obama and asked Father Cleary also prepared an search and your position on the example was slavery, justifi ed offhandedly and shunned; it is him to rethink his positions on abridged version of the text as Freedom of Choice Act.” by denying that a black human too offensive to be ignored, it is abortion and other life issues. an “open letter” to the president, Father Cleary repeatedly being of African descent was fully unacceptable.” U.S. Father Hugh W. Cleary, which was expected to be pub- quoted Obama’s words at the human, he said. Father Clearly said in his let- Holy Cross superior general in lished on the Web site of America National Prayer Breakfast in Father Cleary noted that ter that he had been deluged with Rome, said that when Obama magazine. February: “There is no God who many U.S. Catholics today feel angry e-mails regarding Notre receives an honorary degree Father Cleary’s letter began by condones taking the life of an their beliefs are dismissed with- Dame’s invitation to the presi- from the Indiana university and congratulating Obama on being innocent human being.” Sadly, out the serious attention they dent. He explained that he has delivers the commencement ad- awarded an honorary doctorate the priest said, legalized abortion deserve. Catholics recognize no authority over the decision- dress in May, he should take to from Notre Dame, and said the implies that a person’s choice for that they live in a pluralistic making by the university, which heart the objections of Catholics university was honored to have personal freedom supersedes this society, he said, but also believe is directed by a board of fellows who have been scandalized by him deliver the commencement obligation to protect and nurture they have something vital to say and a board of trustees. the invitation. address. human life. about life issues. Priests and brothers of the Father Cleary asked the presi- The visit should be a “teach- “An ‘unwanted’ child comes “We want to be taken seriously. Holy Cross order continue to dent to use the occasion to “give able moment” for all involved, in many forms: an untimely We insist on taking ourselves seri- serve at the university, and the your conscience a fresh opportu- Father Cleary said. presence; a disabled or deformed ously; that is why there has been university’s president — at pres- nity to be formed anew in a holy He asked the president to creature; an embryo of the wrong so much protest and turmoil in ent, Father John I. Jenkins — is awe and reverence before human take advantage of the occasion sex; a child conceived out of wed- regard to your presence at Notre always a Holy Cross priest. Page 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 National

NATIONAL Washington Archbishop Wuerl honors NEWSBRIEFS Communion stances of local bishops

By Dennis Sadowski North Dakota bishop praises schools, Catholic News Service parishes for fl ood preparations WASHINGTON — Archbish- op Donald Wuerl of Washington WASHINGTON (CNS) — Days before the predicted rise of is following the lead of local prel- North Dakota’s Red River, Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Far- ates regarding the reception of go said he was already impressed by how Catholics in the Communion by Catholic elected diocese were helping people prepare for expected fl ood- representatives and government ing. When Fargo’s Veteran Affairs Medical Center evacu- offi cials whose views may con- ated March 24, the Cathedral of St. Mary of Fargo provided fl ict with church teaching. vans to take patients to their temporary quarters in St. The archbishop’s stance, Paul, Minnesota. Students from Fargo’s diocesan Catholic fi rst explained in a May 1, 2008, schools were among teams of volunteers who spent days column in the Catholic Standard, sandbagging around the city to prevent fl ood damage, and newspaper of the Washington Fargo’s Catholic Charities employees were preparing for Archdiocese, garnered some at- potential food and shelter needs, the bishop told Catholic News Service in a March 26 phone interview. “There is a tention as the U.S. Senate March tremendous spirit among the people here,” he said, adding 31 opened confi rmation hearings the “people are watching out for one another” even while on the nomination of Kansas Gov. waiting to see how extensive the damage could be. “The Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic, as unknown is always unsettling, but at same time there is a Department of Health and Hu- very real preparedness among the people and the city has man Services secretary. done a great job in reaching out to people,” he said. The A long-standing supporter of bishop noted that the “most important thing of course is legal abortion, Sebelius has been prayers and asking for God’s protection at this time.” asked by Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, not to present herself for Com- munion unless she repudiates Bishop won’t attend pro-life banquet her support for keeping abortion with GOP’s Steele as speaker legal. The state capital, Topeka, is in his archdiocese. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (CNS) — Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfi nger In a March 6 interview with of Evansville said he will not attend an April right-to-life Raymond Arroyo on the Eternal dinner where Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican Word Television Network, Arch- National Committee, is scheduled to speak because he objects to comments the GOP leader made about abortion. bishop Naumann said he had no The bishop’s decision followed a widely circulated March knowledge of the governor seek- GQ magazine interview in which Steele, a Catholic, was ing to receive Communion since asked if he thinks women have the right to choose abor- his request nearly a year ago. In a luncheon talk following the March 22 Rose Mass in Sebelius could not be reached tion. He answered, “Yeah. I mean, again, I think that’s an Bethesda, Maryland, Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl for comment. individual choice.” Following publication of the interview, holds up a copy of a bill in Connecticut that would have taken Steele issued a statement, saying “I am pro-life, always Writing in the Catholic Stan- have been, always will be.” He went on to say that “the Re- dard, Archbishop Wuerl said he fi nancial control of parishes away from bishops and pastors. He publican Party is and will continue to be the party of life.” would adhere to the 2004 state- said religious freedom is also at the heart of efforts to rescind He said he supports the Republican platform that calls for ment by the U.S. Conference protection of the conscience rights of health workers. (CNS a Human Life Amendment. After speaking with Steele on of Catholic Bishops which con- photo/Christopher Newkumet, John Carroll Society) the phone March 20, and after examining the statement cluded that it was each individual issued by Steele after the GQ interview, Bishop Gettelfi nger bishop’s responsibility to decide wrote in a letter to the head of the organization sponsoring the proper application of Canon made only after clear efforts to not a problem to my knowledge the dinner that his “early decision not to attend still stands.” 915 regarding the reception of persuade and convince the per- of her presenting herself for Com- He said Steele’s answer seemed to emanate “from a politi- Communion. son that their actions are wrong munion,” he said. cal stance, not a principled one.” “[Archbishop Wuerl feels] it’s and bear moral consequences,” Archbishop Naumann said he appropriate to respect whatever the archbishop continued. “Pre- spoke with his counterpart in the pastoral decision is made locally,” sumably this is done in the home nation’s capital about his discus- Media effort draws 92,000 inactive Susan Gibbs, director of commu- diocese where the bishops and sions and correspondence with nications for the Archdiocese of priests, the pastors of souls, en- Sebelius regarding her public Catholics back home to church Washington, told Catholic News gage the members of their fl ock stance on abortion and her veto- PHOENIX (CNS) — Maybe TV isn’t so bad after all. An Service March 31. in this type of discussion. ing of two bills that had sought estimated 92,000 inactive Catholics in the Phoenix Dio- Archbishop Wuerl declined a “In the case of public fi gures to regulate abortion clinics and cese have come back to the church in the last year thanks request for an interview through who serve in Washington as enforce Kansas law for late-term in large part to a groundbreaking television advertising Gibbs. representatives of other parts abortions. campaign called Catholics Come Home. The promotional “Bishops may arrive at differ- of the nation, this dialogue and He also acknowledged that spots featured people and locations from around the ent conclusions based on their any decisions would take place Sebelius could move to a neigh- Phoenix Diocese to promote the church during prime-time local situations,” Archbishop within their home diocese,” he boring diocese where Archbishop television. The cornerstone of the campaign, the Catholics Wuerl wrote last May. wrote. Wuerl would have no jurisdic- Come Home Web site, addresses often misunderstood as- “A critical role of the bishops In the EWTN interview, Arch- tion. He did not say if he would pects of the faith. “For those who had fallen away from the is to teach, to try to persuade bishop Naumann said he felt it approach other prelates about practice of their faith, it let them know that we want them and convince others of the truth was best to “put the burden” on his meetings and correspondence to come home,” Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said. of the church’s teaching and the Sebelius not to present herself for with the governor. The commercials, which ran during Lent in 2008, detail the implications of that teaching Communion rather than for the In vetoing the bills, Sebelius good works of the Catholic Church throughout history. They in their lives and to encourage sacramental minister to deny her cited constitutional issues and also offer real-life testimonials of local fallen-away Catholics Catholics to live out their faith,” Communion. questioned whether the propos- explaining what turned them away and what drew them he explained in the column. “And, to this point I must say, als would reduce abortions as back. “A decision regarding the re- that she has, after the second supporters claimed. Archbishop fusal of holy Communion to an request I made of her, she has Naumann publicly criticized individual is one that should be been observant of it, so there is Sebelius’ action. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 23 International

INTERNATIONAL NEWSBRIEFS

Pope tells reporters he felt sense of God’s family in Africa ROME (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI said he felt a great sense of family and respect for the sacred during his weeklong trip to Africa. Speaking to reporters aboard his plane back to Rome March 23, the pope thanked everyone involved in the visit, including the journalists who covered it. “I was particularly struck by two things: on one hand, an impression of this friendliness, of almost exuberant joy, Africa in celebration. And it seemed to me that in the pope they saw the personifi cation of the fact that we are a family of God,” he said. “On the other hand, I was impressed by the spirit of concentration in the liturgy and a strong sense of the sacred,” he said. There was no “self-presentation and self-animation” by participating groups at Mass, but a focus on the divine presence, he said. The pope again People pray near candles on the fourth anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul expressed his sadness at the deaths of two girls trampled II at the Vatican April 2. The candles form the initials of the late pontiff. (CNS photo/ before the start of a papal youth rally in Angola and noted Emanuela De Meo, Catholic Press Photo) that one of the girls still had not been identifi ed. “Let us pray for them and hope that in the future things are orga- nized so that this will no longer happen,” he said. Torch of faith, hope was Pope Pope pleads for women’s equality in Africa, John Paul’s legacy, pope says praises ‘silent heroines’ LUANDA, Angola (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI strongly By Cindy Wooden Paul’s life and ministry, he said, defended women’s rights and praised the many “silent Catholic News Service is seen in the faces of the young heroines” of Africa who are holding families and society VATICAN CITY — The men and women who crowded together. African women in particular are working under heritage Pope John Paul II left “How many into St. Peter’s Basilica for the adverse conditions that are often caused by the “behavior to the church, and especially anniversary Mass. and attitudes of men,” the pope said in Angola March 22. “History records almost exclusively the accomplishments of to its younger members, was a vocations to the “How many vocations to the men, when in fact much of it is due to the determined, un- torch of faith and hope to lead priesthood and consecrated life, relenting and charitable action of women,” he said. “Think them and the world through priesthood and how many young families com- of all the places affl icted by great poverty or devastated by the darkness, Pope Benedict mitted to living the Gospel ideal war, and of all the tragic situations resulting from migra- consecrated life, and aiming for holiness are tied XVI said. tions, forced or otherwise. It is almost always women who to the witness and preaching of Celebrating Mass with young how many young manage to preserve human dignity, to defend the family, people April 2, the fourth an- my venerated predecessor,” the and to protect cultural and religious values,” he said. The niversary of the death of Pope families committed pope said. pope’s remarks touched on a huge issue in Africa that has John Paul, Pope Benedict said “How many young men and increasingly drawn church attention. He spoke to members his predecessor “was able to to living the Gospel women converted or persevered of Catholic movements working for women’s promotion in communicate a strong feeling in their Christian journey thanks St. Anthony Church in Luanda, where a mostly female audi- of hope founded on faith in to his prayers, his encourage- ence greeted him with lively African singing. Jesus Christ.” ideal and aiming ment, his support, and his ex- “If Christ’s word remains in ample,” Pope Benedict said. for holiness are “At the hour of his agony us, we can spread the flame of Vatican orders apostolic visitation of that love that he ignited on the and death, this new generation earth; we can carry high the tied to the witness wanted to show him they under- Legionaries of Christ torch of faith and hope,” the and preaching stood his teaching by gathering VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has ordered an pope told the young people who silently in prayer in St. Peter’s apostolic visitation of the institutions of the Legionaries of were preparing for the April of my venerated Square and many other places Christ following disclosures of sexual impropriety by the 5 celebration of World Youth throughout the world,” the order’s late founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado. The Day as they remembered Pope pope said. announcement of the unusual investigation was posted on John Paul. predecessor.” While Pope Benedict did the Web site of the Legionaries of Christ March 31, along At the end of the Mass, young — Pope Benedict XVI not make any mention of the with the text of a letter informing the Legionaries of the people carrying oil lamps led in his homily April 2 on process to beatify and canon- pope’s decision. The letter, written by the Vatican secretary Pope Benedict into the grotto of the fourth anniversary ize Pope John Paul, he did end of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said the pope wanted to St. Peter’s Basilica, where they of the death of his homily by praying that the help the Legionaries of Christ deal with its present prob- all knelt and prayed at the tomb Pope John Paul II late pope “never ceases to ac- lems with “truth and transparency.” It said the visitation of Pope John Paul. company us and intercede for would be carried out by “a team of prelates,” who were not During his homily, Pope us from heaven.” identifi ed. Apostolic visitation is a form of internal church Benedict said the torch of faith Throughout his life Pope After praying in the grotto investigation ordered by a pope and undertaken by his and hope was what Pope John John Paul “did not hesitate us- and before leaving St. Peter’s, delegate or delegates. The pope sets the jurisdiction and Paul “left us as a heritage. He ing all his energy to spread the Pope Benedict stopped to powers of the visitation, which usually ends with the sub- consigned it to me, as his suc- light (of Christ) everywhere,” greet Angelo Gugel, Pope John mission of a report to the . In February, Legionar- ies of Christ offi cials in Rome disclosed that Father Maciel cessor, and this evening I pass the pope said. “He was not will- Paul’s Vatican valet, and the had fathered a child. Sources in Rome said the order was it on once again to you, the ing to compromise when it came Handmaids of the Sacred Heart also looking into accusations of fi nancial irregularities by young people of Rome, so that to proclaiming and defending Sisters from Poland who ran Father Maciel. you would continue to be sen- Christ’s truth. He never tired of the papal apartment and cared tinels of the morning, vigilant spreading his love,” he said. for Pope John Paul during his and joyful.” The fruitfulness of Pope John final illness. Page 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Scripture Readings

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” — Psalm 118:17

April 12, Easter Sunday. Cycle B. Readings: 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 promise of eternal life beyond the grave, but the Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 fullness of life that is given here and now. 2) Colossians 3:1-4 Ironically, many people who still have a pulse Gospel) John 20:1-9 experience their lives as those who are already dead (just ask anyone who has suffered from severe depression). On the other hand, many By Sharon K. Perkins people with terminal illnesses maintain that they proverb attributed to the late President have never been more alive. Clearly, the way one AbrahamA Lincoln asserts: “In the end, it’s not the perceives one’s own life and death depends on years in your life that count. It’s the life in your the perspective one takes. Death, in this view, years.” Wise words, especially if one lives in a is not really something to be feared or avoided culture which is obsessed with holding death — and life is a gift to be embraced and shared as at bay. Human history is fi lled with the stories fully as possible. of persons fruitlessly attempting to prolong the This is what St. Paul had in mind when he years allotted to them. Even today, countless wrote to the Colossians: “For you have died, and products costing millions of dollars are marketed your life is hidden with Christ in God.” For the with the goal of preserving youthfulness and believer in Christ, the years in one’s life matter slowing down the aging process. Even so, no one less than the life in one’s years. Let the celebra- yet has found the secret of increasing his or her tion of life begin. length of life or escaping physical death. Easter — the feast that defi nes us as Christians — tells us that even with the sure progress of QUESTIONS: aging and the inevitability of our mortality, life In what ways have you tried to avoid death or measure your years? does not end. This belief comforts many who have lost loved ones with whom they hope to What can you do today to fully embrace the life promised in Christ’s be reunited. However, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection prompts us to claim not only the resurrection? Copyright © 2009, Diocese of Fort Worth

In midst of confl ict, church can bring peace, pope says at audience

By Carol Glatz A woman applauds church ends up being important Catholic News Service as Pope Benedict as it is called to educate by work- VATICAN CITY — Working XVI arrives at ing thoroughly in renewing and the Cardinal in areas of confl ict and misery, forming consciences,” he said. Paul Emile Leger the church has an important duty Center in Yaounde, Only Christ can truly trans- to be an instrument of peace and Cameroon, March form people and society, Pope reconciliation, Pope Benedict 19. The pope Benedict said; “therefore, return- XVI said. addressed a small ing to God, converting oneself to But countries also must recog- audience at the Christ means moving forward nize the right of their citizens to treatment facility for toward the fullness of life.” share in their nation’s wealth, if those with disabling At the end of his general au- there is to be truly lasting peace, diseases or injuries. dience talk, the pope met with he added. (CNS photo/Alessia two Italian who had been The pope used his April 1 Giuliani, Catholic held captive for more than 100 Press Photo) general audience in St. Peter’s days in Kenya. Square to review his March 17-23 Sister Caterina Giraudo, 67, visit to Cameroon and Angola. and Sister Maria Teresa Oliviero, Even though his fi rst papal 61, were seized by armed men trip to the African continent was Nov. 10 in northeastern Kenya limited to two nations, the pope near the border with Somalia and said he “ideally wanted to em- were freed unharmed Feb. 18. brace all of the people of Africa Pope Benedict had appealed and bless them in the name of twice for their release. the Lord.” Cardinal Severino Poletto of Today, the church is accom- the church knows that it must be civil war and is in the process For this reason his apostolic Turin, who accompanied the panying a new Africa, which is a sign and instrument of unity of rebuilding and healing divi- voyage to Africa was also meant sisters when they greeted the working “to strengthen its politi- and reconciliation by putting sions, said the pope. to be a sign of encouragement for pope, thanked the pope for his cal independence and national into practice the teachings of “But how can this reconcilia- those promoting the common appeals. identity in a globalized world,” the Gospel so that all of Africa tion and reconstruction be made good in society, he said. The nuns are from Cuneo, he said. may together build a future of authentic, if they come at the “All is lost with war; every- near Turin, and are members of “Being in the midst of numer- justice, solidarity, and peace,” expense of the poorest who have thing can be revived with peace. the Contemplative Missionary ous and dramatic confl icts that he said. the same right all people do to But tremendous moral stamina Movement of Father Charles de unfortunately still torment dif- Angola is one country that share in the resources of their is needed to rebuild a nation and Foucauld. They have both served ferent regions of the continent, has just emerged from a long nation?” he asked. here, once again, the role of the in Kenya since the early 1970s. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 25 Scripture Readings

experienced six miscarriages. Early in our mar- riage we went through three excruciating years of trying to sustain a pregnancy. We did all we could, but in the end it was determined that we would not be able to bring a child to full term. My faith had carried me through a lot, but this seemed too much. I wondered if God cared, April 19, Divine Mercy Sunday. doubted his existence, and was angry that my Cycle B. Readings: faithfulness to him was not being returned. But in spite of my misgivings, through it all 1) Acts 4:32-35 I felt the mercy of God carrying me, as in the Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 scene described by the inspirational piece 2) 1 John 5:1-6 “Footprints in the Sand.” In my darkest Gospel) John 20:19-31 hour I no longer was walking beside Jesus; I was being carried by him. The psalmist exhorts us: “Let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His By Jeff Hedglen mercy endures forever.’” We are not called to say, “I understand all that the Lord does,” or “Because ary Faustina lived a life of simplicity as a I love the Lord no hard times will befall member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our M me.” Rather we are reminded that the Lady of Mercy. She joined them in 1925 at the mercy of God endures and in fact carries us age of 19 and spent her life working as a cook, forever. gardener, and porter in three of their houses. She On Divine Mercy Sunday we remember that died just 13 years later from tuberculosis. It is in “Let those who fear the Lord say, no matter what we face there is one thing that the life of this humble servant of the Lord where ‘His mercy endures forever.’” can sustain us — the mercy of God fl owing from we fi nd the foundation for Divine Mercy Sunday. the heart of Jesus. St. Faustina, pray for us. — Psalm 118:4 Faustina regularly received visions that she recorded in a journal. One was a vision of Jesus with two lights emanating from his heart. She explained that these lights represent the water and blood that fl owed from Jesus on the cross and are emblematic of God’s endless mercy for QUESTIONS: us pouring from his heart. How would you describe the mercy of God? Was there a time in your The mercy of God fl ows to us all. For my wife and me it was never more needed then when we life when you felt that Jesus was carrying you? Copyright © 2009, Diocese of Fort Worth Like Simon we can help carry others’ crosses

By Jeff Hedglen the privilege it is to be allowed of signifi cance for all who are into such an intimate and raw going through a hard time in imon was a very devout time in their life. life. Jesus is not unaware of our man. He followed his Suffering is not a stationary experience. As diffi cult as it was for trouble. In fact in John’s Gospel Sreligious beliefs very It is not a place to put down roots and Simon to walk the way of the he says “In the world you will closely, never missing a ma- cross with Jesus or for us to have trouble, but take courage, jor feast day, even though the grow old in; it is an experience to journey journey with a friend through I have conquered the world” obligation was sometimes hard their troubles, there is also, un- (John 16:33). to fulfi ll. This particular year through. The actual destination is hope derlying the pain and suffering, The hard part comes in he made all the preparations to a promise of hope. realizing that for most of us we celebrate the ancient mysteries and redemption. We must remember, Jesus have to wait longer than from of the faith and was on his way walked the way of suffering not Friday to Sunday to experience to the festivities when he was the place of suffering. Suffering our Easter. For this reason it stopped by throngs of people is not a stationary experience. It is vital that we take our place protesting in the streets. ing the unpleasant task. So he It is almost impossible to is not a place to put down roots alongside our friends and walk He and his family tried to reached down and picked up imagine what it must have and grow old in; it is an experi- with them on their Via Dolorosa. stay out of the way, but people the heavy, bloody cross and been like to walk next to the ence to journey through. The The continued onslaught of were everywhere and they began to walk with Jesus to his Lord while he suffered. Though actual destination is hope and suffering can cause anyone to were verging on riot. Before destiny. it is very different, I suppose redemption. fall, just like Jesus under the he knew it he was swept up in I have often wondered what we all gain a bit of insight into When we walk the way of weight of his cross. Alone we the hysteria. Then he saw it, was going on in Simon’s mind this when we walk the way of suffering with our friends and can only get up so many times, the object of the scorn of this when he was pulled from the suffering with our friends. family, we enter into the Pas- but with the help of friends, we swarming mass of people was crowd. He was just trying to When we help friends carry sion in a very real way. Thus it can make it through the way of a man badly beaten carrying a partake in the prescribed Pass- the crosses in their lives, we in is important for us to remem- suffering all the way to King- heavy cross. over celebration when all of a our own way play the part of ber and encourage the belief dom come. The man could hardly walk; sudden he became a part of the Simon the Cyrenian. Usually that, even when all that can be each step was a struggle until sacrifi ce of a different Lamb. we do little except walk beside seen is the pain, the hurt, the Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. he fell to the ground right in It is no accident that the road them, listening and praying, confusion, the cross, beyond Bartholomew Parish in Southwest front of him. Before he knew tradition says Jesus walked sitting and talking. Sometimes these things hope and redemp- Fort Worth, is the principal or- it one of the Roman guards on his journey to Golgotha is it doesn’t feel like we are doing tion are waiting. ganizer of Camp Fort Worth each grabbed him and told him to called the Via Dolorosa. The much. The times I have been Easter is certainly a day to summer. Readers with questions carry the cross. He tried to street name when translated allowed to share another’s celebrate Jesus’ triumph over can contact Jeff at jeff@stbartsfw. protest, but there was no escap- means the “way of suffering.” suffering I am always struck by the grave, but it is also a day org. Page 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 América ¡La Resurrección del Señor!

vidas, que como pueblo de la Resur- Estimados amigos en rección, vivimos en esperanza y el Señor Resucitado, risto Resucitado también nos amor. Quisiera terminar mi refl exión e nuevo, con gran ofrece una perspectiva única de cierre con las palabras fi nales del C Papa Benedicto XVI en su mensaje alegría y fe, nues- Urbi et Orbi del 2006. tra Iglesia local se con respecto al verdadero poder de Que el Señor Resucitado haga sentir D por todas partes su fuerza de vida, de une con los seguidores de la vida. Él nos demuestra que este paz y de libertad. Las palabras con Cristo alrededor del mundo las que el ángel confortó los cora- Monseñor Kevin W. Vann zones atemorizados de las mujeres para celebrar la triunfante poder de la vida nace de la debilidad en la mañana de Pascua, se dirigen a todos: «¡No tengáis miedo!...No Resurrección de nuestro expresada por su humilde muerte en la cruz el Viernes está aquí. Ha resucitado» (Mt 28,5- Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, 6). Jesús ha resucitado y nos da la paz; Él mismo es la paz. Por eso la el misterio central y funda- Santo. Cristo es un ejemplo para todos nosotros de la Iglesia repite con fi rmeza: «Cristo ha resucitado – CHRISTÓS ANÉSTI». Que mento de nuestra fe. Como la humanidad del tercer milenio no nos dice San Pablo en Roma- conexión entre el poder y la humildad. tenga miedo de abrirle el corazón. Su Evangelio sacia plenamente el anhelo nos 6:9, de paz y de felicidad que habita en todo corazón humano. Cristo ahora Sabemos que Cristo, después de resu- participan en la nueva y eterna vida las consecuencias que lo acompaña. está vivo y camina con nosotros. citar, no muere más, porque la muerte de Cristo Resucitado. San Pablo, cuyo Promover y defender la vida es en su ¡Inmenso misterio de amor! CHRIS- ya no tiene poder sobre él. año todavía estamos celebrando, nos sentido más estricto el promover el TUS RESURREXIT, QUIA DEUS CARITAS habla de este poder de Dios en Cristo mensaje de Pascua de respecto por la ¿Porqué es que San Pablo nos da EST! ¡ALELUYA! Resucitado, al decirnos: soberanía de Dios sobre toda la vida. esta enseñanza en su Carta a los Ro- Muchas veces nuestros idiomas no Vivamos la verdad del poder del manos? ¡Porqué Cristo tiene el PODER Yo no me avergüenzo del Evangelio, tienen la exactitud ni la precisión de amor de la Resurrección del Señor DE LA VIDA! ¡Los cirios pascuales porque es el poder de Dios para la los idiomas bíblicos. Esto es cierta- durante toda la época de la Pascua. de cada vigilia pascual a través de la salvación de todos los que creen… mente verdad para el uso de la palabra Este “inmenso misterio del amor” Diócesis de Fort Worth son luces que (Romanos 1:16) “poder”. Por ejemplo, mientras que debe ser refl ejado en todos los aspec- le proclaman al mundo que nuestro Dios, que resucitó al Señor, nos re- San Pablo utiliza varias palabras para tos de nuestras vidas: nuestras rela- Señor Jesucristo, la luz del mundo, sucitará también a nosotros con su hablarnos de poder, sus términos ciones, nuestro hablar, y la manera esta vivo! ¡Él tiene el poder de la vida poder… (1 Corintios 6:14) griegos preferidos son dos dynamis y en cómo nos tratamos en el Cuerpo y debido a esto, la tumba está vacía! energeia. Es de estos términos griegos de Cristo y como tratamos a todos El signifi cado y el verdadero El Papa Benedicto XVI, en su que conseguimos palabras como los que lleguen a nosotros. El testi- sentido de poder es a menudo difícil primer mensaje de Urbi et Orbi en el dinámico y energía, palabras que nos monio más claro de Dios es su amor, de entender y de vivir en el mundo 2006, también acentuó este punto del ofrecen un signifi cado muy profundo, y ese poder del Señor Resucitado es de hoy. Por ejemplo, muchos creen poder de la vida sobre la muerte en especialmente cuando son utilizadas evidente en nuestras vidas y por la que el dinero es poder, mientras que Cristo Resucitado: para referirse al poder de la cruz y de manera en que vivimos. Si Cristo no aquellos en el ambiente de la política la resurrección de Cristo, algo que se ha resucitado, entonces “somos los creen que poder viene del número de Su resurrección, gracias al Bautismo comparte con cada miembro del Cuer- más absurdos de hombres” nos dice sus adherentes o del ejercer autoridad que nos “incorpora” a Él, es nuestra po de Cristo. San Pablo en otro lugar. sobre otros. resurrección. Lo había preanunciado Cristo Resucitado también nos Gracias a todos en nuestra Dióce- Mientras que todos estos ejemplos el profeta Ezequiel: «Yo mismo abriré ofrece una perspectiva única con sis y parroquias que han trabajado pueden ser verdad en manera limi- vuestros sepulcros, y os haré salir de respecto al verdadero poder de la vida. tan fuertes durante los días cuares- tada, deben ser considerados a la luz vuestros sepulcros, pueblo mío, y os Él nos demuestra que este poder de la males, el Triduo, la recepción de del poder de la vida manifestada en traeré a la tierra de Israel» (Ez 37, 12). vida nace de la debilidad expresada los sacramentos pascuales, espe- nuestro Señor Resucitado en su victo- Estas palabras proféticas adquieren por su humilde muerte en la cruz el Vi- cialmente nuestros sacerdotes de ria sobre el pecado y la muerte misma. un valor singular en el día de Pascua, ernes Santo. Cristo es un ejemplo para parroquia, catequistas, profesores, y Jesucristo es en verdad la resurrección porque hoy se cumple la promesa del todos nosotros de la conexión entre el directores de RICA. y la vida como Él dijo de sí mismo. Creador; hoy, también en esta época poder y la humildad. Él también nos Un viaje seguro les deseo a todos Pascua (o más correctamente la nuestra marcada por la inquietud y demuestra cómo el poder sin humil- los que viajan durante esta época. solemnidad de la Resurrección del la incertidumbre, revivimos el acon- dad no promueve la vida y muchas ¡Pido sus oraciones y felicitaciones Señor) es nuestra celebración de la tecimiento de la resurrección, que ha veces puede debilitarla y terminar con por mi buen amigo el Arzobispo conquista triunfante de Cristo sobre cambiado el rostro de nuestra vida, ha ella. Esto no es tan distinto a varios de Dolan, que será instalado como Ar- el mal y la muerte eterna. Pascua es cambiado la historia de la humani- los líderes en los días del Señor y en zobispo de Nueva York el 15 de abril nuestra proclamación del infi nito dad. Cuantos permanecen todavía nuestros días también, mientras que y para mis padres que están cele- poder de la vida manifestada clara- bajo las cadenas del sufrimiento y la nos esforzamos a vivir una cultura de brando su 59 aniversario de boda el mente por la resurrección de Cristo muerte, aguardan, a veces de modo la vida ante tantos desafíos en nuestra mismo día! sobre la muerte. inconsciente, la esperanza de Cristo propia cultura y, ocasionalmente, en Cristo ha resucitado. Ha Resu- La Resurrección de Cristo, que resucitado. nuestros propios hogares. citado de veras. ¡Aleluya! celebramos durante los 50 días de Pienso que es importante recordar La salvación es el poder de la vida la época de Pascua, le señala a cada Agradecidamente en que éste, poder de la vida, viene sola- que celebramos a través de la Pascua. creyente el camino hacia la salvación el Señor Resucitado mente de Dios y que está solamente El pecado y la muerte han recibido y la vida eterna. Todos aquellos que en sus manos. Nadie mas que Dios un golpe fatal y han sido derrotados se unen a Jesucristo — El Camino, La tiene este poder de la vida, y cual- para siempre. ¡Necesitamos celebrar Verdad y La Vida — por medio de las quier esfuerzo de tomar el poder de con júbilo y cantar nuestras aleluyas aguas vivas del bautismo, según lo la vida en nuestras propias manos da con dynamis y energiea! Necesitamos +Monseñor Kevin W. Vann ocurrido durante la vigilia pascual, lugar a “jugar a Dios” con las malévo- dar testimonio por medio de nuestras Obispo de Fort Worth North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 27 América Líderes de parroquias asisten a talleres de ¿Por qué ser católico?

Por Nicki Prevou Newark, New Jersey, presenta el RENEW International, cumplieron sacramentos, la moralidad y por bastante tiempo y de veras Asistente editorial proceso de ¿Por qué ser católico?, con su función de presentadoras la oración. Las sesiones serán disfruto de este ministerio, razón Amenazantes tormentas ahora en planifi cación dentro de en los talleres de lanzamiento ofrecidas tanto en español como por la cual decidí participar en ¿Por eléctricas y fuertes lluvias no la diócesis de Fort Worth, como un de marzo. El propósito de estos en inglés en las parroquias a través qué ser católico?. Nuestro pastor ve lograron abatir el entusiasmo de proceso en el cual adultos exploran talleres fue ayudar a los equipos de la diócesis. esto como una gran oportunidad los participantes de la reunión la la riqueza de su fe católica y de las parroquias a implementar “Sé que aproximadamente para la evangelización dentro de noche del 11 de marzo, en la iglesia la aplican a sus vidas diarias. el programa ¿Por qué ser católico?, hace [15] años, el programa de nuestra parroquia”. de Saint Andrew, al suroeste de Fundamentado en el Catecismo de ofrecer sugerencias prácticas RENEW existía en esta diócesis”, El padre Mele observó cómo Fort Worth. Más de 150 católicos la iglesia católica, El catecismo católico para invitar una participación comentó la hermana Thomas el proceso de ¿Por qué ser católico? se reunieron en equipos que para adultos de los Estados Unidos, máxima en toda parroquia y mientras daba la bienvenida a es algo oportuno para todas las representaban pastores, personal, y las escrituras sagradas, el Padre compartir recursos efectivos sobre los participantes de los talleres parroquias. “En 2005, el 37 por y líderes de voluntarios de todas las Carmen Mele, OP, coordinador el liderazgo de sesiones. el 11 de marzo. “A través de los ciento de católicos pensaba que parroquias de la diócesis, para uno diocesano del programa ¿Por qué Cuarenta y ocho reuniones, años, RENEW ha cambiado un se podría ser ‘buen católico’ sin de seis “talleres de lanzamiento” ser católico?, lo describe como “un propuestas durante un período de poco su proceso; sin embargo, creer en la presencia verdadera en inglés, comenzando en marzo. dinámico programa de formación cuatro años, exploran los cuatro el énfasis en el valor de las de Cristo en la Eucaristía y el 67 Esto forma parte del proceso de de la fe para adultos, con énfasis fundamentos del catecismo de comunidades pequeñas, y en la por ciento asumía que podría ser ¿Por qué ser católico?: un viaje a en la renovación de la vida la iglesia católica y profundizan participación de la fe dentro de ‘buen católico’, aún cuando su través del catolicismo. parroquial”. la información, ofreciendo un estas comunidades, permanece. matrimonio no estaba consagrado RENEW International, una Las hermanas Marie Cooper, conocimiento a fondo para llegar La pequeña comunidad cristiana”, por la iglesia. Obviamente, hay organización católica radicada en SJC, y Patricia Thomas, OP, de más cerca de las creencias, los añadió, “sigue siendo el cuerpo y tanto un compromiso retrasado alma de este proceso”. como una confusión cada vez Participantes de los talleres mayor dentro de todo católico en Talleres de Evangelización (en español) escucharon intensamente la los Estados Unidos hoy en día”. información proporcionada en la El aspecto más importante miercoles 22 de abril 7:00 p.m. St. John the Apostle Fort Worth primera parte de la noche. Luego, del proceso, sin embargo, es la jueves 23 de abril 10:30 a.m. St. Peter the Apostle Fort Worth tuvieron oportunidad de colaborar oportunidad de “aumentar el jueves 23 de abril 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph Arlington en sesiones de práctica sobre el espíritu de evangelización y dar aprendizaje de la fe compartida. a los feligreses una oportunidad viernes 24 de abril 7:00 p.m. St. Ann Burleson “Es verdaderamente emocionante de crecer con una formación sábado 25 de abril 10:00 a.m. St. Rita Ranger estar aquí y tomar parte de este sólida en la fe”, dijo el padre Mele. sábado 25 de abril 3:00 p.m. Catholic Center Fort Worth esfuerzo para revitalizar nuestra Finalmente, añadió: “Nuestra fe católica en el condado de meta es el desarrollo de la vida domingo 26 de abril 3:00 p.m. Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe Wichita Falls Wise”, dijo Víctor González, un espiritual de los feligreses, lunes 27 de abril 10:30 a.m. St. Matthew Arlington líder de equipo representando la aumentando su comprensión de lunes 27 de abril 7:00 p.m. Immaculate Conception Denton Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (St. la fe y el catecismo de la iglesia John the Baptizer), en Bridgeport. católica”. “He estado involucrado en RCIA Traducido por Ana M. Fores

Encarcelado sin justicia: Detencio- La inmigración a la vista del público: nes de inmigración en los Estados Unidos, se estudian las prácticas de detención llevadas a cabo por Detenciones, ciudadanos, hijos de inmigrantes inmigración. Y se hace notar que la cifra de inmigrantes detenidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — En redada tendida por inmigración con uno o más miembros de la Unidos. El niño cuidó a su her- se había triplicado, de 10,000 en un par de informes dados a cono- en la planta empacadora de carne familia sujetos a deportación, manito hasta que un pariente 1996 a más de 30,000 en 2008. cer en marzo, se despliegan los Agriprocessors, localizada en la mientras los otros miembros de llegó a cuidarlo. A un costo de cerca de $95 datos que están tras los esfuerzos población. la familia tienen residencia legal En el informe se decía que por persona al día, la mayoría de de lograr cambios en la política Allí, y en otras comunidades o ciudadanía de los Estados cuando “Miguel” regresó a la detenidos están en cárceles del de acción de inmigración, mucho que recibieron el castigo violento Unidos. escuela, su maestra les dijo a estado y de los condados, que antes de que el Congreso se reúna de inmigración, las familias que En El rompimiento de una cuerda los investigadores de la fi rma funcionan bajo contrato con el para considerar otro proyecto contaban con uno de la fa- vital: El descuido de ciudadanos Dorsey & Whitney, que repre- gobierno de los Estados Unidos. completo sobre inmigración. milia que encaraba deportación menores de edad en la aplicación senta a muchos inmigrantes, Y el tiempo de detención puede Este acierto de tiempo opor- lucharon con la decisión de dejar de (las leyes de) Inmigración se que el niño, que previamente se ir de algunos días hasta años, se tuno se presenta mientras los a sus hijos ciudadanos de Estados describe el caos que algunas mostraba alegre, se había vuelto hacía notar en el informe. dirigentes religiosos y defensores Unidos solos, aquí en el país, el familias encuentran después de “‘absolutamente catatónico’. Su Entre las recomendaciones de los inmigrantes en el Congreso único que habían conocido, para que la persona que trae el pan a asistencia a clases fue variable. de Amnistía se incluían reme- y en otras partes cabildean en la que un pariente o alguien de la la casa ha sido arrestada durante Sus califi caciones bajaron tre- dios legislativos, como también administración de Obama para familia extendida los cuidara. las extendidas redadas de inmi- mendamente. Al fi nal del año cambios en los planes de acción, que se terminen las redadas en La alternativa que algunos gración en los últimos años, en escolar, Miguel no pudo pasar tales como la consideración de los lugares de trabajo y se hagan escogieron fue la de conservar a Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi y al tercer año con el resto de sus alternativas viables en lugar de cambios en el plan de acción para la familia junta y llevar a su re- Massachusetts. compañeros de clase”. detención, especialmente para decidir quién queda bajo custodia spectivo cónyuge e hijos nacidos Se contaba la historia de un Por otro lado, en un informe familias con menores de edad. en la cárcel y a quién se le permite y educados en Estados Unidos, a niño de segundo año de escuela de Amnesty International USA, vivir a Guatemala, México o El Sal- en Worthington, Minnesota, que esperar en su domicilio mientras Mecanismos para reportar la [email protected] vador, en donde todo sería poco regresó a la casa, de la escuela, y se pronuncia el fallo en los respec- conducta sexual inapropiada · llamar al número de emergencia para familiar y la vida más difícil. encontró a su hermanito de dos el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, tivos casos de inmigración. Si usted o alguien que conozca Ext. 900 Hace casi un año, la iglesia En uno de los informes sobre años de edad solo y abandonado. es víctima de conducta sexual · o llamar al Centro Católico al los aspectos del embrollo de in- Los padres del niño habían sido inapropiada por parte de cualquier católica de Santa Brígida en Post- número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y migración en el país, el Instituto arrestados en una redada que persona que trabaje para la iglesia, ville, Iowa, se convirtió en hogar preguntar por el canciller/moderador Urbano, y una fi rma de abogados inmigración llevó a cabo en sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro temporal o por lo menos comedor de la curia, el padre James Hart que tiene sus ofi cinas centrales en una planta de Swift & Co. y que del clero, puede reportarlo de las familiar para cientos de niños, la siguientes maneras: Mecanismo para reportar abuso Minnesota, relataron docenas de hicieron sin tomar medidas para mayoría de ellos ciudadanos de · llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora Llamar al Ministerio de familias Estados Unidos, cuyos padres historias de lo que es conocido que alguien cuidara a los niños, de asistencia para víctimas, al de Texas, Servicios de protección habían sido arrestados en una como familias de “estado mixto”, ambos ciudadanos de Estados número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, (Servicios de protección de niños) al o, mandarle correo electrónico a número:(800) 252-5400. Page 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 América Arzobispo Wuerl de En África el Papa dice que el Evangelio es Washington honra la respuesta a problemas del continente posturas de Comunión YAOUNDE, Camerún (CNS) — Llegando a África el Papa Bene- dicto XVI dijo que el mensaje de de obispos locales esperanza y reconciliación de la iglesia es dolorosamente necesa- WASHINGTON (CNS) — El rio para un continente que sufre arzobispo Donald W. Wuerl, de desproporcionadamente de po- Washington, está siguiendo el breza, confl icto y enfermedad. liderato de los prelados locales re- En una ceremonia de bien- specto a la recepción de la Comu- venida el 17 de marzo en Yaounde, nión por parte de representantes el Papa dijo que estaba haciendo católicos y funcionarios guberna- su primera visita a África para mentales electos cuyas opiniones responder a los muchos hombres puedan estar en confl icto con la y mujeres que “anhelan escuchar enseñanza eclesiástica. una palabra de esperanza y con- La postura del arzobispo, fort”. explicada originalmente en una En la lucha de los africanos columna del 1 de mayo de 2008 contra la injusticia, dijo, la iglesia en el Catholic Standard, periódico es su aliado natural. de la Arquidiócesis de Washing- “Ante el sufrimiento o la vio- ton, ganó algo de atención según lencia, la pobreza o el hambre, la el Senado de Estados Unidos Durante una charla de corrupción o el abuso de poder, un abrió el 31 de marzo las audi- cristiano nunca puede mantenerse encias de confi rmación sobre la almuerzo después de la misa de Rosas en Bethesda, silencioso”, dijo el Papa. nominación de la gobernadora El pontífi ce de 81 años de Maryland, el arzobispo de Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, edad estaba parado en una católica, como secretaria del De- Donald Wuerl muestra una plataforma en el aeropuerto de partamento de Salud y Servicios copia de un proyecto de Yaounde al lado del presidente Humanos. ley de Connecticut que les camerunés Paul Biya, quien dio Partidaria de muchos años quitaría control fi nanciero la bienvenida al Papa en una del aborto legal, a Sebelius el a los obispos y pastores de tarde caliente y húmeda. Grupos arzobispo Joseph F. Naumann, parroquias. Dijo que la de niños escolares cantaban y El Papa Benedicto XVI le aguanta las manos a Marie-Madelaine Avouzoa, 12, de Kansas City, Kansas, le ha libertad religiosa también está vitoreaban,ondeando banderas en el Centro nacional para la rehabilitación de los incapacitados en la capital pedido no presentarse para la al corazón de los esfuerzos de papel con los colores del de Camerún, Yaounde, el 19 de marzo. Amputaron hasta las rodillas las piernas Comunión a menos que ella re- de la niña y también perdió las yemas de los dedos después de una transfusión para revocar la protección de Vaticano. pudie su apoyo para mantener de sangre contra la malaria, que le infectó sus extremidades. (Foto CNS/Finbarr los derechos de conciencia de El Papa dijo que vino a África el aborto legal. como pastor, no como político, a O’Reilly, Reuters) En una entrevista del 6 de trabajadores de la salud. (Foto un continente donde el mensaje Camerún es también una “tie- marzo en Eternal Word Television CNS/Christopher Newkumet, como una “tierra de esperanza”, salvador del Evangelio necesita rra de vida, con un gobierno que Network, el arzobispo Naumann John Carroll Society) señalando que el país ha aceptado ser “proclamado alta y clara- habla abiertamente en defensa de dijo que no tenía conocimiento refugiados de países vecinos y ha mente”. El encuentro con el cris- intentado resolver disputas fron- los derechos de los que están por de que la gobernadora buscara después de esfuerzos claros de tianismo, dijo, puede transformar terizas con diplomacia paciente. nacer”, el Papa dijo. recibir la Comunión desde su persuadir y convencer a la perso- situaciones de sufrimiento o petición hace casi un año. na que sus acciones son erróneas injusticia. No pudo haber comunicación y que conllevan consecuencias Citó los confl ictos regionales con Sebelius para comentarios. morales”, continuó el arzobispo. en África que han dejado miles Escribiendo en el Catholic “Se presume que esto es hecho de desamparados, destituidos y Standard, el arzobispo Wuerl dijo en la diócesis hogar donde los huérfanos, así como el contra- que él se adheriría a la declara- obispos y los sacerdotes, los bando humano que se ha con- ción del 2004 de la Conferencia pastores de almas, entablan a vertido en una nueva forma de estadounidense de 0bispos católicos, miembros de su rebaño en este esclavitud, especialmente para la cual dijo que es responsabi- tipo de discusión. mujeres y niños. lidad de cada obispo decidir la “En el caso de las fi guras “En tiempos de crisis global aplicación apropiada de la ley públicas que sirven en Washing- por escasez de alimento, tumulto canónica respecto a la recepción ton como representantes de otras financiero y patrones preocu- de la Comunión. partes de la nación, este diálogo pantes de cambio climático, África “(El arzobispo Wuerl cree que) y cualquier decisión ocurrirían sufre desproporcionadamente: es apropiado respetar cualquier dentro de sus diócesis hogares”, más y más personas están cayendo decisión pastoral que sea tomada escribió. presas del hambre, la pobreza y la localmente”, dijo Susan Gibbs, El arzobispo Naumann dijo enfermedad. Gritan por la recon- directora de comunicaciones para que habló con el arzobispo Wuerl ciliación, la justicia y la paz y eso es la Arquidiócesis de Washington, sobre las discusiones y la corres- lo que le ofrece la iglesia”, dijo. a Catholic News Service el 31 de pondencia del mismo con Sebel- “No formas de opresión marzo. ius respecto a su postura pública económica o política, sino la liber- El arzobispo Wuerl declinó en cuanto al aborto, y el que ella tad gloriosa de los hijos de Dios. una solicitud de entrevista. haya vetado dos proyectos de No la imposición de modelos cul- “Los obispos podrían llegar ley que habían intentado regular turales que ignoran los derechos a diversas conclusiones basa- las clínicas de abortos y hacer del que está por nacer, sino el agua das en sus situaciones locales”, cumplir la ley de Kansas para los curativa pura del Evangelio de la escribió el arzobispo Wuerl en abortos, tarde en el embarazo. vida”, dijo. mayo pasado. Él también reconoció que En vez de amarga rivalidad “Una decisión respecto a la Sebelius podría mudarse a una étnica o interreligiosa, la iglesia denegación de la sagrada Co- diócesis vecina donde el arzo- ofrece la rectitud y la paz de la munión a un individuo es una bispo Wuerl no tendría jurisdic- “civilización del amor”, dijo. que debe ser tomada solamente ción. El Papa describió Camerún North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 29 National In the immigration spotlight: Detention, immigrants’ citizen children By Patricia Zapor of his alone for a week Catholic News Service until their grandmother was able WASHINGTON — A pair of to take over caring for the two reports released in March lay out children, both U.S. citizens. some of the data behind efforts The report said that when seeking changes in immigration “Miguel” returned to school policies, long before Congress his teacher told investigators gets around to considering an- from the Dorsey & Whitney law other comprehensive immigra- firm, which represents many tion bill. immigrants, that the previously Their timing comes as reli- happy child had become “’abso- gious leaders and advocates for lutely catatonic.’ His attendance immigrants in Congress and else- became spotty at best. His grades where are lobbying the Obama plummeted. At the end of the administration to end workplace school year Miguel was not able raids and make changes in poli- to advance to the third grade with cies for deciding who is locked the rest of his class.” up and who is allowed to wait The Pew Hispanic Center at home while their immigration estimates the population of cases are adjudicated. about 12 million undocumented Almost a year ago, St. Bridget’s immigrants in the U.S. includes Catholic Church in Postville, the parents of about 3.1 million Iowa, became a temporary home U.S. citizen children. The Urban or at least a soup kitchen for hun- Institute estimates that for every dreds of children, most of them two adults arrested for suspected U.S. citizens, whose parents had immigration violations, one U.S.- Chicago Auxiliary Bishop John R. Manz, Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George and Elena Segura, director of the Catholic been arrested in an immigration born child is affected. Campaign for Immigration Reform for the Archdiocese of Chicago, pray during an interfaith prayer forum at Our Lady raid at the town’s Agriprocessors Severing a Lifeline also de- of Mercy Church in Chicago March 21. Cardinal George urged President Barack Obama and his administration to stop meatpacking plant. scribed home raids in Connecti- immigration raids and deportations that are separating families and to work toward more comprehensive immigration There, as in other communities cut, Maryland, Minnesota, and reform. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World) hit by immigration crackdowns, New York where sometimes families with one member facing dozens of heavily armed immi- as they would be in criminal mit on immigration this spring. The plan involves various deportation struggled with the gration agents identifi ed them- courts. On March 24 Homeland Secu- enforcement agencies, many of decision to leave their U.S. citi- selves as “police” and swooped Amnesty’s recommendations rity Secretary Janet Napolitano which currently focus at least zen children behind in the only into homes. In the typically included legislative remedies as announced a sweeping approach in part on illegal immigration. country they have ever known early-morning incidents cited, well as policy changes, such as to cracking down on increas- Specifi cs, such as whether the to be cared for by one parent or offi cers questioned, handcuffed, ensuring that affordable alterna- ingly violent international drug focus on drugs would mean extended family. and detained whoever happened tives to detention are always con- traffi cking, which has begun to fewer resources devoted to im- The alternative chosen by to be in the home, including mi- sidered, particularly for families move north across the Mexican migration violations, have not some was to keep the family nors, even when the individual with children. border area. been announced. together and bring spouses and for whom they had a warrant was Amnesty also urged the U.S. children born and raised in the not present. government to adopt human U.S. to live in Guatemala, Mexico, The report recommended rights standards for all jails and U.S. Citizen Children of Immigrants or El Salvador, where everything immediate changes to policies detention centers being used for would be unfamiliar and life such as the standards used to immigration detainees. A report highlights effects of immigration arrests and detention on the U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants. more diffi cult. determine the best interests of Family situations like those In one report on aspects of the citizen children with a parent detailed in the reports are the fo- IN THE U.S., THERE ARE... country’s immigration muddle, facing deportation and how cus of a series of interfaith prayer the Urban Institute and a Min- home raids are conducted when services being held around the nesota-based law fi rm related children are present. country this spring, co-sponsored 12 MILLION 4.9 MILLION 3.1 MILLION dozens of stories of what are Meanwhile, a report by Am- by local religious leaders and undocumented children of U.S citizen children known as “mixed status” fami- nesty International USA, Jailed promoted by Rep. Luis Gutier- immigrants undocumented of undocumented immigrants immigrants lies, with one or more members Without Justice: Immigration rez, D-Ill. subject to deportation, while Detention in the USA, looks at At such a service March others have legal residency or immigration detention practices. 21, Chicago Cardinal Francis U.S. citizenship. It notes that the number of im- E. George called on President NUMBER OF PEOPLE DAILY IN DETENTION Severing a Lifeline: The Neglect migrants in detention tripled Barack Obama to stop raids of Citizen Children in America’s Im- from 10,000 in 1996 to more than and deportations that break up 29,786 30,000 in 2008. families. migration Enforcement described 19,533 the chaos that some families At a cost of about $95 per A comprehensive legislative encountered after a wage earner person per day, the majority are approach to immigration prob- 5,532 was arrested during large immi- held in state and county jails lems could come up in Congress gration raids in the last few years operating under contract to the later this year. Advocates for ‘94 ‘01 ‘07 in Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, U.S. government. Their length of comprehensive reform have been and Massachusetts. detention can range from a few working with congressional staff It told of a second-grader in days to years, and 84 percent of to draft legislation that could 7 YEARS current wait time for visas for Mexican spouses and Worthington, Minnesota, who immigration detainees are unable be introduced as soon as late children of legal U.S. residents returned from school to fi nd his 2- to arrange for an attorney to rep- summer. 21 age at which U.S. citizens may apply for their parents year-old brother alone. The boys’ resent them, noted the report. Obama told the Congressional to have legal immigration status Hispanic Caucus and an audience parents had been arrested in an Because immigration law vio- 500,000 annual number of jobs for unskilled immigrant workers immigration raid at a Swift & Co. lations are civil offenses, people in California in March that he 5,000 annual number of visas available for unskilled workers plant and were unable to make facing immigration charges are would support a comprehensive provisions for someone to care for not entitled to legal representa- reform bill. He told the caucus he Sources: Pew Hispanic Center, U.S. State Department, National Immigrant Justice Center ©2009 CNS the children. The boy took care tion regardless of ability to pay, would host a White House sum- Page 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Diocesan / International Pope challenges Africans to examine lives in light of the Gospel

FROM PAGE 32 ily,” he said in Cameroon, there in fi nger-pointing — even in unprecedented step of publicly a special focus: Human suffering Synod of Bishops, delivered by is no room for ethnocentrism Cameroon, which is usually at opposing President Paul Biya’s can only make sense in light of the pope to African bishops, or factionalism. In effect, he the top of the corruption charts constitutional meddling that al- Christ’s crucifi xion and his “fi nal said globalization “infringes on presented the church as the only of human rights organizations. lowed the president to serve yet victory” over death, he said. Africa’s rights” and tends “to be institution capable of bringing Indeed, he called Cameroon a another seven-year term — a Even the pope’s defense of the vehicle for the domination Africans together in a way that “land of hope” for Africa. position the cardinal reiterated women’s rights in Africa was of a single, cultural model and a goes beyond political or eco- The reason is that he knows during the pope’s visit. very much a “Benedict” ap- culture of death.” nomic expediency. local African church leaders Signifi cantly, the pope treated proach, based not on human The pope hit hard on African Although the pope had two are already on the front lines in corruption not as a problem rights declarations but on the wars and ethnic confl icts and one-liners about corruption, denouncing political corruption. to be eliminated in return for biblical account of creation. repeatedly held out Christianity typically portrayed in the West In Cameroon, for example, a foreign aid, but as a practice in- Here, too, his point that men and as the answer. If Africans grasp as the quintessential “African” year ago Cardinal Christian Wi- compatible with the demands of women have “complementary” that the church is “God’s fam- problem, he did not engage yghan Tumi of Douala took the the Gospel. He added, however, roles will no doubt fi nd critics. that Africa deserves a similar The pope’s method in Africa change in attitude from the was not to lay down the law but developed world — not “more to lay down a challenge, asking viewers’ own life stories. Tears back anything — to give her programs and protocols” but people to examine their own Hamer… are heartfelt for parents, who everything I’d bought, each gift “conversion of hearts to sincere lives and their relationships sense familial grief at the loss a sign of love. solidarity.” in the light of the Gospel. He FROM PAGE 13 of Jesus. For me, an awareness I regret the times in my life His visit to the sick in Cam- believes that Christianity is a composing a note. “Dear God, of my own part in his death I have not practiced that rule eroon illustrated that the church perfect fi t for Africa but that, in please help me to run faster. Do brings pangs of regret and with God. I should have given must invest its resources in love view of cultural trends, it won’t you think you could do that?” resolution. him everything I had, every and care for the needy, but with necessarily be an easy fi t. Natalie left the note on her The actors, just a bigger ver- moment, no matter what effort bedside table, an accidental sion of Natalie’s soccer team, it took, or what else I cancelled gift to all her family, I think, portray Jesus the Son of God, to achieve it. This was the life because it spoke, not of soccer, and Mary his grieving mother, he gave me, there should have Turtle given by Pygmies to but of faith. with a passion they have no been no moment I did not give Later, we laughed together way of comprehending. it back to him. at the innocence, the ability to It is the only time these chil- For those oversights, I cried pope will stay in Africa let go to her heavenly Father, dren have ever acted this play, during the Passion Play, along LUANDA, Angola (CNS) in Yaounde, Cameroon, March who, yes, assuredly can inter- and probably they will never with Samuel and Natalie, — Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican 20 as the pontiff was preparing vene to improve running skills. do it again. Yet they use all their whose small faces showed aides decided that the live turtle to leave for Angola. They built a Then, quietly, individually, senses, bringing young hearts grown-up understanding. given to the pope by a group of ceremonial hut out of leaves in the each of us remembered, “He and souls to the diffi cult and When Natalie wrote a note Pygmies from Cameroon should garden of the residence, and the can help us too.” We smiled demanding roles that will mark to God, asking him for im- stay in Africa. Although Vatican pope came out to greet them. The with reinforced childhood their lives forever, and have proved soccer skills, there was officials initially spoke about Pygmies, including grandparents, wisdom. already marked their history. no question the Lord would fi nding a home for the turtle in parents and children, sang songs Watching our parish’s Pas- To fully portray Jesus’ fi nal answer her request. He can do the Vatican Gardens, in the end and danced to the beat of drums, sion Play this year, Natalie and week on earth, they give every- anything he wants to do. they asked staff members of the then gave the pope three gifts: a Sam both cried. Their tears thing they have. He gave us his only Son, Vatican Embassy in Luanda to basket, a cloth mat and the turtle, were not complaining tears In journalism school, there who was born for one purpose: fi nd it a proper home, said Je- which is a symbol of wisdom in of fatigue or hunger, as astute was a study element I learned, to show us, by the heartbreak- suit Father Federico Lombardi, Cameroon. The Baka Pygmies parents recognize. They were and kept as a sort of life lesson: ing sadness of his death, that, Vatican spokesman. A group of inhabit rain forests in southern tears of pure grief, quite the Go with everything you’ve got. like Natalie looks forward to 15 Pygmies from the Baka ethnic Cameroon. A hunting and gath- opposite of the happiness they Don’t hold back information; running faster, we can look group came to the pope’s resi- ering people, they number fewer both display at Saturday morn- don’t save a great quote to use forward to eternal life. dence at the apostolic nunciature than 30,000. ing soccer. another time; don’t reserve a Jesus, Please teach us how to “They cried as Jesus carried good idea for a subsequent live forever. Could you do that? his cross,” their mother Mer- story. He could do that for us. And edith told me, “because they Use it now. Give everything he did. understood what it was about.” you’ve got. Kathy Cribari Hamer, a By Jean Denton The play, whose cast is Last week was my grand- member of St. Andrew Copyright © 2009, Jean Denton eighth graders, is a somber daughter Emma’s third birth- Parish, has five chil- and tender reenactment, with day party, and I had prepared dren, Meredith, John, dramatic vocal accompaniment six presents for her. As I Julie, Andrew, and Abby. from the parish’s adult choir. wrapped them I came across Last May, her column received the Yearly the church echoes with a doll I might have saved for second place award for best family sniffl es — much more sniffl ing Christmas, but somehow I life column by the Catholic Press than comes from early spring couldn’t. Everything about Association of the U.S. and Canada allergies! Emma’s birthday was impor- at the Catholic Media Convention in Some years the evocative- tant to me; there was nothing Toronto. In 2005, Kathy’s column ness is more intense than I wouldn’t do for her, or give was recognized with the fi rst place others, perhaps because of to her. So I decided not to hold award in the same category. North Texas Catholic, April 10, 2009 Page 31 Calendar

UTA CATHOLIC ART SHOW GOLF TOURNAMENT DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY JAMAICA CELEBRATION ST. AUGUSTINE GROUP The University Catholic Community at the Our Mother of Mercy School’s fourth annual Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations will As part of its 100th anniversary celebra- The St. Augustine Men’s Purity Group, a University of Texas at Arlington is sponsoring “Golf and Networking Event” will be held at be held April 19 at various parishes in tions, St. Rita Church in Fort Worth will support group for men who struggle with a juried art competition entitled Amor Vitae: Squaw Creek Golf Course April 18 at 1605 the diocese, including Our Lady of Mercy host the Second Annual Jamaica charity sources of sexual impurity such as those Love of Life! on Saturday, April 25 and Sun- Ranch House Rd. in Willow Park. All are Church at 107 Crestridge Dr. in Hillsboro, fair on Saturday, April 25, beginning with found on the Internet, meets regularly day, April 26 at Artspace 111 in downtown invited to participate as players or sponsors. St. Maria Goretti Church at 1200 S. Davis a “Jamaica Mass” at 5 p.m. From 6 to 11 in Room 213 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fort Worth. The show is open to high school For more information, contact tournament Dr. in Arlington, St. John the Apostle Church p.m., the celebration will include food, School, located at 2016 Willis Lane, Keller; juniors and seniors and undergraduate col- co-chairs Howard Rattliff at rattlhj@yahoo. at 7341 Glenview Dr. in North Richland Hills, carnival rides, games, and entertainment, at 1301 Paxton Ave. (Padre Pio House) in lege students throughout the Diocese of Fort com, or Mike Barks at barkskully@sbcglobal. and at St. Mark Church at 2800 Pennsylvania including a dance with a live band and DJ Arlington; and at Immaculate Conception Worth. Artists are asked to depict work that net, or go to the Web site www.tournevents. Ave in Denton. from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. St. Rita is located Parish in Denton at 2255 Bonnie Brae St. reflects Catholic Social Teaching to respect com/omm2009 to register. at 5550 E. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth. For For additional information, visit the Web all forms of life. To receive an application, THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE more information, call the church office at site at www.sampg.com, or e-mail to Mark call the UCC at (817) 460-1155 or download St. Vincent de Paul Church will host a free (817) 451-9383. at [email protected]. it from the Web site at www.utacatholics. pre-screening of “The Human Experience,” org. Deadline to submit work will be Monday, To Report Misconduct documentary about two brothers who travel RACHEL MINISTRIES Rachel Ministries, a program that offers a April 20. Artwork, application forms, and If you or someone you know is a victim the world and interview people about what NTC DEADLINES FOR safe, non-judgmental, and supportive envi- money can be dropped off Monday through of sexual misconduct by anyone who it means to be human, at 7:30 p.m. Friday SUBMISSION ronment to those struggling with abortion’s Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. at the UCC, located serves the church, you may April 24, and Saturday, April 25 at 5819 aftermath, is expanding its outreach to at 1010 Benge Dr. in Arlington, or at the • Call Judy Locke, victim Pleasant Ridge Rd. in Arlington. Doors include programs and services in Spanish. Catholic Campus Center for the University assistance coordinator, will open at 7 p.m. For more information, The North Texas Catholic is pub- The expanded outreach program is currently of North Texas, located at 1303 Eagle Dr. (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 contact Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore, director of lished twice monthly, except during seeking volunteers who can read and speak in Denton, Monday through Friday from 10 or e-mail her at [email protected] Respect Life for the Diocese of Fort Worth the months of June, July, and Au- Spanish to help build the Spanish program. a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline at (817) 560-3300 ext. 257, or by e-mail gust when it is published monthly. The ministry is also seeking Spanish-speak- Lisa Campbell at the UCC or e-mail her at (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 at [email protected]. The deadline to submit information ing licensed counselors to volunteer during [email protected]. • Or call The Catholic Center at is noon on the Wednesday of the the Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats. (817) 560-2452 ext. 102 and ask week before the paper is published. ST. PAUL MISSION There are also opportunities for volunteers for the chancellor/moderator of the Items for the April 24 issue must DIVORCE AND BEYOND St. Paul the Apostle Church in the River Oaks to be included on the referral list. Training curia, Father James Hart be received by noon on Wednesday, St. Andrew Church will host a “Divorce and area of Fort Worth, will host a parish mission will be provided to all volunteers. Anyone April 15. Items for the May 8 is- Beyond” program Thursday evenings from To Report Abuse April 26-28, with Passionist Father Cedric who is bilingual and is interested in this 7 to 9 p.m. April 16 through June 4 at its sue must be received by noon on Call the Texas Department of Family Pisegna, CP, giving talks at 7 p.m., with the ministry is asked to contact Betsy Kopor at pastoral center at 3717 Stadium Dr. The Wednesday, April 29. Protective Services (Child Protective topics “Happiness” on Sunday; “Change is (817) 923-4757 or by e-mail to forgiven@ cost for registration is $15, and includes Services) at (800) 252-5400 Possible” on Monday; and “The Holy Spirit racheltx.org. the cost of book and supplies which will be and Passion” on Tuesday. St. Paul is located available the first evening. Pre-registration at River Oaks, 5508 Black Oak Ln., in Fort is required. For more information or to reg- DEAF MINISTRY OMM PICNIC IN THE PARK Worth. For more information, contact the The Deaf Ministry Program is in need of a The Friends of Our Mother of Mercy organi- ister, call Alice Curran at (817) 927-5383 or CALIX SUPPORT GROUP church office at (817) 738-9925. Delphine Exman at (817) 292-1453. Calix, a monthly support meeting for court reporter to help with CART (Computer zation will host a “Picnic in the Park” 2:30 Catholics who are alcoholic and others who Assisted Real-Time Translation) services. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at Hillside are struggling with addiction and seeking YOUTH 2000 The Deaf Community celebrates a special Park and Gym, whatever weather conditions IWBS DISCERNMENT WEEKEND recovery, is offered the first Saturday of The 2009 YOUTH 2000 Retreat, led by the Deaf Community Mass on the first Sunday are. Activities will include three-legged The Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament each month at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal of the of each month at 1:45 p.m. at San Mateo races, kickball, a live DJ, bingo, dominos, Sisters are hosting a Discernment Weekend Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing Ave. Bronx, will be held April 17-19 at Nolan Church near downtown Fort Worth. The a WII tournament, card games, and other for single Catholic women from high school in West Fort Worth. The next meeting Catholic High School at 4501 Bridge St. ministry would like to provide CART services activities. Prizes will be awarded to the OMM seniors through women 50 years of age on will be Saturday, May 2. Calix meetings in Fort Worth. This retreat is for youth and for deaf persons who do not sign so they can School class with the most classmates in April 25-26 at Incarnate Word Convent in focus on enhancing spiritual growth young adults between the ages of 13 and read the simultaneous transcriptions and be attendance. The day will end with a karaoke Victoria. For more information, visit the Web through sharing Eucharist, discussion, 30. Housing will not be provided. Registra- a part of the special liturgy. To help with this contest with a cash prize given for the best site at www.iwbsvictoria.org, or contact and fellowship. For more information, call tion is $50. For more information, call (817) service, contact Mary Cinatl, director of the performance. For more information, contact Sister Mildred Truchard by phone at (361) Deacon Joe Milligan at (817) 737-6768 558-9805, or visit the Web site for the event Deaf Ministry Program, at (817) 284-3019 Mike or Marie Barks at (817) 568-9640 or 575-7111 or e-mail [email protected]. ext. 105. at www.fwdiocyouthretreat.org. (Voice and TDD) or [email protected]. call the rectory at (817) 335-1695. Classifi ed Section

OLG TEACHERS ST. MARY’S PRINCIPAL PARISH SECRETARY ACCOMPANIST FITNESS COACHES Our Lady of Grace Catholic High School St. Mary’s Catholic School, Gainesville, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Accompanist with experience at three- Looking for 20 fitness coaches for in Roanoke, TX is seeking the following TX is seeking a strong academic and Church is currently seeking a full-time manual pipe organ needed for three revolutionary new home based business. positions for fall 2009: Full-Time or Part- spiritual principal to lead its elemen- Parish Secretary for our Parish. Qual- weekend Masses at Holy Family Church For info call 817-249-3371. Time Math/Science, Theology, 6-man tary school (PK-8; 193 students). The fications: College Degree: Associates in Fort Worth. Responsibilities include football coach (stipend only position). position is available for the 2009-10 or Higher; Experienced in Microsoft rehearsals with up to two choirs weekly, KOFC FIELD AGENT Please e-mail olghsdonohue@gmail. School Year. Qualifications: a practicing holy day Masses; availability for parish Office-Outlook, Word, Power Point, Are you a professional Catholic man com or call (817) 833-6516. Catholic, Master’s Degree and 18 hours funerals, weddings, and major parish Excel; Experience with business cor- who has been laid off or is looking for in Administration, and 3 years experi- celebrations throughout the year is respondence; Excellent grammar skills; a new career opportunity? The Knights ence in a Catholic School. Administrative preferred. Applicant must be familiar Knowledgeable and currently practicing of Columbus is currently seeking career experience preferred. Please submit a with post-Vatican II Catholic liturgy. the Catholic faith. Please contact the minded individuals in the Dioceses of ASST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & letter of interest, resume, references Send a résumé to Holy Family Church; church office at 972.436.7617 to sched- Dallas and Ft. Worth for the position of and a request for an application to: Attn: Diane Kain, 6150 Pershing Ave., ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ule an interview, or fax your resume and Field Agent. Ideal candidates will have Catholic School Office, 800 West Loop Fort Worth 76107 or e-mail to dkain@ The Diocese of Fort Worth Texas seeks a salary requirements to 972.221.3430, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or 820 South, Fort Worth, TX 76108-2919, holyfamilyfw.org. For more information, full-time Assistant Director of Finance & or E-mail [email protected]. equivalent sales/business experience, 817/560-3300 ext. 253. call (817) 737-6768 ext. 104 Administrative Services at the Catholic however all Catholics eligible for mem- Center. Principal duties will include INTERNAL AUDITOR bership in the KofC are encouraged to managing the day-to-day relationship The Diocese of Fort Worth Texas seeks apply. It is not necessary to already have between the parishes, schools and other SERVICES AVAILABLE a full-time Auditor for our Internal Audit LITURGY & MUSIC DIRECTOR membership with the KofC to be consid- diocesan entities and the finance/ac- Topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, program at the Catholic Center. Principal A North Dallas Suburban Parish in ered for this position. To obtain Knights counting function of the Central Office driveways, concrete, backhoe, and trac- duties will include reviewing and testing transitional growth is seeking a full-time of Columbus membership requirements, and assisting the Director of Finance tor services. Custom mowing lots and the compliance with laws, accounting director of liturgy and music to lead please see the membership section of and Administrative Services in overall acres. Call (817) 732-4083. procedures and policies, and adminis- the assembly in worship and song as www.kofc.org. The position provides the management of the temporal needs trative procedures and policies as they a member of our pastoral team. A col- following benefits: Unlimited earning of the diocese. Qualifications include relate to the temporal affairs of entities of laborative person is needed to initiate potential, Expense Allowance, Quality practicing Catholic with knowledge of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Qualifications and grow a comprehensive liturgical Production Commission, 100% Paid the Catholic Church organization and PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR include a Bachelor’s Degree in Account- music ministry; to guide parish liturgical Pension, 401K, Aetna PPO/HMO, Health function; college graduate, preferably in Little Apostles Nursery School at St. ing or related field, 2-5 years experience ministries, plan and accompany weekend Benefits, Dental Benefits, Disability, Life Finance or Business; minimum five years Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in in auditing or related field, expertise in liturgies, holy days, weddings, funerals, Insurance, and Paid Continuing Educa- experience in Finance and Accounting; Lewisville has an opening for a Pre- computer usage, and knowledge of the special liturgical celebrations, direct tion. For consideration, please forward strong project management skills; excel- school Director; 12-month position, Roman Catholic Faith. Knowledge of the and rehearse choir and cantors and your résumé to [email protected] lent collaborator; and computer program 30 hours/week with benefits. Little workings of the Diocese of Fort Worth interface with existing Spanish Choir. or you may fax it to 804–377–9111 expertise. Bilingual in English/Spanish Apostles is a state-licensed preschool is helpful. English/Spanish bilingual Requires close collaboration with staff or mail to Knights of Columbus, Regan is preferred. For a full job description serving children 6 weeks to not yet in applicants are preferred. For a full job and parishioners. Needs strong piano Agency, 4425 Tradition Trail Plano, TX and application, visit www.fwdioc.org. kindergarten with an average enrollment description and application, visit www. and conducting skills, good vocal skills, 75093. Interviews for qualified can- The Diocese of Fort Worth offers excel- of 140 students. Will manage all aspects fwdioc.org. The Diocese of Fort Worth knowledge of Catholic liturgy and must didates will be held soon. If you have lent pay and benefits to our employees. of preschool including curriculum, offers excellent pay and benefits to our be a practicing Catholic with a degree questions regarding this opportunity, If interested in this position, e-mail a staff development, business planning, employees. If interested in this position, in liturgy or music, or equivalent years please call metro 817.265.2967 or résumé, a completed job application finances, and communication, and will e-mail a résumé, a completed job ap- of experience. Salary and diocesan ben- 972.599.2803. and cover letter to msimeroth@fwdioc. supervise 35+ employees. Current plication and cover letter to msimeroth@ efits commensurate with education or org or fax to 817-244-8839, to the director will assist with transition. Job fwdioc.org or fax to 817-244-8839, to experience. Send letter, résumé, salary attention of Mark Simeroth, Director of description at www.stphilipcc.org, Job the attention of Mark Simeroth, Director requirements and three current/verifi- ADVERTISE IN THE Human Resources. Application due date Board page. Resumes and cover let- of Human Resources. Application due able references to: Search Committee NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC is May 1, 2009. Qualified applicants will ter to [email protected]; deadline date is May 1, 2009. Qualified applicants Liturgy and Music, 352 Cascata Drive, be contacted for an interview. 4/15/09. No phone calls please. will be contacted for an interview. Frisco, TX 75034. (817) 560-3300 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, April 10, 2009 Page 32 Good Newsmaker On his Africa trip, Pope Benedict doesn’t point a fi nger, but just as in the West, he challenges attitudes and cultural trends, while proclaiming ‘The Lord Jesus is the one mediator and redeemer’ By John Thavis Catholic News Service LUANDA, Angola

ope Benedict XVI’s in-fl ight Pstatement oppos- ing condom distribu- Clockwise from Top Left: • Pope greets women and children in Angola’s capitol, Luanda, tion in AIDS prevention March 21. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters) • People wait for Pope Benedict to pass outside St. Antonio Church drew sharp criticism in Luanda, March 22, (CNS photo/Alesandro Bianchi, Reuters) • Pope waves from his popemobile as he arrives for an outdoor and was seen by many Mass on the outskirts of Luanda, March 22. (CNS photo/ Alesandro Bianchi, Reuters) as a distraction from his • Women sing during the outdoor Mass with Pope Benedict XVI, March 22. (CNS photo/Alesandro Bianchi, Reuters) main message in Africa.

But a closer look reveals that very little of what the pope had to say during his March 17-23 African journey was easy or accommodating. On issues ranging from abortion to cor- ruption, from women’s rights to economic development, he preached the Gospel in a way that took issue with common practices and prevailing atti- tudes. His conviction, expressed for the most deprived, you must begin with a radical conversion stadium, telling them that their Abortion was very much on on his fi rst day in Cameroon, is be very careful,” he told Afri- to Christ that redirects every power to shape the future was the pope’s mind in Africa. His that Christianity is the answer cans in Cameroon. aspect of life. directly dependent on their fi rst speech on the continent — the only real answer — to “Take care of your souls,” he “The Gospel teaches us that “constant dialogue with the reminded Africans of their the chronic problems plaguing said. “Do not let yourselves be reconciliation, true reconcili- Lord.” traditional values and said the Africa. His fear is that Africa, captivated by selfi sh illusions ation, can only be the fruit of “The dominant societal church was the institution best caught up in economic and cul- and false ideals.” conversion, a change of heart, culture is not helping you live able to preserve and purify them tural globalization, will follow News accounts usually leave a new way of thinking. It by Jesus’ words or to practice — unlike agencies that want to the secularized West and lose out the words than inevitably teaches us that only the power the self-giving to which he calls impose “cultural models that touch with its own best values. followed these papal warnings, of God’s love can change our you,” he said. In fact, he said, ignore the rights of the unborn.” Condom campaigns are, to but for the pope they were the hearts,” he said at an outdoor today’s “individualistic and he- In a speech to foreign dip- Pope Benedict, a small but very most important part of his mes- Mass in Angola. donistic” values prevent young lomats, he laid down a direct real part of this threat. But his sage in Africa: “Only Christ is The pope kept reminding people from reaching maturity. challenge to international concern extends to virtually the way of life.” “The Lord Jesus listeners that, in his view, inside At his Mass the next day, organizations that, in his words, every area of social, economic, is the one mediator and redeem- and outside Africa the Christian the pope continued in the same were undermining society’s and political life. er.” “Christ is the measure of message lived to the full is pro- vein, saying that “living by the foundations by promoting “At a time when so many true humanism.” foundly countercultural. truth” was not easy in the face abortion as a form of reproduc- people have no qualms about The transformation the That was eminently clear of the “hardened attitudes” of tive health care. The working trying to impose the tyranny of pontiff asked of Africans was, when he addressed young selfi shness that dominate much document for next October’s materialism, with scant concern as he described it, one that must people in an Angolan soccer of contemporary social relations. SEE POPE, P. 30

MAILING LABEL: Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your paper. Thank you. Inside... This issue of the NTC Ruben Aguirre made good use of The Chrism Mass expresses the unity Jesus rose to new life, not his old his fi nal years with BNSF, grow- of the local church. Representatives life in his old body. His resurrection ing closer to God and his church, of each parish gather as the bishop sanctifi ed the human body, while preparing to serve as a deacon blesses and distributes the sacra- showing his followers what awaits here in his home diocese while mental oils to be used for them eternally. Read working in East Texas. 6 the year. 14 about that new life, 16-19