Southwest Kansas Catholic Vol. XLIV No. 17 dcdiocese.org/swkscatholic The Newspaper of the Diocese of Dodge City Sunday, December 22, 2019 NEWS OF GREAT JOY! The Most Rev. John B. Brungardt, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.’” -- Luke 2:10-11 harles Schultz, the genius writer of the comic strip series “Peanuts,” wrote Ca classic video enti tled “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The boy Charlie Brown is questi oning just what is the true meaning of Christmas. Aft er reciti ng from Luke’s gospel (2:8-14), his friend Linus says: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Yes, Christmas is about the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus loves us so much, that He came to this earth as a child. He grew, taught us to love, died on the cross to take away our sins, and rose from the dead to open the gates of heaven. Salvati on in Jesus – that is Good News! Yes, Christmas is about Great Joy, this love of the Christ Child for us. The peace, happiness, and joy that we so desperately seek is found in this litt le boy. Jesus is or to us a Child is born, our brother, our friend, our Savior. He is our refuge in ti mes of illness, suff ering, or to us a Son is given ... temptati on. Jesus – He brings us Joy! The cast of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and His name will be called concludes with the exhortati on: “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!”, then they sing “Wonderful Counselor, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” I conclude similarly: “Merry Christmas, faithful of the Mighty God, Everlasting Diocese!” May we open our hearts to receive Baby Jesus’ joyful message! Father, Prince of Peace.” + Bishop John -- Isaiah 9:6 Page 2 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic The one thing

o celebrate Christmas properly, T the single thing we really need is “Faith.” But Faith is hard to come by when our normal reasons for believing crumble. Those who helped us to believe in the first place, they may themselves fail. Most of the Catholics we know Most Rev. may fall well short of Ronald M. Gilmore how they should act. Bishop Emeritus of The Church herself may Dodge City seem to go fuzzy on the essential revealed Truths, and all that they imply for our living in Christ. These things happen. That is why it is important to understand that all our secondary reasons for believing are helpful, to be sure, but they are not crucial to the act of Faith. They are not fi nally the decisive reason why we believe. That is to be found in the invisible Spirit, and in His secret work within Bishop John Brungardt us. We believe because God himself reveals that Bishop Emeritus Ronald Gilmore He loved us into existence, that He loves us in the unfolding of our Redempti on, and that He will love us forever in Heaven. That broke upon us when He Sister Diane Leary, former walked among us. We caught a glimpse of it before we blinked. It is His Word that is utt erly reliable SMPC professor, coach, dies Mar� did you know that your … not the word of your parents, not the word of baby boy will one day walk your teachers, not the word of your priests. It is His ister Diane (Marianne) Leary, Aquinas High School in Promise that you can take to the bank. SCSJ, 85, who served as a Kansas City, Kansas. on water? So, if you fi nd your Faith fraying aft er this hard professor, coach and athletic In 1979 she was Mar� did you know that your year, accept it as a penance, but do not give it up. director at St. Mary of the appointed Assistant In Bapti sm, Faith was poured over you like the Plains College, died Dec. 10, Professor of History baby boy will save our waters, without your doing anything. It was the 2019. The Mass of Christian and head coach sons and daughters? seed planted in you, and it has grown, we hope, to burial was celebrated at o f w o m e n ’ s become your habitual way of looking at the world. Resurrecti on Chapel at athletics at Did you know that your baby Faith is the open door through which you begin Mt. St. Mary’s Convent St. Mary of boy has come to make you new? your return to God. In Faith, you gather up the Dec. 18. Internment was the Plains best that is in you, and you give it away to the God in the sisters’ cemetery. i n D o d g e This child that you’ve delivered, who made you, and who redeems you. Sister Diane was born C i t y . A will soon deliver you.... “The Kingdom of God is near, repent, and believe in Newton, Mass., April 28, 1934, milestone in Kansas college Lyrics by Buddy Greene, this Good News.” Especially now, in this blessed Mark Lowry the daughter of Louis and Isabelle athleti cs occurred in 1983 when Christmas Season. Griffi n Leary. Sister Diane became the state’s After graduating high school, fi rst woman to be head athleti c she was accepted and spent two director at a college. years at Sargent College of Physical Following the closing of St. Educati on and Physical Therapy at Mary of the Plains in 1992, Sister Boston University, then another Diane accepted a position at two years conti nuing her studies Newman University in Wichita at B.U. while working as a technical where she served at various ti mes librarian and writer at Sylvania as Associate Professor of history, Missile Systems Laboratory. She girls’ volleyball coach and Director entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Athleti cs. Upon completi ng her of Wichita in September 1956, ministry at Newman University received the habit in March in 2005 she pursued a two-year 1957, followed by First and Final intercultural ministry in Malawi, Professions in 1959 and 1962. Central Africa, to teach and Her bachelor’s degree was provide academic and personal completed at St. Mary of the Plains counseling for young women of College in Dodge City with a degree high school age. in history and physical educati on, Aft er returning from Malawi she all while teaching and coaching in resided at Catholic Care Center elementary and junior high schools in Wichita then moved to the in Wichita, Chanute and Pitt sburg Congregation Center at Mt. St. in Kansas. After completing a Mary’s Convent. She was preceded master’s degree in European in death by her parents. In additi on and Russian history with a minor to members of her religious in counseling from Creighton congregati on, she is survived by University, she continued her two cousins, Edward Hettinger teaching and coaching career at of Marblehead, Mass., and Louis the high school level. Hetti nger of Ashburn, Va. Sister Diane was instrumental Memorials in her name may be in establishing girls’ athletic made to Dear Neighbor Ministry programs at Bishop Carroll High or the Sisters of St. Joseph School in Wichita and St. Thomas Reti rement Fund.

Dave, The secti on in the SKC under Protecti ng God’s Children – Abuse Hotline, the phone number that is listed there for the Kansas Department for Children and Families Protecti on Report Center is incorrect.

It should be 800-922-5330 Janeé Bernal, Director of Matrimony, Family Life, and NFP, will sadly be leaving the Dodge City Diocese at the end of May. Though this has been a wonderful positi on and has fueled her passion for evangelizati on, the Lord has called her and her family down another path. She has been hired as the new Assistant Principal at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Wichita. Her husband, Jesse, and their three children will be moving to Wichita someti me in June. Janeé wants to thank the people of the Dodge City Diocese for their generosity and kindness during the past year. She said, “The Diocese of Dodge City has been a wonderful place to grow up and to serve. It has taught me the importance of serving others as a missionary disciple. I will truly miss the rural hospitality and especially the priests and religious sisters that I’ve been able to call friends.”

Natural Family Planning/Ferti lity Awareness: Diana Ramirez (Dodge City) and Allison Ricke (Pratt ) conti nue their training as Ferti lityCare Practi ti oner Interns. To register or request an Introductory Session on Natural Family Planning in English or Spanish, please contact Diana Ramirez at: 620-227-1546

Upcoming Introductory Sessions: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 ABC Pregnancy Center (Garden City) English 6:00pm

The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 3 The one thing ‘I remember El Salvador’ Archbishop Romero paid the ulti mate price for condemning injusti ce

By CHARlENE SCOTT MYERS him, and his casket was placed in front of the Southwest Kansas Catholic cathedral so the poor and the rich could visit everal years ago, I worked as director of and honor him in his casket. Sthe Peace and Justi ce offi ce located on I visited the casket twice, and cried along the grounds of the University of Tulsa in the with the Salvadorians, as I am crying now, state of Oklahoma. remembering that sad day. I had a board of eight persons who helped me The thugs of El Salvador followed us with our very challenging mission of seeking everywhere. One man in parti cular seemed to justi ce for the suff ering and underprivileged. be stalking me. He was a huge brutal looking One of my board members was an Episcopal fellow whose right hand had been chopped priest. off , the penalty for thievery in El Salvador! The country of El Salvador was very much Everywhere I went, he went. I was eati ng in the news at that ti me. We were frustrated at the hotel diner, and when I fi nished my by all of the horror stories coming out of that meal and left for the elevator, he followed small nati on, and we felt compelled to do me into the lift . something about it. I began to pray “Please protect me, Lord! El Salvador translates into “The Savior.” I Surround me with your love and angels.” And and my board members were all Christi ans; so He did! myself and some others were Catholics. But “Why did you save me, Lord, when so many what could we do besides pray for those others have died?” I later asked during my suff ering people? prayers. Because He wants me to write about On Dec. 2, 1980, four Catholic missionaries His beloved people suff ering in El Salvador, I from the United States working in El Salvador thought. And so I have done since that day. were raped and murdered by fi ve members I later interviewed the six Jesuit priests who of the El Salvador National Guard. They would be murdered in El Salvador on Nov. 15, were Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita 1989. They were marched out of their rectory Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and lay and ordered to lie on the ground. They then missionary Jean Donovan. were shot in the head. While I was visiting El Salvador, I was The priests, Father Aloysius Ellacuria, rector driven down the road to the area where the of the university, Father Ignacio Marti n-Baro, Sisters were savagely raped, brutalized, and vice rector who had studied at the University murdered. It was a sad and tearful day to of Tulsa, the city where I grew up, and Father actually see where they became martyrs. Segundo Montes, dean of the department of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador social sciences, were murdered by a Private was outraged and deeply sorrowful after Grimaldi, while Fathers Amondo Lopez and the murders. He began preaching at the Juan Ramón Moreno were killed by Deputy cathedral and on the radio about the horrors Sergeant Antonio Ramiro Avalos Vargas. taking place in his country. People, especially The soldiers later discovered Father Joaquín youth, were being “disappeared,” and panic López y López in the priests’ home, and was seizing the populace. murdered him as well. So the Peace and Justi ce Center sent me The housekeeper for the priests, Julia Elba to El Salvador, where fear hung in the air like Ramos, and her 16-year-old daughter, Celina a putrid heavy mist. College and high school Mariceth Ramos, also were slaughtered by At top, Archbishop Oscar Romero celebrates Mass in El Salvador. students had protested in the streets, and the butchers Deputy Sergeant Tomas Zarpate Above, horrifi ed by the acti ons of Salvadoran soldiers, who committ ed Archbishop Romero protested at the pulpit Castillo and Private Jose Alberto Sierra rape and murder at the order of the Salvadoran government, the and on the radio. Ascencio, who shot both of the women twice archbishop took to the airwaves, hosti ng a radio show in which he I met with mothers of the “disappeared,” to be certain they were dead. voiced his strong concerns. For this and for preaching homilies pointed and one mother tearfully showed me a photo The New York Times described the murdered at social injusti ce, he was gunned down while celebrati ng Mass. of her beauti ful missing daughter. Teenagers priests as “left ist intellectuals” in March 1991, and college students had marched in protest but Archbishop Dom John R. Quinn of San to the harsh government offi cials who had Francisco objected to those words “without taken over El Salvador. Those students were qualifi cati on or nuance.” arrested and “disappeared.” (Their brutalized Archbishop Quinn off ered the newspaper bodies later were found dumped into a the words of the saintly Archbishop Helder nearby volcano.) Camara, whom I also once had the blessing By the ti me I stepped off the plane in San to interview: Salvador, Archbishop Romero also had been “When I feed the hungry, they call me a murdered, shot in the head during Holy Mass saint,” Archbishop Helder had said. “When while lift ing the chalice. The people of El I ask why they have no food, they call me a Salvador could not bring themselves to bury Communist!”

“When I feed the hungry, they call me a saint. When I ask why they have no food, they call me a Communist!”

-- Dom Helder Camara See a related story on Page 17, highlighti ng a Wisconsin farm boy who became a Christi an Brother, was martyred in Guatemala, and was recently beati fi ed. CENSORED CENSORED CENSORED ggggggg Page 4 December 22, 2019 Commentary The Southwest Kansas Catholic A detective story Motherhood and Mary was sitting in my office on 57th Street “Here’s what happened. By MARY JO PEDERSEN minor role can meet. I in midtown Bethlehem when they came So, I just could not envi- or many, Mary, the mother of Je- In the midst of busy days, we can walking in. There were three of them and sion the newborn King, Fsus, seemed to be inaccessible to learn to ponder and be still when we they were dressed like a living room – all the Messiah, wanting many women: without sin, perfect face improbable or disturbing cir- purple drapes and throw rugs. gold, myrrh, or that fran- in every way, saying “yes” to God’s cumstances instead of reacting with Each wore a crown, gold by the looks of ken-stuff. I mean, what will. How could most mothers relate anxiety or anger or defensiveness. it, inlaid with gems. The sparkly kind. The newborn would? So … so I I to that image? Parenting for Mary and for us is kind my wife, Charsheba, keeps begging for. talked the guys into taking By Dave Myers Honor Mary, yes. Pray through her part of the faith journey. In ponder- It was late. I was tired and wanted to go a detour. Just a little one! powerful intercession, certainly. Look ing all these things, i.e., reflecting Editor home. Charsheba had lamb kabobs waiting. What could happen?” up to her with admiration, of course. deeply, Mary created openness to “Nice begonia,” said the man with the “And?” I asked impatiently. My stomach But imitate her in the daily hectic the Holy Spirit in her heart. Instead grey beard. He said his name was Melchior. wanted its lamb kabobs. pace of mothering? Is it possible? of immediately reacting, she teaches “That’s not a begonia,” I said. “That’s my “See, there’s this toy store on 38th. Hanging Reflections on Mary in the Christ- us to ponder the anxieties and chal- secretary, Celia. She just had her hair done.” in the window was a Noah’s Ark mobile. It was mas season can help us to under- lenges of daily life. I invited them to have a seat. My name’s perfect. Is that too much to ask?” stand how Mary’s response to No parent will find this posture Friday; son of Wednesday; nephew of Pug- “So, what do you need me for?” I asked. parenthood and the will of God was of pondering easy. Most of us want sly. I’m a private eye. “We came out of the store,” Balthasar said, both extraordinary and ordinary. to quickly control the situation sur- They took a seat. I heard the bleating of “and the star? Total cloud cover! We’re like, Mary had the privilege of bringing rounding our lives and our children, their camels parked outside. They asked if I ‘What do we do now?’ God takes the time Christ into the world, and every par- and it is wise for us to do that to validate. I didn’t. to send down an angel from Heaven—which ent who births or adopts a child also some extent for their safety. “So, what can a lowly private eye such as doesn’t happen every day—to tell us to go has the privilege of birthing a new At the same time, however, taking myself help three kings with, if you don’t see the newborn King, and we get hopelessly “image” of Christ in their children time to be still and reflect openly mind my asking?” lost!” as they clean up, cook, carpool and with God about our children, our They said they didn’t – mind, I mean. “God’s gonna think we’re total losers,” instruct their kids. future and daily worries is a pre- “We’ve been charged by God to follow a Casper whispered, shaking his head. Though there is no historical requisite to doing what Mary did star, a star that will lead us to the King of all “That’s when we saw your advertisement in record of Mary’s mothering, the so well: allowing God to be birthed kings, a babe, a savior, the Christ-child.” the Post.” Scriptures give us profound insights into our lives. “Come again?” Hmmmmm. I pulled open a drawer and took into how she was able to parent in Mary was both a mother and a His name was Casper. He was as big as a out a large map of the greater Bethlehem met- line with God’s will. disciple of Jesus. We too are both water buffalo. He had a bushy, black beard ropolitan area. Luke tells us that at two critical parents and disciples. Today, as in and wore a look as serious as a final exam. The five of us stood around my desk peering parenting moments, Mary “kept all first-century Palestine, God’s will is “I said we’ve been charged by God to fol- down at the map. Celia asked from what direc- these things … in her heart.” One time mysteriously unfolding in our lives. low --” tion they came. was when the shepherds announced Jesus reveals himself to us gradually, in “No -- I heard what you said. I just don’t “Afar, veeery afar-aways,” Melchior said. that Jesus would be the Messiah, very ordinary and sometimes disturb- get it. Called by God?” “Really afar! We’re talkin’ days, here. But to and another time was when Jesus ing circumstances: the diagnosis of an “Don’t you ever read the Post?” This was answer your question, east.” wandered away from his family at illness, a job loss or the unexpected Balthasar, the third king. “It’s right there “East? That’s it? East?” age 12 and was found teaching in the news of trouble in the family. in the prophesy section…. You never read “Really afar east!” Jerusalem temple (2:19, 51). Nothing that happens to us is Isaiah? … Micah? Oh, come on! Jeremiah? I felt bad for the kings, I really did. I wanted Any mother can relate to Mary’s outside of the love of God, and we Surely you’ve read Jeremiah! It’s right there the good news to come true as much as any- maternal struggle to figure out a always have the opportunity of al- on papyrus for all to read: ‘Messiah coming. one. I wanted to believe our Savior was soon child’s behavior, and most would not lowing divine wisdom to guide and Star to lead way. No RSVP necessary.’” to be born. But we had to face facts. If Moses take such experiences so calmly. comfort us. I had heard the rumors, sure. But like any could part the Red Sea, surely God could clear In a very ordinary, human way, Mary’s example shows us that. rumor of good news, I dismissed it. Funny a few clouds. But He hadn’t. It was a sign. It Mary’s wise response of keeping Maybe that is why we call her the how it’s easier to accept the possibility of was late. I was hungry. I wanted to go home to these life events made the Incarna- Queen of Peace, and perhaps keep- bad news than good. And this was about as Charsheba and have lamb kabobs. tion possible. ing things in our heart and pondering good as it gets. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I truly am.” I began to Perhaps this is where Mary’s birth- them is a way to bring peace into our As a private eye, I had dealt with the ugly roll up the map when suddenly a light as bright ing of Jesus into the world and our lives and into the world. side of society; the smelly side; the unhy- as the sun shown in my window. The three gienic side; the side with dried hummus in kings shot out the door and down the stairs. I their teeth and unkempt beards. The side watched them run out of the building. I could Inherit the Mirth that hung out in alleyways selling stolen flat hear them start their camels. By Cuyler Black (culyerblack.com) bread and counterfeit olives. And with a star as bright as a midnight The side that didn’t know the Laws of Mo- sun shining a shaft of light downward in the ses from a recipe for cornbread. And didn’t distance, the three went quickly on their way, care. only Casper turning to wave goodbye. And yet, it was easier to believe that the I locked up and stepped out into the clear Ten Commandments was a recipe for corn- night, wondering what they would find. I bread rather than the notion that a savior stopped then, and looked at that strange beam was finally arriving. of light shining down from a star. The kings saw the cynical look on my face. I felt a chill, followed by a warm embrace, “Look, whether you believe the story of and then I had a thought. God never promised the newborn King or not, we need your days without clouds, laughter without tears, help,” Casper said in a deep voice. Then he joy without sorrow. looked over at Melchior. “Are you going to But with the Christ child, he brought light to tell him or should I?” show the way through the darkness. Melchior shifted uncomfortably in his I smiled and walked home under the star-lit chair. He cleared his throat. sky.

Official Newspaper Publisher ... Bishop John B. Brungardt Service of Editors Published Semi-Monthly by Editor ... Dave Myers Msgr. A.J. Felling the Catholic Diocese of Dodge 1966-1971 Advertising Manager ... Tim Wenzl City. All material in this news- Byron Hull paper is copyrighted 2019. Business Manager ... Daniel Stremel, CPA 1971-1974 Margaret Klenke 1974-1990 The Southwest Kansas Catholic • P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801 Tim Wenzl Phone: (620) 227-1519 • Facsimile: (620) 227-1545 1990-2000 email: [email protected] • website: dcdiocese.org/swkscatholicProblem Gambling Helpline The Southwest Kansas Catholic Commentary December 22, 2019 Page 5 My Norman Rockwell moment grew up in Kansas City in the 1960s in a neighborhood filled with children. Our house Iwas on a street at the top of a long and winding hill. The location of our house had little benefit until By Tim Wenzl it snowed. Then the beginning of the greatest Southwest sled ride lay just beyond the curb. Kansas This hill was a Godsend to all the neighborhood Catholic mothers. During the Christmas break from school, any child old enough to pull a sled was outside sledding from after breakfast until noon. After a short break to warm up at lunch, we’d return to the hill until fathers started returning comes a car!” my brother yelled. from work in the evening. In an instant, my dad pulled up on the right From the top of the hill, we’d descend three side of the sled, flipping us over. blocks, passing 10 houses on the left, two When my dad slid to a stop with the sled on intersecting side streets to the right and ending his chest and my brother and I stopped rolling, at an intersection. At the bottom, if you didn’t we were a safe distance from the intersection steer either left or right, you’d hit a bank of snow So my brother and I bundled up snow, to get us going. Our combined and the oncoming car, and somewhat dazed pushed up by the snowplow at the curb. After and headed out the door with our weight provided a little more thrust as by the seriousness of the moment. Dad broke a couple of days, the bank would be knocked father and the new sled. I asked about we passed houses and other sledders the silence. down, and you could hit it straight on and take a bringing the other sled. “Oh, I think faster than ever before. “Now, where’s my pipe?” short airborne ride, coming to rest in a yard. we’ll all fit on this one,” my dad said, I was excited and a little scared, but My brother spotted it where it had landed My younger brother and I shared a small sled. lighting his pipe. what was there to be afraid of? We after flying about six feet into a neighbor’s But one Christmas we got a second sled – a All I could think of was how awkward were with our dad. yard. Flexible Flyer, probably five feet long. it would be, the three of us sitting on My brother and I held on tightly: “It’s over there,” my brother said. Sure Christmas was busy with opening presents, this long sled. me to my dad, my brother to me. The enough, there it was, the stem stuck in the going to Mass and visiting grandparents. We “We’ll stack like pancakes,” Dad breeze made my eyes water, but my snow, and smoke still coming from the bowl. didn’t get around to trying out the new sled. It said. dad steered effortlessly as we passed My dad retrieved the pipe, and my brother appeared to be too much sled for me, anyway. Still smoking his pipe, Dad laid the first intersecting street, then the and I argued over who would pull the sled up But my dad hadn’t forgotten about it. down on the sled. I lay on top of him, second. the hill. After supper, he said, “How about trying out my brother on top of me. There we Suddenly, my dad and brother More three-tiered descents followed, and that new sled?” It was dark outside, and we were, stacked three high at the top simultaneously caught sight of we had some nice evening sled rides with our looked at him strangely. “Let’s go. The street of a long hill. headlights approaching the T- dad over the years. Sometimes the greatest lights will give us plenty of light,” he said. My dad used his hands, pawing the intersection from the right. “Here gifts are those you don’t ask for. Catholics and Kansas Medicaid Expansion The Search for Authentic Healthcare nd then a leper providers and institutions. This is common abortion is required by its decision. Aapproached, did sense legal and ethical security for doctors Therefore, in order for any legislative him homage, and said, and other caregivers who provide Medicaid restriction on abortion to be upheld, Kansas Modeling “Lord, if you wish, you services at deeply inadequate (low) rates. must adopt a state constitutional amendment can make me clean.” They don’t need yet another reason not to reversing the Hodes decision and restore He stretched out his provide Medicaid services. the ability of the people to pass reasonable Christ hand, touched him, It should come as no surprise that the regulations regarding abortion. and said, “I will do it. Catholic Church is asking that Medicaid The process to pass a constitutional the Great Be made clean.” His Expansion not pay for abortion in Kansas. amendment begins with a two-thirds majority leprosy was cleansed It’s a little known fact that taxpayer- vote by legislators allowing the people of Physician, immediately. MT 8: funded abortions are commonplace in state Kansas to decide this issue the old-fashioned 2-3 By Chuck Weber Medicaid programs around the country. For way, at the ballot box. The Medicaid the Catholic Catholics in the Kansas Catholic instance, in 2018, taxpayers footed the bill Expansion provision requested by the Bishops Diocese of Dodge City Conference for 75 percent of the abortions performed simply asks that that Kansans get a chance to Bishops can be rightly proud of in Connecticut. vote on this issue sometime in 2020. a rich heritage and history of their supportive Thankfully, exclusion of taxpayer-funded The Catholic Bishops are responsibly of Kansas care for those in need. Born or unborn, young Medicaid abortions is the policy position responding to a new legal situation created or old, rich or poor, healthy or sick – Catholics already adopted by the Kansas House by the Supreme Court’s Hodes decision. The are united serve life at each and every stage. of Representatives in an overwhelming Bishops didn’t create this roadblock, they’re Modeling Christ the Great Physician, the bipartisan vote of 90-34 (Humphries making every effort to remove it to protect in seeking Catholic Bishops of Kansas are united in amendment, HB 2066, March 20, 2019). their flock. It is abortion advocates, through seeking healthcare access for all people, Unfortunately, because of a recent Kansas legislative efforts and the courts, who insist healthcare no matter their socioeconomic state in Supreme Court decision, taxpayer-funded on inserting abortion into healthcare policy. life. Although a complicated and imperfect Medicaid abortions now pose a real and even The exploitation of mothers in crisis access for all solution, the Kansas Catholic Conference—the imminent threat in Kansas. and abortion of preborn children is not public policy voice of the Kansas Bishops— Last April, the Kansas Supreme Court healthcare. We can and should provide people, no recently offered testimony in favor of issued its infamous ruling in the abortion case authentic, life-affirming healthcare for all. Medicaid Expansion. Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. Remarkably, the No matter what happens in this important Like virtually every other interested group court discovered and established a “natural debate, you can be sure that the Catholic matter their or legislator, our position includes provisions right” to virtually unlimited and unregulated Church in Kansas will continue doing what we consider critical to the improvement and abortion. we’ve always done—caring for the elderly, socioeconomic success of this complex legislation. These Few realize that the court justified their advocating for the immigrant, feeding the provisions are reasonable and responsible. decision by citing four cases involving hungry, sheltering the homeless, educating state in life. They are hardly the most contentious in the state-funded abortions, including two cases the disenfranchised, and healing the sick. ongoing debate. specifically citing state Medicaid funding of Medicaid Expansion legislation must abortion. This clearly signals that the Kansas Chuck Weber serves as executive director include conscience protections for healthcare Supreme Court believes publicly-funded of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Page 6 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Sister v Sister Maria Elena refl ects on A Class Act nearly two decades in Kansas

ister Maria Elena Martí nez-Sifuentes, speak with my parents for permission to of Arcoiris at their encuentros and SMCMi recently left the diocese aft er enter the congregati on; they told me that meeti ngs; knowing so many people who serving here for nearly two decades. The it was my decision. are committ ed to their faith and their Southwest Kansas Catholic asked her to How long have you been in the Church, in the living of the sacraments, in refl ect on her ti me in the heartland as Diocese of Dodge City, and where prayer, and service to our brothers and she prepared to head back to Mexico, did you serve here? sisters. the land of her birth. In total I was in the Diocese of Dodge What have been some of the City for 17 years; 10 years at St. Mary rewards of serving here? Where did you grow up? Church in Garden City, and seven years at The rewards of serving here are many I grew up in Cerritos, San Luis Potosí, St. Alphonsus in Satanta. and countless: knowing and dealing with Mexico, unti l I went to the Congregati on Where did you serve persons of diverse cultures; knowing of the Missionaries of Charity of Mary before coming to Kansas? bett er and valuing the American culture; Immaculate at 17 years of age. treati ng many people of good heart, Before coming to Kansas, I was in the who are generous and welcoming and What did your parents do? Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, in the My father was a fruit and grocery who support, understand, and pray Commission of Catechesis and before merchant. Each year he would also come for religious. The Catholic Diocese of coming to Denver, I was in a mission in to the United States for a few months. Sister Maria Elena Martí nez- Dodge City is a mission that is open to the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. My mother worked at home, with all her Sifuentes, MCMI evangelizati on. children. Where are you going now? Now I am going to the Diocese of In Garden City, I worked and supported What have been some When and how did you fi rst hear Merida in Yucatan, Mexico, as superior the Arcoiris movement and the Cursillo of your challenges? the call to consider becoming a of the local community and coordinator movement. I also helped with the The English language was my greatest Religious Sister? of the spiritual life for women who are in diocesan RCIA events. challenge, and at the beginning the Almost at 17 years; in my hometown, residence, in asylum. Please share some of [travel] distances [were challenging]. there were Religious in the school which Can you describe your ministry your fond memories. Any other thoughts? my siblings att ended, and they invited while serving in Kansas? Many things were a great joy for That we may live life as a pilgrimage the youth for a walk. A few days later, My presence as a religious was to me: seeing enti re families come to guided by our God, who is a good Father they invited the youth to a retreat, support and encourage the leaders of Mass on Sundays—father, mother, and that He only wishes that we live and shortly, they invited us to religious the diff erent parish ministries. In Satanta and the children, and someti mes the this way as His true and good sons and profession where I felt God was calling I assisted with the administrati on of the grandmother; witnessing the enthusiasm, daughters. me. From there I only returned home to parish and supported Hispanic ministry. the joy and the service to the youth

Jim Armatys lloyd Davis, CFP R Todd J Armatys Gentry Schneweis Financial Advisors Financial Advisors

1904 Broadway 210 E Frontview Suite B Great Bend, KS 67530 Dodge City, KS 67801 620-793-5481 620-225-0651 1-800-432-8249 The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 7 Spearville Parish Mission: Our culture is ‘losing its sense of sin’ Editor’s Note: The following two articles represent the second part of a two-part series on the Spearville parish mission at St. John the Baptist Parish. The first On relationships: ‘We need each other’ part was published in the Dec. 8 issue. n the final night of the St. John the Baptist Parish By Dave Myers OMission, Father Simeon Gallagher, referring to Southwest Kansas Catholic the high divorce rate, said that “problems shouldn’t urs is a culture that has “lost its sense of sin,” blow relationships out of the water. Instead, we OFather Simeon Gallagher told those gathered at should recommit ourselves to each other at a deeper St. John the Baptist Church in Spearville for the third level.” of the four-night parish mission in November. If you think that your marriage should be like a story The Capuchin Franciscan priest, dressed in his out of a fairy tale, remember this: “There’s something in brown cassock with a white rope tied symbolically each of us that taxes and taxes and taxes other people (and functionally) around his waist, spoke in even to the edge. It’s a relentless insensitivity that drains the tones until his passions arose along with his voice. His very life out of our relationships.” volume would grow quickly and steadily until at least In other words, it’s perfectly normal for us to annoy the one man noted with a smile, “I felt like my hearing heck out of each other from time to time—whether it’s aide was going to explode.” a spouse or a friend. And on that third night, when the discussion was “These are great gifts, these relationships, but they’re about sin, Father Simeon’s passion arose steadily not easy.” as he addressed the sin and sadness of racism and Father Simeon spoke of three things that contribute to sexism, as well as the many ways that our sins affect destroying relationships: those around us. A) Alienation. … “Nothing that God has created has “There’s been a shift in attitude in the last 40 years been created to stand on its own,” he said. “Outside the on the topic of sin,” he said. “The lines for confession church, you don’t see one tree, you see an ecosystem. have become shorter and shorter, while the lines for When you look to the sky, you don’t see one star, you see Communion have become longer and longer.” a solar system. We’re all joined together. He told the story of a priest who opened the “When I was five, I was walking on the surf with dad. I confessional every Saturday morning for two hours, asked, ‘What makes the water come and go?’ Dad replied, instead of those brief moments before Mass. ‘The moon.’ They seem to have nothing to do with each Father Simeon Gallagher presents a November He didn’t want confession to be “like a car wash other, yet the seas depend on the moon for movement. parish mission at St. John the Baptist Church in before Mass.” He wanted people to sit in quiet Alienation says you only need yourself. … Spearville. Photo by Dave Myers contemplation—to pray before rushing off to Mass “…We need each other. We can’t do it alone. … without having given enough care to the sacrament Abraham Lincoln said that the nation that does not work “Nothing that God has they had just received. The priest joked to Father together and pray together falls apart.” Simeon that he spent so much time alone during B) Materialism. “Nothing is wrong with being created has been created those two hours that he often would catch up on his successful. Nothing is wrong with praying for prosperity. Sports Illustrated. But [quoting Shakespeare] ‘when arrows of outrageous to stand on its own,” he “We have to enlarge our understanding of sin,” fortune strike…’ we go to the mall and buy this and Father Simeon explained. It goes far beyond the that, hoping it will take the sting out of our loneliness. said. “Outside the church, classic ideas of what is sin, such as telling lies, We are prisoners in the kingdom of thingdom. We put harming someone physically, or stealing. There things before people.” you don’t see one tree, you are sins that we often don’t acknowledge we are C) Defeatism. “In the face of the slightest problem with see an ecosystem. When committing, such as the sins of sexism, materialism, your relationships, the first thing you think is to wash your ageism, clericalism, racism. hands of it and walk away. People throw in the towel you look to the sky, you “Forty years ago, our Catholic bishops wrote a and blame everybody else. If our first response is to walk letter saying that racism is a serious, serious sin.” Yet, away from each other, we’re throwing away the gift of don’t see one star, you see Father Simeon said that he has heard racist jokes our relationships. in the gathering area after Mass, and even in the Why do we value relationships? a solar system. We’re all sacristy. “It is our faith that reinforces the beauty of our This lack of focus fails to recognize how the seeds relationships, because God exists in a relationship in the joined together.” of sin can give root and grow, such as when a small Trinity. This is the fundamental Christian doctrine. … Christ piece of gossip grows such that it negatively effects comes to us in two institutions, marriage and family life. Meanwhile, she wipes the dandruff off of his shoulder the life of a coworker. As those two organizations go, so goes society.” and pulls a few pieces of lint from his jacket. Why? A culture that has lost its sense of sin is a culture He noted that the Eucharist is the “multi-faceted “Because to her, no matter how long they’ve been that is slowly dismantling its Christian values. It’s okay mystery of God’s love for us. There is nothing as intimate married, he’s still the best looking dude at the party,” to disrespect those of the opposite sex, to make fun to us as food we eat and what we drink. They are part of us. Father said. of the disabled, to verbally attack others. All sins that If not, we die. Jesus gives himself to us under appearance 2) Grace of an open mind. Nothing will shut a marriage probably won’t make it to the confessional. of food and drink. You can live without marriage, without down faster than if one ignores the other, suggesting the But then there are stories like the following, sex—trust me [he added to laughter]—but you cannot other is being “stupid,” or not worth listening to. “We which suggest that while sin seems to be minimized, live without food and drink.” must listen and learn and grow together.” righteousness still has a foothold: Father Simeon said When you see a marriage that’s truly happening and 3) Grace of the imaginative spirit. All relationships that a valedictorian was told in no uncertain terms a family that’s functional, can you recognize common are subject to gravitational pull. We slide toward that when he gave his graduation speech, he was characteristics? predictability. “If the water stops being brought to the not to mention God. His teacher told him as much. “Yes, you see common graces. You have to ask God garden, everything in the garden dies. Cardinal Newman The principal pulled him out of class to tell him. Even every day to give us three graces:” said that the only evidence of life is growth. We have to his coach said that he was not to mention God in his 1) The grace of a compassionate heart. I’m looking bring water to the garden to fight monotony. Push back address. after you and seeing that the first point of reference is the gravitational pull with an imaginative spirit. Sure, it was a public school. And while thanking you, not me. Father Simeon told the story of an 85-year-old woman God in such a manner is an expression of faith, it is “I love wedding anniversary parties,” Father Simeon said. whose husband had recently died. Instead of sitting at not prayer. He described a couple married 75 years. At the reception, home alone, she applied to a college and took classes to “The valedictorian walked up the steps, stood at the couple slowly made their way to their table, each step study German. the podium … and sneezed,” Father Simeon said with a reflection of their 90-some years. Yet, the first thing the “So many people die years and years and years before a grin. husband did was to go and get his wife a drink. the family wheels their coffin down the aisle,” Father And from the wide swath of people gathered in the “Not because it’s their anniversary, but because he Simeon said. “I don’t want to die before it’s my time. I large hall came a choir of “God bless you.” always has. She’s his first point of reference.” want to be alive until the moment I die.”

Page 8 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic

Courtesy photos Mary Queen of Peace youth group delivers gifts of joy for Thanksgiving and Advent By Maureen Meierhoff hadn’t spoken all day. At the sound of Special to the Catholic the song, she chimed right in and sang fter crafting 50 Tissue Box Turkeys along in her own beautiful style! An Ain a haphazard but creative hour after arriving, many of the youth assembly line, the members of DOTS still weren’t ready to leave. (Disciples of the Savior) Youth Group Several of the young people of Mary Queen of Peace Parish in mentioned that they were impressed Ulysses, spent the evening of Sunday, by the stories the residents shared with Nov. 24, delivering their handcrafted them. This gave them an opportunity gifts to the residents of the local care to gain better insight into ways we are home, to show their gratitude for the all connected, and how not-so-different contributions the elderly have made to we are, one generation to another. their community. At the request of several residents, In addition to the much-needed the youth group returned a couple tissues, new cozy socks were also given of weeks after Thanksgiving and sang to each resident. Christmas carols for them. Serving While the residents were glad to others, especially those in need—what receive the gifts, the joy they received a beautiful way to prepare for the from the personal visits was clearly coming of our Savior! the best part. There were 22 caring DOTS Youth Group was coordinated youth members available to visit the by the lead adult team, consisting of 43 residents. One of the teen girls Dona Loeven, Flor and Pedro Galindo, sang for a woman who had difficulty Maureen Meierhoff and many other communicating and who, we were told, adults of the parish. “A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. She gives most who gives with joy.”

-- Mother Teresa The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 9

What’s the deal with That illusive Christmas magic By DAVE MYERS Archbishop Sheen’s Southwest Kansas Catholic oes the Christmas season sometimes seem beatification? Dto ask too much of us? At Christmas time, we’re urged, pressured, Editor’s Note: After the last issue of the Catholic grabbed by the scruff of the neck and all but went to press Dec. 3, the Holy See postponed the forced—to be filled with Christmas spirit, the in- beatification celebration for Archbishop Fulton J. gredients for which are a mixture of joy, youthful Sheen, which was scheduled for Dec. 21. delight, and wonder. Problem is, for many of us, the Christmas By JD Flynn and spirit can be a bit illusive. For many of us, life is, Ed Condon or can be, very difficult—like trying to feel our eoria, Ill. (CNA) - The way through a dark room. For these people, any PDiocese of Rochester season designed to deliver a sense of joy may … confirmed recently that it well, it may instead ignite the blues in a not-so- had requested a delay of the small way. beatification of Archbishop For all of you who struggle—for all of you Fulton Sheen, which had been who are fighting depression, addiction, illness, scheduled for Dec. 21 until it serious financial problems, loss of a loved one, was postponed indefinitely bitterness over bad choices made, loneliness— earlier this week. for all of you for whom that Christmas magic But an official in the Diocese of Peoria said seems a million miles away, I bid you welcome: the Rochester diocese has not disclosed all of its Welcome to the Island of Misfit Toys—the Dave Myers (right) and his big brother, Tom, sit happily in front interventions to delay the beatification. planet Earth—a land brimming with a multi- of a cardboard fireplace in the 1960s. “A person’s cause for beatification must entail a tude like you (though they may be hard to see, review of the person’s entire life. In this regard, the be assured, they’re here)—the first stop for a he could magically fit through a chimney, could Santa Diocese of Rochester has considered the tenure of bearded visitor sent from above to heal what ails us. fit through one of those pipes, too? Then I figured he’d Archbishop Sheen as the Bishop of Rochester,” the When I was a child, it was impossible not to experi- probably rather emerge from a chimney than a toilet. diocese said in a statement Dec. 5. ence Christmas magic. The world was an open book When I was a child, I heard reindeer hooves gallop The diocese noted it had particularly considered the waiting to have the pages filled. I met Santa, you know. across my rooftop on Christmas Eve, and even though issue of Sheen’s role in “priests’ assignments.” Yep. Met him in a hardware store back in ’67. Even they sounded suspiciously like they were coming from “The Diocese of Rochester did its due diligence in this with his busy schedule, he took time to stop at Hugh’s the next room, Santa was up there, all right; I knew matter and believed that, while not casting suspicion, Nuts and Bolts in downtown Casper, Wyo. I’ll never this to be true just as surely as I knew I’d fail my next it was prudent that Archbishop Sheen’s cause receive forget it—Santa on the left, a bathroom plumbing spelling test. Continued on Page 17 display on the right. I remember actually wondering, If Continued on Page 13 Page 10 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Holy Mother honors, celebrates the least among us:

n Dec. 9, 1531, St. Juan Diego he event described at left was one of the defining moments Owas on his way to morning Mass, Twhich gave birth to the spread of Catholicism in Mexico. when the Blessed Mother – Our Lady Nearly 430 years later, the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of of Guadalupe—appeared to him on Dodge City gathered in their own corners of the diocese to celebrate Tepeyac Hill near what is now Mexico this momentous event. City. She asked Juan to request that his At parishes across the diocese, throngs of faithful celebrated the bishop build a shrine at the site of her Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, Dec. 12—or near to that day—to honor the Holy Mother and her appearance to a peas- appearance. When the bishop refused, ant farmer, Juan Diego, nearly a half century ago. the Blessed Mother told Juan to gather In Dodge City, the powerful sounds of drums announcing one of several roses, even though it was several groups of danzantes, large troops of boys and girls, men and wintertime. The Holy Mother placed women, donned in colorful Aztec dress, bamboo beads jangling, them in his tilma [cloak] and told Juan large headdresses defying the laws of gravity, turned the gathering to deliver them to the bishop as proof area of the cathedral into a celebration of culture and spirituality. of her appearance. When Juan Diego The dancers, including those in Belpre, Elkhart, and other parishes, dropped the flowers to the floor at the were not dancing to entertain—although entertain they did—but feet of his bishop, there was revealed as a prayer of thanksgiving. Amid the dancing and singing came Mass, celebrating the anni- on Juan’s tilma an image of the Blessed versary of the day the Mother of Jesus chose to appear to a Mexican Mother. Indian, changing the direction of faith from that moment onward. See the photos on the next page and on Page 14 Sister Rose Mary Stein continues mission to offer ‘spiritual refreshment’ Diocese hosting road trip to across the western part of the diocese hear Abby Johnson in Wichita Participants of the St. Mary, oin the Catholic Diocese of group will then have time for Garden City, JDodge City on a pilgrimage reflection, Mass and dinner at retreat. Sister to Wichita to hear Abby the Spiritual Life Center before Rose Mary Stein Johnson speak at the Knights heading back to Dodge City. (not pictured) of Columbus State Convention Cost is $25 for 12 and under enlists the on May 2, 2020. and $35 for 12 and up. Cost help of the A b b y i s t h e f o r m e r includes transportation, participating Planned Parenthood director meals and the ticket to Abby church to and accomplished author Johnson. Seating is limited. Go present the who inspired the movie to: https://www.dcdiocese. Saturday “Unplanned”. org/respect-life for more afternoon The bus will depart at 6:30 information and registration retreat. a.m. from the parking lot at forms. Contact Gayla Kirmer, the Cathedral of Our Lady Respect Life/Social Justice of Guadalupe, with a stop ministry at (620) 227-1525 for By Dave Myers traditions, Sister Rose Mary wanted to offer a in Stafford for additional additional information. Southwest Kansas Catholic reminder to parishes that the ministry is available passengers. The pilgrimage is open to hen she resigned her position at the Cathedral … and valuable. The group will pray at Planned all ages. Those 18 and under Wof Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City in The Saturday morning retreats, which include Parenthood and Trust Women must be accompanied by a 2018, Sister Rose Mary Stein, OP, embarked on a noon lunch and conclude at 1:30 p.m., are designed Abortion Clinic followed by lunch parent, guardian or a youth personal ministry to bring a few hours of spiritual to empower laypeople through the offering of a “few at Larkspur prior to heading to sponsor who has been certified respite to people across the western part of the short hours where they can feel refreshed.” Century II Convention Center in Protecting God’s Children diocese. A year later, having presented numerous “I feel God is just asking me to share my experience to hear Abby’s testimony. The training. retreats, including for those of other religious Continued on Page 19 A Q and A with Father Reggie Urban A look at the Pope Pius XII encyclical, ‘Inspired by the Holy Spirit’ Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series the texts of the Bible through the lenses of stated that “Access to Sacred Scripture of questions and answers about the Bible the language and the historical context in ought to be widely available to the Chris- posed to Father Reggie Urban, a retired which they were written. tian faithful”. priest of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge It concluded that “the supreme rule of Another document, Sacrosanctum City. interpretation is to discover and define Concilium (This Sacred Council, named in what the writers intended to express”. Fa- honor of the opening words of Vatican II), QUESTION: Tell us about Divino Afflante ther Raymond Brown said that “Probably called the Scriptures one of two “tables” Spiritu (Inspired by the Divine Spirit), the the greatest single contribution … is that it along with Consecration and Communion important encyclical about the Bible writ- offered the Catholic scholar an intelligent by which we can be spiritually nourished. ten by Pope Pius XII in 1943. Also, tell us and honest way of facing up to the obvious It also directed that all the sacraments be what Vatican II, our most recent Council, historical problems in the Bible. Formerly, revised so that the Scriptures would be an said about the Scriptures 57 years ago? too many books of the Bible were thought essential element in their celebration. For ANSWER: Inspired By The Holy Spirit to be history in the strict sense; now it example, a passage from the Bible is to be inaugurated the greatest renewal of inter- could be shown that many of these books proclaimed when we celebrate the Sacra- est in the Bible that the Roman Catholic were not history at all, or were history in a ment of Reconciliation both communally Church has ever seen. It provided the broader and less technical sense”. and individually. biblical foundation for all the documents The main document of Vatican II about Finally, after Vatican II the Lectionary of Vatican II 20 years before it was con- the Scriptures is Dei Verbum (The Word of was revised so that more of the Bible vened. It emphasized the great importance God) which expresses a positive attitude would be proclaimed at Sunday and week- Father Reggie Urban of “textual criticism”, that is, looking at toward modern biblical scholarship. It also day liturgies. The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 11 Guadalupe festival is a way of saying ‘We love you, too’

Courtesy Photo At left, dancers honored Our Lady of Guadalupe in a dance of thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At center, Matachines dancers celebrated Our Lady’s feast day at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Elkhart with Father Francis Nguyen. Above, right, this child was one of several dressed as Juan Diego at the cathedral. At right, Father Bernard Felix celebrates Mass at St. Bernard Parish in Belpre. Servers are Jonathan Wheaton Download these and other color photos for free at and Jacquelin Galan. dcdiocese.org/swkscatholic. Photo by Eleen Duncan Page 12 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Dominican Sisters’ Mission Bazaar helps provide a Who are the Dominican Sisters of A Christmas gift for Nigeria St. Catherine of Siena of Gusau? he hundreds of people who filtered in and provide much-needed medical care for the Tout of the Heartland Center in Great Bend people of this remote area. olumbus, OH – The Dominican ministries, touching more than Nov. 9 for the Dominican Sisters of Peace Mission “This hospital has been under construction CSisters of St. Catherine of Siena 120,000 persons per year. The Bazaar, probably weren’t aware that their for a number of years,” said Sister Gemma of Gusau were founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace have purchases went toward helping a multitude of Doll, a member of Dominican Sister of Peace Dominican Sisters of Great Bend, continued to partner with their people half a world away receive health-care. leadership and the Congregation’s liaison to the now the Dominican Sisters of Dominican Sisters in Nigeria, A few weeks after the annual Christmas Nigerian Ministry. “We are so blessed to have Peace, in 1956 at the request of the offering advice, counsel, and craft sale and auction, the Dominican even a small part in what will be a life-changing Apostolic Delegate to West Africa, financial assistance, especially Sisters of St. Catherine of Gusau opened addition to the community of Zuru.” Archbishop Matthew. though the proceeds of the a new hospital in rural Zuru, Nigeria. The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of The Dominicans were the first Congregation’s annual Great Bend The Gusau Sisters are one of the major Gusau plan to add additional diagnostic and congregation of religious women to Mission Bazaar. beneficiaries of the Great Bend bazaar, health care services in the future. come to Northwest Nigeria. Their which was supported through the people The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of main tasks were to provide health About the Dominican of Southwest Kansas and beyond. Gusau and the Dominican Sisters of Peace are care and education, and to promote Sister Bridget Yabo OP, a Nigerian-trained grateful for the prayers and support of the a Catholic presence in Nigeria. Sisters of Peace: physician, is serving as Medical Director for people of Great Bend and the Catholic Diocese Unlike many religious, the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the new Haske Dominican Hospital, which will of Dodge City. Dominican Sisters remained in members of the Order of Nigeria during the Biafran Civil war. Preachers, are vowed Catholic The Haske They continued their established women who strive to spread the Dominican ministries, but also made the Gospel of Christ and advance the Hospital in establishment of a congregation of Kingdom of God through lives of Zuru, Nigeria, indigenous Sisters a priority. They service and peace-making. The opened welcomed their first Postulate in Dominican Sisters of Peace are Nov. 28 with 1973, and in 1977, the first two present in 22 states, Nigeria and the help of novices, Sisters Anne Ekennia Peru. The Sisters serve God’s donations and Josephine Ottah, made First people in many ways, including acquired Profession. education, health care, spirituality, through The Dominican Sisters of St. pastoral care, prison ministry, the the recent Catherine of Siena, Gusau, have arts, and care of creation. There Dominican continued to serve the poor and are 431 sisters and more than 700 Sisters Mission marginalized of Nigeria with health, lay associates affiliated with the Bazaar in social services, and educational congregation. Great Bend. The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 13

Christmas at Windthorst odge City Community College vocal music magical backdrop for the school’s concert choir and Ddepartment presented a Holiday Choral Concert choral union. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Windthorst The concert always provides a welcomed and joyful Dec. 8. respite as the season of Advent harkens the coming The concert, conducted by music professor Kerry of the newborn King. Kuplic, was as much a gift from the college as it was Immaculate Heart of Mary, which is on the National from Windthorst Heritage, Inc., which has worked Register of Historic Places, is located about a 15- tirelessly to keep the historic church open to venues minute drive southeast of Spearville, standing like a such as this since it was closed as a diocesan church jewel along the Kansas prairie. in 1997. The Heritage association is made up primarily of Surrounded on the outside by a sea of Kansas graduates from Windthorst High School. For more prairie, inside the church exquisite stained glass information about the church, visit http://www. windows and historic pre-Vatican II decor provided a windthorstheritage.org/index.cfm. Photos by Dave Myers That illusive Christmas magic From Page 9 I knew as a child that the three kings get our footing. came from a place called “Orient R.” I knew We hear the Christmas carols, we see that at the birth of Christ, the animals were the excited children, we drive by the lit given the gift of speech, and that a donkey up yards, and yet, we may wonder where said to a sheep: “Nobody stole your bon- the magic went. We may even wonder gos! You just misplaced them.” what’s wrong with us that we can’t feel And though we never read about it in the Christmas spirit like we once did. catechism class, I knew it to be Biblical Which is sad, because here’s the irony: fact that at our Lord’s birth, there was a You, my misfit companions, are why little drummer boy who really knew how Christmas was invented. You are the to rum pa pum reason Christ was pum...... And though we never read born. Though we may I also knew that not always feel it, it’s Christmas TV spe- about it in catechism class, I there – the spirit of cials were an early knew it to be Biblical fact that at Christmas installed gift of Christmas our Lord’s birth, there was a little and uploaded into our magic bestowed soul, always alive and by God. I loved drummer boy who really knew well, in love with us “Rudolph the Red- how to rum pa pum pum.... and within us, without Nosed Reindeer,” condition. “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and Christ never meant for Christmas to be “Frosty the Snowman” (although when just one day, or even a season. Waiting Frosty melted, it always grossed me out for a song or a bunch of colored lights to for some reason). ignite the spirit of Christmas is like wait- And I knew Christmas was about family. ing for Thanksgiving to feel thankful. On Christmas Eve our little family of six Look and listen for the Christmas magic would sit around singing Christmas carols, all the year long. The blind shall see, the the proof of which can be found in sev- deaf shall hear, and we, the occupants of eral reel-to-reel audio tapes that are like the Island of Misfit Toys, will discover that a time machine to my five-year-old self. the spirit of Christmas that once seemed Then we grow up. And we grow old. so illusive has been right here in our And not always at the same time. Some- hearts all along. times life does that. Life becomes like Where is the Christmas spirit? Through Mom or Dad’s shoes we once tried on as the gift of the Holy Spirit—the gift of a a child; we walk around, clumsily trying to child born 2,000 years ago—you are the fit in, but as much as we try, we just can’t Christmas spirit! Page 14 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic

¡Noticias«El ángel les dijo: “No de teman. gran cuálalegría! es el verdadero significado de la Navidad. buscamos se encuentran en este niño. Jesús Miren, les doy una Buena Noticia, Después de recitar el evangelio de Lucas (2,8- es nuestro hermano, nuestro amigo, nuestro 14), su amigo Linus dice: «De eso se trata la Salvador. Él es nuestro refugio en tiempos de una gran alegría para todo el pueblo: Navidad, Charlie Brown». enfermedad, sufrimiento o tentación. Jesús, ¡él Hoy les ha nacido en la ciudad Sí, la Navidad es la Buena Noticia, el nos trae la alegría! de David el Salvador, el Mesías y Evangelio de Jesucristo. Jesús nos ama tanto, La película «La Navidad de Charlie Brown» Señor». que vino a esta tierra como un niño. Él creció, concluye con la exhortación: «¡Feliz Navidad, Por Rev. (Lucas 2, 10-11) nos enseñó a amar, murió en la cruz para Charlie Brown!», y luego la canción «¡Oid! Los John B. Charles Schultz, el genial escritor de la tira quitar nuestros pecados, y resucitó de entre ángeles mensajeros cantan». Concluyo de Brungardt, de prensa «Peanuts» (conocida como Snoopy, los muertos para abrir las puertas del cielo. La manera similar: «¡Feliz Navidad, fieles de la Obispo de la Rabanitos, Charlie Brown o Carlitos), escribió salvación en Jesús: ¡esa es la Buena Noticia! diócesis!». Que abramos nuestros corazones Diócesis Católica un video clásico titulado «La Navidad de Charlie Sí, la Navidad es sobre la gran alegría, este para recibir el alegre mensaje del Niño Jesús! de Dodge City Brown». El chico Charlie Brown se pregunta amor del Niño Jesús por nosotros. La paz, la felicidad y la alegría que tan desesperadamente + Monseñor John, Obispo Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es una carta de amor a María

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Parroquia Católica de San Bernardo, Belpre Foto/Eleen Duncan asi 430 años después de que la Santa Madre se le Capareció al campesino Juan Diego, los fieles de la Diócesis Católica de Dodge City se reunieron en sus propios rincones de la diócesis para celebrar este acontecimiento trascendental. En las parroquias de la diócesis, multitudes de Foto/Dave Myers fieles celebraron la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el jueves 12 de diciembre, o aproximadamente ese día, para honrar a la Santa Madre, y su aparición ante los campesinos hace casi medio siglo. En Dodge City, los poderosos sonidos de los tambores que anunciaron uno de varios grupos de bailarines, grandes tropas de niños y niñas, hombres y mujeres, vestidos con coloridos trajes aztecas, perlas de bambú, tocados que desafiaban las leyes de la gravedad, regresaron a la reunión, en un área de la catedral en una celebración de cultura y espiritualidad. Los bailarines no bailaron para entretener, aunque lo hicieron, sino como una oración de acción de gracias. En medio del baile y la canción llegó la misa, celebrando el aniversario del día en que la Madre de Jesús eligió presentarse ante un Foto/Eleen Duncan indio mexicano, cambiando la Parroquia Católica de San Bernardo, Belpre dirección de la fe a partir de ese momento. The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 15 La única cosa ara celebrar la Navidad creer son útiles, sin duda, pero no son Así que, si encuentras que tu Fe se Pcorrectamente, lo único que cruciales para el acto de Fe. Ellas no deshilacha después de este duro año, La Fe es realmente necesitamos es «Fe». son finalmente la razón decisiva por la acéptala como una penitencia, pero Pero la Fe es difícil de encontrar que creemos. Eso se encuentra en el no la abandones. En el Bautismo, la la puerta cuando nuestras razones normales Espíritu invisible, y en su obra secreta Fe fue derramada sobre ti como las para creer se desmoronan. Aquellos dentro de nosotros. aguas, sin que hicieras nada. Fue la abierta que nos ayudaron a creer en primer Creemos porque Dios mismo revela semilla plantada en ti, y ha crecido, lugar, pueden fracasar. La mayoría que nos amó en la existencia, que esperamos, para convertirse en tu a través de los católicos que conocemos nos ama en el desarrollo de nuestra forma habitual de ver el mundo. La pueden no estar a la altura de cómo Redención, y que nos amará para Fe es la puerta abierta a través de la de la cual deben actuar. La Iglesia misma puede siempre en el Cielo. Eso se nos reveló cual comienzas tu regreso a Dios. En parecer confusa sobre las verdades cuando caminó entre nosotros. Lo la Fe, recoges lo mejor que hay en ti, comienzas reveladas esenciales, y todo lo que vimos por un brevísimo instante. Es y se lo das al Dios que te hizo y que te Rev. Ronald éstas implican para nuestra vida en su Palabra la que es totalmente digna redime. tu regreso Cristo. de confianza... no la palabra de tus «El Reino de Dios está cerca, M. Gilmore, Estas cosas pasan. Por eso es padres, no la palabra de tus maestros, arrepiéntanse y crean en esta Buena a Dios. Obispo Emérito de la importante entender que todas no la palabra de tus sacerdotes. Es en Nueva». Especialmente ahora, en este Diócesis Católica de nuestras razones secundarias para su Promesa que puedes confiar. bendito tiempo de Navidad. Dodge City Va con Dios, Hermana María Elena Hermana Maria Elena Martínez-Sifuentes, MCMI ¿A dónde vas ahora? (tu misión?) recientemente dejó la diócesis después de servir Ahora voy a la Diócesis de Mérida, Yuc. aquí por casi dos décadas. La católica del suroeste Mx. Como superiora de la comunidad de Kansas le pidió que reflexionara sobre su tiempo y coordinadora de la vida espiritual de en el corazón mientras se preparaba para regresar a mujeres en una residencia, asilo. México, la tierra de su nacimiento. ¿Puedes describer tu ministerio mientras servías en Kansas? ¿Dónde creciste? Mi presencia como religiosa fue apoyar Yo crecí en Cerritos, S.L.P. Mx. Hasta que me fui a la y animar los diferentes ministerios Congregación a los 17 años. parroquiales y en Satanta también con ¿Qué hacia tu papá y tu mamá? la administración, apoyar el Ministerio Mi papá era comerciante de frutas y abarrotes y Hispano, el Movimiento Arco Iris y también venia a Estados Unidos cada año unos meses y El Cursillo en Garden City y el retiro mi mamá en el trabajo de la casa, con todos los hijos. diocesano de RCIA. ¿Cuándo y cómo primero escuchaste el llamado a Por favor comparte algunas de tus considerar ser una Hermana Religiosa? buenos recuerdos. Casi a los 17; en mi pueblo había religiosas en la Me encantaba ver que los domingos escuela a donde asistían mis hermanos y ellas hicieron llegaban a misa las familias completas: una invitación a las jóvenes a un paseo, a los pocos el papá, la mamá y los hijos, a veces la días a un retiro y en poco tiempo nos invitaron para abuela; el entusiasmo, la alegría y el asistir a una profesión religiosa que fue donde Dios me servicio de los jóvenes de Arco Iris en los Hermana Maria Elena y Padre Patrick Keyes, CSSR -- de 2002. tomó y de allí solo regresé a hablar con mis papás para encuentros y reuniones; conocer a tantas el permiso, ellos me dijeron que era mi decisión. personas comprometidas con su fe y su es misionera y tiene un campo grande y abierto para la ¿Cuánto tiempo has estado en la Diócesis de Dodge Iglesia, en la vivencia de los sacramentos, en la oración evangelización. City, y dónde sirviste? y en el servicio a los hermanos. ¿Qué han sido algunos de tus desafíos o retos? (Parroquias y cuidades y cuántos años en cada ¿Cuáles han sido algunas de las recompensas de El idioma Inglés fue mi mayor reto y al principio las parroquia?) Estuve en total 17 años 10 años en Santa servir aquí en la Diócesis de Dodge City? distancias. María, Garden City y 7 en San Alfonso, Satanta. Son Muchas e incontables: conocer y tratar a ¿Algunos otros pensamientos? ¿Dónde sirviste antes de venir a Kansas? personas de diversas culturas, conocer más y valorar Que vivamos la vida como una peregrinación donde Estuve en la Arquidiócesis de Denver, Co. En la la cultura americana, traté muchas personas de un nos guía nuestro Dios que es un buen Padre y que sólo Comisión de catequesis y antes de venir a Denver, en corazón bueno, generoso y acogedor que apoyan, espera que vivamos este camino como sus verdaderos una misión en el Estado de Hidalgo, Mx. comprenden y oran por las religiosas, que la Diocesis y buenos hijos.

Protegiendo a SI USTED SOSPECHA ABUSO los Niños i usted sospecha abuso o descuido de un personal de la iglesia, aparte de hacer un cada acusación de abuso sexual, revisan Smenor en Kansas y el menor está en un reporte a las autoridades civiles, por favor las políticas diocesanas para tratar con el de Dios peligro inmediato hable al 911 o al departa- comuníquese con el Señor Charles Befort, abuso sexual de menores y ofrecen asesora- La Diócesis requiere a todos mento de policía local. un representante del Consejo de Revisión miento sobre todos aspectos que involucran los empleados y voluntarios Si usted tiene alguna sospecha de que un que recibe y da seguimiento a los reportes. casos de abuso sexual tanto retrospectiva que trabajan con menores menor está siendo abusado o descuidado Su información de contacto es crbefort@ como prospectivamente. a asistir a las sesiones de haga un reporte confidencial al Departa- cox.net, 620-285-3219. También, el Señor Un Ministro de Asistencia ayuda con el cu- conscientización de Proteger a mento de Kansas Centro de Reportes Para Befort ofrecerá la ayuda del Ministro de idado pastoral de las personas que afirman los Niños de Dios. Estas sesiones Protección de Niños y Familias, 800-922- Asistencia cuya meta es de ser alguien que haber sido abusadas sexualmente cuando de conscientización están 5330 o al KBI Hotline, 800-KSCRIME (800- escuche y fomente la sanación. eran menores de edad por un miembro del disponibles en ambos inglés 572-7463), o mandando un correo elec- l Consejo de Revisión está compuesto clero u otro miembro del personal de la igle- y español. Son conducidos trónico a [email protected]. Epor católicos laicos y un sacerdote que sia, sin importar que el abuso haya ocurrido por gente de nuestra Diócesis Si usted sospecha abuso por parte del aconsejan al Obispo en su evaluación de recientemente o muchos años atrás. especialmente entrenadas como facilitadores. Las odas las acusaciones son uno o más de los siguientes acusaciones. Los hechos y las equivalente a la determinación sesiones se publicarán en consideradas hechas de puntos: No es específicamente circunstancias que hacen que de culpabilidad en un proced- las parroquias, escuelas, el T buena fe. Una acusación negada o es aceptada/admitida una acusación sea verosímil imiento criminal o de respon- períodico Southwest Kansas verosímil es definida como una por el acusado; es corroborada pueden variar de caso a caso. sabilidad en un procedimiento Catholic y la página electrónica acusación que, basada en los con otra evidencia o por otra La determinación de que una civil. de la Diócesis. www.dcdiocese. hechos de la acusación, cumple fuente y/o; involucra múltiples acusación es verosímil no es org/protectingchildren. Page 16 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic

Mark calendar now for April training Catholic Charities of SW Kansas Pastoral Ministry Formati on Why should you help with their Appeal? Program off ers I mean, besides the fact that they off er help and hope to a Diocesan Ananias Certi fi cate multi tude of struggling people across the diocese and beyond...

Editor’s Note: The following arti cle was submitt ed by the By DAvE MYERS which the birth parent conti nues to have a Offi ce of Pastoral Ministry Formati on for the Catholic Diocese of Southwest Kansas Catholic relati onship with their child, even aft er they’ve Dodge City. ust how involved in people’s lives should the been adopted. Catholic Church be? “They met the family and started forming a he goal of Ananias Training is to form a people equipped to Off ering fi nancial guidance? Classes for relati onship with them. They and their families be Ananias to one another within the Church as well as in J T teenage moms? What about helping provide became very close to this adopti ve family; the the world. a roadmap to citi zenship for undocumented birth mom even went to college in the town they Ananias Training is designed to form parishioners with no immigrants? lived in. I conti nued providing counseling to this previous training in “the art of spiritual accompaniment”. For more than half a century, “Thousands birth mom for a year and a half aft er the birth of In Acts 9:10, we read of the Lord appearing to Ananias asking of lives have been positi vely impacted here in her child. him to accompany Saul, a known persecutor of Christi ans. southwest Kansas as a result of Catholic Chariti es “I know that this birth mom struggled with Ananias says yes, despite his fears. and its staff , board members, volunteers and her emotions for quite a while after the birth One might say – Ananias welcomes one from the peripheries. donors,” said Debbie Snapp, Executi ve Director of and relinquishment of her child. It takes What does it mean to know you are called to journey Catholic Chariti es of Southwest Kansas. approximately a year for them to really go alongside your brothers and sisters as another Ananias? The work of Catholic Chariti es depends in through the grieving process. I think that the What does it mean that you are not alone in that call? great part on the kindness of strangers, people counseling helped her to get through those What gift s has God given you to be an Ananias for others? who, through their fi nancial donati ons, off er as difficult times.” What tools do you sti ll need? much help as if they, themselves, were out there The Teen Moms program, which was Obtain a Diocesan Certi fi cate in Ananias Training by helping families one-on-one. Conti nued on Page 19 completi ng three live-and-in-person Pastoral Ministry Formati on Your donati ons go directly to helping those off erings dedicated to Ananias Training at the Heartland Center who are in greatest need in Southwest Kansas. for Spirituality, Great Bend: “Because of the work and foresight of those who Get Equipped - Ananias Training 1 of 3 [THEO 4881] helped to initi ate this agency and its acti viti es half April 24-25, 2020 a century ago, children have grown up in loving RCIA Kansas - Ananias Training 2 of 3 [THEO 4881] adopti ve ‘forever’ homes, the hungry have been fed, September 11-12, 2020 the homeless have found shelter, individuals and Get Equipped - Ananias Training 3 of 3 [THEO 4881] families caught in the grip of addicti ons have been April 16-17, 2021 healed, and those facing a lifeti me of poverty have Certi fi cati on includes completi ng required assignments. achieved goals and self-suffi ciency,” Snapp said. Each off ering builds on the one before it. If not interested in In other words, there can’t be too much certi fi cati on, one will fi nd each off ering valuable as a stand- involvement in the lives of people in need. alone off ering. Over the years, Catholic Chariti es has employed social workers who are given the daunti ng task THEO 4881 Get Equipped Ananias Training 1 of 3 of guiding, evaluating, and helping individuals (1 hour course) and families through a mountain of emoti onal, instructor: Father Robert Schremmer physical, and bureaucrati c issues. It’s not a job for Ananias Training off ers practi cal ways to help ordinary the ti mid. Catholics live out the call to spiritually journey alongside others. Snapp, like the other social workers employed This live-and-in–person gathering, held at the Heartland by Catholic Chariti es, can be found serving Center for Spirituality in Great Bend, will enter Ananias’ story to as a representati ve of the Catholic Church in discover our own call to accompany. unexpected places. The gathering will explore what it means for us that no two Soon aft er the violent tornado struck They cannot do this alone! journeys of life are the same and what it means to have a Greensburg and the surrounding region in May 4, threshold conversati on. 2007, Catholic Chariti es began working with other Your support helps make This will lead parti cipants to listen to real questi ons and agencies to provide needed help. a diff erence in the lives opinions about God so as to be able to guide a person to “We primarily distributed the donati ons that discover how God is present and acti ve in their life. were received through Catholic Chariti es and the of those in need in By accompanying one another we will share our relati onship diocese to help individuals build or repair homes with God and how we may share Jesus Christ’s own story in when they had no other resources to do that,” southwest Kansas. response to the spiritual hunger of another. commented Snapp. “We worked with the South *This course is one of the 1 hour courses that may be used Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organizati on to obtain the Diocesan Certi fi cati on in Youth Ministry or the (a part of the Kiowa Ministerial Alliance) to Please give generously to Diocesan Ananias Certi fi cate. determine eligibility. We also used some of that the Catholic Chariti es Class Dates: April 24-25; Friday evening - 4 p.m. through money to help with emergency needs -- replacing Saturday to 1 p.m. eye glasses, prescripti ons, etc….” Annual Appeal. Locati on: Heartland Center for Spirituality Among Falcon’s ministries is pregnancy Cost: 1 hr. course for college credit - $50.00* Personal counseling, in which an oft en young – and oft en Thank You! enrichment included in fee to Heartland. *Does not include frightened -- parent, or parents, will come to her books. looking for alternati ves to aborti on. • • • Make reservati ons and pay for your room and meals at the “The counseling helps them to truly consider DONATE BY PHONE Heartland Center by going to: htt ps://heartlandspirituality.org/ each of their opti ons and helps them to feel good Call (620) 227-1562 pastoralministry-formati on/ about their decision, whether it is to make an M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST $22.00 Commuter adopti on plan or a parenti ng plan,” Falcon said in $57.00 Single an earlier interview. DONATE BY MAil $47.00 Double She recalls the occasion when she helped two Mail check or money order to: 1 hr. course for college credit - $50.00 scared high school students: “They were both Catholic Chariti es (Pay by contacti ng Coleen at [email protected] or 620- high school seniors and were involved in sports/ 906 Central Ave 227-1538) cheerleading, etc.... They decided that they Dodge City KS 67801 Personal enrichment fee is covered with registrati on fee to wanted to make an adopti on plan and were able DONATE ONliNE Heartland Center for Spirituality. to select a family from our program.” Go to htt ps://catholicchariti esswks.org/ways- Falcon only works with open adopti ons, in to-help and click on “Donate Money” The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 17 Former Wisconsin farm boy beatified in Guatemala uehuetenango, Guatemala (CNA) After just more to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, where he became the HThe son of Wisconsin farmers, director of a school. Brother James Miller, FSC, was beatified than a year at Using the name Brother Santiago while in Central in Guatemala Dec. 7, 36 years after he the mission, on America, Miller more than doubled the enrollment at the was shot and killed while working with February 13, 1982, school during his five years there and headed the building school children and the indigenous poor Miller had returned of 10 additional schools in the area. in the country. In 1979, he was called back to the U.S. by his superiors, A graduate of St. Mary’s University from taking who feared for his life after the Sandinista revolution in Winona, Minnesota and a member students on a picnic that overthrew the Somoza government, for which of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and was shot in the Miller had worked. Prior to his return to the U.S., Miller Miller is remembered for his generosity, back three times acknowledged in a letter that he was aware of the growing courage, and zeal to serve the children of violence around him, but he was not afraid. Central America. He is the first member while repairing a “Are you kidding? I never thought I could pray with of his order in the United States to be wall at the school, such fervor when I go to bed,” he wrote in a letter home, beatified. the Post Bulletin according to his order. Brother Miller’s story strongly echoes In January 1981, Miller was again sent back to Central that of Blessed Father Stanley Rother, reported. Miller America to a mission in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, another son of American farmers (this died instantly, and where he taught at the Casa Indigena School and worked time from Oklahoma) who was murdered his attackers were at a center teaching experimental agricultural techniques in Guatemala at his Santiago Atitlan never identified. He to indigenous Mayans. The skills were useful for the mission, a mere seven months before Brother James Miller, FSC, the son of indigenous poor people, who had been bought out of Brother Miller’s murder. Father Rother Wisconsin farmers, was beatified Dec. 7 in was 37 years old. their land by rich corporations in prior years, and were was beatified in September 2017 in Guatemala. attempting to scrape by on farming in the mountains. Oklahoma City. Both men are remembered Christian Brothers. Though he had also considered being After just more than a year at the mission, on February for their courage, zeal for their mission, and their humility a priest, Miller joined the order of brothers in September 13, 1982, Miller had returned from taking students on a in their work. 1959, drawn to their apostolate in education. picnic and was shot in the back three times while repairing “No one is perfect, and yet Jim, like a lot of people, did Three years later in the novitiate program, he chose the a wall at the school, the Post Bulletin reported. Miller died things very quietly, behind the scenes. He never asked for religious name Brother Leo William, but eventually went instantly, and his attackers were never identified. He was recognition,” Brother Pat Conway, who first knew Miller as back to using his baptismal name, which had become 37 years old. a student and then as a fellow brother, told the Minnesota common among the brothers. Just seven months prior, on July 28, 1981, Father Stanley newspaper the Post Bulletin. After teaching high school in Minnesota for three years, Rother had been shot and killed in the middle of the night James Miller was born on Sept. 21, 1944, to a farming Miller made perpetual vows in 1970 and was sent to at his mission in Santiago Atitlan, 100 miles to the south family near Stevens Point, Wis. He attended Pacelli High Bluefields, Nicaragua, fulfilling his desire to work in the of Huehuetenango. School, a Catholic school where he first encountered the missions in Central America. In 1974, he was transferred Continued on Page 18 Archbishop Sheen’s beatification Sainthood cause Continued from Page 9 raised them again in recent weeks. in October 1966. further study and deliberation, while Two other officials connected to the Some have claimed that Sheen advances for religious also acknowledging the competency beatification cause confirmed Kruse’s gave Guli an assignment in the of the Congregation for the Causes of statement. Diocese of Rochester, despite the sister, educator who Saints to render its decision. The Holy Kruse said the Rochester press 1963 allegation against him, Kruse See ultimately decided to postpone release did not acknowledge that said, and that Bishop Matano was the beatification,” the diocese said. fact. concerned the NY attorney general fought racism The statement came one day after The priest told CNA that Matano would identify this issue in any CNA’s first reported Dec. 4 that Bishop sent a letter to the apostolic nuncio report or announcement. Salvatore Matano of Rochester had Nov. 19, after the beatification was But Kruse said that Sheen never asked the apostolic nuncio to the announced, saying that he could not assigned Guli to ministry. United States to delay the beatification, support the scheduled beatification “We have studied extensively citing concerns about an ongoing state and requesting that it be delayed. Sheen’s administrative decisions attorney general’s investigation into “They did not agree with the fact regarding Guli, and he never put the dioceses of New York state. the beatification date was set and children in harm’s way,” Kruse said. Sources told CNA that Matano was announced, and asked that further “The documents clearly show especially concerned that the attorney consideration be done,” Kruse told that Sheen’s successor, Bishop general could time the release of an CNA Dec. 4. Hogan, appointed Guli, and it’s at announcement concerning Sheen CNA requested a copy of the that assignment that Guli offended to coincide with the beatification, Nov. 19 letter from the Diocese of again.” potentially marring the celebration Rochester. The diocese told CNA “It’s [Bishop] Hogan who appointed with allegations of scandal. Dec. 5 that “it is not appropriate Guli to the parishes in the towns of The Dec. 5 Rochester statement said to release a letter addressed to the Campbell and Bradford where Guli the diocese had requested a delay Apostolic Nuncio.” offended, and it’s part of the reason “prior to any announcements of the Kruse told CNA Dec. 4 that the issue that led to his ultimate removal and beatification.” in question is the case of Gerard Guli, laicization, as well as other issues.” Mother Mary Lange The diocese said it had “provided the a former Rochester priest. Hogan was Sheen’s successor. Diocese of Peoria and the Congregation “Guli is the issue,” he told CNA. For its part, the Diocese of altimore, Md. (CNA) - In the race to see who for the Causes of Saints through The priest was ordained in 1956, Rochester said that “a beatification Bwill become the first canonized black American the Office of the Apostolic Nuncio and from 1963 to 1967 served in process reminds us that we are all saint, one candidate’s cause has advanced: Mother with documentation that expressed parishes in West Virginia. According called to be saints to live with the Mary Lange, a renowned educator and founder concern about advancing the cause for to a document issued by the Diocese Lord eternally in heaven, praying of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first the beatification of Archbishop Sheen of Wheeling-Charleston, in 1963 that the Lord judges us worthy to community of religious sisters in the United States at this time without a further review of the Diocese of Rochester received behold Him face to face in that for women of color. his role in priests’ assignments.” an allegation that in 1960 Guli beatific vision that brings everlasting In an announcement recently from the Archdiocese Msgr. James Kruse, an official in committed abuse or misconduct joy. From his place with the Lord, of Baltimore, where Mother Mary Lange lived and the Diocese of Peoria involved in against adults, not minors. Archbishop Sheen enjoys eternal served, Archbishop William Lori said that “I’m happy advancing Sheen’s cause, told CNA Kruse told CNA that the priest peace and joy in the everlasting to say her cause is moving along.” that while the Rochester diocese “returned from Wheeling to help his presence of God, Our Father, whom After meeting with Vatican officials about had raised those concerns before sick parents” in 1967. he did serve with dedication and zeal Lange’s cause in mid-December, Lori reported the beatification date was set, it also Sheen became Rochester’s bishop for the salvation of souls.” Continued on Page 23 Page 18 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Former Wisconsin farm boy takes step on path to sainthood Continued from Page 17 Those who knew Brother Miller remember him for his as they paid their respects. Just a month before his death, Miller had written in kindness, his generosity and his jovial spirit. Relics gathered during the exhumation of Miller’s another letter: “I am personally weary of violence, but Brother Francis Carr, who roomed with Miller while they body were at the beatification in Guatemala, Dec. 7 in I continue to feel a strong commitment to the suffering attended St. Mary’s University, told Winona Daily News Huehuetenango. poor of Central America… the Church is being persecuted that he remembers him as “a common, good guy.” Miller’s cause for canonization opened in 2009. Because because of its option for the poor. Aware of numerous One of his former professors remembered Miller as Miller was officially declared a martyr by the Church, the dangers and difficulties, we continue working with faith “attractive with an open and sociable personality, likeable, typical requirement for proof of a miracle through his and hope and trusting in God’s Providence. completely genuine; people were captivated by his intercession in order to proceed with his beatification is “I have been a Brother of the Christian Schools for simplicity: he was very intelligent and also very simple.” waived. A miracle through his intercession will be needed nearly 20 years now, and commitment to my vocation Another fellow brother recalled Miller as “an intelligent before he can be canonized. grows steadily stronger in my work in Central America. person, although not an intellectual, jovial, easy to relate Representatives from St. Mary’s University will be I pray to God for the grace and strength to serve Him with, preferring physical work to sports, with a deep faith present at the beatification in Guatemala, and a special faithfully among the poor and oppressed in Guatemala. I and love for his religious vocation, but with a certain concurrent commemoration ceremony will be taking place place my life in His Providence. I place my trust in Him,” tendency to come late to class and community prayers.” on campus. he added. Conway remembered his fellow brother as “big and “I think, particularly in the Catholic Church, in our faith, boisterous” and “very human.” we highlight those who give their lives for the sake of the “What’s cool about him being beatified is kingdom, the gospel, but also, in this case, as the gospel that he was human,” Conway told the Post says, no one has greater love than to lay down his life Bulletin. “The fact that someone so human for his friend,” SMU president Father James Burns told would farm with these kids and taught them Winona Daily News. the skills to break the cycle of poverty. It “And so in following the example of Christ, this is what speaks volumes about him.” Brother James Miller did, laying down his life,” Burns After his death, Miller’s body was sent added. “It’s a great honor for us to have someone from back to the United States for burial in our local community being raised to this honor by the Wisconsin. Miller arrived in a dirty white Church. robe, Conway told the Post Bulletin, because “I think people are instinctively drawn to goodness, that of all of the farmers who attended his funeral kind of goodness, even when it causes great sacrifice and in Guatemala and wanted to touch his robes we have to suffer. People are inspired by that.” Angelus to Xavier Catholic Place Names in Kansas Obvious & Obscure Road to Santa Fe: A Trail of Holy Faith he Santa Fe Trail, also called the Santa Fe Road, was Tnamed for its destination. The official name of the town, formerly in Mexico, now New Mexico, was La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis, Spanish for The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi. Merchants, settlers, and missionaries traveled the Santa Fe Trail. One of the more notable travelers was the Most Reverend Jean Baptiste Lamy of Santa Fe. Archbishop Lamy crossed over the Santa Fe Trail approximately 11 times between 1850 and 1880. He made use of the roadway for recruiting tours in search of priests and religious to serve in the Vicariate of New Mexico and/or the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Trail was 775 miles long, 550 miles course through Kansas. The trail entered the state in Johnson County and progressed through Douglas, Osage and Lyon counties to Council Grove. A road from Westport, Mo., joined the main trail where Olathe now stands, and another road from Fort Leavenworth united the trail at Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy Wilmington, in the southeast corner of Wabaunsee County. Over these various roads came small trading parties which met at Council Grove and formed a caravan for crossing the Great Plains. From Council Grove, still pursuing a southwesterly direction, the trail ran through the present counties of Morris, Marion, McPherson, Rice and Barton, striking the Arkansas River near the site of the present city of Great Bend. From this point the trail followed the north bank of the Arkansas (through the counties of Pawnee, Edwards and Ford) to what is now the town of Cimarron in Gray County. Here the trail divided, one branch crossing that stream and running southwest through Gray, Haskell, Grant, Stevens and Morton counties, crossing the western boundary of Kansas near the southwest corner of the state. Red granite markers were placed in The Mountain route followed the Arkansas River through significant locations along the route of Gray, Finney, Kearny and Hamilton counties exiting the the Santa Fe Trail through Kansas by the state and continuing in Colorado to Bents Fort before Daughters of the American Revolution. making a southerly descent.

Tim Wenzl’s “...Catholic Place Names in Kansas...” is available now at Amazon.com and Catholic/ Christian bookstores. Mail order available through the Cathedral gift store by contacting the author at [email protected], 620-227-1556. The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 19 Diocese accepting Adult Scout Religious Awards nominations he Diocese of Dodge City Catholic Committee 2. The Saint Anne Medal - This medal honors Ton Scouting is accepting letters of nomination the outstanding service of adults contributing to for adults who have provided exceptional service the spiritual development of Catholic members as an adult leader in Catholic Scouting ministry or in the Girl Scout movement and to further, other groups serving youth that have contributed promote adult leadership in youth ministry. The to the spiritual development of Catholic young applicant must have a minimum of seven years Catholic Scouts from people. Although these awards are given by the active service to youth as an adult member to be Catholic Church, the recipients do not have to be considered for this award. a member of that faith to be considered. 3. The Bronze Pelican - This award recognizes throughout the diocese The deadline for submitting nominations is the contributions of adults who serve Boy Interested in earning your Jan. 18, 2020. All nominations, except for the St. Scouting organizations on the parish or unit level. George Emblem, may be in the form of a letter The recipient must have demonstrated good religious emblems? submitted to the Diocese Catholic Committee on example as a Christian and influenced boys to live Scouting, Diocese of Dodge City, P.O. Box 137, a good Christian life. Dodge City, KS 67801. 4. The Saint George Emblem - This emblem QUEST 2020 The recognition and presentation of the awards is the highest national recognition for adults will occur at the conclusion of the Diocese of who have made a significant contribution to the Feb. 15-16 Dodge City’s Scout QUEST 2019 retreat Feb. 16, at spiritual development of Catholic youth involved the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Dodge City. in Cub/Boy Scouting organizations at the diocese The following is a summary of the adult awards level. The Diocese of Dodge City is permitted to that can be awarded by the Diocese of Dodge City. present one emblem per year. An application for 1. The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award this emblem is also required. - This award recognizes the meritorious For further information about the awards or to contributions of adults who serve youth through obtain an applications for the St. George Emblem, girl’s organizations on a parish or unit level. contact Dave Geist, Chairperson for the Diocese For more information: The applicant must have a minimum of three Catholic Committee on Scouting at (620) 430- Dave Geist 620-430-2123 [email protected] years active service to youth as an adult to be 2123, or email at [email protected] considered for this award. Brenda Jensen 620-225-0336 Catholic Charities appeal ‘Spiritual refreshment’ From Page 16 family. As Falcon explained, the birth introduced to the Diocese of Dodge City by parent no longer has to go through the From Page 10 Falcon in 2000, is designed to restore the traumatic experience of handing their promise, possibilities, and, not to mention, child to an adoptive family, never to see the sense of fun into the life of a teenager them again. who is a parent. “They know their child will be placed in “Part of our ministry – of all the ministries a faith-based family,” Titsworth explained. of Catholic Social Service – is to be there for “I believe so many times that people are people in need, for any person, including a interested in adoption but believe it is too pregnant teen who doesn’t have a neutral expensive, there is a long waiting list, or they place to go. As a church, we are supposed to have a misunderstanding of adoption, let help and serve in any way we can.” alone an ‘open adoption. We provide a lot of Like Falcon, Lori Titsworth, who works education not only to the mother, but to the out of the Great Bend office, has the adoptive families. Other organizations, even joy of bringing children into the lives of dioceses, offer online education, but we adoptive parents, and helping someone spend a great deal of personal time with the who is struggling with an unplanned or families about adoption, which makes them unwanted pregnancy to find an adoptive more prepared.”

Participants at the St. Dominic Parish, Garden City retreat. and wisdom as I’ve come to know For Sister Rose Mary, a former Got a minute? Send a letter of Jesus in a personal, genuine and teacher, coach, missionary, and wholesome way, through reflection, director of several offices such as support to our seminarians! prayer, scripture, and the experiences the Office of Aging and Parents of other people” Sister Rose Mary (1994-1998), her most beloved role he people of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City are awesome! Back a few years said. “My focus is with adults—men has been that of leader of small ago when Father Mark Brantley was in seminary, he had several letters from and women, a retreat where people faith communities. Many small faith well-wishers pinned to his bulletin board. Other seminarians from much larger have more than an hour or two, but communities. For the elderly. For T diocese and archdioceses noted how lucky he was to have the prayers and support of not overnight—just a small few hours, women. For men. For teachers…. the people back home. where they can be refreshed.” For the previous two decades, she Please take a moment to send a letter of support to our seminarians who, if it be Leading the retreat with Sister Rose served at Sacred Heart Cathedral God’s plan, will one day serve as a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City! The Mary is usually a lay person from the (and later Cathedral of Our Lady seminarians have said on many occasions how much these letters mean to them! Cathedral parish who has ministered of Guadalupe) providing just such with her in various adult programs leadership. John STANG, Eric FRIEB, Esteban and/or retreats. He or she will share Her mini-retreat ministry is done Adam URBAN, Carson HAUPT, HERNANDEZ: their faith story as it relates to the in conjunction with the Heartland Austin HABASH: Jonathan LEMUS: retreat theme. Center for Spirituality in Great Bend, 910 Central, P.O. St. John Vianney Conception Seminary College “My real passion is to empower lay where she has served as a staff Box 137, Dodge Theological Seminary P.O. Box 502 people to believe in their gifts and use member since her retirement. City, KS 67801 1300 S. Steele St. Denver, CO Conception, MO 64433 their gifts,” she said. “It’s not just me To schedule a retreat in your parish, 80210 doing the retreat. We’ll share faith contact Sister Rose Mary at: 620-789- stories and give presentations.” 2101 or [email protected]. Your prayers and well-wishes are deeply appreciated! Page 20 December 22, 2019 o BItUarIeS The Southwest Kansas Catholic DR. lEONARDO “lEN” B. MABuGAT, 81, two sons, Sti les and Stormie. Protecti ng God’s Children of Sacred Heart Parish, Larned, died Nov. 30, BENJAMiN J. SHAFFER, 94, of Prince of Peace he Catholic Diocese of Dodge the diocese can learn how to discuss 2019. Len was born on Nov. 6, 1938 in Manila, Parish at St. Rose Church, Great Bend, died TCity requires all employees and diff erent aspects of abuse — includ- Philippines. He had a Bachelor of Science degree Dec. 12, 2019. He married Florence Louise Bahr volunteers who work with children ing sexual. There are no Protecti ng in Psychology and att ended the University of on Nov. 26, 1952, at Olmitz. She died May 7, to parti cipate in a Protecti ng God’s God’s Children awareness session Santo Tomas where he obtained his medical 2016. Survivors include three sons, Kenneth, Children awareness session. scheduled at this ti me. Please check degree. He married Sonia Cuevas on Sept. Tom, and Dan; six daughters, Linda Elliott , Through the Diocesan Awareness upcoming issues or visit dcdiocese. 28, 1968. He was a physician at Larned State Patsy Giangrosso, Treva Goodman, Cathy Sessions and other educati onal ef- org/safe-environment for updates. Hospital and a Medical Director at Mitchell Shaff er, Laurie Logan, and Sharon Denney; 16 forts of the diocese, all people of County Hospital, Beloit. He is survived by Sonia, grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, with one his wife of 51 years; two daughters, Sonia M. on the way; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Shaff er; IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE Eaton and Elenita M. Rios; his brother, Querubin and many nieces and nephews. Father Louis If you suspect abuse or neglect of Befort will off er the help of the As- Mabugat Jr.; sister, Zenaida Magboo; and three Dinh Hoang presided. a child in Kansas and the child is in sistance Minister, whose goal is to grandchildren. lOuiS G. luETTERS, 83, of St. Aloysius immediate danger, call 911 or local be a listening ear and to promote RONAlD ANTHONY JASPER, 51, of St. Joseph Parish, Ransom, died Dec. 11, 2019. On Nov. law enforcement. healing. Parish, Ellinwood, died Nov. 25, 2019. A lifeti me 22, 1960 he married Marcile Andres. Louis If you have suspicion a child is • • • Barton County resident, Ronald worked for CPI was a catt leman and enjoyed working with being abused or neglected, make The Review Board is a consultati ve as a computer programmer. Survivors include livestock. He was a member and past president a confi denti al report to Kansas De- body of lay Catholics and one priest his mother, Viona Harris; his wife, Marlene of the Ransom Farmers Co-Op, a member of St. partment for Children and Families representative who advises the Dewey; one brother, Mark; two sisters, Donna Aloysius Catholic a 3rd degree Ransom council Protection Report Center, 800- Bishop in his assessment of allega- Robinson and Crystal Jasper; grandmother, 2352 Knights of Columbus member. Louis also 922-5330 or to the KBI Hotline, ti ons of sexual abuse, reviews dioc- Mary Jasper; one uncle, Steve Huschka; three served his country in the U.S. Army for two 800-KSCRIME (800-572-7463), or by esan policies for dealing with sexual sisters-in-law, Janis Chase, Catherine Horner and years. He is survived by his wife, Marcile; three emailing [email protected]. abuse of minors and off ers advice Vivian Watkins; one brother-in-law, Jeff Dewey; sons, David, Duane, and Daniel; three brothers, If you suspect sexual abuse on all aspects of sexual abuse cases and four nephews and two nieces. Father John, Gene, and Jerome; four sisters, Rozanne by Church personnel, in additi on retrospectively and prospectively. Terrance Klein presided. Veeder, Janice Houdshell, Carolyn Maska, and to making a report to the proper The Assistance Minister’s role is to CECILIA A (PENKA) HALL, 94, of Sacred Heart Linda Hess; seven grandchildren; and fi ve great- civil authorities, contact Charles aid in the pastoral care of persons Parish, Larned, died Dec. 8, 2019. A lifeti me grandchildren. Befort, the diocesan Review Board who claim to have been sexually area resident, she att ended Zook and Larned ADEliNE E. HESSMAN, 90, died Dec. 9, representati ve who receives and abused as minors by clergy or other area schools, graduati ng in 1943. She moved 2019 at the Hodgeman County Health Center follows up on reports. His contact church personnel, whether the abuse to Wichita where she worked for Boeing as in Jetmore. She was born May 7, 1929 near informati on is [email protected], was recent or occurred many years a riveter on the B-29s. She later worked as a Windthorst, the daughter of Henry J. and 620-285-3219. In addition, Mr. in the past. psychiatric aid at Larned State Hospital, Larned. Josephine (Kehl) Hessman. She graduated from On Aug. 7, 1947 she married Eugene W. Hall Windthorst High School in 1947 and went on at Larned; he preceded her in death on Aug. 1, to become an RN providing loving home care 2002. She was a member of the Altar Society. in The Bronx, New York City for 30-plus years. Survivors include four daughters, Annelle Survivors include her sister-in-law, MaryAnn Buehler, Mary Norris, Cindy Cline, and Karen Hessman; and eight nieces and nephews. Father Stacey; a son, Steven Hall; 11 grandchildren; John Forkuoh presided. 15 great-grandchildren; and fi ve great-great- grandchildren. Father Bernard Felix presided. RiCKY DEAN WilCOX, 56, died Dec. 8, 2019 in Obituary policy Larned. He was born March 12, 1963 in Larned, Obituaries are listed free of charge, but must be the son of LaVerne Wilcox and Ann Greathouse edited for space. If you see that a listi ng has not Wilcox. A Larned area resident since 2017, he been included, or there is a mistake, call Dave at worked as a foundry plant manager and was (620) 227-1519, or email skregister@dcdiocese. the current owner of Scooters Diner in Larned. org. Please pray for the repose of the soul of all Survivors include his mother, Ann Wilcox; and those listed, and for their friends and loved ones.

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Sunday, Dec. 22; Fourth Friday, Dec. 27: Feast of Saint 1 JN 2:29–3:6 / JN 1:29-34 Sunday of Advent John, Apostle and evangelist Saturday, Jan. 4: Memorial IS 7:10-14 / ROM 1:1-7 / MT 1 JN 1:1-4 / JN 20:1A AND 2-8 of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1:18-24 Saturday, Dec. 28: Feast of Religious Monday, Dec. 23 the Holy Innocents, martyrs 1 JN 3:7-10 / JN 1:35-42 MAL 3:1-4, 23-24 / LK 1:57-66 1 JN 1:5—2:2 / MT 2:13-18 Sunday, Jan. 5: The Epiphany Tuesday, Dec. 24 Sunday, Dec. 29: The Holy of the Lord 2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16 / Family of Jesus, Mary and IS 60:1-6 / EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6 / LK 1:67-79 Joseph MT 2:1-12 A Blessed Wednesday, Dec. 25: SIR 3:2-6, 12-14 / COL 3:12-21 Monday, Jan. 6 CHRiSTMAS or COL 3:12-17 / MT 2:13-15, 1 JN 3:22–4:6 / MT 4:12-17, Christmas At the Vigil Mass 19-23 23-25 IS 62:1-5 / ACTS 13:16-17, 22- Monday, Dec. 30 Tuesday, Jan. 7 25 / MT 1:1-25 1 JN 2:12-17 / LK 2:36-40 1 JN 4:7-10 / MK 6:34-44 & Happy Mass during the night Tuesday, Dec. 31 Wednesday, Jan. 8 IS 9:1-6 / TI 2:11-14 / LK 2:1- 1 JN 2:18-21 / JN 1:1-18 1 JN 4:11-18 / MK 6:45-52 14 Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020: Thursday, Jan. 9 New Year Mass at dawn Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin 1 JN 4:19–5:4 / LK 4:14-22 IS 62:11-1 / TI 3:4-7 / LK 2:15- Mary, the Mother of God Friday, Jan. 10 20 NM 6:22-27 / GAL 4:4-7 / LK 1 JN 5:5-13 / LK 5:12-16 Mass during the day 2:16-21 Saturday, Jan. 11 IS 52:7-10 / HEB 1:1-6 / JN Thursday, Jan. 2: Memorial 1 JN 5:14-21 / JN 3:22-30 Have a great 2020! 1:1-18 of Saints Basil the Great and Sunday, Jan. 12: The Feast of Thursday, Dec. 26: Feast of Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops the Bapti sm of the Lord P.O. Box 416 Saint Stephen, fi rst martyr and Doctors of the Church IS 42:1-4, 6-7 / ACTS 10:34-38 Dodge City, KS 67801 ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59 / MT 1 JN 2:22-28 / JN 1:19-28 / MT 3:13-17 Visit us at 10:17-22 Friday, Jan. 3 stmaryoftheplainsalumniassociation.org Despair always lifts! If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the SMP Alumni Association National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Southwest Kansas Catholic aDVantaGe December 22, 2019 Page 21 GABRIEL’S CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 Dismas, the Good ___ 9 10 9 Saint Goretti 10 He saw the wheel 11 French Christmas 11 12 13 12 “…the Lord, the giver 14 of ___.” 13 “Heavenly ___ sing 15 16 alleluia…” 15 Deborah of the Old 17 18 19 Testament 20 21 22 16 Second book of the Bible 23 24 17 He was Simon, origi- 25 26 27 nally 20 C o m m a n d m e n t 28 word 22 Color of smoke that 29 30 31 32 33 indicates a pope has 34 been elected 23 Fr. Junipero ___ 35 36 25 The Lord said to him, “Come now, let us set 37 things right” (Isa 1:18) www.wordgamesforcatholics.com 26 Catholic “Today 2 How Jesus addressed 7 The Diocese of Jef- 23 Joseph saw these Show” weather anchor Judas in the Garden (Mt ferson City is here in his fi rst dream (Gen 29 The ___ at the Well 26:50) 8 “…bone of my bones 37:7) 31 Killed by Cain 3 Theology on ___ and ___…” (Gen 2:23) 24 Take communion 32 OT propheti c book program 14 Michaelmas mon. 27 “…am I my brother’s 35 Archdiocese in New 4 Words added at the 15 First Catholic US ___?” (Gen 4:9) Mexico beginning of a Scripture president, familiarly 28 Nationality neces- 36 Second word in the reading in the Lecti on- 18 Mother of 31A sary to be in the papal name of a Parisian ba- ary 19 “Angel of God, my guard silica 5 Catholic tennis great guardian ___…” 30 ___ occasion of sin 37 What the apostles Roger ___ 21 Alb or stole 33 What you should do did while Jesus prayed 6 Her eyes were de- 22 One of two names in when the herald angels in the Garden scribed in the Bible (Gen a Catholic book publish- sing DOWN 29:17) ing company 34 ___ of Faith 1 Prayer ender

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TEASER THE FiRST: TEASER THE SECOND: (Below) Spell 4-lett er These word pairs are not in TEASER THE words that use one lett er relati on to each other, but if you THiRD (lEFT): from each row. They do fi nd their synonyms, the two First complete not have to connect. words will rhyme. the 7-lett er Score 1 point for each Example : Over-sized word at the top 4-lett er word you form. Feline = Fat Cat of the diagram. Spell one 10-lett er word Kiss Dog Then use the that begins with the top Funny Cat last two lett ers lett er in the triangle Movie Monster of the fi rst word and uses every P Unusual Rabbit as the fi rst two lett er in the Copper Teapot lett ers of the triangle. O A Wedding Limo second word. If Score 5 Untamed Minor you get stuck, points A R N try starti ng at for this the bott om of word. P G A D the diagram and working your way up, in Copyright www.word-game-world.com Used with permission. reverse. The last fi ve lett ers of the fi nal word are given. oDUKo

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“I SAW ����� ������� See movie reviews based on a Catholic perspecti ve. THAT Visit www.catholicnews.com/movies.cfm. ” -- God The Southwest Kansas Catholic December 22, 2019 Page 23 Mother Lange could be the first African American named a saint Continued from Page 17 something that was hard to come vulnerable elderly, and took in that the paper arguing for her by for black children in pre-Civil extra washing and mending and life of heroic virtue was nearly War America. begged on the streets to support finished, and that the “positio,” Together with a friend, Marie those in their care. In 1832, another document arguing for Magdelaine Balas, Lange began the sisters also cared for the her cause for canonization, was offering free education to children terminally ill during the cholera complete and being sent to the of color from her home. In 1828, epidemic. After the Civil War, Congregation for the Causes of Lange was approached by a priest, the sisters cared for dozens of Saints. If approved, the document Reverend James Hector Joubert, black orphans who were living in will be forwarded to Pope Francis, S.S., about officially founding a Baltimore. On Febr. 3, 1882, after who will then be able to grant the Catholic school for girls of color. a long life of service to others, title of “Venerable” to Mother Lange told the priest that she had Mother Mary Lange died. Mary Lange. been wanting to dedicate her life “Mother Mary Lange practiced Mother Lange was born to God, and that she wanted to faith to an extraordinary degree,” Elizabeth Clarisse Lange sometime start not only the school but also the Guild wrote of her. “In fact, it around 1784, most likely in a a religious order of sisters for was her deep faith which enabled French-speaking area of Santiago, women of color. Permission was but also to work for the Christian supporter since the founding of her to persevere against all odds. Cuba. Her parents were reportedly granted, and in 1829, Lange and education of colored children.” the order. Combating poverty To her black brothers and sisters refugees who fled to Cuba from a three other women (including “Our sole wish is to do the will and racism, the sisters scrambled she gave of herself and her revolution in their native Saint Balas) took their first vows as of God,” Mother Lange once said to shore up their order as some material possessions until she Domingue (present-day Haiti). Oblate Sisters of Providence. of her order, according to the members left, and the Sulpician was empty of all but Jesus, whom In the early 1800s, Lange Lange, who became the superior Oblate Sisters. priests, the order to which Joubert she shared generously with all emigrated to the United States of the order, took the religious The school founded by the had belonged, were no longer by being a living witness to his from Cuba and settled in name of Mary, and became known sisters, St. Frances Academy, is able to support the sisters. teaching.” Baltimore, Maryland. She arrived as Mother Mary Lange. the oldest, continuously running “There was a sense of Lori added that Mother Lange in the U.S. well-educated and The first paragraph of their school for black Catholics in the abandonment at the dwindling was “a person who was in every with some money to her name, order’s rule spelled out their United States, and remains open number of pupils and defections way a pioneer” who “stood head indicating that her parents were vocation and mission: “The today. By 1860, all children of of her closest companions and co- and shoulders above the racism also educated and well-off. Oblate Sisters of Providence are color attending Catholic school workers,” the Mother Lange Guild of her era.” According to the Mother a religious society of virgins and in Baltimore were educated states in her biography. “Yet, Should Lange be declared Lange Guild, Lange was living widows of color. Their end is to in schools run by the Oblate through it all Mother Mary never Venerable, the next step in her in Baltimore by 1813, and soon consecrate themselves to God Sisters. lost faith in Providence.” cause for canonization would after realized that the children in a special manner not only to In 1843, the sisters suffered a Lange and her sisters not be for a miracle through her of her fellow refugees were in sanctify themselves and thereby blow at the death of Fr. Joubert, only educated children of color, intercession to occur and be desperate need of education, secure the greater glory of God, who had been their biggest but they housed orphans and approved by the Vatican. The first young man to join with us is Jesus Osornio and he is from Dodge City, Kansas. He is currently participating in the Franciscan Inter Provincial Postulancy Program in Silver Springs, Maryland. Jesus is one of twelve men from throughout the USA who are participating in this initial twelve month Franciscan training program. He will be taught Franciscan history, basic Theology, and he will be introduced to Franciscan ministry to the poor. With God’s grace, he will enter the Inter Provincial Novitiate in August of this year.

Page 24 December 22, 2019 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Cathedral native receives the Franciscan habit Dr. Noreen Carrocci, Ph.D. retires as president of Newman University Coleen Stein (left), Coordinator of the Pastoral Ministry Formation Program and Dr. Noreen Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioner Province in Albuquerque, NM, Osornio was one of 11 Carrocci, Jesus Osornio (back row, far left) was vested with the novices—representing the six Franciscan provinces— who Franciscan habit on Oct. 16 at the historic Mission who were vested with the Franciscan habit as friends recently Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, Calif. Traveling from and family looked on. More will be presented on retired as the headquarters of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Brother Osornio in an upcoming issue of the SKC. President of Newman University.

Photo by Mike Stein

ICHITA — Newman University in Wichita recently honored WDr. Noreen Carrocci, Ph.D., upon her retirement as president. Dr. Carrocci became the fourth female and first lay woman to hold the presidential office at Newman University when she was inaugurated in 2007. During her tenure, numerous campus improvements and additions have been completed, including the construction of two residence halls, one of which was named Carrocci Hall in 2016 at the request of a major donor. Another project completed during her tenure was the Dugan Library and Campus Center, as well as outdoor gathering spaces like Founders Plaza, a beautiful outdoor monument which honors Newman’s sponsoring order, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, and their foundress St. Maria De Mattias. Dr. Carrocci also led a $30 million capital campaign to build a new 51,400 square foot science center named the Bishop Gerber Science Center in honor of the Most Rev. Eugene J. Gerber, Bishop Emeritus of the diocese’s of Dodge City and Wichita. The Diocese of Dodge City and Newman University have been Church in Partnership since 1998, offering Pastoral Ministry Formation courses in the Diocese of Dodge City and the Diocese of Salina.

St. Nick Day

Photo by Becca Studt Visiting Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Dodge City on “St. Nick Day” are Father Juan Salas, Father Wesley Schawe, and Bishop John B. Brungardt, and of course, St. Nick himself.