Saying ‘yes’ to God SEEK conference changes the lives of young adults, page 3.

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CriterionOnline.com December 14, 2018 Vol. LIX, No. 11 75¢ Transparency and accountability: Lasting gifts of Christmas Before, during and after Baltimore Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The last several months have been very difficult for many in the Church, both clergy and laity. Some have expressed their disappointment with the lack of action taken at the recent fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Others have admitted to feeling a bit embarrassed to identify themselves as Catholics to persons of Archbishop Charles other faith traditions. C. Thompson To be clear, while sexual abuse has been a problem in the Catholic Church, it is not merely a Catholic Church problem. Although much of the frustration and anger is understandable, it is also evident that many are simply not aware of what has already been done to address the issue of sexual abuse in the Church. While we were not able to vote on the various proposed action steps at our meeting in Baltimore, as I have written to many, I do believe that these action steps will prove to be most beneficial not only in A small boy sits on the lap of Santa Claus during a Christmas party at Holy Family Shelter in Indianapolis, where the staff and volunteers work hard the United States, but throughout the world. to make Christmas special for homeless families. (Submitted photo) The proposed action steps include an independent third-party compliance hotline, Standards of A sense of hope shines through for residents Accountability for See letter in Spanish, page 2. Bishops, Protocol for Removed Bishops of Holy Family Shelter during season of giving and the establishment By John Shaughnessy As Christmas approached a year ashamed. My son was upset. I had more of some type of national or metropolitan ago, Nickerson was enduring a “very anxiety for my kids than for myself.” lay commission. These will be shared by Brittany Nickerson knows that our humbling” and unsettling time in In the midst of that turmoil, Nickerson Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, the current most special Christmas gifts become her life. She had lost her home to made a desperate phone call to a place USCCB president, at the world meeting of etched in our memories. foreclosure, and she had nowhere to she had never heard of previously—the conference presidents with Pope Francis, The mother of two also knows there’s live with her son and her daughter. The archdiocese’s Holy Family Shelter in to be held in Rome in February 2019. an added emotional power to these gifts reality of being homeless overwhelmed Indianapolis. Even when she was told I serve on a committee that prepared when we share them with the people we her. there was a room for her family to stay, one of the proposed action steps, namely, love—and maybe even more so during a “It was mostly a feeling of anxiety,” she didn’t know what to expect. the Standards of Accountability for painful time in our lives. she says. “I didn’t want my kids to feel See HOLY FAMILY, page 10 Bishops. Our time and effort on this See BISHOHPS, page 2 A journey of dignity: Combined effort promotes palliative and hospice care as ‘embodying Catholic teaching’ (Editor’s note: The Criterion is running a Comfortable rooms series of articles on senior-related issues decorated with family through the lens of the Catholic faith. This photos and meaningful final installment will focus on the new mementos—such as this Hospice and Palliative Care Initiative, room of a war veteran a collaborative effort of the Archdiocese at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis— of Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent are typical of hospice and Franciscan Health to support, raise care homes. Hospice care, awareness of and educate on palliative which falls under the care and hospice care. To read the three umbrella of palliative care, previous installments of this four-part seeks to help terminally series, go to www.CriterionOnline.com.) ill patients live out their final days in comfort and By Natalie Hoefer peace. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) On Jan. 6, 2016, archdiocesan chancellor Annette “Mickey” Lentz was present in an “I was so impressed,” she says Health on the south side of Indianapolis. official capacity for the blessing of a new emphatically. “It felt like a sacred place.” There, the terminally ill can receive building conducted by then-Indianapolis The building being blessed was around-the-clock care with the primary Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin. She’d been to not a church, chapel or shrine. It was goal being the comfort and dignity of the many such events before. Franciscan Hospice House, a 12- (soon to person and their family. But this one was different. be 16-) bed medical facility of Franciscan See INITIATIVE, page 8 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Public Schedule of vice president of the U.S. Conference of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson Catholic Bishops, ______left, Cardinal Daniel December 16 – 25, 2018 N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Dec. 16 – 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24 – 10 p.m. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Msgr. J. Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Christmas Eve Mass at SS. Peter and Brian Bransfield, Beech Grove Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis general secretary, take Dec. 17 – 5:15 p.m. part in morning prayer Serra Club Christmas Dinner at (Schedule subject to change.) on Nov. 13 on the second day of the fall Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, meeting in Baltimore. Indianapolis (CNS photo/Rick Musacchio, Tennessee Register) Transparencia y responsabilidad: Antes, durante y después de Baltimore

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: se han realizado numerosos avances desde process, as reflected in our October que entraron en vigencia en las diócesis BISHOPS publication that listed the names of priests Los últimos meses han sido muy de todos los Estados Unidos las políticas continued from page 1 who were deemed to have been credibly difíciles para muchos en la Iglesia, tanto y los procedimientos de los “Estatutos accused. The last date of alleged abuse integrantes del clero como seglares. para la protección de niños, adolescentes y document began well before traveling taking place, as noted in the published list, Algunos han expresado su descontento jóvenes” de 2002. to Baltimore, and included rather was in 1997. con la falta de acción tras la reunión de Al igual que en la mayoría de las lengthy meetings before and during In addition to the efforts noted here, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos diócesis de todos los Estados Unidos, the General Assembly of the bishops’ great care has been taken to assure that de Estados Unidos (USCCB), celebrada en la Arquidiócesis de Indianápolis gathering. I do not believe that our work the archdiocese benefits from two of the en otoño. Otros han reconocido que confiamos en la labor de profesional laicos has been in vain. In fact, I suspect that the finest seminaries in the country. We are se sienten un tanto avergonzados de que se desempeña como coordinador de work of the U.S. bishops will ultimately blessed to have very sound formation identificarse como católicos ante personas asistencia para víctima y en miembros have an impact on the universal Church. programs at both the Bishop Simon Bruté de otras tradiciones de fe. de la Junta Examinadora para todas While the proposed action steps listed College Seminary, in Indianapolis, and Para aclarar, si bien el abuso sexual ha las denuncias de abuso sexual, de above involve oversight of bishops, many Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of sido un problema para la Iglesia católica, conformidad con los estatutos de 2002. strides have already been made since Theology in southern Indiana. no es exclusivo de esta. El coordinador de asistencia para the policies and procedures of the 2002 Of course, we must remain ever vigilant Aunque buena parte de la frustración y víctima recibe todas las quejas o “Charter for the Protection of Children in seeking ways to improve protection of la rabia resultan comprensibles, también alegatos; este, a su vez, los transmite a las and Young People” went into effect in all persons, formation of future priests and es evidente que muchos sencillamente no autoridades civiles y reúne información dioceses throughout the United States. proper oversight of those who serve in están conscientes de lo que ya se ha hecho para que la Junta Examinadora analice Here in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the Church. Our primary concerns must para abordar el problema del abuso sexual la credibilidad del caso. Ha resultado ser like most dioceses throughout the U.S., always be protecting the innocent, caring for en la Iglesia. un proceso bastante eficaz, según consta we have relied on lay professionals who victims and removing those who are harmful Si bien no pudimos votar en las en nuestra publicación de octubre en la serve as Victim Assistance Coordinator to others. As has been made very clear, diversas medidas de acción propuestas que figuran los nombres de los sacerdotes and members of a Review Board for transparency and accountability are essential. durante la reunión en Baltimore, tal contra los cuales pesaban acusaciones all reported cases of sexual abuse in como les he escrito a muchos, considero consideradas fundamentadas. La fecha accordance with the 2002 charter. Sincerely yours in Christ, que estas medidas demostrarán ser más reciente de un presunto abuso, según Any complaints or allegations are beneficiosas no solamente en los Estados se indica en la lista publicada, es 1997. received directly by the Victim Assistance Unidos, sino en todo el mundo. Además de los esfuerzos detallados Coordinator, who then reports to the civil Las medidas de acción propuestas aquí, se ha puesto gran empeño en authorities and gathers information for incluyen una línea telefónica independiente garantizar que la arquidiócesis se beneficie the Review Board for consideration of Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson para velar por el cumplimiento, Normas de dos de los mejores seminarios del credibility. It has been a most effective Archbishop of Indianapolis de Responsabilidad para Obispos, un país. Tenemos la bendición de contar con Protocolo para los Obispos Separados y la programas de formación bien establecidos, creación de algún tipo de comisión laica tanto en el seminario universitario nacional o metropolitana. El cardenal Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Daniel N. DiNardo, actual presidente en Indianápolis, como en la escuela de Saint Meinrad announce Christmas liturgies de la USCCB, compartirá estas medidas teología Saint Meinrad Seminary and en la reunión mundial de presidentes de School of Theology en el sur de Indiana. The Christmas liturgical schedules cathedral and at the Archbishop Edward conferencias con el papa Francisco, que se Por supuesto que debemos seguir for SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 T. O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 celebrará en Roma en febrero de 2019. vigilantes y procurar formas para mejorar N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis, and N. Meridian St. Colaboro en uno de los comités que la protección de todos, la formación de the Archabbey Church of Our Lady of Dec. 25—10:30 a.m. Mass. preparó una de las medidas de acción futuros sacerdotes y la supervisión adecuada Einsiedeln of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, propuestas, a saber, el de las Normas de de aquellos que prestan servicio a nuestra 200 Hill Dr., in St. Meinrad, are as Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church Responsabilidad para Obispos. El tiempo Iglesia. Nuestra principal preocupación follows: Dec. 24—7 p.m. Vigils (Liturgy of the y el esfuerzo que le dedicamos a este siempre deberá ser proteger a los inocentes, Hours) and 10 p.m. Mass. documento comenzó mucho antes de viajar cuidar a las víctimas y separar a aquellos que SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Dec. 25—9:30 a.m. Mass. a Baltimore e incluyó extensas reuniones resultan perniciosos para los demás. Tal como Dec. 24—5 p.m. Mass, then All times for liturgies at Saint antes y durante la Asamblea General se ha dejado muy en claro: la transparencia y 10 p.m. Mass with Archbishop Charles Meinrad Archabbey Church are Central de la reunión de obispos. No creo que la responsabilidad son aspectos esenciales. C. Thompson as the principal celebrant. Standard Time. nuestra labor haya sido en vano. De hecho, Please note the Mass at 10 p.m. is For the Christmas liturgical schedules sospecho que el trabajo de los obispos Sinceramente suyo en Cristo, a change from the Midnight Mass of other religious communities or estadounidenses en definitiva tendrá un celebrated at the Cathedral in years past. parishes in the archdiocese, contact their impacto sobre la Iglesia universal. Parking will available for both Masses offices. † Aunque las medidas de acción from 4 p.m. to midnight behind the propuestas enumeradas anteriormente Reverendísimo Charles C. Thompson implican supervisión por parte de obispos, Arzobispo de Indianápolis

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is Do you have something exciting or published weekly except The newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of The 12/14/18 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] January. Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1454 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1454 Staff: 317-236-1570 Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1454 Editor: Mike Krokos 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Reporter: Sean Gallagher E-mail______Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Online Editor/Graphic Designer: Brandon A. Evans Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Executive Assistant: Cindy Clark Copyright © 2018 City______Graphic Designer: Jane Lee Criterion Press Inc. State/Zip______Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Print Service Assistant: Annette Danielson New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367. Periodical postage paid 1400 N. Meridian St. at ­Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2018 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 3 SEEK conference changes the lives of young adults By Sean Gallagher “It was there that I encountered Christ,” Vogel said. “Everything changed A “turning point.” right after that.” That’s how Bobby Vogel described That would be an understatement. his experience of a national conference In a period of months, Vogel dove of the Fellowship of Catholic University headfirst back into his faith, applied to Students (FOCUS) in become and was accepted as a FOCUS 2016. missionary and began serving on the “It was like, ‘Oh campus of Eastern Michigan University in my God, this is so Ypsilanti, Mich. real. … I want to Now he is an archdiocesan seminarian give my life to the in his first year of priestly formation at Lord. This is the most Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of important thing,’ ” Theology in St. Meinrad. Vogel recalled. “That All of that was the “crazy journey” that was the turning point began for him at the FOCUS conference Bobby Vogel where I said, ‘I’ll in 2016. consider it, Lord.’ And then everything happened really A ‘crazy’ little ‘yes’ quickly. That was a crazy journey.” to God Vogel is now looking forward to the “Crazy” is also archdiocese hosting FOCUS’ biennial SEEK the word that Matt Young adults raise their hands in prayer during the Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ SEEK conference on Jan. 3-7, 2019, at the Indiana Faley, director of the conference held on Jan. 3-7, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. Convention Center in Indianapolis. It is archdiocesan Office (Photo courtesy of Fellowship of Catholic University Students) expected to draw more than 16,000 college of Young Adult and students, young adults and Catholics of College Campus “Going to a Mass in a giant ballroom But it wasn’t just her education that other ages from across the nation. Ministry, uses to with 4,000 people and everyone is singing drew her back to the city. It was also the Founded in 1998, FOCUS invites describe the journey and responding—it was very powerful. strong young adult Catholic community college students into a growing Matt Faley he’s been on since Then everyone would get down on their that she had found here earlier. relationship with attending a FOCUS knees and were silent and reverent.” “There are so many awesome Catholic See related Christ and the conference in 2007. resources here,” said Padilla, who works editorial, page 4. Church, inspiring At the time, he was just beginning to ‘It’s a great Catholic as a mental health clinician at St. Vincent and equipping practice his faith again after being away city’ Stress Center in Indianapolis. “The them for a lifetime from the Church as a young adult. A native of young adult ministry has really taken off. of Christ-centered evangelization, “It’s just crazy when I step back and suburban Chicago, And there are so many good Catholic discipleship and friendships in which they think about what God has done in my life Dana Padilla served parishes to get involved in. It’s a great lead others to do the same. through that little ‘yes’ back then 10 years for a year as a FOCUS Catholic city, in a way. It has a very In the current academic year, FOCUS ago, to think then that I was called to missionary at IUPUI. vibrant faith.” has nearly 700 missionaries serving full ministry and this is my avenue to get After serving another That’s why she thinks FOCUS hosting time on 153 college campuses in 42 states started,” said Faley. year at Columbia its SEEK conference here is such a good and five international locations. In the He has served young adults and University in New match. archdiocese, FOCUS has missionaries Catholic college students in the Dana Padilla York and working Faley is excited about the opportunity, at DePauw University in Greencastle, archdiocese since 2010 after serving as in the New York seeing the conference as a way to Indiana University in Bloomington and a FOCUS missionary at the University of Archdiocese, she returned to Indianapolis deepen the faith of the growing Catholic Indiana University Purdue University Illinois at Chicago. for graduate studies in psychology at the young adult and college campus Indianapolis in Indianapolis. Faley serves in the Young Adult and University of Indianapolis. See SEEK, page 14 Five young adults who have previously College Campus served as FOCUS missionaries and are now Ministry Office with living in the archdiocese spoke recently two other former with The Criterion about the effect that FOCUS missionaries: FOCUS and its conferences has had on Madison Kinast and their lives and the excitement they share Rebecca Kovert. for the conference coming to Indianapolis. Kinast was ALL for the not practicing the ‘It was there that I encountered Christ’ Catholic faith when Vogel, 25, grew up as a member of she was a freshman at SAKE of OTHERS St. Joseph Parish in Jennings County. Madison Kinast Ball State University But by the time he was an undergraduate in Muncie in 2009. student four years ago at Indiana But, like Vogel, she met a FOCUS University Purdue University Indianapolis missionary, had her faith re-enlivened and (IUPUI), he wasn’t practicing his faith. attended a FOCUS conference in 2010. Then he befriended a FOCUS “I would literally not be sitting here missionary serving on the campus and without that conference,” said Kinast, later accepted an invitation to attend a associate director of the office. “I hadn’t FOCUS conference in 2016 in Dallas. had any catechesis, and didn’t really know any of the teachings of the Church.

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Your gift to the United Catholic Appeal can be the answer to someone’s prayers. WATCH VIDEO STORIES and MAKE A GIFT online at www.archindy.org/UCA. IS-5987722 Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018

Opinion Be Our Guest/Stephen Martin Abortion trumps any other ‘signal’ issue, Criterion reader says Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher In a recent Criterion editorial, editor of the most pro-abortion candidates ever Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus emeritus John F. Fink mentioned that to run for president, Hillary Clinton. I some people are still single-issue voters. I could not do that because in my mind am one of those people. I’d like to explain I have a clear image of those aborted my reasoning. babies. I cannot turn my head. Editorial I guess it’s obvious that a single-issue But millions of Catholics voted for Pope Francis person (voter) thinks that his issue is her. Did they find climate change more poses with more important than any other issue, and important than human life, or possibly a group of further, that it is more important than immigration reform? President Donald migrants during any combination of other issues. That’s J. Trump is arrogant and bombastic and his general exactly the way I feel. not my favorite person, but he promised audience on Nov. 28 in the Abortion is my single issue, and the us an anti-abortion administration and that Paul VI Hall at single issue of many others. For the last is what he has given us. the Vatican. 40 years, I’ve never pulled the lever on The day that the next 1,748 children (CNS photo/Max a pro-choice candidate. Do I care about are killed via an abortion, there will be Rossi, Reuters) other issues? Of course I do. 1,748 mothers who have killed their In my life, I have worked with the children and 1,748 fathers who lost their inner-city poor, with immigrants and with child—whether they agreed with the the handicapped, and when I’m not giving abortion or not—and thousands of doctors my time, I’m giving my money. and nurses and administrators who made But abortion is different. Recently the abortions happen. Will these people The work—and struggle—of published statistics from 2015 tell us eventually repent and ask for forgiveness? there are 1,748 abortions every day in the It’s not only lives that are being lost, it respecting human rights continues U.S. That number used to be more than is souls. We are becoming a nation of 3,200. Praise God we are going in the killers. It’s been 70 years since the document have no qualms about exploiting, rejecting, right direction! I care about many social justice issues. came to fruition, and sadly, many are still and even killing human beings. The Monday after you read this letter, I do. But only one issue makes me cry. waiting for its words to envelop human Those whose basic human rights 1,748 human beings are going to be When I picture that small innocent hearts and become the norm in our world. continue to be violated, the pope said, killed, and the next day 1,748 more, and human being losing its life, I vow again to On Dec. 10, 1948, the Universal include: the unborn, who are “denied the the next day 1,748 more. Why is this remain a single-issue voter until the day I Declaration on Human Rights was adopted right to come into the world”; those who phenomenon not equivalent to the people die or until abortion becomes illegal. by the United Nations General Assembly. lack the necessary means to live a decent cremated every day during the Holocaust? Take note: Every Saturday a group of It detailed core principles that guaranteed life; those who are denied an adequate Because we can’t see them? Because Catholics prays the rosary outside the the fundaments rights of every person. education; those who lack work or are they’re small? Because they don’t affect Planned Parenthood clinic on Georgetown Decades later, Pope Francis and forced to work in slave-like conditions; me and my family? Would you not have Road in Indianapolis at 9:30 a.m. many others are still striving to have those who are detained in inhumane become a single-issue voter to end the Come join us single-issue prayers! the fundamental rights of all people— conditions, who are tortured or are denied crematoriums? especially the most vulnerable—to be the possibility of redeeming their lives; In 2016, I had a chance to go to the (Stephen Martin is a member of respected and protected in every situation. and victims of “forced disappearances” polls and vote for a person who was one St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) † “While a part of humanity lives in and their families. opulence, another part sees their dignity But the human rights violations don’t denied, ignored or infringed upon and end there. their fundamental rights ignored or In addition, Pope Francis said, there violated,” the pope wrote on Dec. 10 in are those who live “in an atmosphere Letter to the Editor marking Human Rights Day. dominated by suspicion and disdain, The pope’s message, according to a who are the targets of acts of intolerance, ‘Quirky’ Advent reflection appreciated by reader Catholic News Service story, was read discrimination and violence because of their aloud by Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of race, ethnicity, nationality or religion.” This letter is in reference to John story”; other planets that have been the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral As disciples of Christ, the Holy Father F. Fink, editor emeritus of The Criterion, tested and some not? How can we know? Human Development, at a Dec. 10-11 said, we are each called to play our part and his Advent reflection in the Dec. 7 But then the “souls of the just” … just conference at the Pontifical Gregorian “with courage and determination” to issue of The Criterion. where do they go? There’s got to be University in Rome discussing the stop those ongoing violations of basic “There are an estimated 100 billion room somewhere because a lot of folk, “achievements, omissions and negations” in human rights and promote respect for galaxies in the universe and about civilizations, people, have come and the world of human rights today. the fundamental rights of every person, 200 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy gone and have “travelled on,” as Native Such a contradiction, the Holy Father “especially those who are ‘invisible,’ alone, each star perhaps with planets,” Americans say. wrote, leads one to ask “whether the those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, Fink wrote. So thank you, Mr. Fink, for your equal dignity of all human beings— foreign or detained, those who live on the That is not a “quirky” idea, it is quirks. And for all your stories and ideas solemnly proclaimed 70 years ago—is margins of society or are rejected.” science. Science is “to know,” a “way” of and quirky imagination. “Keep thinking truly recognized, respected, protected Seventy years later, it appears many knowing, though I do wonder how long it on these things.” and promoted in every circumstance.” in our fractured world still have plenty takes to count to a billion! “… Whatever is true, whatever is One only needs to look at the unborn, of work to do in seeing Christ in others I am a great fan of “YouTube” videos on honorable, whatever is just, whatever those forced to live in poverty, and those and being Christ for others. the universe. I can watch about an hour, then is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is being persecuted for their religious beliefs, In our vocations as missionary get up to relax my brain. It is mind‑expansive gracious, if there is any excellence and if among other things, to witness firsthand disciples, may each of us always have the to “enter into” that amount of “space.” And there is anything worthy of praise, think how “numerous forms of injustice,” as courage to set an example and do just that. just what is on the other side of “black about these things” (Phil 4:8). Pope Francis noted, still exist in the world holes”? A whirlpool of infinity. today. With that mindset, many seem to —Mike Krokos Are there other folk out there, perhaps Norb Schott without an Adam and Eve “fallenness Roachdale Young adults, focus on your faith at SEEK2019 conference on Jan. 3-7 We’ve heard Pope Francis share and young adults. Letters Policy the message on numerous occasions, Although the deadline for registration and our shepherd, Archbishop Charles has passed, passes for commuters and Letters from readers are published necessary based on space limitations, C. Thompson of Indianapolis, has echoed it one‑day or weekend-only participants are in The Criterion as part of the pastoral sensitivity and content consistently as well: Young people are the still available. For more information about newspaper’s commitment to “the (including spelling and grammar). In key to the life and mission of our Church. the conference, visit www.seek2019.com. responsible exchange of freely‑held order to encourage opinions from a And while in years past, some have On page 3 of this week’s issue of and expressed opinion among the variety of readers, frequent writers stated young people are the “future” of The Criterion, you can read about how People of God” (Communio et will ordinarily be limited to one letter our faith, we, like our Holy Father and this biennial conference has changed the Progressio, 116). every three months. Concise letters Archbishop Thompson, know the time is lives of several young Catholics. Letters from readers are welcome (usually less than 300 words) are more now to get teenagers, college students and If you’re a young Catholic who has and every effort will be made to likely to be printed. young adults fully involved in participating fallen away from the faith, consider include letters from as many people Letters must be signed, but, for in our Church as disciples of Christ. yourself a lukewarm Catholic, or feel and representing as many viewpoints serious reasons, names may be Such an opportunity is presenting you need a spiritual recharge, we as possible. Letters should be withheld. itself here in central and southern Indiana encourage you to consider signing up for informed, relevant, well-expressed and Send letters to “Letters to on Jan. 3-7, 2019, when the Fellowship a commuter, weekend, or day pass. temperate in tone. They must reflect a the Editor,” The Criterion, 1400 of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) As you flip the calendar into a new basic sense of courtesy and respect. N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis,­ IN is holding its SEEK2019 conference year, wouldn’t this gathering of faith be The editors reserve the right to 46202-2367. Readers with access to at the Indiana Convention Center in a great way to jump-start your 2019? select the letters that will be published e-mail may send letters to Indianapolis. The gathering is geared and to edit letters from readers as [email protected]. † primarily for Catholic college students —Mike Krokos The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Gaudete Sunday reminds us Advent is a season of joy “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say our time, effort and attention? Even brothers will be totally eliminated. to say, “for all the world’s distress is it again: rejoice! Your kindness should cloistered monks and nuns find it Every tear will be wiped away. No supported in the arms of merciful love; be known to all. The Lord is near” challenging to pray always. more bitterness or fear. No more hunger it is caught up and surpassed by the (Phil 4:4-5). Joy is a basic element in Christianity, or homelessness. No more sickness or forgiving and saving graciousness of Pope Francis reminds us in his apostolic death. No more emotional wounds or our God.” Advent has an element of penitence exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel.” scandals. Mercy, forgiveness and the resulting to it in that it is a time for watchful By its very nature, Christianity is and Unfortunately, cynicism is deeply experience of joy are what Christianity waiting and preparation for the coming ought to be Gospel, good news. And, embedded in our culture and in our own is all about. We celebrate our salvation again of our Lord Jesus Christ. the Holy Father says, “the world is attitudes about life. Our expectations in Christ, not our enslavement by sin, But on the Third Sunday of Advent mistaken about the Gospel and Christ; are no longer great. We tend to settle and so we rejoice! “The person who (Gaudete Sunday), we are reminded people leave the Church in the name of for the least common denominator. celebrates Advent in this spirit will that we are called to “rejoice heartily in the joy which [they say] Christianity Advent stirs us to break out of apathy— legitimately be able to speak of the the Lord,” and to proclaim his greatness with all its countless demands and to be converted, change our thinking joyous, blessed and grace-filled season by our actions as well as our words. prohibitions deprive men!” and become people of hope and joy. of Christmas,” Pope Benedict says. Gaudete Sunday takes its name Like his predecessor, Pope Emeritus The Lord is coming! We should rejoice “He will know that there is much more from the Latin word for “rejoice.” In Benedict XVI, Pope Francis reminds and be glad. truth to these words than is believable his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul us forcefully that our primary During this time of year, we or imaginable to those people for whom admonishes us to “rejoice always” responsibility is to proclaim the Gospel, Christians look not only to the past Christmas is just a time for picturesque (Phil 4:4) and to “pray without the good news that brings us joy, not to and what has been but also to what is sentimentality or merely a sort of ceasing.” If we take St. Paul seriously, scold people for their sins and human coming. We are joyful people because simplified carnival.” we’ll recognize that these two weaknesses. we know that the Lord is near at hand. Are we celebrating Advent in this instructions have a lot in common— The season of Advent is a powerful We give thanks to God the Father for spirit? Or have we allowed the many and that both are more easily said than reminder that the reign of God, which sending us his only begotten Son. And distractions of this secular holiday done. is present now but still incomplete, we implore the Holy Spirit to help us season to turn our attention away from Life is hard, filled with sorrow and is a reign of joy, a time of mercy and be ready for the Lord’s coming again— the Lord who alone brings lasting joy? bitter disappointments. We know this forgiveness, an experience of true peace this Christmas time and at the end of Let’s celebrate this Gaudete Sunday, especially during this time of hurt and and harmony among all members of the world. and the rest of this Advent season, scandal in the Church we love. How God’s family. “The world is not a futile with renewed joy and hope. Let’s set can we realistically maintain an attitude When the Lord comes again in the commotion of drudgery and pain,” aside whatever “drudgery and pain” we of constant rejoicing? Similarly, how fullness of time, ancient hatreds will be Pope Benedict says. And in words experience on a daily basis, and look to can we “pray without ceasing” when forgotten. Cruelty and the exploitation that are now frequently repeated by the Lord’s coming again with a genuine our busy lives require so much of of our most vulnerable sisters and Pope Francis, the retired pope goes on sense of rejoicing. †

El domingo de Gaudete nos recuerda que el Adviento es una temporada de alegría “Alégrense siempre en el Señor. Vuelvo nos devoran tanto tiempo, esfuerzo y La crueldad y la explotación de los repite ahora el papa Francisco, el papa a insistir, alégrense. Que la bondad atención? Inclusive para los monjes y más vulnerables de nuestros hermanos emérito asevera que “toda la aflicción de ustedes sea conocida por todos los las monjas de claustro a veces es un quedará completamente eliminada. del mundo descansa en los brazos hombres. El Señor está cerca” (Fil 4:4-5). desafío rezar constantemente. Cada lágrima será enjugada; no habrá del amor misericordioso; la gracia La alegría es un elemento básico del más amarguras ni temores; no habrá indulgente y salvadora de nuestro Dios El tiempo de Adviento tiene un cristianismo, tal como nos lo recuerda más hambre ni indigencia; no habrá la contiene y la supera.” componente penitencial puesto que el papa Francisco en su exhortación más enfermedades ni muerte; no La misericordia, el perdón y la es una época de espera vigilante y apostólica titulada “La alegría del habrá más heridas emocionales ni experiencia de alegría que resulta de preparación para la venida de nuestro Evangelio.” Por su propia naturaleza, el escándalos. todo esto es la esencia del cristianismo. Señor Jesucristo. cristianismo debe ser evangelio, buenas Desafortunadamente, el cinismo está Celebramos nuestra salvación en Pero en el tercer domingo de noticias. Y, tal como lo expresa el Santo profundamente arraigado en nuestra Cristo, no nuestra esclavitud a causa Adviento (Gaudete) se nos recuerda Padre: “el mundo está equivocado cultura y en nuestra percepción de la del pecado y por ello nos regocijamos. que estamos llamados a “desbordar de con respecto al Evangelio y a Cristo; vida. Nuestras expectativas ya no son “Quien celebra el Adviento con este alegría en el Señor” y a proclamar su la gente deja la Iglesia en nombre de de gran alcance; solemos conformarnos espíritu podrá hablar auténticamente grandeza a través de nuestras acciones la alegría de la cual [según dicen] los con el denominador común más bajo. de una época de Navidad alegre, y nuestras palabras. priva el cristianismo con sus numerosas El Adviento nos impulsa a romper sagrada y llena de gracia,” dice el papa El domingo de gaudete debe su exigencias y prohibiciones.” con la apatía, a convertirnos, a Benedicto. “Sabrá que estas palabras nombre a la palabra latina “regocijo.” Al igual que su predecesor, el cambiar nuestra forma de pensar y a entrañan una verdad mucho más grande En su carta a los filipenses, san Pablo papa emérito Benedicto XVI, el papa convertirnos en un pueblo de esperanza de lo que pueden creer o imaginar nos aconseja que debemos estar Francisco nos recuerda con vehemencia y alegría. ¡El Señor viene! Debemos aquellas personas para quienes la “alegres siempre” (Fil 4:4) y “orar que nuestra principal responsabilidad alegrarnos y contentarnos. Navidad es meramente una época de sin cesar.” Si tomamos en serio a es proclamar el Evangelio, la buena Durante esta época del año los sentimentalismos pintorescos o una san Pablo, reconoceremos que estas nueva que nos trae alegría, no regañar cristianos no solamente volvemos suerte de carnaval simplificado.” dos instrucciones tienen mucho en a los demás por sus pecados y por sus la vista al pasado y a todo lo que ha ¿Celebramos el Adviento con este común: que es más fácil decirlas que debilidades humanas. sucedido, sino también a lo que está por espíritu? ¿O acaso hemos permitido cumplirlas. La temporada del Adviento es un venir. Somos un pueblo alegre porque que las numerosas distracciones de esta La vida es difícil, llena de dolor y recordatorio poderoso de que el reino sabemos que el Señor está cerca de época festiva seglar desvíen nuestra de amargas decepciones; esto se hace de Dios que está presente ahora, pero nosotros. Le damos gracias a Dios el atención del Señor, el único que puede palpable especialmente durante esta todavía incompleto, es un reino de Padre por enviarnos a su único Hijo. Y darnos la alegría duradera? época de tribulaciones y escándalos alegría, una época de misericordia y le imploramos al Espíritu Santo que nos Celebremos este domingo de en los que se ha visto envuelta la perdón, una experiencia de verdadera ayude a estar listos para el regreso del Gaudete y el resto de esta época de Iglesia que amamos. Entonces, ¿cómo paz y armonía entre todos los miembros Señor, en esta Navidad y al final de los Adviento con renovada alegría y podemos mantener una verdadera de la familia de Dios. tiempos. esperanza. Apartemos todo “penar y actitud de alegría constante? De igual Cuando el Señor venga nuevamente “El mundo no es una conmoción dolor” que experimentemos a diario y forma, ¿cómo podemos «orar sin cesar» en la plenitud del tiempo, todos los vana de penas y dolor,” afirma el papa esperemos la venida del Señor con una cuando nuestras vidas tan ajetreadas odios ancestrales quedarán olvidados. Benedicto. Y en palabras que a menudo genuina sensación de gozo. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

December 18 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, Mass 7:30 p.m. Information: January 13 third Thurs. of the month, Mount St. Francis Center for Indianapolis. Christmas Catholic, educational, 317-546-7328, mkeyes@ St. Thomas Aquinas, featuring guest speaker, Spirituality, 101 St. Anthony Dr., Mass, 2 p.m. Information: charitable and social singles, indy.rr.com. 4625 N. Kenwood Ave., praise band, silence and Mt. St. Francis. “Abide” 317-574-8898 or www. 50 and over, single, separated, Indianapolis. Mass in French, confessions, child care Adoration Service, sponsored catholiccemeteries.cc. widowed or divorced. New January 5 12:30 p.m. Information: available. Information and by New Albany Deanery members welcome. 6 p.m. St. Michael Church, 317-627-7729 or acfadi2014@ child care reservations: Chris Catholic Youth Ministries, December 21 Information: 317-243-0777. 145 St. Michael Blvd., gmail.com. Rogers, [email protected], 7-8 p.m., every third Thurs. Knights of Columbus Hall, Brookville. First Saturday 812-923-8355. of the month, featuring guest 2100 E. 71st St., Indianapolis. January 4 Marian Devotional Prayer St. Therese of the Infant Jesus speaker, praise band, silence Catholic Business Exchange, Women’s Care Center, Group, Mass, devotional (Little Flower) Church, January 17 and confessions, child care Lafayette Bishop Timothy 4901 W. 86th St., Indianapolis. prayers, rosary, 8 a.m. 4720 E. 13th St., Indianapolis. St. Joseph Parish, available. Information and Doherty presenting, First Friday Mass, 5 p.m., Information: 765-647-5462. Class of ’63 monthly 1401 S. Mickley Ave., child care reservations: Chris Mass 7 a.m., buffet Father Andrew Dudzinski gathering, 6 p.m. Mass, Indianapolis. Third Rogers, [email protected], breakfast and program presiding, optional tour of January 8 optional dinner afterward. Thursday Adoration, 812-923-8355. following, $15 members, center to follow. Information: Church of the Immaculate Information: 317-408-6396. interceding for women $21 non-members. Register by 317-829-6800, www. Conception, 1 Sisters of experiencing crisis pregnancy, December 19 noon on Dec. 20. Information womenscarecenter.org. Providence, Saint Mary-of- January 15 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass Calvary Mausoleum Chapel, and registration: www. the-Woods. St. Mary-of- St. Christopher Parish, at 5:45 p.m. 435 W. Troy Ave., Indianapolis. catholicbusinessexchange.org. Our Lady of the Greenwood the-Woods. Monthly Taizé Damascus Room, 5301 W. 16th Christmas Mass, 2 p.m. Church, 335 S. Meridian St., Prayer Service, 7-8 p.m., St., Indianapolis. Scripture January 20 Information: 317-784-4439 or December 22 Greenwood. First Friday silent and spoken prayers, Study: Psalms and Gospels, White Violet Center for www.catholiccemeteries.cc. St. Bartholomew Church, celebration of the Most simple music, silence. 10 consecutive Tuesdays Eco-Justice, 1 Sisters of 1306 27th St., Columbus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mass, Information: 812-535-2952, through March 19, 7 p.m., $50 Providence, Saint Mary-of- December 20 13th Annual Concert 5:45 p.m., exposition of the [email protected]. payable in installments, all are the-Woods, St. Mary-of- St. Joseph Parish, 1401 Series: Christmas Passion, Blessed Sacrament, following welcome. Information: Lois the-Woods. Sundays at the S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. featuring Hot Horns, 7 p.m., Mass until 9 p.m., sacrament Mission 27 Resale, Jansen, [email protected], Woods: A Low Carbon Third Thursday Adoration, freewill offering. Complete of Reconciliation available. 132 Leota St., Indianapolis. 317-241-9169. Footprint, Providence Sister interceding for women list of all concerts: www. Information: 317-888-2861 or Senior Discount Day, every Jeanne Hagelskamp and Lorrie experiencing crisis pregnancy, saintbartholomew.org (click [email protected]. Tuesday, 30 percent off Mount St. Francis Center for Heber presenting, 2-4 p.m., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at on Music Ministry) or clothing, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Spirituality, 101 St. Anthony Dr., freewill offering, registration 5:45 p.m. Information: 317- [email protected]. St. Lawrence Church, ministry supports Indianapolis Mt. St. Francis. “Abide” required by Jan. 18; space 244-9002. 6944 E. 46th St., Indianapolis. St. Vincent de Paul Society Adoration Service, limited to 30. Information and January 2 First Friday Charismatic Food Pantry and Changing sponsored by New Albany registration: 812-535-2952, Our Lady of Peace Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Renewal Praise and Mass, Lives Forever program. Deanery Catholic Youth [email protected] or Cemetery and Mausoleum, Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., praise and worship 7 p.m., Information: 317-687-8260. Ministries, 7-8 p.m., every www.spsmw.org/event. † Holy Land retreat planned at Our Lady VIPs Robert and M. Kathleen (Fagan) Sherman, of Fatima Retreat House on Jan. 11-12 members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianapolis, will celebrate their 50th wedding “A Holy Land Retreat: Savoring the in Indianapolis, and Father Eric anniversary on Dec. 21. Graces,” is the theme of an overnight Johnson, current pastor of Our Lady of The couple was married in St. Joan of Arc retreat being held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany Church in Indianapolis on Dec. 21, 1968. Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., who will become the archdiocesan They have four children: Maura Sherman in Indianapolis, starting at 6:30 p.m. on vicar for clergy, religious and parish Mackey, Blane, Jason and Kyle Sherman. Jan. 11 and concluding at 2:30 p.m. on life coordinators, archdiocesan vice- The couple also has nine grandchildren. † Jan. 12. chancellor, and sacramental minister The retreat is designed for those of St. Agnes Parish in Nashville in who have had the experience of a January. Holy Land pilgrimage. Through The cost to attend is Christian-Muslim prayer service set Scripture, prayer and group $150 per person or $275 for married discussion, attendees will have the couple. The cost includes overnight for Dec. 16 at St. Philip Neri Church opportunity to revisit the graces of accommodations, snacks, breakfast walking in the footsteps of Jesus and lunch. The second annual Christian-Muslim of the Indianapolis Muslim Community and consider how the experience Registration is required online at Prayer Service will take place at Association, will also be in attendance. influences the living out of their www.archindy.org/fatima/register.html. St. Philip Neri Church, 550 N. Rural This year, a prayer will be offered for Christian faith. For more information, contact Khristine Street, in Indianapolis, at 4 p.m. on recitation by all in attendance, praying The retreat will be led by Msgr. Paul Meyer at 317-545-7681, ext. 101, or by December 16. for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Koetter, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish e-mailing [email protected]. † Co-presiders will be Father Known as the Christian-Muslim Unity Christopher Wadelton, pastor of Prayer, it gives thanks to the God of St. Philip Neri Parish, and Imam Ahmed Abraham for giving Christ to the world. Al-Amine from Masjid Al-Fajr of All are welcome to the service. A Indianapolis. Dr. Eyas Raddad, president question-and-answer period will follow. †

New Albany Catholic Youth Ministries to host Safe Sitter class on Jan. 12 A Safe Sitter class for students in or baby-sitting. grades 6-8 will be held at the New Topics include safety, first aid and Albany Catholic Youth Ministries rescue and management behavior Office, 101 Saint Anthony Dr., in skills. Mt. St. Francis, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. on The cost to attend is $20. Jan. 12. Registration is required by Jan. 3 The instructor-led class uses games online at goo.gl/7tE51J (case sensitive). and role-playing exercises to prepare For additional information, contact students to be safe when they are Sandy Winstead at 812-923-8355 or home alone, watching younger siblings e-mail [email protected]. †

Mass of Consolation planned at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Dec. 21

A Longest Night Mass of message through prayer, ritual, word A Providential path Consolation will be celebrated at Our and Scripture for those who mourn and On Nov. 10, 23 people made their commitment as Providence Associates of the Sisters of Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1725 struggle during the Christmas season. Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in the sisters’ Church of the Immaculate Conception. Scheller Lane, in New Albany, at For more information, contact Tom Providence Associates spend a year meeting and praying with a sister or another Providence 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. Yost at 812-945-2374 or by e-mailing Associate and learning about the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Providence. There are This Mass offers a consoling [email protected]. † currently more than 270 Providence Associates throughout the United States and in Taiwan. To learn more about becoming a Providence Associate, go to ProvidenceAssociates.org or call Debbie Dillow at 317-250-3294 or Providence Sister Susan Paweski at 312-909-7492. Events and retreats can be submitted to The Criterion by logging on to (Submitted photo) www.archindy.org/events/submission, or by mailing us at 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, ATTN: Cindy Clark, or by fax at 317-236-1593. The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 7 Filipino Simbang Gabi tradition will take place on Dec. 16-24 By Natalie Hoefer church home, the Simbang Gabi Masses Then-Archbishop will take place in the evening at nine Blase J. Cupich of Chicago distributes The Filipino Catholic community churches in the Indianapolis area. Communion to a man invites all to join in a Christmas tradition Deacon de la Rosa, his wife Melinda wearing traditional of their culture, a nine-day novena of and their four sons moved to the Filipino attire during Masses called Simbang Gabi, beginning United States in 2007 after a 12-year wait the Simbang Gabi on Dec. 16 and ending on Christmas Eve. for permanent residency visas. He recalls Mass at Our Lady The name, in the Tagalog language practicing the Simbang Gabi tradition in of Mercy Church in spoken in the his native country. Chicago in this 2014 Philippines, translates “There is an atmosphere of joy and file photo. Simbang to “Dawn Mass,” excitement as families gather in and Gabi, a Filipino says Deacon Wilfredo around a brightly lighted church that is tradition involving a nine-day novena de la Rosa, a native decorated with the Nativity scene, called a of Masses from of the Philippines, ‘belen,’ ” he says. Dec. 16-24, will be who ministers at “All the churches are always celebrated this year in Holy Angels Parish in overflowing with the faithful. Outside the the Indianapolis area. Indianapolis. church are food vendors who offer the (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, “It is a Catholic usual rice cake, called ‘bibingka’: a purple Catholic New World) Deacon Wilfredo de tradition in the cylindrical cake, called ‘puto bumbong’; and Paul Cathedral. Archbishop Charles • Dec. 20: 6 p.m. at St. Jude Church, la Rosa Philippines in and ginger tea, called ‘salabat.’ Chain C. Thompson will be the principal 5353 McFarland Road, in Indianapolis. preparation for the birth of Christ,” he restaurants like McDonalds and Jolibee celebrant. All will then be invited to a • Dec. 21: 5:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the explains. “I was told by my parents that open their doors for breakfast.” simple ‘noche buena’—midnight meal— Greenwood Church, 335 S. Meridian St., it has been practiced since the time of the The Filipino Catholic community and in the cathedral rectory parlor after the in Greenwood. Spaniards who colonized the Philippines the archdiocese’s Intercultural Office Mass. • Dec. 22: 5 p.m. Mass at St. Louis de 300 years ago. have joined to hold a Simbang Gabi The Simbang Gabi Mass schedule is as Monfort Church, 11441 Hague Road, in “It used to be called Misa de Gallo. reception in years prior. This is the first follows: Fishers (Lafayette Diocese). Gallo translates [from Spanish] to time they have coordinated a nine-day • Dec. 16: 6 p.m. at St. Gabriel the • Dec. 23: 5:30 p.m. at St. Christopher ‘rooster,’ which crows at dawn to start a Mass schedule, with a reception after the Archangel Church, 6000 W. 34th St., in Church, 5301 W. 16th St., in Indianapolis. new day. The Masses were held at dawn Christmas Eve Mass. Indianapolis • Dec. 24: 10 p.m. at SS. Peter and to give the farmers time to worship and The pastors of the nine parishes • Dec. 17: 5:30 p.m. at St. Luke the Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St., afterward eat breakfast before going to the involved have been informed of the Evangelist Church, 7575 Holliday Dr. E., in Indianapolis, with small reception to field.” tradition. Since those participating in in Indianapolis. follow in Cathedral rectory parlor. In recent times, he says, the Masses the nine days of Masses often do so for • Dec. 18: 5:30 p.m. at St. Monica in the Philippines begin at 4 a.m. Rather personal intentions, the pastors have been Church, 6131 N. Michigan Road, in (For questions or more information, than waiting for roosters to crow, church asked to pray for those intentions during Indianapolis. contact Deacon Wilfredo de la Rosa at bells ring a half hour before Mass. the prayers of the faithful. • Dec. 19: 6:30 p.m. at St. Simon the [email protected], or Maria Since the archdiocese’s Filipino The final Mass of Simbang Gabi is the Apostle Church, 8155 Oaklandon Road, Solito at [email protected].) † Catholic community has no established 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at SS. Peter in Indianapolis. Marking feast day, pope asks Mary’s care of families seeking refuge ROME (CNS)—In the heart of Rome, and go to Bethlehem—you know what antidote to an unsatisfying life where In fact, the pope said, for Mary, the near streets of fancy shops already blinged it means to carry life in your womb and something is always missing. ‘Here I problems began immediately. “Think out for Christmas shopping, Pope Francis sense around you indifference, rejection am’ is the remedy to the aging of sin, the about her situation, which according to prayed for Romans struggling to survive and sometimes contempt. therapy for remaining young at heart. the law, was irregular, and the torment and for families in the “So, I ask you to be close to the families “Why don’t we begin each day with a of St. Joseph, the life plans that were city and around the who today in Rome, in Italy and throughout ‘Here I am, Lord’? It would be beautiful to overturned, what people would say. But world who face the the world are living in similar situations,” the say each morning, ‘Here I am, Lord, may Mary put her trust in God.” same lack of welcome pope continued. He asked Mary to intervene your will be done in me today,’ ” he said. The “wise attitude” of Mary, which that Mary and Joseph “so that they would not be abandoned, but Turning one’s life over to God and to all Christians should try to imitate, is experienced. safeguarded with their rights, human rights doing his will does not mean life will be not to concentrate on the succession of The pope that come before every other, even legitimate, free of troubles and problems, he said. life’s problems—“one ends and another concluded his demand,” an apparent reference to rights Mary’s wasn’t. presents itself”—but to trust in God public celebration of migrants and refugees and the right of “Being with God does not magically and entrust oneself to him each day, of the feast of nations to control their borders. resolve problems,” he said. Pope Francis said. † Pope Francis the Immaculate Earlier, under brilliantly sunny Conception on Dec. 8 skies, some 30,000 people gathered in by making a traditional papal visit to a St. Peter’s Square to recite the midday statue of Mary erected in Rome’s historic Angelus prayer with Pope Francis. center to honor Catholic teaching that Before leading the prayer, he offered a Mary was conceived without sin. meditation on the Bible readings for the The statue is located near the Spanish day’s feast, highlighting the difference Steps and Rome’s most expensive clothing between Adam, who sinned and then hid and jewelry stores. It is also next to the from God, and Mary, who was conceived building housing the Vatican Congregation without sin and offered her life totally to for the Evangelization of Peoples. doing God’s will. Instead of making a speech near the “The ‘Here I am’ opens one to God, statue, the pope composed and read a while sin closes, isolates, keeps one alone prayer, and he left a basket of roses at the with oneself,” the pope said. statue’s base. “ ‘Here I am’ is the key to life,” In the prayer addressed to Mary, he he said. “It marks the passage from said, “In this Advent time, thinking of the a horizontal life focused on oneself days when you and Joseph were anxious and one’s own needs, to a vertical life, for the imminent birth of your baby, reaching toward God.” worried because there was a census and Openness to God and to doing God’s you had to leave your village, Nazareth, will “is the cure for selfishness, the 2019 ST. PAUL 52 WEEK CASH RAFFLE

A firefighter places a wreath on a tall statue of Mary overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome on Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Rome’s firefighters have observed the tradition every year since 1857. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018

Bishops wrote on the subject in their 2011 INITIATIVE statement “To Live Each Day”: continued from page 1 “Our society should embrace what Pope John Paul II called ‘the way of “As we took the tour and learned about love and true mercy”—a readiness to hospice care,” says Lentz, “I thought, surround patients with love, support and ‘I don’t know any of this, and I’ve been companionship, providing the assistance a caregiver three times. If I don’t know needed to ease their physical, emotional this, what do my kids know, what does and spiritual suffering. This approach must my staff know? What are the right ethical be anchored in unconditional respect for things to say? We need to arm people with their human dignity, beginning with respect this information.’ ” for the inherent value of their lives.” A year and a half later, the Hospice and It is just such an approach that hospice Palliative Care Initiative was under way. and palliative care offer—in personal residences, nursing and assisted living ‘Spirited vision and energy’ facilities, in hospitals or in specialized After the eye-opening facilities run by hospitals. AGING blessing, Lentz shared her But not all people are aware of FAITH thoughts with John Short, this approach, or if they are, “their director of development knowledge is based on misconceptions for the Franciscan Health and misinformation,” says Dr. David A chapel used for Mass on special occasions in Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis serves Foundation in central Mandelbaum. He is medical director primarily as a quiet, reverent place for those in the home on their end-of-life journey and their family Indiana. for palliative care services at Franciscan to pray. Hospice care is a form of palliative care offered to those with terminal illnesses, that they may “He suggested we talk Hospice House in Indianapolis, and live their final days in comfort, peace and dignity. Palliative care itself offers the same approach to the seriously ill who are still receiving treatment. (Photos by Natalie Hoefer) about Franciscan Health, St. Vincent [now co-director of Franciscan Visiting Nurse Ascension St. Vincent] and the archdiocese Service Hospice. “They recognize human beings in “Feedback from the conference coming together to do some fundraising,” “The problem facing hospice and both their wholeness—body, mind, spirit, indicated there was an overwhelming says Lentz. “Not an event, but something palliative care today is that people don’t relationships—and their limitations and desire for more,” says Varick. to draw attention to the challenges [of understand the difference between hospice frailty. They meet people where they are Consequently, the same conference will raising awareness of hospice and palliative and palliative care, so they use the terms in their journey, and they try to help the be offered again on March 11 at St. Paul care] and how we might meet them.” interchangeably,” he says. patient and their family have life to its Catholic Center in Bloomington. Short recalls dinner conversations with fullest in their particular situation. She is also pursuing the creation of friends about the subject, including with Same approach, but ‘two populations’ “When given the chance and done in videos “to promote the truth, beauty and Archbishop Tobin, who conveyed “his Mandelbaum defines palliative care as the appropriate way, it can be downright goodness of hospice and palliative care,” spirited energy and vision for our Roman an approach that “provides collaboration of beautiful in how they ensure the suffering she says. Catholic archdiocese, wishing we could the patient’s doctor with other physicians, person is respected and cared for.” The initiative is in its infancy stage. bring together the two [hospitals] for a nurses, social workers, the chaplain and Bedford describes the initiative’s But as Varick notes, “The threat to the project with the archdiocese.” caregivers. The same approach is used to goals as “awareness, collaboration and dignity of our vulnerable, our elderly, our A plan began to develop. It was based serve two populations.” promotion of the Church’s support for disabled, mentally ill, sick and suffering is on a vision of “programs of education and The first population are those who palliative care, advance care planning and not going away anytime soon. parish resources in hospice and palliative receive palliative care, which he defines living well. (See related article.) “Our families, community and medical ministry, drawing upon the notion that as “an umbrella of care that is all about “It’s time people in the pew really professionals need to rise up and support every family in support of their loved quality of life and team support of patients understand these things,” he adds. those who are sick and suffering. Hospice ones’ end-of-life [journey] or serious and their families through a serious or and palliative care does this.” illness seeks the life-threatening—but not necessarily ‘An overwhelming desire for more’ wisdom and prayers terminal—illness.” The initiative’s first official event was (For more information on palliative care of their parish priest Such patients are “undergoing curative a free, half-day palliative care and hospice and hospice care, or to donate funds or neighborhood therapy,” he says. “They’re not terminal, care conference, held at Marian University toward the initiative to raise awareness minister,” says Short. but they may still benefit from the input in Indianapolis in June. It was open to “all of and educate about palliative care Lentz knew such of a palliative care team giving spiritual those in the community who are interested and hospice care, go to tinyurl.com/ an effort “was going [from a chaplain] or psychological in learning more” about the topic, says y8fdtu3p [case sensitive]. To register for to take a lot of time, a support [from a counselor], or symptom Varick. the free palliative care and hospice care lot of work and a lot management” from a pain specialist, In support of the initiative, conference at St. Paul Catholic Center in of money,” she says. such as easing pain while receiving Archbishop Charles C. Thompson opened Bloomington on March 11, go to Annette “Mickey” She, Short, chemotherapy or radiation for cancer. the conference with prayer. tinyurl.com/ybecr8d6 [case sensitive].) † Lentz Archbishop Tobin and The second population are the others conducted a private fundraising terminally ill. They receive a subset of event. Nearly $150,000 was raised to palliative care called hospice. launch the initiative, with the majority With hospice care, Mandelbaum says, Topics and goals of palliative care of funds donated by Michael Browning “The illness is incurable or the patient is of Browning Investments construction no longer pursuing a cure. It’s all about the and hospice care initiative firm in Indianapolis. He is a member patient’s comfort and dignity and quality of of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in life for however many days they have left.” Criterion staff report the use of Respecting Choices Patient Indianapolis. Mandelbaum, who Information pamphlets that help families represents Franciscan A case study was developed to state explore and discuss difficult end-of-life ‘There is a battle being fought’ Health in the joint the reasons for creating a collaborative issues. The enthusiasm around the topic initiative to support, initiative by the Archdiocese of stemmed from one key principle: the raise awareness of Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent and Increase pastoral and spiritual care dignity for the sick and the dying that and educate others on Franciscan Health to raise awareness services hospice and palliative care offer, and how palliative and hospice of and education on palliative care and • Enhance the support structure available such care embodies the Church’s teaching care, is excited about hospice care. It also outlines the goals of to parish bereavement programs offered on respect for all life. the effort. the initiative. in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis with “There is a battle “How appropriate The document notes that for patients a goal of expanding this ministry to all being fought in our Dr. David that such a collaborative receiving palliative care or hospice parishes in central and southern Indiana. culture of death,” Mandelbaum form of health care is care, it is “a time for listening, praying, • Financial support of the No One says Brie Anne being promoted by the joint efforts of the reassuring, and often, a time for emotional Dies Alone program, which provides Varick, coordinator archdiocese and two health care systems—in healing,” and that providing such the reassuring presence of a volunteer of the archdiocesan a world where hospitals are in competition “compassionate … care is a ministry companion to dying patients who would Office of Human for business,” he notes. that the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, otherwise be alone. Funds would be Life and Dignity. Ascension St. Vincent and Franciscan used for volunteer training and items “Our vulnerable sick, ‘Foundational elements of Catholic St. Francis Health are uniquely able of comfort for patients or their family Brie Anne Varick suffering and elderly health care’ to fulfill, because of our commitment members. are being fed the lies Elliott Bedford, director of ethics to carrying out the healing ministry of • Strengthen existing bereavement that they are a burden. integration for Ascension St. Vincent, is the Christ.” services such as individual and family “Many are afraid of death and the initiative’s representative for the hospital. Below are the areas to be addressed, counseling, as well as structured support dying process. Many are afraid of being a He, too, is enthusiastic about the effort. and some of the actions hoped to be groups. burden to our loved ones. They are afraid “As an ethicist, I taken by the initiative, as listed in the of intolerable pain and suffering, losing want to help people case study. Support of palliative medicine and their freedom with loss of control over to know God and go hospice care their bodies, a fear of being abandoned to heaven,” he says. Provide education • Support specialized patient comfort and and alone, or there is a fear of lingering in “To do this, they • Provide structured training opportunities care services such as massage therapy, a state of limbo with Alzheimer’s disease need to make good … on how to support families as they are aromatherapy, art therapy and music or dementia.” choices, and I want faced with end of life decisions. therapy, [and] to purchase iPads for use Society’s answer to such thoughts and to help by offering • Develop content for Having Difficult as a communication tool for ventilated fears, says Varick, is physician-assisted good ethical counsel. Conversations, a lecture series … [that] or otherwise non-verbal patients, so suicide. It has been spun as “death with If people don’t know seeks to reduce the unnecessary pain they can better communicate with their dignity” and “mercy killing,” and it has Elliott Bedford the good choices and suffering often associated with families. already been legalized in three countries and they have available, inadequate advance care planning. • Financially assist hospice and palliative seven states, plus the District of Columbia. like palliative care or hospice, that’s a • Educational efforts focusing on … patients and their families who may not The Church’s response to disservice.” legislative issues that may arise. meet strict criteria for charity care, but physician‑assisted suicide is an approach Palliative and hospice care are • Enhance education on palliative care are still struggling with expenses related of “love, support and companionship.” “foundational elements” of the Catholic and end-of-life discussions … through to gas, meals, and/or groceries. † The United States Conference of Catholic philosophy of medical care, he explains. The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 9 Sisters launch Advent with the light appearing in darkness

By Katie Rutter Catholic News Service BEECH GROVE (CNS)—A few purple hangings and an Advent wreath were the only signs of the season in the dark chapel of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove. In the hallway just outside, the Benedictine sisters quietly assembled, intentionally stopping to gather their thoughts and silently reflect. The light appearing in darkness served as a metaphor for the 38 women religious during their Dec. 1 evening prayer as they marked the beginning of Advent, four weeks of preparation before Christmas. Outside of the monastery walls, Christmas decorations, shopping and celebrations were in full swing. Silent, sparse and contemplative, the religious house was a stark contrast. One expert called this liturgical season of Advent a “radical critique” of the human tendency to binge on celebration. “We need times to contemplate and to Benedictine Sister Jennifer Mechtild Horner, prioress of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, lights the first candle of an Advent wreath on Dec. 1 await the coming of that which is to come, in the monastery’s chapel. (CNS photo/Katie Rutter) and we need time to celebrate that which is here,” said Timothy O’Malley, academic Racine, the director of liturgy at the director for the Center for Liturgy at the monastery. University of Notre Dame in northern One candle of the Advent Indiana. wreath, the candle that will be lit on “In a kind of perpetual cycle of wanting the third week, is pink to symbolize to move from event to event, to have no joy. The remaining three candles preparation but just to celebrate and move, are purple. This color, prevalent in Advent is a radical critique,” O’Malley the seasons of Advent and Lent, is told Catholic News Service (CNS). meant to represent penance. For these monastic sisters, the “It actually was a very rich color, period of preparation began with their so it was a sign of this desire to Dec. 1 evening prayer service. They pour out the fullness of one’s heart first observed “statio,” a short period of to God,” O’Malley told CNS. silent prayer and reflection before their “It was an expensive color, so it communal service. was a sign of real commitment,” he Then their prioress, Benedictine Sister said. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, led the way During their evening prayer, into the dark chapel carrying a single lit the voices of the sisters echoed candle. The sisters’ hand-bell choir and through the chapel as they chanted a flutist played the haunting melody of passages from the Book of Psalms. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” as the They also listened to a reading from women filed into their seats. the Book of Isaiah, a prophet who “For us, it’s really a time of opening predicted the Messiah’s coming. our heart so that we’re really ready Readings from the biblical The Benedictine sisters of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove pray together on Dec. 1 during their to receive Christ when he comes at prophets are frequently contained first service for Advent. The sisters sang Psalms and heard a reading from the prophet Isaiah, who predicted the Christmas,” Sister Jennifer Mechtild said. in Advent liturgies, as are passages coming Messiah. (CNS photo/Katie Rutter) “I’m waiting for Christ to come and about Mary. O’Malley explained be my light and give me a few more hints that Mary serves as the model for to be prepared so we really can enter the just get them done. Not that I don’t do on how to live, how to live better,” added the “three comings” of Christ anticipated Christmas season fully,” Sister Jennifer that toward the end,” she added with a Benedictine Sister Harriet Woehler. by Advent. Mechtild explained. laugh. The candlelit procession into the “There’s Christ coming at the end of Neither O’Malley or the sisters “This preparation is the real thing, the dark chapel, they said, symbolized Christ time, there’s Christ coming as the baby, criticized the many Christmas-oriented main thing of Christmas,” Sister Harriet breaking through the darkness of the world. there’s Christ coming into the heart of activities that often take place during said. Sister Jennifer Mechtild led the sisters each and every Christian who prepares a Advent, such as decorating, baking and “It’s not all the tinsel and the in a blessing before using the flame to space for Christ to come,” O’Malley said. Christmas card-writing. However, both elaborate—that’s nice, but the main part is light the first candle of their Advent For the sisters, the sparseness of their suggested that the lay faithful integrate the inside, the heart. To me, Advent is the wreath. The four candles serve as a visual environment pointed to the need for this the spirit of penance and prayer into their heart of Christmas,” she said. reminder of the time passing before interior preparation. Christmas commitments. Christmas. “We walk around our monastery “I know for myself, yes you have to write (Katie Rutter is a freelance writer and “For me, seeing those candles lit now, it’s still that quiet waiting time. the Christmas cards, but it’s the spirit that member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish each week, it’s a way for me to look You walked into our lobby and you you do it in,” Sister Jennifer Mechtild said. in Bloomington. To watch a related and say, ‘Oh, where am I right now?’ ” saw the purple, it’s just a reminder that “For me, [I] think of people and pray video, go to youtu.be/jZAS8SYc_Y0 said Benedictine Sister Marie Therese we’re not quite there yet, and we need [over] the cards as I’m writing them, not [case sensitive].) † Algerian martyrs bear witness to dialogue, peace, Pope Francis says VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The are a testament to God’s plan of love and celebrated the Mass in Oran, Algeria, Their life and deaths were the subject lives of 19 religious men and women peaceful coexistence between Christians for the martyrs who were killed between of the movie Of Gods and Men, which martyred during the Algerian civil war and Muslims, Pope Francis said. 1994 and 1996. won the grand prize at its premiere at the In a message read Both Christians Cannes Film Festival in 2010. on Dec. 8 at the and Muslims in Several months after their deaths, beatification Mass Algeria “have Blessed Pierre Claverie, bishop of Oran, for the six women been victims of the was assassinated along with his driver religious, three same violence for by an explosive device. According to the religious brothers having lived, with website of the Order of Preachers, his and 10 clerics, faithfulness and death was mourned also by Muslims who Pope Francis said respect for each considered him “their bishop.” it was a time for other, their duties as Pope Francis said that all Algerians Catholics in Algeria believers and citizens are heirs of the great message of love and around the world Pope Francis in this blessed land. It that began with St. Augustine of Hippo to celebrate the is for them, too, that and continued with the martyred martyrs’ commitment we pray and express our grateful tribute,” religious men and women “at a time to peace, but it the pope said. when all people are seeking to advance was also a time Among those who were beatified their aspiration to live together in peace.” to remember the were Blessed Christian de Cherge and “By beatifying our 19 brothers and sacrifices made by all six of his fellow Trappists—Fathers sisters, the Church wishes to bear witness Algerians during the Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand to her desire to continue to work for A nun lights a candle next to a photograph of Bishop Pierre Claverie bloody war. and Celestin Ringeard, as well as Brothers dialogue, harmony and friendship,” the at his grave in St. Mary’s Cathedral, where a vigil was held in Oran, Cardinal Angelo Luc Dochier, Michel Fleury and Paul pope said. “We believe that this event, Algeria, on Dec. 7. The vigil was to prepare for the Dec. 8 beatification Becciu, prefect of Favre-Miville—who were murdered in which is unprecedented in your country, of Bishop Claverie and a group of 18 others, who were martyred in the the Congregation 1996 by members of the Armed Islamic will draw a great sign of brotherhood in course of the Algerian civil war. (CNS photo/EPA) for Saints’ Causes, Group in Tibhirine, Algeria. the Algerian sky for the whole world.” † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 HOLY FAMILY continued from page 1

She especially didn’t expect the gifts that the Catholic Charities Indianapolis shelter started to provide for her family and the other 21 families who found a home there. “After a couple of weeks, it was comfortable,” says the 38-year-old Nickerson. “Obviously, everyone here was in the same situation. So you have that support, and there were all these resources. And my children were able to stay in their schools and get bus transportation from here. That was awesome. We wanted to get back on our feet as soon as possible.” A year later, she and her children stand firmly. She has a job, and she lives in an apartment with her daughter while her son is experiencing his first semester in college. As she looks back on that Christmas a year ago, Nickerson believes that the best gift she received from the shelter was the gift of hope. It’s a gift she will never forget. She also remembers a Christmas celebration that she and her children never thought possible.

Lasting gifts of Christmas As Christmas approaches, volunteers arrive at the shelter to help the residents decorate it. Parish groups come to sing Christmas carols and to do arts‑and‑crafts with the children. Some families bring in meals, and one bakes During a Christmas party at Holy Family Shelter in Indianapolis, David Bethuram, executive director of the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities, reads a story to and decorates Christmas cookies with the children whose families have come to the shelter to live. (Submitted photo) residents. Then there is the Christmas Store that Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. The moment involves a 10-year-old who are concerned about them. What’s the shelter sets up, a store filled with “The people who work there are very boy shortly after he arrived at the shelter also interesting is that former residents age‑appropriate clothes and gifts that compassionate and committed to helping with his mother. Noticing a picture of call to say, ‘I’d like to volunteer or parents can pick out for their children—a the residents better themselves. Jesus, Mary and Joseph together on financially support the work.’ ” store where children can also select gifts “It’s sure made me appreciate the the wall near the shelter’s entrance, the These offers of help touch Bickel, who for their parents. blessings I have—and to not take what boy said, “Look, Mom, we’re in good says the shelter needs such generosity “On Christmas morning, they open I have for granted. The kids are too company. Here’s the first homeless throughout the year to help families who their presents as a family,” says Bill cute. And your heart breaks for them family.” suddenly become homeless. Bickel, who oversees the shelter in his because they really don’t know what’s “Often times, you’re not sure what “We are in crucial need of financial role as director of program evaluation going on.” children are aware of,” Bickel says. “It support to serve our homeless families not and development for the archdiocese’s One of her favorite parts of was such an eye opener to hear a child just during the Christmas holiday but all Catholic Charities. “Even if they move volunteering at the shelter is being say that.” year long,” he says. “Family homelessness out before Christmas, we make sure they involved in its Christmas Store, which is Just as eye-opening are some of the knows no season. As more and more have presents. And if they come in shortly stocked with donated statistics that he shares. homeless families look to us for help, we after Christmas, we make sure there are items that include “We serve in excess of 300 families are dependent on the generosity of our gifts for them, too. A lot of the families books, puzzles, a year. Seventy-five percent of those community to serve them.” also go to religious services together on games, dolls, toys, 1,000 homeless people are children. That year-round generosity leads to Christmas.” clothes and even Twenty-two families will go to bed here one of Bickel’s favorite scenes at this Nickerson still cherishes that Christmas handmade wooden on Christmas Eve. And we serve about time of year—watching the children at the memory from a year ago. trains. 50 families through the holidays. shelter enjoy the Christmas festivities. “Our Christmas was great,” she says. “It’s very “It’s a thankful time because these are “You could take your own kids and “It was awesome to tell my children that heartwarming,” says families who would otherwise be staying put them in the middle of our families even though we are homeless, we are the mother of three with another family member, a friend and you wouldn’t know who is homeless. going to have Christmas. Just the fact that Theresa O’Brien grown children. or in the elements. At the same time, The same is true of the kids’ reactions to we were able to celebrate, have gifts and “First of all, they’re it’s sad that we haven’t made as much seeing Santa Claus. have dinner together.” overwhelmed with all the items in there progress solving the problem of family “We are all the same. The only Two other lasting gifts came from their and how many items they’re allowed to homelessness. difference is that these families don’t have time in the shelter. pick. Every parent gets to pick out nine “We really need to focus on completely a permanent night-time residence.” “It was nice for my children to see items for each child. In that moment, they alleviating family homelessness in That’s the gift that everyone who there are people who are loving and feel they are shopping for their Christmas. Indianapolis. Human beings should not works and volunteers at the shelter wants caring to do this,” she says. “Hopefully, It’s not us providing it for them. It gives live like that, particularly children.” to make a reality for these families, Bickel it will inspire them to do the same when them satisfaction to do that.” says. they get older.” Even when she’s with her own family ‘We are all the same’ A home of their own. The other gift means the most to this celebrating Christmas, O’Brien says she Holy Family Shelter does its part by “We’re working very hard to make that mother. thinks of the families at the shelter on that offering services that include health care, happen for them.” “We were in one room when we we’re holy day. job training and legal assistance. Life skill here,” she says about her and her children. “They’re always in my prayers and on classes also focus on parenting, nutrition (Donations to Holy Family Shelter can “We had to interact with one another. We my mind. I hope they’re getting the same and budgeting. be mailed to: Holy Family Shelter, 907 actually became closer as a family.” joy out of giving their kids their gifts that Providing a sense of hope is N. Holmes Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46222. I get out of giving gifts to my kids.” intertwined in all the shelter’s efforts, Donations can also be made online on the ‘They’re always in my prayers’ including the celebration of Christmas. shelter’s website, www.holyfamilyshelter. Lasting gifts have also come to Theresa An eye-opening connection “As the name Holy Family implies, we net, and then clicking the “Give Now” O’Brien in her four years of volunteering One memory connected to the try to make it a very festive, hope-filled button. To volunteer at the shelter, go on at Holy Family Shelter. Christmas season always stands out and family-oriented holiday environment,” the shelter’s website and click on “How “I love what they do there,” says to Bickel from his 21 years of being Bickel says. “It helps that they see so You Can Help.” Or call 317-635-7830 O’Brien, a member of St. Luke the involved with Holy Family Shelter. many people other than the direct staff and ask for the volunteer coordinator.) †

Online Lay Ministry Formation REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program Ethics Point • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church 1 Confidential, Online Reporting • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator For more information, please log on to 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 NMLSNMLS #124728 #124728 www.archindy.org/layministry 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 [email protected] A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2017 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Joy can be experienced in the midst of sadness, trials

By Susan Hines-Brigger

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” That iconic line from the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off seems pretty off-base just a little more than a week away from Christmas, doesn’t it? Stop and look around? There’s no time for that. There’s shopping and wrapping to be done. The house has to be cleaned, and Christmas cards have to be mailed. Cookies need to be baked, plated up and distributed. Who’s got time to stop or slow down? Does any of this sound familiar? Unfortunately, it probably does for far too many of us. But, wait, isn’t this supposed to be a season of joy? After all, isn’t the whole purpose of this season to prepare for the amazing gift of the birth of Christ? Luckily, we have something that can get us back on track. This week, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Literally translated from Latin, the word “gaudete” means “rejoice.” And that message comes through loud and clear in the readings for Mass this weekend. This mid-Advent celebration offers us a short timeout to stop, catch our breath and refocus on the joy and purpose of the season. And if we didn’t notice the change in the Advent message this week, the rose- colored candle and vestments we see for this week only during Advent certainly provide a subtle stop—or at least a slow down—sign for us. The message of “rejoice” comes through loud and clear starting with this week’s first reading from the Book People stand near an Advent wreath in Budapest, Hungary. This week, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Literally translated from Latin, the of Zephaniah (Zep 3:14-18a). In fact, within the first word “gaudete” means “rejoice.” (CNS photo/Balazs Mohai, EPA) three lines, we hear the words “joy,” “joyful” and “glad.” And it doesn’t stop there, further encouraging us to “sing and sufferings permeate our lives, and so many times Jesus reveals to us God’s love so that his joy may become joyfully” and “be glad and exult with all your heart.” the reality around us seems to be inhospitable and arid, ours and that our joy may become complete. Joy is the The second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the like the desert in which the voice of John the Baptist experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved Philippians offers even more ways to embrace the joy of resounded, as the Gospel of today recalls.” and that nothing—sickness, failure, emotional distress, the season, instructing us that “your kindness should be OK, so the message in the first two readings is clear oppression, war or even death—can take that love away.” known to all,” and “have no anxiety at all” (Phil 4:5-6). that now is the time to focus on the joy of the season. But Once we embrace that joy, the Gospel reading from Great, you might be thinking, what does that even look like? Does Luke offers a ready-made plan for ways to share that joy but the reality is that right now it mean we have to walk around with others, saying, “Whoever has two cloaks should there are quite a few challenges to ‘Joy is the experience happy all the time? share with the person who has none. And whoever has being joyful, of which the stress of of knowing that you are In his book, “Here and Now,” food should do likewise” (Lk 3:11). the season is the least pressing. In the late priest and renowned author As Henri Nouwen said, “Joy does not simply happen fact, these days, joy or a cause for unconditionally loved … ’ Henri Nouwen said, “Joy is not to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every it sometimes seem to be in short —Henri Nouwen the same as happiness. We can be day.” supply. unhappy about many things, but joy Luckily, Gaudete Sunday provides us a perfect Well, even then we are can still be there because it comes opportunity to do just that as we head toward the end of encouraged to remain joyful, says Pope Francis. In from the knowledge of God’s love for us.” Advent, culminating in the perfect joy of Christ’s birth. an Angelus address for Gaudete Sunday last year, he “Joy,” he said, “is essential to the spiritual life. encouraged us to remain joyful “even when things do Whatever we may think of or say about God, when we (Susan Hines-Brigger is co-executive editor of not go according to our desires. Anxieties, difficulties are not joyful, our thoughts and words cannot bear fruit. St. Anthony Messenger.) † Third Sunday of Advent invites Catholics to ‘choose joy’ By Harry J. Dudley As a Church, we have known great sorrows this year. We experienced our What I love about the Advent season sinfulness revealed and our need for greater is that it captures the mixed reality of our conversion. This Gaudete Sunday reminds lives. Our moments of joy and sorrow are us of a deeper reality of God’s love for us. often closely woven together. We are called to accompany victims and We lose a loved one in our family their families toward Emmanuel’s healing and soon after celebrate the birth of a presence. He has set his tent among us—in newborn. We remain caught between the midst of these sorrows. longing for the more that God promises Reflecting on his own experience of us and the joy that comes from knowing the commingling of joy and sorrow, the that God has already revealed his love for late spiritual author Father Henri Nouwen us in his only begotten Son. wrote: “I remember the most painful times This Sunday gets its name from the of my life as times in which I became first Latin word in the entrance antiphon aware of a spiritual reality much larger “Gaudete,” drawn from St. Paul’s Letter than myself, a reality that allowed me to to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord live the pain with hope. ... Joy does not always. I shall say it again: Rejoice! ... simply happen to us. We have to choose The Lord is near” (Phil: 4:4,5). joy and keep choosing it every day.” Paul wrote these words from prison. Now that we are at the halfway point He was no naive optimist. He knew real of the Advent season, let us focus on how suffering. Despite the intense unhappiness close we are to celebrating the One who of imprisonment, Paul was joyful anyway. came on the first Christmas and who will The word appears more than 10 times in come again. various forms throughout the short letter! The excitement of how close we are An Advent wreath is seen as a cantor sings during Mass. Each of the verses of “O Come, O Come, Sadly, as a cantor, I often found a to that celebration can no longer be held Emmanuel” remind us of the promises already fulfilled in Christ’s coming. tendency in most parishes to sing the joyful back. We choose to focus on the fact that (CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard) hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” so our God has come, continues to show his slowly that it sounded more like a dirge unconditional love for us in the sacraments words written so long ago our own in the (Harry S. Dudley, recently retired from than a song of rejoicing. and offers food for the journey to the midst of our mixed life of joys and sorrows: the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Isn’t the refrain: “Rejoice! Rejoice! fullness of his kingdom yet to come. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again Secretariat for Catholic Education, lives Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel”? This is the Sunday to make St. Paul’s I say rejoice!” in New Castle, Pa.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Perspectives Twenty Something/Christina Capecchi For The Journey/Effie Caldarola Embracing divine revelations and accepting the unknown You can count It all started with a lost birth certificate. Ancestry.com. An obituary of her mom’s you and my siblings and birth father The Holy Spirit was at work that day and brother listed his children, including one for years,” Jan wrote in closing. “I will on me hasn’t slowed down since. distinct name: a member of Jan’s parish, continue to do so.” My aunt Jan has St. Odilia, a thriving Catholic community The letter was written in one sitting My husband and I raised three kids in always known she was in Shoreview, Minn. and in the mail the following morning. Alaska. adopted, and the many Jan has known and worshipped Initially, Jan hoped for an immediate It was a great place to live, but it was mysteries surrounding alongside her first cousin for years! reply. a long way from our that reality had never The two have since forged a warm new None has come, but she’s OK with that. families in the Midwest haunted her. She raised friendship, meeting and texting regularly. “God is so amazing to allow me to see and on the East Coast. her daughters near Though her birth father’s identity remains these connections this side of heaven,” So when Christmas St. Paul, Minn., her unclear, Jan has determined that she has she said. “He is working through me more rolled around, we husband’s hometown, five half-siblings, including one in Duluth, and more!” started out attempting and cherished Minn. Many cousins live nearby, and Jan It’s evident in her art: She has the “I’ll be home for her Catholic faith. Now 56, she is an recently met an uncle in another St. Paul completed seven icons this year. Christmas” thing. empty-nester who volunteers often and suburb. Normally, she’d finish one or two. It’s The airports were— paints religious icons. Jan’s spiritual life proved just as active also evident in her abundant prayer life, and still are—at their Last summer, Jan was applying for as her adoption research. She took three including a daily rosary and many Masses most frenzied then. her enhanced driver’s license, and the icon classes and began the lay formation offered for her birth parents and siblings. Santa had to find us as we spanned the Transportation Security Administration process for the Third Order Carmelites. “You have to be in motion for God to United States. One child inevitably came couldn’t find her birth certificate. Finally, Reconnecting with her birth mom was act,” she said. “Prayer is action.” down with a Christmas illness. We had to she resolved to send for another one from never her goal, but suddenly it seemed As the year draws to a close, Jan juggle Christmas programs, the greater Pennsylvania, where she was born and prudent to reach out before someone else has a peaceful acceptance of the many cost of seasonal travel, the potential for raised. The state website noted that it would mentioned Jan to Judy. remaining unknowns—and a joyful blizzards thwarting us in at least one of the soon be issuing original birth certificates. And so, on a Friday night in August, optimism for the future. airports we had to negotiate. Eventually she applied, and the following Jan sat at her kitchen table and wrote a She’d love to paint icons full time It didn’t take long to decide that we month a copy of her original birth certificate letter to her birth mom. The words and to give to churches in need. She plans needed to establish our own Christmas arrived, bearing two revelations: her birth tears poured out. to learn the violin after retiring and traditions in our own house and save those name, Theresa Anne, and her birth mother’s “Thank you from the bottom of my heart eventually walk El Camino de Santiago long journeys to relatives for the summer name, Judy. The unusual maiden name for the gift of life and the gift of adoption,” (The Way of St. James) in Spain. She’s months. prompted an online search, and within she wrote. “Thank you for having me dreaming big and believing, like never This was practical and made sense. But minutes, White Pages churned up a 1940 baptized Catholic. I know God has been before, that anything is possible in God. emotionally, it was tougher. census showing that Judy had grown up—of with me from the very beginning.” “I am living it!” My neighborhood grocery must have all places—in St. Paul! She is 80 and still She expressed a willingness to meet, seen me coming, and at my entrance alive, living in Florida. but left it up to her. (Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer would inevitably play, at high volume, Within a week, Jan was mining “I have prayed in thanksgiving for in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) † Bing Crosby singing “I’ll be home for Christmas. You can count on me.” Our Works of Charity/David Bethuram It had to be Bing Crosby—a favorite of my mother’s—and on cue, at those words, “you can count on me,” I would puddle In 2019, Catholic Charities will continue to be ‘light’ for others up and cry from the produce aisle to the “Today too, amid so much darkness, following the flu epidemic. Bishop Joseph is situational poverty. Life was fine and deli to the bakery. I would try to compose we need to see the light of hope and to Chartrand of the-then Diocese of then something happened, like a health myself in case I saw friends, but my coat be men and women who bring hope to Indianapolis called on Father Maurice issue or a job loss, and it sent the family sleeve would be soaked by the time I others.”—Pope Francis O’Connor to become the director of what spiraling out of control. For others, it made it through the checkout. was called the Catholic Community Center. is generational poverty: a cycle of poor Is there such a thing as “Catholic Women and men who bring hope to From its very beginning, Catholic parents having poor kids who then grow guilt”? Or is a feeling of family nostalgia others—that’s the mission behind what Charities has been a pioneer in social up to be poor parents with poor kids. built into this crazy season? I could not be we do here at Catholic Charities in the services, leading the way in providing The cycle continues unless something counted on. Bing knew. archdiocese. Many a holistic approach to an individual and or someone intervenes to break it. Our Christmas is a wonderful time, but it’s of the individuals family in need. It led the way in many commitment is stronger than ever in definitely stressful. We want to carve out we serve come innovative social service programs and identifying and implementing strategies time for reflection while the culture pulls from experiences of partnerships with other Catholic health and opportunities which will lead those us in the other direction entirely. Parties, darkness: the loss of care and educational institutions. currently living in poverty out of poverty. gift exchanges, cookies, checkbook a job, an illness, a Catholic Charities has grown As we look toward the future, there is shock, fatigue, to-do lists—it can be breakdown in their tremendously beyond the Indianapolis a tremendous need for Catholic Charities. overwhelming. family structure. Many area, expanding its services and coverage We have been nimble and efficient And then there are the memories. face homelessness and area to include the diocesan counties in throughout our history in providing My mom is gone now, and I look back hunger. and around Bloomington, Bedford, New compassionate care. All the people— and am proud that we made great effort At Catholic Charities, our work of Albany, Tell City and Terre Haute. It now archbishops, clergy, parishioners, staff, and financial commitment to seeing our bringing hope is more than just giving serves 210,000 individuals annually. and hundreds of volunteers who have families. Friends would be heading to those in need a roof over their head or Although a lot has changed since our faithfully served in Catholic Charities— Hawaii or Mexico—favorite Alaskan food to eat. It’s about helping people founding in 1919, our mission has remained are important partners in our history. destinations—while we’d be saving to become self-sustaining and realizing constant: to provide service to those in need, As we enter 2019, let us together visit family. We spent our vacation time God’s will for them. Life transformation to advocate compassion and justice in the celebrate continuing to be “the light” for seeing East Coast sights or sitting with is our goal. structures of society, and to call all people so many in our communities in need. Let Mom at her small-town pool while the Catholic Charities of the archdiocese of of goodwill to do the same. Our focus is on us reaffirm our commitment to the next kids splashed. will be celebrating its 100th anniversary helping those who can move out of poverty century of providing help and hope to all But sometimes at Christmas, I hear in 2019 with the theme “Be the Light.” and caring for those who are not able to do of those who need us most. those words, “you can count on me,” and I For 100 years, Catholic Charities has so. We serve in this way because our Catholic get a little pang. It is, after all, Christmas. been serving anyone in need and was faith compels us to serve those on the (David Bethuram is executive director of And I wish I had one more with Mom. founded after World War I. It was a time margins and those who are most vulnerable. the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic Occasionally, I’ll hear from a friend when women were left caring for their Our experience shows that people Charities. E-mail him at dbethuram@ or relative that they are “estranged” families, and children were left orphaned face many types of poverty. For some, it archindy.org.) † from a family member. I hate to be too inquisitive so I don’t ask why. But we all The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick know families where somebody’s angry at somebody. Or maybe someone’s just drifted away. God’s providence helps us to cherish the season of gifts If you are one of those families—if At no other time than the Christmas and not someone else? Why am I living in us with an opportunity to recall the there is a sibling, a cousin, a parent, a season are more gifts exchanged. To this place, not somewhere else? Why am I ultimate gifts we enjoy daily thanks to child, a former best friend—with whom experience excited children opening their blessed with supportive friends?” God’s providence. you no longer communicate, make an presents and seeing In the Canticle of Daniel, we are Material gifts are a joy to receive, effort this year, if it seems prudent or the warm smile in reminded of God’s providence in helping especially when they are given with care, possible. Take some of that promised quiet elders receiving a gift us through life. For example, we pray that and they warm a love-deserving heart. time, be completely silent before God and in gratitude is a joy the sun, moon and stars bless the Lord, They turn the moment into ecstatic joy. let him love you for a while with no other to behold. Allow me encouraging us to be grateful for the beauty We can only wonder how much more thoughts rattling around in your head. to give a suggestion of the world’s order and how it supports us. ecstatic we would be if we used our Then, ask God if maybe it’s time to for capturing an even “Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise gifts to deepen the realization that all the reach out. The older you get, the more greater joy in our and exalt him above all forever. You sea goodness and beauty we experience are you know that life is incredibly short, season of gifts. monsters and all water creatures, bless credited to a loving providential God. our time on this Earth so limited. Maybe The Italian proverb, the Lord; praise and exalt him above all May I suggest that each day during this just a card, maybe a quick call. Just the “La providdenza di Dio non manca mai” forever. All you birds of the air, bless season we thank God for the necessities basics, an “I love you” with no strings translates, “God’s providence never fails the Lord; praise and exalt him above all of life, the beauty that surrounds us, the and no conditions and no accusations or us.” forever” (Dn 3:78-80), reminds us how companionship of friends, our families expectations. The Christmas season is a time to God sustains our necessities of life. and those who went before us and are the Just a very short, “You can count on especially recall God’s providence. It God’s providence reminds us that even reason that we exist today. me.” is a unique opportunity to meditate on though we think we are in control of our moments like the instant God thought of life, it only exists thanks to God. (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for (Effie Caldarola writes for Catholic News us and we became; to ponder, “Why me The Christmas season of gifts blesses Catholic News Service.) † Service.) † The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 13

Third Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion The Sunday Readings Daily Readings Sunday, December 16, 2018 Monday, December 17 Friday, December 21 Genesis 49:2, 8-10 St. Peter Canisius, priest • Zephaniah 3:14-18a Psalm 72:3-4b, 7-8, 17 and doctor of the Church • Philippians 4:4-7 Matthew 1:1-17 Song of Songs 2:8-14 • Luke 3:10-18 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a Tuesday, December 18 Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Luke 1:39-45 An atmosphere of delighted As was the reading from Zephaniah, expectation overtakes this weekend’s this reading is filled with excitement and Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 liturgy. It is “Gaudete Sunday,” a name joy. It foresees the coming of the Lord, and Matthew 1:18-25 Saturday, December 22 taken from the Latin the Lord will come soon. Such was the 1 Samuel 1:24-28 rendition of the first assumption of many of the early Christians. Wednesday, December 19 (Response) 1 Samuel 2:1, word of the Entrance They thought that when Jesus came, Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a 4-7, 8abcd Antiphon, “Rejoice.” all wrongs would be righted. Evil would Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6b, 16-17 Luke 1:46-56 The Lord is near! be defeated. To prepare, devout Christians Luke 1:5-25 Priests and deacons sought to conform themselves as much as Sunday, December 23 may opt to wear rose possible to the Lord. Thursday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent vestments. These Paul proclaims that this holy Isaiah 7:10-14 Micah 5:1-4a vestments symbolize transformation is occurring, declaring that Psalm 24:1-6 Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 that the brightness of the Christians of Philippi are unselfish the Lord’s coming and committed. Luke 1:26-38 Hebrews 10:5-10 already is creeping across the horizon. St. Luke’s Gospel is the source of the Luke 1:39-45 Night is ending. last reading. In this reading, John the It is the Third Sunday of Advent. The Baptist appears, urging that the man with Book of Zephaniah furnishes the first two coats give one to the poor. Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle reading. It is a short book, only three John also tells a tax collector to assess brief chapters. This much is known about only the fixed amount. The Roman Zephaniah. He was the son of Chusi system of taxation was in effect legalized Single parents could benefit from and traced his ancestry to Hezekiah, extortion. The law required the taxpayers presumably King Hezekiah of Judah. to meet these demands. more support from the Church Evidently, the book was written The Roman authorities were not able or between 640 and 609 BC, or during the even inclined to send citizens of Rome into Recently you wrote a column about My question centers on the physical reign of King Josiah of Judah. Josiah was the far reaches of the empire to collect taxes. Qthe vocation of singles in the Catholic Qappearance of the body of Jesus as he a reformer, and his reforms were religious Locals had to be induced to do the work. Church and the need hangs on various crucifixes. I have yet to in intent and impact. Local tax collectors were seen as to pray for them. see one which conveys the suffering that The kings saw themselves as greedy turncoats. They surrendered Unfortunately, you left Christ must have experienced during his representatives and agents of God. Aside all honor and loyalty to their own for out a whole cohort of scourging, when straps covered with iron from all else, their duty was to draw the monetary profit, achieved through the people: single parents. hooks penetrated to the bone and tore off people close to God. When the people crooked process of Roman taxation. I have heard of large pieces of flesh. (Georgia) were faithful to God, they brought peace When the messiah is acknowledged, only one ministry in and prosperity upon themselves. goodness and peace will prevail. the Church for us, Certainly the suffering of Jesus Zephaniah believed this. He was a and it was not in our Aduring the passion went beyond good prophet. This weekend’s reading is Reflection diocese. We, as single what we could ever imagine. I remember an exuberant and bold exclamation of joy. These readings all predict the coming parents, are expected many years ago, as a seminarian, reading St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians of God’s power and justice. Such is the to support, guide and educate our children a book entitled A Doctor at Calvary. It provides the second reading. Philippi was Lord’s promise, however, that even while in a similar fashion to married folks, but was written in 1950 by a French surgeon a city, in what today is Greece, founded the Scriptures look forward to a sudden, we don’t seem to get any of the time and named Pierre Barbet and described the centuries before Christ and named in dramatic coming of Jesus in glory, these attention paid to married couples. passion in detail, including the scourging. honor of King Philip, the father of readings this weekend also remind us that It is very challenging to be all Scourges have been found in the Alexander the Great. we can bring Jesus into our lives and into alone as a mother or father with the catacombs made of brass chains tipped By the time of the first century, it was our communities by living the Gospel. responsibilities of home-care, child care with lead, and the Shroud of Turin would an important center in the Roman Empire, In the long run, Advent’s advantage is and work life. It is absolutely exhausting, indicate that Jesus was struck with such the location of a major military base. that it prompts us to bring Jesus into our and you are constantly second-guessing scourges more than 100 times. Such centers often became the sites own hearts and surroundings. yourself because you know that the life Interestingly, the crucifixion does not of Christian communities, as there was With Jesus in our lives, sunbeams of and welfare of another human being falls appear regularly in Christian art until the much movement of people through the hope and peace will pierce the blackest of totally on your own shoulders and no one sixth century. Scholars suggest that early empire. People moved to the great cities, moments. Jesus, the Messiah, came—and else’s. Christians were reluctant to portray their bringing their ideas and values, such as comes—as the light of the world. He is near! Perhaps married couples might take Savior in that way because crucifixion Christianity. Christmas is near. Gaudete! Rejoice! † single parents under their wings, mentor represented a dishonorable death in the them and help see to their needs. (City of Roman world, a fate reserved to slaves origin withheld) and criminals. My Journey to God During the Middle Ages, the crucified This writer speaks eloquently to body of Christ began to be shown more Athe plight of single parents, not an realistically. A 1503 painting by Lucas insignificant segment in contemporary Cranach displays blood spouting out of O Divine Savior, Come America. Christ’s nailed feet, the feet bizarrely By Katie Rahman In terms of financial assistance, twisted together and shapeless. Catholic Charities in some instances Such depictions were offered during O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, has been able to help; the website of a time when plagues ravaged Europe, Come, resound in the valleyed scars of my mind Catholic Charities USA indicates where wide-scale death was a daily occurrence and make new again as you speak to me of you. grants might be available for such needs and criminals were still executed publicly. O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, as housing, medical and dental care Artistic tastes change, and we in the Come, seek your wandering servant and legal assistance. But with regard to 21st century seem to shy away from and guard me from the master of lies. broader programs, I would say that the such graphic images, but it helps to be O Flower of Jesse’s stem, Church at this point primarily helps single reminded of all that Christ went through Come, rescue my soul from shame parents in a piecemeal fashion at the local on our behalf. and heal me with the balm of forgiveness. level. The Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., for (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, instance, offers support groups specific Doyle at [email protected] and Come, unlock me from the habits that imprison to single parents—providing them an 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York and free me from the fears that trap. opportunity to associate with their peers 12203.) † O Radiant Dawn, and to talk about the various struggles Come, light my way when darkness veils they face bringing up children alone. Readers may submit prose and warm me with your indwelling love. Throughout the country, a number of individual parishes are beginning to offer or poetry for faith column O King of all the nations, similar programs. Come, reclaim your creation The parish of St. Stephen in Valley The Criterion invites readers to submit and establish your rule as my desire. Center, Calif., for example, offers single original prose or poetry relating to faith O Emmanuel, parents the chance to meet regularly to or experiences of prayer for possible Come, be with me now publication in the “My Journey to God” discuss such challenges as “ride sharing, column. and come, be with me at the end. getting children to and from activities, Seasonal reflections also are appreciated. baby-sitting, budgeting, planning and (Katie Rahman is a member of St. Patrick Parish in Terre Haute. Photo: The Please include name, address, parish and dealing with alternate holiday schedules Holy Family is depicted in a wooden creche at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester, telephone number with submissions. and visitations.” Send material for consideration to “My N.Y. This poem is based on the “O” Antiphons of Advent, sung during Evening I would recommend contacting the Journey to God,” The Criterion, 1400 N. Prayer from Dec. 17-23 since at least the eighth century. Messianic imagery family life office in your diocese to see Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202- proclaims the coming Christ as the fulfillment of both Old Testament and present whether such programs might be available 2367or e-mail to [email protected]. † hopes. (CNS photo/Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier) locally. Page 14 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018

Rest in peace Please submit in writing to our office by 10 a.m. Thursday before the week of publication; be sure to state date of death. Obituaries of archdiocesan priests serving our archdiocese are listed elsewhere in The Criterion. Order priests and religious sisters and brothers are included here, unless they are natives of the archdiocese or have other connec­tions to it; those are separate obituaries on this page. BARNES, John A., 60, St. John DAILEY, James E., 80, the Evangelist, Nov. 16. Son of St. John the Evangelist, Tom and Mary Ellen Barnes. Indianapolis, Nov. 26. Husband Brother of Kathleen Barnes of Diane Schludecker. Father Tekulve, Andrew, Christopher, of Jennifer Prifogle. Brother of Matthew, Thomas and Vincent Naomi Trapp and Carly Dailey. Barnes. Uncle of several. Grandfather of three. BRAUN, Marilyn, 72, DILGER, Norbert J., 85, St. Pius X, Indianapolis, St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, Nov. 24. Wife of Mark Braun. Nov. 27. Father of Myra Coomes Mother of Christine Nation, and Sandy Juliot. Brother of Benjamin Gault, David and Arlene Renn and Lois Stephany. James Braun. Sister of Karen Grandfather of three. Placek and Dennis Wallace. ELSNER, Oscar A., 89, Grandmother of seven. St. Joseph, Jennings County, CHANDLER, Velma R., 96, Nov. 26. Father of Rose, St. Christopher, Indianapolis, Andy, Jim, Mark and Steve Presidential send off Nov. 25. Mother of Martha Elsner. Grandfather of 10. Former U.S. President George W. Bush reaches to touch the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush after speaking at Hurley, Marsha Lehman, Great‑grandfather of several. his father’s state funeral on Dec. 5 at the Episcopal Church’s Washington National Cathedral. The remains of the deceased president were Braden, Charles, Fred and HUEHLS, Sharon K., 72, laid to rest the following day at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. (CNS photo/Alex Brandon, pool via Reuters) Harry Chandler. Sister of Our Lady of the Most Holy Ralph Coplen. Grandmother Rosary, Indianapolis, Nov. 30. KRUER, Mary J., 91, St. John MINATEL, Winnie, 90, PFIFFNER, Lora M., 53, of Dena, Dana and William of 17. Great-grandmother Wife of Mark Huehls. Mother of Paul II, Sellersburg, Nov. 25. St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Bartholomew, Columbus, Barnett. Grandmother of six. of 27. Melissa Hyland, Rebecca King, Sister of Betty, Jerry and Roy Indianapolis, Nov. 25. Wife Nov. 21. Wife of Ted Pfiffner. Great‑grandmother of 10. CONWAY, Jeanne G., Andrew and Keith Huehls. Kruer. Aunt of several. of Roy Minatel. Mother of Mother of Kiley and Jonathan Great‑great-grandmother Sister of Debbie Boswell and 86, St. Mary, Greensburg, LAKERS, Peter J., 55, Anthony and Victor Minatel. Pfiffner. Sister of Wende of three. Jackie Swartz. Grandmother of Nov. 27. Mother of Sandy Holy Family, New Albany, Grandmother of four. Westhoff and Chad Welke. four. VOEGELE, Rose M., 88, Wenning. Grandmother of one. Nov. 21. Husband of Corina MOORMAN, Ronald J., 45, PITSTICK, Leona C., 83, St. Louis, Batesville, Dec. 3. Great‑grandmother of four. KAUFMAN, Dorothy A., 97, Lakers. Father of Cody Erlei, Holy Family, Oldenburg, Dec. 1. St. Gabriel, Connersville, Mother of Susie Burkhart, CORBETT, John K., 76, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Paul and Raymond Lakers. Son Son of Herbert and Mary Nov. 25. Mother of Milissa Terri Litmer, Marilyn St. Luke the Evangelist, Indianapolis, Nov. 25. Mother of Joseph and Ruth Lakers. Moorman. Father of Caroline, Miller, Beth Ann White, Manlove, Dan, Jr. and Pat Indianapolis, Nov. 23. of Gloria Bond, Dorothy Riley, Brother of Anna Kieliszewski, Lydia and Bryan Moorman. Bart and Michael Pitstick. Voegele. Sister of Carolyn Husband of Judy Corbett. James, Lawrence and Mark Paul and Raymond Lakers. Brother of Angie Rauch and Grandmother of 12. Robinson, Fran and Jim Kaufman. Sister of Mary Father of Kristy and Kasey LAUB, Shirlene, 83, St. Charles Lynn Schwallie. Great‑grandmother of 11. Telles. Grandmother of 11. Bowman. Grandmother of 10. Corbett. Brother of Martha Borromeo, Milan, Nov. 20. MYERS, Mary Jane, 87, Great‑grandmother of nine. Great-grandmother of several. RICHEY, Alene (Bloom), 100, Barber, Pat Moore and Mother of Dawn Skaggs, Tori Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, St. Mary, Greensburg, Dec. 3. WARD, Mary Ellen Wayne Corbett. Grandfather KEESLING, Louise, 92, and Jeff Laub. Grandmother of Nov. 26. Mother of Jayne Mother of Randy and Robin (Glotzbach), 72, St. John of two. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, nine. Great-grandmother of 17. McGuiness, Kelly Peters, Lynda Richey. Grandmother of seven. Paul II, Sellersburg, Nov. 19. COURTNEY, Joan Richmond, Nov. 28. Great‑great‑grandmother of three. Weaver and Jay Myers. Sister of Great-grandmother of nine. Wife of Doug Ward. Mother of Grandmother of four. Carole Blankenship and Harry Greg, Kevin and Scott Ward. (Loughery), 95, St. Luke LAUCK, Mary Ann, 90. ROELL, Joseph, 76, Great‑grandmother of two. Shimer. Grandmother of eight. Sister of Barb Glotzbach the Evangelist, Indianapolis, St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Vincent de Paul, Shelby Oct. 31. Mother of Nancy Great-grandmother of two. Mathew and Ron Glotzbach. KENDALL, Shirley A. Indianapolis, Nov. 27. Mother of County, Nov. 25. Husband of Carlsen, Judy McNulty, Grandmother of five. (Glenn), 86, St. Michael, Mary Barr, Anne Mills, Carole NOËL, H. Jerome, Jr., Sherry Roell. Father of Melissa Carolyn Rydberg, Susan and Cannelton, Nov. 17. Mother of Great‑grandmother of seven. Clark, James, John, Joseph 68, St. Luke the Evangelist, Coulter, Dusty, Shane and John Courtney. Sister of Jim Kris Bland and Matt Kendall. and Paul Lauck. Sister of Don Indianapolis, Nov. 20. Husband Slade Roell. Brother of Linda WILKINS, Mary M., 88, Loughery. Grandmother of 15. Grandmother of seven. Bush. Grandmother of nine. of Michele Noël. Father of Hudson, Donna Yarling and St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, Great-grandmother of 13. Great‑grandmother of three. Great‑grandmother of nine. Christopher, H. Jerome III, David Roell. Grandfather of Dec. 1. Mother of Margo Patrick and William Noël. eight. Hoaglin, Denise Renick, Brother of Louise Malachowski, Christine Ross, Laura Smith, SHUFF, Jane T., 81, FOCUS and its conferences to be leaders Carol, Irma, Nancy and Theresa Wagnor, Carol, Irene, St. Bartholomew, Columbus, in the Church. William Noël. Jeanette, Jeffrey, Phillip and SEEK Nov. 14. Wife of Robert Shuff. continued from page 3 “I grew in greater understanding of my OLIVER, Shirley (Baldock), William Wilkins. Sister of Mother of Dan, Dave and Mike 77, St. Charles Borromeo, Dorothy Jawoski, Francis mission as a Christian, it showed me the Shuff. Grandmother of eight. Milan, Nov. 23. Wife of Philip McGough, Barbara Wilkins and communities in the archdiocese in ways importance of vibrant team and staff life Great-grandmother of nine. that might take months or years otherwise. and most of all rooted all of my ministry Oliver. Mother of Janice Frank Steven Keefer. Grandmother “We’re able to expose them to the work in daily prayer,” said Faley of his and Michell Frey. Sister of Betty STEWART, Blanche, 89, of 23. Great-grandmother of fullness of that in a four-day period,” said time as a missionary. “I have the gift of Westermeyer. Grandmother SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 34. Great-great-grandmother of of two. Indianapolis, Nov. 22. Mother one. † Faley. “It’s a great gift to us to have it here.” bringing all of those things to my ministry Kinast agrees. with the archdiocese.” “It’s a huge Vogel thinks the approach to ministry Indianapolis to host SEEK2019 on Jan. 3-7 opportunity for people taken by FOCUS can help him if he is to encounter Christ in ordained a priest. FOCUS missionaries Criterion staff report discernment will also be available each day. a new way,” she said. work on the organization’s principle of Commuter and day passes will be “The Holy Spirit will “spiritual multiplication” in which they The Fellowship of Catholic available throughout the conference. be alive and active at build up relationships and share the faith University Students (FOCUS) will hold For more information about SEEK2019, this conference. I want with a few students at a time, and then its SEEK2019 conference on Jan. 3-7, including registration, visit people to enter into have those students go out and do the 2019, at the Indiana www.seek2019.com. that and see the young same with a few more students and so on. Convention Center Founded in 1998, FOCUS invites Church alive. That will “Building community and forming in Indianapolis. college students into a growing Rebecca Kovert feed what is happening intentional disciples are two of the most Although geared relationship with Christ and the Church, on campuses or in important things a pastor can do,” said primarily for inspiring and equipping them for a parishes so that they’re alive and thriving.” Vogel. “Just do it as Jesus did it. Invest in Catholic college students and other young lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, Kovert, event and volunteer coordinator a few and have them go out and invest in a adults, there is a “lifelong mission” track discipleship and friendships in which they for the archdiocesan Young Adult few. Soon you’ll reach the whole world.” at the conference for adult Catholics. lead others to do the same. and College Campus Ministry Office, Padilla says the same formation has More than 16,000 people are expected to In the current academic year, FOCUS views SEEK as way to help young adult helped her be a leader in the secular world attend the five-day event. has nearly 700 missionaries serving Catholics in central and southern Indiana and in her life as a wife and mother. Other tracks include one for college full time on 153 college campuses to bring the Gospel to their peers. “No matter what you’re being called students and another for campus ministry in 42 states and five international “We can use this conference to to—married life, single life, parenthood, leaders. locations. In the archdiocese, FOCUS truly make leaders that can go out and working for the Church, working outside Keynote speakers will include has missionaries at DePauw University share that relationship with Christ with the Church, being a student—FOCUS Dr. Scott Hahn, Curtis Martin, in Greencastle, Indiana University in others and transform our community gives you the skills and the tools to have Dr. Edward Sri, Chris Stefanick, Leah Bloomington and Indiana University from within to make it a community a stronger faith and to live out the life that Darrow and Society of Our Lady of the Purdue University Indianapolis in of discipleship instead of just a social Jesus is truly calling you to live,” she said. Trinity Sister Mariam James Heidland. Indianapolis. community,” said Kovert, who served as “The mission of FOCUS is the mission of Musicians playing at SEEK2019 will The last SEEK conference, held a FOCUS missionary from 2013-15 at the Church.” include Matt Maher and the Christian in 2017, drew 13,000 participants, Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and at band NEEDTOBREATHE. including students and chaplains Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. (For more information about FOCUS, Mass will be celebrated daily from more than 500 colleges. Nearly visit www.focus.org. For information throughout the conference. Eucharistic 300 priests attended, concelebrated Embracing the Church’s mission about SEEK2019, including how to register adoration and opportunities for the Mass daily and heard more than Faley, Kinast, Kovert and Vogel took for the Jan. 3-7 conference, visit sacrament of penance, reflection and 5,000 confessions. † the formation they received through www.SEEK2019.com.) † The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Page 15 2018: For pope, it was a year to come to terms with abuse crisis

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis In mid-September, the Vatican marked the fifth anniversary of his election announced that Pope Francis was calling in March in the midst of a firestorm over the presidents of all the world’s bishops’ his handling of clerical sexual abuse and conferences to a four-day meeting at the bishops’ accountability Vatican in February to address the abuse in Chile. crisis and better ways to protect children. He soon apologized At the synod on young people, faith for his slow response, and vocational discernment, some and invited Chilean bishops—especially from Australia and abuse survivors to the the United States—insisted the abuse Vatican and then all crisis be a topic of discussion. the country’s bishops Australian Archbishop Anthony Fisher to meet with him in of Sydney used his speech at the synod to May. By mid-October, formally apologize to young people for Archbishop Theodore the pope had all the ways the Catholic Church and its E. McCarrick dismissed two Chilean members have harmed them or let them bishops from the priesthood and accepted down. the resignations of seven others. In the presence of Pope Francis, he The firestorm began when Pope Francis apologized on Oct. 4 “for the shameful visited Chile and Peru in January, but deeds of some priests, religious and the trip also included a meeting with the laypeople, perpetrated upon you or other region’s indigenous peoples, marking an young people just like you, and the important stage in the preparation for the terrible damage that has done.” 2019 special Synod of Bishops on the He apologized “for the failure of too Amazon, which will focus on safeguarding many bishops and others to respond Pope Francis walks in front of a candle in memory of victims of sexual abuse as he visits St. Mary’s creation and on the pastoral care of the appropriately when abuse was identified, Pro-Cathedral in Dublin on Aug. 25. Pope Francis apologized for clerical sexual abuse in Ireland but people who live in the region. and to do all in their power to keep you on the final day of the trip, he was accused of ignoring abuse committed by Archbishop Theodore Also during 2018, Pope Francis safe; and for the damage thus done to the E. McCarrick. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) traveled to the Geneva headquarters of the Church’s credibility and to your trust.” World Council of Churches to celebrate U.S. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput The synod was enlivened by the allow the government to control the the ecumenical body’s 70th anniversary; of Philadelphia, a member of the synod presence of three dozen young people Church. he went to Ireland for the World Meeting council that planned the gathering, had in their 20s and 30s who addressed One positive result, however, was of Families; and he visited the Baltic asked Pope Francis in August to cancel the assembly, participated in the small that for the first time, two bishops from nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. the synod and focus instead on the abuse groups, spoke at press briefings and— mainland China were allowed to attend a He spent most of October presiding crisis. uncommonly at a synod—cheered for Synod of Bishops, although they had to over the Synod of Bishops on young In his speech to the synod, he urged his some of the speeches of bishops and other leave early. people, and during the synod, he celebrated fellow bishops to reaffirm strongly and observers. Canonizing St. Paul VI and St. Oscar the canonizations of St. Paul VI, St. Oscar clearly Catholic teaching on sex, sexuality In the end, the synod affirmed that Romero during the synod, Pope Francis Romero and five others. and sexual morality. the Catholic Church and all its members focused on Jesus’ call to leave everything But the sex abuse crisis dominated “Explaining why Catholic teaching must get better at listening to young behind and follow him. “Do not walk news coverage of the pope’s year, about human sexuality is true, and why people, taking their questions seriously, behind Jesus only when you want to, particularly after accusations were it’s ennobling and merciful, seems crucial recognizing them as full members of the but seek him out every day,” the pope deemed credible that former Cardinal to any discussion of anthropological Church, patiently walking with them and said. “Do not be content to keep the Theodore E. McCarrick, retired issues,” the archbishop told the synod. offering guidance as they discern the best commandments, to give a little alms and archbishop of Washington, had abused a “The clergy sexual abuse crisis is way to live their faith. say a few prayers: find in him the God minor and for years had sexually harassed precisely a result of the self-indulgence Pope Francis’ trip to the former who always loves you; seek in Jesus the seminarians. and confusion introduced into the Church Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and God who is the meaning of your life, the The pope accepted his resignation in my lifetime, even among those tasked Estonia in September coincided with the God who gives you the strength to give of from the College of Cardinals, barred him with teaching and leading,” he said. “And announcement that after decades of talks yourself.” from publicly exercising priestly ministry minors—our young people—have paid with China’s communist government The sainthood ceremony came seven and ordered him to “a life of prayer and the price for it.” officials, the Vatican had reached a months after Pope Francis published penance until the accusations made against While each of the 14 working groups provisional agreement on the appointment his third apostolic exhortation, him are examined” in a canonical process. at the synod reported having discussed of bishops. “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Less than a month later, Archbishop the abuse scandal, in the end the final Giving the government input on Be Glad”) on how every person is Carlo Maria Viganó, the former apostolic document removed a reference to “zero bishop candidates in exchange for called to holiness. nuncio to the United States, inflamed the tolerance” of abuse that had been in the official papal appointment to their “We are all called to be holy by living situation by claiming that Pope Francis draft document. office was a move widely debated. our lives with love and by bearing witness had known of Archbishop McCarrick’s But members retained a passage Some people, including the pope, saw in everything we do, wherever we find history of sexual misconduct and of saying, “The Synod expresses gratitude it as an essential step toward ensuring ourselves,” he said, citing the example of supposed sanctions imposed on him, to those who have had the courage to the unity of Catholics in China with the “saints next door,” as seen, for example, but ignored or lifted them. Archbishop denounce the evil they have suffered: universal Church, while others viewed in “parents who raise their children with Viganó later admitted sanctions were they help the Church become aware of it as an unacceptable concession to the immense love, in those men and women never formally imposed, but he continued what has happened, and of the need to Chinese government and a betrayal who work hard to support their families, to insist Pope Francis ignored warnings react decisively” to ensure abuse does not of Chinese Catholics who have risked in the sick, in elderly religious who never about Archbishop McCarrick. continue to occur. their lives for decades by refusing to lose their smile” (#7). † Advent penance services are scheduled at archdiocesan parishes Parishes throughout the archdiocese Indianapolis South Deanery Dec. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. for St. Bartholomew, have scheduled communal penance Dec. 15, 9 a.m. at SS. Francis and Clare New Albany Columbus, and Holy Trinity, Edinburgh, services for Advent. The following is a of Assisi, Greenwood Dec. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Michael, at St. Bartholomew list of services that have been reported to Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Charlestown The Criterion. Greenwood, Greenwood Dec. 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Terre Haute Deanery Xavier, Henryville Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart, Batesville Deanery Indianapolis West Deanery Clinton Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at St. Martin Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More, Seymour Deanery Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Campus of All Saints, Dearborn Mooresville Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Ambrose, Seymour Jesus, Terre Haute † County Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Monica Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at Holy Family, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Susanna, Plainfield Oldenburg Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel the Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Archangel Campus of St. Catherine of Siena, Classified Directory Decatur County New Albany Deanery Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Louis, Batesville Dec. 15, following 8 a.m. Mass at For information about rates for classified advertising, call (317) 236-1454. Holy Family, New Albany Special Care Gifts Bloomington Deanery Dec. 16, 1 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude the Apostle, Starlight Spencer Dec. 16, 4 p.m. at St. Mary, New Albany Dec. 20, 6 p.m. at St. John the Apostle, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Campus of Trusted and Compassionate Care

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Page 16 The Criterion Friday, December 14, 2018 Woman who once assisted with abortions to address March for Life on Jan. 18 From the WASHINGTON (CNS)—Abby mark the Supreme Court’s 1973 Johnson, who early in her career assisted decision in Roe v. Wade and its Bishop Simon Bruté ARCHIVES in carrying out abortions, will be among companion case, Doe v. Bolton, that the speakers during legalized abortion. the 2019 March for The 2019 march follows encouraging Life rally on Jan. 18 news for the pro-life movement that on the National Mall abortions overall as well as the country’s in Washington. abortion rate continued to decline in Johnson, a 2015, according to data compiled by the one-time Planned federal Centers for Disease Control and Parenthood clinic Prevention (CDC). 10 The Messagedirector, is the CDC determined that theNOVEMBER abortion16, rate 2018 founder of And Then in 2015—the last year for which statistics Abby Johnson There Were None, a are available—is at 11.8 abortions per ministry that assists 1,000 women ages 15-44. The rate has abortionheadline clinic workers who have left their dropped eight of the past nine years since position. 2006’s rate of 15.9. The rate of 15.6 held “Unique From Day One: Pro-Life Is steady in 2008. Pro-Science” is the theme of the 2019 The overall number of abortions also march, Jeanne Mancini, March for Life continued to slide. The 2015 number of president, said during a media briefing on reported abortions was 638,169, about Dec. 5 in Washington. one-fourth less than the 852,385 reported Mancini said this year’s events will in 2006. It is down 2 percent from 2014’s focus on the scientific discoveries that figure of 652,639. have led to new understanding about life The number of legal abortions in the Grotto dedication at St. Agnes in the womb. United States peaked in the 1980s before On Aug. 15, 1982, Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara celebrated the dedication Mass “Science and technology are on the beginning a slow but steady decline, for the Blessed Virgin grotto at St. Agnes Parish in Nashville. Archbishop O’Meara side of life in large part because they interrupted only by the slight rise in, or can be seen at the center of the photo. St. Agnes Parish was founded in 1940 and show the humanity of the child at a very holding steady of, numbers in the late was at the north end of the town when this liturgy took place. The parish relocated young age,” Mancini told Catholic News 2000s. to a new location at the west end of Nashville in 2003. Service after the briefing. Two days of events open with the “We can hear and see a baby’s annual March for Life conference and (Would you like to comment on or share information about this photo? Contact heartbeat now at six weeks. There are expo on Jan. 17. A panel discussion archdiocesan archivest Julie Motyka at 800-382-9836, ext. 1538; 317-236-1538; or blood tests to know a baby’s gender during the conference will include by e-mail at [email protected].) at seven weeks. Now that’s changed Dr. Grazie Christie, a policy adviser enormously over the course of the last few for the Catholic Association; Dr. David years,” she said. Prentice, vice president and research The annual march for Life events director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute; Reading of edict opens canonization Rick Smith, founder of Hope Story, a nonprofit organization that helps families cause for Sister Thea Bowman with a Down Syndrome child; and JACKSON, Miss. (CNS)— Members of the choir from Sister ‘We can hear and see a Christine Accurso, executive director of Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson read Thea’s home parish of Holy Child Jesus baby’s heartbeat now at six Pro Women’s Health Care Centers. the edict to open the sainthood cause for in Canton offered “Be Encouraged” weeks. There are blood tests In addition, popular commentator Sister Thea Bowman at Mass on Nov. 18 during Communion. to know a baby’s gender at Ben Shapiro planned to bring his podcast at the Cathedral of Bernadette Otto-Russell, one of the to the march for live recording at St. Peter the Apostle singers, first sang in Sister Thea’s choir seven weeks. 10 a.m. (EST) on Jan. 18. in downtown Jackson. when she was in the third grade. Now that’s The main event, the March for Life The church was “This was awesome. This is an changed Rally, is set for noon at 12th Street packed with people enjoyable and memorable moment—I’m enormously NW on the National Mall between who loved Sister Thea getting full just thinking about it. I think Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. and can’t wait to see the people that know Sister Thea—they over the Afterward, participants will gather for the her become a saint. know who she is, and they will always course of official march on Constitution Avenue Days before cherish her and also her memories. She the last few between 12th and 14th streets and make the Mass, the will never die,” said Otto-Russell, adding years.’ their way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sr. Thea Bowman, U.S. Conference of that it was a joy and an honor to sing for Jump The annual Rose Dinner closes the F.S.P.A. Catholic Bishops her childhood teacher. Continued from page ## — Jeanne Mancini, president observance the evening after the march. unanimously voted in support of the cause The postulator for Sister Thea’s of March for Life Details of events are online at moving forward during their fall general sainthood cause, Andrea Ambrosi of marchforlife.org/mfl-2019/rally-march- assembly in Baltimore. Rome, and his assistant, Nina Bartulica, info/.† Sister Thea, a Mississippi native and sat in the front pew with representatives the only African-American member of from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual her order, the Wisconsin-based Franciscan Adoration: Sister Eileen McKenzie, Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, was a president; Sister Marla Lang and Sister widely known speaker, evangelizer and Helen Elsbernd, both classmates of Sister ST. MARTIN I PARISH singer until she died of cancer in 1990 at Thea; and Sister Dorothy Kundinger, St. Martin, Chrisney and St. John Chrysostom, New Boston age 52. She even made a presentation at Sister Thea’s assistant during her illness. the U.S. bishops’ spring meeting in 1989, “She was my sister and my friend,” 2019 52-WEEK CASH RAFFLE moving some prelates to tears. said Sister Dorothy, who was all smiles Some of the songs she sang at that after the Mass, greeting friends and bishops’ meeting took center stage during enjoying the moment. Drawing for $500 each week the Mass. A delegation of students from Sister $52 per ticket Phyllis Lewis-Hale, a professor from Thea Bowman School in Jackson handed Must be 18 Can win more than once! Jackson State University sang “Sometimes out prayer cards after Mass. The students to purchase I Feel Like a Motherless Child” as a were thrilled to be a part of this historic Winners will be notified each week prelude to the Mass and brought the moment for their school’s namesake. congregation to its feet with “We Shall Sixth-grader Alexander Mason said he Overcome” after Communion. Everyone in and his fellow students know the story of Only 1,000 the church spontaneously joined hands and her life and have learned many lessons tickets swayed as they sang with Lewis‑Hale— from Sister Thea’s mantra that she wanted much like the bishops did in 1989. to live until she died. available “She taught me to always have License #14863 You may also purchase tickets by calling the parish office at 812-649-4811 perseverance and that I should never give up—even if I am close to death, I should ST. MARTIN I PARISH 2018 52-WEEK CASH RAFFLE keep on pushing myself to try,” Alexander told the Mississippi Catholic, newspaper Name ______of the Diocese of Jackson. Address ______In his homily Bishop Kopacz quoted the old testament reading for the day from City ______the Book of Daniel, “The wise shall shine State _____ Zip ______like the splendor of the firmament. Those Phone ______Tickets who lead the many to justice shall be make GREAT like the stars forever.” He spoke of Sister Number of tickets ______Mary Woodward, diocesan chancellor in Thea’s wisdom, joy and holiness, saying Christmas Jackson, Miss., displays the edict for the canonization cause of Sister Thea Bowman on that today “her holiness shines upon us.” Mail to: The Diocese of Jackson has launched St. Martin Church, 58 S Church St gifts!!! Nov. 18 at Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Jackson Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, at left, read a website detailing Sister Thea’s life License #14863 Chrisney IN 47611 the edict at the start of the Mass. and the cause for her canonization at (CNS photo/Maureen Smith, Mississippi Catholic) sistertheabowman.com. †