Year of Faith Lay Leadership for the New Evangelization

Respect Life Month After an Abortion: A Story of God’s Mercy

Feature Story A Trail of Faith

Finding the Light of Christ Seeking stories for December Issue! Through Music See page 5 for more details î omo personas de fe, miramos a la muerte completamente a la misericordia de Dios From the Bishop y de ese modo se separan de Dios por con emociones conflictivas – como una una eternidad. Esto es a lo que se refiere cuchilla de doble filo. Por un lado está la la iglesia como infierno. ElCatecismo pena y el dolor que sentimos al perder a un de la Iglesia Católica (#1035) nos enseña ser querido, quien nos amó y ha sido parte que, “La pena principal del infierno Be Prepared: Heaven Can’t Wait vital de nuestras vidas. Sin embargo, nuestra fe no nos consiste en la separación eterna de Dios C en quien únicamente puede tener el deja en la oscuridad de nuestro dolor, nos guía de una hombre la vida y la felicidad para las que possible for them. Our prayers, works of s people of faith, we view death with manera muy dócil a creer firmemente que la muerte aquí ha sido creado y a las que aspira.” charity and penance can help these souls en la tierra, no es el final – sino más bien un nuevo También profesamos nuestra creencia conflicting emotions – like a two- edged sword. on their path of purification. comienzo. Para aquellos que son creyentes, Cristo nos en la resurrección de los muertos. Esta On one side is the grief and pain we feel over Of course, we also believe that it resurrección será presidida por el último the loss of a person we loved, who loved us and is possible for persons to reject God prepara un lugar en el reino de Su Padre en donde no juicio, cuando Cristo regrese en gloria a by freely committing mortal sin and existe el dolor, la enfermedad, pérdidas o lágrimas, en su has been a vital part of our lives. Yet our faith juzgar a vivos y muertos. Como leemos being unrepentant even to the time of lugar existe una perfecta alegría, paz y la realización de doesn’t leave us in the darkness of grief, but rather leads us en el evangelio de San Juan, esta será A their death. Such people have closed ever-so-gently to hope and trust for we firmly believe that nuestras esperanzas al mirar a nuestro Padre amoroso “la hora cuando todos los que están en themselves off from God’s mercy and cara a cara. En la gloria del cielo, viviremos por toda la los sepulcros oirán su voz; y los que death here on earth is not the end – but a new beginning. thus separated themselves from God for eternidad en la presencia de Dios con nuestra Santa hicieron lo bueno saldrán a resurrección For those who are faithful, Christ prepares a place in His all eternity. This is what the Church refers de vida; pero los que hicieron lo malo, a Father’s kingdom where there is no more pain, sickness, loss to as hell. The Catechism of the Catholic Madre, todos los ángeles y santos, al igual que nuestro resurrección de condenación.” (John 5:28- or tears, but rather the perfect joy, peace and fulfillment of Church (#1035) teaches that “the chief ser amado quien se ha ido antes que nosotros. 29, cf CCC #1038) punishment of hell is eternal separation all our hopes as we see our loving God face to face. In the Las enseñanzas from God, in whom alone man possesses La promesa de vida eterna se nos hizo Nosotros creemos glory of heaven, we will live for all eternity in the presence of ... Cristo nos de la Iglesia acerca the life and happiness for which he was por primera vez en nuestro bautismo, que el purgatorio de “las ultimas God with our Blessed Mother, all the angels and saints, as created and for which he longs.” cuando morimos con Cristo y renacimos es una realidad prepara un cosas” – cielo, well as our beloved who have gone before us in faith. We also profess our belief in the como hijos e hijas de Dios, a través para aquellos que purgatorio e infierno resurrection of the dead. This resurrection de los evangelios Jesús nos recuerda mientras adquirieron lugar en el reino de Su – nos desafía a estar The promise of eternal life was first and trusting in His grace and mercy. will precede the last judgment, when Christ que es la voluntad de Su Padre que el compromiso de Padre en donde no existe conscientes de la made to us at our baptism, when we So why do we pray for those who have will return in glory to judge the living and the todos Sus hijos sean salvados y tengan seguir a Cristo y importancia que died with Christ and were reborn as died? We pray for them that the Lord dead. As we read in the Gospel of St. John, un lugar en Su reino. Nada nos puede murieron en un el dolor, la enfermedad, nuestras decisiones sons and daughters of God. Throughout might cleanse them of any remaining this will be “the hour when all who are in the alejar de nuestra herencia eterna si nos estado de gracia, tal y elecciones diarias the Gospels, Jesus reminds us that it is human weakness or sin, remit the temporal tombs will hear [the Son of Man’s] voice and esforzamos en vivir de acuerdo a Sus vez no renunciaron pérdidas o lágrimas, en tienen en nuestro His Father’s will that all His children be punishment due to their sins and so bring come forth, those who have done good to mandamientos, siguiendo a Cristo como totalmente al su lugar existe una destino eterno. Se saved and have a place in His heavenly them to the fullness of life with God. For the resurrection of life and those who have nuestro camino, verdad y vida, confiando pecado en sus nos ha dado el don kingdom. Nothing can keep us from while Christ died for our sins and rose that done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” en su gracia y misericordia. vidas diarias ni perfecta alegría, paz y la de libre albedrio our eternal inheritance if we strive to we might share in eternal life, we believe that (John 5:28-29, cf. CCC #1038) Entonces, ¿porque oramos por sanaron los efectos y con la ayuda de live according to His commandments, each person must cooperate with Christ’s The Church’s teachings on the aquellos que han muerto? Oramos por de sus decisiones realización de nuestras la gracia de Dios, following Christ as our way, truth and life redeeming grace. Each of us must respond “last things” – heaven, purgatory and ellos para que el Señor los purifique de pecadoras. Estas esperanzas al mirar a debemos usarla to the Lord’s call to conversion, to renounce hell – challenge us to be aware of the cualquier pecado o debilidad humana almas no están sabiamente para sin and its influence in our lives, and, by importance that our daily choices and que haya quedado en ellos, para que preparadas para nuestro Padre amoroso elegir el bien, la prayer and penance, to make amends for decisions have for our eternal destiny. We remita el castigo temporal por sus experimentar la ... Christ verdad y la santidad. the damage our past sins have caused. are given the gift of free will, and with the pecados y los traiga a la plenitud de visión beatificante cara a cara.” Es un llamado Through His Church, the Lord provides the help of God’s grace, we must use it wisely la vida con Dios. Mientras que Cristo de Dios. Los restos prepares a place a una constante means of grace to make this purification to choose the good, the true and the holy. murió por nuestros pecados y resucitó del pecado están en conversión, a alejarnos diariamente del in His Father’s kingdom possible during our lives here on earth, but It is a call to constant conversion, of daily para que pudiéramos compartir la vida el camino y necesitan ser purificados en pecado y dirigir nuestra mirada hacia we must make use of those means. turning away from sin and casting our eterna, creemos que cada persona el purgatorio, para que así las personas where there is no more Dios. Es un llamado el cual no podemos We believe that purgatory is a reality gaze toward God. It is a call we cannot debe cooperar con la gracia redentora puedan prepararse para experimentar ignorar, al no saber la hora ni el día en el for those who, while having made a put off, as we do not know the hour or de Cristo. Cada uno de nosotros debe la gloria del cielo en la mayor medida pain, sickness, loss or que seremos llamados de esta vida. Que commitment to follow Christ and died in the day we will be called from this life. responder al llamado de nuestro Señor posible para ellos. Nuestras oraciones, hoy nos volvamos a comprometer con tears, but rather the the state of grace, may not have totally Today, may we recommit ourselves to our a la conversión, a renunciar al pecado trabajos de caridad y penitencia pueden nuestra vocación bautismal, para vivir y renounced evil in their daily lives nor baptismal vocation, to living and sharing y a sus influencias en nuestras vidas y a ayudar a estas almas en el camino de la perfect joy, peace and compartir nuestra fe, mirando a Jesús healed the effects of their sinful choices. our faith, ever looking to Jesus as our hacer oración y penitencia para reparar purificación. como nuestro camino, verdad y vida. fulfillment of all our These souls are not ready to experience way, truth and life. el daño que nuestros pecados han Por supuesto que también creemos the beatific vision of God. The remnants causado. A través de Su Iglesia, el Señor en la posibilidad de la existencia de hopes as we see our of sin are in the way and need to be Auxiliary Bishop provee los medios de gracia para hacer personas que rechazan a Dios al Obispo Auxiliar purified in purgatory, so that the persons Joseph Siegel esta purificación posible durante nuestras cometer pecado mortal libremente y no Joseph Siegel loving God face to face.” might be prepared to experience the Christ is our Hope vidas aquí en la tierra, sin embargo, arrepentirse, aun en el momento de su Cristo es nuestra Esperanza

I I N I N I T V T V E D RA E D RA glory of heaven to the fullest extent October 2013 OMINE SPE debemos hacer uso de esos medios. muerte. Estas personas se han cerrado octubre del 2013 OMINE SPE

2 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 3 Local News Photo by Jim Smith The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon Bishop Conlon to Consecrate Diocese PUBLISHER to Immaculate Heart of Mary Edward P. Flavin DIRECTOR of the office of communications On Oct. 13, Pope Francis will consecrate October 2013 the world to the Immaculate Heart of Volume 6: Issue 9 Mary. The original statue of Our Lady Carlos Briceño of Fatima will be brought to the Vatican Editor Jorge Rivera for the consecration. There is a special Monica Harness significance to the Oct. 13 date. The Spanish Translators Diaconate Ordination – Seventeen men were ordained by Bishop R. Daniel Conlon in Jenny Bis Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times mid August as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Joliet. These men will serve as GRAPHIC DESIGNER to three Portuguese children near Fatima deacons in the key areas of liturgy, word and charity throughout the diocese, helping during 1917, with the final apparition to minister to the following, just to name a few: to the sick and dying; to those in prisons and jails; to immigrants; to the needy; and to those with addictions. occurring on Oct. 13, 1917. The Blessed Mother’s messages included the Christ is our Hope (USPS 25288) is a membership 20 publication of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, 101 W. following: pray the rosary for world peace The Diocese Celebrates the Many Years of Service by Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527. Published monthly. Gift subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual and for sinners. Here is how Blessed issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and Those in the Religious Life address changes to: Christ is our Hope magazine, 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527; (815) John Paul II defined the meaning of 834-4060 or email [email protected]. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Christ is Our consecration during a talk in Fatima in A Mass honoring those who are in their jubilee years in the religious life was held Hope magazine, 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL your 60446-6527 ©Christ is our Hope magazine, Diocese of 6 life 1982: “Consecrating the world to the Joliet. ©FAITH Publishing Service. FAITH is a trademark at the St. Charles Pastoral Center, Romeoville, in mid October. The following of FAITH Publishing Service. No portion of Christ is our Hope magazine may be published, broadcast, rewritten Immaculate Heart of Mary means drawing are the jubilarians living and/or working in the diocese (listed with their order and or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part Catholic Charities without prior written authority of the Diocese of Joliet and/or 6 near, through the Mother’s intercession, FAITH Publishing ServiceTM. For reprint information or other abbreviations): questions regarding use copyright material, contact the ”Through Suffering, to the very Fountain of Life that sprang Christ is our Hope magazine editorial offices at the Diocese of Joliet. Periodicals postage paid at Romeoville, IL and at I’ve Gained Strength.” from Golgotha. This Fountain pours forth additional mailing offices. 80 YEARS • Sr. Margaret Rose Sczesniak, OSF (J) 7 Sacrament of Marriage unceasingly redemption and grace. In it, To submit story ideas and • Sr. Mary Franz, OSF (J) • Sr. Agnes Ann Svec, OSB news, send e-mails to The Journey of Marriage – reparation is made consensually for the • Sr. Mariarthur Hamann, OSF (J) • Sr. Susanne Thome, OSB [email protected] Through Sickness and sins of the world. It is a ceaseless source For subscription information, • Sr. Kathleen Kirk, OSF (J) • Sr. Yvonne Wiza, OSF (W) Health of new life and holiness.” In the Diocese Please call (815) 834-4060. • Sr. Dorothy Clare Zuleski, OSF (J) Catholic Life of Joliet, Bishop R. Daniel Conlon will 18 8 75 YEARS Catholic Imagination consecrate the diocese to the Immaculate • Sr. Catherine Albers, OSF (W) 50 YEARS 9 Spiritual Fitness Heart of Mary on Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. during • Sr. Caroline Alfano, OSF (F) • Sr. Carol Bosbonis, OSF (W) Short Articles of Christmas Come Let Us Adore Him – a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond • Sr. Mary Veronica Blanchette, SSCM • Fr. Robert Carroll, O. Carm. Memories Needed for COVER STORY Nonnatus, Joliet. Bishop Conlon invites • Sr. Anne Flaska, OSF (J) • Sr. Patricia Dailey, OSF (F) December Issue Finding the Light of Eucharistic Adoration all the people of the diocese to prayerfully • Sr. Rosalie Marie Major, OSB • Sr. Sandra Duma, OSF (F) consecrate themselves, individually, to the • Sr. Mary Margaret Moloney, RSM • Br. Thomas Dupre, FSC Christ is our Hope Christ through Music 10 yourfaith Immaculate Heart of Mary and to pray • Sr. Theresa Fix, IHM magazine is looking for that they and the entire diocese might rely 70 YEARS • Sr. Fran Glowinski, OSF (W) short – no more than 300- 10 Ask the Priest upon the inspiration and strength of our • Sr. Joyce Kemp, RC • Sr. Jeanne McGue, SSND 350 words – articles about Though I How Does Mary Lead Us Blessed Mother to witness to Christ in our • Sr. Odelia Kloc, OSF (J) • Sr. Gloria Rosales, SSND your favorite memories trailed off to Jesus? increasingly secular society. • Br. Joseph Martin, FSC regarding Christmas. The His path for quite • Fr. Peter McGarry, O. Carm. 65 YEARS articles should be about some time, He still 12 yourstories St. Isidore School Recognized in • Sr. Mary Shawn Mitchell, OSF (F) • Sr. Elsie Gamez, SSCM something spiritual/faith- showed me how His National Safety Contest • Fr. Zygmunt Ostrowski, S. Ch. • Sr. Audrey Marie Rothwell, OSF (W) filled relating to the true love is unconditional, 12 Cover Story • Sr. Maria Pesavento, OSF (J) spirit of Christmas, not the and He will support Finding the Light of Christ St. Isidore Catholic School in • Sr. Diane Przyborowski, OSF (W) 60 YEARS commercial aspects of it. those in doubt, and I Through Music Bloomindale was a runner-up winner • Sr. Mary Mark Segvich, OSF (F) • Fr. Donald Bates, OSA The best stories will then found the light of 14 Year of Faith in Catholic Mutual Group’s 2012-13 • Sr. Connie Steffen, IBVM • Sr. Kathryn Francis Berger, OSF (J) be selected to appear in Christ once again Lay Leadership for the Safety in the School Contest. Catholic • Sr. Joanna Brigan, SSND the December issue of the 40 YEARS through music and New Evangelization Mutual Group is the property and liability • Fr. Raymond Corkery, O. Carm. magazine. We cannot pay • Br. Charles Hlava, OSB the love of our Lord.” 16 Feature Story insurance carrier for the Diocese of Joliet • Sr. Kathryn Frankovich, SSFCR for any articles submitted, Looking Forward to the and annually sponsors a safety contest • Sr. Marilyn Franze, OSF (J) 25 YEARS and if one of yours is used, Resurrection of the Dead for schools across the nation, with cash • Sr. Martha Friedman, OSF (W) • Sr. Wieslawa Jamrozik, MChR expect some editing of it to 18 Feature Story prizes as awards. In recognition of their • Sr. Anna Konrath, OSF (J) • Sr. Theresa Marie Pfeffer, O. Carm occur. Please email your A Trail of Faith efforts, the school was presented with • Sr. Lorita Lawler, OSF (F) • Br. Dominic Saganich, O. Carm. submissions to magazine@ a monetary award and a Certificate of 20 Respect Life Month • Sr. Josephine Mulcahey, OSF (F) • Sr. Rose Urbanczyk, MSF dioceseofjoliet.org by î Cover photo by Achievement by Catholic Mutual at an • Sr. Marilyn H. Renninger, OSF (F) • Sr. Cathy Windle, IBVM Oct. 15, 2013. Christine Traversa After an Abortion: A Story all-school Mass held in August. 12 of God’s Mercy 4 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Local news continued on page 22 5 YOUR LIFE yourlife Sacrament of Marriage

YOUR LIFE Catholic Charities

As he worked toward self-sufficiency, Mark found even more faith and confidence in the Lord. Through church and the power of prayer, he was able to call on the Lord in his time of struggle. Mark explains: “God said to come to Him privately, and He will bless you in the open. We must offer our struggles and burdens to the Lord who will raise them off of our shoulders. Through suffering, I’ve gained strength.” With the endless power of God and the assistance of Daybreak, Mark was truly blessed and able to begin a new life. Mark recently moved from Daybreak Center into a Permanent Supportive Housing apartment, where he is enjoying The Journey of a Marriage – “Through Suffering, having his own space again. He has been sober for nearly 12 years and continues to serve the Lord every day. “Daybreak gives through Sickness and Health I’ve Gained Strength” individuals the hope and help needed to not have to come back, in a way that pushes his is how a relationship starts, grade at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Catholic School in Joliet. “I think every child is a miracle, but [Ethan] was our miracle,” ark, age 50, battled addiction for many us to do it ourselves, rather than them with all its ups and downs. “We years and eventually became homeless. doing it for us,” he said. With support from Megan said. “It took us 10 years to get him here. Lots of prayers.” met at a party in Crest Hill,” said And then, five years ago, the day after Tim’s father passed With nowhere to go, Mark was forced to Daybreak, Mark has turned his life toward a path that will help him strive for success Tim Goolsby. The woman he away at the age of 85, Tim was diagnosed with cranial bleeding live on the streets of Joliet. “Bouncing in the future. Currently, Mark is looking met, Megan, had recently and was rushed to the intensive care unit. He missed his father’s from McDonalds to the casino, I would try for a job and spending time volunteering at graduated from college. “Neither of us wake and funeral, and, over the course of the next year, dealt homeless shelters. He takes pride in what T with four cerebral surgeries and a craniotomy. Mto get some sleep anywhere I could,” he recalled. “I were looking for a relationship or Their family, friends and parish friends – they are parishioners at started to make friends; even the workers knew me. It’s God has graciously blessed him with and anything,” Megan said. even harder to live on the streets. I once stayed awake, thoroughly enjoys his new lifestyle. “In the Cathedral of St. Raymond – provided much support and prayers. “You realize right then there are so many things in your vows: for with the help of 10-minute naps, here and there, for two everything that has happened in my life, I walk through it with pride and dignity.” At the party, he noticed a woman who talked too much, he said, richer or poorer, for better or worse, sickness or health, till death months straight.” while she noticed a guy who was very tall. (For the record, Megan do us part,” Megan said. “That sickness or health vow, you think admits she talks too much, while Tim is 6-feet-8-inches tall.) about that a lot when you watch your spouse in ICU for so long and During this unbearably difficult time, He began taking self-improvement Catholic Charities’ Daybreak In their case, opposites do attract. Megan is a church musician having all those surgeries. Our faith really helped us through all that Mark came to the realization that he was classes provided by the center and Center operates 24 hours a day, and a singer. She’s outgoing and “always is on stage,” while Tim, – and continues to. The Big Guy upstairs has plans.” at the lowest point in his life. He knew later received multiple certificates of 365 days a year in Joliet and meanwhile, is someone who is quiet and reserved. Meanwhile, the best advice they got regarding marriage was that it was time for a serious change. completion from each course. With the provides emergency housing They married on Dec. 17, 1988, and they were one of the from Tim’s father, who was married to Tim’s mom for 63 years Then Mark found Daybreak Center, help of Daybreak Center’s caring staff and supportive services to couples who attended the diocesan-sponsored Mass for couples before he passed away. Catholic Charities’ emergency homeless and enlightening classes Mark was able individuals and families who are celebrating 25 and 50 years of marriage at the Cathedral of St. “My dad told me when we got married to be patient and do shelter in Joliet. “The staff is caring, to re-learn and re-establish valuable life Raymond in Joliet on Sept. 8. what you’re supposed to do,” Tim said. intuitive, and non-judgmental,” he said. needs. “The classes taught us everyday homeless. For more information When they met, back in the 1980s, he hadn’t been going to Mass And one of the things they felt they needed to do was plan “They provide services based on the life situational needs, Mark said. “How to about this and other programs for a while. But, faith was important to her. “Being with Megan to attend the anniversary Mass last month at the Cathedral, individual client’s needs, not from a open an account through the bank. How and services provided by helped me get back to church, as far as going to Mass again,” he said. which is a big event for several reasons. One reason, they said, is book that gives them answers to people’s to save our money efficiently … Things Catholic Charities, please visit Faith also helped them cope with the ups and downs of because 25 years is a long time, and the second is because of the generic needs. The staff helps from the your parents taught you as a child, they catholiccharitiesjoliet.org. life. They tried for years to have a child, but, finally, they were sacrifice Tim is making to attend the Mass. heart, not just a book.” would re-instill.” blessed with a son, Ethan, who recently graduated from the 8th “It’s the Bears’ opening day,” he said, with a laugh.

6 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Natiya Reggans Story by Carlos Briceño 7 YOUR LIFE YOUR LIFE Catholic Life Spiritual Fitness Eucharistic Adoration • Find a Church that offers a time of prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. Come Let Us Adore Him - • Take your Bible with you when you visit. • Genuflect before the exposed Catholic Imagination Eucharist Adoration Blessed Sacrament upon entering. • Kneel in opening prayer. n a world where the presence of To speak of the Catholic imagination is to talk about an ability • You may choose to remain kneeling want to focus this month on a deeper understanding or to sit. God is often elusive, Catholics rely to use the “stuff” of life to express matters of the spirit. For and practice of Eucharistic adoration. Many parishes • Slowly read the Scriptures. on things that are tangible, such as example, the praise of God becomes palpable when incense around the country are having Eucharistic adoration. It • Let God’s Word, His truth, begin to ashes, holy water, scapulars and rises in liturgy. Belief that Mary, Mother of God, accompanies us re-order your priorities. on our pilgrimages is anchored by a scapular around the neck. is a time of great grace to kneel before the Lord (or sit, • Don’t be discouraged if you fall relics. Catholics have a fascination We ask angels to watch over us because they speak of God’s if needed) to be in quiet before Him. Why do we do asleep or are distracted. with relics. Whether or not the relics are that? To honor God for the gift of His life for our salvation; to • Just return to acknowledging His I presence and power. Calling on particular saints for help in I presence and asking His help. authentic is another matter. Relics are so personal matters says God cares about the details of our lives. be in His presence in gratitude that He makes himself so • Kneel in closing prayer. prevalent that someone once made up a Pieces of cloth, parts of bones, charming stories, hope-filled available to us; to bring our concerns to Him who never turns • Genuflect before the exposed pilgrimages open us to a depth in our lives. Much like those Blessed Sacrament before story about a church claiming to have a deaf ear, who never turns away from us – even for a departing. the head of John the Baptist, when he locations the Irish call “thin places,” the membrane between our daily existence and the sea of grace which buoys us is quite moment. He is with us – Emmanuel. was younger! For Migrants and Refugees permeable. For Catholics, more is going on than meets the eye. October 2013 Adoration of the prophetically of the I also heard of a church that has a vial with a murky The World as Sacrament Blessed Sacrament is a suffering the Messiah O Lord, to whom no one is a stranger substance. The church claims the vial contains part of the time to adore Him, to would endure for and from whom no one is ever distant, darkness of Good Friday. Even though claims may be quite Catholics are used to sacraments, tangible signs of the thank Him, to seek His you and me. Read the look with compassion on migrants and creative, our imagination is helping us remember the nearness refugees. intangible workings of grace. We speak of seven sacraments direction. I encourage Gospel accounts of the Restore them to their homeland, of God. Perhaps it would take a forest to produce all the relics and have rituals for seven important moments in life. However husbands and wives suffering and death of protect them in their travels, of the “true cross” found in churches and shrines. Nonetheless, the sacramental presence of the divine is not limited to the to spend some time Christ on the cross. and give them security in a strange place. the devotion they engender is sincere and real. seven. All of creation speaks of the Creator. The world itself is in adoration together. See Matthew, Chapters sacramental. Here God’s Spirit is engaging humankind. Thank Him for all the 26 and 27; John, 18 Give us a kind heart to welcome the stranger among us and a generous St. Francis was not being romantic when he praised “brother good things He has and 19; and Luke 22 spirit to provide for their needs. sun” and “sister moon.” He understood that the stars, trees, done for you and your and 23. Read slowly Give us the vision to see that we are rivers, and all the elements of creation are a language God family. Then take time to bring your concerns before the Blessed Sacrament. See what part of a worldwide family and help us speaks to us. Some saints claim God communicated with them for your children, grandchildren; pray Christ did for you. Ponder and be grateful. to share your bountiful gifts with those through visions and voices. With the perspective of faith, the together for these things. God honors your In these times, as you sit quietly in His who are without food or family, home or hope. entire world becomes voice and vision. Any bush can be the marriage vows when you come in prayer presence, He will seek to draw you closer to For in welcoming them, we welcome burning bush through which God is present. before Him together. Times of adoration can Himself. Give God time… you. Amen. What is true and what is good point to a God who is all Truth be a very good time to lay your concerns Then Blessed Pope John Paul II urges and Goodness. Beauty, too, is often cited as an introduction to together before His face. us at another time to gaze on the risen the divine. What is it about a beautiful scene in nature, a work Those of you who serve the parish or are face of Christ. Read Matthew 28, Luke 24 cross to save us, He wanted us to have the of art or architecture, or a lovely poem? Certain experiences involved in some other ministry: regularly and John 21. memorial of the love with which He loved of beauty may take our breath away. They hint at a reality come as a group before the Lord, to adore Christ did all this for you. As the truth us ‘to the end,’ even to the giving of His life. shimmering beneath its surface expression. Beauty may point and thank Him and then to ask for help in and the power of His word penetrates In His Eucharistic presence, He remains to God who is Beauty itself. the ministries in which you are serving. Bring our distracted and sometimes our mysteriously in our midst as the one who The Catholic imagination is a thesaurus of metaphors and everything to God for guidance and wisdom overburdened minds and hearts, we will loved us and gave Himself up for us, and symbols. The mystery of God requires a kaleidoscope of and courage where needed. Adoration of be more and more conscious that we are He remains under signs that express and imagery. God is like a rock, a fortress, a shield, a place of the Blessed Sacrament is a marvelous time not alone in our trials, that He loves us communicate this love.” (CCC# 1380) refuge. God is like a mother, a shepherd, a dark night. The to make your needs known, after a time of infinitely and has made it possible for us to “The Church and the world have a great psyche finds images for what cannot be fully expressed. adoration and thanksgiving. share life with Him for all eternity. As we need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us A symbol is a bridge thrown out to an unseen shore. Here In 2001, Blessed Pope John Paul II ponder the resurrected face of Christ, we in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse is the sunrise, the song, the animal, the breeze. We walk over wrote a marvelous apostolic letter entitled will grow not only in faith but in hope. Put the time to go to meet him in adoration, these bridges into the mystery of God. The experience calls for Novo Millennio Ineunte (Toward the New your roots down in the truth of His Word. in contemplation full of faith, and open to reverence. Often our best word for a God who is beyond all Millennium) in which he talked about The Catechism tells us: “It is highly fitting making amends for the serious offenses and words is silence. And in the silence we are commissioned to tell Eucharistic adoration. He encouraged us that Christ should have wanted to remain crimes of the world. Let our adoration never the world what we have seen and heard. to take time gazing on the suffering face present to His Church in this unique way. cease.” (Dominicae Cenae,# 3) The story is simple. God has drawn near to us and our messy of Christ. He asked us to draw from the Since Christ was about to take His departure “Do not doubt whether this is true, but world in His Son and chooses to love us without reservation. St. Scriptures the accounts of Christ’s suffering from His own in His visible form, he rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, Domenico Fetti: Moses before the Burning Bush Thérèse of Lisieux concluded, “I cannot fear a God who made for us. Read, for example, before the Blessed wanted to give us His sacramental presence; for since He is the truth, He cannot lie.” 1613-14 himself so small for me! [God] is nothing but Love and Mercy.” Sacrament, Isaiah 52 and 53, which speak since He was about to offer Himself on the St. Cyril of Alexandria

8 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Father John Welch, O. Carm. Story by Sister Ann Shields, a member of the Servants of God’s Love 9 yourfaith Leave a Legacy YOUR FAITH Ask the Priest Call

that she actively looked for the coming who loves us: “Then I saw a new heaven Email of the Messiah (that is the Hebrew word and a new earth; for the first heaven and visit Us for “Anointed One” – Χριστός – which the first earth had passed away, and the translates into the word “Christ” in English). sea was no more. And I saw the holy She was looking for God’s Anointed One city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of to come to His people heaven from God, and save them. Our prepared as a bride Joseph L. Langenderfer A student from Holy Family Catholic School, in bensen- paintings, particularly Love is the adorned for her Executive Director ville, is proud of her artwork. HFCS received $92,100 in Fra Angelico’s “The husband” (Revelation Jane Lagger scholarship revenue from CEF donors last year. Annunciation,” whole 21:1-2). Everything Director of Programs almost always depict meaning of the that we have worked the angel Gabriel Sacraments, of our to build here will Catholic Education - RE mEmbER - Foundation interrupting her in prayer, of our burn – or, at the 101 W. Airport Road the CEF in your Will How does prayer. very least, be utterly Romeoville, IL 60446 Mary lead us devotion to the or Estate Plans! This gives us Blessed Virgin Mary, transformed. As St. Ph: 815-834-4023 to Jesus? two hints about the Paul says, “but when Fx: 815-588-6007 - GivE - relationship between of the corporal and the perfect comes, jlangenderfer Q: @dioceseofjoliet.org the Kingdom of God spiritual works of the imperfect will pass a student in need the gift www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ A few weeks ago, I was having a and us here in the mercy. God is love ...” away” (I Cor 13:10). edfoundation of a Catholic Education! particularly bad cup of coffee in world. The first is that But love is perfect. Chicago with a dear friend. She was it is God who breaks Love will not pass sharing with me some of her experiences into our world. Gabriel’s arrival at Mary’s away. Therefore, we dispose ourselves working with the poor and went on to house was utterly unexpected, so much to the Kingdom of God and even now comment that it was every Catholic’s duty so that he had to tell Mary, “Do not be begin to participate in it by learning to do their share to “build up the City of afraid.” God breaks through the accepted to love. Love is the whole meaning of God here on earth.” I’m not sure if it was order of things and provides newness and the Sacraments, of our prayer, of our due to the coffee or the sudden invasion places into our reality those divine things devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, of into my mind of the worst song ever which we ourselves cannot create. Mary, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. written, but that phrase left a bad taste in on her own, could never have borne the God is love, and therefore when that my mouth. Do we really build the Kingdom God-Man. This is something that God New Jerusalem does descend at God’s of God on earth? If so, how do we do that? Himself had to give. God alone gives bidding, we will already find ourselves The month of October is traditionally divine things, and what is more divine that citizens of that Kingdom because we the month in which we commemorate and the Kingdom of the Divine One? have prepared ourselves to recognize celebrate the exalted and glorious Mother The second hint is that we have to our King who is Love, and He will of God. It bears remembering that Mary dispose ourselves to receive God’s recognize Himself in us and in our love was nothing more than a poor teenager gifts. By a unique grace of God, Mary for one another (cf. Jn 13:35). from a small backwater village when the is without sin and continued living a life Mary’s Assumption into heaven is the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing singularly devoted to Him. She made proof of this for us. Because God’s love the coming of the Savior. Through God’s good on the prophet Isaiah’s words, dwelt deeply and perfectly within her, after work and favor, this obscure girl from “In the wilderness prepare the way of she had participated in His work on earth, an obscure town has come to be called the Lord, make straight in the desert He took her to Himself, who is the New blessed by all generations. a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3), Jerusalem. God Himself is the Kingdom My friend’s comment led me to Mary’s rendering her capable of receiving God’s of God. We do not build it up here, but He experience of the Lord’s salvation in her fullest revelation: His Son. builds us up in us – in our hearts – but we life. We typically understand that Mary was So, do we really build the Kingdom must clear the way for Him to do that. a particularly pious girl from a particularly of God here on earth? The short and pious family. While the historians argue easy answer is a resounding NO. If we Story by Father Michael Pawlowicz, a about the strain of messianic Judaism remember St. John’s Revelation, we know parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in from which she came, we can safely say that God’s Kingdom is supplied by Him West Chicago

10 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 11 yourstory YOUR STORY Cover Story

brightened with a smile. It was very enlightening to me, because brown desk, and a large window. I was alone that evening; my I was going there to sing. Singing is a passion of mine that I have roommate was out enjoying the night with our friends. It was Finding the been pursuing since I was very young. My fellow friends, family, still and quiet for me. I walked over to the large window and and teachers all told me I had a gift in singing. My mother told opened it. Rome was so beautiful. The luminous lights, the me several times over the years that my ability to sing was a soft roaring sounds of the city, the fresh air; it was incredible. I Light of Christ God-given gift. But, it never quite hit home until this trip. looked off in the far distance and saw something interesting. A Several months ago, on July 1, I flew from Chicago to Newark, grouped line of small, beady, orange lights floated in the air. I N.J., then to Rome, Italy. It was an exhausting two flights, but could not tell what it was, but it never appeared again. through Music the thought of being in Italy was so exciting to me. I could I enjoyed the sight while I could and looked up at the stars hardly wait to arrive in our first destination, Assisi, and enjoy shining above me. I began to pray, something I have not done in am 18 years old. As a teenager and the day in a beautiful, new country. And of course, I was excited years. I thanked God for the wonderful things I was blessed to pre-teen, I was a very religious girl. I to go on to Rome, a place I had only dreamed about in the past. have. I thanked Him for all the good things in my life. I started attended Catholic school, sang in the It was about three in the afternoon that day when my friends and to cry because I was overwhelmed with all the great things the I decided to explore Assisi. We had walked uphill on cobblestone Lord has given me. My mother was right. I did have a God- church youth choir, and even streets and saw majestic mountains and fresh green hills. We walked given talent. If I didn’t, why would I have been here? Singing thought about growing up and in the little city and saw many restaurants and shops, and I began to at the Vatican? How was I there, praying in Rome? I thanked Ipursuing a vocation as a nun. But as I feel something nagging inside of me. The shops’ windows had many Him so much for my gift, and I promised that I would give it became older, I struggled with a religious Christian trinkets and specialties, and it hurt me inside. I looked at back. I promised to share it with others, to light them up with conflict. A troublesome conflict that was them with a sorrowful heart, and thought: “What went wrong here?” the gracious effects of music as it had done for me. I promised upsetting and made my mind and heart I tried to shrug off the feelings I had, but it was difficult not to feel to perform with love, with compassion, so that everyone can a sense of regret. I wanted to believe, but the words of my friends in feel happy and joyous when they hear the music in their souls. restless. The conflict started about three high school were echoing in my head, and I was still tangled inside of Music is not made to be kept inside and held for one person to years ago when I was fifteen years old and them. I figured I should just get used to the things I saw. enjoy themselves; it is for the world to hear, to share and to love. a sophomore in high school. I befriended a It did not play out easily like that. It only got more intense. I felt That night was very special to me. The next day, I sang at the group of teenagers who were all very like I was being called to come to God again. I was beginning to Vatican with my promise in mind, and I felt God was definitely intelligent, curious, and assertive. They feel irritated with myself. I was asked to sing and partake in daily there by my side, showing me the beauty of the world I had in loved to discuss and debate what they Mass with our Italy music group, and they were all so strong in front of me. We stood in wooden risers in front of the cantors their faith. They were all so happy, so strong in their love of God, before us, singing proudly and happily through the spacious believed in. They were all atheists. It was and I felt furious. I felt like I was missing out on something; I felt room. The music rang sweetly through the Basilica that day, the never a problem for me; I was open minded I was hurting someone. I just had to overcome this conflict. glistening angel statues watching us from above. Everything was to hearing what was important to them. It was about a week into the trip when I had confronted the priest as serene and gorgeous as I had imagined. I looked all around me who led our Masses. He was a gentle man, a very kind and accepting and saw many glorious sights. One that stood out to me was that That is where things began to turn for me. I started losing person whom I knew I could talk to. I told him about my struggle everyone joined together in song and speech in different tongues my religious beliefs. I listened to what my friends believed, why and asked if I could talk with him in private about what I was feeling. – Italian, German and English. That was the most beautiful sight they thought most religions were false, including my own. And, I told him the arguments and rebuttals my friends had regarding and sound to me. I realized everyone in the enormous Basilica had unfortunately, it was very believable. I began to drift from God and certain Scriptures and Biblical stories, and he lifted the fog right off been on a faith path in their lives, and I wasn’t alone. questioned Him and what He does. I told my mom, and she told me of them, and I found some sunlight in his words. He had told me This trip had made me aware of the many beautiful things around she thought what I was experiencing was common for a teenager. She that the fact that I was having doubt and felt conflicted did not mean me in my life, and how the doubt of faith can quickly be overcome told me she had every faith I would return to my religious beliefs. But I was a bad Christian. He told me it merely meant my faith was and become stronger. I realized how my parents took care of this she told me I'd have to take my own path back to the Catholic faith. becoming stronger, and to hear him say that enlightened me. The conflict of mine through the years, and how they had supported it And that path became clearer during my senior year in high aggravating pull I felt within me was guilt. I felt relieved and a sense and left it alone. The independence had helped find my way back school. I was in class when I found out the news. My mother of joy when he had told me the conflict was healthy and normal. The to the path Christ had paved for me. Our God is very gracious and had sent me a text message, which said: “You’re going to Italy warped words of what was said to me loosened, and I felt free. I still merciful; He had showed me this love as well. Though I trailed off this summer to sing at the Vatican!!” had some lingering thoughts, but they were fading slowly but surely. His path for quite some time, He still showed me how His love is As the result of me being selected as a first-round finalist in a During the second week of the trip, every day seemed different unconditional, and He will support those in doubt, and I found the competition sponsored by Classical Singer magazine, I was invited after my talk with the priest. The sky seemed bluer, the grass light of Christ once again through music and the love of our Lord. to participate in the Assisi Music Festival. (Assisi is the town where seemed greener, and everything was very enjoyable and cheerful. At St. Francis of Assisi was born.) The festival’s choir was also invited this point in time, it was time to venture out to Rome, the home of Story by Karlie Traversa, 18, who recently started attending to sing at the Basilica in the Vatican in honor of the Vatican Choir’s the Vatican, where we were to sing of God’s unconditional love. North Park University in Chicago, where she is studying vocal 500th anniversary, while also receiving a private tour of the Vatican. It was the night before our performance. I was inside my hotel performance. She and her family are parishioners at the My heart felt like it jumped several feet in the air, and my face room, a spacious white room with two green beds, a golden Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet.

12 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 13 YOUR STORY Year of Faith

us the spiritual vision to glimpse this interconnectedness, Talk about “Heaven Can’t Wait!” Lay men and women months’ time. With a new face and a more engaging this close collaboration between heaven and earth. We are called to make the world holy “from within as leaven”! and interactive format, the website will be able to offer a occasionally experience the way that our lives are like Our work is to order all of our temporal affairs according centralized “clearinghouse” for various ways that parish threads woven into a beautiful tapestry. to the eternal plan of God. We are commissioned to staff and inquiring Catholics might continue to grow October’s theme for the Year of Faith reminds us: “Be weave the kingdom of God – already present but not yet in their faith and share it with friends and neighbors. Prepared – Heaven Can’t Wait.” Heaven is the destiny complete – into the very web of our daily lives. Whether it is greater understanding of one’s spiritual, for which we were created. It is both the goal toward It is with this vision in mind that the Newman Institute intellectual, or pastoral “formation,” or a general openness which we strive and our source of strength during this for Lay Formation is to the call for ongoing time of pilgrimage on earth. After all, heaven is not a launching into its next personal conversion, place, but a Person. Heaven is not somewhere beyond phase here in the Diocese Blessed John Henry Newman once diocesan agencies will this physical world, but it is Someone who is both in of Joliet. In other words, continue to support parish wrote: ‘Life is short; death is this world and yet not of this world. Indeed, what our with a focus on “Lay leaders as they bring the hearts most deeply desire is to be with the Lord Jesus, Leadership for the New certain; and the world to come is Gospel to life across the who draws us into the very life of the Blessed Trinity. He Evangelization,” Bishop seven counties in which himself said: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. R. Daniel Conlon wants everlasting.’ We all have a chance to make we serve the Lord. And the No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John the institute to help equip an everlasting impact during our short lives Newman Institute will serve 14:6) “Being prepared” entails taking Him at his word, lay men and women to the diocesan agencies in and then acting on it. assume leadership roles here on earth. Lay men and women are this great work. What if we looked for ways to clear the clutter of within parishes, as well as especially well-positioned to bring the Blessed John Henry our hearts in order to foster a deeper friendship with to witness to the Gospel Newman once wrote: “Life the Risen Lord, here and now? And what if each and within their families and Good News of Jesus to every corner of is short; death is certain; Blessed John Henry Newman, 1824 every one of us – as baptized followers of Christ and professional lives. The society – even to the and the world to commissioned children of God – helped make the institute’s second phase come is everlasting.” relationship, the inter-connection, the collaboration will also promote an even margins, as Pope We all have a chance between heaven and earth, more real in our daily lives? greater collaboration Francis has exhorted to make an everlasting This is one of the key issues which the Second Vatican among the various impact during our Lay Leadership Council explored some 50 years ago: the universal call diocesan agencies, as they us to consider.” short lives here on to holiness. It is the challenge, the work, and the mission strive to serve parish staff earth. Lay men and for the New Evangelization of lay men and women, in particular. We need to bring the members and volunteers in women are especially Gospel to life in the day-to-day world in which we live. building up the kingdom. well-positioned to bring In a passage whose power and insight are still striking, One dimension of building stronger relationships, the Good News of od has created me to do the Council Fathers put it this way: inter-connectedness, and collaboration will focus on Jesus to every corner Him some definite service. the ongoing partnership between the diocese and our of society – even to He has committed some “What specifically characterizes the laity is their secular three, local Catholic universities. Benedictine University, the margins, as Pope work to me which He has nature ... the laity, by their very vocation, seek the Lewis University and the University of St. Francis have Francis has exhorted us kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and distinctive charisms and missions. However, the leaders to consider. not committed to another. by ordering them according to the plan of God. They of these universities recognize that what unites us is our Both the Church and the world need lay leaders who G… I am a link in a chain, a bond of live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular catholicity, our fidelity to the fullness of the faith revealed are willing to live and share the Gospel. After all, the connection between persons.” These professions and occupations. They live in the ordinary by Christ and handed on by the Church. Our Catholic theme “Be Prepared – Heaven Can’t Wait” challenges lines from Blessed John Henry Newman’s circumstances of family and social life, from which the universities are committed to working with the diocese us to be ready to become a “link in the chain,” in order to famous prayer remind us of how closely very web of their existence is woven. They are called in order to help share the wide variety of resources and help lift others to the fullness of life. we are connected to everyone we meet. there by God that by exercising their proper function learning opportunities which they are able to offer, and and led by the spirit of the Gospel they may work for thereby to serve the Church’s mission here and now. For more information on the Newman Institute Newman also points to the mysterious mission that God the sanctification of the world from within as a leaven. Another important aspect of the “Lay Leadership” has for each one of us. In our daily lives, we don’t often In this way they may make Christ known to others, phase of the Newman Institute will center on the for Lay Formation, go to www.dioceseofjoliet. realize the ways that God works through us to help bring especially by the testimony of a life resplendent in faith, continuing call for a new evangelization and on the new org/evangelization/instituteMission.asp. others closer to heaven. However, the gift of faith gives hope and charity.” (Lumen Gentium, n. 31) diocesan website, which should be unveiled within a few

14 ChristChrist isis ourour HopeHope // OctoberOctober 20132013 // Dioceseofjoliet.orgDioceseofjoliet.org Story by David Spesia, the diocesan director for the NewmanInterview Institute by for Carlos Lay Formation Briceño 15 Hope in the resurrection means that ourselves in relationships, refusing to “If up till now you have kept Him at a distance, we have a pledge that is trustworthy. To commit our hearts to the Lord's work for use the language of St. Paul in his second fear that He will back out on us before it's step forward. He will receive you with open letter to the Corinthians we can say, "But all over. the one who gives us security with you At this point we can return to the first arms. If you have been indifferent, take a risk: you won’t be in Christ and who anointed us is God; illustration and understand the mindset disappointed. If following Him seems difficult, don’t be He has also put His seal upon us and of a saint. A saint is always doing exactly given the Spirit in our hearts as a first what he would do if he were going to afraid, trust Him. Be confident that He is close to you; He is installment." (1:21-22) "First installment" die that day, because a saint is already is a very evocative phrase that is based on counting on the full inheritance for with you, and He will give you the peace you are looking for a financial concept of promised payments which he already has the and the strength to live as He would have you do.” or "pledges," such as we might use when first installment. If a saint is speaking of fundraising. We speak of told that he will be dying, "pledges" that donors make to give a he simply knows that he certain amount of money. A pledge is not is going to receive the full wait for heaven, but we Vigil in 2013 saying, "How often does yet a concrete gift; it is only a promise. payment, but he has already cannot earn it either. It is Love have to tell us: Why do you look Even still, a pledge can be enough to been living as if he had the a gift. Heaven is the gift of for the living among the dead? Our daily move forward on a major building- full payment so it does not Christ's love, which can problems and worries can wrap us up in project. When we are so confident that change his behavior. A saint never be earned, it can only ourselves, in sadness and bitterness... and the pledge will be honored and the donor knows that, with God, a be received. Pope Francis that is where death is. That is not the place will come through with the money as it is pledge is as good as gold. A fervently spoke about this to look for the One who is alive! Let the needed, we are ready to commit ourselves saint lives with full certainty that God's in his 2013 Easter Urbi et Orbi message. risen Jesus enter your life, welcome Him as and spend ourselves, even going into promises are as good as "money in the He uses the passive voice repeatedly to a friend, with trust: He is life!" debt if needed. On the other hand, if we bank," and he already begins to borrow indicate that this is something we can Pope Francis continues that homily by hesitate in fear or change the project in against them. only allow to happen to us, not something encouraging us not to make excuses, not to a way not acceptable to the one pledging But we must be careful; there can be false that we create for ourselves: "So this is the give up, not to exclude ourselves from the funds, we will lose the pledge. paths as we try to live in the resurrection. invitation which I address to everyone: Let power of Christ's resurrection. To return To bring this back to spiritual realities, In a homily for deceased cardinals and us accept the grace of Christ’s Resurrection! to our initial image of a pledge and a first when we speak of God's pledge, it is not bishops, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Let us be renewed by God’s mercy, let us installment, we could say that Pope Francis a matter of money and building, but a warns us about one of the false paths that be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power is describing the first installment: we matter of life and love. Our "project" is a can result from a flawed understanding of His love to transform our lives too; already have what we need to get started Looking Forward to the project of loving and building a civilization of the resurrection, saying, "The search and let us become agents of this mercy, and if we spend it boldly on the project of love through a culture of encounter. for the 'things that are above' does not channels through which God can water the of loving, we will never run out. Let us Our pledge is a pledge of life. When we mean that Christians must neglect their earth, protect all creation and make justice take his words to heart: "If up till now you Resurrection invest our life in the project of loving, earthly obligations and duties, rather that and peace flourish." have kept Him at a distance, step forward. we will find that God fulfills His pledge they must not get lost in them, as if they Pope Francis goes on to describe what He will receive you with open arms. If by continuing to give us more life. He had a definitive value" (Nov. 4, 2010). will happen when we receive the grace you have been indifferent, take a risk: you of the Dead even overflows the abyss of death with a Sometimes Christians, in their focus on of the resurrection and when we boldly won’t be disappointed. If following Him superabundance of life so that nothing heaven, could be tempted to think that it spend our first installment, confident seems difficult, don’t be afraid, trust Him. will interfere with the ultimate project of is useless to improve this world. This false in God's pledge, "And so we ask the Be confident that He is close to you; He is loving. The condition is that we invest our attitude would be like the man who buried risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to with you, and He will give you the peace hat difference does the resurrection life in the promised project – a project of his talent in the ground. The right path for change hatred into love, vengeance into you are looking for and the strength to live make in our lives? When asked what he loving. If we hesitate in fear, or waste our us is to use our talents, to spend our first forgiveness, war into peace. Yes, Christ is as He would have you do." would do if he knew this were his last life on another project, then God will not installment courageously, making every our peace, and through Him we implore day to live, a saint responded, "I would fulfill His pledge of eternal life, a life that effort to extend the love of God into the peace for all the world." This is a powerful Story by Father Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine priest and monk of St. continue to do exactly what I am doing." overflows the abyss of death. lives of others. The "serene detachment" description of the impact that Christ can The trouble is that pledges in this from the results, that Pope Emeritus have on the world, especially when we Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa. HopeW in the resurrection frees us to do the will of God, no world can fall through. This adds stress Benedict spoke about earlier in this homily, consider the many troubles in our world, He is a program matter how great or how insignificant that might be in and tempts us to resort to safer paths. helps us to give without counting the cost, such as in Syria, Egypt, throughout the manager and the eyes of the world. In contrast, someone with no hope In the spiritual realm, we are challenged holding nothing back out of fear. Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa and all host for “We Are in the resurrection who is told he may have one or two to look past all of our experiences of Another false path that we could take as the war-torn areas of the world. One Body” radio days to live will fearfully waste all his remaining time human failure and make the act of trust we consider the first installment of heaven The challenge is for us to go out of network, which records podcasts trying to figure out how to extend his life. Hope in the that God will never let us down. When that we have already received is thinking ourselves, to stop trusting only in our own we can make that act of trust, we find that we have to earn the rest. This trap is resources, our own efforts, our own ideas of Bishop R. resurrection frees us to focus on loving others, on making the courage to spend our inheritance on very common in our modern meritocracy and to open up to Christ with hope in the Daniel Conlon’s a gift of our lives, rather than wasting precious time by loving. The alternative is to be miserly with its demanding work ethic and long power of the Resurrection. Pope Francis thoughts every fearfully trying to figure out how to delay death. with our love, holding back, not investing work week. We cannot sit back and simply preached along these lines at the Easter week.

16 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 17 YOUR STORY Maybe it was because I was just starting the Ojibwe, and where the French came Feature Story Ruth D. Nelson, the author of the graduate studies in art history, or because to trade goods for furs. As the mission article, stands in front of a Marquette monument at 4800 S. Harlem. It’s I was a new convert to Catholicism, but site grew into a settlement, and then officially titled “Chicago Portage – I was deeply moved by the image of into a city, Marquette was recognized as poor, Catholic and unwelcome. To some The Waterway West,” by Ferdinand Marquette in the black robe of his Jesuit the city’s founder. Marquette had been degree, they too shared Marquette’s Rebechini and June Decker. order. For me, it symbolized a life of preceded by other notable “black robes” experience, leaving home to start a new sacrifice; Marquette left a life of relative – a term to describe missionary priests life in a strange new land. Chicagoans comfort in France to bring Christianity to the Indians – such as Father Isaac and mounted a cross to mark Marquette’s to the Native Americans of the Great Father Charles Raymbault, and it is to passage along the Chicago River, which Lakes. Especially skilled in speaking the these men a museum and lookout tower a century ago became a pilgrimage site. native language, strong and energetic, he was dedicated. But I noted with some Father Marquette became a saint by was recruited to join Joliet in exploring sadness that the legacy of Marquette was popular acclaim, which led The New York the Mississippi River in 1673. They and fading. Once a central figure in the area’s Times, no less, to ponder exactly why this their party canoed down Lake Michigan, history, he is now a footnote. man was not yet canonized. through the Fox, then Wisconsin River to I was more hopeful traveling further Louis Joliet was also honored for his the Great Mississippi, where they travelled west along Lake Superior, to the city participation in the journey of exploration as far south as Arkansas. For their return that bears his name, Marquette, MI. and evangelization. A French-Canadian, trip, they took a shortcut up the Illinois Though no longer the star he once was, Joliet could not resist the life of a voyageur River where Marquette met the Illini and there stands a stately bronze statue and spent a lifetime in exploration and promised to return to share the Gospel in his honor, a replica of the marble trade. A devout Catholic, he and Marquette with them. True to his word, he returned statue sculpted in Florence, Italy, which were well suited for each other. Returning to start the first mission in Illinois. But he stands in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall in from their Mississippi River expedition via took ill, and on his return to St. Ignace, Washington, D.C. Today Father Marquette the Des Plaines River, Joliet recorded on a MI, he died on the eastern shore of Lake is eclipsed by Father Frederic Baraga, map a mound which he called Mt. Joliet. Michigan.He was 37 years old. the immigrant priest from Slovenia who Here the city of Joliet grew. The more I studied Marquette’s life, became the first bishop of the Diocese There were no accolades for Marquette the more I was humbled by his courage, of Marquette. I visited the crypt at St. during his lifetime, but that was not what devotion and selflessness. It was not just Peter’s Cathedral, where an altar cloth he sought. His goal was to bring Christ to all legend; I could read Marquette’s own made by the Ojibwe was a reminder of whom he encountered; for the Illini people, account in the journal he wrote before Baraga’s tireless work in protecting the it was the first evangelization. Yet centuries he died. I saw that there were many rights of Native Americans. Too often, it later, perhaps we can recognize some others who responded the same way, was the Catholic priest who was the only parallels to Marquette’s journey. Often faced as I discovered monuments and statues champion local tribes had. I was moved with indifference or even hostility, I wonder dedicated to Marquette throughout the by the courage shown to protect the how well can I defend or explain the faith. Midwest. Over the course of a few years, I weakest members of society. How authentically am I living the faith? The more I visited 21 cities and towns around the Great Well into his 1673 Mississippi For a model of living a saintly life in Lakes and Mississippi River and saw for journey, without encountering any other a changing society, the life of Marquette studied myself the distances he had traveled. I drove inhabitants, Marquette recorded in his offered valuable lessons for me. He was from town to town in my Ford Focus and journal that they had spotted tracks along not a remote figure living far off, but Marquette’s life, the stayed at the Super 8 hotels along the way. the water’s edge. They wanted to meet one who walked through our prairies and paddled down our more I was humbled by With my AAA maps, it was pretty easy these people, but neither did they want to travel and not get lost. It did give me to frighten them. Before their approach, rivers. We don’t need to his courage, devotion pause, though, to imagine how Marquette Marquette noted that “we heartily fly to Europe to walk in traveled, either by canoe or portaging commended ourselves to God ... and the footsteps of a holy and selflessness.” on foot through swampland, even as implored His aid.” Those were powerful man; we can do that A Trail of Faith temperatures dropped below freezing. words to me; as he acknowledged his fear, right here. Marquette didn’t enjoy the luxury of a he persevered through prayer. map; it was his job to draw it. If he was Throughout Wisconsin, statues, first learned about Father Jacques Marquette, the 17th-century French Jesuit lucky, a local native guide, who knew monuments, and road markers To learn about missionary explorer, in third grade. I distinctly remember the lesson of how the rivers and terrain, was there to help. commemorate Marquette and Joliet’s – or buy – the Marquette and Louis Joliet, a Canadian explorer, explored the Mississippi River, But more often than not, he and his team journey through the state. Driving hour book, “Searching but since then I hadn’t given that chapter of history much thought. That suddenly were on their own. Material comfort for upon hour, I had plenty of time to for Marquette: A changed when I viewed the Tiffany glass mosaic depicting episodes from Marquette was utterly meaningless. What consider what conditions must have been Pilgrimage in Art,” go to Marquette did have was a complete trust in like for the early Catholics. Marquette’s life. All of a sudden, I had a desire to learn more about Marquette and the www.marquette.edu/ I God and a comfort in the Blessed Virgin Closer to home, I found more reminders art dedicated in his honor, leading me on an exploration of our earliest Catholic roots, Mary, to whom he was deeply devoted. of devotion to Marquette. By the turn of mupress/Nelson_Searching_ resulting in my book, “Searching for Marquette: A Pilgrimage in Art,” a study of the Marquette’s first mission was in Sault the last century, Chicago experienced an for_Marquette.shtml. statues and monuments dedicated to Father Marquette. Ste. Marie, the ancient gathering place of influx of immigration – many of them

18 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Ruth D. Nelson, a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc in Lisle 19 YOUR STORY

Respect Life Month

to smell my skin, nor did she die signs that the scars from Melanie was sick, yes, but 20 years because the tragedy warm and loved in my arms. my abortion existed. I had that didn’t make her any of abortion is not the end of There was no kiss goodbye. repeated nightmares of less human. I remember the story. Jesus dispels the lies; The days that followed running from something so acknowledging, I have broken He shatters them with His life- brought no cards of sympathy, horrible, so terrifying, that the commandment, “Thou giving light. no meals and no flowers. No I would awaken, unable to shall not kill”; I collaborated Not long ago, I had a dream. one called. sleep the rest of the night. I with the doctors in the murder I dreamt I was sitting in the Well, I have new questions suffered from many things but of my child. pew of a church. these days. What could I say, never attributed them to my I remember In this dream, I what could I show others abortion. After all, I had been thinking what glanced down at contemplating abortion? Could told that abortion was safe a not-so- my hands. They I tell them the damage to their and simple. I suffered from perfect child were covered souls would require such intense insomnia, anxiety, flashbacks, could have in blood. The healing, that no one, short of the intense grief. I had dreams meant to me memory of my Lord, could heal the depth of of babies crying; I could not and my family. aborted baby that wound? Could I tell them stand hearing babies cry. I remember flashed through that the pain of their decisions Sensing something was not thinking what my mind, would remain like a heavy quite right, I tried counseling, Melanie could and I awoke, weight until one day they would but quit. I walked away and have meant Nancy Menzies-Kreuzer panicked. But have to come to terms with it, did what I had always done. to the world it didn’t take one way or another? Could I I buried my emotions, set my – how she might have helped me but a few moments to explain to them that one day, like jaw and plowed forward. close the gap on that twisted recognize the dream as a me, they might be quietly sitting Then one day, after 49 years thinking: the barometer our lie, for my hands have been at home, and all of a sudden of living outside of God’s present culture often uses to washed clean by the blood of they’d remember the abortion Church and after 15 years of define what it sees as good the Lamb. facility and recall that slight suffering from my abortion, enough to warrant keeping He surely is all He promises fluttering, low, on the left side of Christ came rushing into my and what it views as imperfect – our Good Shepherd, the After an Abortion: their abdomen, the movement of life, unsolicited by me. Yet, enough to throw away. Lord of healing and hope. their unborn child? He came riding on the prayers John 8:32 says, “And you A Story of God’s Mercy I rarely, if ever, thought of two friends, I would later shall know the truth and Story by Nancy Menzies- about the abortion. Or the discover, who had prayed for the truth shall set you free.” Kreuzer, who serves as baby. Oh, I had secretly me for 20 years. Knowing the truth was the the Chicago regional This article below contains sensitive information. Please be aware this is one named her Melanie. But I There He was, the Sweet beginning step of healing coordinator for the Silent person’s account on what she experienced during and after an abortion. never told anyone her name; Shepherd calling. He for me. I had to be able to No More Awareness I never spoke of her. The welcomed me, the lost lamb. name what I had done. So I Campaign, a non- have often was a baby old enough to baby was no longer referred figure and my trusted anniversary of her death He accepted me. And He came asked my priest if he would denominational Christian distinguish my voice, a baby to as a baby. Instead, I heard caregiver. But I do not mean to quietly passed each year. right into the blood, the death, hear my confession. It was organization (www. asked myself old enough to feel pain. These language such as “lethal imply that I was not complicit. After the abortion, I did the shame and the devastation during confession, as I knelt silentnomoreawareness. what could are all questions I have asked. pregnancy” or “fetus.” And in Perhaps I did suspect the as my doctor advised; I went of that abortion, and He said, before God, that I came org) and a joint project have altered My baby was 22 weeks, and regard to his recommendation, horrifying reality of what I home and tried not to look “I am King even here. I reign, to understand that Jesus of Priests for Life and the events I was five-and-a-half months’ I heard “empty the contents was agreeing to, but I never back. Along with Melanie, EVEN here.” And I heard Jesus had come for me – not the Anglicans for Life. Silent that led up to my pregnant, when an ultrasound of the womb” or “terminate asked what a second-trimester the memory of the abortion say to me, in my heart, I want perfect, not the righteous, No More seeks to help I revealed she had water on the the pregnancy.” The distortion abortion would mean for my was buried in a grave so deep to heal you. I want to make but the imperfect. The sinner, those wounded by abortion abortion. brain. I was still lying on the in language was a sign that baby. And I would not seek I rarely brought it to the you whole. the wounded. And I knew and to educate the public, How is it, I have asked, table, the audible heartbeat the kind of care my baby the answer to this question for forefront of my thinking. Yet it was still difficult. that nothing, not even my through personal testimony, that I, a mother of a two of my baby resounding in and I had been receiving was 15 years. Looking back, there were I remember thinking, abortion, could keep me from of the devastation abortion year old – a good mother, the examining room, when drastically changing. The abortion was a two- His love. And I knew that God has on the lives of women a loving mother – could so the technician turned off the The doctor told me day procedure, and it was not is very, very good. and men. Nancy resides calculatingly agree to end the machine, excused herself and “termination” would be a simple. If you have had an abortion and need healing How does God transform a in Glen Ellyn, is married, life of a baby I already knew? abruptly left the room. She simple procedure. I could put After the abortion, I vomited or someone to talk to, call 866.994.4483 to get life? Jesus said, “Come ... you has two grown children This was a baby I could feel returned a few minutes later with all this behind me, get on with in the parking lot and rode more information about attending a Rachel’s are weary. You can find rest in and is going through the moving in my womb, a baby the doctor who told me my child my life, and try for another home in silence. There was no me.” (Matthew 11:28) I am forgiven RCIA process in order to with eyebrows, eyelashes was sick. He then recommended pregnancy. I never questioned little body to bury, no doll-size Vineyard Retreat. Or to learn more about the and set free from the abortion become Catholic. She can and fingernails grown to the terminating the pregnancy. his advice. Why? Maybe casket, no graveside to adorn retreat, go to www.rachelsvineyard.org. that enslaved me physically, be reached at: Chicago@ ends of the fingertips. This From this point on, my because he was the authority with flowers. My baby never got emotionally and spiritually for silentnomoreawareness.org.

20 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 21 Things to Do

Retreat Offers Healing from Abortion

Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats offer an opportunity for healing to men and women who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. The next retreat will be held on Nov. 8-10 at Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer, Lemont. For more information, call 1.866.994.4483 or go to www. dioceseofjoliet.org/life/healing. Photo by: Your Photo Opp asp to register. Sept. 11 Prayer Service – Father Kevin Farrell, pastor at Holy Ghost Parish in Wood Dale, was dressed in his police chaplain’s uniform for an interfaith prayer service at the parish Tree of Light Infant Memorial attended by first responders from nearby communities on Sept. 11 in honor of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Attendees were given the opportunity to light a candle and say Mass to be Held in November the name of someone who was or is in the military, police or fire departments.

All families and individuals are the moral foundation they’ve formed welcome to attend a 2 p.m. Mass St. Mary Nativity Catholic School at St. Mary Nativity”, said Father John on Nov. 3 at St. Raphael Parish, Wins Plastic Bag Recycling Belmonte, S.J., diocesan superintendent Naperville, to remember babies Challenge of Catholic Schools. who have been lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, Students at St. Mary Nativity Catholic other pregnancy losses or early School in Joliet won the per-capita based Brother Jeffrey Gros Dies childhood death. Family members 2012-2013 Plastic Bag Recycling may wish to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to Challenge by collecting about 76,000 Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, the Catholic register and gather in the church. plastic bags between October and Studies Scholar in Residence at Lewis Before the Mass begins, a special April. As a winner of the competition, University in Romeoville, died on Aug. outdoor ceremony for family the school was awarded a TREX bench 12. He was 75. A highly distinguished members to commemorate these made from recycled plastic bags. scholar, he was praised for his work in St. Patrick’s in Joliet babies will be held. A reception Twenty-seven schools from Will County broadening the scope and understanding with light refreshments will be participated in the competition with St. of ecumenism and acknowledged for Celebrates 175th Anniversary served immediately following. Mary Nativity having the smallest student having participated in countless numbers population of 178 students where of dialogues with religious groups. In John Michael Talbot to Hold each student collected an average of his later years, Brother Gros was dean t. Patrick’s Parish in Joliet held a Mass to 426 bags. All of the schools together of the Institute for Catholic Ecumenical celebrate its 175th anniversary on Sept. 7. Concert at Holy Trinity Parish collected 726,000 bags that will be Leadership through 2012 and worked in November recycled into TREX plastic lumber. “I’m with the Catechetical Office in the Bishop R. Daniel Conlon presided at the Mass, very proud of our students who are very Diocese of Joliet. He also served as which was attended by local dignitaries. Here is Platinum-selling, contemporary conscious of the environment and take president of the Society for Pentecostal an excerpt from the homily of Father Peter G. Christian music legend John great pride in reducing the consumption Studies, consultant to the Archdiocese Jankowski, the pastor of the parish: Michael Talbot will be at Holy of plastic bags”, said Larry White, S of Chicago office of Ecumenical and Trinity Parish, Westmont, for principal of St. Mary Nativity. The St. Interreligious Affairs, and adjunct “One hundred and seventy five this parish to make it grow all over ... every time a parish mission from Nov. Mary Nativity team had 24 dedicated professor at the Catholic Theological years and so many struggles, joys and again. I have come to the conclusion someone thinks this 5-7. Each evening begins at members of the 5th-grade Team Green Union. “Brother Jeffrey devoted his life moments of change for this parish. that this parish is never going to be parish has fallen on hard 7 p.m. Contact the parish at who led the effort in encouraging all with great dedication to the Lasallian What amazes me about this parish is rich, nor is this parish ever going to 630.968.1266 or call Clare students (kindergarten through 8th- ministry of education,” said Brother times, we have come to find Walker at 630.719.7394 for grade) and parish members to contribute James Gaffney, FSC, president of that every time someone thinks that be the largest. All we are, simply put, a new group of immigrants more information. Admission is to the success of the plastic bag donation Lewis University. “He was noted for his this parish is on the decline and every is the hosta plant of the Joliet diocese. and families of immigrants time someone thinks this parish has And for a church dedicated to saving free, though a “love offering” drive. “The students of St. Mary Nativity scholarly work on the implementation of who repopulate this parish to will be collected each evening to demonstrate why we teach more in the Second Vatican Council and Catholic fallen on hard times, we have come to souls and rebuilding over and over support Talbot’s ministry. our Catholic schools by changing and initiatives on ecumenism and ecumenical find a new group of immigrants and again, we seem to be a most resilient make it grow all over again.” bettering their communities based on education.” families of immigrants who repopulate hosta plant in this garden of faith!”

22 Christ is our Hope / October 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Photos by Jim Smith 23 St. Matthew Parish, St. Mary Glendale Heights Nativity Parish, Joliet

St. Joseph Parish, Downers Grove

This magazine reaches you each month courtesy of your parish, St. Procopius Abbey in Lisle generous donors and the Diocese of Joliet.

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