Bishop Joins USCCB in Asking for Aid to Middle East Christians

ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE OBSERVER Official Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Volume 79 | No. 38 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

Inside Special Collection to be Sept. 13-14 Bishop Joins USCCB In Asking for Aid to

Catechists to be Honored Sept. 21 Middle East Christians pg. 4 BY SHARON BOEHLEFELD Bishop Malloy reminded di- Features Editor ocesan Catholics of the prayer (CNS photo/Rodi Said, Reuters) requests made for suffering A woman who ed the violence in the Iraqi town of Sinjar sits with a ROCKFORD—Bishop Da- Christians in the Middle East, child inside a tent at a camp in Syria’s northern town of Qamishli Aug. 17. Returning from a visit to the Kurdish region of Iraq, Syriac Catho- vid Malloy has asked priests whose plight, “We have all in the Rockford Diocese to lic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan called the Islamic State invasion been following, in prayer and “pure and simple religious cleansing and attempted genocide.” take up a second collection to human concern. help refugees in “the cradle of “Our fellow Christians and He explained that Archbish- Relief Services and other Cath- Christianity,” the Middle East. Catholics ... and other religious op Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, olic agencies that are “working The collections will be taken minorities,” he wrote, are suffer- president of the United States in partnership with the local at Masses the weekend of Sept. ing in Iraq, Gaza and Syria, as Conference of Catholic Bish- Church to meet the most urgent 13-14. well as in the surrounding coun- ops, has asked each diocese to humanitarian needs facing the In a letter read a Masses, tries to which they have fl ed. donate to a fund for Catholic people.” Sheen Cause Suspended Johnsburg Ultrasound Blessed, Ready for Use pg. 5 BY PAT SZPEKOWSKI Observer Correspondent JOHNSBURG—The atmo- sphere was fi lled with joy and appreciation for God’s infi nite goodness by staff and volunteers as the 1st Way Life Cen- ter celebrated the blessing of Life’s Journey a Focus its new ultrasound machine by For School and Bishop David Malloy on Satur- For Seminarian’s Talk day afternoon, Sept. 6. Vocations, pgs. 8-9 The donation of the ultrasound machine to the center was made possible by the Knights of Columbus Councils in McHenry County and the combined fundraising efforts led by Knights of Columbus members Clarence Gburek and Ron Rood of Sacred Heart Church in Marengo. “With everyone’s help through hanging fl ower baskets and pumpkin sales and a suc- (Observer photo by Dan Szpekowski) cessful golf outing organized Surrounded by Knights of Columbus members from McHenry County Councils, sta and volunteers, Continued on page 3 Bishop David Malloy blesses the new ultrasound machine at the 1st Way Life Center. On Saturday, Catholic Hearts are for Haiti Love and Faith Forever Family, pgs. 10-11

This Issue

Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Headliners ...... 3 Diocesan ...... 4, 12, 20 Nation/World ...... 5-7 Vocations ...... 8-9 Forever Family ...... 10-11 Around the Diocese ...... 13-14

Media/Arts ...... 15 (Observer photo by Lynne Conner) (Observer photo by Sharon Boehlefeld) Faith Forum ...... 16 Viewpoints ...... 17 Big Get-Together Helps LC School A Night in the Tropics Builds More Lives For the Record ...... 18 pg. 12 pg. 20 2 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

The Observer (ISSN 0029- Lift High the Cross on Exultation Sunday 7739), is published weekly, except five times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, by Bishop David J. Malloy 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 his Sunday, we will celebrate the the cross we should be reminded of our reminded that, like Jesus, we too do not Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax Exultation of the Holy Cross. It own need to be not proud or arrogant, but carry our crosses alone. But unlike 2,000 815/399-6225. is one of those few celebrations to be humble in imitation of Jesus. years ago, it is now Christ who helps each Periodical postage paid at directly related to Jesus that Then there is Jesus’ willing embrace of us with our personal crosses. And we Rockford, Ill., and additional Ttake precedence over the normal Sunday of the will of His Father. Several weeks are always being given opportunities to mail offices. celebration. But given its importance ago, I happened upon Mel Gibson’s movie help others to carry their crosses. POSTMASTER: send address to our faith and our spiritual life, we “The Passion of the Christ” replaying on For all of these reasons, and many more changes to The Observer, 555 can certainly see why that is the case. television one evening. I had not seen it that your own prayer and thoughts might Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box On one level the cross was the historical since it came out in 2004. come across, we celebrate not just the 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 means by which Christ died. However, the Watching it once again, one image memory of the cross, but its exaltation. For ADVERTISING information: death of Jesus by that instrument was not captivated my thoughts. After His terrible We praise and venerate the cross because Contact The Observer at the address above or call 815/399- simply one more in a series of executions scourging and beating, Jesus is presented it cannot be separated from Jesus’ death, 4300; fax 815/399-6225, in that brutal form used by the Romans. with His cross to carry. In the movie, from the Mass, or from our way to the E-mail: kmccarthy@ Rather, it was the Son of God, hidden despite His pain and weakness, Jesus Father. rockforddiocese.org. from our view by His humanity, taking does not shrink from the cross or take it Every Catholic home should have Send NEWS information to The the sins of the world upon Himself and, up reluctantly. Instead, it was subtle but at least one crucifix (if not more) Observer at the address or fax on the cross, offering Himself in our place clear that despite His tired and pain-racked prominently displayed. Placing one in the number above; send email to to His heavenly Father. This fact is vitally body, He embraced His cross. (“Father … bedroom reminds us when we go to bed Observer@rockforddiocese. org; or fill out a form at important to our faith because only by not my will but yours be done.”) at the end of the day and when we begin a http://observer.rockforddiocese. faith can it be perceived. The world sees What a reminder as we struggle through new day of the love and sacrifice of Jesus org/contact-us. only a defeated and dying man. moments of pain, sorrow, and maybe for us. Parents, did you pack one in the Subscription rate $28.00 per Aside from the historical reality of even spiritual darkness. We can take up kid’s belongings for the dorm room as they year (48 issues); Canadian Jesus’ crucifixion, there are lessons to be our struggle with complaints and laments headed off to college? If not, it’s not too and Pan American $29; other learned from the cross that we venerate because we can’t really avoid it, or we can late to send them one! foreign: surface mail $37, air on this feast. For example, the Romans do our best to follow the example of Christ Above all, the exultation of the cross mail $97; single copies $1. used this means of torture and execution by giving ourselves over to what the reminds us that the sacrifice of Jesus is The Observer Online digital because it was humiliating as well as Father asks of us. personal. Yes, He did it for the whole subscriptions are also available. horribly painful. Finally, there is the person of Simon world. But it is vitally important that we Publisher: To die before your friends and neighbors of Cyrene who helped Jesus to carry His recognize that His sacrifice was done for Most Reverend David J. Malloy stripped nearly naked and pinned to cross. While the Gospels indicate the each of us.

wooden beams was recognized then (as it Romans forced him to do so, we can well Every time, then, that we see a crucifix, Associate Publisher: Msgr. Eric Barr would be now) as removing every element speculate and pray over whether Simon’s we are helped to stand with Mary and of human dignity. However, Jesus, because proximity to Christ and the cross in that John at the foot of the cross. Jesus’ love Editor: Penny Wiegert He is the Son of God, gave us a greater moment might have brought about within has transformed it from humiliation and News Editor: Amanda Hudson example of humility than will ever be him a willing acceptance of his task. torture to the instrument of our salvation. Features and Multimedia asked of any of us. Every time we look at Meditating on Simon’s role, we are Lift high the Cross! Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith The The Church, Our Mother Ludolph Pope Accounting: Jill Bonk From General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, Sept. 3 on ... Advertising and Marketing: by POPE FRANCIS Kevin McCarthy (CNS photo/Claudio Peri, pool via Reuters) Production and Web We have pointed out many Vatican Council expressed it in the womb of the Church. From becomes a child of the Church, Administrator: Gary Haughton a wonderful way (see Dogmatic the moment that Christ is the who enters the Church. And times in previous catecheses Contributing Writers: Bishop that one does not become Constitution, Lumen Gentium, firstborn among many breth- from that day, like an attentive Emeritus Thomas G. Doran, Christian by oneself, that is, nn. 63-64). ren (see Rom 8:29) and our mama, she helps us grow in Father John Slampak, Father through one’s own effort, au- The motherhood of Mary is first brother Jesus was born of faith and she shows us, with Kenneth Wasilewski, Keith tonomously. Neither are Chris- surely unique, singular, and Mary. He is the model, and we the strength of the Word of Ludolph, Lynne Conner, tians made in a laboratory, but was brought about in the full- are all born of the Church. God, the path of salvation, George Weigel, Father Ronald they are created and they grow ness of time, when the Virgin We understand, then, how the defending us from harm. Rolheiser, Tony Carton, in the faith within that great gave birth to the Son of God, relationship which unites Mary The Church has received from Pat Szpekowski, Margarita body which is the Church. conceived through the power and the Church is so deep: by Jesus the precious treasure of Mendoza In this sense the Church is truly of the Holy Spirit. looking at Mary, we discover the Gospel, not to retain it for Publication Dates: Weekly except that in 2014 there will be mother, our Mother Church — it However, the motherhood of the most beautiful and most herself, but to give it gener- no issues on Jan. 3, May 30, is beautiful to say it this way: the Church is established in tender face of the Church, and ously to others, as a mama Aug. 29, Oct. 31 and Dec. 26. our Mother Church — a mother precise continuity with that by looking at the Church, we would do. who gives us life in Christ and of Mary, as her continuation recognize the sublime features In this service of evangeliza- News Deadlines: Usually, 10 who lets us live with all the in history. The Church, in the of Mary. tion, the Church, committed as days before publication date. other brothers and sisters in the fruitfulness of the Spirit, contin- We Christians are not orphans, a mother, manifests her moth- Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 communion of the Holy Spirit. ues to generate new children in we have a mama, we have a erhood in a special way, to days before publication date. In her motherhood, the Church Christ, always listening to the mother, and this is great! We offer her children the spiritual Official information on the poli- has the Virgin Mary as a Word of God and in docility to are not orphans! The Church is nourishment which nurtures cies, activities, and positions of the Diocese of Rockford is model, the most beautiful and His plan of love. mother; Mary is mother. and makes the Christian life bear fruit. released only in the pages of most lofty model that there The Church is mother. The The Church is our mother The Observer, or in state- could be. This was already conception of Jesus in Mary’s because she has given birth However, we are all called to ments from the Diocesan evidenced in the first Christian womb, in fact, is the prelude to to us in baptism. Each time receive with an open mind and Office of Communications and communities and the Second the birth of every Christian in we baptize a baby, he or she Continued on page 19 Publications. The Observer uses recycled paper and is recyclable. Weekdays about Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy Our Mission is the mission of the Church itself — to 6:58 a.m. Live on WREX-TV, Channel 13 in Rockford. spread the Gospel through on WREX-TV Listen anytime to archived broadcasts at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy. contemporary means of Programs brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Presence Cor Mariae Center and St. Anne Center | Fitzgerald Funeral Homes communications. Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Office of Stewardship, Diocese of Rockford Member of: Mondays about Catholic Forum with Bishop Malloy Live on WROK Radio, 1440 AM in Rockford and on the Web. Call in with questions at 815/398-9765. 10:05 a.m. For live streaming audio on the Web, go to http://observer.rockforddiocese.org, click on Bishop Malloy and then click on on WROK-AM Catholic Forum. The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 3

Headliners Johnsburg Ultrasound Blessed, Ready for Use From page 1 Bishop Malloy said he had by the Knights of Columbus read that “70 percent to 80 per- at St. Peter Church in Spring cent of women who considered Grove,” said Gburek, “we an abortion embraced life when were able to raise $17,000 and they saw their ultrasound.” then receive another match- He thanked his “brother ing $17,000 from the National Knights, both local and na- Knights of Columbus organi- tional, for your important work zation to purchase this ultra- and contributions to obtain the sound machine for the center.” ultrasound machine for the 1st A group of about 20 people Way Life Center.” including staff, volunteers and The addition of the ultra- Knights of Columbus gath- sound machine “is truly a ered in and near the small ul- gift from God,” said Connie trasound room for prayer with Freund, who retired at the end Bishop Malloy. of last year as the center’s ex- “Thanks to all of you who ecutive director for the past 35 Bishop David Malloy is joined by members of the Knights of Columbus, staff and volunteers on the stairs in have served to detect and pro- years. the large comfortable reception area at the 1st Way Life Center. mote the gift of life,” he said. The ultrasound machine has “Each human life bears God’s been in the center since Janu- the adjacent store filled with ago when I retired,” he said. “I imprint. Christ’s mandate of ary, but staff and four volunteer baby clothes, diapers and items can’t say enough about what service is love and with this registered nurses, Judy Bischof, donated to the center. they do here and how they help product of technology we see nurse manager, Jan Doyle, Many of the volunteers felt the women who are waiting for the power and goodness from Marti Marshall and Kathy Lic a strong calling to become in- their babies to be born. It is tru- this invention of the human have been in training since that volved. ly amazing.” race.” time. Susan Podolski began af- The 1st Way Life Center has According to Judy Cox, the ter she retired as secretary at served more than 10,000 wom- center’s new executive direc- St. John the Baptist Parish in en and girls in its 35-year histo- tor, who had been a volunteer Johnsburg. for the past two years, “We are ry offering pregnancy testing, so grateful and hopeful to be- “This is just a beautiful place counseling, and post abortion gin using the ultrasound in Oc- to be guided by the hand of the services. tober.” Lord,” Podolski said. Women are able to earn “1st Doyle said that the acquisi- Frank Moczulewski, a mem- Way” dollars while they learn tion of the ultrasound “started ber of St. Thomas the Apostle by attending parenting pro- as a dream a long time ago.” Parish in Crystal Lake, heard grams at the center’s store to Women who come to 1st Way about the 1st Way Life Center receive what they need for their At the 1st Way Life Center recep- receive a pregnancy test and eight years ago when someone baby. tion area is a painting of a mother related counseling services. spoke about it after Mass. For more information about and child above a visual depic- Their tests are diagnosed by a “I kept thinking about it and 1st Way Pregnancy center visit tion of the development of a mchenry1stway.org. baby in the womb. (Observer photos by Dan Szpekowski) dedicated long-time volunteer chose to volunteer over a year Jan Doyle, a registered nurse, physician, Dr. Richard Persino, and long-time 1st Way volunteer, of Crystal Lake. shows Bishop Malloy an ultra- The 1st Way Life Center has sound example on the center’s more than 40 volunteers who new machine. In the background spend three to four hours per is Judy Cox, the center’s executive week assisting in various ca- Knights of Columbus director. pacities, including working in Bishop Malloy’s 16, 12:45 p.m., Presbytery Public Schedule Day, St. Rita Parish ROCKFORD — September Intellectual AURORA — Sept. 12, 17, 8:30 a.m., Mass and 12:30 p.m., Presentation Installation of Msgr. Eric of Barsema Scholarship Disabilities Barr as Pastor, Holy Family Endowment to St. Therese of Church Jesus School Celebrating Our Fund ROCKFORD — September AURORA — Sept. 12, 1 p.m., Presentation of 17, 11:45 a.m., Catholic 45th Anniversary Drive Barsema Scholarship Women’s League’s 1969-2014 Endowment to Our Lady of LaPromesse fundraiser, Good Counsel School Giovanni’s Restaurant Weekend ROCKFORD — September ROCKFORD — September 14, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, 18, 10 a.m., Educational September Cathedral of St. Peter Leaders Day, St. Rita Parish HUNTLEY — September MILWAUKEE — 19, 20 & 21 2014 14, 12 noon, Mass and September 19, 6:30 p.m. Installation of Father Max Mass for Project Rachel, St. Striedl as Pastor, St. Mary Margaret Mary Church Church MCHENRY — September All proceeds benefit programs CRYSTAL LAKE — 20, 5 p.m., Mass for the 25th helping people with intellectual disabilities September 14, 4 p.m., Anniversary of Church of McHenry DCCW Women Holy Apostles in your area and throughout Illinois. of Inspiration Banquet, St. ROCKFORD — September Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish 21, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, ROCKFORD — September Cathedral of St. Peter What you give 15, 10:05 a.m., Catholic ROCKFORD — September Forum, WROK 1440AM 22, 10:05 a.m., Catholic makes a difference! ROCKFORD — September Forum, WROK 1440AM 4 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

Diocesan Catechists to be Honored Sept. 21 DIOCESE—Parishes will Joy Shrout Hampshire honor their religious education Belvidere St. Charles Borromeo: Cath- teachers on Catechetical Sun- erine McMillan, John and Katherine St. James Parish: Silvia Alfaro, day, Sept. 21. Nelson Among those to be honored Susan Kohley, Ellen Nipper are winners of the Bishop St. James School: Vicki Van Huntley O’Neill Award. This award Acker St. Mary: Melody Domek, Jean- recognizes catechists who have nette Perreault, Pamela Roxworthy given outstanding service, nor- Byron mally rendered over a consid- St. Mary: Paula Hickey, Deb Johnsburg erable period of time. Parishes Lenz, Teresa Richter St. John the Baptist: Cindy and schools may honor one (Nusser) Govekar, Shannon Guzick, to three people annually, but Carpentersville Rose Rayner an individual may receive the St. Monica: Petra Aguilera, Be- award only once. nigna Casas, Leticia Castillo McHenry Parishes also will honor cat- Cary St. Patrick: Anna Schweder, echists who have reached mile- stone years of service. SS. Peter and Paul Parish: Laurie Underwood Barbara Berrafato, Robert Motzel, Holy Apostles: Deanna Graham, Mark Wollney Bishop O’Neill Awards Kathy Gulvas, Tracy Piotrowski SS. Peter and Paul School: Aurora Therese Fairﬁ eld, Carolyn Strong, Maple Park Annunciation BVM Parish: Andrea Ziminsky St. Mary of the Assumption: Sheri Baumann, David and Lisa Richard and Deborah Janicek, Terry Crystal Lake and Catherine Voirin Gorlewski St. Thomas the Apostle: Bar- (Poster/USCCB) Annunciation BVM School: bara S. Reece Morrison Karen Wollwert This detail from this year’s Catechetical Sunday poster from the U.S. Durand/Irish Grove St. Mary: Brooke Newman, Conference of Catholic Bishops features a theme of teaching about Our Lady of Good Counsel: Laura Prange forgiveness. The USCCB says of the celebration, “Catechetical Sunday Skip Bacon St. Mary/St. Patrick: Kelly is a wonderful opportunity to re ect on the role that each person St. Nicholas: Maria and Salvador Nestler North Aurora plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a wit- Almanza, Olga Cervantes, Noelia Elgin Blessed Sacrament: Sheridan ness to the Gospel.” and Alfredo Ruiz Gurbal, Joyce Harner St. Laurence: Jeffrey Kerber St. Charles Morrall; 10 years Paula Smith St. Peter School: Sister Kath- St. Thomas More: Aurora Guti- Rockford St. John Neumann: Mary Ger- leen Gallagher Carpentersville errez, Lisa Mertinat, Florence Ost- St. Anthony: Mitchell Luebke, kin, Marc Paterno St. Therese of Jesus: Jetze- St. Monica: 15 years: Cindy dick Hannah Massari, Tanya Wenn- St. Patrick: Mike Alber, Dolo- manith Campos Chalcraft, Romana Loyola; 10 Geneva macher res Belzey, Joyce Cromwell, Donna years: Margarita Guerreo, Jennifer Batavia Hamilton, Mary Jo Lanz, Lisa and St. Peter: Lisa Cooper, Kelly St. Rita: Candis Michaud, Kath- Munguia, Perla Ramirez Wally Mazurek, Vince Phelan, Jack Holy Cross: Terri Bartkowski, Guzniczak, Sandra Kresler erine Trumbo Rigert Cary Susan Caton, Edward Crockett, Genoa Roscoe SS. Peter and Paul Parish: 10 Christina Magerkurth, Elizabeth Sycamore McReynolds, Margaret Perreault, St. Catherine of Genoa: Kim- Holy Spirit: Jolanta Gonzalez, years: Tom Allen, Eileen Dyer, Patty St. Mary: Ashley Bartelt, Sal- Ken Ramsey, Jennifer Schmitz, berly Siegwarth Ann Marie Walker, Mary Weyand Galasso, Beth Mac Duff vatore Biundo, Mary Iwans, Laura SS. Peter and Paul School: Simpson, Beverly Stone, Raymond 20 years: Theresa Tasch; 15 years: Tran Maureen Kasarski Woodstock Durand/Irish Grove Resurrection: Amanda Gvozk- St. Mary/St. Patrick: 10 years: jak Darcie Dolan St. Mary: Phyllis Torres, Eileen Vogel, Robert Vogel Elgin St. Laurence: 15 years: Kathleen Long term catechists Jones Algonquin Genoa St. Margaret Mary: 20 years: St. Catherine of Genoa: 20 Marie-Ellen Hull; 10 years: Denise years: Linda Dolder, Dan Sester Benner Hampshire Aurora St. Charles Borromeo: 20 St. Mary: 15 years: Manuel Ayala years: Michael Dumoulin, Patrick St. Rita of Cascia: 15 years: Dumoulin; 15 years: Evelyn Gawen- Cheryl Stasch; 10 years: Guadalupe da, Rudy Gawenda; 10 years: Ruth Mendoza Bowen St. Therese of Jesus: 20 years: Huntley Isidra Diaz; 10 years: Janie Aguirre, Maria Delgadillo, Imelda L. Nunez St. Mary: 10 years: Angela Jef- Macias, Susan Rios, Sebastian Wes- ferson ley Johnsburg Batavia St. John the Baptist: 15 years: Holy Cross: 10 years: Debra Cindy (Nusser) Govekar; 10 years: Bacorn, Maureen McGee, Susana Gina Rooney O’Brien McHenry Belvidere Holy Apostles: 15 years: Barba- St. James Parish: 35 years: Judy ra Haffner; 10 years: Nancy Pieroni, Cadie; 20 years: Susan Kohley Tracy Piotrowski St. James School: 20 years: St. Mary: 10 years: Maureen Denise Hauser, Patricia Rosecrans, Grimes, Tammy Miller Vicki Von Acker; 15 years: Sherri Continued on page 19 The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 5 Nation / World Sheen Cause Suspended News in Brief Mafia boss threatens anti-mob activist priest WASHINGTON (CNS)— ROME (CNS)—The Italian bishops’ conference has sent a mes- The canonization cause of sage of solidarity to Father Luigi Ciotti, founder of Libera, a net- Archbishop Fulton Sheen has work of Italian anti-Mafia associations, follow- been suspended indefinitely, ing an apparent threat to his life from a Sicilian according to a statement issued Mafia boss. Police in Palermo, Sicily, overheard Sept. 3 by the Diocese of Peo- Salvatore (“Toto’”) Riina, 83, imprisoned boss of ria, where the archbishop was the Corleone organization, tell a fellow prisoner born. that Father Ciotti, 68, was “a priest to be elimi- The suspension was an- nated” and “akin to Don Pino Puglisi.” The Cath- nounced “with immense sad- olic church itself, he said, “is interfering.” Father ness,” the diocese said. “The Giuseppe (“Pino”) Puglisi, murdered on his 56th process to verify a possible birthday in 1993, was the first declared Catholic (CNS photo/Paul Haring) (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) Father Luigi miracle attributed to Sheen martyr to have been killed by the Mafia; he was Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, prays over the gifts as then-Archbish- Ciotti had been going extremely well, beatified by Pope Francis on May 25, 2013. On op Timothy M. Dolan (right) of New York, who is now a cardinal, joins and only awaited a vote of the that occasion, the pope called Blessed Puglisi “exemplary,” espe- him during a memorial Mass for Archbishop Fulton Sheen at St. Pat- cardinals and the approval of cially for his efforts to educate youth. “He helped free them from rick’s Cathedral in New York Dec. 9, 2009. the Holy Father. There was ev- a life of crime and, for this, they (the Mafia) tried to defeat him ery indication that a possible express a hesitance in exhum- pursuing Archbishop Sheen’s by killing him,” said the pope. “But in reality it was he who won date for beatification in Peoria ing the body” absent a directive sainthood cause. A 2005 re- through the risen Christ.” Every March 21, Libera observes a day would have been scheduled for from the Vatican Congregation quest to transfer the body to in memory of innocent victims of organized crime. This year, Pope Francis joined Father Ciotti on that date for a prayer vigil with fam- as early as the coming year.” for Saints’ Causes and family ap- Peoria received a response ily members of Mafia victims, where the pope implored mobsters Archbishop Sheen, who proval. The statement added that from the Vatican congregation to “change your lives, convert, stop doing evil.” gained fame in the 1950s with Archbishop Sheen’s “closest sur- that it was not yet an appropri- a prime-time television series viving family members” asked ate time. “With this inquiry called “Life Is Worth Living,” that the archbishop’s wishes be complete and a miracle being Courts uphold one same-sex marriage ban died in New York in 1979. respected and that he had “ex- attributed to Sheen, now is an WASHINGTON (CNS)—A federal judge upheld an amendment The diocesan statement said pressly stated his desire that his appropriate time,” the Sept. 5 to Louisiana’s state constitution in early September that defined the Archdiocese of New York remains be buried in New York.” Peoria statement said. marriage as the union of one man and one woman. U.S. District denied a request from Bishop Zwilling said Cardinal Dolan In an interview published Judge Martin Feldman said Sept. 3 the state did not overstep its Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, “does object to the dismember- Sept. 6 by Crux, the Boston authority in adopting a constitutional amendment approved in president of the Archbishop ment of the archbishop’s body,” Globe’s Catholic news website, 2004 by 78 percent of the voters that banned same-sex marriage. Sheen Foundation, to move the but, were it to be exhumed, rel- Cardinal Dolan said, “We’ve It was the first such decision by a federal court since the U.S. Su- archbishop’s body to Peoria. ics that might have been buried had some issues (with Peoria) preme Court struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Deacon Greg Kendra, in a with Archbishop Sheen might over what to do with the re- Act last year. “The defendants (the state) maintain that marriage is Sept. 3 posting on his blog The be “reverently collected” and mains of Archbishop Sheen a legitimate concern of state law and policy, that it may be rightly Deacon’s Bench, said the reason “shared generously” with the and what relics we might be regulated because of what for centuries has been understood to for the request was for “official Peoria Diocese. able to share, and I’m commit- be its role,” Feldman wrote in his 32-page decision. The plaintiffs inspection and to take first-class A subsequent statement Sept. ted to doing whatever we can were six same-sex couples who had wed in other states and want- relics from the remains.” 5 from the Peoria Diocese said that’s consistent with Sheen’s ed Louisiana to recognize their marriages. A seventh couple living A Sept. 4 statement from Jo- Bishop Jenky had been assured own wishes, the wishes of his in Louisiana sought the right to marry in the state. Feldman said seph Zwilling, communications in 2002 by Cardinal Dolan’s family, the instructions we get for gays to have rights superior to the democratic process, they director for the New York Arch- predecessor, now-retired Car- from the Congregation for the must constitute a protected class, and no court has bestowed that diocese, said Cardinal Timothy dinal Edward M. Egan, that Causes of Saints and New York status on them. Later that same week, a federal court struck down M. Dolan of New York “did New York had “no interest” in State law.” same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana. The Fox Valley Pregnancy Center’s New Beginnings Benefit Banquet Featuring keynote speaker, David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life. Thursday, October 2, 2014 Villa Olivia Country Club 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett, IL 60103 Registration begins at 6 p.m. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) Complimentary dinner and program begin at 7 p.m. Retired Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone uses holy water to bless a statue of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba’s patroness, during its dedi- ~ An opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended. ~ cation in the Vatican Gardens Aug. 28. The original statue is housed in a shrine in the town of El Cobre, in the east ern province of San- David became an outspoken pro-life advocate after Planned tiago, Cuba. The dedication was attended by several bishops from Parenthood announced plans to build an abortion clinic in Cuba. his Texas town in 1998. He helped to start and build a local grassroots coalition that rallied 60 churches and thousands Diocese Asks U.S. Supreme of people together and dramatically reduced abortions in the region. Planned Parenthood recognized the effectiveness of Court to Hear Confession Case David’s efforts when it labeled his town “the most anti-choice BATON ROUGE, La. (CNS) 14 in 2008 said she told Father place in the nation.” David led the first-ever 40 Days for Life — The Diocese of Baton Rouge Bayhi, in the confessional that campaign in College Station, Texas. David Bereit has asked the U.S. Supreme she was abused by a now-dead Court to reverse a Louisiana lay member of the parish. The The Fox Valley Pregnancy Center is a life-affirming non-profit ministry which serves women Supreme Court decision that a girl’s parents sued Father Bayhi and families with unplanned pregnancies. Through education, mentoring and parenting priest may be compelled to tes- and the Diocese of Baton Rouge classes, we offer tangible solutions supported by a community of love. We offer free services to tify as to what he heard in the for failure to report the abuse. clients in the spirit of hope and respect. confessional in 2008. The parents won at the district The legal step is the latest in court level, but they lost in Lou- — Kindly R.S.V.P. by Sept. 22, 2014 — a case involving Father Jeffrey isiana’s First Circuit Court of Bayhi and the sanctity of the Appeals, before the state’s high- Fox Valley Pregnancy Center — 101 E. State St. — South Elgin, IL 60177 seal of confession. est court reversed and vacated 847-697-0200 — register online at: www.fvpcpartners.com. In the case, a girl who was the appellate court’s decision. 6 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

Nation / World News in Brief Pope Francis to Visit Albania’s After 47 years, Francis to retire from Xavier University of Louisiana NEW ORLEANS (CNS)—Fittingly, the announcement came inside Long-Persecuted Faithful Xavier University of Louisiana’s sleek convocation center, the new- est of many buildings that Norman C. Francis, the longest-serving VATICAN CITY (CNS)— ground church meant she was university president in the United States, had built. Francis, 83, the Walking to a cemetery on All baptized in her home under patriarch of the Xavier family since 1968, told Saints’ Day, watching televi- lockdown. thousands of students, faculty and staff Sept. 4 sion past 10 p.m., even slaugh- People’s movements were that he would step down in June 2015 as presi- tering a kid goat on Easter were watched, “even lights inside the dent of the only historically black Catholic uni- once so highly suspect in Alba- home had to be turned off by 10 versity in the Western Hemisphere. “After nearly nia, they would trigger neigh- p.m.” when Albanian television 47 years, I know the time has come to take the borhood spies to tip off com- programming ended. brightly burning torch turned over to me by the munist authorities. Bumci said her family would Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and pass it on The religious persecution the close the house’s shutters up atheist state waged between tight before watching Mass to new leadership,” Francis said. “I do this with (CNS photo/Paul Haring) 1944 and the 1990s was so se- broadcast from abroad in their (CNS photo/courtesy Xavier a passionate confidence and absolute certainty Albert P. Nikolla University) that Xavier is better prepared than ever to con- vere, it prompted Pope Fran- home. Mila said his family Norman Francis tinue its educational and spiritual mission and cis to make Albania the first tional ban of all religions. After always celebrated important to build on its tradition of excellence.” Francis’ tenure overcame country in Europe he visits. He that, until the regime dissolved feast days in secret. many obstacles, including the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina in told journalists in August that in the early 1990s, all forms of In the countryside, officials 2005. When Francis came to Xavier as a 17-year-old freshman on learning about a country where worship were a crime. would even check the house or a work scholarship in 1948, the campus consisted of just a few worship was illegal, churches Priests, religious and lay the farm yard to see if a kid goat permanent buildings, several small houses and Army surplus trail- were torn down or turned into Catholics faced arrest, torture, had been slaughtered for Easter ers in one city block. Xavier’s burgeoning campus today is dotted movie theaters made him feel, firing squads, concentration or other feast days, he said. with 16 buildings on 63 acres, and the endowment has grown from “I should go,” so he will visit camps and forced labor result- Mila and his four siblings $2 million to more than $160 million. Sept. 21. ing in the death of “many lay all wore a small medallion of Luigj Mila, secretary-gener- people and 104 priests,” Mila Our Lady hidden around their al of the Albanian bishops’ jus- told Catholic News Service. necks, under their shirts. Mila tice and peace commission, re- Though St. John Paul II rec- only took it off when he had to called life growing up in atheist ognized 40 of them as heroes of serve in the military. Albania. the faith, their process of beati- “We had a picture frame with “I remember an old man who fication is still ongoing. two sides hanging on the wall,” went to pray for his mother at Father Gjergj Meta, media he said, “one side with St. Mi- the cemetery. He was walking coordinator for the Archdio- chael on it and the other with there slowly and a communist cese of Tirana-Durres, said the a landscape” to display in case saw him and chased him away. lives of the martyrs inspired officials inspected the home. He returned home, crying, him to pursue the priesthood. When the atheist regime dis- ‘They didn’t let me pray for my “I read about the priests who solved in the 1990s, people mother.’ This hit me so hard, were killed, and it pushed me were free to practice their faith. I’ll never forget. How could to think about my vocation and However, all the churches had you do such a thing to a man in to want to replace one of them,” been destroyed so the Mila his 90s? What harm could it do said the 38-year-old priest. family opened its home to to a party?” Those who survived the the community and an Italian After Enver Hoxha came to purge were driven underground Franciscan friar who stayed power in 1944, he spearheaded as Muslims, Catholics and Or- with them. For a whole month, a brutal campaign to create a thodox Christians sought to “Father Stefano” baptized hun- new Albania: a nation of athe- safeguard and pass down their dreds of people in the Mila ists “par excellence, who have faith — a faith so valuable home: “We all participated. in their hearts only the Commu- that parents and grandparents Our house became a church.” nist Party,” said Albert P. Nikol- risked their lives and liberty for Couples, even older couples la, head of Caritas Albania. it, he said. with kids in their 30s, streamed The worst atrocities occurred For Klaudia Bumci, head of in to be married “because for between 1944 and 1967, Mila Vatican Radio’s Albania pro- 34 years, no one could get mar- said, culminating in a constitu- gram, growing up in an under- ried in the church either.” Iraqi Christian Girl Kidnapped MANCHESTER, England tion about the toddler’s where- (CNS)—An Iraqi Christian abouts. woman has described how her In a Sept. 1 email to Catholic 3-year-old daughter was ab- News Service, Mansour said ducted by Islamist terrorists. the abduction occurred Aug. Christina Khider Abada was 24 in the Syriac Christian town seated beside her mother, Ayda of Qaraqosh, Iraq, which had Abada, on a bus when captors fallen to Islamic State militants from the Islamic State snatched the night of Aug. 6-7. her and took her away. Khider Abada is blind, so the According to an account by family did not flee their home.

the mother, who followed her They were among 30 Christian (CNS photo/Sahar Mansour) daughter off the bus, the cry- families to remain in the town Christina Khider Abada, 3, as seen ing child was passed from one as the fighters arrived. on a poster Aug. 28. militant to another while Ayda The Islamic State fighters Abada begged for her to be re- began to cleanse the town of health checks, but they were turned. Christians after about a week, later robbed of all their posses- Finally, the terrorists pointed mainly by putting villagers on guns in the face of the mother buses, which were then driven sions and told to board a bus. and told her to get back on the toward Kurdish-controlled ter- The abduction was included bus or they would kill her. ritory — but also, according in a Sept. 2 report by Amnes- Fellow refugee Sahar Man- to Amnesty International — ty International called “Iraq: sour interviewed Ayda Abada by abducting girls and young Ethnic Cleansing on Historic and her husband, Khider Aba- women. Scale: the Islamic State’s Sys- da, as they circulated pictures Ayda Abada said the family tematic Targeting of Minorities of their daughter in Ankawa was first ordered by the fighters in Northern Iraq” after Ayda refugee camp, near Irbil, Iraq, to go to a health center on the Abada spoke to representatives in the hope of gaining informa- pretext of undergoing simple of the human rights group. The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 7

Nation / World CRS Looks to Help Fight ‘Push’ Factors News in Brief MEXICO CITY (CNS)—At who have spent years working The Los Angeles Times re- Oregon deacon helps uncover an immigration center for re- in the United States to support ported the number of unaccom- Christian origin behind ancient oil lamp ceiving busloads of deportees households back home. panied children being detained PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS)—Deacon Rob Page of St. Patrick Church returning to El Salvador, Cath- Catholic communities in in the U.S. dropped by more in Independence, Oregon, has an unusual hobby. He collects and olic Relief Services’ Executive Central America are respond- than two-thirds in August, studies ancient coins and artifacts. “Over 40 years ago, my wife told Vice President Joan Rosen- ing to the crisis. Scalabrini from a high of 10,600 in June. me to get a hobby. So I did. To this day, she has second thoughts hauer spoke with a widowed nuns run repatriation programs The reasons remain uncertain, about saying that,” Deacon Page said. Recently mother of six children who was in Honduras, priests try to keep although some CRS staffers the hobby led Deacon Page to help identify an awaiting her son. kids out of gangs in El Sal- suspect few Central Americans extremely rare Christian oil lamp when a Cana- Rosenhauer said she asked vador, and religious operate wish to try the trip during the dian antiquity company contacted him for help the mother why she had sent shelters for undocumented mi- heat of the summer months. identifying symbols on the piece. Deacon Page, her son on the perilous journey grants traveling through Mex- Mexican officials also appear (CNS photo/courtesy Deacon Rob Page) a former high school teacher and twice Fulbright through Mexico in an attempt ico. Rosenhauer said Catholic to be increasing enforcement Christian oil scholar, has spent much of his free time travel- to reach the United States. Relief Services is focusing on efforts in southern Mexico, and lamp ing and forging connections with archaeologists “There is no hope for him supporting these communities the government has said it will and antiquities dealers around the world, even here,” the mother responded, as best it can. “We know that stop migrants from climbing taking part in an archaeological excavation of the ancient city of explaining her inability to feed there are successful programs aboard the northbound trains Ashkelon, Israel, with Harvard University. At first, Deacon Page her family and the problem of ...,” she said. “We just need to known as La Bestia, citing was as puzzled as Allan Anawati, director of Medusa Arts in Mon- gangs forcing adolescents into be able to scale them up.” safety reasons. treal, over symbols on the bottom of the lamp. Shaped like a foot lives of crime. Catholic Relief Services also Rosenhauer, who works with wearing a Greek sandal, the lamp and its markings indicated the “It gave me pause,” Rosen- works with agricultural and CRS’ U.S. operations, called piece was from the first or second century. But one symbol on hauer said in a telephone in- livelihood programs in Cen- on Catholics and all Americans the piece, a cross, likely would not have been seen on a lamp terview after returning from tral America, especially among to reflect on the circumstances until more than 200 years later. Two other symbols looked like an a late-August trip to Central coffee growers, who have had in Central America. S and an O. He searched source after source and finally came America. The boy being re- crops wiped out by a plague “It’s a complex intersection of across reference that included the two words, “Opera” and “Sa- turned home was but one known as coffee rust. causes, but it’s clear to me that tor.” The entire reference, “Sator arepo tenet opera rotas,” means of thousands of children at- U.S. Customs and Border the causes are severe enough ... “the sower/creator in the field controls the workings of his tools.” tempting to abandon Central Protection reports detaining that we will never address the The Christian interpretation seemed highly probable because an America — sometimes alone, more than 66,000 unaccompa- problem we have on our side of anagram revealed the words “Pater Noster.” “If the two symbols on sometimes with family — in nied minors between October the border unless we address the lamp stood for ‘Opera’ and ‘Sator’ ... then the lamp would serve an effort to escape pervasive 2013 and August 2014, an 88 the root causes that are leading as a coded message telling people to walk in the light of Christ and poverty and violence. Many percent decrease over its past these children to come to the do his work,” Deacon Page said. “This makes perfect sense in the also try to reunite with parents, fiscal year. United States,” she said. first and second century because it was a time of persecution for the church.” Official auction data indicated the lamp originally was New Irish Primate Sees His Role as from Syria. The lamp had been legally transported to the United States, but incrustations obscured the markings that might have led other antiquities experts to make the discovery earlier. “When I Servant, Not as a CEO-Type Position hold and look at the lamp, I can sense the deep faith that its owner had. I can imagine an early Christian community coming together ARMAGH, Northern Ireland to know my He said that even though in the house of this rich person and celebrating the Eucharist un- (CNS)—The new primate of people and people are living in a very fast der its light,” Deacon Page said. “It probably was buried in the All Ireland has pledged to be a to facilitate world with many commitments owner’s grave to give light to Christians who would meet there and “servant leader” whose aim is to a movement pulling them this way and that, to the deceased who awaited the resurrection of the dead and the bring the Irish Catholic Church that will al- he believed “people still need second coming of Christ.” Currently, Deacon Page is working with through a process of “humble low people to God in their lives, and they need Anawati and an Israeli writer for publication of this discovery. renewal.” be confident their church.” Archbishop Eamon Martin, in their faith 52, succeeded Cardinal Sean without be- (CNS photo/courtesy of Irish Brady as primate of All Ireland, ing polemical Bishops’ Conference) a leadership role that covers the and condem- Archbishop 26 dioceses in the Irish Repub- natory.” Eamon Martin lic and Northern Ireland. Dismiss- For nearly 17 months, Arch- ing those who see the role of do well bishop Martin had served as primate as “some kind of mas- Cardinal Brady’s coadjutor in sive CEO position” he said it is a Armagh, and his succession figurative and honorary position was automatic when Pope Fran- because of Armagh’s signifi- and do good! cis accepted Cardinal Brady’s cance as the see of St. Patrick. resignation Sept. 8. “It is a kind of a servant lead- The new Irish primate told ership rather than any big hier- Catholic News Service that archical leadership or position We now offer an investment option that conforms to the his priorities would be “to get of power,” he told CNS. beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church, as outlined by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops. We believe you can prosper by aligning your money with your beliefs and values!

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Vocations Life’s Journey a Focus

BY AMANDA HUDSON “because there is a lot of dark- along with his other classes, News editor ness,” and children can help he said, and his efforts to not their friends and others when listen to the call to priesthood his year’s spiritual they let Jesus help “to make our gradually changed. focus at St. Rita of light shine really strong.” At a retreat in Rockford, he Cascia School in Au- Grismer fi rst refl ected on said, the thought came again rora was highlighted his memories of being a kin- “like ‘Bing!’ a light goes on.” Tduring a visit by alumnus and dergartener at St. Rita of Cas- He added that he realized seminarian, Sean Grismer, on cia School and of growing up at that moment “when Mary Aug. 26. through the grades. said ‘Yes’ to be God’s mom … A school Mass began with He talked about knowing in- she didn’t know what was go- students representing each side that God wanted him to ing to happen … I (knew then) grade processing in with signs be a priest at the moment he that Mary’s always going to be and symbols of what their received the sacrament of con- there.” grade will experience spiritu- fi rmation. But at that time, he And he found the courage ally this year — fi rst Commu- added, he wanted to be an actor to think, “Maybe I’ll walk this nion, for example. — a rich and famous one. path.” Father Timothy Mulcahey’s He did love religion class, God nudged him again homily and Grismer’s talk after Mass and in classrooms further refl ected the “Walking in the Light of Christ” focus for the entire school year. Father Mulcahey explained the Gospel images of salt and light to the students, sharing how salt was essential in Christ’s time to preserve food. Light was more involved than fl ipping a switch, he said as he explained the comforting light Rockford Diocese seminarian Sean Grismer pauses for a moment of of a city on a hill or from a (Observer photos by Amanda Hudson) prayer at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Aurora. He visited the parish and lamp placed up high. St. Rita of Cascia School students line up before a school Mass. Rep- school where he grew up to tell students about how he heard God The students’ own inner light resentatives of each grade carried a sign or a symbol to display a key calling him to be a priest. is needed in the world, he said, lesson they will learn this year. “Let us dispose our hearts therefore to being ‘good soil,’ ... And the harvest will be plentiful, proportionate to the grace we have meekly Study: College Choices Can welcomed into our lives.” BY MARK PATTISON ticipants were urged to develop Seminary enrollment peaked — Pope Francis on vocations Catholic News Service a consistent framework for in- 50 years ago at about 47,000, viting young men to consider took a steep dive in the decade WASHINGTON—The col- the priesthood. that followed, and continued a lege experience — and the “It really starts with us who steady decline until the mid- Catholic college experience, are clergy and vowed reli- 1990s and appears to have lev- OUR VOCATION especially — can infl uence a gious,” said Jesuit Father Wil- eled off since then to just over To follow Christ, young man’s decision toward liam Leahy, Boston College’s 5,000 students. our heavenly considering a priestly vocation, president, in an address during Not all who are enrolled at Bridegroom, according to a study issued in the summit. “There is nothing seminaries, though, are or- after the early July by Boston College. as powerful as happy, fulfi lled dained to the priesthood. “We example of St. Among the factors that have priests and religious. That is need about 200 more ordi- Francis, with the helped sway a man’s decision contagious. That attracts. If we nations per year to return to Blessed Virgin to enter priestly life are access are not happy, fulfi lled, ready stability,” said Mark Gray of Mary as our to clergy at the college as well to recruit others, they will not CARA at the summit. mother and as access to the Mass and other follow us. We know that as While about 7 percent of the model. elements of Catholic life. a group, priests are happy in U.S. Catholic population at- “College Experience and their ministry.” tended a Catholic college, 44 OUR MISSION Priesthood” distills a Boston Father Leahy urged the es- percent of ordinands did, ac- To serve the sick college-hosted summit last tablishment of priesthood sup- cording to research by CARA. and the poor year on priestly vocations, as port groups on Catholic college Gray profi led those who with the greatest well as research conducted campuses. pursue a priestly vocation as care and love. in 2012 by the Center for Ap- “These are often led by the having been active in a parish FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: plied Research in the Aposto- president, lending certain seri- youth group, attended a Catho- late at Georgetown University ousness to the effort, but they lic high school, encouraged to Sister Rose Therese, O.S.F. in Washington. Both Boston could also be led by a campus consider vocation by one or (309) 655-2645 College and Georgetown are minister or a faculty member,” more people, personally knew [email protected] Jesuit-run institutions. he said. “Students who are clergy and religious, and at- franciscansisterspeoria.org In January 2012, Boston Col- thinking about priesthood of- tended a World Youth Day or a lege and the Jesuit Conference ten feel isolated. If they can be National Catholic Youth Con- UPCOMING WOMEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT USA commissioned CARA to part of a group that meets once ference. He added high school November 14-16, 2014 assess the impact of Catholic a month, have time for prayer is the period when many young At our motherhouse near East Peoria, IL higher education on the vo- and conversation, and hear the men report thinking seriously cational discernment of men For single, Catholic women, aged 18-45, vocation stories of others, they about priesthood, and that col- who are discerning their vocation. entering the seminary and reli- will feel encouraged, and can lege seems to be an “amplifi er” gious life in the United States confi rm a sense of direction.” to these earlier experiences. The retreat will include Holy Mass, Confessions, in an effort to identify what led Like baseball scouts, Father Priests who went to Catholic Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, Liturgy of the Hours, them to the seminary and/or Leahy said, “we need people colleges engaged in more of Rosary, and talks on prayer, discernment, vocations and eventual ordination. who will identify individuals every kind of spiritual practice the religious life. (And, of course some fun and visiting At the summit, attended by who have talent, inclination, than those who went to non- with others who are discerning and our sisters.) about 90 people, including and desire, who can be pointed Catholic colleges except for For more info, visit: franciscansisterspeoria.org bishops and university leaders in the direction of priesthood Bible study. Majorities of those from around the country, par- and religious life.” attending Catholic colleges The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 9

Vocations for School and for Seminarian’s Talk when he mentioned to a non- Catholic acquaintance that he “Jesus, what do you was considering the priest- want me to do hood. with my life?” That man’s response — “Dude! What’s stopping you? — Seminarian Sean Grismer, Why don’t you go for it!” — telling students to ask that was not what the future semi- question several times a day narian expected. “I realized God was using in their classrooms, the semi- him” to encourage me, Grismer narian spoke of his participa- said. tion last year in 107 miles of “God wants ‘great’ for you,” the Camino de Santiago pil- he told the students. “I was grimage walk in Spain to the scared … (but) being in semi- shrine of the Apostle, St. James nary is one of the greatest the Great. things I’ve ever done. He and another seminarian, “Whatever God calls you to,” Luke, had time to walk the fi - he said, “it will be the greatest … (Jesus) wants to lead you to nal fi ve days of what can be a something amazing (and) at the month-long, 500-mile walk. end of this life, all that matters Coming into the square with is if you said ‘yes’ to Jesus.” its “beautiful cathedral,” he After talking about different said, they were astounded to hear people calling to them: Rockford Diocese seminarian Sean Grismer laughs during a conversation with students at his grade school, kinds of vocations, including St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora. He visited to talk to them about vocations. marriage and consecrated life, “Sean!” “Luke!” “All these people we had Grismer suggested that the stu- The reunion impressed him dents pose a question to God met on the way” were there to as refl ective of the fi nal goal of Hearing a Call? each day, maybe several times greet them, he said, and they all walking in the light of Christ. a day: “Jesus, what do you want hugged and cheered, “We made If you think you might hear a call to a religious vocation, me to do with my life?” it!” including a Frenchman with “Heaven is going to be like Father Keith Romke, director of the Rockford Diocese Offi ce of “God will answer you,” he whom they had shared coffee that,” Grismer told the stu- Vocations, will be happy to talk to you. concluded. “He wants to lead one day without being able to dents. It will be “an end of suf- Call him at 815/399-4300 or send him a note at kromke@ you” through your life. talk with each other, only able fering and full of rejoicing! rockforddiocese.org. Later chatting with students to smile and nod. “We made it!” Steer Men Toward Thinking about Priesthood reported participating in the lic colleges were much more a Catholic college are substan- must be a collaborative endeav- diocese to diocese. rosary, eucharistic adoration, likely to encounter priests, tially more likely than those or among these leaders in the When it comes to encour- other individual prayer, the Lit- brothers and sisters. Of partic- who attended a non-Catholic church today,” the report said. aging vocations within the urgy of the Hours, Bible study ular note is that 88 percent of college to report being infl u- Tactics to encourage voca- Hispanic community, summit and Holy Hours. them had a priest as a profes- enced and supported by their tions, though, can differ from Continued on page 19 According to CARA, 91 per- sor, in contrast to only 18 per- roommates and friends in cent of ordinands who went cent of those at non-Catholic their vocation discernment and to Catholic colleges had daily colleges,” he added. choice.” SAINT ANTHONY Mass easily available to them, “Friends and roommates are For bishops and religious su- OLLEGE OF URSING compared to 49 percent of also reported to be infl uential periors, diocesan and religious C N those who had attended non- in vocational discernment,” order vocation directors, col- Catholic colleges. “Many at said the Boston College re- lege presidents, mission offi - non-Catholic campuses had to port, which also included past cers, leaders in student affairs, go off campus to attend Mass,” CARA research conducted on and directors of campus min- Gray said. priestly vocations for the U.S. istry, “a strategy for encourag- “Those who attended Catho- bishops. “Those who attended ing vocations to the priesthood

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FOREVER FAMILY FAMILY CORNER A Meditation on Study

So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this — It’s important to ask yourself if it is possible not for long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life to love each other “forever.” This is a of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right — I do as you requested. I give you question that must be asked: is it possible to a heart so wise and understanding that there has never Love love “forever”? Today so many people are been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will afraid of making deﬁ nitive decisions. One come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what boy said to his bishop: “I want to become a you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like. And if you follow me by keeping priest, but only for 10 years.” He was afraid my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, of a deﬁ nitive choice. But that is a general I will give you a long life.” ‘fear that comes from our culture. To make life — 1 Kgs 3:11-14 from “God’s Word in Times of Need” in and decisions seems impossible. Today everything “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers”, USCCB changes so quickly, nothing lasts long. And this mentality leads many who are preparing Service Idea for marriage to say: “We are together as long As religious education begins around the diocese, see if as the love lasts,” and then? All the best and there is some way you can provide support to programs at see you later ... and so ends the marriage. your parish. But what do we mean by “love”? Is it only a If you are an adult, sign up for training to become a religious education teacher. Offer to donate or buy books or for Faith feeling, a psychophysical state? Certainly, if a parish library. Provide a “scholarship” for a child whose that is it, then we cannot build on anything family has a budget so Couple Shares solid. But if, instead, love is a relationship, tight religious education might be an “extra.” then it is a reality that grows, and we can If you are a student, ask Seven Lessons also say by way of example that it is built up God to help you listen and like a home. And a home is built together, not learn and grow in your alone! faith. From 50 Years (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) (Observer photo by Maria Mendoza) — Pope Francis Of Marriage Maria Ignacia “Nachita” and Ricardo Fausto look over a photo album of their 50 years as a married couple.

N achita and BY MARGARITA MENDOZA Ignacia, called Nachita in her family. Make Christ and the Virgin Mary the improve their life as a couple, they have at- El Observador Editor “We have been through everything, just 1 center of the home. tended conferences at St. Monica Parish in like it happens with couples. We have had Carpentersville, as well as in Guadalajara, Ricardo Fausto love story that lasts Communicate as a couple, because if happiness, sadness, poverty … We have Mexico, with the Christian Family Move- with time, transmits you don’t talk, you don’t know each lived so many stages, and in each of them, 2 ment. Now they teach premarital counsel- have walked a its love to others and other. one is changing. Now our children are ing in their parish. guides people on the Faith in the sacrament of marriage whole life together, married. And still, here we are,” she says. “We tell the couples the sacrament comes ’ way of the marriage is very important. A couple without Both of them agree that the most diffi - 3 from the sacred, so we got married accord- union. The story of Maria Ignacia Aro and sacraments, with lack of faith in God, live joined by the link cult time was when they were young, “being to the law of God. But if we were mar- ARicardo Fausto is just like that. They cel- more materially, less spiritually. ebrated 50 years of marriage on June 27. cause of the chauvinism and immaturity, ried by civil law, we live according to the of the love and Accept. “Be accepting (of each other), “I was a truck driver and I used to pass that’s the time called ‘novitiate,’ which is instinct, almost like animals,” Ricardo says. because there is the problem. Men and by her and I thought, that chubby girl must the time of the seven fi rst years of the mar- 4 “The Catholic Church has many tools for the blessing of women don’t think alike and we do not act, be mine,” Ricardo recalls. “I didn’t know riage. Over time one becomes more serene, marriages and families so they don’t dis- nor feel equal but, accept each other as we God, with the help she lived just a few doors from my house more sensible, one accepts as it is,” says integrate,” he continues. “It’s a shame to are,” says Ricardo. … Everything started with a dance, the Ricardo. see so many broken families. Some young of the promise trend was the twist. By that time (1961) the “It is an error when one wants to be the “You can’t expect him to be like me and people now go with the idea of living to- of a sacrament music in Guadalajara (Mexico) was very owner of the couple. Marriage is not about he can’t expect me to be like him,” adds gether and if it works, they continue and if eclectic, salsa, rock-and-roll.” being the owner of your couple. It is about Maria Ignacia. not, they leave. We have to guide them in that has allowed After three years of relationship, he sharing who you are and what you have, Give of yourself. Don’t be selfi sh. this regard.” decided to go to Teocuitatlán de Corona without selfi shness.” Think of the other fi rst. The perseverance of this loving couple When it comes to remembering the best 5 has set an example for their children, two of them to live Jalisco, the small town of his beloved Ma- Respect, every day of life, every single in their lives, María Ignacia and Ricardo whom have already celebrated silver anniver- ria Ignacia, to ask her hand from her father. one. with abundance “I wanted everything to be right and agree that despite sharing many blissful 6 saries. They have achieved everything with Attend Mass, go to confession and (Photo provided) clear and because I was very nervous,” he times, now they are living the most beauti- the help of God, Ricardo and Nachita agree. Volunteers of all ages from St. Patrick Parish in Rochelle help prepare and serve Monday Night Suppers . and poverty, says. “I brought two brothers-in-law on my ful stage in their lives. They already raised 7 Communion. With the wisdom that comes with age, behalf and the priest of St. Michael, the their children and currently they travel ev- “The lofty demands of marriage are Maria Ignacia says, “because of the ego, with health and parish of the town, so he went in front.” erywhere together and have time for each impossible to achieve, but supernaturally, one wants love in one’s own way.” A wom- Grant Allows Parish ‘Family’ to Provide Monday Night Suppers sickness, and they It was customary for the priest of the vil- other. God infuses the sacrament of matrimony an will want “that he loves me as I want. ROCHELLE—A $2,000 grant The suppers are served, 5-6 p.m. at increasing. Service was monthly in lage to accompany the groom to ask for a They spend their time between the Car- with divine grace in order to make such “When you understand that God is love, from the Community Foundation of the Firemen’s Social Hall (formerly 2009. Today, the parish serves an av- know it will be like girl’s hand, Ricardo explains, “because fa- pentersville and Elgin area and their child- a noble vocation possible,” Bishop David you realize that the concept you had of love Northern Illinois has helped St. Pat- the Knights of Columbus Hall) at erage of 90 meals every Monday. thers and brothers could get angry and not hood home in Mexico. Malloy wrote in one of his columns. was wrong,” she adds. “Love is giving. rick Parish Outreach Ministry reach Third Street and Sixth Avenue in Ro- The social interaction gives indi- its 2014 goal of providing free com- chelle. Anyone may attend. viduals and families a reprieve from (allow) the girl to marry you, therefore so They think that all these years have paid This is something that the Faustos are Give as much as you can. Lay aside your that for the rest munity dinners on Monday nights The parish Outreach Ministry has isolation so many in communities many girls were ‘stolen,’ ” he says. off and believe the secrets of a lasting mar- very clear about. During the decanting of egos in favor of the other. If both think like (excluding holidays, and weather provided free suppers since 2009, face. of their days. “Thank God we are here,” says Maria riage are: their lives, they have sought counseling to that, the life of marriage is beautiful.” permitting). with the number of dinners steadily Continued on page 15 10 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 11

FOREVER FAMILY FAMILY CORNER A Meditation on Study

Diocesan Big Get-Together Helps LC School The Haitian Project’s annual Big Get-Together, Sept. 6 at Boylan Central Catholic High School, featured a dinner, talks and a silent- auction. Father Jerome Koutnik, parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake received the Louverterian Award for his work with the Haitian Project, from Deacon Patrick Moyni- han, president of The Haitian Project. Money raised helps fund the Loverture Cleary School, a tuition-free Catholic boarding school for academically gifted, low income students in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Cathy Rife, a parishioner from St. Thomas the Apostle Par- ish, talked about her experiences as part of a mission group to Haiti organized by Father Koutnik. “On the trip, I witnessed ﬁ rst-hand all the good works many volunteers are doing at the Bridget Peterson of Holy Family school. The goal of the Louverture Cleary School is to educate Parish in Rockford looks at auc- (Observer photos by Lynne Conner) these students with the tools they need so that they can re- tion items (also below). Her moth- Deacon Patrick Moynihan, Father Jerome Koutnik main in Haiti and make their native country a better place.” er, Barb Peterson, stands nearby. Meredith Luczak, also of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, said that her actual experience in Haiti was beyond what she imagined it to be. “I felt that the formation program in preparing for our mission trip really assisted me in connecting to the people we were going to serve. I felt that the Haitian Project and the Loverture Cleary School are just incredible causes to support. I had to experience it and then after going … . I knew that I wanted to continue to support it, because they do an amazing job with the school.” Jimmy Sartino, a theology teacher at Boylan, shares the story RIGHT: Mary Jo LeGrand, hold- of the Haitian Project and the Loverture Cleary School with his ing daughter Cate, was modera- students. “Every Lent, we do a collection here at school among tor and emcee for the evening. the students ... . It’s a concrete way to teach the concepts of ON PAGE 1: Pauline and Dennis almsgiving and fasting. I would say that much of the money we L’Heureux (from left) chat with raise actually comes from the students’ incomes. They really do Katie Sartino, Giuseppi Sartino sacriﬁ ce some of their little luxuries in life to support Haiti.” In and Scott LeGrand during dinner 2014, Boylan students raised $8,000 for the Haitian Project. at The Haitian Project’s Big Get- Funds raised from Saturday’s Big Get-Together totaled about $5,000. Together. — Lynne Conner

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To give via credit card or automatic bank account withdrawal, use our secure website: www.rockforddiocese.org/donate The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 13

Around the Diocese

Going on Now Rockford Deanery

Send Life Chain Info Annual Life Chains will be held around the diocese Oct. 5. Please send your parish information to The Observer no later than Sept. 17 to appear in a round-up Sept. 26. See box for mail and email information. Save the Date

Sept 24 GENOA RCIA classes: 6:30 p.m.; St. Catherine Parish, 340 S. Stott St. For adults and teens, baptized or not, interested in becoming Catholic or preparing for the sacraments. Register in advance. Info: Father Donald Ahles, 815/784-2366. Sept 27 ST. CHARLES Fall Classic walks: 9-11 a.m.; Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St. 5K trail run, 2K trail walk. Sponsor: St. Charles Knights of Columbus; proceeds for KC charities. Mail registration checks payable to St. Charles Knights of

Columbus 5K to Kof C 12497, P.O. (Photo provided) Box 4006, St. Charles, IL 60174. Sponsors also needed. Cost: $30. Science is Cool Info: Jim Webb, 630/514-7703, http://kofc12497.com, jwebb61@ Was the start of school hot and muggy? At Cathedral of St. Peter School, students Zach Peterson, Whitman Taylor and Joey Foley beat the heat comcast.net; Active.com/event, type by building air conditioners in science class. The project used foam coolers, a small fan, two dryer vents and ice. Each project cost less than $8. in St. Charles K of C Fall Classic 5/K. Sept 28 Aurora Deanery McHenry Deanery ELIZABETH Breakfast buffet: 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; St. Mary Parish, 112 E. Washington St. Sponsor: Altar and Rosary Society. Casseroles, quiches, pancakes and more. Cost: $10 adults; $5 children 6-12; free children 5 and younger. ROCKFORD Silver and Gold Mass: 2 p.m.; Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Celebrating couples who have been married 25, 50 or more years in the Rockford Diocese. Info: Life and Family Evangelization Office, 815/399-4300, ext. 381. Oct. 5 ROCKFORD Walk to Remember: 1 p.m.; YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y. Blvd. For families who have lost children (Photo provided) at any time. Sponsor: The Haven (Photo provided) The annual Labor Day Mass at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Harvard was Network. Info: 815/962-1512; info@ Father Ricardo Hernandez accepts his pastorate of Our Lady of Good moved to the church due to rain. With Father Yovanny Dorado, paro- thehavennetwork.org Counsel Parish in Aurora with his signature. Bishop David Malloy offici- chial vicar (center), are Deacon Tony Koss (left) and parishoner Jerry Oct. 7 ated at the installation Aug. 30. Shields. MCHENRY Awakening Faith: 7-8:30 p.m. (first of six Tuesday sessions); St. Photo Tips Patrick Parish, 3500 Washington St. Submitted photos must Discussion topics vary. Free. Info: be in focus or we will not Your source for regional Carleen Murphy, 815/385-0025, be able to use them. Iden- [email protected]. tify people in photos from ROCKFORD left to right using first and and local advertising! Divorce series: 6:30 p.m. (first of last names. 12 weekly sessions; St. Rita Parish, The Observer offers the flexibility 6254 Valley Knoll Dr. Series based Printed images must: on “The Catholic’s Divorce Survival n be on photographic to provide you with a variety of Guide.” Insight for the divorced of paper. 10 days or 10 years. Preregister. n not be folded, taped or advertising options for your business. Cost: $20; aid available. Info: www. stapled. stritarockford.org; 815/398-0853. Newspaper — Website You are loved. You are special. Television — Radio You were created for a reason. Join us for: See what The Observer can do for you! A Personal Encounter With Jesus Contact: Kevin McCarthy Wednesdays, September 24 through November 12, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm The Observer and Saturday, November 15, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Holy Family Parish — Rockford 815.399.4300 Call 815-398-4284 to register or for more information. [email protected] Babysitting and light dinner provided. 14 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

Around the Diocese Aurora Deanery Elsewhere

Sept. 14 BELLEVILLE Scripture talk: 1:30-4 p.m.; National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Mazenod Dr. Speakers: Rori Picker Neiss and Mark Etling. Topic: Psalm 22. Pre-registration required. Cost: $10. Info: 618/397-6700, ext. 6270; snows.org/programs. Sept. 19-21 JOLIET Homecoming reunion: University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox St. Tailgate party and more; appreciation of the university’s founders, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Info: www.stfrancis.edu/alumni/hcrw. Sept. 21 CHICAGO Merton talk: 2 p.m.; Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott. Sponsor: (Photo provided) Chicago Chapter of the Merton On Sept. 7, after the 10:30 Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish in North Aurora, Father Max Lasrado, pastor, met with new and returning altar serv- Society. Speaker: Greg Pierce. Topic: ers for a training session. The meeting was followed by a pizza lunch provided by the Msgr. Wright Knights of Columbus. “The Ground of Love and Truth” about Thomas Merton, written by Sister Suzanne Zuercher. Free. Info: Mike What’s Up Brennan, 773/685-4736, evenings. Oct. 2 BARTLETT Wed Sept 17 Fri Sept 19 Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may Benefit banquet: 6 p.m.; Villa Olivia send news and photos using interactive forms at http://observer. Counry Club, 1401 W. Lake St. Deadline for Sept. 26 What’s Up rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. Proceeds for Fox Valley Pregnancy DIOCESE Center. Speaker: David Bereit, (For events Sept. 29-Oct. 5) (You may attach one picture per form.) KC drive: today through Sept. national director 40 Days for Life. ROCKFORD 21. Look for Knights of Columbus, Submit by Mail: Send mail submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box Free; donations will be accepted. La Promesse: 10:30 a.m. social auxiliary members and other 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. RSVP by Sept. 22. Info: 847/697- time; Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 volunteers on street corners Plan to submit dated material two to three weeks before publication. 0200; www.fvpcpartners.com. N. Bell School Road. Sponsor: and in well-traveled locations Deadline is 10 days before publication. Catholic Women’s League. as they conduct the annual Oct. 4 Proceeds for charity. Luncheon, Drive for People with Intellectual deacons’ ordination and Sept. 28 WAUKESHA, WIS. FREEPORT WWME fall dance: 6-9 p.m.; St. Silver and Gold Mass. SATB voices silent auction, raffle, program Disabilities. Brat festival: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Williams Church, 440 N. Moreland by vocalist Patte Armato Lund. welcome. Info: Eva Marchese, 1209 S. Walnut Ave. Fundraiser FOX VALLEY Blvd. For Marriage Encounter Reservations by Sept. 12. Cost: rockforddiocesechorale@gmail. for proposed Madonna Renewal couples in the Rockford, Milwaukee Women’s Bible study: 9:15-11 $35 per person. Info: 815/540- com. Center for women and children, and Madison area. Bring appetizer 4282, 815/547-3828. a.m. (Wednesdays through Nov. to be operated by Immaculate or dessert to pass. Dance to DJ Ray 19); St. John Neumann Parish, Heart Sisters. Info: Sister Theo, Fiedler. RSVP by Sept. 20. Cost: $20 SOMONAUK 2900 E. Main St., St. Charles. Sat Sept 20 [email protected]. Encountered couples; free guest 5B’s BBQ drive-thru: 4:30-7 Child care available. Info: Debbie couples. Info: Jo Browning, 262/271- p.m.; St. John the Baptist Parish Nicely, 630/208-1501. DIOCESE ST. CHARLES 6794; [email protected]. Center parking lot, 130 W. LaSalle Walk for the Poor: St. Vincent de Barn sale: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (also St. Pork chop, chicken or combo ROCKFORD Paul Society fundraiser. Info: your 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 21); Kane Oct. 9-12 CHESTERFIELD, MO. dinner. Proceeds for June 2015 Diocesan Chorale rehearsal: parish or www.svdpusa.net. (See County Fairgrounds, 525 S. 150th anniversary celebration. 7 p.m. (also Sept 26); Cathedral St. Louis Shroud Conference: Drury full details in the Sept. 5 issue.) Randall Road. Sponsor: St. Cost: $12 per dinner. Info: Delores of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Plaza Hotel, 55 Chesterfield Center. Peter Parish, Geneva. Gently Speakers: Bishop Michael Sheridan Devine, 815/498-2040. Preparation for Sept. 27 permanent AURORA used household merchandise for and 30 shroud experts. Cost: $150 Spanish Engaged Encounter: 8 inside and outside. Info: www. (not including food, lodging). Info: a.m. (also Aug. 21), St. Therese of stpeterbarnsale.com; 630/232- www.stlouisshroudconference.com. Jesus Parish, 271 N. Farnsworth 0124. Ave. Sponsor: Life and Family Oct. 10-12 Evangelization Office. Cost: $150 SPRINGFIELD per couple. Info: 815/399-4300. Sun Sept 21 Black Catholic Women’s Retreat: Dominican Mother House Siena BELVIDERE GENOA Hall, 1237 W. Monroe St. Directress: Sister Addie Walker, SSND, Ph.D. Anniversary dinner: 5 p.m.; Golf day: noon shot-gun start; The Sponsor: Diocese of Springfield. Community Building. Sponsor: St. Oak Club of Genoa, 1770 Ellwood James Parish. Limited seating. Cost: $100 per person. Info: Greens Road, Kingston. Sponsor: 217/698-8500; [email protected]. Cost: $25 per person. Info: parish Knights of Columbus Council office, 535 Caswell St. 14294 of Genoa. Proceeds for Oct. 17-19 ELGIN students. Golf, cart and dinner BELLEVILLE (meal rain or shine). Cost: $75 Retreat for disabled: 6 p.m. Oct. Walk for Moms, Babies: 9 a.m.- in advance; $85 golf day; $20 17-lunch Oct. 19; National Shrine of noon; Lord’s Park Pavilion, 100 dinner only. Info: Richard Stading, Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Oakwood Blvd. Collect pledges 847/987-1989 or 847/683-2236. Mazenod Dr. Speaker: Father John for TLC Pregnancy Services. Mark Ettensohn, OMI. Preregistration Info: 847/622-1235; www. For more events, visit the calendar necessary. Cost: varies by package. tlcpregnancyservices.com. page at www.rockforddiocese.org. Info: 618/394-6281; www.vmusa.org. Order your extra directories now! Sometimes one just isn’t enough. If you order extra copies of the 2014-15 Diocese of Rockford Official Directory now, you’ll receive them in the first mailing, directly from the printer. Copies are available at the same great low price as last year — just $15 each! — but only until supplies are exhausted. Order by phone at 815/399-4300, ext. 383 or use the form you received by email.

One complimentary copy will be sent to all priests, deacons, sisters, diocesan departments, parishes, schools, and deanery directors of religious education. The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 15

Media/Arts Why Read ‘One Book’ in the Diocese? Just what is One diocese, One Book? Why from Bishop Peter J. Muldoon, the first bishop of Q should we all read one book? Rockford. One Diocese, One Book is a reading program Because the first book is about vocations, the A modeled after The Big Read and other One Diocesan Vocations Office has joined The Ob- Book programs in use throughout the country. It server Book Club as a sponsor. is intended to give Catholics from everywhere in the 11-county Rockford Diocese a chance to Q How will the program work? read a book Individuals and reading groups — existing or about an aspect A organized to take part in the program — will of our faith and read the book and have one or more conversa- to talk about it tions about it. over the course A free reading guide will be ready soon. Order of a year. it online at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/ For our first book-club-blog. book, we’ve chosen “Dedi- Q Are there any related activities? One Diocese, cated to God” The biggest event so far will be our diocesan One Book by Abbie Re- A kick-off gathering with Abbie Reese. It will ese. Her book be 2-4 p.m., Oct. 18, at Barnes & Noble in Cher- about the lives ryVale Mall. Parishes or schools may schedule of cloistered their own events for their reading groups. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) nuns is appro- Bishop Emeritus Thomas G. Doran accepts his copy priate because The next event will be Sept. 15, when Reese of “Dedicated to God” by Abbie Reese from Gwen it is an oral his- will be a guest of Bishop David Malloy on The Lashock, Diocesan Administration Center build- tory of the Poor Catholic Forum radio program. (See box, right.) ing manager. Bishop Doran was hosting “The Catholic Clares who live (Observer file photo) Forum” radio show on Rockford’s WROK radio, Aug. 25, when he re- in Rockford. Q Who can take part in ODOB? ceived his autographed book. While many in the diocese already know about Anyone who can read and understand the the community of sisters in our midst, others do A book is welcome to take part. This book On the air: Author Abbie Reese is scheduled to visit with Bishop not. Yet, these sisters have been a part of the should be easy for high school readers and David Malloy on the Catholic Forum Sept. 15. It starts after the Rockford Diocese since 1916, when they es- adults. 10 a.m. news. Outside of the station’s range, the show is live at tablished a community after repeated requests — Sharon Boehlefeld www.rockforddiocese.org/catholicforum. At the Movies

The Identical footage approach. But the initial debonair, constantly prowling acquitted). They embark on a A-I (Freestyle) promise of his alternate-history the movie studios for nubile very public affair, with plans to PG Evangelical Elvis tale gets lost as quickly as his young starlets to seduce. He marry. Fate intervenes, and a fans seem to be the characters do, while gory im- lands one in Beverly Aadland happy ending is not in store. target audience for this reality- ages and an excess of hysteria (Dakota Fanning), a 15-year- THIS FILM CONTAINS a related drama in which Blake induced swearing set this off old chorus girl on a Warner scene of rape, nonmarital sex- limits to most moviegoers. Rayne plays both a Presley-like Brothers film. Her age doesn’t ual activity, nudity, alcohol and entertainer and his identical (CNS photo/K. Bomboy Thornton, City of Peace Films) THIS FILM CONTAINS bloody matter in the least to Flynn, drug abuse, sexual banter, and twin brother. Though the singer exclude those who are still violence, profanities, rough and who has been accused of profane and crude language. believes his sibling died in members of the stork club. crude language. — Catholic News Service infancy (as Presley’s sadly did), statutory rape before (and was As Above, So The Last of in fact he was secretly given L L up for adoption by the duo’s Below Robin Hood R R impoverished parents (Brian (Universal) (Samuel Goldwyn) Geraghty and Amanda Crew) Claustrophobic The final years of and raised by a Protestant min- chiller in which two archaeolo- swashbuckling actor Errol ister (Ray Liotta) and his wife gists (Perdita Weeks and Ben Flynn (Kevin Kline) are the (Ashley Judd). As the vocalist Feldman) who share both an subject of this film written and rockets to stardom, his obscure interest in the occult and a ro- directed by Richard Glatzer and but equally talented lookalike mantic history together search Wash Westmoreland, a lurid defies Dad’s plans for him to for the legendary, supposedly account of the decline and fall enter the ministry and instead miraculous philosopher’s stone of a once-beloved matinee idol. pursues a career impersonating in the network of catacombs In 1957, Flynn is washed up as his long-lost counterpart under that lie beneath Paris. Despite an actor, but still dashing and the moniker of the title. Whole- the presence of a local ex- some and faith-friendly, director pert on the tunnels (Francois Dustin Marcellino’s film is a Civil), the expedition goes homespun piece of entertain- badly wrong as the duo, the ment with a goodhearted but guide and the other participants naive tone that will not be to the (Edwin Hodge, Marion Lambert taste of city slickers. and Ali Marhyar) all begin to THIS FILM CONTAINS a have hellish hallucinations. Di- vague reference to the connec- rector and co-writer John Erick tion between romantic passion Dowdle tries to create a sense and the arrival of babies may of immediacy with a found- Grant Allows Parish ‘Family’ ... From page 11 dinners. Watch In addition to the Commu- The Community Foundation nity Foundation of Northern of Northern Illinois stewards ‘Catholic Mass’ Illiois’ financial support, teams more than $60 million dollars, Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on of volunteers from St. Patrick and each year awards grants WREX-TV, Channel 13 Parish, Faith Lutheran, St. Paul and scholarships on behalf of in Rockford Lutheran, United Methodist donors who want to give some- or watch on the Web at and First Presbyterian congre- thing back to their communi- http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. gations provide the manpower ties, particularly for programs Brought to you by The Diocesan Office of for cooking and serving the helping the needy. Communications and Publications 16 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

Faith Forum ‘Wrath and Anger are Hateful Things and Teaching Moment by Bishop Emeritus Yet the Sinner Hugs Them Tight.’ Really? Thomas G. Doran On her golden wedding an- Liturgy of the Church he was not saying that, after 490 times you stop forgiving. You niversary, Stella was asked, don’t reach a magic number and say, “I can’t forgive you any- [email protected] “What is your secret?” by Father John more, I’ve reached my limit.” Forgiving is a way of life. When “On my wedding day,” she Slampak, STL you are able to forgive, healing takes place in you. said, I decided to make a list Retired When you are unable to forgive another person for what they of 10 faults, which, for the sake have done to you, you are the one who suffers, you are impris- Why Did of the marriage, I would over- oned. The servant who was forgiven a great debt, didn’t accept look.” [email protected] it. He didn’t know himself to be forgiven and so he had nothing She was asked, “What was on to pass on. That attitude can lock up your life. Charlie Brown Jesus the list? knows that Lucy will always move the ball. “You know, I never did get around to making the list, but A villager said to a monk, “My neighbor slapped me. Should whenever he did something that made me hopping mad, I would I forgive him? Perform say to myself, ‘Lucky for him that’s one of the 10!’” “Oh, yes,” answered the monk. That’s the kind of forgiving attitude Jesus tells Peter he must “How many times should I forgive my neighbor?” the villager have. As difficult as it may seem, there is no limit to the amount of forgiveness you are to offer. asked. Miracles? As believers, there are times you become angry or times you “Well, how many times did he slap you?” asked the little monk. “Once,” came the answer. “Then, forgive him once.” We know Jesus per- are called to be angry in order to do something positive but, formed miracles. But then, you must move beyond your anger into forgiveness. But, what if he slaps me 50 times?” Q if He wanted to continu- The challenge from today’s Scripture is to learn how to for- “Then you should forgive him 49 times.” give. “Why only 49 times, if I were struck 50 times?” ally bring followers to God Mark Twain, in his autobiography, wrote a lengthy tirade “Freely accept the 50th slap. You would deserve it for being wouldn’t it have been easier about how an editor swindled him outrageously. Mark seems to such a fool to allow yourself to be slapped the first 49 times.” just to perform miracles on be forgiving until he finishes his tirade, “He has been dead only Forgiveness is not a do-it-yourself project. It demands the command? Why didn’t Jesus through a quarter century, I feel only compassion for him, and if presence of God, because forgiveness is a grace from God, who do that? I could send him a fan, I would.” is all-forgiving. When Jesus says you are to forgive seventy times seven times, “Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” What Jesus did was come A to redeem us from our sins and to save us from the The First Human Cost of IVF Pregnancies consequence of sin, and to de- scribe a Catholic way of life, How can the Church view in Just to be clear, conception has occurred, new, individual hu- Ethically Speaking according to His teachings. At vitro fertilization (IVF) as a man lives exist, lives loved and known by God, already made in failure to respect life, when lit- by Father Kenneth His image, but only those deemed strong enough and desirable some point each one of us has erally millions of babies have Wasilewski enough are considered for possible continued existence. The un- to look at Jesus for what He been born through this tech- Diocesan Ethicist desirable lives are destroyed. said and its inherit truthfulness nique? Especially since it is used How many? It varies greatly, but it is reasonable to say that it and to accept that rather than by many who may not have been may be half a dozen or more. If this process sounds like eugenics, the show of miracles. able to become parents without [email protected] that is because it is. Remember that even Jesus it? After the selection comes the implantation of some of the em- said you are not supposed to For many people, these are the only two aspects of IVF ever bryos. Depending on how many embryos have been created to be- believe because of the miracles considered. If we only look at the good results and overlook or gin with, this number can vary greatly. Commonly between two unless you couldn’t begin to ignore everything else that may be involved, we can justify any to four human embryos are transferred at a time, but there may be believe without them. number of morally problematic things. It becomes a classic case more. Remaining embryos are typically frozen for possible “use” of “the end justifies the means.” For the Christian this is never ac- later. It is recorded in the Gospel of ceptable moral reasoning, despite its prevalence in society. Those implanted don’t have a great chance of survival either. John (10:37-38) that Jesus tells So how does IVF fail to respect life? To answer this we have to For a woman under the age of 35, for every six embryos trans- us, “If I do not do the works of know something about what is involved from start to finish. Infor- ferred, one is likely to be born. If several embryos begin to de- my Father, do not believe me; mation and statistics are readily available. Many fertility clinics velop, a “selective reduction” may be recommended. This means but if I do them, though you post detailed descriptions of what is involved online. In addition, that one or two may be spared and given the chance to continue do not believe me, believe the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiles a wealth living, while the others are “selectively reduced” (killed). works, so that you may know of statistical information regarding IVF which is likewise readily Under ideal circumstances several human beings are still know- and understand that the Father accessible. ingly and intentionally destroyed in the effort to achieve one birth. is in me, and I in the Father.” IVF begins with the acquisition of both sperm and eggs. While Success rates are based on live births per IVF cycle (the process That was the attitude of Jesus acquiring the sperm is relatively uncomplicated, acquiring a just described), not on how many of the original human lives that woman’s eggs is more delicate and may involve a lengthier pro- were created are actually born nine months later. all through His life. He did not cess. Typically several eggs are acquired at once. Estimates vary, but from start to finish, it is not unreasonable ever say believe primarily be- Eggs and sperm are then joined in a lab by the physician or tech- to suggest that for every one child born through IVF, 25 to 30 cause of the works that I do, but nician. Normally, several conceptions occur. After approximately will have been created. Those that were not lost or destroyed in believe me because I am tell- three days, there is a selection process for those newly conceived the process typically end up with an uncertain future trapped in ing you the truth. I come from human embryos who are still alive. liquid nitrogen. God. I am the Son of God. I am At this stage, these tiny human beings are “graded” based on Seen for what it is in practice, it becomes abundantly clear that the Father. If you do this you their projected survivability. The greater the likelihood one will IVF is far more anti-life than it is pro-life. But even if IVF did will have eternal life. survive, the higher the grade received; typically on a scale from not involve such tremendous loss of life, there are other serious zero to three, with three being the most likely to survive. Once concerns over the ethics involved, especially involving marriage Send your topics or questions for this grading has taken place those who score the highest are cho- itself. Bishop Doran’s Teaching Moment sen for possible implantation. The others are typically discarded. Look for more on this topic next month. to [email protected] Learning to be the Church by Embracing the Needs of Others During a conference this Guest Column What ruined him was work- yet make some uncomfortable. when the stock market loses two summer, I read Basilian Father ing with the poor and then re- “I want things messy and points?” Thomas Rosica’s “The Francis- by Father Eugene turning to our way of living in stirred up in the church,” Pope Many people place much can Revolution: What Benedict Hemrick the U.S. Francis said. “I want the church emphasis on the stock market. stored, Francis scatters.” “I no longer could enjoy what to take to the streets!” They assess whether they had a I wondered, “What ultimately we enjoy after that,” he ex- Pope Francis also said that good or bad day because of it. is Pope Francis trying to accom- claimed. priests must be shepherds “liv- Whatever else happens in the plish during his reign?” Catholic News Service If we took seriously Father ing with the smell of the sheep.” world — famine, wars, poverty Remembering a conversation I asked him, “What has your Rosica’s description of Pope He also said: “How can it be — isn’t their concern. with a friend who had returned experience meant to you?” Francis in action, it could ruin that it is not a news item when During the race riots in the from serving in a poor country He replied, “It ruined me for us. Just listen to some quotes he an elderly homeless person U.S. in the 1960s, a number of gave me the answer. life.” mentioned that are inspiring and dies of exposure, but it is news Continued on page 17 The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 17

Viewpoints Learning ... Ordinary Time CNS/ Martha Campbell Responding in Love From page 16 priests and other Catholics After completing their last foundation of Carmelites together, marched with civil rights sup- St. Teresa of Jesus of Avila and her friend Father Jerome Gratian porters, some of whom were wrote up a humorous treatise called “Constitutions of the Cerro.” black, and found some of their Michael Dodd translated it into English for a book of essays closest friends not talking to called A Better Wine. He identifi es the Spanish word “cerro” as them because of it. That was meaning “hill” (as opposed to the “mountain” of Carmel that Car- messy and made people uncom- melites are to strive to climb). fortable. Person in the Pew Cerro, Dodd says, also can It meant, for many, leaving a by Amanda mean “to go astray” and “to be comfortable life and entering Hudson irrelevant,” and it hints at pride into discomfort. Observer News Editor and vanity, and of being closed As I refl ected on Father Rosi- off, rude, self-absorbed, stiff- ca’s overall picture of the pope, necked and obstinate. I realized Pope Francis isn’t in- [email protected] The word is perfect for this lit- tent on dampening our joy. He tle tome whose cast of characters is directing us to its essence and boast interesting names. expanding it. The Carmelite characters who have gathered for the fi ctional When St. John Paul II said in meeting include “from the convent of Disobedience, Prior Dis- 1995 that we live in a “culture obedient Backtalk and his companion, Fray (Father) Rigid Stiff- of death,” he was talking about neck.” Others from places like “the convent of Inattention,” “of lifestyles that leave us empty Carelessness and Neglect of Responsibilities,” and so on, include and destroy our human spirit. Fray Relaxed Meddler, Fray Attached Toad, Fray Greedy Sharp, He was referring to our culture Fray Inattentive Bozo and Fray Lazy Goof-off. of materialism and consumer- We don’t usually think of sainted people as thinking of others ism, as well as evils such as as toads, but the last foundation the pair made together is said to abortion, racism and anarchy. have been a diffi cult one. Both Teresa and Father Jerome had been These kill our spirit by turning around the block, so to speak, more than once by this point in us inward, teaching us not to time, and they probably needed to compose such a satirical writ- care for others. ing to give themselves perspective and also to try to teach their One look at Pope Francis’ charges a thing or two with some exaggerated humor. mission tells us he is prodding The dysfunctional gathering composes convent rules such as: us to be more outward and live a “... let none of our subjects ... fail to object at least once or twice true Catholic life. to that which obedience might demand of him or her.” The curved colonnades of “We further decree and ordain that they always judge the supe- Bernini in front of St. Peter’s rior harshly ... If he speaks sharp, serious words, put it down to Basilica in the Vatican sym- pride and despise him. If he speaks lovingly and sweetly, put it bolize the arms of Catholicism “So ants can lift 20 times their body weight. down to lack of authority and hold him in contempt.” embracing the world ... with Big deal. Who can’t?” “... be disproportionately affl icted and become quite noticeably Christ’s love. angry, gloomy, and arrogant ...” The friars and nuns are counseled to be over-zealous, self- deceived, stubborn, divisive, tending to excess, suspicious, self- seeking and always, always, always critical and manipulative. Widowhood and the Curveballs in Life One begins to wonder how any of the real convents and friaries survived with the occupants who inspired such an essay! I think if God played Major League Baseball, widowed fellow fi guring out this new stage of We fi nd the answer at the very end, when the leader of the gath- he’d be a pitcher. He’d pitch mostly fastballs, and life. ering begins to weep when he envisions “the universal weapon” then, just to mix things up, an occasional curve- Decades ago, I was shocked to discover my against the foibles they teach, a weapon that leads persons to “the ball — a big curveball. basic vocation was to be married, when I really height of perfection.” The fi rst few lines of that “brief, clear, and I suspect that’s how most people eligible for thought religious life, the priesthood, was going certain plan” provide the remedy to the all-too-human nonsense: AARP membership (age 50 and up) would sum- to be it. “Devote yourself to being very humble and love God tenderly. marize their God and Monica saved a lot of parishes from And put that person who has hurt you the most, wither inside or Your Family lives. The a lot of trouble. Those two were in cahoots, and outside the convent, in your heart and together with the Heart of by Bill Dodds years blow by I’m so very grateful for that. (And, no, I don’t Christ love that one greatly. Let this be the fi rst person you pray and are amaz- feel called to the priesthood now. Perhaps God for. Ask nothing good for yourself that you do not fi rst ask for the ing surprises. has had time to think it over more carefully. Per- other ... .” Some are in- haps Monica has recently pointed out to him, The group then calls on “Sisters Ignorance, Passion and Malice” credibly won- face to face, why it still would be a bad idea.) and tells them to hide that secret, powerful prayer “thoroughly.” derful. Others Like marriage, this singlehood subcategory — I heard recently that just two weeks of practicing that kind of Catholic News Service are far from widowhood — takes adjusting to. Unlike mar- determined prayer for a “toad” is long enough to begin a trans- that. Good or bad, there are curveballs in life. riage, the adjustments can be overwhelmingly formation in the person who is praying. There is a grace of resil- Unlike a baseball pitcher, God wants me to hit unpleasant, to put it mildly. ience within that kind of prayer — it strengthens the soul of the his fastball — and his curveball. God takes great Still, God’s on the mound and he wants me to person who is suffering from others’ failings. Insight is another of delight in me when I knock one out of the park. do something, something good, with the pitch he the graces that God gives to one who prays for those who cause I can see that the curveballs have included has just served up. He wants me to do something them diffi culty. It helps the one who prays to have an idea of what meeting my late wife, Monica, when we were 20. good with the rest of my life, whether that lasts causes another’s unsavory behavior. Then a series of fastballs: falling in love, getting three more days or 30 more years. The toads and bozos and meddlers and goof-offs are not happy married, having kids and grandkids. And then That’s a common theme in the spousal-loss people. That same lack of inner joy and security affects us all at another curveball when we were 60: her death support groups I go to. After the initial numb- times. We all are tempted to become self-absorbed and closed- from cancer last year. It seemed as if suddenly I ness and blurriness of grief begin to soften, the minded. That means we all can understand even the most obnox- was married and suddenly I wasn’t married any- question “now what?” starts to emerge. ious person once God gives us some insight. more. That seems to be the case whether one is Prayer for those who torment us is the key to better convents Yes, love is stronger than death, and I believe strongly religious, an atheist or somewhere in and homes, workplaces and organizations. Such prayer can ex- in the communion of saints, but in the eyes of the between. It’s a question that comes from a very pand our hearts, making us more loving even toward those who state and the church, I’m now single. And like a human heart, and a broken heart, a heart that’s actively seek to be unlovable. young, just-wedded fellow fi guring out married mending as best it can, but one that will never And our living that heroic level of love might just make a differ- life so long ago, now I’m a not-so-young, just- be the same. ence for those toady people as well.

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For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. AURORA—Holy Angels: Ber- You may also request announcement postcards by calling tha P. Kuntz, 96, July 27; Dean 815/399-4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the Ulrich, 82, Aug. 23; Elizabeth information as soon as you receive it. Thank you. T. “Betty” Lange, 88, Aug. 24; St. Mary: Maria T. Fragoso, Baptist: William J. Werner, 61, ROCKFORD—Holy Family: 62, Aug. 15; Aug. 29; Alison Kehoe and Robert DEKALB—St. Mary: Joan ST. CHARLES—St. Patrick: Kimmey, June 21; Rita Marie Masters, 88, Aug. 24; Moises Emma Winkler, 78, Aug. 2; Rob- Zuzevich and John Howard Cervantes Castellanos, 15, ert Depauw, 83, Aug. 10; Grace Stucki, June 28; Julie Lind Aug. 26; Theresa Hanley, 88, Aug. 15; and Ian Seivert, July 12; Britta Grace Gillis, 78, Aug. 20; Don- Shold and Zachary Hildner, ELBURN—St. Gall: Carole A. ald Wisniewski, 72, Aug. 25; July 19; Erika Bronowski and Michels, 73, Aug. 16; Santo Joan Lee, 83, Aug. 28; Justin Seivert, Aug. 2; Jessica “Sam” Scafidi, 91, Sept. 1; Ann Abels and Zachary Joseph STERLING—St. Mary: Ever- ELGIN—St. Joseph: Armando ett William Gaffey, 89, Aug. McGuire, Aug. 9; Ashley Ni- Munoz, 23, Aug. 12; Joseph 26; Kashius Amon Hitchcock, cole Peters and Killian James Mungai, 90, Aug. 14; Carlos infant, Sept. 3. Schroeder, Aug. 16; Rebecca Saenz, 65, Aug. 16; Maria Lynell Bach and Thoms Mi- Alonzo, 84, Aug. 20; Daniel chael Demmer, Aug. 23; Urosquieta, 30, Aug. 21; Weddings ST. CHARLES—St. Patrick: ROCKFORD—Holy Family: ELGIN—St. Joseph: Alejan- Christina Wadman and Brad- Salvatore “Sam” Caruana, 76, dra Ruiz and Marco A. Or- ley Wasiele, Aug. 30; Natalie July 13; LeBaron P. Johnson, donez, Aug. 1; Yeymi Ruiz and Gacek and Bradley Troiani, Jr., 93, July 19; Amelita Facchi- Israel Sanchez, Aug. 1; Esther Sept. 6. ano, 95, Aug. 4; Valentino E. Avila and Miguel Valdivia, Aug. DeCastris, 88, Aug. 4; Vincent 2; Ma. del Rosario Hidalgo Stewardship Moment J. Danca, 82, Aug. 22; and Valetin Flores, Aug. 8; SOMONAUK—St. John the Muro Brigida and Juan Carlos Steward your time: Churches Flores, Aug. 16; Alicia Cecilia fall short of what they could If you or someone you know Schumann and Edgar Alberto be and do because some of has been the victim of sexual Ayala, Aug. 16; Elizabeth Her- their members don’t seem to abuse by an employee or mem- nandez and Julio Gonzalez, feel the reality of the claim of ber of the clergy of the Rockford Aug. 22; God on their time through His Diocese, report the matter to law enforcement in the county FREEPORT—St. Thomas church. So if you’ve got an in which the conduct occurred Aquinas: Ashley Ann Hoppen- hour to kill some day soon, ei- and then please call the hot-line jan and Drew John Nesemeier, ther do nothing in the presence number: 815/293-7540. Aug. 30; and consciousness of God, or MARENGO—Sacred Heart: do something for His sake and Pray for Vocations Magdalena Kowalczyk and the sake of another. Tosh Zastrow, Aug. 30; Courtesy of Parish Publications The Observer | FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 19

The Pope on ... The Church, Our Mother From page 2 not the according to mundane ourselves against evil. to be naive, but to be vigilant too are children, but also moth- heart the Word of God which flesh, but according to the Holy The Church has the courage of and to resist, steadfast in the ers of other Christians. All who the Church imparts every day, Spirit. a mother who knows she must faith. To resist with the counsel are baptized, men and women, because this Word has the In her motherly solicitude, the defend her children against of Mother Church, to resist with together we are the Church. So capacity to change us from Church strives to show the the dangers which arise from the help of Mother Church, often in our life we do not bear within. Only the Word of God believers the path to follow Satan’s presence in the world, who like a good mama always witness of this motherhood of has this capacity to change us in order to live a fruitful life of in order to lead them to the en- accompanies her children at the Church, of this maternal from the inside, from our deep- joy and peace. Illuminated by counter with Jesus. A mother difficult times. courage of the Church! So est roots. The Word of God the light of the Gospel and always protects her children. Dear friends, this is the often we are cowards! Let us has this power. then entrust ourselves to Mary, supported by the grace of the This defence also calls for Church, this is the Church we And who gives us the Word sacraments, especially the all love, this is the Church I that She as mother of our first- vigilance: to be watchful for born brother, Jesus, may teach of God? Mother Church. She Eucharist, we can guide our the snares and seduction of love: a mother who has the nurses us from childhood decisions toward the good and good of her children at heart us to have the same maternal the evil one. Because even spirit toward our brothers and with this Word, she raises us withstand with hope and cour- though Satan was defeated by and who is able to give her life throughout our life with this age the times of darkness and for them. We must not forget, sisters, with the sincere ca- God, he always returns with his pacity to welcome, to forgive, Word, and this is great! It is the most tortuous paths. temptations. We know it, we however, that the Church is not actually Mother Church who, only the priests, or we bishops, to give strength and to instill The path of salvation, through are all tempted, we have been trust and hope. This is what a with the Word of God, changes which the Church guides us tempted and we are tempted. no, she is all of us! The Church us from within. is all of us! Agreed? And we mother does. and accompanies us with the Satan comes “like a roaring The Word of God which Mother strength of the Gospel and the lion” (1 Pt 5:8), the Apostle Pe- Church gives us transforms support of the Sacraments, ter says, and it is up to us not NEW DVD – JUST RELEASED! us, makes our humanity pulse, gives us the ability to defend Catechists to be Honored Sept. 21 SIGNS FROM GOD  From page 4 Rockford Ams, Denise Bartucci, Kimberly MIRACLES Cannizzaro, Laura de la Torriente, McHenry St. Bernadette: 20 years: Coreen AND Boenzi Gretchen Hubbe, Dan McSweeney, THEIR MEANING St. Patrick: 10 years: Heather Kati Martinez, Michael Moravek, Grech, Sue Hansen, Anna Schweder Roscoe Bridget Sabbia Bleeding Statue Eucharistic Miracle Holy Spirit: 15 years: Jane Car- Maple Park Sycamore hat science discovers will confront the mind and heart of rell; 10 years: Melanie Belisle every person. The DVD presents the findings from the St. Mary of the Assumption: St. Mary: 35 years: Bess An- W St. Charles investigations of a bleeding statue of Christ in Cochabamba, 10 years, Theresa Hartkopp, The- derson; 20 years, Don Englum; 15 Bolivia and of a Eucharistic miracle in Buenos Aires, Argentina, resa LaRocco St. John Neumann: 10 years: years: Jan Benson, Jayne Higgins Francine Chau, Elaine Delves, Kris- the later commissioned by Cardinal Bergoglio in 1999. This North Aurora tin Hogan, Laura Paterno Woodstock Cardinal is now known to the world as Pope Francis! Blessed Sacrament: 10 years: St. Patrick: 15 years: Donna Par- St. Mary: 10 years: Marilu Vil- This DVD is great for strengthening the faith of our family and Kim Auchstetter, Patricia Whitney; mer, Mike Smith; 10 years: Diana lafuerte friends. This powerful witness, given by Tim Francis, has touched and transformed lives, setting souls on fire worldwide. This is truly Study: College Choices Can Steer Men ... a New Evangelization call for all as we awaken our faith. From page 9 and parish pastoral work. the report said. “This and To order DVD, visit our Web Site at: www.loveandmercy.org participants were reminded of One bishop at the summit other strategies may assuage or send $20 plus $4 (shipping & handling) to: the importance of evaluating “described how his diocese the concerns of those who de- current communication and took on a seminarian’s (stu- lay ordination due to student Love and Mercy Publications, outreach efforts in Hispanic dent) debt with the under- debt.” P O Box 1160, Hampstead, NC 28443 communities, and recruiting standing that the young man people from within these com- would pay it off if he chose munities to be part of diocesan not to continue to ordination,” Life Moment reading were complaining and ungrateful. Does my steward- Pray: That the Church may lift ship of God’s gifts show that high the Cross of Christ, pro- I know from whom they came claiming forgiveness and re- and am grateful? demption in Him alone. Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

Mass Meditation

Sunday, Sept. 14 (Exaltation of the Cross): Even though Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service the Lord led them out of Egypt Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures and provided for their every 815-758-5484 need, the people in the first 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 Positions Available Blest Art Inc., is seeking a few dedicated people willing to help us in our Holy Mission to help the people who choose to remain in the Bethlehem area in the Holy Land. l Scheduling Full or Part Time o Must be pleasant, friendly, polite o Good hourly wage to start o 3 paid sick days after first year o After 90 calendar days, 7 paid holidays per year l Outside Sales o Visit churches in a team sales environment on weekends across the Midwest o Public Speaking possible o We supply artwork, hotels, meals and training o Paid by the weekend Please email your resume to [email protected] or call 608-363-9907 20 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | The Observer

Diocesan

A large group, many in color- fundraising success, according to for Haitians presented an- ‘A Night in the Tropics‘ ful tropical attire, gathered at Hope For Haitians’ Theresa Kegley, nual Amabasadors for the Poor Giovanni’s Restaurant in Rockford, the crowd bid on silent auc- awards to priests and their Sept. 6, for “A Night in the Trop- tion items, shared a dinner and parishes for special efforts last Builds More Lives ics” to raise money for Help for learned about ongoing projects year. Recipients, who took home Haitians and Food for the Poor. in Haiti from speakers and videos. “Jesus the Beggar” statuettes, During the evening, which was a Board members from Hope and the parishes for which they were honored, were: Father Richard Rosinski, pastor of St. Thomas More in Elgin; Father Stephen St. Jules, V.F., former pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary; Father Timothy J. Seigel, pastor of St. Gall Parish in Elburn; and Karen Dix, a member of Father Edward Seisser, for- St John Neu- mer pastor of Holy Fam- mann Parish ily Parish in Rockford. in St. Charles, Haitian visitor and guest speaker (Observer photos by Sharon Boehlefeld) shows the Delane Bailey-Herd told the Sheila Snider (left), a member of Holy Family Parish in Rockford, looks necklace she audience, “Through you, people at one of the jewelry items in the silent auction. won. can be raised up and simply restored to dignity. ... Wherever ON PAGE 1: Haitian guests Saturday included (from left) Violetta and Sanson Adrien, (Hope for Haitians through Food now living in Evanston; Louis and Pastor Mytch Dorvilier of Zion Lutheran Church in Taking home the award for Father Richard Rosinski for the Poor) show up ... change Rockford; and Jay Jules of Loves Park, formerly of Tiburon, Haiti. Louis Dorvilier recently and St. Thomas More Parish in Elgin are (front, from happens. ... You have radically returned from South Sudan, where he is operations manager for Well Vision Interna- left) Betty and Bill Molitor, (back) Mary Aydt and Sue transformed people’s lives.” tional. Moylan. Hope for Haitians board member Tom Lorden thanked everyone for donations that are making it possible to add to the larg- est village HFH has ever built. Learn more at www.hopeforhaitians.org. OSF HealthCare is a member of the — Sharon Boehlefeld Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Working together...

“A click or a call to get an expert opinion, rather than drive five hours? Now, that’s a Father David Beauvais presents service to my patients.” the Amabassador for the Poor Award to Barb Beckett, a member David Cable, MD of Holy Family Parish in Rockford. Cardiothoracic Surgeon*

* Independent physician affiliated with OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

“We have access to world-class expertise from a Mayo specialist

right at the patient’s bedside.” Father Stephen St. Jules, V.F., rector of Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, offered the dinner Iftekhar Ahmad, MD prayer. Radiation Oncologist

Come visit the ...Working for you. Mayo Clinic 150th Anniversary Ehxibit at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center on Delane Bailey-Herd (right) and Wednesday, August 13 her daughter spoke, both offer- osfhealthcare.org/mayo from noon - 6 p.m. ing thanks for the projects supported by Hope for Haitians and Food for the Poor.