Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com  na venerable historia china, cuenta sobre sus hijos no desistían en su deseo una mujer anciana quien pierde a su único de venganza, y ella puso en las hijo. Inconsolable, se dirigió a un santo manos de Dios su preocupación. Lives of saints offer Cuando murieron, los dos se habían varón para preguntarle cómo hacer para reconciliado con Dios. Después de que su hijo vuelva a la vida. Sin intenciones algunos años como viuda, conocida hope in times of sorrow deU darle falsas esperanzas, él le pidió que le traiga un por su trabajo de caridad, Rita pidió grano de mostaza de un hogar que nunca haya sufrido ser admitida al convento de San Do you have a petition for Bishop Sartain’s prayer list? You may send it to him at: algún tipo de dolor. Una semilla de un hogar así, podría Agustín; sin embargo, fue rechazada Bishop Sartain’s Prayer List, Diocese of Joliet; 425 Summit St., Joliet, IL 60435-7193. ayudarla a desvanecer la tristeza de su vida. tres veces, en parte porque la violencia que rodeaba a su familia podría traer conflictos a la vida del widow known for her works of char- A venerable Chinese tale recounts the story Empezando su búsqueda, ella tocó crecía también mi afición por ellos. El convento. ity, Rita applied for admission to an of an elderly woman whose only son died. la puerta de una mansión, pensando testimonio de dolor y sufrimiento de Retomando el papel de Augustinian convent but was refused que un hogar así podría ser lo que las vidas de aristócratas y mendigos, pacificadores que tuvieron sus padres Inconsolable, she went to a holy man to three times, in part out of fear that justamente estaba buscando. Pero los mujeres y hombres, sacerdotes, alguna vez, Rita hizo lo posible para ask how to bring him back to life. Instead of the violence surrounding her family dueños rápidamente le dijeron otra religiosas y laicos, ofrecen esa reconciliar a la familia de su esposo offering false hope, however, the holy man would affect convent life. cosa: “Usted ha llegado a un lugar transformación gracias a su fe Pablo con la familia de aquellos que instructedA her to bring him a mustard seed from a home that Taking up the peacemaking role of equivocado, pues, nuestras vidas han y a su amor. Nuestra comunión fueron responsables de su muerte her parents once again, Rita worked had never known sorrow. A seed from such a home would estado llenas de tristezas similares con los santos es un camino hacia y, posteriormente, ambas familias skillfully to reconcile Paolo’s family surely help banish sadness from her life. a la suya.” Ella escuchó con mucha la esperanza, ya que en ellos firmaron un documento formal de with the family of those responsible compasión la historia que le narraron. encontramos experiencias de vidas reconciliación. Rita entró a la vida for his death, and the two fami- Ella se dijo comunes a religiosa y murió en 1457. Fue Beginning her search, she knocked lives often offer the witness of pain lies eventually signed a document así misma: muchas personas. canonizada en 1900, su fiesta es on the door of a mansion, reason- and sorrow transformed by faith formalizing their reconciliation. Rita “¿Quién mejor No hay hogar que Rita Lotti nació el 22 de mayo, y muchas veces ing that such a home would be just and love. Our communion with the entered religious life and died in que yo para nunca haya con- en Roccaporena, pedimos su intercesión cuando what she was looking for. But the saints is a vehicle of hope, because, 1457. Canonized in 1900, her feast ayudar a esta cerca de Casia, oramos por la reconciliación entre owners quickly told her otherwise. in them, we find life experiences day is May 22, and many often ask ocido dolor, pero la histo- familia, puesto Italia, en 1381, familias. “You have definitely come to the common to many. her intercession when praying for que comprendo ria cristiana está llena de la única hija de Una oración en la fiesta de los wrong place,” Rita Lotti was reconciliation within their families. lo que están testimonios de aquellos Antonio y Amata. “Santos Varones y Mujeres” incluye they said, for born at Roc- A prayer on feasts of “Holy Men There is no home pasando?” Sus padres fueron estas palabras: “Tú eres glorificado their lives had caporena, near and Women” includes these words: que permitieron que Enseguida, los reconocidos como en tus santos… En sus vidas sobre been filled with that has never Cascia, Italy, in “You are glorified in your saints. … reconfortó con Dios convierta su dolor reconciliadores la tierra Tú nos has dado un ejemplo. sadness similar known sorrow, but Chris- 1381, the only In their lives on earth you give us an

bishop amor desde lo en alegría, aun en los oficiales en su En nuestra comunión con ellos, Tú to hers. She child of Anto- example. In our communion with tian history is filled with profundo de su pequeña ciudad y nos das su amistad. En su oración listened with nio and Amata. them, you give us their friendship. casos más difíciles, aun corazón, porque recibieron el título por la Iglesia, Tú nos das fortaleza y compassion to stories of those who al- Her parents In their prayer for the church, you su historia era la en los casos desespera- de “Pacificadores protección. Esta gran compañía de their story. lowed God to turn their were revered as give us strength and protection. This misma que ella dos. Santos como Rita de Cristo.” Rita testigos nos estimula hacia la victoria.” “Who bet- sorrow into joy, even official reconcil- great company of witnesses spurs us estaba viviendo. de Casia y los Santos fue dada en No hay hogar que nunca haya

From the From ter than I,” she ers in their small on to victory.” En poco matrimonio a conocido dolor, pero la historia said to herself, when all hope seemed to town and earned There is no home that has never tiempo ella que hemos conocido en Pablo Manzini, cristiana está llena de testimonios de “would be able be lost.” the title “Peace- known sorrow, but Christian history descubrió que nuestra propia vida, nos un velador del aquellos que permitieron que Dios to help this fam- makers of Jesus is filled with stories of those who al- cada hogar, pueblo, quien convierta su dolor en alegría, aun en ily, for I understand what they are Christ.” Rita eventually married Pau- lowed God to turn their sorrow into enseñan a poner nuestra palacio y muchas veces se los casos más difíciles, aun en los going through?” Before moving on, lo Mancini, a town watchman who joy, even when all hope seemed to be choza que iba esperanza en Dios. encontraba en casos desesperados. Santos como she comforted them with love from was often caught in physical conflicts lost. Holy ones like Rita of Cascia, conociendo conflicto físico Rita de Casia y los Santos que hemos the depths of her heart, for, indeed, between rival factions. According to and the holy ones we have known albergaban en su interior una porción entre grupos rivales. Según algunas conocido en nuestra propia vida, nos their story was hers. some accounts, Paolo was harsh and in our own lives, teach us to place de tristeza. Y en cada lugar, ofrecía historias, Pablo fue rudo y muy enseñan a poner nuestra esperanza Soon she discovered that every ill-tempered, and married life was our hope in God. Through love and consuelo y pronto su dolor poco a temperamental, y la vida matrimonial en Dios. Con amor, constancia house, palace and shack knew its difficult for Rita. Two sons were born constancy and faith, God can heal all poco se iba desvaneciendo. Su dolor con Rita fue muy difícil. Dos hijos y fe, Dios puede curar todas las share of sadness. At each stop she to their marriage, and, after Paolo wounds. But, more than that, when había sido curado por el trabajo de nacieron de su matrimonio y, después heridas. Pero más que eso, cuando offered consolation, and soon her was murdered, they vowed to avenge we truly turn our sorrows over to amor que realizaba. que Pablo fue asesinado, ellos juraron realmente le damos nuestros dolores sorrow vanished. Her pain had been their father’s death. him, he can make us holy too. Siempre me ha gustado leer la vengar la muerte de su padre. y sufrimientos, Él nos puede hacer healed by works of love. Despite Rita’s pleading, her sons vida de los santos y mientras crecía, A pesar de los ruegos de Rita, santos también. I have always enjoyed reading the would not let go of their desire for lives of the saints, and, as I grow revenge, and she placed her anxiety Bishop Peter Sartain Mons. Pedro Sartain older, my affection for them grows. about them in God’s hands. By the Christ is our Hope ¿Deseas que el Obispo rece por alguna intención en especial que tú tengas? Cristo es nuestra Aristocrats and paupers; women and time they died, both had been recon- May 2009 Escríbele a: Lista de Oraciones del Obispo Sartain. Diocese of Joliet, 425 Esperanza men; priests, religious and lay – their ciled with God. After some years as a Summit St. Joliet, IL 60435-7193 Mayo 2009

Liturgical Calendar: St. Joseph the Worker May 1 • St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church May 2 • Ss. Nereus and Achilleus, martyr; St. Pancras, martyr May 12 • Our Lady of Fatima May 13 • St. Matthias, apostle May 14 • St. Isidore the Farmer May 15 • St. John I, pope and martyr May 18 • St. Bernardine of Siena, priest May 20 • Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord May 21 Table of contents  16 23 22 20 Serra Clubhelpsbuild 12 interviews by Carlos Briceño leaders. along to talk with church Our Hope Our ing seven key issues and lobbied lawmakers regard- at the Capitol day. They Springfield for Catholics ered under the dome in the state recently gath- Catholics from around at theCapitol Catholics a vocationculture Special Feature Depression from theGreat Lessons inhope economic times during tough Turning toGod the Unemployed Guide for A Spiritual – Photography and

magazine went St. George, martyr; St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr

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April 24 FAITH Publishing Service. No portion of portion No Service. of Publishing FAITH trademark a is FAITH Service. Publishing ©FAITH otg pie i pnig t oevle I ad at and IL Romeoville, at additional mailingoffices. pending is prices postage Periodicals at mail to Application Joliet. of Diocese the subscription information and address changes to: changes address and information subscription all Send $2.50. are issues year.Individual per $15 are rates subscription Gift August. and February for except Independence monthly Published S. 60446-2264. IL Romeoville, Blvd., 402 Joliet, of Diocese Catholic the Hope Hope hit s u Hope Our is Christ the other questions regarding use copyright material, contact is Our Hope Hope Our is or FAITH Publishing Service without prior written authority of the Diocese of Joliet and/ or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part 0 S Idpnec Bv. Rmoil, L 60446- IL 2264 © Romeoville, Blvd., Independence S. 402 Send address changesto address Send POSTMASTER: or [email protected]. 834-4060 (815) email 60446-2264; IL Romeoville, Most H T I A F Send emails to: [email protected] T D Christ is Our Hope Hope Our is Christ o submit story ideasandnews o submitstory DIREC The MagazineoftheCatholicDioceseJoliet For subscriptioninformation irec Dcn. Tom andJoAnneFogle magazine may be published, broadcast, rewritten broadcast, published, be may magazine GR May 2009 • Volume 2: Issue 4 C

DIREC Elizabeth MartinSolsburg • TI RIBU ONT Christ is Our Hope Hope Our is Christ Feast of St. Mark, evangelist

PHIC DESIG APHIC Ass Dr. CathleenMcGreal Please call (815) 834-4060 Reverend Father BillAshbaugh Father JosephKrupp C to TO S Patrick M.O’Brien PRESIDE Rev. DwightEzop Doug Delaney ONT TO EDI

magazine E p PRI E TO GR Lynne Ridenour Oliva Cervantes Phillip Shippert Miguel Moreno g n i h s i l b u P R O InnerWorkings an TO DI Carlos Briceño o Patricia Oliver r o TIVE O XECU Tom Gennara Joanne Eason Abby Wieber PR Patrick Dally Derek Melot R O ART DIREC atci e P PHIC DESIG APHIC S PUBLISHER TI RIBU NT MANA Amy Kiley Tr ish Jillane Job Tim Ryan F CUS TARY SECRE TATER WRI FF s mmesi pbiain of publication membership a is OO AN AIRM CH AL SSIS RI f Co N AL DIREC RI ATIVE SERVICE F CRE E G PH , 0 S Idpnec Blvd., Independence S. 402 NT AN to di ADI FRE Christ is Our Hope Hope Our is Christ N magazine editorial offices at offices editorial magazine

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• St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr; St. Louis Mary de Montfort, priest significa puesto de arzobispo. partes a pie y vestía ropa sencilla poco pagarcomún recompensaspara su alto por los secuestrados, viajabahaciendo a todaslabores manuales, vendió recipientesuna vida sagrados de monasterio para estricta, ganó dineroposesiones para los a lospobres pobres. Como arzobispo, renunciócontinuó aviviendo su estilo de vida acaudalado Pory ofreció qué él todases un sussanto: ejercicios sociales de la religión asceta.una congregación, dedicando una gran parteSan de Agustín, su tiempo se a dice que él organizó al cleroen el de429 su a catedralla edad deen 29 años. SiguiendoHonoratus. el ejemplo Le de sucedió a Honoratus como arzobispoHilario entróde Arles en la abadía de Lérins presididaFamoso por por: su pariente meaning Meaning ofname:DerivedfromtheLatin Patron saint:OfFrance Feast day:May5 Significado del nombre: Santo patrón Día de la fiesta: imperial law and violation of them subjectedict to legalof Emperor penalties. Valentinian III. The papaloversee claims the were church made in the province, andwas the deprived pope secured of his the rights to consecrate Hilarybishops, a bishop call synods,but stripped or him of some toof complicatehis powers. matters, Hilary did not die. Popeselected Leo I the another Great bishopkept to replace one whohad was some very jurisdiction. ill but, He unilaterally deposeddifficulty one bishop.in his relationshipsHe with otherexercises bishops ofover ascetic whom he religion. However,into Hilary a congregation, encountered devoting a great partAugustine, of their hetime is tosaid social to have organized hisArles cathedral in 429 whenclergy he was 29. Following thehis examplekinsman, of Honoratus Saint (Saint Honoré), asentered archbishop the abbeyof of Lérins at a young age.Claim He to succeeded fame: Su nombre esalegre. Hilary deArles El santo His nameischeerful. Saint Hilary of Arles alegre cheerful : De Francia Nacido en Francia en el siglo cinco, San . Born in fifth-century France, Saint Hilary 5 de mayo . A insistencia de su pariente, Hilario Derivado del latín Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 /www.DioceseofJoliet.orgChrist IsOurHope/May2009 /www.ChristIsOurHope.com April 28

• St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the church hilaris hilaris , que , situaciones difíciles cómo ser un arzobispo.un hombre de extrema piedad, quien aprendióel Grandepor medio testificó de sobre la memoria de Sanocurrió Hilario el 5como de mayo de 449 a la edad de 49.Cómo El murió:Papa Leo aflicciones.” pecado ... porque el amor propio siempre comoexacerba regla nuestras general, puede estar seguro deMejor que quejarsecita: es who learnedthroughhardshiphowtobeabishop. asamanofextremepiety, memory Saint Hilary’s tified to Pope LeotheGreattes- attheageof49. on May5,449, How hedied:Littleisknownofhisdeath,which occurred ing is sin ... because self-love always magnifies our injuries.” wrongs, for as a general rule you may be sure that complain- Best quotation: asarchbishop. simple clothesunusualtohishighstatus onfootandwore ransom captives,traveledeverywhere for thepoordoingmanuallabor, vesselsto soldsacred he continuedtoliveastrictmonasticlife,earnedmoney study.He submittedtoalifeofScripture Asarchbishop, wealthy lifestyleandofferedallhispossessionstothepoor. gaveuphis ligious life.Attheurgingofhisrelative,Hilary Gaulin401 andwasgroomedtoenterre- from northern toawealthyfamily wasborn Why heisasaint:Hilary We regret anyconfusion. Poland. Infact,hisremains are buriedinVilnius, Lithuania. that theremains ofSaintCasimirwere buriedinVilna in Saint oftheMonthcolumn,writerincorrectly stated Correction: IntheMarch issueofthemagazine,in “Quéjese lo menos posibles de sus males, pues, Se conoce muy poco sobre su muerte que April 29 “Complain as little as possible of your

• St. Pius V, pope

April 30

del mes del month the of Santo Santo Saint Saint   Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com  dignity and value of the The facts: Dear Father Joe: human person is articulated The Catechism is clear on this point: “On and defended in all our Sundays and other holy days of obligation, decisions. What gives the Church the authority I find it excellent that the faithful are bound to participate in the you brought up our past Mass” (2180). In fact, the Catechism indicates to determine what is right and wrong? mistakes (Galileo). We need that, unless one is excused for a serious to remember these mistakes Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, reason (for instance, illness or the care of an 209 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or e-mail [email protected]. so that we can see that these infant) or dispensed by one’s pastor, he or flawed vessels of God still she commits a grave sin by not fulfilling this are capable of offering us a obligation (2181). What gives the church the authority to determine what is perfect vision. Despite our Fact right and wrong? As far as I know, there is nothing on birth past sins, the Magisterium control, capital punishment, genetic engineering and/or (teaching authority of the The foundation of the church’s teaching on the obligation Q cloning in the Bible. Doesn’t it just hurt the credibility of the church) has never erred in to attend the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the or fiction? church when they are wrong (for instance, Galileo)? declarations of faith and moral commandment “inscribed by nature in the human doctrine. As Dr. Cooney at heart to render to God an outward, visible, public, and What a packed things (and more) are clear. tion and write them into our Sacred Heart Seminary put regular worship” as a sign of God’s goodness to all (2176). question! What Scripture also gives us hearts and become people it: “God writes straight with The Sunday Eucharist is indeed the heart of the we have here is clear understanding of God: of life. I hope we see and crooked lines.” I love that Catholics do not need to go church’s life (2177); the celebration of the paschal mystery A a super-relevant who he is, his love for us, live the words of Scripture phrase. It reminds me that to Sunday Mass if they are – Jesus’ life, death and resurrection – through which we question with a lot of lay- and his desire that we have that our bodies are temples perfect performance is not a are saved and participate in the very life of God. It is not ers, so let’s get right to it. abundant life and a future of the Holy Spirit (by the prerequisite for serving God. good people who try to live only the foundation of Christian practice; it is the confir- First, let’s start by making full of hope. way, when I got dressed this We remember our past, mation of this practice (2181). sure we are on common However, seeing as morning, I noticed I seem to not so that we can be para- charitable lives. Participation in the “communal celebration of the Sun- ground. I am learning that though modern moral issues be adding on to my temple). lyzed by guilt, but so that day Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being there are basically two are, well, modern, they are I pray that we see that ev- we can be free to accept faithful to Christ and his church.” It is a means of mutually groups of people who ask not mentioned in Scripture. eryone we meet is someone God’s gratuitous, unearned fact or fiction? strengthening each other in the faith under the guidance questions such as these. The To tackle this problem, we for whom God laid down love with pure hearts. of the Holy Spirit. It is the affirmation of our belief in first group desires to learn look at the issues that are his life. I hope we learn that Blessed be the name of God’s holiness and of our hope of salvation (2182). God’s ways so that they can mentioned in Scripture, the experience of life is so God. In short, Sunday Mass is essential to what it means to follow them. The second and we look at who God sacred and blessed that we Enjoy another day in be Catholic. group asks the question is, and what he desires for want to make sure that the God’s presence! – By Doug Culp, photography by Amy Kiley to collect “God’s opinion.” humanity. When we do this, Then they decide if they a clear, consistent vision of agree or disagree with it. life emerges that points us ¿Quién le dio a la Iglesia la autoridad para Como sabes, las Escrituras nos dan una explicación muy Por fin, espero que pongamos en nuestro corazón las

with Father Joe My presumption is that toward the answers to ques- determinar lo que es recto o no? Según lo clara de muchos temas morales. Por ejemplo, es malo el enseñanzas de las Sagradas Escrituras y de la Sagrada you are in the first group. tions not yet asked when En el saber que yo sé, no hay nada en la Biblia sobre adulterio, el homicidio, el robo, etc. Es esencial cuidar de las Tradición y que las escribamos dentro de nuestro corazón y You, like holy people for Scripture was written. This personas más indefensas de la sociedad y obedecer a Dios. nos convirtamos en personas de vida. Espero que veamos el control de la natalidad, la pena capital, la thousands of years, say in process is the beginning of Dios nos ama apasionada e intensamente. Todas estas cosas y vivamos las palabras de las Escrituras que dicen que ingeniería genética ni la clonación. ¿No cree (y más) son muy claras. nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo. Pido a Dios the words of King David, Sacred Tradition. P que se dañe la credibilidad de la Iglesia cuando nuestros Las Escrituras también nos dan un claro entendimiento de para que veamos en toda persona que conozcamos a alguien “Teach me, Lord, your way So, who articulates líderes están equivocados (por ejemplo, Galileo)? Dios: Quien es Él, su amor por nosotros y su deseo de que por quien Dios también murió. Espero que aprendamos that I may walk in your Sacred Tradition? What tengamos vida abundante y un futuro lleno de esperanza. que la experiencia de la vida es tan sagrada y bendecida, truth” (Psalm 86,11). We seek gives these “know-it-all Sin embargo, siendo los temas morales modernos- que queremos asegurar que la dignidad y el valor de un ser

In the know ¡Esta es una tremenda pregunta! Lo que aquí actuales, entonces, podemos decir que ellos no se humano, sean articulados y defendidos en todas nuestras what God teaches so that theologians and bishops” con Padre José tenemos es una pregunta con muchas capas, por encuentran en la Biblia. Para resolver este problema, decisiones. we can follow it. This is the the right to tell us what to eso, vamos de frente al asunto. necesitamos examinar los temas que están en las Escrituras Veo que señalaste un excelente ejemplo de nuestros call of Catholics everywhere do? Now, technically it’s R Primero, vamos a empezar asegurándonos que y necesitamos examinar también, quien es Dios y lo que Él errores pasados (Galileo). Necesitamos recordar estos and at all times. So, how do not “what” gives the church todos tenemos la misma perspectiva. He aprendido que hay quiere para la humanidad. Cuando hacemos esto, una visión errores, para que podamos ver que los instrumentos we seek those ways? authority to determine right dos grupos de personas que se hacen este tipo de pregunta. clara y consistente surge, que nos señala las respuestas a imperfectos de Dios, todavía nos pueden ofrecer una As you know, Scripture and wrong; it’s “who.” As El primer grupo quiere descubrir los caminos que Dios tiene las preguntas que no fueron hechas en el tiempo en que se visión perfecta. A pesar de nuestros pecados, el Magisterio para poder seguirlos. Las personas que están en el segundo escribió la Biblia. Este proceso es el comienzo de la Sagrada (la autoridad de enseñar de la Iglesia) nunca ha estado gives us clear explanations Catholics, we believe that grupo, se hacen esta pregunta para conocer la “opinión de Tradición. equivocado sobre temas de fe y doctrina. Como dijo Dr. of many moral issues. For Jesus gave the apostles au- Dios”. Entonces, deciden si están de acuerdo con Él o no. Entonces, ¿quién articula la Sagrada Tradición? ¿Qué Cooney del Seminario del Corazón Sagrado de Detroit: example, adultery, murder, thority to interpret Sacred Puedo pensar que tú estás en el primer grupo. Tú eres como da a estos “teólogos y obispos sabelotodos” el derecho de “Dios escribe rectamente con líneas torcidas”. Me encanta stealing, etc. are wrong. Scripture and tradition and muchas personas santas, que han dicho a lo largo de miles de decirnos lo que debemos hacer? esa frase. Me recuerda que la perfección no es un pre- Caring for the weakest guide us in our walk with años lo mismo que dijo el Rey David: “Tus caminos enséñame, Técnicamente, la pregunta no es “qué” da a la Iglesia la requisito para el servicio a Dios. Señor, para que así ande en tu verdad” (Salmo 86, 11). Buscamos autoridad de determinar lo que es malo y lo que es bueno, Recordemos nuestro pasado, no para que nos paralicemos members of society and Christ. lo que Dios enseña para que podamos seguirlo. Esta es la sino “quién” le da a la Iglesia esta autoridad. Como católicos, por nuestra culpa; sino para que podamos estar libres obeying God are essential. In the end, I hope we llamada que todos los católicos en cualquier parte del mundo creemos que Jesús da a los apóstoles la autoridad de del pasado, así aceptar el gran amor de Dios en nuestros God loves us passionately take the teachings of Sacred y en todo tiempo debemos seguir. Entonces nos preguntamos, interpretar las Sagradas Escrituras y la Sagrada Tradición, y corazones puros. and intensely. All these Scripture and Sacred Tradi- ¿cómo podemos buscar estos caminos? de guiarnos en nuestro camino a Cristo. ¡Disfruta otro día en la presencia de Dios!  Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com  Faith in the divine initiative – The spiritual struggles of the human response Blessed Mother Teresa Father Robert Barron’s website is www.wordonfire.org. He is a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The following is an excerpt from Pope woman and for the whole of humanity time toward the definitive fulfillment Benedict XVI regarding the 46th World … In the universal call to holiness, of of the kingdom is he, the Lord, who I just finished reading Father Paul incapable of processing and understanding in the ordinary Day of Prayer for vocations to be cel- particular relevance is God’s initiative freely chooses persons of every culture Murray’s astonishing little book on sense. The eye can see objects illuminated by the sun, but it ebrated in early May: of choosing some to follow his son and of every age and invites them to Blessed Mother Teresa’s interior life, becomes dysfunctional, even to the point of blindness, when Jesus Christ more closely and to be follow him according to the mysteri- it turns to gaze at the sun itself. So it is with the soul that has On the occasion of the next World his privileged ministers and witnesses. ous plans of his merciful love. called “I Have Loved Jesus in the been invaded by God. Perhaps this is why, Father Murray Day of prayer for vocations to the The divine master personally called Our first duty, therefore, is to keep Night.” Father Murray, a Dominican hinted, so many of the greatest saints report the experience of priesthood and to the consecrated life, the apostles “to be with him, and to be alive in families and in parishes, in professorI of spiritual theology at the Angelicum the dark night. which will be celebrated on May 3, sent out to preach and have author- movements and in apostolic associa- University in Rome, was a close confidant of Next, someone asked about Saint John of the Cross, the 2009, I want to invite all the people ity to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14-15); tions, in religious communities and the saint of Calcutta. In this brief and eminently Spanish mystic who wrote most extensively about what of God to reflect on the theme: Faith they, in turn, gathered other disciples in all the sectors of diocesan life this readable text, he has woven together a num- he called “la noche oscura” – the dark night. Father Paul in the divine initiative – the human around them as faithful collaborators appeal to the divine initiative with reminded us that Saint John of the Cross saw the dark night

the Vatican the response. The exhortation of Jesus to in this mission. In this way, respond- unceasing prayer. We must pray that ber of personal reminiscences with an insight- as a cleansing and purifying process, initiated and directed his disciples: “Pray therefore the Lord ing to the Lord’s call and docile to the whole Christian people grows in its ful reading of the famous “dark night” under- by God himself. We find ourselves, Saint John of the Cross of the harvest to send out laborers into the movement of the Holy Spirit, trust in God, convinced that the “Lord gone for nearly sixty years by the woman who, taught, in the midst of a good and beautiful world, but we

From From his harvest” (Matthew 9:38) has a con- over the centuries, countless ranks of of the harvest” does not cease to ask during her own lifetime, was almost universally are meant finally for union with God. Therefore, the soul had

stant resonance in the church. Pray! priests and consecrated persons placed some to place their entire existence free- acknowledged as a saint. Father Murray states to become free from its attachments to finite things so as to Book The urgent call of the Lord stresses themselves totally at the service of ly at his service so as to work with him the paradox of Blessed Mother Teresa suc- be free for communion with God. This purification involves, that prayer for vocations should be the gospel in the church. Let us give more closely in the mission of salvation. first, what the saint called “the night of the senses,” that is to continuous and trusting. The Chris- thanks to God, because even today What is asked of those who are called, cinctly: he had never known anyone more radi- say, the letting go of physical and sensual pleasures, and it

tian community can only really “have he continues to call together workers for their part, is careful listening and antly joyful than this woman who, in hundreds continues with the “night of the soul,” which is a detachment Review ever greater faith and hope in God’s into his vineyard. While it is undoubt- prudent discernment, a generous and of private letters and notes, admitted to an from the thoughts, ideas, and mental images that one can providence” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 26) if it is edly true that a worrisome shortage willing adherence to the divine plan, almost unremitting inner darkness, a practically use as a substitute for God. Like all purifications, this one is enlivened by prayer. of priests is evident in some regions and a serious study of the reality that unrelenting sense of the absence of God. painful, especially if one’s attachment to these finite things is The vocation to the priesthood and of the world, and that the church is proper to the priestly and religious intense. It will often manifest itself, Saint John of the Cross to the consecrated life constitutesa encounters difficulties and obstacles vocations, so as to be able to respond I’ve known Paul Murray said, as dryness in prayer and a keen sense of the absence of special gift of God which becomes part along the way, we are sustained by the responsibly and with conviction. for many years, and just a few God, even of God’s active abandonment. In this process, God of the great plan of love and salva- unshakable certitude that the one who months ago, when I was in is not toying with the soul; rather, he is performing a kind of tion that God has for every man and firmly guides her in the pathways of -- The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Rome, we all sat down for a surgery upon it, cutting certain things away that its life might lovely, long dinner with him at intensify. This aspect of the dark night, Father Murray said, a cozy restaurant not far from was present in Blessed Mother Teresa as well. want it to keep flowing. Roll the Pantheon. In time, the Toward the end of the evening, after lots of give and take, the cash into the 401(k) conversation turned to Blessed our Dominican friend offered another interpretation of plan offered by your new Mother Teresa and this puzzle Blessed Mother Teresa’s experience. It was perhaps, he said, company or, if that’s not of her dark night. In the a vivid participation in the desolation that Christ Jesus felt Roll with an option, into a self-di- course of this exchange, we all on the cross when he said, “God, my God, why have you rected IRA. Don’t choose got a wonderful sneak preview forsaken me?” We can say, blithely enough, that the spiritual a Roth IRA unless you’re of the book. life consists in allowing Christ to live his life in us. But this the changes Many people are in the ready to pay taxes A member of our group was a devout Methodist, a woman means that he will live his passion in us, that he will permit midst of job on your 401(k) with a strong Biblical sensibility, and she expressed her us fully to feel what he felt at the bitter end of his earthly

tip Ted Zale, a veteran financial counselor, guides you through transitions these fund balance bewilderment at this phenomenon of the saint who seemed life. In Blessed Mother Teresa’s case, this participation was economically troubled times. days. If you’re one immediately. A at times even to doubt the existence of God. “Maybe Mother particularly intense, precisely because her ministry was to the of them, don’t forget standard IRA, was just depressed because of her difficult work,” she sug- lonely, the poor, the hopeless and the abandoned. She identi- minous headlines about layoffs. about the 401(k) on the other hand, gested. Father Murray immediately clarified that Blessed fied with their physical and psychological suffering, but her fund from your previ- Mother Teresa was not a depressive — as the rich accom- Money Money Soaring prices at the pump. will allow the money terrible sense of isolation from God allowed her to identify “For sale” signs and plummeting ous employer. to simply trans- plishment of her life and work bears witness — and that the even with their spiritual suffering. And from that solidarity stock markets. Everywhere you If you worked fer tax-free and dark night, in the strict sense, has little to do with emotional flowed her compassion. at the old job continue to grow. melancholy. Rather, he said, the dark night of the soul is like I’m just giving you a sense of Father Murray’s wisdom in re- turn lately, you see a test of your long enough to be You pay taxes when the shadow cast by the overwhelming light of the indwell- gard to Blessed Mother Teresa. Do buy his book if you want to financialO faith. Never fear. Here are common- vested, the money you withdraw the ing God. Especially when he deigns to come close, God understand more fully the woman who said, “If I ever become sense tips to survive the current money crunch: is yours -- and you money at retirement. floods the faculties of the mind and the heart so that they are a saint, I will be a saint of darkness.” 10 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 11 Bible quiz Tell me a story Funeral liturgies A parable quiz

Column by Elizabeth Solsburg | Illustrations by Bob Patten 1. Upsets our expecta- 4. Refers to the reception tions of strict fairness given to God’s revela- W h a t ’ s t h e at the final judgment. tion. Some accept it; s e a s o n ? he death of someone we All who respond to the others do not. love is one of life’s most call of Jesus, whether Holy early in life or late, will 5. Union with Jesus is Days of heart-rending moments. What’s he inherit the kingdom. It is necessary for fruit- Obligation: We are often numb with a pure gift and cannot fulness. be earned. Various feasts shock and filled with grief. a. The Rich Fool (Luke 12: throughout the TheT Catholic Church’s funeral liturgies 2. Probably Jesus’ first 16-21) church year are offer mourners consolation, hope and parable and the central thought on which the b. Workers in the Vine- so important they have been faith in the resurrection. They usually Sermon on the Mount yard (Matt 20: 1-6) wearing? 101 occur in three parts: the vigil, the Mass was based. Inflexibility designated as of traditional systems c. The Sower and the holy days of obligation on of Christian Burial, and the rite of com- can’t adapt to the free- Seed (Matt 13: 1-13) mittal or graveside service. dom of Jesus’ new way. which the faith- ful must attend d. I am the Vine (John: Mass. Each 3. Dangers of putting our 15: 1-8) The vigil takes place for one or more days country has its Theology Theology trust in possessions Pectoral Cross: prior to the funeral. It used to be the custom instead of recognizing e. New Wine in Old own list of holy days. In most The bishop wears a cross called a pectoral for the vigil, or wake, to be held in the home our dependence on Wineskins (Mark 2: dioceses of the cross. Its name comes from the Latin word of the deceased. Now, it is more customarily God. 21-22) United States, pectus – or breast. Rules dictate how the cross

held in a funeral home. Recently, there has also they are Jan. 1, 1:b; 2:e; 3:a; 4:c; 5:d 4:c; 3:a; 2:e; 1:b; nswers: A is worn, depending on the bishop’s garments. been a growing trend to celebrate the vigil in the Solemnity of the parish church or hall; it is very moving to Mary; Aug. 15, If he’s in a suit and collar, the pectoral cross is receive the condolences of friends and family in the Solemnity usually placed in the vest pocket with the chain of the Assump- showing; that’s why you’ll often see the bishop the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and in a The Liturgy of the Eucharist follows, remind- tion; Nov. 1, the with a chain across his chest. place where the deceased person worshipped in ing us of Christ’s passion, death and resurrec- Solemnity of All community. It is common for the evenings of the tion. We are offered the hope of eternal life – for Saints; Dec. 8, wake to close with the recitation of the rosary or our loved one and for ourselves. Members of the Solemnity Sacred vessels: a Scripture service. The vigil is also the most ap- the family may serve as extraordinary ministers of Immaculate W h y d o w e W h o ’ s i n propriate place for eulogies, in which stories and of Communion, readers and altar servers. After Conception; he chalice is the cup in which the wine d o t h a t ? t h e and Dec. 25, s a n c t u a r y ? memories of the dead person are shared. Communion, a friend or family member may be the Solemnity that becomes the blood of Christ is con- Singing The Mass of Christian Burial is the fulcrum invited to share a brief reflection on the life of of Christmas. If tained. The ciborium is the container for Cantor: of the funeral liturgies. At the beginning of the departed. Jan. 1, Aug. 15, the hosts that will be consecrated at Mass “Shout joyfully to God!” the Mass, the priest welcomes the body at the There is a final procession to the place of com- or Nov. 1 fall andT reserved in the tabernacle; it may be shaped The cantor on a Saturday You’ll notice that the entrance to the church. Family members place mittal, the cemetery. At the graveside, the priest somewhat like the chalice, but has a fitted lid. In What’s in is the liturgy’s or Monday, the Scripture (Psalm 66) chief singer. In a white pall over the casket, representing the or deacon offers a final commendation and obligation to medieval times, the word ciborium also referred to a mentions joy, not pitch monastic choirs, white garment in which the person was clothed prayers of farewell are said. If there has not been attend Mass canopy over the tabernacle, but that is no longer the or key. Singing is an this was an office at his or her baptism. The body is carried to the a eulogy, one may be offered at this point. is normally case. The pyx is a small container that holds a few important part of worship of high honor and front of the church, where members of the fam- Occasionally, the family may have chosen to dispensed. consecrated hosts. Extraordinary ministers of holy the cantor often and some elements of the Mass are specifically ily place a crucifix and a Bible on it, symbolizing cremate the body. The Catholic Church permits Communion use a pyx to take Communion to the sick carried a staff to the church? designed to be sung. Examples are the Sanctus indicate rank. The the person’s Christian faith. cremation and, since 1997, it has been permis- and homebound. (“Holy, holy, holy” prayer) and the great Amen. cantor leads the Changes in the funeral rites since Vatican II sible in the United States to have the cremated All of these ves- Singing is a wonderful way for a congregation congregation in mean that we focus on the joy of resurrection remains present for a funeral liturgy. Afterward, sels are to be to express unity since they are singing the same song, frequently rather than the sorrow of loss. The vestments are the remains should be treated with the same made of sacred words at the same time and in approximately proclaiming the verses of the re- white, symbolizing joy, rather than their former respect as a body would be – not kept in the metal or material the same tone. The General Instruction of the sponsorial psalm. black. The emphasis is on eternity, not on our home, but interred in a cemetery or entombed approved by the Roman Missal (GIRM) extols the importance of You may see the present grief. in a columbarium. Bishops’ Con- congregational singing and stresses its necessity cantor move to The Liturgy of the Word has readings chosen The Catholic celebration of a person’s life, ference. They at Sunday and holy day Masses. Everyone pres- the ambo for the by the family; they are selected for their consola- coupled with the community’s consolation to should be treated ent is urged to sing out with great joy, not just proclamation of this psalm. tion and hope of eternal life. The priest or dea- that person’s loved ones, is one of the most with reverence those who can carry a tune! con preaches on the readings, offering a homily, profound ways the church acts as Christ in the due to their sa- not a eulogy. world. cred functions. 12 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 13 Bishop Peter Sartain: Junipero Serra’s] work was 6,000 people and confirmed is the Serra Club. credited with being respon- Even though Junipero he wanted to secure souls more than 5,000 others, most sible for a miracle, attributed Serra was born in Spain, for the church. And when of whom were Indians. Junipero Serra was known to the person’s intercession he was sent to Mexico City you belong to the Serra for his zeal in trying to after the person has died. The after he was ordained … Club, I feel like, with the Bishop Peter Sartain: follow God’s will. He was next step in the process is the to work with the people in amount of prayer we do, if Junipero Serra was tireless persistent and endured possibility of being canonized the New World. Eventually, we can help one individ- in preaching and tireless in many hardships. One of his as a saint – if another posthu- he requested to go up to ual, to me that is enough. visiting all of the missions favorite sayings – for which mous miracle is verified. the missions of California No matter what we can do, of California, both those he became well known – was: because of the great zeal no matter how small or he founded and those that “Always to go forward and Sister Lovina Francis he had for the Gospel and great, if we can make a dif- had been founded by other never to turn back.” Pammit, OSF, voca- the preaching of the Good ference in someone’s life, people. For him, the main tion coordinator for her News. I think that is why then to me it’s worth it all. focus of his entire life was Father Burke Masters, community: I see devel- he was chosen as the patron always the Gospel of Jesus diocesan vocation oping more and more [in of the Serra Club – because While he was in Mexico, Christ and bringing people director: Some people the Serra Cub] that voca-

story the Serra Club is all about Father Serra suffered an to the Gospel. Of course, take for granted that tion awareness extends promoting vocations to injury to his leg from which that is exactly what priests priests show up on church to all, not just church priesthood and religious he suffered for the rest of his and religious are all about. on Sunday to celebrate vocations, but to encour- life. Therefore, it’s all about life. Despite the injury, he Everything about the lives Mass. They don’t always age every member of the evangelization – bringing walked many miles when he of priests and religious is realize the whole process church to realize and to Feature Feature the good news of the Lord traveled. Estimates show that focused on the Gospel of behind the idea of foster- look at their options – not Jesus to people and helping he traveled more than 5,500 Jesus Christ. ing vocations within a just marriage, because those same people to turn miles on land during his mis- parish and the diocese. everyone kind of thinks of to Christ and to turn their sionary travels. Father Serra wrote to a fel- Guys just don’t always getting into that – but lay lives over to him. low Franciscan before leav- show up because God calls ministry in the church and

Joan Mowry, parish- ing Spain for the New World: them. We need people who to realize their gifts and to Cover Blessed Junipero Serra was ioner at St. Petronille “We must allow nothing in are out there praying for see if religious life and the born in 1713 and became a Parish in Glen Ellyn, this life to cause us sadness. vocations, who are tapping priesthood is for them. member of the Franciscan whose son is now Our clear duty is to conform young men and women on

order. After he left Spain for a seminarian in the ourselves in every way to the the shoulders and saying, The Serra Club was founded story the New World, he spent eight diocese: I’ve always felt will of God so as to prepare “I see special gifts in you. in 1934 in Seattle. It has years in the Sierra Gorda drawn to pray for voca- well for death. Nothing else Have you ever thought since spread to more than mountains near Santiago tions to the priesthood. really matters. If this is done, about becoming a priest, 1,109 clubs in 46 countries de Querétaro, learning the And that started with a it matters little if everything a brother or a sister?” And with total memberships of language of the local Pame parish priest at Visitation else besides is lost.” it’s not just the job any more than 19,000 people on Indians, instructing them in Parish in Elmhurst. The longer of the bishop or six continents. Its objectives Christianity and the Catholic pastor there gave a hom- priests. It’s the job of the are to foster and promote faith and helping them become ily, saying, “If you parents entire church to support religious vocations to the skilled in various trades. He out there are praying for vocations through prayer, priesthood and religious life also served as president of a my children to become direct contact, through and to encourage its members five-mission chain. priests, we’re all in trouble. fostering a culture of voca- to fulfill their own Christian You need to be praying for tions, which is what the vocations to service. your own children to have Serra Club is all about. a vocation.” At the time my George Carr:e W like to Serra Members son, David, was a year old. Junipero Serra died in 1784. say the Sierra Clubs [an And I thought, “Well, ok, He was beatified by Pope John environmental group] hug help build a vocation culture I’ve always kind of generi- Paul II in 1988 and is consid- trees, while we Serrans hug embers of the U.S. Council of Serra International promote cally prayed for vocations ered “blessed,” which is when priests and seminarians vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Serra to the priesthood, but now George Carr, parish- a candidate for sainthood is and religious. I have a son, so I guess I ioner at St. Michael members in the Diocese of Joliet meet once a month to should be praying for him Parish in Wheaton: f I To join Serra, or for more information on the 35th attend a Mass, pray the rosary and listen to a speaker to have a vocation if that is you love the priesthood Annual Seminarian Send-off event, or to adver- talk about something related to vocations. They help the God’s will for him.” and love the Eucharist, and tise in the event’s souvenir program, please contact Ron diocesanM vocation director, Father Burke Masters, with various events, such you want to have the avail- Beaumont at [email protected] or 630-858-4646. The as days to give youths more information about vocations and the Seminar- Renee Schuessler, Father Serra ended up be- ability of priests and the Seminarian Sendoff will be held on Sunday August 16 begin- ning at 1:30 PM at the Krasa Center at Benedictine Univer- ian Send-off event on Aug. 16 at 1:30 p.m. at Benedictine University in Lisle. parishioner at St. ing in charge of missions Eucharist in our lives on a James Parish in Glen throughout California and regular basis, we all need sity in Lisle. For more information on the U.S. Council of This annual event brings together all the seminarians in the diocese to show Ellyn: The theme that ran was the founder of nine mis- to do more for vocations. Serra International, go to www.serraus.org support for them before they resume their studies in the fall. through a lot of [Blessed sions. He baptized more than One of the tools to do that Photography and interviews by Carlos Briceño 14 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 15 emotionally impaired, drome, she suggested, “Start creating relationships. Sit down next who have special learning to people [with disabilities] and start talking. … Ask the person problems, or who suffer with the disability how they can be helped – what they need.” from single or multiple Disability in the church, physical handicaps – all 2. Don’t ostracize: “I don’t want to be in a room with a bunch of those whom disability disabled people. I’m sure they’re all lovely, but I want to sit next may set apart.” to you!” Swanson said. She pointed out that parish initiatives that then and now give special spaces to people with disabilities can exclude the very The Church’s people they mean to welcome. Doctor Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy On a recent Sunday morning during our usual 11 Perspective is the former diocesan Religious Education Office special needs a.m. Mass, the sight of a young altar server moved n I Biblical times, society consultant. Her three sons have Attention Deficit Disorder, so, me deeply. Why? Because this little girl was recog- marginalized people with growing up, they tended to be rambunctious in church. “There’s disabilities, but Christ nothing more isolating than being in a cry room,” she said. “I re- nizable as a person with Down syndrome, and her drew them near. member thinking, ‘This has to be what hell is like.’” When sitting role as an altar server brought back memories. One reason for the in the pews, she added, “You know there are always people who ostracism was the belief are looking at you thinking, ‘Get out of here or slap that kid.’” My son, Kevin, who also has Down syndrome, was an altar boy Loving people with disabilities that sin caused disabili- more than 35 years ago. And his presence in that role was not ties. When a blind man 3. Be understanding: Healy said people are less likely to show easily won in the 1960s. Doctor Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy writes on the board at St. Mary Immaculate School in Plainfield, where she teaches. Our son’s baptism was one of the first challenges that we approached Jesus in John compassion for “invisible disabilities” like ADD because those encountered in his spiritual life. My husband, John, and I already bout 90 percent of prenatal tests 9, the disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his par- disabilities are not readily apparent. She suggested people refrain had welcomed Kevin into our family as an equal partner with that are positive for Down syn- ents, that he was born blind?” Christ responded, “Neither he nor from judging others, especially if they do not know the cause of his brothers and sisters, even though medical options had been offered as to possible placement away from home. Now here we drome result in abortions. Accord- his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made a faux pas. “You would never tell a person who has diabetes, ‘Just visible through him.” Christ then healed the man so others could tell your pancreas to shape up,’” she said. Swanson noted, in a were a few days later hearing an incredible question about his ing to a 2008 study, Illinois ranks baptism. “Do you want a private ceremony?” In other words, did witness God’s mercy and power. situation like Healy’s, “The parents didn’t say [to their children], we want “segregation” due to his disability? (last 51st among states and Wash- In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic literally came through the roof to ‘I want you to act like a little creep when you come into Mass. … Of course, we did not want a private ceremony. We wanted ington,A D.C.) for the way it houses people with dis- see Jesus. Christ enabled the man to walk and forgave his sins We need to be supportive.’” She said she tells people with disabili- Kevin to be a part of the regular group of babies who were to be abilities. Meanwhile, the National Organization on – again, using someone marginalized by disability as a vehicle for ties to sit in the same pew each Sunday. Parishioners who find joy baptized. God’s message. in the presence of special needs worshippers often choose to sit Hindsight acknowledges that a young priest with limited experi- Disability indicates people with special needs are ence had raised the question, but, within months, we acquired a 18 percent less likely than those without disabilities Even in modern times, a 2000 Vatican document explained, nearby. Less tolerant parishioners find other seats. lot of new information. Other children and adults with cognitive God continues to use people with disabilities to show that his disabilities were being denied access to the sacraments of Holy to attend religious services – and that attendance love for humanity is not dependent upon ability or productivity. 4. Accommodate: “If you have stairs, you’re telling everyone in a Eucharist and confirmation. rate has declined 7 percent since 1986. The document – prepared for the Jubilee Day with persons with wheelchair they can’t come,” Swanson said. She explained that With our awareness of cognitive disabilities, special contacts Though society often fails to embrace people disabilities – stated, “The Church continues the revealing mission even churches with no registered parishioners began to surface. We discovered that, in a nearby area, people had come together to provide a with disabilities, the U.S. Conference of Catholic of Christ [in a] society often indifferent to the cry of persons with in wheelchairs should build ramps and use special religious education program for their fam- Bishops has said, “We call upon people of good disabilities. … The Church, to be truly the bride of Christ, must handicap signs. “It’s kind of build it and they will ily members. One compassionate young priest will to reexamine their attitudes toward their broth- consider the persons with disabilities and those around them, as come,” she said. She noted that accommodations was working with this group. At a funeral Mass theological places where ‘God works his wonders,’ realizes his for the blind and deaf have similar effects. for a child with a cognitive disability, this priest’s ers and sisters with disabilities and promote their love for mankind and invites the community to conversion and to sermon inspired many others by recognizing the well-being, acting with the sense of justice and value of the child as a symbol of love. story discernment of Gospel values.” 5. Encourage participation: Like all Catholics, Eventually the role of altar boy became an ad- the compassion that the Lord so clearly desires. Given such a mission, the U.S. bishops gave Guidelines for the disabled parishioners are called to participate in ditional part of the religious education program. Further, realizing the unique gifts individuals with Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities in 1995. the Mass – and that might mean in ministerial The intent was to provide the youngsters with disabilities have to offer the church, we wish to ad- Then, in 1998, they reaffirmed their advocacy of rights for people roles. “Assume competence,” Swanson said. Her the opportunity to participate in the regular par- with disabilities. They wrote, “These include the right to equal op- church uses an adjustable ambo to let people in ish Masses, not just segregated special liturgies. dress the need for their integration into the Christian The ultimate goal of the entire religious educa- Feature Feature portunity in education, in employment, in housing, and in health wheelchairs serve as lectors, she said, and her community and their fuller participation in its life.” Swanson’s son, Adam, volun- tion program was to dissolve the specialized care, as well as the right to free access to public accommodations, son with Down syndrome has volunteered as teers at Holy Spirit Catholic instructional sessions and integrate the students That means, as reality and ideals clash, the facilities and services.” an altar server. “You always have to remember Community in Naperville. with cognitive disabilities into the general parish church is calling for action. The 2005 National Directory for Catechesis indicated, “[People that it’s praise and worship,” she said. “It’s not a population. with disabilities] are not just recipients of catechesis – they are Shakespearian performance, and I think God will be happy with Currently, the presence of that wonderful little girl as an altar server was a dividend for the incredible amounts of effort put Who Has a Disability? also its agents. All persons with disabilities or special needs should how it comes out.” forth by a great number of dedicated volunteers many years ago. The U.S. Census Bureau reports more than one-fifth of Ameri- be welcomed in the church. Every person, however limited, is To see our goal implemented currently without fanfare was a real cans have one or more disabilities. capable of growth in holiness.” 6. Work for solidarity outside church: Swanson enumerated the joy. This recent Sunday morning episode was a beautiful example According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, “The term negative statistics on treatment of people with disabilities and said, of community acceptance of a person with a cognitive disability. ‘disability’ means, with respect to an individual, (A) a physical or Steps Toward Solidarity “The numbers are high and, as a church called to do justice in I was pleased and proud due to her participation. All that I could think about was the history that had gone before this one mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the Given the church’s call for solidarity, Catholic experts are offer- the richest country in the world, we have to look at how we do simple act of inclusion as part of the parish family. And I must major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such an ing advice on how to achieve loving reform: things inside of church and outside of church.” She added, “It has admit I had a special feeling that my husband and I and our group impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such impairment.” to go past the walls of the church. I mean, we can’t be 60-minute- of dedicated volunteers, way back in the 1960s, perhaps had The 1978 “Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on 1. Create relationships: Cindi Birse-Swanson is the director of dis- a-week Catholics.” That might mean advocating justice or simply made the moment possible. Persons with Disabilities” specifies that people in this category abilities and family outreach for Holy Spirit Catholic Community living with love and compassion. She noted, “We could be the – Marjorie Sullivan Lee and her son, Kevin, are parishioners at St. Daniel the Prophet are “our neighbors who are blind, deaf, mentally [challenged], in Naperville. Blind and the mother of a man with Down syn- ones to welcome people and celebrate all their gifts.” Parish in Wheaton.

Photography and story by Amy Kiley 16 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 17 atholics from give up. That we continue to express around the our views. That we continue to bring state recently the truth. I think that is the most im- portant thing to recognize – that we are gathered under coming forth and we are witnessing to the dome in Catholics at the Capitol what is true. It is not something we are SpringfieldC for Catholics at the making up. It’s not just your opinion. Capitol Day. They lobbied law- It’s not just our view. We are actually makers regarding seven key teaching and expressing the truth and issues and Our Hope maga- that itself has its own weight because it comes from God. Therefore, we never zine went along to talk with give up hope. We do have to always church leaders. proclaim the truth in season and out of season, no matter what. story Doug Delaney, director of com- munications for the Diocese of The bishop Joliet, discussed the importance also dis- The of prayer when dealing with leg- cussed why most

Feature Feature islators and the political process: Catholics “Prayer should be first and foremost should be ac- important in our lives. Cardinal [Francis] George tive in the po- thing is we said there is always time for prayer. litical process: You can always pray. Prayer brings “The Lord Jesus never give about results – there is no doubt about gives us the gift up. That we that. It has to be a combination of of faith, but he continue to things: your prayer life, hopefully, will also says we lead you to action, and your action have to witness express our will lead you to further prayer if you to the faith, and views. That feel fulfilled in your actions. we don’t witness we continue to the faith only The Catholic Conference of in church. We to bring the Illinois indicated the seven key have to witness truth.” issues of the day were: to the faith in • Legislation to double the Education every aspect of our lives – as they say, Expense Tax Credit utilized by ‘In the public square.’ And what bet- Catholic school parents. ter than to come than this place [the • Budget relief to ensure federal and Capitol] today and tell the people of state reimbursements are provided our state, and your legislators, what our to Catholic health care and nursing faith means to us.” homes on a timely basis. • Opposition to legislation equating Delaney talked about how Catho- same-sex unions to marriage. lics can and should engage in the • Legislation or budgetary action political process: “The first thing to provide prompt payments for is to vote. If you don’t vote, you don’t Catholic Charities and other social have a reason to complain. [Write] service providers. a letter or, if you’re asked at church, • Budget support for community make a telephone call or send in a organizations and parishes to provide postcard. Just take five minutes and English classes to immigrants. make those simple acts. It might seem Catholics went under the dome at the capitol in Springfield for Catholics at the Capitol day. • Legislation to abolish the death like a simple act, but if it’s multiplied penalty. Catholics should be active in moral traditions to influence policy. than what’s currently going on today. we can. Catholics need to understand by thousand and thousands, others • Legislation mandating that a the political process: “I think it’s Unfortunately, the mainstream media Part of the problem today is that Catholic social teaching and be more take notice. woman seeking an abortion be important for Catholics to be more in and too many Catholics seem to think it’s all generated from self interest. engaged in the political process and offered the opportunity to view a tune to their obligation to participate we should not be involved in the Much of the debate is what’s better not less.” Visit these websites to pro- sonogram before the procedure. in civic affairs. There are too many political arena and in public policy for me as an individual. There’s not mote Catholic isues in politics: people out there who have an debate. We need a more vibrant enough attention to what the Catholic Bishop Peter Sartain discussed Bob Gilligan, executive director uniformed notion about the separation participation as a Catholic community perspective is, which is what is in the why Catholics should always have www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org/ of the Catholic Conference of church and state. The founding because we approach these issues best interest of the common good. We hope during the political process: of Illinois, talked about why fathers wanted vibrant debate from from an entirely different framework need to be screaming that as loud as “The most important thing is we never www.faithfulcitizenship.org/

Interviews and photography by Carlos Briceno 18 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 19

Chelsea Ryan sits next to Kathy and Pete while her mother, Amy Boone, holds Joey. Choosing life: A story of adoption t the age of 15, Chelsea Ryan became pregnant. Pro-life from a young age, the Saint Mary of Gostyn parishioner gave up her baby for open adoption. Today, Chelsea is a senior at Down- ers Grove North and is still in touch with her child and his adoptive parents. She is a volunteer counselor at Woman’s Choice Services, a pro-life center, and she has spoken to teenagers at A local high schools about choosing life. She recently told her story to Carlos Briceño: I found out I was pregnant when I was spectrum of openness. Mine is all the way scared about everything and about making 15. I had been dating my boyfriend for on the far end of the most open that you the wrong decision. We asked for a sign. about six months. He, at first, wanted me can possible have. The center gave me All my mom asked for was a sign that we to have an abortion, but I said no because profiles that describe families who want to would know we were doing the right thing. my family has always been pro-life. So we adopt. I was given three. One of the three As soon as we found out that Joey was born didn’t go through with that. I finally told was Kathy and Pete. I really liked them. on Pete’s birthday, that was what we needed. my mom and dad during an emergency Everything I wanted for my child they had. I can relate to high schoolers because family meeting after I had taken three or I decided to meet them on December 15, I’m still in high school. Honestly, many

story four pregnancy tests. They called a deacon 2006. My mom met them too. My boy- people have sex in high school. I’m with friend at our parish, St. Mary of Gostyn friend wasn’t involved. He broke up with girlfriends all the time who think they’re

My My in Downers Grove. Deacon Al referred us me when I was five months pregnant, and pregnant. One of my best friends had an to Sunny Ridge Family Center in Boling- he had a new girlfriend the next month. abortion over the summer. It’s horrible. I brook. We called them right away. They’re After I met Kathy and Pete, I decided they can’t stand to watch girls go through an a pregnancy counseling agency, along with were the ones. abortion. None of your decisions are easy. an adoption agency. My version of adop- I had Joey on March 29, 2007, and that I just want girls to know that you can do tion in my head was from the Lifetime is the birth date of Pete, his adopted father. this – give your baby up for adoption. movies where they take away your child, He was supposed to be born on March 25. I’m so thankful to God for everything he’s and you never see them ever again. We Pete was always joking, because he was given me because my life could’ve turned went to Sunny Ridge, and we met with our like, “You should just wait a little more and out so differently. I have always been counselor, Becky. The first thing she said have the baby on my birthday.” against abortion, but I was against it be- to us was we have nine months to figure Before I got pregnant, I was going down a cause people told me to be against it. I had this out so just relax. After that, we started bad path. I had a bad relationship with my never been forced with having to actually talking about all our options. We learned boyfriend. And so, through the pregnancy, act on my belief. I think I’m extremely pro about open adoption. There is a whole I prayed to God so hard because I was so life-now. Extremely.

Interview by Carlos Briceño | Photography by Miles Boone / www.milesboonephotography.com 20 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 21 lives and really working at that. To ask Prayer for the Unemployed and fears as my financial responsibili- the Lord, “What do you think?” ties mount. Strengthen my resolve; Heavenly Father, your son Jesus embolden my heart to open doors; Turning to God during Terri: When life is going good and I’m invited all who are weary and find life open my eyes to see life beyond busy and even if I’m going to church burdensome to come to him for rest rejections. Help me to trust in you. tough economic times every week, I’m less aware of my need and support. Lord, I am worn out by for God. I have a sense of less relying my inability to find work. Teach me new ways to bring about on him, and I’m more self reliant. And your kingdom on earth. Let me grow he faltering economy has been on the minds of see things along the way. A couple of when difficulties come along and I have Guide my steps to the right path; as a person and always give you many people for the past several months. In bad weeks ago, I had a terrible day, and a greater need, then my trust in the give me the patience to find opportu- the glory. I make my prayer through times, people turn to God because they seek the next day I go to Mass, and there Lord and my awareness of him and my nities with a future. Calm my worries Christ, our Lord, amen. solace and rely on their faith to help them cope. are messages waiting for me on the need for him becomes more personal phone to come and interview with and real. That is probably a little bit of a Christ is our Hope magazine interviewed two T other companies when I got home. change at this time -- to be more willing Sue: I had a strong faith life before. Mark: Before my job loss, I knew couples about their recent struggles due to job losses within The Lord is there, taking care of us. to let the Lord enter into the difficulty. I don’t know if it’s any stronger now. there were people who were prob-

their families. Here are their stories: I’m depending on it more. In this sit- ably unemployed, but, to be honest, Special Feature: Terri: We will often pray together. I Mark Bonucchi worked at USG Corp. for uation, I have put it more into God’s I didn’t think much about it. Now, For 18 years, Pat O’Hara held an admin- blue would stop by and say, “How are think that it’s helpful for us to hear 25 years. He was the director of finance hands as opposed to trying to control when you go to an event and you istrative position in healthcare that ended you doing?” I would get a card from the other pray. It helps me along in for their ceilings division until he was laid it. I kind of feel like I have to take a see hundreds and hundreds of Dec. 31. He has been out of work ever someone that said, “Let’s praise the trusting the Lord to hear Pat praying off on Dec. 9, 2008. His wife, Sue, works back seat because it’s Mark who has people just like you, who don’t have since. It was not the only shock he has Lord for the good with confidence part-time. They have three children, two to do all the work in pursuing a job. a job and it’s affecting their lives and encountered over the past few months. His that he does.” In It’s easier to and conviction. in college and one in high school. They are I have to support him and cope with they have a hard time making their mother died last October, and his brother our prayer each have a sense That bolsters my parishioners at Holy Spirit Catholic Com- my family and our situation. I do feel mortgage payments or car payments was diagnosed with level four colon can- day, my wife and faith. If he can do munity in Naperville. responsible for part of the finances. I and they don’t know how they’re cer in January. He admits he was scared I pray to give of trusting in the Lord it, then I can too. feel like I have to contribute more. gong to pay their bills next, when God’s when he lost his job, and he stayed in his glory to the Lord when I’m not struggling you’re there in it, you look at it dif- Feature Help Wanted home for several weeks, trying to come for the job that is with something or when Pat: The reality yMark: M faith life has given me ferently. You appreciate those people to grips with being unemployed. Then waiting for me. is we do continue a positive attitude. We have a lot and the challenges they go through he started looking for work. His wife, That helps us to there’s not a problem. But to have days that of great friends who are praying and the heartaches they have to

Terri, works full-time, and they have four look ahead. when there’s a problem, are sad. My wife for us, and we help other couples face, the same as I do. Help Wanted story God’s children. The youngest is a sophomore in it’s pretty big stakes to be and I talk about who have lost their jobs, and we college whose expenses they are helping to Terri: It’s easier it. What we do pray for them. I know that it’s kept Sue: I don’t know how people do it pay. They are parishioners at Holy Fam- to have a sense trusting in the Lord.” two-to-three me in a positive attitude, knowing without faith. I truly believe that ev- ily Parish in Shorewood. of trusting in times a week that, when God shuts one door, he erything happens for a reason, and the Lord when I’m not struggling when we’re having dinner, we’ll say, will always open a window. We just we’ll get through it. We just don’t with something or when there’s not a “How are you doing today?” Kind of don’t know exactly where or when know what it’s going to look like problem. But when there’s a problem, checking in with each other. There it’s going to be or with whom. when we get through it. We don’t it’s pretty big stakes to be trusting in are other days that are good days that know where we will be and what we the Lord. Sometimes, it’s a struggle propel us. We get excited and get Sue: I was raised the oldest of six will be doing and when is probably for me. back on track. Mark: My manager came in my office in a family that didn’t have a whole the hardest question. I have to put Special Feature: Special Feature: at around 9 a.m. with his suit on. He lot. My dad was a blue-collar work- it in God’s hands because, if I didn’t, Pat: The Lord is present to us. We Terri: I think my faith is more per- said, “Mark, we need to talk.” We went er, and my mom always worked too I think you really could go off the have a sense of being carried along. sonal. It’s more internal. This need down the long hall to a small little – as a nurse. In my family we always deep end. I think you could be so There are so many people praying for [Pat looking for work] and the vari- conference room where there was a had to work for what we had. I full of anxiety and frustration and us. And it is in our prayer, my wife ous tragedies make it all very per- human resources person. I told them, always appreciated that we have a anger and those feelings could go and I, where we talk about the job sonal, the whole faith experience. It’s as soon as I walked in, “I don’t think pretty good lifestyle. I tell myself on and on. I’m actually relieved and loss and thank the Lord for so many something we live here at our house, this is going to be a good day.” He that we really need to count our glad to be able to do that – to be who support us in their prayers. We drawing strength from God. said, “I’m sorry, this is not going to be blessings in a really big way. We’ve able to hand it over and say, “Hey, believe that God is out there, and he a good day.” They gave me a couple of got a lot to be grateful for. Even God, this is your deal. I’m going Pat: Those early days and weeks will have a job for me, and we will Pat: When we’re at a crossroads in our hours to clean out my office and then though we are in a situation we did trust that you’re going to take care after I left the job, people out of the get through this. We life, it’s an opportunity. Even though two days later I was able to go back not choose, we have to be grateful of us because it’s way too big for it’s been hard at times, I see this as and get more of my personal files. for the things we have. me.” an opportunity, not only for a differ- T he following parishes offer job ministries ent job, but also an opportunity to to help those who are looking for work: spend time with the Lord. To have As a way to facilitate prayer and hope for people throughout the diocese who are going through tough eco- that as my foundation so I can go nomic times, Christ is our Hope magazine has created a Yahoo group where people can join and offer their prayers; • St. James Parish in Glen Ellyn: http://www.stjosephministry.org/ forward in steady steps. My big- offer advice and hope to others; talk respectfully about how faith is helping them through the tough times; share networking • St. Thomas the Apostle in Naperville: www.grizwiz.com/jobs/ gest change has been my really information or job leads; or vent about their frustrations so others can offer their prayers. It is free to join, and it is as easy as • St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield: http://www.smip.org trying to invite the Lord into our going to the following site – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hopemagazine111 – and signing up online.

Photography and interviews by Carlos Briceño 22 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 23 Lessons in hope A Spiritual Guide from the Great Depression for the Unemployed

hen thinking of the Great Depression, one rarely thinks of hope. The real eing unemployed can be a very about great graces for our families and others and help gross domestic product (GDP) fell about 30 percent from 1929 to 1933, traumatic experience. If you bring about God’s plan for the world. What job can be unemployment soared and people went hungry. find yourself feeling depressed, more important than that? If we can take up our cross and follow Christ, we will be doing as he asks and will Still, one ray of hope for today is that – so far, at least – the present reces- demoralized and overwhelmed know the value of our suffering when we see its fruits in W sion has not been as bad. The GDP fell at an annual rate of 6.3 percent B by the experience, you are not heaven! in the fourth quarter of 2008, and governmental programs that did not exist in the 1930s have alone. In this troubled economy, not only are been helping people who have lost their jobs and homes. you a part of an ever-widening cross-section 7. Exercise humility – ask for help. It’s often hard to Beyond numbers the people who lived during the Great Depression offer a different kind of of the population, you are bombarded daily ask your family and friends for help. If they were in need, hope. After all, they survived to tell their stories. with the statistics of fewer available jobs and you would want them to feel they could come to you. Allow your loved ones the opportunity to extend a little Special Feature: more job-seekers. It’s understandable that charity toward you for their own advances in holiness. Bill Reynolds feelings of hopelessness and panic can set in Jesus was humble and asks us to be too. Let others help. “I remember the Depression very, at a time when you need all of your strength very well,” said 89-year-old Bill Reyn- and optimism most. This short spiritual guide 8. Assess your gifts and listen to see where God olds. “We were the poorest family in is meant to add encouragement by focusing may be calling you. Sometimes we are given the gift the area.” on your gifts and blessings and, most impor- of a break in our hectic pace in order to slow down and The resident of the Arthur Merkle- meditate on our lives and what God may be asking us to

Help Wanted tantly, on God’s love and caring. do. Use this opportunity of “downtime” to think about Clara Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton said he came from a 14-person the gifts you have been given and how they may benefit family. When the Great Depression hit, 1. Remember God’s promise not to abandon you. others. Perhaps God is inviting you to a new career or God’s they had to move into an abandoned Trust him. Ask him to send you assistance with your direction or reminding you of all you have to offer.

God’s house with a sagging floor. situation and strength to sustain you during the rough His father mined about a ton of coal times. Place your trust in the one who is all-powerful and 9. Volunteer. Most people say they would volunteer if

a day, which he traded for a dollar’s you will not be disappointed. they had more time. During this break in your normal Help Wanted worth of food. Reynolds said other routine, spend some time in service to others. It will family members helped out when they 2. Read Matthew 6:24-34. This scripture contains God’s help you get your mind off your own troubles by help- could: “We would drown gophers out reassurance that life is so much more than the material ing someone else. You will keep your own situation in of the hole, and we would take their and that we should not worry. perspective by seeing how blessed you really are and by tails off. One weekend we got 100 go- contributing to something worthwhile. phers, and we went down and traded 3. Pray and fast. We know that prayer, especially prayer them in for $10, and then we used it and fasting, can bring about miracles. No prayer goes 10. Spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed

Special Feature: Special Feature: to buy our groceries.” Dorothy Yonke, 100 years old, plays the organ unanswered. Sacrament. Just as we can’t spend time in the rays of at the Arthur Merkle-Clara Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton. To survive the difficult times, Reyn- the sun without them warming us, so we cannot spend olds said, “My mother would pray I made it where I’m at. … My faith got train depot, so they moved out to her 4. Count your blessings. Sometimes we tend to focus on time before the Son of God in the most Blessed Sacra- with us kids. That’s where I learned to me through.” father’s farm near Ashkum to begin what we don’t have; try to spend some time thinking of ment without his graces falling upon us! Thank him for say my prayers.” working the fields. “You knew how all the blessings you have been given. Praying for those all he has done for you. Tell him how much you love Since the family lived in the country, Dorothy Yonke to survive or you had to learn how to less fortunate – and there are always those less fortunate him. Bring him your cares and worries; he will restore they could only attend Mass the third At the same Catholic nursing home, survive,” Yonke recalled. than ourselves – can help us to gain a proper perspective your peace. Saturday of each month. Reynolds 100-year-old church musician Dorothy She said her music helped her on our own troubles. recalled fasting before the liturgy and Yonke strained to recall the Great De- through the Depression and other 11. Be hopeful and joyful! Our greatest adversary in then taking a team of horses to town. pression. “After it’s all over, you kind difficult times, calling church music 5. Know that times of trouble will strengthen you. times of crisis can be our own discouragement. Scrip- These days, Reynolds said, he carries of put away the bad stuff. You kind of a comfort and a prayer. “I would just The saints who have gone before us have stated repeat- ture repeatedly tells us to “be not afraid” and to give his rosary with him almost every- push it to the back of your memory sit down at the piano. You know what edly that their greatest times of struggle were also their our worries to Jesus. Employers are looking for people where, praying it daily. He advised and keep it there. That’s the only way I would play? The opening line of greatest times of growth. God may be giving you these who exude a positive attitude. Network with other people facing job and home loss to, to survive,” she said. ‘Amazing Grace,’” she said. trials now in order to build your strength and holiness. positive people who will keep you feeling inspired and “Pray for better times, that’s all, but Still, she agreed to fish out some In general, when faced with tough He has great plans for you! uplifted. Don’t fall prey to despair. If the Lord is master give thanks for what you do have.” unpleasant recollections to help others economic times, Yonke said, “It helps of your life, what can you fear? Be at peace. “Have faith that things will get bet- facing the economic troubles of today. to have a good religious outlook. … 6. Offer up your suffering. Sometimes a lack of work ter. We, all of us, had that,” he said, Yonke said, during the Great De- You need a faith of some kind to help can make us feel unproductive and worthless. Remem- – Connie Sanfilippo is a member of the job ministry at St. Mary Immaculate adding, “It was through God’s will that pression, her husband lost his job at a you keep your perspective.” ber that offering up pain and suffering to God can bring Parish in Plainfield.

Story and photography by Amy Kiley 24 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 25 Paul’s Letters Assure Us of God’s Grace Clifford M. Yeary is the associate director of the Little Rock Scripture Study. This article was originally published in the Arkansas Catholic newspaper and was reprinted with permission. For more information on the series on Saint Paul, go to www.littlerockscripture.org.

Experts debate whether babies that his master is smiling, his face shining graciously. learn to recognize a smiling face The servant has found “favor” with the master, at a time very early in life or are, in fact, born in which he might have only expected punishment. Grace is God’s favor. Grace is discovering that God with the capacity to recognize it as welcomes us into a loving, life-giving relationship with- part of their genetic makeup. out us having done anything to earn that favor. In fact, E for any one of us who might examine our lives carefully, In either case, a baby’s joy in recognizing a smiling face it is quite evident that God’s favor is undeserved. seems to be an important part of a bonding relationship Grace is not, however, an act of indulgence on God’s between parent and child. This puts the baby on the path part. God is not a doddering old uncle who finds toward forming healthy relationships with other humans everything we do, no matter how careless or offensive, throughout life. Greeting a smiling face first thing in the something to reward with his famous smile. morning is a joy at any age and can be experienced even For Paul God’s grace comes to us through the violent by those who live alone – if they possess a mirror! infliction of an unjust death: the crucifixion of God’s

In a letter addressed to the Christians of Philippi, son, Jesus Christ. “While we were enemies,” Paul tells Year of perhaps as early as the year 55, Paul greeted all who us in Romans, “we were reconciled to God through the would read or heard it with words meant to cheer them: death of his Son” (5:10). “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and In Romans 5 Paul traces the history of sin in the the Lord Jesus Christ.” In every letter he wrote, Paul world. He tells us how death – which is far more St. Paul prayed for the recipients than just the fact of our to receive the blessings of mortality, but rather the “grace” from God. For Paul God’s grace comes ultimate reality of our Of all the words that to us through the violent inflic- estrangement from God might characterize Paul’s tion of an unjust death: the crucifixion – came into the world thought, few could com- through an original act of pete with grace and the of God’s son, Jesus Christ. “While we sinfulness. many ways he used it. On were enemies,” Paul tells us in Romans, Beginning with the first a surface level, the Greek “we were reconciled to God through the sin and extending to our word for grace simply own most recent sins, the means “favor.” But from death of his Son” deadly effects of sin have its deepest roots in the contaminated the entire Old Testament, where there is more than one Hebrew human race. word that would be translated into Greek as grace (cha- Death reigns victorious everywhere due to sin. De- ris, ) there is a very warm picture drawn for us of what it spite the multitude of sins and the universality of death, means to enjoy God’s favor. by the grace of God, the single righteous act of one man In Psalm 31:17 a supplicant begs God, “Let your face – Jesus Christ – will bring all who believe to eternal shine on your servant; save me in your kindness.” In life. This act was Jesus enduring his crucifixion, which Numbers 6:25, the blessing of God is pronounced upon was a direct result of his obedient faithfulness to God. Israel in this way: “The Lord let his face shine upon you, Paul was personally convinced that grace is the power and be gracious to you.” The graciousness of God, the of God to transform us into the image of Christ even grace of God, begins with the image of a face benevo- as we struggle with our weakness and imperfections in lently shining upon those who are humble of stature. It is this life (2 Corinthians 12:9). hard to imagine a face shining without a smile. Paul gives thanks that the grace given the Corinthian Imagine how a shining face might have been an expe- Christians is such that they will not be denied any spiri- rience of unexpected and unearned joy in ancient bibli- tual gift they need until the Lord’s return. cal times. A servant in a large household has dropped This grace is something extremely powerful in our pres- a clay pot on the floor, shattering it and spilling its ent lives as well. We, like the Corinthians, are assured that precious contents in the master’s presence. Looking up the one who gave us the son will give us anything needed in fear of the master’s response, the servant discovers to reach our inheritance as children of God. 26 Christ Is Our Hope / May 2009 / www.DioceseofJoliet.org / www.ChristIsOurHope.com 27 Catholic programming the Vatican Television Centre (CTV), many departments to air on local cable channel of the Vatican, and the United States Conference of Need a refuge from Catholic Bishops. To learn more about it, go to www. mass marketing? The Diocese of Joliet has been given some free air saltandlighttv.org. time on the local Joliet Public Broadcast Channel Six in Joliet has live stream- Make it about Mary Channel, and, as a result, the diocese ing capabilities. Go to www.jctv6.com to has decided to broadcast, free of charge, watch the diocesan programming live. By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Philip Shippert Catholic programs produced by Salt and The programming on Channel 6 in Joliet Light Catholic Media Foundation. Salt will broadcast at 9 a.m.; noon; 7 p.m.; As a relatively new mom, I am + Light Television is Canada’s official 1 a.m.; and 3 a.m., Mondays through growing more and more sensitive Catholic television network that offers Fridays. Plans are in the works for Chan- to the corrosive effects of crude content examining issues affecting the nel 6 in Shorewood, Crest Hill, Lockport, Church and society. The foundation is Plainfield, Romeoville, and Frankfort to marketing and indecent media. endorsed by national and international begin broadcasting on those channels On one recent occasion, I vis- Catholic leaders and organizations, soon. For programming updates, go to itedA Best Buy to get some rechargeable batteries including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.dioceseofjoliet.org. but drifted off-course toward the sea of flashing flat-screen TVs that made up a third of the store. I stopped in my tracks, looked up at one of them and started to daydream. I imagined the Iron Chef plating his chateaubriand with béarnaise sauce on the nice 42-inch plasma that would be hanging above my fireplace.

I pictured large vistas of the Italian Alps on the Travel Local Channel filling my living room. But in a moment, the spell For both projects, you will need the following: was broken as I shuddered at the thought of my children • A small, unfinished wood box seeing 42 flat-screen inches of the inappropriate shows and • An unfinished wood picture frame

commercials that permeate TV. Discouraged, I continued • Several sheets of scrapbook or collage paper for the back- news to walk toward those boring rechargeable batteries. Of- ground ten, when we turn on a TV, launch the internet or tune into • A prayer card or any printed image of the Blessed Mother our iPods, we come in contact with lots of messages and • Floral or ornamental stamps imagery that are contrary to what is really good for us. Our • Inkpads (for stamping) culture makes it a challenge to be chaste before marriage or • Decoupage medium (for adhesive and finishing) even in marriage. We are told it is unfashionable to be de- • A medium-sized paintbrush Culture cent when it comes to what we wear. Where in today’s world do we look to find imagery that honors God? Where can we For the rosary box, simply cut out background paper and ad- find role models who exhibit self-control, decency, or purity? here it (with decoupage medium) to all sides and the top of the Thankfully, as Catholics, we don’t have to look very far. There unfinished wood box. Stamp any design you wish in order to The Chrism Mass was cel- is no better role model of grace and purity than the Blessed add more color and to texture to your collage. Cut the contour ebrated last month at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Mother. Is it a coincidence that May is the month of Mary as of the Blessed Mother image and adhere it on top of box lid. Us- Nonnatus in Joliet. Bishop well as the month that celebrates Mother’s Day? After all, she ing a paintbrush, apply a coat of the decoupage medium all over Peter Sartain blessed the oil of is the spiritual mother of all of us. When we find ourselves the finished box and let dry. catechumens, the oil of the sick tempted to stray from God through our actions or words, we For the framed image, cut out background paper and adhere and the oil of chrism. The first can look to her for strength. Whether we pray a whole rosary or to the front and sides of the unfinished wood frame. Stamp any oil is used for adult catechu- a quick Hail Mary, we can ask her to intercede before God for design you wish for additional color and texture. Apply a coat of mens and infants; the second for the annointing of the sick; us. Here are a couple of cool projects that lend themselves to the decoupage medium all over the finished frame and let it dry. and the third one for baptism, such prayer. One is a rosary box and the other is a framed im- For the image inside, create a collaged design using background confirmation, the ordination of age to hang on a wall or place on a table. Both involve collage, papers, stamps and the printed image of the Blessed Mother. priests and the consecration of which is one of my favorite art techniques. Collage is basically Frame the final image. altars. The Mass also acknowl- an assembly of different images to create a new whole image. edged the ministry of priests; they renewed their commitment These in particular have a shabby chic look and feel, but don’t More ideas: of service and received prayers limit yourself to that style. You can do almost anything, since • Don’t limit your collage to just paper and stamping. Use and support from the people at there are thousands of different papers and stamps out there. any recycled findings, such as metal charms or pieces the Mass. In these photos, dea- Whatever your design, consider it art to add to your own from a board game. cons and priests from around home or to give as a gift on Mother’s Day. Most importantly, • Since rubber stamps are sometimes pricey, use scrap- the diocese enter at the start of the Mass; Bishop Sartain consider it imagery that does honor God as well as our book paper with printed images instead. There are blesses the oils; and a view of Blessed Mother. several out there. the altar during the Mass. 29 Reflexionesde fe de

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8 2 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 31 Pope condemns Argentine archbish- Bishop receives Hindu fundamen- Church in Taiwan First prison chapel Pro-life experts Connecticut Catholics United Study reports on killings in Northern op calls for promo- death threats – talists threaten launches evangeli- for Christians ask Obama not bill regulating denies group U.S. Catholic popu-

What in Ireland – Pope tion of women – Bishop José Luis Catholic schools – zation mission – inaugurated in to push abortion Catholic Church formed to cover lation – A new study Top Benedict XVI Archbishop Andres Azcona of Marajo, Catholics in the As the 150th an- Pakistan – The in Latin America pulled – Following for pro-abortion on American religion condemned “in the Stanovnik of Cor- Brazil, has received Indian state of Mad- niversary of the maximum-security – The Latin Ameri- a deluge of phone polls – Father finds Catholicism the world? strongest terms” the rientes sent special death threats for hya Pradesh have evangelization of the prison of Adiala in can Post-Abortion calls and e-mails, Bernard Healey, the is facing a “stun-

ten recent murders of greetings to the denouncing the sexual expressed their grave country is marked, the Pakistani city of Care Network has the bill introduced editor of the Rhode ning” decline in the The top-10 recent two British soldiers women of Argentina exploitation of human concern over threats the church in Taiwan Rawalpindi now has sent an open letter in the Connecticut Island Catholic, has northeast U.S. as the and a policeman in to mark International trafficking rings in made against Chris- is encouraging the a chapel, which was to President Barack Senate to reorganize written an editorial population center of Catholic news events Northern Ireland, call- Women’s Day (March which “politicians, tian schools by the laity to be a “bridge built with the support Obama asking him the financial and accusing the group Catholics shifts to the ing them “abominable 8) and called for the businessmen and Hindu fundamentalist church” with the of the government, to reverse his efforts pastoral structure of Catholics United of southwest. acts of terrorism.” promotion of their dig- police officers” are group Akhil Bharatiya Chinese mainland the Catholic Church to fund abortion in the Catholic Church being formed to “give nity without ideologi- implicated. Vidyarti Parishad. and bring back to the and other Christian the region. has been pulled and cover to pro-abortion cal distortions. faith those who have institutions. tabled for the rest of policy-makers.” fallen away. the legislative session.

Executive order on embryonic stem cells “a sad victory of be a block party picnic in Naperville City politics over science and Things to do: Park across from the church. Seminars by ethics,” says Cardinal Rigali Father Pacwa will take place on June 20. Collections reveal For more information and to find out about Catholic women’s retreat: Women from purchasing tickets, go to www.wdppjoliet.org Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of across the diocese are invited to join women the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- from the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet Collegiate Leadership Conference: All diocese’s generosity ops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, for a retreat May 15-17 at the Bellarmine college-age young adults – 18 to 23 – are Jesuit Retreat House, 420 W. County Line invited to the 2009 Collegiate Leadership Doug Delaney is the diocesan director of communications and associate publisher of Christ is our Hope magazine. called President Obama’s recent ex- Road, Barrington. Contact Liz Sallese at Conference (CLC) from June 26-28 at ecutive order on embryonic stem cell (815) 436-9010 or Ann McDaniel at Lewis University in Romeoville. The confer- research “a sad victory of politics over (815) 577-7254. ence will be hosted by the Diocese of Joliet he generosity of the people of the Diocese of Joliet was extremely obvious once again science and ethics.” Under the order, and will be focused on building up young last year. In March of 2008, the people of the diocese responded admirably to the na- for the first time in U.S. history, federal Ordination to the priesthood: Three leaders for their campuses, for the Church, tional Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) collection. The funds collected through the CRS seminarians – Deacons Dindo Billote, and for the world. For more information tax dollars will be used to encourage Alejandro Flores and Matt Nathan – will about the event or about the costs, or to support six vital Catholic programs that share in the church’s mission of promoting the researchers to destroy live human em- become ordained to the priesthood on June register for this conference, go online to sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. They provide hope to bryos for stem cell research. Excerpts 6, 11 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, www.dioceseofjoliet.org/yam/clc2009.asp T from Cardinal Rigali’s statement follow: 604 N. Raynor Ave., in Joliet. or e-mail [email protected]. people faced with overwhelming circumstances, reminding us that Christ is present in those who suf- “President Obama’s new execu- fer – and in those who respond compassionately to their needs. The parishes in our diocese collected Discernment retreat: The Joliet Area Franciscan anniversary musical $297,264. This was one of the largest dollar amounts of any diocese or archdiocese in the country. tive order on embryonic stem cell Vocations Association will sponsor a discern- celebration: To celebrate the milestone research is a sad victory of politics ment retreat for vocations for young adults of the founding of the Franciscan Order by over science and ethics. This action is – males and females from 18-35 – on June Saint Francis of Assisi in 1209, Chiesa There were numerous Conference. These funds havoc on Haiti, the West- stimulates action. In 2008, morally wrong because it encourages 14 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Porti- Nuova, a Franciscan ministry in Chicago natural disasters in 2008 were distributed equally ern Hemisphere’s poorest STEP raised $26,675, with the destruction of innocent human uncula Retreat House, 9201 W. St. Francis for performing arts, will present a concert that had a severe impact on to Catholic Charities USA nation. Floodwaters forced 25 percent of the funds Road, in Frankfort. Call (815) 834-4004 on June 26 and 27 at Lund Auditorium in life, treating vulnerable human beings millions of people. In June (CCUSA) to assist Midwest mass evacuations, leaving going to local food pantries Last News for more information. the Performing Arts Center of Dominican as mere products to be harvested. It University, 7900 Division St., River Forest. 2008, parishes in the dio- flood victims and to CRS millions stranded. For some, and 75 percent sent to CRS also disregards the values of millions World Day of Prayer for Priests: An Along with other orchestral and solo works, cese were asked to take up to help victims in China and CCUSA was the only source for needs in more than 80

of American taxpayers who oppose outdoor Mass will celebrate the priesthood the featured work will be the oratorio, a volunteer collection to help Myanmar. of help. countries around the world. word research that requires taking human and the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Dialogue of Francis and Clare, by Father alleviate some of the suffer- More devastation by other Once again, the parishes Overall, the total do- Jesus on June 19 at 6 p.m. at Sts. Peter Robert Hutmacher, O.F.M. The role of Saint ing caused by severe flood- weather-related events fol- of the diocese were asked nated last year to CRS and life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethi- and Paul Parish, 36 N. Ellsworth, in Naper- Francis will be sung by world-renowned cally sound means for advancing stem ville. The main celebrant at the Mass will be bass-baritone Alan Held, and mezzo-so- ing in the Midwest, which lowed. Last summer, the to take up another com- CCUSA by people from the cell science and medical treatments Father Mitch Pacwa. The Mass will feature prano Stacey Eckert will sing the role of caused massive devastation effects of hurricanes Gustav pletely voluntary collection. diocese was $440,712. are readily available and in need of a combined choir from parishes around the St. Clare. Tickets are top-left. For tickets or and suffering to some of our and Ike were staggering. The proceeds – $53,033 Bishop Peter Sartain diocese; the guests of honor will be priests more information, call (312) 226-0983 or increased support. – Zenit close neighbors. Parish- Multiple counties in Texas – were divided equally be- stated that he is proud that from the diocese. After the Mass, there will visit www.chiesanuova.org. ioners were also asked to and Louisiana were declared tween CCUSA and CRS. the people of the Diocese of Bishop Sartain thanks those help victims of Cyclone disaster areas, and 2 million Another program has also Joliet are so willing to share who helped oppose proposed have happened without decisive action offered to an expectant mother prior to Nargis in Myanmar and the people were displaced. The benefited from people’s gen- their resources with those abortion legislation by the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of an abortion. earthquake that devastated hurricanes also adversely erosity. Steps Toward Elimi- in such need. Every gift is a Joliet and across the state of Illinois. If you would like to receive addi- Sichuan, China. Thanks to affected Cuba with ma- nating Poverty (STEP) is blessing. I would also like to Bishop Peter Sartain wishes to express We now have the opportunity to tional updates on this bill, or on other the generosity of parishio- jor floods throughout the the name of an anti-hunger, offer a special thank you to his sincere gratitude to those who con- contact our legislators once again. This matters affecting the Catholic Church’s ners, the special collections island. More than 3 million anti-poverty program in the all of the parishioners and tacted their legislators expressing opposi- time we need to ask our elected offi- public policy agenda in Springfield, taken up for those affected were evacuated, and more diocese. It is an annual multi- the pastors who took up tion to HB 2354, the state’s Freedom of cials to vote yes on HB 3700, a bill that please call 312-368-1066, or go to for those disasters totaled than 63,000 residences parish event/walk that raises these special collections. On Choice Act proposal. The bill has been will truly reduce the unnecessary tak- www.catholicconferenceofillinois. $63,740. This includes were demolished. Severe funds for local and global behalf of those who are the defeated and will not be called for a vote. ing of innocent human life. HB 3700 org. Thank you for your actions and $2,254 collected at a weather patterns throughout poverty-related issues. It recipients of your generosity, This great accomplishment would not would mandate that an ultrasound be prayers. Diocesan Youth Leadership the Caribbean also caused also raises awareness and I thank you. 32

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes St. Raymond, Joliet Parish, Gibson City

St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, Essex St. Mary Parish, Beaverville

please recycle