The

Southwestern Indiana’s Catholic MESSAGE Community Newspaper January 22, 2021 Volume 51, Number 20 www.evdiomessage.org ‘Come and See’ during National Catholic Schools Week

BY DR. DARYL HAGAN strategies must be adhered to during Superintendent of the open house. Catholic Schools Why choose a Catholic National Catholic Schools Week (Jan. school for your child? 31-Feb. 6, 2021) recognizes the value of Here are some reasons for your Catholic education in developing our consideration: young people so they can reach their • We provide a safe and welcom- full potential. We acknowledge the vital ing environment for all role of parishes, pastors, administrators, • We offer an education that com- faculty, staff and volunteers in this bines Catholic faith and teachings effort. Moreover, we celebrate our stu- with academic excellence dents as they are formed in the faith and • We partner with parents in the acquire the skills needed for the 21st faith formation of your children century. A key event each year is ‘Come • We set high standards for stu- and See.’ The students and faculty of dent achievement and help them our 26 Catholic schools invite prospec- succeed tive families to an open house from 5-7 • We prepare students to be pro- p.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 4, ductive citizens and future leaders 2021. • We teach children respect of self The “Come and See” event has been and others reimagined this year to provide a safe • We instill in students the value and welcoming event to all prospective of service to others families. While current students will not • We use technology effectively to be present this year as student ambassa- enhance education dors, their community, academic and • Tuition is affordable by provid- extra-curricular achievements will be ing tuition assistance through the displayed. Families will tour independ- ent of other families and all mitigation See SCHOOLS, page 2 Diocese offering Church Project Rachel ministry encourages use

BY ERIC GIRTEN number above or send Director of Family and Life an email, and someone of vaccines, masks Special to The Message will respond. The first step down the path of “Project Rachel is a ministry of healing is often the for the common good the Catholic Church in the U.S. to most difficult. Project those who have been involved in Rachel associates are BY VICTORIA ARTHUR abortion. It is a diocesan-based net- here to help make it Statehouse Correspondent for work of specially trained priests, easier. Calls and emails Indiana’s Catholic Newspapers religious, counselors, and layper- are confidential. sons who provide a team response If you or someone As the new COVID-19 vaccines gain more widespread of care for those suffering in the you know carries the use, they are provoking debate among Indiana lawmakers aftermath of abortion. In addition weight of abortion- and the public while also prompting questions by the to referring for Sacramental related grief, please Catholic faithful. Reconciliation, the ministry pro- pray about contacting the Project Rachel community. At the same time, even face masks — nearly universal vides an integrated network of Project Rachel ministry. There Many women and men who in their presence since the global coronavirus pandemic services, including pastoral coun- are many ways that Project have sought healing after abor- began — proved to be a source of contention at the seling, support groups, retreats Rachel can help: You can speak tion speak about guilt, anxiety, Statehouse in Indianapolis earlier this month. and referrals to licensed mental with one of the Project Rachel depression, the inability to for- Dozens of people who gathered there to testify in favor health professionals.” phone ministers, find spiritual give, the impact on relation- of a vaccination-related bill on Jan. 14 defied Statehouse — USCCB healing through the Sacrament ships; and they speak of the guidelines by refusing to mask once inside the building, of Reconciliation, speak with a feelings of peace, comfort, joy causing others — mostly opponents of the potential legis- The Diocese of Evansville Project Rachel counselor, and love after having taken lation — to leave before having a chance to testify. Senate now offers this healing min- receive literature and resources that first step toward healing. Bill 74 would prohibit Indiana companies from requiring istry in Southwest Indiana. A to help you get started or con- Take the step. employees or prospective employees to receive immu- unique Project Rachel phone tinue on your path toward Call 812-483-7812 or email nizations of any type if doing so would compromise their number (812-483-7812) and healing, get information on the [email protected]. health or violate their conscience. email address (projectrachel@ nearest post-abortion healing The Indiana Catholic Conference emphasizes that evdio.org) have been created retreats, find information Project Rachel is a part of the Catholic social teaching on the common good should specifically for persons whose regarding Days of Healing, be Office of Family and Life in the underscore decision-making in all of these areas. lives have been touched by placed (confidentially) on the Diocese of Evansville. For program “While the COVID-19 vaccines cannot be mandated, the abortion. To speak with a Project Rachel prayer team list, information or to volunteer, con- Project Rachel associate, call the and become a part of the tact [email protected]. See ICC, page 2 2 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021

Watch the Mass for Life!

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel will celebrate a Mass for Life at 5:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 29 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. You can watch the Mass via livestream on the St. CNS photo by Tyler Orsburn Benedict Cathedral Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ March for Life goes virtual saintbenedictcathedral. In addition, the Diocese of Evansville offices of Catechesis, Education, Family Life, People walk up Constitution Avenue headed toward the U.S. Supreme Court while partici- Hispanic Ministry, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry pating in the 47th annual March for Life in Washington Jan. 24, 2020. The 2021 March for have collaborated on resources you can use to Stand for Life in Washington will be held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing Life. In lieu of a 2021 Pilgrimage for Life, and as a way of political unrest in the nation’s capital. See related story at right. expanding prayerful participation in pro-life activities, these offices have developed prayers, videos and other elements that anyone can download and use — including a link to EWTN’s live coverage of the March for Life in Washington, D.C. They are available now at evdio.org, the ICC homepage of the Diocese of Evansville. Continued from page 1 morally compromised cell “We encourage people to lines,” the bishops’ statement wear masks in this time of Catholic Church has made it reads. “Receiving one of the global crisis to protect them- clear that it is not only morally COVID-19 vaccines ought to selves and others because it’s acceptable to receive the vac- be understood as an act of the right thing to do,” she said. cines but encouraged as a charity toward the other mem- “If anyone wants to testify means of turning the tide on bers of our community. In this during this legislative session this deadly pandemic,” said way, being vaccinated safely on issues important to the ICC Angela Espada, executive against COVID-19 should be — and we certainly encourage director of the ICC, the public considered an act of love of people to do so — they should policy voice of the Catholic our neighbor and part of our always wear masks.” Church in Indiana. moral responsibility for the It was an uneventful week As has been widely report- common good.” on the legislative front. All ed, Pope Francis and Pope The bishops found the third government offices were Emeritus Benedict XVI — both COVID-19 vaccine, developed closed Jan. 18 for Martin at high risk for complications by pharmaceutical giant Luther King Jr. Day. In addi- from the virus because of their AstraZeneca and not yet tion, the Indiana General age — received their first approved by the U.S. Food and Assembly cancelled all legisla- doses of the vaccine earlier Drug Administration, to be tive activity for the entire this month. “more morally compromised” week — and Gov. Eric Espada also pointed to the than the others and concluded Holcomb closed the state gov- recent statement on ethical that it “should be avoided” if ernment complex for most of considerations related to the alternatives are available. In all the week. This was out of an vaccines by the United States cases, the bishops urged abundance of caution sur- Conference of Catholic Catholics to remain “on guard rounding threats to state capi- Bishops, co-authored by so that the new COVID-19 vac- tols related to the Jan. 6 assault Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of cines do not desensitize us or on the U.S. Capitol and the the Diocese of Fort Wayne- weaken our determination to Jan. 20 inauguration of South Bend. Bishop Rhoades oppose the evil of abortion President Joe Biden. serves as chairman of the com- itself and the subsequent use The General Assembly is mittee on doctrine for the of fetal cells in research.” expected to resume its busi- USCCB. Espada praised Bishop ness on Jan. 25. In the document, he and Rhoades for his leadership on Archbishop Joseph F. this issue. To follow priority legislation of Naumann of Kansas City, “It is wonderful that one of the ICC, visit www.indianacc.org. Kansas, chairman of the Indiana’s own is at the fore- This website includes access to USCCB’s committee on pro- front of these important ethical I-CAN, the Indiana Catholic life activities, addressed the discussions,” Espada said. Action Network, which offers the moral concerns that stem from With regard to the use of Church’s position on key issues. the three COVID-19 vaccines masks — at the Statehouse Those who sign up for I-CAN having some connection to cell and elsewhere in public — receive alerts on legislation mov- lines that originated with tis- Espada says the matter is even ing forward and ways to contact sue obtained from abortions. more straightforward. their elected representatives. “In view of the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alterna- tive vaccines, the reasons to Schools accept the new COVID-19 vac- Continued from page 1 and staff for what has been a cines from Pfizer and challenging year. I also Moderna are sufficiently seri- Indiana Choice Scholarship encourage new families to ous to justify their use, despite Program as well as assistance come and see for themselves their remote connection to from your parish, school the difference a Catholic endowments, and/or the school education can make. SGO. Catholic schools are part of The Message Contact your local Catholic our future as a church and school and experience the vir- nation. May God bless our The Message (USPS 843-800). tual events to celebrate schools and all who contribute Periodical Postage Paid at Evansville, IN. National Catholic Schools to the important work they do Postmaster: Send address changes to The Week. This week is a great on behalf of the children of Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. opportunity to thank the pas- our parishes and communi- Copyright 2021 Catholic Press of Evansville tors, administrators, faculty ties. JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 3 AROUND St. Maria Goretti Indiana Knights of Columbus THE Youth Distinction develop ‘Drive for Life’

BY TIM LILLEY DIOCESE nominations now open The Message editor

Special to The Message Indiana Knights of Columbus plan to Drive for Life on Jan. 30. Locally, Knights are planning to decorate their vehicles Happy Birthday! The St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction website has been with pro-life messages and drive around to proclaim those Deacon Thomas Kirsch of updated for 2021, and the nomination portal is open. You can messages — including a drive past the Four Freedoms St. Philip Parish in Posey find more information and the nomination portal at Monument in downtown Evansville. County celebrates his birthday www.evdio.org/maria-goretti.html. Key details for this year K of C District Deputy Darren Sroufe told The Message Jan. 31. include: that the idea for a Drive for Life originated in Indiana, and K • The St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred by of C national has designated it a pilot program this year. Bishop Joseph M. Siegel at St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville, at Sroufe said, “Even with the pandemic we could not stand Happy 1 p.m. CST on Sunday, March 7 idly by without our voices being heard and the Knights being Anniversary! • The application deadline is Feb. 8 seen in support of life. So the Indiana Knights presented the • Application administrative fee is $25 idea to the Supreme Council, and they approved us to be a Father Sudhakar Bhastati, Due to COVID-19 precautions, a maximum number of atten- pilot state for this event. If it goes well, all states will be able administrator of St. Peter dees will be permitted. This will limit the number of family to make it a project for supporting life from conception to Parish in Montgomery, was members able to attend the Mass and ceremony to immediate natural death.” ordained to the priesthood on family only (i.e., parents and siblings living in the same house- In an email to K of C councils in District Nos. 33 and 36, Jan. 29, 2009. hold). Please RSVP to Marilyn Durchholz (mdurchholz@ Sroufe said, “On Saturday, Jan. 30, cars will leave from your Father Simon Natha, evdio.org or 812-424-5536) before March 1. parish at noon (local time). This is not a formal parade. Each administrator of St. Peter driver is responsible for obeying all traffic laws. No intersec- Parish in Linton and Holy We look forward to recognizing outstanding Catholic young people tions may be blocked. The group will proceed on a route Name Parish in Bloomfield, who are making a positive difference in their community. Please con- determined by your council. The only thing we ask is that was ordained to the priest- tact Steve Dabrowski ([email protected] or 812-424-5536) with you drive by the Four Freedoms Monument, downtown hood on Jan. 29, 2009. questions. Evansville, sometime during the Drive. Cars can, and should, be decorated appropriately. There will not be a rally. We are Please send information asking each council in the area to do the same thing at the for AROUND THE The same time. “Brothers, this is an opportunity to make a differ- DIOCESE to Tim Lilley, The Subscribe to MESSAGE ence in spite of the pandemic.” Message, P.O. Box 4169, Subscribe or renew online at www.evdiomessage.org Evansville, IN 47724. The If you are interested in participating, contact your parish’s e-mail address is tlilley@ or call Ruth at 812-424-5536 Knights of Columbus Council. evdio.org. Sisters of Providence welcome We Care new Mission Advancement Director People SPECIAL TO much about its formation, St. About THE MESSAGE Mother Theodore Guerin’s writings and the great works Providence has provided a the Sisters of Providence do Following is a feature in the Message, designed to help draw way for Maureen Dickinson to through their vast social jus- together the People of God in southwestern Indiana. Readers are make a difference in peoples’ tice ministries.” invited to submit information about people who may benefit by lives with the Sisters of Provi- Maureen added she is look- some extra prayers and attention. dence of St. Mary-of-the- ing forward in the coming Woods, Indiana. weeks to get to know many • William Leonard Wittgen, 88, of Evansville, died Jan. 13 Recently, the Illinois native more Sisters of Providence and at St. Vincent Medical Center. He is the father of Karen Cain, accepted the position of Providence Associates, as well who serves as associate finance offi- Director of Mission Advance- as residents of the Wabash cer for the Diocese of Evansville. He ment for the Congregation. The Valley. was born Dec. 19, 1932, in Evansville Mission Advancement depart- “One woman in my book to the late Herman and Lillian ment is responsible for market- club grew up near Terre Haute, (Maday) Wittgen. ing and fundraising, as well as and she, too, shared informa- Bill was a 1950 graduate of Reitz developing relationships with MAUREEN DICKENSON tion about the sisters’ involve- Memorial High School. He attended the greater community and ment in the greater Terre Haute St. Edwards University and graduat- with the Sisters of Providence. Maureen into the fold. community,” Maureen said. “I ed from Evansville College. He was “This opportunity answers “I believe that Maureen is look forward to meeting the sis- a veteran of the U.S. Army. Bill was my prayers,” Maureen said. just the right person to serve ters at the Motherhouse and the a Certified Public Accountant and “The position blends my pro- as Director of Mission others living in different areas, partner of George S. Olive and fessional background with my Advancement at this time in as travel restrictions abate.” Company for over 28 years. He was WILLIAM spirituality, something I have our history,” Sister Jeanne Maureen officially started her a member of Annunciation Parish LEONARD sought for several years. The said. “Her vast experience in position on Jan. 11 and said she Christ the King Campus and WITTGEN mission of the Sisters of advancement, her giftedness is ready to move forward. received the Bruté Society Award for Providence and the strategic in other areas and her desire “I hope to build on the his many hours of service to the parish. Bill also volun- direction, under the leadership to work in a faith-based com- strong foundation of philan- teered his services to the House of Bread and Peace. He was of the General Council, pres- munity make her so very well- thropy and marketing the a member of Rolling Hills Country Club and an avid golfer. ent compelling ways of mak- suited for the position. Sisters of Providence have cul- Bill was a member of the Evansville Duplicate Bridge Club ing a difference in peoples’ “Already, I sense her care for tivated,” she said. “That and a loyal Notre Dame fan. lives as we grow His kingdom the mission and her eagerness means first, learning the sto- In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by and steward the resources to partner with us in sharing ries of these remarkable his brother, Richard Wittgen. with which we are blessed. that mission with our many women religious — their his- Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann “I am so excited about join- friends and benefactors.” tories, spiritual pathways, and (Fleming) Wittgen; son, Donald Wittgen of Hawthorn Wood, ing their mission!” Maureen grew up on the personal ministries — and Illinois; daughter, Karen (Jonathan) Cain of Evansville; Prior to joining the Sisters of south side of Chicago and is then sharing those stories grandson, Nicholas Cain of Evansville; sister-in-law, Janice Providence, Maureen served familiar with the Congregation throughout the world. Wittgen of Evansville; and many nieces and nephews. as the Executive Director of through its ministries in the “I also want to establish Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 16 at Christ Quad-Cities Foundation for Windy City. fresh avenues for young the King Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Black Hawk College in “I knew about the fine repu- women discerning how they Evansville. Please keep Bill and his family in your prayers. Moline, Illinois. tation of Guerin Prep High will answer God’s call by tap- After the extensive search to School and the sisters’ educa- ping into existing Catholic net- Please send information for PEOPLE WE CARE fill the director’s position, tion ministry,” she said. “After works and mobilizing the ABOUT to Tim Lilley at The Message, P.O. Box 4169, General Councilor Sister Jeanne learning of this opportunity, shared collective of our mem- Evansville, IN 47724 or e-mail [email protected]. Hagelskamp said she and the though, I began researching bers, Providence Associates, entire Congregation welcome the Congregation and learned staff and supporters.” 4 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Bitten by lies

A few days ago, my siblings and I were having world. Healing our country begins with each one of one of our fun “texting festivals” — sharing serious CONNECTING FAITH us individually. Jesus, the Truth, will be our thoughts, joking and reminiscing about past events. strength; and He will lead us in the way we should For whatever reason, our brother Paul reminded us AND LIFE go. We can make a difference through Him. all of an incident that took place many years ago BRENDA HOPF You know, sometimes we are just like my grand- involving our maternal grandpa. I barely remem- pa; we let our guard down, becoming oblivious or bered this story, but our brothers were quite vivid in apathetic amidst the lie for just a second, and . . . their description of what went down. injury, either to the one lying or to those who SNAP! The lie has bitten us. It is obvious our coun- Back in the day, our dad was an avid hunter of believe the lie. We need to look no further than our try is swimming in a sea of lies. We’ve all been bit- hard-shelled snapping turtles. One day as dad beloved country. A person can’t help but scratch ten and we, as a country, have lost more than a fin- returned from a turtle hunting trip and he laid his their head and wonder what has brought us to this gernail. I believe in my heart that the lies can even- burlap sack of turtles on the ground, grandpa, who moment. I have no doubt lies have played a central tually be revealed and order once again restored in lived next door, walked up to check things out. As role in what we have been witnessing in our coun- our country. This can only happen through you and the turtles were moving about in the sack, our broth- try for some time now. me and our commitment to the Truth, now and in ers said grandpa was trying to convince them that Maybe rather than looking at the picture “out the future as we move forward. the turtles would not bite through the sack because there,” you and I should start by looking “in here” Each one of us has a choice. We can contribute to they could not see through the burlap. My brothers — in our own hearts. Have we, whether intentional- the lies, allowing them to happen through our apa- did not buy his story, so grandpa pressed on to tease ly or unintentionally, contributed to the lies? Do we thy or our oblivious state of being; or we can com- them, reaching toward the sack to see what they just believe the lies or do we want to find the truth; mit to the Truth. I pray that we choose the latter. would say. Well, the next thing you know . . . SNAP! and if so, through what channel do we seek the May Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, Oh, yeah; grandpa got his hand a little too close to truth — I mean the real Truth; the Truth that will bless us all in our efforts. the sack, and a turtle that could not see through the never change; the Truth that will help us to over- sack bit him anyway. Paul says the injury grandpa come our sinful ways of contributing to the lies of Brenda Hopf is a member of Divine Mercy Parish in sustained caused him to lose his fingernail. this world? It is only through each individual per- Dubois County and also contributes to the “Sharing the While grandpa likely assumed teasing his grand- son’s commitment to seek out the real Truth, Jesus Load” column in The Message. sons with what he thought was a “little” lie would Christ, that we can begin to have not end the way it did, it is a timely reminder that the strength to overcome whatever lies, big or small, can bite us resulting in painful role we play in the lies of this Letter to the editor

To the Editor, Auditors certify diocese in compliance On behalf of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Evansville, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Independent Insurance Agents SPECIAL TO THE MESSAGE Charter audit period. of Evansville for the generous donation they made to Catholic StoneBridge audits Evansville and dioce- Charities to support our work in 2020. We appreciate this group StoneBridge Business Partners of ses across the country annually to review recognizing the needs of the vulnerable members of our commu- Rochester, New York, has notified Bishop and certify Charter compliance. The firm nity and the efforts of Catholic Charities to serve those needs. Joseph M. Siegel that the Diocese of notified Bishop Siegel that it is providing the Their contribution helped us continue to provide mental-health Evansville is in compliance with the data- audit report to the Secretariat of Youth and counseling, job- and life-skills training, and financial-assistance collection requirements for the 2019-2020 Child Protection. programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am inspired by the generosity provided by our donors, including the Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville, to Not too late to join ‘9 Days for Life’ novena support the life-changing services offered by Catholic Charities. Thank you for recognizing and supporting the needs of our WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholics across pledging to participate in a parish-based pro- neighbors. Together, we can continue to strengthen our commu- the country are invited to take part in the “9 gram called Walking With Moms in Need. nity. Days for Life” novena, which began Jan. 21 Participants can go to the website and concludes Jan. 29. www.9daysforlife.com to sign up for emails Sincerely, Each day’s intercession is accompanied by or texts about each day’s intercession, in Denise Seibert Townsend prayers, a short reflection, and one or more English and Spanish. The site also has a link Executive Director suggested actions for novena participants to to materials for the novena as well as Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville take to help build a culture of life — such as See NOVENA, page 5

CHANGE OF ADDRESS To the Catholics of the Diocese of Evansville: This edition is one of six issues of The Message to be The Post Office charges The Message nearly 60 cents mailed to every registered Catholic household this year. Two dollars of each Catholic Church member’s for notification of a subscriber’s change of address. contribution pays for these diocesan-wide subscriptions. Please help us reduce these expenses by notifying us immediately when you plan to move. Please legibly print your new address below: To report allegations of sexual misconduct Name ______Diocesan policy: involving bishops of the United States, or to Street address ______report their intentional interference in a sexual City, state, zip ______Report and inform abuse investigation, contact the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service. New parish ______Toll-free: 800-276-1562, or report online at Moving date ______Report child abuse ReportBishopAbuse.org. Please attach your Message address label if possible. Send information to: The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Every allegation of child abuse must be Evansville, IN 47724-0169 or reported to Child Protection Services, an Denuncie e informe email to [email protected] agency of Indiana state government. En caso de una alegación de abuso sexual de Toll-free: 800-800-5556 un menor (una persona menor de 18 años) cometido por algún miembro del personal The Message Denuncie diocesano, reporte dicha alegación a las Toda acusación de abuso de menores debe autoridades y también infórmele al WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE 20172011 ser reportada al Servicio de Protección al coordinador diocesano de Asistencia para las 4200 N. Kentucky Ave. | Evansville, IN 47711 Menor (Chils Protective Services, CPS), una Victimas. Published weekly except one week at Christmas time by the Catholic Press of Evansville. agencia del gobierno de Estados Unidos que Puede llamar gratis al: 866-200-3004, o al January 22, 2021 — Vol. 51, No. 20 — Mailed January 21, 2021 está localizada en el estado de Indiana. número local: 812-490-9565. Publisher ...... Bishop Joseph M. Siegel Puede llamar gratis al: 800-800-5556. Editor ...... Tim Lilley Subscriptions: Para reportar alegaciones de conducta sexual Assistant Editor ...... Megan Erbacher Print: $24/yr, includes Design Editor ...... Sheila R. Barclay Report and inform digital edition inapropiada cometida por obispos en los Advertising & Office Coordinator ...... Ruth Bandas Digital edition only: $12/yr In the event of an allegation of sexual abuse Estados Unidos, o para reportar su Subscriptions ...... Ruth Bandas Single Copy Price: $.50 of a minor (a person under 18) by diocesan interferencia intencional en una investigación personnel, report the allegation to authorities, de abuso sexual, contacte al Servicio de Abuso Address all communications to: To Subscribe: P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724-0169 and inform the Victims Assistance Coordinator de Obispos Católicos. call 1-800-637-1731or telephone (812) 424-5536 for the diocese. 812-424-5536, or go to Puede llamar gratis al: 800-276-1562, o Email: [email protected] www.evdiomessage.org Toll-free: 866-200-3004, local: 812-490-9565 reportarlo en línea en ReportBishopAbuse.org. www.evdiomessage.org and click on “Subscribe” JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 5 Today, listen for the voice of the Lord

It is hard to believe that we are already well into sion, truth, unity and peace, then how will people the month of January. It seems like just yesterday THE BISHOP’S CORNER see their way out of the darkness? Our society and we were happily bidding farewell to the troubles of our nation need our witness now more than ever. 2020 and looking to a fresh start in 2021. Then, MOST REV. On Dec. 8, 2020, Pope Francis announced a special there were the New Year’s resolutions that we JOSEPH M. SIEGEL year dedicated to St. Joseph. St. Joseph is an exam- made — exercise, diet, more time for prayer, read- ple of a person like us who was asked by God to ing and family. Well, January has already had its trust, to believe the unbelievable, namely that Mary, own share of crises and challenges, but what about to control and letting God take over. True conver- his betrothed, was carrying in her womb the Son of the resolutions? If we haven’t already forgotten sion is opening our hearts and lives to God so that God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. As a man of them, perhaps we have put them on the back burn- He can show us what He wants for us, where He faith, he accepted God’s word and His will, and er for when we have more time, more energy — wants us to grow and develop, and what areas of took Mary as his wife and acknowledged her son as maybe during Lent. Our experience with these res- sin we need to weed from our lives. Such openness his own. He let go of the plans he undoubtedly had olutions is a lesson on how hard it is to change takes a great deal of trust in God and a willingness for himself, his marriage and his family life. He con- habits and lifestyles. to listen, to follow God’s promptings and to open tinued to follow God’s promptings in his life, flee- Yet it is to just such change that we are called as ourselves to His grace. We need to ask for this trust ing to Egypt to evade Herod’s wrath, returning to followers of Christ. Jesus began his public ministry and a listening heart in our daily prayer. Nazareth and even learning to deal with the unique with a call to conversion. “Repent,” He proclaims, Each year and each day, Christ calls each of us to challenge of raising a child who was the Messiah. “for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). conversion and to follow Him as His disciples, to be Scripture does not record any of Joseph’s words, but Christ was not calling people to just an external witnesses to His Gospel. Ultimately, it is up to each his actions speak eloquently of his deep faith and change, but a repentance that comes from the heart. of us to respond to His invitation. Will we follow trust in God. During this special year, along with Conversion literally means changing the direction of Him with our whole heart, putting Him first before the many opportunities for plenary indulgences, we our lives so that we turn our whole perspective to all else, or will we keep our faith at a distance, are invited to seek more intently St. Joseph’s inter- God and put Him in charge. Of course, this is easier where we think we are comfortable and safe? Yet, if cession and learn from his example of how to listen said than done. We tend to be independent. We we don’t fervently embrace our call to follow Jesus for God’s word and thus discern His will for us. want things to go our way, when we want them and and announce His message of love, compassion, jus- May we heed Christ’s call to repentance today — how we want them. We want to decide what needs tice and reconciliation in our daily lives, how will so that throughout this year of 2021, we may to be changed in our lives and on our own terms. people hear the Gospel? If we don’t challenge our- respond to His invitation to follow Him with our But true repentance means letting go of our desire selves and our world to embrace the light of conver- whole heart, soul, mind and body. Hoy, escuchen a la voz del Señor

Es difícil de creer que ya estemos bien entrados en necesitan que seamos testigos ahora más que nunca. el mes de enero. Parece que fue ayer cuando EL RINCÓN DEL OBISPO El 8 de diciembre de 2020, el Papa Francisco felizmente despedíamos a los problemas del 2020 anunció un año especial dedicado a San José. San buscando un nuevo comienzo en 2021. Entonces, allí MÁS REV. José es un ejemplo de una persona como nosotros a estaban las resoluciones del Año Nuevo que hicimos JOSEPH M. SIEGEL quien Dios le pidió que confíe, que crea lo increíble, — ejercicio, dieta, más tiempo para la oración, la concretamente que María, su prometida, estaba lectura y la familia. Bien, enero ya ha tenido su llevando en su vientre el Hijo de Dios, concebido propia cuota de crisis y desafíos, pero ¿y qué hay de mostrarnos lo que Él quiere para nosotros, donde Él por el Espíritu Santo. Como hombre de fe, él aceptó las resoluciones? Si todavía no las hemos olvidado, quiere que nosotros crezcamos y nos desarrollemos, y la palabra de Dios y Su voluntad, y tomó a María quizás las hemos dejado de lado para cuando qué áreas del pecado necesitamos podar de nuestras por esposa y aceptó a su hijo como suyo propio. Él contemos con más tiempo, más energía — tal vez vidas. Dicha apertura lleva una gran dosis de abandonó los planes que sin duda tenía para si durante la Cuaresma. Nuestra experiencia con estas confianza en Dios y una voluntad de escuchar, de mismo, su matrimonio y su vida en familia. Él resoluciones es una lección sobre lo difícil que es seguir las indicaciones de Dios y de abrirnos a Su continuó siguiendo las indicaciones de Dios en su cambiar los hábitos y las formas de vida. gracia. Necesitamos pedir por su confianza y por un vida, huyendo a Egipto para evadir la ira de Sin embargo, este es justamente el cambio al que corazón que escucha en nuestra oración diaria. Heródoto, retornando a Nazaret e inclusive somos llamados como seguidores de Cristo. Jesús Cada año y cada día, Cristo llama a cada uno de aprendiendo a lidiar con el singular desafío de criar comenzó su ministerio público con un llamado a la nosotros a la conversión y a seguirlo a Él como Sus a un hijo que era el Mesías. Las escrituras no conversión. “Arrepiéntanse,” Él proclama, “porque discípulos, a ser testigos de Su Evangelio. En registran ningunas de las palabras de José, pero sus el reino de los cielos está cerca” (Mateo 4:17). Cristo definitiva, depende de cada uno de nosotros acciones hablan elocuentemente de su profunda fe y no estaba llamando a la gente solamente a un cambio responder a Su invitación. ¿Lo seguiremos a Él con confianza en Dios. Durante este año especial, junto externo, sino a un arrepentimiento que viene del todo nuestro corazón, poniéndolo a Él primero ante con las muchas oportunidades de indulgencias corazón. Conversión literalmente significa cambiar la todo lo demás, o mantendremos nuestra fe a la plenarias, estamos invitados a buscar con más dirección de nuestras vidas para dirigir toda nuestra distancia, en donde pensamos que estamos cómodos intención la intercesión de San José y aprender de su perspectiva hacia Dios y ponerlo a Él a cargo. Por y a salvo? Aún, si no aceptamos fervientemente ejemplo de cómo escuchar la palabra de Dios y así supuesto, es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo. Tendemos nuestro llamado a seguir a Jesús y a anunciar Su discernir Su voluntad para nosotros. a ser independientes. Queremos que las cosas sean a mensaje de amor, compasión, justicia y Acatemos el llamado de Cristo al arrepentimiento nuestro modo, cuando las queremos y de la manera reconciliación en nuestras vidas diarias, ¿cómo hoy — para que a lo largo de este año 2021, en que las queremos. Queremos decidir qué necesita escuchará la gente el Evangelio? Si no nos podamos responder a Su invitación de seguirlo a Él ser cambiado en nuestras vidas y en nuestros desafiamos a nosotros mismos y a nuestro mundo a con todo nuestro corazón, alma, mente y cuerpo. términos. Pero el arrepentimiento verdadero significa aceptar la luz de la conversión, la verdad, la unidad dejar ir nuestro deseo de control y dejar que Dios y la paz, entonces ¿cómo verá la gente su salida de la — Translated by Dr. Daniela Abraham, tome el control. La conversión verdadera es abrirle oscuridad? Nuestra sociedad y nuestra nación St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology nuestros corazones y vidas a Dios para que Él pueda Bishop’s Novena Continued from page 4 This year’s national rally and tion” for the first day include: Fast march is planned for Jan. 29 but it from one meal today. Or pray the resources for parishes. will be livestreamed, with pro-life short prayer “Prayer for Life.” Or Schedule The pro-life novena, sponsored advocates across the country offer some other sacrifice, prayer, by the Committee on Pro-Life asked to participate virtually. or act of penance that you feel Confirmation Mass, St. Francis of Assisi Activities of the U.S. Conference An example of the novena inter- called to do for the day’s inten- Parish, Dale, 9 a.m. CST, Sunday, Jan. 24. of Catholic Bishops, encompasses cessions is: “May all unborn chil- tion. the annual Day of Prayer for the dren be protected in law and wel- For “one step further,” novena Mass, Sarto Chapel, Evansville, 11:30 a.m. CST, Legal Protection of Unborn comed in love,” for Day Two (Jan. participants are encouraged to Tuesday, Jan. 26. Children Jan. 22, the day the 22), followed by the Our Father, learn more about the four steps of Supreme Court handed down its three Hail Mary’s and the Glory the L.O.V.E. Approach™ — Listen Mass, Sarto Chapel, Evansville, 11:30 a.m. CST, decision in Roe and its companion Be. The reflection for the day says and Learn, Open Options, Vision Thursday, Jan. 28. case, Doe v. Bolton. in part: “Today, on this 48th and Value, and Extend and It coincides with the annual anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we Empower. Meeting, Diocesan Finance Council, Catholic March for Life usually held in mourn the many children’s lives Center, Evansville, 4 p.m. CST, Thursday, Jan. 28. Washington every January to ended by abortion and remember Editor’s note: The L.O.V.E. mark the anniversary of the in prayer those who suffer the Approach™ is trademarked by Mass for Life, St. Benedict Cathedral, Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. aftermath.” Heartbeat International, Inc,. and Evansville, 5:30 p.m. CST, Friday, Jan. 29. Wade decision legalizing abortion. The suggested “acts of repara- may not be adapted or modified. 6 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Annual Financial Statement Audit for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2020, Completed

BY DEAN HAPPE While these financial reports Diocesan Finance Officer are for the fiscal year ending Statements of Financial Position on June 30, 2020 (six months The annual audit of the ago) and therefore only June 30, 2020 and 2019 financial statements of the include approximately four Administrative Offices of the months of operating in the Catholic Diocese of Evansville COVID-19 Pandemic environ- has been completed. Included ment, that was enough time to with this publication are the introduce real financial uncer- audited financial statements as tainty and disruption to dioce- of and for the fiscal year san operations and all of the ended June 30, 2020, and June parishes and agencies across 30, 2019: our diocese. Fortunately, through an abundance of con- • Statement of Financial tinued hard work, dedication, Position (Balance Sheet) faithfulness and stewardship • Statement of Activity of staff and our Catholic faith- (Income Statement) ful across the diocese, we • Statement of Functional closed the fiscal year with rela- Expenses tively stable results and have • Statement of Cash Flows continued into the first six months of the new fiscal year The full financial report, effectively maintaining that with auditor’s opinion, foot- general stability. notes and supplemental infor- mation can also be found on I do hope within this finan- the diocesan website cial report, especially in light http://www.evdio.org/ under of this challenging year, you Departments, Finance Office, will find some inspiration and Forms and Documents continued calling to our min- http://www.evdio.org/forms istry as Catholics, when you —documents.html. consider the ongoing financial sustainability we have accom- The following paragraphs plished and continue to strive offer a brief explanation of for, together, as one church, each of the financial state- through our time, talent, treas- ments and the most important ure, and management of the elements to take away from resources availed to us each of the statements. through God’s abundant grace. And, we would be As I prepared to summarize remiss if we did not thank all our financial results, I couldn’t members of our diocese that help but be reminded of an give tirelessly within their old TV skit I watched when I parishes, communities, and was a kid. At the risk of throughout the diocese as a revealing much about my age whole. and background, I wonder if any of you may recall the Saturday evening telecasts of “Hee Haw?” And, in particu- “For if the willingness is With that being said, it may tive revenues in order to con- Charities; Clergy support; lar, the recurring sketch featur- there, the gift is acceptable be helpful to clarify the term tinue in its ministry. Family and Life, just to name ing Archie Campbell’s barber- according to what one has, “nonprofit” as it can be a little a few. shop and the “That’s not according to what one misleading. A nonprofit As such, we do not seek good/That’s bad” routine? does not have.” organization is allowed to profit for profit’s sake, but we Deposit and Loan Bank for Archie would mention an make a profit and, in reality, a do seek financial stability to Parishes — Source of Funds event, to which the folks in the 2 Corinthians 8:12 nonprofit must strive for some enable the ongoing ministry and Investments for parishes barbershop would comment, level of revenue that exceeds of our Catholic church. “That’s bad” only to have its expenses to ensure its Medical, Property, and Archie clarify that it was actu- ongoing stability and sustain- It may also be helpful to Liability Insurance Program ally good because of some Background ability. recall that the Administrative — Claims coverage for other complementary event. First, some quick back- Offices of the Catholic Parishes, Clergy, and As soon as the folks would ground. For financial state- Without that stability and Diocese operates three major Employees then agree that it was “good,” ment and federal and state sustainability, it could not “businesses” for the benefit of Archie would clarify that it reporting, the Catholic continue to perform its mis- the diocese as a whole to was “bad” because of yet Diocese of Evansville is classi- sion and ministry. So, while which these financial state- SUMMARY another complementary event fied as a nonprofit organiza- for-profit organizations are ments apply: FINANCIAL . . . and so on and so on. tion. That designation dictates organized specifically to earn ASSESSMENT a number of requirements in profits for distribution to its Ministries and The net asset position, near Well, I couldn’t help feeling the nature, form, and content shareholders/owners and Administration — 16 depart- term liquidity, and availability quite that same way as I sum- of our financial statement nonprofit organizations are mental operations such as of assets to cover diocesan marized these results for you, reporting that you see here organized specifically to exe- Vocations and Seminarian obligations and to conduct the as it was a pretty eventful and the way in which we cute its ministry, the nonprofit support; Catholic Schools; year, to say the least. Suffice it must operate. still must seek to earn posi- Youth/Young Adult; See AUDIT, page 7 to say, however, the net take- away is “good.” We continue Steeple Restoration to have much to manage and Stained Glass (Custom & Restoration) Apple’s Honey Farm stay on top of and no shortage of challenges and uncertain- Architectural Restoration ties, but we continue with a “Making Life Sweeter” Copper Goods Fabrication solid and stable environment for over 64 years and the incomparable commit- 1030 Fairview Ave. Copper & Zinc Roofing and ment and dedication of our Jasper, IN 47546 Wall Systems Jerry & Alice Apple, Beekeepers Jasper, Indiana Catholic faithful of the Diocese 812-634-9797 Lightning Protection and of Evansville . . . . That’s Fax 812-634-9798 Surge Suppression Systems** Good! www.helmingbrothers.com **UL® Listed & LPI Certified (812) 482-3024 JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 7

Statements of Activities Year Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019

Audit Continued from page 6 key, one-time/extraordinary several of its intended purpos- – Financial assistance in the the pension plan that exists for items totaling approximately es, including but not limited renovation of St. Benedict the benefit of employees ministries of the diocese $9.5 million in expenses: to: Cathedral across the diocese. remain stable with a general upward trajectory over the last • $3.4 million planned usage – Construction of the new By accounting standards, Absent these expected, but 6+ years. of previously accumulated Catholic Charities Offices contributions to the SOGG one-time, extraordinary assets (income) from the campaign have been recorded expenses, the Income That said, 2020 does reflect a Stewards of God’s Grace – Replacement and renova- as income in each of the prior Statement would reflect reduction in net assets (a net Capital Campaign collected tion to aging windows and three years but the expenses approximately $3.8 million in loss). The reduction, however, over the last three years and doors at the Catholic Center are not recorded until the net income, fueled largely by is primarily driven by three now used this fiscal year for funds are used. Therefore, $3.4 lower than anticipated insur- million in expenses incurred in ance claims expenses and this fiscal year while the off- other expense reduction setting income has been efforts, which then helps us recorded in prior years which continue to combat employee gives this year’s income state- pension liability shortfalls and ment the appearance that we to address other financial spent more money than we uncertainties brought about by made (we really just made it the COVID-19 pandemic. in prior years). The primary sources of rev- $1.5 million redistribution of enue for the diocese remain SOGG income back to the primarily confined to: parishes, on top of the parish- es’ standard share of SOGG Fees: Generated from income, as a result of them administering diocesan-wide exceeding their SOGG pledge programs (50% - 60% of rev- goals and qualifying for a enue) greater share of the SOGG A key example is our self- funds — an expense on dioce- funded insurance programs san books but more income to whereby the diocese funds the parishes! medical insurance for all cler- gy and lay employees across $4.5 million increase in accrued Pension liability for See AUDIT, page 8 8 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021

Statements of Functional Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2020

Statements of Functional Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2019

Audit Continued from page 7 ble to market volatility, for Catholic faithful and our lower than the same 5-year All of these revenue sources which there was a great deal parishes. While no small national inflation rate begin with the faith and gen- the diocese as well as provid- during the course of fiscal number, and despite contin- (Consumer Price Index) by erosity of all of us, the ing property and liability 2020. ued inflationary pressures more than 50 basis points, i.e. Catholic Faithful of the insurance coverage for all and growing fiscal needs in CPC is increasing at a much Diocese of Evansville. property and activities con- Contributions from the exciting areas like Vocations, lower rate than typical infla- ducted within the diocese Catholic Parishes Campaign: seminary tuition, etc. for tion. The primary expenses (use (20% - 25% of revenue) example, the intent focus has of funds) come from executing Investment income: (10% - A primary element of fund- remained on holding the CPC Other bequests and dona- the key ministries offered by 15% of revenue) ing and one managed assessments as low as possi- tions: Including in recent the diocesan offices for the A key contributor to our extremely closely so as to con- ble. In fact, the 5-year average years, the SOGG (5% of rev- financial stability but suscepti- trol the burden on our increase of 1.05% is well enue) See AUDIT, page 9 JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 9 Audit Continued from page 8 Activity and break it down into common expense cate- Statements of Cash Flow benefit of the diocese as a gories and help track how the whole: organization spends its money. Year Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 Most importantly, it breaks Formation and Education: down expenses between funds Catholic Schools, Catechesis, spent on its ministries com- Youth and Young Adult pared to management and Ministries general expenses.

Sacramental and Statement of Ministerial Support: Support Cash Flows of all clergy and lay that work The Statement of Cash within the diocese Flows is designed to display where cash is coming from Social Outreach: Serving the and how it is going out and poor, poor in spirit, the under- allows an organization to served, and unseen monitor if it has an adequate supply of incoming cash to Ecclesiastical Services to cover its program and support Parishes: Vocations, Worship, needs. Family and Life, Tribunal, Communications, etc. A few detailed notes from the financial statement . . . Management and General Operating Expenses • Cash balances improved in 2020 through continued strong collection of SOGG FINANCIAL pledges and cash flow assis- STATEMENT tance provided by the DETAILS Paycheck Protection Program, as well as implementation of The four primary financial several expense management statements: and spending freeze measures during the fiscal year. Statement of Financial Additionally, through contin- Position (Balance Sheet) ued expense management and The Statement of Financial spending freeze activity in the Position reflects the financial new fiscal year, coupled with status of the organization as of steady collections from the a specific point in time (in this current Catholic Parishes case June 30, 2020) showing Campaign, cash balances what it owns (assets), what it through the first six months of owes (liabilities) and its Net the new fiscal year are up Assets available to continue to about 60% as of December conduct its mission (Assets 2020. minus Liabilities = Net Assets). It is the primary indi- • Total liabilities held steady cator of the organization’s year over year if not for the general stability. significant increase in the accrued pension liability. The Statement of Activity pension liability is a long-term this increase in pension liabili- aforementioned, planned ren- The unfunded pension lia- (Income Statement) item and its balance can be ty of $4.5 million and the ovation expenses at the bility continues to burden the The Statement of Activity significantly influenced posi- aforementioned usage of Catholic Center, planned con- Net Asset position in the long provides the summary of the tively or negatively from one SOGG funds totaling almost struction expenses for term and we must continue to organization’s transactions for year to the next simply from $4.9 million. Despite the pen- Catholic Charities, Cathedral monitor it closely the year, its total revenues the results of the annual actu- sion liability increase, near renovations, and redistribu- Near-term liquidity and Net minus its total expenses to arial assessment. That assess- term liquidity and asset avail- tion of SOGG income back to Asset position, however, arrive at the “bottom line:” ment involves several factors ability remain stable and if the the parishes, all in accord- remains in stable condition Change in Net Assets including projections of long- long-term pension liability ance with plans from the COVID-19 pandemic contin- (Revenue minus Expenses = term investment returns, mor- were excluded, net assets are SOGG. ues to drive uncertainty and Change in Net Assets or Net tality table updates, and dis- actually up over 230% since volatility in our financial out- Income/Loss). Again, while count rates. In 2020 the liabili- 2015. Additionally, through • The Statement of look that will require contin- not seeking profit for profit’s ty increased $4.5 million, on the first six months of the new Functional Expenses reflects ued, close attention. sake, we seek positive change the heels of a $4.1 million fiscal year, the Net Asset posi- very nicely that 90% of fiscal in net assets each year to increase in 2019, both, howev- tion has improved $5.4 mil- 2020 and 88% of fiscal 2019 The insurance program maintain stability in managing er, through no specific action lion. expenses were incurred in remains in strong position and the ministries of the diocese. other than these updated actu- direct execution of the min- while Operation of the dioce- arial assessments. While the • Total revenue improved istry of the primary programs san ministries remains on nar- Statement of pension liability must contin- slightly in 2020 driven prima- of the diocese while only 10% row margin, it still shows sta- Functional Expenses ue to be managed very closely, rily by favorable investment and 12%, respectively, was ble results while holding 5- This was a new statement in the fact that it is such a long- returns, despite significant incurred for Management and year average CPC assessment 2019 required by Accounting term item tempers concern for volatility in the market during General and fundraising increases to only 1.05% . . . . Standards Update 2016-14. It is near and intermediate-term the last 4-5 months of the fis- expenses. That’s Good! designed to take the expense liability positions. cal year. section of the Statement of Challenges remain. The • Net Assets dipped $5.7 • Expenses were up about NET TAKE-AWAY results are stable and good. It million driven primarily by $2.9 million driven by the AND CLOSING continues to reinforce our Subscribe to COMMENTS efforts for a strong financial The ITALY 2021! plan, conscientious and dili- MESSAGE Increases in the unfunded gent stewardship, and effec- Nov. 8-19. Rome, Venice, Florence, Assisi pension liability and planned tive fiscal management of the Print. $24/yr with Papal Audience! I’m itching to travel! With one-time spend of prior years’ resources you, the Catholic includes a vaccine on the horizon, we can begin to plan! SOGG income drove a net loss faithful of the Diocese of digital edition $4,219 from Louisville including airfare, taxes, on the Statement of Activity Evansville have entrusted to first-class hotels, many meals, professional (Income Statement) for fiscal our care. Thank you once Digital. $12/yr guide. This is my 25th Grand Tour to Bella Italy! 2020. again for your continued com- mitment to your parishes, Contact John Findlater Absent those items, normal- communities, and the diocese 313-410-6478 • [email protected] ized operations were positive. as a whole. That’s Very Good! 10 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 House of Discernment Winter Update

BY FATHER TYLER TENBARGE gifts, including beard Special to The Message supplies, books on Catholic virtue and lots Even though the COVID-19 outbreak has changed of beef jerky. normal routines and plans, the discernment and for- Bishop Joseph M. mation for the five residents at the Diocese of Siegel and Father Tyler, Evansville’s Father Deydier House of Discernment who also serves as successfully presses on. Each of our men are moving diocesan Vocation forward in their prayer and decision-making as they Director, hosted the discern the voice of Christ and the movement of the diocesan seminarians for Holy Spirit. Here are some highlights from late fall a Christmas gathering and early winter. that included Mass at House residents continued with Monday Night Sacred Heart Church in Photos courtesy of Father Tyler Tenbarge formation conferences each week. At each confer- Evansville and dinner at Bishop Joseph M. Siegel blesses the Bibles given to the seminarians at their ence, residents learn about prayer, discernment, dis- the House. Each semi- Christmas gathering this December. cipleship and begin to study some Catholic theology. narian received a new At Thanksgiving, House Director Father Tyler copy of Bishop Robert Barron’s “Word on Tenbarge led the House on a Day of Recollection in Fire Bible” thanks to a generous couple Vincennes at the tomb of our first bishop, Servant of from the diocese. God Bishop Simon Bruté. Residents joined St. Our Monday Night “Holy Hour and Francis Xavier Parish administrator and Associate Mass for Vocations” continues to be Vocation Director, Father Tony Ernst, for Mass and a strong at Sacred Heart Church. All are tour of Bishop Bruté’s library, and they enjoyed welcome every Monday for Adoration some time praying on their own. and Confession starting at 6:30 p.m. Mass Savio events also continue for teenage guys. Two follows at 7:30 p.m. early-morning-Saturday runs dotted this past fall with more than 50 attending for Mass and a 2-mile Applications for the 2021-2022 year at the run followed by a picnic breakfast. To celebrate the House of Discernment are currently being Solemnity of All Saints, Savio guys dressed up like accepted. If you know of a young man (age images of a Saint and submitted photos. The winner 18-30) who might benefit from a Catholic for the high school division was Nate Goebel who community of prayer and fraternity while replicated a painting of St. John the Evangelist. A continuing his career or college, please have few Savio guys who have been joining some semi- him contact House Director Father Tyler narians for virtual, weekly faith formation likewise Tenbarge ([email protected]). got to have dinner and spend some time with House residents and the seminarians over Christmas break. Father Tyler Tenbarge, at right, preaches House residents also hosted the annual Christmas to House residents in the crypt chapel of party. Several college guys joined them for dinner, the Minor Basilica of St. Francis Xavier games and a gift exchange. Each attendee brought in Vincennes.

Nick Folz, left, Kienan Corcoran, Jake Schneider and Jacob Greulich stand with Father Tony Ernst in front of the Minor Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (the Old Cathedral) in Vincennes as part of their Day of Father Tony Ernst shows the House residents some books from Recollection in Bruté’s library that contain the Servant of God’s signature. November. JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 11 COVID-19 impacts St. Joseph Haiti Outreach — again

BY TIM LILLEY be canceled at the last minute of financial poverty, but they The Message editor due to COVID-19 issues. are some of the richest when it Group seeking help Regular readers of The comes to their faith in Christ As I was preparing this arti- Message know that multiple and their resiliency. for another Haitian parish cle, Chad Martin, his family parishes across our 12 counties They have assisted with nec- and some other members of are twinned with Haitian essary repairs due to earth- BY THE MESSAGE STAFF the St. Joseph Parish (Vander- parishes. Catholics from quakes and flash flooding. burgh County) Haiti Outreach Southwestern Indiana have They have helped their The St. Joseph Parish (Vanderburgh County) Haiti Outreach Ministry were planning to visit made numerous trips to the Haitian brothers and sisters Ministry is looking for another “twinned parish” in the St. Jacques Parish in Plaine de Caribbean-island country, obtain fresh water, educate Diocese of Nord, Haiti, for the first time which is southeast of Cuba their children, provide solar Evansville. since COVID-19 unleashed its and bordered on the east by energy, grow their own food St. Joe’s parish- dreadful ways on the world. the Dominican Republic. Haiti and create job enterprises to ioner and SJHO But, as have been so many is commonly known as the help the local economy. Their member Chad other things planned amidst poorest country in the western work has been impacted and Martin said, the pandemic, their trip had to hemisphere when you speak travel restricted to protect both “Father Patrick the travelers and to contain Senecharles the spread of the virus in the served as the vulnerable population without associate pastor at access to healthcare. St. Jacques Parish St. Joseph Haiti Outreach in Plaine de Nord, has had to cancel trips that and we got to were scheduled to visit St. know him very Jacques in March 2020 and well. He is a won- again later last year. COVID- derful priest, and 19 shut them down. The story he was reassigned of the virus’ impact across to serve as pastor Father Patrick Senecharles stands with Haiti is fascinating. at another parish some youngsters in the open-air wor- “From what we’ve been told, that really doesn’t ship space at St. Roch Guasimal- COVID-19 has not hit the have much of Bucnabite Parish in St. Raphael, a country like we expected,” anything. Their small town less than 40 miles south of Martin said. “The border with Church building Plaine de Nord. the Dominican Republic consists of wood remains closed, and air travel poles with blue tarps to provide shade. This just goes to show into Haiti has been shut down. you that the Church is not the buildings we worship, but the Haitians have been doing the people we worship the Lord with.” Photos courtesy of the St. Joseph Parish Haiti Outreach Ministry same kinds of things we are Father Patrick is now pastor of St. Roch Guasimal-Bucnabite These local residents proudly hold up some of the fish now here — wearing face masks, Parish in St. Raphael, a small town less than 40 miles south of being raised at the fish farm to feed school students and their practicing social distancing Plaine de Nord. According to Google Maps, driving that dis- families in Plaines de Nord and nearby towns. and so on. I believe that the tance takes more than 2.5 hours. lack of travelers from outside Martin said, “Father Patrick is a wonderful and energetic the country has been helpful in priest who wants what is best for the children in his parish, minimizing the spread.” many of whom cannot afford to go to school. Going to school in Located near the northern Haiti is so important — not only for education, but for the fact coast in the Archdiocese of that if the school is lucky enough to be able to provide lunch (a Cap-Haitien, Plaine de Nord is bowl of rice and beans), it may be the only meal the kids eat remote. “It’s only about 15 that day.” miles from Cap-Haitien, but Martin told The Message that the Parish Twinning Program the trip often takes 45 minutes of the America’s, the national organization that works to twin or longer. The way of life there parishes, has developed a waiting list, so he is hoping that a is far different,” Martin said. more direct appeal could lead to help for Father Patrick and his Schools closed last spring new parish. because of COVID-19; and If you, anyone you know or your parish is interested in help- given the lack of infrastructure, ing Father Patrick and St. Roch Parish on an ongoing basis, virtual learning was not an contact the St. Joseph Parish Haiti Outreach Ministry through option. Martin said schools the parish’s online portal at www.stjoeco.org/contact, or you reopened and finished the can contact Chad Martin at 812-549-5256 or email cmartin@ 2019-2020 school year last fall empire-contractors.com to learn more about Father Patrick. and began the current school year in November. meet St. Jacques’ new pastor the outreach program. The need for isolation shut for the first time. Dozens of Martin and his 10-year-old down airlines and disrupted priests were reassigned across son C.J. also planned to visit food distribution across the the archdiocese late last year, “Dr. Leo” at another school in entire country. But on the other and St. Jacques “traded” pas- Plaine de Nord. The Martins, hand, their living conditions tors with a parish in Cap- with C.J. spearheading the are such that there are not a lot Haitien. They had planned to effort, raised more than $25,000 of confined indoor spaces that resupply their “New Hope” since the end of May 2020 to have amplified the spread of sewing school and coordinate assist this Christian missionary COVID in other parts of the the next school year with the in his work to repair a fish farm world. Martin said that their local teachers and coordinator. that had been severely damaged pastor has told them that only The travelers also had by a 2010 earthquake. Martin by the grace of God have they planned to catch up with as said, “The farm is running been spared of the horrible loss many sponsored students as again. Through Dr. Leo’s efforts, of life that many in the medical possible for interviews that the people in the area — includ- community thought would will provide information for ing those we are helping directly develop after the virus made it their U.S. sponsors who are — are receiving protein in their to the island last spring. The supporting them with tuition diets from the fish grown there isolation and disruptions of for elementary and secondary thanks to all the prayers and commerce have had a more schools, and colleges. Martin donations from many.” significant impact on the peo- said approximately 200 stu- They are trying to reschedule ple causing food shortages and dents are being sponsored for their trip at the earliest oppor- hunger than has the virus. elementary and secondary tunity. Martin said, “God leads The six members of the education expenses, and more us to reach out to our brothers Outreach Ministry Team on than 40 others are receiving and sisters in Haiti and we will this trip had quite a “to do” list help with college expenses and persevere in sharing our faith for their journey. They are tak- we are always looking for and love with them the best ing supplies, of course. But more sponsors or people who we can despite the Covid-19 they also will have a chance to just want to get involved with impacts we face.” 12 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Holy Rosary announces Respect Life Art Contest winners

K-Grade 2 winners Anderson, Elijah and Elle Grade 3-5 winners Paige, Mallory and Maggie Grade 6-8 winners Hannah, Josslyn and Will with Mrs. with Mrs. Weisman. with Mrs. Weisman. Weisman.

SPECIAL TO Elle McGowan. place winner is Paige Wilson, category, the first-place winner place winner is Hannah Gatz. THE MESSAGE For the third – fifth-grade and the third-place winner is is Josslyn Wade, the second- category, the first-place winner Maggie Mitz. place winner is Will Editor’s note: Holy Rosary is Mallory Titzer, the second- For the sixth – eighth-grade Diefenbaugh, and the third- Photos CONTINUED on page 13 School in Evansville holds an annual Respect Life Art Contest, and the winners usually are announced in October as part of Respect Life Month in the U.S. We all know that 2020 was any- thing but usual! The Message asked the fine folks at Holy Rosary if we could publish the winners in this issue of The Message, which is all-diocesan and is being published just before the annual March for Life — which will be anything but usual in 2021. We are grateful to Holy Rosary School for working with us on this announcement. Congratulations to the winners!

Holy Rosary’s Respect Life Committee announces the winners of the 2020-2021 Respect Life Art Contest. This year’s Respect Life theme is “Live the Gospel of Life.” Christ taking on human life, dwelling among us and sacri- ficing his life reveals the digni- ty of every human person. This year’s theme offered ample opportunity for stu- dents to explore the dignity of life through art. Holy Rosary art teacher Michelle Weisman helped stu- dents to incorporate works of Matisse and Chagall, well- known images of saints and the stained-glass window of Notre Dame with the foundation of our belief that “every person is made in the likeness and image of God.” Students looked at our faith through paintings, sculp- tures, architecture, and natural beauty to draw inspiration for their artwork. In the Kindergarten – sec- ond-grade category, the first- place winner is Elijah Pickerill, the second-place winner is Anderson Schmitt, and the third-place winner is

evdiomessage.org JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 13

K-Grade 2 — 1st place — Elijah Pickerill

K-Grade 2 — 2nd place — Anderson Schmitt K-Grade 2 — 3rd place — Elle McGowan

Grade 3-5 — 1st place — Mallory Titzer

Grade 3-5 — 2nd place — Paige Wilson Grade 3-5 — 3rd place — Maggie Mitz

Grade 6-8 — 1st place — Josslyn Wade Grade 6-8 — 3rd place — Hannah Gatz

— Submitted photos

Grade 6-8 — 2nd place Will Diefenbaugh 14 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Plague saints for a time of COVID-19

Editor’s note: The Message forgiveness of our sins, and has carried information about the with their merits interceding, Fourteen Holy Helpers in previ- deliver us from all adversities, ous issues. This detailed feature and kindly hear our prayers.” from Catholic News Agency pro- Here’s a bit about each of vides a deeper look into the saints. the Fourteen Holy Helpers:

DENVER, COLO. (CNA) — St. George: While little is While the COVID-19 pandem- known definitively about his ic has turned life upside down life, St. George was a fourth- for many people, it’s not the century martyr under the per- first time the Church has gone secution of the emperor through a major health crisis. Diocletian. A soldier in In the middle of the 14th Diocletian’s army, St. George century, the plague — also refused to arrest Christians called “The Black Death” — and offer sacrifices to Roman also called “The Greatest gods. Despite bribes from Catastrophe Ever” — ravaged Diocletian to change his mind, Europe, killing 50 million peo- St. George refused the order ple, or about 60 percent of the and was tortured and eventu- population (a vastly higher ally executed for his offenses. death rate than coronavirus), He is invoked against skin dis- within a few years. eases and palsy. Lacking the advances of Public domain photo modern medicine today, the St. Blase: Another fourth- This is a 19th century depiction of the Fourteen Holy Helpers that has been restored by Alois people had no choice but to century martyr, St. Blase’s Liebwein. cling to their faith. death is very similar to that of It was at this time that the St. George. A bishop in Christian to the emperor by Once he was carrying a child Christianity. He is the patron Fourteen Holy Helpers — Armenia during a time of his peers who were jealous of who announced himself as of those who suffer from eye Catholics saints, all but one of Christian persecution, St. Blase his rich inheritance. When he Christ and declared the diseases. whom were early martyrs — was eventually forced to flee refused to worship false gods, Reprobus would be called came to be invoked by to the forest to avoid death. St. Pantaleon was tortured and “Christopher” — or Christ- St. Acacius: A fourth-cen- Catholics against the plague One day a group of hunters his murder was attempted by bearer. The encounter filled tury martyr under the emper- and other misfortunes. found St. Blase, arrested him various methods — burning Christopher with missionary or Galerius, St. Acacius was a According to New Liturgical and brought him back to the torches on his flesh, a bath of zeal, and he returned home to captain in the Roman army Movement, devotion to these authorities. At some point liquid lead, being thrown into Turkey to convert nearly when he heard a voice telling 14 saints started in Germany after his arrest, a mother with the sea tied to a stone, and so 50,000. Angered, the Emperor him to “Call on the help of the at the time of the plague, and a son who had gotten a fish- on. Each time, he was rescued Decius had Christopher arrest- God of Christians,” according they were called “Nothelfer,” bone perilously stuck in his from death by Christ, who ed, imprisoned and tortured. to tradition. He obeyed the which in German means throat visited St. Blase, and at appeared in the form of a While he was delivered from voice and immediately sought “helpers in need.” his blessing, the bone dis- priest. St. Pantaleon was only many tortures, including being baptism in the Christian faith. As bouts of the plague lodged and the boy was saved. successfully beheaded after he shot with arrows, Christopher He zealously set about con- resurfaced over the decades, St. Blase was ordered by the desired his martyrdom. He is was beheaded around the year verting the soldiers of the devotion to the Holy Helpers governor of Cappadocia to invoked as a patron saint of 250. He is invoked against army but was soon denounced spread to other countries, and denounce his faith and sacri- physicians and midwives. epilepsy and toothache, and to the emperor, tortured and eventually, Nicholas V fice to pagan gods. He refused, he is the patron of a holy sent before a tribunal for ques- declared that devotion to the and he was brutally tortured St. Vitus: Also a fourth- death. tioning, before which he again saints came with special indul- and eventually beheaded for century martyr persecuted by refused to denounce his faith. gences. this offense. He is invoked Diocletian, St. Vitus was the St. Denis: There are con- After many more tortures, According to New Liturgical against diseases of the throat. son of a senator in Sicily and flicting accounts of St. Denis, from some of which he was Movement, this introduction became Christian under the with some accounts claiming miraculously healed, St. to the feast of the Holy St. Erasmus: A fourth-cen- influence of his nurse. he was converted to Acacius was beheaded in the Helpers (celebrated Aug. 8 in tury bishop of Formia, St. According to legend, St. Vitus Christianity in Athens by St. year 311. He is the patron saint some places) can be found in Erasmus (also known as St. inspired many conversions Paul, and then became the first of those who suffer from the Cracow Missal of 1483: Elmo) faced persecution under and performed many miracles, Bishop of Paris sometime in headaches. “The Mass of the Fourteen the emperor Diocletian. which angered those who the first century. Other Holy Helpers, approved by According to legend, he fled to hated Christianity. St. Vitus, accounts claim he was a St. Eustace: Little is Pope Nicholas . . . it is power- Mount Lebanon for a time to and his Christian nurse and Bishop of Paris but a martyr of known about this second-cen- ful on their behalf, however so escape persecution, where he her husband, were denounced the third century. What is tury martyr, persecuted under much one is in great illness or was fed by a raven. After he to the emperor, who ordered known is that he was a zeal- the Emperor Trajan. According anguish or sadness, or in was discovered, he was arrest- them to be put to death when ous missionary who eventual- to tradition, Eustace was a whatsoever tribulation a man ed and imprisoned, but he they refused to renounce their ly came to France, where he general in the army who con- shall be. It is powerful also on made multiple miraculous faith. Like St. Pantaleon, many was beheaded on Montmartre verted to Christianity after a behalf of the imprisoned and escapes with the help of an attempts were made at killing — the Mount of Martyrs — a vision of a Crucifix that detained, on behalf of mer- angel. At one point he was tor- them, including releasing place where many early appeared between the antlers chants and pilgrims, for those tured by having part of his them to lions in the Christians were killed for the of a deer while he was hunt- that have been sentenced to intestines pulled out by hot Colosseum, but they were faith. He is invoked against ing. He converted his family die, for those who are at war, rods. Some accounts say he miraculously delivered each demonic attacks. to Christianity, and he and his for women who are struggling was miraculously healed of time. They were eventually wife were burned to death in childbirth, or with a miscar- these wounds and died of nat- put to death on the rack. St. St. Cyriacus: Another after refusing to participate in riage, and for (the forgiveness ural causes, while others say Vitus is invoked against fourth-century martyr, St. a pagan ceremony. He is of) sins, and for the dead.” that this was the cause of his epilepsy, paralysis, and dis- Cyriacus, a deacon, was actu- invoked against fires. The collect for their feast in martyrdom. St. Erasmus is eases of the nervous system. ally favored by the emperor the Missal of Bamberg reads: invoked by those suffering Diocletian after he cured the St. Giles: One of the later “Almighty and merciful God, from stomach pains and disor- St. Christopher: A third- emperor’s daughter in the Holy Helpers and the only one who didst adorn Thy Sts. ders, and by women in labor. century martyr originally name of Jesus, and then the definitively known to not be a George, Blase, Erasmus, called Reprobus, he was the friend of the emperor. martyr, St. Giles became a sev- Pantaleon, Vitus, Christopher, St. Pantaleon: Another son of pagans and had origi- According to Catholicism.org enth-century monk in the area Denis, Cyriacus, Acacius, fourth-century martyr perse- nally pledged his service to a and The Fourteen Holy of Athens, despite his birth to Eustace, Giles, Margaret, cuted under Diocletian, St. pagan king and Satan. Helpers, by Father nobility. He eventually retreat- Barbara and Catherine with Pantaleon was the son of a Eventually, the conversion of a Bonaventure Hammer, O.F.M., ed to the wilderness to found special privileges above all rich pagan, but he was king and the instruction of a after Diocletian died, his suc- a monastery under the rule of others, so that all who in their instructed in Christianity by monk led Reprobus to convert cessor, emperor Maximin, St. Benedict, and he was necessities implore their help, his mother and a priest. He to Christianity, and he was increased the persecution of renowned for his holiness and according to the grace of Thy worked as a physician to the called on to use his strength Christians and imprisoned the miracles he performed. promise, may attain the salu- emperor Maximinianus. and muscles to help carry peo- Cyriacus, who was tortured at According to Catholicism.org, tary effect of their pleading, According to legend, St. ple across a raging stream the rack and beheaded for See HELPERS, page 23 grant to us, we beseech Thee, Pantaleon was denounced as a where there was no bridge. refusing to renounce JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 15

The Message: Working for you now more than ever

BY TIM LILLEY Ruth Bandas and Sheila Barclay serve on The through our outstanding lineup of columnists. Subscribe The Message editor Message staff with assistant editor Megan Erbacher today to begin receiving this dynamic lineup every week. and me, and they do great work for you on a daily basis. The Ruth handles subscriptions and display advertising, and Message also brings you news from across Southwest Indiana’s Catholic community newspaper Sheila is responsible for the design and look of The the Catholic world using the resources of Catholic News has been working for you for more than 50 years. And Message. They join Megan and me in a commitment Service and Catholic News Agency. However, our focus now, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and all its is here — at home. We are committed to being the The to serving our readers by delivering the best newspaper challenges, Message is working for you more and the best service possible. best newspaper possible for our Catholic community than ever. in Southwest Indiana. Our local columnists include Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, We strive to bring you the news and information you Father Donald Dilger, Zoe Cannon, Society of St. Vincent Subscribers know that, with the generous support of need to stay informed about the guidelines in place for de Paul Director Joseph Cook, Director of Youth and longtime advertisers like G.D. Ritzy’s and Holiday World, parish Masses and other worship services, and other Young Adult Ministry Steve Dabrowski, Diocesan we are able to offer a Christmas coloring contest for parish events across our 12 counties. Be assured that youngsters and free passes to Holiday World and The Coordinator of Catechetical Programs and Resources Message will get that news — and more — to Mary Kaye Falcony, Director of Catechesis Kathy Gallo, Splashin’ Safari. Subscribe today to make sure you you as quickly as we can. Brenda Hopf, Mary Ann Hughes, Kaitlin Klein, Director of don’t miss out on all the fun. The Hispanic Ministries Bertha Melendres, Joel Padgett, The And just as Message staff is working for you Diocesan Director of Stewardship Matt Potter, Kristine From top to bottom, I hope you see that more than ever, we need your support more than ever. Schroeder, Maria Sermersheim, Becky Siewers, members Message works hard for you, our Catholic community, This issue appears at the start of the Diocese of of the Southwest Indiana Guild of the Catholic Medical every week of the year. All of us hope you will renew your Evansville’s annual “Message Weekend,” when Association and Youth First counselors who are serving in subscriptions or become new subscribers. We thank you Catholics across our 12 counties have the opportunity to our Catholic schools. Our priests and members of again for your support and confidence. Be assured of our subscribe to the paper or renew their annual religious orders serving in the diocese also will contribute. commitment to bringing you the best community subscriptions. newspaper in our 12 counties. Contributing columnists from outside the diocese To those who will renew, sincere thanks for your include Christina Capecchi, Father Kenneth Doyle and ongoing support. To everyone else, we hope you will George Weigel. You can count on The Message to And be assured of our prayers that you decide to become a subscriber. You can receive 51 deliver you a variety of perspectives on many areas and your families remain healthy and safe. issues — print and digital — for only $24. We have not increased our subscription rate in more than 15 years! Digital-only subscriptions are available for only $12. Please consider one of these options if you are not already a subscriber.

You can try the digital edition free — and with no obligation — by visiting our website at evdiomessage.org. There, you can download the digital edition of this issue and see for yourself that this product provides you everything included in the print edition.

Over the next couple of issues, we’ll focus on our Catholic schools. The Message will continue to provide updates from the Catholic Education Office regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our 26 Catholic schools. We also will cover the annual National Catholic Schools Week Mass and the “Come and See” events our schools are planning. Schools will always be a major focus for The Message.

We also will cover the ordination of Deacon Garrett Braun to the priesthood early June. 16 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021

Buckle up, buttercup: “Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, You’re not always right making it impossible for them to eat. When his relatives heard of this they For a few months now, I’ve been growing in the desire for people to tell me when I am wrong. I don’t MEDITATIONE set out to seize him, for they said, wish to be wrong on anything — of course, I would ‘He is out of his mind.’” much rather be right — but I am not perfect; and I IGNIS would like my friends to help me see my errors so I can fix them. I desire holiness, and I know I have a MARIA SERMERSHEIM — Mark 3:20-21 long way to go; so I thirst for constructive criticism. Unfortunately, in these same months, I have found fewer and fewer people willing to be good models goodness. Thus, I want to be told when I am wrong and admit when they’re wrong or charitably chastise because I want to correct my ways. I want to see God to our variety of positions and pray, “Teach me, Lord, their friends. more than I want to stand my ground for the sake of your way, that I may walk in your truth, single-heart- Everywhere, people cling to pride. This is not a it. Show me the paths to walk, Lord, for I do not ed and revering your name” (Ps 86:11). And then game of “us” or “them,” a fiction of “we see” that know the way. recall that he often works through people. “they sin.” We are all guilty. Forget the party lines Every Monday through Thursday, the Psalms for Perhaps we can take a page out of St. Catherine of you’ve drawn on any subject, from politics to COVID- Compline (night prayer from the Liturgy of the Siena’s book. Sigrid Undset tells us of Catherine, 19 restrictions to Harry Potter to the proper way to Hours) implore God to show us the path of life. God’s “with her deep insight into the life of the soul, the butter corn. I don’t necessarily care where your line is Word does not assure us that we have everything fig- fight to achieve perfect humility was one of profound drawn — I care if it’s not subject to considered revi- ured out, and so everyone should follow us. Far be it importance . . . . she considered her human enemies sion. from us to ever claim such a thing with our limited as her true benefactors [because] the fear of becoming At Mass, just before we receive the Eucharist, we perspectives and our short, fleeting lives. Yes, we are self-satisfied must have throbbed like a wound in her declare, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter human, made in the image of God, and he deems us inmost soul” (p.53). Let us fear self-satisfaction as she under my roof, but only say the word and my soul “very good;” but we must be honest and give the full did and love those who justly rebuke us — whether shall be healed.” We are not worthy because we are picture. The Bible introduces the Fall in the third kindly as we hope or not — and be grateful for the human and he is God, and we are even less worthy chapter because sin (especially pride) pervades our opportunities they afford us to draw ever closer to because we are sinners. On our pilgrim journey of this current state of affairs. We must both recognize our Christ. life, though, we recognize the hope for healing and goodness and admit our imperfection. This is why we the need for lives marked by continual conversion. To need Christ; we are to follow him. So let us revoke Maria Sermersheim is a 2018 graduate of Reitz conform our hearts and wills to Christ’s, we must our prideful selection of fruit and ask God what is Memorial High School and a junior at the University of continually refine ourselves in pursuit of truth and good; let us step away from our personal attachments Notre Dame this year. ADAM AND EVE, AND THE SNEAKY SNAKE

The words below have been written in code. Use the hints in the decoder to help break the code (the letters on top are the correct answers, the numbers on the bottom are the code). Write the correct word on the lines provided.

5 - 22 - 9 - 12 ______7 - 15 - 15 - 4 ______5 - 4 - 5 - 14 ______5 - 22 - 5 ______20 - 18 - 5 - 5 ______8 - 21 - 19 - 2 - 1 - 14 - 4 ______1 - 4 - 1 - 13 ______6 - 18 - 21 - 9 - 20 ______7 - 1 - 18 - 4 - 5 - 14 ______19 - 5 - 18 - 16 - 5 - 14 - 20 ______

ADAM GOOD SERPENT HUSBAND EDEN TREE EVIL GARDEN FRUIT EVE BEATITUDES

1 ACROSS 1. Blessed are the ______:

for they shall be called the 2 DOWN children of God 1. Blessed are they which are 2. Blessed are the ______: 3 ______for righteousness’ for they shall obtain mercy 4 sake: for theirs is the kingdom of 4. Blessed are the pure in heaven ______: for they shall 5 6 3. ______are ye, when men see God shall revile you, and persecute 6. Blessed are the ______: 7 you, and shall say all manner of for they shall inherit the earth 8 evil against you falsely, for my sake 8. Blessed are those that 5. Blessed are the poor in hunger and thirst after ______: for theirs is the ______: for they shall kingdom of heaven be filled 7 . Blessed are they that ______: for they shall be comforted Answers on page 23. JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 17 ‘A failure’ of love and solidarity creates societal divisions, says archbishop

BY ANN CAREY love.” brothers and sisters on earth,” Catholic News Service Archbishop Gomez’s Archbishop Gomez said. keynote “What Do We Owe Without these truths, we SOUTH BEND, INDIANA the Immigrant?” reflected the can’t understand our Christian (CNS) — Love is the solution conference theme: “We Belong commitments to migrants and to the deep divisions that trou- to Each Other,” a quotation refugees, the poor, the unborn, ble societies, Archbishop José from St. Teresa of Kolkata. the imprisoned, the sick and H. Gomez of Los Angeles, He related that he has the environment, he president of the U.S. Confer- worked for over 20 years on explained. Nor can we “under- ence of Catholic Bishops, said immigration reform and advo- stand how to create a society in his Jan. 12 keynote for a vir- cating for migrants and that will be good for human tual conference at the refugees, and he has come to beings,” and he reminded the University of Notre Dame. realize these issues are part of conference that “our society The archbishop focused on deeper questions about God has lost its bearings.” migrants and the global and the human person, name- Currently, Western nations, refugee crisis. But he also ly that God is love and has corporations, agencies and alluded to “the violence . . . at created humans in his own other entities attempt to build our nation’s Capitol, and the image “that calls us to form a global economic and politi- deep polarization and divi- one human family and to live cal order excluding traditional sions in our country.” together in love as brothers Judeo-Christian principles, he All of these problems are and sisters.” continued. And when those more than a failure of politics “Unless we believe that we values are lost, we lose that CNS photo or diplomacy, he said: “It’s a have a Father in heaven, principle of a loving God who ARCHBISHOP JOSE H. GOMEZ failure of human fraternity there’s no necessary reason for creates persons in his own and solidarity. It’s a failure of us to treat one another as image, and the result, he said, is “an aggressively secular “We need to tell them the God and the human person is society.” good news that we are all chil- the key to healing and recon- CROSSWORD “Without belief in a Creator dren of God, that there is a ciliation; it’s the way forward, who establishes values, we greatness to human life,” the the way we can come together have no authority higher than archbishop said. “That every as one nation under God.” our own politics and proce- one of us is created in God’s By serving our neighbors dures,” he explained. “We are image, endowed with God- and caring for each other, par- left with no solid foundation given rights and responsibili- ticularly the weak and vulner- for our commitments to ties, and called to a transcen- able, he concluded, “We can human dignity, freedom, dent destiny.” change our country and we equality, and fraternity.” Referring to the current can change the world. We can This “crisis of truth” causes national turmoil, Archbishop help our neighbors to know many hardships and injustices Gomez stressed that “we have this God, and to know his in society, he said; but we an urgent duty in this moment love.” Christians know the truth and to bear witness to the truth . . . In a question-and-answer should proclaim it. . This beautiful truth about session after his keynote, Archbishop Gomez said he wants people to “love God SCRIPTURE SEARCH and recognize that immigra- tion is not a problem: It’s something good.” And he Gospel for Sunday, January 24, 2021 stressed that immigrants are an asset to society, bringing Mark 1:14-20 unique talents, gifts and aspi- rations that enrich all of us. Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading “They aren’t coming to take for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B. The our places; they are coming to participate,” he said. words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. Responding to a question about how to understand DISCIPLES EAT THEM migrants as our brothers and sisters when they come from AGAIN CROWD HIM so many different places, SET THEY GATHERED Archbishop Gomez compared a migrant to a college fresh- HOUSE JESUS SEIZE man who is unfamiliar with INTO IMPOSSIBLE MIND the place or the people. But, as HEARD EVEN MAKING he gets to know the place and the people get to know him, RELATIVES OUT CAME those differences and uncer- tainties fade. This likewise happens in V F P Y D L J D O Y Y T A D Y cities, neighborhoods, parishes E U T R E E Q W B V H X I D O and the workplace, he said, G A A A S H V O S E I Z E D I when we get to know migrants. E E O U I U T R M H M M P N E He also stressed that the H G S D F I O C S X A V R I L United States should continue A F A D M S C E W H K N E M B to help make life better for K U A T B V L M C K I I H X I people all over the world, for Y Z N H H P L Q E E N N N A S most people prefer to stay in their own country but have M C I I I E S U O H G T F U S difficulty surviving there, or B A A C A M R N E V E O Z E O even are forcibly removed. V X S M V G G E M I X U A W P Thus, it is important to under- U I V W E Z A W D S Z T O N M stand the movement of peo- D Z Y O E D B M S V I C C D I ples, and if we can welcome and help migrants, we may E K R F B W K B R R R Y Z B H See answers on page 19. R E L A T I V E S E T W B P A See LOVE, page 18 18 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Pro-life includes natural-death considerations

When I volunteered to write the “Catholic death process. We can only imagine what awaits us. Healthcare” column for this issue of The Message, I CATHOLIC As the third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us, had planned to discuss the 48th anniversary of Roe v. “There is an appointed time for everything, and a Wade and some of the medical aspects of abortion HEALTHCARE time for every affair under the heavens. A time to and post-abortion complications. DR. BILL BLANKE give birth, and a time to die . . . a time to weep, and Then, on Dec. 30, 2020, my mom Kathleen died a time to laugh.” We of faith give thanks when a peacefully in her sleep. She had lived most recently in newborn arrives safely and there is much celebra- a wonderful home for individuals with dementia cept of “natural death” and believe that we should tion, and we of faith also trust that in heaven even where she was well-loved and cared for. Hospice was use every available resource to maintain life as long as greater things await us. involved briefly at the end of her life. My dad died possible. I encourage you to read the book “Being Kathleen Blanke was blessed with a life of 87 years, just over three years ago; and my siblings and I have Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” by a marriage to Jay for 64 years, and six children. She been praying that when it was Mom’s time to die, she Atul Gawande, M.D., a general surgeon. This book celebrated our weddings, supported us through our would go to sleep one night and not wake up. Thank has helped shape my hospice practice. divorces and was thrilled with being a grandma. By you, St. Joseph, the patron saint of a peaceful death! The “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic the time this article is published, I will have already One theme of the pro-life movement is “protecting Health Care Services” from the United States laughed and cried with my family in St. Louis. But it life from conception to natural death.” In this column, Conference of Catholic Bishops provides guidance for is our belief in heaven and the promise of eternal life I will focus more on the natural-death end of the spec- Catholic Healthcare institutions; and specifically, one that will help ease our sorrow. I still remember and trum. Those familiar with my practice know I am the of the chapters addresses issues in care for the seri- pray for my younger sister Barb, my Dad, and now “crazy conservative Catholic” who actually believes ously ill and dying. my Mom in my daily rosary. what our Church teaches about natural family plan- In early December, I “just happened” (aka closest “O Lord, life has not ended, but has merely ning and openness to life. moment to Christ in Cursillo language) to start changed; and when this earthly abode dissolves, an Something you may not know, however, is that I reading a book my wife Dana had about near-death eternal dwelling place awaits them in heaven” (From am the Medical Director for Heritage Hospice, a pri- experiences. For those who have read this genre of a the preface of the Mass for Christian Burial). vate hospice agency, and have worked with this won- book before, it is so reassuring to read what people May Kathleen Blanke and all the souls of the faithful derful company for eight years. I have the privilege of have experienced and then tried to describe. While departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen! working with patients and families at the end of life. it is not morally acceptable to speed up death (recall Some have questioned if hospice care is consistent the reference against suicide and euthanasia above), Dr. Bill Blanke practices family medicine in Evansville, with Catholic pro-life teaching. I freely admit that it is absolutely morally acceptable to care for people and he serves as medical director for Heritage Hospice. many in healthcare are not comfortable with the con- in hospice and attend to them through the natural- He is a member of Evansville’s Good Shepherd Parish. We need grace to succeed in our resolutions

I learned the Act of Contrition in second grade. the Philippians, aren’t just pithy, meant to make us Mrs. Tartamella would patiently practice with us WINDOW feel like we can conquer the world. It comes as St. every day. We’d go through the prayer line by line, Paul tells his audience about generosity of spirit, and when we’d get to “I firmly resolve, with the SEAT WISDOM instructing them how to give of ourselves to the help of thy grace, to sin no more . . .” there’d be a task, the moment at hand, the same way he has huge emphasis on the middle part of the phrase. KATIE PREJEAN MCGRADY done. And he was able to do it, and we will be able “With the help of THY grace . . .” to as well, because of Jesus Christ. It was almost sing-song the way we’d say it, a With the help of his grace, we can face and take on gaggle of 7-year-old kids learning a prayer we will And the help will come with “thy grace.” — and even succeed — with the resolutions before hopefully say thousands of times throughout the It has to. us, whether those of our own making or those we course of our lives, emphasizing “thy grace,” as if Because whether it’s choosing fruit over ice cream feel called to because of circumstances, tensions and we fully comprehended what it meant. I’m not sure for dessert or working to root out implicit bias and challenges within our country and world. I even know what it means now. defeat racism in our homes and communities, the We firmly resolve and hope for a better year with It’s an emphasis on God’s grace — freely given, good work we resolve to do in this new year is only the help of his grace. abundantly bestowed. It’s what truly matters, and in done because we are spurred on, transformed, the grand scheme of things, it is God’s grace that healed and aided by the free, abundant, life-chang- Katie Prejean McGrady is a speaker, award-winning transforms us, spurs us on, heals deep wounds and ing gift of God’s grace. author and host of the Ave Explores podcast. She lives in helps us make good on that resolution to sin no more. We can each make the resolution. We can each Louisiana with her husband and daughters. As 2021 begins — a year so many of us are relieved declare the good thing we want to do. We has finally arrived, hoping it’ll be better than the year can even post those resolutions on social we’ve just left behind — we are making resolutions. media. On our own, with just a desire The Diocese of Evansville Firmly resolving a lot of things, we may find our- and some commonplace habit building, announces the opening selves in this early part of the new year trying to we won’t get very far. of a search for the next think of ways to make things easier, happier, holier But with the Lord, we can become holy. and healthier. In him, we can accomplish remarkable Principal for St. Joseph Some of our resolutions are probably boilerplate: things. Not by our own power, and cer- Catholic Elementary eat healthy, exercise, pray more, go to bed before tainly not simply because we grit our midnight. Maybe they’re quite significant resolu- teeth and get to work, but because we School in Princeton, IN tions, involving bigger investments than just not have been given, and gratefully receive, St. Joseph Catholic School, our faculty/staff, parents, and the swinging by Chick-fil-A for an iced coffee every his grace, which aids us in the work. entire parish community are collectively dedicated to providing a morning after school drop-off. Is that not what Scripture tells us? On Wherever those resolutions fit on the “I’ll do bet- decorative signs hung in homes across faith-filled Catholic education that fosters the growth of the ter this year” spectrum, I dare say that most of us America, we read, “I can do all things whole child. Through developmentally appropriate academics, we launching into this year with at least a small desire through Christ who strengthens me.” facilitate social growth in a safe environment and inspire self- to do some things differently will need significant Those words from St. Paul, written to discipline, personal responsibility, love of learning and help to actually make good on our resolutions. compassion for others in the world. The school holds accreditation by AdvancED/Cognia as well as the Indiana State Board of Education. The school earned an Love “A” letter grade from the Department of Education. The school is Continued from page 17 a member in good standing with the Indiana Non-Public Education Association and the National Catholic Education make it possible for them to fulfill their desire to www.Facebook.com/CatholicMessage Association. Current enrollment is 128 in PK – 5th grade. return to their own countries. Please send a cover letter and current resumé to: The archbishop acknowledged that all countries Keep up with news and events from have a right to control their borders, and the around the Diocese of Evansville through Dr. Daryl C. Hagan, Superintendent of Schools United States needs to find a way for people who The Message on Facebook and Twitter Diocese of Evansville, Catholic Schools Office want to come to this country to do so legally. 4200 North Kentucky Avenue, PO Box 4169 Clarifying this point “helps people to calm Evansville, IN 47724-0169 down and just get it done,” Archbishop Gomez or [email protected] added. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and School Website: http://www.evdio.org/catholic-schools.html Culture sponsored the conference. @messageonline JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 19 Giving Alms

Two weeks ago in this space, I shared with you a mother or children or lands for the sake of my name reflection on Christmas, as we were still in the RADICAL JOY will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit Christmas season. Today I am shifting gears and eternal life” (Mt 19:29). looking ahead a few weeks to the next big thing on CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP It is impractical for us to sell all we have and give the Liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17, AND ABUNDANCE it to the poor because then someone would have to which means that Easter will be upon us shortly — take care of us. Rather, we must change our view and now is the time for us to get ready. MATT POTTER regarding all that we receive from God. Remember, One of the Lenten practices we are encouraged all things come from God. God still owns them. He towards is giving alms, which is the act of freely wants them back with increase. We do that by shar- giving money, food or other donations to the poor. big bundle of money they handed you is a gift and ing the things entrusted to us with those whose Rather than discuss where we can drop off our see how far it takes you. needs are greater than ours. canned goods, let’s talk about what prevents us Try telling God that what he has given us is a gift St. Thomas Aquinas said, “Man should not con- from dropping them off, giving some cash and/or and does not need to be paid back. Scripture tells us sider his material possessions his own, but as com- signing up to help out. that the result of that action will be wailing and mon to all, so as to share them without hesitation We live under the impression that the stuff we gnashing of teeth for eternity. when others are in need.” St. Augustine simplifies have is ours. I have written about this in the past, What we receive from God are not gifts. On its that, writing, “Find out how much God has given but it’s so key to understanding stewardship that I face, that statement is nearly heretical. Gifts are per- you and take from it what you need; the remainder want to talk about it again. The fact is, the stuff that manent, but we can make no claim to permanence belongs to others.” surrounds us is not ours at all; it belongs to God. It on anything that God provides to us. Look at all that God has provided you. Go ahead is merely on loan to us. Pope Francis once quoted his grandmother, stat- and take those canned goods to the food pantry. But When I read about stewardship, the discussion ing, “Burial shrouds have no pockets.” When we to live up to God’s expectations, leave some cash inevitably points to the “gifts” we are given by God. die, we take nothing with us. As Job told us, naked and sign up for a shift to help out. If I could change one thing in our stewardship lan- we came into the world and naked we leave it. All That’s giving alms, and that is being a Christian guage, it would be that word. A gift is something the stuff we have in this world is transitory. While steward. given to us that is unfettered by conditions. What we may claim ownership of it, the stuff is only in As always, thanks for reading. I would love to God provides us with are not gifts, because they are our care. It belongs to God. hear from you. Write to me at [email protected]. loaded with conditions. Chief among them is the In Scripture, Jesus is asked by a young man what Like and follow us on Facebook (Radical Joy – fact that He wants them all back, with increase, and he must do to get to heaven. Jesus tells him to fol- Diocese of Evansville Stewardship); Twitter there is a penalty for non-compliance. low the Ten Commandments and sell everything he @Radicallyjoyful; Check out our blog That, my friends, is a loan. had and give it to the poor. That last part was too radicaljoy.blog/. When you get money from a bank to buy a home, much for the young man and he walked away. Jesus you have to pay it back with interest. That is also a then told His disciples that “. . . everyone who has Matt Potter is Director of Stewardship for the Diocese loan. Try telling your mortgage company that the given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or of Evansville. Good news — preparing the way of the Lord!

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is the sacraments was not regularly available, and not at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). GRATITUDE FOR because of a virus or social distancing, but because we had fewer priests to administer the sacraments? In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah foretold THE GIFT OF FAITH This blessing should never be taken for granted! We of a messenger who would cry out in the wilderness need to pray for vocations to the priesthood, reli- by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the for- ZOE CANNON gious life and strong marriages in the society we giveness of sins. The first chapter of Mark in the live in today! New Testament speaks about the arrest of John the Will the pews be filled when our concerns for Baptist and the ministry of Jesus in Galilee with the derful resource for all things Catholic. From CCC COVID-19 are gone, and everyone has the chance to same message prophesized by Isaiah. This preaching 1994: “Justification is the most excellent work of God’s return to Holy Mass and the sacraments? I pray every tour is still happening today, but are we listening? love made manifest in Christ Jesus and granted by the baptized Catholic will return with gratitude and a God gave us the Scriptures not just to inform or Holy Spirit. It is the opinion of St. Augustine that ‘the better understanding of what we missed in our rela- motivate us; more than anything, he wants us saved. justification of the wicked is a greater work than the cre- tionship with Christ during this time. Not just our The New Testament did not abolish the Old; rather, ation of heaven and earth,’ because ‘heaven and earth will physical presence in the pews, but spiritual awareness the New fulfilled the Old, and both are concerned pass away but the salvation and justification of the elect . of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. with our salvation! “The Church has illuminated the . . will not pass away.’” Father Mike Keucher, Vocation Director for the unity of the divine plan in the two Testaments through Our protection from a sinful life comes from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, issued an appeal for typology, which discerns in God’s works of the Old grace of God because grace is a participation in the help in painting thousands of wooden peg dolls into Covenant prefigurations of what he accomplished in the life of God. The gift of sacramental graces infused priests with Roman collars. These will be passed out fullness of time in the person of the incarnate Son” (CCC by the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of the at parishes for vocation awareness. My finished 128). priesthood, sanctifies our soul and heals our sins. masterpieces were sitting on the table when our The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a won- This free initiative from God demands a free grandsons came to visit. I explained the purpose of response. How often during the past 10 the project, and they thought each priest should be months have you thought about the given one as a thank you, and a reminder of how THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS importance of sacramental grace in your special it is to be a priest. I was so touched by their life? What if the opportunity to receive sentiment that I allowed them to paint one for both of their parish priests. The Clip & Save resemblance was perfect, but the look on their faces as they EARLY BIRD SPECIALS presented the gift was pre- $4.00 off cious. If every child grew up 2 Early Bird Entreés Only understanding how important Code #060705 a priest is to the life of the Reservations Recommended 650 S. Hebron Church and the life of all fami- Located one block from Green River lies, there would be more Rd. between Bellemeade & Lincoln Present Coupon when ordering. Good Sun thru Thurs 4-5:30 p.m. priests and happier families! Not good on holidays or with any other offer or discount. Expires 02/19/21 479-6974 Prepare a way for the Lord! Believe in the good news! Amen!

Zoe Cannon lives in DANIEL JERRY Morgantown, Indiana, and is a ZIEMER ZIEMER member of Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, Indiana.

OFFICE (812) 477-1515 MUENSTERMAN’S EAST CHAPEL 800 S. HEBRON AVE. AUTO NORTH CHAPEL 6300 FIRST AVE. SERVICE, INC. 1400 W. Franklin CENTRAL CHAPEL 626 FIRST AVE. Evansville, IN WWW.ZIEMERFUNERALHOME.COM 424-5000 20 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Pollution, waste and a throwaway culture

Editor’s note: This series takes a deeper look at Pope and remediation. Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the care for our common Climate change is a global problem that won’t home, “Laudato Si.’” get better until humans make it their first priority. The use of renewable energy sources like water, Did you know air pollutants can cause health wind, solar and geothermal will help. Excellent problems, like cancer, and change the Earth’s cli- habitats for capturing and storing atmospheric car- mate too? For instance, greenhouse gases, like car- bon dioxide are healthy soils, wetlands, forests and bon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide absorb oceans. If we are resolute not to pollute, our legacy heat and increase air and ocean temperatures result- of hope for our children and grandchildren will be ing in global warming. It is global warming, must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of clean air, clean water and healthy soils. warmer temperatures, melting glaciers, and increas- compassion to embrace all living creatures and the ing sea levels that causes climate change, which whole of nature and its beauty.” What can you do? forces people and animals from their homes. “The waste problem is a vast and growing prob- Please consider the following: Concurrent with global warming, COVID-19 has lem, and impacts the health of our planet and every- • Visit www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes- taken many precious lives; and being sheltered in one,” says Nicole Richards, CEO of Allonnia. What’s effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php to learn more place, we’ve had time to think about what is impor- exciting about this company is its mission to facili- ways of conserving energy. tant and to examine how we live our lives. We’ve tate a “waste-free, pollution-free environment.” • Use less energy; reduce, reuse and recycle; drive seen air quality improve, and we’ve helped many Allonnia copies natural processes to recycle wastes. fewer miles; drive energy-efficient vehicles; telecom- friends and family each day survive. Through these It uses enzymes, proteins and/or microbes to break municate more; and reduce utilities. acts of mercy, we’ve shown many holy moments. down contaminants, rendering them inert or bind- • In addition, donate money to reliable global We urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wis- ing valuable elements such as metals and plastics efforts to plant trees, maintain rainforests, invest in dom from Chapter 1 of “Laudato Si’,” specifically: for upcycling. Nature already contains the “ingredi- clean water, and empower people in caring for Pollution, Waste and a Throwaway Culture. Just ents” to do this work, but it takes time. Allonnia themselves, crops, and livestock. think of the frequency, severity and magnitude of takes these ingredients and improves them so the Let us show compassion for all our neighbors storms, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires process is done quickly and efficiently. As Aristotle throughout the world! and hurricanes. Our goal is to respond, resolve and said more than 2,000 years ago, “In all things of repair causes of global warming; and, thus, undo nature, there is something marvelous.” Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D. is an ecologist (St. climate change. Just like there is social justice, so Changes in society are happening so fast, leav- Bonaventure University — Franciscan College); too, there is climate justice. ing us with more products, choices, wastes and Daughter of Charity Sister Maureen Houlihan is a sup- But pollution is not just limited to the air. Our pollutants. Littering, dumping of wastes and port sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the water and soil have been polluted by mining, burn- deforestation are major concerns; and, regrettably, Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities — ing of fossil fuels, and contaminated dumps, land- we are called a throwaway culture. The Earth is Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported fills, and brownfields. Our laws do protect us, but our home, and we can no longer take it for grant- Agriculture) Farm grows all-natural produce for share- there is also a powerful force destroying us; and ed. To help our Mother Earth, we encourage more holders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an frankly, it’s us! Albert Einstein once said, “Our task interest in conservation, preservation, restoration award-winning ELL teacher. Care for the Earth: Making the essential connections

“Everything is interconnected.” Those three words serve as a key to unlocking the purpose of FAITH Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’” on the urgent need to give care to the planet Earth, “our ALIVE common home.” Those three words also help explain why the DAVID GIBSON encyclical’s range of concerns is far wider than it may at first appear to be. Things go very wrong in this world when we deserves, its human element cannot be overlook essential points of connection, the pope neglected. Care for the earth encompass- suggests. His thought sticks with me like a simple es what the encyclical terms “human truth often taken for granted in other areas of con- ecology.” It must foster conditions that cern. favor human well-being. Doctors, for instance, hope patients will develop The encyclical holds that “our relation- clarity about the interconnections between exercise, ship with the environment can never be sound nutrition and bodily well-being. Counselors isolated from our relationship with oth- advise that happiness may evade us if we focus ers and with God” (No. 119). only inward upon ourselves. We fail, then, to con- In urging heightened care for nature, nect with others whose needs may be great but for the environment in this world, the whose considerable gifts might nonetheless nourish encyclical does not overlook God’s vast us if only we noticed them. creation witnessed in the heavens above. Pope Francis bases his thinking about essential The pope recalls words of St. John Paul II interconnections in human life on Scripture. The cre- in the year 2000: ation accounts in the book of Genesis “suggest that “Alongside revelation properly so- human life is grounded in three fundamental and called, contained in sacred Scripture, CNS file photo closely intertwined relationships: with God, with there is a divine manifestation in the our neighbor and with the earth itself,” he observes blaze of the sun and the fall of night” (No. 85). poor have equal dignity” (No. 94). (No. 66). I wonder if my as-yet-unborn great- and great- Gratitude and generosity are ways of acknowl- None of these can be deleted from the “care for great-grandchildren might hear from a future pope edging creation as God’s “loving gift,” the pope our common home” equation, so to speak. The pope about the urgent need to extend caring, respectful, makes clear. His hope is that such attitudes will lead says: informed attention to distant planets and their to “a loving awareness that we are not disconnected “Disregard for the duty to cultivate and maintain moons. from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid a proper relationship with my neighbor, for whose In a section of “Laudato Si’” titled “The Mystery universal communion” (No. 220). care and custody I am responsible, ruins my rela- of the Universe,” Pope Francis offers this underly- tionship with my own self, with others, with God ing rationale for all creation: Gibson served 37 years on Catholic News Service’s edi- and with the earth” (No. 70). “Creation is of the order of love. God’s love is the torial staff. The encyclical encourages “a new dialogue fundamental moving force in all created about how we are shaping the future of our plan- things” (No. 77). et” (No. 14). In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, Accenting the term “creation” in dis- his namesake, Pope Francis refers to our planet as cussions like this one has a way of a “sister” who “cries out to us.” The earth today, affirming with particular force that all life “burdened and laid waste,” is, he declares, is “a gift from the outstretched hand of “among the most abandoned and maltreated of the Father of all,” Pope Francis proposes our poor” (No. 2). (No. 76). In this way, the pope speaks almost as if the earth Few will be surprised that the encycli- constitutes a personal presence that should elicit a cal makes the pope’s concern for the poor personal, caring response from us. abundantly clear. Because the Lord is In any event, if the earth is to receive the care it their maker, he says, “the rich and the JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 21 The Epiphany of the Lord La Epifanía del Señor

The Epiph- importantly La Epifanía del de la llegada de any of the BECAUSE I on the very Señor se hace PORQUE SOY los Reyes Lord is pres- special mes- presente, se Magos. ent, it is mani- AM CATHOLIC sage of the manifiesta a los CATOLICO! Ojalá que fested to the FATHER JUAN RAMIREZ arrival of the tres reyes magos FATHER JUAN RAMIREZ sigamos con esta Three Wise Magi. quienes llegan a tradición, pero Men who Hopefully Belen ha adorar y tenemos que come to Bethlehem to worship and we continue with this tradition, but ofrecer oro, incienso y mirra al niño recordar que la llegada de los Reyes offer gold, incense and myrrh to the we have to remember that the Jesús. La palabra Epifanía significa Magos es un regalo en el cual Dios baby Jesus. The word Epiphany arrival of the Magi is a gift in which manifestación de algo o de alguien manifiesta la salvación para todas las means manifestation of something God manifests salvation for all particularmente divino. naciones. Que esta Epifanía sea una or someone particularly divine. nations. May this Epiphany be an En México celebramos la Epifanía oportunidad para cada uno de In Mexico we celebrate the opportunity for each of us to experi- del Señor el 6 de enero. Recuerdo nosotros de experimentar la presencia Epiphany of the Lord on January 6. I ence the presence of God in our lives cuando era niño, esperaba con ansia la de Dios en nuestras vidas y así poder remember when I was a child, I and thus be able to be manifesta- llegada de los Reyes Magos pues era ser nosotros manifestaciones de Cristo looked forward to the arrival of the tions of Christ in our lives and make cuando recibía nuevos juguetes. en nuestras vidas y hacer presente el Magi as it was when I received new present the love, mercy, and peace of Escribía mi carta a los Reyes Magos amor, la misericordia, y la paz del niño toys. I wrote my letter to the Three the child Jesus in our daily lives; esperando que me trajeran todo lo que Jesús en nuestro diario vivir; especial- Wise Men hoping that they would especially in this time of pandemic yo les había pedido siempre y cuando mente en este tiempo de pandemia bring me everything I had asked for where we need the hope that God is me hubiera portado bien todo el año. donde necesitamos la esperanza de as long as I had been good all year. with us. La llegada de los Reyes Magos es una que Dios esta con nosotros. The arrival of the Magi is a very tradición muy hermosa, pero desgraci- beautiful tradition, but unfortunate- Father Juan Ramirez is pastor of Our adamente nos enfocamos en lo materi- Es padre Juan Ramirez es párroco dela ly, we focus on the material and not Lady of Hope Parish in Washington al y no tanto en lo espiritual y lo más parroquia Our Lady of Hope en so much on the spiritual and most Indiana. importante en el mensaje tan especial Washington, Indiana. ‘The Bible in a Year’ podcast is No. 1 in U.S.

BY MARIA WIERING among Catholics for an entry The podcast format makes it Catholic News Service point into understanding simple for subscribers to listen Scripture, but Cavins said he to the daily episode while ST. PAUL, MINN. (CNS) — was amazed the program is so commuting, making dinner or If great minds had brain- popular, with more than 1 mil- starting their day, Cavins said. stormed how to create a pod- lion downloads in its first five And because most listeners are cast that would jump to No. 1 days, and more than 3.5 mil- likely accessing it from their in Apple’s podcast rankings, lion by Jan. 12. smartphones, it’s “salvation they never would have landed Apple Podcasts listed it at history in your pocket,” he on “The Bible in a Year,” joked No. 1 Jan. 3, above chart-top- said. Jeff Cavins, a Bible scholar and pers “The Daily” from The In Ascension’s Jan. 5 news creator of the Great Adventure New York Times, “Crime release, Father Schmitz said he Bible Timeline. Junkie” and “The Joe Rogan wanted to create the podcast Yet, two weeks into 2021, Experience.” “because my own mind was “The Bible in a Year” with There’s widespread hunger being filled with a lot of chaot- Father Mike Schmitz tops the for the word of God and peo- ic voices.” charts — and has since 48 JEFF CAVINS FATHER MIKE SCHMITZ ple want to find — and do — “Some were wise, many hours after its Jan. 1 launch. something positive after the were merely distracting,” he With the backing of ry,” said Cavins, a member of sense of the narrative in a non- hardships of 2020, Cavins said. said. “I think that a lot of peo- Ascension Press, a multimedia St. Vincent de Paul Parish in narrative book, Cavins told In a Jan. 5 news release, ple are tired of those same dis- Catholic publisher, Cavins and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The Catholic Spirit, newspaper Ascension founder and presi- tracting and temporary voices. Father Schmitz, a priest of the Each episode is about 20 of the Archdiocese of St. Paul dent Matthew Pinto said the And they want what I want: to Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, minutes and includes Father and Minneapolis. company is “overwhelmed by allow our hearts and minds to and popular Catholic speaker Schmitz reading several chap- Many people approach the the staggering response to this be shaped by something eter- and author, created “The Bible ters from Scripture, often from Bible as a book to be read from podcast. nal — God’s eternal word.” in a Year,” a daily podcast that different books, and then giv- cover to cover, and when they “We had hoped that this pro- He said that Cavins’ Great leads listeners through the ing a short reflection on the start at the beginning, they gram would be exciting to our Adventure Bible Timeline Bible’s narrative. readings. read through Genesis and listeners, but this huge level of changed his own relationship The show’s 365 total pod- The reading chronology is Exodus — narrative books — response is truly unbeliev- with Scripture and called it a casts will cover every verse of based on the Great Adventure only to get stuck in Leviticus able,” he said. “People are “phenomenal resource” for the Bible. Bible Timeline reading plan, — a non-narrative book — and hungry for God, and we’re organizing the 73 books of The aim is for listeners to which organizes the 14 narra- abandon the project. honored to help them Scripture. understand how God’s plan tive books of the Bible into 12 Rather than a single book, encounter God’s word through “The Bible in a Year” for mankind’s salvation under- periods in order to help read- the Bible is better understood a daily podcast, especially as includes a reading plan so sub- girds biblical events and the ers understand how they relate as a library, Cavins said; and so many of us continue to be scribers can also read the day’s lives of its central figures. to one another and to God’s people benefit from a “librari- cut off from our parishes, com- readings themselves, but “Instead of just knowing sto- plan for salvation. That plan is an” to help them understand munities, and loved ones dur- Cavins said that “there is ries of the Bible, we’re trying designed for three months, so how it works together. ing these difficult days.” something powerful about to get people to know the story Cavins expanded it for “The “People are lost about how Cavins attributes the pod- hearing the word of God that of salvation, of salvation histo- Bible in a Year.” to read the Bible, and we feel cast’s out-of-the-gates success goes into your heart.” He What makes the reading that it’s a crisis in the church to the simplicity and mobility pointed to Romans 10:17, “so plan for “The Bible in a Year” today,” he said. “God wants us of the medium itself, Catholics’ then faith comes by hearing — and the Great Adventure to know his heart . . . and he familiarity with the Great the word of God.” Bible Timeline — successful is wants us to know his plan.” Adventure Bible Timeline “We really do truly believe that they help readers follow Cavins and Father Schmitz learning system and Father that if people will listen to 101 N. Meridian St. the story without losing a expected to meet a need Schmitz’s popularity as a God’s word, it has a way of Washington, IN speaker, which includes a large changing your life and your following for his catechetical thinking,” he said. 812-254-3612 Mary J. Miles, DMD Barry W. Ray, DDS Joseph W. King, DDS YouTube videos, “Ascension “The Bible in a Year” is avail- NEW 2nd location: Presents.” able on Apple Podcasts, 620 E. Viola Ave. 2038 Lincoln Avenue “We wanted to shine a light Spotify and other podcast plat- in the darkness,” Cavins said. forms, and through Hallow, a Washington, IN Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 473-1128 “The greatest message that Catholic prayer app. www.rayofsmiles.com people need in their life right Owned by Andy & Reba Arvin now is that God loves them Wiering is editor of The www.edleemortuary.com and has a plan for their life. Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the ONLY locally owned funeral They are two things that we’re Archdiocese of St. Paul and home in Washington trying to emphasize.” Minneapolis. 22 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Response: Psalm 25:4- Galilee. Mark does not seem aware of this, but 5, 6-7, 8-9; Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; SUNDAY SCRIPTURE depicts Jesus calling his first disciples in Galilee. Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 Jesus comes across the fishing company of two brothers, Simon and Andrew, sons of John. In our Our first reading is from the Book of Jonah. A rule FATHER DONALD DILGER time their business would be called Johnson Bros., of interpretation or understanding of a biblical doc- Ltd. They were wealthy, as archaeology has shown ument is to know the form of literature in which it in what is thought to have been the Johnson home has been written. Jonah is not written as a history. It today’s gospel Jesus calls his first disciples. next to the Capernaum synagogue. Jesus calls the is a story or parable. Like Jesus’ parables, it is a cre- Psalm 25 does not seem to pick up the theme of two brothers. “They abandoned their nets and fol- ative teaching story aimed at a situation or perhaps vocation or calling, though one phrase could lowed him.” Grace builds on experience, so Jesus the correction of a situation at the time of its compo- describe Jonah, “God shows the sinner his ways.” says to these fishermen, “I will make you fishers of sition. Jesus was not narrating a history in his para- The people’s response is “Teach me your ways, men.” Their instant and complete response to Jesus’ bles. He made them up. The same must be said of Lord.” To this could be added, “just like you taught call is a problem because we know they were family the author of Jonah. The date of the book is uncer- Jonah, but no fish, please.” In the second reading men. St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:5 tells his readers tain, but sometime after the end of the exile of Israel Paul is concerned with the imminent end of time that Simon Peter and the other apostles were mar- in Babylon, so after 540 B.C. Although we cannot be and the return of Jesus. Therefore, the time is too ried and took their wives with them in their min- certain, the story of Jonah could be a worthy short to change one’s status in life — from single to istry as apostles. Whatever the situation in history, response to the ethnic cleansing policy of two married or vice versa. He writes, “Let those who in our gospel of this liturgy Jesus moves on. He Jewish leaders in mid-fifth century B.C. Jerusalem. have wives act as though not having them.” Isn’t comes across another fishing company, the Zebedee They were the priest Ezra and the governor there too much of that already? Paul of course family. Two teenagers, James and John Zebedee Nehemiah. It was their policy to destroy all mar- thinks Jesus’ return is imminent. Let’s face it. Paul were in their father’s boat mending nets. Jesus calls riages between Jews and non-Jews to rid the land of was wrong! The world did not pass away, nor did them to follow him. They left their father and his the foreign spouses and the children of such mar- Jesus return. The same could be said for the author hired men in the boat and ran after Jesus. Is this riages. See Ezra 9 and 10 and Nehemiah 9:2. of the Book of Revelation. In 22:20 he depicts Jesus possible? Yes, if we understand that Jesus was There is no connection between this fictional saying, “Surely I am coming soon.” We are in trou- known to Zebedee, was in fact his nephew, (on Jonah with the 8th century B.C. prophet Jonah ben ble indeed if we fail to understand that not every Jesus’ mother’s side of the family). With his new Ammitai mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25. Giving the word in the Scriptures is revelation! disciples Jesus settles in Capernaum, and the min- chief actor in the story the name Jonah ben Amittai Today’s gospel opens with a reference to John the istry of preaching and healing begins. begins the irony of the story. The word Jonah means Baptizer’s arrest by Herod Antipas, ruler dove with its implication of a dove-like personality of Galilee. We know that after his bap- — gentleness, trustworthiness. The Lord calls Jonah tism by John, Jesus and his disciples to go to Nineveh, capital city of Assyria, to preach engaged in their own baptism of repen- repentance. A similar situation would be God send- tance ministry. See Gospel of John 4:1-2. ing an American missionary to preach repentance to They must have been operating along the Nazi Germany. Assyria was a centuries long enemy northern part of the Jordan River, which of Israel. Jonah disobeys and goes on a cruise to formed the eastern border of Galilee, Tarshish (Spain). A violent storm on the sea causes Herod’s territory. The connection the sailors to pray to their gods. Jonah was asleep between Jesus and the Baptizer was well while the storm was raging. They awaken him known. It was time to change tactics in telling him to appeal to his god. Jonah identifies ministry, or Jesus could expect the fate of himself as a disobedient prophet. At his request the Baptizer. This was not just suspicion they throw him overboard, “and the sea grew but a real danger as can be seen from calm.” Details are well known — 72 hours of Mark 6:14-16, Matthew 14:1-2 and espe- singing psalms in the belly of a large fish, becoming cially Luke 13:31, where Jesus was fish vomit, and a second chance to obey God. warned by friendly Pharisees that Herod Jonah obeys. After just preaching in the suburbs of sought to kill him. For his new ministry, Nineveh, the whole kingdom repents. Jonah is furi- preaching and healing, Jesus settled in ous because he hates these foreigners. He sits on a Capernaum on the northwest shore of the hill under a hot sun hoping God would still destroy Sea of Galilee. From there, if necessary, the city. God causes a castor oil plant to grow over he could easily escape by land or sea night to give Jonah shade the next day. Then God from Herod’s police. Though we learn deputizes a worm to destroy the plant. Jonah is from the Gospel of John that Jesus called madder than ever. God teases him. Then the moral disciples in Judea before returning to of the story: “You are upset about the castor oil plant. And should I not feel sorry for TICKETS Nineveh, in which there are more than 120,000 people, who can’t tell their right hand from 6 for $100 their left, besides all the cat- tle?” End of story! God loves all people, even those we con- sider our enemies. Reason for DRAWING selection of this reading: in Saturday, January 30, 2021 Have you moved? Winner drawn during our Gala LIVE streamed event which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets on sale Getting ready Built in 1825 • Warrenton, Indiana through January 29, 2021, at the Parish Office Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and the Annex (former to move? Hours Tues-Thurs 4pm-9pm (812) 867-3216 Raben Tire buidling) after all weekend Fri & Sat 4pm-10pm 12653 S. 200 E. Masses. Ticket sales schedule and order form Closed Sunday & Monday Haubstadt, IN 47639 can be found at www.therosegala.org.

RESIDENTS FIRST, EMPLOYEES ALWAYS! Must be 18 to participate.You need not be present to win. Winner responsible for all Change Your taxes. Indiana Gaming laws apply. Cash, Address • Short Term Rehab • checks and debit cards accepted. ONLINE • Long Term Care • • Hospice • Holy Rosary Catholic Church 1301 S. Green River Road 520 W. 9th St. • Jasper, IN 47546 visit our new website: Evansville, IN 47715 812-482-6603 812-477-8923 www.evdiomessage.org www.cathedralhealthcarecenter.com License #001299 JANUARY 22, 2021 The Message 23 Splitting revenue: Parish and diocese; How are non-Catholics forgiven?

Question: I heard on a Catholic channel that on by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive holy days of obligation, all proceeds from the collec- QUESTION all your sins in the name of the Father and of the tion plate stay with the parish — as distinguished CORNER Son and of the Holy Spirit.” from Sunday offerings, where there is a split with In the Anglican tradition, confession and absolu- the diocese. Is this true? (City and state withheld) FR. KENNETH DOYLE tion is usually done by an entire congregation as Answer: Although there is some variation among part of a eucharistic service, but certain Anglicans, dioceses, I am not familiar with any place that has particularly Anglo-Catholics, do practice private the arrangement you describe — where holy day Answer: The Catholic Church has a long history auricular confession. revenue would go to the parish, while Sunday col- of the confession of sins. In the earliest centuries, The Catholic Church teaches that lesser sins can lections would be divided with the diocese. confession was actually done in public, the thinking be forgiven by prayer and acts of charity, but it Instead, all collections typically go first to the being that when we sin, we damage not only our requires individual confession at least annually for parish, where they are used to keep the lights and own friendship with God but our relationships grave (mortal) sins and encourages penitents to con- heat on in the parish church, pay the salaries of within the community of faith; but around the sixth fess lesser (venial) sins also, as a way to grow in parish staff, provide Catholic education through a century Irish monks began hearing confessions one holiness. parish school and/or religious education program, on one, and that practice spread to the church uni- It’s noteworthy to mention that during the pan- etc. The parish then forwards to the diocese a yearly versal. demic, in March 2020 the Apostolic Penitentiary (the tax, called an assessment, that is used to run the Though most Catholics may not know this, there Vatican tribunal that deals with maters of conscience) chancery office and the marriage tribunal, to train are types of individual confession in other religious urged Catholic priests to remind the faithful that, seminarians, etc. groups as well. Eastern Orthodox priests, for exam- when they find themselves with “the painful impos- That assessment, according to Georgetown ple, hear confessions not in a confessional but in the sibility of receiving sacramental absolution,” they can University’s Center for Applied Research in the main part of the church, before a Gospel book and make an act of contrition directly to God in prayer. If Apostolate, averages about 13% of the monies col- an icon of Jesus Christ. (This serves as a reminder to they are sincere and promise to go to confession as lected at parish Masses throughout the year. the penitent that the confession is really made not to soon as possible, said the Vatican tribunal, they another human being but to God himself.) “obtain the forgiveness of sins, even mortal sins.” Question: Catholics are blessed to have the sacra- Lutherans have a form of confession known as ment of reconciliation. But what about other faiths? “Holy Absolution,” that is done privately to a cleric Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at How do non-Catholics have their sins forgiven? upon request. After the penitent has confessed his [email protected] and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., (Honolulu) or her sins, the minister declares: “In the stead and Albany, New York 12203.

The Diocese of Evansville announces Helpers the opening of a Continued from page 14 Margaret brought before a According to legend, her own court, where she was ordered father did the beheading, for search for the next he also once counseled to denounce her faith or die. which he was struck by light- President for Reitz Charles Martel, grandfather of She refused, and she was ning shortly thereafter. St. Charlemagne, to confess a sin ordered to be burned and Barbara is invoked against Memorial High School that had been weighing on boiled alive, and miraculously fires and lightning storms. him. Giles died peacefully she was spared from both. Since 1925, Reitz Memorial High School students are around the year 712, and he is Eventually, she was beheaded. St. Catherine of provided a faith-based education rooted in the Roman Catholic invoked against crippling dis- She is invoked as a patron of Alexandria: A fourth-centu- tradition. We strive to educate the whole child by blending eases. pregnant women and those ry martyr, St. Catherine was learning with faith and by making faith an integral part of the suffering from kidney diseases. the daughter of the Queen of school day. Reitz Memorial offers a comprehensive academic St. Margaret of Antioch: Egypt, and converted to program with over 95% of its students going on to college. The Another fourth-century martyr St. Barbara: While little is Christianity after a vision of Indiana Department of Education has recognized the school as a persecuted by Diocletian, St. known of this third-century Christ and Mary. The Queen “Four Star School” and “A” school. Margaret, like St. Vitus, con- martyr, St. Barbara is thought also converted to Christianity verted to Christianity under to have been the daughter of a before her death. When Reitz Memorial High School seeks a dynamic Catholic leader the influence of her nurse, rich and jealous man who Maximinus started persecut- as its next President. The school utilizes the President/Principal angering her father and caus- sought to keep Barbara from ing Christians in Egypt, St. model. The President reports to the Priest-Delegate and ing him to disown her. A con- the world. When she con- Catherine rebuked him and Superintendent of Schools. Reitz Memorial seeks candidates with secrated virgin, Margaret was fessed to him that she had attempted to prove to him that exceptional relationship-building, interpersonal, and tending flocks of sheep one converted to Christianity, he his gods were false. After communication skills that inspire collaboration from all internal day when a Roman spotted denounced her and brought debating with the emperor’s and external constituent groups. Candidates should demonstrate her and sought to make her his her before local authorities, best scholars, many of whom a proven track record of acquiring funds through the wife or concubine. When she who ordered that she be tor- converted due to her argu- identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts from refused, the Roman had tured and beheaded. ments, Catherine was

individuals, foundations, and corporations. In addition, possess scourged, imprisoned and

significant management experience, financial acumen, and mourn 7) spirit, 5) blessed, 3) persecuted, 1) DOWN: eventually beheaded. She is expertise in business management, as well as experience in righteouness 8) the patron saint of philoso-

planning and overseeing extensive capital and building projects phers and young students.

to enhance facilities. The President should be capable of leading meek, 6) heart, 4) merciful, 2) peacemaker, 1) ACROSS: a team of administrators, possess an understanding of the — ANSWERS BEATITUDES This feature originally appeared President/Principal model of administration, and be effective on CNA in March 2020. working with an advisory council.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2021. Please send a cover letter and current resumé to:

Dr. Daryl C. Hagan, Superintendent of Schools Diocese of Evansville, Catholic Schools Office 4200 North Kentucky Avenue, PO Box 4169 Evansville, IN 47724-0169 Email: [email protected]

Reitz Memorial High School Strategic Plan 2020: https://reitzmemorial.org/strategic-direction/ Reitz Memorial High School Website: https://reitzmemorial.org Reitz Memorial School Profile: https://reitzmemorial.org/ school-profile.org/ Reitz Memorial President Profile: https://drive.google.com/file/ d/1fuhTgR8Mcotsds0W8RkuRDHs1cfhrtPl/view/?usp=sharing

Providing an environment where God inspires, we educate, students thrive. 24 The Message JANUARY 22, 2021 Footprints of Our Catholic Brethren

The birds were roosting in the trees. ness. My aunt and uncle were there — The incessant cackling was audible up she with her neurological challenges and down Wabash Avenue under- and he with his stoic struggles. I loved neath the dual, towering spires. As them deeply. I wondered what their the door opened to the grotto, we temples would become. descended into 100 years of history The temple on my shoulder stirred. beneath the church floor. The grey, His head swung upward. His brilliant stucco-like walls welcomed us into blue eyes widened and he stared at the tiny chapel, where people had the choral sector. I waited for the JIM SCHROEDER Submitted photo come for marriages, baptisms and exhausted cry. It never came. His eyes This is the cover of Jim Schroeder’s book. solemn prayers for a century. remained fixed; yet slowly, a discern- that evening, Amy and I ing smile crept on his face. His pupils attended a Cursillo closing as her sister Just how would my temple carry on? REFLECTION began to bounce in a registered way, walked in to the sounds of “Oh, when BY JIM SCHROEDER and as his chubby cheeks tightened; a the saints, oh when the saints, oh when This reflection is from Jim Schroeder’s St. Boniface Church, Evansville familiar face snuck a kiss to him. He the saints go marching in. Oh, I want to book “The Evansville Diocese Historical had risen from his sound slumber to be in that number . . . .” Tears flowed, Tour: Footprints of Our Catholic After exploring the hollowed cavity, behold this sacred place for the first friends had grown old. What would Brethren.” Jim, his wife, Amy, and their our kids began the Rosary — one time. Joy emanated from his face. I their temples become? kids live in Evansville. They are parish- Glorious Mystery at a time. Louis lay wondered what his temple would As the festivities ended, I walked ioners at Holy Redeemer Parish. Jim is a asleep on my shoulder, hidden beneath become. past the pictures of many of the pediatric psychologist and Vice President of a heavy coat to ward off the morning As the Mass closed and many of the churches we had seen, many of the the psychology department at Easterseals chill. Above, we could hear faint noises congregants shuttled to the Christmas temples that now hung in the balance Rehabilitation Center. “The full story, of the congregation assembling, and as bazaar, four generations posed for a as our diocese evolved. A late fall chill including illustrations, is available on our Rosary concluded we made our picture on the front steps. The birds greeted me outside. The full moon had Amazon or with his other books and arti- way to the nave of the church. had gone quiet for the moment. Later just passed. Another week was gone. cles at www.james-schroeder.com.” From the time I was a small boy and grew into junior high at St. Boniface, I entered the church with my chin held high and neck arched. On this day, I was again taken to splendid sites and horrific realities as my eyes scanned the interior again. The sun gleamed off the newly laid tile, and the numer- ous statues and scenes peered over us. Louis remained asleep as the choral voices rose from our right. It would be a day of chal- lenges put forth by St. Paul, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” But none was greater than the one that Christ pro- claimed, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” Twenty-five years ago this day, the Berlin Wall had crum- bled. Around us, the seasons were changing and our diocese was continuing to discern just how its temple would appear. I looked across the way. My grandparents had arrived in their frailty — and in their wit-

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