The Diocese of Ogdensburg Volume 69, Number 30 INSIDE THIS ISSUE The church and climate NORTH COUNTRY change I PAGE 10

Maryknoll head: the whole church is in mission I PAGE 11 CATHOLIC DEC. 17, 2014

'Spend time in silence, service' SECOND YEAR ROME (CNS) - In the heart of Immaculate Conception Dec. ulate Conception near tance. Rome's high-end shopping 8, Pope Francis prayed for Rome's Spanish Steps, Pope Pope Francis said Mary OF PONTIFICATE district, sparkling with Mary's intercession so that, Francis recited a special being conceived without sin Christmas lights and shiny "in us, your children, grace prayer he composed for the should give all Christians Pope continues baubles in the windows of fa­ also will prevail over pride, occasion. hope and strength "in the mous designers, Pope Fran­ and we can become merciful The feast is a major Rome daily battle that we must to 'take world cis prayed that people would like our heavenly Father is holiday and thousands of conduct against the threats by storm' spend time in silence and in merciful." people lined the streets near of evil," because her immac­ service as they prepare to Before laying a basket of the Spanish Steps to catch a ulate conception is proof celebrate Jesus' birth. cream-colored roses at the glimpse of the pope and pray that evil does not have power Celebrating the feast of the foot of a statue of the Immac- with him for Mary's assis- over love.

Advent: FATHER'S FIRST FROSTY a season of prayer The focus of this week's NCC is "Advent as a season of prayer. The topics include: • Our Lady of the Adiron­ dacks House of Prayer in El­ lenburg Center • a prayerful pilgrimage of two diocesan priests along the Camino de Santiago • poetry as Advent prayer • suggestions for family prayer during the season CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING from the diocesan family life Pope Francis celebrates aMass mark­ director ing the feast of Our Lady of • scripture reflections on Guadalupe in St.Peter's Basilica at the Fourth Sunday of Advent the Vatican Dec. 12. As the year 2014 • Advent prayer as a way to "refresh our browsers" comes to adose, the pope continues to receive broad support from people FUll STORY, PAGES 3,4,5,7 &12 around the world. Americans,in par­ tiaJlar, have shown theirfundness for Pope Frands,otten extolling his sim­ For priests' plistic style.According to the Pewstudy, retirement PHOTO SUPPLIED 78 perterrt of Americans view the pope Father Justin Thomas, parochial vicar at St. Andre Bessette Parish in Malone and anative of India, received lessons on the fine favorably. Agift to parish Christmas art of snowman-making from some young parishioners ofSt.Andre. From left are FatherThomas, Brianna Poupore, Melissa FUll STORY, PAGE 16 collection helps to support Kemp, Mark Kemp and Tori Crossman. retired priests of the diocese FUll STORY, PAGE 6 COMMISSIONED LAY MINISTERS: Gather for dinner in two diocesan regions ... p. 8 II N 0 ft THe 0 U N T ft y e A THO Li e DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 17 , 2014 NORTH COUNTRY EDITOR'S NOTE CATHOLIC Box 326 Ogdensburg, N.Y. 13669 A diocese at prayer during Advent USPS 0039-3400 BISHOPTERRY The world may believe that here, and his peace is here," Kathy Gallagher has offered a a focal point for pilgrims of R.LAVAllEY the Christmas season has ar­ said Rita Breen. "People are simple, yet powerful, way to Christian, jewish and Islamic President rived but, in the pages of the hungry to know God in a per­ make these days holy and, of faith and could be considered REV.JOSEPH A.MORGAN North Country sonal way, and OLA is course, Msgr. Whitmore has the origin of all pilgrimages. Vi ce President Catholic, we're hang­ a wonderful place for given us wonderful words of (Bishop LaValley will share his SR.JENNIFERVOTRAW,SSJ ing on tightly to Ad­ that to happen." wisdom about this Sunday's impressions about the places Secretary-Treasurer vent. Those who love OLA readings. where jesus lived and died MARY LOU KILIAN In this week's issue want to make sure And then we have our pil­ for an upcoming issue.) Editor! we focus on the im­ that people in all parts grims. While pilgrimages to places General Manager portance of prayer of the diocese know Father joe Morgan and Fa­ of spiritual significance offer during this season of that they are welcome ther Kevin O'Brien spent six great boosts to the faith of Publish 45 is- preparation for jesus_ and encouraged to weeks this past fall, walking those who travel, it could be ® sues per year: Our North Country come to "listen, to the Camino de Santiago in said that we are all on a per­ _ Weekly except is blessed with special pray and maybe even northern Spain, one of the sonal pilgrimage, as we inch every other places to pray and in- Mary lou to live_" oldest and most popular pil­ our way closer to God every week begin­ We're also featuring grimage sites over the cen­ day. ning the end spiring people who Kilian of May lead us closer to God. a message from the turies. The prayerful season of Ad­ new family life direc­ Bishop LaValley, Father vent is our yearly opportunity Ithrough August and skip­ In the heart of our ping one week in December diocese, there is a gem - Our tor for the diocese. Steve Doug Lucia and Father jay to make a more intentional by the Diocese of Lady of the Adirondacks Tartaglia shares ideas for fam­ Seymour just returned from pilgrimage walk towards the Ogdensburg. House of Prayer_ ily prayer during the season, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Lord. 622 Washington Street, Og­ In an interview for this taken from his own experi­ - following closing behind Fa­ After all, as all our world densburg, N.Y. 13669. issue, one of the OLA board ences as a husband, father ther Don Robinson who was travelers say, the real goal of members explains why this and educator. leading a tour group of his a pilgrimage isn't Compostela Editorial Office: house matters: Local poets have shared own. or jerusalem. 622 Washington Street, 'The presence of Christ is some selections, columnist The Holy Land, of course, is The real goal is heaven. Ogdensburg, N. Y. 13669.

Telephone: (31 5) 608-7556 APASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE E-mail: news@northcountry catholic.org Season of Advent: a celebration of hope As I continue through this re­ Spiritually, Advent chal­ We pray in hope that the Entered at the habilitation, I have been at­ 'Father Bill lenges us to have hope for the peace of Our Savior will reach Post Office: Say-;~ tending Sunday Mass in the tipastor22 @gmail :-C~~ welfare of people and hope for each family and home with Ogdensburg, NY pews with the people at my salvation. This hope strength­ peace and joy and happiness. 13669 and " ~ \ additional mailing officesas brother's parish Church, Holy ens each of us to live our faith This must never become an Periodical Postage. Cross Church, in DeWitt. ~ . in Our Lord's coming to our idle hope. Too many will hear This has been a rather good '\; world so that we are ready and of Advent hope and proclaim it

Subsaiption: experience for me - sitting Fr. \Villiam G. ;\lucnch confidant to bring that spirit of impossible. Once we say im­ For oneyear : among families, many young love and peace of the Lord to a possible then all will be lost. In-Diocese Rate: $27 families - I was distracted gives us hope in all the good world that often lacks any As long as we keep faith in Outside of Diocese Rate: $30 often by mothers and fathers that jesus brought into this hope, lacks any hope that the Lord's hope, we keep our as they watched over twisting world and continues to bring peace will ever come, that love hope possible that good things Matters for publication and turning little ones. to us even today. will ever transform this world. will happen and one day there should be During these days of Advent, Each year as we go through Advent hope strives to re­ will be peace for all. addressed to these families reminded me of another Advent. we are all chal­ move fear. Advent hope con­ Here is an Advent quote from PO Box 326 the spirit of Advent as we pre­ lenged by our Church to dis­ stantly reminds us that hope is the author, Caryll House­ Ogdensburg, NY 13669 pare for Christmas. There is cover a new and stronger hope possible, that peace and happi­ lander's "The Reed of God: " and should be recei ved by the spirit of a constant search in the Lord so that our lives ness is possible. "The Light is shining in the Thursday priorto for hope, a search for the con­ will be filled with the confi­ May the hope of Advent darkness, but the darkness publi cation. fidence in the Lord that only dence that makes us realize reach and transform each one does not comprehend it. To a Paper isprinted each good things will happen for that our lives matter and in of us. This Advent is about soul in such a condition, peace Monday; their family and for their chil­ this Advent spirit we can make Christmas. During Advent, we will come as soon as it turns to dateline is Wednesday. dren. our world a better place. remember and prepare to cele­ Our Lady and imitates her. In Member, Catholic Press Advent is among other Hope is about the things we brate how our world was her, the Word of God chose to Association. things a celebration of hope. invest our lives and dream changed by the Birth of jesus. be silent for the season meas­ We find through the prayers of dreams about possible accom­ ured by God. She, too, was POSTMASTER: Jesus became one of us. Dur­ Advent a time to build up our plishments. Often, this is ing Advent our hopes are high silent; in her the light of the Send addresschanges to hope and confidence in the something rather simple, each year for this may be the world shone in darkness. North Country Catholic, Lord, Our God . This confi­ something only human - year that Jesus, who comes as Today, in many souls, Christ PO Box 326 dence prepares all Christians maybe the success of our fa­ the Prince of Peace, will indeed asks that he may grow silently, Ogdensburg, NY for the birth of Our Savior; it vorite football team. bring peace to this world. that he may be the light shin- 13669-0326 II NOR. TH e 0 U N T R. y e A THO Li e DEC. 17 , 2014 DIOCESAN LIFE ADVENT... ASEASON OF PRAYER OLA a home set apart for prayer

By Suzanne Pietropaoli Staff writer

EUENBURG CENTER - Quiet, hum­ ble, faithful, prayerful: Ad­ vent words all. Words, too, that describe Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer, where for 40 years people have come to listen, to pray, and - in some cases - to live. Rich in history, and in op­ portunities for spiritual de­ velopment, this house now faces an uncertain future. Founded in 1972 by dioce­ san priest, Father Joseph Trombley, Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer focuses on helping people grow closer to God. The Our lady of the Adirdondacks House of Prayer in Ellenburg Center was founded by It is, according to its web­ Father Joseph Trombley in 1972 as aplace to help people grow closer to God. site, "... a home set apart from the distractions and re­ But solitude is certainly not contemplation, prayer of ex­ Rita Breen, president ofthe Our lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer board, and Pat sponsibilities of daily life the only way to pray at OLA. amen, and rules for the dis­ Hanley, resident director ofthe house, are shown in"The lost Sheep Quilt Shop" adjacent where a person may go to ex­ cernment of spirits. tothe House of Prayer .The shop was opened to bring inromelO the House of Prayer. Marian spirituality has perience various kinds of Special prayer experiences 'The presence of Christ is identifies three pressing prayer, leading one into the The House of Prayer hosts been another focus, along with preparation for the here, and his peace is here," needs. very Mystery of Christ Him­ Eucharistic Adoration, Heal­ she said. "The hospitality is At the top of her list is vo­ self." ing Masses, and group re­ Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. beautiful - there is a warm cations to the community. Drawing on its early con­ treat days, as well as welcome always. There is "OLA was founded as a lay nection with Madonna House individuals who stop by to just so much love here! apostolate, an authentic call in Combermere, Ontario pray or to seek intercession Why House of Prayer matters 'The love that built this from God, and right now we (with which Father Trombley for their needs or those of Rita Breen of Dannemora place is evident everywhere, have a big need for vocations associated), OLA House of others. has participated in most of and is always offered to to this work and this place," Prayer has continued the Many have attended Life in these events. President of the everyone," Mrs. Breen said. she said. Russian tradition of Pous­ the Spirit seminars at the OLA Board, she has also "All are welcome here; it is "Ours is a lay life, very sim­ tinia. house. Ongoing training has mowed the lawn, cleaned and painted, and helped in­ not our house, but God~ ple, centered on living, work­ In this unique approach to been offered in Christian house. ing, and praying in a seeking God in solitude, a Healing Ministries' School of stall a new kitchen. "People are hungry to community atmosphere of person spends time - a day, Healing Prayer, as well as More than most, she knows know God in a personal way, peace and joy," she said. half-day, or less - alone with workshops in Ignatian spiri­ why the House of Prayer and OLA is a wonderful place "Though I am retired, this the Lord and the Scriptures, tuality, including meditation, matters. for that to happen," she said. life is compatible with out­ fasting on bread and water, But Mrs. Breen fears that side employment," she said. coffee or tea. Occasionally this vital work could end. "I , "Currently I am the only staff people who are used to this and lots of others, have person, which is not ideal type of prayer will extend prayed, asked, and begged and has not always been the their time in Poustinia. on behalf of Our Lady of the case. Recently we have had Adirondacks. I don't want to some inquirers; a few have To send donations: see it close ... but unless come to discern, but no one Donations to the house of prayer may things change, it very well has stayed. be sent to: Our Lady of the Adiron­ could." 'The OLA vision has always Despite its warm hospital­ included community, so new dacks House of Prayer, 7270 Star ity and abundant offerings, vocations are essential," she Road, Rt.190, Ellenburg Center, NY Our Lady of the Adirondacks said. "Whom could God be 12934. Further information is avail­ House of Prayer remains un­ calling to join us? Praying, able by phone, (518)594-3253; derstaffed, underused, and visiting, and discerning are email: [email protected] underfunded. the important steps in this process; we pray that those or website: whom God calls will actively www.home.catholic.web.com/OurLa Three pressing needs Pat Hanley, resident direc­ consider this!" The chapel is a site for Eucharistic Adoration and healing Masses,among other prayer dyoftheAdirondacksHouseofPrayer tor for the past five years, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 experiences at the House of Prayer. II NOR THe 0 U N TRY CAT H 0 Lie DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 17, 2014 ADVENT...A SEASON OF PRAYER SANTIAGO DE COMPOST 790

PHOTO BY ED CASSaT Father Kevin O'Brien, left, and Father Joseph Morga n, right are standing atthe "Santiago - 790 k" sign, Sept. 18, the second day of six Nearthe end ofthe pilgrimage on Oct. 11 Fathers Morgan and O'Brien celebrated week walking pilgrimage. They took part in Camino de Santiago, an 800 kilometer pilgrimage across northern Spain from Sept. 17 Mass at a Benedictine Monastery San Salvador del Monte Irabu in atown called "Ra­ to Oct.21. banal del Camino." On the Camino ... the Way of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) are woman who was giving ad­ belongings - including a scal­ the path, their shared in the By Mary Lou Kilian buried. vice on how to get past a de­ lop shell, the sign of St. heat, their light in darkness, Editor St. james was a pilgrim tour said, 'always look for james and camino pilgrims - their comfort in discourage­ himself as he traveled from and follow the church on in backpacks. ment ... " Father joseph A. Morgan jerusalem to this northwest­ your camino and you will They slept in hostels and The highlight of the and Father Kevin j. O'Brien ern-most province of Spain, never get lost.'" had their credentials del camino for Father Morgan were following an ancient to evangelize the people "This was true on many peregrine - camino pass­ and Father O'Brien was its Catholic tradition when they there. levels," he said. "Coming into ports - stamped at the spiri­ culmination at the cathedral followed the road from the The city of Compostela has a town, we'd look for a tual stops along the way. in Compos tela. French Pyrenees across been a pilgrim destination church steeple and in­ The most difficult part of "We had such a sense of ac­ northern Spain to Santiago for 11 centuries with St. evitably the camino route the journey "was just getting complishment and unity," Fa­ de Compostela. Francis Assisi included passed by there. used to everything," Father ther O'Brien said. "Everyone From Sept. 17 to Oct. 21 , among many notable pil­ Father O'Brien said that O'Brien said, "following the was celebrating." the two diocesan priests took grims. This year marks the "hearing the church bells and arrows - shells - along the The pilgrim Mass is cele­ part in the Camino de Santi­ 800th anniversary of St. seeing crosses all along the way." brated at noon each day and ago - the Way of St. james - Francis' camino walk. way called us back to the rea­ Father Morgan remembers pilgrims, including the two an 800 kilometer (around Back in the 12th century, son we were doing this." getting lost for a bit as he priests, climbed up to give a 500 miles) foot pilgrimage. with the increased popularity Although many walk the missed an arrow while hug to the ancient statue of Father Morgan, rector of St. of the route, hostels were camino for sport or adven­ watching where he was plac­ St. james. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdens­ built within a day's walk of ture, Father O'Brien and Fa­ ing his feet on a rocky path. Even after walking for six burg and vicar general; and each other and churches ther Morgan were on a Father O'Brien pointed to weeks, Father Morgan and Father O'Brien, pastor in were erected to accommo­ pilgrimage, a journey with the Pilgrims Prayer as a Father O'Brien know there Heuvelton and Lisbon and date the crowds of worship­ the purpose to honor God. source of their strength. In journey is not complete. moderator of the curia, com­ pers who passed by on their Father Morgan joked that part it reads, "Guard these 'The real goal is heaven," pleted the six week pilgrim­ way. physical demands of the your children who, for the Father O'Brien said. age by walking six or seven Father Morgan and Father walk, along rough and moun­ love of your Name, make a Father Morgan quoted one miles each day. O'Brien attended daily tainous terrain, meant that pilgrimage to Compos tela. Be of the signs he saw along the Their journey ended at the Masses - and received bless­ the two of them "prayed very their companions on their way: "Your journey, your cathedral of Compostela ing for pilgrims - at churches hard" every day. way, their guide at the cross­ camino, does not end in San­ where the remains of the all along the way The priests walked in rain roads, their strength in tiago but in the very heart of apostle St. james the Greater Father Morgan said, "a and heat, carrying all their weariness, their shelter on God." II NOR TH e 0 U N TRY CAT H 0 Li e DEC. 1 7, 2014 SETON CATHOLIC RETREAT

Divine Love Follow Me By Hedy Strauss By Hedy Strauss I can hear your voice in my dream. Follow me into the wilderness I can feel it in my heart. Follow me into the sun. Some day we will be together. Follow me into the future Seton Catholic School in Plattsburgh recently held its annual student retreat. The day But for now, we are apart. So that the two of us can become one. concluded the schoors vocation awareness week featuring aweeldong visit from Fa­ ther Bryan Stitt and StJoseph Sister Gregory of the diocesan Vocation Office. Stu­ I'm mesmerized by your love. Follow me into the white light. dents took part in four workshops, one of which was ascavenger hunt.Topics included By your presence, by your touch. Follow me into the sky. How 00 I Know What My Calling Is?, How do I Pray? and The Three Traditional Ways of I try to live without you. Follow me into eternity Ufe. Presenters included Father Thomas Higman, Father Timothy Canaan, RoseAnn Sometimes it is just too much. So that our love will never die. Hickey, Will Neves, Dominican Sister Debbie Blow, Samantha Fazioli and Paul Poulin. I can hear your voice in the wind. The day ended with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the gym, led by Father I can feel your touch with the breeze. Stitt, shown above. When I bask in your divine love. It just brings me to my knees

C H R 1ST MAS (The Day of Christ's Birth) Written by Barbara J. Morris 11-16-2014

The Real Reason why we Celebrate CHRISTMAS ((hristians celebrate the birth of their Savior on this glorious night, J!}eaven was lit up by one star; which was truly a magnificent sight. 3Rejoicing the Three Wisemen bringing gifts for the new born king, 3Jncredible gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh was what they would bring, Seventh grader Tom Murray and 12th grader Noah Ractette work together on the scavenger hunt. ~o they journeyed far and wide to find where the Messiah would be, m;hey came upon the Stable in Bethlehem in the town of Judea. and they all did agree. :JR!lary and Joseph and Baby Jesus were in the Manger, when the three Wisemen arrived, ~nd thousands of years have passed; yetthis story of Christ's birth is still alive. ~ o .. Jesus is the Reason for the Season...... Keep Christ in Christmas ... Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you take the first letter of each sentence it will spell out "The Birthday of Our SAVIOR!"

Dedicated to Father Joseph W. Giroux- Pastor -St. Andre Bessette Parish, Malone, New York. In response to his question- What Are We Doing to keep Christ Alive?

FatherTImothy Canaan, pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of Stjohn the Baptist in Plattsburgh, conducted aworkshop on prayer. II NOR TH e 0 U N TRY C AT H 0 Li e DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 17 , 2014

Priests' Retirement Plan Bishop's Schedule Environmental Stewardship Dec. 18 -11 a.m., Ordination of Dea­ Looking to give a con Lino Oropeza at St. Michael's Col­ different kind of gift?? provides benefits for 46 lege in Colchester, Vermont. The words of Pope Benedict XVI " . the family needs a home .. .for Dec.21 - 11 a.m., Mass at St. Mary's the human family this home is the priests of the diocese Cathedral earth," expand our notion of family to embrace the whole family of God. sions for pensions for other which the diocese is able. Dec.22 -7:15 p.m., Novena and Mass When one member of our family By Michael J.Tooley priests as they retire in the Ninety-five percent of the at St. Mary'sCathedral is suffering, then we suffer too. Our Diocesan Fiscal Officer future. cost of health insurance for global family is suffering;the num­ retired priests is also funded ber one cause of suffering in our The 36 retired priests of The Priests' Retirement through the PRE world is poverty, and environmental the diocese who currently re­ Retired priests of the dio­ Protecting God's Children Fund of the diocese receives cese receive pensions from degradation is one of the causes of ceive pensions from the The Diocese of Ogdensburg has Priests' Retirement Fund will 75% of the Christmas the Social Security system. this suffering. be direct beneficiaries of the Because priests' income is scheduled sessions for Protecting What if there were away to give a generosity of Catholics in the Collection proceeds given to typically modest, their Social God's Children for Adults. Pre-regis­ gift to someone that would help North Country who con­ each parish, as compared to Security pensions are not tration online is required in order to them become self-sustainable,and tribute to their parishes in large and most rely heavily participate. Participants may pre­ they, in turn, would pass on a similar the Christmas collection. 100% the past three years on pensions from the dio­ register at www.virtus.org by se­ gift in time to another family, and cese for a good portion of Also, 10 priests age 70 and lecting the registration button and that family gives to anotherfamily, older who remain active in their financial support. Actuarial studies are per­ and so on? their ministry in the Diocese formed annually to assure The value of the invest­ following the directions. All em­ of Ogdensburg are receiving the diocese is preparing for ments of the Priests' Retire­ ployees and volunteers who partici­ An organization called Heifer In­ partial retirement benefits. its future obligations to re­ ment Fund increased over a pate in church sponsored activities ternational does just that. It was or­ Your gift this year will help tired priests. The firm of one-year period from with minor are required to partici­ ganized to rebuild families after the support not only priests cur­ Frank j. Walters and Associ­ $11,128,546 to $12,524,557 pate in this training. Further infor­ devastation of World War II in Europe on June 30, 2014. The dio­ rently receiving support ates has determined that ad­ mation is available from Atonement by providing them with quality from the Priests' Retirement equate provisions are being cese's Investment Advisory breeds of animals to restore their Committee, diocesan admin­ Sister Ellen Donahue, 315-393- Fund but also benefits to be made in 2014-15 to fully family farms, enabling them to heal paid to future retirees. fund the Plan. istration, and the investment 2920, ext. 1440. the earth and to live sustainably. The Priests' Retirement The Priests' Retirement portfolio's investment man­ Upcoming programs: Each year before Christmas one Fund of the diocese receives Fund of the diocese currently agers closely monitor Jan. 22- 8 p.m., SUNY Potsdam 75% of the Christmas Collec­ pays monthly pensions to 36 monies invested in support grandmother sits down with her tion proceeds given to each retired priests and 10 active of the Plan. grandchildren, and togetherthey parish, as compared to 100% priests eligible for a partial The Priests' Retirement Rest in Peace pick out an animal from the Heifer the past three years. While retirement benefit. Estimated Fund of the diocese is also Catalog to donate to afamily in need your gift helps pay pensions pension payments in this fis­ assisted through extraordi­ nary gifts. Information about This week marks the anniversary somewhere in the world, including to retired priests, it will al so cal year amount to $793 ,400. the U.S. The gift ofthis animal will help the diocese make provi- Effective July 1, 2014, re­ gift opportunities to benefit of the deaths of the follo wing tired priests in the diocese the Priests' Retirement Fund clergymen men who have served change the lives of one family for­ received an increase of $40 is available from the Devel­ in the Diocese of Ogdensburg ever. The receiving family, in turn, per month in their pension opment Director of the Dio­ Dec. 17 - Rev.John Orrin Senecal, will have the opportunity of chang­ benefit. It is the diocese's in­ cese, Scott Lalone. He can be ing the lives of another family by giv­ reached in Ogdensburg at 1980 tention to provide a pension Dec.18-Msgr.Narcisse Lorrain, 1915; ing one of its offspring, and the gift increase in every year in (315) 393-2920 or through e­ continues to move forward. mail to [email protected]. Rev. Laurent Legoff, O.M.I., 1932; Rev. For more information: NORTHCOUNTRY Your personal generosity Louis Kopp, M.S.c., 1946; Msgr. Harold www.heifer.org/giftcatalog/holiday/i to the Christmas collection in J. Skelly, 1980; Rev. George A.Fortaine, CATHOLIC ndex.html your parish will support all 1990 retired priests of the diocese Dec. 20 - Rev. Luke Harney, 1892; Rev. is on MARKn SI POTSDAM NY ¥ 13151 265·8800 and benefit longer term the } "" ,\t H'1Iw~at( 11& 'uhl"u'up~rt,au, diocesan and religious Jean B.A.Barette,O.M.I., 1955 To Report Abuse priests serving you today. Dec.21 - Rev. Charles A. Grady, O.S.A., FACEBOOK If you have a complaint of suspected Your priests, retired and ac­ 1981 1273 BIG BROOK ROAD misconduct involving diocesan INDIAN LAKE. NY 12842 tive, will appreciate your Dec. 22 - Rev. Edgard Thivierge, FITTERERBoOKBIND ING,(OM support tremendously! clergy, religious, employees or volun­ O.M.I.,1975 518-648-6494 teers, contact Victims Assistance Co­ F ITTE RER@ FRONTI ER NET.NET Dec. 23 - Rev.John B. P. Honorat, ominator, Terrianne Yanulavich, Adult IJII O.M.I.,1862 • Find Us !JcuJv?fJ' & Youth Counseling Services of Northern New York, PO Box 2446, • Like Us 1Jff~r;r Follow Pope Francis on Plattsburgh, NY, 12901; e-mail: terri­ Twitter! [email protected] Phone: HA N D BOOKBIN DI NG • Follow Us & R ESTO RA TI O N 518-483-3261 ; or Father James Sey­ RESTORING FAMILY BIBLES & mour, the Episcopal Vicar for Clergy CJ Like PARISH RECORDS SINCE 1983 at 315-393-2920 ,ext. 1340 NOR.TH C OUNTR.Y CATHOLI C DEC. 17, 2014 DIOCESAN LIFE ADVENT. .. ASEASON OF PRAYER Advent: a time for families to grow closer to God us. By Stephen Tartaglia We began in the school Diocesan Director of Family life parking lot with a prayer and ended on the school Growing up, we put up playground that was deco­ our artificial Christmas tree rated and lit with Christmas on Dec.13 because it was lights. We received a bless­ my brother's birthday. Now, ing from the pastor and as an adult with my own then enjoyed hot chocolate family, I continue to put the and Christmas treats. The tree up sometime in the carollers loved it and so did middle of December. the neighbors. Advent is a great time for The traditions that families families to evangelize. Christmas carolling, reach­ establish during Advent build ing out to people Who are lasting memories and are an alone during the holidays, offering unexpected gifts or easy way for parents to kindnesses to neighbors, are great ways of spreading catechize their children the love of God. So too are religious decorations, We still have an artificial Christmas tree which we Christmas cards and other use year after year. The well-wishes to family and sturdy kind that doesn't friends. The celebration of Advent mind the ... toddlers pulling is rich in rituals and sym­ on branches, older kids run­ ning into it, playing under bolism and is one of the best times for parents to and around it, etc. help their families grow As long as we tie it to a Many Catholic families -including the Leaders in Gouverneur - create and prayer around Advent Wreaths during the weeks leading hook in the wall securely, closer to God. The traditions up to Christmas. Here, Stephen Tartaglia, diocesan fami~ life director,shares other ideas for family celebrations of Advent. that families establish dur­ we're fine! True, it loses ing Advent build lasting some (a lot) of its fake plas­ bishops of the United States my children love Advent is o Come Emmanuel" and in­ memories and are an easy tic needles each year and (http://www.usccbpublish­ because prayers at bedtime vited anyone who wanted to way for parents to catechize somehow I think we've mis­ ing.org/c1ient/c1ienLpdfs/x are shorter and a little more come to my office to sing placed one of the branches. their children. mastree.pdf) fun. with me. Advent celebrated well We just turn that side to­ I invited family members In fact, it was so success­ By the end of Advent my helps children learn that the ward the wall each year. over to help put up and dec­ ful that I decided to intro­ office was packed with chil­ real meaning of the season My wife's parents gave it orate the tree, and when it duce the practice in the dren and adults Who is the coming of Christ, and to us when we were newly­ was done we all participated Catholic school I was work­ wanted to sing. So I invited it strengthens the family's weds and we wouldn't in a little ceremony to bless ing at. As principal I led everyone to go Christmas resolve not to get swept dream of getting rid of it. the tree. prayer every morning. Dur­ carolling throughout the Each year as we pull out away by the secularized I wasn't sure how this ing Advent I replaced the neighborhood with me, and focus on materialism at this the tree we make the same would be received, but it normal morning prayers the response was very posi­ time of year. jokes, we have the same was easy, fun, and very with one verse of "0 Come, tive. Whole families joined process of assembling it meaningful for all of us. and decorating it and we It opened the door for use the same decorations spiritual conversations and we have for years. Of helped us to focus on the course we continue to add true reason for Advent and the new ornaments that our Christmas. children make each year in The next year I decided to art class in school. I still try something else. We re­ have one that I made when placed the children's nor­ Name ______Name ______in grammar school. .. a little mally longer bed time Address______Address,______Christmas tree with elbow prayers with one verse of "0 macaroni glued on as orna­ Come, 0 Come Emmanuel." ______State_ Zip_____ City ______ments and the whole thing It was a big success, so we spray painted with gold continued it each year since o New Subscription 0 Renewal paint. Tacky, but sentimen­ then. It's easy to learn and tal! since we Sing it every night, o Inside Diocese $27 enclosed One year I decided to try by the end of Advent even o Outside Diocese $30 enclosed something different. I the youngest one can join Clip and Mail Check to: downloaded prayers for the in. North Country Catholic Blessing of a Christmas tree I'm a little hesitant to PO Box 326, Ogdensburg, NY from the site of the Catholic admit this but one reason 13669 II NOR THe 0 U N TRY CAT H 0 Li e • 0 10 C ESAN LIF E DEC. 17 , 2014 COMMISSIONED LAY MINISTERS GATHER FOR ANNUAL DINNER

The CallofMatthew.[e)9As/esus pasSedonlrom there. he saw a man named Matthew[f] Sil ting at the custo ms post. He said to him , "Follow me:' And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table In h jshou s e .[g] ma nytax coU ec t orsandsinne~came and sal with Jesus and hlSdisclp(es. 11 The Phansees sawthisandsaldtolllsdlsciples," Why doesyour teacher[h] eat with ta K col!ectors and Sinners" 12He heard th.s and said. "Those who ,lfe well do nOI need a physkian. bUI the sick do Cil 13 Goand learn Ihc meamng of the words. -, deSIre mercy. /lOt s.lcnflC(','[Jl Idldnolcometo call I bu t Sinne rs

PHOTOS BY JESSE SOVIE The Commissioned Lay Ministers Associations of two regions of the diocese recently held their annual dinners. The ClM Association of Jefferson! lewis Deaneries held its event at the Sisters of Joseph Motherhouse in Watertown Oct 8 while the CLM Association for St Lawrence,Frankiin and Adirondack Deaneries gathered in Norfolk Oct 22.About 140 lay ministers attended the events and heard Deacon Patrick Donahue, coordinator of the diocesan Formation for Ministry program,speak on "Continuity and Commitment the Path of Lay MinistryToday." The presentation addressed the history of lay ministry in the Church and offered atheological reflection on the commitment to discipleship. Pastors, deacons and several religious also attended the events that celebrated lay ministry in parishes across the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Chairs ofthe respective CLM Associations, Chuck Mozdzier and Karen Donahue, hailed the events as asuccess. The associations will be planning future events across the diocese that will feature various speakers and presen­ ters. The associations also have several open committees dedicated to several ministries for any lay ministers wishing to join. Further information about the Commissioned Lay Ministers Associations is available from Jeannie Grizzuto at the Formation for Ministry office at [email protected]. OLA House of Prayer VISIT FROM S1 NICK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 woven into OLA past and the many needs of the House Mrs. Hanley is also con­ present," she explains. "We of Prayer. cerned that the House of have always existed on dona­ 'There is," he laughs, "one Prayer is neither as well­ tions and stipends for the kind of help we need which known nor as well-used as it use of the facility. Recently he did not - somebody with could be. we have been relying heavily advanced computer skills!" "What we offer here is on two bequests, but the fu­ Father Downs notes that, unique, but few outside our ture looks bleak unless our 'The house has been blessed immediate area seem to revenues increase substan­ by Bishop LaValley's visits know we are here," she said. tially." and by his interest in OLA. "We are grateful for the local Mrs. Hanley has even tried He has encouraged us to ex­ people and groups who an unusual approach to this pand our board to pull in make use of the house: those problem: she opened "The more expertise, and we are who come for Poustinia or Lost Sheep Quilt Shop" adja­ doing that now. other individual retreats, and cent to the House of Prayer 'The bishop is very sup­ the Altar-Rosary, Catholic to bring in a bit of income. It portive of our mission," Fa­ Daughters, and other groups also brings quilters together ther Downs said. who come for retreat days. for good fellowship and Marika Donders, Diocesan They find it helpful to come sometimes offers opportuni­ Director of Evangelization, away from the parish, to a ties to pray for their needs. recently visited Our Lady of different atmosphere, for Father Jack Downs, OLA's the Adirondacks House of these events, and we are spiritual director, was a close Prayer for the first time and happy to host them. friend of the founder, Father came away impressed. "We would like to welcome Trombley who died in 2001. 'The House of Prayer is a such groups and retreatants "Father Joe devoted much fabulous resource for parish from other parts of the dio­ of his life to this place," he groups - councils, catechists, St. Nicholas came to visit the students at Seton Academy in Plattsburgh the day before cese as well," she said. recalls, "and he worked tire­ leadership teams - looking his feast day. He read them a story The First Christmas Gift and explained how they Finally, Mrs. Hanley cites lessly to encourage growth in for a place for retreats/work­ should live in the spirit of Advent. He told them about St.Nicholas and his life. Then he the financial realities facing prayer and community. He, shops," she said. "It is a place passed out Advent buttons that he asked the students to wear everyday during Ad­ the House of Prayer. like we, knew how important to 'come away for a while' vent. Of course, he handed out candy canes. Here we see St. Nicholas (aka Father Kris "Economic uncertainty is volunteers are to help meet and be blessed ." Lauzon) with his helpers, pTurco and Gabriella Cote. II NOR THe 0 U N T RY CAT H 0 L i e DEC . 17, 2 01 4 DIOCESAN LIFE

Patfier (J)owns, Patfier Cosmic, :Msgr. Poissant, :Msgr. :McCartfiy, Patfier :Muencfi .... five of tfie 46 priests wfio 6ene.fit from tfie dlocesan Priests 1?gtirement Puna -=-=--- .~. -- MERRY CHRISTMAS WORLD/NATION~I NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DEC. 17 , 201 THE YEAR IN REVIEW - 2014 The Church and climate change relationship finds its origin for us, 'in the begin By Dennis Sadowski ning,'" the archbishop said, referencing Genesis. Catholic News Service The focus on environmental stewardship come~ as the worldwide climate warms. The first lC WASHINGTON(CNS) --When a Vatican official suggested months of 2014 were the warmest since recorc that Pope Francis was contemplating an encyclical keeping began in 1880, according to data com on the environment a year ago, he signaled that piled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheri( climate change and environmental degradation Administration and the World Meteorological Or· were such pressing concerns that the pope wanted ganization. to address them in a teaching document. The year also saw the fossil fuel divestmenl No word has emerged on what the encyclical movement gain momentum as major organiza· might say or when it would appear in 2015, but tions committed to withdrawing funds from oil references by officials at the Pontifical Council for coal and natural gas companies and partially rein· justice and Peace have pointed to a document that vest in alternative and renewable energy firms. Catholics can apply in everyday life. Among those acting were the Marianist-run Uni· versity of Dayton in Ohio. The school's board 01 Pope Francis is expected to address trustees unanimously approved a plan to shifl funds first from fossil fuel firms. The university i~ climate change and environmental believed to be the first Catholic higher education degradation in a2015 encyclical institution to undertake such action. "This really is a huge priority because of our reo Catholics working on environmental issues and ligious convictions that this earth is a gift. We arE climate change in the U.S. are eagerly awaiting the meant to protect it and sustain it," Marianist Fathel encyclical and have spent much of the last year Martin Solma, provincial superior of the order's preparing for it. U.S. province and vice chairman of the university's 'There's never been an encyclical just on the en­ board of trustees, told Catholic News Service in vironment. It's clear something like this is needed june.Later in the summer, the Diocese of Stockton, to move, especially policymakers, but even the California, joined a partnership with the solar en­ church," said Dan Misleh, executive director of the ergy firm Sungevity to help members of three Catholic Climate Covenant. parishes reduce their electric bills while raising "I've always said we need to recover ancient tra­ funds for their church and local Catholic Charities ditions that we've always had but we just forgot. programs. Introducing the program Aug. 16 at the Cathe­ About how we're supposed to care for creation. CNS PHOTO/DEAN lEWINS, EPA About how St. Francis said it's all kin, we're all con­ dral of the Annunciation in Stockton, Bishop Adelie penguins gather at the base of a memorial at Mawson's Hut in Stephen E. Blaire said the effort gives parishioners nected together somehow. 'Brother Sun, Sister Commonwealth Bay,Antarctica,Jan.16. No word has emerged on Moon,'" he said. the opportunity to add a solar energy system to As anticipation builds for the encyclical, Catholic what Pope Francis' climate change and environmental degradation their homes with little or no upfront cost while re­ voices have become more prevalent on environ­ encyclical might say or when it would appear in 2015,but references ducing their dependence on fossil fuels. mental topics in parallel with President Barack by officials at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace have pointed The year ended with the U.N. climate summit, Obama's ambitious plans to tackle climate change to adocument that Catholics can apply in everyday life. Dec. 1-12 in Lima, Peru. Nearly 200 governments during his final two years in office. From raising ate greater awareness of how personal consump­ gathered to produce the first draft of a global deal awareness about hydraulic fracturing practices to tion habits in the developed world affect the most to cut emissions greenhouse gas, a major cause of a daylong seminar on the Environmental Protec­ vulnerable people. climate change. The draft is important because tion Agency's Clean Power Plan for reducing car­ "It's essential within the (Catholic) tradition that world leaders will meet in Paris next December bon emissions from coal-fired power plants, the we respect creation," she said. where it is hoped that the first agreement to cut work of Catholic clergy and laity have focused on "It's the poorest and the animals and the plants global emissions that includes developed and de­ the sacredness of creation and the importance of that suffer," she continued. "Whether it's plants veloping countries will be finalized. protecting human life and dignity. and animals that can't defend themselves or the In the middle of the summit, faith leaders gath­ Lonnie Ellis, associate director of the Catholic weakest people who can't defend themselves, it's ered Dec. 7 in #LightForLima prayer vigils in Climate Covenant, said the encyclical will help ex­ still a problem." Canada, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Russia, tend the discussions beyond the science of climate Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chair­ South Africa and U.S. locales. Patrick Carolan, ex­ change and the need for alternative energy man of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic ecutive director of the Franciscan Action Network, sources to include the moral questions about how justice and Human Development, highlighted was among those who prayed near Washington's climate change affects the world's poorest people. such moral concerns during a daylong workshop Lafayette Square. 'There's not really been the assertion that we Oct. 20 in Washington. 'The fact that these events were happening all have a moral obligation to make something of this, The archbishop told the gathering that the around the world, knowing we're all connected, whether it's right or wrong," Ellis said. "Whether church is concerned about pollution and climate the spirt of one all around the world, was very in­ we're doing wrong by our brothers and sisters change because they adversely affect human life. spiring," Carolan told CNS. around the world is not even part of the conversa­ Humans, he said, have been designated as co-cre­ He credited Pope Francis for awakening the tion." ators by God to be good stewards of the earth's re­ Catholic voice on climate change. Alice Laffey, associate professor of religious sources. "He's really gotten people out of this mindset 5tudies at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, 'The Catholic conception of stewardship of the there's nothing we can do or climate change is Massachusetts, is hopeful that the attention environment is also rooted in the dignity of the God's will," he said. "It's an understanding this is :hurch leaders place on the environment will cre- human person and his relationship with God. This the important issue." NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DEC. 17, 2014 II WORLD/NATION 'The whole church is in CATHOLIC mission,' says Maryknoll superior general locations were mission-re­ everybody. You were called WORLD By Beth Griffin ceivers. But Father Finch said by God in Baptism to be a Catholic News Service the Second Vatican Council messenger of God's presence AT AGLANCE helped Catholics appreciate in the world," Father Michael MARYKNOLL,N.Y.(CNS) - For Father "a growing awareness of the j. Snyder told CNS. He is the Raymond j. Finch, the new mutuality of mission." coordinator of Maryknoll's Pope to create new cardinals in February Missioner priests, brothers program for short-term vol­ VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will create new cardinals Feb. 14, following superior general of Mary­ knoll, "nothing is more re­ and sisters have been joined unteers. a two-day meeting of the world's cardinals that will discuss reform of the Vati­ warding than to go out and by significant numbers of Volunteers do not accom­ can bureaucracy, among other issues. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vati­ help people deepen their laypeople and parish groups, plish physical tasks, such as can spokesman, made the announcement Dec.11. The names of the new faith." he said. Laity serve Mary­ digging latrines, but develop cardinals are likely to be announced in mid-January, he said. If Pope Francis re­ "If you don't share the knoll through both a long-es­ a camaraderie with the peo­ spects the limit of 120 cardinals under the age of 80 and, therefore, eligible to faith, it stops growing. The tablished lay mission ple they encounter overseas vote for a pope, he will have 10 such openings in February. As of Dec. 11, the more you give of it, the more program, Maryknoll Lay Mis­ and come to appreciate the there is. The less you give, it sioners, and a newer initia­ richness of the world, he College of Cardinals had 208 members, 112 of whom were under 80. On the tive that welcomes said. "It helps us realize we're same occasion, Pope Francis may also follow precedent by creating a number of shrinks," he added. Maryknoll, the l03-year­ volunteers for stretches of all brothers and sisters in cardinals over the age of 80, churchmen being honored for their contributions old Catholic Foreign Mission six weeks to 12 months. God's family." to theology or other service to the church . In accordance with recent tradition, Society of America, works in A group of five people Father Finch, 66, entered the pope will bestow red hats on the new cardinals Feb.14 and then celebrate 26 countries around the joined the ranks of Maryknoll Maryknoll in 1966 and was Mass with them in St. Peter's Basilica the next day. His creation of new cardinals world. Father Finch began a Lay Missioners Dec. 1 after a ordained a priest in 1976. He will follow a consistory or meeting of the entire College of Cardinals Feb. 12-13. six-year leadership term in 10-week orientation period. served in Bolivia and Peru for November. He spoke to They will leave in January to 38 years and was superior Religious leaders condemn U.S. torture practices as report is released Catholic News Service Dec. 8 serve in EI Salvador, Kenya, general from 1996 to 2002. Tanzania and Cambodia for Although he was elected by a WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chairman of the U.S bishops' Committee on Interna­ at Maryknoll headquarters. For Catholics, mission at least three years. majority of his Maryknoll tional Justice and Peace said acts of torture outlined in a Senate Intelligence today is more of an everyday Maryknoll Lay Missioners confreres, the Brooklyn na­ Committee report "violated the God-given human dignity inherent in all peo­ experience and less of an ex­ came out of the umbrella and tive attributes his return to ple and were unequivocally wrong." Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New otic concept than it was in tradition of the Maryknoll Fa­ the leadership post to God's Mexico, also called on President Barack Obama to strengthen the legal prohibi­ the past, Father Finch said. thers and Brothers, but it sense of humor. tions against torture "to ensure that this never happens again." The bishop ''The world is much smaller functions independently. He was very happy in Latin joined several religious leaders who condemned the use of torture by the CIA and people come and go. You "We help people motivated America but said, "One of the after Democrats in the Senate released a 500-page executive summary of the won't find many young peo­ by the Gospel find situations, things very important in mis­ adapt to them and use their sion is to listen to what I am Senate Select Committee on Intelligence findings Dec. 9. The fuIl6,000-page ple who haven't left the coun­ try." talents in culturally appropri­ being called to do and try not report remains classified. The comments were provided by the Washington­ There are also more people ate ways," Father Finch said. to say no." based National Religious Campaign Against Torture after the report became from the United States work­ Lay involvement in Mary­ Father Finch said he will try public. ing in mission than ever be­ knoll has always been strong, to do better in his second fore, Father Finch said. but has grown as more term. One of the biggest chal­ Vatican sends bishops preparatory questionnaire for 2015 synod "Mission is so much bigger laypeople take responsibility lenges is "we are fewer and VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- To help set the agenda for the 2015 Synod of Bishops on than Maryknoll. We have a for parishes and their faith we are older. At the same the family, the Vatican is sending the world's Catholic bishops' conferences a role and a contribution, but lives, he said. time, I see people still giving Individual lay volunteers in and doing what they can to list of questions on a range of topics, including matters of marriage and sexual­ the whole church is in mis­ sion." short-term assignments work bring the Gospel and God's ity that proved especially controversial at the 2014 family synod.Together with Pope Francis talks about alongside Maryknoll mentors love," he said. There are 350 the final report of the 2014 assembly, the 46 questions published by the Vati­ people becoming missionary in Asia, Africa and Latin Maryknoll priests and broth­ can Dec. 9 comprise a preparatory document, known as a "lineamenta," for the disciples and that's what America. Groups from ers, a decline from 400 in Oct. 4-25 synod, which will have the theme: "The vocation and mission of the Maryknoll is trying to pro­ parishes and universities ex­ 2011. family in the church and the modern world." Bishops' conferences are being mote, Father Finch said. "He perience Maryknoll through "We do what we can," he asked to consult with "academic institutions, organizations, lay movements said we have to go beyond immersion trips. Father said, quoting Maryknoll co­ and other ecclesial associations" in preparing their responses, which are due at our needs to share with one Finch said the experience is founder Father James A. more valuable to the partici­ Walsh. "Our job still is to go the Vatican by April 15.The bishops' responses will serve as the basis forthe another, deepen our own faith and be transformed by pants than the Maryknoll where we are needed but not synod's working document, to be published by summer. Alist of 38 questions, God's grace." hosts, but is a blessing for wanted and stay until we are sent to the world's bishops in October 2013, was widely circulated on the Inter­ "He speaks of the joy of the church in the United wanted but not needed." net and helped generate advance interest in the 2014 synod. The questionnaire mission and becoming who States. "There's something "Numbers are not the for 2015 instructs bishops' conferences to "avoid, in their responses, a formula­ we are called to be," Father privileged about being able point. Maryknoll is about giv­ tion of pastoral care based simply on an application of doctrine," in favor of Finch said. to live the faith and share it ing things over to the local what it describes as Pope Francis' call to "pastoral activity that is characterized In Maryknoll's early years, with another culture on a church, forming the local by a 'c ulture of encounter' and capable of recognizing the Lord 's gratuitous the United States was consid­ deep level," he said. clergy and the local people. "Mission isn't just for pro­ Today, we call all people to work, even outside customary models." ered a mission-sending coun­ try and the overseas fessional missioners. It's for mission," Father Finch said. 0 RTH C OU NT RY C ATH 0 LI C COMMENTARYJl N DEC . 17, 2014 SCRIPTURE REFlEGIONS Will our hearts be ready for Jesus to be born? In the first reading today, Mary will be God's Tem­ be all right with her. After a last time when all those God scolds King David for ple. How can this fulfill discreet inquiry as to how DEC. 21 prophecies we heard read to trying to build Him God's promise to all of this will come about, us in the last few weeks are a house of gold, David that He will Mary, queen that she is, re­ Fourth Sunday of Advent brought to fulfillment. when for years, God place His Son, jesus, turns a regal, simple, in­ READINGS It's a question of that mys­ says he has been someday on David's credible answer, "I am the 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 terious presence in our perfectly satisfied throne? Through handmaid of the Lord." Romans 16:25-27 hearts that call forth from to live in a tent - the the fact that Mary Then she adds on an­ Luke 1:26-38 us faith and hope and love. Ark of the herself is a descen­ other sentence, "Let it be If we can only say a sim­ Covenant. dant of the House of done to me according to ple, unqualified "yes", life In today's read­ David. your Word. "Fiat voluntas could be so simple, and God ings, God says, "Not God thinks of tua". May your will be done, Advent, has been all about would be so pleased with yet!" Through the everything. God will God. She doesn't worry any waiting. And now we know us. That's why it's so impor­ what the waiting was all prophet, Nathan, Monsignor come into the world more about the "how", be­ tant that all of us confess God tells the King through His Son, cause the angel has assured about - to live our lives, con­ our sinfulness before Christ­ that He'll let Paul E. jesus. He will be her that nothing is impossi­ soled in the midst of our mas, and be absolved of Solomon do the Whitmore born in a stable, die ble with God, and, as a mat­ frustration with war and anything that could keep building of a Tem­ on a cross, and only ter of fact, God will be on corruption, as well as with jesus out of our hearts. ple. Later, God is going to then find His permanent location the whole time. our own personal failures. Advent ends this week, do something truly awe­ throne in that heaven from The meaning of Christmas For God is with us, mak­ and Christmas is just some. He is going to send which He came! is summed up in His name - ing sense of all the suffer­ around the corner, when His Son jesus, and jesus will The details are beautifully Emmanuel - God is with us ing, all the misery, helping jesus will be born again in chose for His Temple, a told in today's Gospel. to destroy our fears and us believe that we are in a hearts that are prepared to human person who is full of God sends His Angel, make us ambassadors of the much larger plan-- waiting receive Him. Will our hearts grace, obedience, and love. Gabriel, to ask Mary if it will Light. for Love to be born for the be ready? RES PEG LIFE 'Refreshing our browsers' with Advent prayer constant need to refresh my the doctor's waiting room, I I prayed for the locomo­ train station became tran­ By Kathleen M. Gallagher internet browser on election pray. tive engineers and mechan­ quil for me, almost sooth­ Director of Pro-life Activities night, anxiously awaiting Instead of becoming en­ ics, for those who monitor ing. New York State Catholic Conference the results of all the races. raged with frustra­ the signals and in­ I was centered on Christ, (While I am watching the re­ tion as I wait on the spect the track con­ on seeing His face in the I am not a patient person. sults come in on CNN.) phone line for a live ditions, for their people around me, on lis­ My blood pressure rises I offer this background to person, (you name it vigilance and atten­ tening to Him in the still­ whenever a traffic jam pre­ let you know why Advent is - the insurance com­ tion to detail. ness of my heart. vents me from getting to perhaps the most challeng­ pany, the credit card I thanked God for While we wait expectantly wherever I am going in a ing season for me. I'm just company or the each and everyone for the birth of the Baby timely manner. not good at waiting. cable television com­ of them. And then I jesus, know that He is al­ I'm a Type A personality, So this year, I decided to pany), I pray. prayed for the health ready here. We can see Him always jumping up at night use my waiting time pro­ Not only do I pray, and security of the in the most unlikely places. ductively. Each time I am but I pray for those passengers, that they We simply must choose to during television commer­ Kathleen cial breaks to finish washing called upon to wait, I pray. who are the very arrive safely at their see Him. the dishes or prepare Instead of seething in a source of my irrita­ Gallagher destinations and be Try it! It's the Christmas lunches for the following lengthy cashier check-out tion and anxiety. united with loved gift that keeps on giving. day. line at the shopping mall, I Yesterday I sat in the Am­ ones and friends and col­ just like hitting the "re­ As a political news junkie, pray. trak station waiting on a de­ leagues. fresh" button on our web my impatience is perhaps Instead of reading the layed train and I prayed for Wow. I was enveloped by browser will load new best demonstrated by my (germ-laden) magazines in the conductor and other an overwhelming sense of changes, refreshing our employees, for their wake­ calm, and focused on folks I spiritual browser will also fulness, dedication and dex­ ordinarily take for granted. bring change. We should al­ NorrH COUNTry CaTHOLIC Has GONe GreeN terity. The hustling, bustling, noisy ways be refreshing our , You now have the option to start receiving your Harth Country Catholicin your browsers, always be prepar­ : e-mail rather than in the mail. Fi ll in yonr information and send this form to ing to see Him. :D f' lease switch Iny cnrrent NCC subscript ion to E-mail 1'0 1I0x 326 Blessed Advent and Merry : Name Ogdensburg, tte:n. tio:n. Christmas to all! , NY13669 : Cu rrent Accou nt Number (found on your mai ling label) on (~ II ~~~~~!~S!~ : Address Christine at Notify our office so you don't miss a single , 315-608·7556 : City State__ Zip to make the issue of the North Country Catholic! Call (3 15) 608-7556 with your winter address. : E-mai l change L ______II NOR THe 0 U N TRY CAT H 0 Lie DEC. 17, 2014 ENTERTAINMENT ATTHE MOVIES ExODUS: GODS AND KINGS big but boring. The good vout spouse Zipporah). But By John Mulderig news is that, somewhere, his contentment is once Catholic News Service Cecil B. DeMille is at ease, again disturbed when God -­ knowing his 1956 block­ oddly personified by an 11 - Time was when the bibli­ buster "The Ten Command­ year-old boy (Isaac An­ cal extravaganza was a Hol­ ments" remains the drews) -- calls on him to lywood staple. In fact, from definitive mass-media take lead his enslaved compatri­ the silent era through the on this crucial portion of ots to freedom. mid-1960s, it seemed a safe the Old Testament. While Scott's picture has bet that selected slices of Scott's tale is not without computer-generated effects the best-selling volume of its promising aspects. Chief to spare, especially in the all time -- or fictional spin­ among them, for viewers of plague scenes, its human in­ offs from it like "Ben-Hur" -­ faith, is the conversion teraction is stilted and unin­ translated to the screen on a story his film introduces volving. Thus Moses' large scale would yield box­ into the life of Moses (Chris­ potentially intriguing spiri­ office gold. tian Bale). Here, the patri­ tual development is only Post-Beatles irony and the arch's series of trials and sketched out in the dia­ baby-boomer generation's triumphs takes him from re­ logue, and lacks the heft CNS PHOTO /FOX antipathy toward authority ligious skeptic to true be­ that might propel the audi­ Christian Bale, Kevork Mailkyan, center, and Maria Valverde star in a scene from the and tradition may have put liever. ence along on its trajectory. movie "Exodus: Gods and Men." that calculation to rest for a Raised as a foster son to Additionally, the collabo­ plexing to find Scott's main wilderness by which the fi­ few decades. But, as earlier Egypt's Pharaoh, Seti Uohn rative script -- penned by character frequently coming delity of the Hebrews was movie offerings from this Turturro), and adoptive Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, across as more merciful thereafter put to the test. year -- ranging from "Son of brother of Seti's heir, Ram­ Jeffrey Caine and Steven Za­ than the petulant lad who The film contains consid­ God" to "Noah" -- suggest, ses Uoel Edgerton), Moses is illian -- is skittish where mir­ embodies his vision of the erable combat and other vi­ some in Tinseltown are ap­ sent into exile when Hegep acles are concerned and Divinity. olence with some gore, parently dusting off their (Ben Mendelsohn), a corrupt revisionist in its treatment Though it ends with the religious themes requiring copies of the Scriptures and official whose wrongdoing of the relationship between giving of the Command­ mature discernment as well taking a second look. he has uncovered, reveals Moses and the Almighty. ments on Mount Sinai, at an as restrained sexual con­ The latest to do so is di­ his lowly origin as the child Granted, the Moses of the intimidating running time of tent. The Catholic News rector Ridley Scott ("Gladia­ of a Hebrew slave. Bible sometimes plays the over two-and-a-half hours, Service classification is A-III tor," "Kingdom of Heaven"). Working as a shepherd in role of advocate for the Is­ "Exodus: Gods and Kings" -- adults. The Motion Picture The bad news is that his 3-D Midian, Moses finds solace raelites, pleading with God may strike many as recall­ Association of America rat­ epic "Exodus: Gods and in married life (Maria to spare his wayward peo­ ing more directly the 40 ing is PG-13 -- parents Kings" (Fox) turns out to be Valverde plays his loyal, de- ple. But it's nonetheless per- years of wandering in the strongly cautioned. HOLIDAYS ••• ATIME OF FAITH AND FUN FORYOUNG CATHOLICS

The students from Mrs. Chestnut Kindergarten class and Mrs.leggue's Pre Kclass at St. St.Mary's Youth Group in Clayton and St. Vincent of Paul's Youth Group in Cape Vincent joined together for Operation Christmas Child Mary's School in Canton celebrated Thanksgiving.Shown front, from left are, Katie this year. The young people filled boxes with gifts for children ages two to 14, inserted acard and prayed over each box and for the Brown,Zoey Zebedee, Ellie Murphy, Kevyn Morrissey and Nicole White; second, Addison person who would be receiving it on the other end ofthe wo~d. Many parishioners sponsored abox and donated items. Pictured, Regan,James Dawley. Kennedy Fennell, Hailey Page, Paul Ames ,Jackson Zebedee and front from left, are KelseyTumer, Liam Wahl, Sabrina Wahl,Jeremy Golden, Paul Stewart and Emily Locke; second row Beth Locke, Maria Pena;third, Eleanor Bailey, Emily Quinell, Everett Palmer,Skye Palmer and Mason Skyler Stewart, Mariah Turner, Reba Gushlaw,Zack Tuner, Walter Patrick Cummings and Colby Stewart. Maroney. II N 0 RT H U NT RY C AT H 0 L I C AROUND THE DIOCESE c o DEC. 17 , 2014

ADIRONDACK HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS monthly Holy Hour for Vocation s. FESTIVAL OF LESSONS, CAROLS Watertown - Holy Hour for vocations to Date: Thursday before the First Friday be held. Time: 7 p.m. concluding with Benedic­ lake Pladd - The Northern Adirondack Date: Mon .-Fri. tion at 8 p.m. Vocal Ensemble (NAVE) will perform a Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Place: Deacon Winter Chapel Festival of lessons and Carols. Place: Holy Family Church Date: Dec. 28 Features: Eucharistic Adoration & per­ NOVENA FOR MILITARY Time: 4 p.m sonal prayer Ogdensburg - Notre Dame Church is Place: St. Agnes Church Contact: 315-782-2468 holding a Weekly novena for the safety Features: Anthems, carols, and hymns il­ of U.S. military personnel at a new time. luminate the Christmas story along with LlFERIGHT MEETING Date:Tuesday afternoons community readers and congregational Watertown -liferight of Watertown, a Time:1:30 p.m. singing in the tradition of King's College, pro-life educational organization, meets Cambridge. NAVE, under the musical di­ the first Wednesday of the Month. LATIN MASS rection of Andrew M. Benware, is a Time: 1 p.m. Potsdam - ATr identine (Latin) Massis mixed chamber choir of professional and Place: 312 Sherman St. celebrated each Sunday amateur singers that perform choral Contact: Phone 315-788-8480 Time: 12:30 p.m. music from a variety of periods and The North County Catholic welcomes contributions to "A round the Diocese': Place: St. Mary's Church styles in four to eight parts. LEWIS Parishioners are invited to send information about activities to: Celebrant: Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin Cost $1 0 suggested donation Nordl Country Catholic, POBo x3 26, EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Contact: [email protected] Ogdensburg, NY 13669; fax, 1-866-314-7296; EUCHARISTIC ADORATION e-mail news@north countrycatholi c.org. lowville - Eucharistic Adoration to be CLINTON held. Massena - St. Mary's& St. Joseph's hold Items must be received in the NCC office byth e Thursdayb efore publication . Date: Dec. 18 Benediction and Adoration every Friday PANCAKE BREAKFAST Time: 3 p.m. to 6 Time: 9 a.m.to 10 • Home on the Range Quilt Class - Feb. Place: St. Ann'sChurch Place:St. Peter's Church Place:St. Mary's Family Room Treadwell Mills - St.Alexander & St. 21,9 a.m. to 3 p.m . This fun and easy Contact: 518-856-9656 Features: the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Joseph'sChurch will hold an all you can quilt uses fat quarter blocks along with Silent Adoration, the Luminous Myster­ BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP eat pancake breakfast. easy machine applique. Cost $25. LATIN MASS ies of the Rosary, and Benediction. Massena - Sacred Heart/St. La wrence Date:Jan.4 Constable - ATridentine (latin) Mass is holds a Bereavement Support Group last Time: 8:30 a.m .to 12:30 a.m. CHAMPLAIN BUS FOR LIFE celebrated each Friday at 5:30 p.m. with Tuesday of each month . Place:StJoseph's Parish Hall INTERNATIONAL CR~CHES Plattsburgh - Time to sign up for the Fr. Howard Venette as the celebrant. Houseville - An international exhibit of Time: 2 p.m. 2015 Lake Champlain Bus for life. Mass will also be celebrated every first LESSONS AND CAROLS BY NAVE ChristmasCreches-Nativities Will be on Place: Sacred Heart Con vent 5chedule:Meet at St. Peter'sChurch in Saturday at 9 a.m. display, free and open to the public Contact: 315-769-3137 Plattsburgh - The Northern Adirondack on Jan .21 at 7:15 p.m. for the Jan. 22 Place:St. Francis of Assisi Church. Place: St. Hed wig's Church. Vocal Ensemble (NAVE) will perform a March For life. Arrive in Washington, Schedule:The display may be seen on COMMUNITY FREE LUNCH Festival of lessons and Carols. JEFFERSON D.C. early Jan . 22; Free Time in the morn­ the following Sundays: Dec. 14, 21 , 28 Ogdensburg - The Kof Council 258 is Date: Dec.27 ing . Rally and March at noon on Na­ DECEMBER ULTREYA and Jan. 4 (2015). The display may be starting up its Community Free Lunch Time: 7:30 p.m. tional Mall; Meet at St. Peter's Church in Watertown - Cursillo Community cele­ viewed after the 11 a.m. Mass or from 1 Date: Wednesdays Place: St. Peter'sChurch D.C. at 4:45pm for the trip home. brating December Ultreya. p.m. to 3 on the above dates, or by ap­ Time: Noon Features: Anthems, carols, and hymns il­ Cost $25 Date: Dec 18 pointment. Place: Kof CClub luminate the Christmas story along with Contact: Karen Smith at 518-566-6229 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 Contact: 348-6260. Contact: Club Rooms 393-7990 after 4 community readers and congregational or Betty Buffett at (518) 536-6640. To Place: Chapel of St. Patrick's Church p.m. any day or on Wednesday'safter singing in the tradition of King's College, sign up for the bus or make a donation, Features: Cursillistas' reunion. Also, we POLISH CHRISTMAS WAFER 10:30 a.m. Cambridge. NAVE, under the musical di­ mail your check to St. Peter's Church 114 welcome those interested in deepening Houseville - The Polish Christmas Wafer, rection of Andrew M. Benware, is a Cornelia Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901. a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Oplatek, is available from St. Hed wig 's NEIGHBORING DIOCESES mixed chamber choir of professional and Note on the memo line:"Bus for life." and sharing it with other Catholics. Church. SILENT RETREAT amateur singers that perform choral Cost: $3 per package plus postage. Syracuse - Asilent directed retreat to be music from a variety of periods and EUCHARISTIC ADORATION HOLY HOURS Features: Oplatek, is part of a Polish, held. styles in four to eight parts. Plattsburgh - Eucharistic Adoration is Adams/Henderson - Holy Hours to be lithuanian and Slovak custom that is ob- Date: Jan .2 at 6p.m.toJan.4, 12 p.m. Cost $10 suggested donation held throughout the year every Wednes held. served during the Vigil of Christmas Place: Spiritual Renewal Center Contact:drew. ben [email protected] day, ThursdaY,and Friday. Schedule: First Wed. at St. Cecilia 6:30 (Wigilia). Afterthe first star is visible, Cost: $250 Place: St.john's "Holy Family" Adora p.m.: Jan. 7; Feb.4; March 4; Third Mon­ QUILTING CLASSES family and friends gather around the Contact: spiritualrenewalcenter.com; ion Chapel, downstairs day at St. Cecilia 5 p.m. (followed by pot dinner table to share the oplatek, which Phone: 315 -472-6546; Email: mail@spir­ Ellenburg Center - Upcoming Quilt Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m luck) Jan. 19; Feb. 16; March16;Thurs­ symbolizes the presence of Christ, the itualrenewalcenter.com Classes at The Lost Sheep Quilt Shop. Contact: call 518-561-5083 or email day at Queen of Heaven 5:30 p.m.: ; Dec. Newborn Child.The oplatek is sent and Place: Our Lady of the Adirondacks [email protected] 18; Jan.22 shared with family and friends all over 24 HOUR RETREAT Schedule: Features: adoration following the the world as a symbol of love, unity and Syracuse - A 24 hour retreat to be held. • Beginners Quilting Class - Jan.l0, FRANKLIN 10:30 a.m. Mass on Wed. forgiveness while wishing God's Blessing Schedule: From March 13 at 7 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.to 3p.m. We'll be making a lap DEVOTION AND HOLY HOUR on each other this Holy Night. March 14 at 7 p.m. size qUilt and you 'll learn all the basics of St. Regis Falls - First Saturday Devotion ADVENT MYSTERY PLAYERS Contact: 348-6260. Place: Spiritual Renewal Center beginning level quilting. Cost $20. and Holy Hour to be held. The Advent schedule for the IHC Mystery Cost: $140 'Star Quilt or Winter Star - Jan.24, ST.LAWRENCE Date: First Saturday of each month. Players has been announced. Contact: spiritualrenewalcenter.com, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your choice of two Time: immediately following the 4:30 Dec.21- 7:15 at Holy Family Church in phone: 315-472-6546 Email: mail @spir­ quilt deSigns. Can be made table topper HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS anticipated Mass. Watertown. Ogdensburg - St. Mary's is holding a itualrenewalcenter.com up to crib size. Cost $20. II NORTH C O U N TRY CAT H 0 Li e DEC. 17, 2014 NEWS OBITUARIES The Pontifical Mission Societies of the ...... (\1-+"1:1)../ Carthage - Carolyn (Hickox) Johnson, 65; lake Placid - Emelie K. Hughes-Lamb, 32; Ticonderoga -James Alan Trombl ey, 40; Diocese of Ogdensburg,lnc. Funeral Services Dec. 16,2014 at St. Funeral Services Dec. 12, 2014 at St. Funeral Services Dec. 10, 2014 at the James Church; burial in the Old StJames Agnes Church; burial in St. Agnes Ceme­ Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home. ~~~i§ie The Society for the Propagation of the Faith Cemetery. tery. 51. Mary Ellen Brett, SSJ, Director Watertown - Mary Elizabeth Stebbins 622 Washington st., Ogdensburg, NY 11669 (3 1S) 393-2920; 10' 1-866-314-7296 Carthage -Joyce E. (Harper) Lackey, 61; Malone -William Fitzpatrick, 81; Funeral LaFave, 84; Funeral Services Dec. 13, 2014 mbrett@rcd ony.org Funeral Services Dec.12,2014 at St. Services Dec. 13, 2014 at StJoseph's at St. Patrick's Church; burial at Glen­ James Church . Church; burial in StJoseph's Cemetery. wood Mausoleum.

Champlain - Donald R."Smitty" Smith, Massena -Joan (Annable) Burnham, 80; Watertown - Kevin Patrick Quinn, 58; Fu­ Thinking about 81; Funeral Services Dec. 12, 2014 at St. Funeral Services Dec.5, 201 4 atthe neral Services Dec. 9, 2014 at St. Patrick's Mary's Church . Phillips Memorial Home. Church; burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Christmas Clayton -Therese M. (Tetrault) Burns, 88; Massena -Thomas R. Dishaw, 73; Funeral Watertown - Louis I. Ossola, 81; Funeral Funeral Services Dec. 11 ,2014 at St. Services Dec. 10, 2014 at the Philips Me­ Services Dec. 12, 2014 at Our Lady of the Mary's Church. morial Home. Sacred Heart; burial in Glenwood Ceme­ From the Director's Desk tery, Watertown Sister Mary Ellen Brett, SSJ, Dannemora - Kathryn Helena Manley Plattsburgh - Gertrude T. Baraba, 82; Fu­ Diocesan Mission Director Provost, 72; Funeral Services Dec. 12, neral Services Dec. 9, 2014 at St. Peter's 2014 at StJoseph's Church. Church; burial in parish cemetery. In thinking about Christmas, children immediately come to mind. As we seek always the best for the children in our Harrisville - Barbara J. Mcintosh, 87; Fu­ Plattsburgh -Virginia M. Nera, 72; Fu­ own lives, we know that so many children in the world trag­ neral Services Dec. 9,2014 at St.Francis neral Services Dec. 13, 2014 at St.John's ically live with immense suffering and violence; others fac­ Solan us Church; burial in Garrison Ceme­ Church. ing extraordinary poverty and its related challenges. tery, Pitcairn. These children are truly the "most vulnerable," as Pope Plattsburgh - Gail (Cobb) Phifer, 69; Fu­ Francis says. These children in our mission family need us, Hogansburg - Catherine (Swamp) Cook, neral Services Dec. 10, 2014 at St.John's especially as Christmas comes. 94; Funeral Services Dec. 8, 2014 at St. Church; burial in at Immaculate Concep­ Each year, your support of the Society for the Propagation Regis Church; burial in Kateri Cemetery. tion Church, Keeseville .. of the Faith directly reaches children in some 1,150 mis­ .9lt;lji04 Alta g;'rt? sion-dependent dioceses, mostly in Africa and Asia. f/hp Uj00rttWlbj. Just this past year, more than 3.5 million children and Lake Placid - Dorothy Duarte Sullivan Theresa - Larry Jay Reynolds, 52; Funeral their families in some of the poorest parts of the globe ben­ Connors, 89; Funeral Services Dec.6, 2014 Services Dec. 15, 2014 at StTheresa of efited from this help. This includes projects for the "protec­ at St. Agnes Church. Avila. tion of life"; loving care for orphans and children with For a New or HIV / AIDS, compassionate assistance for children with dis­ abilities, and courageous advocacy for street children, and Used Car in the areas of child labor, human trafficking and child sol­ diers. There are the children who receive an education, Visit our website MORT from pre-kindergarten through elementary school, the chil­ dren who learn of God's great love for each of us, the "Good www.northcountrycatholic.org BACKUS News" of great joy proclaimed by the angel at that first Read Bishop LaValley's columns Christmas in programs for catechesis and Christian forma­ Search archived papers & SONS tion. View diocesan events and much more On Canton-Ogdensburg Rd. This year, our Christmas Appeal for the Society for the Phone Propagation of the Faith invites you to "be an angel" for chil­ I] Find us on Facebook! 315-393-5899 dren in the Missions - to pray and provide that direct help, and so offer them, through the loving care of priests, reli­ gious Sisters and lay leaders, the love and hope that every child needs and should have. ------Warm up-withGoodNews! ----- Won't you add the children of the Missions - often the "most vulnerable" - to your gift list this Christmas'Nour Visit our website at www.northcountrycatholic.org prayers and gifts are life-saving, life-giving, life-changing. to pay by Credit Card for immediate delivery. As I thank you for reaching out to the world's most vul­ OR Send this coupon with payment to: nerable children, I promise prayers for you and your inten­ tions throughout Advent and especially at Christmas. North Country Catholic May Jesus, born of Mary, always be close to you and to the PO Box 106, Canajoharie, New York, 13317 children in your lives! "Please allow 3-4 weeks/or delivery when mailing in your renewal" o Inside Diocese $27 0 Outside Diocese $30 Please remember"The Society for the Propagation of the Faith" o Please send my when writing or changing your Will. I want to be a Patron: 0 $35 0 $500 $1000 $250 subscription to my W arm up with a o New Subscription 0 Renewal e-mail address: subscription to th e Name.______D.L. CALARCO N orth Country Catholic and find out what is Address ______Funeral Home, Inc. happening with the City______State_ Zip ___ 135 Keyes Avenue Diocese of Ogdensburg. Service Available Watertown' 782-4910 Parish, ______BACK PEW II NORTH C OUNTRY C ATHOLIC DEC . 17, 2014 THE YEAR IN REVIEW - 2014 Pope continues to 'take the world by storm' people with ways of life con­ By Carol Zimmermann trary to church teaching, or Catholic News Service reflect the theme of mercy, the pope so often articulates. WASH INGTON (CNS) -- During the German Cardinal Walter second year of his pontifi­ Kasper, who gained attention cate, Pope Francis was still during the synod for his pro­ feeling the love, and not just posal to make it easier for di­ from Catholics or those from vorced and Civilly remarried his homeland of Argentina. Catholics to receive Com­ A Pew Research Center munion, told an audience at study released Dec. 11 The Catholic University of showed that the pope has America in Washington in broad support across much early November that Pope of the world. Sixty percent of Francis is "a pope of sur­ the 43 nations polled had a prises." positive view of the pontiff. In using words that almost And Americans, in particu­ sound like something the lar, have shown their fond­ pope would say, the German ness for Pope Francis, often cardinal said Pope Francis extolling his simplistic style. has "succeeded in a short According to the Pew study, time in brightening up the 78 percent of Americans CNS PHOTO /PAUL HARING gloomy atmosphere that had view the pope favorably. Pope Francis greets ababy as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in October. Unlike this un­ settled like mildew on the Put another way: Arch­ happy little girl, most people around the world held apositive view of the pope during the second year of his pontificate. church." bishop Joseph E. Kurtz of He also acknowledged that Louisville, Kentucky, who the cover of many magazines "troublemaker" and "anti-es- the pope's impact shouldn't the pope has his detractors, just completed his first year in 2013, still had the coveted tablishment" in their discus- be measured in returning saying: "What for some is the as president of the U.S. Con­ cover spot - not usually re- sion about Pope Francis. Catholics, but in the restored beginning of a new spring, is ference of Catholic Bishops, served for religious leaders - They also commended his image of the Catholic Church for others a temporary cold said the pope has "taken the on Rolling Stone magazine strong leadership and man- and the number of Catholics spell." world by storm." this February. agement style and of course, who feel proud of their faith The cardinal said the pope He recently told Catholic He was also the topic of a his popularity. again thanks to Pope Francis. doesn't "represent a tradi­ News Service that 2014 number of books issued this Kerry Robinson, executive Eileen Burke-Sullivan, asso- tionalist or a progressive brought worldwide attention year and innumerable director of the National Lead- ciate theology professor at scheme," but instead "wants to almost everything Pope Catholic discussions either ership Roundtable on Creighton University in to lead faith and morality Francis said and did - which during coffee and doughnut Church Management, said Omaha, Nebraska, told CNS back to their original center," "in so many ways," he said, socials after Masses or larger- the pope's strongest action in March that in visits to var- to the heart of the Gospels. made the U.S. bishops' work scale symposiums at so far had been urging peo- ious parishes in the country, That's a recurring theme of easier. Catholic universities. pIe to personal conversion. she heard numerous stories Pope Francis and for many it And the bishops were not During a Feb. 3 talk on the The conversion he seeks in of parents' grown children was echoed in the pope's ap­ the only ones to recognize "Francis factor" at George- the world, she said, "starts who have been inspired by pointment this fall of Arch­ the pope's appeal. town University, panelists now, with us." the example of the pope and bishop Blase]. Cupich as the The pontiff, who was on used descriptors such as At the same gathering, want to come back to the new archbishop of Chicago. hosted by Georgetown's Ini- church. The archbishop's simple tiative on Catholic Social She also said parishes and very pastoral style has Thought and Public Life, should be prepared for these often been compared to Pope Plattsburgh John Allen, associate editor returning Catholics and be Francis. at the Boston Globe, said sure they are ready to serve And certainly many Wholesale Homes there are likely some cardi- as "field hospitals" welcom­ Catholics will accompany nals who might say the pope ing all, as the pope has said each other next fall when has done things that make they must do. Pope Francis will make his them nervous, but they This fall, the pope had a lot first visit to the United States would still no doubt appreci- of eyes on him during the ex­ to attend the World Meeting ate his overall appeal. traordinary Synod of Bishops of Families in Philadelphia in New or Used Manufactured Bring this ad and a copy I One catch, so far with the on the family at the Vatican. late September. pope's popularity, is that it The pope opened the first Plans call for the pope to and Modular Homes of your income tax return I has not, as of yet in the U.S ., working session, but never attend the Festival of Fami­ 7109 State Route 9 showing refund amount I drawn more people, or those expressed his views during lies Sept. 26 - a cultural cele­ who have left the church, the gathering. bration expected to draw up 518-563-1100 or 1-800-640-1833 and we will match that I back to Mass or the sacra- At the synod's end, many to 800,000 participants - and www.pwmh .com amount up to $2,000 I ments in measurable num- news outlets said the final re­ to celebrate Sunday Mass the I bers, according to a Pew port was a "setback" or "loss" afternoon of Sept. 27 on the Plattsburgh Wholesale Homes will deliver homes I Research Center poll earlier for the pope, because it did steps of the Philadelphia Mu­ this year. not include the midterm's seum of Art for a crowd of as far as Watertown, come see us today! I Some observers have said conciliatory language toward about 1 million people. ~------~