Bringing Christ to the Front Lines

Joyful Witness Near accident results in God’s work of mercy, writes columnist Kim Pohovey, page 12. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960

CriterionOnline.com March 13, 2020 Vol. LX, No. 22 75¢ As the Church Bringing Christ to the front lines becomes more diverse, Catholic vote becomes harder to define WASHINGTON (CNS)—In the last presidential election, some political pundits referred to the “Catholic vote,” one that predicted Donald J. Trump’s rise to the presidency, and one that aligned in 2016 with the voting constituency that landed him the White House: overwhelmingly white and politically conservative voters. But what the vote also revealed was a demographic shift taking place among Catholic voters, one that depends more on the ethnic background of the person casting the vote than on a religious affiliation. “When we don’t talk about the white Catholic vote vs. the Hispanic Catholic vote, we’re really missing a lot,” said Elizabeth Podrebarac Sciupac, senior researcher at the Pew Research Center and one of the panelists of “Faith and the Faithful in the 2020 Presidential Primaries” roundtable hosted on March 4 by the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. “We know the entire U.S. is becoming far more politically polarized than ever before, and religious groups are not immune to Father Adam Ahern celebrates Mass on Feb. 8 for soldiers on a military base in Jordan. There is no regular chaplain serving the region, and the that,” she said. soldiers appreciate when a chaplain visits. (Submitted photo) Though 52 percent of Catholic voters cast ballots for Trump in the 2016 presidential election, the majority of Latino Catholics—which at 38 percent of Despite danger, archdiocesan priest ministers the Catholic population in the U.S. is the second largest ethnic group in the Church— overwhelmingly voted for Democratic to U.S. soldiers serving in the Middle East candidate Hillary Clinton. By Sean Gallagher base. When they returned, the Mass as part of Task Force Spartan since last And in the recent Democratic primaries, resumed. May. From there, he has traveled across Latinos carried progressive Bernie Sanders Father Adam Ahern was just starting Standing behind the altar in the the Middle East to minister to to victory on Super Tuesday in the delegate- to celebrate Mass at a remote U.S. Army base’s chapel, Father Ahern looked up U.S. soldiers throughout the region. rich state of California. base in Afghanistan, calling on God’s at its back wall. Serving in tense combat situations is “I think that the really important mercy, when alarms went off. “You could see in the wall where nothing new for the priest. Years earlier, Catholic vote in this primary election was Artillery shells or rocket fire were an artillery round had actually gone before he became an archdiocesan the Hispanic Catholics,” said Jesuit Father coming toward the base. Everyone through the wall [in the past] and seminarian, he had been an Army Thomas Reese, who also spoke on the panel at the Mass went to the ground for landed just outside the chapel,” he sergeant in a special forces unit that examined the way religious values and cover. recalled in a recent phone interview assigned to a base in Afghanistan. After voters are shaping the race for the White It was soon learned that the rounds with The Criterion. later serving in communications in the House in 2020. landed outside the base. The soldiers As a chaplain in the Indiana Army White House, Father Ahern discerned The way a voter views and practices his attending the Mass then had to report National Guard, Father Ahern has been a call to the priesthood and was or her faith, which in many ways is painted to where they were serving at the deployed to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait See SOLDIERS, page 8 with the brush of their socioeconomic See ELECTION, page 9 Public Masses suspended in Italy; Vatican closes St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica to tourists VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The suspension of public Masses in Italy is a painful yet necessary measure to protect people’s health, the country’s bishops said. And in cooperation with Italian emergency measures, the Vatican has closed St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to tourists starting on March 10 through April 3. The new measure, announced on March 10, was the latest move by the Vatican to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by reducing access to places that attract large groups of people. On March 8, the Vatican closed the Vatican Museums, the necropolis and other museums connected with the Vatican. “In coordination with measures introduced by Italian authorities,” the Vatican said in a communique, “starting today, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica will be A worker sprays disinfectant to combat the coronavirus in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in See ITALY, page 9 Naples, Italy, on March 6. (CNS photo/Fotogramma/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COMNo via Reuters) Page 2 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020

USCCB launches ‘Walking With Moms Public Schedule of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson in Need’ yearlong parish service project ______WASHINGTON (CNS)— (“The Gospel of Life”). The encyclical, March 13 – 23, 2020 U.S. Catholic bishops are being asked the 11th of his pontificate, forthrightly to invite the parishes in their dioceses to condemns abortion and euthanasia, March 13 – 11:30 a.m. March 18 – 7 p.m. join a nationwide effort called “Walking the major attacks on human life at its St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Indianapolis Confirmation for youths of Good With Moms in Need: A Year of Service” beginning and end. It also contained Shepherd Parish, Indianapolis, at from March 25 of this year through what several observers at the time called March 14 – 2 p.m. SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis March 25, 2021. the strongest expression ever of Church Confirmation Mass for youths of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of teaching against capital punishment: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Clarksville, March 19 – 10 a.m. Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the It says the cases of justifiable use of it at St. Anthony of Padua Church Leadership Team meeting at Archbishop U.S. Conference of today are “very rare, if not practically Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center Catholic Bishops’ nonexistent.’” March 16 – 4:45 p.m. (USCCB) Committee Through the Year of Service, Mass and dinner with Diocesan March 19 – 6:30 p.m. on Pro-Life Activities, parishes are asked to complete a simple Catechetical Leaders of Indiana at Mass at Edinburgh Correctional Facility, announced the new inventory of the resources currently Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, Edinburgh initiative on the available in their local area, assess the Indianapolis National Day of results and identify gaps, and plan and March 21 – 9:30 CT Prayer for the Legal implement a parish response based on March 17 – 1 p.m. Mass to Celebrate 150th Anniversary of Protection of Unborn their findings. Council of Priests meeting at Saint Meinrad Archabbey being named Children on Jan. 22, In “recognizing that women in need Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara an abbey at Archabbey Church of Our the anniversary of the can be most effectively reached at the Catholic Center, Indianapolis Lady of Einsiedeln, St. Meinrad. Archbishop Joseph Supreme Court’s 1973 local level,” Archbishop Naumann F. Naumann Roe v. Wade decision explained, the Year of Service “invites March 18 – 8 a.m. March 21 – 5:30 p.m. legalizing abortion parishes to assess, communicate, and Mass for students of St. Monica School, Baptisms at St. Augustine Church in through all nine months of pregnancy expand resources to expectant mothers Indianapolis, at St. Monica Church Lebanon, Ky. across the country. within their own communities.” The new program has its own website, The Year of Service is divided into five March 18 – 10 a.m. March 23 – 8 a.m. www.walkingwithmoms.com, with phases of parish action: Department heads meeting at Indiana Bishops and Major Superiors “resources, outreach tools and models to • Phase 1: Announce the Year of Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara meeting at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat assist parishes in this effort.” Resources Service and begin building a core team Catholic Center House will continue to be added to the site, (March 2020). (Schedule subject to change.) according to the USCCB’s Secretariat of • Phase 2: Launch parish inventory Pro-Life Activities. process (May 2020). “As the Church and growing numbers • Phase 3: Share inventory results of pro-life Americans continue to advocate and begin assessment and planning for women (September Pope: ‘Synodality’ is theme for 2022 synod and children in 2020). courthouses and • Phase 4: VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Congregation for the Doctrine of the legislatures,” Announcement Francis has decided the next world Faith, published a document on the topic, Archbishop and Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which “Synodality In the Life and Mission of Naumann said, Commitment to will take place in October 2022, will the Church.” “the Church’s Parish Response have the theme: “For a synodal Church: Synodality, which has been present pastoral (January 2021). Communion, participation and mission.” in Christianity since its very beginning, response is • Phase 5: The Vatican announced the choice the document said, is not simply about focused on the Celebration and of “synodality” as the theme in a brief involving people in decision making, but needs of women facing pregnancies in Implementation of Parish Plans (March communique on March 7. involving all the baptized in discerning challenging circumstances.” 2021). “Synodality,” which literally means God’s will and listening to the Holy Spirit. This pastoral response to pregnant There are suggested steps for “walking together,” has become a key topic Regarding questions that continue to be women and mothers in need “has long implementing each phase along of Pope Francis’ pontificate, but one which raised about the similarities and differences been the case” for the Church, he said, but with sample announcements, sample has raised questions and even confusion. between synodality and a democratic form added the Year of Service will “intensify” intercessions, homily helps and a prayer The basic idea in the pope’s teaching of Church governance, the commission this response. activity. is that the grace of baptism makes a wrote: “A synodal Church is a Church The launch date of the program For example in Phase 1, the steps person part of the body of the Church of participation and co-responsibility. marks the 25th anniversary of St. John include appointing a parish leader; and, therefore, responsible for its life and In exercising synodality, she is called to Paul II’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” beginning to assemble a parish core team; mission. In a hierarchical Church, that shared give expression to the participation of establishing a parish support network; responsibility calls for regular, serious and all, according to each one’s calling, with and announcing the “Evangelium Vitae” structural forums for listening to all members the authority conferred by Christ on the Official Appointment anniversary and Year of Service; praying of the Church. At the same time, as the pope College of Bishops headed by the pope. for pregnant mothers in need as a parish has said, it does not mean putting decisions Participation is based on the fact that all Effective Immediately community; and beginning to plan the to a vote as if a synod were a parliament. the faithful are qualified and called to serve parish’s first core team meeting. In 2018, the International Theological each other through the gifts they have all Rev. Jayaseelan Sengolraj, “We pray that ‘Walking with Moms Commissionm which advises the received from the Holy Spirit.” † Archdiocese of Delhi, India, to in Need: A Year of Service’ will help us parochial vicar of SS. Francis and reach every pregnant mother in need, Clare of Assisi Parish in Greenwood. that she may know she can turn to her Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for March local Catholic community for help (This appointment is from the office of and authentic friendship,” Archbishop the Most Rev. Charles C. Thompson, Naumann added when he announced the • Catholics in China—We pray that the Church Archbishop of Indianapolis.) † nationwide effort in January. † in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity. Correction In the Feb. 21 issue of The Criterion, an obituary of Franciscan Sister Alice Retzner (To see Pope Francis’ monthly intentions, go to was published that did not list all of her surviving siblings. Her brother, John Retzner of www.archindy.org/popesintentions.) † Sunman, was not included. †

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Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 3 Bill lifts barriers to career opportunities for youths in poverty By Victoria Arthur apprenticeships are essential educational and networking opportunities that every For a young person in a poor family, an student should be able to participate in internship or other work-based learning without worrying about how it will affect ‘Programs like internships and apprenticeships opportunity can offer the first step to a their family’s financial situation.” are essential educational and networking better life. Beyond offering a brighter future for opportunities that every student should be able But for many impoverished youths in young people in difficult circumstances, to participate in without worrying about how it Indiana, that path is never taken—because Goodrich said the legislation makes good will affect their family’s financial situation.’ the wages they economic sense for Indiana. Gov. Eric earn from those Holcomb has launched an initiative —Rep. Chuck Goodrich jobs can prevent known as Next Level Jobs that aims to their families from take the state’s workforce to the next level continuing to with a focus on in-demand, high-paying receive the government assistance they positions. Next Level Jobs provides free it supports the family unit,” said Angela TANF is a federal government program desperately need. training for Hoosiers and reimbursements Espada, executive director of the ICC, the that provides grants to the states for A bill that unanimously passed both for Indiana employers offering such public policy voice of the Catholic Church distribution to families in deep poverty. the Indiana House and Senate would training in high-demand fields like health in Indiana. “The families affected by Because of antiquated state guidelines, help break down those barriers. House care and information technology. this bill receive public assistance, which the $288 maximum monthly payout for Bill 1009, authored by Rep. Chuck The governor’s agenda calls for means they are financially vulnerable. Our a family of three in deep poverty has not Goodrich (R-Noblesville), would exempt filling more than 1 million job openings faith calls us to assist the poor. been adjusted for inflation in more than a student’s income earned through a paid in Indiana by 2025. According to state “Supporting this bill is also important 30 years. Senate Bill 111 would have internship, apprenticeship or other work- officials, there are currently 45,000 because it allows young people to be modernized TANF in Indiana, but the based opportunity from their family’s positions available for highly skilled exposed to internships and programs that measure did not receive a hearing. eligibility for the Temporary Assistance individuals. can help them break the cycle of poverty Fraser explained that if House Bill for Needy Families (TANF) program and “Indiana’s unemployment rate without hurting their families’ eligibility 1009 becomes law, TANF benefits would the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance continues to sit below the national for assistance.” receive immediate protection, unlike those Program (SNAP), more commonly known average, but we also have more jobs Espada was among those who testified related to SNAP and for Medicaid, which as food stamps. Goodrich said that available than workers to fill them,” in favor of the legislation before a House would require the state to file for a waiver students too often turn down promising Goodrich said. “This bill reaffirms committee, along with Jessica Fraser, and then await federal approval. opportunities because their earnings could our continued focus on growing our program director for the Indiana Institute “TANF is unique in that the state has put their families over the household workforce to help support a solid pipeline for Working Families. the power right now to decide what is income threshold for receiving help of skilled workers to keep Indiana’s “We were hearing from practitioners and isn’t income,” Fraser said. “The state through these programs. economic momentum moving forward.” in the [Next Level Jobs] initiative that would be able to make this change for “Many companies today have a House Bill 1009, which was awaiting students were being discouraged from TANF families right away under its own minimum requirement of one to two the governor’s signature at press time, had participating because of these financial authority, so that is exciting to us because years of relevant work experience, strong backing from the Indiana Catholic concerns,” said Fraser, a member of it’s progress on the TANF portion right even for entry-level jobs,” Goodrich Conference (ICC). St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in away. said. “Programs like internships and “The ICC supported this bill because Indianapolis. “The state is allocating “I am very hopeful that the governor money toward work-based learning will sign this legislation,” she added. programs, but students are afraid that their To follow priority legislation of the families are going to get punished from an ICC, visit www.indianacc.org. This economic standpoint if they pursue these website includes access to I-CAN, the ‘The families affected by this bill receive opportunities.” Indiana Catholic Action Network, which public assistance, which means they are In the final days of this year’s short offers the Church’s position on key financially vulnerable. Our faith calls us to legislative session, Fraser said she was issues. Those who sign up for I-CAN encouraged by the strong support for receive alerts on legislation moving assist the poor.’ House Bill 1009 in both chambers of the forward and ways to contact their elected —Angela Espada, executive director of the Indiana Catholic Indiana General Assembly. As a public representatives. Conference policy expert on TANF, she considered the forward movement on the bill a bright (Victoria Arthur, a member of St. Malachy spot after the roadblocks encountered in Parish in Brownsburg, is a correspondent the legislature on TANF itself. for The Criterion.) † After leading ‘virtual’ Angelus, pope blesses crowd in St. Peter’s Square VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis bishops in encouraging the faithful to live criteria, but according to his plan of love,” continued. “We feel inadequate, but we did not recite the Sunday Angelus from the this difficult moment with the strength of the pope said. “Jesus’ love has no limit. cannot withdraw with the excuse of our window of his studio overlooking faith, the certainty of hope and the fervor “It was a gratuitous choice, without incompetence.” St. Peter’s Square on of charity. condition, a free initiative, a divine People often are tempted to say that March 8, but he did “May this season of Lent help us give friendship that asked nothing in return,” they are too busy to pray or to help out go to the window to everything a Gospel sense, even this Pope Francis said. “And as he called those in the parish or to assist a neighbor in wave and to bless the moment of trial and suffering,” Pope three disciples, today he still calls some to need, the pope said. “But we must not pilgrims who showed Francis said. be close to him in order to give witness. forget that the baptism we received makes up anyway. After his Ash Wednesday services on “Being witnesses of Jesus is a gift us witnesses, not because of our own The Vatican Feb. 26, Pope Francis began cancelling that we have not deserved,” the pope abilities, but by the gift of the Spirit.” † had announced the events because of a cold, according to the day before that the Vatican press office. While he was not Angelus prayer and coughing during the Angelus on March 8 Pope Francis the pope’s weekly and while his voice was not as hoarse at it general audience on had been, the microphone did pick up the March 11 would be sound of wheezing. livestreamed from the papal library “to The tradition of the pope reciting avoid the risk of spreading the COVID-19 the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s [coronavirus],” especially given the Square began with Pope Pius XII in the crowding that occurs at the security fall of 1954; he had done a special radio checkpoints on entering the square. broadcast of the Angelus on the feast of The Italian government and Vatican City the Assumption, Aug. 15, that year and State health services have asked people decided it was a practice he wanted to throughout Italy to avoid large gatherings, expand. particularly indoors, and to keep a yard’s Since then, the popes have kept the distance between people in public in the Sunday noon appointment except when hopes of slowing the spread of the virus. they were traveling or, in the case of Following the lead of the Italian St. John Paul II, when he was hospitalized. 03/27/20 government, the Vatican also announced However, even after being shot on on March 8 that the Vatican Museums, the May 13, 1981, he recorded a brief necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica and message broadcast in St. Peter’s Square. the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo would In his main Angelus address on March 8, be closed until April 3 to reduce situations Pope Francis spoke about the day’s Gospel where people crowd together. account of the transfiguration. Pope Francis began his Angelus address Jesus took Peter, James and John up acknowledging that “it’s a bit odd, today’s Mount Tabor with him; “the privilege of 03/27/20 03/27/20 Angelus prayer with the pope ‘caged’ in being at the transfiguration was reserved the library,” but he said he could see there to them” and not all 12 Apostles, the were people in the square and he was with pope noted. “But why the choice of these all those who were praying with him. three? Were they holier? No. Peter, at “I am close in prayer to the people who time of trial would deny him. And the two are suffering from the current coronavirus brothers, James and John, would ask to epidemic, and all those who are caring for have the first places in his kingdom. them,” the pope said. “I join my brother “Jesus does not choose according to our Page 4 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020

Opinion Reflection/Amelia Goffinet Take time to be ‘in the moment’ throughout this Lenten season Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher What have you given up for Lent? I believe he may be on to something. Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus As we’ve been taught, Lent is 40 days Along with giving something up for of repentance, fasting and preparation Lent, consider adding something to your for Easter. The 40 days of Lent remind Lenten promise. How about allowing us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the yourself to “live in the moment?” Try Editorial wilderness. All the putting your phone (the modern curse) while, Satan was down for a while each day, looking into St. Patrick, patron throwing temptation the eyes of the person with whom you are of Ireland, is after temptation after talking. depicted in a stained-glass temptation at him. Enjoy nature. Watch the clouds as they window at St. What does your pass by, noticing how they break apart to Christopher temptation look like? form shapes. Notice the smell of a storm Church in Baldwin, Everyone is different, moving through, and the change in the N.Y. In most U.S. just as everyone temperature right before it hits. Listen to dioceses, the feast varies in how to the birds singing and the sounds of the of St. Patrick is observe Lent. wind rustling through the trees. celebrated as an Back in the summer, I became hyper- When I was very young, after dinner, optional memorial aware of “living in the moment.” I tend to my mom and I would sit on the front on the saint’s think the Holy Spirit had a lot to do with porch swing. We would talk and sing traditional feast day, March 17. putting the thought into my head. songs together. But, once in a while, she (CNS photo/Gregory A. My mother, who had been suffering would say, “Shh. I hear silence coming.” Shemitz) with a long illness, was nearing the end of I would stop talking, and we’d sit silently, her life. With every visit, I found myself just listening. looking into her eyes—truly looking into When I became an adult, I figured out her eyes, not just looking at her or around she just needed some quiet time and that her. was a good way to get me to stop talking. Those were the beautiful eyes of the But, it also blessed me with cherished person who watched me grow from an memories. infant to a toddler to a teenager and Now, when I hear the horn from a finally to an adult with children of my far-off train, frogs croaking or crickets own. chirping, it takes me back to that porch Does Ireland need I looked at her hands, the hands that swing with my mom. Such a treasured were now the hands of a 93-year-old memory. a new St. Patrick? woman, knuckles gnarled from arthritis A wise fictional character, Ferris and thin skinned from age. Those hands Bueller, famously said, “Life moves pretty Ireland seems to need a new St. Patrick. could take place in the near future. That were the first to hold me when I was fast. If you don’t stop and look around According to the U.S. Census Bureau, could be one of the results of Brexit, born, the hands that corrected me when I once in a while, you could miss it.” 33 million Americans self-identify as the vote in Britain to exit the European needed it, and the hands that showed me There are many things you can do for Irish-Americans, descended from people Union, but also the fact that the Sinn love with her hugs. a Lenten promise. Be kind. Limit your who immigrated from the Emerald Isle. Fein party in Ireland got the largest share I listened to her words, words that now screen time. Throw away or gift 40 things And on St. Patrick’s Day, next Tuesday, of first-place votes in the recent election. were nonsensical, but she still had the in order to de-clutter your life. Pray for March 17, that number swells as many That party’s core objective, its manifesto cadence or flow in her voice that I grew something different each of the 40 days. other Americans become Irish for a day. says, “is to achieve Irish unity and the up hearing, sharing—words with me that Janice Hughes says, “Rich is the St. Patrick converted Ireland to referendum on Unity which is the means told me how to live life, words that taught person who has a praying friend.” Catholicism in the fifth century. We don’t to secure this.” me to pray. Take a moment each day for self- know the precise dates, but Patrick’s There’s also the fact that Catholicism My temptation was to use the visit to examination of your life. Are you the autobiographical Confessio tells us that has grown in Northern Ireland. An article read the newspaper or to text with a friend person who has a praying friend, or are he was a Roman-British youth who was in the British magazine The Economist or sibling. But, after the whisper from you the person to enrich the life of others kidnapped and taken to Ireland when he reported, “The pressure for unification the Holy Spirit to “live in the moment,” by being the friend who prays? was 16. He managed to escape about six is about more than Brexit. Northern I found with each visit I wanted to etch And, finally, are you living your life years later and made it back home. After Ireland’s census in 2021 is likely to every moment with her into my memory. with no regret? being ordained a priest, he returned to confirm that Catholics outnumber Mom passed away in December. One of “Shh. I hear the silence coming.” Stop Ireland as a missionary, became a bishop, Protestants for the first time.” the things she taught me early in life was, talking and listen. See what goodness and converted the people from a form But Catholicism in both Northern “Live your life so you won’t have regret.” comes when you are open to being “in the of Celtic polytheism. There are many Ireland and the Republic of Ireland doesn’t Such wise words from a very wise woman. moment.” legends about the things he accomplished play the same role today that it did in the You may be asking yourself, “What Let us make our Lenten journey and miracles he performed. past. After Ireland won its independence, does all of this have to with Lent?” together “in the moment.” Thereafter, most of the people of the Catholic Church played a significant I’m finding myself noticing the world Ireland remained Catholic, often despite role, especially during the political around me only to see so many others (Amelia Goffinet is a health officer, a persecution and hardship. During the leadership of Eamon de Valera. For missing the moment. Their heads are permanent substitute teacher at Our Lady English Reformation under Queen example, divorce and remarriage was not always down looking into their phone. of Providence High School in Clarksville Elizabeth I, the Church in England and permitted, and neither was abortion. Singer-songwriter James Taylor recently and a member of St. Augustine Parish in Ireland broke away from the papacy, That didn’t last. When Ireland was said, “Distraction is a modern curse.” Jeffersonville.) † including all but two of the Irish partitioned in 1922, 92.6 percent of the bishops. But most of the clergy and laity south’s population was Catholic. That remained Catholic. began to change by the 1960s. Today Reflection/Tom Yost It wasn’t until 1829 that Catholics, in the Republic of Ireland, according under the leadership of Daniel to the 2016 census, 78 percent of the March Madness and Lent O’Connell, won their religious freedom population still identifies as Catholic. when the Catholic Emancipation Act That’s still better than every other relieved Catholics of both England and country in Europe (except the Vatican and have much in common Ireland of most of the civil disabilities to Poland), but surveys show that the Irish March Madness is upon us. Even if their fan base await the announcements which they had been subject. are not practicing their religion very well. you are not a sports fan, you know what I from the selection committee. The It was during the Irish potato famine Fewer than one in five Catholics attend am talking about. prophet Joel announces to the people on when the Irish began to emigrate to Mass on any given weekend, and it is The NCAA college men’s basketball Ash Wednesday to “Blow the trumpet … America. A million people died in even less often among young people. tournament begins on March 15 with call an assembly … gather the people … Ireland between 1845 and 1849 because A poll by the Irish Times found what is known as notify the congregation … assemble the of famine. After the famine, they that, not only do the majority of Irish “Selection Sunday.” elders … gather the children” (Jl 2:15-16) continued to come to America. Catholics not attend Mass weekly, but This is the day when because something big is about to begin. The Irish war of independence lasted almost 62 percent reject key parts of teams and fans around We then move into tournament time from 1919 to 1921. It ended with the Catholicism, such as transubstantiation. the country find out when the teams do battle. The players creation of Northern Ireland in 1922, In 2015, the Irish voted to approve if they have been and coaching staff prepare themselves which remained part of Great Britain, same-sex marriage in a referendum, selected to play in mentally, physically, emotionally and, and mostly Protestant. and in 2018, they voted to legalize the tournament. As I would dare say, even spiritually. They Relations between Catholics abortion, both of which had previously strange as this might discipline and focus themselves to and Protestants in Northern Ireland been forbidden. That prompted Una seem, I believe March reach the Final Four and ultimately the deteriorated and resulted in what was Mullally, a journalist who writes for Madness and the championship game. Interestingly enough, known as “the Troubles.” These lasted The Guardian, to say that “the fiction of season of Lent has a lot in common. the teams that make it to the final game for 33 years, ending in 1998, and led to Ireland as a conservative, dogmatically Selection Sunday reminds me of go through six rounds or six games— more than 3,500 deaths. Catholic country has been shattered.” Ash Wednesday. They both “kick off” rounds one and two, the Sweet 16, Elite Today, though, there’s a possibility Thus, it appears that Ireland needs a a major event/season. Sixty-eight teams Eight, Final Four, and the championship that unification between Northern new St. Patrick. are selected for the tournament. All the game. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland —John F. Fink baptized and those preparing for baptism Lent is our tournament time. We are “selected” for Lent. College teams and See REFLECTION, page 16 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Let’s acknowledge Jesus as the living water we are thirsting for

“Everyone who drinks this water will immediately: 1) The cultural barrier (Jn 4:13-14). Still focused on the is not your husband ” (Jn 4:17). be thirsty again; but whoever drinks between women and men, and 2) the practical, the woman replies, “Sir, Jesus isn’t scolding her or looking the water I shall give will never thirst; religious barrier between Samaritans give me this water, so that I may not down on her. He is speaking the truth the water I shall give will become in and Jews. The woman is surprised be thirsty or have to keep coming with love. him a spring of water welling up to that Jesus would speak to her at all, here to draw water ” (Jn 4:15). The woman replies, “Sir, I can eternal life” (Jn 4:13-14). but what he goes on to say truly This is the third barrier that must see that you are a prophet” (Jn astonishes her. be overcome—the one that blocks 4:19). Realizing that she has had an The Gospel reading for the Third As the woman can plainly see, our ability to see beyond the here encounter with “the one called the Sunday of Lent (cf. Jn 4:5-42) tells Jesus is tired and thirsty. He asks and now to the deeper meaning of Christ,” the Samaritan woman leaves the story of Jesus’ encounter with a her for a drink of water—a purely our lives. Yes, we are human, and we her practical concerns (the water jar) Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. human request—but he also speaks have basic needs that must be met: behind and goes off to tell others This story is remarkable for many to her about a very different kind of hunger, thirst, the need for shelter, about Jesus. reasons. It calls attention to both thirst. “If you knew the gift of God physical healing and more. But we Jesus built three bridges that day: the humanity and the divinity of and who is saying to you, ‘Give me are also spiritual beings whose needs 1) he affirmed the equality of women Jesus, and it clearly shows that his a drink,’ you would have asked him transcend our everyday requirements. and men, 2) He treated a foreigner ministry breaks down the barriers and he would have given you living We need love, forgiveness and hope (one whom devout Jews considered that separate us from one another. water” (Jn 4:10). for the future. We need to believe an apostate) with dignity and respect, As Pope Francis might say, in this What is this “living water,” and that our lives have purpose, and and 3) he made it clear that there Gospel reading, Jesus tears down why does Jesus raise this issue with that the journey we are on from the is more to life than satisfying our several walls and replaces them with her? At first, the woman is totally moment of our conception to the day earthly needs. bridges. confused. She addresses him on we die will bring us to our heavenly The Church provides us with this According to St. John: the practical level, not the spiritual home. This is the thirst that Jesus season of Lent to remind us that, as “A woman of Samaria came to one. “Sir, you do not even have speaks about—the one that he alone Jesus said to his disciples, “My food is draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give a bucket and the cistern is deep; can satisfy. to do the will of my Father and to finish me a drink.’ His disciples had gone where then can you get this living Only when Jesus points out the his work” (Jn 4:34). There are times into the town to buy food. The water?” (Jn 4:11) Jesus’ reply seems woman’s true marital status does when we have to speak unpopular truths Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How incomprehensible: “Everyone who she realize that he is speaking as Jesus did, but we do this out of love, can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan drinks this water will be thirsty again; of something much greater than to build bridges not walls. woman, for a drink?’—For Jews use but whoever drinks the water I shall physical thirst. “You are right in Let’s pray for the grace to nothing in common with Samaritans” give will never thirst; the water I shall saying, ‘I do not have a husband,’ follow our Lord’s example. Let’s (Jn 4:7-9). give will become in him a spring Jesus says. “For you have had five acknowledge Jesus as the living Two barriers are identified of water welling up to eternal life” husbands and the one you have now water we are thirsting for. †

Reconozcamos a Jesús como el agua viva que anhelamos

“El que beba de esta agua tendrá De inmediato podemos identificar concentrada en el aspecto práctico, y el que ahora tienes no es tu marido” nuevamente sed, pero el que beba dos barreras: 1) la barrera cultural la mujer le responde: “Señor, dame (Jn 4:17). Jesús no la regaña ni la del agua que yo le daré, nunca más entre hombres y mujeres, y 2) la de esa agua para que no tenga más desprecia; le dice la verdad con amor. volverá a tener sed. El agua que barrera religiosa entre samaritanos y sed y no necesite venir hasta aquí a La mujer le dice entonces: “Señor, yo le daré se convertirá en él en judíos. La mujer se sorprende de que sacarla” (Jn 4:15). veo que eres un profeta” (Jn 4:19). manantial que brotará hasta la Vida Jesús le hable pero lo que le dice a Esta es la tercera barrera que Al darse cuenta de que se ha eterna” (Jn 4:13-14). continuación en verdad la asombra. debemos superar: la que obstruye encontrado con “el que es llamado La mujer ve claramente que Jesús nuestra capacidad para ver más Cristo,” la samaritana abandona sus La lectura del Evangelio del está cansado y sediento. Le pide allá del aquí y ahora para llegar preocupaciones prácticas (el cántaro) tercer domingo de Cuaresma del que le dé de beber, una petición al significado más profundo de y se fue a contarles a los demás año (Jn 4:5-42) narra la historia meramente humana, pero también le nuestras vidas. Sí, somos humanos sobre Jesús. del encuentro de Jesús con una habla sobre un tipo de sed distinta. y tenemos necesidades básicas que Ese día Jesús construyó tres puentes: samaritana en el pozo de Jacobo. “Si conocieras el don de Dios y atender: hambre, sed, necesidad de 1) afirmó la igualdad de hombres y El relato es extraordinario por quién es el que te dice: ‘Dame de techo, sanación física y más. Pero mujeres, 2) trató a una extranjera (a varios motivos: destaca la humanidad beber,’ tú misma se lo hubieras también somos seres espirituales quienes los judíos devotos consideraban y la divinidad de Jesús, y muestra pedido, y él te habría dado agua cuyas necesidades trascienden los apóstatas) con dignidad y respeto, y claramente que su ministerio viva” (Jn 4:10). requisitos mundanos. Necesitamos 3) dejó claro que la vida es más que derriba las barreras que nos ¿Qué significa el “agua viva” amor, perdón y esperanza para la simple satisfacción de nuestras separan. Tal como lo expresaría el y por qué Jesús se lo menciona? el futuro. Necesitamos creer que necesidades terrenales. papa Francisco, en esta lectura del Al principio, la mujer se muestra nuestras vidas tienen un propósito La Iglesia nos proporciona la Evangelio Jesús rompe varios muros totalmente confundida; lo enfoca y que el camino que emprendemos temporada de la Cuaresma para y los sustituye por puentes. desde una perspectiva práctica, no desde el momento de nuestra recordarnos que, tal como les dijo Según san Juan: espiritual. “Señor, no tienes con concepción hasta el día en que Jesús a los discípulos “Mi comida es “Una mujer de Samaria vino a qué sacarla, y el pozo es hondo; ¿de morimos nos llevará a nuestro hogar hacer la voluntad del que me envió y sacar agua, y Jesús le dijo: ‘Dame de dónde, pues, tienes esa agua viva?” celestial. Esta es la sed de la que llevar a cabo Su obra” (Jn 4:34). Hay beber.’ Pues Sus discípulos habían (Jn 4:11) La respuesta de Jesús habla Jesús, la que solo él puede ocasiones en las que debemos decir ido a la ciudad a comprar alimentos. parece incomprensible: “El que beba calmar. verdades desagradables, como hizo Entonces la mujer samaritana le dijo: de esta agua tendrá nuevamente sed, Solo cuando Jesús le señala a la Jesús, pero lo hacemos por amor, ‘¿Cómo es que Tú, siendo judío, pero el que beba del agua que yo le mujer su verdadero estado civil se da para construir puentes, no muros. me pides de beber a mí, que soy daré, nunca más volverá a tener sed. cuenta ella de que le habla de algo Oremos por la gracia para samaritana?’ [Porque los judíos no El agua que yo le daré se convertirá más grande que la sed física. “Tienes seguir el ejemplo de nuestro Señor. tienen tratos con los samaritanos]” en él en manantial que brotará hasta razón al decir que no tienes marido,” Reconozcamos a Jesús como el agua (Jn 4:7-9). la Vida eterna” (Jn 4:13-14). Todavía le dice Jesús. “Porque has tenido cinco viva que anhelamos. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

March 16 S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. Paul Cathedral); Sat. lunch Bauer, Annie Karto and 7681, [email protected], Holy Spirit Church, 7243 Third Thursday Adoration, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, provided, $69 per person or Msgr. Joseph Schaedel www.archindy.org/fatima. E. 10th St., Indianapolis. interceding for women 316 N. Sherwood, Clarksville. $35 for priests and religious. speaking, 8 a.m. registration, Lenten Series: “On Care experiencing crisis pregnancy, Fish Fry, 5-7:30 p.m., baked Information and registration: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 23 for Our Common Home” 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at fish, fried fish, oysters, shrimp, encounterministries.us. conference, includes lunch, St. Thomas More Parish (“Laudato Si’ ”)—Impact 5:45 p.m. adults $9-11, children $3-$7. vendors, Mass, reconciliation, Gymnasium, 1200 N. Indiana of Energy Production/ Information: 812-282-2290. March 20-22 adoration, Benediction, Ave., Mooresville. Vocations Transportation on Our Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Holy Angels School, 2822 Basile Theater, Athenaeum, $55 per person or $50 per Awareness Event, sponsored Environment, third of four and Mausoleum, 9001 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 401 E. Michigan St., person for groups of 10 by St. Thomas More Parish topics (March 30), 7 p.m. each Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. St., Indianapolis. Fish Fry, Indianapolis. The Sound of or more, students $25 and and St. Thomas More Knights evening, free. Information: Mass, 2 p.m. Information: 3-7 p.m., dinners, sandwiches, Music, performed by Agape religious $15. For more of Columbus Council #7431, 317-353-9404. 317-574-8898 or www. desserts, adults $9-13, Performing Arts Company of information, to register online 6:30 p.m. dinner, followed by catholiccemeteries.cc. children $8. Information: Our Lady of the Greenwood or to print a downloadable introduction of seminarians from Seton Catholic Elementary holyangelsbulletin@hotmail. Parish in Greenwood, registration form, go to Bishop Simon Bruté College School, 700 N. A St., March 20 com, 317-926-3324. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 p.m. bit.ly/ICWC2020 (case Seminary and presentation, Richmond. Pop Into Primary St. Joan of Arc Church, and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3:30 p.m., sensitive). free. Reservations requested by School, 8:30-10 a.m., for 4217 Central Ave., Calvary Mausoleum ticket range $5-$15. Tickets: March 20. Reservations and families with children ages Indianapolis. Lenten Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., thelittleboxoffice.com/agape. March 22 information: 317-834-3371, 3-5, stories, games, snacks, Devotions, adoration noon- Indianapolis. Monthly Information: 317-983-1965, Monastery Immaculate [email protected]. information on Seton Catholic 6 p.m., rosary 6 p.m., Mass Mass, 2 p.m. Information: [email protected]. Conception, 802 E. 19th St., early learning opportunities, 6:30 p.m., Stations of the 317-784-4439 or www. Ferdinand (Evansville RSVP for event or to schedule Cross with Benediction 7 p.m. catholiccemeteries.cc. March 21 Diocese), Sundaes with the March 25 another time to visit: 765-962- Information: 317-283-5508, SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Sisters. sponsored by the St. Simon the Apostle 5010, www.setonschools.org. [email protected]. March 20-21 1347 N. Meridian St., Sisters of St. Benedict, receive Church, 8155 Oaklandon Archbishop Edward Indianapolis. Healing Service, input on discernment, visit and Road, Indianapolis. Lenten St. Mark the Evangelist Parish St. Rita Parish, 1733 T. O’Meara Catholic Center, conducted by Joe Philip of meet with the sisters, Taizé Prayer Service, 7 p.m. Cenacle House, 6118 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave., 1400 N. Meridian St., Encounter Ministries, 1-3 p.m. Information: Information: 317-826-6000. Smock St., Indianapolis. Indianapolis. Fish Fry, 11 a.m.- Indianapolis. Encounter 7:30 p.m., free. [email protected], Caregiver Support Group, 6 p.m., dinners $11.50-$14 School of Healing, presented 812-367-1411. The Well Community Center, sponsored by Catholic includes two sides, dessert, by Encounter Ministries, Indiana Convention Center, Brownsburg Older Adult Charities, 5: 30- soda; sandwiches or entrées Joe Philip and Sean Breeden Sagamore Ballroom, 100 Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Alliance, 554 Pitt Road, 7 p.m. Information: Monica $10-$12.25; à la carte items speaking, Fri. 6:30-9:30 p.m.; S. Capital Ave., Indianapolis. House, 5353 E. 56th St., Brownsburg. Caregiver Woodsworth, 317-261-3378, available for purchase, Sat. 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Indiana Catholic Women’s Indianapolis. Leave the Light Support Group, sponsored [email protected]. pre-order for pick-up 317- Vigil Mass 5 p.m., healing Conference, sponsored by On, reconciliation available by Catholic Charities, noon- 536-1047, 317-632-9349, service 7:30 p.m. (open to Marian Center of Indianapolis, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., no appointment 1:30 p.m. Information: Monica March 19 ext. 111. Information: public, across from Catholic Franciscan Father Pio necessary. Information: Woodsworth, 317-261-3378, St. Joseph Church, 1401 [email protected] Center at SS. Peter and Francesco Mandato, Gina Jennifer Burger, 317-545- [email protected]. † Retreats reflecting on Holy Week Register by March 20 for Camp Rancho Framasa available throughout archdiocese Women’s Only Weekend retreat on March 27-29 Several Catholic retreat centers this retreat, call 812-933-6437 or go to A “Women’s Only Weekend both social and alone time. Half-hour throughout central and southern Indiana www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org. (WOW)” retreat for women ages 21 massages are also available for an will offer directed and/or silent retreats • April 9-12: “Holy Week Retreat.” and older will be offered at Camp additional $15. of varying length reflecting during Holy Spend time in silence and reflection Rancho Framasa, 2230 Clay Lick Road The cost for the weekend—including Week, which is on April 5-11 this year. during these four holy days, and in Nashville, on March 27-29. The activities, spiritual direction, lodging Following is a list of Holy Week- experience liturgical celebrations with weekend begins with check-in from in shared, heated cabins and meals in related retreat opportunities reported to the Sisters of the Third Order Regular 7-7:45 p.m. on Friday and ends at the dining hall—is $200 per person, or The Criterion. of St. Francis in their chapel. Daily 2 p.m. on Sunday. $350 for two people who sign up under spiritual direction with Providence WOW is a women’s retreat filled one registration. Archabbey Guest House and Sister Olga Wittekind is also available with faith, relaxation and recreation. There is also a $150 option, which Retreat Center, 200 Hill Dr., at no extra charge. The cost is $350, The weekend includes workshops, includes activities and meals, for those St. Meinrad. For more information or which includes accommodations and spiritual direction and typical camp lodging offsite, and a Saturday-only to register for this retreat, call meals. activities, such as canoeing, archery, option for $100. Scholarships are also 812-357-6585 or e-mail mzoeller@ crafts and more. available. saintmeinrad.edu. Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Activities will be led by camp staff Registration is required by • April 8-12: “The Easter Triduum: House, 5353 E. 56th St., Indianapolis. throughout the weekend. Participants March 20. To register or for Three Days, One Easter.” Live the For more information or to register for can move from activity to activity more information, go to www. Paschal Mystery through the liturgy one or more of these retreats, contact at their leisure, designing their own campranchoframasa.org/womens-only, with the monastic community of Saint Jennifer Burger at 317-545-7681 or schedules to be as busy or as slow as call 888-988-2839 or e-mail info@ Meinrad Archabbey. Benedictine [email protected], or go to www. desired. There are opportunities for campranchoframasa.org. † Father Jeremy King will offer daily archindy.org/fatima. presentations, and time will be set aside • April 3-5: “Walking with Christ: for personal prayer and quiet reflection. Journeying through Holy Week The cost is $465 for a single room, or as a Fragile Disciple,” facilitated Retreats for youths and young adults $735 for a double room. by Father Stephen Banet. The retreat will include presentations, on March 28 look at ‘Engaging and Benedict Inn Retreat and reconciliation, adoration, Mass and Conference Center, 1402 Southern a seder meal. It begins at 7 p.m. on Empowering the Next Generation’ Ave., Beech Grove. For more Friday and concludes after lunch information or to register for either on Sunday. Saturday will be a day The archdiocesan Black Catholic 18-35 will take place from noon- of these retreat opportunities, call of silence. The cost is $200 per Ministry and St. Christopher Parish 4:30 p.m. It will begin with confession 317-788-7581, e-mail benedictinn@ person for a private room and shared in Indianapolis are teaming up to at noon, Mass at 1 p.m., lunch, prayer benedictinn.org or go to www. bathroom, or $400 per married offer two sessions of a retreat called and discussion. benedictinn.org/programs. couple for a private room and private “Engaging and Empowering the Next Both retreats, which will be • April 9-12: “Triduum Retreat bathroom. The cost includes five Generation”—one for youths and one facilitated by Society of Divine 2020.” Experience Holy Week with meals and snacks. for young adults—in the Damascus Vocations Father Emeka Okwuosa, are the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady • April 6-9: “Holy Week Days Room below St. Christopher Church, free, although freewill offerings will be of Grace Monastery. Retreatants will of Silence.” Register for one or 5301 W. 16th St., in Indianapolis, on accepted. participate in several beautiful and multiple days set aside for silence March 28. Registration is required by meaningful services, including an and personal reflection. Each non- The version for youths in middle March 26. To register or for more agape feast. The retreat is from directed retreat day is from school through high school will information, contact archdiocesan 4:30 p.m. on Holy Thursday through 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and costs $35, which take place from 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Black Catholic Ministry coordinator 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday. The cost includes breakfast, lunch, a room to The retreat will begin with prayer Pearlette Springer at 317-236-1474 is $335 per person, which includes use throughout the day, and access and will include discussion, the or [email protected], or lodging and meals. to common areas and grounds. opportunity for confession at noon, St. Christopher pastoral associate • April 10: “Good Friday Personal Depending on availability, overnight and Mass at 1 p.m. followed by of faith formation Providence Sister Day of Retreat.” Spend the day in stays are available for an additional lunch. Parents and guardians are Mary Ann DeFazio at 317-241-6314, silent reflection with a private room $28, with a $9 dinner when welcome to attend. ext. 119, or madefazio@ and access to the common areas and available. Spiritual direction is also The version for young adults ages stchrisindy.org. † grounds. The day is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., available for an additional suggested and costs $40, which includes lunch. donation. To schedule to meet with a spiritual director during your stay, Oldenburg Franciscan Center, contact Georgene Beiriger at Events and retreats can be submitted to The Criterion by logging on to 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. For 317-545-7681, ext. 105, or www.archindy.org/events/submission, or by mailing us at 1400 N. Meridian St., more information or to register for [email protected]. † Indianapolis, IN 46202, ATTN: Cindy Clark, or by fax at 317-236-1593. The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 7 Catholic community begins long recovery from devastating tornadoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS)—The Diocese of Nashville and the Catholic community are responding to the needs, both immediate and long-term, of those affected by deadly tornadoes that ripped across Middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, leaving at least 24 people dead. Bishop J. Mark Spalding has visited the affected pastors and churches in Nashville, and offered prayers of support for all those suffering from the trauma of the disaster. He has received messages of support from Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. “As the personal representative of the Holy Father in this country, I assure you of his prayers in this difficult situation,” the letter said. Diocesan parishes and schools sprang into action after the storm. Holy Rosary Parish in Donelson served as the site of a Red Cross emergency shelter on March 3, and a number of churches and schools were collecting supplies such as bottled water and baby formula for tornado victims. The Knights of Columbus has been marshaling its members to donate money, materials and manpower to relief efforts. Security officers walk behind the tornado-damaged Department of Human Services building in Nashville, Tenn., on March 5. Dozens of people are dead “In the coming days, we will offer the after a powerful and fast-moving storm cut across Middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, dropping tornadoes that roared up to 165 miles per strength of unity of nearly 12,000 Knights hour. (CNS photo/Mark Zaleski, for The Tennessean) across the state as we go to work to bring relief to this disaster,” State Deputy exploring how it might help Donelson Michael McCusker wrote in a letter to Christian Academy, which was destroyed local Knights. by the tornado and will be looking to He called charity “the first and relocate students to finish the school year. foremost principle” of the fraternal order, Catholic Charities of Tennessee also and said the Tennessee State Council is is on the front lines of responding to the working in conjunction with the Nashville needs of tornado victims. “We have a Diocese “ to coordinate a statewide K of C balance between the work that doesn’t charitable effort.” stop and the emergency work,” Judy Orr, The Catholic Pastoral Center in the agency’s executive director, told the Nashville hosted a Red Cross blood drive Tennessee Register, Nashville’s diocesan on March 9. newspaper. The Catholic Schools Office is For example, Wendy Overlock, who oversees the Loaves and Fishes community meal program at Holy Name Parish in East Nashville, managed a regularly scheduled March 4 meal service while also serving as the Catholic Charities emergency assistance coordinator, fielding calls from those in need, those who want to help, and communications with state emergency management officials. Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, Tenn., center back, listens on March 4 as Father S. Bede Price, “It’s a lot,” she said. “But we have a lot pastor at the Church of the Assumption, talks about the damage to the building caused by a tornado of helpers.” that hit Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood and crossed the state, killing at least 24 The morning of March 4, Overlock people. The Diocese of Nashville is raising funds for those affected, and the chancery office will host Volunteer Jonathan Abarquez hands a plate and her team of volunteers made peanut a Red Cross Blood Drive on March 9. (CNS photo/Rick Musacchio, Tennessee Register) of food to Brenda Bryant of Nashville, Tenn., butter and jelly sandwiches to hand out to on March 4 at the McGruder Family Resource their guests in the hard-hit East Nashville volunteers from Gideon’s Army and lot of people in need of counseling after Center, which is managed by Catholic Charities neighborhood where Holy Name is Metro Nashville Public Schools, among the trauma of this event, the loss of life of Tennessee. Nicknamed “The Volunteer State,” located since the building had no power. others, showed up in droves to meet and homes. This could be a setback from Tennessee lived up to its name as numerous “We went back to how we started,” she the immediate needs of people in the which some people cannot recover.” volunteer efforts sprang up across the state said, which was the simple act of handing neighborhood. Catholic Charities of Tennessee has immediately after the storm. The Diocese of out sandwiches to the homeless 30 years Observing people who had lost homes already received a $10,000 grant from Nashville is raising funds for those affected, ago. or power load up supplies by the garbage Catholic Charities USA, which will be and their chancery office hosted a Red Cross Meanwhile, at the McGruder Family bag and wagon load, McGruder director used to meet the immediate needs of those Blood Drive on March 9. (CNS photo/Theresa Resource Center in North Nashville, Alisha Haddock noted, “This is what affected, most likely in the form of gift Laurence, Tennessee Register) which is managed by Catholic Charities, happens when tragedy strikes, we come cards for groceries and supplies. together.” “Our staff members have the protocols Even though the power was out at in place to assess the needs and connect McGruder, volunteers worked in the kitchen people with the resources they need,” Orr normally used for the Catholic Charities said. Culinary Training Academy to heat up Catholic Charities has received more prepared food to serve anyone in need. than $9,000 in additional donations from “The community knows they can count those in Tennessee and surrounding on us here,” Haddock said. states. The Diocese of Nashville has so As Catholic Charities’ North Nashville far received monetary donations of more response moves forward, Haddock said than $24,000 to help parishes and people her staff will “go out in the community affected by the tornado. and put hands on the situation. There’s Donors are encouraged to give online a lot of seniors who are unseen, and we through www.dioceseofnashville.com or want them to know they are being seen www.cctenn.org/donate.cfm. and helped.” The grant money, and additional Catholic Charities is just beginning donations, could be used to beef up the to map out a longer-term plan to help Catholic Charities counseling staff, which those suffering after the storm. With key Orr anticipates will be greatly needed. staff members affected by the tornado “People will have needs beyond ‘I have themselves, and a long-planned major a hole in my roof’ to ‘I have a hole in my fundraising event scheduled for March 4, heart,’ ” she said. Orr was just beginning to formulate the It’s likely that many people in Putnam organization’s relief plans on March 5. County, which suffered the greatest loss “A thoughtful, organized approach will of life from the tornadoes, will have holes Ann Hooven stands outside her destroyed home after a tornado touched down in Nashville, Tenn., provide the most relief,” she said. in their hearts for some time to come. on March 3. At least 24 people have died across central Tennessee as a result of severe storms and “The work of Catholic Charities At least 19 deaths have been reported by at least one tornado that hit Nashville and the region early on March 3, officials said. (CNS photo/George is really rebuilding of lives after the officials in Putnam County, about 80 miles Walker IV, The Tennessean, USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters) emergency,” Orr said. “We anticipate a east of Nashville along Interstate 40. † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020

deployment, saying they SOLDIERS help “maintain a soldier’s continued from page 1 morale as well as their moral and ethical decision- ordained in 2015. making.” He believes that much of his life up to Father Ahern, he noted, now has been preparing him to serve as a carries out this duty priest to U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. effectively for service “I feel like this is where God has personnel across the called me to be at this time, in this place,” Middle East. he said. “It’s an incredible sense of “It’s hard to quantify fulfillment of his call for me.” the impact this had on individuals,” Brozak Ministering to ‘your average Joe’ said, “but these missions Father Ahern’s service in the Army were a priority set by our gives him a special perspective on the commanding general, experiences of the men and women to who routinely received whom he is ministering in the Middle updates and reports on the East. He says he feels drawn to reach out travels and actions of the to “your average Joe,” the kind of soldier chaplains.” he had been. Brozak, who is One of them came up to him after a Catholic, has personally Mass he had celebrated, telling him that appreciated the ministry of he needed to speak to a chaplain. Father Ahern. “We spent the next hour talking,” “The time he spent Father Ahern said. “He told me what was with just myself was going on, and what he was struggling invaluable in my religious with. I not only listened, but also offered formation which was words of encouragement and advice. He something I wanted to wasn’t a Catholic soldier, but he needed to work on while deployed,” talk to a chaplain. he said. “Chaplains play a “Because I know what it’s like to very important role in the A sunset serves as a spectacular backdrop for Father Adam Ahern overseas on Aug. 13, 2019. He and a Protestant struggle with your leadership from time health of individuals and chaplain climbed a 30-story tower while talking and praying. (Submitted photos) to time, because I was a soldier myself, organizations and their I was able to relate with him and speak contributions cannot be underestimated.” haven’t had a priest for a number of with him, not as an officer to an enlisted months. soldier, but as a chaplain to a soldier or ‘It boosts their morale’ “It boosts their morale and helps them even a soldier to a soldier.” Father Ahern has to make the most of stay positive. For the short amount of Father Ahern holds the rank of captain his face-to-face encounters with soldiers, time that we’re there, you can see the in the Indiana National Guard, which he though, because in many instances it’s the difference that it makes to help them get joined as a chaplain after his ordination only one he’ll have with them. through what they’ve got to do.” in 2015. During his time at Camp Arifjan, At the same time, the brief amount of Colonel Mark Brozak of the Kentucky Father Ahern has often traveled to time he gets to spend with soldiers can be Army National Guard serves with Father minister to U.S. soldiers across the difficult for Father Ahern. Ahern at Camp Arifjan. He appreciates Middle East. Many of those who are “My heart breaks often,” he said. “You the priest’s previous experience in the Catholic go several months between can see how hungry they are oftentimes military. seeing a priest or worshipping at Mass for the Eucharist, for Christ, for the “He understands the issues soldiers because, at present, there are only six sacraments. You can see the joy when face, their concerns, and knows their priests in the U.S. Army in the region. they do get the sacraments. But then it’s spiritual needs,” Brozak said. “When you show up at a place, you like, ‘I won’t be here tomorrow.’ Because Father Ahern has previously have a number of [soldiers] who are just “It’s hard and difficult. But it is what it served in combat duty in the Army, he excited to see a priest,” Father Ahern said. has to be. So, I make my peace with it. I is entitled to wear what is known as a “They ask you, ‘Father, when are you pray for them often and encourage other “combat patch” on his right sleeve. This, going to have Mass? OK. I’ll be there.’ people to pray for them as much as I can.” Brozak said, “adds further credibility to “The excitement has nothing to do with his abilities to understand and minister Adam Ahern. It has everything to do with ‘Please pray for our troops’ to soldiers. It’s a visible reminder of his Jesus Christ. Being a part of that is so Although the settings in which he service, which soldiers understand and humbling. In a very real way, it’s bringing has ministered in the Middle East are respect.” Christ to those who don’t have access to very different from central and southern Brozak described the important role him otherwise.” Indiana, much of what Father Ahern does Father Adam Ahern prays the rosary on that military chaplains play during Father Ahern’s time at forward in ministry is similar to what happens in Aug. 22, 2019, on a Blackhawk helicopter over operating bases (FOB) archdiocesan parishes. northeast Syria. across the Middle East He celebrates the sacraments, prays the is packed with ministry rosary with other Catholics, leads Bible other archdiocesan priests who served as because he is usually, at studies and offers pastoral counseling. military chaplains. the most, only there for a “They’re away from family in “It’s incredibly meaningful,” Father day or two. what is often very stressful and tense Ahern said. “It’s a tangible reminder “There’s a reason situations,” Father Ahern said. “So, of the heritage and the meaning that why I’ve gone to every I’m intentional about trying to bring I’m trying to be a part of, not only FOB that I’ve been to,” to them as typical a parish experience as a priest, but as a priest of the he said. “There was a as I can. It’s very intentional in being Archdiocese of Indianapolis serving in soldier that God sent that way. I try to provide for them what the Army. The legacy that these men me there to speak to, they’d get back home as much as I before me have blazed and the meaning whether that was in the can.” that goes with it in bringing Christ homily, in celebrating the Like many priests in central and to these incredible environments, … Eucharist, in confession southern Indiana, Father Ahern also they’re truly incredible American or in a conversation we connects with those he serves in ordinary heroes.” had afterward. All too social situations: running 5K races, Father Ahern’s deployment to the often, I’ll never know. stopping by offices for a chat, gathering Middle East will likely come to an end But every time it’s been groups for a Catholic movie night or before Easter, and he will return to the an incredible blessing.” smoking a cigar at the Camp Arifjan archdiocese. Father Ahern is often Cigar Club. But even though he’ll then be far away assisted in his ministry “His presence and participation are from the soldiers that he’s ministered by Indiana National certainly noticed by soldiers within the to, they’ll still be close to him in prayer. Guard staff sergeant task force, and lends a certain amount of And he asks that Catholics in central and Misty Marroquin, who credibility to his role here as a chaplain southern Indiana to keep them in prayer, helps coordinate ministry as he is out there with the troops in all too. teams across the Middle manner of activities,” Brozak said. “Please pray for our troops, because East. In her work, she Father Ahern has also brought a bit of [they] need it,” Father Ahern said. knows that there are the archdiocese with him in his service in many more Protestants the Middle East. (In addition to praying, readers can serving as chaplains than When he became a chaplain in support efforts to minister to Catholic Catholic priests. the Indiana Army National Guard, soldiers through the donation of items “You can see that it he requested a chaplain kit from the such as rosaries and scapulars, send means a lot more when archdiocesan archives and received one an e-mail with contact information we travel to provide that belonged to Msgr. Charles Ross, and a brief description of the items Catholic services,” said an archdiocesan priest who served as a to [email protected]. A military Father Adam Ahern prepares to celebrate Mass on Sept. 16, 2019, Marroquin. “You can chaplain in World War II and the Korean chaplain will then contact the donor. outside a dining facility in Afghanistan because there is no chapel see how much it means War and died in 2000. Instructions for making financial on the base. It was the first Mass celebrated in three months at this to them to have him While deployed, Father Ahern now donations for the Archdiocese for the location. Father Ahern wears a stole that belonged to Msgr. Charles there for a short amount celebrates Mass with a stole that had Military Services online or by check Ross, an archdiocesan priest who served as a chaplain in World War II of time when we get belonged to Msgr. Ross. He appreciates can be found at www.milarch.org/ and the Korean War and died in 2000. to these locations that how it connects him to Msgr. Ross and ways-to-support.) † The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 9 Pope urges priests to tend to sick, health care workers during epidemic

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope prevent the further spread of the virus. everything.” Francis prayed that priests would find The move came as Italy became the Like Adam and the courage to visit those who are sick nation with the second-highest number of Eve, people often and offer accompaniment to health care deaths related to the coronavirus and the try to hide from professionals and volunteers working second-highest number of confirmed cases God when they during the coronavirus epidemic. in the world with 9,172 known infections, realize they have During a live broadcast of his daily according to the World Health Organization sinned, he said. morning Mass, Pope Francis again prayed for on March 10. As of March 9, the virus had Instead, “do not the many people who have fallen ill because claimed the lives of 463 people in Italy, the be afraid to come of the virus and for health care workers. Italian health ministry said. and talk, have “Let us also pray to the Lord for our The normally private daily Masses courage even in priests, so that they have the courage to go were being broadcast live on Vatican your misery” and out and go to those who are sick, bringing News and the Vatican YouTube channel to shame, the pope the strength of the word of God and the help people still be united in prayer with said. Eucharist and to accompany health care the pope, the Vatican said. Another way Pope Francis celebrates Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus workers and volunteers in the work they In his homily, the pope reflected on people try to Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican on March 10. For the second day this week, are doing,” he said on March 10 at the the first reading in which God tells the hide is by putting the pope celebrated Mass without a small group of the faithful in order to start of the Mass at the Domus Sanctae prophet Isaiah that even though people’s on appearances avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Marthae. sins are like “scarlet” (Is 1:18), the Lord of not being a The Italian government issued a late- will make them “white as snow” (Is sinner and by proudly showing off their the Lord, don’t go. Stay,’ believing oneself night measure on March 9 extending “red 1:18) if people are willing and obey his adherence to God’s laws or their acts of as self-sufficient. zone” restrictions already in place in the command to set things right. charity, he said. “Speak with the Lord. He knows, he north to all of Italy, urging people to stay The pope invited people to use the time “Vanity never heals. Rather it is poison, knows who we are. We know too, but at home and avoid all unessential travel of Lent to speak to God honestly about bringing disease to the heart, that hardness vanity always calls us to cover ourselves” as part of already implemented plans to their sins because he is able “to change of heart that tells you, ‘No, don’t turn to and hide, the pope said. †

In reference to the public Masses, ensure that people stay one meter apart. Churches and places of worship in Italy ITALY the Italian bishops’ conference said in Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, papal vicar are allowed to stay open, but they must continued from page 1 a statement on March 8, “This is a very of the Diocese of Rome, said that while all guarantee people stay three feet apart and restrictive step, the acceptance of which public Masses are suspended, churches “will avoid congregating. closed to guided tours and tourists.” causes suffering and difficulty for pastors, remain open, as usual, for personal prayer.” St. Peter’s Square is Vatican territory, Italian police were located as usual priests and the faithful.” The Diocese of Rome, he said, “will according to the Lateran Pacts agreement at the perimeter around the square that After the Italian government issued assume an attitude of full responsibility signed in 1929 between the Italian separates Vatican City State and Italian a decree barring the celebration of all toward the community in the knowledge government and the Vatican. But since the territory, as well as under the colonnade. “civil and religious ceremonies, including that protection from infection requires Vatican is surrounded by Italian territory, But they were not allowing people to enter funerals,” the bishops announced the even drastic measures, especially in the agreement allowed Italian police to the square unless they could document it suspension of public Masses until April 3. interpersonal contact.” provide security and law enforcement in was for work reasons or other exceptions “The acceptance of the decree is only “May this time of Lent help us to live the square and the entrance of the Vatican currently allowed by Italian law. mediated by the desire to do one’s part, even this great test evangelically,” Cardinal De Museums. A small number of tourists could be in this situation, to contribute to the protection Donatis said. A member of the Italian police told seen taking selfies outside the square, of public health,” the bishops said. The decision to close St. Peter’s Catholic News Service that all forms of and a group of tourists was looking for As of March 9, the health and safety followed a major measure implemented assembly in public spaces or places open information about the Wednesday general precautions published by the Vatican— by the Italian government on March 9, to the public—both indoor and outdoor— audience. The March 11 audience was not which is an independent city-state within discouraging people nationwide from all are forbidden all across Italy. Even though a public event, but featured Pope Francis Rome—did not include a ban on public unessential travel and from leaving their the square is under the jurisdiction of offering his catechesis broadcast online on celebrations of the Mass, but they did homes unless it was for work, getting Vatican City State, it is subject to Italian Vatican media outlets. insist that everything possible be done to food, medicines or seeing a doctor. laws, the police officer said. †

get nothing, who get no health care, no with Vice President Mike Pence, were the Democratic camp, Biden is perceived ELECTION ability to survive. We’re snatching away ready to do that, Carney said, even if there as someone who is “very or somewhat continued from page 1 the only food they get every day from a were character issues. religious,” while the rest of the Democrats government that can afford to feed them.” “People who certainly are ashamed of a weren’t perceived similarly. experience as well as ethnicity, seems Yet others voted for Republicans and in president who appeared in Playboy, poses But Father Reese pointed out that to have a lot to do with how the person particular for Trump because they felt that with a Playboy cover behind him, brags about while Latino Catholics may have said they approaches the ballot box. they and their religious institutions were sexually assaulting women ... they just say, favored someone religious, they voted for For political operative Donna Brazile, under attack by Democrats who did little ‘He’s the guy who gives us these results.’ ” Sanders, who, even though he has referred a former interim national chair of the to reach out to them, said panelist Timothy Panelist Eugene Scott, a political to how Judaism shaped his view, is not Democratic National Committee, her beliefs Carney, an editor at the Washington reporter for The Washington Post, pointed perceived to be religious. have largely been shaped by her experience Examiner and author of Alienated out that there had been a lack of outreach to “Don’t believe what voters tell you,” he as a black Catholic from Louisiana. The America: Why Some Places Thrive While religious voters, particularly conservative said. third of nine children, she said she benefited Others Collapse. Christians, by the Clinton campaign in the “The biggest story related to faith and as a child from government programs such “The white evangelical looks around last election, and any potential Democratic politics in the context of identity that as Head Start that helped not just with and says, ‘I’m a religious minority now.’ candidates should pay attention to those has come about in this election is people education but nutrition and health care— That’s the main thing that’s going on lessons from the past. reflecting on what their faith means to programs that have suffered amid political now,” Carney said, explaining that people Most recently, Brazile said, “the them, and what values shape their politics bickering, which has left a generation of who never would have defended the Protestant black community put the and their view of policy,” said Scott. children behind, she said. behavior of Trump in the past felt that Catholic in the driver’s seat. That’s where Father Reese said he feared that “We don’t talk about them. They are “he’s what’s between me and the state we are.” But she admitted that “while my elections, of late, are run more on fear the victims of this conversation and this that’s going to come after our institutions,” faith has driven me and my politics ... my than love. Carney said religious voters battle that we’re having,” she said. “We and decided to support him. party often doesn’t lead with faith, but in the last election and this election are never talk about maternal health. We never They wanted a president to defend their with values,” and includes voters of other looking for something to belong to, talk about the children who get born, who beliefs against abortion, and Trump, along religions as well as of no religious beliefs. something that perhaps in the past was Democratic presidential candidate Joe satiated by belonging to a church. Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who “The quintessential Trump [voter] dropped out of the presidential race on in the early primaries was the white March 5, agreed that there were a few evangelical who does not go to church,” conservative Christians out there who he said. “You can say that’s because backed Trump in the last election, but they’re fake Christians. No. It’s because “would be open to voting for them if that they’re disconnected. The people, what person [the candidate] was aware of them they’re seeking with Sanders, what they’re and was reaching out,” Scott said. seeking with Trump, is what they would But some panelists called out the be getting if they were going to church. I, Democrats, saying that when it comes to for one, argue they’d be better off going to the abortion issue, the party has not been church.” welcoming to pro-life Democrats, and has For those like Brazile, being a religious gotten tangled up in responses for fear of voter means heeding the lessons of her how other Democratic constituencies might Catholic grandmother who would open respond, as well as how others would react the Bible and read to her grandchildren when you mention the word “Catholic.” her favorite Scripture from Galatians: “Do “I think anyone who mentions not grow weary in doing good for at the ‘Catholic’ is going to tick off some of the proper time we will reap a harvest if we main constituencies in the main party,” do not give up” (Gal 6:9). said Father Reese. “That woman had so much faith, giving And yet, the Pew center’s Podrebarac us that hope every day. Feeding that hope Sciupac said more than half of voters in every day is what we should do in our a survey said that it was “very important lives to remove fear and doubt and hate People enter Nativity of Our Lord Church in St. Paul, Minn., on March 3. The church served as a or somewhat important” to have a because that is not of God. That is the polling place for the Super Tuesday presidential primary. (CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit) president share their religious beliefs. In devil we have to rebuke,” she said. † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Walking with ‘suffering Christ’ means standing with victims, says priest

CHICAGO (CNS)—Jesuit Father Hans accused Chilean priest Fernando Karadima in actions. Those include Zollner, one of the world’s leading experts and Bishop Juan Barros in January of that new laws regarding the on safeguarding minors, said the Church is year, saying he had seen no proof that the safeguarding of minors and suffering “institutional trauma” from clerical accusations against Karadima were true. other vulnerable people sexual abuse, trauma that it must learn to Less than two weeks later, after a public in the Vatican City State integrate into its theology and understanding outcry, the pope sent Archbishop Charles J. and the issuance of the of salvation if it is to overcome it. Scicluna of Malta, adjunct secretary of the papal mandate “Vos estis He visited the Archdiocese of Chicago on Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith lux mundi” (“You are the March 1-3 to speak with seminarians, clergy and the Vatican’s chief abuse investigator, Light of the World”) for the and members of religious congregations on to Chile, where he spoke to some 70 universal Church. “The Present Status of Safeguarding in the victims. In May 2018, Pope Francis called The papal mandate Church,” which also was the topic of his the 34 bishops of Chile to Rome, where revised and clarified norms March 2 DePaul University talk. they all offered their resignations. and procedures for holding Father Zollner, a German, is a licensed “A whole bishops’ conference offering bishops and religious psychologist and psychotherapist with their resignations—this is something that superiors accountable in Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, right, a leading Vatican official dealing a doctorate in theology, the president of has never happened in Church history,” protecting minors as well with clergy sexual abuse in the church, speaks about “The the Center for Child Protection at the Father Zollner said. as in protecting members Present Status of Safeguarding in the Church” at St. Gall Church Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, a “The pope didn’t address it as a matter of religious orders and in Chicago on March 2. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic) member of the Pontifical Commission for of dealing with this priest, or with the seminarians from abuse. the Protection of Minors and a consultor to archbishop and former archbishop of It requires all priests and religious “For all this to happen in a year, for the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy. Santiago,” he said. “All of them knew to report suspected abuse or cover-ups the Vatican, that’s lightning speed,” Father He was one of four leaders appointed something about the abuse that was going and encourages any layperson to report Zollner said after his talk. by Pope Francis to organize the February on. For the first time, this pope addressed through a now-mandated reporting At the same time, the Church as an 2019 summit on abuse for the presidents this as an institutional, a structural, a “system” or office that must be set up in institution has many challenges, he said. of episcopal conferences. systemic issue.” each diocese by June of this year. It also The Church includes both perpetrators In his presentation, Father Zollner As of now, Father Zollner said, eight insists leaders be held accountable for and victims, people who want to bring the compared the Church to an individual Chilean bishops have been removed from committing abuse themselves or covering problem to light so it can be cleaned up and suffering from trauma who tries to wall it office and two have been dismissed from up or failing to address abuse accusations. people who want to cover it up. Until now, off, keeping it separate from everyday life. the clerical state, as has Karadima. In December, the pope waived the little in the way of expertise and experience That can work well for a time, he said, That summer, the Church in the U.S. was requirement of secrecy for anyone who developed in one part of the world was but eventually the wall develops cracks, rocked by accusations that then-Cardinal has reported abuse by a member of the being used to help leaders in other areas. the trauma bleeds through and the person Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop clergy or testified in a canonical trial Father Zollner, a theologian, decried suffers flashbacks, reliving rather than of Washington, had abused several children having to do with clerical sexual abuse. the lack of theological thought about simply remembering the traumatic event. and seminarians in past years; he was On Feb. 28, the Vatican announced the abuse crisis and what it means “My theory is that is happening in the laicized in February 2019. Also in the the creation of a task force to advise for the Church and for the Church’s Catholic Church now,” the priest said. summer of 2018 was the release of the bishops’ conferences and congregations understanding of salvation. “What has been hidden is coming out Pennsylvania grand jury report. of religious on creating or updating their “Tell me where theology, in the face of now, but that brings out the whole history. In Australia, meanwhile, Cardinal own guidelines for responding to abuse. the abuse, has changed,” he said. “Where “When people read news of an abuse George Pell was convicted on five counts The task force will be under the do we ask, ‘What does God want us that happened 50 years ago, they read it related to the sexual abuse of two boys authority of Archbishop Edgar Pena to do now?’ Where are the theologians like it happened yesterday and nothing decades earlier, a charge he continues to Parra, the third-ranking official in the addressing this?” has changed. ... The awareness of the deny. His final appeal is set to be heard Vatican Secretariat of State, and will The Church, he said, is good at trauma that had been lingering 30, 40, 50 sometime this March. be supervised by the four members of standing with the vulnerable: the hungry, years has undermined the self-perception The February 2019 summit on Church the organizing committee of last year’s the poor, the immigrants and refugees. of the Church.” response to the abuse crisis held by summit on the protection of minors: But it must also stand with those who Father Zollner said 2018 was a Pope Francis and the heads of all of the Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich; have been victimized within the Church. watershed for the global abuse crisis, bishops’ conferences—which included Father Zollner; Archbishop Scicluna; and “If we don’t, we are not walking with starting with Pope Francis’ defense of talks by abuse survivors—has resulted Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay. the suffering Christ,” he said. † Lenten penance services are scheduled at archdiocesan parishes Parishes throughout the archdiocese have scheduled Grove, and Good Shepherd, at Holy Name of Jesus St. Bartholomew, Columbus, at St. Bartholomew communal penance services for Lent. Below is a list of • March 25, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Greenwood, • April 1, 6:30 p.m. for St. Ann and St. Joseph, Jennings services reported to The Criterion. Greenwood County; St. Mary, North Vernon; and St. Ambrose, • March 30, 7 p.m. for St. Ann and St. Thomas More, Seymour, at St. Ambrose Batesville Deanery Mooresville (Indianapolis West Deanery), at • March 20, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (confession only, no service) St. Thomas More Terre Haute Deanery at St. Joseph, Shelbyville • April 4, 9 a.m. at SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi, • March 24, 2 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary, Terre Haute • March 24, 7 p.m. at Holy Family, Oldenburg Greenwood • March 31, 7 p.m. at St. Joseph University, Terre Haute • March 26, 7 p.m. for St. Catherine of Siena, • April 1, 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart, Clinton Decatur County, at St. John the Evangelist Campus, Indianapolis West Deanery • April 6, 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, Greencastle Enochsburg • March 18, 7 p.m. for St. Susanna, Plainfield, and • April 8, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph, Rockville • March 29, 1:30 p.m. at St. Maurice, Napoleon St. Joseph, at St. Susanna • April 8, 7 p.m. at Annunciation, Brazil • March 31, 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael, Brookville • March 30, 7 p.m. for St. Thomas More, Mooresville, • April 1, 7 p.m. at St. Louis, Batesville and St. Ann (Indianapolis South Deanery) at Additionally, the following confession times are offered • April 2, 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter, Franklin County St. Thomas More in the Terre Haute Deanery • April 3, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (confession only, no service), • April 3, 7 p.m. for St. Michael the Archangel, for All Saints, Dearborn County, at St. Martin Campus, St. Gabriel the Archangel and St. Monica, at St. Saturdays in Lent: Yorkville Michael the Archangel • St. Margaret Mary, Terre Haute, 3-3:45 p.m. • Wednesdays in Lent, 6-7 p.m. at • Sacred Heart, Clinton, 3:30-4 p.m. Bloomington Deanery Mary, Queen of Peace, Danville • St. Joseph University, Terre Haute, 3:30-4:30 p.m. • March 31, 7 p.m. at St. Agnes, Nashville • Sacred Heart of Jesus, Terre Haute, 4 p.m. • March 31, 6 p.m. at St. John the Apostle, Bloomington New Albany Deanery • St. Benedict, Terre Haute, 4 p.m. • April 1, 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude the Apostle, Spencer • March 16, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Navilleton • St. Paul, Greencastle, 4-4:45 p.m. • April 2, 7 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, Martinsville • March 18, 7 p.m., at St. Michael, Bradford • St. Patrick, Terre Haute, 7:15-7:45 p.m. • April 8, 6-9 p.m. for St. Charles Borromeo, • March 19, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, New Albany • First Saturday of the month (March 7, April 4), Bloomington, and St. Paul Catholic Center, • March 25, 7 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, 9-11 a.m. at Annunciation, Brazil Bloomington, at St. Paul Catholic Center Floyd County • March 26, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (confession only, no service) Sundays in Lent: Connersville Deanery at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Albany • St. Patrick, Terre Haute, 8-8:30 a.m. • March 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Rushville • April 1, 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, Clarksville • Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Brazil, • March 23, 6 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, • April 5, 1 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Starlight 8-8:45 a.m. Cambridge City • Noon at St. Paul the Apostle, Greencastle • March 29, 6 p.m. for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at The following additional confession times are part of • First Sunday of the month (March 1, April 5) Holy Family Campus, Richmond New Albany Deanery’s “The Light is on for You” 8:30 a.m. at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, St. Mary-of-the-Woods Indianapolis East Deanery • Wednesdays in Lent: • March 19, 7 p.m. for St. Théresè of the Infant Jesus St. Michael, Charlestown, 5:45-7:30 p.m. with Tuesdays in Lent: St. Joseph, Rockville, 4:30 p.m. (Little Flower) and Our Lady of Lourdes, at adoration; and St. Mary, New Albany, 6:30 p.m. St. Théresè of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) • Thursdays in Lent: St. Francis Xavier, Henryville, Thursdays in Lent: St. Joseph University, Terre Haute, • March 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary 5:45-7:30 p.m. with adoration 7-8 p.m. • March 26, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle, Fortville • March 27, 6-8 p.m. at St. Michael, Greenfield Seymour Deanery Tell City Deanery • March 28, 9-11 a.m. at St. Michael, Greenfield • March 17, 7 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima, Franklin • Sundays during Lent: 3-4 p.m. at St. Paul, Tell City • March 18, 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick, Salem Indianapolis South Deanery • March 19, 6 p.m. at American Martyrs, Scottsburg (An updated version of this list, along with other Lenten • March 19, 7 p.m. for Holy Name of Jesus, Beech • March 26, 7 p.m. for Holy Trinity, Edinburgh, and resources, can be found at www.archindy.org/lent.) † The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 11

A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Giving alms during Lent can happen in many ways

By Stephanie Clary

A traditional way to approach the Lenten practice of almsgiving is to give from the excess that you create by fasting. For example, according to Catholic Relief Services, you save approximately $3 per person, per meal, when you abstain from serving meat. By that estimate, eating meat-free on every Friday during Lent could save a single person more than $60 and a family of four more than $250 (and that’s not including the additional fasting on Ash Wednesday). By choosing to abstain from eating meat on more days than the obligatory Fridays, one could save an even more significant amount of funds throughout Lent to then give to the organization or organizations of one’s choosing. This approach of giving from the excess of what you give up connects the Lenten pillars of fasting, almsgiving and prayer to reinforce the interconnected dynamic of how we all exist, survive and flourish as the body of Christ and creation of God. It’s also a convenient way to be able to financially give a little more than usual without drastically affecting your budget. But what if you are unable to fast for health or safety reasons, or what if you already live a frugal lifestyle without funds to spare? Does this mean that you Volunteers serve breakfast to people in need at a shelter in Mount Clemens, Mich. Almsgiving does not have to take the form of financial alms. There are are unable to participate fully in the three many ways to be generous toward others that do not require excess in your bank account. (CNS photo/Jim West) Lenten pillars because you are unable to donate money somewhere this Lent? Of rely on the many parts exercising their own who was in need (Acts 2:44-45). could participate. If there aren’t structured course not. individually unique gifts and talents for the And Paul was generous with his praise volunteer services, offer to clean, Almsgiving does not have to take the benefit of the whole (see 1 Cor 12). as he wrote to various early Christian organize, do yardwork or anything else form of financial alms. There are many Scripture tells us of Martha and Mary communities and spoke of others who that they might need some extra help with ways to be generous toward others that do being generous with their hospitality were living for Christ. during the spring. not require excess in your bank account when Jesus visits their home (Lk 10:38- Like the companions of Jesus and other • Be generous with your talents. What (or a bank account at all, for that matter). 42). Peter, Thomas, Nathanael and the early followers of Christ, Christians today are you good at? What do you enjoy It’s easy to focus on the financial sons of Zebedee were generous with their also find themselves in various contexts doing? See if your parish or another aspect of almsgiving because the talent of fishing when they shared their with different gifts to offer. If you’re organization that you would like to support organizations that we care about, breakfast catch with Jesus and the others strapped for cash this Lent, consider could use any (free) help in those areas. including the Church, can always use on the shore (Jn 21:10-13). giving alms—or generously supporting • Be generous with your belongings. additional funding to help carry out their The women were generous with their others—with one of these alternative In the consumerist culture of Western missions. time when they approached Jesus’ tomb methods to monetary donations. society today, it’s easier than ever to live But the examples we have of the body with embalming spices and oils after • Be generous with your time. Check among an overabundance of things. Clean of Christ and how each part contributes to his crucifixion (Lk 23:55-24:1). Early in with your parish or other local out your closet, toy chest, bookshelf or the whole do not rely upon every member followers of Christ were generous with nonprofits to see if there are any volunteer whatever space in your home seems a always making financial contributions. They their belongings, sharing with anyone opportunities coming up in which you little cluttered and donate the items that you no longer need to a parish thrift store, homeless shelter, day care or other nonprofit in need. • Be generous with your hospitality. Invite friends, family or colleagues over for a home-cooked meal. Or prepare a meal and deliver it to the door of someone who could use the support right now, such as parents with young children, those who are sick, healing or otherwise mobility-limited, new neighbors or those preparing for a move, or anyone who happens to be in a particularly busy season of life right now. • Be generous with your praise. Personal recommendations go a long way in the digital age. The sort of promotion that comes with likes, comments and shares on social media platforms can be so effective that we have a name for people who do it regularly: influencers. If you are unable to make monetary donations to the Church or organizations that you would like to support this Lent, consider providing a boost online by liking or commenting on posts, sharing a website link or leaving a review. Your influence just might help somebody else encounter the cause that you care about, and you’ll have helped the organization without costing them, or you, a penny.

Volunteers work at the Earthworks Urban Farm in Detroit. The farm grows fresh produce for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. This Lent, be generous with your (Follow Stephanie Clary on Twitter time. Offer to clean, organize or do yardwork. (CNS photo/Jim West) @scherp01.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Perspectives Joyful Witness/Kimberly Pohovey Twenty Something/ Near accident results in God’s work of mercy Christina Capecchi Lent always makes me give pause to mirror and saw him raise his arms in anger. of his reaction when he began to cry. He ‘Joyful momentum’ our need to practice the corporal works of While I could not hear him, I could only said that no one had ever treated him like mercy. Years ago, I almost hit a man while guess what choice words he had for me. this. He hugged me. I finally realized he when two or more driving my car on a Thoughts began to race through my was grateful. Can you imagine? He was curvy stretch of road. mind. I needed to get my boys to school grateful! are gathered I could barely think before they were late. I could just drive We introduced ourselves to one through my trembling. on—no one would know. I should turn another. He explained to me that he was There comes a moment when To my great shame, around and apologize. I knew what was nearly homeless and going blind. He was something clicks. At a book club or a my first thought was the right thing to do. We always know. on his way to catch a bus to an eye doctor Bible study. In a carpool circle or a coffee fleeing the scene as I quickly dropped off my kids and appointment. He would need to make shop. A connection is quickly as possible. returned. I found that the gentleman a bus transfer and wasn’t sure he had made, and a gathering But God always offers had not progressed much farther down enough bus fare to make his way. While turns into a group, us a choice. the road. I pulled over into a nearby lot walking along that road, he was praying taking on a life of its That morning, I and raced to catch up to him. He turned to God to help him find a way to make it own. was driving my kids to school, which was around and stared at me in disbelief. to his appointment. That’s when I literally Elizabeth Tomlin located around the corner from that narrow, I took him in, noting his disheveled careened into his life. has experienced it curvy road. A man walked toward the appearance. God definitely works in mysterious many times and, as a direction of my car, along the side of the After a few very uncomfortable ways. Had I not sought his forgiveness, nomadic Army wife, road, carrying his morning cup of coffee. minutes of staring, he finally responded, he would not have had the bus fare he she’s come to rely As I approached him, some commotion “I can’t believe you came back.” I needed to see a doctor who hopefully on it. caught my attention inside the car. assumed he was still angry. I expressed helped him. There was the time she had just moved Honestly, I cannot remember the catalyst my sorrow, asked for his forgiveness We parted ways teary-eyed. I was to Texas, and she showed up at a parish anymore, and I reached down to retrieve and offered to buy him another drink. To touched by his mercy. He felt I was the get-together with a casserole. The other something from the floor. As I did, I which he again replied, “I can’t believe answer to his prayer. Both of our thirsts young moms embraced her. Fresh flowers, swerved slightly to the right side of the you came back.” I rambled an excuse were quenched. name tags and free child care eased her road. The man was walking extremely about being distracted while driving and entry. Their warm smiles sealed the deal. close to the roadside and was startled repeated my sorrow. His face softened. (Kimberly Pohovey is a member of St. There was the time her teenage son enough to fling his cup of coffee which I handed him a $20 bill to buy himself Jude Parish in Indianapolis. She is the broke his arm while her husband was splattered across my windshield. It a replacement cup of coffee and told him director of major and planned gifts for the deployed, and a new friend arrived at happened in a split-second. to keep the rest. I told him I would offer archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and the hospital with a stroller and blankets, As I passed him, I looked in my rear-view more if I had it on me. I was still unsure Development.) † whisking away her 1-year-old. And there was the time last summer, after yet another move, that housing Our Works of Charity/David J. Bethuram plans were delayed and her family had to stay in a hotel for 50 days. Elizabeth and another newly relocated mom met Get out of your rut, find a new path in life at a laundromat once a week. Doing the There is a sign along an Alaskan that the term ‘burnout’ was a convenient Unfortunately, this rut of both laundry together became a highlight of highway that has brought a smile to many psychological translation for a spiritual religious and daily activities can numb the summer. a motorist: “Choose Your Rut Carefully. death.” our souls until we find ourselves in With each new beginning came more … You’ll Be In It For Nouwen asked the Lord to show need of spiritual refreshment—a fresh insights into the vital role of women’s The Next 150 Miles.” him where he wanted him to go and touch from God, who works to create ministry. No, she could not bubble wrap Author Henri he would follow, “but please be clear his masterpiece within us. Frequently, her heart every time the family packed Nouwen, in his book and unambiguous about it!” Well, God we feel this during the waning weeks of up and moved out. But she could share In the Name of Jesus, was. The Lord made it clear to him winter. it with others, experiencing the power of admits to being in that he should leave his prestigious role It is then that we need to slow down, vulnerability and shared faith. one for more than 20 as a distinguished professor at an Ivy pull out of that rut and take a different Elizabeth became a founding member years. Judging from League university and join the L’Arche path. Sometimes this means just getting of the Military Council of Catholic the externals, he had it communities for mentally challenged away from it all—literally—to a place Women. She served as a de facto made: the University people. where there are no demands of our time, consultant to Catholics trying to start or of Notre Dame, Yale In Nouwen’s own words: “God said, where we can find spiritual renewal. grow women’s groups. and Harvard were on his resume. And ‘Go and live among the poor in spirit, and Or maybe it is a good time to assess The Washington-based mom with his field of study was equally impressive: they will heal you.’ ” So he did. what we are doing in service to others. curly red hair, an adventurous spirit and theology mixed with courses in pastoral The lessons awaiting Nouwen It could be the right time to “go and a buoyant faith came to realize she had psychology and Christian spirituality. were numerous: some painful, a few live among the poor in spirit.” It could something to say. She began rising at Nothing wrong with that, but the rut got humiliating, but all of them necessary. be the right time to reach out to those 5 a.m. to write in the dining room, coffee so deep he began to churn internally. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he whom we know little about—the poor, at hand. Stories poured out. Practical Listen to his honest admission. experienced a change deep within the refugee or immigrant, the mentally or tips interspersed with spiritual insights. “I entered into my fifties and was able his being. The master teacher learned developmentally disabled. Reflection questions, prayers and to realize the unlikelihood of doubling my to be the humble servant. The self- During this season of Lent, slow down, accounts of female saints. Soon she had years, I came face to face with the simple confident, proud individualist became a be quiet, watch nature, and think about written a book, which was just published question, ‘Did becoming older bring me compassionate, caring friend. life. Then when we celebrate the risen by Ave Maria Press. closer to Jesus?’ After twenty-five years Most of us have no idea how deeply Lord, go out and serve, be a witness, a The title—Joyful Momentum—alludes of the priesthood, I found myself praying entrenched we are in the rut of routine. disciple for Christ. Get out of your rut. to the biblical friendship that offered poorly, living somewhat isolated from Externally, everything looks fine. Our It’ll make a difference for the rest of your the perfect starting point: the visitation other people, and very much preoccupied activities often revolve around the Church, life. between Mary and her pregnant cousin, with burning issues. … Something family and friends. We have work at Elizabeth. An exchange that was equal inside was telling me that my success home and in our jobs, children to pick (David Bethuram is executive director of parts joy and mystery. was putting my own soul in danger. … up, parents to keep healthy, and meetings the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic The title also conveys the practical I woke up one day with the realization to attend. Who can criticize us for being Charities. E-mail him at dbethuram@ nature of the book: keys to growing the that I was living in a very dark place and attentive to these relationships? archindy.org.) † kind of ministry that develops momentum. It explores how to cultivate spiritual friendships, practice hospitality, embrace The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick your strengths, serve the community, resolve conflict and mentor new leaders. Women need relationships—more so Be patient and persistent, draw closer to God during Lent than ever, perhaps, in an Instagram age. Looking for an inspiring Lenten be about our agenda, please let it be an Some have interpreted this double “Our faith is incarnational,” said practice? Read Mark’s Gospel in which opening of ourselves to your will.” healing as a lesson for his Apostles who Elizabeth, now 39. “We are supposed to Christ heals the blind man. There is a saying, “The more we are were slow in understanding Christ’s walk alongside our sisters in Christ. Face- “When they disinterested in our self, the stronger we mission and needed repeated reminders. to-face connections cannot be replicated arrived at Bethsaida, are.” By letting God take center in our It also contains the principle that prayer by social media, and if we try to they brought a blind prayer life and pursuing his agenda, we takes time in growing our relationship substitute emoji hearts for actually having man to Christ and allow his providence to fortify us. with Christ. a heartfelt conversation, we will fall into begged him to touch Leading the blind outside the village To be touched by God’s love, the trap of becoming digitally addicted yet him. He took the gives us another principle of prayer: prayerful patience and courage are interpersonally detached.” man by the hand and dispelling outside distractions to be “all necessary. At times, prayer is sweet and As she settles into her two-story led him outside the there” with God in silence. Only he who at other times it is difficult to practice. brick colonial on an Air Force base near village” (Mk 8:22- can be silent can speak meaningfully. Lent’s 40 days encourage us to be patient Tacoma, Elizabeth has an opportunity to 23). The passage is Prayer is conversation with God in which and persistent in our endeavors to draw live out the lessons she wrote. reminiscent of the we not only exhale, but also inhale. closer to God. “Something I learn and re-learn is that passage of Isaiah, “I am the Lord, your Silence and its tranquility allow us to Once cured, the blind man now had when you accept hospitality, you are also God, who grasp your right hand; It is I exhale our needs and to breathe in God the ability to look deeply into the eyes helping the person serving you because who say to you, Do not fear, I will help more fully. of Christ and to cherish his newfound you are affirming that person’s service,” you” (Is 41:13). Mark’s Gospel is unique in that Christ faith in him. May this also be our Lenten she said. “God put us into community to When praying during Lent, let us start first puts spittle on the blind man’s eyes blessing. lift each other up.” our prayer, “Oh God take my hand and allowing him to see, but not fully. Then There is plenty of laughter along the lead us. May we put ourselves into your Christ lays his hands on him and cures his (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for way. hands wholeheartedly. Often prayer can blindness entirely. Catholic News Service.) † See CAPECCHI, page 14 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 13

Third Sunday of Lent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, March 16 Friday, March 20 Sunday, March 15, 2020 2 Kings 5:1-15b Hosea 14:2-10 Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4 Psalm 81:6c-11b, 14, 17 • Exodus 17:3-7 Luke 4:24-30 Mark 12:28-34 • Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 • John 4:5-42 Tuesday, March 17 Saturday, March 21 St. Patrick, bishop Hosea 6:1-6 The source of the first biblical reading for Samaritans were of Hebrew heritage, Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21b this Lenten weekend’s Mass is the Book of but they had acquiesced when foreigners Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9 Luke 18:9-14 Exodus, one of those five books of the Bible invaded the land, compromising with regarded as the basis of paganism, and even inter-marrying with Matthew 18:21-35 God’s revelation to the pagan foreigners. Inter-marriage added Sunday, March 22 chosen people. They insult to injury, because by such unions Wednesday, March 18 Fourth Sunday of Lent saw in these books Samaritans diluted the Hebrew heritage. St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a the initial theological Faithful Jews scorned Samaritans and and doctor of the Church Psalm 23:1-6 concepts and practical looked upon them with contempt. regulations about Also, at the time of Jesus, no adult, Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Ephesians 5:8-14 human behavior, as unmarried man ever engaged a strange Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 John 9:1-41 given by God to Moses. woman in conversation, let alone a Matthew 5:17-19 or John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Together, these Samaritan. books constitute the Jesus obviously set all these Thursday, March 19 Torah, still the cornerstone of Judaism. considerations aside. He bore the mercy St. Joseph, Spouse of the Another name is the Pentateuch, this term of God, and this mercy was meant for coming from the Greek word for five. everyone—no exceptions. Blessed Virgin Mary As the title implies, the Book of Furthermore, by outreach to this 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Exodus is concerned with the experiences Samaritan woman, the Lord asserts that Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 of the Hebrews as they fled Egypt and every person possesses dignity, indeed a Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 moved toward the land that God had right to eternal life. Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a promised them. It was a difficult trip. More than Moses of old, Jesus promises a Even today, a journey across the Sinai gift of life-giving, satisfying water available or Luke 2:41-51a Peninsula can evoke concern and worry. from no well or spring beside a rock. Not surprisingly, the Hebrews wondered Finally, the Lord predicts that a new order if they had swapped the witch for the is coming. It will be neither centralized in devil as they wandered across Sinai. In Jerusalem, nor on the mountaintops where Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle frustration, bewilderment and misery, the Samaritans customarily worshipped. they grumbled about Moses, their leader. Differences in Gospels aren’t Water was and is a precious commodity Reflection in this arid environment. The people feared Very much a part of Lent are the Church’s that thirst would result in death. Moses, preparations to receive new members during necessarily contradictions enlightened by God, told them to look for the Easter Vigil. Central to the vigil is the In the Gospel for the feast of the of a homily, isn’t that the same thing as water in an improbable place, the side of a triumphant celebration of the Eucharist. QEpiphany, Matthew indicates that campaigning for him? (Nebraska) rock. He struck the rock and water flowed. The Lord lives! Water also is a prominent the Magi visited with King Herod in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans symbol. With water ritually blessed at the Jerusalem at the time I believe—particularly in the midst supplies the second reading. As is typical vigil, the Church will baptize new members. of Jesus’ birth, and Aof an active and heated political of Paul’s writing, this passage celebrates For those Catholics already members that apparently soon campaign—that a preacher needs to Jesus as the only source of life and of of the Church and not being baptized after their visit, the be careful about seeming to praise or communion with God. It also proclaims at the Easter Vigil but participants Holy Family fled to criticize particular candidates. Priests salvation in Christ as the gift coming nevertheless, water also will symbolize Egypt to avoid the are encouraged at all times to share the from his willing self-sacrifice on Calvary. life. The previously baptized will renew wrath of Herod and principles of Catholic social teaching and For its last reading this weekend, the their baptismal promises aloud. The priest stayed there until to encourage parishioners to participate in Church presents a passage from St. John’s will sprinkle them with blessed water to Herod had died. the political process. Gospel. It is the story of the Lord’s meeting recall their baptisms. But on Feb. 2, we But in a website article titled with a Samaritan woman beside a well in While this water will symbolize new heard Luke’s account “Do’s and Don’ts Guidelines During Samaria. It is heavy with lessons for us. life, in these readings, the Church tells us of the Christ Child’s presentation in the Election Season,” the U.S. Conference First, the site was Samaria. For that God alone, in Jesus, is the source of Temple in Jerusalem just a few weeks of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is clear the Jews of the Lord’s time, Samaria life eternal, as baptism indicates. after his birth, and Luke indicates on activities that must be avoided. To represented many bad things. The woman Lent is our time to decide whether to that the Holy Family returned then parishes, other Church organizations was a Samaritan. receive this life or not. † to Nazareth in Galilee. How are we and their representatives these to reconcile these different accounts? guidelines say: “Do not endorse or (Ohio) oppose candidates, political parties, My Journey to God or groups of candidates, or take Some Scripture scholars have any action that reasonably could Apointed out what you see as a be construed as endorsement or conflict between the infancy narratives of opposition.” Consecration Matthew and Luke. In my mind, what the pastor in your Other biblical authorities, however, question has done is a clear violation By Gina Langferman have no problem with reconciling the of that “reasonably could be construed” Christ removes the veil two narratives. The key, they explain, provision. That covers the temple is to understand that the four Gospel In a further specification of this (Gina Langferman is Each time His body and blood authors wrote for different audiences, caution, the Washington State Catholic a member of Are lifted up at Mass. and thus each of them did not feel Conference lists under what the Catholic St. Barnabas Parish compelled to detail every aspect of the Church and Catholic organizations in Indianapolis. Heaven and earth are joined. life of Jesus. cannot do: “endorse or oppose Background: A We are one with the Luke, for example, says nothing about candidates or political parties, or actively priest incenses a Communion of Saints. the flight into Egypt while Matthew engage in political campaigns for or monstrance as part doesn’t mention the Temple observance of against any candidate or party through of an evening of Just as the curtain in the temple the presentation. homily, newsletter, flyer, poster, bulletin, adoration during Was torn in two In addition, the Gospel writers e-mail, phone, parish website links, which approximately As Christ gave up his life for us on the cross, sometimes used the word “then” to social media, or by providing a parish 17,000 college There is now no division between introduce a particular passage as mailing list.” students, religious, God and man, though the events happened in quick In a document that the USCCB campus ministers Heaven and Earth. succession, while that may not have revises periodically called “Forming and others knelt in been true. Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” worship on Thank you, Lord Jesus, Luke does not say that the among the subject areas that should be Jan. 5, 2019, For saving us and giving us Holy Family returned to Nazareth of concern for Catholics in weighing during the SEEK Hope of life eternal. “immediately” after the presentation their voting preferences are such things conference in Thank you for your sacrifice in the Temple; he simply indicates that as: human life, promoting peace, the Indiana And for giving us every spiritual gift Mary and Joseph settled afterward in religious freedom, the preferential Convention Center That we need to make it through this life Nazareth, without specifying how much option for the poor, migration, in Indianapolis.) And someday live time had elapsed. combatting unjust discrimination (Criterion file photo) In the fullness of your life in heaven. So, it is quite possible that Luke’s and care for our common home. narrative allows for a period of time for That document is available at a flight into Egypt to escape the wrath of www.usccb.org. Herod, followed by an eventual return to Nazareth. (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at [email protected] and If a pastor praises President Donald 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York QJ. Trump by name during the course 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020

Rest in peace Please submit in writing to our office by 10 a.m. Thursday before the week of publication; be sure to state date of death. Obituaries of archdiocesan priests serving our archdiocese are listed elsewhere in The Criterion. Order priests and religious sisters and brothers are included here, unless they are natives of the archdiocese or have other connections­ to it; those are separate obituaries on this page.

ALLSPAW, Rita K., 83, ENNEKING, Frances K., St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, 96, Holy Family, Oldenburg, Feb. 21. Mother of Christine Feb. 25. Mother of Kay Jackson, Kathleen, Carl, Schumacher, Diane and Keith Daniel, David and Steven Dierckman. Grandmother of Allspaw. Grandmother of 10. 12. Great-grandmother of 13. Great-great grandmother of ANTSY, William T., 90, two. St. Pius X, Indianapolis, Feb. 26. Husband of Jane GRAZIANO, Salvatore, 83, Antsy. Father of Jane Christ the King, Indianapolis, Feb. 21. Husband of Dolores Grosvenor, Elizabeth Sullivan, Graziano. Father of Gary and John and William Antsy. John Graziano. Grandfather Brother of John and Robert of three. Great-grandfather of Antsy. Grandfather of 13. one. Great-grandfather of six. MARSHALL, Robert. E. 85, BANET, Joan M. (Seng), St. Barnabas, Indianapolis, 80, St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Feb. 28. Husband of Sharon Detroit church named basilica Floyd County, Feb. 27. Mother Marshall. Father of David, of Maribeth Bradley, Brian, Don and Ron Marshall. Snow falls outside St. Anne Church in Detroit. Pope Francis recently named the historic church a minor basilica. It is the eighth Dennis, Douglas, Gerald and Brother of Carolyn Baumer parish church for the oldest Catholic faith community in Detroit. St. Anne Parish was started by two French missionaries in 1701 Gregory Banet. Grandmother and Betty Boon. Grandfather two days after the city itself was founded. (CNS photo/James Silvestri, Detroit Catholic) of seven. Great-grandmother of 10. Great-grandfather of of five. nine. Feb. 27. Mother of Christopher SAUNDERS, Peggy Jo SIEFERT, Elmer J., 91, STEDMAN, Peter E., 88, CLARK, Margaret, 87, MILLER, Caryl J., 92, and Jason Huber. Daughter (Boston), 78, Sacred Heart of Holy Family, Oldenberg, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus St. Barnabas, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Batesville, Feb. 26. of Angelo Romani. Sister March 3. Father of Melissa Christ, Indianapolis, Feb. 27. Mother of Mary Mother of Abigail, Rebecca, Jesus, Indianapolis, Feb. 27. of Jayne Linneman, Jenny Barnett, Marcia Bischoff, March 2. Husband of Eleanor Barnhart, Robbie Cahill, Susie Susan, Kevin and Timothy Wife of Roy Saunders. Mother Stedman. Father of James Miller. Grandmother of four. McLaughlin, Judy Van Monica Mores, Mary Wallpe, Dennis, Jackie Hudman, Karen of Roseann Buergelin and and Paul Stedman. Brother Kidwell and Tracy Smith. Great-grandmother of one. Driessche, Gail Virgin, Tom Mark, Melvin and Mike of Barbara Gastmeyer, Grandmother of 17. Great- ROMANI, Linda M., 63, and Mike Finke and Jeff Frank Saunders. Grandmother Siefert. Grandfather of 14. Grandfather of three. † grandmother of 31. St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, Romani. of several. Great-grandfather of 15. Coronavirus prompts colleges to halt international programs WASHINGTON (CNS)—Amid concerns over the not all, said they would offer some type of financial plans to travel back to their home residence.” Similarly, current outbreak of the coronavirus, several Catholic reimbursement. Fairfield University is closing its Florence University of colleges and universities in the U.S. have canceled In writing about the semester’s discontinuation at the Arts study abroad program, and requiring the 142 their international programs in Italy this semester, or the Loyola University Chicago’s John Felice Rome students enrolled in the program to leave Italy and return are closely monitoring the situation and prepared to cut Center, the program’s director, Michael Andrews, said: to the main campus by March 15 where they will have programs short if necessary. “Please remember that it is our civic responsibility to do the option of online and hybrid classes to remain on track Schools ending their Italian international study everything we can to prevent any additional spread of the to graduate. programs this semester include Villanova University virus, keeping in mind the most vulnerable among us.” Boston College officials said initially they were taking just outside Philadelphia, the University of Notre He pointed out this was not “an ideal situation for our a wait-and-see approach regarding the school’s college Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., Gonzaga University in students, parents, faculty or staff” and said the university program in Parma, Italy, but “after much thought and Spokane, Wash., The Catholic University of America in was committed to providing a positive alternative learning consideration,” they decided to close the program for the Washington, Fairfield University in Connecticut, Loyola experience for its students. spring semester. University Chicago, the University of St. Thomas in Like other college leaders in this position around the Notre Dame officials said they, too, had to “make the St. Paul, Minn., and Boston College. country, he said the main goal at this time is to get students difficult but necessary decision to end all programming” As of March 4, more than 2,700 people in Italy have home safely and to be sure they stayed at home for the in Italy for the rest of the semester. The school has 106 contracted the virus, known as COVID-19, while at 14-day period directed by the Centers for Disease Control. students studying in the Italian study program, 27 in least 107 people have died since the outbreak began in Villanova University announced on its website that the architecture program, one in law and 78 in other northern Italy, the Italian health ministry said. It has the “given the rapid increase in the number of confirmed disciplines, who will be flown back to the United States highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe. COVID-19 cases in northern Italy, we have made the decision to as soon as possible. is the name of this most recent coronavirus. bring home our students who are abroad in Italy. The The university previously announced a ban on school- Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., canceled university is in close contact with other study abroad sponsored travel to China and South Korea and is now its spring break study abroad program to Italy, and several programs in which Villanova students are participating extending that prohibition to Italy. It also said on its colleges have posted warnings about individual travel and will determine appropriate responses to additional website that it continues to recommend against personal during the break on their websites. disruptions caused by the coronavirus.” travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan. In announcing the cancellation of these programs, Gonzaga University announced it has suspended all Boston College also placed a prohibition on university- many of the Catholic colleges and universities academic courses in Florence, Italy, effective on sponsored travel to China and South Korea. acknowledged students’ disappointment. Some, but March 6, and said students should make “immediate Students from the University of St. Thomas’ Catholic Studies program in St. Paul, Minn., and its seminary program at St. John Vianney, were also asked to return home by March 6 with the closing of the school’s Online Lay Ministry Formation Bernardi campus in Rome this semester. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the Students will be able to complete their classes from University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes:  St. Paul, the university said.  “We simply cannot predict how COVID-19 will • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry   • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program continue to spread throughout Italy, and we believe it is in • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church         the best interests of our students to leave Rome before the • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners  
 ability to do so is restricted,” university officials said. †      For more information, please log on to         www.archindy.org/layministry   ­     €
 CAPECCHI     continued from page 12  ‚ƒ„       Elizabeth likes to quote St. Ignatius Loyola, who said: REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW  
 If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on         “Laugh and grow strong.” behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim Laughter helps an absurdity look more like an of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance  amusement, an adventure. It softens as it strengthens. coordinator. There are two ways to make a report:  †  ƒ Just as surely as it bonds women finding humor in a Ethics Point         shared experience, it also directs them to God, Elizabeth 1 Confidential, Online Reporting  
 ‡‡ˆ‡ˆ www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810  said. “We laugh when our spirits are light. I think of Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator  laughter as an involuntary expression of gratitude. When 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410     our spirits are light, it’s easy to see God’s goodness.” 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House [email protected] 5353 East 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 | (317) 545-7681 (Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver archindy.org/fatima | @FatimaRetreat Grove Heights, Minn.) † The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Page 15

Employment

Classified Directory Classifieds Continued, page 16 Administrative & Research Assistant Employment (full time) Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology is seeking an individual to work full time assisting the Director of the Young Adult Initiative in carrying out all Director/Coordinator of Religious Education activities and functions of a grant-funded program that aims to help parishes engage young Catholics ages 23-29. Full job description can be found at www.saintmeinrad. St. Margaret Mary and St. Patrick parishes of Terre Haute, Indiana, are seeking a org/jobs. full-time director/coordinator of religious education to implement and oversee An Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience is required. Office parish faith formation programs at all levels beginning June 1, 2020. technology and computer literacy are essential. Internet research, website design, and social media engagement experience preferred. Desktop publishing experience Applicant should have a love for the Catholic faith, knowledge of and beneficial. commitment to the Archdiocesan Faith Formation Guidelines and Faith- Formation Curriculum and the ability to work together with catechists, youth We offer a competitive wage and benefit package. Please email your cover ministers, RCIA team, school personnel and pastoral staff. Experience in parish letter and resume to [email protected] or fax: 812/357-8262, or mail to: formation programs preferred. Masters in Theology or related field preferred. Saint Meinrad Archabbey Human Resources Dept. Canon law requires that the person in this position be a baptized Catholic and, if 200 Hill Drive married, be validly married according to the laws and teachings of the Catholic St. Meinrad, IN 47577 Church.

To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and list of references, in confidence, to: Coordinator of Stewardship and Membership Ed Isakson Director, Human Resources St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Carmel IN, is seeking a Coordinator of 1400 N. Meridian St. Stewardship and Membership who reports to the Director of Finance. The Indianapolis, IN 46202 Coordinator provides leadership, strategic direction and coordination for all parish E-mail: [email protected] stewardship, fundraising efforts, and initiatives, including Diocesan appeals, offertory enhancement campaigns, and Parish Database Management. Coordinator Equal Opportunity Employer Develops and implements a stewardship program that: increases parishioner’s awareness of stewardship, challenges them to integrate stewardship into their daily lives, to engage parishioners into active, full and mindful participation in the parish and, encourages generous sharing of financial resources.

Part-Time Typist Core Responsibilities: • Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. The Tribunal is seeking a part-time typist. Responsibilities include typing • Strong strategic, leadership, and organizational skills. Cultivates best testimony from witnesses and/or the primary parties of a case. practices for engaging parishioners through gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Qualifications include strong typing skills, experience using personal computers, • Ability to build positive and enduring relationships with clergy, parish staff, ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and well-developed interpersonal lay leaders and ministers, as well as diocesan staff and leadership. and organizational skills. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. This • Partners with parish Stewardship Council to cultivate a warm and hospitable position would be 18 hours per week. culture of stewardship in the parish that is guided by the parish mission. • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write in a clear, Canon law requires that the person in this position be a baptized Catholic and, if concise, persuasive, and grammatically correct manner. married, be validly married according to the laws and teachings of the Catholic Church. • Ability to respond well to shifting priorities and changing work situations; ability to work effectively in ambiguous situations; ability to develop new To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and list of references, in skills to remain effective; ability to adapt to changes; ability to adapt confidence, to: strategies in response to new information or changes to a situation.

Ed Isakson Education and Qualifications Preferred: Director, Human Resources • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required. 1400 N. Meridian St. • Demonstrates good judgement, decision-making and problem resolution Indianapolis, IN 46202 skills independently. E-mail: [email protected] • Ability to work well under pressure, be flexible and collaborate with others. • Can effectively work under timelines and deadlines. Equal Opportunity Employer Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history, in confidence, to: Kevin Sweeney, Director of Finance St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Carmel IN PRINCIPAL [email protected] Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville, Kentucky

Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Louisville, Kentucky seeks a mission-driven, visionary, collaborative, student-focused and community-centered Part-Time Auditor Principal beginning July 1, 2020. The Principal will promote the Catholic educational development of the school’s staff and students, with emphasis on the Ursuline core The Tribunal is seeking a part-time auditor. Responsibilities include obtaining values. The ideal candidate will serve as a community leader, fostering a climate of testimony from witnesses and/or the primary parties of a case via telephone or well-being and engagement of students, faculty and staff within the Academy and in-person interview. serve as a role model, reflecting the school’s Catholic and Ursuline identity while embodying the creative and forward-thinking direction of the school. Qualifications include strong typing skills, experience using personal computers, ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and well-developed interpersonal The Principal holds primary responsibility for providing personal and visible leadership and organizational skills. A high school graduate or its equivalent and some for the faculty, staff, students and families on the mission of the school and will be college is required. This position is 5 hours per week and is ideal for a candidate involved with the development and implementation of a strategic long-term plan that is who would like a more flexible position. Occasional evening work is required. The consistent with both that mission and the vision of Sacred Heart Schools. The Principal ideal candidate would be Spanish speaking. is responsible for personnel management including recruiting and supporting highly qualified faculty and staff. This position ensures the ongoing development of rigorous Canon law requires that the person in this position be a baptized Catholic and, if academic standards, works collaboratively with the administrative team and is an married, be validly married according to the laws and teachings of the Catholic Church. integral part of the planning, managing and monitoring of the annual budget. To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and list of references, in Sacred Heart Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees confidence, to: working at least 30 hours per week, which includes a 50% tuition discount at all four campus schools. Sacred Heart Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ed Isakson Doctorate in education or related field preferred. Current state certification in Director, Human Resources education specializing in administration. Experience as a teacher. Experience as a 1400 N. Meridian St. Catholic school principal. Supportive member of a Catholic parish. Indianapolis, IN 46202 E-mail: [email protected] Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. Equal Opportunity Employer Page 16 The Criterion Friday, March 13, 2020 Poll: Fewer Catholics see Christian From the persecution as an urgent issue NEW YORK (CNS)—More than Bishop Simon Bruté ARCHIVES half of Catholics in the U.S. are “very concerned” about global Christian persecution, but this group accounts for 52 percent of Catholics today, compared to 58 percent in winter 2019, according to a new poll. It also showed the number of Catholics in the U.S. who think Christian persecution is “very severe” declined compared to a year ago, dropping from 46 percent to 41 percent. A family member of victims cries while praying Results of the third annual nationwide during the reopening ceremony of St. Anthony’s poll examining the views of U.S. Catholics Shrine in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 12, 2019, on the global persecution of Christians months after it was closed because of an Easter were released on March 4. bombing. (CNS photo/Dinuka Liyanawatte, Reuters) The poll was conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for Aid to the Church in out on Christian persecution, 27 percent Need-USA, an international papal agency said the bishop was “very engaged” on that supports suffering and persecuted the issue, up 12 percent compared to a Christians in more than 140 countries. year ago; 24 percent were “unsure” about Respondents also ranked global their bishop’s level of involvement; and Christian persecution as a less urgent issue 12 percent said their bishop was “not than human trafficking, poverty, climate engaged” at all. change and the global refugee crisis. • Asked about Pope Francis’ focus on Catholics who described themselves as the issue, 47 percent of Catholics in the being “very devout” were most concerned U.S. said he was “very engaged” on the about Christian persecution, but the poll issue, down by 8 percent from a year ago; showed that even this group has ranked 16 percent were “unsure” about the pope’s human trafficking as the issue of greatest involvement on the issue; just 8 percent concern for three consecutive years. said the pope was “not engaged.” “While 52 percent of American Respondents also were asked to rank by Confirmation in Lawrenceburg Catholics show strong concern about the importance policies by the persecution of Christians, it is nevertheless U.S. government and other Western This photo depicts a confirmation liturgy at St. Lawrence Church in Lawrenceburg. disheartening to see the drop in their countries to help persecuted Christians. There is no date included with the photo, but a second photo in the archives from number compared to a year ago,” George “Putting diplomatic pressure on offending the same day indicates that the pastor was Father Herman Kasper, who led the Marlin, chairman of Aid to the Church in countries” was ranked as most important parish from 1949-1962. Archbishop Paul C. Schulte is seen processing into church Need-USA, said in a statement. by Catholics in the U.S., followed by to administer the sacrament. “It’s telling,” he said, “that U.S. Catholics economic sanctions and emergency consider human trafficking, poverty, climate asylum for victims of persecution. Next (Would you like to comment on or share information about this photo? Contact change and the refugee crisis—as important came financial support of persecuted archdiocesan archivest Julie Motyka at 800-382-9836, ext. 1538; 317-236-1538; or as these issues are—to be more important Christian communities, while military by e-mail at [email protected].) than the persecution of Christians. intervention and “the military training and “Two years ago, the genocidal arming” were said to be less important. campaign waged by ISIS against Asked what actions Catholics in Christians and other minorities in Iraq the U.S. can personally take to help Alabama executes inmate after and Syria had only just begun to decline,” persecuted Christians, 68 percent said Marlin said, “but memories of that atrocity prayer was “very important,” 59 percent Supreme Court denies last-minute stay have faded since then. said raising awareness of the plight of “This may well help explain the the Christians at the parish level was WASHINGTON (CNS)—Nathaniel argued that Woods had received an unfair apparently lesser concern” about Christian important; 53 percent and 52 percent, Woods, a 43-year-old inmate in Alabama, trial and should not be executed. persecution by Catholics in the U.S., he said. respectively, said donating to agencies that was executed by lethal injection on March 5 U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, In listing the countries where they help persecuted Christians and contacting after the U.S. Supreme Court, which initially sent a letter to Ivey, saying that because of believe Christian persecution is most severe, members of Congress were important. granted a temporary stay, denied the inmate’s the discrepancies in the case, “a delay is U.S. Catholics identified Iran as the worst Marlin said the survey showed that petition to put his execution on hold. warranted.” offending nation, followed in order by North Catholics in the U.S. believe the Church Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also denied “This is not a decision that I take Korea, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in America “can do much more when it Wood’s request for clemency. lightly, but I firmly believe in the rule of as the next five worst-offending countries. comes to calling attention to the gravity of Woods was convicted, along with law and that justice must be served,” Ivey Other findings of the poll showed: Christian persecution.” Given the percentage Kerry Spencer, in the 2004 killings of said in a statement after the execution. • More than one-fifth of Catholics in the of Catholics who said they were “unsure” three police officers in Alabama. The The execution took place at William C. U.S. said their parish is “very engaged” about their parish’s or bishop’s engagement prosecution argued that Woods was an Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala. on the issue of Christian persecution, up on the issue, or said they were “not engaged,” accomplice, and Spencer has repeatedly Catholic Mobilizing Network tweeted by 16 percent from a year ago; 20 percent education at the parish and diocesan levels claimed to be the only shooter. that even though Nathaniel Woods “never said their parish is “not engaged”; and 22 “remains of crucial importance,” he added. A groundswell of support built up for pulled the trigger” that ended the police percent were “unsure” about their parish’s He called on the Church in the Woods prior to his execution. Supporters officers’ lives, “tonight we mourn their level of engagement on the issue. U.S. to do more “to inform and galvanize included Martin Luther King III, who senseless loss.” † • As for their local bishop speaking the faithful” on this issue. †

journey to Easter. to the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. It Easter proclaims to the baptized and REFLECTION The “Final Four” of the tournament signals the end of the tournament/Lent newly baptized our “champion” is our Savior continued from page 4 is a celebrated accomplishment. It is the as we anticipate the championship game/ Jesus Christ, and every one of us shares in his gate way to the championship game. I Easter Sunday. victory over sin and death. Amen. have six rounds or six weeks of preparing equate the “Final Four” to our celebration At the end of it all, March Madness ourselves to turn away from sin and turn of Holy Week and the triduum, or the only celebrates one basketball champion. (Tom Yost is a pastoral associate at toward God. It takes discipline and focus three days—Holy Thursday, Good Friday One victorious team. Many teams and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in (prayer, fasting and almsgiving) as we and Holy Saturday which is the gateway their fans come away disappointed. New Albany.) † Classified Directory, cont’d Medicare Insurance

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