Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 CriterionOnline.com December 19, 2008 Vol. XLIX, No. 12 75¢

‘Behold, the shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.’ (Mt 1:23) Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Archbishop’s cancer diagnosis tops local news stories for 2008

By Brandon A. Evans After four years of preparation, 25 men became a part of history when they became The announcement that Archbishop Daniel the first class ordained to the permanent M. Buechlein had been diagnosed with diaconate in the archdiocese during a June 28

cancer was voted the top news story for the Mass at the cathedral. Gallagher Sean by photo File archdiocese this year, a story followed closely Though the permanent diaconate was by the ordination of the archdiocese’s restored after the Second Vatican Council, it first-ever class of permanent deacons and had not yet been implemented in the local pilgrimages to see Benedict XVI in archdiocese. New York and Washington. “The new permanent deacons will be Working in tandem with the custom of ministering in parishes and in the broader other news agencies, including Catholic News community in such places as jails, prisons, Service (see story, page 3), The Criterion hospitals and nursing homes,” wrote editorial staff votes each year for the top 10 reporter Sean Gallagher in our July 4 news stories that have appeared in the archdiocesan story. “They will be able to baptize, newspaper. witness marriages and preside over funeral Many of the stories selected this year were services. At Mass, they will be able to actually made up of several individual proclaim the Gospel and preach, but will articles, and you can read them all by logging not serve as celebrant or consecrate the on to www.CriterionOnline.com and Eucharist.” checking out the list there. Criterion coverage throughout the year, So, amid the more than 475 locally which can also be found online at produced news stories this year, here is our www.archindy.org/deacon, not only gave the The 25 archdiocesan deacon candidates lay prostrate in prayer during the praying of the Litany of the top 10: background on the history of the diaconate, it just moments before Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein ordained them as the first class of explored the roles that the deacons would play permanent deacons in the history of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The ordination liturgy took place 1. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein is and included brief biographies of each deacon on June 28 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. diagnosed with cancer. candidate. On Jan. 18, the archbishop Shortly after the ordination, 18 other men apolis in the fall kicked off a year of back to this moment’ ” that “ ‘is full of received a medical report that he had began formation to be ordained deacons in celebrating the 175th anniversary of its mystery because this is the origin of your Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer affecting 2012. founding with a September pilgrimage to new mission.’ ” the lymph nodes, which is commonly On a sad note, Deacon Ronald Stier, who the Holy Land. Our coverage also included detailed known as Hodgkin’s disease. was ordained in June and ministered at the The pilgrimage, led by Archbishop profiles of the new priests. A novena was quickly organized for Richmond Catholic Community, died on Buechlein, was chronicled on a blog run by Catholics in central and southern Indiana to Aug. 24 after a two-year struggle with young adults at www.archindy.org/holyland. 6. Archdiocese hosts National Catholic pray for Archbishop Buechlein. Its pancreatic cancer. The anniversary celebration will Educational Association Convention. culmination was at a Mass at SS. Peter and culminate on May 3, 2009, with a special The archdiocese hosted, for the first time, Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on Feb. 11, the 3. Local Catholics, including youths, travel Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. the National Catholic Educational feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes and also to New York and Washington to see Also premiering in the final month of the Association’s annual convention in the Church’s observance of the World Day of Pope Benedict XVI. year is an archdiocesan history book, downtown Indianapolis at the end of March. the Sick. Many archdiocesan Catholics participated— written to commemorate 175 years of More than 8,000 delegates from all over More than 200 people also logged on to either by pilgrimage or prayer—in what may growth and to highlight all 151 parishes in the United States attended the event, which www.archindy.org/archbishop and offered have been the biggest national Catholic news the archdiocese. included two special supplements in our prayers and messages of support for the story of the year: the apostolic visit of The book is available for $31.50 at newspaper and more than 20 news stories archbishop. Pope Benedict XVI to the United States. www.archindy.org/175th. Additional before and after the event. The archbishop’s schedule was severely Our special coverage included eight stories resources for the anniversary year are also The convention was a success, and a curtailed for part of the year as he underwent in the April 25 issue focusing on the many located on that site, including a special chance for archdiocesan efforts for chemotherapy and radiation therapy people from our archdiocese who went to hymn composed for the anniversary. excellence in education—from our record- treatments. New York for a papal Mass at Yankee Stadium setting number of Blue Ribbon schools to The Criterion published updates on the and others who attended the papal Mass at 5. Two men are ordained the the first year of Providence Cristo Rey archbishop’s prognosis, including the June 20 Nationals Park in Washington. archdiocese’s newest priests. High School, to the ongoing celebration of announcement that his cancer was in full Of particular note was a group of News coverage and two online photo the 2006 of education role remission after the completion of his 44 archdiocesan youths who attended a rally galleries followed the priestly ordination of model St. Theodora Guérin—to shine. treatments. with Pope Benedict at St. ’s Seminary in two sons of the archdiocese: Fathers Aaron Everything about the convention, “I am humbled and profoundly grateful to Yonkers, N.Y., on April 19. Their pilgrimage Jenkins and Joseph Newton. including more than 30 photo galleries, can all of you for the countless prayers and was captured “live” on a blog hosted on our The pair were ordained on June 7 at be found at www.archindy.org/ncea. expressions of support you extended to me Web site. One of the youths sent photos and SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral. during the last five months,” he wrote. updates throughout their journey. “Joe and Aaron, the heart and soul of a 7. Carmelites leave Indianapolis and Archbishop Buechlein resumed his regular priest is being a friend of Jesus, and being a seminarians move into old convent. schedule in the fall. 4. Archdiocese launches 175th anniversary friend of Jesus means being a man of After more than 75 years in Indianapolis, year. prayer,” Archbishop Buechlein told them the Carmelite Sisters of the Monastery of 2. History is made as 25 men are ordained In what promises to be a major news story during his homily. Quoting Pope the Resurrection sold their property to the permanent deacons. next year as well, the Archdiocese of Indian- Benedict XVI, he added, “ ‘always think See REVIEW, page 12

Report If you are a victim of On the Cover The Criterion and Catholic Center are closed sexual misconduct by a person sexual ministering on behalf of the from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4 for Christmas holiday Church, or if you know of anyone Angels surround Mary and misconduct who has been a victim of Jesus in “Holy Night” by This week’s issue of weekly schedule. such misconduct, please contact Italian Baroque painter Carlo The Criterion, which includes the The Archbishop O’Meara Catholic the archdiocesan victim now Maratta. The Christmas season annual Christmas Supplement on Center will be closed from Dec. 24 assistance coordinator: begins with the Dec. 24 pages 15-22, is the last issue of through Jan. 4 in observance of the Jan Link, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, evening vigil and ends on the 2008. holidays. P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1410 feast of the Baptism of the The Criterion will be published Archdiocesan agencies will reopen 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 Lord, Jan. 11 in 2009. again on Jan. 9 and resume its at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5. † [email protected]

The Criterion (ISSN 0574- 4350) is published weekly except the last week of TheCriterion December and the first TheCriterion 12/19/08 week of January. Phone Numbers: Staff: Moving? 1400 N. Meri dian St. Main office: ...... 317-236-1570 Editor: Mike Krokos P.O. Box 1717 Advertising ...... 317-236-1572 Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Toll free: ...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Senior Reporter: Mary Ann Wyand Reporter: Sean Gallagher advance notice! 317-236-1570 Circulation: ...... 317-236-1425 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Toll free: ...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Business Manager: Ron Massey [email protected] Price: Name ______$22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Administrative Assistant: Dana Danberry Periodical postage paid at New Address______Postmaster: Senior Account Executive: Barbara Brinkman Indianapolis, IN. Send address changes to The Criterion, Senior Account Executive: Kelly Green City ______Copyright © 2008 Criterion P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Graphics Specialist: Jerry Boucher State/Zip ______Press Inc. Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com New Parish ______POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: E-mail: [email protected] Effective Date ______Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. 1400 N. Meridian St. Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Mailing Box 1717 address: 1400 N. Meri dian St., P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717. Periodical postage paid at Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2008 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. The Criterion • P.O. Box 1717 • Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 3 Elections, economic crisis top stories of 2008, pope top newsmaker

WASHINGTON (CNS)—The election of the first African- baseball stadiums in Washington and American president and controversy surrounding the role of New York and a solemn visit to ground zero Catholic voters in the U.S. campaign topped the religious to pray for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. 20088 news stories of 2008, and Pope Benedict XVI and President- Rounding out the top five for religious news elect Barack Obama were the top newsmakers, according to stories were abortion-related developments, the annual poll conducted by Catholic News Service. including comments by Biden and House TopTop Stories The global economic crisis took second place among the Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Church leaders said 31 news stories on the ballot. Pope Benedict’s six-day visit to misrepresented Catholic teaching, and global 1.1. ELELECTIONSECTIONS the United States in April came in third. tensions affecting Iraq, Afghanistan, the IllinoisIIlllinoisS Sen.en.B BarackarraackO Obamabama dedefeatseffeats Most first-place votes on the newsmakers list went to Middle East, Eastern Europe, Zimbabwe and AArizonarizonaS Sen.en. JJohnJoohnM McMcCaincCCain ttoob becomeecome either Obama or Pope Benedict, with the pontiff edging out elsewhere. firfirstrsstAAf frAfrican-Americanican--AAmerican p rpresidentesident inin the president-elect by a small margin. Catholic voters were a Pope Benedict took first place in the U.S.UU..SS..h history.istorryy. DelawareDellaaware SSen.en. JJoJoeoeB Bideniden distant third. CNS poll for his travels to France and bbecomesecomes firstfirstC aCatholictholic vicevice pr president.esidentt.. The poll was the 47th annual survey conducted by CNS. Australia, as well as the United States, and his This year’s ballots were distributed on Dec. 5, and the participation in World Youth Day, the Synod of 2. ECONOMIC CRISISCRISIS deadline for returns was Dec. 11. Bishops on Scripture and a year dedicated to When the editors’ poll was first conducted in 1962, the St. Paul. Obama, who received the support of 3. PAPAL VISIT overwhelming choice for top story was the opening of the 54 percent of the Catholic electorate despite 4. ABORTION Second Vatican Council. Last year, editors chose the national his stand on abortion, was second. debate over immigration issues as the top religious story of Catholic voters were the third top 5. GLOBAL TENSIONS the year and Pope Benedict as the top newsmaker. newsmakers of 2008, with the missionary Editors were asked to vote for the top 10 news stories from apostle St. Paul in fourth place and Iraqi TToTopop NewsmakersNewsm a list of 31 selected by CNS staff, and the top five Christians, often persecuted and forced from newsmakers from a list of 20. Votes were weighted by the their homeland, rounding out the top five. 11.. PPOPEOPE BEBENEDICTNE XVI rankings editors gave—10 points for a first-place vote, Here are the choices for top 10 stories and nine points for second, etc., and five points for top top five newsmakers of 2008, followed by MakesMMaakes firstfirst UU. .SU.S.S. v ivisit as pope, travels to France and Australia,Austrraalia, oopenspens yyear of St. Paul and leads world newsmaker, four for second, etc. points received in the weighted ballot count SynodSSyynod ofof BishopsBishops on the Bible. With 31 editors and CNS staff members submitting ballots, and, in parentheses, the number of first-place the maximum points a story could have received was 310. votes received. 2. PRESIDENT-ELECTPRESIDENT The most a newsmaker could receive on the five-point scale was 155. STORIES BARACKBARACK OBAMAO The 2008 campaign began more than a year before 1. Elections, 272 (14). 33.. CATHOLICCAATTHOLIC VOTERS the Nov. 4 election of Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden, 2. Economic crisis, 255 (10). the first Catholic vice president in U.S. history. The 3. Papal visit, 230 (5). 44.. ST.STT.. PAULPPAAUL U.S. bishops’ “Faithful Citizenship” document, issued late 4. Abortion, 129. 55.. IRAQI CHRCHRISTIANS in 2007, emphasized a wide range of issues and prompted 5. Global tensions, 114. debate over whether Catholics could vote for candidates 6. World Youth Day, 81. committed to keeping abortion legal. 7. Immigration, 68. ©2008 CNS CNS photos The economic crisis, which Church leaders said 8. Synod of bishops, 67. arose from distorted values, strained the resources of 9. Natural disasters, 66. 2. President-elect Barack Obama, 102 (10). Catholic charitable agencies after the near-collapse of the 10. Same-sex marriage and adoption, 59 (1). 3. Catholic voters, 66 (1). U.S. financial system and the resulting mortgage crisis. One first-place vote also went to the crisis in 4. St. Paul, 28. Worldwide, a global food shortage had been reaching crisis Zimbabwe. 5. Iraqi Christians, 23. proportions even before the economic downturn. Also receiving first-place votes were U.S. President Highlights of Pope Benedict’s April 15-20 U.S. visit were NEWSMAKERS George W. Bush and Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of a private meeting with victims of clergy sex abuse, Masses at 1. Pope Benedict XVI, 135 (18). Johannesburg, South Africa. †

Topics include: • Understanding the existence of God, • Appreciating the relational Who is Ecclesial Lay Ministry mystery of God and the Trinity, Academic Course • Considering the role of the Spring 2009 Incarnation in Christian life, God? • Examining the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.

This course focuses on God as To register for this class: Trinity as the foundation for archindy.org/layministry/downloads.html unity in the worldwide Church or e-mail Marcia Hodde at and the effect of the Trinity in [email protected] the life of the Church and the world. Class dates: January 29 Students will relate basic February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 1, 9, 26 experiences of God to: April 2 • The baptismal call to ministry and service, Location • The nature of the human Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara person as a relational Catholic Center 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN being living in community Time: 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. with others. Cost: $225.00

For more information about ELM, contact Ed Isakson at 317-236-1594 or log on to www.archindy.org/layministry Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008

OPINION

Indiana Knights/Robert Hartenstein What if there were no tomorrows? (Editor’s note: This week, we begin a new holiness and actively participate in the occasional column titled “Indiana Church’s mission.” Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 Knights.”) Our society is broken in its moral Most Rev. Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., PublisherGreg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher fabric, and if there were no tomorrows, Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus As a member of the Knights of where would it be? Would we as Knights Columbus, a thought popped into my have done all that we could to preserve head and I wondered this world we live in with charity, unity where I am with my and fraternity? Editorial faith if there were no As the New Year rapidly approaches, tomorrows. Indiana Knights must be prepared to say Did I, as a member “yes” to our God in protecting our of the Knights of Church from the constant assault from Columbus, honor my our secularist society that is determined to promise to defend the destroy all the values we hold so dear. faith and the moral On the brighter side of life, through

CNS photo/Yannis Behrakis, Reuters Behrakis, CNS photo/Yannis teachings of the prayer and trust in our God, if there Church, vote for were no tomorrows, we Knights of leadership that protects life in every Columbus can be assured of a loving circumstance, give blood to save a life or meeting with God our Father. Through feed the hungry? our charity with others, unity and If tomorrow didn’t come, could I look fraternity with our fellow Knights, we God in the face with love or would it be strengthen who we are and what we with fear? That is pretty heady stuff. stand for. What does that have to do with faith, As the year 2009 approaches, we must you ask? We Knights of Columbus serve welcome new opportunities to serve our fellow man in every way possible others as our Lord served us and be because we believe that we are called to resolute in our faith. serve our God. Indiana State Deputy Stephan Ziemba A woman prays in the grotto of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Because of God’s grace, we are filled set “A call to serve” as his slogan during Nov. 30. The grotto is built over the site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. with the Holy Spirit and the essential his term of office. All Indiana Knights are calling to reach out to others in need. called to step forward and make a We are asked to evangelize all men difference in the life of another through through our actions and prayer. We are service. Bethlehem in 2008 asked to form a council in every parish The real question is: If there were no s we again prepare to celebrate the separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem. where possible and ask every Catholic tomorrows, did we serve with love? Did Abirth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem Thirty feet high in places and merely a gentleman to join our ranks. Our faith in our faith carry this day? next Thursday, what progress has been fence in other places, it was begun in our God drives us to love our fellow man made to improve the lives of today’s 2002. If completed, it will be 480 miles through our actions. (Robert Hartenstein is state communi- residents of Bethlehem, especially of the long, three times the size of the The Indiana Knights of Columbus has cations director for the Knights of Christians who live there? Some, but not Berlin Wall, encompassing 8 percent of been asked by Supreme Knight Carl A. Columbus. He is a member of St. Joseph enough. the West Bank. Anderson to “recommit to growth in Hessen Cassel Parish in Fort Wayne.) † The good news is that more The Israelis insist that the wall is being pilgrims have begun visiting Bethlehem built for security reasons—to keep again, as those did who accompanied terrorists out of Israel—and it does seem Letter to the Editor Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein earlier to be effective in doing that. But, because this year. of the route the wall is taking deep into The number of pilgrims increased this Palestinian territory, there can be no Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks year by at least 50 percent from last year. doubt that it is also meant to consolidate The pilgrims found a peaceful city where the Israeli settlements that have prolif- volunteers, donors and benefactors they could visit the Basilica of the erated in the West Bank. Nativity on the site of Christ’s birth, and Last November, at a peace conference The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a shoveling snow, sweeping floors, cleaning Shepherd’s Fields in nearby Beit Sahour. held in Annapolis, Md., the Israeli faith-based, nonprofit organization bathrooms and picking up trash. The list (Contrary to what most Americans government promised to stop building dedicated to serving the poor. could go on and on. believe, it is safe to visit Bethlehem. No settlements. It hasn’t happened. More In Indianapolis, the society is a Of course, our organization needs tourist or pilgrim has been harmed there than 2,000 new homes have been built 100 percent volunteer organization—from significant funds to provide services to the since the early 1970s.) since then. the president/chief executive officer to the needy. There is still more good news: During the presidency of George W. newest member. We are humbly grateful for the Although many Christians have left Bush, the United States has only With about $1million in income financial contributions from individuals, Bethlehem in recent years, many are occasionally tried to accelerate the peace (donations) and expenses (aid to clients), companies and foundations that allow us remaining—thanks in large part to efforts process between Israel and Palestine. the Indianapolis council is equivalent to a to purchase products and maintain made by the Franciscan Foundation for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has small-to-medium-sized business so you facilities and equipment to continue and the Holy Land (FFHL). From contri- tried from time to time, but without much can imagine the variety of people and expand operations. butions made by Americans, many of to show for her efforts. skills needed to run the organization. As mentioned, the Indianapolis council whom are archdiocesan Catholics, the We would like to see President-elect There is not enough space to thank of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has foundation is providing college Barack Obama take a more active role each volunteer role. So on behalf of the no paid management, staff or workers so educations, training young boys and because a just peace between Israel and organization, here are a few examples of nearly all contributions are used for direct building houses for Christian Palestine could solve many problems in the type of “jobs” that contribute to the aid to those in need. Palestinians, among other things. the Middle East. Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s goals: Finally, thanks to individuals for Pope Benedict XVI has stressed There is not much that can be done • Food Pantry volunteers loading in-kind donations of food, furniture, education as the way to maintain a immediately because of Israeli politics. groceries into clients’ vehicles in appliances, bedding, clothing and other Christian presence in the Holy Land. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was forced sweltering heat, pouring rain and snow. household items that are distributed to Today, this is being done by to resign because of corruption charges, • Truck crews moving and loading needy clients free of charge. Bethlehem University, founded by but he remains in office until elections in heavy furniture and appliances from a Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas the Vatican, the FFHL and the Order of February because Tzipi Livni, head of the donor’s basement to be given to a needy season. the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Kadima Party, was unable to form a family. Don Striegel Palestinians are becoming dentists, coalition government. She will now run • Retired accountants meticulously Pantry Volunteer Coordinator pharmacists, nurses and other profes- against Binyamin Netanyahu, head of the managing income and expenses in light of Society of St. Vincent de Paul sionals. Likud Party, and Ehud Barak, leader of the current economic downturn. Indianapolis The bad news, though, is that the the Labor Party. • Help line counselors completing an unemployment rate in Bethlehem is still Whoever wins that election will emotional four-hour shift listening to about 50 percent, and the Christian olive- negotiate with Mahmoud Abbas, the pleas for help from distressed families. Letters Policy wood sculptors who once flourished can Palestinian president. However, he leads • Stocking clerks scouring through a Letters from readers are welcome and no longer find customers. Pilgrims only the Palestinians in the West Bank damaged tote of food to select items that should be informed, relevant, well- usually are given little time to shop in the because those in Gaza have rejected him. can be stocked for client shopping. expressed, concise, temperate in tone, stores. Most Israelis and Palestinians seem to • Warehouse clerks going through a courteous and respectful. The worst news, though, is that the agree on the “two-state” solution—Israel mountain of donated clothing to size and The editors reserve the right to select wall erected by Israel makes Bethle- and Palestine. Trying to arrive at that hang on racks so clients can choose items and edit the letters based on space hemites prisoners in their own city. It solution, though, will take a lot of hard for their family. limitations, pastoral sensitivity and prevents them from entering land to the negotiations over details. • Client interviewers exhibiting content. north and west, and roads to the south We hope that President-elect Obama patience and respect for each person, Letters must be signed, but, for serious and east can be traveled only by Jewish will appoint an experienced high-powered from the first client of the day until the reasons, names may be withheld. Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” settlers who live in Gilo and Har Homa representative to help the Israelis and last in line, some four to six hours later. The Criterion, P.O. Box 1717, Indianap olis, on land confiscated from Arab Palestinians reach a just agreement. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is IN 46206-1717. Christians. also thankful for the many behind-the- Readers with access to e-mail may send The wall stands at the border that —John F. Fink scenes tasks that are required of our letters to [email protected]. volunteers, such as mowing grass, The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 5

ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO DANIEL M. BUECHLEIN, O.S.B.

SEEKING THE FACE OF THE LORD BUSCANDO LA CARA DEL SEÑOR

‘Do not be afraid!’ is message that rings loud and clear this Christmas

ne of the beautiful things about the godless ways in our times follow upon a own people know the threat and the reality city of a savior has been born for Sacred Scriptures is that so often secularist movement that sidelines God in of being homeless. May there be some us … a savior who is Christ the Lord. And Oancient and familiar texts seem so the public arena. small consolation for them in the thought in the heavens on this Christmas night a new and so especially timely. The timeliness of the scriptural message that they are in awesome company. multitude of the heavenly host continue As I reflect on the scriptural readings this Christmas calls us to be awake to the The announcement of the birth of the praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in assigned to the Christmas midnight Mass, effects of a culture that proposes material Savior of the world was first made to poor the highest and peace to those on whom his this year they seem to be pertinent to our values as the supreme goal of human life. shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem. The favor rests’ ” (Lk 2:11-14). time like no other in recent memory. To live justly in our day is to recognize angel of the Lord appeared to them, and Do not be afraid. We are a people of From the prophet , we read: “The the human dignity and the natural rights of the glory of the Lord shone around them. It unwavering hope because we are the people who walked in darkness have seen all human life, including unborn human is no surprise to hear that they were struck people on whom God’s favor rests. a great light; upon those who dwelt in the life and the entire spectrum up to and with great fear. After all is said and done, nothing else land of gloom a light has shone. You have including natural death. But here is the message that comes matters. And so we too continue to sing brought them abundant joy and great St. Paul’s message to live temperately is down to us through the ages: And “the Glory to God in the highest. And we pray rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at surely timely in these uncertain economic angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid …’ ” for peace for all of us on whom his favor the harvest …” (Is 9:1-2). times. He encourages us to live devoutly, (Lk 2:10). rests. This year, our celebration of Christmas that is, as people who live what they The angel had given the same Have a hope-filled Christmas! † takes place in uncertain times, econom- believe as dedicated Christians. message to Mary at the announcement that ically and socially. It comes during a time The Gospel for midnight Mass has she was to be the mother of the Savior. The of transition in our government leadership. especially realistic characteristics. The call same message, “Be not afraid …” was Do you have an intention for Transitions in political institutions come to the citizens in Palestine to register in the given to Joseph more than once as he Archbishop Buechlein’s prayer list? with new expectations and hopes while tax rolls, and the fact that Joseph and Mary became the foster father of the Savior of You may mail it to him at: also generating feelings of insecurity. went from Nazareth in Galilee down to the world. Our second Christmas reading is from Bethlehem in Judea to comply with the “Do not be afraid!” It is the message Archbishop Buechlein’s St. Paul’s letter to Titus. We read: law, is ironic. What an interesting context that comes down to us and rings loud and Prayer List “Beloved: the grace of God has appeared, in which Jesus, the Savior of the world, clear this Christmas. It rings loud and true Archdiocese of Indianapolis saving all and training us to reject godless would be born. as a message of hope and joy no matter 1400 N. Meridian St. ways and worldly desires and to live In these days, as we hear about the what the circumstances may be in which P.O. Box 1410 temperately, justly and devoutly in this age housing crisis, the fact that Joseph and we live. Indianapolis, IN 46202-1410 as we await the blessed hope, the Mary could not find a room in an inn for It is a message of hope because “in the appearance of the glory of our great God the birth of the Savior of the world strikes and savior Jesus Christ …” (Ti 2:11-13). an especially dramatic chord. Archbishop Buechlein’s intention for vocations for December As the people of Christian faith who Jesus was to be born of homeless Catholic Grade Schools: that they may teach our children the Catholic faith and assist believe that God is the Creator and origin parents in a barnyard cave. Mary wrapped them in hearing and answering God’s call to service in the Church, especially as priests of all good things and that Jesus is the Son him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a of God, we have some concern that manger. Sadly, these days too many of our or religious.

‘¡No teman!’ es el mensaje que resuena fuerte y claro en esta Navidad na de las cosas más hermosas de la sentimos cierta preocupación por la hogar en un establo. María lo envolvió en que alababan a Dios y decían: ‘Gloria a Sagrada Escritura es que sus textos instauración de métodos ateos en nuestros pañales y lo acostó en un pesebre. Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra paz a los Uque se nos antojan antiguos y tiempos, en respuesta a un movimiento Tristemente hoy en día mucha gente vive la que gozan de su buena voluntad’ ” (Lc conocidos parecen al mismo tiempo muy laico que pone a Dios al margen del foro amenaza y la realidad de no tener un hogar. 2:11-14). nuevos y oportunos. público. Que ellos encuentren algo de consuelo en la No temas. Somos un pueblo de fe Al reflexionar sobre las lecturas bíblicas La puntualidad del mensaje bíblico de noción de que están en excelente compañía. inquebrantable porque gozamos de la asignadas para la misa de gallo me parece esta Navidad nos llama a estar atentos a los El anuncio del nacimiento del Salvador buena voluntad de Dios. que en este año son más pertinentes que en efectos de una cultura que propone los del mundo llegó primero a los humildes Al final, nada más importa. Y así ningún otro que recuerde. valores materiales como el objetivo pastores de los campos de Belén. El ángel nosotros también continuamos cantando Del profeta Isaías leemos: “El pueblo que supremo de la vida humana. del Señor se les apareció y Su gloria brilló Gloria a Dios en las alturas. Y rezamos por andaba en la oscuridad ha visto una gran luz; Vivir de manera justa en nuestros días sobre ellos. No es de sorprender que los la paz para todos aquellos que gozamos de sobre los que vivían en densas tinieblas la luz supone el reconocimiento de la dignidad embargara un gran temor. Su buena voluntad. ha resplandecido. Has aumentado su alegría y humana y los derechos naturales de ésta, Pero este es el mensaje que recibimos de ¡Que tengan una Navidad llena de se alegran ellos en tu presencia como cuando incluyendo la vida humana no nacida y tiempos ancestrales: Y “el ángel les dijo: ‘No esperanza! † recogen la cosecha ...” (Is 9:1-2). todo su espectro, que abarca incluso la tengan miedo ...’ ” (Lc 2:10). Este año nuestra celebración de la Navidad muerte natural. El ángel Gabriel le había dado el mismo se desarrolla en momentos de incertidumbre El mensaje de San Pablo de vivir con mensaje a María al anunciarle que iba a ser ¿Tiene una intención que desee económica y social. Sucede en una época de temple resulta ciertamente oportuno en la madre del Salvador. El mismo mensaje incluir en la lista de oración del transición de nuestros líderes estas épocas de incertidumbre económica. “No temas ...” le fue dado a José más de una Arzobispo Buechlein? Puede enviar gubernamentales. Las transiciones en las Nos alienta a vivir devotamente, es decir, vez al convertirse en el padre adoptivo del su correspondencia a: instituciones políticas vienen acompañadas de como personas que viven según su creencia, Salvador del mundo. renovadas expectativas y esperanzas, al como cristianos dedicados. “¡No temas!” Es el mensaje que nos llega Lista de oración del Arzobispo tiempo que producen una sensación de El evangelio de la misa de gallo posee en esta Navidad y que resuena fuerte y claro. Buechlein inseguridad. características especialmente realistas. El Resuena con gran fuerza y verdad como un Arquidiócesis de Indianápolis Nuestra segunda lectura de Navidad es de llamado a que los ciudadanos de Palestina mensaje de esperanza y júbilo, 1400 N. Meridian St. la carta de San Pablo a Tito. En ella leemos: se inscribieran en el censo y el hecho de independientemente de las circunstancias que P.O. Box 1410 “En verdad, Dios ha manifestado a toda la que José y María fueron desde Nazaret en vivimos. Indianapolis, IN 46202-1410 humanidad su gracia, la cual trae salvación y Galilea, hasta Belén en Judea para cumplir Resulta un mensaje de esperanza porque nos enseña a rechazar la impiedad y las con la ley, resulta irónico. El Salvador del “Hoy les ha nacido en la ciudad de David un pasiones mundanas. Así podremos vivir en mundo nacería en un contexto muy Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor. De repente Traducido por: Daniela Guanipa, este mundo con justicia, piedad y dominio interesante. apareció una multitud de ángeles del cielo, Language Training Center, Indianapolis. propio, mientras aguardamos la bendita Hoy en día, mientras oímos sobre la esperanza, es decir, la gloriosa venida de crisis de vivienda, el hecho de que José y La intención del Arzobispo Buechlein para vocaciones en diciembre nuestro gran Dios y Salvador Jesucristo” (Ti María no pudieran encontrar albergue en 2:11-13). una posada para el nacimiento del Salvador Escuelas primarias católicas: que ellos puedan enseñar la fe católica a nuestros niños Como pueblo de fe cristiana que cree que del mundo toca una fibra especialmente y puedan ayudarles a oír y contestar la llamada de Dios para servir en la Iglesia, sobre Dios es el creador y el origen de todas las sensible en nosotros. todo como sacerdotes o religiosos. cosas buenas y que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios, Jesús debió nacer de unos padres sin Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Events Calendar December 19- December 21 December 24 “Winter Bird Count,” south of Versailles. Mass, 6000 W. 34th St., Indianapolis. January 10 Holy Name of Jesus Church, St. Church, 7:30-noon, lunch, 10 a.m., on third Sunday holy “English as a Second Meinrad Archabbey and 89 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove. 126 W. Georgia St., Indian- pre-registration requested. hour and pitch-in, groups of Language,” School of Theology, Archabbey Christmas Concert XLVII, apolis. Organ recital, Dr. David Information: 812-933-0661. 10 pray the new Marian Way, 8:45-10:30 a.m., $20 for Library, 200 Hill Drive, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., $5 per Lamb, organist, 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m., Father Elmer Burwinkel, 12-week session. Information: St. Meinrad. Crèches display, person. Tickets: 317-787-1682. Information: 317-635-2021. SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, celebrant. Information: 317-291-7014, ext. 27, or free. Information: 800-682-0988 1347 N. Meridian St., Indian- 812-689-3551. [email protected]. apolis. Catholic Charismatic or [email protected]. St. the St. Mary Church, 415 E. Renewal of Central Indiana January 5 January 19 Parish, 3354 W. 30th St., Indian- Eighth St., New Albany. December 20 and Cursillo, renewal Mass of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roncalli High School, apolis. “Joy to the World, Misa del Gallo, midnight. St. Michael the Archangel Thanksgiving, Father Glenn Parish, 1752 Scheller Lane, auditorium, 3300 Prague Road, Celebration of Christmas in Information: 812-944-0417. Catholics “Teens and Church, 3354 W. 30th St., O’Connor, celebrant, 11 p.m. New Albany. Indianapolis. Returning Home, six-week Sexuality,” program for parents, Indianapolis. Helpers of God’s Readings and Song,” December 27 Information: 317-592-1992 or series, 7:30-9 p.m. Information: 7-9 p.m. Information: Precious Infants Pro-Life St. Michael Parish adult choir, Convent of the Immaculate [email protected]. Mass, Father John McCaslin, 4 p.m., free-will donation. Conception, 22143 Main St., 812-945-3112 or 317-787-8277. celebrant, 8:30 a.m., followed Information: 317-926-7359. Oldenburg. 2008 Christmas January 3 www.olphna.org. St. Rita Parish, 1733 Dr. January 20 by rosary outside abortion clinic tour, 6-8 p.m. Information: January 7 St. Pius X School, and Benediction at church. Andrew J. Brown Ave., Indian- Seton East, Richmond Catholic 812-933-6491 or St. Mary Parish, 317 N. 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis. Information: Archdiocesan apolis. 90th anniversary Community, 701 N. “A” St., [email protected]. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. Open house, 6:30-8 p.m. Office for Pro-Life Ministry, kick-off dance, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Richmond. Charismatic prayer Solo Seniors, Catholic, Information: 317-255-4534. 317-236-1569 or 800-382-9836, December 28 Information: 317-632-9349. group, 7 p.m. Information: educational, charitable and social ext. 1569. MKVS, Divine Mercy and [email protected]. singles 50 and over, single, January 23-25 Glorious Cross Center, Rexville, January 4 widowed or divorced, new Our Lady of Fatima Retreat SS. Francis and Clare Church, located on 925 South, .8 mile Saint Meinrad Archabbey and MKVS, Divine Mercy and members welcome, 6:30 p.m. House, 5353 E. 56th St., Indian- 5901 Olive Branch Road, east of 421 South and 12 miles School of Theology, 200 Hill Glorious Cross Center, Rexville, Information: 317-897-1128. apolis. Retrouvaille weekend. Greenwood. “Voices of Drive, St. Meinrad. Epiphany located on 925 South, .8 mile south of Versailles. Mass, Information: 317-236-1595 or Christmas,” 6:30 p.m. 10 a.m., on third Sunday holy celebration, “A Twelfth Night east of 421 South and 12 miles January 9 800-383-9836, ext. 1586. Information: 317-859-4673. hour and pitch-in, groups of Gathering,” 5 p.m. free. south of Versailles. Mass, St. Francis Hospital, 8111 S. 10 pray the new Marian Way, Information: 800-682-0988 or Emerson Ave., Indianapolis. January 24 10 a.m., on third Sunday holy St. Bartholomew Parish, 1 p.m., Father Elmer Burwinkel, [email protected]. Natural Family Planning (NFP) Oldenburg Franciscan Center, hour and pitch-in, groups of 1306 27th St., Columbus. celebrant. Information: class, 7-9 p.m. Information: Oldenburg. “A Church to 10 pray the new Marian Way, Concert, “Bach by 812-689-3551. MKVS, Divine Mercy and 317-462-2246. Believe In,” 9-11:30 a.m., Christmas,” 6:30 p.m., 1 p.m., Father Elmer Burwinkel, Glorious Cross Center, Rexville, free-will offering. Information: free-will donation. Information: celebrant. Information: December 31 located on 925 South, .8 mile January 18-April 5 812-933-6437 or 812-379-9353, ext. 237. 812-689-3551. Michaela Farm, Oldenburg. east of 421 South and 12 miles St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, [email protected].†

Retreats and Programs 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Grove. Woman’s Prayer, “A Morning of Grace,” Benedictine Submitted photos December 31-January 1 Sister Carol Falkner, presenter, 8:45 a.m.- Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 1 p.m., $25 includes lunch. Information: 56th St., Indianapolis. “Following the Star: 317-788-7581 or benedictinn@ Discovering Christ in our Midst,” Father Jim benedictinn.org. Farrell and Father John McCaslin, presenters, Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Oldenburg. $135 per person or $250 for married couple. Evensong, 4-5 p.m. Information: Information: 317-545-7681 or 812-933-6437. [email protected]. January 12 January 9-11 Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 100 Hill Drive, 56th St., Indianapolis. “Meet Me at The St. Meinrad. “The Book of Genesis: Stories Shack.” Information: 317-545-7681 or of Creation and Faith,” Benedictine [email protected]. Father Eugene Hensell, presenter. Information: 800-581-6905 or [email protected]. Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Oldenburg. January 11 “Men’s Night at the ‘Burg,” men’s spirituality, Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 812-933-6437. January 17 Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Oldenburg. High school “Why Be Catholic?,” Jeanne Hunt and Franciscan Sister Kathleen Mulso, presenters, collects thousands 9-11:30 a.m. Information: 812-933-6437. of food items Monastery , Kordes Center, 841 E. 14th St., Ferdinand, The students and faculty of Ind. (Evansville Diocese). “Saturday Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High Morning at the Dome–Grieving Our Sister donates puppets School in Indianapolis recently donated Losses,” Benedictine Sister Maria Tasto, 15,607 canned food items to Holy Cross presenter, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $35 includes Parish in Indianapolis. continental breakfast and lunch. Information: Left, Providence The food items were collected in a 812-367-1411 or [email protected]. † Sister Adelaide drive that took place from Oct. 21- Ortegel brings to Nov. 21. Scecina students averaged Grants life a marionette she collecting nearly 50 cans each. created at Woods Holy Cross Parish uses the canned The Target Corporation recently Day Care/ goods to create food baskets for the needy awarded a $2,500 “Books for Bears” grant Pre-School at each year and donates any unused cans to to St. School in Saint Mary-of-the- area food pantries. Clarksville. The grant supports programs Woods. The 80-year- Scecina students also recently promoting early literacy and a love of old sister recently collected approximately 400 men’s pants reading in children from birth through the donated a collection and donated them Beggars for the Poor, third grade. The school will use the grant of marionettes that who will distribute them to homeless men to develop activities, purchase resources she created, seen in downtown Indianapolis. † for teachers, and buy books for students above, to Woods and their families. † Day Care/ Pre-School and trained members of the ministry’s staff Cathedral and Saint Meinrad on how to operate them. In the past, Sister Adelaide announce Christmas liturgies used the puppets, The Christmas liturgical schedules for are Eastern Standard Time. which represent SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. cultures and Meridian St., in Indianapolis and Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church nations from around Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church in Dec. 24—7 p.m. vigil, midnight Mass. the world, in a St. Meinrad are as follows: Dec. 25—11 a.m. Mass. “Puppets for Peace” All times for liturgies at show she would SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church are regularly perform in Dec. 24—4:25 p.m. carols, Central Standard Time. ministry in Chicago. 5 p.m. Mass, 11:15 p.m. vigil service of For the Christmas liturgical schedules lessons and carols, midnight Mass. of other religious communities or Dec. 25—10:30 a.m. Mass. parishes in the archdiocese, contact their All times for liturgies in the cathedral offices. † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 7 The meaning of Christmas Restoration of Nativity scene at cathedral transforms lives

By John Shaughnessy setting the figures in place every Christmas for the last 10 years or so. There are 24 pieces, Count it as one of the wonders of and it was purchased in the 1920s or even Christmas. earlier in Rome by Father Joseph Ritter when

When a church displays a Nativity scene, he was a parish priest here. He later became Shaughnessy: John by Photos people are offered a visible reminder of the the first archbishop of Indianapolis and a different journeys that the Holy Family, the cardinal [in the Archdiocese of St. Louis]. shepherds and the three kings made that first During Ritter’s tenure here, he was very Christmas. social justice-oriented.” And when believers approach the Nativity That focus shows in the Nativity scene, scene to get a closer look, they make their Vitale says. own Christmas journey, drawing more near to “This Nativity has figures that are very the child who came to save humanity, to the ethnic,” Vitale says. “Traditionally, Nativity woman who was humble enough to accept sets have one king of the three who’s black. God’s will and strong enough to live it, and to And this one has four figures that are black. the man who put the needs of his wife and his There are also obvious Arab and Semitic- child before his own. featured figures. That’s important. When this Sometimes, those Christmas journeys take was first installed, there were a lot of signs in an even more personal turn—a reality that the city that said ‘no Irish, no blacks, no For Phil Schouten, the recently restored Nativity scene at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis happened to three individuals who were Catholics.’ The city and state of Indiana were brings back fond memories of his father, John, an immigrant who came to the United States through involved in the recent restoration and conser- run by the Ku Klux Klan then. This was quite the help of the Church, an immigrant who volunteered to set up the crèche each Christmas as a way vation of one of the most beautiful Nativity a social statement for its time.” of giving thanks for the Church’s help to his family. scenes in the archdiocese. Vitale also has a personal connection to the During the past year, extensive efforts Nativity scene. “My brothers would help, and kids from the effort with Sharon Battista, a friend and were made to transform the Nativity scene at “When I was a little kid, we lived in Hope, grade school at Cathedral would help. It was former colleague from the Indianapolis SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis Indiana,” recalls Vitale, who is 57. “My mother something we looked forward to every year. It Museum of Art. While Easter focused on to the original luster and beauty it had when it would bring us to Indianapolis to shop and was quite an event. The church would order the woodwork, Battista concentrated on was first displayed in the Cathedral about 90 look at the animated windows at Ayres, 40 to 50 Christmas trees, and they had to be painting the figures to their original luster. years ago. Block’s and Wasson. My mother would make put up around the Nativity scene. We worked “This was really enjoyable,” says In the process, the lives of three people side trips to the local downtown churches to from seven in the morning to seven at night. It Battista, the owner of S. D. Battista intimately involved in that transformation view the different Nativity sets. That was my meant a lot to my father.” Paintings Conservation, Inc. “I was very sad were touched and transformed, too. first exposure to this. We always knelt in front It’s touched Phil Schouten, too. His father, to see it end, but I’m happy to see the Here are the stories of these three people, of it. It was more like a pilgrimage.” John, died about two years ago, near the time Nativity scene together again.” stories steeped in the meaning of Christmas. He encourages people to visit the restored when Cathedral parish announced plans to So is Easter. Nativity scene. It will be on display through restore the Nativity scene to its original “It’s overwhelming,” says Easter, a A new life for a source of inspiration Jan. 11, the day which marks the baptism of condition. Schouten immediately asked to be member of St. Parish in Indian- The person who knows the most about the Jesus. part of the parish committee charged with apolis and the owner of Easter Conservation Nativity scene at the cathedral just may be “We’d like to encourage visitors because hiring the artists to conserve and restore the Services. Joseph Vitale, a longtime member of the this is the mother church of the archdiocese,” scene, and raise money for the effort. “Anytime you work on something like parish and the unofficial tour guide and he says. “The full scene, with the Holy Family, “I grew up with this. I wanted to honor my this, you always get a sense that your talent historian of the Cathedral. will be on display from Christmas Eve to dad. It was important for me to be involved,” is being used. When you work with your His passion for the Nativity scene shows in Jan. 11. What’s important for Catholics to Schouten says softly, his voice tinged with hands, it’s very special. Whenever you’re the tears that fill his eyes when he talks about remember is that this is not just a piece of emotion. “After all those years of dirt and able to create beauty and art, it’s not just the importance of restoring the Nativity scene furniture. It’s a source of inspiration and a grime, and pieces being missing, it’s been an you. There’s a sort of a spiritual quality in to its original beauty. great piece of art. It’s one of the grandest amazing transformation to watch. The colors something that’s created. There are certain “I’ve been interested in getting this Nativity scenes in the surrounding area.” stand out. The details are amazing. It’s times when I’m doing something and I cross restored since 1990,” he says. “I’ve been authentic.” myself and say, ‘I hope this goes well.’ And A family connection Schouten helped to set up the restored it does. I bring God into my work every As he stands by the Nativity scene in the Nativity scene in early December. His day.” cathedral, Phil Schouten remembers another daughter, Emily, worked by his side. His Easter’s efforts on the Nativity scene family who once made a long journey sparked brothers helped, too. have also had the subtle impact of focusing by faith, hope and love. “Still, to this day, we talk about the days of her attention deeper on the meaning of the “My parents and my five older brothers and putting it up with Dad. He would be very first Christmas. sisters immigrated to the United States from humbled to see what it looks like now.” “The crèche makes you a little more Holland in 1957,” Schouten says. aware of what Christmas is all about—the “The helped them relocate Restoring the beauty and the wonder birth of Christ,” Easter says. “Maybe more to Indianapolis. My father loved the Church Jean Marie Easter spent much of this past so this year, it’s about giving thanks for the for all it had done to provide a better year cleaning and repairing the wooden people in your life, and the people who have opportunity for his family. As a way of giving figures that make up the Nativity scene at the been a part of your life. back to the Church, my dad was very involved Cathedral. “It brings you back to your humble roots. A shepherd bows before the infant Jesus as in the Cathedral, and he did a lot of work Most of the ears and some of the horns on Here’s a woman who gave birth to her child Mary cradles her son and Joseph watches both around the church, particularly in the ‘60s, the animals had to be replaced. Missing in a manger because there was no room for of them, part of the 24 figures of the Nativity ‘70s and ‘80s.” fingers and arms on the human figures needed her in the inn. It does reduce everything to scene that has been restored and conserved in One of his father’s major volunteer efforts to be created and attached seamlessly. The basics, to the fundamental issues of how you the past year at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in was setting up the Nativity scene during the frame on the painting that serves as the live your life, what’s important and where Indianapolis. Dating to the 1920s or earlier, the Advent season. backdrop for the Nativity scene required fixing you put your values. Now that it’s closer to Nativity scene will be on display through “It was a whole day affair or two,” recalls and restoring. Christmas, those are the kinds of things Jan. 11, the baptism of Jesus. Schouten, a member of the Cathedral Parish. Easter shared the meticulous conservation you’re made to think about.” †

CARDINAL RITTER HIGH SCHOOL Heating and Air Conditioning PRESENTS “SUCCESS IN PARENTING OUR CHILDREN” West Deanery Parenting Workshop Series presented by Janice Gabe, LCSW, CADAC

Open to the Public – All Welcome – No Charge January 8, 2009 and March 12, 2009 www.callthiele.com In the Cardinal Ritter Gym SERVICE & REPLACEMENT SPECIALISTS Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Questions 7:00 - 7:30 pm) Refreshments provided by CRHS Parent’s Club John & Kara Traub Furnaces as low as Owners SERVICE CALL $99900* Our staff has over 100 years $ 95 January 8, 2009 - VALUE BASED CONSEQUENCES of Catholic education 59 During this workshop we will talk with parents about the concern of doing the best of parenting they possibly can. We will discuss teaching the children a SAVE value system that will help them grow to be happy, productive and contributing $3000 members of our culture. March 12, 2009 - MYTHS THAT ENDANGER OUR CHILDREN Expires 1/19/09 Unfortunately we often find that our parenting choices are based on popular 317-639-1111 Coupons must be myths vs. values and reality. This workshop will explore myths around teen presented at time of 50,000 BTU “INDY’S OLDEST purchase. Cannot be alcohol and drug use, adolescent decision making, use of technology and UPFLOW combined with any HEATING & COOLING COMPANY” other offer! bullying behavior. *Flue liner, Taxes, Permits, Misc. Material Not Included SINCE 1883 639-1111 Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Rosary is inspiration for Eagle Scout project at St. Michael School

By Mike Krokos of St. Michael Parish in Greenfield since 1995.

GREENFIELD—Chris Sosnowski “I wanted to create a quiet place for Submitted photo remembers learning to pray the rosary in people to come and pray,” he continued. fifth grade at St. Michael School in “Also, it can be a place where kids can Greenfield, and the simple yet powerful come back here and read.” prayer left a lasting impression on him. Chris and his father, John, along Four years later, Chris, his parents and with help from fellow Scouts, friends his siblings try to pray the rosary as a and members of the St. Michael family on a regular basis. Parish community, spent more than A freshman at Greenfield Central High two months working on the rosary School, Chris, 15, decided the rosary project this fall. would play a key part in his Eagle Scout Most of the material for the effort was project for St. Michael’s Troop #770 in donated by individuals or local Greenfield. merchants, Chris noted, and people who The result is a rosary walk that was helped with the project used their own recently completed on the grounds of tools. St. Michael School. Not surprisingly, Chris says the rosary “I wanted to do something that helps walk was a team effort. the community in some way,” said Chris, “I’m really appreciative of all the work who with his family has been a member these guys put in,” he said. The rosary walk has four paths—one each for the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries—and there will be placards posted along the paths with a

Photo by Mike Krokos Mike Photo by summary of what each mystery represents. Benches will be placed for people to sit in the garden-like area as they reflect Chris Sosnowski, standing in the back row at the left with a hat and hood on his head, said the rosary about the mysteries of the rosary, Chris walk that he and others completed outside St. Michael School in Greenfield was a community effort. said. In the spring, flowers will be “I’m really appreciative of all the work these guys put in,” he said. planted. Theresa Slipher, principal of St. Michael Parish. “We can actually use Father Severin agreed. St. Michael School, said she is “thrilled” the new area outside [for this].” “I think what it does, … it gives us to have the rosary garden and added that Slipher added that she was not another place on the church property to it will fit in well with the school’s surprised that Chris chose the rosary walk encourage devotion to Mary,” curriculum. as his Eagle Scout project because “you Father Severin said, “and to take time for “We have a time [each year] before wouldn’t find anyone who lives his God in prayer.” Lent where [a group known as] the rosary Catholic identity as well” as Chris does. John Sosnowski said he is proud of his ladies come in and help us [our students] The rosary walk, which will be son and added that his Eagle Scout John and Chris Sosnowski said their family make rosaries,” said Slipher, who gave dedicated after the school’s 8 a.m. Mass project is a great faith formation tool. enjoys praying the rosary together. It is one of permission for the project along with the on Dec. 19, “adds another element to our “It gives us a better way to evange- the reasons that Chris decided to create a parish council and Benedictine Catholic identity,” Slipher added. “It’s a lization,” he said. “Hopefully, maybe this rosary walk for his Eagle Scout project. Father Severin Messick, pastor of prayerful place to go.” will inspire some other people.” † Proceeds from Little Flower Christmas CD to assist school families in need

By John Shaughnessy Trying to help these families, Eckrich the CD, which sells for $15, is turned to a gift that has always made a “Christmas through the Rose Teresa Eckrich knew she had to do difference in her life: music. Window”—a tribute to the large circular something to help ease the heartbreaking As the director of the Little Flower window in the parish church that features situation facing the children and families Christmas Choir, she led the group in the saint known as the “Little Flower,” she cares about so much. creating a CD of Christmas music—with the St. Thérèse of Lisieux. “The economy has hit people so hard in proceeds being used for tuition assistance for The CD’s 13 selections include our neighborhood,” says Eckrich, the struggling families. Carol of the Bells, Joy to the World and longtime music teacher at Little Flower “We always try to have a chunk in our Ave Maria. School on the near-eastside of Indianapolis. [school and parish] budget to subsidize “We thought people would buy “People are losing jobs here. When the parishioners who can’t afford Catholic one more Christmas CD to support our economy hits people who are just living on schools, to help with their tuition,” she says. kids,” says Eckrich, who is also the what they earn, they’re in bad straits “This year, if we even had double the director of pastoral music for the parish. quickly. We have parents who are heartsick amount we usually do, it still wouldn’t be “Our choir is made up of people of all about the possibility of taking their kids out enough.” ages, from kids as young as sixth grade of school because they can’t pay the Hoping to bolster that help, the choir to adults in their 80s.” tuition.” ordered 1,000 copies of the CD. The title of More than 300 of the Christmas CDs have been sold so far. Eckrich hopes the “Other families have already had to music—and the cause—will reach a remove children from school,” she says. larger audience. To purchase a CD, “We had a student who had to go to public Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House call the parish office at 317-357-8352 school. Every time his school has a half- or e-mail Eckrich at day, he comes here to be with his old class. [email protected]. He still wants to be part of that family.” † Behold! A child is born in Bethlehem, the Savior of the World! May the feast of Christmas remind you of the great love which God has for you. We thank the many people who came to the retreat house this past year ShelbyShelby UpholsteringUpholstering as a way of staying in touch with the God who loves us beyond measure. && InteriorsInteriors We invite you to join us in 2009 … 30% off you will be glad you did! Selected Fabric • Custom reupholstery From all of us at Fatima - • Custom Window Treatments • Blinds • Interior Painting A Blessed Christmas Season • Carpet Sales & Installation “Our Family’s Business has been a HOUSE- HOLD WORD for over 70 years, owned and • Custom wood refinishing operated since 1932!” The Quass Grand Children • Antique restoration Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House Check out our website 5353 E. 56th Street shelbyupholstering.com Indianapolis, IN 46226 1932 Same family third generation. (317) 545-7681 317-631-8911 1-800-331-7697 www.archindy.org/fatima A Place to Be … With God! A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2008 by Catholic News FaithAlive! Service. Parishioners learn new ways to bring Christ to others

By Mary Ann Wyand Sister Shirley said. “The longer it goes [without a church], the more we have to

Their historic church was destroyed in rely on prayers.” CriterionThe an arson fire on Holy Saturday, April 7, In the spirit of Christ and St. Francis 2007, but grief-stricken St. Anne parish- of Assisi, parishioners began a “Rebuild ioners in New Castle have learned a new My Church” campaign to raise funds for understanding of what it means to be uninsured expenses for their new

Christ for others. church. They sold crosses made from Wyand, photo/MaryCNS Ann Parishioners also have been the fragments of the stained-glass windows recipients of amazing and unexpected and sponsored other creative blessings in the aftermath of the heart- fundraisers. breaking fire on the holiest weekend of “The life of the parish keeps getting the liturgical year and during their long stronger and stronger,” Sister Shirley said. wait for a new worship space. “It has made the people really evaluate “I don’t think anybody realizes—until what their faith means to them. We’ve you do not have a church—what it is become a blessing to one another. We like,” explained Franciscan Sister Shirley have a new understanding of what it Gerth, the parish life coordinator. means to be Church.” “It’s very hard,” she said. “We St. Anne’s 508 parishioners worship in stressed during Advent [2007] that we the cramped basement of the former started our Advent journey in April school, which functions as the Parish Life [2007], but it is still kind of hard. We’re Center. Each week, they pray the waiting in hope. “Rebuild My Church” prayer at the “A few years ago, someone stole the conclusion of Mass and look forward to Baby Jesus in our outdoor crib, and I said breaking ground for their new worship at the time that we have to make Christ space on March 29, 2009. present in our own hearts,” Sister Shirley On Easter and Christmas, they gather St. Anne parishioner Destiny Reece of New Castle, center, presents a $500 gift for her parish to said. “I think that’s one of the essential in faith in Bundy Auditorium at Franciscan Sister Shirley Gerth, right, the parish life coordinator, on Nov. 2, which was used to pay for messages for Christmas.” New Castle High School so all of the two new vestments for Father Joseph Rautenberg, sacramental minister, and other priests who Blessings quickly followed the tragedy, parish’s 243 families can celebrate the celebrate Mass with the Henry County faith community. Destiny, who is 8, wanted to help her parish she said, as the New Castle community Eucharist at the same time. with recovery efforts after an arson fire destroyed historic St. Anne Church during the early morning and Catholics from throughout Indiana And they continue to reach out to help hours on Holy Saturday, April 7, 2007. Destiny and her grandmother, Vickie Reece, left, earned the responded with donations and countless people in need through social service money by making and selling pocket pouches for rosaries for several months. other acts of kindness. ministries. Every month, they help about “I’ve just been awestruck by the 20 poverty-stricken families with food celebrated a weekly Mass at the “Spend some time … thinking about number of folks who have given and money for rent and utilities. New Castle Correctional Facility, where our hope lies, thinking about the donations and been concerned about us,” For years, St. Anne parishioners have counseled offenders and donated clothing roots of family and faith out of which for men released from prison. our faith has risen, out of which our Recently, Sister Shirley received an hope is sustained,” Father Rautenberg Act of giving to others spreads envelope from an inmate at the prison said. “Maybe thinking about these roots containing $20 to help rebuild St. Anne and these foundations can give us more Church. peace to face our current stresses.” love and hope in the world Thoughtful gestures like this give them Seventy children in the parish donate By Carole Norris Greene called sabbatical fallowing. But first, hope, Sister Shirley said, because they are pennies, nickels and dimes for their attention has to be given to the land’s small miracles. new church every week, and 8-year-old Have you ever thought of the act of patterns and peculiarities to allow it to Touched by their loss, Ball State Destiny Reece earned $500 by selling giving things to others as a loving way of produce what it reasonably can! University students in nearby Muncie, pocket pouches for rosaries that she sowing seeds of faith? For livestock farmers, sabbatical Ind., participated in a walkathon to help made with her grandmother, The people you give to are in fallowing allows grass to grow thick, raise funds for their church, which will Vickie Reece. one sense the land that you sow to and seeding several times over. This provides cost $3 million to replace and include Perhaps the parishioners’ greatest gifts nurture with your loving care. a rich mulch that builds up the top soil. handicap-accessible facilities. of all are their ongoing prayers for the Looking at giving this way, you may Earthworms increase as well, negating the And parishioners have received man charged with setting fire to their see something that you hadn’t focused on need for fertilizers. extensive spiritual and material support beloved church, which had been a before. Successfully applying this concept to from Protestant faith communities in landmark in the community since 1924. Like the land that needs a rest in our personal relationships this Christmas Henry County, which is only 2 percent sowing or a rotation of crops, you may will depend on how well we pay attention Catholic. (Mary Ann Wyand is senior reporter for need to hold back from some sowing that to those close to us, noticing their During his homily on the feast of The Criterion in Indianapolis. To help is not essential to life, give something lifestyles and peculiarities, and what All Saints, Father Joseph Rautenberg, St. Anne parishioners with uninsured different or sow elsewhere to reap greater gift—if any—will truly benefit them. sacramental minister, reminded parish- expenses to rebuild their church, address benefits. ioners crowded into the basement worship donations to St. Anne Church Fund, Resting a portion of land every (Carole Norris Greene is associate editor space that it is important to remember our 102 N. 19th St., New Castle, IN 47362.) † seven years or so to enable rejuvenation is of Faith Alive!) † roots in faith. Discussion Point Helping the poor is part of Christmas

This Week’s Question visit the homebound all year, and bring them each a gift at Christmas.” (Marga Bohm, Akron, Ohio) What do you do during the Christmas season to reach out to others? “We try to include everyone in our holiday meal, such “Our CCD chooses a service to do. ... One year, it was as relatives who are not well-off. We make sure no one baby bundles, filling shoe boxes with baby supplies is alone. We also help our five kids come home for for impoverished countries. Last year, ... kids brought holidays, which may mean subsidizing [their airline] in games and activity books for [homeless children tickets.” (Suzanne Harmon, Bothell, Wash.) from] their age group ... [who were living with their Lend Us Your Voice families] at local shelters.” (Mary Ellen Lane, Morrisville, Pa.) An upcoming edition asks: Where do you go to find

“Our family adopts a family, and we provide for them information about the economy and about your The Criterion so they can have a love-filled Christmas morning.” personal finances? (Janet Wrabel, Fairfield, Conn.) To respond for possible publication, send an e-mail to “I take people to church who don’t have [email protected] or write to Faith Alive! at transportation—usually the elderly or handicapped. I 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. † Evans, photo/Brandon CNS Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Faith and Family/Sean Gallagher Possible U.S. saints: Mary Virginia Merrick The birth of a (Thirtieth in a series of columns) baby girl, named Mary, became the recipient Mary Virginia that in 1887 she founded the of Mary Virginia’s first organized act of love. Society to assist impoverished child is at the For my Christmas column, let me tell you She continued to sew clothes for needy children. By 1898, the society claimed more about Mary Virginia Merrick. She served the children and encouraged others to join her. than 300 members. The society was officially Christ Child despite There was also a little boy named Paul, the incorporated in 1903, by which time Christ heart of our faith spending most of her life son of the Merrick family laundress. He liked Child Centers were open throughout In October of 2006, my wife, Cindy, and confined to bed or a to run errands for Mary Virginia. When she Washington. I were pilgrims in Rome for the wheelchair. asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he In the early 20th century, branches of the canonization of Mother She was born on replied that he wanted a red wagon, but he society were operating as far away as Omaha, Theodore Guérin. (I Nov. 2, 1866, to a knew he couldn’t get one because his father New York City and Chicago. In 1916, they was also reporting on it prominent Washington, was out of work and there wouldn’t be any were federated into a national organization. for The Criterion.) D.C. family, descendants Christmas presents. Today there are 40 chapters and more than The day before the of the Calvert family of Mary Virginia suggested that Paul write a 7,100 members in 18 states and the District of canonization, we Maryland. Her parents letter to the Christ Child and ask for the red Columbia. visited the Basilica of raised her as a devout Catholic. She often wagon. The boy asked, “Who’s he?” She Mary Virginia Merrick died on Jan. 10, St. Mary Major, one of accompanied her mother on visits, with gifts, replied, “He is the giver of all good gifts.” So 1955, when she was 89. At that time, the the largest churches in to the homes of the disadvantaged. Paul, though puzzled, wrote his letter. A Christ Child Society had stretched all the way the city. During her teen years, Mary Virginia fell couple days later he returned not only with his across the country from New York to We knelt and from the window of a playhouse. The accident letter, but also with a handful of letters written California. They were all founded by a prayed before the relics of the manger in sentenced her to a life in a reclining position by his brothers, sisters and playmates. woman who suffered through her paralysis which the Christ Child was laid that sits in with painful and restricted movement. That Naturally, Mary Virginia and her sisters and with a determination to serve God by serving the heart of that church. didn’t stop her from serving others. friends fulfilled the children’s wishes. When poor children. It was a special moment for us because, In 1884, she learned that an impoverished they gave them to the children, the presents all Throughout her life, when she was faced at the time, a baby was growing in Cindy’s family was expecting a baby at Christ- had tags on them that read, “From the Christ with scarce financial resources for the society, womb. Our third son, Victor, would be born mastime. She invited her sisters and friends to Child.” she replied simply, “The Christ Child will the following April. join her in sewing a layette for the baby. The These first gifts to children so delighted provide.” † Now, two years later as Christmas is just days away, my thoughts return to the The Joyful Catholic/Rick Hermann veneration shown those relics by Cindy and I and other pilgrims over the centuries. The relics of Christ’s manger are in my How a difficult person can be your ‘assignment’ thoughts, in part, because my wife and I are In one of my favorite movies, It’s A family member who offended you. The compassion deep within your heart. now awaiting the birth of our fourth child, Wonderful Life, small town banker George offense may have been accidental or It may be impractical or impossible for which we expect to happen near our Bailey suddenly faces intentional, recently or a long time ago. You you to interact with the offender. In this wedding anniversary next June. bankruptcy and may feel frustrated, angry and resentful. case, you can always rely on the power of As I reflect on those relics, it reminds disgrace. As difficult as it may be to believe, this prayer. Pray that the person turns away from me of some very basic truths of our In desperation, he person may be your assignment. darkness and toward the light. Pray for that faith. prepares to jump off a As preposterous and repugnant as it may person’s happiness. Try it now, just for a At the heart of Christianity is the birth of bridge into the frigid seem, you may have been given a mission, moment. a child. We describe it in theological terms water below, but like Clarence’s, to help this person in some You may need to pray a little or a lot. like the Incarnation or Nativity. But when suddenly another way. One anxious mother named Monica prayed you strip everything down, the great edifice individual leaps off in “No way!” you may say. “This person is for her sinful son for 24 years. Thanks to of our faith would collapse without the front of him. hopeless! ” her prayers, Augustine ultimately converted revelation of the Son of God in human flesh Instantly forgetting You may think you can never forget the and became a saint. in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. himself, George strips off his coat and dives deep wound inflicted by this person, whether You may never have the satisfaction of This great event is enshrined beautifully in to save the screaming stranger. it was emotional, financial, physical or witnessing the good results of your prayers in the relics of the manger at St. Mary Later, as they dry their clothes beside an spiritual. here on Earth. The person you pray for may Major in Rome. old wood burning stove, the stranger But if you forget yourself for a moment, never thank you. But, in a way, it re-echoes with even introduces himself as “Clarence Odbody, and look past your hurt, you may recall Jesus’ Yet God works miracles beyond space greater splendor every time a baby is born Angel Second Class.” Clarence explains that words: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You and time. Your prayers may work effectively into our world. he is George’s guardian angel, assigned to shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ back to the past or ahead to the future. Trust Ours is a faith that greatly values life. help him find meaning in his life. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray that “God works all things together for We proclaim a Gospel of Life. And the fact Furthermore, Clarence claims that he will for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). good” (Rom 8:28). that the birth of a baby is at the heart of our earn his wings as a heavenly reward for This may seem outrageous and disgraceful. You will enjoy peace of mind, knowing faith takes on greater and greater relevance helping George. Your tormentor may be the last person on you have done your best when you truly as a culture of death continues to grow all Clarence tries his best to convince George Earth you would choose to help. Nevertheless, commit that person to God’s mercy and around us. that he has a wonderful life, but George is you may be the one person who can lead this compassion. Now in praising the birth of the Christ skeptical. troublemaker to God. Then you will feel your soul take flight, child and, indeed, of all babies, we For the majority of the movie, George Your assignment may be as simple as being as if you were given angel’s wings, liberated Catholics are not oblivious to the great distrusts, disappoints and mocks Clarence nice to the person for a short time. like Clarence to soar heavenward and free challenges that sometimes come with the every step of the way. Then again, it may require you to walk the like George Bailey to live and laugh and arrival of new life. Although he is continually rebuffed, extra mile. love again. Indeed, Christ’s own birth shows that to Clarence faithfully attends to his assignment You may need to practice Clarence-like us quite clearly. He was born in a stable far and repeatedly resorts to prayer. virtues such as humility, patience, kindness (Rick Hermann of St. Louis is a Catholic away from home in extreme poverty. Soon Perhaps someone in your life troubles and forgiveness. You may be surprised to columnist and speaker. His e-mail address is afterward, his parents had to whisk him you. It may be a stranger, a trusted friend or a discover new depths of courage, wisdom and [email protected].) † away to Egypt to save his life from a tyrant king. Faithful Lines/Shirley Vogler Meister The troubles the Christ child experienced so soon after his birth, in a sense, anticipated his ultimate passion and Finding little treasures prior to the Christmas season death, that other event that, along with “Ah, Christmas!” Some of us think came from the attic of my husband’s Another card reads: “Get a lot of gifts Christ’s birth, also stands at the heart of our that with a sigh of contentment. boyhood home in Belleville, Ill. It … Happy New Year.” A third card says: faith. Some of us might contained several things, including an “Joy, Joy, Joy down in my heart.” Today, despite the advances of modern think, “Bah, 8-inch by 4-inch chimney made from a I have corrected the spelling errors medicine, heartbroken parents carry great humbug!” because Golden Guernsey milk carton covered except one in the next paragraph. crosses of children who are miscarried, Advent had us over- with torn crepe paper resembling bricks. Another card notes: “Have a Happy stillborn or die shortly after birth. Others busy with planning, At the top of the chimney is discolored Christmas and do not lose the angle … spend weeks keeping vigil beside their cooking, shopping white cotton resembling dirty snow. Do, Do, Do Not.” newborns as they struggle to live. and attending earlier There is also a little taller, tired-looking, The misspelled word “angle” gave me And, of course, as children continue to holiday celebrations. cone-shaped, cottonball-covered “tree” a light-hearted jolt by reminding me of grow, struggles of many kinds are always No matter how we with silver sprinkles glued on it. the season’s commercialism. Of course, right around the corner. handle this time of In their prime, these must have been they meant “angel.” Yet we are called to receive the gift of year, it is still wonder- charming pieces of artwork. Now they In very large print, there is one card life with joy even when we know that filled, mainly because we celebrate the are raggedy. However, Diane and I that says: “God, my Father, I thank you crosses will come with it. Many parents biggest birthday party of the year—the smiled with wonder over those items and for sending your Son for me. Jesus, my who have accepted this gift over the years birthday of the Christ Child. a stack of colorful homemade cards. Savior, I love and adore you for coming have greatly inspired me. They didn’t do a Before the holidays, our daughter, At first, we thought all this might on earth for me.” Yet another card reads: cost-benefit analysis before saying yes to Diane, and her fiancé, Al, came to have been done by my husband, Paul, for “God, my Father, You are so nice. I’ll God. Indianapolis from northern Indiana to his parents. While reading the cards, pray all day and pray all night.” Yes, they prayed if God was indeed help with a project that we often tackle however, we found that some items were Even I cannot do that. However, I can asking them to be open to another baby, in the fall. I say “we” lightly because, projects by our three daughters for Paul’s pray that everyone enjoys a happy, but, in the end, they wanted to do God’s for the most part, I try to stay out of the mother, their grandmother, Pauline. Most healthy, holy Christmas with abundant will. They wanted to echo Mary’s “fiat,” the way. The project? Making room for a car were signed, “Love, The Meister Girls.” blessings in the New Year. “Let it be” that she said to the angel long in the garage before winter since during Many readers must have similar ago in Nazareth. the better weather so much stuff treasures that make them smile, too. One (Shirley Vogler Meister, a member Let this Christmas, then, be a powerful accumulates there! card’s message is, “Noel to you. Let us of Christ the King Parish in Indian- reminder to us that in the birth of our own This time, Diane came across a box sing it … Christ our King born of the apolis, is a regular columnist for children, we are drawn into the very heart that we don’t recall seeing before. It Virgin Mary.” The Criterion.) † of our faith. † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 11

Fourth Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings Sunday, Dec. 28 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Monday, Dec. 22 Joseph The Sunday Readings 1 1:24-28 Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 (Response) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-7, 8a-d Psalm 128:1-5 Luke 1:46-56 Colossians 3:12-21 Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008 or Colossians 3:12-17 • 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Narrative. Tuesday, Dec. 23 Luke 2:22-40 • Romans 16:25-27 It is the story of the Annunciation, the John of Kanty, priest or Luke 2:22, 39-40 event when the angel Gabriel came into 3:1-4, 23-24 • Luke 1:26-38 Monday, Dec. 29 the presence of Mary, a young Jewish Psalm 25:4bc-5ab, 8-10, 14 The Fifth Day in the Octave of woman, in Nazareth in Galilee, to inform Luke 1:57-66 Christmas The first reading for this weekend is her that she would be the mother of the Wednesday, Dec. 24 , bishop and martyr from the Second Book of Samuel. long-awaited Redeemer. 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 1 John 2:3-11 Originally, the The reading abounds with meaning. Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 Psalm 96:1-3, 5b-6 two Books of Samuel Luke makes clear that Mary was a virgin, Luke 1:67-79 Luke 2:22-35 were combined in a and that the conception of the Redeemer Vigil of Christmas single volume. would not be the result of any human Isaiah 62:1-5 Tuesday, Dec. 30 Translations and relationship. Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 The Sixth Day in the Octave of editions over the Behind this fact is the reality that God, Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Christmas centuries divided this as Creator and the provider of order to the Matthew 1:1-25 1 John 2:12-17 one volume into universe, can do anything. He is almighty. or Matthew 1:18-25 Psalm 96:7-10 two books. The Redeemer will be the Son of God. He Luke 2:36-40 David is the will be David’s successor. Thursday, Dec. 25 principal figure in The Redeemer’s coming will fulfill The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Wednesday, Dec. 31 these books. The ancient Hebrews looked God’s promises, spoken by the prophets Midnight The Seventh Day in the Octave of upon David much more than as a king. all through the ages, to bring life and Isaiah 9:1-6 Christmas Beyond all else, he was God’s chosen salvation to the people. The birth of this Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13 Sylvester I, pope representative, given the kingship so that Redeemer will be the ultimate satisfaction Titus 2:11-14 1 John 2:18-21 laws and circumstances might provide an of the ancient Covenant. Luke 2:1-14 Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13 atmosphere in which the people more Vital to the message of the story is Dawn John 1:1-18 fervently would follow God and be loyal Mary’s response: “I am the maidservant Isaiah 62:11-12 to the Covenant. of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12 Thursday, Jan. 1 For this weekend’s second reading, the say.” Titus 3:4-7 The Octave Day of Christmas: The Church offers us a reading from St. Paul’s Luke 2:15-20 Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Epistle to the Romans. Reflection Day Numbers 6:22-27 Scholars unanimously say that Paul of In each of these readings, speaking Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 Tarsus indeed authored this epistle, and through the Scriptures, the Church makes Psalm 98:1-6 Galatians 4:4-7 that this epistle was his masterpiece. For a very important point. God reaches out to Hebrews 1:1-6 Luke 2:16-21 this reason, it appears first in sequence us. This outreach is not vague or John 1:1-18 among the 14 epistles attributed to Paul impossible to see. Indeed, it is in the or John 1:1-5, 9-14 Friday, Jan. 2 and is placed in Bibles immediately persons of individuals with whom we can Basil the Great, bishop and doctor of following the Acts of the Apostles. relate—David, Paul and Jesus. Friday, Dec. 26 the Church As indicated by its title, Paul sent this The outreach occurs in the face of our Stephen, first martyr Gregory Nazianzen, bishop and doctor epistle or letter to the Christian population own inadequacy and limitations, and also Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 of the Church of Rome. in the fact that God is almighty. However, Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 17-21 1 John 2:22-28 Psalm 98:1-4 In the first century A.D., Rome was the God’s supreme power over all creation is Matthew 10:17-22 John 1:19-28 center of the Mediterranean world in not the most consoling point here. Rather, Saturday, Dec. 27 every respect—political, economic and the most reassuring factor is that God’s Saturday, Jan. 3 cultural. It was also the largest city in the great love for us prompts the dispatch of John, Apostle and evangelist 1 John 1:1-4 The Most Holy Name of Jesus Roman Empire. Not surprisingly, Rome teachers—such as David, Paul and 1 John 2:29-3:6 as the great imperial capital had within its Jesus—to guide us to union with God, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 John 20:2-8 Psalm 98:1-3, 6 borders a great array of ideas and and therefore to peace in our hearts and John 1:29-34 religions, Christianity among them. life in eternity. In this weekend’s reading, as often The Church approaches Christmas with continued on page 26 elsewhere, Paul asserts his own vocation as a message of love. God loves us. He does an Apostle. His vocation from God came so not leave us helpless in our own that “all the Gentiles” might believe in and powerlessness. He reaches to us to draw Question Corner/Fr. John Dietzen obey God, “who alone is wise.” us to the divine presence itself. For the final reading this weekend, the It now is up to us to respond. Do we Christmas is first recorded in a Church proclaims a beautiful part of accept God? Or do we turn God away? It St. Luke’s Gospel from Luke’s Infancy is that simple, and that serious. † Roman calendar composed in 339 Can you answer a question for our our Lord’s birth was celebrated on Dec. 25 in My Journey to God Qfamily? Our children are asking when most of the Christian world. and where people If we don’t know the date, why choose started to celebrate Dec. 25? Christmas. The explanation generally accepted by How do we know most scholars today is that Church authorities Light of the World that’s when Jesus was of that time assigned the birth of Christ to the born? Can you help? date of the winter solstice. This is the story of (New York) In our calendar, the winter solstice is how Jesus became Dec. 21. In the Julian calendar, however, the Light of the World. I can help, but the which predated our calendar and was in effect It all began with a Father’s love. Aanswers may not in those days, the winter solstice was Dec. 25. And although God had already done be what you expect. The Egyptian calendar has it on Jan. 6, some pretty amazing things, First of all, strange as it seems, we have which is why this date is still followed for like telling the Earth to spin in motion, no idea of the date or even the year of our Christmas in some Eastern-rite Christian creating oceans, and Lord’s birth. Our only source for this Churches. setting rates and rhythms for every information would be the Gospels, and they The winter solstice, when days begin to breath and heartbeat still yet to come, provide little help. lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, was it was after sin entered in From information supplied in referred to by many non-Christians as the that God did His most amazing thing. Luke’s Gospel, scholars generally believe “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.” Where one night in Bethlehem, that Christ was born sometime between the During the 200s, Roman Emperor under starry, starry skies, years 8 B.C. and 6 B.C. Though our present Aurelian dedicated Dec. 25 to the sun god, God made good on His promise— calendar was supposedly based on the year whose cult was particularly strong in Rome God always does— of Christ’s birth as Year 1, that does not at the time. And so He bent down, smiled and seem to be the case. Even before this, Christian writers whispered softly to His newborn Son, The Roman monk who in the referred to Jesus Christ as the “Sun of “Shine! Shine! Shine!” sixth century originated the “before Christ” Justice.” It seemed logical then that as And, from that day on, (B.C.) and “after Christ” (A.D.) way of Christianity began to dominate the religious that is exactly designating years simply did not have at scene in the Roman Empire, the date of the what Jesus did. hand the historical documents now “newborn sun” should be chosen as the birth available. Thus, he missed the year of date of Christ.

By Cathy Lamperski Dearing CNS photo/Crosiers Christ’s birth by six or eight years. All this may be a little complicated for As perhaps most everyone knows, Easter some of your children, but I’m sure you can (Cathy Lamperski Dearing is a member of St. Parish in Indianapolis. An and related feasts were the first ones “translate” it for them. It’s a lovely story angel is depicted with the Star of Bethlehem in a window at St. Mary’s Cathedral in celebrated by Christian people. about how the followers of Jesus can learn to Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Christmas season begins with the Dec. 24 evening vigil The first mention of Christmas comes in turn everything, even the seemingly irrelevant Mass and ends on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 11, 2009.) a Roman liturgical calendar composed in and irreligious events of life, into ways of 339. By the end of that century, the feast of praising and honoring our Lord. † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008

continues to flow through these corridors.” prompted parishes and archdiocesan agencies to reach out to REVIEW support people in affected communities. 8. Legacy for Our Mission campaign wraps up. As a result, St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville continued from page 2 After four years of planning and implementation, the was opened as a Red Cross shelter for flood victims; more archdiocese and moved to Oldenburg. archdiocese’s largest capital campaign, Legacy for than 50 households at St. Bartholomew Parish in Quoting our March 21 news story: “In recent years, Our Mission: For Our Children and the Future, began to Columbus received aid; parishioners at Our Lady of the the community, currently numbering 10 nuns, has found wind down amid incredible success. Greenwood Parish in Greenwood collaborated with the it increasingly difficult to manage the upkeep of their As noted in an Oct. 17 news story: “Over the course of American Red Cross and the United Way of monastery and decided to move to the motherhouse of the four years of Legacy for Our Mission, many of those Johnson County; and Catholic Charities Terre Haute joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Third Order of hopes have been fulfilled as more than 33,000 archdiocesan other groups in helping the residents of 2,500 homes in the St. Francis in Oldenburg, where they will have their own Catholics pledged $104 million and more than 14,000 area damaged by flooding. building.” volunteered their time and talent to see the campaign be a In addition, second collections were taken in some A July 16 Mass of Thanksgiving at SS. Peter and Paul success.” The campaign received an additional $10 million in parishes on June 14-15, and Catholic Charities accepted Cathedral celebrated the sisters’ ministry. corporate donations. donations online and coordinated offers for help. The monastery became home to the Bishop Bruté “Parishes across the archdiocese’s 11 deaneries have College Seminary, which had formerly been located on the constructed new activity centers, made extensive renovations 10. $5 million capital grant is awarded to improve campus of Marian College. Seventeen seminarians are to their current facilities and established new endowments or archdiocesan schools. currently studying for the priesthood there. grown already established ones,” the story said. An Aug. 8 news story announced that Lilly Archbishop Buechlein dedicated the new seminary home Information about the campaign, including its success Endowment Inc. had “made a major commitment of its on Sept. 8. stories, can be found at www.archindy.org/legacy. resources to support archdiocesan schools in the center city “My greatest wish for our college seminary is that it be a of Indianapolis and in two of its urban high schools. simple and joyful house of prayer,” the archbishop said, 9. Area flood victims find shelter in parishes. “The archdiocese has determined to use the $5 million “… surely the vestige and the ethos of the Carmelite prayer Flooding in central and southern Indiana on June 6-7 grant the Endowment awarded to make much-needed capital improvements to the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies (MTCA) in the center city of Indianapolis, to Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in the Indianapolis West Deanery and to Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in the Indianapolis East Deanery.” The grant was one of the largest ever awarded to the archdiocese and helped to secure the future of Catholic education in the center city, archdiocesan officials said.

(To read more about these 10 stories, including links to all our original Criterion news coverage, log on to our Web site at www.CriterionOnline.com.) † Criterion is now selling photograph reprints online

Criterion staff report

Have you or someone you know attended a recent archdiocesan event? Have you seen a photo in our newspaper that you want a copy of for a photo album or scrapbook? Or perhaps you would like an image of Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein for your home or business. If so, then be sure to check out the newest feature on our Web site that lets you purchase reprints of staff photos that have appeared in The Criterion. You can access this new feature at www.archindy.org/photos. Our reporting staff takes dozens of high-quality photos at many major archdiocesan events—events that either have historical significance (like the canonization of St. Theodora Guérin in 2006) or that your family might have attended (like an ordination at the cathedral). Select photos are available as a professional quality print in one of four sizes: 4 inches by 6 inches, 5 inches by 7 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches and 13 inches by 19 inches. They will be printed at our office and mailed directly to you. Prices range from $4 to $20, and prices decrease with multiple images purchased from the same gallery. The cost includes shipping and handling. And it is more than just events: We also have photos labeled “Standard Images” that you may wish to have for your household, such as a portrait of Archbishop Buechlein or an image from SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Finally, we are making available full-size prints (11 inches by 17 inches) of front pages from The Criterion from major events and our Christmas and Easter issues. To get started, simply log on to The St.Vincent Health family www.archindy.org/photos and choose your gallery from the dropdown menus, or scroll down and click on the photos below, to begin shopping. wishes you blessings of health, hope And if you can’t find what you want, you can place a special order for an image. For more information, send an e-mail to and happiness this Christmas season. [email protected] or call 317-236-1577. † Pricing 13" x 19" $20 for first print $ 4" x 6" $12 each additional $4 for first print print* $2 each additional 11" x 17" (front page print* image) 5" x 7" $20 for first print $5 for first print $12 each additional $3 each additional print print* * Discount is for images 8" x 10" purchased at the same time $8 for first print and from the same gallery | stvincent.org $5 each additional print* All prices includes shipping The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 13

‘We’re No. 1!’ Catholic high school teams earn three state championships Criterion staff report School in Indianapolis earned the 4A state championship their fans. We also salute all the high school athletes and with a victory over Muncie Central High School. coaches in the archdiocese who have left their mark on The memories and friendships from playing high school On Nov. 28, Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in their schools, their fans and each other through their hard sports can last a lifetime. Indianapolis defeated Sheridan High School 34-27 in the work, dedication and sacrifice. So can the pride and the joy of being part of a team that 1A state championship football game. wins a state championship. On Nov. 29, Cathedral’s football team beat the squad (Editor’s note: Photos for the Cathedral volleyball and This fall, three teams from Catholic high schools in the from Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne 10-7 in football teams were submitted by the high school. archdiocese savored the experiences and the emotions that the 4A state championship game. Action photographs of Cardinal Ritter’s state champi- come with winning an Indiana State High School Athletic As this photo essay tribute to the three winning teams onship game were provided by Bob Kelly, editor of The Association championship. shows, pure joy marks the face of a champion. Sports Chronicle. See more of his photos at On Nov. 8, the girls’ volleyball team of Cathedral High The Criterion congratulates the championship teams and www.sportschronicle.net.) † Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School Football

From left, Cardinal Ritter players Jonathon Paquette, Blake Cardinal Ritter’s sideline and crowd explode with joy during the Nothing tastes better for Cardinal Ritter’s players than finishing Steinacker and Glen Lee celebrate their team’s dramatic victory. team’s 34-27 win. the season No. 1. Cathedral High School Football

Cathedral Irish head football coach Rick Streiff smiles following a Cathedral running back Nick Najem bursts into the end zone for a shower from his players after the team’s victory. Cathedral’s defense rose to the occasion during the team’s 10-7 win. touchdown. Cathedral High School Girls’ Volleyball

Cathedral seniors Lauren Dedinsky and Mary Ording rise above Cathedral’s Mary Ording concentrates on a kill during the Cathedral’s Skylar Cuppy sets a ball in the private Catholic the net for a block in the championship game. Class 4A state volleyball championship game. high school’s win over Muncie Central High School. Page 14 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Fifth annual African Mass celebrates archdiocese’s various cultures

By Mary Ann Wyand heart. “… We are made in his image.” If you cannot see the kindness and love of Five years ago, Catholics from African countries who God in your life, he said, if you cannot feel live in the archdiocese began celebrating their unique the presence of God in your life, you must heritage, varied cultures and shared faith as a community. give your heart to him completely, worship Wyand Mary by Photos Ann With their children and grandchildren, they gathered at him faithfully and forgive the people who St. Rita Church in Indianapolis on Dec. 7 to offer thanks to have wronged you. God for his love, kindness and mercy during a festive “My dear brothers and sisters, the fifth anniversary Mass concelebrated by nine African kingdom of God is not far from us,” he said. priests. “It’s in our hearts. Whatever you sow, you The Mass was sponsored by the African Catholic reap. And that’s what John [the Baptist] Ministry and archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministry. reminded us. He said, ‘Change your ways. “What prevents me from seeing the kindness and love of Repent, and the kindness of God will be God in my life?” Father Benjamin Okonkwo, the principal yours and the salvation of God will be celebrant and a chaplain at St. Vincent Indianapolis yours.’ … When you turn your life over to Hospital, asked the people during his homily on the God, he will carry you every day and lead Second Sunday of Advent. you [to him]. And then what happens? “That’s a question we need to ask ourselves today,” he Salvation is yours.” said. “, in the Gospel, proclaimed, ‘Change The word of God is a gift for us, but God your ways. Repent, and God will forgive us’ ” (Mk 1:1-8). is not forcing us to accept his invitation, Remember the words of the prophet Isaiah in the Father Okonkwo said. Jesus lived and died first reading, Father Okonkwo added, which tell us to for us, regardless of whether we choose to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Is 40:1-5, 9-11). accept or reject him. To do that, you must find a way back to love in your life, “God loves us and God cares for us,” he he said, because your faith and everything else that is good emphasized. “Turn back to God. He will lives in your heart. grant you salvation. And let evil go away “If we examine ourselves, if we pray and ask God to from you—jealously, hatred, everything send the Holy Spirit for us to see ourselves, we find him negative—all the evil. And when you do here,” Father Okonkwo explained, placing a hand over his that, you see the salvation of God. But when there are secrets in your heart, it blocks you. You cannot see [God]. But when they’re out of your heart, what fills your heart is joy and happiness, and you see salvation. … It is for you and me to accept God’s invitation of love, of kindness, of generosity, … and we shall see God’s kingdom, God’s kindness and God’s love in our lives.” Members of the Global Children, African Dancers in Indianapolis, the African Choir and the St. Rita Parish Choir assisted with the liturgy. After the Mass, Divine Word Father Eusebius Mbidoaka, administrator of Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Sister Jennifer Otuonye, a native of Nigeria who St. Rita Parish, said African Catholics ministers in Indianapolis, carries the Book of Gospels inside a cloth knapsack to the believe that “God is the pillar of our lives, altar in a ceremonial dance during the fifth annual archdiocesan African Catholic God is everything, God is our foundation, Mass on Dec. 7 at St. Rita Church in Indianapolis. and in him we live and move and have our being. We cannot survive without him.” God is going to be the one who provides [for their needs],” Father Benjamin Okonkwo, the principal celebrant and a chaplain During these difficult economic times, he said, people Father Eusebius said. “If we look up to him, he’s going to at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, preaches the homily for the who are struggling can find hope by remembering the spirit show us a way. What we try to do with our human power, Second Sunday of Advent during the fifth annual African Catholic of Advent. we may not succeed. But for others who trust in God, Mass on Dec. 7 at St. Rita Church in Indianapolis. “I want them to trust in God, to look up to God, because God is going to find a way to help them.” †

Final Advent penance services scheduled at archdiocesan parishes

Now You Can Hear Parishes throughout the Batesville Deanery archdiocese have scheduled Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, Morris communal penance services

CNS photo/Bill Wittman for Advent. The following is Indianapolis South Deanery a list of services that have Dec. 22, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Greenwood, Catholic been reported to Greenwood The Criterion. New Albany Deanery Radio Dec. 21, 4 p.m. at Holy Family, New Albany Seymour Deanery Dec. 22, 7 p.m. for St. Anne, Jennings County, and St. Joseph, Jennings County, at St. Joseph, Everywhere Jennings County † In or around Indianapolis… You can hear the station at 89.1 on your FM radio. If you have difficulty receiving it in this area, you can get a “SMALL MIRACLE” radio for just $20 that will receive the station even inside your home. Call 317-870-8400 for details. Anywhere in the Archdiocese… You can hear the station on your computer. www.CatholicRadioIndy.org In the past 12 months, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul gave to the poor: Mass Daily at 8am and noon • 735 dinette sets • 540 refrigerators Rosary at 7:30am Daily • 529 stoves • 826 washers and dryers Catholic Answers Live 6-8pm and thousands of sofas, chairs and all other types of furniture and bedding and other household items. Great Catholic Programs 24 Hours a Day We have a problem now because we can’t meet the demand for these items unless you donate your gently used appliances and furniture to us. For Free pickup, please call us at 317-687-1006 Society of St. Vincent de Paul 3001 E. 30TH Street Indianapolis, IN 46218 or visit www.svdpindy.org O

CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec Wondrous Night By Dorothy M. Colgan

This is a night Beyond surprise— This is the night Of angel cries.

This is the night A stable shares Its roof and warmth With heaven’s cares.

This is the night That shepherds seek The child of whom God’s angels speak.

This is the night Creation’s wound Is fondly healed And grace-attuned.

(Dorothy M. Colgan is a member of St. Meinrad Parish in St. Meinrad.) Christmas Supplement Page 16 The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 The Infancy Gospels: More than the birth of Jesus

By John F. Fink

Both the Gospel According to Matthew and the Gospel According to Luke begin with infancy narratives. They tell about the events surrounding

the birth of Jesus and his early infancy. courtesyphoto CNS Scala/Art Resource But there is a great deal more than that in those Gospels. Both Gospels were written indepen- dently several decades after Jesus’ birth. Each author chose to emphasize something different about Jesus. In Matthew’s case, it was his kingly role, while it was his priestly role for Luke. Both, though, stressed the Messianic signs—that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures. Both Gospels include a genealogy of Jesus. Matthew begins his Gospel with it while Luke places it after Jesus’ baptism. Matthew begins with and moves forward to Joseph, while Luke begins with Joseph and moves backward all the way to God. Matthew carefully, and artificially, arranged his genealogy into three groups of 14 generations. It is believed that he did this to emphasize that Jesus was descended from King David. The name “David,” with three consonants and a numerical value of 14, is placed in the 14th spot. Matthew counts 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 more generations to the Babylonian exile and another 14 generations to the birth of Jesus. Unlike Luke’s genealogy, Matthew’s Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child are depicted in the “Flight into Egypt” fresco by Giotto in the Basilica of St. , Italy. The Dec. 25 Christmas includes four women, three of them feast celebrates the birth of the Lord. Gentiles and one married to a Gentile. Tamar, a Canaanite, seduced her father-in- story of the magi, or astrologers, from the back to Egypt, for all the men who sought Jesus’ compassion to the lowly and law, Judah, to become the mother of east, who traveled to Bethlehem to pay your life are dead” (Ex 4:19). outcasts of society, and he begins that Perez and Zerah. Rahab, also a Canaanite, homage to “the newborn king of the “[Joseph] rose, took the child and his with the story of the angels’ appearance was a harlot who lived in Jericho and Jews.” This story not only alludes to mother, and went to the land of Israel” to the shepherds. They, in turn, are the saved Joshua’s spies. She later lived Jesus’ kingly role, but also the future (Mt 2:21). “ took his wife and his first to visit the Holy Family in the cave among the Israelites and bore a son rejection of Jesus by Israel and his sons, and started back to the land of where Jesus was born—thus giving us named Boaz. Ruth was a Moabite who acceptance by the Gentiles (Mt 2:1-12). Egypt” (Ex 4:20). the crèche with which we are so married Boaz. And Bathsheba was the The magi told King Herod that they Matthew also writes that the massacre familiar. wife of Uriah the Hittite. She committed had seen the newborn king’s star because of the infants fulfilled the prophecy of The basic message of Luke’s infancy adultery with David and later, as his wife, it was a common belief that a new star , “A voice was heard in Ramah, narrative is in the announcement to those was the mother of . appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth. sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel shepherds: “Today in the city of David a Since Luke traces Jesus’ lineage all the There was also the Old Testament story of weeping for her children, and she would savior has been born for you who is way back to ’s creation by God, to Balaam, who prophesied that “a star shall not be consoled, since they were no Messiah and Lord” (Lk 2:11). stress Jesus’ divine Sonship, his list has advance from ” (Nm 24:17). more” (Jer 31:15). As Savior, Jesus will be the one who 77 names. However, it doesn’t include Herod called the Jewish priests and It portrays Rachel, Jacob’s second wife, rescues humanity from sin and alienation King Solomon and his ancestors. Rather, scribes together, and asked them where who was buried near Bethlehem, weeping from God. The Messiah is the anointed Luke traces Jesus’ Davidic ancestry the Messiah was to be born. They found a for her children taken into exile when one who, as told by Luke, will bring through the prophet Nathan. Therefore, Scripture passage that pointed to Assyria defeated the northern kingdom of salvation to all humanity, Jew and Gentile there are considerable differences Bethlehem, again showing that Jesus’ Israel. Ramah was located six miles north alike. And Lord is the title most between the two genealogies. birth was a fulfillment of Scripture. This of Jerusalem so Rachel’s lamentation could frequently used by Luke in both his Matthew’s Gospel tells about the birth consultation was also a reminder of a be heard at a great distance. Gospel and in his Acts of the Apostles. of Jesus in eight verses (Mt 1:18-25). He Jewish legend, not found in Scripture, that When the Holy Family arrived back in By writing about Jesus’ circumcision says that Jesus’ mother, Mary, and Joseph the Egyptian pharaoh had been warned by Israel, Matthew says, they were afraid to and presentation in the Temple, Luke were betrothed, that is, they had gone his scribes about the imminent birth of return to Bethlehem because Archelaus stresses that his parents were observant through the first part of the Jewish Moses. succeeded his father, Herod, as king of Jews. During the presentation, and after marriage and were considered husband The magi, of course, found Jesus with Judea. Therefore, they moved to Galilee, Mary’s purification, and Anna and wife. The second part, some months Mary (no mention of Joseph so perhaps to a small town named Nazareth. praise Jesus, with Simeon praying to later, consisted of the husband taking his he was working somewhere at the time). Luke’s narrative of the birth of Jesus is God that he could now let him die wife into his home. They offered gifts of gold, frankincense, found in Chapter 2, except for the because he had lived long enough to see After the betrothal, Matthew says, and myrrh, which gave us the idea that genealogy in Chapter 4. Luke used the Messiah. Mary was found to be pregnant, and there were three magi. They were then Chapter 1 to tell about the birth of John After the presentation, Luke says that Joseph had to decide what to do. If he warned—again, in a dream—not to return the Baptist, and Mary’s annunciation and the Holy Family returned to Nazareth. accused her of adultery, the penalty was to Herod. visitation to Elizabeth. There’s no visitation of magi or flight into death by stoning. Joseph didn’t want that The next passages show how Jesus Luke has Mary and Joseph already Egypt in this Gospel. so he decided to divorce Mary quietly. relived the Exodus experience of Israel living in Nazareth, but they traveled to In the Church’s liturgy, Matthew’s It was then that an angel appeared to (Mt 2:13-2:23). Note these parallels, Bethlehem in obedience to a decree from infancy narrative is read at the vigil Mass. him in a dream and told him that it was which would have been readily the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus that Luke’s is started during the first Mass of through the Holy Spirit that the child was recognized by Matthew’s first readers: a census should be taken of the whole Christmas and continued in the second. conceived. This dream, and the three When the magi didn’t return, Herod Roman world. For the third Mass of Christmas, though, others that follow, recalled the dreams ordered the massacre of all the boys 2 There was likely no such census, but the Church turns to the Prologue to the that the Joseph interpreted for years old or younger (Mt 2:16-18). Luke had to get them to Bethlehem Gospel According to John because it tells the Egyptian pharaoh in the Book of Pharaoh commanded that every male born somehow because that is where the us who Jesus was: “In the beginning was Genesis (Gn 40:1-23, 41:1-36). to the Hebrews be cast into the Nile Messiah was to be born, and he may have the Word, and the Word was with God, Matthew says, again to emphasize the (Ex1:22). heard about a census while Quirinius was and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). fulfillment of Jewish Scripture, that But Jesus was no longer in Bethlehem the governor of Syria. It was this Word, who pre-existed from Mary’s virginal conception was done to because Joseph was warned to take him He also wanted to tie the birth of Jesus all eternity, who “became flesh” (Jn fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: “Behold, and Mary to Egypt so that, as Matthew to Emperor Augustus, who was credited 1:14). He it is whose birth we celebrate the virgin shall be with child and bear a says, “What the Lord had said through with a time of peace, the Pax Augusta. on Christmas. son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” the prophet might be fulfilled, ‘Out of The real peace bearer, Luke wanted to “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14). (Is 7:14). Egypt I called my son’ ” (Hos 11:1). say, was the child who was born, which In the Book of Isaiah, the Lord made When Pharaoh tried to do away with is why the angels tell the shepherds, (John F. Fink is editor emeritus of The that promise to Ahaz and the Jews took Moses, he fled (Ex 2:15). “On earth peace to those on whom God’s Criterion. Among his published books is the subsequent birth of the future King After Herod died, the angel told favor rests” (Lk 2:14). Jesus in the Gospels, published by Alba Hezekiah as the fulfillment of the Joseph, “Rise, take the child and his Luke also wants to emphasize that House. His latest book, St. Thomas promise. mother and go to the land of Israel, for Mary and Joseph were peaceful people More: Model for Modern Catholics Matthew put a new light on the those who sought the child’s life are who observed the Roman law as well as (St. Pauls, 2009), can be purchased by prophecy. dead” (Mt 2:20). After the pharaoh died, the Jewish rites. calling 800-343-2522 or by logging on to In Chapter 2, Matthew tells us the the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go Luke’s Gospel contains stories of www.stpauls.us.) † The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 17 Readers share their favorite Christmas memories Church ladies teach poor children about God’s love

By Jim Welter things for the children.” Service Postal Photo courtesy U.S. Special to The Criterion And we knew that Santa would come that year! It was a rite of spring for our family. How could those ladies have known that Each Memorial Day, all seven of us would their “few things” were our Christmas walk from our farm to a little country celebration? cemetery called Eagle Creek to decorate the And how could we have known that, grave of our infant sister, Jeanette, who had one day, both Mom and Fran would lie died years before. beside Jeanette in the country cemetery— One year, when we visited the cemetery, just across the gravel drive—from that little the gate was locked. That was no obstacle white church? for my tomboy sister, Fran, who would Each Sunday evening, the good people sometimes climb over at the Eagle Creek the fence even when the Church gather to give gate was open! What a blessing it was praise and sing some of There was a little for me to stand before the old gospel songs that white church beside the that group and say my mother knew so cemetery just across a well. gravel drive from “thank you” for the I was invited to their Jeanette’s grave. kindness they showed to gathering one Sunday to As a child, I was sure us all those years ago. share some reflections that it was the “church from my first book titled in the wildwood” When Winter Comes. mentioned in a song my mother sometimes What a blessing it was for me to stand sang. before that group and say “thank you” for “See that white church over there?” Fran the kindness they showed to us all those said to me one day. “They’re the ones that years ago. bring us presents at Christmas.” Thank you, ladies! Thank you for Virgin and Child Mom raised seven of us on a farm just touching our lives. Thank you for lifting The tender relationship between mother and child and a prayerful gesture by a young boy will two miles from that church and cemetery. our spirits. Thank you for helping us to help deliver the joy of Christmas this season. The U.S. Postal Service selected the Virgin and Mom was all alone. There was no electricity carry our burden. Thank you for being Child with the Young John the Baptist painting by Italian master Sandro Botticelli for one of four on the farm, no running water, no telephone Emmanuel—God with us! 2008 Christmas stamp designs. The Postal Service printed 600 million copies of the 42-cent or nearby neighbors. stamp. Since 1978, the theme of the Christmas stamp has been the Madonna and Child, and the But, during those years, we could always (Jim Welter is a member of St. Barnabas stamps have attracted a devoted following over the years. The 2008 design features an added count on the ladies from the Eagle Creek Parish in Indianapolis. His books are twist with the additional figure of John the Baptist as a child. The tempera and oil on wood Church remembering us at Christmas. available at Catholic bookstores in the painting by Botticelli dates to around 1490 and is now part of the world-renowned collection of From our hiding place, we would hear Indianapolis area and on the Internet at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. the ladies tell Mom, “We just brought a few www.ascendingview.com.) †

ATTORNEYS AT LAW ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE AND TAXATION LAW FARIS MAILING

2300 One American Square Indianapolis, Indiana 46282 INCORPORATED (317) 632-3232 Introducing Our Giant Mail Box To Handle Fax (317) 632-2962 The Growing Needs Of Your Business www.dannpecar.com • Inkjet Addressing Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman offers a full spectrum of estate Automatic inserting planning services for clients with various financial profiles. We can assist you with traditional estate planning (wills, trusts, Laser Imaging powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, and living List maintenance wills), tax minimization strategies, charitable giving, Premium fulfillment guardianships, and business succession planning. We would be Mailing consultants honored to work with you to administer the estate or assist you with trustee’s duties following the passing of a family member Digital Variable Printing or friend. Wide Format Printing Please contact Beth Sullivan-Summers at Electronic Imaging 317-632-3232 Analysis of mailing requirements for a free initial consultation. EXACTLY WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM A LAW FIRM. 317-246-3315 www.dannpecar.com 5517 W. Minnesota St., Indianapolis

Out of This World buy! EVERY WEDNESDAY EVERY OFF NON-PRESCRIPTION 10% ITEM IN THE STORE “Professional Yet Personal”

PLATINUM SAVINGS PLAN is back! Nora Chapel Smith Carmel Chapel YOU WILL SAVE! 740 E. 86th St. 900 N. Rangeline Rd. No cost to you – no cards. The more you buy, the more you save. Indianapolis, IN 46240 Carmel, IN 46032 Only available at ... 317-844-3966 317-846-2091 4076 S. Keystone Ave. www.leppertmortuary.com 317 787-7205 Locally owned & operated John T. Leppert — Parishioner, St. Luke Catholic Church Page 18 The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 Christmas Eve Mass offers glimpse of Wyand Mary by Photo Ann mystery of God

By Linda Abner Special to The Criterion

It is snowing on Christmas Eve as people come from all directions in the dark, heads bent, stepping quickly to gain the church and warmth. There are smiles of recognition, greetings and laughter. An undercurrent of excitement fills the air on this holy night. The sanctuary is resplendent with greenery and candles everywhere. Evergreen trees, some trimmed only with small white lights and others left completely natural, fill the front and shelter a humble crèche. We are given a taper as we enter the church. I feel a little sad that I see no one I know on this special night as families and loved ones all around me gather for Mass. Thank you, Lord, that my daughter is here beside me. Bless her and keep her. The choir leads us in Christmas carols for 30 minutes before midnight. “Ave Maria” is sung by someone with an angel’s voice. Then the church is darkened but for candlelight, and at midnight the chimes Angels on high begin—ringing, singing like the Heavenly Two angels are featured in a bas-relief high above the altar at historic St. Patrick Church in Indianapolis. The angels are holding up an ornate jeweled Host on that night so long ago: “Christ is crown—above the crown of thorns—symbolizing Christ the King. The initials “JHS” and “IHS” stand for “Jesus of Nazareth the king of the Jews.” In born! Glory to God in the highest, and peace Latin, they are “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.” to his people on earth!” All across the city, the nation, the world, people are gathering to celebrate this night, this holy, magic night when peace among Christmas teaches children about gifts of faith and joy men actually seems possible. I feel a small part of a very large and By Lisa Marie Taylor of this world. from Santa and be disappointed about enduring mystery—the mystery of God. Special to The Criterion Our five children were given to us to their own presents. When all kneel in the darkened church at teach us very valuable lessons about However, that evening, after all the the phrase in the Creed, “For us men and for As I look back at all the Christmases Christ’s love for us. Our oldest, Jessi, busyness of the day, our son quietly our salvation, he came down from Heaven,” of my childhood, I do not remember teaches us about strength. Our son, Joe, proclaimed, “Mom, this was the best I feel a deep sense of reverence and one particular gift received although our shows us compassion. Our daughter, Christmas ever.” gratitude—grateful to God for his great love tree was overflowing with gifts from Maria, shows us complete joy. Our I do not remember one particular gift for his creation, and grateful to be part of the Santa every year. daughter, Mackenna, teaches us about received in my childhood, and I hope that larger Body of Christ. I remember the joy. I remember waiting determination. And the baby, Madeline, my children will not remember them When the Christmas Eve liturgy is over— with anticipation for Santa, for Christmas teaches us about grace. either. I hope they will learn from each I hate for it to be over—it is again a happy Mass, for the family gatherings. I Sometimes I wonder if our children other about strength, compassion, joy, confusion of smiles and greetings and joy. remember looking into the manger scene are getting the importance of Christmas determination and grace! Father Jim waits to greet people at one with wonder at what it meant for Jesus, our and why we celebrate. Our Christmases Christmas isn’t just for children. It is all church door, and Father stands at Savior, to come to us as a baby. are small compared to the amount of for those who believe in the One who sent another. Is Christmas only for children? gift-giving in many homes. They receive his son, Jesus, to teach us about love. I pray My daughter and I step out into a blessed I believe Christmas teaches all of us to three gifts and a few stocking stuffers. we all remember joy this Christmas season. winter night, kissed by a gentle, silent be like children, to look at the season A few years ago, our finances were snowfall. It shimmers beneath the outside with wonder and awe, to believe in the extremely lean. I was worried that our (Lisa Marie Taylor is a member of lights. Christmas is here. baby and to seek him without all the cares children would see what other kids got St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.) †

(Linda Abner is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Indianapolis. She wrote Family continues tradition of decorating tree on Thanksgiving this reflection in her Rite of Christian By David Parrish Mom would make sure that we had Now, as a father, I am continuing this Initiation of Adults journal while preparing Special to The Criterion what we needed for school before getting family tradition by setting up our fake for her entrance into the Catholic Church a stuff for herself. tree on Thanksgiving evening and letting few months later at Easter. “I remember how I grew up in Kokomo, Ind., and was For the Christmas season, we would my daughter, who is 7, and my son, who eagerly I looked forward to my first ‘real’ the youngest of five kids who were being drag the box filled with the fake tree out is 5, help decorate it. Christmas Mass as a Catholic,” she wrote, raised by a single mother. of storage and assemble the tree as a “even though I would not be confirmed until We were what would now be classified family on Thanksgiving evening. We (David Parrish is participating in the Rite Easter. And God, who is always generous as “extremely low income” and lived in would look forward to this and enjoyed of Christian Initiation of Adults program with his gifts, did not disappoint.”) † public housing. every minute of it. at St. Joseph Parish in Indianapolis.) †

Lawrence Family Care Huser HomeCare and Pediatrics Trusted and Compassionate Care GiveGive yyourour pparentsarents 8501 E. 56th Street, Suite 120 • Indianapolis, IN 46216 • Dedicated to meeting your non-medical homecare needs Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season • Elder or special needs care (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Autism) tthehe samesame giftgift knowing we are here to serve you. • In your home, nursing home, or assisted living center • Temporary or long-term; for a few hours or up to 24/7 • Personal care assistance with bathing, toiletry, hygiene, thetheyy gavegavvee ttoo yyou.ou. dressing, medication reminders • Companion care and safety monitoring • Housekeeping, laundry and meal prep The giftgift of caring.caring. • Respite care • Slumber care • Transportation & errands Telephone (317) 621-2360 Call us for a free in-home consultation: Daniel W. Stock, M.D. • Tammy Polit, D.O. • William Heisel, M.D. Kathy and Terry Huser  CallCall Cheryl Cheryl HHendrixsonendrixson (S(SttL Luke’sukkee’’ss parparishioner)ishioner) NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS (317) 332-8261 or 332-8264 Valerie A. Pai, M.D. (Viegas) /..%-.)%/-.+$/...%%-.)%/--...++ $ X^\eXm`^Xk`fe%Zfd^ \eXm`^Xk`fe%X Zfd (Roncalli ’89) [email protected] Physicians of Indiana The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 19

Teenager is stunned to ‘get’ Reuters the true gift of Christmas By Natalie Hoefer together and clicked! Special to The Criterion They weren’t just words. They were a truth that filled my whole self with joy that Hashlamoun, photo/Nayef CNS I recall the Christmas of 1984. I was no material gift could ever give: God gave 15 and had just “suffered” through what us his very own Son, who would in turn to my adolescent mind was the “worst give us his very own life for our salvation! Christmas ever.” Wow! What an unparalleled gift! All I liked very few of the presents that I my immature disappointment, all the received, and the few gifts that I did like secular Christmas trees and lights and were clothes that ended up not fitting me. decorations, just melted away and there I went to bed that night feeling bitter was only this one amazing truth that left and crying. me filled with joy and awe. As I grudgingly began to say my I went to sleep that night thanking God prayers, a question whispered inside me. for the best Christmas ever, the joy of Something asked me, “What is the true “getting”—of understanding and gift of Christmas?” receiving—the true gift of Christmas. And all of a sudden, all those years of being told that Christmas was about (Natalie Hoefer is a member of Jesus—and not about gifts—just came St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) † Mother’s sacrifice was wonderful gift of love By William Taylor from side to side as she walked because Special to The Criterion one of her legs was larger than the other. After Mass, we walked back home The snowflakes glistened under the again, where she began to prepare streetlights at the corner of 9th Street and Christmas dinner and I played with my Rural Street as my mother and I walked one present, a Sir Malcolm Campbell to the 5:15 a.m. Mass at St. Philip Neri Blue Bird Racer. Church in Indianapolis on Christmas Many years later, a blood clot traveled morning in 1935. from my mother’s bad leg to her heart As a fifth-grade choir boy, I was and killed her. honored to be singing during the Mass. Only since then have I realized what Only seven more blocks to go in the snow. pain she must have been in and what a My father and six sisters were snug in loving sacrifice it was for her to walk to their beds at home. church with me before sunrise on that At the time, I did not realize what a cold Christmas morning. Woman lights candle sacrifice this early morning winter walk A woman lights a candle in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Dec. 17. The was for my mother. (William Taylor is a member of St. Ann church is built over the site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. She was a large woman who waddled Parish in Indianapolis.) † Connecticut abbey’s centuries-old creche restored, back on display BETHLEHEM, Conn. (CNS)—On a day in early scorched some of the costumes.” America in 1948.” November, Sister Angele Arbib and Mother Daniel Levi Mother Daniel added, “And the bugs were eating the According to Antoinette Bosco’s recent biography, Cooke showed a visitor inside a restored 18th-century backs of the shoes.” Mother Benedict: Foundress of the Abbey of Regina barn at the Abbey of Regina Laudis, a monastery for The creche was built around 1720 and presented to Laudis, the creche had been offered for sale in New York, cloistered Benedictine nuns in Bethlehem. Victor Amadeus II (1666-1732) on the occasion of his but it was expensive and took up a lot of space (the village Behind protective glass was a miniature Italian seaside coronation as first king of Sardinia, Sister Angele told is 16 feet wide and 6 feet deep). village, made almost 300 years ago and crafted mostly The Catholic Transcript, newspaper of the Hartford The figures portray the Holy Family, old and young from the bark of cork trees. Multistoried wooden houses Archdiocese. women bearing gifts, merchants and peddlers, a princess, seemed to teeter on the tops of cliffs. In the background “I don’t know how long he had it,” she said. “It stayed angels, the three kings, and peasants and their farm was a painting of Mount Vesuvius under a blue sky with in Italy in a noble family, and then it was brought to animals. † wispy clouds. But missing from the scene were 68 figures made from porcelain and carved wood that, until the summer of 2005, had been part of a creche from Naples, Italy, that had been at the abbey for nearly six decades. CHRIST’S COMING IN CHRISTMAS On Dec. 8, those 14- to 16-inch figures were back on display, magnificently restored by a professional team Please join from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The creche is now open for public viewing seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., “We had a lot of damage from the lighting, because of the pastor and parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral uneven flaring,” said Sister Angele. “It wasn’t [proper] lighting for an art display. It had terrible visibility. It had on Christmas Eve Now Your Parents to celebrate Christ’s coming in Christmas. Can Live At Home! Vigil service of scripture and song Your comfort is our first priority. 11:15 p.m. We provide 24 hour care, live-in if necessary, Presider: Fr. Julian P. Peters, O.S.B. hygiene assistance, meals, respite care, errands, light housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders, and joyful companionship. Midnight Mass Our caregivers are thoroughly screened. 12:00 a.m. (Insured and Bonded) Presider: Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B.

Secured Parking SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral lot (enter from North Pennsylvania Street) 317-733-0617 TOLL FREE The Catholic Center lot TOLL FREE 888-733-0617 (enter from West 14th Street) Page 20 The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 Make time for others at Christmas this year and every year

By Mary Jo Pedersen Although I had been taught about God’s victims of war, for Catholic News Service gift of self in Jesus, that day it dawned very whom you can pray slowly on me that Christmas was really each night before bed. When I was a child, I always made about giving myself to others like Jesus • Visit a friend or Christmas lists that contained toys, a did. It was about recognizing Jesus present relative in a nursing variety of cookies and treats, places to go in me and in that little girl’s toothless grin. home or prison, or ask courtesy Catholic Charities New York courtesy Catholic Charities New and activities that I thought would make a We honor and celebrate Jesus’ birth by the administrator if there perfect Christmas. imitating him! As a teenager, I had totally are patients or inmates I realized later that my Christmas list missed the point! who never have visitors. was all about me. I had created a Christmas How can families celebrate Christmas Make an effort to send monster with an appetite never satisfied by reaching out to others when the season cards or visit with them. Brenizer, CNS photo/Ryan even with gift cards and cash for buying seems hectic and our schedules are already • Contact a new whatever I wanted. overflowing? neighbor, co-worker or It wasn’t until I helped deliver clothing These suggestions may help, and parishioner and invite and toys to families in need that I realized accomplishing even one of them will honor them for coffee to get Christmas was really not about getting the spirit of Christmas: acquainted. If they have gifts, but about giving gifts of time and • Sign up for your parish or community no place to celebrate energy to those who were in need. “adopt a family” Christmas program to Christmas, include them On that cold gift delivery day in help with buying, wrapping or delivering at your table. Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York joins Catholic Charities workers December as a young teenager, I gifts to families in need. • Send a card or in handing out Christmas presents to families with special needs in encountered Jesus in the doorway of a • Ask a homebound or infirm make a call to a relative Manhattan. dilapidated house in the eyes of a little girl neighbor—or one of his or her family who has been out of who was hanging on to her mother’s skirt. members—how you might be of help this touch with family members. Invite this himself at Christmas. When she saw the wrapped presents and Christmas season. Offer to pick up relative to your home during this the boxes of food and cookies, she started groceries, drive your neighbor to a doctor’s Christmas season. (Mary Jo Pedersen, a veteran coordinator to jump up and down, waving her arms and appointment, do laundry, clean house, Your list probably already contains of marriage and family spirituality asking if I wanted to see her do her newest shovel snow or stop in for a visit during the many acts of love and care for others in programs, lives in Omaha. Neb. She is the gymnastic trick. A leap off the sofa onto week. your family. Instead of doing them as author of For Better, for Worse, for God: the ottoman with a rollover to the floor • When watching the news, write down duties or “have-to” chores, do them with Exploring the Holy Mystery of Marriage, ending in a headstand was her special way the names of people who are suffering or a heart that wants to give of self out of published by Loyola Press in December of saying, “Thank you!” groups of people, such as refugees or love in celebration of the One who gave 2008.) † True meaning of Christmas is giving of oneself to others in countless ways By Margo MacArthur little nation of Israel, the first Christmas often shut out. There is no room in the Since Lauren works more than 30 hours Catholic News Service materialized as if by magic. inn, and Christ’s entry into the world is a week and goes to college full time, her During his 2007 Christmas homily, ignored except by the wise men, love for her friend will require the sacrifice It is hard to imagine the world of the Pope Benedict XVI said that, into this harsh shepherds and the animals. of time. Yet she did not hesitate to offer her first century when the heavy foot of Roman setting, “God [stepped] out of his So, too, our modern lives are often help when it was needed. imperialism strode through a vast empire of concealment” to connect with mankind and very busy, too full of worry and self- At 23, Chris is the youngest in his conquered people. promise salvation in the form of his Son. involvement to allow us more than a family, and he can’t remember what age he In this brutal time under the tyranny It is an old story still relevant today, passing glimpse of the miraculous birth, was when he joined his parents, brother imposed by that rule on the beleaguered one that tells us that God’s Good News is let alone of each other. That is, unless we and sister in serving Christmas dinner to make a conscious decision to make the those without a dinner table of their own. time to reach out and connect with our He thinks he was perhaps 12. He does neighbors, identifying the ways that we know, however, that he will continue the can best serve others. tradition for years to come and that he will Many other Christians have prepared share it with his own family someday. The Christmas season is about sharing the way for us. Dottie, who lives alone in a senior joy with your family, both past and Fred has regularly served lunch and citizens building, said she quite simply present. Your Dignity Memorial® funeral dinner at his local soup kitchen whenever enjoys doing a good turn every time she provider wishes you and yours the very possible, modeling the behavior for his has the opportunity. best. And while we celebrate, we know six children, who are now grown. “People today don’t understand that,” how painful the holiday season can be for Pam is naturally vivacious, and a mover Dottie said. “I get a kick out of their those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Which is why we offer a and doer. She recently spearheaded an realization that extending small variety of grief management resources entire neighborhood’s response to the needs kindnesses to those around me is my way for you and your family. To find out of a temporarily disabled member. of sharing my faith.” more or to learn about other Dignity If you ask Pam where she finds the There are countless ways that we Memorial benefits, contact your local time with a full-time job, a spouse and Christians can contribute to good in the Dignity Memorial funeral provider or two young children, she will say that it’s world by reaching out to others. A smile Christmas call 1-800-DIGNITY for your free a central part of her faith. But those and a gesture that relieves another Funeral Reference Guide. around her know that Pam loves her person’s loneliness or lifts a heavy heart is a time for neighbors best through cooking and cost nothing except the recognition that encouraging others to do the same. another human being is helped. making memories Lauren, in her early 20s, promised a As Pope Benedict reminded us, “Heaven 1307 N. Shadeland Avenue former classmate who is in drug rehabili- does not belong to the geography of space, Indianapolis, IN 46219 tation that, “When you leave there and go but to the geography of the heart.” and sharing them. 317-353-6101 home, I will be your listening ear, and 2126 East 71st Street help you stay positive and move your life (Margo MacArthur is a freelance writer in Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-257-4271 in a good direction.” Andover, N.J.) †

Physicians of Indiana  Supplies for Home Care, Hospital and Sickroom  Senior Citizen Discounts  Everyday Low Prices Plum Creek  Prescription Delivery PLUM CREEK FAMILY MEDICINE Family Medicine 1303 N. Arlington Ave., Suite 5 317-359-8278 Indianapolis, IN 46219 Wishes everyone a Open 7 Days A Week (317) 355-2800 Merry Christmas 5317 E. 16th St. • Indianapolis and (Near Community Hospital East) Healthy New Year The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 21 Astounding news was brought by unexpected visitors at Christmas

By David Gibson accord to the unexpected “visitors” and Catholic News Service “guests” encountered during the comings and goings of my daily routines. To tell the How do you think Mary and Joseph truth, I frequently stumble and rush through felt when they noticed several breath- the day, hoping against hope to complete lessly excited shepherds arriving from the my “to-do lists” without interruption. countryside to join them at the manger in The unexpected visitors and guests of

Bethlehem where they were tending the my daily life are not necessarily people photo/courtesyCNS Artof Alinariand Resource newborn Jesus? who arrive at my doorstep like the A new baby’s family can be so busy shepherds at the manger. and exhausted! Right after a birth isn’t Interruptions come from the unexpected the easiest of times to extend a heartfelt phone call from a “visitor” who genuinely welcome to unexpected guests. Caring for requires my attention, or from the friend or their new child may be about all a family acquaintance who has lost a job or suffered can manage. an illness and crosses my path as I’m Do you suppose Mary and Joseph hurrying to an appointment, or from the smiled warmly at the shepherds and invited person encountered by chance who them to linger a little longer at the manger deserves a word of encouragement, hope or than they had planned? Did Mary and congratulations. Joseph listen attentively to all that these The challenge as the day races along is astonished shepherds reported to them? to slow down enough so that I don’t run An angel had spoken to the shepherds, right past these unexpected “visitors.” and initially this terrified them. The angel Pope Benedict XVI thinks Christians Fieldworkers pay homage to the newborn Christ in “Adoration of the Shepherds,” by Renaissance calmed them, however, and then conveyed should reflect on the difficulty they have Italian painter Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri. some “news of great joy” meant to be making time for others. shared with everyone about a newborn “Do we have time for our neighbor God and our own well-being. realized that a warm smile is a gift. If child in Bethlehem. who is in need of a word from us ... or in I admire people who insert large people feel they have nothing to offer As if that wasn’t enough, “a great need of my affection?” the pope asked blocks of time into their existence another person at the moment, she throng” of very vocal heavenly hosts during his celebration of the Midnight through major lifestyle and career thought they should give their smile. joined the angel at that point. Mass last Christmas at the Vatican. “For changes. For me, though, solving the Imagine a very busy Mary and Joseph The shepherds had a lot to tell! I’ll bet the sufferer in need of help? For the problem of time always boils down to ignoring or slighting the shepherds when their attempts to put into words all that fugitive or refugee seeking asylum? Do finding better ways to approach the they presented themselves in Bethlehem. had happened back in the fields took we have time and space for God?” smaller blocks of time in the moments of Christmas would have gotten a much more than a few minutes. When people are preoccupied with the day—the moments when, as Pope different start! What’s more, at the manger the their own lives, they think they need their Benedict said, someone needs a word So many people want a chance at shepherds somehow recognized that what time for their own purposes, Pope from me, affection or help. Christmas to set time apart for others— the angel told them about this newborn Benedict challenged his listeners. How do preoccupied people re-center for those closest to them, for friends they child was true. They surely wouldn’t have Time is a problem. We have no time. their attention on others for a moment? don’t see often enough, for people who in rushed away. Or our time is not under our control. Are there ways to convey hope to one way or another are poor. But finding We are told that Mary treasured and If this frustrates us sufficiently, we someone or express true concern in a few the time is a problem. pondered what the shepherds said. Was may view ourselves as victims of time moments? Time also is a challenge, and the time that she, Joseph and the pressure, always pushed by the clock’s One friend consistently makes the most repossessing some of our time is all of the shepherds spent together what people spinning hands. Possibly we’ll begin to of a moment by saying convincingly, “It’s essence. today call “quality time”? Probably the search for a big solution to our problem, always so good to see you!” shepherds felt quite welcome. inquiring how we might create the large It works. (David Gibson served on the Catholic I wonder how much quality time I pockets of time needed for others, for Blessed of Calcutta News Service editorial staff for 37 years.) †

MARIAN COLLEGE INDIANAPOLIS

What matters to you?

Ask anyone who’s ever been: going to college matters. It’s a choice that helps define who you are, and who you will become. Your experiences at college—in and out of the classroom—will shape your ideas and opinions for years—probably forever.

At Marian College, you will be personally challenged to incorporate awareness of the world and a sense of community—lessons of concern and respect that can be learned and practiced over a lifetime. These lessons are based on our Catholic faith and Franciscan values—dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship.

Katrina Kroics B.A. in biology with a minor in chemistry Marian College Class of 2008

Whether people see it or not, teachers have a big impact on the community through its children. As a biology teacher at Shelbyville Middle School, my job is to help students grasp concepts and apply them. What matters is that I also show my students that I honestly do care about them.

ON JULY 1, 2009, MARIAN COLLEGE WILL BECOME Give this to someone you know who’s wondering what matters. PREPARE FOR THE CELEBRATION! www.marian.edu

Katrina Kroics Page 22 The Criterion Christmas Supplement Friday, December 19, 2008 At last, a comfortable cup of Christmas tea for Father Steve! By Fr. Stan Konieczny seminary joke that was no joke. Every day, me,” Father Steve thought as he poured the Catholic News Service there was at least one telephone call asking, contents of half a mug of tea down the drain.

“Father, what time is your Christmas Eve In 15 minutes, when Father Steve arrived Evans A. Brandon One holiday surprise came early to Midnight Mass?” at the apartment and rang the bell, the door recently ordained Father Steve, who was “Surprise, surprise, there is little Christmas was opened after the first ring by Miss Emily, spending his first Christmas as a priest at serenity around here,” Father Steve muttered prim and proper as ever. Those two qualities St. Joseph Parish. in the rectory kitchen as he waited for a mug frankly unnerved the young priest. by illustration Photo It was no treat, either, for Father Steve to of hot tea to steep. “I just wish I had a minute Inside the museum-like living room, discover that the rectory was not immune to of peace and quiet, just enough to finish a cup Father Steve proclaimed the Good News of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush. of tea.” Christmas, sang a carol and distributed Father Steve had hoped for calm and He sighed as he thought back to his grade Eucharist. After the prayers and some small serenity that would lend itself to prayer and school days when the Mercy Sisters who talk, the priest started to leave. reflection on the mystery of Christmas. taught him spoke of their foundress, Emily ordered him to wait as she hobbled Instead, he found himself up to his eyebrows Catherine McAuley, and her instructions to off through a darkened doorway. in all sorts of preparations for the celebration have “a comfortable cup of tea” ready for After a 10-minute eternity for Father Steve, Finding time for a cup of Christmas tea can be a of Christ’s birth. anyone who came seeking help. Miss Emily came out of the kitchen with a challenge for priests. Despite the many area penance services, Halfway through musings over his favorite large tray that held a complete tea service and people still rang the doorbell looking for a mug of Earl Grey tea, the telephone rang. It was garnished with warm zucchini bread. As Miss Emily shuffled back into the confessor. Shut-ins needed visits. Church was Miss Emily. “You look chilled to the bone, Father,” kitchen, Father Steve settled into an decoration decisions and choices had to be Three times, she had turned down Miss Emily chided. “Now you sit there, overstuffed chair and enjoyed a real holiday made. Organizations had to be matched with Father Steve’s inquiries about bringing her young man, and drink all of this herbal tea. surprise: a comfortable cup of Christmas families in need for holiday outreach. Every Communion for Christmas. She always Then I’ll get you another cup. And eat this tea, which melted away the hustle and bustle class in the grade school had some program insisted that she could get to Mass on her zucchini bread that my cousin made. It’s good of the holidays. or project to delight the priest. And there was own. Now she insisted that the weather was for you. And none of your nonsense about an unending list of evening dinners and bad and Father had better come now before having too much to do. Nobody is too busy (Father Stan Konieczny is an associate parties with parish groups. her holiday guests arrived at her home. for a comfortable cup of Christmas tea. I pastor of St. All of this was compounded by the classic “No serenity, no comfortable cup of tea for won’t hear of it.” Parish in Belleville, Ill.) † You can find good presents without spending a lot this Christmas By Louise McNulty Grandma’s lovely wooden sewing basket and mittens or a blanket can take a lot of time to When choosing stocking stuffers, Catholic News Service give it to a sister or a friend who has long create, but should delight a young child or remember that children are never too young admired it. Or to pass on the old family Bible, grandchild. Or offer the child the gift of your to be urged on in their faith. Browse through In today’s uncertain economy, it’s more an aged wooden cross or a cherished family time with tickets to a holiday children’s play religious bookstores to find wonderful and important than ever to measure the cost of portrait, adding a note on its history. or movie matinee or simply a visit to the park inexpensive card games like “Noah’s Ark,” Christmas presents in terms of thoughtfulness Grown children might appreciate receiving and a treat of hot chocolate or an ice cream advertised to play like “Old Maid” for instead of just dollars. other family heirlooms, like special holiday sundae. ages 3 and up, or “, Go Fish,” geared to Of course, thoughtful gifts require more decorations or pieces of art or sculpture, even There are other ways to spend more time ages 4 and up, or a Bible trivia game. time, care and even sacrifice than just shoving if the items only date to their own childhoods. than money to come up with good presents. There are even Nativity finger puppet a plastic credit card over a retail counter. Tools that “they just don’t make like they Most people enjoy home entertainment, but figures sewn onto a set of gloves for The sacrifice might involve giving up some used to” might be passed on to a son by his DVDs can be expensive. Take the time to ages 6 and up. There are no directions for things you hold dear, such as treasures in your father. That gift can be supplemented with search for bargains. A friend found popular play, which invites adult interaction in home, which would be valued by other family something new like gift certificates to a movies for sale at discount prices at a service repeating the Christmas story. members. restaurant, store or coffee shop. plaza on an interstate highway and in a bargain This Christmas, save money by bargain Maybe this is the time to wrap up A handmade hooked rug, knitted scarf, bin at a grocery store. She said the luck comes hunting, crafting your own gifts and passing from the effort. along your treasures. • BECHSTEIN • ESTONIA • SOHMER • PEARL RIVER • ROLAND • HADDORFF When you choose movies, though, don’t You can even increase God’s grace in your buy just anything that’s current and cheap. Buy life and others. www.pianosolutions.net copies of classic films with big-name stars and 582-1946 stories in which people make good moral (Louise McNulty is a freelance writer in choices. Akron, Ohio.) † OVER 200 NEW & USED PIANOS Used Piano Clearance • Kawai • Steinways From $ 2,988 From 11,988 • Yamaha • Sohmers Christmas From $ 2,788 From $ 2,488 • Rolands • Clavinovas blessings. From $ 1,288 From $ 988 New Baby Grands …many used pianos priced from $ 788.00 $ 4,688

Great Pianos, Great Prices 290 West Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032 HOURS: MON.-SAT. 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM & CLARK • KAWAI • PRAMBERGER • BECHSTEIN • ESTONIA • • PRAMBERGER BECHSTEIN ESTONIA & CLARK • KAWAI

• SOHMER PEARL RIVER ROLAND HADDORFF KAWAI REMINGTON • WALTER • BOSENDORFER • RITMULLER • SCHIMMEL • STORY

Alliancei Home Health Care Helping Seniors Stay at Home We ensure our services are provided in a professional, sensitive, caring and safe manner. As we celebrate the birth ࡖ Skilled Nursing ࡖ Meal Preparation ࡖ Help with Personal Care ࡖ Overnight Care of the Christ Child, ࡖ Physical Therapy ࡖ Medication Setup ࡖ Occupational Therapy ࡖ Respite Care may this joyous season ࡖ ࡖ Speech Therapy Light Housekeeping remind us anew of His enduring (317) 581-1100 (317)271-2701 9615 N. College Ave. 7545 Rockville Road message of peace. Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, Medicaid Waiver, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and School of Theology, 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577 CHOICE and Private Insurance Accepted (812) 357-6501, www.saintmeinrad.edu The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 23 Document warns certain new research violates moral principles VATICAN CITY (CNS)—A new human embryos. Anyone who seeks to prevent the Vatican document warned that certain The new instruction expanded on those implantation of an embryo and who recent developments in stem-cell research, teachings or presented new ones in the therefore requests or prescribes such a drug gene therapy and embryonic experimen- following areas: generally intends abortion, it said. The use tation violate moral principles and reflect • Stem-cell research—The document of such anti-implantation methods “falls Huffaker photo/Sandy CNS an attempt by man to “take the place of his said it is morally acceptable to take stem within the sin of abortion” and is gravely Creator.” cells when they do no serious harm to the immoral. The latest advances raise serious person from whom they are taken, as is • Gene therapy—It said genetic questions of moral complicity for generally the case when tissues are taken engineering that aims to correct genetic researchers and other biotech professionals from an adult, from the umbilical cord at defects by treating nonreproductive cells, a who have a duty to refuse to use biological the time of birth or from fetuses that have process called somatic-cell gene therapy, is, material obtained by unethical means, the died from natural causes. in principle, morally acceptable. document said. On the other hand, it said, it is always But it is not permissible to make genetic The 32-page instruction, titled “Dignitas “gravely illicit” to take stem cells from a modifications that seek to transmit the Personae” (“The Dignity of a Person”), living human embryo because it invariably effects to the person’s offspring, called was issued on Dec. 12 by the Congregation causes the death of the embryo. germ-line cell therapy, because of potential for the Doctrine of the Faith. Pope • The morning-after pill and other harm to the progeny, the document said. It An embryologist removes frozen embryos from Benedict XVI personally approved the text anti-implantation methods—The said that “in the present state of research” a storage tank at the Smotrich IVF Clinic in and ordered its publication. document said an embryo comes into being germ-line cell therapy in all its forms is La Jolla, Calif., in this 2007 file photo. The new The document represented an updating after fertilization, and drugs and techniques morally illicit. Vatican document “Dignitas Personae” of the congregation’s 1987 instruction, that prevent its implantation in the uterus • Embryo manipulation and (“The Dignity of a Person”) warns that certain “Donum Vitae” (“The Gift of Life”), which are morally illicit because they intend to “adoption.”—The document repeated recent developments in stem-cell research, rejected in vitro fertilization, human cause an abortion—even if they don’t earlier condemnations of the in vitro gene therapy and embryonic experimentation cloning, surrogate motherhood and actually cause an abortion every time they creation of human embryos, first because it violate moral principles and reflect an attempt nontherapeutic experiments with are used. See BIOETHICS page 24 by man to “take the place of his Creator.” Officials say Vatican document is not an attack on modern science VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Vatican’s new instruction presents risks to human life from the moment of Father Augustine said that the document offers a number setting forth moral principles in biotechnology should not conception. of other positive reflections, including appreciation of be seen as a negative attack on modern science but as a “The Church believes it must be courageous and science and its recent developments, a “yes” to fertility defense of the sacredness of human life, Vatican officials decisive in affirming these principles. The continuity of treatments that overcome pathologies and re-establish the said. the development of the human being from the moment of normal functioning of human procreation, a “yes” to the “This is in no way an attempt to say ‘halt’ to the conception does not allow for uncertainty in the defense therapeutic use of stem cells when obtained licitly, and a commitment of science in favor of life,” Jesuit of the embryo and his dignity,” Father Lombardi said. “yes” to the value of every human being. Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said “This is a position in favor of small and weak human “Some of these affirmations and positive assertions have a in a statement. “On the contrary, the document offers a beings, who have no voice and who today, in fact, do not negative side, but their principal direction is a positive series of guideposts so that science is truly at the service of find many who speak in their favor,” he said. account, a vision of what it means to be human, and why life and not of death, or of the arbitrary and dangerous Dominican Father Augustine Di Noia, undersecretary human life is sacred from conception to natural death,” he manipulation of the human person,” he said. of the doctrinal congregation, told Vatican Radio that it said. The instruction, “Dignitas Personae” (“The Dignity of a would be wrong to see the new document as a series of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Person”), was issued on Dec. 12 by the Congregation for “no’s” against prohibited services. Academy for Life, predicted that the document would the Doctrine of the Faith. As Pope Benedict XVI has noted many times, these provoke various reactions. Some will ignore it, some will In general, the document rejects any procedure that “no’s” are derived from a much larger “yes” to human deride it and others will label it another Church effort to separates procreation from the conjugal act in marriage or life and human dignity, he said. impede progress, he told a Vatican press conference. †

MARIAN COLLEGE INDIANAPOLIS

What matters to you?

Ask anyone who’s ever been: going to college matters. It’s a choice that helps define who you are, and who you will become. Your experiences at college—in and out of the classroom—will shape your ideas and opinions for years—probably forever.

At Marian College, you will be personally challenged to incorporate awareness of the world and a sense of community—lessons of concern and respect that can be learned and practiced over a lifetime. These lessons are based on our Catholic faith and Franciscan values—dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship.

Ryan Bernhardt B.S. in chemistry Marian College Class of 2008

I participated in priceless undergraduate research, played collegiate golf and tennis, and studied under excellent professors. Now, I work as a high throughput robotics chemist at Coskata, Inc. What matters is that I’m helping create economical fuels from renewable resources.

ON JULY 1, 2009, MARIAN COLLEGE WILL BECOME Give this to someone you know who’s wondering what matters. PREPARE FOR THE CELEBRATION! www.marian.edu

Ryan Bernhardt Page 24 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Patroness of the Americas Our Lady of the Greenwood School and Parish celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 Photos by Mary Ann Wyand MaryPhotos by Ann

Above, Our Lady of the Greenwood School students, from left, first-grader Sophia Dietz, kindergartner Nathaniel Morris and first-grader Elizabeth Origer process into Our Lady of the Greenwood Church in Hispanic costumes for the school Mass on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Left, Father Rick Nagel, associate pastor of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood, and Father Mauro Rodas, a retired A statue and icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe decorate the sanctuary near diocesan priest who assists with Hispanic the altar at Our Lady of the Greenwood Church on Dec. 12 for the ministry at the parish, pray the eucharistic parish’s feast day Mass honoring the patroness of the Americas and the prayer during the school Mass on Dec. 12, the pro-life movement. feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Left, Our Lady of the Greenwood School seventh-grader Craig Connors prays during the feast day Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 at the parish church.

Msgr. Mark Svarczkopf, pastor of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish, elevates the Blood of Christ during the parish Mass for the feast of Our Lady Our Lady of the Greenwood School students stand during the procession of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 at the Indianapolis at the start of the feast day Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 at South Deanery church. the parish church.

production of vaccines or other products, deal with In the wider framework, it added, grave reasons may in BIOETHICS cell lines that are the result of a procedure the Church some cases justify the use of such “biological material.” continued from page 23 teaches as immoral. For example, it said, the danger to the health of children In cases where there is a direct connection, such as could permit parents to legitimately use a vaccine that was separates procreation from the conjugal act in marriage, and embryonic experimentation that inevitably involves the developed using cell lines obtained illicitly. In such a case, second because unused embryos are often discarded. killing of the human embryos, such acts “always constitute it noted, the parents have no voice in the decision over how Freezing such embryos also violates ethics because it a grave moral disorder,” it said. the vaccines are made. At the same time, it said, everyone exposes them to risk of death or harm, the document said. It said the situation was more complex when a researcher should ask their health care system to make other types of Despite the good intentions of people who have suggested a works with cell lines produced apart from his research vaccines available. form of “prenatal adoption” to allow frozen embryos to be center or obtained commercially. The instruction repeated earlier Vatican condemnations born, such a proposal would be subject to medical, The document rejected the “criterion of independence,” of human cloning, whether done to produce embryos for psychological and legal problems, it said. formulated by some ethics committees, which argues that stem cells or to define the genetic identity of an individual • Freezing of human eggs—The document said the using such biological material is ethically permissible as person, which the document called “a form of biological freezing of immature human eggs for some in vitro long as there is a clear separation between those causing the slavery.” fertilization techniques is morally unacceptable. death of embryos and those doing the research. The document said couples need to be aware that • Human-animal hybrid cloning—The document The document said it was necessary to distance oneself techniques such as pre-implantation diagnosis, which is rejected as immoral recent efforts to use animal eggs to in one’s ordinary professional activities from the injustice used in artificial fertilization and leads to the destruction of reprogram human cells in order to extract embryonic stem perpetrated by others, even when immoral actions are legal, embryos suspected of defects, reflects a growing “eugenic cells from the resulting embryos. These efforts represent a in order not to give the impression of “tacit acceptance of mentality.” It cited an increasing number of cases in which grave offense against human dignity by mixing animal and actions which are gravely unjust.” couples with no fertility problems are using artificial means human genetic elements capable of “disrupting the specific “Therefore, it needs to be stated that there is a duty to of procreation in order to engage in the genetic selection of identity of man,” it said. In addition, use of the resulting refuse to use such ‘biological material’ even when there is their offspring. stem cells would expose humans to unacceptable risks, it no close connection between the researcher and the The Vatican said the new document, as a papally said. actions of those who performed the artificial fertilization approved instruction of a doctrinal nature, falls under the In a section titled “The use of human ‘biological or the abortion, or when there was not prior agreement category of the “ordinary magisterium,” which is the material’ of illicit origin,” the document examined ethical with the centers in which the artificial fertilization took Church’s teaching authority, and is to be received by questions posed for people who, in research or the place,” it said. Catholics “with the religious assent of their spirit.” † The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 25 Cardinal Dulles recalled for brilliance, simplicity, kindness WASHINGTON (CNS)—Cardinal Avery harmony of faith and reason will continue to theology that was deeply rooted in the Dulles, a Jesuit theologian who was made a bear fruit for the conversion of minds and Church’s intellectual heritage and the cardinal in 2001, was remembered by hearts and the progress of the Gospel for American experience of that tradition,” friends and admirers for his brilliant mind as many years to come.” Archbishop Wuerl said. well as for his “simplicity and sense of Cardinal Dulles, the son of former He added that he would cherish the CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec wonder.” Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and opportunities he had to work with Cardinal Dulles died on Dec. 12. He was nephew of onetime CIA director Cardinal Dulles, whom he described as 90. An evening wake was scheduled for Allen Walsh Dulles, was the grandson of a “insightful and ever kind. He had a way of Dec. 16 and 17 at Fordham University Presbyterian minister. making complicated and sometimes opaque Church in New York, followed by the He joined the Catholic Church in 1941 issues clear and intelligible. But he also celebration of Mass each evening. A funeral while a student at Harvard Law School. He always had time to listen to others who did Mass for the cardinal was scheduled for served in the Navy in World War II, then not have his level of theological mastery and Dec. 18 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in entered the Jesuits after his discharge in to welcome their contribution.” New York followed by burial at the 1946. He was ordained to the priesthood Some of his fellow Jesuits recalled Jesuit Cemetery in Auriesville, N.Y. in 1956. Cardinal Dulles for his intellect and for more Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired Cardinal Dulles had been the Laurence J. mundane human traits. Washington archbishop, and a fellow McGinley professor of religion and society “Cardinal Dulles was a man of member of the 2001 class of cardinals, at Fordham since 1988. He also had taught tremendous intellectual rigor whose teaching described the Jesuit scholastic he first met in Washington at the former Woodstock and writing contributed greatly to the 60 years ago as even then being “an College, now folded into Georgetown vibrancy of Catholic intellectual life,” said imposing personality with his twang, his University, and The Catholic University of Father Thomas H. Smolich, president of the razor-sharp intellect and, perhaps more than America. He had been a visiting professor at Jesuit Conference. “Yet for a man with so anything else, his obviously profound Catholic, Protestant and secular colleges and many gifts, he never viewed himself as dedication to his faith. universities. anything more than a poor servant of Christ.” “He was one of the truly great Prominent among his many writings was In an article written for the Jan. 5 issue American theologians, constantly his groundbreaking 1974 book, Models of of America magazine, Jesuit Father Drew U.S. Cardinal Avery Dulles is pictured in Rome renewing and deepening his commitment the Church, in which he defined the Church Christiansen, editor-in-chief, quoted prior to the conclave and election of to the truth,” said Cardinal McCarrick as institution, mystical communion, Cardinal Dulles looking back on his Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Cardinal Dulles, a in one of many statements issued by sacrament, herald, servant and community of own career in “A Life in Theology,” the Jesuit theologian who was made a cardinal in Church leaders, friends and colleagues disciples, and critiqued each model. April 2008 lecture at Fordham which the 2001, died on Dec. 12 in Murray-Weigel Hall at after Cardinal Dulles’ death. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, cardinal described as his farewell address: Fordham University. He was 90 years old. From his early impressions of president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic “I do not particularly strive for originality. Cardinal Dulles had been the oldest living Cardinal Dulles as a young priest Bishops, said Cardinal Dulles’ “wise counsel Very few new ideas, I suspect, are true. If I U.S. cardinal. whose first Mass he helped organize, will be missed,” and that “his personal conceived a theological idea that had never Cardinal McCarrick said his friend was “a witness to the pursuit of holiness of life as a occurred to anyone in the past, I would describing his transition to a small Jesuit holy man, totally without guile or pretense.” priest, a Jesuit and a cardinal of the Church have every reason to think myself community in 1970 after Pope Benedict XVI offered his will be remembered.” mistaken.” Woodstock College moved from the condolences to the Jesuit community and Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of The cardinal thought tradition was Maryland countryside to New York City. Cardinal Dulles’ friends and family. He Washington said that Cardinal Dulles’ essential to theological development, noted “Raised in a household with servants remarked on the cardinal’s “deep learning, elevation from priest to cardinal was a sign Father Christiansen. and having lived his life in institutions [the serene judgment, and unfailing love of the of the particular esteem in which he was “Developments of doctrine,” the cardinal Navy and the Jesuits], small community Lord and his Church, which marked his held. One of the rare nonbishops to be observed, “always involve a certain was his first experience of domesticity,” entire priestly ministry and his long years of appointed to the College of Cardinals, he continuity; a reversal of course is not Father Christiansen wrote. “He learned to teaching and theological research.” was named a cardinal in recognition of his development.” sew—he had to be taught several times—to The pope said he prays that “his service to the Church as a theologian. Father Christiansen also gave some more shop and to cook. His favorite entree: convincing personal testimony to the “He presented an authentic Catholic personal perspectives about his fellow Jesuit, Shake ‘n Bake chicken.” †

MARIAN COLLEGE INDIANAPOLIS

What matters to you?

Ask anyone who’s ever been: going to college matters. It’s a choice that helps define who you are, and who you will become. Your experiences at college—in and out of the classroom—will shape your ideas and opinions for years—probably forever.

At Marian College, you will be personally challenged to incorporate awareness of the world and a sense of community—lessons of concern and respect that can be learned and practiced over a lifetime. These lessons are based on our Catholic faith and Franciscan values—dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship.

Roxana Moghaddam B.S. in finance with a minor in business Marian College Class of 2008

I participated in different kinds of internships for experience, and not for the money. If it weren’t for that, I don’t think I’d be working as an associate financial analyst for Eli Lilly and Company. What matters is that I got the theory and the practice from great professors who cared about my future.

ON JULY 1, 2009, MARIAN COLLEGE WILL BECOME Give this to someone you know who’s wondering what matters. PREPARE FOR THE CELEBRATION! www.marian.edu

Roxana Moghaddam Page 26 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008

St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower), Indianapolis, Nov. 3. Husband of Deborah Haney. Son of Ralph and Linda Daily Readings Rest in peace Haney. Brother of Karen Jacobs and Beth Haney. continued from page 11 Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9b-10 Acts 10:34-38 Please submit in writing to our DURMAN, Bernard, Sr., 64, HEPPNER, Dorothy E., 84, Holy Family, Oldenburg, Sunday, Jan. 4 Mark 1:7-11 office by 10 a.m. Thursday St. Therese of the Infant Jesus The Epiphany of the Lord before the week of publication; (Little Flower), Indianapolis, Dec. 6. Mother of Connie Moody. Grandmother of two. Isaiah 60:1-6 Monday, Jan. 12 be sure to state date of death. Nov. 12. Husband of Sherron Psalm 72:2, 7-8, 10-13 Hebrews 1:1-6 Durman. Father of Kimberly HICKS, James Clayton, 79, Obituaries of archdiocesan Psalm 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9 Harrington, Sherra Moore, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 priests serving our archdiocese Mark 1:14-20 are listed elsewhere in Charles Wyatt, Bernard Jr. and Cambridge City, Dec. 7. Matthew 2:1-12 The Criterion. Order priests Philip Durman. Grandfather of Husband of Dorothy Hicks. and religious sisters and several. Great-grandfather of Father of Cynthia Howell, Monday, Jan. 5 Tuesday, Jan. 13 brothers are included here, several. James, Jerry and Paul Hicks. John Neumann, bishop Hilary, bishop and unless they are natives of the FEDERLE, Marie H., 62, Brother of David Hicks. 1 John 3:22-4:6 archdiocese or have other St. Bartholomew, Columbus, Grandfather of nine. Great- Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11 Hebrews 2:5-12 connec tions to it; those are Nov. 26. Wife of Carl Federle. grandfather of 15. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Psalm 8:2a, 5-9 separate obituaries on this Mother of Lisa Abraham and LOSCHIAVO, Camilli, 94, Mark 1:21-28 page. Paula Perry. Sister of Alberta Holy Family, Richmond, Tuesday, Jan. 6 ATKINS, Thomas K., 77, Messang, Rita, Emil, George Dec. 4. Mother of Mary Ann Blessed André Bessette, religious Wednesday, Jan. 14 St. , Indian- and Joe Litzinger. Grandmother Vogelesang and Frances Wentz. 1 John 4:7-10 Hebrews 2:14-18 apolis, Dec. 7. Husband of of five. Grandmother of six. Great- Psalm 72:2-4ab, 7-8 Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 Jeanne (Wieck) Atkins. Father FENTON, Rosalyn (O’Brien), grandmother of nine. Great- Mark 6:34-44 Mark 1:29-39 great-grandmother of two. of Lisa Millner, Laura Strand, 79, Holy Cross, Indianapolis, Jack and Patrick Atkins. Nov. 21. Mother of Mary MULINARO, Joseph Wednesday, Jan. 7 Thursday, Jan. 15 Grandfather of eight. Rogier, Daniel, John and Randall, 18, St. Barnabas, Raymond of Peñafort, priest Hebrews 3:7-14 Indianapolis, Nov. 27. Son of BAKER, Jordan Matthew, 19, Michael Fenton. Sister of 1 John 4:11-18 Psalm 95:6-11 Timothy Mulinaro and Rosejay St. Teresa Benedicta of the Eileen Wallace. Grandmother of Psalm 72:2, 10-13 Mark 1:40-45 Breen. Stepson of Delbert Cross, Lawrenceburg, Nov. 7. seven. Mark 6:45-52 Denney II and Jackie FLORES, Roberto, 29, Friday, Jan. 16 Son of Mark and Tara Baker. (Nibarger) Mulinaro. Brother of St. Bartholomew, Columbus, Thursday, Jan. 8 Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Grandson of Larry and Janet Baylie and Phillip Mulinaro. Nov. 9. Husband of Naomi 1 John 4:19-5:4 Psalm 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8 Baker and Robert and Susan Stepbrother of Sara Sanders and Flores. Father of Adrian, Maria Begner. Joshua Lewis. Grandson of Psalm 72:2, 14, 15bc, 17 Mark 2:1-12 BURKE, Donald G., 81, and Roberto Flores Jr. Son of John Mulinaro. Luke 4:14-22a Maria Gonsalez Cruz. Brother Saturday, Jan. 17 St. Pius X, Indianapolis, RUTHERFORD, Mary Nov. 25. Husband of Katherine of Abel Flores. Friday, Jan. 9 Anthony, abbot Elizabeth, 83, St. Gabriel the Hebrews 4:12-16 Burke. Father of Irene Cullen, FOWLER, Ellis E., 89, Archangel, Indianapolis, 1 John 5:5-13 Laura Hauser, Agnes Niemi, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Nov. 21. Mother of Diane Pitts. Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 Psalm 19:8-10, 15 Delia Quinlan, Katherine (Little Flower), Indianapolis, Grandmother of four. Great- Luke 5:12-16 Mark 2:13-17 Wietecha, Anne, Mary, Donald, Oct. 30. Father of Ann Collins, grandmother of eight. John and Thomas Burke. Carol Luken, Katherine Wood, Sunday, Jan. 18 SAUER, Beverly A., 67, Saturday, Jan. 10 Grandmother of 19. John, Richard and William 1 John 5:14-21 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Fowler. St. Barnabas, Indianapolis, DUFFIN, John, 78, Christ the Nov. 26. Wife of Robert Sauer. Psalm 149:1-6a, 9b 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19 King, Indianapolis, Nov. 27. GABONAY, Margaret, 96, Mother of Julie Vance, Robert John 3:22-30 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10 Brother of Mary Jane Arbuckle, St. Paul Hermitage, Beech and Timothy Sauer. Daughter of 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20 Joan Long, Pat Townsend and Grove, Oct. 15. Sister of Frances Meisberger. Sister of Sunday, Jan. 11 John 1:35-42 Jim Duffin. Father of several. Charles and William Gabonay. Katherine Runyon and Louis The Baptism of the Lord Grandfather of several. Great- Aunt of several. Meisberger. Grandmother of Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 grandfather of several. HANEY, Mark A., 43, three. † Christmas M ARRIAGE S UPPLEMENT MarriageANNOUNCEMENTS TV MASS Be a part of our Marriage Supplement for Shut-Ins February 6, 2009, issue of The Criterion This beautiful 30-minute Mass will be produced from the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. If you are planning your wedding between January 30 and July 1, 2009, we invite you to submit the information for an announcement on the form below. X X X Pictures You may send us a picture of the couple. Please do not cut the photograph. The picture must be wallet-size and will be used as space permits. We cannot guarantee the reproduction quality of the photos. Please put the couple’s names on the back of CW4/WTTV the photo. Photos will be returned if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed. Thursday, December 25 E-mailed photos 8:30 a.m. Photos should be saved in jpg format, be a minimum 200 dpi/resolution and at least 3 inches or 600 pixels wide. Color photos are preferred. Please send your The TV Mass can be seen at 6:30 a.m. every Sunday on CW4/WTTV. photo as an attachment to the e-mail. X X X Deadline All announcements and photos must be received by 10 a.m. on Thursday, No announcements or photos will be accepted after this date We invite you to participate in the financial underwriting of this program. Jan. 15, 2009. ( .) Please send contributions to: Catholic Communications Center, P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 — Use this form to furnish information — Clip and mail to: BRIDES, The Criterion, ATTN: Mary Ann Klein, P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Write or call for a free copy of the weekly missal for your use at Deadline with photos: Thursday, January 15, 2009, at 10 a.m. home. (317) 236-1585 or 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585. Please print or type:

Sponsored by: Name of Bride (first, middle, last) Daytime Phone

Mailing Address City State Zip Code TheCriterion Name of Bride’s Parents (first, last)

City State

Name of Bridegroom (first, middle, last)

St. Vincent Name of Bridegroom’s Parents (first, last) Hospitals and Health Services City State

Wedding Date Church City State Photo Enclosed No Picture Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008 Page 27

Wanted ...... 2 to 4 plots in St. Joseph cemetery; Section F. Call Michael Classified Directory at: 765-794-0801 DIRECTORY AND YEARBOOK 2009 For information about rates for classified advertising, call (317) 236-1572. For Sale ...... AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN JANUARY Home Improvement ...... PRONTO M-71 POWER WHEELCHAIR Excellent condition, needs batteries. $1000. Call 317-722-1851. $ 00 For Sale ...... Land SECLUSION! 15.5 acres + shelter & pond - all organic and 24 blessed in SE Indiana. Ready for building. $250 K. Call: 812-934- 4871 for details. Three ways to order Vacation Rentals ...... your new directory BEACHFRONT CONDO, Maderia Beach, Fl., 2BR/2BA, pool & 25ft • Mail in order form balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Meet Indpls. owner. See • Call 317-236-1570 or photos, maps. Call Scooter at 317- 257-2431 1-800-382-9836 MARCO-NAPLES, Prime locat- ext. 1570 ion; 2BR/2BA, 1st floor End Unit. $1600 per month; Call •www.criteriononline.com 317-897-3140. INDIAN ROCKS Beach, FL. Pri - Please send _____ copies of the Archdiocesan Directory and Yearbook at $24.00 per vate 2BR/2BA condo facing beach, copy, plus $3.95 shipping and handling. on Intercoastal, gorgeous pool, secure bldg., covered parking. Name ______$750 wk/ $2800 month. 317-258- 9370 Address ______VENICE FLORIDA on beautiful Gulf Coast. 2BR/2BA condo on City/State/Zip ______private golf course. Beautiful location with gorgeous pool, ❏ ❏ covered parking, very quiet, just Enclosed is my check in the amount of $______. Or charge my: Visa MasterCard minutes to beach. Call for Queisser Construction New Lower Price availability and pricing. 317-736- Account No. ______Exp. Date ______Signature______6731 All types of Masonry & Concrete Call Now Before The Holidays Make check payableto: Criterion Press, Inc. Treasure Island, FL, 4 bedroom Mail check and order form to: Criterion Press, Inc., P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Tuckpointing & Chimney repairs pool home on golf course. 15 Licensed • Bonded • Insured Mulinaro’s min. from Disney. Rates vary Wall Covering Service according to season. 317-784- (317) 442-7877 Installation & Removal 9067 or [email protected] Real Estate ...... Real Estate ...... FREE ESTIMATES Interior Painting NEW SMYRNA Beach, FLA. Living and Working Established 1983—Insured Oceanview condo, fully furn. 2 in your Community Senior Citizens Free Estimates BR/2BA., 2 pools & tennis. Visit Disney, Epcot, NASA, & enjoy the Discount Call 317-535-4904 beach, too! Phone 386-427-5376 STEGEMOLLER PAINTING Ed’s Construction GULF SHORES LUXURIOUS (Parishioner of Little Flower) BEACHFRONT CONDOS Interior & Exterior painting - • • • Wallpaper Removal, Brick Chimneys Concrete Roofing Fencing Fully Furnished. Indoor/Outdoor Pools. 40 years experience 1, 2, 3 & 4 BR. Owner Direct saves Drywall Repairs Family owned & operated you $$. Call Chris 1-800-713-6435 Steve J. Sergi 30 Years Experience Broker/Owner Ed Warren • 317-356-2884 [email protected] or 317-507-5883 Call 317-450-3234 or 317-501-4830 www.babeachproperties.com www.TheSergiGroup.com Jewelry ...... For Sale ...... Realty Mart Puttin’ on the Glitz Woodworker’s This book gathers in one place the archbishop' s Beautiful handcrafted jewelry Delight for that special person in your life Carrier’s thoughts, reflections, and Tree Farm & Sawmill * * Inexpensive Hardwoods commentary NEW Pearls Swarovski Crystals Sterling Email Jim at REDUCED PRICE * Glass Beads School Color Bracelets, etc. [email protected] on a wide variety of issues. $12.95 Carolyn Noone *317-251-1692 for information On controversial topics, the archbishop continues to Put your ad online. Positions available ...... Ad space for sale on “shoot straight from the shoulder” www.criteriononline.com PRINCIPAL Call 317-236-1572 today St. Dominic School in Cincinnati, with his characteristic forthrightness. a National Blue Ribbon School of excellence, is seeking a principal TheCriterion for the 2009/10 school year. For details, check: www.stdominicdelhi.org/ Order Today! 317-236-1570 Health Care ...... principalsearch Lawrence Family Care Positions available ...... and Pediatrics 8501 E. 56th Street, Suite 120 • Indianapolis, IN 46216 TheCriterion

Telephone (317) 621-2360 Daniel W. Stock, M.D. • Tammy Polit, D.O. • William Heisel, M.D. NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS SUMMER CAMP POSITIONS Valerie A. Pai, M.D. (Viegas) (Roncalli ’89) HIRING NOW! Physicians of Indiana ...... Secure your summer job! Camp Rancho Framasa is an inclusive, Financial Services residential camp, located in south central, Indiana, operated by the Catholic Youth Organization since 1946. Serving campers aged 7 to 16 in various programs. We offer a welcoming staff community in a beautiful outdoor setting. General Staff, Counselor Manager, Inclusive Programming, Ropes Course, Adventure and Health positions available. Let us do the selling … All positions start at $240/week. so you can enjoy other important things. Training is provided; start date May 23, 2009. Apply online www.campranchoframasa.org Sell nearly anything with a Criterion classified ad Questions? Contact Angi at 888-988-2839, x25 or Call or e-mail Dana 236-1575 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected] Page 28 The Criterion Friday, December 19, 2008

“I put my trust in St. Francis. And they saved my life.”

By the time Greg arrived in the St. Francis ER, he’d been ignoring chest pain for three days. The emergency team immediately swung into action—activating the Emergency Heart Attack Response Team (EHART) and getting him treatment as quickly as possible. As a result, they were able to stop the heart attack before any permanent damage occurred. In fact, Greg returned to work just 12 days later. “I’m here thanks to the quick work of the St. Francis heart team,” he said.

St. Francis is the leader in total heart care for South Central Indiana with: • EHART, our nationally recognized heart attack care protocol • We treat heart attacks faster than the nation’s top 10 hospitals ranked by U.S. News & World Report • The highest level of accreditation by the Society of Chest Pain Centers

Are you at risk? Get your FREE Healthy Heart Kit and find out. Call 1-877-888-1777 or visit HeartAttackCare.net today.

Gregeg, heh art atttaackc sururvivor