Blessed John XXIII

The CatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg April 11, 2014 Vol 48 No. 7

CNS IMAGE SANTA SUBITO! Short Pontificate, Long Blessed John Paul Brought Impact: Blessed John XXIII Moral force to World Stage Catholic News Service ing challenges unfolding in the world Catholic News Service Within the Church, the pope was just – and, by inviting non-Catholics to as vigorous and no less controversial. Although he served as pope for less the council, to work toward Christian Blessed John Paul II, who will be He disciplined dissenting theologians, than five years, Blessed John XXIII left unity. canonized April 27, was one of the excommunicated self-styled “tradi- one of the most lasting legacies in the As pope from 1958 to 1963, Blessed most forceful moral leaders of the tionalists,” and upheld often unpopu- Catholic Church’s history by conven- John launched an extensive renewal modern age. lar Church positions like its opposition ing the Second Vatican Council. of the Church when he convoked the He brought a philosopher’s intel- to artificial birth control. At the same A plump, elderly, smiling Italian of council, which set in motion major re- lect, a pilgrim’s spiritual intensity time, he pushed Catholic social teach- peasant origins, the future pope had an forms with regard to the Church and and an actor’s flair for the dramatic ing into relatively new areas such as illustrious career as a papal diplomat in its structure, the liturgy, ecumenism, to his role as head of the universal bioethics, international economics, rac- Bulgaria, Turkey and postwar France. social communication and Eastern Church for more than 26 years. ism and ecology. He became pope amid the disman- churches. The Polish pope was a tireless In his later years, the pope moved tling of colonialism, the rise of the After the initial session’s close in evangelizer and forceful communica- with difficulty, tired easily and was less Cold War and on the cusp of a techno- 1962, he set up a committee to direct tor, speaking to millions in their own expressive, all symptoms of the ner- logical transformation unlike anything council activities during the nine- languages. But toward the end of his vous system disorder of Parkinson’s the world had seen since the Industrial month recess. Subsequent sessions – life, his powers of speech faltered disease. Yet he pushed himself to the Revolution. the final one ended in December 1965 with his worsening illness, which left limits of his physical capabilities, con- – produced documents on the role of vinced that such suffering was itself a Citing the Holy Spirit as his source him often unable to even murmur a bishops, priestly formation, religious form of spiritual leadership. of inspiration, he called the Second blessing. life, Christian education, the laity and The first non-Italian pope in 455 He led the Church through a heavy Vatican Council to help the Church interreligious dialogue. program of soul-searching events dur- confront the rapid changes and mount- years, Blessed John Paul became a He produced a number of historic en- spiritual protagonist in two global ing the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, cyclicals, including transitions: the fall of European com- fulfilling a dream of his pontificate. His “Mater et Magistra” munism, which began in his native long-awaited pilgrimage to the Holy on Christian social Poland in 1989, and the passage to Land that year took him to the roots of doctrine and “Pa- the faith and dramatically illustrated the third millennium of Christianity. cem in Terris,” is- the Church’s improved relations with As pastor of the universal Church, sued in 1963 at the Jews. He also presided over an unprec- he jetted around the world, taking his height of the Cold edented public apology for the sins of message to 129 countries in 104 trips Christians during darker chapters of More BLESSED JOHN XXIII, outside Italy – including seven to the page 11 United States. More BLESSED JOHN PAUL, page 10 The 2 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014

In the NICU, Janice Hestor, RN, introduces Bishop Ronald W. Gainer to Aubreigh Conrad, the daughter of Mary Staggs and Trevor Conrad of Newville. CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Bishop Gainer Makes Pastoral Visit to Holy Spirit Hospital

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness

ishop Ronald W. Gainer made a pastoral visit to BHoly Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill on April 2, where he was A tour of the greeted by Christian Charity Sister hospital given Romaine Niemeyer, President and to the bishop on CEO of Holy Spirit Health System. April 2 included the Bishop Gainer met with the admin- facility’s istrative team and viewed the hospi- spacious and tal’s 50th anniversary video, produced inviting chapel. last year during the hospital’s golden anniversary. Bishop Gainer also visited various patient floors and wings, where he was briefed on the hospital’s vast technology capabilities to enhance patient care. He visited the hospital’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Bishop Unit, along with the Spirit Urgent Ronald W. Care Center, which opened in the Gainer speaks last year adjacent to the main cam- with Christian pus to serve non-emergency patients Charity Sister with same-day care who are suffering Romaine Niemeyer, from ailments that still need prompt President and medical attention. CEO of Holy Holy Spirit Hospital recently Spirit Health earned Magnet® recognition that System, in the hospital atrium. recognizes the hospital for its nursing The inviting excellence and places the hospital in atrium a select group of 395 hospitals out of features a 6,000 nationwide health systems. It is statue of also ranked in the Top-20 best Penn- Blessed Pauline von sylvania Hospitals by U.S. News and Mallinckrodt, the World Report. foundress of the The community Catholic health Sisters of system has been sponsored by the Christian Sisters of Christian Charity since Charity. opening its doors to patients in 1963. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 3 Principal Opportunities in Harrisburg Diocesan Schools 2014-2015

Our Lady of the Angels, Columbia Preferred Qualifications (PreK/3-8) www.ourladyoftheangels.org (in addition to the minimum qualifications listed above):

Sacred Heart, Lewistown  3 years of Administrative experience (PreK/3-5) www.sacredheartschool.com  Catechetical Certification (or in process)

Seven Sorrows BVM, Middletown  Master’s Degree in Educational Administration (PreK/4-8) sevensorrows.org Desirable Leadership Characteristics:

Lancaster Catholic High School  Experience in marketing, recruitment, (9-12) www.lchsyes.org and fiscal management  Collaborative leadership style with Trinity High School, Camp Hill good interpersonal and team-building skills (9-12) www.thsrocks.us  Oral and written communication and Good Friday Collection Minimum Qualifications: motivational skills  Practicing, knowledgeable Catholic  Experience in instructional leadership, Supports Church  Thorough understanding of Catholic School Curriculum development, teacher Philosophy supervision, and effective instruction in the Holy Land  Commitment to modeling the values of  Knowledge and application of instructional Eight hundred years ago, the Roman Catholic Church en- Catholic Educational Leadership trusted the guardianship of the Holy Land and other shrines  PA Administrators Certificate (or in process) technology of the Christian religion to the Order of St. Francis. This  Catechetical Certification (or in process)  Ability to effectively represent the school work has grown to include support of schools and missions  5 years of teaching experience and the Church in the Holy Land, as well as care for refugees and other needy people throughout the region. The Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C., sustains Send resume and letter of interest to: this 800-year mission of the Franciscan Friars in the Holy Livia Riley Land through education, fundraising, recruiting vocations, Superintendent of Schools promoting pilgrimages and providing pastoral ministry lo- Diocese of Harrisburg cally to religious and lay Catholics and to all of good will. 4800 Union Deposit Road On Good Friday, a pontifical collection is taken up in ev- Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 ery parish in the United States. The proceeds from the col- (717) 657-4804, ext. 222 lection go to support ministries and works, largely under Email: [email protected] the direction of the Franciscans, in the Holy Land. The funds are used to support Catholic schools, parishes and religious education in the Holy Land. The Good Friday collection also preserves the shrines for pilgrims and provides assistance, including housing and food, for the poor and needy. Where does the money go? Faith, Memory & Culture – The Holy Places: The staffing and maintenance of existing Holy Places and development of new projects enable those who live in the Holy Land and those who visit to deepen their faith and their spiritual and cultural connection to Salvation history. Social & Charitable Activities: In order to assist Chris- tians to remain in the Holy Land, including the poor and young couples, the Custody has built more than a thousand residential units in multiple locations – Bethlehem, Beth- phage and Nazareth. In the Old City of Jerusalem, about 80 homes have been rehabilitated for Christian families. Se- nior Care facilities have been built in Bethlehem and Naza- reth. Medical assistance is provided for the needy. Educational & Scientific Activities: To help more than 10,000 pre-K through grade 12 students, the Franciscans operate and support schools open to all, regardless of religion or nationality. Muslim and Christian students, teachers and families get to know each other and live in harmony. University scholarships for 360 students prepare them to get jobs and remain in the Holy Land as part of living Cath- olic communities. Some 120 young men are preparing to be priests or brothers. Still others are pursuing advanced degrees in Biblical Studies and Archaeology and Theology. Franciscan archaeologists pursue ongoing research at the Holy Places, including the new projects at Magdala, the home of St. Mary Magdalene. Pastoral Activities: The Franciscans provide pastoral care in 29 parishes in the Holy Land, offering worship, Christian formation, youth and family programs and new parish centers in Jericho and Cana. Liturgical, Ecumenical and Communications Pro- grams: The Franciscan Media Center tells the story of the Holy Land through multimedia distributed throughout the world in more than seven languages. The friars organize liturgical celebrations for the local Christians and pilgrims, and share with other Christian communities in the Holy Land in ongoing ecumenical cooperation. To find out more about the works of the Custody of the Holy Land visit: www.custodia.org. For more information about the Franciscans and the Good Friday Collection, visit www.myfranciscan.org. The 4 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 ‘Beginning Experience’ Formation Weekends for Those Suffering By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC the Loss of a Spouse Special to The Witness Some time ago, I had the privilege of teaching religion to middle school The Beginning Experience Team for the Harrisburg Diocese announces students. During one of my classes, one of the students stopped me in my that they have booked weekend programs at Camp Hebron, 957 Camp He- tracks as she shared with me something that I never would have thought pos- bron Road in Halifax on June 13-15 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. sible. Beginning Experience is an approved Roman Catholic program designed The conversation, as I remember, went like this: “Sister, I have a question. You have for those suffering the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separa- mentioned a lot during our religion tion. Hundreds of persons have been helped to move towards successful, classes that many of the Old Testa- Thoughts productive, happy lives by attending one of these weekends. Beginning Ex- ment figures experienced the pres- from a Catholic perience is the Church at work, providing help, healing and spiritual restora- ence of God. Well, I can honestly say, Evangelist tion. I don’t know what you mean. I don’t Sister Geralyn The weekends are led by persons who have lost a spouse through death or think I have ever experienced the Schmidt, SCC divorce and are trained in facilitating a weekend. Each Beginning Experi- presence of God.” Several of the other students nod- ence Team is certified by the International Beginning Experience Organiza- ded in agreement. I was absolutely tion. floored! A Beginning Experience weekend is often most helpful after six months “You mean,” I said, “not even when you received Holy Communion, you following a loss of a spouse or marriage. But, grief has no schedule. Many have never felt the presence of ‘an-other’ that was greater than you?” have attended a weekend after a much longer period has elapsed and found All of the students nodded that what I was saying was true. it life giving. “Let me tell you a story,” I said. “During retreat, the Holy Spirit asked me to Reserve your space on a weekend, to take advantage of this program of ask him for a sign of his love for me. That doesn’t mean I was hearing voices support, healing and encouragement. Deadline for the June 13-15 weekend or anything. It’s kind of the same thing when the phone rings and you know is May 13. Late registrations may be accepted if space is available. who it is on the other end before you answer it. You just know. I answered Check the diocesan Web site, www.hbgdiocese.org, and go to marriage the Holy Spirit by saying to him, in prayer, ‘I want to see an oriole.’ This is a and family, or visit www.beginningexperience.org. Information can also be yellow and black bird that is not very common in the place in which I was on obtained by contacting the Harrisburg Beginning Experience Team at 717- retreat. They are present, but not very common. Shortly thereafter, I went out for a walk on the grounds of the retreat center. During the course of my walk, 512-2718 or [email protected]. a car passed me and I indicated to the driver that I was on retreat by lowering my eyes. As I looked at my feet as the car passed, to my surprise at the tips of my toes laid a yellow feather! I was then reminded of the sign I asked to receive. Even so, I didn’t need to see the bird, I had its feather!” As I said this to the students, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Sign Up to Receive yellow feather. My students gasped. I continued, “In order to actually see God’s presence in our life, we have to be open to him.” The Witness Electronically I then pulled an extra desk from the back of the room into a corner, threw a piece of cloth over the desk and then taped the feather on the cloth in the You can read The Catholic Witness online, wherever you go! middle of the desk. “From now on, when we pray, let us ask for the grace of Through a free e-mail service, you can receive the diocesan newspaper in each of us to understand how God speaks to us in our lives,” I said. “When he a fast and user-friendly electronic format. Sign up, and you will receive an does make his presence known, please bring a symbol of that experience and e-mail with a direct link to each edition as it is published. add it to our prayer table and then share with everyone the story.” Sign up for the e-mail service by logging on to the diocesan Web site at By the end of the school year, the entire desk was filled with numerous www.hbgdiocese.org. Follow the News/Events tab to The Catholic Witness items, in addition to the area around it as well as the windowsill behind it. The page and click on “Catholic Witness E-mail Sign Up.” Once you complete stories shared about each of the items taught both student and teacher how the form, you will be added to our e-mail list. God can be present in the common everyday happenings. Receiving The Catholic Witness electronically is a great way for college I was reminded of this story as I sat down to write about formation as the students and people who live outside of the diocese to stay in touch with the third aspect of media use that Blessed John Paul addressed in his Apostol- Church in Harrisburg. It’s also an alternative for those who wish to read the ic Letter of January 2005, called “The Rapid Development.” Blessed John paper online instead of receiving a copy in the mail. Paul warns that the improper use of media “runs the risk of manipulating and Registration with the e-mail service will not automatically cancel your heavily conditioning, rather than serving people. This is especially true for mailed subscription. If you prefer to receive the online version instead of young people, who show a natural propensity towards technological innova- a copy in the mail, contact our Circula- tions, and as such are in even greater need of education in the responsible and tion Coordinator, Susan Huntsberger, critical use of the media.” This letter can be found at: http://www.vatican.va/ holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20050124_ at [email protected] or il-rapido-sviluppo_en.html. 717-657-4804, ext. 201, with your So, what actually is “formation?” This word is etymologically derived from Witness account number, and your the Latin verb formare, which means “to mold.” Formation is not merely name, address and phone number. about education, instruction or learning, though they are a part of it. Forma- And remember, previous editions of tion is a process in which a person’s entire being is graced by God to respond the newspaper – dating back to early to his vision of being the person he wants us to be. In other words, it takes 2011 – are also available online. You the education and instruction that we learned and through it influences how can find them at www.hbgdiocese.org. and what we do or don’t do, say or don’t say, act or don’t act. John Cardinal Just follow the News/Events tab to O’Connor says it this way: “The process of formation…has to be the pro- The Catholic Witness page. cess of the clay in the hands of the potter, the Divine Potter, Who shapes us uniquely to be filled with His Son, and yet each of us in a different way.” Social media has the ability, according to Blessed John Paul, to modify The the “learning process as well as the quality of human relations.” It has the ability to create a “virtual door” to the dogmas, teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church. It has the capacity for our Church to make Christ present to CatholicWitness everyone everywhere in the world. It can be the pathway in which individuals The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg come back to a deeper relationship not only with Christ but also his Church. Telephone The Catholic Witness Our Church is crying out for individuals who are alive with the faith to reach 717-657-4804 ext. 201 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG out to the virtual world about God’s love and amazing mercy, to invite the FAX Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer: Publisher 717-657-7673 fully engaged in the Church, those who are on the margins and those who are Email: [email protected] Jennifer Reed: Managing Editor not churched to explore the richness of what Catholicism has to offer. This Website: www.hbgdiocese.org Staff is the yellow feather that lies at our feet. Pick it up and share it with others! Chris Heisey: Photojournalist Yearly Subscriptions: Emily M. Albert: Photojournalist (Sister of Christian Charity, Geralyn Schmidt, is the Wide Area Network $8.17 per family, derived from Susan Huntsberger: diocesan revenues from the Coordinator at the Diocese of Harrisburg and a member of the IT Depart- Circulation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant parishes. Other subscriptions: ment. An educator for 28 years, she is responsible for Professional Develop- $12.00 The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Association, ment Programs for every age learner. In addition, Sister blogs for Powerful Moving? Send us the address label 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals postage paid at Learning Practices, a company providing in-service opportunities for edu- from The Catholic Witness Harrisburg, PA. plus your NEW address including cators. Through her presentations, she challenges her audiences to be the zip code +4. Please allow three POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: individual God has called them to be.) weeks for the change. The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 5 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month We All Have a Role in Protecting Children The Catholic Witness Tom Corbett signed 10 bills to strengthen the involvement with cases of child abuse shall be child protection statutes, including a law ex- considered and provide for information sharing April is National Child Abuse Prevention panding the definition of child abuse. on child protective services and general protec- Month, and the Diocese of Harrisburg is remind- “The legislation I’m signing today will better tive services to the jurisdiction determining cus- ing everyone - clergy, staff and parishioners - that equip our communities to protect children, and tody. (House Bill 414, Rep. Bernie O’Neill, R- we must work together to ensure our children are enhance the safety and security of the Common- Bucks) protected and safe. wealth’s children,” Corbett said. Prevent the records and name of minor victims “The Catholic Church is absolutely committed The new laws will: of sexual or physical abuse from being available to the safety of children,” said Bishop Ronald W. Amend the definition of child abuse to lower for public review. (House Bill 1201, Rep. Bryan Gainer. “Children have the right to be safe and the threshold from serious bodily injury to bodi- Barbin, D-Cambria) protected in their homes, schools, community ly injury and include knowingly, recklessly or Establish the offense of luring a child into a and, certainly, in our parishes and Church insti- intentionally committing acts of child abuse or motor vehicle or structure. (House Bill 1594, tutions.” failing to act when child abuse is being commit- Rep. Mike Regan, R-York) By creating the Charter to Protect Children and ted. The bill also provides exclusions from sub- Representative Marsico, who is chairman of Young People, the United States Bishops have stantiation of child abuse. (House Bill 726, Rep. the House Judiciary Committee, applauded law- made a promise to protect and a pledge to heal. Scott Petri, R-Bucks) makers of both parties for taking swift action on In the Diocese of Harrisburg, through the ef- Broaden the definition of perpetrator to include improving child protection laws. forts of our Victim Assistance Coordinator, we employees or volunteers that have regular con- “We have accomplished a great deal in a short work to heal and reconcile those who have suf- tact with the child, including school teachers, period of time to increase the safety of the chil- fered from abuse. employees, and individuals related to the child. dren in the Commonwealth,” Marsico said. “It is Through a comprehensive set of procedures for (Senate Bill 23, Senator Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne) wonderful to have widespread bipartisan support addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors, Recognize that perpetrators can be as young as in both chambers, as well as the governor’s of- we guarantee effective responses to allegations 18 and create new protections that address false fice, in achieving such enormous results in such and we ensure accountability of procedures. reports and intimidation. (Senate Bill 28, Senator a succinct fashion and I will continue to make Both children and adults who work with chil- Patrick Browne, R-Lehigh) dren have been trained to identify and prevent Provide immunity for reporters from liability, child protection legislation a priority.” abuse through safe environment policies. We penalties for false reporting and improved ap- Other proposals are being considered in the have administered almost 25,000 background peals processes. (Senate Bill 30, Senator Ted Er- General Assembly, including bills that would checks. ickson, R-Chester) define who must report suspected child abuse to We are working to make the Catholic Church Expand the basis for disciplinary action against authorities. one of the safest institutions in the country. teachers to include findings of child abuse. (Sen- The diocese encourages anyone who is a vic- The strides the Church has taken are important, ate Bill 34, Senator Lloyd Smucker, R-Lancast- tim of sexual misconduct or suspects someone but child abuse affects the entire community. er) was abused to report it by calling the toll-free The Pennsylvania General Assembly also has Clarify and encourage joint child abuse in- Pennsylvania ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. taken several steps in an effort to protect children vestigations between county children and youth To report suspected abuse of a minor by a from abuse. The General Assembly established agencies and law enforcement (Senate Bill 1116, Church official, employee or volunteer, also the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection Senator LeAnna Washington, D-Philadelphia) please call the Diocesan toll free hotline at through joint resolutions sponsored by Sen. Kim Instruct the Pennsylvania Commission on 1-800-626-1608. To learn more about Youth Pro- Ward (R-Westmoreland) and Rep. Ron Marsico Sentencing to provide guidelines for offenses tection and Victim Assistance efforts, visit www. (R-Dauphin). involving child pornography. (House Bill 321, hbgdiocese.org/safeyouth. In December 2013, many of the Task Force’s Rep. Marcy Toepel, R- Montgomery) (Staff of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference recommendations became law when Governor Declare that when awarding custody, a parent’s contributed to this article.) Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse affects boys and girls of volunteers are screened and supervised. one, don’t do it. If you are concerned abuse right away. all ages, in all kinds of neighborhoods • Make sure your children know that about possible sexual abuse, ask ques- (Tip sheet from www.childwelfare.gov/ and communities. Children are more they can talk to you about anything that tions. preventing, offered as a resource from likely to be sexually abused by someone bothers or confuses them. • If your child tells you that he or she the United States Catholic Bishops’ Of- they know and trust than by a stranger. • Teach children accurate names of has been abused, stay calm, listen care- fice for Child and Youth Protection, Abusers do not always use physical force. private body parts and the difference be- Many use games, gifts, lies or threats to tween touches that are “okay” and “not fully and never blame the child. Thank http://www.usccb.org/about/child-and- engage children and to keep them from okay.” your child for telling you. Report the youth-protection/). telling anyone what has happened. • Empower children to make decisions What You Can Do about their bodies by allowing them age- To prevent child sexual abuse, it is im- appropriate privacy and encouraging portant to keep the focus on adult respon- them to say “no” when they do not want sibility, while teaching children skills to to touch or be touched by others, even in To report suspected help protect themselves. Consider the nonsexual ways. abuse of a minor, call the toll free following tips: • Teach children to take care of their PA Child Abuse Hotline: • Take an active role in your children’s own bodies (e.g., bathing or using the lives. Learn about their activities and bathroom) so they do not have to rely on 1-800-932-0313 people with whom they are involved. adults or older children for help. Stay alert for possible problems. • Educate children about the difference To report suspected abuse • Watch for “grooming” behaviors in between good secrets (such as birthday of a minor by a church official, adults who spend time with your child. surprises) and bad secrets (those that employee or volunteer, also Warning signs may include frequently make the child feel unsafe or uncomfort- please call the diocesan finding ways to be alone with your child, able). toll free hotline: ignoring your child’s need for privacy • Monitor children’s use of technology, 1-800-626-1608 (e.g., in the bathroom), or giving gifts or including cell phones, social networking money for no particular occasion. sites, and messaging. Review contact • Ensure that organizations, groups and lists regularly and ask about any people teams that your children are involved you don’t recognize. with minimize one-on-one time between • Trust your instincts! If you feel un- children and adults. Ask how staff and easy about leaving your child with some- The 6 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 Conversations on the Faith In Videoconference with High School Seniors, Bishop Gainer Addresses Topic of Same-Sex Marriage By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness

In his first conversation with diocesan high school seniors via videoconference, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer took on the topic of same-sex marriage and why the Church stands firmly in the teaching that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. From a conference room in the Car- dinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg on April 2, the bishop spoke to the students – shown in real-time on a projec- tion screen before him – about being created in the image and likeness of God, the understanding of the human person, and the gift of marriage, au- thored by God. His talk was followed by a genuine discussion with the students, who engaged him with questions reflective of society’s increasing support for same- sex marriage. According to a March 2014 report released by the Pew Re- search Center on same-sex marriage in the United States, 54 percent of Amer- icans today support same-sex marriage, up from 35 percent in 2001. The CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS same poll indicates that 68 percent of Via videoconference, made possible through the diocese’s wide-area network program, Bishop Gainer speaks with high Millennials (those born since 1981) school seniors on the topic of same-sex marriage as part of the “Conversations on the Faith” series. are also in favor of same-sex marriage. The topic is a hot and controversial begins not with civil rights or equal- sons in the Holy Trinity, precisely be- such an implication for every one of issue, Bishop Gainer acknowledged. ity, but with the human person, Bishop cause we are made in that image. us, and for society in general.” “The issue of marriage is very much Gainer said. Bishop Gainer also reiterated that To understand the message of mar- at the core of who we are and what we “Marriage has to begin with the un- marriage is not just a human institu- riage and family life, we must first un- need to be about,” he told the students. derstanding of the human person be- tion, but rather a gift given by God to derstand the human person, the bishop “In God’s plan, each of us is the fruit cause marriage is a unique relationship the human family. “Therefore, as an remarked. of our mother and our father’s love for between two specific human persons,” institution, marriage has a dignity and “If we get right the self understand- each other. This is what God intended he explained. a purpose that transcends institutions,” ing of who we are, then the teaching from the beginning, and that’s who we Human persons exist as either male he said. of the Church and the objective truth are. This is why the issue of marriage or female, created in the image and “When God created the human per- about marriage and the family will fall and same-sex marriage is of great con- likeness of God, with intellect and free son in his own image, he placed in our into place,” he said. cern to every one of us. It touches ev- will, he pointed out. hearts this desire, this responsibility, (Video recordings of the “Conversa- erybody’s life.” “The human person is also made to love and to be able to give ourselves tions on the Faith” series presented The Church cares so much about for relationship,” he said. “If we un- totally to one other person,” the bish- to high school seniors are available marriage, he said, because it is not a derstand that, and understand that you op said. This communion of man and on the diocese’s Web site at www. private issue between two people, but have been made in the image and like- woman brings about the possibility of hbgdiocese.org under the “Our Faith” rather a “fundamental good given to ness of God, then that means that for new life into the world. tab. In addition to Bishop Gainer’s the human family by God. It is essen- man and woman to find our fullest hu- “The basic family unit – mother, fa- talk on same-sex marriage, the series tial to the flourishing of human society. man fulfillment, we need to be in rela- ther and child – become for us a mir- also includes his session on prayer, It is not simply for the pleasure or the tionship.” ror, an icon, of the mystery of the Holy Father Edward J. Quinlan’s session satisfaction of two individual people.” This relationship, he said, is one of Trinity,” he said. “That’s why mar- on exploring the supernatural, and Understanding the Church’s posi- authentic love that mirrors the divine riage is so important. That’s why we Father Raymond LaVoie’s session on tion regarding marriage and family love that exists among the three per- must raise our voices, because it has discerning God’s will.) Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Council of Catholic Women Catholic Women’s 89th Annual Convention Seeks Applicants for Scholarship “Be the Voice of Catholic Women” The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s Scholarship Fund Monday, May 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg will be awarded to a Catholic senior high school girl for her freshman year Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, Principal Celebrant, at an accredited college, university or trade school. The amount of the aca- with priests of the diocese concelebrating demic scholarship is $1,000. Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC, Keynote Speaker Applicants must be sponsored by a mother, grandmother or guardian who Religious items and Fair Trade is an active member of a parish Council of Catholic Women for no less than items available for purchase. one year. The applicant and her sponsor must be residents of the Diocese of Afternoon workshop on Mombasa Catholic Community-Based Health Care and AIDS Relief Harrisburg. Applicants must meet all conditions established by the scholar- Meditation room, exhibits, silent auction, lunch, closing prayer service ship committee as set forth in its rules and regulations, which are included All women of the diocese are cordially invited to attend. in the application packet. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Applications are available from parish presidents of the Council of Catho- Cost of the day is $25, and includes continental breakfast and lunch. lic Women. More information can be obtained by contacting Joyce Scott, Registration deadline is April 21; Scholarship Chair, 717-737-0927 or [email protected]. The deadline contact Debbie at 717-514-8815 or [email protected]. for submitting applications is May 1. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 7 Annual Tech Conference Guides Teachers in ‘Creating in the Cloud’

By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness

According to a recent esti- mate by IBM, 90 percent of the world’s current online information was created within the past two years. Given the enormous amount of information accessible at the click of a mouse, “How can anyone, including teachers, just be dropped into the Internet and left to search or access things for themselves?” posed Rich Kiker, the keynote speaker at this year’s Tech’d Out Conference for Catholic school educators. “I compare teachers to art- ists. We need to provide them with the canvas and the tools to design ways of learning in the classroom that is connect- CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Deb Schultz of Good Shepherd School in Camp Hill participates in a session presented by Christian Charity Sister Geralyn Schmidt, ed and relevant,” Mr. Kiker Wide Area Network Coordinator for the Diocese of Harrisburg. Sessions during the conference focused on wireless networks, iPad told The Catholic Witness. apps, digital Christianity virtual integrity, personal learning communities, Lightspeed and multimedia messaging. In addition to being director of online learning for Pali- consultor for e-learning and world. He works closely with His keynote presentation for ness that he has been heart- sades School District in Bucks Google solutions, and is the the cutting-edge company on the conference, held March 27 ened to see teachers embrace County, Pa., Mr. Kiker is a top-rated Google trainer in the new solutions. at the Cardinal Keeler Cen- the ever-changing ways of ter in Harrisburg, focused on bringing technology into the “Connecting, Calibrating and classroom. Creating in the Cloud.” In it, “Even teachers who were he used videos and images to once hesitant or even critical highlight the web as a class- about technology and change room and ways to prepare today’s learners for future jobs. have realized this is the future. “The Web is a classroom. When they recognize that, Open it up. Let the students they begin to be empowered in, and let them explore and and inspired,” he said. “Age create,” he told the educators. has little weight in this con- “We need to shift the focus versation. There are so many from static resources to more teachers who are later in their dynamic plans for flexible careers who are completely competencies, so that kids can immersed in technology. It’s apply the Pythagorean Theo- all about mindset.” rem not just to math equations “I think it’s absolutely won- but to building the roof of a derful to see technology con- house or designing clothing in ferences like the one hosted fashion.” “Students need to be em- here by the diocese,” Mr. powered with autonomy,” Mr. Kiker remarked. “The culture Kiker said. “They can’t be is here. How can you not be creative if they don’t have the inspired in technology when Rich Kiker, in his keynote address at the annual Tech’d Out Conferences, points to an image in his autonomy to do so.” you leave here and go back to presentation that illustrates worldwide technology and children’s ability to quickly relate to it. He told The Catholic Wit- your classroom?” 12th Annual Father Gillelan to ‘Dance Interfaith Shelter Golf Classic with the Stars’ at Jake Gittlen Gala • Monday, May 12 • Blue Ridge Country Club Father Robert M. Gillelan, Jr., Diocesan Vicar General and pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Steelton, will participate in the third annual “Dancing with • Sponsored by Catholic Charities the Central PA Stars” gala presented by the Central Pennsylvania Symphony The Annual Interfaith Shelter Golf Classic benefits the and the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation. only emergency shelter in the capital region that The event will take place April 26 at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg. provides services to homeless families. Funds raised Six local celebrities and their professional dance partners from PA DanceSport will compete for a mirror ball trophy in a format similar to the by the Golf Classic are central to the mission of popular TV show. The gala will also include a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, keeping families together during difficult times a cash bar, group dance lesson and an open dance floor. All music will be while helping them overcome barriers to self-suf- played live by the Central PA Symphony. ficiency, and providing clothing, food, baby sup- The stars include Father Gillelan, Ben Allatt of Harrisburg City Council, plies, employment, life skills and mental and physical Julia Hatmaker of the PA Media Group, Kendra Nichols from ABC27, Tom health care. Russell from CBS21, and Tom DeWall from the PA Psychological Associa- The Golf Classic begins with registration and lunch from tion. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Shot-gun start begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by dinner, Purchase tickets and cast a vote online at http://centralpasymphony.org/ awards and a sports memorabilia auction. A variety of sponsorship levels are annual-gala/. Votes are $10 each, and tickets to the gala are $80 per person or available for individuals and businesses. Cost for an individual golfer is $100. $600 for a table of eight. Proceeds benefit the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research For registration or sponsorship information, visit www.cchbg.org or contact Foundation and the Central PA Symphony. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Black tie Christopher Meehan at 717-657-4804, ext. 284. is optional. The 8 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 Pope: OK to Fight with God, Recognize Limits, Be Open to Light of Christ, Hold Him to His Promise Pope Tells Movement for the Blind By Carol Glatz By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Don’t hold back when praying to God – tell him exactly what’s Only those who recognize their own wrong and insist on holding him to his promises, Pope Francis limits can accept the great gift of salva- said. tion in Jesus Christ, which is why Catho- Prayer should be like speaking face-to-face with a friend: lics with disabilities are such important “without fear, freely and also with insistence,” the pope said in his and powerful witnesses of faith, Pope homily April 3 during an early morning Mass in the chapel of the Francis said. Domus Sanctae Marthae. Meeting March 29 with close to 7,000 Pope Francis’ homily focused on the day’s reading from the members, staff and volunteers of the Ap- Book of Exodus (32:7-14), in which Moses begs God to spare his ostolic Movement for the Blind and the people, even though they have created a golden calf to worship as Little Mission for the Deaf, Pope Fran- their god. cis insisted it is “truly blasphemous” to God says he’s going to let his wrath “blaze up against them to believe that a physical limitation or dis- consume them,” but Moses reminds the Lord that these are his ability is a punishment from God. own people he has saved before and has promised to make their “Jesus radically refused that way of descendents “as numerous as the stars in the sky.” thinking,” he said. Pope Francis said that, in the day’s reading, Moses shows what “The person who is sick or has a dis- praying to God should really feel and sound like: not filled with ability, precisely because of his or her empty words, but a heartfelt, “real fight with God.” fragility and limits, can become a wit- Moses is courageously insistent and argues his point, the pope ness of the encounter: the encounter said, and prayer must also be “a negotiation with God, presenting with Christ who opens one to life and arguments” supporting one’s position. to faith; and the encounter with others, When God decides to not punish his people, it’s not God who with the community,” Pope Francis said. has changed, but Moses, the pope said. “Only one who recognizes his own By freely talking out the problem and underlining all the ways fragility, his own limits, can construct God has always shown his mercy, Moses was able to rediscov- relationships that are fraternal and er, deep in his heart, what his head already “more or less sort of marked by solidarity in the Church and CNS/PAUL HARING knew.” in society,” he said. Pope Francis blesses a woman during an audience with “Prayer changes our hearts. It helps us better understand what The key to being a trustworthy, effec- people who are deaf or blind in Paul VI hall at the Vatican our God is like,” it helps people grow closer to him, recognize his tive witness to Jesus, he said, is first hav- March 29. love and rejuvenate one’s faith. ing had the experience of meeting Jesus. The pope underlined what Jesus said: “In praying, do not babble “A witness to the Gospel is one who has en- with the miracle of the man recovering his sight, like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their countered Jesus Christ, who knows him or, bet- speaks at length of the man’s faith and the Phari- many words.” ter, feels known by him, recognized, respected, sees’ doubts. The story “opens with a blind man “No, say what’s what: ‘Look, Lord, I have this problem, in my loved and forgiven. This encounter has touched who begins to see and ends – curiously – with family, with my child, with this, with that ... What can you do? him deeply, has filled him with new joy and giv- those who presumably can see, but who continue Now see here, you can’t leave me like this!’ This is prayer. And en his life new meaning,” the pope said. to remain blind in their souls.” does this prayer take a long time? Yes, it takes time.” Discussing the story from the Gospel of St. Pray like Moses did, face-to-face with the Lord, like a friend, “Today we are called to open ourselves to the John about the man born blind, Pope Francis freely, with insistence and good arguments, the pope said. “And light of Christ to bear fruit in our lives and to elimi- also scold the Lord a little: ‘Hey, you promised me this, and you said the man becomes a believer and witness to nate non-Christian behavior,” he said. “We are all haven’t done it ...’ Like that, like you talk with a friend.” Jesus and to “the life, love and mercy” of God. Christians, but all of us – all of us – sometimes Open one’s heart wide to God and get to know him better, he He urged people to read and re-read the ninth have non-Christian behaviors, behavior that is said. Prayer is a grace, and the Holy Spirit is present; it changes chapter of St. John’s Gospel during the coming sinful. We must repent of this, eliminate these be- and reinvigorates one’s heart so people can strike back out on their week. haviors and decisively set out on the path toward life journey. He said the story, which deals only briefly holiness.”

As a service for those who are unable to visit the graves of loved ones in Diocesan Cemeteries, a program is offered each spring for flowers to be placed at gravesites. Floral arrangements are placed for Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day and for early autumn. This year, the Diocesan Office of Catholic Cemeteries is offering an ex- panded selection of silk arrangements, which will be placed at graves in advance of the holiday. Flower arrangements may be ordered for one or more of the dates indicated. Selection and purchase, at the price of $33, can be made at one of the Diocesan Cemeteries offices listed below, or online at www.hbgdiocese.org/cemeteries. DIOCESAN CEMETERY OFFICES Resurrection, Holy Cross, Holy Cross Cemetery, Mount Calvary, Harrisburg Lebanon 116 S. Oak Grove Road, 1810 Jay Street, Harrisburg PA, 17112 Lebanon PA, 17046 717-545-4205 717-273-7541 [email protected] [email protected] Tom Brlansky, Manager Patrick Eichelberger, Manager

St. Joseph, St. Anthony, All Saints, Elysburg St. Mary, Lancaster 172 All Saints Road, Box 127, Elysburg PA, 17824 Bausman PA, 17504 570-672-2872 717-394-2231 [email protected] [email protected] Kevin Shervinskie, Manager Patrick Eichelberger, Manager

Holy Saviour, St. Mary, Gate of Heaven, St. Patrick, York Mechanicsburg 3420 N. Susquehanna Trail, 1313 S. York Street, York PA, 17406 Mechanicsburg PA, 17055 717-764-9685 717-697-0206 [email protected] [email protected] Joe Brlansky, Manager Joe Brlansky, Manager The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 9

People reach out to Pope John Paul II during his 1981 visit to the Philippines. His 104 trips outside Italy made him by far the most widely traveled pope in history. CNS/CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO

Many of Today’s Papal Traditions Were John Paul’s Innovations By Cindy Wooden reconciliation and, at the same time, to works of mercy.” Explaining to the Roman Curia the importance of Catholic News Service Pope John Paul also instituted the annual Feb. 2 World World Youth Day and youth ministry in general, Pope Day of Consecrated Life, the Feb. 11 World Day of the John Paul said: “All young people must sense that the The first anniversary of Pope Francis’ election brought Sick and a World Meeting of Families every three years. Church is accompanying them, therefore the whole stories highlighting the unique style he has brought to But welcoming hundreds of thousands of young people Church in union with the successor of Peter increasingly the papacy. Maybe people have forgotten how much of to the Vatican for a special Palm Sunday celebration in must be committed, on a worldwide level, to the good what passes today for papal “tradition” was actually an 1984, Pope John Paul launched what has become the of youth, their worries and concerns and their openness innovation of Pope John Paul II. biggest international gathering on the Church’s calen- and hopes.” At the end of the U.N.-declared Interna- Frequent parish visits? Check. Joking with and lead- dar: World Youth Day. tional Year of Youth in 1985, he said young people were ing a big crowd in a chant? Check. hoping for change in society and in the Sneaking out of the Vatican? Wait, that world; the Church, which looks to youths was Blessed John Paul who’d head out with “hope and love,” must help young to go skiing or hiking. Pope Francis cat- people realize that change by communi- egorically denied in February that he had cating the Gospel truths to them, support- ever snuck out of the Vatican. ing them as they seek God’s plan for their As John Thavis, the former Rome bu- lives and educating them in living their reau chief of Catholic News Service once faith. wrote: “If there’s anything Pope John Of course, Pope John Paul left a mark Paul II loved more than following tradi- on more than the Church’s calendar. Sur- tions, it was inventing new ones.” prisingly for many people, St. Peter’s The calendar of Pope Francis and of Square didn’t have a Christmas tree or the universal Church is filled with annual Nativity scene until 1982. Even after the appointments established by Pope John College of Cardinals asked him to leave Paul, who is scheduled to become St. Krakow, Poland, and lead the univer- John Paul on April 27. sal Church, he continued to keep Pol- The day of the canonization is Divine ish Christmas traditions; for years, he Mercy Sunday – an observance Pope would invite fellow Poles to the Vatican John Paul decided in 2000 to put on the on Christmas Eve to break “oplatek” (a Church’s universal calendar the Sunday Christmas wafer) with him and to sing after Easter. The Polish pope was a long- Polish carols. He had been pope for four time devotee of the Divine Mercy devo- years when he asked the Vatican gover- tions of St. Faustina Kowalksa, whom he nor’s office to put some Christmas deco- beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2000. rations in the square under his window, Presiding over the first universal obser- thus a new tradition was born. vance of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001, Some of Pope John Paul’s innovations Pope John Paul quoted from his 1980 en- had a lot to do with the fact that he was cyclical “Dives in Misericordia” (“Rich a very outdoorsy, fit 58-year-old when in Mercy”): The cross and resurrection of elected to the See of Peter in 1978. He Christ speak and never cease “to speak of liked to ski and walk in the mountains God the Father, who is absolutely faith- and, apparently, didn’t think that should ful to his eternal love for man... believing change. As he grew older and weaker in this love means believing in mercy.” from Parkinson’s, the physical activity Meeting in March with priests from diminished, but he and a few aides never the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis said stopped slipping out of the Vatican on one of the greatest inspirations of Pope the occasional Tuesday for a drive to the John Paul was his intuition that “this was mountains and a sack lunch al fresco. a time for mercy.” But he didn’t just head for the hills. “It is a gift he gave us, but one that Pope John Paul made the nine interna- came from above,” Pope Francis said. tional trips taken by Pope Paul VI seem “It is up to us as ministers of the Church like a trifle; Pope John Paul took his mes- to keep this message alive, especially in sage on the road, visiting 129 countries our preaching and gestures, in signs and – several repeatedly – on 104 trips and pastoral choices – for example, in decid- CNS/JOE RIMKUS, JR. logging more than 700,000 miles in a pa- ing to give priority to the sacrament of Three young women greet Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day in Denver in 1993. pacy that lasted more than 27 years. The 10 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 Blessed John Paul Played Major Role in Fall of Soviet Communism By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service Pope John Paul II sits with his would-be assassin, Mehmet Ali Catholics venerate Blessed John Paul II for his holi- Agca, in Rome’s Rebibbia prison ness, as demonstrated, among other ways, by his globe- in 1983. The pope suffered trotting evangelism and long-suffering endurance in the serious intestinal wounds after papacy despite his illness. the gunman fired shots at him For secular historians, however, none of the late pope’s in St. Peter’s Square May 13, accomplishments looms larger than his role in the end of 1981. The pope publicly forgave the Cold War and the fall of Soviet communism. Agca and later said he did so Blessed John Paul’s opposition to totalitarianism “because that’s what Jesus grew out of his devotion to the idea of God-given hu- teaches. Jesus teaches us to man rights. As a father of the Second Vatican Council, forgive.” then-Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Krakow was a key CNS/ARTURO MARI, supporter of the 1965 Declaration on Religious Freedom, L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO “Dignitatis Humanae,” which affirmed that the “right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person, as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself.” During the 1970s, a period of increasing ferment in Po- land marked by major strikes to protest the communist government's economic failures, then-Cardinal Wojtyla became a well-known champion of human rights for all Poles. “It cannot happen that one group of men, one social group – however well-deserving – should impose on the whole people an ideology, an opinion contrary to the will of the majority,” he said in a 1976 homily. After his 1978 election to the papacy, Blessed John Paul modified Pope Paul VI’s policy of “Ostpolitik,” whereby the Vatican sought to foster better relations with Soviet-bloc countries in the hope of improving conditions for Catholic churches there. The new pope kept open the John Paul in May 1981, many observers suspected a So- es in Polish. In 1989, against a background of liberalizing channels of dialogue, while pressing communist regimes viet connection. That link has never been proven, but moves by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the Polish to comply with international agreements on human rights. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the late pope’s secretary, government agreed to hold round-table negotiations with In June 1979, less than nine months after becoming wrote in 2007 that Blessed John Paul himself believed representatives of Solidarity and the Catholic Church. pope, Blessed John Paul visited his native land, where he Moscow was behind the assassination attempt. Walesa later wrote that the idea for the negotiations came spoke to crowds totaling 13 million and publicly called for “political self-determination for (Poland’s) citizens “Don’t all roads, however disparate they are, lead to the from Blessed John Paul. and formation of its own culture and civilization.” KGB?” Cardinal Dziwisz wrote. As a result of those talks, elections in June 1989 led The next year, nationwide strikes forced the Polish Blessed John Paul’s second visit to Poland, in June to the formation of a new Polish government led by a government to raise wages, loosen censorship and permit 1983, came after the Polish government imposed mar- noncommunist prime minister. Within a few months, the the formation of an independent labor union, Solidarity. tial law to suppress the democracy movement. The pope Berlin Wall was down and communist regimes had fallen Blessed John Paul was a major inspiration for this non- met with Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski and called on other in Czechoslovakia and Romania. The drive for indepen- violent movement. Lech Walesa, a Solidarity leader and countries to lift economic sanctions against the military dence by other Soviet bloc states and Soviet republics fi- later president of Poland, signed the accords ending those regime. But he also publicly championed independent nally led to the end of the USSR in 1991. strikes with a pen bearing the pope’s picture. “trade unions as a mouthpiece for the struggle for social “Everything that happened in Eastern Europe in these The alarm of Polish officials and Soviet leaders at the justice” and insisted on meeting with Walesa, who was last years,” Gorbachev wrote in 1992, “would have been pope’s influence in that period has been well-documented still in custody. Martial law was lifted the next month. impossible without the presence of this pope and without in books published since the end of the Cold War. When Over the following years, the pope continued to encour- the important role – including the political role -- that he a Turkish gunman nearly succeeding in killing Blessed age the democracy movement with weekly radio address- played on the world stage.”

Blessed John Paul ing a Catholic-Orthodox theological dialogue in 1979; years, this pope seemed made for modern media, and his visiting a Rome synagogue in 1986; hosting world reli- pontificate has been captured in some lasting images, like Continued from 1 gious leaders at a “prayer summit” for peace in 1986; and huddling in a prison-cell conversation with his would-be church history, such as the Inquisition and the Crusades. traveling to Damascus, Syria, in 2001, where he became assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, who shot the pope in St. Pe- His social justice encyclicals, including his landmark the first pontiff to visit a mosque. ter’s Square May 13, 1981. document, the apostolic letter “Novo Millennio Ineunte” To his own flock, he brought continual reminders that Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born May 18, 1920, in Wado- (“At the Beginning of the New Millennium”), made a prayer and the sacraments were crucial to being a good wice, a small town near Krakow, in southern Poland. He huge impact, addressing the moral dimensions of human Christian. He held up Mary as a model of holiness for the lost his mother at age 9, his only brother at age 12 and his labor, the widening gap between rich and poor and the whole Church, updated the rosary with five new “Myster- father at age 20. shortcomings of the free-market system. He called for a ies of Light” and named more than 450 new saints – more An accomplished actor in Krakow’s underground “new sense of mission” to bring Gospel values into every than all his predecessors combined. theater during the war, he changed paths and joined the area of social and economic life. At the pope’s request, The pope lived a deep spiritual life – something that clandestine seminary after being turned away from a Car- the Vatican published an exhaustive compen- was not easily translated by the media. Yet in earlier melite monastery with the advice: “You are destined for dium of social teachings in 2004. greater things.” As a manager, he set directions but often Following theological and philosophical stud- left policy details to top aides. His reac- ies in Rome, he returned to Poland for parish tion to the mushrooming clerical sex abuse work in 1948, spending weekends on camping scandal in the United States underscored his trips with young people. When named auxilia- governing style: He suffered deeply, prayed ry bishop of Krakow in 1958, he was Poland’s at length and made brief but forceful state- youngest bishop, and he became archbishop of ments emphasizing the gravity of such sins Krakow in 1964. He also came to the attention of by priests. He convened a Vatican-U.S. sum- the universal Church through his work on impor- mit to address the problem, but let his Vatican tant documents of the Second Vatican Council. advisers and U.S. Church leaders work out Though increasingly respected in Rome, the answers. In the end, he approved changes Cardinal Wojtyla was a virtual unknown when that made it easier to laicize abusive priests. elected pope Oct. 16, 1978. In St. Peter’s Square The pope approved a universal catechism that night, he set his papal style in a heartfelt talk as one remedy for doctrinal ambiguity. He – delivered in fluent Italian, interrupted by loud also pushed Church positions further into cheers from the crowd. the public forum. In the 1990s he urged the After more than 26 years as pope, Blessed world’s bishops to step up their fight against John Paul died at the age of 84 at the Vatican abortion and euthanasia, saying the practices April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. amounted to a modern-day “slaughter of the Divine Mercy Sunday had special significance innocents.” His sharpened critique of these for Blessed John Paul, who made it a Church- and other “anti-family” policies helped make wide feast day to be celebrated a week after Eas- him Time magazine’s choice for Man of the ter. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on Year in 1994. Pope John Paul II kisses a baby during a general audience at the Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011, and will The pope was a cautious ecumenist, insist- Vatican in 2001. Blessed John Paul, known as a globetrotter who be canonized by Pope Francis on the same feast ing that real differences between religions made 104 trips outside Italy, served as pope from 1978 to 2005. day, April 27, 2014, together with Blessed John and churches not be covered up. Yet he made CNS/PAOLO COCCO, REUTERS XXIII, the pope Blessed John Paul beatified in several dramatic gestures, including: launch- 2000. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 11 Blessed John XXIII sensitivity and fatherly kindness earned him the nickname, “the Good Pope.” Continued from 1 Blessed John brought a humble yet charismatic, personal style to papacy. He placed great impor- War, on the need for global peace and justice. tance on his modest upbringing in a village about He established the Pontifical Commission for the 25 miles northeast of Milan, saying: “I come from Revision of the Code of Canon Law, which oversaw the country, from poverty” that he said was “happy the updating of the general law of the church after and blessed poverty – not cursed, not endured.” the Second Vatican Council, culminating in publica- Born in Sotto il Monte, Italy, in 1881, Angelo Gi- tion of the new code in 1983. useppe Roncalli was one of 13 children in a family Before he was elected pope, he served as a Vatican of sharecroppers. He entered the minor seminary at diplomat. His work in Bulgaria and Turkey put the the age of 11 and was sent to Rome to study at the future pope in close contact with many Christians age of 19. who were not in full communion with the Catholic He was ordained to the priesthood in 1904 and, Church and inspired him to dedicate so much effort after several years as secretary to the bishop of as pope to try to recover the unity lost over the cen- Bergamo, he was called to the Vatican. In 1925 he turies. It was Blessed John who, as pope in 1960, began serving as a Vatican diplomat, first posted to created the Vatican’s office for promoting Christian Bulgaria, then to Greece and Turkey and, finally, to unity. France. He was named a cardinal and patriarch of With his humility, gentleness and active courage, Venice in 1953. he reached out like the Good Shepherd to the mar- After more than five years as patriarch of Venice, ginalized and the world, visiting the imprisoned and then-Cardinal Roncalli was elected pope Oct. 28, the sick, and welcoming people from every nation 1958. and faith. He died of cancer on June 3, 1963. He visited many parishes in Rome, especially in CNS, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO Blessed John was beatified in 2000, by Blessed the city’s growing suburbs. His contact with the Blessed John XXIII will be made a saint April 27. He is John Paul II, with whom he will be canonized April people and his open display of personal warmth, pictured in his undated official portrait. 27. For Blessed John XXIII, Calling Vatican II Was an Act of Faith By Francis X. Rocca The pope’s influence was Catholic News Service also eventually seen in the council’s 1965 declaration Blessed John XXIII called “Nostra Aetate,” which exon- the Second Vatican Council in erated the Jewish people of the conviction that it was nec- collective guilt for the kill- essary for the Catholic Church, ing of Jesus and affirmed that yet without pre-conceived God’s covenant with them had ideas of what it would accom- never been abrogated. plish, said Vatican II partici- Cardinal Georges Cottier, a pants who recalled the event Vatican II peritus, said Blessed half a century later. John appreciated the special The men spoke in exclusive need for the document in the interviews featured in a forth- aftermath of the Holocaust. coming Catholic News Service His sensitivity to the matter re- documentary film, “Voices of flected his experience as a Vat- Vatican II: Council Partici- ican diplomat in pre-war Bul- pants Remember.” garia, where he had befriended Blessed John had come to many Jews, and his later ac- a “conviction that something tions to save Jews in the region ought to be done in order to from the Nazi genocide. make the Church more re- “So he knew the drama” of sponsive to this modern world, the Jews, Cardinal Cottier said. in order to make the modern “Right away he said yes, with world more responsive to the enthusiasm,” to a proposal for Church. And that intuition such a document. went far beyond his intellectu- Yet the pope who called the al preparation,” said Jesuit Fa- council refused to define it for ther Ladislas Orsy, a “peritus” the bishops who would actu- – or expert theological adviser ally serve as its fathers. When – at the council. asked what Vatican II was, Cardinal Loris Capovilla, Cardinal Poupard recalled, who served as Blessed John’s private secretary during his Blessed John would reply: pontificate, was privy to some “On the subject of the council of the pope’s first remarks, we are all novices. But when made only a few days after his all the bishops are there, the election in 1958, about what Holy Spirit will be there and would become Vatican II. all will go well.” Cardinals and bishops had Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, presented the new pontiff with another Vatican II peritus, re- a litany of challenges before called the now-legendary oc- the Church – “not doctrinal but casion when the pope stepped pastoral problems,” Cardinal to the window of his study Capovilla said – in areas that and said: “‘What is the coun- included liturgy, diplomacy, cil? I don't know.’ He opened and the education and disci- the window and said, ‘At pline of priests. least some fresh air for the “My desk is piling up with Church.’” problems, questions, requests, Though Blessed John did hopes,” Blessed John told his not have a set program for the secretary. “What’s really nec- CNS, L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO council, he did have models essary is a council.” Pope John XXIII leads the opening session of the Second Vatican Council in St. Peter’s Basilica for it, including some contem- When the secretary refused Oct. 11, 1962. porary secular initiatives. to comment, the pope inter- “After the Second World preted his silence as disap- preparatory commission, that Yet Blessed John’s ideas as everyone takes part, so the War, it was a very good thing proval. will be of great merit. If one greatly influenced the outcome more who take part, the bet- that there arose three interna- “You think I am old,” dies, another will come. It is a of Vatican II in certain areas, ter.” tional institutions: the U.N. Blessed John told him. “You great honor even to begin.” including liturgy. In that spirit, Cardinal Poup- for peace, the FAO (Food and think I’ll make a mess out of Blessed John died June 3, Cardinal Paul Poupard, who ard said, the liturgical reform Agriculture Organization) for this enormous task, that I don’t 1963, after the council’s first served as a peritus at the coun- that followed in the council’s bread, UNESCO for culture,” have time. ... But that’s not session, and the remaining cil, said Blessed John believed wake produced a missal that Cardinal Capovilla recalls the how you think with faith. ... four sessions took place under “liturgy better expresses the was simpler, clearer and cel- pope saying. “Why don’t we If one can only begin with the his successor, Pope Paul VI. mystery of the Church insofar ebrated in modern languages. get together to talk?” The 12 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 John XXIII Lived with Keen Sense of Humor By Emily Antenucci and Carol Glatz dinal, the pope remarked: “That usher has 10 children; I Catholic News Service hope the cardinal doesn’t.” When he went to visit a friend at the nearby Hospital Blessed John XXIII, who will be made a saint April of the Holy Spirit in the evening, the nun answering the 27, is remembered by many for his warmth, simplicity, door said: “Holy Father, I’m the mother superior of the social conscience and sense of humor. Holy Spirit.” He replied: “Lucky you! What a job! I'm Pope Francis, who will canonize “the Good Pope,” re- just the ‘servant of the servants of God.’” called his predecessor as being holy, patient and a man of Not long after he was elected pope, Blessed John was courage, especially by calling the Second Vatican Coun- walking in the streets of Rome. A woman passed him and cil. said to her friend, “My God, he’s so fat!” Overhearing “He was a man who let himself be guided by the Lord,” what she said, he turned around and replied, “Madame, Pope Francis has said. I trust you understand that the papal conclave is not ex- But the Italian Pope John was also guided by his actly a beauty contest.” cheerful disposition, his simple, peasant background and He once wrote: “There are three ways to face ruin: tongue-in-cheek, wisecracking Italian culture. women, gambling and farming. My father chose the most Here’s a look at some of this soon-to-be saint’s funny quips: boring one.” Visiting a hospital he asked a boy what he wanted to When he was cardinal and patriarch of Venice, the fu- be when he grew up. The boy said either a policeman or ture pope was talking with a wealthy city resident and a pope. “I would go in for the police if I were you,” the told him, “You and I have one thing in common: money. Holy Father said. “Anyone can become a pope, look at You have a lot and I have nothing at all. The difference is me!” I don’t care about it.” “It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to When a journalist asked the then-patriarch of Venice think about the serious problems afflicting the world and what he would be if he could live his life all over again, I tell myself, I must talk to the pope about it. Then the the future pope said, “Journalist.” Then he said with a next day when I wake up I remember that I am the pope.” smile, “Now let us see if you have the courage to tell In reply to a reporter who asked, “How many people me that, if you could do it all over again, you’d be the CNS work in the Vatican?”, he reportedly said: “About half patriarch!” Blessed John XXIII, who will be made a saint April 27, of them.” A Vatican official told the pope it would be “absolutely is remembered by many for his warmth, simplicity, so- When a cardinal complained that a rise in Vatican sala- impossible” to open the Second Vatican Council by 1963. cial conscience and sense of humor. He is pictured in ries meant a particular usher earned as much as the car- “Fine, we’ll open it in 1962,” he answered. And he did. an undated photo. Dynamic Duo: John XXIII and Valet often Skirted Protocol By Carol Glatz papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, Catholic News Service Gusso said he’ll never forget the look on the Swiss Guard’s face when he saw Blessed John XXIII struggled to the pope driving up. “The gendarmes shake off many formalities that came were freaked out, the Italian police – I with the papacy and often conspired can’t tell you. It was amazing.” with his valet to sneak out of the Vati- The head of the Italian police, how- can. ever, sent a formal letter of complaint One covert road trip in the Alban against Gusso to the Vatican Secretariat Hills outside of Rome got Guido Gus- of State. so, the pope’s valet, in trouble with the The pope read aloud the letter from Italian police responsible for the pope’s the police in front of Gusso and Car- safety. dinal Angelo Dell’Acqua, a top official But the security breach just made the at the Vatican Secretariat of State. “The pope chuckle – happy with their unau- pope started to laugh, happy, because thorized escapade, Gusso told journal- we had succeeded in getting away with ists during a news conference at Vati- it, in defiance of everyone.” can Radio April 1. Gusso said they’d either take the While the conference was designed huge Chrysler that had been given to to unveil the radio’s latest project of Pope Pius XII or the valet’s own two- digitalizing its complete audio archives tone – ivory and blue – Opel Record, from Popes Pius XI to Francis, Gusso which, the pope said, reminded him of was among a number of panelists in- the car he had in Venice. vited to speak about their memories of The transition to the Vatican from his Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II. independent life in Venice was hard for Gusso, the son of a fisherman and a Pope John, Gusso said. native of Venice, worked for five years The first night in the papal - apart for then-Cardinal Angelo Roncalli ments, they looked out onto St. Peter’s when he was patriarch of Venice. He Square “and it was all dark, so dark,” followed the cardinal to Rome for the and completely empty of people. conclave in 1958 and remained in the “It was a disappointment for him” pope’s service for another five years because he had been used to music, until the pope’s death, after which he lights and nightlife going on past mid- was promoted to running the papal night in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. household. CNS/CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO When the pope’s personal belong- Gusso said that a week after his elec- Blessed John XXIII is pictured in the Vatican Gardens with the dome of St. Peter’s Ba- ings arrived from Venice, the pope was tion, Pope John was already bored with silica in the background in this undated photo. unable to put up with the dozen Vati- taking the same daily walk in the Vati- can workmen deciding where all the can Gardens, confined within the Vati- have to stop at the red lights,” he laughed, the car riding around the villa’s gardens, pictures and paintings should be hung, can City walls. which gave passersby the chance to iden- the pope told his valet to take one extra Gusso said. “The route is always the same one!” tify his passenger since “he didn’t wear a spin around the property “so we’ll make “The pope told me, ‘Tomorrow, don’t he said the pope complained. “Take me black overcoat” to cover up his white pa- the gendarmes dizzy” and confused. They call anyone [to help]. Have them leave the to the Janiculum Hill. Take me to Villa pal cassock. got to the unlocked gate, opened it and left nails, hammer and ladder. And we’ll do it.’ Borghese!” a park the pope knew from his However, when they went to the papal for an excursion, he said. A few days later I got up the ladder, and he days as a student in Rome. summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, he Toward the end of their road trip in the held the foot of the ladder so it wouldn’t When Gusso said it wouldn’t be al- said Pope John was much bolder about Alban Hills, they passed through the town slip, and he’d say, ‘Higher, lower!’” indi- lowed, the new pope said, “How come it’s getting out. One day he hatched a plot to of Marino. The narrow streets were full cating where to hang the pictures. not possible? It’s easy. You’ve got the car, escape out the back gate of the pontifical of people taking their afternoon stroll and Pope John told his valet it was OK for let’s go!” But Gusso said the pope made villa. “we couldn’t get through,” Gusso said. him to call him, “His Holiness,” but to only two secret outings in Rome: once to He said the pope told him, “Let’s do The crowds realized the pope was in the otherwise pretend they were still in Venice visit the British ambassador to the Vatican this.... Get the keys to the gate. Unlock it car and started shouting, “‘Long live the and stop the hand kissing and the kneel- who was at the hospital, and once to see a and let’s leave it open for about 10 days so pope!’ And there’d be someone else saying, adding that if the valet felt he needed journalist. nobody will get what’s going on.” ing, ‘Yo, Jo! Yo, Johnny, our boy!’” to kneel, it was better in prayer before the “It was also dangerous because we’d Several days later, when they were in When they finally made it back to the Lord. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 13 Fund-Raiser for Holy Family Radio Examines Pope Francis and the New Evangelization

By Jen Reed Francis, the New Evangelization ber of the Church has a role to play, that The Catholic Witness and the Catholic media, specifi- there’s no room for negativity,” he con- cally Catholic radio. tinued. “The pope lamented that there Noted Catholic communicator and He spoke of the “Pope Francis are Christians whose lives seem like a author Dr. Matthew Bunson told those Effect,” a term that describes the Lent without an Easter.” gathered for a recent fund-raiser to ben- return of Catholics to the Church For supporters of Catholic radio sta- efit Catholic radio in the diocese that in and the embrace of evangeliza- tions like WHYF AM 720, this means order to be effective evangelizers, we tion in real-world expressions. asking questions, Dr. Bunson said. Are must first be authentic in the faith. Recounting throughout his we doing everything we can to make Dr. Bunson, senior correspondent for speech a number of messages our stations true Catholic apostolates? Our Sunday Visitor and author of some – both written and visual – that Do we embody the description of spir- 50 books – including “Pope Francis,” have left indelible marks on the it-filled evangelizers? Are we having the first English-language biography first year of Pope Francis’ pa- a conversation with the culture where on the Holy Father – was the keynote pacy, Dr. Bunson pointed to one speaker at a dinner to benefit Holy Fam- we live, and inviting it to encounter specific image that he feels “tru- Christ’s loving mercy? Are we content ily Radio, WHYF AM 720. The event ly encapsulates” his pontificate: was held March 14 at the Cardinal Kee- simply to broadcast Catholic programs, his embrace of Vinicio Riva. or are we committed forward to push- ler Center in Harrisburg. During a general audience in The idea for this Catholic radio sta- ing for transformation of the culture? St. Peter’s Square in Novem- He pointed to Pope Francis’ words to tion in the Diocese of Harrisburg began ber, Pope Francis made his way the Pontifical Council for Social Com- with Betty Girven, a Lancaster parish- to 53-year-old Riva, who is af- munications last September, in which ioner who, in the year 2000, gathered flicted with neurofibromatosis, he told Catholic communicators that a group of like-minded individuals who which has left his entire body they can never lose sight of the truth formed the Holy Family Radio group. covered in tumors. The pope they seek to proclaim. The goal of ef- Following ten years of prayer, fund- reached out and enfolded him in JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS fective communication is to enter into raising, publicity and site-searching, a loving embrace. Riva later said Dr. Matthew Bunson, senior correspondent dialogue with men and women to un- Holy Family Radio WHYF AM 720 of- that the encounter was like being for Our Sunday Visitor and author of some 50 derstand their desires, doubts and ficially went on-air in August 2011. in paradise. books, including “Pope Francis,” speaks about the connection between Pope Francis, the New hopes, and then discern how – through From its studio on Main Street in “Francis’ meeting with Riva is Shiremanstown, Cumberland Coun- Evangelization and Catholic media during a re- media and technology – to establish a the perfect crystallization of the cent event to benefit Holy Family Radio, WHYF presence that builds and encourages, ty, the station broadcasts a number embodiment of the first year of AM 720. and expresses a Christian identity. of local productions and EWTN pro- this pontificate. Francis gave to “The challenge is to rediscover gramming. It is also streamed live at through my faith? Do I have the cour- Riva and the world a potent, vivid and age like Peter and the other apostles to the means of social communication www.720whyf.com. loud message, a teaching of God’s lov- think, to choose to live as a Christian?’” through radio, as well as by personal “To do anything possible to help ing mercy, of an encounter with Christ contact, the beauty that is at the heart of “The testimony of faith comes in Catholic radio anywhere in the United and a determination to take that mercy our existence, the faith and the beauty States is a privilege,” said Dr. Bunson, many forms,” he noted, pointing to how and encounter into the world,” Dr. Bun- of an encounter with Christ,” Dr. Bun- who has assisted Redeemer Radio in the pope compared it to a great fresco son remarked. son said. “Even in this world of com- the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. with a variety of colors. Each method munications, the Church must warm the “Francis calls on us to be spirit-filled “To appreciate Catholic radio, we of evangelization is important, whether hearts of men and women.” must begin not with technology,” he evangelizers who are joyous in going in family life, work life, or the social WHYF AM 720 broadcasts a number said, “but with the basic self-under- out to the world,” Dr. Bunson said, setting, he said. of local productions, including: “The standing of who we are.” weaving the “Pope Francis Effect” into The New Evangelization calls all of Morning Show” – airing five days a In his keynote speech, Dr. Bunson fo- the New Evangelization. “We ask our- us – from Cardinals to the faithful in week; “Catholic Perspective” – a pro- cused on the connection between Pope selves, ‘How do I bear witness to Christ the pews – to share the Good News in gram of news and inspiration; “In the new ways and expressions, Dr. Bunson News” – an analysis of Catholic topics remarked. “But we cannot go out into and how the secular media addresses them, and “Ever Ancient, Ever New” – the streets and into people’s homes and which tackles subjects such as relation- their lives and proclaim the New Evan- ships, social media and other challeng- gelization unless we are authentic in the es facing today’s youth as they relate to faith,” he said. “We cannot be messen- our faith. gers of the faith unless we know who For more information about the sta- April 13 - It’s more than a long walk, it’s a spiritual journey. This week on we are as Catholics.” tion, contact Holy Family Radio at 717- Catholic Perspective, we speak with someone who walked the El Camino de “Pope Francis insists that every mem- 392-0298 or visit www.720whyf.com. Santiago, “The Way of Saint James.” It is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where legend has it that the remains of Jesus’ apostle Saint James the Elder lie. The Camino has existed as a Christian pilgrimage for well over 1,000 years, and there is evidence of a pre-Christian route as well. Throughout the medieval period, it was one of Bob Evans Fund-Raiser the three most important Christian pilgrimages undertaken. Indeed, it was only these pilgrimages—to Jerusalem, to Rome, and to Santiago de Compos- tela—which could result in a plenary indulgence, which frees a person from for Holy Family Radio the penance due for sins. Author Kim Brown found her spiritual questions answered as she Bob Evans restaurants in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, York and embarked on her journey as a pilgrim on the el Camino de Santiago in Snyder counties will participate in a community fund-raiser to benefit Holy Fam- Spain. Contributor Rose Atkinson talks with Kim during our spotlight ily Radio WHYF AM 720 on April 28-30. story of the week. The restaurants at specific locations (noted below) will donate 15% of your total Catholic Perspective is produced in cooperation with the Office of sales for any meal purchased between 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. on those specific dates. Dine Communications of the Diocese and WHFY AM 720. It can be heard in or carry out. Mondays at noon and Sundays at 3 p.m. on WHYF AM 720 and on A flyer must be presented at check out in order for Holy Family Radio to receive Sunday mornings on WLAN-AM 1390, Lancaster at 7:30 a.m.; WH- VR-AM 1280, Hanover, at 8 a.m.; WKOK-AM 1070, Sunbury, at 6:30 credit. Flyers will be available on the station’s Web site, www.720whyf.com, and a.m.; WIEZ-AM 670, Lewistown, at 8 a.m.; WWSM-AM 1510, Leba- at the station, located at 8 West Main Street in Shiremanstown, during business non, at 7 a.m.; and WWEC-FM 88.3, Elizabethtown, at 9:30 a.m. It is hours. Call the station at 717-525-8110 for hours. Flyers will also be e-mailed to also available on line at www.OldiesRadio1620.com at 6:30 a.m. and all parishes in the diocese. at www.WISL1480.com on Sunday at 11 a.m. It can also be heard on- Participating Bob Evans restaurants include those located at: line at www.hbgdiocese.org. • Dauphin County: 650 Walton Ave., Hummelstown; 771 Eisenhower Blvd., Listen to the Parish Bulletin Board – During the day, Holy Fam- Harrisburg ily Radio AM 720, WHYF announces parish and community events • Cumberland County: 1400 Harrisburg Pk., Carlisle; 5302 Carlisle Pk., Me- for free as part of its service to the local Catholic community. Tune in to hear what is going on. The Parish Bulletin Board is sponsored chanicsburg; 135 Sheraton Dr., New Cumberland by the Catholic Communication Campaign of the Diocese of Harris- • Franklin County:1131 Wayne Rd., Chambersburg burg. You can also listen online at www.720whyf.com. Catholic par- • Lancaster County: 3000 Hempland Rd., Lancaster; 2472 Lincoln Highway ishes and organizations can send event information to the station at East (Rockvale Shopping Center), Lancaster [email protected]. • York County: 303 Arsenal Blvd., York; 1125 Carlisle Rd., York • Shamokin Dam: 3289 Susquehanna Trail, Shamokin Dam The 14 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014 At Border Mass, Bishops Call for Compassion, Immigration Reform By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service With the backdrop a few feet away of the rusted iron slats of the 30-foot wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Ariz., Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley and a dozen other bishops from three countries prayed April 1 for compassion and for a return to ideals that welcome immigrants. More than 300 people formed the out- door congregation on the U.S. side of the border and hundreds more participated on the Mexico side, receiving Communion pressed into hands that stretched between the slats, illustrating that, as one teenage member of the choir put it, “we are all one community – we are all bilingual and bi- cultural.” Referring to a visit by Pope Francis last summer to the Italian island of Lampedusa where migrants from the Middle East and Africa try to enter Europe illegally, Car- dinal O’Malley in his homily quoted the pope’s comments about the “globalization of indifference.” “We have lost a sense of responsibility for our brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis said. “We have fallen into the hypocrisy of the priest and the Levite whom Jesus described in the parable of the Good Sa- maritan.” CNS/NANCY WIECHEC Cardinal O’Malley quoted Pope Francis Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., blesses people on the Mexican side as he distributes Communion through the further: “The culture of comfort, which border fence in Nogales, Ariz., April 1. A group of U.S. bishops, led by Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, celebrated Mass makes us think only of ourselves, makes at the border, calling attention to the plight of migrants and appealing for changes in U.S. immigration policy. us insensitive to the cries of other people.” The Mass at the intersection of Inter- Migration and Refugee Services of the tion system,” Goddard said. “Obviously “They were some of the most industri- national Street and Nelson capped a two- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. we do. Human rights and dignity have ous, ambitious and enterprising citizens of day experience of the border region for The Diocese of Tucson and the Arch- gotten lost in the whole thing. We’ve got their own countries and brought enormous bishops from as far away as Atlanta and diocese of Hermosillo, Mexico, worked to do something to get attention to that.” energy and good will to their new home- Guatemala. Beginning with a Mass the closely together in arranging the details. Many of the congregants on the Mexi- land. Their hard work and sacrifices have day before at San Xavier del Bac Mission Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and can side came to the Mass after having made this country great,” he added. outside Tucson, which dates from when Hermosillo Archbishop Ulises Macias met the bishops and others in the delega- After Communion. a procession of the entire region was part of Mexico, the Salcedo were among the concelebrants. tion during their visit to the “comedor” the bishops climbed the Border Patrol access bishops then walked along rough desert A choir from Lourdes Catholic High previous day. road alongside the fence. Partway up the paths used by migrants. School in Nogales and members of Father Clete Kiley, a Chicago archdi- steep hill, Cardinal O’Malley placed two Crawling under strands of barbed wire, Knights of Columbus councils from ocesan priest who works as director for wreaths alongside a cross to commemo- scrunching low to walk through a culvert across southern Arizona were among the immigration policy for the labor union rate those who have died along the bor- beneath a road, dodging cactus and sticker many volunteers. One of the more unusual UNITE HERE, said two of the young der, including “ranchers, farmers, peace- bushes, the group came upon empty water roles the volunteers filled was ensuring men he chatted with over dinner March 31 keepers and travelers who seek a common bottles, backpacks and other belongings that nothing other than the Eucharist or caught his eye, smiling broadly through ground of peace and prosperity,” as the abandoned by the migrants who cross the hands were passed through the slats of the fence slats as the priests and bishops Mass program described the memorial. hilly, rocky terrain as they try to get past the border fence, part of a complex ne- assembled at the altar on a large stage Another Mass was held simultaneously the various security measures and agents at the border between the cities of San used by the Border Patrol to try to stop il- gotiation with the Border Patrol to allow brought in for the occasion. the Mass to take place within the agency’s Cardinal O’Malley’s homily, delivered Luis, Mexico, and San Luis, Ariz., at the legal immigration. southwestern tip of the state. Then the group met with the Border Pa- jurisdiction. Throughout the Mass a dozen largely in Spanish, was met with applause or more Border Patrol agents watched the at several points, such as when he talked Cross-border religious events to bring trol at their regional headquarters, before attention to immigration-related issues crossing into Mexico to serve dinner at proceedings from just outside a pedestrian about how today’s migrants, whether they a church-sponsored “comedor,” or soup port of entry a block west of the altar. come with or without government permis- have been sponsored by dioceses in the kitchen. The “comedor” serves people Dick Goddard, a Knight from St. Pius sion, hold the same kind of values that U.S. and Mexico for years. Among them who have been deported or who are figur- X Parish in Tucson, was among the vol- brought earlier generations of immigrants. are annual processions for the Way of ing out whether they want to try to sneak unteer ushers. He said he’d only learned “Our country has been the beneficiary the Cross during Lent and Las Posadas, into the United States. about the Mass a day earlier but thought of so many immigrant groups that had the Christmas season re-enactment of the “We come to the desert today because it important to attend. He had made the the courage and the fortitude to come to search for lodging by Mary and Joseph in it is the road to Jericho,” said Cardinal hourlong drive to the border with three America. They came fleeing horrific con- Bethlehem, as well as occasional Masses O’Malley in his homily. “It is traveled by fellow parishioners. ditions and harboring a dream of a better at the border. many trying to reach the metropolis of Je- “They say we have a broken immigra- life for the children,” he said. The April 1 Mass had perhaps the great- rusalem. We come here today est number of bishops partici- to be a neighbor and to find a pating, as well as priests from neighbor in each of the suffer- throughout the region and across ing people who risk their lives the country. and at times lose their lives in Other bishops at the Mass the desert. included: Seattle Auxiliary “The hard work and sacrifices Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, of so many immigrant peoples chairman of the U.S. bishops' is the secret of the success of migration committee; Salt Lake this country. Despite the xeno- phobic ranting of a segment of City Bishop John C. Wester; the population, our immigrant A woman in Mexico Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las population contributes mightily peers through the slats Cruces, N.M.; Bishop Mark J. to the economy and well-being of the border fence as a Seitz El Paso, Texas,; San Di- of the United States.” group of U.S. ego Bishop Cirillo B. Flores; He added that the group came bishops celebrates Atlanta Auxiliary Bishop Luis Mass in Nogales, Ariz., R. Zarama; and retired Bishops also to mourn the loss of “count- April 1. About a dozen less immigrants who risk their Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces bishops took part in a and Gerardo Flores of Vera Paz, lives at the hands of the ‘coy- two-day visit to the otes’ [smugglers] and the forces Guatemala. border with Mexico Bishop Flores brought a letter of nature to come to the United calling attention to the States.” of greetings and support from plight of migrants and the Guatemalan bishops’ confer- The Mass, which was shown appealing for changes live on the Internet and remains in U.S. immigration ence, in recognition of the many available for viewing on You- policy. Guatemalans who pass through Tube, was organized by the Je- Mexico and Arizona on their suits’ Kino Border Initiative and CNS/NANCY WIECHEC way north. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 15 Pope and President Discuss Meetings of U.S. Presidents Religious Freedom, Life Issues and Popes: Long, By Francis X. Rocca but not Ancient, Tradition Catholic News Service By Carol Zimmermann President Ronald Reagan met with In their first en- Catholic News Service Blessed John Paul II four times – twice counter, Pope Francis at the Vatican, once in Fairbanks, Alas- received U.S. Presi- Although some details have emerged ka, where the two heads of state made a dent Barack Obama at of the conversation between Pope stop during travel, and once in Miami, the Vatican March 27 Francis and President Barack Obama where the pope was visiting. for a discussion that March 27, the public may never know Msgr. Wister said the pope’s visits touched on several ar- all that was said in that 50-minute get- with President Reagan have particular eas of tension between together behind closed doors at the significance. The first, in 1982 at the the Catholic Church Vatican. Vatican, was one year after both men and the White House, And that’s pretty much the story for had been shot in assassination attempts. including religious most of the meetings between 12 U.S. “Apparently that was one of their freedom and medical presidents and six popes in the course bonds,” he said. “Each one believed ethics. of the past 90 years. they had been spared by God for a pur- During an unusually In recent decades these meetings – pose.” long 50-minute meet- complete with requisite gift exchanges, The second meeting, in Fairbanks, ing, the two leaders pleasantries, photo opportunities and May 2, 1984, took place just four discussed “questions private discussions – have been fairly months after the United States formally of particular relevance CNS/STEFANO SPAZIANI standard for the two heads of state. But recognized the Holy See. for the Church in [the U.S. President Barack Obama accepts a gift from Pope Francis the tradition is hardly an ancient one. Tilley pointed out that President U.S.], such as the ex- during a private audience at the Vatican March 27. The pope gave The first such meeting occurred Reagan was able to establish diplomat- ercise of the rights to the president a copy of his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaud- when President Woodrow Wilson met ic relations with the Vatican because religious freedom, life ium (“The Joy of the Gospel”). Pope Benedict XV at the Vatican Jan. he was not Catholic and “by then John and conscientious ob- 4, 1919, less than two months after the Paul II was a worldwide rock star.” jection as well as the issue of immigration Pope Francis also presented President end of World War I. Before this, the United States had reform,” the Vatican said in statement. Obama with a pair of bronze medallions, “That must’ve been interesting,” personal representatives, not ambassa- The mentions of religious freedom and one commemorating the 17th-century con- said Msgr. Robert Wister, professor of dors, at the Vatican. conscientious objection presumably referred struction of the colonnades around St. Pe- Church history at Immaculate Concep- Michael Anthony Novak, assistant to the contraception mandate in the new ter’s Square; another portraying an angel that tion Seminary School of Theology at professor of religion at St. Leo Uni- health care law, which has become a major brings together the world’s North and South Seton Hall University in South Orange, versity in Florida, described the shift source of conflict between the administration in “solidarity and peace founded on justice.” N.J. this way: “There was certainly some- and the church. “This gift is from the pope,” Pope Francis The priest said President Wilson and thing going on, but the United States According to the Vatican statement, Pope said of the first medallion. “But this other one the pope shared a common view of wouldn’t let the Vatican sit at the table Francis and President Obama also had an is from Jorge Bergoglio. When I saw it, I said: ending the war and promoting peace. in the cafeteria until 1984.” “exchange of views on some current interna- ‘I’ll give to Obama, it’s the angel of peace.” President Wilson’s famous 14-point “Looking at the long view, it’s in- tional themes, and it was hoped that in areas The president’s gift to the pope was a se- peace plan, which he presented to Con- teresting how scared the United States of conflict, there would be respect for hu- lection of fruit and vegetable seeds from the gress in January 1918, echoed many of was of diplomatic relations” with the manitarian and international law and a nego- White House garden, in a box made from the ideas expressed in Pope Benedict’s Vatican, Novak added. He said Presi- tiated solution between the parties involved.” reclaimed wood used to build Baltimore’s peace proposal of August 1917. dent Reagan’s decision seemed an ob- In September, Pope Francis launched a Basilica of the National Shrine of the As- The other significant aspect of this vious one since the Vatican had been a high-profile campaign against President sumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first meeting, said Msgr. Wister, is that big player behind the scenes in diplo- Obama’s proposal for military strikes to pun- Catholic cathedral in the United States. President Wilson visited the pope dur- macy. ish the government of President Bashar Assad “If you have a chance to come to the White ing the years when popes were de- He also said it’s striking that the for its presumed use of chemical weapons. scribed as prisoners of the Vatican – in Vatican was for so long considered a The pope wrote to Russian President Vladi- House, we can show you our garden as well,” President Obama said. the words of Pope Pius IX – because “third rail in American diplomatic rela- mir Putin, host of a G-20 summit, decrying they did not travel during the years of tions,” but now the relationship is seen the “futile pursuit of a military solution,” and “Of course,” the pope replied. Organizers of the September 2015 World 1871-1929, when the Italian Unifica- as “mutually advantageous.” a few days later led a prayer vigil for peace tion Movement was in power before Novak pointed out that the brief in Syria that drew some 100,000 people to St. Meeting of Families have voiced hopes that Pope Francis will attend that event, which Vatican City was established. meetings with U.S. president and Peter’s Square. After President Wilson met the pope popes are not where the diplomatic could be the occasion for a state visit to the The Vatican did highlight two points of there was a 40-year-hiatus – when five work gets done, which happens at the U.S. harmony with President Obama in the dis- other presidents were in office – before ambassador levels, but he said the en- cussions: immigration reform, on which the “I invited and urged him to come to the another papal-presidential meeting counters can set the stage for further administration's position is closer to that of United States, telling him that people would took place. action. For example, the first meeting U.S. bishops than that of the Republican op- be overjoyed to see him,” President Obama Maureen Tilley, professor of the- of President Reagan and Blessed John position; and a “common commitment to the said later. ology and medieval studies at New Paul “ended up being an important per- eradication of trafficking in human persons President Obama’s visit to the Vatican came York’s Fordham University, attributes sonal collaboration” as the two lead- in the world.” in the course of a six-day international trip the lack of diplomatic visits at that time ers “assessed one another” about their Later in the day, at a joint news conference that included stops in the Netherlands and to a resurgence of anti-Catholicism in shared resistance to the Soviet bloc in with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Belgium and was scheduled to end in Saudi the U.S. in the late 1920s and early Eastern Europe. President Obama said he had spent the “larg- Arabia. The day before his meeting with Pope 1930s. She also said it would have Gerald Beyer, theology and religious est bulk of the time” with the pope discussing Francis, Obama met with European Union been impossible for such a visit during studies professor at Villanova Univer- “issues of the poor, the marginalized, those and NATO officials in Brussels, where he the years of World War II. sity in Pennsylvania, similarly urged without opportunity and growing inequality” discussed economic and strategic responses Then Blessed John XXIII became caution in inferring “too much from and the “challenges of conflict and how elu- to Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier in the the Church leader in 1958. Tilley said presidents’ visits with popes” but said sive peace is around the world,” particularly month. he was the first pope “to set foot out- these visits “can and do send signals to in the Middle East. The president’s motorcade entered the Vati- side of the Vatican territory, and for people throughout the world.” President Obama said Pope Francis “did can a few minutes after 10 a.m. Archbishop that he was nicknamed Johnny Walk- He mentioned President Reagan and not touch in detail” on the contraception man- Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal house- er.” She also noted that in his “very Blessed John Paul’s shared resolve to date, but that in the president’s subsequent hold, greeted him in the San Damaso Court- broad-minded and open-to-the-world liberate Poland and other countries meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vati- yard of the Apostolic Palace, then led him up- ideas he met with Dwight Eisenhow- from communist rule. He also said can secretary of state, “we discussed briefly er,” and from then on a tradition was Blessed John Paul’s “unambiguous the issue of making sure that conscience and stairs to the pope’s private library, followed by President Obama’s entourage, which in- set. The only pope from that point on disapproval of the war in Iraq” was religious freedom was (sic) observed in the who did not meet with a U.S. president made clear when President Bush met context of applying the law.” cluded U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry; Susan Rice, the national security adviser, and was Pope John Paul I – in office only the pope at the Vatican in 2004 and pre- “I pledged to continue to dialogue with 33 days in 1978 before his death. sented him with the Presidential Medal the U.S. conference of bishops to make sure Ambassador Ken Hackett, the U.S. envoy to the Holy See. President John Kennedy met Pope of Freedom. we can strike the right balance” on the issue, Paul VI at the Vatican, July 2, 1963, The pope greeted the president outside his On the day of Pope Francis’ meeting President Obama said. just weeks after the pope was elected with President Obama – where they library a few minutes before the appointed At the end of their talk, Pope Francis gave and four months before Kennedy’s as- discussed religious freedom, medical time of 10:30. President Obama a bound edition of his ap- sassination. Pope Paul, the first pope to ethics and immigration reform – Beyer ostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” “Wonderful meeting you, I’m a great ad- visit the United States, met President said “thorny issues like the contracep- (“The Joy of the Gospel”), published last mirer,” President Obama told the pope as they Lyndon Johnson in New York in 1965. tive mandate of the Affordable Care November. The gift prompted the president shook hands. During that visit, the pope addressed Act might underscore their differences. to respond: “You know, I actually will prob- Inside the library, the two leaders sat down the United Nations and stressed his ob- However, their common concern about ably read this in the Oval Office when I am on either side of the pope’s desk, each with an jections to the Vietnam War. the economy inflicting suffering on the deeply frustrated, and I am sure it will give interpreter beside him. Through his interpret- The first pope-president meeting at poor might unite them.” me strength and will calm me.” er, Msgr. Mark Miles, the pope, who spoke in the White House was when Blessed This visit also makes one historical “I hope,” the pope replied with a laugh. Spanish, could be heard telling the president: John Paul II visited President Jimmy footnote. President Obama and Presi- In a December speech, President Obama “I’d like you to feel really at home here.” Carter at the White House Oct. 6, 1979. dent Bush are the only presidents to quoted a passage from the exhortation in During an extended handshake at the end of But that visit hardly started a trend be- meet two popes while in office. Presi- which the pope lamented: “How can it be that the meeting, President Obama told the pope: cause the next White House stop for a dent Bush met with both Blessed John it is not a news item when an elderly home- “My family has to be with me on this journey. pope was not until 2008, when Pope Paul and Pope Benedict. President less person dies of exposure, but it is news They’ve been very strong. Pray for them. I Benedict XVI visited President George Obama met Pope Benedict at the Vati- when the stock market loses two points?” would appreciate it.” W. Bush there. can in 2009. The 16 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014

York Catholic High School to Host an Evening with Merril Hoge Merril Hoge, ESPN Sportscaster and former Pittsburgh Steeler, will speak May 16 The names of the following deceased MOUNT CARMEL – Divine at Heritage Hills to benefit York Catholic High School’s James Forjan Focus Fund. persons have been submitted by their Redeemer: Albert R. Colross, Dorothy Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Dinner and Hoge’s speech at 7:30 p.m. parishes: Kort, Michael J. Romance, Constance Ever since Hoge was eight-years-old, he dreamed of being a professional foot- BERWICK – St. Joseph: Ralph Weissinger. ball player. From that young age, he used the words “Find A Way” as a mantra for achievement. Today, he uses his Find A Way philosophy to challenge children to Marsicano, Erminie Olah, Michael NEW CUMBERLAND – St. achieve their goals, overcome obstacles and take ownership of their lives. Scala. Theresa: Mary Deppen, Sandy Hoge played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1987-1993, leading the team and set- BLOOMSBURG – St. Columba: Eltringham, Kevin McCarthy, Lena ting records. In 1993, he went to the Chicago Bears, where he played one year until Anna (Nancy) Behr, Louise J. Ricci. forced to retire early due to post-concussion syndrome. Hoge joined ESPN in 1995 as DeBonis. NEW FREEDOM – St. John the a football analyst, sideline reporter, and host for a wide variety of ESPN programs on BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – St. Baptist: Michael J. Loyco, Martha television, radio and the Internet, including ESPN’s SportsCenter and NFL Live. He is also a regular contributor to ESPN.com and to ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Rita: Becky Hays. Jane Youngman. CAMP HILL – Good Shepherd: Monday Night Football and Super Bowl and NFL Draft coverage. PALMYRA – Holy Spirit: Robert In 2003, Hoge was faced with Finding A Way to overcome the ultimate challenge – William Hoffman, John Koberlein, Dobroski. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He fought with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL Dorothy Murray, Anthony Palumbo, ROARING CREEK – Our Lady of and beat cancer. Francis Wike. Mercy: Irene Lukus, Marcella A long-time Board Chairman of the Highmark Caring Foundation and Caring Place CARLISLE – St. Patrick: Claire Mekosh. Centers, which provide a place for grieving children, adolescents and their families to Rue. cope with the loss of a parent or loved one, Hoge’s vision is to help all children know ROHRERSTOWN – St. Leo the their value and importance, helping them to grow up healthy and whole. CHAMBERSBURG – Corpus Great: Clifford Sisler. Christi: Larry F. Brookens, Edward Cost is $100 for the dinner and Hoge’s “Find a Way” speech. Sponsorships are SHAMOKIN – Mother Cabrini: available that include a VIP Reception prior to the event. For more information, con- A. Brown, Sr., Leta Hussack, William Francis “Moto” Gurski, Joseph tact York Catholic High School at 717-846-8871 x51. Paine. Kidron, Clarence Kopp, Rose Spatzer. COAL TOWNSHIP – Our Lady of STEELTON – Prince of Peace: Hope: James Heins, William Holland, Raymond Brightbill, Barbara Gilmer, Resurrection Students Eugene Kristoff, Stanley Olszewski, Robert Strangarity, Joseph L. Zorek. Join Seniors in Stations of the Cross Georgia Lynn Petrovich, Alex Wasileski, Linda Wert. TREVORTON – St. Patrick: Each Friday dur- Casimir L. Brezgel, Michael A. ing Lent, the stu- DALLASTOWN – St. Joseph: dents of Resurrec- Daniel P. Fass, Harold L. Helm, Kaminski, Leonard P. Machesic. WILLIAMSTOWN – Sacred Heart tion Catholic School Robert Peters, Anna Yonick in Lancaster pray DANVILLE – St. Joseph: Stanley of Jesus: Anna Underkoffler. the Stations of the Gill. YORK – Immaculate Conception Cross. It has be- ELIZABETHTOWN – St. Peter: BVM: Jean Benkert, Gregory Botizan, come a tradition Delores M. Ember, Romana Mendoza. Miriam Castleman, Kyle Kerchner, that residents from ENOLA – Our Lady of Lourdes: Ruth MacDonald; St. Patrick: Evergreen Estates join the students for Joseph DiRocco, Agnes T. Freeborn Leonarda Ferree, Agnes Horn; St. Rose of Lima: Donald F. Munchel, this devotion. Each Jones, Harry F. Hockenberry. week, the eighth- FAIRFIELD – Immaculate Cyril B. Smith. grade students meet Conception BVM: Joseph Pecher. YORK HAVEN – Holy Infant: the residents’ bus to HANOVER – St. Joseph: Sean Teresa Mahoney. help the seniors into Bartley, Ronald Bunty, Thomas church. Duttera, Mary Giraffa, Theresa Sister Barbara Brenda Weaver, principal of Resurrection School, shared, “One week, I saw a student walking one of our guests out of church with his arm around her shoulders and Hartlaub, Irene McMahon, James Anne Brady guiding her carefully to the bus. At that moment I prayed, ‘Thank you, Jesus, because Mitchell, Clark Worley; St. Vincent de Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister today I witnessed Simon helping Jesus carrying his Cross.” Paul: Gregory Brady, Marie Little. Barbara Anne Brady died in Camilla HARRISBURG – Cathedral Parish Hall, Immaculata, Pa., on March 19. of St. Patrick: Jean Roi-Baptiste; Holy She was 82. ‘A Woman’s Concern’ Annual Name of Jesus: Michael A. Epoca, A native of Philadelphia, she entered Dinner to Feature Dr. Alveda King William H. Keffer, Joanne H. Smyers; the Congregation of the Sisters, Ser- A Woman’s Concern in Lancater is pleased to announce its annual fundraising din- Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament: vants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Henry Green, Anita Knight, Marlene ner on May 1 at 6 p.m. The event, which is themed Defending the Dream, will be held in 1952. Sister Barbara Anne taught at Calvary Church (1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster). Seating begins at 6 p.m. Pinko; St. Francis of Assisi: Rocco grades 1-8 in the archdioceses of Phila- Formica; St. Margaret Mary: Joan and the dinner and program begin at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the ban- delphia and Miami, and in the dioceses quet. An opportunity to make a financial contribution to the center will be extended. Marie Gaughan, Stanley May, Charles of Harrisburg, Arlington, Camden, San Following the example of her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Alveda King E. Newbaker, Jr. Jose and Norfolk. In the Diocese of seeks to shed a light on issues important to her. She sees the pro-life movement as a KULPMONT – Holy Angels: Harrisburg, she taught at St. Edward’s continuation of the civil rights struggle and serves as a voice for the Silent No More Antoinette Bach, Anges M. Bressi, in Shamokin from 1970-1976. In the Awareness Campaign. As Pastoral Associate and Director of African-American Out- Cecelia H. Kieski, Constance last eight years, while living and as- reach Priests for Life and Gospel of Life, Dr. King works to educate the public about Laskoski, Nancy Mayton, Eileen sisting at Villa Maria House of Studies, pro-life issues and frequently shares her testimony of two abortions, God’s forgive- McGinley. she worked as an aide at Villa Maria ness, and healing. LANCASTER – St. Anne: Patrick Academy. She retired to Camilla Hall A Woman’s Concern offers pregnancy testing, material assistance, counseling and Autrey; St. Joseph: Herman S. Butz, in August 2013. support to women and their families facing a challenging pregnancy. The center also Mary A. Cameron, William R. Kopf, The funeral Mass was celebrated in provides free non-diagnostic OB ultrasound services to qualified pregnant clients. A Sr., Elizabeth C. O’Brien, Mary F. Camilla Hall on March 24. Woman’s Concern delivers quality services by a fully licensed and professional staff. Painter, Nancy A. Schulz, Jeanne R. The center is funded primarily by private donors. Staffieri. Reservations required for the dinner. Please reserve by April 27 at 717-394-1136 LEBANON – Assumption BVM: ext. 5, or http://www.pregnancylancasterawc.com/. Luella Coffen, Henry Nepi, Segunda Rivera. Holy Spirit Announces LITTLESTOWN – St. Aloysius: Leslie R. Updyke. Please pray for the following Annual FertilityCare Practitioner Program LYKENS – Our Lady Help of clergy who died in April Holy Spirit Health System in Camp Hill announces its annual Creighton Model Christians: Melvin (Butch) during the past 25 years: FertilityCare Practitioner education program. The Practitioner Program is 13 months Koppenhaver. Deacon Alphonse Formica, 1991 long and consists of two education phases, two supervised practica and an onsite vis- MCSHERRYSTOWN – Msgr. Joseph Hager, 1992 it. Students are educated in both the basic as well as advanced aspects of the Creigh- Annunciation BVM: Corrine E. Msgr. Bernard Mattern, 1992 ton Model FertilityCare System. In addition to achieving or avoiding pregnancy, this Heverly, Francis X. Smith. Deacon Halmon Banks Sr., 1993 system can help in evaluation and treatment of infertility, repetitive miscarriage, ab- MECHANICSBURG – St. Msgr. Donald Adams, 1996 normal bleeding, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, PMS, and perimenopausal symptoms. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Pauleen Lynch; Father Patrick D’Alessandro, 1996 Only the educational phases are done on campus, all other educational services are St. Joseph: Steve Beaumont, Frank Deacon Arthur Colonell, 1996 provided through an innovative system of long distance supervision and onsite visi- Meszaros, Martha Matthiesen, Sophia Father Anthony Burakowski, 2002 tation. Education Phase I will be held at the Diocese of Harrisburg April 28-May 5. Miklasevich, Duane Petro, Miriam Father Curtis Delarm, 2005 Applications are currently being accepted. All students enrolled in the Practitioner “Mim” Selgrath, Marciana Villajuan, Father Mark Matthew Casey, Program are required to take a criterion referenced, professionally administered final Olivia Wakely. OMI, 2007 certificate examination, following successful completion of the two education phases MIDDLETOWN – Seven Sorrows Father Gerald Lytle, 2012 and two supervised practica. For more information, call Spirit FertilityCare Services BVM: Loretta Amspacher, Elizabeth Deacon Charles Clark, 2012. at 717-514-6136 or e-mail [email protected]. Poplawski, Frank Viola. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 17

mon rolls, fruit salad, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice and milk. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-13, and free for children ages five and under. Palm Sunday breakfast, bake sale and candy sale at St. Bendict the Abbot Parish in Lebanon on April 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage and more for $7 Compiled by Jen Reed Ever wonder about the symbols of an Icon? Do you for adults and $4 for children. Nut rolls $9 each. Candy sold in know why the Virgin wears a dark red dress in the Our Lady of half-pound boxes for $4. Peanut butter, coconut cream and butter Spiritual Offerings Perpetual Help Icon? The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in cream eggs, peanut clusters, raisin with almond and coconut Conewago will be hosting a talk on the Miraculous Icon, Our Lady clusters, and peanut butter balls. A public Rosary is prayed at the square in New Oxford on the of Perpetual Help. Come learn of the symbols, the history and second Saturday of every month at noon to pray for America and the novena of this wonderful gift. The talk will be held May 1 from The Sound of Music will be performed at Lebanon Catholic the world. The next day is April 12. 7-8 p.m. in the Parish Hall. For more information and to RSVP, School at 7 p.m. April 25 and 26, and at 1 p.m. April 27. Tickets Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated by Father contact the parish office at 717-637-2721. are general admission, no reserved seating. Cost is $10 for adults, Walter Sempko April 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Labouré Church $8 for senior citizens and students. Advance tickets are available St. Cyril Spiritual Center in Danville will host an afternoon in the main office of the school during normal business hours. in Harrisburg. Confessions are heard in English and Polish after of reflection for men and women on several first Fridays, offering Mass. Tickets will also be available at the door. Call 717-273-3731 for time for “Reflective Adoration” in quiet at the Villa Mansion Cha- more information. Walking Way of the Cross, sponsored by Pax Christi, will be pel. After adoration, enjoy a cup of tea and conversation. On May 2 from 1:45-4 p.m., Sister Anne Mary Boslett, IHM, will present The Council of Catholic Women of Holy Name of Jesus held in downtown Harrisburg on Good Friday, April 18. Participants Parish in Harrisburg will hold their annual flea market April 26 will gather at Front and Market street at 9:45 a.m., and then walk a talk on Our Lady. Offering is $20 by the registration deadline of April 25. Register at 570-275-0910 or visit www.sscm.org and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reserve a table by calling Susan Malesic at with the Cross through downtown Harrisburg in prayer, song and 717-545-3566. reflection. The walk will last about an hour and a half. Contact click on “current events.” Mary Herzel at 717-545-6964 or AnnMarie Judson at 717-737- Jody Cole will be conducting icon writing (painting) Immaculate Conception BVM School in New Oxford is host- 7211. workshops in the Byzantine Style this summer. She will be at ing its first “SpringFest” on April 26 at the New Oxford Social Club St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Gettysburg June 9-13 from Pavilion from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. More than 30 craft and independent Mass in the Croatian language will be celebrated Easter Sun- sales reps. Handcrafted items for sale, and independent consul- day, April 20, at 12:30 p.m. by the Rev. Dubravko Turalijia in the 9 a.m.-4 p.m., an hour for lunch each day (brown bag or go out). The total cost of the workshop, which includes all supplies except tants include Avon, It Works, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Paparazzi, Prince of Peace--Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, optional gold leafing, will be $170. Participants will be able to Scentsy, Stampin Up, Thirty One, Tupperware and more. Parking Steelton. Traditional liturgical Easter songs with tamburica accom- choose from Our Lady of Guadalupe (12”x16” portrait, “15x20” and admission are free. Mother’s Day crafts will be available for paniment will be sung during the Mass. retablo style or 10”x18”) or a 15”x20” of The Holy Trinity. For more the children, and kids’ entertainment and face painting will be The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Leba- information contact Jody Cole at 717-919-8791 or jcoleicons@ provided by “Crackers” the Clown. Additional activities include a non will host a Celebration of Divine Mercy on April 27. The church aol.com. Jody will also conduct a week-long retreat at St. Francis bake sale, door prizes, raffles and a flower sale. Flower pre-orders will remain open following the 9:15 a.m. Mass. Exposition of the Retreat House, Easton, Pa., July 20-25. Participants will paint a are recommended, as a limited supply of additional flowers will be Blessed Sacrament will start after the 9:15 a.m. Mass. There will 12”x16” icon of The Nativity of Our Lord. For more information, or available for purchase the day of the event. Download the order form at www.icsbvm.org, and return to ICS no later than April 17. be a Holy Hour for vocations starting at 1:30. Priests will be avail- to register, contact 610-258-3053 or [email protected]. th able to hear Confessions from 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. The Solemn Prosopon School of Iconology will be presenting an Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary will hold its 17 annual Spring Holy Hour for Divine Mercy starts at 2:30, with the Chaplet chanted Iconography Workshop in the Russian Byzantine Tradition with Festival April 26 at Adams Ricci Park in Enola. The event will beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, call the church office at renowned iconographer Dmitri Andreyev. Workshop will be held include a flower sale and chicken and rib barbeque, children’s 717-272-5674. July 14-19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily atSt. John the Baptist Catholic games and inflatables, and craft vendors, as well as a 5k walk/ School, New Freedom. Tuition and materials for the class is run. The Spirit 5k walk/run, sponsored by the Holy Spirit Health St. Rita Church in Blue Ridge Summit will celebrate Divine Spirit nurses, will begin at 9 a.m. The Spring Festival runs from Mercy Sunday on April 27. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament $600. Out of town students will need to book additional accommo- dations. Non-refundable deposit of $200 due by June 2. There is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There is a fee for at 2 p.m., Confessions, Rosary and diary readings from 2-3 p.m., the 5k walk/run. The event will be held rain or shine. For more Chaplet of Divine Mercy and homily at 3 p.m., and Benediction at a minimum of 12 students needed to hold the workshop (deposit will be refunded if workshop is cancelled.) For complete informa- information, or to pre-order flowers or chicken barbeque meals, 3:30 p.m. Call 717-642-8815 for information. tion and registration form, contact Mary Jo Fero at mjfero@gmail. call the Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary office at 717-763-2796 or com or 717-235-7354. e-mail [email protected]. For more information about the 5k Education, walk/run, or to register, go to www.hsh.org/springfestival or contact Retreats, Pilgrimages & Trips Holy Spirit’s Office of Resource Development at 717-763-2779 or Enrichment & Support [email protected]. Theology on Tap - Harrisburg welcomes back Bill Little Flower Club Seniors in New Cumberland will host a Donaghy! His topic will be The Way of Beauty — sharing faith Pennsylvania history tour June 18, visiting the Eastern State Peni- Catholic Singles Ministry of Danville and the Harrisburg through the paths of the good, true and beautiful in music, culture, tentiary (last home of Al Capone), a 19th century firehouse and a Catholic Social Singles are invited to tour Central Pennsylva- art, film, and social media. Adults ages 21-39 years old are invited, 90-year-old bakery for coffee and cannoli. Cost of $100 includes nia’s Catholic radio station, Holy Family Radio, AM 720, WHYF, on April 26. After the tour and questions, we will head over to the April 16 at at Ceoltas in Harrisburg, first floor. Doors open at 6:30 motor coach, lunch, taxes and tips. Departs Camp Hill at 6:45 a.m. Reservations, call 717-774-5671 or 717-774-6783. nearby Texas Roadhouse Restaurant for an early dinner. The tour p.m., talk begins at 7 p.m. RSVP on Facebook or totharrisburg@ will be at 2 p.m. The radio station is located at 8 West Main Street, gmail.com. For more information visit: www.stjosephmech.org/ The Pilgrimage to the Holy Land originally planned for this Shiremanstown, about a mile west of Trinity High School. Parking adult-education/theology-on-tap. month through Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Abbottstown available behind the station. For more information, contact Shelly has been postponed until Nov. 2-12, 2014. This trip includes at 570-441-2209. Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill will host a “Spirited Hearts” Jerusalem, Tiberias and Tel Aviv. Cost of the trip is $3,459.00 per cardiac support group meeting April 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the person (double occupancy) and an additional $615 per person for York Catholic High School’s Spring Concert will be pre- hospital’s Auditorium C&D. Patty Novak, MSN, RN, will present single occupancy. Price includes roundtrip motor coach trans- sented at the school April 26 at 7 p.m. Students in Choir, Mixed “Heart Failure: How to Turn Failure into Success.” A question and portation from Harrisburg and Abbottstown to NY JFK Airport, Chorus, Junior High and Senior High Bands, Jazz Band, String answer session will follow the presentation. Seating is limited. Call roundtrip airfare from JFK on non-stop flights with Delta Airlines, Club, and Ukulele Club are scheduled to perform. Admission is 717-972-4486 by April 18 to reserve your seat. On May 16, “Spir- accommodation in first class hotels, land transportation by deluxe free. ited Hearts” attendees are invited to join together at a Senator’s motor coach, all transfers and porterage, sightseeing with a A Cash Bingo Party will be held May 2 at the St. Joseph baseball game. For more details, call 717-972-4486. licensed Christian guide, all entrance fees and daily Mass. For Parish Center in Hanover. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Bingo Theology on Tap – Lancaster will gather April 23 at St. Anne a brochure and information, contact Immaculate Heart of Mary beginning at 7 p.m. A total of 20 games will be played—15 for $50, Church in Lancaster. Iconographer Jody Cole will present on Church in Abbottstown at 717-259-0611. 4 for $75, and one for $500. Food and soft drinks will be available the symbolism, spirituality, history and technique of Byzantine Travel with Father Marcoe of Christ the King Church, for purchase. A donation of $15 per person is the admission price. Iconography. The evening begins with Adoration of the Blessed Benton, on a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes with Proximo For tickets, call the parish office, 717-637-5236. Tickets will also Sacrament at 6:30 p.m., Happy ½ Hour with wine, cheese and light Travel. Paris, Lourdes, Lisieux, Fatima, Shrine of Montserrat be sold at the door. Only ticketholders will be permitted to play. fare at 7 p.m., and the presentation at 7:30 p.m. and Barcelona, May 23-June 4, 2015. Cost is $4,499, airfare and Proceeds benefit the Parish General Fund. Young adult event: Young adults between high school gradu- all-included. Find more information at www.proximotravel.com, or Lebanon Catholic School will host its annual PTO Spring contact Father Marcoe for more details at 570-784-3123. Flower and Plant Sale on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 9 from 3-7 ation and 30-something are invited to join a group that gathers p.m. and May 10 from 9 a.m.-noon in the school gym. All plants each month at various local Catholic parishes for fun and inspir- Events & Fund-Raisers are from local nurseries. We are offering “cash & carry” marigolds, ing events. The next gathering will feature a presentation by Sister petunias, geraniums, impatiens, begonias, sweet potato vines, Geralyn Schmidt, SCC, at Good Shepherd Parish Hall-A in Camp Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra will host a fish fry dinner every Friday in Lent, excluding Good Friday, from 3-7 p.m. in the parish beautiful bedding flowers, hanging baskets, large size planters, Hill on April 23 at 7 p.m. Sister will be discussing “Christ’s Resur- vegetable plants and herbs. Don’t forget to bring a box to carry all rection... How It Affects Us Personally.” Contact Mike Creavey social hall. The dinners are followed by Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m. those plants home! We accept pre-orders; forms can be found on at [email protected] or check out our Facebook page to the school’s Web site, www.lebanoncatholicschool.org. Click on RSVP or for further info: facebook.com/groups/westshoreparishy- Knights of Columbus Council #8151 will host a Lenten fish the PTO link. Deadline for orders is April 25. oungadults. fry dinner April 11 from 4-6:30 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s Church social hall in Duncannon. Pay at the door. Take-outs available. St. Rose of Lima School in Thomasville will hold its First All Catholics are invited to a “Life in the Spirit” seven- Dinners include fried of baked fish, macaroni and cheese, sides, Annual Sip into Summer Wine and Beer Festival on the school session seminar at The Life in the Spirit Prayer Group, 6324 Mer- roll, beverages and dessert. Cost is $10 for those ages 11 and grounds May 10 from noon-4 p.m. To purchase tickets in advance, cury Drive, Mechanicsburg, on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. from April older, $5 for ages 4-10 and free for children 3 and under. call the school at 717-792-0889 or the event coordinator, Karen 24-June 5. The seminar is designed to help participants realize the Lobo (Etter) at 717-860-4854. fire, breath, gifts, fruits and charisms of the Spirit. Although people An Easter bake sale featuring homemade walnut, poppy seed Trinity High School in Camp Hill will hold its 50th Anniversary receive the life of the Spirit through the sacraments of initiation, and apricot rolls will be held April 12 from 9 a.m.-noon at St. Ann Gala at the West Shore Country Club May 17 from 5:30-11 p.m. the seminar invites participants to prepare for a revitalization of the Byzantine Catholic Church, Harrisburg. The homemade rolls are Tickets are $100 per person. Visit www.thsrocks.org, look for the Spirit’s presence. For questions and registration, contact Lori Ribic $10. Perohi, kielbasa and Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) will 50th anniversary logo and open the GALA link for ticket purchases. at 717-877-4818 or [email protected]. also be available for sale. The perohi and kielbasa will be sold Or, call the THS Advancement Office at 717-761-2228. frozen. The perohi, by the dozen for $5.50, will have the following A Health and Wellness class on Exercise and Diabetes will fillings: potato and cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, prune, farmer Parishes & Organizations be held in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Center in Mechanics- cheese and apple. The kielbasa is smoked and sold in rings, also burg April 29 at 9:30 a.m. Topics include how exercise can be used for $5.50. The Pysanky will be sold with stands for $20 each. This Prison Ministry: Volunteers are needed for prison ministry at to help control blood sugar levels, guidelines for types of exercises sale will be in the parish hall and is on a first come, first served Dauphin County Prison and Camp Hill State Correctional Institu- to use, when to exercise or not exercise, and signs to watch for basis. For information, visit www.stannbyz.org. tion – particularly on Friday mornings and Saturdays, but also on other days. Contact Deacon Jim Doyle at 717-566-7244 or blood sugar dropping too low during exercise. Ann Dennison of Lancaster Catholic High School have an evening of music, Advanced Physical Therapy and Fitness will present the program. [email protected] if you are interested and available for food, and fun as we host Tribute Bands for two legendary Rock this rewarding ministry. Questions? Call Sue Fletcher at 771-697-6929. and Roll Stars at Rock n Roll for LCHS Sports, Elvis and Real York Catholic High School has an opening for an experi- A Pro-Life Town Hall Luncheon featuring Michael Cicco- Diamond. The athletic fund-raiser will be held April 12. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost of $50 per person includes all-you-can-eat enced Color Guard Instructor for the 2014 season. The candi- cioppo and Micaiah Bilger of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Fed- date must be available for Band Camp Aug. 1-16 from 8 a.m.-4 eration will be held April 28 from noon-1:30 p.m. at The Pike Memphis BBQ, beer, wine & soda. Contact Diana Anater at [email protected] or 717-509-0316 for tickets. p.m., practices daily from August-November from 3:15-5:30 p.m., in Gettysburg. They will share the latest on important pro-life for football games Friday evenings, and for weekend competitions issues such as abortion, the Affordable Care Act, pro-life gains All-you-can-eat-breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be in the fall. Interested candidates should submit a Non-Teaching in Pennsylvania, notorious abortionists in our state, a defense hosted by Sacred Heart School in Conewago April 13 from Application, Resume, and Cover Letter to Principal Katie Seufert, of pro-life beliefs, and more. Attendees pay for their lunch; 8-11:30 a.m. in the parish hall. Made-to-order omelets, chipped YCHS, 601 E Springettsbury Ave, York PA 17403, kseufert@york- the presentation is free. RSVP by 14 to Suzanne at landis77@ beef and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, plain, blueberry catholic.org, no later than April 30, 2014. Clearances are required embarqmail.com or 717-677-8362. and chocolate chip pancakes, home fries, toast, donuts, cinna- as a condition of hiring. The 18 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014

JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The top three spellers in this year’s Spelling Bee are, from left, winner Kyler Mag- Geography Bee winners, from left, are third-place winner Mark Fazzolari of St. sino of St. Joseph School in Dallastown, runner-up Caroline Dash of Good Shep- Margaret Mary School in Harrisburg, runner-up Apru Rao of St. Joan of Arc herd School in Camp Hill, and third-place finalist Charles Leckow of St. Joseph School in Hershey, and first-place winner Luke Capper of St. Joseph School in School in York. Mechanicsburg. Bees Showcase Aptitude in Faith, Geography, Speech and Spelling

The month of March brought hundreds of the dio- New on the docket this year was the Diocesan Faith of the Rosary, the saints, and the lives of Jesus, Mary cese’s youth together for spirited competition in four Bee, which tested youth on their knowledge of the and Joseph. bees held at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harris- Catholic faith. The bee began at the parish-level, with Pictured are the top three place winners for each burg. The competitions highlighted the participants’ winners advancing to the diocesan competition. The of the bees. The speech competition included three proficiencies in spelling, geography, speech and the questions tested participants on their knowledge of categories: persuasion, oral interpretation and duo Catholic faith such topics as the Ten Commandments, the Mysteries dramatic interpretation.

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS JOE APONICK, DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS The top three finalists in the three categories of the Speech Contest are, front row from left, Place winners in the Faith Bee, are, from left, runner up Catie Apgar Madeline Cardinale, Sydney Altemose, Megan Calogero, Emily Hughes, Gabriela Cortes and of St. Joseph Parish in Hanover, first-place winner Nicholas Minnich Dana Veliky. Back row from left are Thomas Yantis, Nick Wertz, Liam Miriello, Marc Carbaugh of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Enola, and third-place finisher Ben- and CJ Rudolph. Not pictured is Emma Krall. jamin Sites of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Gettysburg.

Diocesan Recognition Mass for Girl Scouts Screening of Mary of Nazareth Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. • St. Theresa Church, New Cumberland May 4 at 1:30 p.m. • Allen Theater in Annville

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Cornwall will host a All Scouts, leaders and screening of the movie, their families are invited which follows the life of to attend the third annual Mary from her childhood through the Resurrection Recognition Mass for Scouts of Jesus. Witness the life who have earned Religious of the Holy Family as Emblems. it was 2,000 years ago through the Registration deadline eyes of the is April 25. Register and Mother of Jesus. Admission is purchase patches to free. Call 717- commemorate the Mass 269-8345 for at www.formstack.com/ more information. forms/?1670912-ntAMf30YZI. Contact Carolyn Pfeifer with questions or concerns at 717-737-8713 or pfeifer47@ verizon.net. The April 11, 2014 • Catholic Witness - 19

Trinity diver Bradley Buchter takes form during a dive in District 3 competition.

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Trinity’s Ian DiCarlo glides in District 3 competition earlier this year. Trinity Does Well in the Pool Chris Heisey a back dive, which paved the way to his vic- The Catholic Witness tory. In the swimming competition, the Sham- Swimming and diving state championships rocks of Trinity High School won a silver were held last month at Bucknell University, medal in the team Class AA competition, com- where Trinity High School’s record-holding ing in second behind Mars High School. The diver Bradley Buchter bested his closest com- Shamrocks were paced by the 200-medley petitors to capture his second straight PIAA relay team of Ian DiCarlo, Henry Tanguay, State gold medal. The sophomore shattered his Anthony Capper and Lucas Haywood as they own mark set last year with a score of 557.30. won a state gold medal, nipping Mercyhurst Buchter earned a perfect score in his first dive, Prep by a tenth of a second. Saints March to CYO State Title By Jen Reed having fun, but when it was The Catholic Witness time to play, they put on their game faces, and kept them- Since the start of their selves pumped up.” high school CYO basket- The Saints commemorated ball season, the Saints of their win by gathering as a St. Theresa Parish in New team for Mass at St. Theresa Cumberland have had one Church. Students there had thing on their mind: to win sent them off to Greensburg a state title. with a rally that lined both On March 16, that objec- sides of Bridge Street. tive became a reality, as CYO offers athletes a they captured gold in the chance to play competitively statewide CYO tourna- in a non-pressured atmo- ment held in the Diocese of sphere, noted Coach Ford, Greensburg. who coached high school On their way to the tour- girls for 12 years. He came nament title, they topped out of retirement two years respectable opponents from ago to coach his son on the the dioceses of Allentown Saints’ team. and Greensburg, before top- The starting five from the ping Pittsburgh in the finals, state championship team are 56-45. The three teams the headed off to college, where Saints faced combined for they will endeavor in sports. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN FORD just two losses on the year. The Saints celebrate statewide victory in Greensburg. Front row are head coach John Ford and “On my team, everybody The state title win resulted assistant coach Trevor Alford. Team members are, from left, John Ford, A.J. Sowa, Logan Shettle, gets to play. My main goal is in an undefeated season for Patrick Kline, Isaiah Beard, Matthew Gregoire, Will Alford, Andrew Scarpelli, Brett Becker and Brett to get every player to score at the Saints, who finished the Stoey. Not pictured is team member Colin Kilpatrick. least once in a game,” Coach year 16-0. Ford said. “The guys on this team told The Catholic Witness. sion of their junior year that year, they stated out loud that “Whenever these guys have played CYO basket- The teammates attend dif- they would return to vie for a their goal was to win states,” were challenged, they rose to ball together since fifth ferent high schools, and de- state title. Coach Ford said. “They are a the occasion. They showed a grade,” Coach John Ford cided last year at the conclu- “At the beginning of the close group of guys and enjoy lot of fortitude,” he said. The 20 - Catholic Witness • April 11, 2014

Homecoming Surprise Special in Mechanicsburg

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS In utter joy, Kayla and Karson Youch run to the arms of their step-father, Army Reserves Specialist Jeremy Swords, who surprised them at St. Joseph School in Mechanicsburg after his return from Afghanistan.

By Chris Heisey and Karson Youch, second grader, at good to the core. War, at its most aw- that were used when the war in was The Catholic Witness St. Joe’s. ful, keeps families apart, and the total at its zenith five years ago. Though On March 12, exactly 11 months elation on Specialist Swords’ face, the unit did not suffer any casualties, urprise is no easy task these after he deployed, Specialist Swords along with his loved one’s joy, hid danger lurked around every culvert or days, given the world we live returned home to Mechanicsburg to the fact that they were apart for a long Sin. It takes but a moment to partake in surprising his two children year filled with lonely moments. bridge or village street. send a message around the globe, in a grand and special way. With the “I missed that he could not go to The surprise and tearful reunion and students and faculty at St. Joseph whole student body assembled in the my basketball games and Karson’s would not have been possible with- School in Mechanicsburg are well gym for what they were told was their football games,” Kayla said after the out the support of the school’s faculty aware of that truth. That is what made monthly good citizenship awards cer- reunion, with tears still streaming and administration. Assistant prin- a recent surprise all the more special. emony, Kayla and Karson were called down her cheeks. cipal Mary Earnest coordinated the Army Reserves Specialist Jeremy forward to receive an award just as “He missed a couple of my touch- surprise, and proof of the success of Swords left for the dangers of Af- their stepdad appeared from a closed downs last fall,” Karson said. “I ghanistan last April on a deployment door adjacent to the gym. missed him not being here for the im- the planning and end result had to be that would keep him away from his To see the complete surprise on portant stuff going on in our lives.” in the elation shone on the faces of wife, Elizabeth, and his two stepchil- the faces of the two students was one Specialist Swords was a mechanic, Kayla and Karson. That was a special dren, Kayla Youch, a seventh grader, of those moments hard to forget and and his unit helped tear down units moment to be remembered.