Bishop Michael F. Olson Blesses Those Gathered for His Ordination As Bishop and His Installation As Fourth Bishop of Fort Worth

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Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 30 No. 3 March/April 2014

Bishop Michael F. Olson blesses those gathered for his ordination as bishop and his installation as fourth Bishop of Fort Worth

See pages 5 to 11 In This Issue... 5 5 A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR US Michael Olson has become the first OLQP BREAKS GROUND ON FAMILY 12 priest ordained for the Diocese of LIFE CENTER Fort Worth, to then be installed as Before our new bishop was ordained the Bishop of Fort Worth. It has been and installed, he celebrated Mass with a historic and memorable spiritual the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of moment in the history of the diocese. Peace Parish in Wichita Falls, Jan. 26. He helped them break ground for a 14 A LIFE WELL LIVED, WELL new Family Life Center, which then- 14 REMEMBERED: FR. DAVID Bishop-elect Olson said, would not only Benedictine Father David help individual families, but “the entire Bellinghausen was the last of his order parish family, as well as contributing to to pastor Muenster’s Sacred Heart the common good for Wichita Falls.” Church, and he is remembered for how much he loved the people, right down to putting up fresh corn with them. LOCAL CATHOLICS MORE ACTIVELY 13 PRO-LIFE THAN EVER 17 LIGHTER AND BRIGHTER More than 500 gathered to observe 17 This baptism at a Ukrainian Catholic Church the diocese’s Respect Life Mass at St. in St. Louis helps illustrate why we do this Patrick Cathedral, Jan. 24; our first page. Our Catholicism is terribly serious diocesan-sponsored busloads of pro- — and ethereally joyful. If we only get the life marchers and lobbyers traveled to “serious” part, we’re missing out. At least the Texas Rally for Life at the Capitol one page each issue should reflect that. in Austin, Jan. 25; and thousands (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review) packed Dallas's Kay Bailey Hutchison THY WILL BE DONE Convention Center, Jan. 18. Fort Worth 23 ‘ ’ Bishop-elect Stephen Berg chose his and Dallas area Catholics are ever more 23 episcopal motto well, expressing the visible in their opposition to abortion. way he has given his life over to God. Our former diocesan administrator will become the fifth bishop of the Diocese COVER PHOTO: of Pueblo in Colorado, Feb. 27. Bishop Michael Fors Olson, having just been ordained a bishop and installed as the fourth bishop of Fort 30 SHARON PERKINS AND JEFF Worth, stands before the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, HEDGLEN REFLECT ON LENT and one of the symbols of the authority of his office 30 Sharon Perkins, recently returned as the chief teacher and pastor of the Catholic faithful of the diocese. For the first time as bishop of the from her Holy Land pilgrimage, offers diocese, Bishop Olson blesses the people gathered for her poignant reflections on the Via the momentous event, Jan. 29 in the Arena of the Fort Dolorosa. Jeff Hedglen looks at Pope Worth Convention Center. Standing by the cathedra Francis’ call to make our Lenten is Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza of the sacrifices count for something in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and behind Bishop lives of the poor. Olson is Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, archbishop of San Antonio. (Donna Ryckaert / NTC Photo)

PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Joyful activity accompanies welcoming our new bishop, Bishop Michael Fors Olson

henBishop Michael F. Olson, made the circuit of the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena’s floor, following his PUBLISHER: Editorial Office: 800 West W Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, ordination as bishop and his installation as the fourth bishop of Bishop Michael Olson Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; Fort Worth, we clapped vigorously, until it seemed our hands FAX (817) 244-8839. COMMUNICATIONS Circulation Office: Rita could clap no more, then we clapped some more, expressing our DIRECTOR: Pat Svacina Garber, 800 West Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, approval and our support. Some of us even shouted our acclaim EDITOR: Jeff Hensley (817) 560-3300. loudly. It was one of those moments that live in our memories. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC When any event of that size and complexity is carried out ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Newsmagazine (USPS with as much precision and care as that gathering of 8,500 or so Tony Gutiérrez 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published bi-monthly plus was, there is a great deal going on that is hidden. There is careful one special issue in January EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: by the Most Rev. Michael F. projecting and planning. and executing. There is tremendously Judy Russeau Olson, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 W. Loop complex coordination by dozens of dedicated people. WEB DESIGNER: 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas In the case of Bishop Olson's special day, those dozens includ- 76108. For those who are Chris Kastner not registered parishioners ed priests of the diocese, seminarians from Holy Trinity Seminary, in the Diocese of Fort Worth, members of fraternal groups and papal orders, volunteers from a CIRCULATION: Rita Garber subscription rates are $18 for one year, $35 for two years, great number of the churches of the diocese, current and former CONTRIBUTORS: $50 for three years. Periodical employees of the diocese. It was quite a team. postage paid at Fort Worth, Michele Baker Texas. POSTMASTER: Send ad- And the burden fell harder on some than others, likely causing Jenara Kocks Burgess dress changes to North Texas them to sit up in beds across the diocese in the middle of many Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Jaqueline Burkepile Fort Worth, Texas 76108. nights, as they thought of details they had previously missed. Jerry Circelli Deadline for information for Any member of the clergy coming to take his place as our Juan Guajardo the North Texas Catholic is new shepherd, our spiritual leader, would have received the best Kathy Cribari Hamer noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is that we, in the Diocese of Fort Worth, could offer. That’s the way Joan Kurkowski-Gillen published. The NTC is pub- Michael McGee lished bi-monthly, the third things work in the Church of Fort Worth, as they should. Friday of the month, with But the fact that we were able to do this for a man who had Wendy Pandolfo the following two months as Donna Ryckaert the date of each issue. come to maturity among us, a man who had filled out his years To access current news and of formation for the priesthood here; lived out the early years information, find us at www. TRANSLATORS: northtexascatholic.org of that priesthood in churches across the diocese; served us in Ana Fores The appearance of advertis- administraton and in the formation of our seminarians, made it Pedro Moreno ing in these pages does not imply endorsement of busi- that much more special. nesses, services, or products. A friendly acquaintance of mine in San Antonio who works REGULAR COLUMNISTS: Readers must exercise Denise Bossert prudence in responding to for the church told me he’d heard a Methodist minister compare Jean Denton advertising in all media. our new bishop favorably to our new pope. Michael and Francis. Kathy Cribari Hamer Must be something about their joy and attention to others Jeff Hedglen that triggered the comparison. We are twice blessed. Jeff Hensley Check out our website for updated news — northtexas- David Mills catholic.org. Mary Regina Morrell Jeff Hensley Sharon K. Perkins Editor Father Jonathon Wallis

PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 CHURCH, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWSBRIEFS

PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 his cousin was destined for this day. The new bishop comes from a large extended family, and cousins often got together to bowl or enjoy each other’s company. “From the day Michael was born, he was meant to be here,” said the visiting relative. “He never had a mean bone in his body. He’s a kind person with a great sense of humor who was always special — in a good way.” For Ronald and Janice Olson, their son’s ordination day couldn’t arrive fast enough. “The weather has been bad, but they still made it in,” said Ronald Olson, referring to the travel plans of their Chicago guests. “Friends and family are supporting Michael and that’s tremendous.” Sitting with his wife, Janice, and daughters, Patty, Mitzi, and Liz, the high-spirited dad described the eldest of his four living children as a

Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC “people person” who cares about everybody. Bishop Michael Olson sits in the cathedra, the chair of the bishop, signifying that he is the bishop of Fort “We’re just very, very proud of him,” added Worth. He was escorted to the cathedra by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S., his mother Janice Olson. “It’s a wonderful (left), and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio (right). feeling.” The Ordination Mass began with a long and impressive liturgical procession led by the Knights of Columbus, the Knights and Ladies Sede Vacante no longer! of St. Peter Claver, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and the Order of Malta. As the diocesan choir sang “St. Patrick’s Bishop Michael Olson ordained and installed as fourth bishop of Fort Worth Breastplate” and other inspiring hymns, more than 100 seminarians, 230 priests, 60 deacons, and 43 bishops entered the arena-turned-wor- By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent ship space. Ferns, coupled with rows of blue hydran- “We’re in good hands.”That’s how the Monsignor Olson was rector of Holy Trin- geas, delphiniums, and coral-colored azaleas, Consodine family of Wichita Falls reacted ity Seminary in Irving before Pope Francis lined the raised altar. Roses, artfully arranged to the Ordination Mass and Installation appointed him bishop of Fort Worth on Nov. in vases, symbolized the new bishop’s devotion of Michael Fors Olson as the fourth bishop 19. The 28-county diocese has been sede vacante of Fort Worth. More than 8,500 Catholics — without a leader — since Fort Worth’s third CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 and members of communities from across bishop, Kevin Vann, left to become the bishop North Texas gathered inside the Fort Worth of Orange, California in December 2012. Convention Center Arena Jan. 29 to witness one Jose and Gloria Frias arrived early at the of their own priests ascend to the episcopacy of convention center hoping to secure an unob- the fast-growing diocese. structed view of the Ordination Mass. Both are “He’s such a deserving priest. I wasn’t lectors at St. George Church in Fort Worth. surprised at all they made him a bishop,” said “We’re here to see the new bishop,” Jose Evelyn Consodine, who became acquainted said, sporting a tie with the image of Our Lady with a young Michael Olson when he was a of Guadalupe. “He’s a gift from God to all of seminarian assigned to Our Lady Queen of us.” Peace Church. The swell of parishioners, Catholic school She attended his ordination to the priest- children, and out-of-town visitors who turned hood in June 1994 and years later would see out for the solemn, majestic ceremony shared him at the annual Fr. Donlon Vocation Dinner that sentiment. Included in the congregation sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council were more than 50 relatives and friends from Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC 1473 at Wichita Falls’ Sacred Heart Parish. the Chicago area where 47-year-old Bishop Ol- The Very Rev. Daniel Kelley shows the Apostolic The event raises money for the education of son was born and attended school. Mandate appointing Bishop Olson as bishop of Fort seminarians. The bishop’s cousin Bill Ackermann said Worth to all those present.

PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Sede Vacante no longer!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Mike, today God sends the Holy Spirit upon you, so as a bishop you will preach the Gospel to all people. Unite them under to Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “The Little Flower.” one shepherd — Jesus Christ. Sanctify them and guide them to Hanging from a white monolith, a large crucifix, designed by architect Jim Bransford, salvation. served as an appropriate backdrop for the sacred setting. The 8-foot corpus, carved from linden — Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller wood, and a statue of the Blessed Mother placed on the altar, belong to the Discalced Carmelite Metropolitan of San Antonio Province Nuns in Arlington. “The Carmelites don’t leave their enclo- sure, so they are participating in the liturgy by loaning the crucifix and statue of the Madonna from their chapel,” explained Father Jonathan of the Apostolic Mandate from Pope Francis by After swearing his fidelity to the Gospel Wallis, who served as master of ceremonies. Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the Apostolic and the Church, Bishop-elect Olson lay pros- As the metropolitan archbishop of the San Nuncio to the United States. trate on the altar as the “Litany of Saints” was Antonio Province, Archbishop Gustavo García- “Today, Monsignor Michael Olson is about chanted. He then knelt before Archbishop Gar- Siller served as principal consecrator for the to be ordained to the fullness of the priesthood cía-Siller and the other bishops to receive the sacred Rite of Ordination. Assisting as principal and solemnly installed as the fourth bishop of gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Laying on co-consecrators were Bishop Vann and Arch- Fort Worth,” Archbishop Viganò said before of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination. After bishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza of the Arch- addressing the bishop-elect. “As you faithfully his head was anointed with chrism oil, the new diocese of Galveston-Houston. The remaining teach, govern, and sanctify in the name of the bishop received a ring signifying his fidelity to bishops and archbishops seated on the altar also one Good Shepherd, we are confident that you the Church, a miter representing his resolve to acted as co-consecrators. will bring the joy of the Gospel both to the pursue holiness, and a crozier. The curved staff The Rite of Ordination began with the pre- flock entrusted to you as well as the community resembles a shepherd’s crook and is conferred to sentation of Bishop-elect Olson and the reading at large.” remind bishops of their pastoral responsibilities Archbishop García-Siller began his homily and need to watch over their flocks. with a heartfelt expression of hope and good At the conclusion of the Ordination Rite, fortune for the Diocese of Fort Worth. applause filled the arena as Bishop Olson sat in “In you we see love, prayer, and great hope the cathedra — the bishop’s chair — to mark for the future. Michael, felicidades — congratu- the start of his service to the diocese. lations!” he announced, as the congregation Seated in a special section reserved for the applauded its approval. hearing impaired, David Casanova couldn’t In public statements, Pope Francis has contain his excitement. The St. Elizabeth Ann said the Church needs leaders today who have Seton parishioner was part of a delegation cho- simple, humble hearts. Drawing his words from sen to meet the new bishop during the offertory the pontiff’s apostolic exhortation, Evangelii procession. Gaudium, the archbishop reminded Bishop- “The diocese has done so much for the elect Olson to be a pastor who is close to people. deaf community with education programs and “A bishop must be with his people in three money for interpreters. I want to make sure ways — in front of them pointing the way, that continues,” said Casanova, who conveyed among them to prevent them from being scat- that message to Bishop Olson using American tered, and behind them ensuring no one is left Sign Language interpreted by Connie Martin, behind,” he said. diocesan coordinator of the deaf ministry. “I Archbishop García-Siller advised the want the bishop to know that we want to be an bishop-elect to follow the example of the Good essential part of the diocese and will appreciate Shepherd by guiding his flock with authentic his support.” teaching and preaching. Master Sergeant Bryan Guidry said it will “Mike, today God sends the Holy Spirit be difficult to address his long-time friend as upon you, so as a bishop you will preach the something other than “Father Michael.” Gospel to all people,” he said. “Unite them un- “He wasn’t just the priest at the church Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Newly-ordained Bishop Olson addresses the der one shepherd — Jesus Christ. Sanctify them where I belonged,” explained Guidry, a former assembly before the final blessing at the Jan. 29 Mass. and guide them to salvation.” member of St. Michael Church in Bedford, but

PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller More than 8,500 Catholics and community members attended the Jan. 29 ordination of Bishop Olson in the Fort lays hands on Bishop Olson, ordaining him to Worth Convention Center Arena. the episcopacy. now stationed in Altus, Oklahoma. “He’d come the pageantry of the occasion, the throng of over to the house, and we’d drink coffee and white-robed priests and “all of the people of talk about things. He married me and baptized God gathered here,” the new bishop said he two of my kids.” was tempted to ask, “does this Mass count for The Air Force pilot said knowing his parish Sunday?” priest brought him closer to God. The comment generated a roar of laughter “If I ever have a question or someone chal- from the crowd, but the room quickly quieted lenges me about my faith, I have a pretty good as the bishop’s remarks turned serious. He Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC source of information I can turn to,” he added. thanked Archbishop García-Siller for ordaining Deacons Raúl Martinez and Jim Crites hold the Book Another friend, Father Timothy Heines, him and his fellow priests for their fraternity. of the Gospels over Bishop-elect Olson during the pastor of St. Joseph Church in Richardson, “And in a most special way, I thank my Prayer of Ordination. was a classmate of Bishop Olson at St. Mary’s mother and father for the gift of life and the gift Seminary in Houston. He said Bishop Olson of faith,” he continued. not only possesses tremendous wisdom but has In his first address as Bishop of Fort a deep love for the priesthood which forms the Worth, the prelate asked the faithful to return foundation for his ministry. to the basics of discipleship and become follow- “Out of that love, he finds a great deal of ers — and not just admirers — of Jesus. humor and is able to bring the joy of the Gospel “I ask, as we begin this new chapter in our to so many people,” he said. “He has a living, life, that we take as our example and interces- breathing faith and genuinely loves the people sor, the Blessed Mother who really is the first he serves. The people of Fort Worth are so lucky disciple,” he said. “When Gabriel says ‘do not Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC to have a pastor like Michael.” be afraid,’ she (Mary) simply says ‘yes’ to God. Archbishop García-Siller annoints Bishop Olson At the close of the three-hour ceremony, May Mary help us say yes to Christ.” with oil, representing his distinctive share in the the assembly caught a glimpse of Bishop Ol- priesthood of Christ. son’s wit and good-natured personality. Noting

Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Bishop Olson greets David Casanova representing Bishop Olson receives his crozier, signifying the duty Bishop Olson receives the miter from Archbishop the diocese’s Deaf Community. of guiding and governing the Church entrusted to him. García-Siller, signifying his resolve to pursue holiness.

PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 brother was now bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth really didn’t hit home until the evening before the ordination, during a special prayer service at St. Patrick Cathedral. “Last night at Vespers, it just sort of became real,” Rogers said after the ordination. “And just to see him up there today for the ordination and the turnout, everyone who came for him, it was just amazing. “It seems that he’s part of everybody’s family from what we’re hearing,” she continued. “People come up and introduce themselves, and they say, ‘Oh, you’re the bishop’s family. We feel like he’s part of our family, too.’” As far as their own family, Rogers said the bishop was always a good older brother. Another sister, Patty Tucker, also from North Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Bishop Olson celebrates his first Eucharist as bishop. He is joined on the altar by his brother bishops. Richland Hills, added that their brother “always had our backs.” They both said their brother has been New shepherd has always led by example dedicated to the Church for as long as they can remember. By Jerry Circelli / Correspondent “He is just really driven,” said Rogers. “He wanted to be a priest from early on, from The ordination and installation of the of his former student’s installation that night. second grade, and he’s always been a good holy fourth bishop in the 45–year history of the “That was a beautiful moment,” said Mc- man. God has always been in his life.” Diocese of Fort Worth, celebrated Jan. Carthy. “And a real way to honor your parents. Tucker added, “He has always been strong 29 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, I can’t imagine a parent being honored more in his faith.” showed Bishop Michael F. Olson at his greatly, as they should be honored, because he Both sisters said they were happy that finest. recognized that his own vocation came from their brother was named bishop here in the It was not his new bishop’s ring, miter, their fidelity and their love.” Diocese of Fort Worth. “We are excited that or staff — outward, visible symbols of the The moment was also a way for the bishop we get to keep him,” Rogers said. shepherd of the Church — but his humil- to show his new flock of Catholic faithful in Also happy that Bishop Olson will remain ity and respect for the miracle of life that North Texas the importance he places on the in the area is the Sanchez family of Bedford. distinguished him this day. That’s the way his sanctity of life, without lecturing, but through Though not blood relatives, you can count former professor, Dr. John McCarthy of the leading by example. Such was the strength, Catholic University of America in Washing- wisdom, and grace of God’s servant, Michael ton, D.C., saw it. F. Olson, witnessed by his former professor What stood out most to McCarthy during and thousands from throughout the diocese the splendorous 3-hour ordination event was a during his ordination and installation. specific moment when Bishop Olson brought Ronald and Janice Olson — seated front about a standing ovation, not for himself, but and center with their children at the ordina- for his parents. tion — were proud of their son this day. In the arena, filled nearly to capacity, “This was just so wonderful,” Bishop Bishop Olson said, “I promised my father that Olson’s father, Ronald, said. The elder Olson I would not make him stand up. So I won’t. relocated his family from the Chicago area But I’d ask everybody else to do so. I thank my to Fort Worth in 1985, and in 1988 his son mother and my father, and my whole family officially transferred as a seminarian to Fort in particular, for the gift of life and the gift of Worth. “He’s made so many friends here so faith. Thank you very much.” quickly,” his father said, as he looked around With that, the entire crowd of 8,500 the packed arena after the ordination Mass. Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC people in the Fort Worth Convention Center “And he’s just loved the people and loved the Bishop-elect Olson is escorted into the Fort Worth Arena rose to its feet in applause. Church.” Convention Center Arena by Father Karl Schilken McCarthy, who made the trip from the Mitzi Rogers, one of the bishop’s sisters (left) of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Fort Worth, and nation’s capital, said Bishop Olson’s tribute to who lives with her family in North Rich- Father Isaac Orozco (right) of Holy Angels Parish in his parents will forever be the fondest memory land Hills, said the reality of the fact that her Clifton and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Morgan.

PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 them among the many who say Bishop Olson Right: Bishop Olson waves to all those gathered as he walks is part of their family. They waited in a long, around the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena shortly after meandering line for their chance to greet and his ordination. (Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC) congratulate the new bishop during a reception in a large room near the arena where the ordination was held. Sandy Sanchez held a copy Sanchez continued, “He was somebody of the North Texas Catholic Special Ordination who was a beacon to educate you, but he did it Edition containing a 1994 image of then- in a way that you could hear as a teenager.” Father Olson with a group of youngsters at St. Further proof of the bishop’s ability to Michael Church in Bedford. lead new generations toward Christ, Sanchez “That’s Ricky in the white shirt right said, is evident in the work he has done with there,” the proud mother said, pointing out her those studying for the priesthood at Holy Trin- son with other youngsters gathered around the ity Seminary in Irving, where he served as then associate pastor Father Olson in the pho- rector since 2008. tograph. Now a grown man with a family of One of those seminarians, Michael Bayn- his own, Ricky Sanchez explained the picture ham, graduated from Holy Trinity Seminary and brought it to life. two years ago and is studying now at the “It was a post-confirmation group we had Theological College at the Catholic University in high school called Acts 12,” Sanchez said. of America in Washington, D.C. He is in his “We’d get together weekly. We just found a sixth year of seminary studies for the Diocese way to live our faith life together. Father Mike of Dallas, with the goal of being ordained as a led us and started the group. Many of us still priest in 2017. keep contact with one another today. Baynham traveled from Washington, “I look back after 20 years,” Sanchez D.C., to Fort Worth for the ordination of the continued, “and it was a blessing that he was man who was his early personal formation in my life when he was. And I think a lot of advisor on the journey to priesthood. the guys would say the same thing. We were The seminarian and his family were young men, and he challenged us. He just lit warmly greeted by the new bishop at the recep- us on fire at that age, on fire for Christ. He has tion following the ordination. a really good way of relating to youth and just pumping them up.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC Bishop-elect Michael Olson takes the Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Oath of Fidelity to God and the Church The bishop’s symbols of office (ring, crozier, and miter) were blessed Former Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann, now of prior to assuming the Office of Bishop. at a Vespers service the evening before Bishop Olson’s ordination. Orange, California, blesses the symbols of office. On eve of ordination, Bishop-elect Olson takes Oath of Fidelity

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent

On the evening before he was the responsibilities of the Office ordained as the fourth bishop of Bishop, and to submit to the of Fort Worth, Bishop-elect Church. Michael Fors Olson received Bishop-elect Olson then re- some sage advice from a friend ceived the public congratulations and former classmate. of Fort Worth’s civil and ecumeni- “Get to know your flock — cal leaders including Fort Worth their difficulties, trials, tribula- Mayor Betsy Price and Rabbi An- tions, joys, and triumphs,” coun- drew Bloom of the Congregation seled Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Ahavath Sholom. Cruces, New Mexico during a Sol- Before the worship service emn Vespers service celebrated Jan. ended, Bishop-elect Olson ad- 28 in St. Patrick Cathedral. “And dressed the gathering and talked allow them to get to know you so about the importance of placing they encounter the Good Shepherd the common good before the needs through your love.” of the individual. Individualism Bishop Cantú, who delivered creates selfishness, greed, and the homily, attended St. Mary’s resentment. Seminary in Houston with the “Too often, and sadly, it leads bishop-elect and is the youngest to violence and the destruction of Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC prelate in the United States to lead Bishop Vann signs the Oath of Fidelity that had been read aloud by Bishop-elect the human person, especially the a diocese. Olson, certifying that it had been done. weakest members of society who The evening Vespers coincid- are not able to exert their individu- ed with the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas and the New Mexico bishop alism,” he said. honored the doctor of the Church in his sermon. Rights and individualism are often linked, the bishop-elect contin- “He (St. Thomas Aquinas) learned from the great thinkers who came ued. But, instead of becoming a positive force that connects people, rights before him and dialogued with the great thinkers of his day in order to are used as weapons that create distance and draw people away from the solve the issues of his time,” the bishop explained. common good. In the same way, he asked Bishop-elect Olson to “hold dear” the “When we speak of rights, we should think first of responsibilities. traditions and heritage of the Church in dealing with the challenges of Rights with responsibility connect us and help us flourish as human be- today’s society. ings, not simply as individuals, but for the common good.” “Dialogue with the contemporary world to defend human dignity in In addition to the cathedral choir, the congregation heard a rendi- every stage of life from conception to natural death,” he urged. “Stand up tion of “You Are the Shepherd” by students from Our Mother of Mercy for the dignity of those who have no voice and those on the margins of so- School. The diocese closed schools Jan. 29 so students could attend the ciety. Allow the splendor of God’s truth to be disclosed in today’s world.” ordination. During the Vespers, former Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann, who Erin Vader, Our Mother of Mercy principal, said her students loved now leads the Diocese of Orange, California, blessed the pastoral ring, being included in the ordination celebration. staff, and miter Bishop-elect Olson would receive the following day. The “I think it really shows Bishop Olson’s commitment to Catholic edu- bishop-elect also took the Oath of Fidelity, promising to faithfully execute cation,” she said, especially to those students in the inner-city.

PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Pelletier said he first met Bishop Olson through pro-life ac- Before departing, Baynham tivities when the new shepherd of looked back at the bishop as he the diocese was still a seminarian. continued to greet the long line of They forged a fast friendship that well-wishers. continues to this day. “He was a phenomenal rec- This was not the first time tor,” Baynham said. “A great pas- Pelletier and his wife, Pat, have tor. A great Christian. witnessed one of the Church’s sac- “You could always tell that ramental ceremonies conferring he really loved being a priest. And clerical responsibilities on Bishop he loved sharing his priesthood Olson. with others, especially with us as “He’s part of our life and this seminarians.” is our third ordination,” Pelletier Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Baynham said his biggest Hours before his ordination, Bishop-elect Olson and diocesan seminarians go said. “We’ve been to his ordina- takeaway from the day was “just through a rehearsal of the liturgy. tion as transitional deacon, priest, seeing a close mentor of mine and now bishop.” being ordained a bishop and being filled with hope for the Church, be- To watch his friend’s progress from ordination as a deacon in 1993 to cause I know who he is, what type of Christian he is. I know he will be a ordination as a priest in 1994 and then ordination as bishop of the Dio- great leader and pastor for the Diocese of Fort Worth.” cese of Fort Worth 20 years later “is just mind-blowing,” Pelletier said. David LaPointe, a first-year seminarian at Holy Trinity Seminary, “This has all just come together in a beautiful way. We just thank said Bishop Olson had also been his formation advisor. “He was my God that He has given us another great bishop,” Pelletier said. “He has external formator, so when I set goals for the seminary, it was with him, such joy in his heart. You just want to be around somebody who has and we would talk on a regular basis and discuss how things are going that kind of joy and holiness in him. moving forward, and maybe things we need to work on.” “People are going to love him once they get to know him,” Pelletier Even though he has witnessed his rector and advisor being elevated predicted. “And they are going to get to know him because he is going to bishop, LaPointe said he has seen no difference in his relationship to be out there with them.” with the man he has come to respect. He has remained in contact with the bishop and is happy about the new papal appointment. “It’s good because he’s a likable man; he’s a very holy man. He’s someone a lot of guys look up to, so it’s like he went from one level of [being] my boss to the next level. And it’s a beautiful thing.” LaPointe added, “There’s no difference; he’s the same guy. It’s just I have to say ‘Bishop Olson’ instead of ‘Monsignor’ now.” Another man who will have to keep reminding himself about the bishop’s new clerical title is Chuck Pelletier, who heads up the Mother and Unborn Baby Care Center and Catholics United For Life of North Texas. A man who has worked tirelessly for decades to protect the rights of the unborn and help mothers through crisis pregnancies, Pelletier was among the first to congratulate Bishop Olson on his installation.

Congratulations Bishop Michael Olson

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, graciously look upon Your faithful servant, Michael, whom You have been pleased to ap- point pastor over Your Church in Fort Worth: Grant, we beseech You, that by both word and example he may edify those over whom he is set, and together with the flock committed to his care, may attain to eternal life.

Saint Peter Catholic Church Lindsay, Texas

PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Diocese celebrates DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Catholic schools at annual NEWSBRIEFS Catholic Schools Banquet OLQP breaks By Jacqueline Burkepile Catholic education is all about. Correspondent “What you do matters,” she con- ground for new FORT WORTH — Catholic school cluded. “Most importantly, it matters to Family Life Center employees and supporters gathered to- God. You are God’s arms in the world, gether for the 27th Annual Celebration and I’m here to thank you for the great By Jenara Kocks Burgess Correspondent of Catholic Schools Saturday, Jan. 25 work that you do.” Photo by Bertha Salazar / NTC at the Fort Worth Convention Center Diocesan Superintendent of Schools WICHITA FALLS — Parishioners of Bishop Olson blesses the ground where Ballroom, bringing together representa- Don Miller presented the Diocesan Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in the parish’s Family Life Center will go. tives from all 20 schools in the diocese. Leadership Award to Lon C. Kile, stat- Wichita Falls filled the pews on Sunday, Keynote speaker Dr. Mary C. Mc- ing that he is a generous contributor to Jan. 26, to celebrate Mass and then a many activities in the growing parish Donald centered her address on finding the Bishop’s Scholars Fund, St. George groundbreaking for their new Family including religious education for chil- Jesus inside the Catholic school, with and Our Mother of Mercy Schools, and Life Center with then Bishop-elect Mi- dren and adults, and for various groups a particular emphasis on the power of “has invested countless hours offering chael F. Olson, who had, years earlier, and outreach programs. prayer and making Christ visible to the his personal and professional expertise served his internship year as a seminar- Fr. Sojan said the construction phase students daily. to support Catholic schools…” ian at their parish. will take 10 months and will cost $3 “What is it that makes Catholic Kile said the award is a great honor, Pastor Father Sojan George, HGN, million. “We are in the midst of a capital education so different and valuable but that he tends to focus primarily on said the new addition will be 20,460 campaign to raise money and, thanks to in our country and in our world?” the work the teachers do for the students. square feet. He also said the current the generosity of the parishioners, our asked McDonald, who is the CEO “I’ve been very blessed with the parish hall only accommodates 300 pledges have reached over $2.2 million.” and founder of MCD Partners, which things I have,” said Kile, “and I want people, but the new hall will accom- Bishop Olson, Fr. Sojan, and Dcn. provides a variety of educational con- to give back to people who are under- modate 650. The hall will be attached Bindel joined other parish and com- sulting services. “That Christ is present resourced, especially the kids, and espe- on the east side of the church. munity leaders in breaking the ground. in our Catholic schools. Making Christ cially those who go to Catholic schools “If we have something in the church “It’s important to see a lot of good, present to the children we serve is what here in the Diocese of Fort Worth.” now and we have a reception or some- dear friends of mine …with whom I thing in the parish hall, we lose people. not only have personal friendships but They go out to their car and say, ‘I’m also now have pastoral responsibility Like John the Baptist, MLK points us going to go home,’” said Deacon Jim and care for,” Bishop Olson said. “And to Jesus, says guest homilist Bindel. “This way they can get to it I’m so excited that they’re investing in from the hallways inside, so it’s just a Family Life Center. It will help not By Michele Baker more accessible for them.” only individual families, but also the Correspondent Fr. Sojan and Dcn. Bindel both entire parish family, as well as contrib- ARLINGTON — St. Vincent de Paul said the new Family Life Center will ute to the common good for Wichita Parish in Arlington resounded with also have four meeting rooms for the Falls,” he said. ancient drumming, solemn spirituals, and the joyous strains of Gospel music as people from around the diocese Diocesan religious gather for World gathered for the 28th Annual Martin Day for Consecrated Life Luther King, Jr. Memorial Mass Jan. 11. Then Diocesan Administrator By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Each year the number of religious men Monsignor Stephen Berg celebrated Correspondent and women attending has increased. Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC the liturgy, which fell on the Feast of Fr. Kenneth Hamilton, SVD, gave the FORT WORTH — Bishop Michael In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted the Baptism of the Lord, with special homily for the diocese’s annual MLK Olson presided at a Vespers service a day of prayer for women and men in guest homilist, Father Kenneth Hamil- Memorial Mass. in St. Patrick Cathedral that brought consecrated life and attached the cel- ton, SVD. Fr. Hamilton connected the together more than 75 sisters, brothers, ebration to the Feast of the Presentation baptism of Jesus to Dr. King’s famous to Him and say, ‘Behold the Lamb of and priests from across the diocese to of the Lord on Feb. 2 — also known “Dream” and the call of the lay faithful. God! I am not worthy to untie the straps celebrate the World Day for Consecrated as Candlemas. “I can see Martin standing like John of his sandals.’ How much greater? So Life Feb. 3. “On this day (altar) candles are the Baptist. Standing on the shores of much greater than he could imagine so “This was Bishop Olson’s first blessed symbolizing Christ who is the the Jordan River, pointing: pointing not that now we can truly say that Martin’s diocesan gathering with the religious light of the world. In the same way, those to himself but to something, Someone dream wasn’t nuthin’ less than the and he expressed his deep gratitude in consecrated life are called to reflect greater than he,” he said. “How much dream of Jesus, that same Lamb of God for their presence,” said Sister Yolanda the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples,” greater? So much so that he can point who takes away the sin of the world!” Cruz, SSMN who organized the event. Sr. Yolanda explained.

PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Diocese’s annual DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Pro-life movement Respect Life NEWSBRIEFS about compassion, Mass draws 500 says priest at By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Dallas Roe Mass Correspondent FORT WORTH — More than 500 By Juan Guajardo worshippers gathered at St. Patrick Ca- Correspondent thedral Jan. 24 for the annual diocesan DALLAS — Thousands of pro-lifers Respect Life Mass. from across North Texas packed the “This is an opportunity to stand up Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention for what is right,” said Fourteen-year- Center in Dallas for the Roe Memorial old Melissa Northcutt. “The subject of Mass prior to taking to the streets of abortion comes up occasionally with my downtown for the 41st Dallas March friends. I give my opinion and back it for Life, Saturday, Jan. 18. up with facts.” Speaking to the more than 6,500 The pro-life movement continues to people gathered, Father Alfonse Naz- gain momentum — a fact supported by zaro of All Saints Parish in Dallas, said he’s heard people complain that Pope the record-breaking crowd that turned Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC out on a chilly Friday night for the lit- Members of the Diocese of Fort Worth delegation join thousands of other pro- Francis doesn’t speak enough about urgy, said Michael Demma, director life Texans marching toward the state Capitol Jan. 25 for the Texas Rally for Life. abortion. of the diocesan Respect Life Office. “No, he speaks about life — all the Then-Diocesan Administrator Diocese sponsors delegation joining time,” Fr. Nazzaro explained, recalling Monsignor Stephen Berg celebrated the how the pope embraced a disfigured Mass. “Our cause tonight — respect for Texas Rally for Life at State Capitol man, which strengthened and encour- life from the moment of conception to aged the man to come out of hiding and natural death — is not something par- By Jerry Circelli all those who have been victimized by reveal his story to the world. ticular to our religion. It’s fundamental Correspondent abortion. Bring about healing for those “What does the Holy Father say?” to the Gospel,” he said. AUSTIN — More than 100 Catholics who suffer and help them recognize you Fr. Nazzaro continued. “That every Referencing Pope Francis’ recent from the Diocese of Fort Worth joined as a God of mercy and compassion.” life is worthy. Every human being has apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gadium their voices with several thousand pro- Delia Yzaguirre of St. Patrick Ca- a dignity. That’s what he said. Wanted (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Msgr. Berg life supporters at the Texas Rally for thedral, an active pro-life supporter who or not wanted, ‘beautiful’ or disfigured, said defense of unborn life is closely Life on the steps of the State Capitol in has served through Project Gabriel, 40 every human life is beautiful and needs linked to the defense of every other Austin Jan. 25. They traveled to Aus- Days for Life, and other counseling pro- to be embraced.” human right. You can’t solve problems tin on buses chartered by the diocese’s grams, said she welcomed the fellowship He encouraged his audience to con- by eliminating human life. Respect Life Office. among people who shared her outlook tinue making the pro-life movement one “Life is given and meant for God. That office’s director, Mike Dem- about the beginning of life. of compassion and one that helps people We are made to be loved, to love, and ma, said this was the first Texas Rally “The secular media is so biased and “to come out of their hiding place, to to do the work of love,” he explained. for Life bus trip to Austin that the uninterested in the pro-life movement, be willing to reveal their humanity, to “That is what we celebrate this evening.” diocese has organized. Past trips were they disregard it,” Yzaguirre said. “Re- forgive themselves, to allow the Lord to undertaken by parishes and church- ally, you tend to think that you’re all forgive them, and to reveal our Christ.” related organizations. alone out there.” Afterward, the assembly joined Demma said people are becoming St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner thousands of other pro-lifers of different more aware of the [alarming] numbers Cameron Walton was also proud to par- Christian denominations, who attended of unborn lives destroyed through ticipate in the event, and although he a separate praise and worship service in abortion. is only 17 years old, it was not his first the convention center, for the start of Diocese of Austin Bishop Joe rally. He attended the March for Life in the march. They ended their procession Vásquez led the opening prayer for the Washington, D.C., two years ago and through downtown at the Earle Cabell ecumenical rally. liked the feeling of being surrounded by Federal Building — the site where the “As we gather to remember the an- thousands of other pro-life supporters. Roe v. Wade case was first filed in 1970. niversary of the Supreme Court decision “You don’t feel alone. You feel you Opening the series of rally speakers, in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion, can carry on,” Walton said. “I think Bishop Farrell reminded the audience we recommit ourselves in our efforts to it’s extremely important just to show of the danger of becoming indifferent

Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC change the law and provide protection yourself and the world that you have to suffering and urged them to not be- A mother guides her young daughter for the most vulnerable in our society the strength to step out of your shell come apathetic to “the fact that so many in carrying a votive candle to the altar. — the unborn,” he said. “We pray for and to show everyone what you believe.” children can die each day by abortion.”

PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 IN MEMORY Fr. David Bellinghausen, OSB, last Benedictine pastor of Muenster’s Sacred Heart dies at 74

By Jenara Kocks Burgess Jerry Bellinghausen professed have wanted for a better thing,” Correspondent his vows as a monk on Aug. 15, 1961, she said. receiving the name David. For nearly As a priest, he served on Subiaco Father David Bellinghausen, two decades Brother David worked Academy’s faculty from his ordina- OSB, age 74, a monk of Subiaco primarily as a linotype operator, tion to 1989, and as pastor of Holy Abbey in Arkansas and the last printer, and manager of the Abbey’s Redeemer Church in Clarkesville, Benedictine priest to serve as pastor print shop until it closed in 1981. He Arkansas, and its mission, Sacred of Sacred Heart Church in Muenster, was also a Christian doctrine instruc- Heart Church in Hartman from died Dec. 31, 2013. tor at nearby Scranton, Arkansas, 1989-1994. In 1994, he was sent to “He was a kind-hearted person, and worked on SEARCH Retreats, Texas where he was made pastor of and he cared about his parishioners, Marriage Encounters, and in various Sacred Heart Parish in Muenster, at that’s for sure,” said Werner Becker, other retreat programs. the time the largest parish staffed by who, along with his wife Linda, are Br. David studied for the Subiaco Abbey’s Benedictines. longtime members of Sacred Heart. priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary Several Sacred Heart parishio- Photo courtesy of Subiaco Abbey Mass of Christian Burial for College near Covington, Louisi- Father David Bellinghausen, OSB ners said that Fr. David became their Fr. David was celebrated Jan. 4 at ana, and Notre Dame Seminary friend as well as their pastor during St. Benedict Church at Subiaco. He in New Orleans. After graduating the priesthood by Bishop Andrew J. the time he was at Muenster. Even was interred in the Abbey Cemetery. with a bachelor’s degree in religious McDonald of Little Rock. after returning to Subiaco in 1997, Fr. David was born Gerald studies and philosophy in 1983, he Phyllis Barker of Fort Worth, the priest continued to visit his for- Raymond Bellinghausen on Aug. entered the Pontifical College Beda Fr. David’s youngest sister, said that mer parishioners when he came to 31, 1939, to Hubert and Rosa in Rome, while living at Collegio she and her family felt it was a bless- Texas to visit his siblings during his (Duesterhaus) Bellinghausen in Sant’ Anselmo, the international ing that her brother became a priest. vacations. Rhineland, where he was the ninth Benedictine center in Rome. Br. “My mother and daddy couldn’t “Several of the people (in of 10 children. He attended St. Joseph David had the unique privilege of Parochial School under the direction serving as deacon of the Ash Wednes- of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, day Mass celebrated by Pope John and Rhineland High School, where Paul II on Feb. 22, 1986, at Santa he graduated as valedictorian of the Sabina Church in Rome, receiving class of 1957, according to an obitu- the blessed ashes from the hands of ary written by Abbot Jerome Kodell, the Holy Father, Abbot Kodell wrote OSB, of Subiaco Abbey. He attended in the obituary. After completing his North Texas State University in Den- theological studies in June 1986, Br. ton for a year before going to Subiaco David returned to Subiaco, where, as a candidate for the Benedictines on the Solemnity of All Saints, on Jan. 17, 1960. Nov. 1, 1986, he was ordained to

PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Muenster) were talking, and all of us said she worked with many of the couldn’t believe how lucky we were Benedictine priests who served at JD Trucking that Fr. (David) wanted to be our Sacred Heart, including Fr. David. General construction work/repairs inside and out including topsoil, friend,” said Betty Miller, longtime “He was wonderful to work sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, concrete, backhoe, and Sacred Heart parishioner. “One of the with, very approachable, outgoing tractor services. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. men at the funeral said he couldn’t and fun,” she said. believe how many times that was When he returned to Subiaco, said — that everyone felt so lucky Fr. David was appointed prior of the that Father wanted to be their friend. monastery by Abbot Kodell. Serving We sure enjoyed him,” Miller said. in this capacity for 15 years, he also Fifteen Sacred Heart parishio- assisted with the abbey’s Black Angus ners traveled to Arkansas to attend Fr. cattle farm. In August 2012, he was David’s funeral, including Miller and appointed pastor of St. Mary Church her husband Robert, she said. Miller in Altus, Arkansas, where he served recalled how one Fourth of July, Fr. until his death. David called her to see what she and His sister, Catherine Pavlicer of Robert were doing. She told him that Colleyville, said that Fr. David really they had just picked 200 ears of corn enjoyed people and parish life and so they would be spending the morn- wanted to be in a parish again after ing shucking the corn and putting it serving as prior of the monastery. away for future use. “‘I can be there “He loved every minute of it. by 10 a.m. to help,’ he told me. Then He loved the people and the people he helped us for a couple of hours loved him,” Pavlicer said about the putting away the corn,” Miller said. parish in Altus. Many parishioners remembered Fr. Bellinghausen is survived by their former pastor visiting them his two sisters, Catherine Pavlicer and at home. Lifelong Sacred Heart Phyllis Barker, and three brothers, parishioner Joan Hartman recalled Urban of Munday, Alvin of Ama- how Fr. David would visit her and rillo, and Charles of Justin. He was her husband Alvin on the farm on preceded in death by his parents, some evenings. his sister, Ilene Redder, and broth- “We took him to the farm many, ers, Wilfred, Herbert, and William many evenings, and we’d take a lunch “Bill” Bellinghausen. out there or sit out there and just visit Memorials may be made in in the evenings,” she said. “It was kind Fr. David Bellinghausen’s name for of his relaxation time. And he really, Subiaco’s ongoing Monk Education really enjoyed that.” Campaign and sent to Subiaco Ab- Fr. David was Sacred Heart’s last bey, 405 N. Subiaco Ave., Subiaco, Benedictine pastor before the parish AR 72865. was returned to the pastoral care of the diocese in 1997. The Benedictines To Report Misconduct of Subiaco had served the parish for If you or someone you know is a 104 years. Barbara Rohmer, who has victim of sexual misconduct by been the director of religious educa- anyone who serves the church, tion at Sacred Heart for 27 years, you may ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assis- tance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or e-mail her at jlocke@ fwdioc.org ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot- line (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 and leave a message. To Report Abuse Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400

PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

Godmother Oksana Vydash holds Veronika Victoria Grace Wang reads over the program for the Chinese Pope Francis greets Sri Lankan dancers after a Mass Shalai during her baptism at St. Mary’s Assumption lunar new year celebration at St. Therese Chinese for Sri Lankan pilgrims in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Louis Jan. 12. (CNS Church in Chicago’s Chinatown Feb. 2 prior to Vatican Feb. 8. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review) Mass kicking off the celebration. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway/Catholic New World)

Msgr. Kieran Harrington, rector of the Co-Cathedral Bp. David O'Connell joins students at St. Jerome Ashley Jarvis performs a liturgical dance during of St. Joseph in Brooklyn, looks at a recently School in West Long Branch, N.J., as they sing an a Mass celebrated in observance of Black History installed mural of American saints and sainthood alphabet song, during his Catholic Schools Week Month at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, candidates at the co-cathedral Jan. 28. (CNS photo/ visit. (CNS photo/Craig Pittelli, courtesy The Monitor) N.Y., Feb. 8. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) Gregory A. Shemitz) Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com 1. Father of King 3. Devote David 4. Intelligence 2. Oust 5. Senior

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PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN

Enforced lack of mobility gave my Lent a ‘kick start’

This is one of those years when Lent starts later than usual. Ash Wednesday is typically in All of this sitting around has led me February, but this year it is March 5. So for pretty much everyone to realize that for me, this time will else the self-sacrifice, and giving Jeff Hedglen is the Campus up of things, and extra prayer, Minister at UTA and associate fasting, and almsgiving starts a be a mere eight to 12 weeks but for director of Young Adult Ministry for few weeks later on the calendar. the diocese. He is also the primary But in a particular way, for me people in nursing homes, or who convener of Camp Fort Worth’s Lent began Jan. 9, for that is the many editions. day I gave up walking for 56 days (give or take). are bedridden, or who have other For the past 10 years or so I have had foot pain. I recently physical or mental illnesses, their discovered that my heel is mis- aligned, and this caused my foot plight is surely far more frustrating to be angled to the outside when Lent” was a result of surgery; we I walk. The result of this crooked all are about to embark on the heel was that all the bones in my than I can ever imagine. Church’s season of Lent. Prayer foot, instead of coming down with and fasting seem to be the “stars” the weight equally distributed, of Lent, but almsgiving is equally would all crush to the outside. important. The Catechism of the Step after step my foot would Catholic Church equates Almsgiv- get inflamed. Every day there schedule. My job as a Campus as others did what I used to do, ing with Works of Mercy (CCC, was pain, but on days with a lot Minister at UTA is pretty de- was much harder than I thought 2447). So this year, maybe your of time on my feet, the pain was manding on my time and is 40 it would be. One of the biggest Lenten observance could include almost unbearable. To make a minutes away from my house. areas of frustration has been the visiting a nursing home, or run- long story short, the surgeon cut a Add to this other meetings I need not being able to drive. On many ning errands for someone who wedge out of my heel and screwed to attend as well as social gather- occasions I would think “On my cannot get around as easily as you. it back together and thus initiat- ings, and you have a recipe for way to work I can stop by….” But Maybe your sacrifice could come ing my early Lent. frustration, at the least, and worse of course there was no stopping by, in the form of giving someone What makes the aftermath on the bad days. because my way to work comes via who is a primary caregiver a day of the surgery extra Lent-like is For the first four weeks of very kind students who live close off from being in the home with that the foot in question is my the recovery I was pretty much to me and are racing to class. his or her loved one. right foot, and not only can I not relegated to sitting around. I had All of this time sitting When we think of all the walk for 8 to12 weeks, I can also one of those new-fangled knee around has led me to realize that Lord God has sacrificed for us, not drive for the same amount of scooters to help me get around, for me, this time will be a mere it is fitting that we sacrifice for time. This has been an exercise but still my movements were very eight to 12 weeks but for people others. This time of being the in patience and humility for me, limited. I could get from room to in nursing homes, or who are bed- recipient of others’ sacrifice has and in some ways, even more for room, but I could not do much ridden, or who have other physi- renewed in me the desire to my amazing wife who has been once I got there. cal or mental illnesses, their plight return this offering. I just might living the vow “in sickness and in Not being able to get my own is surely far more frustrating than be walking on my own by Ash health” in stellar fashion. food and drink, having to “shower” I can ever imagine. Wednesday. This year I plan to Like most people, I like to at a sink, precariously perched on Lent is a time of sacrifice and give up being the served and start be self-sufficient and set my own said scooter, and having to watch doing without, while my “early doing the serving.

PAGE 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 VOICE Bishop Olson’s installation brings to mind decades of visuals of our bishops By Kathy Cribari Hamer

I dreamed last night there was a new chosen by Pope Francis to be the fifth bish- book on our coffee table. op of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado. It was partially covered by stacks of oth- Bishop Olson has Later, Bishop Olson and his co-consecra- er books, and it could have been anything— tors walked the arena amid huge cheers from a text book, a cookbook, a yearbook? connected and worked a community delighted with its new leader. I Partially hidden, the book’s title read, was especially moved by Bishop Vann, strid- simply, All By My View. with an enormous ing with Bishop Olson, raising his own arms I have been thinking of events recently number of people in in a motion reminiscent of football players — the kind that fill our lives. There are gesturing for crowds to, “make noise!” always events shaping us, ornamenting our different facets of the Indeed, everyone made noise that memories. Like the cookbooks of our lives, day. With tears, shouts, and laughter, they “events” are what we put together to make diocese, and some showed their love for both the third and the delicious feast we consume portions of, 8,500 of them attended fourth bishops of Fort Worth,Texas. every single day. I left the ordination with warm visual Our diocese provides us with huge this event. images: the diocese’s second bishop, and events, so I frequently spend time in the Fort tender shepherd, Joseph Delaney; the third Worth Convention Center, photograph- bishop, Kevin Vann, whose energy and spirit ing or writing about them. Whenever I am er, proud sisters — who alternated between led the cheers for his successor; the fourth there, I remember a years-old image of the smiling and dabbing their eyes with tissues bishop Michael Olson, whose quick sense of second bishop of Fort Worth. — and his extended family. humor connected with all his people; and the The stop-motion in my mind is Bishop The most precious members of his fam- fifth bishop — of Pueblo, Colorado — Ste- Joseph Delaney, in an upper floor window, ily, I believe, may be his “dear, dear seminar- phen Berg, who, the previous year had steered gazing down into the convention center at ians,” the treasures of his years as rector of the Diocese of Fort Worth with excellence. the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving. Last night I dreamed of a new coffee- bishop was ill at that time, but stood, hold- In his post-liturgy remarks, Bishop table book entitled All By My View. ing his crosier, watching his flock. He could Olson alternately entertained and touched It was only a dream! see native dance, hear rhythmic drumming the hearts of the community assembled to But, when I awoke and pondered it, I and great joy, and his quiet countenance was rejoice with him. knew who the author would have been. It contented and proud. The new bishop showed his tender wasn’t a photographer, seeing events through In January, our convention center wit- nature, as well as his perfect comedic tim- a viewfinder, as I have for many years. nessed the ordination of the diocese’s fourth ing, first thanking Archbishop Gustavo Instead it would have been authored by bishop, Michael Olson. Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, “For your very the person who made those things happen. Bishop Olson has connected and great kindness in ordaining me today, and The events we have experienced these worked with an enormous number of people for your warm service as our metropolitan past few months — all our lives — happened in different facets of the diocese, and some archbishop. You reminded me of the words IN the Lord’s view to be sure. But mostly, 8,500 of them attended this event. There of Pope Francis, that I am to ‘smell like the they happened BY his view. BY his vision. were those he knew during his years of sheep.’ And thanks to you I do,” he said, And by the love of his Sacred Heart. study, friends from all parts of the country, referring to his generous anointing with oil. I praise and thank Him. and a massive number of clergymen. The “Particularly after confirmation.” remarks and greetings were stunning. People With reference to the third bishop of Kathy Cribari Hamer and praised his similarity to Pope Francis; his Fort Worth, Kevin Vann, Bishop Olson said her husband are members personal attraction to young people. One God had sent him to the diocese “when we of St. Andrew Parish. Her couple who knew him from a previous as- were very much in need of a loving pastor family life column has been signment referred to him as a “teddy bear.” and a very good priest. “ recognized repeatedly by the Present were his father, of whom our He also thanked Msgr. Stephen Berg, Catholic Press Association of new bishop seems a digital image, his moth- “a dear friend and a brother priest,” recently the United States and Canada.

PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 VOICE

Lent’s ‘giving up’ can lead to appreciating the Giver and his gifts anew

By David Mills

On her way home from work my then- I’d never thought of trying. Coming fiancé would come by the house I shared to Church from outside, this one discipline with several guys. Sometimes she would just felt right to me. You watch your fiance just say hello and sometimes we’d have One Lent I’d given up till she’s out of sight, even if you’re freezing. dinner together, along with a changing You give God your coffee during Lent. Same selection of my housemates, their friends, coffee, and when I had thing. their friends’ friends, as well as a dog named You benefit too, of course. As I wrote a Brodie and a cat named (he belonged to my first cup couldn’t few years ago in an article called “Just give someone with an odd sense of humor) Judas. it up,” giving something up teaches us how We lived in the middle of a small city believe how good it was. much hold the world has on us. We like to and when she left, I would stand on the think that we’d give up anything for God porch and watch her car till she crossed the I’d been knocking the with a snap of our fingers — anything at all, main street a couple of blocks down and even our lives — but most of us find it hard turned out of sight. Traffic being heavy on stuff down for years but to give up something that really doesn’t mat- the main street, this sometimes took two or ter. You dream of standing up to the lions in three minutes. I lived on the coast north of had forgotten how good the coliseum, and find yourself ticked off at Boston, and if it was a winter’s day and I’d your children because they ate all the pie. come out without a coat, as I usually did really good coffee could Giving up something also teaches you (who thinks ahead at that age?), I could get how good are all these things, all these gifts really cold really fast. But I would not go in be. Enjoying coffee is a of the Lord. Whether you relax the discipline till the car was out of sight. on Sundays or go hardcore and don’t relax it I did it because . . . I can’t explain it small pleasure but still a till Easter, the things you’ve given up come rationally. It just seemed the right thing to to you afresh, almost as if you’d never en- do. In the middle of a romance, even sober pleasure that discipline joyed them before. adults commit themselves to small and One Lent I’d given up coffee, and when meaningless rituals of which the loved one had given me back. I had my first cup couldn’t believe how good may never know. It never occurred to me to it was. I’d been knocking the stuff down tell her and I didn’t for years afterward. for years but had forgotten how good really When in love, we give our loved one good coffee could be. Enjoying coffee is a gifts with no real practical use. We give small pleasure but still a pleasure that disci- flowers, not plumbers’ helpers or motor oil. pline had given me back. The man who suddenly wants to give his We should be doing other things in Lent wife a present, if he’s sane, gives her flowers as well, like praying more, reading more that will wilt in a few days and not a new thinking pointlessly is the same. It’s a gesture Scripture, and giving to the needy. These blender that costs the same amount but will love encourages. things have their costs and their benefits as last for years. Rational cost-benefit analy- This may sound much sappier than well. The disciplines together can make Lent sis argues for the blender, normal human I intend. But as we look forward to Ash a great season, and all of us better people instinct for the flowers. Wednesday, less than two weeks away, it’s than we were, which by itself is a great thing. I think this helps explain the tradi- something to remember. I’ve met people tional Lenten disciplines, especially giving who said they used to give something up but David Mills is a writer living in New up something we like. A Christian’s love for didn’t any more because they felt they were York City. His “Just give it up” can be the Lord isn’t a romance, of course, but the trying to bribe God, and others who accused found at http://www.firstthings.com/ impulse to give sacrificially and to practical me of trying to bribe God. web-exclusives/2009/02/just-give-it-up.

PAGE 19 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 VOICE

Forgiveness is a discipline even more than it is an attitude

By Denise Bossert

Never underestimate the Holy Spirit in revealing those things one needs to jettison. Recently, the Holy Spirit sat me down and had a come-to-Jesus chat I must be conformed to the image of my with me. I was replaying someone’s offense over Lord Jesus Christ — the One who forgives and over in my mind. Every time I remembered the offense, I would feel the betrayal even the worst sinner — even me. The anew, which led to another act of forgiveness. My memory was hijacking me. I needed some help from the gifts of the same power that raised Jesus from the Holy Spirit. A little wisdom. Some under- standing. A helping of right judgment. dead transforms us. And the spin cycle of It would be so much easier to get am- nesia. Forgiveness may be an act of the will, sin loses its hold on our lives. but what can a person do with an active memory? How could I stop remembering? Would I ever get out of the spin cycle I had fallen into? With a little help from the Holy Spirit, to appeal to the Holy Spirit. mean to be a follower of Christ? What does I realized that the problem was arrogance When we fall into the trap of labeling it mean to be Catholic? and pride — which meant the antidote was other people solely in light of their sin, we It means that even the most ingrained meekness and humility. stop seeing the good in that person. That’s habits can change. In fact, the things in us So, each time I remembered, I would what my confessor says, and then he adds, that don’t look like Christ must change! hit my knees. “Who wants to be defined by his or her I must be conformed to the image of my If I did that the very second in which worst moments?” Lord Jesus Christ — the One who forgives my memory took me back to the offense, I certainly don’t. And it is a pretty aw- even the worst sinner — even me. The same my hurt evaporated and peace took its place. ful existence to see others and immediately power that raised Jesus from the dead trans- And I mean in the very second — like when think of just one thing, that thing. forms us. And the spin cycle of sin loses its stepping out of the shower and I’m shiver- Within weeks, I began remembering hold on our lives. ing cold or when snuggled down under the the good in the one who had hurt me in the Go ahead. Hit your knees. There is covers for the night. I immediately began to past. That’s some kind of spiritual miracle. power there. You were meant for far greater pray, on my knees. That’s the power of God active in the life of things than relentless bitterness. You have Within a few weeks, I stumbled across a believer. I stopped remembering the thing, been called to the abundant life in Christ. this quote by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: and I remembered how to love. It’s kind of amazing that one can discover “Forgiving requires love; forgetting requires This is not a self-improvement program. joy and freedom in the simple act of kneeling humility.” The Holy Spirit was nodding. It’s not about working on one’s bad habits. before God. Humility was the key. I knew I loved Jesus Christ changes us. the offender. I truly did. That’s why I was We talk about the good news and saint- Denise Bossert has four children and is a able to forgive again and again — every making, but what does that mean? member of Immaculate Heart of Mary in time the memory took me back. Humility Are we really just the same people, do- New Melle, Missouri. Her column Catholic enabled me to let the memory go. ing the same things in all the same ways? Is by Grace has run in 46 diocesan newspapers. I didn’t have to be a spiritual giant to the only notable difference between us and Check out her blog at catholicbygrace.blogspot. take down the memory monster. I just had everybody else a mere label? What does it com.

PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 CATHOLIC CHARITIES Need YPO informs and involves

Need YPO members (l to r) Nick Cirbo, Melissa Harris, and Katie Hanners are joined by local businesswoman Barbara Clark-Galupi (far right) at the Need YPO “Lunch and Learn” event, held in October. (Photo courtesy of CCFW) Nick Cirbo, 31, an investment who share their expertise in areas management professional, is such as immigration policy, the a busy man. He and his wife, importance of a living wage, and Julia, are the parents of a young access to healthcare. It’s a great daughter, and his time is limited. way to educate young profession- “Like most young professionals, als about critical issues.” I have many obligations, and I In addition to the regular want to feel like my volunteer lunches, Need YPO also offers service is time well spent,” he numerous service opportunities, says. “I was glad to learn about says Katelin Cortney, CCFW Catholic Charities and to get director of public relations. involved with their work to end “This innovative way of poverty.” reaching out to young profes- Cirbo serves as a founding sionals was the culmination of co-chair of Catholic Charities months of planning,” Cortney Fort Worth (CCFW)’s Need explains. “Now that Need has YPO, the agency’s organization completed its first full year of life, for young professionals. Need we see so much interest, and so YPO has the goal of creating many exciting opportunities for advocates who will work to end continued growth.” poverty in North Texas, says Cirbo, a parishioner at Good Cirbo. “We created Need around Shepherd Church in Colleyville, the concept that everyone needs says that the time he has invested something, and we know that in Need YPO has helped make those in poverty need our help,” him feel at home in Fort Worth he notes. “This organization is after he and his wife moved to for the young professionals in Texas in 2011 from Miami. Tarrant County who feel the “I’ve made some great need to get involved and want friendships, and learned a lot to make a difference.” about issues that are important Cirbo explains that the or- in this community,” he says. ganization offers opportunities “Catholic Charities is really an for its members to have fun while excellent organization. They do participating in informative and amazing work each and every day meaningful events. “One of the to effectively combat poverty in unique aspects of the organiza- this community. It’s very fulfill- tion is that we don’t fundraise, ing to be a part of that effort. but we do raise awareness,” he For more information, visit adds. “Need YPO sponsors quar- www.catholiccharitiesfort- terly lunches, featuring speakers worth.org or call (817) 534-0814.

PAGE 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 SEEKING GOD’S PATH VOCATIONS We should be asking God, not ourselves, what we’re supposed to do with our lives

How many times have you been asked, “What do you wish me to do?” If you happen to see a do you want to be when you grow up?” This young man who might make a good priest, ask is a very common question from our days in him to consider a vocation to the priesthood. school. Yet, how often have we been asked, If you see a young woman who might make a Father Jonathan Wallis, STL, was ordained to “What does God want you to be when you good nun, please encourage her to prayerfully the priesthood in 2007 and has served as the grow up?” This question changes things consider this vocation. Vocations Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth considerably. There are many competing voices in the since June 2013. The first question focuses us on ourselves. world. There are some which desire to drown We might put together a personal inventory of out the voice of Jesus Christ in our lives. the voice of God and following what He tells you strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, Simply asking someone to listen to what Jesus to do. If you have found your vocation, please talents and foibles. From these, we might nar- Christ desires for them is a powerful way to encourage and assist others to do the same. row down career paths and jobs; find a school make God’s voice heard. The first disciples heard and followed the where we might learn a trade; then go to work. We all have a part to play in encouraging voice of Jesus Christ. May we both listen for However, when we ask what God wants vocations. Please be courageous in listening to and follow his voice in our lives. us to do, this puts the question in his hands. There is no single type of person that God Seminarians from Holy Trinity Semi- calls to follow him. We may not feel espe- nary, where Bishop Michael Olson has cially worthy to follow him as a priest, nun, been rector in recent years, played a or religious brother or sister, but He is the one major role in organizing his ordina- who calls. Our task is to be open to his call. It is also important to remember that all tion. Father Wallis, (with hand to chin) of us have a responsibility in encouraging each served as master of ceremonies for the other to hear the call of Jesus Christ. Please event. (Donna Ryckaert / NTC) encourage young people to ask God, “What Pope Francis: Vocations are calls to build up God’s kingdom VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A vocation to the the Vatican and in many dioceses around the that sometimes a believer will have to go priesthood, consecrated life, or marriage is a world. “against the tide” of the predominant culture, call to center one’s life on Christ and build up In his message, released at the Vatican as well as overcome personal doubts and fears. his kingdom, Pope Francis said. Jan. 16, Pope Francis said that while God While some may be tempted to take the “The more we unite ourselves to Jesus calls each person individually by name, “no easy way out, Pope Francis said, “the true joy through prayer, sacred Scripture, the Eucha- vocation is born of itself or lives for itself.” of those who are called consists in believing rist, the sacraments celebrated and lived in “A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a and experiencing that he, the Lord, is faithful the church and in fraternity, the more there well-cultivated field of mutual love that and that with him we can walk, be disciples will grow in us the joy of cooperating with becomes mutual service,” the pope said, and and witnesses of God’s love, open our hearts God in the service of the kingdom of mercy that takes place in the context of an authentic to great ideals, to great things.” and truth, of justice and peace,” the pope said Christian community. When in the Bible Jesus urges his follow- in his message for the 2014 World Day of “A vocation flows from the heart of God ers to pray that God will send out laborers for Prayer for Vocations. and blossoms in the good soil of faithful the harvest — a passage seen as a key support All Christians are called to adore the people in the experience of fraternal love,” he for praying for vocations — Jesus also tells his Lord and allow the seed of his word to grow said. “Did not Jesus say: ‘By this all men will disciples that “the harvest is plenty.” in their lives and be transformed into service know that you are my disciples, if you have “Who did the work to bring about these of others, the pope said in the message for love for one another’?” results?” the pope asked. “There is only one the day, which will be celebrated May 11 at Following Christ, the pope said, means answer: God.” PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 ‘Thy Will Be Done’ Always trusting the will of God in his life, longtime diocesan priest Monsignor Stephen Berg will be ordained and installed as bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, Feb. 27

By Kathy Cribari Hamer / Correspondent

Those who witnessed the to all her children and grandchil- priestly ordination of Stephen dren. My 27 nieces and nephews Berg, May 15, 1999, may recall are very happy. I’ve done seven of the tender familial atmosphere their weddings — Catholic wed- that was present in the church. dings — and of course, now I’m a The new priest at that time bishop!” he grinned. recalled the ceremony as having “My mom’s youngest brother been “solemn, elegant, and grace- was a bishop and now her oldest ful,” yet, for most observers, the child is a bishop,” he added. “She liturgy’s warm spirit surpassed the knows not only the joy of the of- majestic nature that is a signature fice but also that it can be at times quality of ordinations. a difficult road. Mom is realistic Notably, an eclectic crowd of about it, but she’s quite thrilled.” ordinary people filled the pews at Bishop-elect Berg was ap- Fort Worth’s St. Patrick Cathe- pointed vicar general for the dral; one of them, distinctively Diocese of Fort Worth in 2008, garbed in overalls, would later moderator of the curia in 2010, line up to embrace the young and diocesan administrator in priest, and then kneel before him, 2012, when Bishop Kevin Vann requesting a blessing. was appointed bishop of the Dio- Rows of three brothers, seven cese of Orange, California. sisters and spouses, dabbed their So, last year, “When I was eyes as they knelt during the notified Michael Olson would be liturgy, and a full procession of bishop here, I was so happy about nieces and nephews brought for- that! I knew Michael, and I knew ward offertory gifts past the altar that he knew our diocese, and I rails, all the way to the bishop’s know something about his capac- chair. They presented them to the Bishop-elect Stephen Berg’s formal portrait. (Photo by Donna Ryckaert) ity, his generosity, competence, celebrant, who, not coincidentally, and leadership on a real level. was their uncle, Bishop Joseph Charron. them, of course, until, pretty much the mo- “When I was home at Thanksgiving with “It was sort of heart-stopping,” Father ment of the announcement. All my siblings my mother and my family members, I was re- Berg said, afterward. have been my supporters, going through a lot ally relieved from the previous 12 months,” he This year that priest becomes the fifth of things, preparing for the move, finding the explained. “I was elated, and connected.” bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, and the retrospec- letters of support that we shared with each It was a few weeks later, on a Monday tion of his first ordination foresees the sort of other over the years. They’re very happy. morning, when Msgr. Berg got “the phone person he is and the caring shepherd he prom- “We were all surprised,” the bishop-elect call.” ises to be for the Diocese of Pueblo. said. “I did tell my uncle, Bishop Charron. “The Papal Nuncio said, ‘I have an impor- Ordaining Bishop-elect Berg Feb. 27 will He’s my spiritual director, so I shared the news tant communication to share with you from be Archbishop Samuel Aquila, metropolitan of with him. He did not seem surprised, and said the Holy See. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Denver Province; principal co-consecrators I would make a good bishop, that I had done a has appointed you Bishop of Pueblo.’” will be Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado good job for Fort Worth. “Well, I’m still getting my mind around Springs, and Msgr. Berg’s uncle — Bishop Jo- “My mom is quietly happy about it. We it, thinking, ‘Does he really know who he’s seph Charron, bishop emeritus of Des Moines. miss Dad — he died five years ago. Of course talking to?’ I didn’t know how this connected,” The announcement of Bishop-elect Berg’s Dad is well aware of this, but we’d like for him he said. “But I think you have to start, in a appointment came Jan.15, and “My family to be here with us right now. Mom is doing was elated,” he said. “I hadn’t been able to tell really well. At 89 she is very much connected CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Bishop-elect Berg said, referring to the area’s geography. “I don’t know why this happened. I can only put it in the hands of God.” The soon-to-be-ordained bishop is look- ing forward to traveling and learning about his new diocese. “I will learn and … listen,” he promised. “I ask you to be patient with me, to pray for me, and to laugh with me.” Then Monsignor Berg gives the homily during The priesthood is a joyful ministry, and the closing Mass at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Pueblo is beautiful country with beautiful peo- Conference at the Hyatt Regency DFW in this July ple, Bishop-elect Berg continued, adding “for 14, 2013 photo. some reason, mysteriously, God has prepared (Juan Guajardo / NTC Archives) me for you and you for me.” Ordained for the Diocese of Fort Worth on May 15, 1999 by his maternal uncle Des Moines Bishop Emeritus Joseph L. Charron, Bishop-elect Berg served in several parishes, Diocesan faithful will miss Bishop-elect Berg, including St. Michael in Bedford (1999-2001), but rejoice with him in his appointment St. John the Apostle (2001-2002), and St. Peter the Apostle (2008-2010). Contacted by the North Texas Catholic, By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent Bishop Charron said he is confident his nephew will shepherd his people with love. Margarita Luna greeted the news with Worth to be appointed a bishop — both in “He is by nature a people person and a mixed emotions. On Jan. 15, Pope Francis the last two months and in the diocese’s 45- humble person,” he said. “After 25 years of named her friend, Monsignor Stephen year history. On Nov. 19, Monsignor Michael episcopacy, I know what this awesome office Berg, the new bishop of Pueblo, Colorado. Olson was named the fourth bishop of Fort demands of a person. I pray he will receive the “I’m happy for him but sad for me,” Worth — he was ordained Jan. 29. strength and courage he will need throughout said Luna, who assisted the newly appointed With unusual speed, Bishop-elect Berg’s the years.” bishop-elect when he was pastor of St. Mary ordination will take place Feb. 27 with Denver Retired since 2007, the prelate will serve Church in Henrietta. “I think he will be a Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila serving as conse- as one of his nephew’s principal co-consecra- wonderful bishop, but our diocese will miss crating bishop. He succeeds Bishop Fernando tors in Pueblo. him.” Isern, a Cuban exile who grew up in Miami “Today uncle-Bishop Charron is so proud The pastoral associate worked closely and was granted early retirement last June be- of his nephew,” he gushed. “This is a proud with then-Father Berg when he was in charge cause of health reasons. Covering the southern day for our family and a gifted day for the of four parishes in the Northwest Deanery of and western parts of Colorado (nearly half of Diocese of Pueblo!” the Diocese of Fort Worth from 2002-08: St. the state), the Diocese of Pueblo is geographi- Byanka Peffers, business manager at St. Mary in Henrietta; St. Jerome in Bowie; St. cally huge, covering 48,100 square miles but John the Apostle, was the bookkeeper when William in Montague; and St. Joseph in Noco- sparsely populated. Parishes are separated by Bishop-elect Berg served as the parish’s paro- na. She remembers him as a caring, concerned distance, with some quite isolated. Approxi- chial vicar. She remembers the pastor, the late pastor — qualities that became even more mately 63,714 Catholics live in the area and evident when large wildfires raced through the comprise about 10 percent the population. rural North Texas area in January 2006. Forty During a Jan. 15 press conference intro- homes were destroyed in Montague County ducing him to the Diocese of Pueblo, Bishop- alone as a 17-mile long fire burned between elect Berg told the faithful in his new diocese, Ringgold and Nocona. “You will have all I can give.” “He worried about his flock,” Luna said, Growing up in the “wide open spaces” of recalling how every Mass announcement after Miles City, Montana, his six years as a rural the tragedy asked if any family was in need. pastor in North Texas, and time spent at the “The area was affected badly, and the com- University of Colorado in Boulder while earn- munity came together to help. He was there ing a bachelor’s degree in music, are factors physically, spiritually, and emotionally for the that bring together the best times of his life Donna Ryckaert / NTC Archives people.” and “all fit together,” he said. Then Monsignor Berg poses with Diaz and Laura Bishop-elect Berg, 62, who has served as “When Pope Francis appointed me Bishop Murray at an Oct. 26 reception following their diocesan administrator since December 2012, of Pueblo, I knew my life had changed. In one investiture into the Equestrian Order of the Holy is the second priest from the Diocese of Fort sense, the consolation was the word Pueblo,” Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Monsignor Charles King, relying on the assistant pastor’s past work history in horticulture to help with the rectory’s rose garden. ‘Thy Will Be Done’

“I think it’s wonderful he was named CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 bishop, but I’m sorry he’s leaving us,” she said. “He is a very kind and humble person who was certain sense, to accept it — and of course I inspirational to me. I liked the way he treated did accept it.” people.” The new bishop-elect said he felt im- Parishioners were told of the appointment mediately at peace. during morning Mass. “It was, ‘God is behind this, and of “I was surprised — but not that he didn’t course, Pope Francis, somehow, picked me deserve it,” Peffers clarified. “I just thought out. This is the Holy Spirit.’ One has to once our bishop was named, this diocese was learn a different methodology, in a certain off the radar for a while. We’ve had two priests sense, but one has to remain who he is, become bishops now. We must be doing some- and just allow the Spirit to grow, inside. So Donna Ryckaert / NTC Archives thing right.” that’s been the process of my reaction.” Msgr. Berg blesses the Catholic Charities Fort In 2008, former Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Another immediate reaction he had Worth Arlington campus at a dedication of the Vann appointed then-Father Berg diocesan when the nuncio called him was that, agency’s new satellite Feb. 4, 2013. vicar general, and in 2010, he expanded the somehow, he was going into a place that priest’s duties to include diocesan modera- fit — he had lived in Colorado before, as But, he does love the flavor of South- tor of the curia. At the recommendation of an undergraduate student at the University ern Colorado, says the bishop-elect. Bishop Vann, Pope Benedict XVI named him of Colorado, and he has experience in rural “I love the extra altitude,” the new a Prelate of Honor, granting Fr. Berg the title ministry which helped prepare him for bishop-to-be said. “You can see the stars of “monsignor” in March 2012. When Bishop leading a rural diocese. at night. I think it’s a beautiful land with Vann was named Bishop of the Diocese of From 2002 to 2008, then Father beautiful people.” Orange, California, the 10-member Diocesan Berg was pastor of four rural North Texas Regarding the appointments of bishops College of Consultors selected Msgr. Berg as parishes: St. Mary in Henrietta, St. Jerome for both Fort Worth and Pueblo, Bishop- diocesan administrator, a position he held until in Bowie, St. William in Montague, and elect Berg said, “We’ve got somebody here Bishop Olson was ordained Jan. 29. St. Joseph in Nocona. After the announce- in Fort Worth, Michael Olson, who knows “I personally am happy for Msgr. Berg ment of his appointment, he revisited all the diocese, and is an exceptionally fine and the Diocese of Pueblo. His ministry as those parishes, to say goodbye. “It was very man. He has the energy you need to run a pastor, vicar general, and administrator of the meaningful for me to see them again,” he diocese this size. Diocese of Fort Worth during the time of sede said, “because that was one of the happiest “In the same way that Fort Worth fits vacante (absence of a bishop in the diocese) has times in my life. I did respond to and learn him, I think, and pray, that Pueblo fits me. prepared him for his new assignment,” Bishop from rural ministry. So that part of all of Fort Worth got a wonderful bishop — the Olson said. “At heart, Bishop-elect Berg is a this seems to fit.” best one that was available — and I got a good priest, a kind man, a true Christian, and Bishop-elect Berg said that the hardest great place too.” a wise leader.” part about accepting the new assignment is With humility, Bishop-elect Berg said, Still groggy with sleep, Sylvia Mendez leaving the people of Texas. “People are very kind in the complimentary looked down at her phone at 5 a.m. and saw a “I did choose to live here, 30 years ago, things they are saying about me right now, surprising post from a Vatican blogger. The St. and I came back to be a priest here, because and I really appreciate that. I listen, and Peter the Apostle business manager started fol- of the people,” he said. “There is something I know I have to hear it — it’s part of the lowing his Twitter messages when the diocese unique about Texans.” transformation that God has in store for was waiting for a new bishop. me, and there’s some growth, you know. “It said that Fr. Steve Berg was appointed “I think the only thing I can say is, I bishop in Colorado, but I wasn’t sure that was accept this, but it’s not something I’ve ac- true,” she said. “The name wasn’t spelled right.” complished. It was the Holy Spirit — that’s Thirty minutes later, the information was the only way it makes sense.” confirmed, and Mendez recited her morning For his episcopal motto, Bishop-elect Rosary for him. Berg picked “Thy Will Be Done,” from “I think it’s a loss for the diocese but God Mary’s response to God in the Gospel of is placing him in a spot that’s perfect for him,” Luke, and from the Lord’s Prayer. says the business manager, who was a member Juan Guajardo / NTC Archives “I think on a very basic level that of Msgr. Berg’s formation team at St. Peter’s In this photo from the 2013 DCYC, Msgr. Berg chats motto says for me what I hope for my epis- when he was a seminarian working at the par- with teens from St. William Parish in Montague copacy, and for my people in the Diocese of ish. “I know this is a big change, but when where he had earlier served as pastor. Pueblo,” Bishop-elect Berg concluded. God calls, we must do his will.”

PAGE 25 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 March 2, Eighth Sunday in “So do not worry tives of my heart” as well as my Ordinary Time. and say, ‘What are tendency to be easily distracted. He’s probably less offended by Cycle A. Readings: we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ my human weakness than he 1) Isaiah 49:14-15 or ‘What are we to is concerned about the toll that Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 wear?’” excessive worry takes on my spirit 2) 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 — Matthew 6:31 and my capacity to seek first his Gospel) Matthew 6:24-34 kingship and righteousness. Worry and anxiety are not By Sharon K. Perkins needs and wants. I was ready to react in my sinful in themselves. More harm- t’s been awhile since I’ve had I was reminded of this recent- usual way, berating myself for get- ful is our tendency to indulge Ia newborn at home, but there ly when I visited one of the world’s ting distracted during prayer. But them or, at the other extreme, is one thing I remember about most revered Christian places, the then Isaiah’s words countered: to condemn ourselves for being infants: When they’re wet, they Church of the Agony in Jerusa- “Can a mother forget her infant, human. cry. When they’re hungry, they lem, site of Jesus’ anguished prayer be without tenderness for the St. Paul reminds me not to cry. When they’re sleepy, they cry. in the Garden of Gethsemane. child of her womb?” make any judgment “before the They don’t wonder about how Even as I prayed before the I thought, would I rebuke my appointed time,” and that even those needs will be met, because ancient stone where his sweat newborn for crying when she is then it’s the Lord’s place to judge their parents’ quick responses as- had fallen as drops of blood, my hungry? Would I take personal — not mine. Till then, I’ll gently sure them that they are cared for. restless mind started wandering: offense at my sleepy toddler’s poke fun at my distracted self and Not so as we get older. Our “Did I pack the umbrella in case “selfishness”? pick up that Hail Mary where I entire process of maturation is of rain? Wonder what the hotel is The Lord knows “the mo- left off. directed toward becoming less preparing for dinner this evening? dependent upon our parents and Where will I find an electric out- gradually becoming self-suffi- let to charge my cellphone?” QUESTIONS: cient. While this is ostensibly a The irony of this self-centered Do you find yourself easily distracted by worry about trivial things? good thing, we also can become train of thought in such sublime How can you put your needs in proper perspective and depend upon the fixated on fulfilling our trivial surroundings was not lost on me. Lord’s loving care?

March 9, First Sunday of to the evil that began with that act. Lent. Many have repented from following their own ways and have Cycle A. Readings: sought God’s mercy for their re- 1) Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 bellion. The psalmist says, “Have Psalm: 51:3-6, 12-13, 17 mercy on me, O God in your 2) Romans 5: 12-19 goodness; in the greatness of your Gospel) Matthew 4:1-11 compassion wipe out my offense.” By Jeff Hensley I’m reminded of Bernard Na- y daughter, at a very young “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made thanson, the abortion doctor who Mage, began to ask ques- sinners, so, through the obedience of one, the many will be made righteous.” presided over so many deaths but tions about how people could fool — Romans 5:19 came to repentance and belief in the One who came to bring relief themselves into believing that themselves to question the evi- The serpent convinced them from the burden of sin and guilt. abortion was OK. The inverse ra- dence of their senses and deny that that God was keeping from them Only the blood of the One tio between people’s acceptance of an unborn child is indeed a living, the ability to be like him. Encour- who redeems us could take away abortion and the number of years separate being. Those with less aging them to eat of the tree of a guilt so great. Only the God of their education was a puzzling education are often less susceptible the knowledge of good and evil, who offered a way out of the sin part of this questioning. to verbal arguments that a child in he said, “No, God knows well and death that come from going Adam and Eve were just the womb is less than a child. that the moment you eat of it, our own way could redeem the bright enough to allow themselves The Genesis reading makes your eyes will be opened and you infamous abortionist — and each to question what God had com- clear what God offered the first will be like gods.” of us. manded — just smart enough to man and his mate: “Out of the And all of us have fallen prey talk themselves into disobedience, ground the Lord God made vari- and so sin was introduced into the ous trees grow that were delight- QUESTIONS: world. ful to look at and good for food.” Do you sometimes ponder the ways people deceive themselves into act- So it is with many who receive They had everything they needed, ing against God’s will? How can we make God’s mercy more apparent just enough education to allow but that wasn’t enough. and more available to others?

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March 16, Second Sunday “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength more effectively. Now, after a few of Lent. that comes from God.” years in that administrative position, Kristie feels called to work Cycle C. Readings: — 2 Timothy 1:8b with the poor on a closer personal 1) Genesis 12:1-4a level. So she’s job hunting again. Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 As it was with the disciples, so 2) 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 it is with Kristie, and so it must Gospel) Matthew 17:1-9 be with us. Continuously on our journey, we go up the mountain By Jean Denton with Jesus and we go down the y husband tells a story about mountain with Jesus. Mhis first job as a teenager The operative term is “with when the construction crew boss Jesus.” told him, “I can give you a job, but We begin a career, then I can’t keep it for you.” struggle to do it in Jesus’ way of Of course, the unspoken mes- compassion and goodness. We sage was, “That depends on your marry the love of our life, then doing it well.” itself is our main goal. Kristie is a faithful young work through the joys and trials of I think of the brief transfigu- But for followers of Jesus woman who is guided by Jesus family. We retire, then search for ration of Jesus in this weekend’s there’s more. in daily prayer. Because she felt new ways to serve others. Gospel as being similar: It’s as My friend’s daughter, Kristie, called to the work of improving At mountaintop places along though God is telling the dis- landed her “dream job” shortly the health of poor people, she was the way, the Father reveals, momen- ciples, “I can show you the divine after graduate school. It wasn’t willing to do it even without pay. tarily, the exhilarating reality of Jesus, but I can’t keep him for quick or easy, though. She earned On achieving her dream job, Jesus and reminds us we can keep you.” (That’s up to you.) it by first working at low-paying, she began pursuing efforts to serve him on a greater journey forever. Succeeding at a job is one of part-time jobs in order to volun- many goals we may set for our- teer at the international nonprofit QUESTIONS: selves as important steps in our organization where she ultimately What have been some mountaintop moments that encouraged you to life journey. We usually come to got the hoped-for professional continue following Jesus? What happened when you went back “down understand that a fruitful journey position. the mountain” with him?

March 23, Third Sunday of “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for our- a man named Jesus who claimed Lent. selves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” to give living water. The story Cycle A. Readings: — John 4:42 she told gave them a small spark who loves and cares for us. of faith, but after they encoun- 1) Exodus 17:3-7 Many of the youth came into tered Jesus for themselves, things Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 these classes having never thought changed and they exclaimed: “We 2) Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 deeply about God and their no longer believe because of your Gospel) John 4:5-42 Catholic faith. On some level, word; for we have heard for our- they believed and they came from selves, and we know that this is By Jeff Hedglen families that believed, at least truly the savior of the world.” or more than 20 years I taught enough to sign them up for this This is the typical way that Fa confirmation class of high sacrament. people come to faith. We hear schoolers. Every year we would Through weeks of teachings about Jesus from family, friends or begin with a conversation about on faith and Catholic theology, a in some other way, and we begin truth, belief, and faith. We would spiritual retreat and a lot of small our life of faith based on their explore how these concepts were group discussion, these teens words. But somewhere along the alike and different. found themselves in the same situ- way, we meet the living Jesus and Along the course of the con- ation as the Samaritan townspeo- a new disciple is born. versation I would ask the group say, “How do you know what you ple in this week’s Gospel. Jesus continues to offer living if Africa existed. They, of course, saw on the TV is not special ef- The people in this Samaritan water to those who believe and would reply that it did. I would fects?” or, “How do you know the town had heard a marvelous tale those whose thirst is yet to be then ask how they knew this to maps are real?” from one of their women about quenched. be true and their responses would This conversation about range from “I saw it on TV” to “it believing the truth of something QUESTIONS: is on the map.” unseen was always a great way to Who are some of the people who have told you about Jesus? When was To these responses I would begin discussing the unseen God it that you began to believe because you had an encounter with Jesus?

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April 6, Fifth Sunday “Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and of Jesus’ cryptic statement? And of Lent. everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” why doesn’t everyone “get it”? — John 11:25-26 From my view, it boils down to Cycle A. Readings: the way one defines “life.” One can 1) Ezekiel 37:12-14 at the loss of his be physically alive and still live as Psalm 130:1-8 friend Lazarus. though dead; one can be dying and 2) Romans 8:8-11 Martha takes yet never more fully alive. Gospel) John 11:1-45 comfort in the If our lives are merely a bio- belief that her logical state that begins and ends By Sharon K. Perkins brother will rise with the transfer of genetic mate- have a large family and I’ve also “on the last day.” rial, I’m not content with that. been on several parish staffs, so I However, Jesus I want more. Not because I fear I’ve attended more than my share counters that there my own mortality, but because I of funerals. Most of the families is even more to it want to live fully in the here and of the deceased espoused a belief than that, saying now. Both Ezekiel and Paul affirm in an afterlife, which gave them a that those who that it is the promised Spirit of great deal of comfort in their loss. believe in him God, alive in us, that makes this If you talk to an atheist about will never die, possible. the death of a loved one, he likely and even if they This is what Jesus, the Christ, would write off religious belief in die, they will live. has promised to give. This is an afterlife as an emotional crutch Martha “gets it.” what faith convinces me has been to alleviate one’s grief. Or she She professes that already accomplished in Him. might claim that the dead person against my eternal mortality — or Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of And this is the abundant life that lives on in the descendants’ ge- if I believed in a God who didn’t God.” I choose. May the mourners who netic material and in the energy of care about my losses or share my But how does one make sense attend my funeral rejoice! the deceased’s subatomic particles grief — I might take the same transferred to some other form of approach. existence. But as a believer and follower QUESTIONS: If I thought faith in God of Jesus, I can’t go there. What gives you comfort when you experience the death of a loved one? were only an “insurance policy” In the Gospel, Jesus weeps What would the fullness of abundant life look like in your situation?

April 13, Palm Sunday “We no longer believe be- the form of God, did not regard of the Lord’s Passion. cause of your word; for we equality with God something to Cycle A. Readings: have heard for ourselves, and be grasped. we know that this is truly the “Rather, he emptied himself, 1) Matthew 21:1-11 savior of the world.” taking the form of a slave, coming Psalm: 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 — John 4:42 in human likeness; and found hu- 2) Philippians 2: 6-11 man in appearance, he humbled Gospel: Matthew 26:14 to out the dawn of that long night of himself, becoming obedient to 27:66 agony as Jesus faced his accusers. death, even death on a cross.

And therein lies our hope “Because of this, God greatly By Jeff Hensley and our redemption. Just as Jesus exalted him and bestowed on have been daunted by the task did what He did, willingly, for him the name that is above every of writing about this week’s I these weak followers, we need name, that at the name of Jesus readings. Jesus’ Passion moves me not abandon hope in what we every knee should bend, of those deeply and convinces me just as may ultimately do in service to in heaven and on earth and under deeply that nothing I write can God and others, simply because the earth, and every tongue con- add to the impact of the words of our feet have slipped on the path; fess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Scriptures here. squarely faces his accusers. or we have fallen; or have fallen the glory of God the Father.” But perhaps that is just what And we are left to identify repeatedly. And so we ultimately only qualifies any of us to speak sor- with his sleepy followers who As Paul speaks of Jesus in the fail if we fix our eyes on our own rowfully and with awe of how Je- could not remain awake as Jesus Philippians passage here, saying shortcomings instead of on the sus, offered Himself for us. After prayed, sweating blood, there in of Jesus, “Who, though he was in One who gave his all for us. asking the Father if there was any the olive grove. way this sacrifice might not be We are left to identify with necessary to accomplish the Fa- Peter who promised much and de- QUESTIONS: ther’s goal of redeeming human- livered little, denying Jesus three Who are some of the people who have told you about Jesus? When was ity, Jesus accepts the answer and times before the rooster crowed it that you began to believe because you had an encounter with Jesus?

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April 20, The Resurrection “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. … When Christ your When we first talked together she of the Lord. life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” said she wasn’t ready to go so far as to receive the Eucharist. But the Cycle A. Readings: — Colossians 3:2, 4 next evening at Mass as I went for- 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 ward to receive the body of Christ, Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Nita was right in front of me. 2) Colossians 3:1-4 In the Easter Gospel, Mary Gospel) John 20:1-9 searches desperately for Jesus in the tomb. “They have taken the Lord By Jean Denton from the tomb, and we don’t know hen my friend Nita’s hus- where they put him,” she cries. Wband died unexpectedly But how swiftly Jesus comes to a year ago, she felt what Mary of those who leave the tomb to seek Magdala must’ve felt when she him with such desire. first entered Jesus’ empty tomb. Like Mary, Nita was scarcely “I realized that everything I past her grief when she experi- had believed in in this world was enced the elation of her new life no longer going to work for me,” Nita had grown up in a Catho- After a few months of “dating with Christ. Nita recalled. lic family that hardly practiced the churches,” she decided to go to Soon afterward, Nita came Nita and I met recently dur- faith beyond the children’s baptism the Catholic church nearby. She’d and sat beside me at Mass. I felt ing a spiritual retreat. On the and first Communion. Indeed, been away for 40 years, so it was the “electricity” as the physical first morning, the two of us had a many family members had been with trepidation that she went nearness of her excitement enliv- chance to talk about why we were vocally critical of the Church, so it into Mass. ened my own experience of the seeking renewal. was easy for her to fall away. But she fell in love right away. Eucharist. Nita’s story was intense and, Now, with her world suddenly Our retreat took place only a Joy in the risen Christ is real. in fact, still freshly unfolding as shaken apart, Nita began grasping few weeks after that experience. It’s palpable. we spoke. It had been only months for some meaning in her life. I since she’d lost her husband — who could hardly believe her urgency, QUESTIONS: also was her soul mate and business obviously searching desperately When have you most intensely sought — and found — new life with partner — of more than 30 years. for a defined path. Jesus? How have you shared the joy with others?

April 27, Second Sunday “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Re- doubts that this happened, Jesus of Easter. ceive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose shows him mercy and gives him sins you retain are retained.’” the proof he seeks. Finally, in one Sunday of Divine Mercy. of my favorite moments in the Cycle A. Readings: — John 20:22-23 Gospels, Jesus — in a sense pray- 1) Acts 2:42-47 ing for us — says, “Blessed are Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, many who have yet to encoun- those who have not seen and have 22-24 ter Jesus in such a profound believed.” 2) 1 Peter 1:3-9 way. Scripture reminds us My former pastor, Father Gospel) John 20:19-31 we have a God who is rich in Richard Beaumont, once noted mercy — so rich that the of- he often heard people say, “God is By Jeff Hedglen fering of his son for the expia- not fair.” His response: “You are he room is awash in candle- tion of our sins, though costly, right. If God was fair I would be Tlight. Jesus is exposed in did not deplete his wealth. dead; instead, he is merciful!” the splendor of eucharistic form. This week’s Gospel is a We encounter God’s mercy in Songs of praise come and go with paramount example of this many ways, but none more pro- silence in between. The sacra- mercy. found than in the forgiveness of ment of reconciliation is occur- pers to me, with tears in his eyes, First, Jesus appears to the sin, whose wages are death. ring in a side room with a steady “I’m free.” He gestures with his apostles after his resurrection, On this Divine Mercy Sunday stream of college-age penitents. It hands like a huge weight has been gives them a gift of peace, then let us join in the ancient Eastern is a holy night, a blessed night, a lifted and repeats, “I’m free!” We gives them the Holy Spirit and the Christian prayer: “Lord Jesus night filled with the sweet mercy hug and cry and then turn back power to forgive sins. Later, when Christ, Son of God, have mercy of God. to Jesus with feelings too deep for the previously absent Thomas on me, a sinner.” In the silent, darkened room I words. am beckoned by one of the young Praise God that this is not a QUESTIONS: men on retreat. When I get over rare occurrence in the life of the How have you encountered the mercy of God? How would you explain to him I lean down and he whis- Church, yet there are still far too the mercy of God to a friend?

PAGE 29 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Lent is a journey we share Back from a recent Holy Land pilgrimage Sharon Perkins experienced unexpected insights, moments of grace By Sharon K. Perkins

n the summer of 2013, I learned that I would be travel- Sea of Galilee, the longed-for encounter began to take shape. One powerful ing to Israel in January 2014 — a major item on my I “Jesus moment” occurred at Caper- “bucket list” and a lifetime dream come true. Needless naum, a town where Jesus had spent a great deal of his time — teaching in the to say, I was excited. Besides the anticipation of experi- synagogue, healing the paralytic and Peter’s mother-in-law, and calling several encing a new place and new cultures, I knew that I could of his disciples. During morning Mass in the church built over the ruins of Simon expect some spiritual and emotional changes. After all, Peter’s house, I was intently praying this was no ordinary place and no ordinary travel — it was for the healing of several dear friends. The consecration of the bread and wine a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. on the altar drew my attention, and in the depths of my soul I clearly “heard” Jesus say to me, “The One who healed and taught in this place 2,000 years ago — that’s ME on the altar! I’m the same I would be in good company since 10 performed miracles. My first experience person!” fellow parishioners would be on the same of the Holy Land consisted of an airport My head said, “Duh — I’ve studied trip, and since recorded history men- in modern Tel Aviv. My first two days of theology; of course I know that.” But in tions 16 centuries of Christian pilgrim- pilgrimage were swallowed up by jet lag, my heart I was blown away, as if I had ages to the same destination. luggage transfers, and tour bus etiquette. never heard that truth before. The im- As the ensuing months flew by, I was I clearly remember thinking that Israel mediacy of Jesus’ presence in that place too busy to do much more than reserve outside the bus window looked an aw- was as if 2,000 years had vanished. The my domestic flights, renew my passport ful lot like the Texas Hill Country from experience was fleeting but incredibly and hurriedly scan the e-mailed itiner- whence I came. real — I had not simply imagined it. ary. In the immediate weeks before Spiritual writers and pilgrims had What happened in Capernaum that departure, I also made hurried Christmas described this pilgrimage as a “living day set the tone for the rest of the pil- preparations for family holiday gather- encounter with Jesus.” Three days in, I grimage. The pace was still too rushed ings, suffered through a debilitating certainly wasn’t feeling it. In fact, I found for much reflection or journaling, but case of the flu, and was stunned by my myself resentful of the relentless pace of I initiated a pre-dinner ritual with my normally healthy son’s emergency hos- trying to cram as many sites as possible friends in the hotel bar each evening, pitalization on New Year’s Eve for acute into each day (no one had told me about sharing our “Jesus moments” of the day appendicitis. I boarded the plane a week this part of organized touring!). Daily over a glass of Galilean red wine. He had later, exhausted and relieved to have Mass was wonderful, but there was little been present to all of us at different sites made my flight in one piece with luggage time for the private reflection that I so and in different ways, some subtle and intact. desperately needed to get my spiritual others more dramatic, but all compel- Maybe that’s why my brain didn’t fully bearings. When would my “living en- ling. Our eventual arrival in Jerusalem register for several days what I had an- counter” begin? and the first view of the Holy City from ticipated for years — that I was actually Gradually, as I entered into the daily across the Kidron Valley was filled with in the place where Jesus had taught and rhythm of tour life and we arrived at the excitement.

PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 wandered: “This cross is lighter than I imagined it would be.” “What’s for sale in that shop just ahead?” “I’d better watch my step on these cobblestones — I don’t want to sprain an ankle!” And underneath it all, a desperate realization that I just wasn’t “feeling it.” Curious and a bit bored, I looked up to see who was carrying the cross with me — startled to find two friends who just the night before had consoled and counseled me (in the hotel bar, that other place of “holy encounter”) about a weighty burden that I’ve struggled with for a long time. And then the words of Jesus came, again deep in my spirit: “You thought that you were simply here to carry my cross — but I’m also here to help you carry yours. Let me help you.” Overcome with emotion and a sudden, extraordinary realization of Jesus’ love for me personally, I wept openly all the way to our destination, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the weeks since the pilgrimage, many graces have become apparent. I simply can’t read the Gospels in the same way as before; the sites, the terrain and the people spring too readily to my imagination. I cherish my relationship with Jesus’ mother Mary more closely and personally than ever, having climbed the same Judean hills that she did. I’m more ready to share my burdens with others and to help them to bear their crosses, for even when I feel helpless to change their situation, I am walking by their side in the Body of Christ. Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist continues Sharon carries the cross along a portion of the Via Dolorosa in January, sharing the burden to become ever more “real” to me as it moves from the theoretical to the experi- with two pilgrims from her church in Lakeway, near Austin (Photo courtesy, Ray Bearden) ential But I’m most eager for Holy Week and Good Friday, blessed with the sure Then came the day we would divide walk from station to station, the prayers knowledge that when Jesus carried his into groups to walk the famed “Via and meditations of our chaplain barely Cross to Calvary, he had me on his mind Dolorosa,” or “Way of Suffering,” inside audible over our wireless headsets for and in his heart. the Old Jerusalem city walls. While the the large number of pilgrims chanting route itself has had many iterations responses out of sync. It wasn’t the quiet, Sharon Perkins grew up on a working and the number of and location of the reflective, transcendent experience I had farm south of Dallas with her parents stations has varied in both the city and imagined; in fact, it was noisy, crowded, and three siblings. She and her husband in Christian imagination, it has been a and somewhat confusing. All around us Mike have been married more than 34 popular pilgrimage site since the Byzan- the daily activities of the city’s residents years and are the parents of four adult tine period. As we trudged up the steep continued as if this cross-carrying group children. She is the director of adult hill to the ancient Lion’s Gate, ques- of tourists was nothing unusual (indeed, catechesis at Emmaus Catholic Church tions and expectations filled my mind. for them it was not). Fellow pilgrims in Lakeway, near Austin. She was the Would I encounter Jesus again as I had at took turns carrying the cross in groups director of the first diocesan synod in Capernaum? of three or four, and by the eighth sta- the our diocese. She is a regular writer Inside a monastery courtyard, each tion, I had not yet had my turn. Then, for “Word to Life” which originates in group was given a simple wooden cross suddenly, I was given the middle portion the North Texas Catholic and is offered about eight feet long and four feet across, of the cross to carry, and I placed it on by Catholic News Service.to English lan- made of two-by-fours, and we began the my shoulder. For a while my thoughts guage Catholic media around the world.

PAGE 31 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Lent is a journey we share Pope Francis invites us to have our Lenten sacrifices make a difference in the lives of the poor By Jeff Hedglen

war wages daily, on one side of of being. In doing so, he at the same time, sary, for in some ways it is easier to serve Athe battle is the materialistic impoverished Himself and lifted us up to a stranger than to talk about Jesus with world that lures, romances and en- connect with divinity in a new way. Or as our friends. tices our baser, self-focused instincts St. Paul says it: “by his poverty you might Francis’ Lenten message pushes the en- for pleasure, comfort, luxury and become rich”. velope of what it means to observe Lent. He The Pope reflects on this in saying “God says: “Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; wealth. On the other side is the did not let our salvation drop down from we would do well to ask ourselves what we call to discipleship to Jesus Christ heaven, like someone who gives alms from can give up in order to help and enrich oth- which, in contrast, invites us to seek their abundance out of a sense of altruism ers by our own poverty. Let us not forget a simpler life ruled by love of God and piety.” He goes on to say that Christ’s that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is and neighbor, requires self-sacrifice love is different because He became one real without this dimension of penance. I for the common good, and calls forth with the ones He came to save. distrust a charity that costs nothing and desires for peace, justice, worship, This is the model for us to follow. We does not hurt.” are not going to conquer poverty with our What a challenge! First we are called to and communion with others. wealth. Rather Francis says, “God’s wealth self-denial. This is nothing new. We usually passes not through our wealth, but invari- give something up for lent. But, again, true I don’t know about you, but the battle ably and exclusively through our personal to form, we are thrust beyond our normal rages strong in my soul. I want so much and communal poverty, enlivened by the offering. What we sacrifice in some way to be a disciple and live for Jesus, but the Spirit of Christ.” So it is when we answer should “enrich others.” To do this we have trappings of the world and the incessant the call to embrace the poverty of Jesus that to go beyond giving up sweets or not eating secular marketing machine tugs at me, we open the door to God’s power working meat on Friday and instead going to Red and, more often than I want to admit, I through us. Lobster. Francis is calling us to take it up fall for the lies of the world instead of the But, true to form, Pope Francis takes a few notches. love of the Lord. it beyond the theological theory and puts That last line “I distrust a charity that Praise be to God, the Church gives us hands and feet to the challenge: “In imita- costs nothing and does not hurt” is a tough a “reset button,” an opportunity to refo- tion of our Master, we Christians are called one to hear, but there is a raw truth to it cus our lives on the person of Jesus. Our to confront the poverty of our brothers and that inspires me to go beyond my typical yearly Lenten journey is that chance. Ash sisters, to touch it, to make it our own and effort. Pope Francis has chosen Lent as the Wednesday ushers in a season of prayer, to take practical steps to alleviate it.” It is time to push us out of the comfortable nest fasting, and almsgiving all aimed at help- not enough to merely meditate on Christ we live in and force us to fly on our own ing us center our lives on Jesus, taking the emptying himself into humanity fully, into the world to make a difference, share focus off of ourselves, and offering sacrifices. unto his death on the cross. Yes we should the love of God, and proclaim the passion, Pope Francis’ first Lenten message gives meditate on these great mysteries, but our death, and resurrection of Jesus. some great food for thought and an impetus meditations must carry us off our knees We Catholics are historically shy about for action. The basis for his message is the in prayer and onto our knees in service. speaking and acting with others about our Scripture, “For you know the grace of our St. Francis is often quoted as having said: faith and this is a shame, for there is such Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when good news in Jesus and such bad news in yet for your sake he became poor, so that necessary use words.” While this is a great the world. If we are to gain any ground in by his poverty you might become rich” sentiment about living the Gospel with our this battle that is waged in our world, on (2 Corinthians 8:9). He sees this as an lives, our pope, who has taken this Francis’ our streets, our television screens, and in invitation to a life of “evangelical poverty.” name takes this idea a step further when he our hearts we have to take Pope Francis’ Pope Francis goes on to explain that says in his Lenten message: “Wherever we Lenten message to heart and give until it God did not reveal himself through worldly go, we are called as Christians to proclaim helps someone in need. power and wealth but rather “in weakness the liberating news that forgiveness for sins and poverty.” The God who is rich in eter- we havecommitted is possible, that God is Jeff Hedglen is Campus Minister at UTA and associ- nity emptied himself to become a mortal greater than our sinfulness, that he freely ate director of Young Adult Ministry for the diocese. being to show his love. This is a special loves us at all times, and that we were made He is a regular contributor to Word To Life, which kind of poverty. It is a poverty of place. God for communion and eternal life.” originates with the NTC and is offered by Catholic knows that in his divinity he is the highest Many a Catholic (including myself) has News Service. WTL appears in the newspapers of form of being, yet he sends his divine Son taken refuge in St. Francis’ words saying the archdioceses of New York and New Orleans, to grab hold of a lower rung on the level that we only have to speak when neces- among many others.

PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARCH / APRIL 2014 Ir a Misa debe ser evento que NOTICIAS Candidato a santidad cambie vidas, dice el Papa puertorriqueño conocido por su CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) Pregúntate, dijo, si ir a Misa te ayuda piedad y empeño para educar pobres — Ir a Misa y recibir la Eucaristía debe a identificarte con los que sufren o “soy hacer una diferencia en la vide de los indiferente o estoy chismeando: ‘¿viste católicos, dijo el Papa Francisco el 12 cómo se vistió ese?’ A veces la gente de febrero; deben aceptar más de los hace eso después de la Misa. Pero esto demás y estar más conscientes de su no debería suceder”. pecaminosidad. La asistencia a Misa también debe ¿Vas a Misa porque es hábito o tiem- llevar a “la gracia de sentirse perdona- po para ver a tus amigos?”, preguntó el do y capacitado para perdonar a los Papa. ¿O es algo más?” demás”, dijo. “Cuando vamos a Misa, nos encon- El Papa Francisco dijo que sabe tramos con todo tipo de personas”, dijo que algunas personas se preguntan por el Papa. “¿La Eucaristía que celebramos qué deben preocuparse de ir a la iglesia nos hace considerarlos a todos hermanos cuando la iglesia está llena de personas y hermanas? ¿Aumenta esta mi capaci- que pecan como todos los demás. Foto cortesía de Wikimedia Commons dad de alegrarme cuando otros lo hacen “En realidad aquellos que participan “La escuela del maestro Cordero” (1890-92), por Francisco Oller. o llorar con los que lloran?” en la Misa no lo hacen porque piensan SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) — El donde las leyes prohibían la educación El Papa Francisco dijo que no es o quieren creer que son superiores a Papa Francisco firmó en diciembre un de los esclavos, él abrió su casa a niños suficiente decir que uno ama a Jesús; los demás, sino precisamente porque decreto reconociendo que Rafael Cor- de todas las razas y posiciones sociales debe demostrarse en el amor por aque- saben que necesitan” de la misericordia dero Molina, conocido como el “padre para una educación gratuita. Teniendo llos que él amó. de Dios, dijo. de la educación pública puertorriqueña”, entonces 20 años de edad, dijo que su vivió las virtudes cristianas de manera intención era doble: pasarle a sus com- Los Legionarios piden disculpas a los heroica y es venerable. pañeros negros la educación que recibió que fueron víctimas de su fundador “El Maestro Rafael”, como es am- de sus padres y dedicar su trabajo a sus pliamente conocido en su isla hogar, se profundos valores cristianos. ROMA (CNS) — Representantes de a las acusaciones contra el padre Maciel, une al beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez La escuela de Cordero era un taller los Legionarios de Cristo, reunidos en un y ofrecieron un informe de progreso en Santiago como el segundo puerto- tabaquero. Sus estudiantes compartían retiro para reformar la congregación que un esfuerzo por despejar el legado des- rriqueño siendo considerado para la un área pequeña mientras él enseñaba, se encontraba en problemas hace cerca de moralizador de su fundador. canonización. dictaba lecciones y los examinaba ver- cuatro años — después que el Vaticano En 2010, el Vaticano anunció que Cordero, quien era de ascendencia balmente. Cuando ellos necesitaban se hizo cargo directo de ella — anun- el padre Maciel había sido culpable africana, nació en San Juan en 1790 y su ayuda, él paraba de cortar, torcer y ciaron un nuevo cuerpo de superiores “de una conducta objetivamente grave murió allí en 1868. Él fundó y operó enrollar cigarros. y les presentaron disculpas formales a e inmoral” y “de verdaderos delitos”, una escuela gratuita para niños pobres Durante un día escolar prome- las víctimas de su fundador extraviado. habiendo llevado una vida “privada sin de todas las razas. dio él cubría el catecismo, la fe, la En la declaración hecha por la con- escrúpulos y vacía de genuino significado Los actos de caridad y piedad de moralidad y oraciones específicas. El gregación reunida en capítulo general religioso”. Ese mismo año, el entonces Cordero eran tan bien conocidos en su ambiente era reforzado por imágenes extraordinario, dada a conocer el 6 de papa Benedicto XVI nombró al cardenal tiempo que hay mucho escrito sobre él en la pared de Nuestra Señora del febrero, se expresaba “profundo pesar” Velasio De Paolis como supervisor de la en los archivos de la Arquidiócesis de Carmen y San Antonio de Padua, por el ya finado padre Marcial Maciel reforma de los Legionarios. San Juan y en los registros históricos a quienes había aceptado como sus Degollado debido a “su conducta re- Los Legionarios cambiarán a sus seculares. santos patronos personales, así como prensible y objetivamente inmoral”, superiores con mayor frecuencia y desig- Viviendo en una colonia española, un gran crucifijo. incluyendo “abusos contra seminaristas narán consejos consultivos para “prevenir menor es de edad”, “actos inmorales con posibles conductas arbitrarias y abuso de Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada hombres y mujeres adultas”, “abuso de autoridad”, se decía en la declaración. autoridad y bienes materiales”, “con- Los miembros del capítulo dijeron Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada por sumo indiscriminado de sustancias que el padre Maciel había sido tratado parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: adictivas” y plagio. con “excesiva exaltación” por parte de sus Los miembros del capítulo, diciendo seguidores, pero que, desde la abolición ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) que estaban “apenados” por haber dejado en el 2006 del voto privado que prohibía 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico a [email protected] ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 pasar tanto tiempo antes de disculparse críticas teniendo como objeto a los su- con “las muchas víctimas” del padre periores, los Legionarios han aprendido Mecanismo para reportar abuso Maciel, aceptaron haber guardado “un a conducir “debate libre” en cuanto a la Llamar los Servicios de Protección a Familias del estado de Texas (Servicios de largo silencio institucional” en respuesta forma como se gobierna la congregación. protección de niños) al número: (800) 252-5400.

PÁGINA 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 NUESTRO PASTOR HABLA

PÁGINA 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 VOZ Por qué ayunamos durante la cuaresma

Por el Padre Carmelo Mele, OP

Una vez un muchacho le contó a su novia que haría cualquier cosa por ella. Dijo que treparía una montaña si se lo En primer lugar, hacemos sacrificios para pidiera o nadaría por el océano para demostrar su amor. La novia respondió que solidarizarnos con el Jesús sufriente. Él no sólo pasó tales hechos no eran necesarios. Sólo quería que le acompañara a la biblioteca el viernes cuarenta días sin comer en su lucha contra el diablo, en la noche porque tenía un examen muy importante. El muchacho le contestó que lo sino que se entregó a la ordalía de la crucifixión para haría pero que él ya había hecho planes para ese día. ganar para nosotros la victoria sobre el pecado. Ciertamente se muestra el amor al sacrificar el cumplimiento de sus deseos por el bien del otro. Por eso, nos impresionan las madres que abandonan el sueño para vigilar a Raymond Medina recibe cenizas en la frente durante la sus hijos internados toda la noche. Particular- misa de mediodía para el Miércoles de Ceniza de 2013 en mente durante la Cuaresma estamos llamados la Parroquia de Santa María de la Asunción en Fort Worth. a mostrar nuestro amor por Dios sacrifican- (Foto por Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic) do la satisfacción de nuestros antojos con el ayuno. Oficialmente la Iglesia prescribe dos formas de ayuno: la abstención de la carne ficar las intenciones. queremos hablar de nuestro ayuno o llamar de los animales de la tierra y de las aves el En primer lugar, hacemos sacrificios para atención de nuestros donativos a las organiza- Miércoles de Ceniza y todos los siete viernes solidarizarnos con el Jesús sufriente. Él no ciones caritativas. Pero, ¿es pecaminoso desear cuaresmales; y el ayuno propiamente dicho sólo pasó cuarenta días sin comer en su lucha bajar el de peso durante el ayuno cuaresmal? no comer fuera de las tres comidas principales contra el diablo, sino que se entregó a la orda- No lo creo. Pues ser delgado nos permite vivir el Miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo. Sin lía de la crucifixión para ganar para nosotros más sanamente, más entregados al Señor. La embargo, ha sido práctica de los santos a tra- la victoria sobre el pecado. Hay un hombre en oración por la sabiduría en todos nuestros vés de los siglos privarse de comidas y recreos la diócesis se que afeitó la cabeza cuando su actos nos ayudará a superar la vanidad. más intensamente en este tiempo sagrado. esposa, enferma de cáncer, recibía la quimio- En el primer prefacio cuaresmal (el him- Se pueden hacer sacrificios de diez mil terapia. Su motivo era compartir con ella al no de alabanza a Dios comenzando la oración maneras, aunque siempre deben costar pla- menos una pequeña parte del sufrimiento que eucarística), el sacerdote curiosamente recita ceres. Durante la Edad Media los cristianos ella soportaba. Así nosotros sufrimos un poco a la gente: “Por (Jesús) concedes a tus hijos regularmente dejaban de comer carne por los del hambre que Jesús aguantó por nuestra anhelar, año tras año, con el gozo de haber- cuarenta días enteros. Hace 50 años todos los salvación. nos purificado, la solemnidad de la Pascua”. adultos eran obligados a ayunar todos los días En segundo lugar, debemos reconocer Nuestro sacrificio entonces no debe ser causa de la Cuaresma. Más recientemente algunos el vínculo entre el ayuno y los otros tipos de tristeza sino de alegría, pues estamos supe- han dejado de comer dulces o tomar café. de piedad humana que complacen a Dios. rando con la gracia de Cristo los impedimen- Percibiéndose adictos a la televisión, varios Nuestro ayuno se haría una afrenta a Dios si tos que nos separan de Dios: el apego a cosas apagan el aparato en este intervalo. no estuviera acompañado por buenas obras y materiales, el distanciamiento de los pobres Existen críticos del ayuno. Cittando el oración. Eso sólo mostraría a nuestro Creador y necesitados, y la falta de la comunicación versículo del profeta Isaías, donde el Señor y Sustentador nuestro poco agradecimiento. directa con Dios. mismo dice que el ayuno que quiere es traer La Biblia no sólo exige el socorro a los pobres, justicia pora los pobres, algunos afirman que sino también la oración junto con el ayuno, El Padre Carmelo es más beneficioso ayudar al necesitado que para mostrar nuestra fe y amor a Dios. Mele, OP, es el negarse a sí mismo. Otros preguntan cínica- En tercer lugar, tenemos que seguir director interino del mente: “¿No es el ayuno que practicamos para revisando nuestros motivos. En el evangelio Departamento de sacrificarse por amor a Dios sólo un pretexto del Miércoles de Ceniza, Jesús advierte a sus catequesis para la y el motivo verdadero es la búsqueda vana de discípulos que sus acciones piadosas no deben Diocesís de Fort bajar peso?” Estos reparos nos ayudan a puri- culminar en elogios de la gente. Por eso, no Worth.

PÁGINA 35 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 ‘Hágase tu voluntad’ Siempre confiando en la voluntad de Dios en su vida, el Monseñor Stephen Berg — que ha sido sacerdote diocesano toda su vida — será ordenado e instalado como obispo de Pueblo, Colorado, el 27 de febrero

Por Kathy Cribari Hamer / Corresponsal

Aquellos que fueron testigos la búsqueda de las cartas de apoyo de la ordenación sacerdotal que compartimos con los demás de Stephen Berg, el 15 de mayo en los últimos años – están muy del 1999, recuerdan la tierna felices. atmósfera familiar que se hizo “A todos nos sorprendió”, dijo presente en la iglesia. el obispo electo. “Yo se lo dije a mi El nuevo sacerdote en ese mo- tío, el Obispo Charron. Él es mi mento recordó la ceremonia como director espiritual, así que com- habiendo sido “solemne, elegante y partí la noticia con él. No pareció llena de gracia”; sin embargo, para sorprendido, y dijo que yo sería un la mayoría de los observadores, el buen obispo, que había hecho un cálido espíritu de la liturgia superó buen trabajo para Fort Worth.” la majestuosidad característica de “Mi mamá está silenciosa- las ordenaciones. mente feliz por esto. Echamos de Notablemente, un grupo menos a papá — que murió hace ecléctico de personas comunes y cinco años. Por supuesto papá está corrientes llenaron las bancas de muy consciente de esto, pero nos la Catedral de San Patricio en Fort gustaría que él estuviera aquí con Worth; uno de ellos, claramente nosotros en este momento. Mamá ataviado con mahones, más tarde está muy bien. Con 89 años ella se puso en fila para abrazar al está muy conectada a todos sus joven sacerdote y, a continuación, hijos y nietos. Mis 27 sobrinos se arrodilló ante él, pidiéndole su y sobrinas están muy contentos. bendición. He oficiado siete de sus bodas — Un grupo de tres hermanos, bodas católicas — y, por supuesto, y siete hermanas con sus cónyu- ahora soy un obispo”, se sonrió. ges, se limpiaban las lágrimas de “El hermano menor de mi sus ojos al arrodillarse durante la madre fue un obispo y ahora su liturgia, y una procesión de sobri- hijo mayor es un obispo”, agregó. nas y sobrinos trajo las ofrendas “Ella conoce no sólo la alegría del más allá del altar, hasta la silla del oficio, sino también que puede ser obispo. Se las presentaron al cele- a veces un camino difícil. Mamá brante que, no por casualidad, era Bishop-elect Stephen Berg’s formal portrait. (Photo by Donna Ryckaert) es realista acerca de esto, pero ella su tío materno, el Obispo Joseph está muy emocionada. Charron. El obispo electo Berg fue “Fue como si se me hubiera detenido el 27 de febrero; consagrando con él estarán el nombrado vicario general de la Diócesis de corazón por un momento”, dijo el Padre Berg Obispo de Colorado Springs, Michael Sheridan, Fort Worth en el 2008, moderador de la curia después. y el tío de Berg — el Obispo Joseph Charron, en 2010, y administrador diocesano en 2012, Este año, ese mismo sacerdote se convierte Obispo Emérito de Des Moines. cuando el Obispo Kevin Vann fue nombrado en el quinto obispo de Pueblo, Colorado, y la El anuncio del nombramiento del Obispo obispo de la Diócesis de Orange, California. retrospectiva de su primera ordenación prevé electo Berg llegó el pasado 15 de enero.“Mi Así, el año pasado, “Cuando me notifi- la clase de persona que es y el cuidadoso pastor familia estaba eufórica”, dijo: “Yo no había sido caron que Michael Olson sería Obispo aquí, que promete ser para la Diócesis de Pueblo. capaz de decirle a ellos, por supuesto, hasta que ¡yo estaba tan feliz por eso! Sabía que Michael El Arzobispo Samuel Aquila, metropolita- llegara el anuncio oficial. Todos mis herma- conocía nuestra diócesis, y también de su capa- no de la Provincia de Denver, estará presidiendo nos han sido mis partidarios, pasando por un cidad, su generosidad, competencia y liderazgo la ordenación del Obispo electo Berg el próximo montón de cosas: la preparación para el cambio, en el plano real.

PÁGINA 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 que se aleja de la gente de Texas. “Yo elegí vivir aquí, hace 30 años, y volví a ser sacerdote aquí, debido a la gente”, dijo. “Hay algo único acerca de los tejanos”. “Pero me encanta el sur de Colorado”, dice el hombre de 62 años de edad, obispo electo. “Me encanta la altitud”, dijo el futuro obispo. “Usted puede ver las estrellas por la noche. Creo que es una tierra hermosa, con gente hermosa”. Respecto a los nombramientos de obispos, tanto para Fort Worth y Pueblo, dijo el Obispo El Monseñor Berg dio la homilía durante la misa electo de Berg, “Tenemos a alguien aquí en Fort de clausura en la Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference Worth, Michael Olson, que conoce la diócesis, y en el Hyatt Regency DFW, en esta foto de archivo es un hombre excepcionalmente bueno. Él tiene tomada el 14 de julio de 2013. la energía que necesita para guiar una diócesis (Juan Guajardo / NTC Archives) de este tamaño.” “De la misma manera que Fort Worth le queda bien, creo, más bien ruego, que Pueblo “Cuando regresé a casa para celebrar la sentido, pero a la vez tiene que seguir siendo me quede bien. Fort Worth tiene un obispo Acción de Gracias con mi madre y mi familia, yo quien es, y simplemente dejar que el Espíritu maravilloso — el mejor — y me dieron un gran estaba realmente aliviado de los 12 meses ante- crezca, en el interior. Así ha sido el proceso de lugar también.” riores”, explicó. “Estaba eufórico, y conectado.” mi reacción”. Con humildad, dijo el obispo electo Berg, Fue un par de semanas más tarde, el lunes Otra reacción inmediata que tuvo a la lla- “La gente es muy amable, con lo que están por la mañana, cuando Monseñor Berg recibió mada del nuncio fue que, de alguna manera, iba diciendo de mí en este momento, y yo realmen- la llamada telefónica. Dijo el Nuncio Apostóli- a un lugar que se ajustaba a su persona — había te aprecio eso. Escucho, y sé que tengo que oír co: ‘Tengo una comunicación importante para vivido en Colorado antes, como estudiante en — es parte de la transformación que Dios tiene compartir con usted de la Santa Sede. Nuestro la Universidad de Colorado, y tenía experiencia reservada para mí; y hay algo de crecimiento, ya Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, lo ha nombrado en el ministerio rural, que lo ayudó a prepararse sabes.” Obispo de Pueblo’”. para dirigir una diócesis rural. “Creo que la única cosa que puedo decir “Bueno, todavía estoy tratando de com- Desde el 2002 al 2008, el entonces Padre es que yo acepto esto, pero no es algo que yo prender todo esto, pensando: ‘¿De verdad sabe Berg era pastor de cuatro parroquias rurales del he logrado. Fue el Espíritu Santo — es la única él con quién está hablando?’ Yo no sabía cómo Norte de Texas: Santa María en Henrietta, San manera que tiene sentido.” conectar esto”, dijo. “Pero yo creo que hay que Jerónimo en Bowie, San Guillermo en Monta- “El lema episcopal que he elegido para mi empezar, en cierto sentido, a aceptarlo — ¡y por gue, y San José en Nocona. Tras el anuncio de su ordenación es: “Hágase tu voluntad.” Es una supuesto que acepté!” nombramiento, volvió a visitar todas las parro- lección que se repite en el evangelio: la narración El nuevo obispo electo dijo que inmediata- quias, para despedirse. “Fue muy significativo de Lucas, la respuesta de María a Dios, y luego, mentesintió una gran paz. para mí verlas de nuevo”, dijo, “porque ese fue por supuesto, Jesús nos lo enseña en la oración “Dios estaba detrás de esto, y por supuesto uno de los momentos más felices de mi vida. Yo del Señor”, concluyó el obispo electo Berg. el Papa Francisco, quien de alguna manera me respondí y aprendí del ministerio rural. Así que “Creo que, en un nivel muy básico, el lema dice escogió. Este es el Espíritu Santo. Uno tiene que parte de todo esto parece encajar”. para mí lo que yo espero de mi episcopado, y lo aprender una metodología diferente, en cierto El Obispo electo Berg dijo que la parte más que deseo para mi futura grey de la Diócesis de difícil de aceptar del nuevo nombramiento es Pueblo.”

Donna Ryckaert / NTC Archives El entonces Monseñor Berg posa con Díaz y Laura Juan Guajardo / NTC Archives Donna Ryckaert / NTC Archives Murray en una recepción el 26 de octubre después El Monseñor Berg charla con los adolescentes de la Parroquia El Monseñor Berg bendice las Caridades de su investidura en la Orden de Caballería del Santo San Guillermo en Montague, donde solía servir como pastor, Católicas de Fort Worth en sus instalaciones Sepulcro de Jerusalén. en esta foto de archivo tomada en el 2013. de Arlington el 4 de febrero de 2013.

PÁGINA 37 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 ra del Mandato Apostólico del Papa Francisco por el Arzobispo Carlo Maria Viganò, el Nuncio Apostólico para los Estados Unidos. “Hoy, el Monseñor Michael Olson está a punto de ser ordenado a la plenitud del sacerdocio y solemnemente instalado como el cuarto obispo de Fort Worth”, dijo el Arzobis- po Viganò antes de dirigirse al obispo electo. “A medida que fielmente enseñes, gobiernes y santifiques en nombre del único Buen Pastor, estamos seguros que vas a llevar la alegría del Evangelio, tanto a la grey confiada a tí como a la comunidad en general”. El Monseñor García-Siller comenzó su homilía con una expresión sincera de la esperanza y la buena fortuna para la Diócesis de Fort Worth. “En ti vemos el amor, la oración y una gran ¡Felicida- Foto por Donna Ryckaert / NTC esperanza para el futuro. Michael, El Obispo Michael Olson se encuentra sentado en la cátedra —la silla del obispo—significando que es el des y congratulations!”, anunció el arzobispo, obispo de Fort Worth. Fue escoltado a la cátedra por el arzobispo Carlo Maria Viganò, nuncio apostólico y la congregación aplaudió, manifestando su para los Estados Unidos (a la izquierda), y el arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller de San Antonio (a la derecha). aprobación. En declaraciones públicas, el Papa Francis- CONTINUADO DE LA PÁGINA 40 60 diáconos y 43 obispos entraron al centro de co ha dicho que la Iglesia necesita líderes con la arena, que fue convertido en lugar sagrado corazones simples y humildes. Tomando sus primos se reunían a menudo para jugar boliche para la ceremonia diocesana. palabras de la exhortación apostólica del Papa, o disfrutar de la compañia de todos. Helechos, filas de hortensias azules, espue- Evangelii Gaudium, el arzobispo le recordó al “Desde el día en que Michael nació, estaba las de caballero y azaleas de color coral, además obispo electo Olson que debe ser un pastor que destinado para estar aquí”, dijo un familiar que de otras flores, se alinearon junto al elevado esté cerca de su pueblo. estaba de visita. “Él nunca tuvo una pizca de altar. Rosas, ingeniosamente arregladas en “Un obispo debe estar con su pueblo en maldad en su cuerpo. Es una buena persona diversos floreros, simbolizaban la devoción del tres formas: al frente de ellos, señalando el con un gran sentido del humor que siempre fue nuevo obispo hacia la Virgen de Guadalupe y a camino; entre ellos, para evitar que sean espar- especial — en una buena manera”. Santa Teresita de Lisieux, la Florecita. cidos; y detrás de ellos, asegurándose que nadie Para Ronald y Janice Olson, el día de la or- Colgando de un monolito blanco, un gran se quede atrás”, dijo. denación de su hijo no pudo llegar lo suficiente- crucifijo — obra del arquitecto Jim Bransford El Monseñor García-Siller aconsejó al obis- mente rápido. — sirvió como telón de fondo apropiado para el po electo a seguir el ejemplo del Buen Pastor, “El tiempo ha estado malo, pero aun así entorno sagrado. El corpus de ocho pies, tallado guiando a su rebaño con auténtica enseñanza y llegaron”, dijo Ronald Olson, en referencia a en madera de tilo, y una estatua de la Virgen predicación. los planes de viaje de sus invitados de Chicago. colocada en el altar, le pertenecen a las Carmeli- “Mike, hoy Dios te envía el Espíritu San- “Amigos y familiares están apoyando a Mi- tas descalzas de Arlington. to, para que como un obispo le prediques el chael, y eso es tremendo”. “Las Carmelitas no abandonan su clausu- Evangelio a todas las personas”, dijo. “Unidos Sentado junto a su esposa, Janice, y sus ra, por lo que están participando en la liturgia bajo un solo pastor — Jesucristo. Santifícalos y hijas Patty, Mitzi y Liz, el dinámico papá des- prestando el crucifijo y la estatua de la Virgen guíalos a la salvación”. cribe al mayor de sus cuatro hijos que aún viven de su capilla”, explicó el Padre Jonathan Wallis, Después de jurar su fidelidad al Evange- como una “persona del pueblo” que se preocupa quien sirvió como maestro de ceremonias. por todo el mundo. El arzobispo metropolitano de la Pro- “Estamos muy, muy orgullosos de él”, vincia de San Antonio, Gustavo García-Siller agregó su madre Janice Olson. “Es una sensa- sirvió como consagrante principal para el ción maravillosa”. Rito sagrado de la Ordenación. Los principa- La Misa de Ordenación comenzó con una les co-consagrantes fueron el anterior obispo larga e impresionante procesión litúrgica diri- de Fort Worth, el Monseñor Kevin Vann y el gida por los Caballeros de Colón, los Caballeros Arzobispo Emérito Joseph A. Fiorenza de la y Damas de San Pedro Claver, la Orden Ecuestre Arquidiócesis de Galveston- Houston. Los obispos del Santo Sepulcro de Jerusalén, y la Orden de y arzobispos que quedaron sentados en el altar Foto por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Malta. Mientras el coro diocesano cantaba St. también actuaron como co-consagrantes. Los símbolos de obispo (el anillo, el báculo y el mitre) Patrick’s Breastplate y otros himnos inspirado- El Rito de Ordenación comenzó con la fueron bendecidos en un servicio de Vísperas la tarde res, más de 100 seminaristas, 230 sacerdotes, presentación del Obispo electo Olson y la lectu- antes de la ordenación del obispo Olson.

PÁGINA 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 Foto por Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC Foto por Donna Ryckaert / NTC El Arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller de San Más de 8.500 católicos y miembros de la comunidad asistieron la ordenación del obispo Olson el 29 de enero Antonio impone las manos sobre el Obispo en el Fort Worth Convention Center Arena. Olson, ordenándolo al episcopado. lio y a la Iglesia, el obispo electo Olson yacía do en Altus, Oklahoma. “Visitaba nuestra casa, En su primer discurso como Obispo de postrado ante el altar mientras se cantaba la y tomábamos café y hablábamos de diferentes Fort Worth, el prelado pidió a los fieles volver a Letanía de los Santos. Luego se arrodilló ante el cosas. Él me casó y bautizó a dos de mis hijos”. los fundamentos del discipulado y ser seguido- Arzobispo García-Siller y los otros obispos para El piloto de la Fuerza Aérea comentó que res — no sólo admiradores — de Jesús. recibir los dones del Espíritu Santo a través de la su párroco lo acercó a Dios. “Les pido, al comenzar este nuevo capítulo imposición de manos y la oración de ordena- “Si alguna vez tengo una pregunta cuando en nuestra vida, que tomemos como ejemplo, ción. Después de ser ungido con el santo crisma, alguien cuestiona mi fe, tengo una muy buena a la Santísima Madre, que realmente es la pri- el nuevo obispo recibió un anillo significando fuente de información a la que poder recurrir”, mera discípula , y que pidamos su intercesión”, su fidelidad a la Iglesia, una mitra simbolizan- añadió. dijo. “Cuando Gabriel dice, 'no tengas miedo', do su determinación de buscar la santidad, y Otro amigo, el Padre Timothy Heines, María solamente le responde 'sí' a Dios. Que un báculo. El báculo personal se asemeja a un pastor de la Iglesia de San José en Richardson, María nos ayude a decirle sí a Cristo”. cayado de pastor y se confiere para recordarles a fue un compañero de clase del obispo Olson los obispos de sus responsabilidades pastorales y en el Seminario de Santa María en Houston. la necesidad de velar por sus rebaños. Dijo que el Obispo Olson no sólo posee una Al concluir el Rito de Ordenación, aplau- tremenda sabiduría, sino que también tiene un sos llenaron la arena, mientras el Obisbo Olson profundo amor por el sacerdocio que es la base se sentaba en la cátedra — la silla del obispo — de su ministerio. para marcar el inicio de su servicio a la diócesis. “Fuera de ese amor, tiene una gran dosis Sentado en una sección especial reservada de humor y es capaz de llevar la alegría del para personas con deficiencias auditivas, David Evangelio a tantas personas”, dijo. “Tiene una Casanova no pudo contener su emoción. El gran fe, y genuinamente ama a los feligreses feligrés de la Parroquia de Santa Elizabeth Ann a quienes sirve. Los habitantes de Fort Worth Seton fue parte de una delegación elegida para son muy afortunados de tener un pastor como Foto por Jerry Circelli / NTC conocer al nuevo obispo durante la procesión Michael”. Arriba: El canciller diocesano, el padre Daniel Kelley, de las ofrendas. Al terminar la ceremonia de tres horas, muestra el anuncio del nombramiento del Obispo “La diócesis ha hecho tanto por la comuni- todos los presentes alcanzaron a ver el ingenio Olson como obispo de Fort Worth a todos los presentes. dad sorda con los programas de educación y el del Obispo Olson y su bondadosa personali- Abajo: El Obispo Olson saluda al decano Popo dinero para los intérpretes. Quiero asegurarme dad. Tomando nota de la pompa de la ocasión, González y a su esposa Lupe, de Immaculate que continúe”, dijo Casanova, que transmitió la multitud de sacerdotes vestidos de blanco Conception Church en Denton. ese mensaje al obispo Olson, usando el lenguaje y “todo el pueblo de Dios reunidos aquí”, el Foto por Donna Ryckaert / NTC de señas americano interpretado por Connie nuevo obispo se sintió tentado a preguntar: Martin, coordinadora diocesana del ministerio “¿Cuenta esta misa para el domingo?” para personas con pérdidas auditivas. “Quiero El comentario generó un estallido de risa que el obispo sepa que queremos ser una parte de la multitud, seguido por un silencio súbito, esencial de la diócesis y apreciaremos su apoyo”. cuando el obispo ofreció unas palabras en El Sargento Bryan Guidry dijo que será serio. Dio las gracias al Arzobispo Monseñor difícil dirigirse a su viejo amigo de otra manera García-Siller por ordenarlo y a sus compañeros que como “Padre Michael”. sacerdotes por su fraternidad. “No sólo era el sacerdote en mi iglesia”, “Y de una manera más especial, agradezco explicó Guidry, un ex miembro de la Iglesia de a mis padres por el don de la vida y el don de la San Miguel en Bedford, pero ahora participan- fe”, continuó.

PÁGINA 39 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC MARZO / ABRIL 2014 El Obispo Michael Olson es ordenado e instalado como el cuarto obispo de Fort Worth

Por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Corresponsal

“Estamos en buenas manos”. Así es como el Papa Francisco lo nombrara obispo de Fort la familia Consodine de Wichita Falls Worth el pasado 19 de noviembre. La diócesis reaccionó a la Misa de Ordenación e de 28 condados ha estado “sede vacante” — sin instalación de Michael Fors Olson como el un líder — desde que el tercer obispo de Fort cuarto obispo de Fort Worth. Más de 8,500 Worth, Kevin Vann, se convirtiera en obispo católicos y miembros de las comunidades de de Orange, California, en diciembre de 2012. todo el Norte de Texas se reunieron dentro del José y Gloria Frías llegaron temprano al Fort Worth Convention Center Arena el pasado centro de convenciones con la esperanza de 29 de enero para presenciar uno de sus propios conseguir una vista sin obstáculos de la Misa sacerdotes ascender al episcopado de la diócesis de Ordenación. Ambos son lectores en la Iglesia que está en rápido crecimiento. de San Jorge en Fort Worth. “Es un sacerdote tan merecedor. No me “Estamos aquí para ver al nuevo obispo”, sorprendió en absoluto que lo hicieran obispo”, dijo José , luciendo una corbata con la imagen dijo Evelyn Consodine, quien conoció a un de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. “Es un rega- joven Michael Olson cuando era seminarista lo de Dios para todos nosotros”. asignado a la Iglesia Nuestra Señora Reina de El oleaje de feligreses, niños de las escuelas la Paz. católicas, y visitantes de fuera de la ciudad que Ella asistió a su ordenación sacerdotal, en asistieron a la solemne y majestuosa ceremo- junio de 1994, y años más tarde se le ve en la nia compartían ese sentimiento. Incluidos en cena patrocinada por el Consejo 1473 de los la congregación había más de 50 familiares y Caballeros de Colón en la Parroquia Sagrado amigos de la zona de Chicago, donde el obispo Corazón de Wichita Falls, al fallecido Padre Olson, de 47 años, nació y asistió a la escuela. Donlon a favor de las vocaciones en la Iglesia. El primo del obispo, Bill Ackermann, dijo El evento recauda fondos para la educación de que su primo estaba destinado para este día. El los seminaristas. nuevo obispo viene de una gran familia, y los El Monseñor Olson fue rector del Semina- rio Santísima Trinidad en Irving antes de que CONTINUADO EN LA PÁGINA 38

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