North Texas Catholic Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 24 No. 18 December 19, 2008

Angels Papal preacher: People surround Mary and need only accept God’s Jesus in “Holy Night” invitation for salvation by Italian VATICAN CITY (CNS) — ding banquet, calling on people God opens the doors to salva- not to miss the opportunity to Baroque tion while humanity has only enter the kingdom of heaven. painter Carlo to accept his invitation, said the The papal preacher said St. preacher of the papal house- Paul makes a similar point with Maratta. The hold. his teachings on justifi cation. Christmas The preacher, Capuchin Fa- “Christianity doesn’t start out season begins ther Raniero Cantalamessa, told telling people what they have to Pope Benedict XVI and top Vati- do, but what God did for them with the Dec. can offi cials Dec. 5 that God took in Jesus Christ. Christianity is the 24 evening the initiative of offering salvation religion of grace” and of receiv- through his son, Jesus Christ. ing God’s gifts, he said. vigil and ends Individuals “have only to “There is room — and how on the feast of welcome, in faith, God’s offer — for performing one’s duties the Baptism of and live out its requirements,” and observing the command- he said. ments, but that comes after, as a the Lord, Jan. Offering an Advent medita- response” to God’s gift of justi- 11 in 2009. tion on St. Paul’s conversion, fi cation, he said. Father Cantalamessa said the Doing good works and fol- (CNS photo/ gift of salvation is just like a lowing God’s laws are not the courtesy of Art king who opens the doors to his cause or the price to pay to re- palace, which has been decked ceive salvation, he said. Resource) out with a huge buffet. “He does not save us for do- “Standing at the door, he ing good works even though he invites every passer-by to come doesn’t save us without doing in, saying, ‘Come, everything is good works,” Father Cantalam- ready!’” essa said. Rather, he said, people He said Jesus makes the same who believe are made just in the appeal in his parable of the wed- eyes of a merciful God.

Bishop Vann to celebrate Respect Life Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, 7 p.m. Jan. 16 The Respect Life Ministry St. in downtown Fort Worth. all state laws restricting abor- of the diocese invites all to join The diocesan liturgy each Janu- tion was handed down Jan. 22, Bishop Kevin W. Vann Friday, ary marks the anniversary of 1973. A candlelight procession Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. for the annual the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court will be held in remembrance of Respect Life Mass at St. Patrick decision legalizing abortion. The the millions of deaths that have Cathedral,1206 Throckmorton landmark ruling striking down occurred as a result of abortion.

The fi rst diocesan celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Vatican issues updated at St. Patrick Cathedral featured the serenading of Las Mañanitas beginning at 5 a.m. Dec. 12, followed statement on bioethics by Mass at 6 a.m. In the top picture at right, Bishop Vann and Cathedral expanded on those teachings and The Vatican Congregation for Rector Father Richard Flores the Doctrine of the Faith issued presented new ones in such areas participate in a re-enactment of St. its 32-page instruction, Dignitas as stem-cell research, the “morn- Juan Diego’s presentation of the Personae (The Dignity of a Person), ing after” pill, embryo manipula- December roses and the miraculous Dec. 12. The text was person- tion, and gene therapy. The new image imprinted on his tilma. In the ally approved and its publica- Vatican document warns that picture below, a few of the many tion ordered by Pope Benedict certain recent developments in musicians leading Las Mañanitas XVI. The document updates the stem-cell research, gene therapy, strum and sing before the altar of congregation’s 1987 instruction, and embryonic experimentation St. Patrick Cathedral. They were Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life), violate moral principles and re- joined by trumpets, violins, and other instruments. which rejected in vitro fertiliza- fl ect an attempt by man to “take tion, human cloning, surrogate the place of his Creator.” More complete coverage of the motherhood, and nontherapeu- See Catholic News Service Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration tic experiments with human em- stories on pages 10 and 11 of this will appear in the Jan. 9 issue of bryos. The new instruction has issue of the North Texas Catholic. the North Texas Catholic. Page 2 North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Diocesan Th e Season of Christmas off ers us many chances to appreciate the gift of God’s love in Christ – and to off er that gift to others Dear Brothers and clothes is the center of our faith. It ay we never forget that God’s grace is takes a little bit of love to realize the Sisters in the Lord, infi nite love of the One whose birth offered, not imposed. Christmas, a most M we celebrate. beautiful example of grace, is a gift from a loving It also takes our willingness, for t. Luke in his Gospel, Father, and we are all invited by the Father to at least a moment, to let go of our in Chapter 2 says, pains and sorrows, so we can fi nd trust and accept this wonderful gift that is freely the great joy that fl oods humanity “For today in the and generously given to all. Once we accept the with the simple birth of this baby S in the arms of Mary. It takes a small city of David, a savior has precious gift, we need to unwrap it from all the prayer to realize, and to reawaken seasonal packaging and truly welcome Him into to the understanding that the hope been born to you who is Bishop Kevin W. Vann our hearts, especially as we receive Him in the we so hunger for is found in the One Messiah and Lord.” Thus whose birth we celebrate — Jesus. Eucharist during our various Christmas liturgical celebrations. Yes, during the Christmas Sea- the Church calendar pro- son we remember, celebrate, and claims with joy the begin- believe in the profound truth that times wish to fi t in with certain cal celebrations. our hope became fl esh, Jesus Christ, ning of the Christmas sea- crowds or peers that are of the opin- There is a common carol and say- the incarnate love of God. May the ion that it is either useless or foolish ing by the poet Christina Rosetti that celebration of Christmas throughout son. We celebrate the birth to be a faithful Catholic or a believer says, “Love came down at Christmas.” the Diocese of Fort Worth spread the of the Child Jesus in Bethle- in Christ. Fitting in and not being left Thus Christmas is an invitation from seeds of the love and hope of Jesus alone, becomes more important than God, not an imposition. Christmas, the Christ all over North Texas and hem, and we celebrate the being faithful. For them the next step Nativity of the Lord, is God reaching beyond. is to celebrate the winter solstice and out to us and reminding us how much May this season, which is not just fulfi llment of God’s prom- not Christmas. He loves us all and how He wishes to one day, but twelve days and beyond, ise to send us a Messiah, a When we encounter our colleagues dwell within us and among us. be a time of grace and blessings or friends who think this way, give Christmas is a celebration of life for all of you. I ask your continued Savior. them the gift of true Christian friend- and how the life of this one Child will prayers and please be assured of ship. Invite them to worship at your unite us in a God-given communio, fruit mine for all of you and your loved parish. Show them where it is safe to of the salvation and loving redemp- ones. Thank you for living the gift The truths and mysteries of be a true believer in Christ and where tion, which He brings. Christmas is of your Catholic Faith in the gener- Christmas are a series of blessings Christmas is celebrated publicly and God showing us how much He cares ous ways that I, and so many others, and truths for which we have been joyfully, as Luke, in Chapter 2, also and how much He desires for us to re- have seen and experienced. preparing all during Advent. They proclaims, “good news of great joy ally get to know Him, a task that is so require our belief, openness, and par- that will be for all the people.” much easier said than done. Merry Christmas and may God ticipation. This attitude of Faith is es- Then there are those who outright May we never forget that it takes a bless you always. pecially important during these times reject Christmas out of a stubborn- bit of effort to get to know God per- when unbelief, even though it is just ness and an intellectual stance fi lled sonally, especially when we look at among a few, has become fashionable with old arguments that have been Him in the manger during the Christ- again, and even at times militant. tried and been found wanting and mas Season. It takes a certain degree I would like to refl ect on those have nothing to do with the reality of humility to realize the humility of around us who sadly are not truly that Jesus Christ was born in a man- the One born in a manger. It takes a celebrating the birth of the Lord this ger in Bethlehem. certain degree of a God-given faith + Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann Christmas season for whatever rea- For many who have these charac- to realize how the One in swaddling Bishop of Fort Worth son. They too are part of our commu- teristics, this is the season for mate- nity and are in need of our witness, rial goods and comforts that hide a love, and prayers. I believe if we seek spiritual poverty. Sadly for them the to understand them a bit more, then birth of Christ is not the reason for the perhaps we can spread our Christmas season. Jesus, for many who live this North joy and help them in welcoming the way, is more an afterthought than the Christ Child in their lives and hearts. Texas primary motive for Christmas. Catholic First there are those who are sadly Do you know anyone like this? overwhelmed with pain, illness, and Pray to be patient and loving with suffering. This can make the Christ- them. Say “God bless you” and mas season unbearable for them. “Merry Christmas.” Be kind; invite Publisher: Many also place expectations and them over for the parish dinner, if Bishop Kevin W. Vann requirements on God that the good you can, and pray for them. Ask God Editor: Jeff Hensley Lord cannot fulfi ll and still carry out to place the grace of true Christmas Associate Editor: Tony Gutiérrez his redemptive plan. Others cannot joy in their hearts. Editorial Assistant: Anne N. Prevou distinguish between what God per- May we never forget that God’s Administrative Assistant: Judy Russeau mits and what God wills and desires. grace is offered, not imposed. Christ- Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) Because of this mistaken thinking, mas, a most beautiful example of 244-8839. sickness and pain become, in the Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) grace, is a gift from a loving Father, 560-3300. minds of a few, God’s fault. All of this and we are all invited by the Father can become an insurmountable ob- NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published semi-monthly, except to trust and accept this wonderful gift for the months of June, July, and August when it is published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. stacle that ruins Christmas for many. that is freely and generously given to Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South. Subscription rates are $24 I invite you to fi nd these members of all. Once we accept the precious gift, for one year, $46 for two years, $68 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. our various faith communities and POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort we need to unwrap it from all the Worth, Texas 76108. reach out to them with healing love seasonal packaging and truly wel- Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of Wednesday of the week before so that Christmas can become real come Him into our hearts, especially the paper is published. The NTC is published two times a month on Friday, except for the months again for them too. as we receive Him in the Eucharist of June, July, and August when it is published one time each month. There are also those who some- The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, during our various Christmas liturgi- or products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 3 Diocesan / State

Father Kyle Walterscheid, Holy sites need legal director of the Offi ce of Vocations, is shown walking protection, say speakers out of Sacred Heart Parish Responding in Muenster following at Rome conference his ordination to the priesthood in May ROME (CNS) — Every Friday cess to holy sites and not allow to od’s all 2002. Even then, he G C appeared to be afternoon in Jerusalem’s Old City, fundamentalist Jewish, Muslim, thousands of Muslims walk to Al or Christian activists the oppor- inviting people Aqsa Mosque to pray, thousands tunity to ignite more violence, to ask if they were being of Jews walk to the Western Wall he said. Remembering called to a to pray and thousands of Chris- While the majority of Israelis vocation. tians carry a cross in procession and Palestinians now agree that along the Via Dolorosa, recalling they want peace and have con- Christ at Christmas is the Way of the Cross. verged around a solution based Daniel Seidemann, an Israeli on Israel withdrawing from the essential for society’s future lawyer, said the Friday afternoon West Bank and Gaza Strip, “the scene “is not touchy-feely, it’s not volcanic core of the conflict” By Father Kyle Walterscheid meaning of Christmas. games, movies, and toys, fuzzy warm and when the people — the Old City of Jerusalem and In these cases they are do- while all the more captivated glance at each other, more often its holy sites — remains volatile, ing Christianity a grave disser- by the latest thing that all the than not it is a glance of disdain Seidemann said. ow are you vice and causing great harm to other neighborhood kids have. or contempt, but the damn thing So far, he said, peace proposals keeping Christ our children, our families, and Rather, if we sit with our works.” have shown themselves “inad- H our community. But is it not children annually during Seidemann, who describes equate for dealing with the reli- in Christmas? It really our own fault? the Advent and Christmas himself as a Zionist committed to gious ecosystem of Jerusalem.” I have led teenagers in seasons and share with them ensuring Jerusalem remains a city In addition, Seidemann said, is important you know. discussions many times to the holy Nativity story of our where Jews, Christians, and Mus- the fl ight of Christian residents Our children deserve help them see more clearly for Savior from Luke, chapters 1 lims coexist, spoke in Rome Dec. from Jerusalem threatens the themselves how the meaning and 2, or Matthew chapters 1 10 at an international conference already fragile coexistence of better than what we of Christmas has been watered and 2; if we explain to them on different legal and religious believers from the three faiths down. I help them make two the meaning of these passages; approaches to the status of holy and “is the cultural, the religious present to them. Our columns, one designated as if we sing with them true places and religious institutions. impoverishment of Jerusalem.” children are yearning Christmas themes centered Christmas songs night after The conference was co-spon- “This is dangerous,” he said. on the birth of Christ and the night, then our children will sored by the interdisciplinary “The Christian community of to know about the real other as folklore themes that be drawn to Christ, our eternal program in law and religion at Jerusalem is the canary in the coal are attached to Christmas joy. Catholic University’s Columbus mine; when that community is ill, Christmas story. Our but are clearly not about the And if our children are School of Law in Washington. everybody is ill.” children deserve to birth of Christ. Categories captivated by our eternal joy, Marshall J. Breger, a professor Franciscan Father David Jae- include kinds of decorations, then as teenagers and young at the law school, told Catholic ger, who has been involved in know the truth. Christmas cards, crafts, games, adults they will have a deep News Service, “We believe the Vatican-Israeli negotiations, said gifts, music, animations, and desire to share with others this political issues — as diffi cult as that except for the Church of the Blessed are you, if your movies. joy of being called to serve in they are in places like Palestine Holy Sepulcher and the tomb of parish puts on a Christmas Suddenly the meaning the Church in some concrete and Israel — cannot be resolved Mary in Jerusalem and the Basil- play which focuses on the of Christmas comes alive to way, with many choosing to without recognizing the religious ica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, birth of our Savior Jesus them. It’s God, Divine Love, dedicate their lives to the re- issues involved.” all of the Catholic churches and Christ! Blessed are you, if you having sent the Angel Ga- ligious life as sisters, brothers “Conferences like this let us shrines in the Holy Land are the are a parent who explains the briel to Mary to announce the and priests. uncover the facts concerning the private property of the Catholic true meaning of Christmas to Incarnation of our Lord in her I believe that without a law, theology and culture of the Church. your children! The coming of womb. It’s God sending us his clearer vision, Catholics will different stakeholders in a con- The three major sites are gov- Jesus is truly our greatest joy! Son to be our Savior. not be able to rise to the call fl ict,” he said. erned by an internationally rec- In fact, Jesus is the source of Thus, true Christmas songs from God to put Christ back Tariq Ramadan, a professor ognized agreement, which is all our joy, so why not bring include songs like “What into Christmas. We will con- of Islamic studies at Oxford guaranteed by both Israel and our children to the very source Child is This?,” “O Little Town tinue to remain in the crisis University and president of the the Palestinian Authority, Father of our life and joy, Jesus who of Bethlehem,” and “Silent we are in, lacking adequate European Muslim Network, Jaeger said. “In the future, when comes to us as a little baby Night” as opposed to secular numbers of sisters, brothers, said that while religious leaders Jerusalem has an internationally boy. songs like “Winter Wonder- and priests, because children should educate their followers guaranteed special statute (some- As adults we should try land,” “Silver Bells,” or “Have cannot recognize the call from in the obligation to respect the thing for which the Vatican hopes) to distinguish for ourselves a Holly Jolly Christmas” God nor experience his eternal holy sites of all religions, if those that responsibility may pass to an things that belong to the which have no real connection joy. sites are not protected by law, “in international organization desig- Christmas story and things to Christmas. His call will continue to be situations of confl ict, there will be nated for the purpose.” that are purely commercial- True Christmas movies drowned out by the loud com- a mess.” As for the other churches ized propaganda that dis- are even more scarce. Some mercial sounds of the season “Idealism offers no protection and shrines the Catholic Church tracts us from the point of movies carry some spiritual clouding too many of our from the dark side” of human considers holy, Father Jaeger said Christmas. Commercialized, message, but they overwhelm- children and young people’s behavior, he said, so laws are the Catholic Church asks only Christmas has been turned ingly leave out any message vision of what Christmas needed to protect and govern that the normal laws governing into a holiday season fi lled of our Savior coming into this — and the Christian life — is access to places people consider private property be respected. with color, decorations, songs, world. all about. sacred. In the Catholic codes of canon movies, and more, which have Christian brothers and But, if we teach our chil- Seidemann said that while law, he said, sacred places are not little, if anything, to do with sisters, we need to wake up! dren, and ourselves, the true Jerusalem may not be a model of sacred because of the traditions Christmas. Without Christ there is no hol- meaning of Christmas, and interfaith friendship and coopera- associated with the site, but be- How many retail stores iday season! Without Christ invite Jesus back into our lives tion, its identity is essentially tied cause the church has performed use Christmas to pitch their there is no Christmas! Without during this “holy day” season, to being a city where different re- a rite consecrating the place. products? If a store is going to Christ there is no joy! we can still build a future of ligious groups exist side by side. For Catholics, Father Jaeger use Christmas as part of their Yes, our children deserve hope. But, he said, the city’s history said, “law, not mysticism, de- sales pitch, then they have better. Our Christian culture has shown violence is almost fi nes a sacred place” in contrast the duty to actually promote has all but collapsed! We once Father Kyle Walterscheid is the guaranteed when there is a “real with other believers who “have Christ, else they are abusing drew children annually to the director of Vocations for the or perceived threat or violation of decided that certain places are the name of Christ and insult- story of the Nativity of our Diocese of Fort Worth. He can be sacred space.” holy places for which they are ing all Christians by watering Lord, but now our children reached by e-mail to kwalterscheid The government must guar- prepared to shed blood — their down and drowning out the are drowned by secular songs, @fwdioc.org. antee the security of and ac- own and other people’s.” Page 4 North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Seminarians for Benedictine sis- Cardinal New- Knights of Co- Life director to ters invite sin- man Institute lumbus scholar- visit St. Patrick gle women for to offer ‘Lit- ships available Father Bill Bellrose, CPM, director Life Weekend PeoplePeople urgy and Sacra- for Lewisville of Seminarians for Life, will speak The Benedictine sisters of Fer- about “The Pro-Life Movement dinand, Indiana invite all single ments’ course area students Around the World” on Tuesday, Catholic women between the in January Three $600 Knights of Colum- Jan. 6 at St. Patrick Cathedral, lo- ages of 18 and 40 and interested bus scholarships, for a Catholic cated at 1206 Throckmorton St. in in experiencing religious life to Events The Cardinal Newman Institute college-bound senior from Lew- downtown Fort Worth. The evening Events join them for a “Benedictine Life of Fort Worth will offer its spring isville High School, Marcus High will begin with a Holy Hour and Weekend” Jan. 2-4. &of Importance for the 10-week course on the liturgy and School, and Flower Mound High rosary at 7 p.m., followed by Fr. & During this weekend women sacraments beginning Saturday, Jan. School, will be awarded in May. Bellrose’s talk. will have the opportunity to share Church of Fort Worth 17. The course will be offered from Applicants must be Catholic. Seminarians for Life was founded in the prayer and community life 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the St. Maria Two additional $600 schol- in 1989 by Father Paul Marx, OSB, of the sisters as well as hear input Goretti Church’s Holy Family Life arships have been added this as an outreach of Human Life on the theme “Mindful Living: Center, located at 1200 S. Davis Dr. year for students attending any International to be the worldwide Being Present to the Moment.” in Arlington. area high school, provided the pro-life educational apostolate for This vocation weekend is free, Participants will examine the student’s father is a member Catholic seminarians. SFLI currently with a room, meals, and input fundamental liturgies of the Catholic of St. Philip the Apostle Parish, reaches seminaries around the world provided. Church, such as the Mass and the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, or via the SFLI newsletter and pro-life For more information or Liturgy of the Hours, as well as the a member of Knights Council educational training. SFLI’s pro-life to register online, visit www. role and nature of the sacraments, # 9884. seminarian apostolate has reached thedome.org/JoinUs, or call their relationship to the plan of Instructions and applications countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Director of Vocation Ministries salvation and the history of their for the 19th annual Knights both American continents. Sister Michelle Sinkhorn, OSB, development. of Columbus Scholarship are Fr. Bellrose has come to Human at 800-734-9999, or email voca- The Institute “highly recom- now available from high school Life International from Most Sacred [email protected]. mends” the course for religion teach- counselors at Lewisville High, Heart Parish in Eureka, Missouri. ers, those preparing others for the Flower Mound High, and Marcus Fr. Bellrose is a priest with the Monthly voca- sacraments, and Catholics wishing High, as well as the St. Philip the Fathers of Mercy, a small religious to enhance one’s participation in the Apostle Church office. community that preaches parish tional discern- Mass and sacramental life. The scholarships are funded missions. No RSVP is required. For Students will examine basic docu- by contributions from Council more information, contact Chanacee ment event ments of the Church as liturgical 9884, the Lady Knights, and local Ruth-Killgore, director of Respect scheduled directives. Tuition is $200, with at Fourth Degree Pope Paul VI As- Life for the diocese, at (817) 560- least half payable at the first class. sembly #2291. Applications must 3300 ext. 257. All men and women ages 18 to Full-time employees working in the be postmarked by Feb. 14. 50 are invited to attend a monthly CHRIST THE KING, IOWA PARK – On Sunday, Dec. 7, the children of Christ the King Parish in Iowa Park, celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas. The Church’s catechetical, pastoral and For more information, contact discernment program at St. Patrick educational ministries are eligible to chairman Mike Crivello at mac- Young Adults Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St. children left their shoes in the vestibule of the parish hall and proceeded to feast on donuts and juice. After a movie about St. Nicholas, the saint receive a half-tuition reduction. [email protected]. invited to Mass in downtown Fort Worth. For information or to pre-register The Men and Women’s Monthly himself arrived and passed out cups filled with goodies to all the children. As the children left, they found that St. Nicholas had filled their shoes with to obtain the reading list and begin and cookout Discernment Program includes a to acquire resources, call (817) Ministry with Holy Hour of eucharistic adoration, golden coins. Parents and children alike enjoyed the celebrations and said with Fr. Bell- it was a wonderful way to begin this joyous season. Pictured in the back row 277-4859 or e-mail at cni.info@ gay, lesbian an hour discussion on vocational yahoo.com. rose at UNT discernment, and an evening meal from left to right are Cannon Hodges, Allison Schubert, Rylee Hodges, and Catholics to provided by the Serra Club. Shand Cornman with St. Nicholas. In the front row from left to right are All young adults are invited The women’s group is led by Lillian Francis, Hailey Cornman, Emma Schubert, Wyatt Schultz, Johnny meet Jan. 22 Schultz (kneeling), Jacob Schultz, and Gunnar Hodges. to the University of North Texas the religious sisters serving in Fort Courage group The regular fourth Thursday Catholic Campus Center for 11 Worth, and the men’s group is led by of the month meeting of the a.m. Mass with Father Bill Bell- the priests of the Vocation Office and meets twice Fort Worth diocesan Ministry rose, director of Seminarians for various religious men who serve the with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, Life, Sunday, Jan. 4 at 1303 Eagle Diocese of Fort Worth. This program Bishop Vann to celebrate Mass in monthly other Sexual Minorities and Their Dr. in Denton. welcomes anyone who is at least a Courage D/FW, a spiritual support Families will not be held in De- After the Mass, there will be a sophomore in high school and at honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. cember, due to the holidays. lunch at the center. After lunch least 15 years of age. group for Catholics striving to live chaste lives according to the Catholic The next regular meeting of there will be a hike at Lake Ray For more information, con- Bishop Kevin Vann will celebrate a Mass the ministry will be held on Roberts with a cookout dinner tact Father Kyle Walterscheid at Church’s teachings on homosexu- for the 23rd Annual “Celebration of Life for ality, meets the second and fourth Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at for fun and fellowship to end [email protected] or at Martin Luther King, Jr.” at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Catholic Renewal Center at the day. (817) 560-3300 ext. 110. Friday evenings of each month. Jan. 17 at St. Joseph Church at 1927 SW For more information, e-mail to 4501 Bridge St. in Fort Worth. For more information contact Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington. For more information, contact Janet Wolf at (940) 229-2241. [email protected] or call A reception will follow the Mass. The (972) 938-5433. Father Warren Murphy, TOR, at annual celebration held in honor of Martin (817) 927-5383 or Doreen Rose Luther King, Jr., takes place in a different at (817) 329-7370. location every year. For more information, contact Deacon Len Sanchez at (817) 560-2452 ext. 305 or [email protected]. Training ses- Theology pro- sions offered fessor to speak for EMs for about Catholic Catholic home- homebound, perspective on schooling NTC dead- hosptalized Rapture information lines for Sister Dorothy Jonaitis, OP, will submission St. Michael Church at 3713 Har- present “The Left Behind Alterna- meeting Jan. 16 wood Rd. Bedford will offer a train- tive: A Workshop on Apocalyptic Catholics interested in home- The North Texas Catholic ing session for new extraordinary Literature” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. schooling their children are invited is published twice monthly, ministers of holy Communion to Saturday, Jan. 31 at St. Bartholomew IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL, DENTON – Immacu- to an information meeting from 7 except during the months the homebound, hospitalized, and Church at 3601 Altamesa Blvd. in late Conception School scored 602 total points which included 13 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16 to learn of June, July, and Au- nursing home residents. Fort Worth. first-place finishes to win the championship of the North Texas about the different philosophies of gust when it is published The training is divided in two Sr. Jonaitis is the author of Un- Independent League Academic Meet, a competition that featured homeschooling, the different Catho- monthly. The deadline sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. masking Apocalyptic Texts: a Guide other Catholic schools placing second and third against other lic curriculums available, and the to submit information is Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. to Preaching and Teaching, and an private schools in the region at North Central Texas College in legalities of homeschooling. noon on the Wednesday of Participants will learn basic assistant professor at the University Gainesville. Approximately 60 students from second through eighth Experienced homeschoolers will the week before the paper visit skills, what pastoral care to of Dallas School of Ministry. She grades competed in events ranging from art memory to storytelling be available to answer questions as is published. the sick and the dying is, and the will present the Catholic teaching of to science. ICCS took first place while St. Mary’s in Gainesville was well as show materials. Items for the Jan. 9 issue overall importance of this minis- apocalyptic texts, especially related second with 518 points and Sacred Heart of Muenster placed third Catholics Teaching at Home must be received by noon try. Participants from outside St. to the rapture and imagery of the with 251 points. Pictured are ICCS students who garnered the highest (CATH), a homeschool group for on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Michael need to pay a fee of $8 to Book of Revelation. point totals in the meet including, from left to right, Hayden Hawley, Catholics in the Fort Worth Diocese, Items for the Jan. 23 issue cover cost of materials. Lunch will Sr. Jonaitis will sign copies of her Sarah Owens, Madison Morgan, Margo Del Mundo, Christian Luke, will sponsor the presentation. must be received by noon be provided. book, which may be purchased at Ali Oberman, Scott Wolf, and Joe Ralston. For more information, contact on Wednesday, Jan. 14. To RSVP, contact Martín Peña the workshop. Diane Ashour at (972) 601-9751 or at (817) 283-8743. Deadline for For more information, call Marco [email protected]. registration is Jan. 19. Castellon at (817) 293-5589. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 5 Diocesan Ministry Formation Day scheduled for Jan. 10 at Nolan Catholic HS Father John Robert Skeldon, a fective Catechesis for RCIA,” led Arlington and a panel of youth locally popular homilist, work- by Lucas Pollice, diocesan director group participants. shop presenter, and instructor of Adult Formation; “Why a Year Ministry Formation Day is for the Biblical School at the Uni- of St. Paul?” offered by Scripture sponsored in two different loca- versity of Dallas, will offer the scholar Sister St. John Begnaud, tions within the diocese each keynote presentation at Ministry SSMN; “Reaching Out to Young year by the diocesan offi ces of for everyone.” Formation Day, Saturday, Jan. 10 Adults,” by Marion Cannon, Children’s Catechesis, Adult The early registration cost for at Nolan Catholic High School co-coordinator of the Diocesan Formation, Hispanic Pastoral the Jan. 10 event is $25 and includes located at 4501 Bridge St. in Fort Young Adult Council; “Encour- Services, Youth, Young Adult, a continental breakfast, lunch, and Worth. Fr. Skeldon, who serves aging Vocations Among the Next and Campus Ministry, Worship, materials. The cost at the door as parochial administrator of Our Generation,” led by Father Kyle Catholic Schools, Peace and Justice, without prior registration is $30. Lady of Guadalupe Church in Walterscheid, diocesan director of Marriage and Family Life, the Mar- Partial scholarships are available; Wichita Falls, will speak on the Vocations; “Theology of the Body riage Tribunal, Pastoral Planning, parishioners may register as indi- theme of the day, “Encountering Fr. John Robert Skeldon for the Family,” presented by Diane Stewardship and Development viduals or as members of a parish the Living Word!” Schwind, diocesan coordinator of and Finance. group. For more information about The event will begin with Vietnamese, will be offered prior Family Life; “The Sacrament of “All are invited to gather for Ministry Formation Day at Nolan, registration and a light breakfast to and following the noon catered Marriage and Marriage Nullity an enrichment day that includes call Joe Rodriguez at (817) 560-3300 at 8 a.m.; the opening prayer and lunch. Cases,” presented by Meg Hogan, English, Spanish, and Vietnam- ext. 115 or e-mail to jrodriguez@fw- welcoming remarks will be offered Breakout sessions will include director of the diocesan Marriage ese workshop sessions, exhibits, dioc.org. For a complete listing of at 9 a.m. Fr. Skeldon will give the topics such as “Service Projects Tribunal; and “Organizing a Youth networking opportunities, and the day’s schedule and workshop keynote presentation in English at with Children,” offered by Mary Group: the Members’ Perspec- an exciting keynote presentation,” topics, or to obtain a registration 9:30 a.m., and in Spanish at 10:45 Moody and Susan Overcash of St. tive,” to be offered by Diane Do- said Joe Rodriguez, coordinator form, visit the diocesan Web site a.m. Three breakout sessions, in- John the Apostle School in North nahue, director of youth ministry of the Ministry Formation Day at www.fwdioc.org and click on cluding sessions in Spanish and Richland Hills; “Essential and Ef- at St. Vincent de Paul Church in event. “There will be something “Faith Formation.” End of life forum planned at St. Andrew St. Mary of the Assumption A half-day forum on end of life sentations with the opportunity for plications of a fi nal illness, advance prepares to celebrate issues will be held from 9:30 a.m. to participants to ask questions will directives, surrogacy, and clinical 1 p.m. Jan. 17 in the parish hall at be offered. Presenters will include scenarios. centennial anniversary St. Andrew Church, 3717 Stadium Dr. David Capper, a geriatrician, The Pastoral Care Committee, Dr. in Fort Worth, with registration internist and hospice and pallia- Happy Hearts Group, St. Andrew St. Mary beginning at 9 a.m. tive care physician; Scott Taylor, a Nurses, and Women of St. Andrew of the The purpose of the forum personal fi nance and asset protec- are co-sponsoring the event. Assumption is to educate Catholics and the tion specialist; and Enrique Illing- A light lunch will be served Church in Fort general public about the clinical, worth, LMSW, and Kathy Kalina, at noon. The panelists will be Worh will emotional, social, ethical, and RN, CHPN, both of whom serve as available for more questions and celebrate its legal implications of end of life is- hospice care professionals. answers during this time. Reserva- centennial sues, and to encourage informed Topics to be addressed during tions are required by Wednesday, anniversary advanced care planning, according the day will include care giving, Jan. 14. in 2009. to promotional material. spirituality at the end of life, social For more information, call the This photo is A moderated forum of four pre- dynamics, resources, fi nancial im- parish offi ce at (817) 927-5383. taken from the parish Web site. Flower Mound freshman wins international

St. Mary of the Assumption Centennial Masses at 10 a.m. Knights of Columbus free throw competition Church will celebrate its 100th in English and 12 p.m. in Span- Taylor Johnson, a freshman Anniversary next year with ish with receptions following. at Flower Mound High School, festivities planned throughout Because St. Mary was a parish is the 2008 Knights of Columbus 2009. of the Diocese of Dallas during International Basketball Free St. Mary began with its fi rst its fi rst 60 years, Dallas Bishop Throw Champion in the boys’ Mass on May 6, 1909. Kevin Farrell has been invited. 13-year-old bracket and was rec- The church will hold its “Cen- Any priests that have served at ognized by Council # 9884, based tennial year Kick Off” with an St. Mary’s are also invited. in Lewisville, at the monthly English Mass at noon on Jan. 1, Finally, a Mass will be cel- business meeting of the council, for the feast of the Blessed Virgin ebrated at 12 p.m. Saturday, held Dec. 4. Mary, where a new “Centen- Aug. 15, in honor of the patron Tom Kupper, contest chair- nial Chalice” will be blessed. feast day of the parish, Assump- man, and Joe Ward, grand knight A reception will follow in the tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the council, presented Taylor cafeteria. with a centennial reception with his award of a golden bas- “We have procured a cen- afterward. ketball. Taylor is the son of Mr. tennial chalice from Spain, and Fr. Bristow also said that and Mrs. Brian Johnson of Flower Bishop [Kevin} Vann will bless concerts will be held in honor Mound. it,” said Father David Bristow, of the centennial throughout Each year, over 200,000 boys Knights of Columbus Council #9884 Grand Knight Joe Ward presents priest in charge of St. Mary. “It the year and parishioner John and girls ages 10-14 participate in Flower Mound High School freshman Taylor Johnson with a golden will be used in all the Masses Araujo is currently writing a this international competition. basketball for winning the organization’s international free throw throughout the year, and then for book about the history of the Taylor qualifi ed earlier this competition. high festivals and high occasions parish that is expected to be year at the local, district, regional only after that.” published in 2009. and state levels by making 88 per- the state level championship in tion will be held in January, and On Sunday, May 10, Bishop For more information, contact cent of his 90 free throw attempts, San Antonio. any youth living in the Lewisville Vann will celebrate the offi cial the church at (817) 923-1911. according to Kupper. Taylor Grand Knight Ward an- Independent School District are completed 25 of 25 attempts at nounced that the 2009 competi- eligible to participate. Page 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 Diocesan Bishop Vann announces successful audit results for Charter for protection of children and young people, thanks all who helped

In a letter sent Nov. 7 to all pas- ronment trainings and seminars; in compliance with the Charter tors, deacons, pastoral adminis- they examined the records that during each audit,” she noted. trators, and ministry leaders are kept to verify the background All audits in dioceses and ep- within the Diocese of Fort Worth, checks that are done on employ- archies across the United States Bishop Kevin Vann announced ees and volunteers within our will be completed by the end that the diocese has passed the parishes and schools, and they of December, and the Offi ce for 2008 independent audit for reviewed the record keeping pro- Child and Youth Protection with compliance with the Charter for cesses that are used to ensure the the USCCB will then publish a the Protection of Children and protection of young people and comprehensive report of all audit Young People, a comprehensive vulnerable adults in our parishes results in early 2009, said Smith. set of guidelines developed by Father George Foley, pastor of St. Jude Church in Mansfi eld, celebrated the and schools,” said Smith. “I want to express my sincere 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at a Mass and reception the United States Conference The Diocese of Fort Worth’s gratitude to each of you for sup- Nov. 21, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington. Fr. Foley, a native of South of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in original policies, which ad- porting our Safe Environment Africa, was ordained in Pretoria on Nov. 30, 1958. He has served at St. Jude’s, a 2002. “Representatives from the dressed the matter of sexual program,” wrote the bishop in diverse community of approximately 3,000 families, since 2003. Gavin Group visited the Diocese misconduct by clergy, religious, his Nov. 7 letter. “I know that of Fort Worth during the week or lay leaders, were fi rst adopted complying with record keeping of October 13 to audit our Safe in 1993 and were further updated and teaching requirements is Environment program,” wrote in 2002 to bring diocesan policies hard work. But I want you to Bishop Vann.”They reviewed into accord with the Charter for know that others have noticed our curriculum; they checked the Protection of Children and and appreciate the great respon- our participant databases; and Young People. The Charter was sibility that you, our employees they interviewed a good num- created with the goal of prevent- and volunteers, share. Through ber of pastors, principals, and ing the sexual abuse of minors your support and dedication, the various staff members of our within the church. Catholic Church in North Texas, parishes and schools.” The 2008 audit was the fifth and across the United States, While many of the interviews since the Charter was implement- continues its mission to serve were done by telephone, several ed in 2002, said Smith. “The Dio- others faithfully in the footsteps were done in person at the par- cese of Fort Worth has been found of Our Lord and Savior.” ish and school sites, the bishop Priests of the diocese gather with Fr. George Foley (seventh from left), at his told staff members at the North golden Jubilee anniversary celebration held Nov. 21. Over the years, Fr. Foley Texas Catholic. “The auditors has served parishes in Bedford, Rhineland, Knox City, Breckenridge, Albany, Throckmorton, Cisco, Ranger, and Eastland. were extremely complimentary about the work that is done here in our diocese to protect young Tribunal to host presentation people,” said the bishop. “They really affirmed the excellence by canon lawyer Fr. Patrick of our personnel in the various ministries and at the diocesan Lagges, JCD, Jan. 26 level.” Representatives of the Gavin The Marriage Tribunal of the edge in Group Inc., based in Winthrop, Diocese of Fort Worth will host Tribunal Massachusetts, conducted the a workshop Wednesday, Jan. work.” audit at The Catholic Center Oct. 26, at Most Blessed Sacrament There 13-17, said Ruth Smith, director Catholic Church, 2100 N. Davis is no of Child and Youth Protection for Dr. in north Arlington. Registra- charge for the Diocese of Fort Worth. “The tion will begin at 9:30 a.m.; the attending representatives also met with workshop will begin at 10 a.m. the work- Bishop Vann, with our chancel- and will conclude at 4 p.m. Fa- shop; lor, Father James Hart; our vicar ther Patrick Lagges, JCD, judicial lunch and general, Father Stephen Berg, and vicar of the Marriage Tribunal of Fr. Patrick Lagges materials with members of our Diocesan the Archdiocese of Chicago and will be Review Board,” said Smith. lecturer in canon law at Munde- provided. Preregistration is The auditors also spent time lein Seminary in Chicago, will required prior to Friday, Jan. working with Smith and with di- serve as the presenter and will 23 at 4 p.m. To register, call the ocesan Victims Assistance Coor- address recent developments in Tribunal offi ce at (817) 560-3300, dinator Judy Locke, noted Smith. tribunal theory and practice. ext. 200, or e-mail to mhogan@ “We shared with the auditors the Fr. Lagges has years of ex- fwdioc.org. materials we use in our safe envi- pertise in dealing with issues related to the annulment process in the Catholic Church, said Meg SecureHorizons Hogan, diocesan director of the by UnitedHealthcare Marriage Tribunal in Fort Worth. Medicare Advantage plans “We welcome everyone in the • Monthly health plan premiums starting at $0 diocese to attend, especially Doctor co-pay as low as $5.00 TRIDENTINE MASS those who are presently in tri- Prescription medications co-pay as low as $5.00 Latin Indult Mass bunal ministry, those who might Large network of primary care physicians and specialists be interested in tribunal ministry, Open enrollment from 15th Nov 08 to 31st Dec 08 : p.m. Sundays and anyone who’s ever wanted • You must continue to pay your Medicare part B prem if not otherwise St. Mary of the Assumption Church to learn more about marriage paid for under Medicaid or by another third party annulments or how tribunals Cedric Dsouza (Agent)  W. Magnolia, Fort Worth work,” said Hogan. “Fr. Lagges Metro 817-577-1736 High Mass Second and Fourth sundays is an engaging speaker and has a MSGT (RET) USAF Low Mass First and Third Sundays wealth of experience and knowl- North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 7 Diocesan Knights to sponsor End of Life Issues Workshop in Arlington, Jan. 21, 7 to 9 p.m. Terms such as “medical direc- Catholic Bioethics Center publi- cally designed to give medical tives,” “health care proxies,” and cation, A Catholic Guide to End- instructions while a hospital pa- “living wills” may seem confus- Of-Life Decisions. tient is still able to make critical ing, but “help is on the way,” ac- According to Hauck, Fr. decisions, Hauck explained. “The cording to Jerry Hauck, a member Kennedy will lead participants proper terminology for Catholics of the Knights of Columbus, St. in working with the forms all is an Advance Medical Directive. Jude Council #6269. The Knights Catholics should possess in case This is a witnessed document that will sponsor a workshop on end of a medical emergency. “Every gives general and specifi c instruc- of life issues Wednesday, Jan. 21, attendee will leave the seminar tions to any care provider about from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knights’ with a witnessed health proxy your medical well being. You can Council Hall, 2625 S. Cooper St. in [form] and an Advance Medical add the specifi c instructions as Arlington. Father Tom Kennedy, Directive that takes into account you desire,” said Hauck. associate pastor at St. Michael’s in Catholic faith,” said Hauck. “As A witnessed health proxy (L. to R.) Al Garcia; Fr. Ivor Koch; Dr. Tom Hoffman; and Fr. Hoa Nguyen Bedford, will lead the workshop. Catholics who respect life, we not document, also known as a The event is free. only care about the beginnings “durable medical power of at- Fr. Kennedy, an experienced of life, we care about the end of torney,” provides a loved one Sacred Heart Church in hospital chaplain, will offer our lives here on earth. One of with instructions for care in the workshop participants the op- the things we can easily prepare event of an emergency. For more Wichita Falls retires debt and portunity to work through the for is the eventuality of not being information about the workshop, information in San Antonio able to make decisions about our contact Chanacee Ruth-Killgore, ceremoniously burns the note Archbishop José H. Gómez’s brief own health care. We do not want diocesan director of the Respect By Jenara Kocks Burgess struction of chapels, sacristy, book, A Will to Live: Clear Answers to end up without documentation Life offi ce, at (817) 560-2452 ext. Correspondent plaza, atrium, and a new parish on End of Life Issues. Participants that is in accordance with our 257, or e-mail to cruth-killgore@ Wichita Falls fi refi ghter Al hall. The total cost of the project will be provided copies of the Catholic teachings.” fwdioc.org. Garcia; retired pastor of Sacred was more than $3.1 million. book, and copies of the National The “living will” is specifi - Heart Church, Father Ivor Koch; In 2006, when Fr. Hoa became church fi nance council member the new pastor, the church had Members of Girl Scout Troop #3003 Dr. Tom Hoffman; and current paid off all but $1.4 million. Fr. of St. Andrew Church in Fort Sacred Heart pastor, Father Hoa Hoa worked with the finance Worth took tickets and passed out Nguyen, led a ceremonial note council to present a series of stew- programs while volunteering at burning Nov. 16 in front of the ardship talks to encourage pa- church to celebrate having paid rishioners to renew their commit- the Casa Mañana performing arts off the debt incurred by parish ment to paying off the debt and center Sunday, Oct. 24. Members renovations. participate in a two-year pledge of the troop, now in their sixth year In 1993, Fr. Koch spearheaded campaign, Hoffman said. of scouting, are planning a year renovations to modernize the With the help of several large church while preserving his- anonymous donations and the of volunteer service at the theatre. toric elements of Sacred Heart parishioners’ faithful pledges, Pictured in the front row from left Church. The remodeling also the debt was paid off more than to right: Emily B., Christine V.; back increased the church’s seating seven months before the sched- row, Isabel C., Katie H., Emma B., capacity by 70 percent. Included uled end of the pledge drive in in this renovation were the con- July 2009. and Mary Kate B.

Theologian and environmentalist Art and photography competition will Mary Evelyn Tucker to present annual complement environmental theme Catholic lecture at TCU’s Brite Divinity of Brite’s Catholic lecture

Mary Evelyn Tucker, Ph.D., a at the Center for the Study of with more than 20,000 species In conjunction with the pleted entry form, by e-mail theologian and environmentalist, World Religions at Harvard lost annually… In other words, Catholic Lecture, “A New Way to [email protected] by Jan. will speak Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7 Divinity School. we are shutting down life sys- Home,” offered at Texas Chris- 14. Participants will receive a p.m. at Ed Landreth Hall at Texas She is the author of several tems and causing the end of our tian University (TCU) by Mary confirmation notice within 24 Christian University (TCU). The books, including Worldly Won- geological era.” Evelyn Tucker, Ph.D., at 7 p.m. hours after successfully submit- auditorium is located at the cor- der: Religions Enter Their Ecolo- Whereas environmental is- on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Brite ting their image and entry form. ner of South University Dr. and gical Phase (2003) and Moral and sues were once considered to be Divinity School at TCU is spon- Entry forms may be found on the Cantey St. in Fort Worth. Tuc- Spiritual Cultivation in Japanese the concern of scientists, lawyers, soring an art and photography Brite Divinity School Web site at ker’s presentation, “A New Way Neo-Confucianism (1989). She has and policy makers, wrote Tucker competition. www.brite.tcu.edu. Home,” will be offered through edited numerous publications and Grim, “Now the ethical di- According to materials pro- Prizes of one $100 award and TCU’s Brite Divinity School’s on spirituality and ecology. mensions of the environmental moting the competition, “We two $50 awards will be pre- Roman Catholic Lectureship, an “We humans are destroying crisis are becoming more evi- invite you to take an original sented in each of the following annual event since the lectureship the life-support systems of the dent…Can religious and cultural photograph or create a work of categories: Grades Pre-K to 4; 5 was established in 2003. planet at an alarming rate,” perspectives be considered in art that can encourage humans to to 8; and 9 to12; undergraduate Tucker, a lecturer and re- wrote Tucker and Grim in a creating viable solutions to en- become a healing, helpful pres- students; graduate students; and search scholar at the School of 2007 article, “The Greening of vironmental challenges?” ence on the planet. Our hope is the general public. Winners will Forestry and Environmental the World’s Religions,” in The Student tickets to the lecture that your artistic endeavor will be notifi ed by Jan. 30. Winning Studies in the Religious Studies Chronicle of Higher Education. are free; general admission is help us rethink the relationship entries will be presented in a Department at Yale University, “….Global warming is already $15 per person. Reserved seating between humans and our Earth slide show at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4, is co-founder and co-director of evident in melting glaciers, with parking and admission to home.” prior to the lecture offered by the national Forum on Religion thawing tundra, and fl ooding of the reception prior to the pre- Competition participants are Tucker at 7 p.m. and Ecology and, along with coastal regions. Furthermore,” sentation is $35 per person. For invited to submit a photograph For additional information, author John Grim, has organi- they continue, “scientists are more information, contact Toni or image of their artwork in contact Mary Jo Kaska at (817) zed a series of conferences on documenting that we are living Craven,Ph.D., at (817) 257-7575 .jpg format, along with a com- 257-7575. world religions and ecology in the midst of a sixth extinction, or at [email protected]. Page 8 North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Diocesan Years of love and labor allow Notre Dame children to Walk the Rosary Story and Photos by Segura, Foix, and other parents The other 50 Hail Mary stones Jenara Kocks Burgess and students, and a few Wichita are all fl owers. Correspondent Falls community businesses have “So much time and effort was brought it to fruition. put into planning the color of the o those pass- The walkway’s artist, Segura, fl owers. You can tell by the way began making stained-glass step- she [Carol Segura] made it, her ing by on ping stones as a hobby eight years heart was in it. I’m so glad we Lansing ago. During the past six years, she fi nished our goal. It’s a legacy. T created 150 rosary stepping stones Kids can use it in the religious Boulevard, the front and picked 59 of the best to be programs for years to come,” Foix used in the Rosary Walkway. The said. lawn of Notre Dame project took 600 hours with an Foix said Segura did all the average of 30 pieces of different work on the rosary stones while School and the concrete colored glass used in each stone. she, in her capacity as the school’s surrounding the school “We decided to use fl owers for development director, found ways all the Hail Mary stones,” Segura to make the project a fundraiser sign looks like any said. for Notre Dame School. “They are all beautiful and In addition to being a tangible other sidewalk. show varied colors within each tool for learning the rosary in fl ower. They represent God’s Notre Dame School and Our Lady But if they were to stop and variety and complexity in his Queen of Peace Church’s religious look at the stained glass roses, creations,” she said. formation classes, each stone, other fl owers, and the religious A giant three-dimensional bench, and brick paver represents pictures that sparkle like jewels in cross sits at the beginning of the a donation. So far, the project has the concrete, they would discover walkway. For the Apostles Creed raised $30,000 for the school. the sidewalk is actually a life-size stone, Segura used the Michelan- People are still able to pur- rosary pathway in the grass in gelo depiction of God reaching chase bricks and put their names front of the school. out toward Adam’s outstretched or family members’ or friends’ Bishop Kevin W. Vann blessed hand as a model. She created the names on them for $50 each. the project, named “A Prayer next three stones to depict the Foix said that one of the most Walkway: The Blessed Rosary” Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Trinity important elements that made Aug. 28 after an all-school Mass at with three intertwined rings, and this project possible was dona- Our Lady Queen of Peace Church The Rose of Sharon. These stones tions by various Wichita Falls in Wichita Falls. represent the three Hail Marys community members, businesses, Notre Dame Development Di- that are said at the beginning of and business owners who made rector Peggy Foix said the project the Rosary. major contributions of materials, was in the works labor, or both to for quite some make the rosary time and said she walkway hap- was very moved pen. She said the by the dedica- donations by all tion of the rosary individuals and walkway. businesses were The walkway “such a blessing” depicts the scenes because they of the Glorious allowed more Mysteries: The of the money Resurrection, raised to be used The Ascension, directly for the The Assumption, school. The Crowning Foix said the of Mary, and whole project The Baptism of defi nitely taught the Holy Spirit Notre Dame Development Director Peggy Foix and artist Carol Segura both her and in intricate and sit on the stone cross of the completed rosary walkway outside of Our Segura about colorful patterns Lady Queen of Peace Church in Wichita Falls. perseverance of stained glass and helped them set into concrete. develop a special friendship. Former Notre Dame Principal “Whenever you work on a project Chris Neeb fi rst came up with together for six years, you spend a the idea and asked Carol Se- lot of time bonding,” Foix said. gura, who has four children that “It’s kind of been like being have attended the school, if she parents together,” Segura said. could do the work on the stained “This was our baby for six glass. Over the past six years, years,” said Foix. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 9 Diocesan / National Diocesan young adult retreat set for Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 Members of the Diocesan organizers, “… is just what you Young Adult Council will spon- need to help you fi nd your way! sor “Quo Vadis,” (Where Are Come join the Diocesan Young You Going?) a retreat designed Adult Council for a weekend of for single or married young prayer, fellowship, and fun. Let adults, ages 18 to mid-thirties. God be your GPS and fi gure out The retreat will be offered Friday, where you may be going!” Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1, According to organizers, the at the Catholic Renewal Center, retreat will include opportuni- 4503 Bridge St. in Fort Worth. ties to listen to dynamic speak- The cost for registration prior to ers, participate in small groups, Feb. 2 is $35. Registrations will enjoy prayer and quiet time, and be accepted at $45 per person to discuss other topics that relate through Feb. 16. specifi cally to young adults. Retreat promotion materials For more information, contact ask young adults, “Are you stuck Shawndra Hall at Retreats@ at a crossroads in your life? Do fortworthyoungadults.org or at you know where you are going? (512)809-6131. A printable regis- Members of the Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Fort Worth sponsored a “Bowl-a-thon” Sunday, Dec. 14, to raise And, more importantly, do you tration form may be found on the funds for the diocesan Deaf Ministry Program. According to Mary Cinatl (pictured, far left), director of the diocesan Deaf Ministry Program, participants enjoyed an afternoon of “fun, great friends, and holiday cheer.” know where God is leading you?” Web under Young Adult Ministry The weekend retreat, promise at www.fwdioc.org. Advocates are optimistic comprehensive immigration reform will be addressed WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Obama’s appointee to be direc- Latinos as it was for the majority and Muñoz. “Cecilia will be a varied somewhat depending on sense of optimism about the tor of intergovernmental affairs at of all voters, 89 percent of Latinos great advocate for immigrants,” the phrasing of the question. coming year is starting to settle the White House, Cecilia Muñoz, told pollsters that immigration he said. And he’s also feeling bol- In response to a question in among advocates for immi- comes from a career of working was important to them. stered by the results of a recent about whether they agree that it grants who had begun to weary to improve the situation of im- At a Nov. 19 press confer- survey of Catholics’ attitudes on is morally acceptable for people after years of unsuccessfully migrants. She currently is vice ence for the release of a report immigration. to enter the country illegally to seeking reform of immigration president of research, advocacy on border policy by the Border A Zogby poll of Catholics fi nd work to support their fami- laws and policies. and legislation at the National Network for Human Rights, Rep. commissioned for the USCCB lies, a slight majority said no, Several nominations and ap- Council of La Raza. Earlier in her Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., said “the found wide support for the with 52 percent disagreeing and pointments by President-elect career, she headed a legalization sooner the better” is his recom- main elements of comprehensive 46 percent agreeing. Barack Obama are being taken outreach program run by Catho- mendation for Congress to tackle immigration reform, such as a Yet 75 percent of the Catholics as one reason for some hope. lic Charities in Chicago. border issues. He described the system for legalizing the status surveyed said they agree the Signals also are coming from Muñoz has long been a key border wall as “symbolism with- of people in the U.S. illegally church has a moral obligation Congress that leaders may be player in forming the coalitions out a purpose,” and said it’s time if they learn English and pay a to help meet the humanitarian prepared to tackle immigration seeking changes in immigration for Congress to deliberate and fi ne. The poll of 1,000 Catholics needs of immigrants regardless sooner rather than later in the law that would reunite families, debate immigration. nationwide conducted in Octo- of their legal status. 111th Congress. pull immigrants without legal “We haven’t had that debate ber found between 60 percent The poll had a margin of error And resounding support for papers out of the shadows and in Congress and it’s high time,” and 64 percent oppose building a of plus or minus 3 percentage Obama among Latino, Asian, simplify the process for immigra- Grijalva said. wall along the border. The results points. and immigrant voters and a new tion in a way that addresses labor Kevin Appleby, director of poll conducted for the U.S. Con- shortages and human needs. migration and refugee policy ference of Catholic Bishops are Other Obama appointments, for the USCCB, said the bishops’ Catholics on Immigration more indicators that the hostility including Georgetown Law conference is encouraging the that helped defeat immigration Center Dean T. Alexander Ale- new administration to quickly Would you support or oppose U.S. government % support reform several times recently inikoff to Obama’s immigration re-evaluate some of the poli- assistance and trade policies that would create 37 transition team, are adding to the cies of the Bush administration. jobs abroad in order to prevent immigrants from may no longer hold the same 57% oppose sway in Washington. immigration advocacy commu- That includes the construction coming here illegally to seek employment? Arizona Gov. Janet Napoli- nity’s hopeful attitude. of the wall along the border, tano, Obama’s nominee to head Although nobody expects ramped-up immigration raids Would you support or oppose federal legis- Homeland Security, which in- immigration to take precedence on employers, the prosecution 38% support lation to build a wall along the entire U.S.- cludes immigration-related over the economy in Congress, of immigrants picked up in Mexico border that is intended to stop illegal Senate Majority Leader Harry raids under felony identity theft 60% oppose agencies, is well-respected by immigration? those who support comprehen- Reid of Nevada has been quoted laws, and the policy of pushing sive immigration reform. as saying he would push to move local law enforcement agencies As governor, she opposed a comprehensive immigration to serve as agents of federal im- Do you agree or disagree that the church has 75% agree the construction of a wall along bill through the Senate in 2009. migration laws. a moral obligation to help provide for the hu- % the Mexican border and vetoed Exit polls surely will infl uence “There are 20 other issues, manitarian needs of immigrants regardless of 25 disagree legislation that would have Reid and his fellow congressio- too,” that the administration their legal status? required local police to enforce nal leaders in that direction. Polls could address without the in- federal immigration policies, showed Latinos accounted for a volvement of Congress, Appleby saying it would make immi- record 9 percent of all voters this said. He ticked off some ex- grants reluctant to report crimes election, with 67 percent of them amples: policies on matching to the police. She also brought in backing Obama. In several states, Social Security numbers for em- the National Guard to help with high turnout among Latino vot- ployment, temporary protected enforcement along the border, ers was credited with pushing status for Haitians and detention aggressively prosecuted smug- the winning margin of votes into practices. glers and worked for compre- Obama’s column. Although the He said he’s encouraged by Telephone survey conducted among 1,000 Catholic adults in the U.S. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points. ©2008 CNS hensive reform. economy was the top concern for Obama’s choice of Napolitano Page 10 North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 International Vatican document warns certain new research violates moral principles By John Thavis • Human-animal hybrid permit parents to legitimately Catholic News Service cloning: The document rejected use a vaccine that was devel- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A as immoral recent efforts to use oped using cell lines obtained new Vatican document warned animal eggs to reprogram human illicitly. In such a case, it noted, that certain recent developments cells in order to extract embry- the parents have no voice in the in stem-cell research, gene thera- onic stem cells from the resulting decision over how the vaccines py and embryonic experimenta- embryos. These efforts represent are made. At the same time, it tion violate moral principles and a grave offense against human said, everyone should ask their refl ect an attempt by man to “take dignity by mixing animal and hu- health care system to make other the place of his Creator.” man genetic elements capable of types of vaccines available. The latest advances raise “disrupting the specifi c identity The instruction repeated serious questions of moral com- of man,” it said. In addition, use earlier Vatican condemnations of plicity for researchers and other of the resulting stem cells would human cloning, whether done to biotech professionals, who have expose humans to unacceptable produce embryos for stem cells a duty to refuse to use biological risks, it said. or to defi ne the genetic identity material obtained by unethical In a section titled “The use of of an individual person, which means, the document said. human ‘biological material’ of il- the document called “a form of The 32-page instruction, titled licit origin,” the document exam- biological slavery.” Dignitas Personae (The Dignity of ined the ethical questions posed The document said couples a Person), was issued Dec. 12 by for people who, in research or the need to be aware that techniques the Congregation for the Doctrine production of vaccines or other such as pre-implantation diag- of the Faith. Pope Benedict XVI products, deal with cell lines that nosis, which is used in artifi cial personally approved the text and are the result of a procedure the fertilization and leads to the de- ordered its publication. church considers immoral. struction of embryos suspected The document represented an In cases where there is a direct of defects, refl ects a growing updating of the congregation’s connection, such as embryonic “eugenic mentality.” It cited an 1987 instruction, “Donum Vitae” experimentation that inevitably increasing number of cases in (“The Gift of Life”), which re- involves the killing of the human which couples with no fertil- jected in vitro fertilization, human embryos, such acts “always con- ity problems are using artifi cial cloning, surrogate motherhood, stitute a grave moral disorder,” means of procreation in order to and nontherapeutic experiments it said. engage in the genetic selection of with human embryos. It said the situation was more their offspring. The new instruction ex- complex when a researcher The document closed with panded on those teachings or works with cell lines produced an appeal to view the church’s presented new ones in the fol- apart from his research center or teachings not as a series of “no’s” lowing areas: obtained commercially. The doc- but as an effort to protect society’s • Stem-cell research: The ument rejected the “criterion of weakest and most defenseless An embryologist removes frozen embryos from a storage tank at the document recognized that stem independence,” as formulated by Smotrich IVF Clinic in La Jolla, California, in this 2007 fi le photo. against forms of unjust discrimi- cells have opened new prospects some ethics committees, which nation and oppression. The new Vatican document DIGNITAS PERSONAE (THE DIGNITY OF A PERSON) argues that using such biologi- in regenerative medicine. It said it warns that certain recent developments in stem-cell research, gene “There are those who say that is morally acceptable to take stem therapy and embryonic experimentation violate moral principles cal material would be ethically the moral teaching of the church cells when they do no serious and refl ect an attempt by man to “take the place of his Creator.” (CNS permissible as long as there is a contains too many prohibitions. harm to the subject, as is generally photo/Sandy Huffaker) clear separation between those In reality, however, her teaching the case when tissues are taken causing the death of embryos, is based on the recognition and from an adult organism, from immoral; when there is certainty ond because in practice unused for example, and those doing promotion of all the gifts that the the umbilical cord at the time of that an abortion has resulted, embryos are often discarded, thus the research. Creator has bestowed on man: birth or from fetuses that have there also are serious canon law violating the principle that “the The document said it was nec- such as life, knowledge, freedom died from natural causes. penalties, it said. human being is to be respected essary to distance oneself in one’s and love,” it said. On the other hand, it said, it • Gene therapy: It said and treated as a person from the ordinary professional activities “Behind every ‘no’ in the dif- is always “gravely illicit” to take genetic engineering that aims to moment of conception.” from the injustice perpetrated fi cult task of discerning between stem cells from a living human correct genetic defects by inter- Freezing such embryos is itself by others, even when immoral good and evil, there shines a great embryo, because it invariably vening on nonreproductive cells, a violation of ethics, because it actions are legal, in order not ‘yes’ to the recognition of the causes the death of the embryo. a process called somatic-cell gene exposes them to a serious risk to give the impression of “tacit dignity and inalienable value of • The morning-after pill therapy, is in principle morally of death or harm, the document acceptance of actions which are every single and unique human and other anti-implantation acceptable. The effects in this case said. Most of such embryos re- gravely unjust.” being called into existence,” it methods: The document said are limited to a single person. main “orphans,” it said. Despite “Therefore, it needs to be said. an embryo is constituted after But it is not permissible to the good intentions of people stated that there is a duty to Dignitas Personae drew on a fertilization of the egg, and drugs make genetic modifi cations that who have suggested a form of refuse to use such ‘biological number of sources, in particular and techniques that prevent seek to transmit the effects to “prenatal adoption” to allow material’ even when there is no Donum Vitae and Pope John Paul its implantation in the uterine the subject’s offspring, called unused frozen embryos to be close connection between the re- II’s 1995 encyclical, Evangelium wall are morally illicit because germ-line cell therapy, because born, such a proposal would be searcher and the actions of those Vitae (The Gospel of Life). It also they intend to cause an abortion of potential harm to the progeny, subject to medical, psychological, who performed the artificial cited the teachings of Pope Bene- — even if they don’t actually the document said. It said that and legal problems, it said. fertilization or the abortion, or dict XVI, notably his address cause an abortion every time they “in the present state of research” • Freezing of human when there was not prior agree- on stem cells to the Pontifi cal are used. germ-line cell therapy in all its eggs: The freezing of oocytes, ment with the centers in which Academy for Life in 2006. Anyone who seeks to prevent forms is morally illicit. immature human egg cells, has the artifi cial fertilization took The Vatican said the new the implantation of an embryo • Embryo manipulation been introduced as part of an place,” it said. document, as a papally approved that may have been conceived, and “adoption”: The document in vitro fertilization technique, In the wider framework, it instruction of a doctrinal nature, and who therefore requests or repeated earlier condemnations in which only those eggs to be added, there are differing degrees falls under the category of the prescribes such a drug, gener- of the in vitro creation of human transferred to the mother’s body of responsibility, and grave rea- “ordinary magisterium,” which ally intends abortion, it said. embryos, a technique often used are fertilized. The document said sons may in some cases justify the is the church’s teaching authority, The use of such anti-implanta- in fertility treatment, fi rst because the freezing of oocytes for this use of such “biological material.” and is to be received by Catholics tion methods “falls within the it separates procreation from the purpose is morally unaccept- For example, it said, the danger “with the religious assent of their sin of abortion” and is gravely conjugal act in marriage, and sec- able. to the health of children could spirit.” North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 11 International Offi cials say Vatican document not an attack on modern science By John Thavis separates procreation from the appreciation of science and its Catholic News Service conjugal act in marriage or pres- recent developments, a “yes” VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The ents risks to human life from the to fertility treatments that Vatican’s new instruction setting moment of conception. overcome pathologies and re- forth moral principles in bio- “The church believes it must establish the normal functioning technology should not be seen be courageous and decisive in of human procreation, a “yes” as a negative attack on modern affi rming these principles. The to the therapeutic use of stem science but as a defense of the continuity of the development cells when obtained licitly, and sacred nature of human life, of the human being from the a “yes” to the value of every Vatican offi cials said. moment of conception does human being. “This is in no way an attempt not allow for uncertainty in the “Some of these affi rmations to say ‘halt’ to the commitment defense of the embryo and his and positive assertions have a of science in favor of life,” Jesuit dignity,” Fr. Lombardi said. negative side, but their principal Father Federico Lombardi, the “This is a position in favor direction is a positive account, Vatican spokesman, said in a of small and weak human be- a vision of what it means to be statement. “On the contrary, ings, who have no voice and human, and why human life is the document offers a series of who today, in fact, do not fi nd sacred from conception to natu- guideposts so that science is truly many who speak in their favor,” ral death,” he said. A teenager receives vaccine to immunize her against hepatitis B in St. at the service of life and not of he said. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Clair Shores, Michigan. death, or of the arbitrary and Dominican Father Augustine president of the Pontifi cal Acad- dangerous manipulation of the Di Noia, undersecretary of the emy for Life, predicted that the human person,” he said. doctrinal congregation, told document would provoke vari- The instruction, Dignitas Vatican Radio that it would be ous reactions. Some will ignore An embryo must be Personae (The Dignity of a Per- wrong to see the new document it, some will deride it and others son), was issued Dec. 12 by the as a series of “no’s” against pro- will label it another church effort treated as a person, says Congregation for the Doctrine of hibited services. to impede progress, he told a the Faith. It presents teachings As Pope Benedict XVI has Vatican press conference. bioethics document — and in many cases moral noted many times, these “no’s” But many, he said, will share prohibitions — in areas such as are derived from a much larger the Vatican’s concern and analy- By John Thavis posit either a change in nature stem-cell research, human clon- “yes” to human life and human sis, and others will be prompted Catholic News Service or a gradation in moral value, ing, gene therapy, and embryo dignity, he said. by its teachings to formulate VATICAN CITY (CNS) since it possesses full anthro- experimentation. Fr. Di Noia said the docu- questions of their own regarding — The Vatican’s latest docu- pological and ethical status,” In general, the document ment offers a number of other the morality of recent scientifi c ment on bioethics forcefully the document said. rejects any procedure that positive refl ections, including developments. stated that although there is no “The human embryo has certainty about when a human therefore from the very begin- being receives a soul an embryo ning the dignity proper to a is to be treated as a person from person,” it said. The Vatican bioethics the moment of conception. The instruction builds on That means all human the teaching expressed in a embryos deserve recognition similar 1987 Vatican instruction document at a glance of fundamental human rights, on procreation, which noted including the inviolable right to increasing scientifi c evidence By John Thavis immoral by the church, even if or of human eggs, commonly life, the document said. about personal identity from Catholic News Service there is no close connection be- done in assisted fertility treat- This ethical principle con- the earliest moments of life VATICAN CITY (CNS) tween the researcher and those ment, is also morally illicit. forms to natural moral law and and raised the question: “How — Here are the major points of doing the illicit procedure. • The thousands of un- is also supported by solid scien- could a human individual not the Vatican Congregation for • The morning-after pill used, frozen human embryos tifi c evidence about the initial be a human person?” the Doctrine of the Faith’s in- and other methods of preventing are in a sense “orphans.” The stages of human life, said the This argument leaves the struction, Dignitas Personae (The the implantation of a fertilized proposal for “prenatal adop- instruction, Dignitas Personae burden of proof on those who Dignity of a Person): egg are immoral because they tion” that would allow frozen (The Dignity of a Person), issued hold that an embryo is not a • Two fundamental prin- are intended to cause an abor- embryos to be born, although Dec. 12 by the Congregation for person, a point made in 1987 ciples for refl ection on bioethical tion. Using such methods falls well intended, would itself be the Doctrine of the Faith. by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger questions are: First, the human “within the sin of abortion,” and subject to a number of prob- Debate over the precise — now Pope Benedict XVI being is to be respected and when there is certainty that an lems. timing of ensoulment has been — when he was head of the treated as a person from the abortion has taken place there • Genetic therapy that raised by some who argue that doctrinal congregation. moment of conception; second, are serious canon law penal- aims to correct genetic defects the destruction of an early- At that time, Cardinal responsible human procreation ties. on a subject’s nonreproductive stage embryo might not be Ratzinger said determining occurs in the act of recipro- • Human cloning, wheth- cells, limiting the effect to a the same as killing an innocent whether an embryo is a person cal love between a man and a er for producing embryonic stem single person, is morally accept- human person. with a soul was a question for woman in marriage. cells or to obtain the birth of a able. The Vatican document said philosophy, not science. On • Stem-cell research opens genetically predetermined baby, • Therapy that makes that although the presence the basis of scientifi c evidence, new prospects for regenerative is immoral. genetic modifi cations aimed at of the spiritual soul cannot however, there is “at least a medicine and is morally permis- • Techniques for assisting transmitting the effects to the be observed experimentally, good probability that it is,” sible when it uses stem cells fertility are morally permissible subject’s offspring is morally scientific knowledge about he said. taken from adult organisms, if they respect the right to life of illicit, because of potential harm the human embryo supports He said science shows there but not when it takes cells from every human being and respect to the offspring. “continuity in development of is no “qualitative leap” in the human embryos, because it in- procreation as a result of the • Pre-implantation diag- a human being” from concep- life of a child in the period from variably causes their death. conjugal act in marriage. nosis, used in artifi cial fertiliza- tion onward. conception to birth. • Researchers in the bio- • In vitro fertilization and tion and leading to the destruc- “Indeed, the reality of the “Already in the zygote tech profession have a moral the deliberate destruction of tion of embryos suspected of human being for the entire (fertilized egg) there is a ge- duty to refuse to use biologi- embryos are morally unaccept- defects, represents a “eugenic span of life, both before and netically defi ned individual,” cal material that comes from a able. mentality” and is morally unac- after birth, does not allow us to he said. procedure considered gravely • The freezing of embryos ceptable. Page 12 North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Viewpoints God reveals love for us in his infant son, Jesus Christ, at Christmas

By Lucas Pollice we are no longer lost to sin, but are now forever joined to Christ who comes to or the Son To gaze into the eyes of the holy Infant is to heal and restore our humanity! This is gaze into the eyes of our loving Father, whose the “human dimension” of the mystery of God be- of the Incarnation. unconditional love was pledged to us in creation, As John Paul II powerfully states: came man “F offered over and over to us in the covenants of old, so that man could become This, as has already been said, is why and is now permanently and fully revealed to us Christ the Redeemer “fully reveals man like God.” These powerful through Christ. to himself.” If we may use the expres- sion, this is the human dimension of words of St. Athanasius the mystery of the Redemption. In this Pope John Paul II speaks of this “di- As the Second Vatican Council dimension man fi nds again the great- reveal the reality of the vine dimension” of the Incarnation and states: ness, dignity and value that belong to what Jesus as the Son of God comes to his humanity…The man who wishes to Incarnation of Christ and reveal about the Father and his love: The truth is that only in the mys- understand himself thoroughly — and the truth of the Christmas tery of the Incarnate Word does not just in accordance with immedi- The God of creation is revealed as the the mystery of man take on light. ate, partial, often superfi cial, and even event. Christ’s Incarna- God of redemption, as the God who is For Adam, the fi rst man, was a type illusory standards and measures of “faithful to himself,” and faithful to his of him who was to come (Romans his being — he must with his unrest, tion and entrance into our love for man and the world, which he 5:14), Christ the Lord. Christ the uncertainty and even his weakness revealed on the day of creation. His is new Adam, in the very revelation and sinfulness, with his life and death, humanity reveals a divine a love that does not draw back before of the mystery of the Father and draw near to Christ. He must, so to love that is beyond our anything that justice requires in him. of his love, fully reveals man to speak, enter into him with all his own Therefore “for our sake (God) made him himself and brings to light his most self, he must “appropriate” and as- imagination. God who so (the Son) to be sin who knew no sin.” high calling. He who is “the image similate the whole of the reality of the If he “made to be sin” him who was of the invisible God” (CoIossians Incarnation and Redemption in order loved us, became one of us without any sin whatever, it was to re- 1:15), is himself the perfect man who to fi nd himself. If this profound process veal the love that is always greater than has restored in the children of Adam takes place within him, he then bears in all ways but sin, so that the whole of creation, the love that is that likeness to God which had been fruit not only of adoration of God but we can once again know he himself, since “God is love.” Above disfi gured ever since the fi rst sin. also of deep wonder at himself. How all, love is greater than sin, than weak- Human nature, by the very fact that precious must man be in the eyes of and experience the love of ness, than the “futility of creation;” it was assumed, not absorbed, in him, the Creator, if he “gained so great a it is stronger than death; it is a love has been raised in us also to a dignity Redeemer,” and if God “gave his only the Father and also come always ready to raise up and forgive, beyond compare. For, by his Incarna- Son” in order that man “should not always ready to go to meet the prodigal tion, he, the son of God, in a certain perish but have eternal life.” to know our great dignity son, always looking for “the revealing way united himself with each man. He — The Redeemer of Man, 10 and worth in the eyes of of the sons of God,” who are called to worked with human hands, he thought the glory that is to be revealed.” This with a human mind. He acted with a Therefore, as we once again celebrate our Creator. revelation of love is also described human will, and with a human heart the season of Christmas, may we contem- as mercy, and in man’s history this he loved. Born of the Virgin Mary, he plate anew the great love of God revealed JESUS’ BIRTH CHANGED revelation of love and mercy has has truly been made one of us, like to in the holy face of the Infant born that taken a form and a name: that of us in all things except sin. night in Bethlehem and never cease to be HUMAN HISTORY Jesus Christ. — Constitution on the Church in amazed not only by God’s great love for The birth of the tiny infant in Beth- — Encyclical Letter The Redeemer the Modern World, 22 us, but by the gift and dignity of every lehem over 2,000 years ago is the most of Man, 9 *Emphasis Added person who bears within them the im- extraordinary and defi ning moment in *Emphasis Added age and likeness of God. May we also human history. With the birth of the continue to work tirelessly as people Christ-Child, the human family and the CHRIST IS FULLY HUMAN of faith, hope, and love, to uphold and human experience would never again be GOD FULLY REVEALS MAN Therefore, through the Incarnation, defend from the moment of conception the same. For on that cold and peaceful TO HIMSELF Christ was fully human, and through to natural death the gift and dignity of night, God and humanity are once again It is also through this union of God his humanity united himself with each and every human being who has indeed been forever joined in an inseparable union and man in the person of Jesus Christ every person in all times, places, cultures, joined to Christ through the great mys- of the human and divine in the person where God fully reveals man to himself. and circumstances. By fully assuming our tery of the Incarnation. Merry Christmas of Jesus Christ. Through the Incarnation, Christ enters human nature and living a truly human and a blessed New Year! To gaze into the eyes of the holy Infant human history as the one and unique man life, Jesus redeems and restores every is to gaze into the eyes of our loving who is not only the perfect refl ection of aspect of human nature and existence. Lucas Pollice is director of Father, whose unconditional love was the Father, but also shows each and every The Incarnation of Christ fi rst revealed Catechesis and Adult Faith pledged to us in creation, offered over person his or her dignity and destiny as at the Annunciation and seen in its full- Formation and RCIA for the and over to us in the covenants of old, and a son or daughter of God. ness at Christmas, reveals the incredible diocese. Lucas holds a degree is now permanently and fully revealed God’s love and mercy for us is so great gift and dignity of each human being in theology from the Francis- to us through Christ. and profound that He clothes Himself at every stage of existence. For Christ can University of Steubenville For in the Incarnation, Jesus once with our humanity and all that it entails redeemed the human family from the and has a master’s degree in again fully reveals God to man; he is the in order to redeem and restore our human fi rst moment of conception to the last theological studies from the Institute for complete and total revelation of the Fa- nature. Jesus reveals to man his divine moments of death. Pastoral Theology of Ave Maria University. ther and is the revelation and restoration likeness that had been disfi gured by sin. Christ, the Son of God made man, He is an adjunct professor of theology with to man of that great divine love that cre- He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” reveals once again the image and like- the Cardinal Newman Institute in Fort ated him, and that merciful divine love who communicates to us through his ness in which we are all created and the Worth. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have fi ve that has set out to redeem all of humanity words and deeds the fullness of life for profound amazement of God toward children, Cecilia, Nicholas, Timothy, Chris- from slavery to sin and brings all men which man was created and to which every person. tian, and Julia. back into communion with God. he is called. This is the Good News of Christmas: North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 13 Views

Does anyone Time to Stand Up know for life where I can fi nd By Richard M. Doerfl inger a tacky t their Novem- ber 2008 gen- In this campaign Catholics Aeral meeting, Christmas the Catholic bishops will be fi ghting a specifi c bill, of the United States [FOCA] and the overall agenda Sweater? congratulated our new that it embodies — that of By Kathy Cribari Hamer President-elect and urged Americans to knocking down the modest he invitation said we were having T unite in solidarity at a laws that have reduced a holiday party, which I knew, time of economic crisis, because it was happening at my house. reminding us that “we abortions, and prevented What I hadn’t known was the dress are our brothers’ and outright government subsidies code my students had established for sisters’ keepers.” the annual event. and mandates for abortion, They also expressed grave concern over a looming pro- for 35 years. “Wear tacky Christmas sweaters,” the invitation read. abortion agenda that could di- “There will be a prize.” vide our nation as never before. I smiled, naively wondering where I would get such At the core of that agenda is a attire, especially of prize-winning caliber. radical proposal called the “Free- “Where can I fi nd a tacky Christmas sweater?” I dom of Choice Act” (FOCA). signed by Catholic parishioners pen — paving the way for the asked my daughter Julie, the family’s fashion czar. “Let Despite its name, FOCA would landed on Capitol Hill and began more wholesale assault of FOCA, me think,” she said, and before taking a second breath, deprive Americans of their free- convincing members to back off if pro-life Americans do not added, “Your closet?” dom to enact almost any restraint from this radical pro-abortion voice their opposition early and “Which do you think is tacky?” I asked her. “Is it the on abortion at any stage of agenda. FOCA became stalled as clearly. one covered in snowfl akes of pearls, or the one with ice- pregnancy. It would overturn members debated whether they In this campaign Catholics skating bears?” I also have a tuxedo shirt adorned with hundreds of current laws on really wanted to overturn all will be fi ghting a specifi c bill, and a huge little drummer boy (a yuletide oxymoron) and conscience rights, informed longstanding and popular laws the overall agenda that it embod- rhinestone buttons. I didn’t count the shirt as a possibil- consent, limits on tax-funded placing any limit on abortion. ies — that of knocking down the ity, because it isn’t knit, and really, who is jaded enough abortion, and parental involve- The 1994 election then brought modest laws that have reduced to refer to any drummer boy, huge or little, as “tacky” ment in minors’ abortion deci- another change in Congress, abortions, and prevented out- and still sleep nights? sions. President-elect Obama has and the threat was averted for right government subsidies and It turns out I have a generous collection of what my vowed (and recently reaffi rmed) years to come. This can happen mandates for abortion, for 35 children call “teacher sweaters” and vests for every that he looks forward to signing again. years. These laws must not be holiday, from Presidents’ Day to the fi rst day of winter. it into law. Ironically, some may think the swept away all at once, or one For Independence Day I usually wear earrings shaped The bishops said with one opposite – that there is no need at a time. We will urge Congress like dangling fl ags with beaded poles. voice that they will mobilize the for a campaign, because FOCA not to start down this destructive Christmas sweaters are an integral part of the season, Catholic community to oppose (and perhaps the pro-abortion path, but to serve the life, health and when I was searching for my party clothes, I had this agenda. Catholics — wheth- agenda generally) will be on the and prosperity of all Americans, mixed pleasure in fi nding something that would be er they voted against Mr. Obama back burner for months or years beginning with the most vulner- prize-winningly tacky. I actually like all my sweaters, because of his abortion stance, or while the economy and health able. This goal could be achieved and fi nd it offensive, somehow, that my students go to voted for him despite that stance care dominate congressional if millions of Catholics would junk shops to buy clothing I consider treasure-wear. — can unite in a massive grass- debate. That, too, would be a take a minute to sign a postcard Holiday sweaters are a decoration, children. We bring roots campaign against FOCA, mistake. FOCA as a single bill to their elected representatives. them out at Christmas. That’s how we like it. urging Congress to retain all may not come up right away. This fall, I have had the privilege of viewing deco- existing federal laws that prevent But extending the appropriations Richard Do- rative artwork in two different ways, neither of them government funding and promo- bills that fund all federal pro- erflinger is tacky. tion of abortion. grams will be one of Congress’s Associate Di- One was an 18th century presepe, or crèche, from Some may see this as use- fi rst duties in January, and new rector of the Italy; the other, much simpler, came from Smithville, less, because both chambers of funding bills covering the next Secretariat of Texas, where a small parish’s opaque windows were the Congress now have pro-abortion fiscal year will be written in Pro-Life Ac- inspiration for a series of sacred paintings less than four majorities. But the same was early spring. Many current laws tivities, U.S. years old. true in 1993, when Bill Clinton on taxpayer funding, conscience Conference of The tradition of the presepe is said to have begun at a became president. An earlier rights, and other issues exist only Catholic Bish- 13th-century Christmas Eve Mass, when St. Francis of version of FOCA was steadily as provisions in these bills, and ops. Go to www.usccb.org/prolife to Assisi staged a live nativity scene in a cave near Greccio; moving forward in Congress, could be eliminated with the learn more about the bishops’ pro-life the art form fl ourished in the 18th century, in Naples, when millions of postcards stroke of a committee chairman’s activities. SEE HAMER, P. 26 Page 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 Christmas The Astounding Christmas Message brought by unexpected visitors

By David Gibson Catholic News Service

ow do you think Mary and Joseph Hfelt when they noticed several breathlessly excited shepherds arriv- ing from the countryside to join them at the manger in Bethlehem where they were tending the newborn Jesus?

A new baby’s family can be so busy and exhausted! The time right after a birth isn’t the easiest of times to extend a heartfelt welcome to unexpected guests. Caring for their new child may be about all a family can manage. Do you suppose Mary and Joseph smiled warmly at the shepherds and invited them to linger a little longer at the manger than they had planned? Did Mary and Joseph listen attentively to all that these aston- ished shepherds reported to them? Remember, an angel had spoken to the shepherds; initially this terrifi ed them. The angel calmed them, however, and then con- Fieldworkers pay homage to the newborn Christ in “Adoration of the Shepherds,” by Renaissance Italian painter veyed some “news of great joy” meant to be Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri. (CNS photo/courtesy of Art Resource and Alinari) shared with everyone about a newborn child in Bethlehem. As if that wasn’t enough, “a great throng” of very vocal heavenly hosts Imagine a very busy Mary and Joseph ignoring or slighting joined the angel at that point. The shepherds had a lot to tell! I’ll bet the shepherds when they presented themselves in Bethlehem. their attempts to put into words all that had happened back in the fi elds took more than a few minutes. Christmas would have gott en a much different start! What’s more, at the manger the shep- herds somehow recognized that what the lost a job or suffered an illness and who always pushed by the clock’s spinning It works. Blessed Mother Teresa of angel told them about this newborn child crosses my path as I’m hurrying to an ap- hands. Possibly we’ll begin to search for a Calcutta realized that a warm smile is a was true. They surely wouldn’t have rushed pointment. big solution to our problem, inquiring how gift; if people feel they have nothing to offer away. — The person encountered by chance we might create the large pockets of time another person at the moment, she thought We are told that Mary treasured and who deserves a word of encouragement and needed for others, for God, and our own they should give their smile. pondered what the shepherds said. Was hope or of congratulations. well-being. Imagine a very busy Mary and Joseph the time that she, Joseph, and the shep- The challenge as the day races along is I admire people who insert large blocks ignoring or slighting the shepherds when herds spent together what people today call to slow down enough so that I don’t run of time into their existence through major they presented themselves in Bethlehem. “quality time”? Probably the shepherds felt right past these unexpected “visitors.” lifestyle and career changes. For me, Christmas would have gotten a much dif- quite welcome. Pope Benedict XVI thinks Christians though, solving the problem of time always ferent start! I wonder how much quality time I should refl ect on the diffi culty they have boils down to fi nding better ways to ap- So many people want a chance at accord to the unexpected “visitors” and making time for others. He asks: “Do we proach the smaller blocks of time — the Christmas to set time apart for others “guests” encountered during the comings have time for our neighbor who is in need moments of the day, like the person who — for those closest to them, for friends and goings of my daily routines. To tell of a word from us ... or in need of my affec- calls who genuinely needs my attention, they don’t see often enough, for people who the truth, I frequently stumble and rush tion? For the sufferer in need of help? For the acquaintance who crosses my path as in one way or another are poor. But fi nding through the day, hoping against hope to the fugitive or refugee seeking asylum? Do I’m rushing to an appointment. the time is a problem. complete my to-do lists without interrup- we have time and space for God?” (Mid- These moments are the times when, as Time also is a challenge, however. And tion. night Mass, Christmas 2007). Pope Benedict said, someone needs a word repossessing some of our time is all of the The unexpected visitors and guests of When people are preoccupied with their from me, or affection, or help. essence. my daily life are not necessarily people own lives, they think they need their time How do preoccupied people re-center who arrive at my doorstep — like the shep- for their own purposes, Pope Benedict chal- their attention on others — for a moment? David Gibson served on the Catholic herds. I’m talking about: lenged his listeners. Are there ways to convey hope to someone News Service editorial staff for 37 years. — The unexpected phone call from a Time is a problem. We have no time. Or, or express true concern in a few moments? As editor for Special Projects, he overaw “visitor” who genuinely requires my atten- our time is not under our control. One friend consistently makes the most the editing of Faith Alive!, CNS columns, tion. If this frustrates us suffi ciently, we may of a moment by saying convincingly, “It’s and was editor of ORIGINS, the CNS docu- — The friend or acquaintance who has view ourselves as victims of time pressure, always so good to see you!” mentary news service. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 15 Christmas St. Nicholas Eve gifts continue to ‘fi ll a need’

By Sharon K. Perkins decision sprang from the desire to preserve more importantly: how would they react to North Texas Catholic some part of my ethnic heritage, despite my thinly-veiled attempts at evangelism? the poignant loss of my ability to speak the I got my answer when my eldest called on hen I was a little girl, my mother language; perhaps it was a stubborn Catholic December 6, anxiously wondering if I could encouraged me to leave an mom’s attempt to venerate the saint behind track her package because it hadn’t arrived Wempty pair of shoes next to my the iconic Santa Claus of popular culture; or yet, and she had been looking forward to bed on the evening of December 5, so that just maybe, it bespoke a deep longing to give it for a whole month and “I want to do this St. Nicholas could fi ll them with candy the kinds of gifts seldom associated with with my own children someday!” And 24 overnight. In my child’s way of thinking, St. Christmas morning — things like religious hours later, when she texted me to say that Nicholas Eve was an exciting foretaste of coloring books and movies, or Advent calen- she had invited her boyfriend to tag along Christmas treats to come, a winter version dars, or holy cards (along with the candy, of with her to Sunday Mass. And again, when of the Easter bunny or the tooth fairy. As course!) — that symbolized the gift of faith my son called, and I assured him of my long- I grew older and our observance of the that we wanted to entrust to them. distance prayers for him during fi nal exams, feast became more sporadic, it dawned on Whatever the motive, I started fi lling and in the long, heartfelt hug I received from me that none of my peers celebrated St. shoes on December 5, 1989, and I haven’t my youngest daughter. Nicholas Eve — it was one of those unique stopped since, even the year we were far They say that Christmas is a children’s traditions that came with being a Catholic from home in a hotel room, or the time the Filling children’s shoes with small gifts or holiday. But, truth be told, we’re all chil- of Czech heritage. date sneaked up on me and I had to make a treats on St. Nicholas Eve is part of East- dren, waiting expectantly for Christ to fi ll For many Eastern European Catholics, midnight run to the store, or just this past ern European tradition. our hearts anew just as bountifully as St. St. Nicholas Day was historically the most feast day, when I shipped boxes of treats to Nicholas fi lls empty shoes. And fi ll them he popular of the Advent holidays and the their behavior and reward them with some two different universities in another state. does. only one still celebrated despite decades of small treat (the rare penalty was coal or old Even as I was tucking the Advent calendars religious suppression and a more recently potatoes). To this day, Czech villages erupt and the “Keep Christ in Christmas” car Sharon K. Perkins, currently a parish creeping consumerism. The standard in revelry on December 5, as bands of magnet and the “Jesus is the reason for the DRE and a doctoral student in theology narrative told how the good bishop Svaty costumed bishops, angels, and devils roam season” lapel pins into the box with the at the University of Dayton, lives in Ohio Mikuláš would descend from heaven on a the streets. marshmallow Christmas trees (including a with her husband, Mike, and two of their golden cord, accompanied by a threatening, As an adult, I resolved to keep the cus- prayer card for the non-Catholic boyfriend), three kids. The Perkins family were mem- chain-rattling devil (Cert) and a protective, tom alive with our own three children, and I second-guessed myself with some trepida- bers of St. Rita Parish on the East Side record-keeping angel (Andel). The saint my husband supported it with gusto, fi lling tion. Were my young adult children getting of Fort Worth for 20 years, and Sharon would quiz children about their prayers or even my shoes with goodies. Maybe my too sophisticated for St. Nicholas? And coordinated the fi rst diocesan Synod. Meditating on photos from God’s Creation album

By Jeff Hedglen a time that brings family together and joy North Texas Catholic to homes. It is also a time that reminds us that our life, that is so often inundated with his Advent I experienced some- ‘The Word of God chaos, can fi nd order in the Word made thing new and amazing. Part of my fl esh. Tdaily meditation was photographs Grade school science reveals to us a taken by the Hubble Telescope. Each day brought order out solar system with a central sun that has a Web site would reveal a different im- planets neatly organized in controlled or- age, each one more breathtaking than the bits. As we manipulate styrofoam balls and last. Infused with color and the majesty of coat hangers to mimic this scene, the chaos the Creator, these images simultaneously of the chaos.’ that birthed our home never even enters evoked wonder at worlds unknown and awe our mind. Yet the God who fi rmly placed at galaxies beyond our own. earth in just the right place to sustain life, One morning while meditating on a calls out to us this Christmas with just as Hubble telescope looks at Monocero- photo of a billowing tower of cold gas and much gravity. tis: Public Domain. Credit: NASA, dust about 90 trillion kilometers tall and a He has ordered our personal universe ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team mere 7 thousand light years away, I found with his Son at the center. When we are (STScI/AURA) myself thinking about Genesis 1:1. “In the oriented toward Him, our chaos slows. Just beginning, when God created the heavens they could have imagined. The Word of This Word is not a collection of consonants like in Genesis, each encounter with the and the earth, the earth was a formless God brought order out of the chaos. Slowly, and vowels found in a dictionary. Rather it Word brings more and more order. Tempta- wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss.” with each progressive word the formless is a person, Jesus the Son of God, who from tion continues to loom just like it always This Scripture came alive in that photo. It wasteland began to take shape. Moment the moment of creation has been bringing has, but Christmas is a time to once again was like God took a photo of the scene in by moment, light year by light year, until order out of chaos. fi rmly affi x Jesus at the center of our exist- the heavens just before he went to work. eventually God breathed his life into hu- Later in the fi rst Chapter of John we ence. Verse three of Genesis is where the manity and order was established. hear that this Word has “become fl esh and So as the tree glows in the dark of the action of creation really begins. In fact As the story goes, this beautifully cre- made his dwelling among us,” literally, he house, and the shiny packages mingle with it is the fi rst two words of that verse that ated order lasted one and a half chapters, pitched a tent among us. No longer was evergreen branches, and the wonder of the introduce us to the Son of God. The text for in Genesis 3 our sin brought chaos God elusive, vengeful, and unseen. God is season still fl ickers amidst the commercial- says: “God said…” This is a seemingly in- roaring back into the world, and we began now and forever tangible. ized x-mas, take a moment to look, with nocent start to that famous line “let there to spin out of control again. This spinning The ancient nomadic people only telescopic faith, into your heart and see be light,” but we should not skip over wasteland of sin and death continued on pitched a tent if they were done wandering. the Word made fl esh pitching his tent and those two very important words. For when its uneasy course until we heard the fateful Thus when God became man, He did so for peace being restored. God “said” He not only spoke a word, he words again: In the beginning… this time good. Though Jesus did ascend to heaven, invoked The Word. from John’s Gospel. He remains with us today in the tabernacle, Jeff Hedglen, a columnist for the NORTH As my meditation continued each day, “In the beginning was the Word, and a word that comes from the Latin meaning TEXAS CATHOLIC, is youth minister at St. I saw spinning solar systems and unorgan- the Word was with God, and the Word was tent. Bartholomew Parish in Southwest Fort ized clusters of stars, a veritable photo God. He was in the beginning with God. All Christmas is a time for celebrating God Worth and chief organizer of Camp Fort album of the creation story, and I realized things came to be through him, and with- becoming human. It is a time to revel in Worth. He and his wife Monika, are active the writers of Genesis got more right than out him nothing came to be” (John 1:1-3). the Christchild born to bring peace. It is parishioners at St. Bartholomew’s. Page 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 Christmas The True Meaning of Christmas Giving

By Margo MacArthur dinner at his local soup kitchen whenever and sister in serving Christmas dinner to Catholic News Service There are countless ways we possible, modeling the behavior for his six those without a dinner table of their own. children, now grown. He thinks he was perhaps 12. He does t is hard to imagine the world of the Christians can contribute to • Pam M. is naturally vivacious and a know, however, that he will continue the fi rst century when the heavy foot of mover and doer. She recently spearheaded tradition for years to come and that he will IRoman imperialism strode through a good in the world by reaching an entire neighborhood’s response to the share it with a family of his own. vast empire of conquered people. In this needs of a temporarily disabled member. If • Dottie B., who lives alone in a senior brutal time under the tyranny imposed by you ask Pam where she fi nds the time with citizen building, says she quite simply that rule on the beleaguered little nation of out to others. A smile, a a full-time job, a spouse, and two young enjoys doing a good turn every time she Israel, the fi rst Christmas materialized as if children, she’ll say it’s a central part of her has the opportunity. “People today don’t by magic. gesture that relieves another’s faith. But those around her know that Pam understand that. I get a kick out of their Said Pope Benedict XVI in his 2007 loves her neighbors best through cooking realization that extending small kindnesses Christmas homily, in this setting “God loneliness and lifts a heavy and encouraging others to do the same. to those around me is my way of sharing (stepped) out of his concealment” to con- • Lauren M., in her early 20s, promised my faith,” she said. nect with mankind and promise salvation heart, cost nothing except a former classmate who is in drug reha- There are countless ways we Christians in the form of his son. bilitation: “When you leave there and go can contribute to good in the world by It is an old story still relevant today, one the recognition that another home, I will be your listening ear and help reaching out to others. A smile, a gesture that tells us that God’s good news is often you stay positive and move your life in a that relieves another’s loneliness and lifts a shut out; there is no room in the inn, and human being is helped. good direction.” Since Lauren works more heavy heart, cost nothing except the recog- Christ’s entry into the world is ignored, than 30 hours a week and goes to college nition that another human being is helped. except by the wise men, the animals, and full time, her love for her friend will require As Pope Benedict reminds us, “Heaven their shepherd. sion to make the time to reach out and the sacrifi ce of time; yet she did not hesi- does not belong to the geography of space, So too, our modern lives are often very connect with our neighbors, identifying the tate to offer help when it was needed. but to the geography of the heart.” busy, too full of worry and self-involvement way we can best serve. to allow us more than a passing glimpse of Many other Christians have prepared • At 23 Chris W. is the youngest in his Margo MacArthur is a freelance writer in the miraculous birth, let alone each other. the way for us. A few are profi led here: family, and he can’t remember what age he was when he joined his parents, brother Andover, New Jersey. That is, unless we make a conscious deci- • Fred F. has regularly served lunch and At last, a comfortable cup of Christmas tea! Discussion Point: What do you do during By Father Stan Konieczny the Christmas season to Catholic News Service “Father Steve reach out to others? ne holiday surprise came early to recently ordained Father Steve, mutt ered in the rectory Selected Responses From Readers: Owho was spending his fi rst Christ- mas as a priest at St. Joseph Parish. It was kitchen as he waited for no treat, either, for Father Steve to discover ur CCD chooses a service to do. that the rectory was not immune to the a mug of tea to steep. O... One year it was baby bundles, hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush. fi lling shoe boxes with baby supplies Father Steve had hoped for calm and “I just wish I had a for impoverished countries; last year serenity that would lend itself to prayer ... kids brought in games and activity and refl ection on the mystery of Christ- books for (giving to kids from) their mas. Instead, he found himself up to his minute of peace and age group ... at local shelters.” eyebrows in all sorts of preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth. quiet, just enough to — Mary Ellen Lane Despite the many area penance services, Morrisville, Pennsylvania people still rang the doorbell looking for fi nish a cup of tea.” a confessor. Shut-ins had to be visited. Church decoration decisions and choices ur family adopts a family, and had to be made. Organizations had to be favorite mug of Earl Grey, the telephone After a 10-minute eternity for Father Owe provide for them so they can matched with families in need for holiday rang. It was Miss Emily. Three times she Steve, Miss Emily came out with a large have a love-fi lled Christmas morning. outreach. Every class in the grade school turned down Father’s inquiries about tray that held a complete tea service, gar- had some program or project to delight bringing her Communion for Christmas. nished with warm zucchini bread. — Janet Wrabel, the priest. And there was an unending list She always insisted that she could get to “You look chilled to the bone, Father,” Fairfi eld, Connecticut of evening dinners and parties with parish Mass on her own. Now she insisted the Miss Emily chided. “Now you sit there, groups. weather was bad and Father had better young man, and drink all of this herbal tea. take people to church who don’t All of this was compounded by the clas- come now, before her holiday guests ar- Then I’ll get you another. And eat this zuc- Ihave transportation — usually the sic seminary joke that was no joke. Every rived. chini bread that my cousin made. It’s good elderly or handicapped. I visit the day there was at least one telephone call “No serenity, no comfortable cup of tea for you. And none of your nonsense about homebound all year, but bring them a asking, “Father, what time is your Christ- for me,” Steve thought as the contents of having too much to do. Nobody is too busy gift at Christmas. mas Eve Midnight Mass?” half a mug poured down the drain. for a comfortable cup of Christmas tea. I “Surprise, surprise, there is little In 15 minutes, Father Steve arrived at won’t hear of it.” — Marga Bohm Christmas serenity around here,” Father the apartment and on the fi rst ring, the As Miss Emily shuffl ed back into the Akron, Ohio Steve muttered in the rectory kitchen as door was opened by Miss Emily, prim and kitchen, Father Steve settled into an over- he waited for a mug of tea to steep. “I just proper as ever. Those two qualities frankly stuffed chair and enjoyed a real holiday e try to include everyone in our wish I had a minute of peace and quiet, just unnerved the young priest. surprise: a comfortable cup of Christmas Wholiday meal, such as relatives enough to fi nish a cup of tea.” Inside the museum-like living room, tea, which melted away the hustle and who are not well-off. We make sure no He sighed as he thought back to his Father Steve proclaimed the good news of bustle of the holidays. one is alone. We also help our fi ve kids grade school days when the Mercy Sisters Christmas, sang a carol, and distributed come home for holidays, which may who taught him spoke of their foundress, Eucharist. After the prayers and some Father Stan Konieczny is an associate mean subsidizing tickets. Catherine McAuley, and her instructions to small talk, the priest started to leave. pastor at St. Augustine of Canterbury have “a comfortable cup of tea” ready for Emily, however, ordered him to wait Church in Belleville, Illinois and a long- — Suzanne Harmon anyone who came seeking help. as she hobbled off through a darkened time contributor to Faith Alive’s Christmas Bothell, Washington Half way through musings over his doorway. and Easter packages. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 17 National / International Pope calls for refl ection on South African parish ecumenism’s past to identify way increases food aid as Zimbabweans fl ee cholera forward in search for Christian unity CAPE TOWN, South Africa arose from droughts that struck (CNS) — A Catholic parish on the the rural area. He ascribed such By Cindy Wooden of ecclesial fraternity.” South African border with Zimba- values-based attitudes to the Catholic News Service “It is consoling to note how bwe has been increasing its food abiding infl uence of the churches VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “One could a sincere spirit of friendship supply to respond to the escalating in the area. Now is the time for a “broad, say that we fi nd between Catholics and Ortho- number of Zimbabwean refugees Father McHugh said the inter- precise, and detailed” refl ection dox has been growing in these fl eeing a cholera outbreak. national medical agency Doctors on what the ecumenical move- ourselves ‘on years,” he said. The church in Musina, South Without Borders set up mobile ment has achieved, where it has the way,’ at an Cardinal Walter Kasper, Africa, has donated 250-300 food clinics at the showgrounds in the stalled and what is needed to president of the Christian unity parcels daily since June as part wake of the cholera outbreak. move the search for Christian intermediate council, told the pope that, while of its response to the flow of He said that from the beginning unity forward, Pope Benedict council members had identifi ed refugees into the northern border of the crisis he had seen coopera- XVI said. stage, where it “many good fruits” produced by town, which has gained some tion among aid agencies, includ- “One could say that we fi nd appears useful the ecumenical dialogues, “we notoriety because of the spread ing the Jesuit Refugee Service, ourselves ‘on the way,’ at an cannot close our eyes to the cur- of cholera from Zimbabwe, said the U.N. High Commissioner for intermediate stage, where it ap- and opportune to rent situation, to new diffi culties Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Refugees, Lawyers for Human pears useful and opportune to examine objectively and challenges.” Father Adrian McHugh, who Rights, the local legal advice offi ce examine objectively the results “We have identified new ministers to asylum seekers. and Save the Children. obtained,” the pope said Dec. 12 the results obtained.” problems and looked for ways This cross-border movement The local home affairs offi ce, during a meeting with members to face them,” the 75-year-old has grown since June from about he said, also has operated at the —Pope Benedict XVI of the Pontifi cal Council for Pro- cardinal said. 50 a day to 500, said Father camp to process up to 300 asy- moting Christian Unity. “We also are convinced that McHugh. By Dec. 9, South Africa lum applications a day. The council was holding its tual understanding and in iden- recent difficulties cannot be a had reported nearly 500 cholera One report said thousands of plenary meeting at the Vatican, tifying elements of convergence, motive for slowing down or cases, including seven deaths. asylum seekers were “staying on focusing on how ecumenical you have not avoided identifying abandoning our commitment; In Musina, refugees were liv- fenced-in showgrounds in Musina agreements have been received with great honesty that which re- rather, they must be a stimulus ing completely without shelter, as they wait to lodge their asylum by the Catholic Church and mains to be done.” for reinforcing and intensifying with hardly any access to toilets, claims and are fearful of arrest and looking at new possibilities for The pope told council mem- it and for seeking new ways and showers, food and clean water. deportation if they leave.” moving forward. bers it was essential to review methods to bring it to comple- Some refugees managed to have About 200-400 refugees are It included the presentation the past in order to “identify new tion,” he said. at least one meal a day thanks arrested and deported from of what the council called a “har- paths to follow, trying to over- Without mentioning any to the initiatives of the Catholic Musina to Zimbabwe each day, vest project,” looking at agree- come together the differences specifi c ecumenical diffi culties, parish and the Anglican church, reports said. ments reached over the past 40 that unfortunately still remain such as the differences with said Father McHugh. Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic years with the Lutheran World in relations among the disciples the Anglican Communion over He said many local volunteers is made worse by its econom- Federation, the World Methodist of Christ.” homosexuality and over the had responded to the crisis, ic crisis. Inflation is officially Council, the Anglican Commu- Looking particularly at rela- ordination of women bishops, which belied the kind of xeno- 231 million percent, but prices nion and the World Alliance of tions with the Orthodox and Cardinal Kasper said one of phobic attitudes often associated double every 24 hours. Basic Reformed Churches. Oriental Orthodox churches, the chief barriers to Christian with South Africans. The priest foodstuffs are running out, and Pope Benedict told the coun- Pope Benedict said signifi cant unity is differences in the way said many people are volunteer- the fl ow of refugees has spread cil, “While you have outlined steps forward had been made in Christians interpret the word of ing despite the great demands the cholera to Mozambique, that which, with the help of God, the theological dialogue and in God and the weight they give to on the town’s limited resources Botswana and Zambia, in addi- already has been achieved in mu- the “consolidation and growth Christian tradition. and economic hardships that tion to South Africa. New visa rules for religious workers add steps, delays, paperwork; response to fraud hampers the innocent By Patricia Zapor trips, during which they had The wait for those petitions according to Gibbons. Visas will use of religious worker visas. Catholic News Service appointments to renew their could be up to nine months. now be issued for 30 months, A fraud assessment of the WASHINGTON — New fed- visas at U.S. consulates or em- Other religious workers likely with a 30-month renewal pos- program released by Citizen- eral regulations for visas will bassies in their home countries. were affected similarly, she said. sible. Previously they were is- ship and Immigration Services slow the process of bringing in The regulations now require For instance, a priest from sued for an initial three years in 2006 found fraud in 33 per- religious workers from other applicants for religious worker India who was scheduled to with a two-year renewal option. cent of the 220 applications it countries, while adding to the visas to fi rst get approval from begin work in the U.S. within Other provisions defi ne reli- reviewed. Among examples costs and paperwork, accord- the offi ce of U.S. Citizenship and a few weeks had an appoint- gious denominations, require- it cited were nonexistent ad- ing to an attorney for Catholic Immigration Services, an extra ment scheduled to get his visa ments for the religious workers’ dresses for employers or jobs Legal Immigration Network Inc. step that Gibbons said will add in December, Gibbons said. compensation and standards that were not the same as The regulations took effect months to the process of being He will now have to rearrange for who is eligible for the visas. those cited in the applications. immediately when they were admitted to work in the U.S. his plans while Citizenship Employers now have to fi le “a Gibbons said there has been issued Nov. 26, said Anne Marie With the requirement of that and Immigration Services con- lot of additional attestations” no comparison provided by Gibbons, director for religious fi rst step, two Canadian priests siders his petition. After that with applications, Gibbons said. Citizenship and Immigration immigration and protection for who work in Washington will he’ll have to get another ap- They now must provide such Services of rates of fraud in the agency, known as CLINIC. fi nd their visits home at Thanks- pointment with the consulate information as how many other other categories of visas, so it’s The lack of notice effectively giving will extend months longer and redo his travel plans some employees there are at the insti- unclear whether the religious trapped some church person- than they anticipated, Gibbons months from now, she said. tution, what their work entails worker applications actually nel outside the United States, said. They can’t return to their Between 10,000 and 11,000 and what other immigrants have have a higher rate of problems. she explained. She said she jobs until their U.S. employ- religious workers are admit- used the religious worker visas. She said she’s now advising knows of several immigrants er applies on their behalf and ted with the visas annually. The changes in the program dioceses and other religious in- who left over the long Thanks- their applications are approved Most of the other changes were drafted over the last few stitutions that use CLINIC’s help giving weekend for what they by Citizenship and Immigra- in the religious worker visa years in response to congressio- to apply for religious worker expected would be routine tion Services, she explained. system are less of an obstacle, nal concerns about fraudulent visas to “plan a year ahead.” Page 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 International

INTERNATIONAL Wife’s love gave Austrian martyr NEWSBRIEFS strength, says cardinal Schonborn

By Cindy Wooden would know he was,” she said. Catholic News Service In the letter, written a few Pope’s busy year highlights three themes: ROME — Blessed Franz Jag- hours before he was executed, St. Paul, Bible, U.S. trip erstatter, an Austrian farmer Blessed Jagerstatter apologized VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For Pope Benedict XVI, 2008 beheaded for refusing to serve in to his wife and family for the was the year of St. Paul, the year of the Bible and the year the Nazi army, had the strength suffering they endured; he prom- of the United States. Amid the hundreds of papal meet- to follow his conscience because ised to watch over them always; ings and events, those three themes stood out in special of his wife Franziska, said Aus- and he talked about how Jesus focus as 2008 drew to a close. In June, the pope opened trian Cardinal Christoph Schon- must have suffered knowing that a jubilee year to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the born of Vienna. his mother was there watching birth of St. Paul. Accompanied by Ecumenical Patriarch With the 95-year-old widow him die. Bartholomew of Constantinople and other representatives and the couple’s three daughters Cardinal Schonborn told the of Orthodox and Anglican churches, he said the apostle in the front row, Cardinal Schon- audience that he fi rst heard of was a model of missionary courage for people struggling born participated in the Dec. 9 Blessed Jagerstatter in 1968 when against religious indifference in modern society. In October, presentation of a new biography he read the late Gordon Zahn’s the pope presided over a three-week Synod of Bishops in Italian, Christ or Hitler? The Life book, In Solitary Witness: The Life on the Word of God that explored ways to bring Catholics of Blessed Franz Jagerstatter. and Death of Franz Jagerstatter. closer to the Bible and promote better use of Scripture in The book launch was held in Strangely, he said, almost liturgy and catechesis. In April, Pope Benedict made his Rome’s St. Bartholomew Church, no one seemed to have heard fi rst papal visit to the United States, spending six days which Pope John Paul II desig- of the Austrian martyr and his in Washington and New York and addressing the U.N. Gen- nated as a shrine to martyrs of Franziska Jagerstatter, transformation from a superfi cial eral Assembly. the 20th century. The original widow of Franz Catholicism to a deep faith that handwritten copy of Blessed Jaegerstaetter, attends forced him to question how one Jagerstatter’s “spiritual testa- his beatifi cation at St. could be “a soldier for Christ” and a soldier in Hitler’s army at Ordinations cap Shanghai’s celebration ment” is on a side altar in the Mary’s Cathedral in Linz, of 400 years of evangelization church, along with letters and the same time. objects owned by other victims Austria, Oct. 26, 2007. The growth in faith, the car- SHANGHAI, China (CNS) — The Diocese of Shanghai of Nazism and communism in He was beheaded in 1943 dinal said, was due to the ex- capped its nine-month celebration of the 400th anniversary Europe and of dictatorships after refusing to perform ample of his wife. “Franz had the of Catholicism’s arrival with the ordination of two priests. in Latin America, Africa, and strength to follow his conscience Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Xing Wenzhi of Shanghai ordained military service with a Asia. because he was supported by the Fathers Joseph Li Gangyao and Joseph Xu Ruhao Dec. 6 weapon. (CNS PHOTO/ The Austrian martyr’s widow love of his wife,” he said. at St. Ignatius Cathedral, reported the Asian church news REUTERS) Cardinal Schonborn intro- agency UCA News. About 2,000 Catholics, including said she did not want to respond relatives of the new priests, attended the ordination Mass, to reporters’ questions, but she duced Franziska Jagerstatter which 87 priests from Shanghai and neighboring dio- did say her happiest memory Maria was 4 years old when and her three daughters to ceses concelebrated. With the ordination of Father Li, the was the 1936 honeymoon pil- her father was beheaded by guil- Pope Benedict XVI Dec. 10 at Shanghai Diocese now has 75 diocesan priests. Father Xu grimage she and Franz took to lotine on Aug. 9, 1943. the end of the pope’s general was ordained for the Anhui Diocese. Bishop Xing told the Rome. “We never felt he abandoned audience. congregation that although the anniversary celebrations Her daughter, Maria, said us,” she said. Rather they be- The pope stood to greet the have come to a close, “our mission does not end today, but her earliest memory was “the lieved he was in heaven and “he widow and continued to hold rather it marks a new impetus for us to spread the Gospel whole family sitting around the protected us.” her hands as they spoke; then, to those who have never heard of it.” Noting that the uni- table and Mother reading the Her father was beatified in her daughters came up and versal church is now in the midst of celebrating the Pauline letter that my father had been 2007, but he “was always a saint gave the pope fl owers and other year, Bishop Xing urged congregation members to model beheaded. Everyone cried.” to us. If you read his last letter, you gifts. themselves after St. Paul in evangelizing zeal. Church opposes criminalizing Catholic offi cials, organizations launch campaign for climate change homosexuality, spokesman says WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — Catholic Church offi cials from By John Thavis apostolic nuncio to the United bardi said. 38 countries have launched a campaign with more than Catholic News Service Nations, said such a declaration The spokesman noted that 170 Catholic organizations to persuade the United Na- VATICAN CITY — A Vatican might be used to put pressure on Archbishop Migliore’s com- tions to meet the “moral obligation” of tackling climate spokesman said the Catholic or discriminate against countries ments were made in response to change. “Climate change is a reality today affecting the that do not recognize same-sex a question about a draft declara- lives and livelihoods of millions in developing countries Church is clearly against con- by exacerbating storms, droughts, and natural disasters,” sidering homosexuality a crime, marriage. tion that had yet to be presented said an appeal signed by 92 bishops, archbishops, and but is wary of international Father Lombardi, in his latest at the United Nations or in any cardinals. “As a matter of equity and responsibility, those declarations that use the issue to comments to reporters, said the public forum. who have created the problem must pay for the solution. promote a political agenda based Vatican was not conducting a He said Archbishop Miglio- Economically developed nations have a moral obligation on sexual orientation. battle against the United Nations re’s point was that it’s one thing to tackle climate change because of their disproportion- The spokesman, Jesuit Father or weakening its opposition to dis- to argue against discrimination ate consumption of natural resources,” it said. The climate Federico Lombardi, made the crimination against homosexuals, and criminalization regarding campaign and related appeal were launched by Caritas comment Dec. 11 in response which is clearly stated in the Cat- homosexuality, but another to Internationalis, which represents 162 national Caritas to questions at a Vatican press echism of the Catholic Church. contend that anyone who makes church charities, and CIDSE, a Belgian-based alliance of conference. “There is no question that the a distinction based on sexual 16 Catholic development agencies. The campaign was In early December, a leading church is contrary to legislation orientation is considered an ad- introduced at a Dec. 7 Mass at the cathedral in Poznan, Vatican diplomat drew criticism that criminalizes homosexual- versary of human rights. Poland. Government representatives from around the world from gay-rights groups when ity,” Father Lombardi said. Specifi cally, Archbishop Mi- were meeting in Poznan Dec. 1-12 for the U.N. Framework he said the Vatican opposed a The church’s position stems gliore expressed the fear that the Convention on Climate Change. proposed U.N. declaration to from its respect for the rights draft declaration could lead to a endorse the universal decrimi- and dignity of every person, and situation in which “states that do nalization of homosexuality. explicitly excludes “any unjust not recognize same-sex unions as The diplomat, Archbishop discrimination on the basis of ‘marriage’ will be pilloried and Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s homosexuality,” Father Lom- put under pressure” to do so. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 19 National

Church agencies try to help NATIONAL NEWSBRIEFS out of work Americans in Report lauds Bush’s faith-based ventures, their search for employment seeks reforms from Obama By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The incoming Obama admin- Catholic News Service istration is being handed a report that recommends it WASHINGTON — More embrace the outgoing Bush administration’s partnerships Americans are losing jobs, and with faith-based organizations, but with some reforms. Catholic agencies are trying their The Brookings Institution, in cooperation with Wake Forest best to tide them over until they University Divinity School’s Center for Religion and Public fi nd new work. Affairs, released its in-depth report with recommenda- The United States shed 533,000 tions for the new administration on future partnerships with jobs in November, the most in faith-based organizations at a Dec. 5 press conference at any single month in 34 years. the National Press Club in Washington. With 16 recommen- The national unemployment rate dations, the issue was being studied by Brookings before climbed to 6.7 percent in Decem- Democratic Sen. Barack Obama won the Nov. 4 presiden- ber — itself a 15-year high — up tial election. Among its many recommendations, the report calls on the Obama administration to: welcome religious from 6.5 percent in October. organizations to partner with government and increase But 6.7 percent is the average. funding for programs that work; clarify restrictions on direct Many states’ unemployment aid and religious activities; protect the identity of religious rates are considerably higher. In providers and improve monitoring of compliance with Michigan, beset by auto-industry church-state safeguards; address religion-based decision- woes, it was up to 9.3 percent in making in government-funded jobs; and avoid cronyism October. Joining it was Rhode A worker tightens lug nuts on a tire on the assembly line at a General Motors and religious patronage by highlighting peer review, evalu- Island, whose unemployment plant in Lansing, Michigan, Dec. 1. Detroit-area religious leaders convened by ation, and accountability. rate shot up from 5.1 percent Cardinal Adam J. Maida emerged from a Dec. 4 meeting to call on Washington in October 2007 to 9.3 percent lawmakers to provide federal assistance to stabilize the American automobile in October 2008. California, the industry. (CNS photo/Jim West) nation’s most populous state, First Vietnamese-American in Congress recorded 8.2 percent unemploy- else, am concerned about the “In the past we saw people is former Jesuit seminarian ment this October. tremendous loss of jobs that on welfare or already in some WASHINGTON (CNS) — The fi rst Vietnamese-American Rounding out the states with would come from a Chrysler- sort of assistance program,” she member of Congress is a former Jesuit seminarian who the highest unemployment rates GM merger. The whole church noted. “Now we are seeing more served for four years on the National Advisory Council to were South Carolina, 8 percent; of Detroit would be hurt,” said working, middle-class families. the U.S. bishops. Anh “Joseph” Quang Cao, a 41-year-old Nevada, 7.6 percent; Alaska, Father Duane Novelly, pastor of People call and say, ‘I’ve never Republican, defeated Democratic Rep. William J. Jef- 7.4 percent; Illinois, Ohio, and St. Matthew Parish in Detroit. asked for help before, but I have ferson in a Dec. 6 runoff election to represent Louisiana’s Oregon, each at 7.3 percent; and Collections are down about children and I need help.’” 2nd District. Jefferson had held the seat since 1991, and Mississippi, 7.2 percent. 10 percent from a year ago at Don Johnston, a retiree and no Republican has represented the congressional district Janice Luongo, director of Our Lady of Refuge Parish in member of Precious Blood Par- that includes New Orleans since 1890. Cao, pronounced Mary House in Providence, suburban Orchard Lake, Michi- ish on Pawleys Island, South Gow, was named in January 2003 to a four-year term on Rhode Island, said many patrons gan, according to pastor Father Carolina, about 20 miles south the advisory council, a 63-member group of laymen and at its soup kitchen and meal Gerald McEnhill. of Myrtle Beach, has had a laywomen, religious men, and women, diocesan priests center are fi lled with despair and Although situated in an up- ministry of helping unem- and bishops that meets twice a year to review documenta- anxiety caused by unemploy- scale suburb, job losses and ployed parishioners fi nd work. tion and offer recommendations on matters before the U.S. ment and an inability to pay home foreclosures have hit peo- Now, though, rising joblessness Conference of Catholic Bishops. A member of Mary Queen food, rent, and utility bills. ple in the parish. “We are seeing prompted parish leaders to ask of Vietnam Parish in New Orleans, Cao told The Associated Some, who are employed full requests for assistance signifi - him to conduct a series of net- Press that his run for political offi ce was motivated by his time in low-paying jobs, are frus- cantly up through our St. Vincent working seminars, with the fi rst Catholic faith. “It was something that I was called to do, trated because they cannot put de Paul conference, and we try to scheduled for Dec. 11. literally, in the religion sense,” he said. gasoline in their cars or afford to help,” Father McEnhill said. “Those that are well-net- live in better accommodations. With unemployment at 10 to worked have a greater oppor- “You can tell that they are sliding 12 percent in several counties tunity to secure employment downhill,” Luongo observed. in the Diocese of Sacramento, and change careers than those Catholic Charities USA gets high marks But now, 25 patrons will get California, and the cost of grocer- who aren’t,” said Johnston, for nationwide service an opportunity to gain valu- ies up 7.2 percent over last year whose own career had been in ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) — Catholic Charities USA is able life and job training skills — with the price of milk and job staffi ng. the country’s top provider of social services, according through a new initiative called eggs alone spiking 25 percent During the seminar, there to Charity Navigator’s Holiday Giving Guide 2008. The the Thrive Mentoring Program. to 40 percent higher — work- would be details about the re- Alexandria-based agency also fi nished second overall It will match volunteer mentors’ ing families are scrambling for gion’s job markets, word from in The NonProfi t Times Top 100 list of the country’s larg- skills with the needs of people fi nancial stability. the unemployed about “road- est charities and 11th in the most recent Philanthropy 400 who need to learn how to com- Rocio Rocha, case manager blocks” to work, and to “learn ranking by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Father Larry plete job applications, open and at Centro Guadalupe in Sacra- from the group what it is that Snyder, Catholic Charities USA president, welcomed the balance a checking account, ac- mento, a program of Catholic they believe ... where they need recognition. “These rankings are invigorating. They speak quire social services, shop at the Charities, reports “more clients, the help. About 30-45 minutes of to the hard work and professionalism of Catholic Charities supermarket, and become strong more phone calls, more people this networking meeting will be agencies’ staff and volunteers around the country,” he said self-advocates. calling with really, really high an opportunity for those who at- in a statement. “It’s my sincere hope that this encourages Several computers have al- utility bills and disconnect no- tend to sit down with each other others to join us in our efforts to help those affected by the ready been donated to the pro- tices.” ... talk with each other about economic downturn, especially during the holiday season.” gram. Students from Domini- “People are losing their jobs,” what their experiences are, and Charity Navigator, considered the country’s most utilized can-run Providence College will Rocha said. “I have encountered ask for help,” Johnston said. evaluator of charities, annually ranks nonprofi t agencies teach basic computer skills and people with fi ve, seven, 10 years Though advance registration in 34 categories ranging from the environment to youth show patrons how to use the at a company laid off because was small, “we’re expecting an development. Charity Navigator’s ranking list can be found online at: www.charitynavigator.org. Internet. there is a lack of business, or the enormous number of people,” As bad as things are in the company is going out of busi- he added. “Once we have this Detroit area, the crisis could even ness, or their work hours have meeting, the word will begin to worsen. “I, as well as everyone been drastically reduced. spread.” Page 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 Scripture Readings

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, ... for my eyes have seen your salvation, ... and glory for your people Israel.” December 28, The Holy Family — Luke 2:29-30, 32 of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Cycle B. Readings: 1) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-5 In the story from this week’s Gospel we hear 2) Colossians 3:12-21 of a man named Simeon who had been told by Gospel) Luke 2:22-40 the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he By Jeff Hedglen had seen the Anointed One from the Lord. When he sees Jesus, he sees ultimate possibility: He sees ecently, as I was holding my 3-month-old salvation. I cannot imagine what that must have Rgoddaughter in my arms I began thinking about been like. Simeon was in on the biggest of secret the life ahead of her. She has wonderful parents plans. He knew that the Savior was coming, and and a huge community of people ready to sup- he was one of the fi rst to hold salvation in his port her as she grows. arms. Gazing into this child’s eyes as they are just His words shout loudly of faith and triumph, the waters of baptism, the doors to heaven are starting to focus, I wondered what she sees and “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in unlocked for her. what those eyes will see in the future. There are peace, ... for my eyes have seen your salvation, On this feast of the Holy Family we learn from so many possibilities ahead for her: Will she be ... a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory Mary and Joseph that when we dedicate our a girly girl or more of a tomboy? Will she be a for your people Israel.” children to the Lord, we open up for them un- dancer or a soccer player, or both? What subjects Simeon, upon seeing Jesus, knew the possibil- limited possibility, for they are now incorporated in school will be her favorites? What will she ity he held just as I did when I held my god- into the vision Simeon had of the salvation of the grow up to be? Who will she marry? The ques- daughter at her baptism. I knew that graced with world and the glory of God’s people. tions are endless. With each new life that comes into the world the opportunities and options they have are never-ending. Every baby brought to the church QUESTIONS: for dedication is full of potential. This was never How confi dently can you say: “Master, you may let your servant go in truer than when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. peace?” If you are a godparent, what has that experience been like for you? Copyright © 2008, Diocese of Fort Worth

Faith comes from listening, having relationship with God, says pope

By Carol Glatz Pope Benedict rist is Christ giving himself and Catholic News Service his love to humanity so that a VATICAN CITY — Faith does XVI waves as he new world may be created, Pope Benedict said. not happen with a solitary read- arrives to lead his ing of Scripture; it comes from Explaining the transformative being in a relationship with God weekly general power of the Eucharist, the pope and listening to his word, Pope said, “When a person eats nor- Benedict XVI said. audience in Paul mal bread, digestion turns this “Faith is not a product of our bread into a part of the person’s thoughts and our refl ections,” VI hall at the body, transforming it into an ele- ment of human life.” the pope said Dec. 10 at his Vatican Dec. 10. weekly general audience. But the opposite happens “It is something new that we (CNS photo/Tony when receiving Communion, cannot invent but can only re- he said. ceive as a gift” that is made and Gentile, Reuters) “Christ, the Lord, makes us given by God himself, he said. like him. He brings us into With an estimated 5,000 peo- his glorious body, and that is ple gathered inside the Paul VI how we all together become his hall, Pope Benedict continued body,” he said. his audience talks about the life heart, it also must manifest passive, the pope said. Christ is the true giver of the Receiving the Eucharist is and teaching of St. Paul, focusing itself concretely in the world, “No one can baptize himself; sacraments,” he said. both a personal and a social on how the apostle contributed he said. he needs someone else. No one St. Paul taught that baptism is experience in which Christ “per- to the church’s understanding of “The Spirit must reunite us can become a Christian by her- more than a mere washing away sonally reunites with me and the sacramental life. and truly create a community” self,” he said. This other who of sin; it is death and resurrection man and the woman next to me” “Faith doesn’t come from out of the divisions and distances offers the gift of faith and of into a new life in fullness with thereby uniting everyone with reading but from listening. It is separating humankind, the pope baptism is the community of Christ, the pope said. each other. not just an inner experience but said. believers — the church — which, He said becoming a Christian “The Eucharist without soli- a relation” with someone who He said Christ’s Spirit serves in turn, is acting on God’s behalf, is not a cosmetic or superfi cial darity with others is abusing the proclaims God’s love and urges to create a visible community he said. event in which “something beau- Eucharist,” he said. unity and communion in the with the proclamation of the The church “does not act on tiful is added to a life that is more Christ unites himself equally truth, he said. word and the sacraments, es- its own, following its own ideas or less already complete. It is a with everyone who receives The Holy Spirit — the spirit pecially baptism and the Eu- and desires,” he said. It passively new existence, a rebirth, death Communion, he said, making ev- of the resurrected Christ — does charist. accepts God’s will because “only and resurrection.” eryone “one bread, one body.” not only touch an individual’s Christianity, like baptism, is Christ can constitute the church. The sacrament of the Eucha- North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 21 Scripture Readings

“Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you.” — Isaiah 60:4

January 4, The Epiphany of the Lord. Cycle B. Readings: 1) Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 2) Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel) Matthew 2:1-12

By Jean Denton onths before the U.S. incursion into Iraq, interviewed her for a newspaper story about her light and grace are promised and will become MNajla began welcoming Iraqi refugees to the participation in the program. She explained to known to all people, Najla witnessed how it hap- Caritas migrant center in Beirut. They were pour- me that Caritas is the social services arm of the pens in real life: ing out of their homeland in droves. More than Catholic Church in many countries, including An Iraqi woman with two young children two million, over the next fi ve years, would seek Lebanon. (It is an international partner of Catho- came to the center to participate in a group resettlement in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. lic Relief Services.) therapy session. An array of pictures was spread Najla is director of the migrant center. A profes- In the Middle East, she told me, neither the na- out on a table. “She was asked to select a pic- sional social worker for two decades, she had tional governments nor nongovernmental organi- ture that showed how she imagined the future,” never before heard such horrifi c stories of victim- zations provide much assistance to the refugees; Najla recalled, “and this Muslim woman found ized, uprooted families as she heard from these rather, “It is the church that is their support and an image of Jesus Christ protecting the children. refugees. The Caritas center offers them a range of their protection.” She told us, ‘You passed my way and supported help including housing, employment, job training, A Lebanese Christian herself, Najla noted that me in a very diffi cult moment.’” education, medical care, and legal assistance. the Caritas center accepts all comers regardless of “Your light has come,” Isaiah proclaimed. It also provides programs for children who may their religious beliefs. Just as the Epiphany story May we all be so blessed to witness it with such have been kidnapped or witnessed the killing of in this week’s Scriptures shows us that Jesus’ power as Najla experienced. a parent or the rape of a family member. Recently, the agency increased efforts to help individuals heal from post-traumatic stress, a condition the QUESTIONS: staff was recognizing more and more. Into what dire situation have you seen Jesus’ light come and be recog- I met Najla when she came to the U.S. for specialized training in trauma healing, and I nized? How have you been a channel of his presence to others? Copyright © 2009, Diocese of Fort Worth

We focus a lot on lists; why not a Positive Focus? By Jeff Hedglen by our spirits, for we realize that but we do always have a choice we did not accomplish what we on how we react to them. I his time of year is fi lled I believe that while we are on this earth, had in mind when we ham- just had a conversation with a with lists, and not just mered the nail in the wall. young woman whose mother Tthe ones that are being we will never be able to completely escape Resolutions are notoriously has just been diagnosed with checked twice by the man in a hard to keep, so this year I cancer and is facing surgery red and white suit. times of trial, be they from illness, hurt think I will go with St. Paul’s and unpleasant treatments. I These other lists are be- feelings, unjust circumstances, or what- list and really try to focus on asked this young woman how ing displayed on newsstands, things that are true, honorable, her mom was doing, and she posted on the Internet, and be- ever, but we do always have a choice on just, pure, lovely, gracious, replied, “She is handling things ing made into television shows. excellent, and worthy of praise. better than we are.” Lists about who were the best how we react to them. This might mean an adjust- This is a story that reveals and worst dressed in 2008, ment to my life to rid it of the truth that it is possible to which were the best songs, TV things that lead me to think of not be consumed by the dark shows, and books of the year, if we could achieve only one of praise, instead of dwelling things that are false, appalling, times we are in. So, with a lot and lists of which lists are the of the things on this list, next on all that we do not have, wish undeserved, tainted, unpleas- of will power and even more best of 2008. year would surely be a year of we had, hoped to be, long to ant, impolite, ordinary, and grace from God, we can, if These lists drive us to mea- growth and propel us deeper achieve, continue to fear, hate to contemptible. we put our minds to it, spend sure our life in the context of into our love of Jesus. be around, and will not forgive. It is hard to admit that more 2009 thinking of all things that best and worst. When we fall The list comes from Philip- St. Paul has the better list. than I would like, this second are true, honorable, just, pure, into this trap, we are in danger pians 4:8, and it is this: “Finally, Replacing the calendar on list is more commonly travel- lovely, gracious, excellent, and of failing to honor other things brothers and sisters, whatever the wall usually brings with it ing through the synapses of my worthy of praise, no matter that are sometimes more wor- is true, whatever is honorable, hope for change in life as well. mind than the holier list. Too what comes our way. thy of speculation than the top whatever is just, whatever We look back on the year we often I think negatively when This kind of thinking could 10 things that were on the list. is pure, whatever is lovely, have had and all the things we there is a more positive and radically change our life and As the new year approaches, whatever is gracious, if there promised the last time we hung uplifting thought I could be the world along the way. I would like to offer a different is any excellence and if there a new collection of cats in cute having. Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. list to measure our lives by, a is anything worthy of praise, poses or cars we could never af- I believe that while we are Bartholomew Parish in Southwest list that has endured the test of think about these things.” ford the insurance on, let alone on this earth, we will never Fort Worth, is the principal or- time and continues to inspire Imagine spending the year the monthly payment, or light- be able to completely escape ganizer of Camp Fort Worth each people to strive for great thinking about all that is true, houses, or whatever inspires us. times of trial, be they from summer. Readers with questions things. This is a list that could honorable, just, pure, lovely, When the old calendar comes illness, hurt feelings, unjust can contact Jeff at jeff@stbartsfw. be a resolution for 2009. In fact, gracious, excellent, and worthy down, it is often accompanied circumstances, or whatever, org. Page 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 América

La época navideña nos ofrece muchas oportunidades para apreciar el regalo del amor de Dios en Cristo—y para ofrecer ese regalo a otros

desea que lo conozcamos, algo que es Estimados hermanos y más fácil dicho que hecho. hermanas en el Señor, a Navidad, un ejemplo hermoso de Que nunca olvidemos que toma un poco de esfuerzo para conocer a Dios an Lucas en el capitulo 2 Lla gracia, es un regalo de un Padre de personalmente, especialmente cuando lo miramos en el pesebre durante la Sde su evangelio nos dice, amor, y el Padre nos invita a todos a confi ar época de la Navidad. Toma un cierto grado de humildad para darse cuenta “que hoy, en la ciudad de Da- y aceptar este maravilloso regalo que Él nos de la humildad del recién nacido que vid, os ha nacido un Salvador, está en el pesebre. Toma un cierto gra- da libremente y con mucha generosidad. do de una fe dada por Dios para darse que es Cristo el Señor.” cuenta de que él quien está en pañales Monseñor Kevin W. Vann es el centro de nuestra fe. Toma un Así el calendario de la Iglesia proc- poco de amor para darse cuenta del lama con alegría el principio de la época infi nito amor de aquel a quien le esta- de Navidad. Celebramos el nacimiento de las cuales Dios es culpable. Todo Cristo no es la razón de la estación. Jesús, mos celebrando su nacimiento. del niño Jesús en Belén, y celebramos el esto puede convertirse en un obstáculo para muchos que vivan de esta manera, También toma nuestra disposición, cumplimiento de la promesa de Dios de insuperable que arruina la Navidad a es más un idea pasajera que el motivo por lo menos por un momento, de enviarnos un Mesías, un Salvador. muchos. Les invito a que encuentren a principal de la Navidad. soltar nuestros dolores y sufrimientos, Las verdades y los misterios de la estas personas, miembros de nuestras ¿Conoce a alguien como estos? Ore para que podamos encontrar la gran Navidad son una serie de bendiciones y diversas comunidades de fe, y acójan- para ser paciente y amoroso con ellos. alegría que inunda la humanidad con de verdades para las cuales nos hemos los con un amor sanador para que la Dígale “Que Dios lo bendiga” y “Feliz el simple nacimiento de este bebé que estado preparando durante el adviento. Navidad llegue a ser realidad una vez Navidad.” Sea bueno con ellos; invíteles está en los brazos de María. Toma una Requieren de nuestra parte el creer, dis- más para ellos también. a la cena parroquial, si puede, y ore por pequeña oración para darse cuenta, ponibilidad y participación. Esta actitud Hay también muchos que a veces ellos. Pídale a Dios que derrame la gracia y para volver a comprender, que la de fe es especialmente importante du- desean ser acogidos por ciertos grupos de la verdadera alegría navideña en sus esperanza que tanto anhelamos se rante estos tiempos cuando el dejar de o compañeros que son de la opinión que corazones. encuentra en aquel, cuyo nacimiento creer en estas verdades, aunque sean solo es inútil o absurdo ser fi el católico o crey- Que nunca olvidemos que la gracia de celebramos — Jesús. algunas, está de moda otra vez, e incluso ente en Cristo. El ser acogido y evitar la Dios es ofrecida y no impuesta. La Navi- Sí, durante la época de la Navidad en ocasiones con actitud militante. soledad se convierte en algo más impor- dad, un ejemplo hermoso de la gracia, recordamos, celebramos, y creemos Quisiera refl exionar sobre aquellos tante que ser fi el. Para ellos el siguiente es un regalo de un Padre de amor, y el en la profunda verdad de que nuestra alrededor nuestro quienes tristemente, paso es celebrar el solsticio invernal y no Padre nos invita a todos a confi ar y acep- esperanza se hizo carne: Jesucristo el por cualquier motivo que sea, no están la Navidad. Cuando encontremos a cole- tar este maravilloso regalo que Él nos da amor encarnado de Dios. Que la cel- celebrando en verdad el nacimiento gas o amigos que piensen de esta mane- libremente y con mucha generosidad. ebración de la Navidad en la Diócesis del Señor en esta época de la Navidad. ra, déles el regalo de verdadera amistad Una vez que aceptemos este precioso de Fort Worth esparce las semillas del Ellos también son parte de nuestra co- cristiana. Invíteles a alabar a Dios en su regalo, necesitamos desempacarlo de su amor y de la esperanza de Jesucristo munidad y están necesitando nuestro parroquia. Demuéstrenles donde se pue- envoltura y verdaderamente acogerlo por todas partes del Norte de Texas y testimonio de vida, amor y oraciones. de ser un verdadero creyente en Cristo en nuestros corazones, especialmente más allá de nuestro territorio. Si intentamos entenderlos un poco sin miedo de ser ridiculizado y donde la cuando lo recibimos en la Eucaristía Que la época, que no es solo un día, más, después quizás podamos irradiar Navidad se celebra públicamente y con durante nuestras celebraciones litúrgicas pero doce días y mucho más, sea una nuestra alegría navideña y ayudarles a alegría. Por ejemplo, Lucas, en el capítulo navideñas. época de gracia y de bendición para recibir al Niño Jesucristo en sus vidas 2, también proclama, la “buena noticia, Hay un villancico y dicho de la poetisa todos ustedes. Les pido sus continuas y corazones. que será motivo de mucha alegría para Christina Rosetti que dice, “El amor bajó oraciones y les aseguro que yo oraré Primero hay los que están tristemente todo el pueblo”. en la Navidad”. Así la Navidad es una por todos ustedes y por sus seres abrumados por dolor, enfermedad, y su- Entonces tenemos a aquellos que re- invitación de Dios, no una imposición. amados. Gracias por vivir el don de frimiento. Esto puede hacer que la época chazan absolutamente a la Navidad por La Navidad, la natividad del Señor, es su fe católica de las maneras tan gen- navideña sea insoportable para ellos. tercos y tomando posturas intelectuales Dios estrechándonos sus brazos para erosas que yo, tantos otros, han visto Muchos también ponen expectativas y llenas de viejos argumentos que carecen acogernos y recordándonos de lo mucho y experimentado. requisitos sobre Dios que el buen Señor de fundamento y no tienen nada que que nos ama y cuanto desea morar Feliz Navidad y que Dios los ben- no puede satisfacer y a la vez realizar ver con la realidad de que Jesucristo dentro de nosotros y entre nosotros. La diga siempre. su plan redentor. Otros no pueden dis- nació en un pesebre en Belén. Navidad es una celebración de la vida y tinguir entre aquello que Dios permite Para muchos que tienen estas car- cómo la vida de este niño nos unirá en y lo que Dios quiere y desea. Debido a acterísticas, ésta es la época para los una communio dada por Dios, fruto de este modo de pensar tan equivocado, bienes materiales y comodidades que la salvación y amorosa redención que Él la enfermedad y el dolor se convierten, ocultan una pobreza espiritual. Tris- nos trae. La Navidad es Dios demostrán- +Monseñor Kevin W. Vann en las mentes de algunos, en situaciones temente para ellos el nacimiento de donos cuánto le importamos y cuanto Él Obispo de Fort Worth

El Papa nombra un español sucesor de cardenal Arinze en congregación de culto

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO que el cardenal Arinze se está la doctrina de la fe desde 1995, cu- después de estudiar en el semi- que abarcaban desde eclesiología (CNS) — El Papa Benedicto jubilando después de seis años ando la ofi cina era dirigida por nario de Valencia y obtener doc- y los sacramentos hasta ética XVI ha aceptado la renuncia como director de la congregación el cardenal Joseph Ratzinger, el torado en teología con énfasis en sexual y médica. Él fue nom- del cardenal nigeriano Francis y un total de 23 años en el Vati- futuro Papa Benedicto. Él tam- Catequesis de la Pontifi cia univer- brado arzobispo de Granada en Arinze como prefecto de La cano; él celebró su 76to cumplea- bién es miembro de la Pontifi cia sidad de Salamanca. Él enseñó en diciembre de 1996 y transferido congregación para el culto divino ños el 1 de noviembre y el 50mo Comisión Ecclesia Dei, la cual la universidad durante muchos a Toledo seis años más tarde. y los sacramentos y ha nombrado aniversario de su ordenación al supervisa el cuidado pastoral de años y fundó la Asociación espa- Desde el 2005 hasta principios de al cardenal español Antonio Ca- sacerdocio el 23 de noviembre. los católicos adheridos al uso de ñola de catequistas. este año sirvió como vicepresi- ñizares Llovera, de Toledo, como El cardenal Cañizares, de 63 la Misa del rito tridentino. Nombrado obispo de Ávila dente de la conferencia episcopal su sucesor. años de edad, es especialista en Nacido en Utiel, España, el 15 en marzo de 1992, él redactó española. Anunciando los cambios el catequesis y ha servido como de octubre de 1945, el cardenal documentos para la conferencia 9 de diciembre, el Vaticano dijo miembro de la Congregación para Cañizares fue ordenado en 1970 episcopal española sobre temas North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 23 América

El 12 de diciembre, la primera celebración diocesana del día de nuestra señora de Guadalupe en la catedral de San su tilma. (A la derecha): Varios de los muchos músicos cantando las Mañanitas tocan la guitarra y cantan ante la Patricio (St. Patrick Cathedral) en el centro de Fort Worth comenzó con una serenata de las Mañanitas a las 5 A.M., baranda del altar en la catedral de San Patricio. Otros músicos los acompañan, tocando trompetas, violines y otros seguida por una misa a las 6 A.M. (Arriba a la izquierda): En el altar, el Obispo Vann acepta un regalo tradicional instrumentos. de un joven mariachi. (Centro): El Obispo Vann y el rector de la catedral, el Padre Richard Flores, participan en una La celebración del día de nuestra señora de Guadalupe tendrá cobertura más completa en el próximo número del North reconstrucción de la presentación de Juan Diego con sus rosas en diciembre y la imagen milagrosa que apareció en Texas Catholic el 9 de enero. En un documento del Vaticano se advierte que algunas prácticas de investigación violan los principios morales

Por John Thavis Una ilustración a daños posibles para la progenie, — Duplicación artifi cial de cé- Catholic News Service muestra un feto se decía en el documento. Se decía lulas en forma híbrida, mezclando CIUDAD DEL VATICANO humano en la matriz. que “en el presente estado de células humanas y animales: En el — En un nuevo documento del El nuevo documento cosas de investigación” la tera- documento se rechazaban como Vaticano se advertía que algunas pia celular germinal en línea en inmorales recientes pruebas de Vaticano Dignitas prácticas recientes en la investi- todas sus formas es moralmente usar huevos de origen animal Personae (Dignidad gación de células germinales, te- ilícita. para volver a programar células de la persona) rapia de genes y experimentos con — Manipulación de embriones humanas a fi n de extraer células embriones violaban los principios advierte que ciertos y “adopción”: En el documento se embriónicas germinales de los morales y refl ejaban un intento desarrollos recientes repetía la prohibición anterior de embriones resultantes. Estas de los humanos de “suplantar al en la investigación de reproducción de embriones hu- pruebas representan una grave Creador (del universo)”. células germinales, manos “in vitro” (artifi cialmente ofensa en contra de la dignidad Debido a prácticas más recien- terapia de genes y en la probeta de laboratorio), téc- humana, al mezclarse elementos tes, se plantean serias preguntas experimentos con nica usada con frecuencia en tra- genéticos de origen animal con de complicidad inmoral de inves- embriones violan los tamientos contra la infertilidad, elementos humanos capaces tigadores y otros profesionales de principios morales y debido, en primer lugar, porque de “desorganizar la identidad tecnología biológica, que tienen refl ejan un intento, esto separa la procreación del específi ca de un sér humano”, se el deber de rechazar el uso de acto conyugal del matrimonio; decía. Por añadidura, el uso de las por parte del hombre, materia biológica obtenida por y, en segundo lugar, porque en células germinales resultantes ex- para “suplantar a medios faltos de ética, se decía en la práctica, los embriones que se pondría a los humanos a riesgos su creador”. (CNS el documento. usan simplemente se tiran, com- inaceptables, se decía. Las instrucciones, redactadas ILLUSTRATION/EMILY etiendo una violación en contra El Vaticano dijo que el nuevo en 32 páginas, tituladas Digni- THOMPSON) del principio “que el sér humano documento, en calidad de instruc- tas Personae (Dignidad de la per- tiene que respetarse y ser tratado ciones aprobadas por el Papa, de sona), fueron publicadas el 12 de como persona desde el momento naturaleza doctrinal, se clasifi ca diciembre por la Congregación de table extraer células germinales Cualquier persona que tenga de la concepción”. bajo la categoría del ordinary mag- la doctrina de la fe. El Papa Bene- cuando no se causa serio daño al la intención de evitar la implant- El congelamiento de tales isterium (magisterio ordinario o dicto XVI aprobó personalmente sujeto en cuestión, como es gener- ación del embrión que podría ser embriones es en sí una violación común) que representa la autori- el texto y ordenó su publicación. almente el caso cuando se toman concebido, y que por lo tanto re- ética, debido a que expone al em- dad de las enseñanzas de la igle- Este documento representó tejidos de un organismo adulto, quiera o prescriba tal medicamen- brión a grave riesgo de muerte o sia, y que este nuevo documento una puesta al día de las instruc- del cordón umbilical a la hora to, generalmente busca el aborto, daño, se decía en el documento. debe ser recibido por los católicos ciones publicadas por la misma del nacimiento o de fetos que han se decía. El uso de tales métodos La mayor parte de tales embrio- “con el consentimiento religioso congregación en el año 1987, que muerto de causas naturales. que evitan la implantación “cae nes permanecen “huérfanos”, del espíritu de cada uno”. llevaron el título en latín de Do- Por otra parte, se decía, que dentro del campo del pecado de se decía. A pesar de las buenas En el documento se terminaba num Vitae (El dón de la vida), en el es siempre “gravemente ilícito” aborto” y es gravemente inmoral. intenciones de algunas personas con la instancia de que se vean las que se rechazaba la fertilización extraer células germinales de em- Cuando hay certeza de que se ha que han sugerido una forma enseñanzas de la iglesia no como “in vitro” (fertilización artifi cial briones humanos vivos, pues esto producido un aborto, se aplican de “adopción prenatal” para una serie de “no”, sino como un en el laboratorio), la reproducción invariablemente causa la muerte serias penas canónicas, se decía. permitir que los embriones que esfuerzo para proteger a los más humana a base de réplicas celula- del embrión. — Terapia de genes: Se decía han sido congelados y no se han débiles y con menor defensa entre res o geminación, la maternidad — La ingestión de la píldora en que las prácticas de ingeniería usado nazcan, tal propuesta es- los miembros de la sociedad, en con inseminación del óvulo de la mañana, por parte de la mujer, genética que tienden a corregir taría sujeta a problemas médicos, contra de formas de discrimi- otra persona, y los experimentos después de una noche de relacio- defectos genéticos con interven- psicológicos y legales, se decía. nación y opresión injustas. no terapéuticos con embriones nes sexuales y otros métodos en ción de células no reproductivas, — Congelamiento de huevos “Hay algunas personas que humanos. contra de la implantación: En el proceso conocido como terapia de humanos: El congelamiento de dicen que las enseñanzas morales Con las nuevas instrucciones documento se decía que un em- genes en el cuerpo de la célula, es oocitos, células de huevo humano de la iglesia presentan muchas se amplían esas enseñanzas o se brión se constituye después de la en principio moralmente acept- inmaduro, ha empezado a usarse prohibiciones; sin embargo, en presentan nuevas en los siguien- fertilización del huevo, y que las able. Los efectos, en este caso, se como parte de la técnica de ferti- realidad, las enseñanzas se fun- tes tópicos: medicinas y técnicas que evitan limitan a una sola persona. lización en laboratorio, mediante damentan en el reconocimiento — Investigación con células su implantación en las paredes Pero no es permisible hacer la cual solamente se fertilizan los y promoción de todos los dones germinales: En el documento se del útero son moralmente ilícitas una modifi cación genética que huevos que se aplicarán al claus- que el Creador les ha dado a los reconocía que las células germi- debido a que intentan causar busque la transmisión de los tro materno. En el documento seres humanos; tales como la nales han abierto nuevas perspec- el aborto, incluso aunque no se efectos para el hijo del sujeto en se decía que el congelamiento vida, el conocimiento, la libertad tivas en medicina regenerativa. Y cause el aborto en realidad en cuestión, proceso llamado terapia de oocitos con esta intención es y el amor”, se decía. se decía que es moralmente acep- cada ocasión en que se usen. celular germinal en línea, debido moralmente inaceptable. Page 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 América Día de formación del ministerio Defensores de en el colegio Nolan, inmigrantes, optimistas, al sentir que se le dará el 10 de enero atención a la reforma El padre John Robert Skeldon, WASHINGTON (CNS) — Se miembros de familia, sacaría de un predicador popular, presen- empieza a sentir una sensación la sombra en que se encuentran tador de talleres e instructor del de optimismo con respecto al a los inmigrantes que carecen seminario bíblico en la Universi- año entrante entre los defensores de documentos y simplifi caría dad de Dallas, dará el discurso de inmigrantes que habían em- el proceso de inmigración de de orden durante el Día de for- pezado a fatigarse, después de manera que se enfocara el asunto mación del ministerio, el sábado, años de búsqueda sin éxito para de carestía de mano de obra y 10 de enero, en Nolan Catholic El padre John Robert lograr una reforma de las leyes necesidades humanas. High School; la dirección es 4501 Skeldon, quien es un de inmigración y su aplicación. Aunque nadie espera que el asunto de inmigración se Bridge St., en la sección este de predicador popular y Una de las razones para sentir algo de esperanza es el nom- considere antes del asunto de Fort Worth. El padre Skeldon, presentador de talleres e quien sirve como administrador bramiento y asignaciones que la economía en el Congreso, instructor del seminario parroquial para la iglesia Nuestra ha empezado a hacer el recién Harry Reid de Nevada, el líder Señora de Guadalupe en Wichita bíblico en la Universidad nombrado presidente Barack de mayoría del Senado, dijo que Falls, presentará el tema del de Dallas, dará el discurso Obama. También hay señales impulsaría un proyecto de ley día: “¡Encontrando la palabra de orden durante el Día de de que el Congreso se avocará de inmigración total pronto para viviente!” formación del ministerio. al asunto con presteza y no con que el Senado lo considerara. El evento comenzará con tardanza. En una rueda de prensa del El padre John Robert Skeldon matrícula y desayuno ligero La gobernadora de Arizona 19 de noviembre, el represen- a las 8 A.M.; la oración inicial Janet Napolitano, candidata pro- tante Raúl Grijalva, D-Arizona, y palabras de bienvenida se lugares diferentes dentro de la hace temprano, será $25 para puesta por Obama para presidir dijo que “mientras más pronto, ofrecerán a las 9 A.M. El padre diócesis cada año, y está siendo este evento el 10 de enero; inclu- la ofi cina de Seguridad del Ter- mejor” es su recomendación Skeldon presentará el discurso patrocinado conjuntamente irá desayuno continental, alm- ritorio Nacional, en la que se in- para que el Congreso se avoque de orden a las 9:30 A.M. Este por las siguientes ofi cinas dioc- uerzo y materiales. Sin embargo, cluyen las agencias relacionadas a tratar los asuntos fronterizos. mismo discurso de apertura se esanas: Catecismo para los niños, el costo ese mismo día, sin con inmigración, goza del respeto Él mismo describió el muro de presentará en español a las 10:45 Formación adulta, Servicios pasto- matrícula previa, será $30. Hay de los que defi enden una reforma la frontera como “un simbolismo A.M. Tres sesiones con talleres, rales hispanos, Jóvenes y ministerio becas parciales disponibles; los completa de inmigración. sin ningún propósito”, y dijo que incluyendo sesiones en español universitario, Servicio de adoración, feligreses pueden matricularse Como gobernadora, se opuso ya era hora de que el Congreso y vietnamita, se ofrecerán antes Escuelas católicas, Paz y justicia, como individuos o como miem- a la construcción de un muro a lo deliberara y debatiera sobre el y después del almuerzo a domi- Matrimonio y planifi cación famil- bros de una parroquia particular. largo de la frontera con México, y asunto de inmigración. cilio al medio día. iar, Tribunal del matrimonio, Plani- Para más información sobre el vetó un proyecto de ley mediante “Vamos a contemplar otros Se ofrecerán sesiones sobre fi cación pastoral, Administración día de formación del ministerio el cual se le hubiera requerido graves asuntos: la guerra y la una variedad de temas, inclu- y Desarrollo, y Finanzas. en Muenster, sírvase llamar a a la policía local la aplicación paz, la economía, el cuidado de la yendo “Proyectos de servicio “Todos son invitados para Joe Rodríguez al número (817) del plan de acción federal de salud y el medio ambiente”, dijo; con los niños”, presentado por reunirse durante un día de 560-3300, Ext. 115, o se puede inmigración, diciendo que haría “pero no pongamos el asunto de Mary Moody y Susan Overcash enriquecimiento que incluye mandar un correo electrónico a que los inmigrantes se volvieran inmigración muy lejos hasta atrás de la escuela St. John the Apostle talleres en inglés, español y viet- [email protected]. Por un renuentes cuando se tratara de de la fi la que nos olvidemos de en North Richland Hills; “El namita, exhibiciones, oportuni- listado completo del horario del informar de crímenes a la policía. ello. Podemos hacer más de una catecismo esencial y efectivo dades de establecer contactos, día y los temas de los diversos También acudió a la Guardia cosa al mismo tiempo”. para RCIA”, dirigido por Lucas y una presentación de orden talleres, o para obtener el for- Nacional para ayudar a la protec- Kevin Appleby, director de Pollice, director diocesano de emocionante”, dijo Joe Rodrí- mulario de matrícula, sírvase ción de la frontera, agilizó el en- inmigración y aplicación de formación de adultos; “¿Por guez, coordinador del evento del visitar al sitio Web de la diócesis: juiciamiento de contrabandistas normas para refugiados de la qué un año sobre San Pablo?” día de formación del ministerio. www.fwdioc.org. Teclée la en- y trabajó por una reforma total Conferencia de obispos católicos ofrecido por la hermana St. John “Habrá algo para todos”. trada “Formacion de fe” (Faith de (las leyes de inmigración). de Estados Unidos, dijo que los Begnaud, SSMN, erudita de Es- El costo de matrícula, si se Formation). La propuesta candidata de obispos animan a la nueva ad- crituras Sagradas; “Al alcance Obama para ocupar el puesto ministración a que se revalúe de de los jóvenes”, por Marion de directora de asuntos internos manera rápida algunas de las Cannon, co-coordinadora del Dios te llama de gobierno en la Casa Blanca, acciones políticas de la admi- consejo diocesano de jóvenes; ¿Estás escuchando? Cecilia Muñoz, viene de una nistración de Bush, tales como “Promoviendo las vocaciones en carrera profesional de trabajo la decantada construcción de un la próxima generación”, dirigido El Obispo Kevin Vann te invita a un fi n de semana para mejorar la situación de los muro a lo largo de la frontera, por el padre Kyle Walterscheid, Vocacional inmigrantes. En la actualidad es redadas sin escrúpulos en contra director diocesano de vocacio- vicepresidenta de investigación, de empleadores, el enjuiciamien- nes; “La teología del cuerpo a el 23 al 25 de enero defensa y legislación del Concilio to de inmigrantes apresados en Catholic Renewal Center favor de la familia”, presentado nacional de la raza. redadas bajo el cargo del delito por Diane Schwind, coordina- Todo joven soltero o soltera entre los años de 18-35 que tiene alguna inquietud Muñoz ha sido desde mucho de robo de identidad y la práctica sobre la vida sacerdotal o religiosa está invitado. dora diocesana de planifi cación tiempo participante clave en de impeler a las agencias locales El fi n de semana se llevará a cabo en español. Cupo limitado. la coalición que busca cambios de aplicación de la ley para que familiar; “El sacramento del Fecha limite para incripción: 15 de diciembre matrimonio y los casos de la en las leyes de inmigración que actúen como agentes de las leyes Para más información, comuníquese con: harían factible la reunión de federales de inmigración. anulación del mismo”, ofrecido 1 (888) 560-3370 por Meg Hogan, directora del Sr. Yolanda Cruz, SSMN Ext. 114 Padre Kyle (817) 366-0439 Mecanismos para reportar la [email protected] Sr. Elvira Mata, MCDP Ext. 273 www.fwdioc.org tribunal diocesano sobre el ma- conducta sexual inapropiada · llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, trimonio; y “Organizando un Si usted o alguien que conozca Ext. 900 centro de jóvenes: la perspectiva FORMA DE INSCRIPCION es víctima de conducta sexual Fin de Semana Vocacional · o llamar al Centro Católico al de los miembros”, formulado inapropiada por parte de cualquier número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y Nombre: ______persona que trabaje para la iglesia, por Diane Donahue, directora preguntar por el canciller/moderador del ministerio de jóvenes en _ sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las de la curia, el padre James Hart la iglesia St. Vincent de Paul en Domicilio: ______Ciudad: ______, TX Código Postal: ______siguientes maneras: Mecanismo para reportar abuso Edad: ______Mujer: _____ Hombre: _____ Teléfono: ______Otro: ______Arlington, con una comisión de · llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora Llamar al Ministerio de familias participantes jóvenes. Parroquia: ______Ciudad: ______de asistencia para víctimas, al de Texas Servicios de protección Correo electrónico: ______Selecciona uno: ____Soltero _____ Divorciado ____Viudo número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, El día de formación del min- (Servicios de protección de niños) al isterio se lleva a cabo en dos Envía tu forma a: o, mandarle correo electrónico a número:(800) 252-5400. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 25 Diocesan

ABOVE: Animals within presepe collections are carved by hand from wood The presepe pieces shown here are on loan from four sources in Italy: the Museo Nazionale di San Marino in Naples, and or, like the dromedary private collections from three Italian families. (Photo by Robert LaPrelle) shown above, are sculpted in terra makes sense. If I would have ar- “with the black queen, a tradi- cotta. (Photo by Kathy Presepe… ranged this, the proportions would tional fi gure as well, a little boy Cribari Hamer) not have worked out. For exam- with parrots and the dromedary FROM PAGE 28 ple, that angel,” she pointed out visiting from Africa. The presepi also participated. the central angel near the manger used to be a mix of races,” she ABOVE: These pieces, The sculptures and their dress scene, “is too big unless you put said, “because Naples in the 18th sculpted by Francesco (the pastori wear woven cloth- it in a certain angle, and then it century, was a very big port, with Gallo and entitled ing with jewels, and carry silver looks fi ne. lots of society passing through Resting Cows, are from the collection of the vessels and musical instruments) “This installation is a work of it, lots of races and communities Museo Nazionale di San are only part of the art; the instal- art—a temporary work of art. For living there.” Martino in Naples. (Photo lation — choreography — is the instance, some of the fi gures yes- When St. Francis presented by Beatrice Pedicini) element that makes every presen- terday were there and then Elio his live nativity scene, it was part tation unique, de Cavi said. slept on it, and today he didn’t of the Christmas worship, while RIGHT AND BELOW: Art “This choreography was in- like it and moved them all again. in the 18th century, according to historian and translator vented by Elio Catello,” she said. This is spontaneous.” Elio Catello’s essay on the pre- Sabina de Cavi describes “Two young people stood inside A traditional presepe can have sepe, the lavish nativity scene was the intricate fi gures of the the space saying ‘do you want it several scenes—the major one, something else entirely. Magi. (Photo by Kathy like this or like this?’” The older always done, is “the mystery,” the After the death of St. Francis Cribari Hamer) man watched, pointed out place- Holy Family. of Assisi, according to an ex- ment, and the two inserted nails “Often, still now,” de Cavi hibition book provided by the in the permanent base, where the said, “in families in Italy, people Kimbell Art Museum, a Francis- pastori and animals would be would have that single scene can pope, Nicholas IV, in 1290 placed. “They spent lots of time under glass and keep that in the commissioned the fi rst permanent deciding,” de Cavi said. “The bedroom. When they have more presepe, in marble, to be placed position of one fi gure took 10 scenes, they start getting the in the Chapel of the Presepio in minutes.” presepe out of the nativity, adding Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome. The pastori and animals are the adoring shepherds and then The presepe survives today, al- sometimes in different perspec- the Magi and then the tavern most in its entirety, missing only tives, so the installation artist has scene.” the original Madonna and child. the job of making the different Always present are typi- Because the work was com- sizes work together. “We had cal presepe fi gures, such as the missioned in marble, a prestigious these pieces,” de Cavi said, “and marveling shepherd and the medium, the book states, “Pope it is thanks to him that he knows adoring shepherd. Also present Nicholas IV was declaring the how the foreshortening might in this installation are Georgian presepe deserved all the respect work if he adjusts the fi gures in women, pale, in elaborate dresses, and solemnity of ‘high’ sculp- a certain way, then everything “clearly contrasted,” de Cavi said, ture.”

ABOVE: Roberta Catello makes adjustments to one of the delicate sculptures, An Old Man Dressed for the Fair, made by artist Giuseppe Gori. The piece is from the collection of the Lembo family. (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer) Baroque sculptors Felice Bottigliero Sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino created and Francesco Gallo created this this Saint Joseph pastori fi gure, which foot-high fi gurine, Young African Page LEFT: African Queen with Parrot, created between 1750 and is nearly 20 inches high. Collection of with Pair of Parrots, from the collection 1780, is part of the Catello family collection. (Photo by Kathy the Lembo family. (Photo by Luciano owned by the Catello family. (Photo by Cribari Hamer) Pedicini) Luciano Pedicini) Page 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 19, 2008 Diocesan / International Pope Benedict’s World Day of Peace message Shortsighted policies, unjust structures demand overhaul By Carol Glatz Vatican press conference. function, which is to sustain the world and create incentives for In fact, some of the nations Catholic News Service The pope said that while possibility of long-term invest- more appropriate behaviors. that have emerged today as VATICAN CITY — Building globalization has brought many ment and hence development,“ Overcoming the scandal of new economic powers “have peace and eradicating poverty benefits, it must be governed he said. poverty means addressing the experienced rapid development demand an overhaul of short- and “managed with great pru- He said the current economic institutional, material, and cultu- specifi cally because of the large sighted financial policies and dence.“ and fi nancial crises are the result ral causes of poverty along with number of their inhabitants,“ the unjust economic and social struc- Policies and norms must be of fi nancial activities — on both the spiritual and moral flaws pope said. tures, Pope Benedict XVI said. based on a common code of the national and global level that are “harbored in the human “Population is proving to be In his annual message for the ethics, he said, and actions must — that are “based upon very heart, like greed and narrow an asset, not a factor that contrib- Jan. 1 celebration of the World be guided by “the principles of short-term thinking.“ vision,“ he said. utes to poverty,” he added. Day of Peace, the pope said fraternity and responsibility.“ Financial practices that are It is not enough to skim off While AIDS is a major cause of “peace can be built only if eve- With natural law, God has limited to the short term become one‘s surplus to redistribute to poverty in the world, the disease ryone is assured the possibility inscribed upon every conscience “dangerous for everyone, even the poor, he said. A real change of must be fought with educational of reasonable growth: Sooner or a deep yearning to uphold the for those who benefi t when the heart, “of lifestyles, of models of campaigns and “a sexual ethic later, the distortions produced by common good and peace in the markets perform well,“ he said. production and consumption and that fully corresponds to the dig- unjust systems have to be paid world, he said. By not taking into any long- of the established structures of nity of the person,” he said. for by everyone.“ Closing the gap between rich term consideration of the com- power“ governing communities, Life-saving treatment and The world of fi nance and com- and poor will only happen if peop- mon good, investments lose is urgently needed, he said. medicines must be made avail- merce need global governance le everywhere listen to their consci- their “capacity to function as a Pope Benedict said when able to poorer populations, and a new ethical approach that ence and “feel personally outraged bridge between the present and people show a lack of respect for which may call for the “fl exible can ensure that investments and by the injustices in the world and the future“ and to stimulate new the transcendent dignity of every application” of international development truly contribute to by the concomitant violations of businesses and job opportunities human person “the cruel forces rules protecting drug patents, the common good and peace in human rights,“ he said. in the long term, said the pope. of poverty are unleashed.“ he said. the world, he said. “It is utterly foolish to build He said economic and legal He criticized some major Pope Benedict said people The message, “Fighting Po- a luxury home in the midst of structures must work together to causes of poverty and economic should also be concerned about verty to Build Peace,” was sent to desert or decay,“ he said. come up with and implement stra- inequality, such as immense mi- forms of poverty that have noth- heads of state around the world The world of finance has tegies to fi x current shortcomings litary spending, the inadequate ing to do with a lack of basic and was released Dec. 11 at a lost sight of its most important in the fi nancial and commercial distribution of food resources, physical necessities. and price speculation in food For example, he said, even from the fi nest terra cotta. The Naples and the art of Smith- commodities. people living in wealthy societies Hamer… animals are usually carved ville, I prayed at St. Patrick Because many have linked can experience marginalization or “affective, moral, and spiritual FROM PAGE 13 from wood. Both are extremely Cathedral, on the feast of Our high birthrates to poverty, some which is considered the world valuable. Lady of Guadalupe, and expe- family planning campaigns have poverty.” capital of presepi. Today’s presepi have three rienced more art. It was the art used methods that violate the Cardinal Renato Martino, On the other hand, the paint- basic parts — the “mystery” of the Diocese of Fort Worth, right of parents to responsibly president of the Pontifi cal Coun- ings were created one time (holy family), shepherds, and exhibited through mariachis choose how many children to cil for Justice and Peace, pre- only, and by one person, an wisemen. They expand yearly, and Ballet Folklorico. The next have, the pope said. sented the message to the press artist who had attended Mass with symbols of the past, and day I prayed at my own parish This has caused “the exter- Dec. 11. at St. Paul Parish in Smithville, frequently with pop and politi- and experienced the art of St. mination of millions of unborn He said the pope’s emphasis and, walking back from com- cal culture, as well as humor Andrew’s. How? children, in the name of the fi ght on so-called “moral underdevel- munion, saw an image in a showing up in the scenes. Prese- It was there that I saw babes against poverty,“ he said. opment” and the negative conse- window. Worthy of note is that pi remind me, in a small way, of in arms, women struggling on The pope noted that despite quences of “superdevelopment” St. Paul Parish windows are not Christmas villages, expanded walkers, and old friends shar- marked demographic growth the referred to a growing lack of painted or stained, but simple, yearly, with trivialities that ing peace and joy with each percentage of the world‘s popu- respect for the right to life as seen opaque glass, like a shower somehow symbolize our lives. other, here and now. Not in lation living under the threshold in the growing number of laws door. Except our Christmas vil- Smithville. Not in Naples. Not of absolute poverty has been cut permitting abortion, assisted I viewed the window paint- lages are, in fact, trivial. So are anywhere in the Americas any in half since 1981. suicide, and euthanasia. ings with a group of about 50 our holiday sweaters, tacky more than here. women, at a Quiet Day, at the ones or not. But they are part of Let us look around us to fi nd Carmelite Monastery in Arling- the season. the joy of the season. Not the By Jean Denton ton. The retreat presenter, who At the Carmelite Auxiliary grandest, and not the tackiest. Copyright © 2008, Jean Denton is the artist’s sister, described Quiet Day, Father John Hen- Just the simplest. the fi rst image her sibling nessy spoke of the window The greatest artwork of all is envisioned on the glass, and artwork, and the concept of still the same, whether it is dis- the work of the painting project inspired meditation, telling the played in a magnifi cent presepe, so far. She also taught inspired assembly, “God reveals himself on a brilliant painting, or in the meditations, inviting viewers to to us every day,” he said. “He back row of the parish church. fi nd messages in the art. continues to reveal himself to And “The Best Gift of All,” Resembling a stained-glass us through other people’s faith, as it says on one of my least window, the paintings have and even through art.” tacky Christmas sweaters, “is intense colors, with overlays I am not certain the presepi love.” of tissue or Oriental paper, and bring with them the ecclesiasti- gold leaf embellishment. The cal tradition they began with, completed body of work will when they were found mostly Kathy Cribari Hamer, a include 16 paintings of sacred- in churches, and treated with member of St. Andrew themed art, each measuring reverence. Perhaps the simple Parish, has fi ve children, eight feet by three feet — the reality was their indication Meredith, John, Julie, size of the church windows. of privilege and aristocracy, Andrew, and Abby. In The magnifi cent crèche from becoming ever richer and more May, her column received the sec- Naples is comprised of 66 piec- pretentious. ond place award for best family life es, including both animals and Either way, I believe the column by the Catholic Press As- pastori. The word pastori means “mystery,” the simple manger sociation of the U.S. and Canada at shepherds, but I was told it is scene in the center of the crèche, the Catholic Media Convention in used to identify all characters, reminds us what the center of Toronto. In 2005, Kathy’s column from wisemen to passersby, the season is. was recognized with the fi rst place and most of them are fashioned After experiencing the art of award in the same category. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 27 Calendar

RACHEL MINISTRIES K OF C SCHOLARSHIPS BENEDICTINE LIFE WEEKEND CARDINAL NEWMAN COURSE Rachel Ministries, a program that offers a To Report Misconduct Three $600 Knights of Columbus scholar- The Benedictine sisters of Ferdinand, Indiana A study of the liturgy and sacraments begins safe, non-judgmental, and supportive envi- If you or someone you know is a victim ships, for a Catholic college-bound senior invite all single Catholic women between the and continues Jan. 17 for 10 weeks on ronment to those struggling with abortion’s of sexual misconduct by anyone who from Lewisville High School, Marcus High ages of 18 and 40 interested in experiencing Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. aftermath, is expanding its outreach to serves the church, you may School, and Flower Mound High School, religious life to join them for a “Benedictine at St. Maria Goretti Church’s Holy Family Life include programs and services in Spanish. • Call Judy Locke, victim will be awarded in May. Applicants must be Life Weekend” Jan. 2-4. During this weekend Center, at 1200 S. Davis Dr. in Arlington. The expanded outreach program is currently assistance coordinator, Catholic. Two additional $600 scholarships women will have the opportunity to share in Tuition is $200 with full-time employees seeking volunteers who can read and speak (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 have been added this year for students at- the prayer and community life of the sisters in select church ministries receiving half- Spanish to help build the Spanish program. or e-mail her at [email protected] tending any area high school, provided the as well as hear input on the theme “Mindful tuition. Pre-registration is encouraged so The ministry is also seeking Spanish-speak- • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline student’s father is a member of St. Philip the Living: Being Present to the Moment.” participants may obtain books in time. For ing licensed counselors to volunteer during (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 Apostle Parish, Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, This vocation weekend is free, with a information on this course and to pre-reg- the Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats. • Or call The Catholic Center at or a member of Knights Council # 9884. room, meals, and input provided. For more ister, leave a message at (817) 277-4859 There are also opportunities for volunteers (817) 560-2452 ext. 102 and ask Instructions and applications for the 19th information or to register online, visit www. or e-mail at [email protected]. to be included on the referral list. Training annual Knights of Columbus Scholarship are thedome.org/JoinUs, or call Director of Vo- for the chancellor/moderator of the MARTIN LUTHER KING MASS will be provided to all volunteers. Anyone curia, Father James Hart now available from high school counselors cation Ministries Sister Michelle Sinkhorn, who is bilingual and is interested in this at Lewisville High, Flower Mound High, and OSB, at 800-734-9999, or email vocation@ Bishop Kevin Vann will celebrate a Mass ministry is asked to contact Betsy Kopor at To Report Abuse Marcus High, as well as the St. Philip the thedome.org. for the 23rd Annual “Celebration of Life for (817) 923-4757 or by e-mail to forgiven@ Apostle Church office. The scholarships are Martin Luther King, Jr.” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Call the Texas Department of Family racheltx.org. funded by contributions from Council 9884, Jan. 17 at St. Joseph Church at 1927 SW Protective Services (Child Protective the Lady Knights, and local Fourth Degree Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington. A reception Services) at (800) 252-5400 CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOLING Pope Paul VI Assembly #2291. Applications INFORMATION MEETING will follow the Mass. The annual celebration must be postmarked by Feb. 14. For more held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., PASTORAL CARE TRAINING Catholics interested in homeschooling information, contact chairman Mike Crivello takes place in a different location every St. Michael Church at 3713 Harwood Rd. their children are invited to an information GLOBAL PRO-LIFE LECTURE at [email protected]. year. For more information, contact Deacon meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. in Bedford will offer a training session for Father Bill Bellrose, CPM, director of Len Sanchez at (817) 560-2452 ext. 305 16 to learn about the different philosophies new extraordinary ministers of holy Com- Seminarians for Life will speak about “The or [email protected]. munion to the homebound, hospitalized, Pro Life Movement Around the World” on of homeschooling, the different Catholic and nursing home residents. The training Tuesday, Jan. 6, at St. Patrick Cathedral curriculums available, and the legalities of is divided in two sessions from 8:45 a.m. to located at 1206 Throckmorton St. in Fort NTC DEADLINES FOR homeschooling. Experienced homeschoolers COURAGE GROUP 1 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Participants will Worth. The evening will begin with a Holy will be available to answer questions as well Courage D/FW, a spiritual support group learn basic visit skills, what pastoral care Hour and rosary at 7 p.m., followed by Fr. SUBMISSION as show materials. Catholics Teaching at for those striving to live chaste lives ac- to the sick and the dying is, and the overall Bellrose’s talk. Seminarians for Life was Home (CATH), a homeschool group for Catho- cording to the Catholic Church’s teachings importance of this ministry. Participants lics in the Fort Worth Diocese, will sponsor on homosexuality, meets every second and founded in 1989 by Father Paul Marx, OSB, The North Texas Catholic is pub- from outside St. Michael need to pay a fee the presentation. For more information, fourth Friday evening. For information, e- as an outreach of Human Life International lished twice monthly, except during of $8 to cover cost of materials. Lunch will contact Diane Ashour at (972) 601-9751 mail to [email protected] or call to be the worldwide pro-life educational the months of June, July, and Au- be provided. To RSVP, contact Martín Peña or [email protected]. (972) 938-5433. apostolate for Catholic seminarians. SFLI gust when it is published monthly. at (817) 283-8743. Deadline for registra- currently reaches seminaries around the The deadline to submit information tion is Jan. 19. world via the SFLI newsletter and pro-life is noon on the Wednesday of the educational training. SFLI’s pro-life semi- week before the paper is published. narian apostolate has reached countries in Items for the Jan. 9 issue must be Africa, Asia, Europe, and both American MINISTRY FOR GAYS, LESBIANS received by noon on Wednesday, continents. Fr. Bellrose has come to Human Dec. 31. Items for the Jan. 23 Classifi ed Section The regular fourth Thursday of the month Life International from Most Sacred Heart issue must be received by noon meeting of the Fort Worth diocesan Ministry Parish in Eureka, Missouri. Fr. Bellrose is on Wednesday, Jan. 14. with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, other Sexual a priest with the Fathers of Mercy, a small ACCOMPANIST LITURGICAL MUSIC DIRECTOR Minorities and Their Families will not be religious community that preaches parish Accompanist with experience at three- St. Patrick Cathedral seeks a full-time held in November and December, due to missions. No RSVP is required. For more in- manual pipe organ needed for three Director of Liturgical Music and Organist the holidays. The next regular meeting of formation, contact Chanacee Ruth-Killgore, weekend Masses at Holy Family Church to assist the Rector by assuming respon- the ministry will be held Thursday, Jan. 22, Director of Respect Life for the diocese at ST. AUGUSTINE GROUP in Fort Worth. Responsibilities include sibility for the musical life of the parish. 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Renewal (817) 560-3300 ext. 257. Center. For more information, contact Father The St. Augustine Men’s Purity Group, a rehearsals with up to two choirs weekly, The successful candidate will provide or- Warren Murphy, TOR, at (817) 927-5383 or support group for men who struggle with holy day Masses; availability for parish gan music for all 5 weekend Masses, Holy Doreen Rose at (817) 329-7370. YOUNG ADULT MASS AND HIKE sources of sexual impurity such as those funerals, weddings, and major parish Days, and occasional diocesan events; All young adults are invited to the University found on the Internet, meets regularly celebrations throughout the year is will direct and rehearse the Adult choir of North Texas Catholic Campus Center for 11 in Room 213 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton preferred. Applicant must be familiar and develop other ensembles; supervise DEAF MINISTRY a.m. Mass with Father Bill Bellrose, director School, located at 2016 Willis Lane, Keller; with post-Vatican II Catholic liturgy. and train Cantors; select hymns and find The Deaf Ministry Program is in need of a of Seminarians for Life, Sunday, Jan. 4 at at 1301 Paxton Ave. (Padre Pio House) in Send a résumé to Holy Family Church; imaginative ways to broaden the musical court reporter to help with CART (Computer 1303 Eagle Dr. in Denton. After the Mass, Arlington; and at Immaculate Conception Attn: Diane Kain, 6150 Pershing Ave., and liturgical efforts of the Cathedral Assisted Real-Time Translation) services. there will be a lunch at the center. After lunch Parish in Denton at 2255 Bonnie Brae St. Fort Worth 76107 or e-mail to dkain@ taking advantage of its location at the The Deaf Community celebrates a special there will be a hike at Lake Ray Roberts with For additional information, visit the Web holyfamilyfw.org. For more information, heart of downtown. Applicants must pos- Deaf Community Mass on the first Sunday a cookout dinner for fun and fellowship to site at www.sampg.com, or e-mail to Mark call (817) 737-6768 ext. 104 sess degrees in organ, choral or sacred of each month at 1:45 p.m. at San Mateo end the day. For more information contact at [email protected]. music, strong organ and conducting Church near downtown Fort Worth. The Janet Wolf at (940) 229-2241. skills, complete knowledge of Catholic ministry would like to provide CART services CEMETERY SPACES liturgical traditions, and should be for deaf persons who do not sign so they can SINGLES NEW YEAR’S DANCE CALIX SUPPORT GROUP Three cemetery spaces for sale in Mount practicing Catholics living in full accord read the simultaneous transcriptions and be The Singles Council of the Diocese of Fort Calix, a monthly support meeting for Olivet Cemetery, Plaza Garden. Must sac- with the teachings of the Church. For a a part of the special liturgy. To help with this Worth will host a New Year’s Eve dance Catholics who are alcoholic and others who rifice at $1,200 each. This area permits complete job description, compensation service, contact Mary Cinatl, director of the at St. Joseph Church at SW Green Oaks are struggling with addiction and seek- double interment if desired. For information and application procedure, Deaf Ministry Program, at (817) 284-3019 Blvd. in Arlington. Doors open at 8 p.m. ing recovery, is offered the first Saturday information, call (972) 242-3744. please see the Cathedral website, www. (Voice and TDD) or [email protected]. and music starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 of each month at 10 a.m. in the chapel stpatrickcathedral.org. at the door, and no advance tickets are of Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing MAINTENANCE WORKER needed. The council will provide hats, horns, Ave. in West Fort Worth. Calix meetings Local Catholic retirement facility is noisemakers, snacks, and soft drinks in a focus on enhancing spiritual growth LITURGY COORDINATOR LAY CARMELITES seeking a maintenance worker. Ap- Large Vatican II parish with five weekend The Lay Carmelites invite those in search smoke-free environment. All proceeds will through sharing Eucharist, discussion, plicant must have a/c and electrical benefit the Catholic Divorce Ministry. For and fellowship. For more information, call Masses is looking for an energetic, of a deeper relationship with Christ to join experience. Send résumé to deanah@ engaging person to coordinate liturgical them on the second and fourth Sundays of more information, contact Vince Chairez at Deacon Joe Milligan at (817) 737-6768 saintfrancisvillage.com (817) 896-5726. ext. 105. celebrations with style and reverence. the month for a time of prayer and fellow- Responsibilities will include training ship. Those interested in participating are SERVICES AVAILABLE and scheduling ministers, planning asked to gather at 2 p.m. in the chapel weddings, funerals, and sacramental of The College of St. Thomas More, 3017 Topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, Adrian’s Flooring driveways, concrete, backhoe, and trac- rituals. The coordinator will also be Lubbock St. in Fort Worth. Formation will responsible for all liturgical articles and take place in the college library from 2:30 Specialists tor services. Custom mowing lots and SPAIN AND PORTUGAL acres. Call (817) 732-4083. vestments. This is a full-time position p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call in all facets of flooring with weekends and offers competitive Phyllis Poth at (817) 457-1746. New Flooring PILGRIMAGE IN THE salary and benefits. Send a cover let- PASTORAL ASSISTANT ter and résumé to LC Search, St. Philip • Carpet • Tile • Laminate SPRING APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita the Apostle Church, 1897 W. Main St., • Hardwood Msgr. Charles King, pastor of Sister Dorothy Jonaitis, OP, will present Falls seeks a full-time Pastoral As- Lewisville 75067; [email protected]; Sales, Installations, Repairs, Cleaning Immaculate Conception Parish in sistant to assist the Pastor in meeting “The Left Behind Alternative: A Workshop Denton, is leading a group to Spain fax (972) 219-5429. No phone calls. on Apocalyptic Literature” from 9 a.m. to 3 the temporal and pastoral needs of this Job description may be viewed at www. Special Savings on and Portugal departing DFW on April active 1,300-family parish. Principal p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at St. Bartholomew 13 and returning April 27. The group stphilipcc.org/job_board.htm. Church at 3601 Altamesa Blvd. in Fort Worth. • Tile & Grout cleaning • Sealing • duties will include administrative and Re-grouting/Recaulking of fl oors, will enjoy the services of an English facilities management as well as serving Sr. Jonaitis is the author of Unmasking speaking escort and a private motor FITNESS COACHES Apocalyptic Texts: a Guide to Preaching tubs, showers & more as staff liaison to all parish ministries coach throughout the trip. Some and committees. Qualifications include Looking for 20 fitness coaches for and Teaching, and an assistant professor at Convenient Service .... of the highlights will include visits revolutionary new home based business. the University of Dallas School of Ministry. a Master’s degree in Theology or other We bring the store to you! to Madrid, Salamanca, Santiago related field, or its equivalent in educa- For info call 817-249-3371. She will present the Catholic teaching of All charge cards accepted! de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon and apocalyptic texts, especially related to the tion and experience; prior experience Call us at Fatima, just to name a few of the in ministry; practicing Roman Catholic. ADVERTISE IN THE rapture and imagery of the Book of Revela- destinations. For more information tion. Sr. Jonaitis will sign copies of her book, For a full job description and application NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (817) 913-5579 and a copy of the itinerary call Bob procedure, please visit www.sacred- which may be purchased at the workshop. Wolfle at (817) 788-9383. For more information, call Marco Castellon Visit us online at heartwf.org. Applications are accepted (817) 560-3300 at (817) 293-5589. www.adriansflooring.com. immediately. North Texas Catholic, December 19, 2008 Page 28 Good Newsmaker With centuries-old collections from Italy, the KimbellNativity Art Museum shares the

This pastori fi gure, the Virgin Mary, was sculpted by Giuseppe Sanmartino, and is part of the Lembo family collection. (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer) ABOVE: This nativity scene represents many of the 66 presepe pieces that are included in the Kimbell Art Museum exhibit. (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer)

LEFT: Angel with Censer, created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino over 250 years ago, is part of the Lembo family collection. (Photo by Luciano Pedicini)

BELOW: This pastori fi gure, depicting one of the African visitors who came to worship the infant Christ child, is By Kathy Cribari Hamer dressed in real textiles. (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer) Correspondent n Christmas Eve near- ly eight centuries ago, one of the Church’s

Elio Catello, and his daughter, Roberta Catello, traveled from Italy in late most revered saints, November to participate in the installation of the sculptures at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Members of the Catello family have been collecting Francis of Assisi, staged a live reen- and installing presepe pieces since the early 19th century. (Photo by Kathy actment of Christ’s birth, in a cave Cribari Hamer) O near Greccio, 60 miles from his counted, even the little baskets and little objects,” hometown. said Sabina de Cavi, an interpreter for Elio Catello, Roberto Catello, Jr.’s brother, and a well-known scholar on presepe, who installed the art. Francis, a humble man, presented a simple depic- Presepi are made up of two categories, animals tion, yet historians say it was instrumental in leading and pastori (shepherds). “Anyone, even the wise to a magnifi cent trend in an art form, the crèche, or men, are called pastori,” de Cavi said, “pastori and presepe in Italian. The genre bloomed in the 18th animals—that is the division. ABOVE: Carlo Iacoletti, an century, primarily in Naples, and remains an elabo- “The animals are in wood or fully sculptured in internationally recognized expert on rate and cherished tradition in Italy, and this year in terra cotta, completely handmade. The dromedary,” presepe pieces, assisted with the Fort Worth. she pointed out an elaborately decorated camel installation at the Kimbell. (Photo by At the Kimbell Art Museum, an exhibition of a in the exhibition, “is in the fi nest terra cotta. That Kathy Cribari Hamer) magnifi cent nativity scene is on loan from Naples single piece is worth 70,000 Euros [about $92,000]. and offered free to the public until Jan. 25. The “This collection is one of the major 19th century BELOW: Artist Giuseppe Gori, a installation comes from four sources: the Museo Na- student of Giuseppe Sanmartino, collections of pastori in the world.” zionale di San Martino; Naples, and three collectors, sculpted The Wise Man Balthasar in Participating in the installation in late November the late 18th century. The fi gure is part Roberto Catello, Jr., Giuseppe Lembo, and Mauro were Elio, his daughter Roberta. Roberta’s nephew of the collection of the Scarlato family. Scarlato. Carlo Iacoletti, a private restorer of presepe fi gures, “This set is about 66 pieces and everything is (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer) SEE PRESEPE, P.25

MAILING LABEL: Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your paper. Thank you. Inside... This issue of the NTC For stained-glass artist Carol Segura The Vatican’s new bioethics docu- In the Christmas package Sharon and Notre Dame Development Di- ment updates a 1987 version. It Perkins, Jeff Hedglen, and David rector Peggy Foix, putting together deals with new assaults on the Gibson remind us of the roles the Rosary Walkway in Wichita dignity of human life in its most hospitality, service, and tradition Falls was a six-year project. vulnerable forms, as play in this season Take a look at the results! 8 well as older threats. 10-11 of our Lord’s birth. 14-16