NorthBringing the Good News to the Diocese Texas of Fort Worth Vol. 23 No. 20 December 21, 2007 Vatican document reminds Catholics of duty, right to share Gospel with others By Cindy Wooden or reject it. (CNS) — Cardinal Levada said the When Catholics fulfi ll their right document, which already was and duty to share their faith with being prepared when others, they are not engaging in Benedict XVI was still prefect of proselytism or showing contempt the congregation, was the result for the beliefs of others, said a new of a growing “confusion about document from the Congregation whether Catholics should give for the Doctrine of the Faith. testimony about their faith in Sharing the Christian faith, Christ,” particularly to people with the hope that another may who already belong to another accept it, is a command given by religion. Christ to his followers and is a Respect for another, he said, natural result of wanting others to absolutely forbids any use of

share something special, said the A window at Washington National Cathedral “coercion or tactics unworthy of “Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects depicts Christ and his call to spread the faith. the Gospel,” but it also means of Evangelization.” A new Vatican document reminds Catholics sharing one’s blessings, the great- Cardinal William J. Levada, of their obligation to share the Gospel with est of which is the good news of prefect of the doctrinal congrega- others. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) in Christ. tion, presented the document at Indian Cardinal Ivan Dias, a Dec. 14 Vatican press confer- for evangelization has not been prefect of the Congregation for ence. clear to many among the Catholic Evangelization and a member of In addition to reminding faithful,” the document said. the doctrinal congregation, also Catholics of their obligation to “It is even stated that the participated in the document’s share the Gospel with others, claim to have received the gift of presentation and spoke about the the document harshly criticized the fullness of God’s revelation need to balance respect for other Catholics who believe that every masks an attitude of intolerance religions with the desire to lead religion offers salvation, and it and [is] a danger to peace,” it others to faith in Christ. defended Catholics in some Or- said. When talking with members thodox countries from charges of In reality, the document said, of other religious traditions, proselytism when they welcome when Christians share their faith “Christians must try to discover into the people with another they are responding the action of the Holy Spirit, who freely ask to join. to the right and the need the other that is, the ‘seeds of truth,’ as the “For a long time, the reason has to hear the truth and to accept SEE MISSION OF CHURCH…, P. 24 JOY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH — The birth of Jesus is depicted in stained glass at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. The Dec. 25 Christmas At Ministerium, Bishop Kicanas talks of working feast commemorates the birth of Christ. The Christmas season begins with the Dec. 24 evening vigil and ends on the feast of the of collaboratively to strengthen the mission of Christ the Lord, Jan. 13 in 2008. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) By Nicki Prevou Staff Writer Family is the fi rst, indispensable When Bishop Gerald Kicanas, keynote presenter at this year’s teacher of peace, pope says diocesan Ministerium, returned By Cindy Wooden anniversary of the Catholic home to the Diocese of Tucson, he VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Church’s celebration of World mentioned his time in Fort Worth Anything that threatens the tra- Peace Day. in his weekly “Monday Memo” ditional family threatens peace, “The fi rst form of communion to the people of his diocese. He because the family “is the fi rst and between persons is that born of wrote that he was “honored” to indispensable teacher of peace,” the love of a man and a woman, serve as the keynote presenter at Pope Benedict XVI said. who decide to enter a stable union the event for “ministry leaders In his annual message for the in order to build together a new in the Diocese of Forth Worth Jan. 1 celebration of the World family,” the pope wrote. on ‘Co-Workers in the Vineyard Day of Peace, the pope also said “But the peoples of the earth, of the Lord,’ the [U.S. bishops’] the responsibilities learned and too, are called to build relation- foundational document on lay the joys and struggles shared ships of solidarity and coopera- ecclesial ministry. within individual families must tion among themselves, as befi ts “I have been very encouraged be mirrored on a global level members of the one human fam- by the interest within dioceses to DIOCESAN MINISTERIUM — Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, because everyone is part of one ily,” he said. learn more about how priests, Arizona, speaks to ministry leaders of the Diocese of Fort Worth about human family. War and violence, exploitation religious, , and can the U.S. bishops’ document on , “Co-Workers in The pope chose “The Human of the weak, rampant poverty and work more collaboratively to the Vineyard of the Lord.” He was invited by Bishop Kevin Vann to Family, A Community of Peace” underdevelopment, destruction strengthen the mission of Christ,” speak at the 21st annual diocesan Ministerium, held Nov. 30 at St. as the theme for 2008, the 40th SEE FAMILY IS…, P. 24 SEE ‘YOUR MINISTRY…’ P. 16 Vincent de Paul in Arlington. (Photo by Than Nguyen) Page 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Diocesan

Proclaim God’s hope expressed in Jesus’ birth into our world Dear Friends in the is at the same time our guarantee of welcoming the Christ Child into our the existence of what we only vaguely hearts. To believe in Christian hope is Diocese of Fort Worth, sense and which nevertheless, in our to give Christ, our hope, free reign of We are saved through deepest self, we await: a life that is our hearts and lives, so He can make s we hope because Jesus ‘truly’ life.” them new again. This newness begins We are saved through hope because when He transforms us from within, Aare Christ, the human face Jesus Christ, the human face of love into his image and likeness, and now at and hope, has saved us and brought brings us all together as one body to of love and hope, has to each one of us the loving gift of new share his light of hope and love in the the end of life. This new life is attained for us world. To believe, and to live lives, fi r- saved us and brought to through Jesus’ redemptive death on the mly rooted in these truths is to always Advent, we cross and his resurrection on the third have hope, no matter what. To believe, each one of us the loving have little day. By his Incarnation, life, passion, and live, fi rmly rooted in Christian death, and resurrection, He expresses hope will help us become more effec- gift of new life. to us just how good and rich in mercy tive disciples, more effective servants time left to Bishop Kevin W. Vann He truly is. He guides us to true life. and communicators of Christ’s love in prepare for Advent is a very appropriate time our parishes. the celebration of Christmas. nal prayer and refl ection. I would not be for the release of his new encyclical Each one of the twelve days of the able to serve as Bishop of our Diocese, if because hope is one of the Advent Christmas season offers us the oppor- Part of this preparation has been the it weren’t for the strength and hope that themes. In one of the Holy Father’s An- tunity as disciples, parishes, and as a enthusiastic celebrations of our Lady of is born, and maintained, through prayer gelus messages, he mentions how this Diocese, to reach out to others as God Guadalupe throughout the Diocese of and the sacraments. season of Advent is so appropriate to reaches out to us at Christmas. Through Fort Worth. I wish to thank the many Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, refl ect on his new encyclical. He even our various acts of generosity and people who braved the inclement wea- has gifted us all with a wonderful tool says to us, echoing the spirit of Advent, love, we are helping to fi ll the lives of ther to show up at the various parishes for refl ection, meditation, and prayer. I “We hope in Christ, we await him!” others with Christian hope. By acting so early in the morning to sing praises am referring to his new encyclical entit- Moreover, at Christmas every as a people of hope, we are demons- to our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of led Spe Salvi, on Christian hope. I would celebration is a celebration of hope trating with our lives that we care and Guadalupe. The numerous groups of like to take a look at some of the ideas because it focuses on the birth of Jesus we love. Let’s never forget that hope matachines who danced, the various from this letter in the light of the Christ- Christ, our hope and our salvation. in action is love and life. In this way, mariachi groups who played their ins- mas season that is now almost upon us. When we visit the beautiful mangers the reality of the Incarnation becomes truments, and the many devotees who Our Holy Father invites us to consi- in our parishes and rest our gaze on evident in our midst. prepared the fl ower arrangements, and der the question: What is Christian the central image laying in the creche May the birth of the Christ Child in delicious food, combined to make this hope? As I read his words I come to the we are looking at a sign of hope. When our hearts, especially when we receive celebration a very special one in various conclusion that ultimately Christian we look upon the face of this image of Him in the Eucharist this Christmas, parishes all over the Diocese. hope is to live in the knowledge of who the divine Child, dressed in swaddling be a clear sign of the hope which lives I especially wish to mention the Fort God is and to not forget all that God has clothes and placed in the fresh hay, we within us and the love we have for Worth parishes of Holy Name and St. done for us. are looking at how God communicates one another. Mary of the Assumption; St. Francis of A translation of the title to Pope’s to us his infi nite and eternal love for I hope and pray for all of you and Assisi in Grapevine; and also Nolan letter is “Saved Through Hope.” This each one of us. This Child reminds us your loved ones a very special Christ- Catholic High School. These communi- brings us to a second question: Why do that there is always hope because He mas blessing and a most blessed New ties are where I celebrated the Eucharist we fi nd salvation in Christian hope? Our also tells us that we are always loved! Year to all. Please continue to pray and shared with the matachines. Holy Father responds to this in a very Christmas is the birth and welcoming for me. Once again, I thank each and To all of you, a heartfelt thanks for extensive way. Here is a quote which of the Christ Child our hope and salva- every one of you for your fi rm com- keeping this devotion to our Blessed begins to respond to this question: tion by God’s love. mitment to living our Catholic faith. Mother, our star of hope, alive in the “God is the foundation of hope: not An important part of our evangeli- The recent installation of Daniel Cardi- Diocese of Fort Worth. any god, but the God who has a human zation in the Diocese of Fort Worth is nal Dinardo is a recognition of that life Another way in which we can pre- face and who has loved us to the end, the promotion of hope. We do this by of faith here in Texas. pare for the celebration of Christmas, in each one of us and humanity in its enti- addition to the many Angel Trees in our rety. His Kingdom is not an imaginary parishes and other donations for those hereafter, situated in a future that will in need throughout our Diocese, is to never arrive; his Kingdom is present North take some time for refl ection, medita- wherever he is loved and wherever his Texas tion, and prayer. Our parishes do offer love reaches us. His love alone gives Catholic wonderful opportunities for communal us the possibility of soberly perseve- prayer; our eucharistic celebrations are ring day by day, without ceasing to be the best example of this, but we also spurred on by hope, in a world which need to take some quiet time for perso- by its very nature is imperfect. His love Publisher: Bishop Kevin W. Vann Editor: Jeff Hensley Associate Editor: Mary Martin Memorial Mass for Sister Mary Secretary: Judy Russeau Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) Bonaventure Mangan set for Jan.18 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas Cassata High School has an- deserved every opportunity to non-traditional high school with 76108, (817) 560-3300. nounced a memorial Mass for learn and be successful.” a self-paced currriculum. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published semi-monthly, except for the months of June, July, and August when it is pub- Sister Mary Bonaventure Man- Sister Bonaventure served as A reception will follow the lished monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort gan, SHSp, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. principal at Our Mother of Mercy Mass at Cassata High School, Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South. Subscription rates are $24 for one year, $46 for two years, $68 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Fort Worth from 1962 1400 Hemphill St. near St. Mary POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop Church, 509 West Magnolia St., to 1975 and associate superinten- Church. 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Fort Worth. dent of Catholic schools for the Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of Wednesday of For more details, contact Sal the week before the paper is published. The NTC is published two times a month The release announcing the diocese from 1974 to 1983. Espino, president of Cassata on Friday, except for the months of June, July, and August when it is published one time each month. memorial Mass describes Sr. Bo- In 1975 she and Sister Mary High School, at (817) 926-1745 by naventure as “a legendary edu- The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of Venard Fulbright, SSMN, co- e-mail at [email protected] businesses, services, or products. Readers must exercise prudence in respond- cator who believed that students founded Cassata Learning Cen- or visit www.casssatahs.org. ing to advertising in all media. of all backgrounds and faiths ter, now Cassata High School, a NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 3 Diocesan

Father Kyle Walterscheid, director Below: Bishop Kevin Vann (center), joined by staff from the diocesan of the Offi ce of Vocations, is Vocations Offi ce — Father Kyle Walterscheid (right of bishop), director; shown walking out of Sacred Father Jim Pemberton (left of bishop), associate director; and Father Richard esponding Heart Parish in Muenster Flores (left), assistant director of Hispanic vocations — appear with some of R following his ordination to the the seminarians of the Diocese of Fort Worth in this photo taken at a special priesthood in May 2002. dinner held July 29 at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant on Fort Worth’s to od’s all Even then, he appeared North Side. In his column, Fr. Walterscheid says, “We are very hope-fi lled G C to be inviting people in the diocesan Vocations Offi ce as we enter the year 2008.” One reason to ask if they were may be because of the increasing number of vocations to the priesthood being called to a and religious life in the Diocese of Fort Worth. The diocese currently has 21 vocation. seminarians studying for the priesthood. (Photo by Donna Ryckaert) Vocation awareness — Where does our hope come from?

By Father Kyle Walterscheid

oes hope derive from my Christmas bonus or from my job? Does hope D come from watching television, listening to the radio, or reading the newspaper? Does hope originate from my good actions, my good words, or my intellect? Where, specifi cally, does our hope come from?

In recent years we have What we are hearing in this been made more aware of the reading is simply incredible, devastation caused by natural unbelievable. Imagine a dead God. We can’t even imagine the can you unless you remain in me” where our teenagers feel free disasters such as hurricanes, stump of a tree that has been hope that God has in store for (John 15:4b). to openly talk about serving tsunamis, forest fires, and out in a fi eld for years. All the those who love Him! This hope Hope has come to us. God is God and about considering the fl oods, yet more often than not, passersby know that the tree is that we receive, in whatever the now forever with us. Jesus our religious life with enthusiasm hope arises among the people. dead. Yet our Lord speaks of a circumstance, comes directly Savior is born! We continue to and hope. Even from the ash heap of war cause, a fi rst action, that regen- from God as the primary giver celebrate his birth with great joy, May you turn to Christ every and terror comes hope, as we erates a hopelessly dead tree, a of life. because in Him lies all our hope. day for strength and vision of clearly have seen from our own dead nation. More directly, God We are far from true peace If we live for Christ, then He will hope in your life and pray for country’s Civil War, World War is saying that He, himself, is the in this world precisely because reveal to us over time that He has the future of the Church by II, or Sept. 11. Where does hope cause of hope coming to us, even we are still far from living in been clearing out a path of hope asking God to call more men come from? in the midst of complete and total his Word, placing all our trust in our lives all along. and women to dedicate them- A few weeks ago, on the Sec- despair. As we see in the New in God. If we are to have hope, We are very hope-fi lled here selves to the Church, especially ond Sunday of Advent, we read Testament, hope is made visible then we need to personally attach in the diocesan Vocations Offi ce through the religious life. a passage that we may want to in Jesus, our Christ, Emmanuel, ourselves to the root of Jesse, to as we enter the year 2008. We see I couldn’t be more joyful or retain for our Christmas holi- God with us. the vine of God, and depend a great future for our diocese, as hopeful. Merry Christmas. days and beyond. Isaiah 11:1-10 But you may offer rebuttal: completely on him for our daily God is calling every young man speaks to us about the origin “Hey, Padre, I don’t see any bread. Jesus said “I am the vine, and woman from our parishes Father Kyle Walterscheid is the of hope. “On that day a shoot wolves and lambs being best you are the branches” (John 15:5a), and families to dedicate them- director of Vocations for the shall sprout from the stump of friends. Are you out of your and, “Just as a branch cannot selves to the service of the Lord Diocese of Fort Worth. He can be Jesse,” and “Then the wolf shall mind?” That is precisely the point bear fruit on its own unless it of hope and his people. May we reached by e-mail to kwalterscheid be a guest of the lamb.” about the hope that derives from remains on the vine, so neither all work at promoting a culture @fwdioc.org. Bishop Vann recognizes adult Scout leaders’ contributions to Catholic Scouting programs On Friday, Nov. 30, Bishop Bronze Pelican is awarded to youths through Scouting. Kevin Vann and the diocesan adults who support the ideals John Ryan, who conceived Catholic Committee on Scout- of Catholic Scouting through and implemented the 2007 Ad ing honored several adult Scout their service to the church and Altare Dei Tour this past summer, leaders who have made signifi - Scouts over a period of at least received special recognition from cant contributions to diocesan three years. Bishop Vann, the committee, and Scouting programs. The special Bill Harrison, of St. John the all of those in attendance for his dinner honoring these Scout Apostle Parish in North Richland efforts. The tour, a pilgrimage to leaders was held at St. Philip the Hills; Patty Meyers, of St. Vincent Catholic religious sites in Texas Apostle Church in Lewisville. de Paul Parish; and Fran Zaccaria, and New Mexico, was experi- John Corpany and Richard of St. Mark Parish in Denton, enced by 39 Scouts studying for Cureton, both of St. Elizabeth each received the St. George the Ad Altare Dei award and 19 Ann Seton Parish in Keller; Tina emblem on behalf of the National adult leaders. AD ALTARE DEI TOUR — With the 10,000-foot peak “Tooth of Time” looming in the distance, Scouter John Ryan (front row, kneeling) poses for a picture with Jezek, of Catholic Committee on Scouting. For more information about Scouts and Scout leaders on the 2007 Ad Altare Dei Tour, after their arrival at Parish in Denton; and Mary Jo This is award is given for those Catholic Scouting in the Diocese Philmont Scout Ranch, fi ve miles southwest of Cimarron, New Mexico. Ryan’s Veltman, of St. Vincent de Paul demonstrating signifi cant and of Fort Worth, visit the Catholic efforts in bringing this Scout pilgrimage to fruition was acknowledged at a recent Parish in Arlington, each received outstanding contributions to the Committee on Scouting’s Web dinner organized by the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. the Bronze Pelican award. The spiritual development of Catholic site at www.bsaccs.org. Page 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Deaf Ministry Ministry Forma- Jason Evert to ‘Celebration Program to of- tion Day in Fort speak on em- of Catholic fer interpreted Worth to be bracing virtue Schools’ to be Christmas Eve held Jan. 5 PeoplePeople of chastity at held Jan. 26 in Mass “Encountering the Living Christ” programs in downtown Fort is the theme of the diocesan Ministry Members of the deaf and hear- Formation Day, to be held Jan. 5 at ing-impaired community within Muenster Worth Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 the Diocese of Fort Worth will have Jason Evert, a dynamic, moti- The 21st annual diocesan “Cel- Bridge Street in East Fort Worth. The the opportunity to participate in a Events vational speaker on the subject ebration of Catholic Schools” will event is an opportunity for enrich- Events Christmas eve Mass at St. Francis of chastity, will be presenting two be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at the ment, fellowship, and development of Assisi Church, located at 861 &of Importance for the programs, one for adults and one Fort Worth Convention Center of practical skills for ministry. Wildwood Lane in Grapevine. The for teens, at Sacred Heart Church Ballroom in downtown Fort Worth. Ministry Formation Day will begin Dec. 24 Mass, which will begin at Church of Fort Worth in Muenster Jan. 16-17. The event will begin with a social at 8 a.m. with registration and the 8 p.m., will be interpreted in sign Evert will speak to adults Wednes- hour at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served viewing of exhibits. Bishop Kevin language. day, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Sacred at 7 p.m. Vann will welcome the participants Special seating for the deaf and Heart Community Center. (Mass A keynote address will be offered by at 8:45 a.m., and a brief prayer hearing-impaired will be reserved that evening will be moved to 6 Dr. Elinor Ford, recipient of the 2007 service will follow. in the front right pews. Family p.m.) The talk, entitled “Raising NCEA Seton Presidential Award. The English-language keynote members and friends are invited to Chaste Teens,” is open to all adults The event is an opportunity address, to be offered at 9:30 a.m., join the community in celebrating — parents, grandparents, aunts, to honor those people who have will be presented by Mike Patin, a the Christmas Eve liturgy. uncles, or any adult who would dedicated their lives in support Catholic motivational speaker from For more information, contact like to help young people in living of Catholic Schools. Twenty local Lafayette, Louisiana. The Spanish- Mary Cinatl, director of the Deaf Min- a chaste life. honorees, each chosen by their language keynote, which will begin istry Program, at mcinatl@fwdioc. Area youth are invited to hear Evert representative diocesan Catholic at 10:45 a.m., will be presented by org or by calling (817) 284-3019 speak Thursday, Jan. 17, at the parish school, will be recognized for the Father Nathan Stone, SJ, from Mont- (voice and TTY). More information community center. The talk, entitled significant contributions which they serrat Jesuit Retreat House. may also be found on the diocesan “Romance Without Regret,” will be have made in furthering the success During the English keynote Web site at www.fwdioc.org, by offered to high school students at 9 of their school. This year’s diocesan address, a breakout session with clicking on Deaf Ministry under the a.m. and junior high students at 1 honorees, who will be receiving the Spanish-language workshops will Pastoral Services icon. p.m. Because of limited space in the 2008 Diocesan Leadership Award at be held, and while the Spanish parish hall, this program is limited the banquet, are the TOR Franciscan keynote is offered, English-language to students from area schools, which communities. Program on workshops will take place. There include Sacred Heart School, the Tickets are available at a cost also will be two more rounds of Muenster ISD, the Lindsay ISD, St. of $75 per person. Proceeds from ‘Defending the workshops offered in the afternoon, Ryan Tenny (left) and Matt Eastman were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at Mary’s School in Gainesville, and the event will benefit the Bishop’s the first beginning at 12:45 p.m. and a Court of Honor, held Oct. 27. Immaculate Conception School Scholars Fund, the diocesan tuition Church’ to be the second at 1:55 p.m. Workshops in Denton. assistance program. For more in- presented by will also be offered in the Vietnamese Matt Eastman, Ryan Tenny Jason Evert, who received his formation, visit the diocesan Web language. master’s degree from Franciscan site at www.fwdioc.org, then click John Martignoni Ministry Formation Day will achieve rank of Eagle Scout University in Steubenville, Ohio, on the Catholic Schools link; or conclude at 3 p.m. Matt Eastman, 17, and Ryan 10 score tables for the Evers Park travels the country speaking to Nationally recognized speaker contact Tessy Ross at (817) 560- All involved in parish or school Tenny, 16, both parishioners at Baseball Complex. He has spent more than 100,000 youth annually, John Martignoni, known for his 2452 ext. 280. ministry are welcome to attend. The Immaculate Conception Church many years playing baseball at these giving them compelling reasons for unique approach to apologetics, will cost, which includes lunch, is $20 in Denton, were awarded the rank fields, and he knew the facility was embracing the virtue of chastity. present “Defending the Church” at per person to Dec. 22; after that of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of in great need of these tables. He has appeared frequently on the St. Maria Goretti Church, 1200 S. date, the cost is $25. Scholarships America’s highest honor for achieve- Ryan, the son of Michael and Eternal Word Television Network Ministry with Davis Drive in Arlington, Saturday, are available. For more information, ment, at their Court of Honor, Oct. Sue Tenny, is a junior at Krum (EWTN) and on many radio pro- Jan. 26. The event will begin with gay, lesbian call The Catholic Center at (817) 27. The teens are members of Boy High School. For his Eagle Scout grams. Evert is currently employed check-in and continental breakfast 560-3300 or visit the diocesan Web Scout Troop 65, which is chartered project, Ryan redesigned and remod- by Catholic Answers, a nonprofit Catholics to between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and site at www.fwdioc.org. by First United Methodist Church in eled several large garden beds and dedicated to serving will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Denton, where the Court of Honor constructed a walkway through the Christ by proclaiming and defending meet Jan. 24 Promotional material for the event was held. garden for the residents of Good the Catholic faith. The next monthly meeting of describes the day as an opportunity The Court of Honor opened with a Samaritan Village in Denton. For more information, call Nicole the Fort Worth Diocesan Ministry to gain skills in using apologetics prayer by Father James Flynn, associ- Both teens organized and led Hennigan at (940) 759-2306; Karen with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, as a way of learning “how we can ate pastor of Immaculate Conception volunteers, including Scouts from Davis at (940) 759-2053; or Barbara Other Sexual Minorities, and Their defend the one, holy, catholic, [and] Grief ministry Parish. Many family members, as Troop 65 and their families, in Rohmer at (940) 759-2511 ext. 16. Families will be held Thursday, Jan. apostolic church using Scripture as offers peer well as adult leaders and Scouts completing these Eagle Scout proj- 24, at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Renewal the primary reference. With these from Troop 65, participated in the ects. The two friends have expressed Center, 4503 Bridge Street in East tools we can go out into the world support for the ceremony. their appreciation for everyone’s ‘Fair trade’ Fort Worth. and feel confident in sharing our divorced, sepa- Matt, the son of Bob and Tammy assistance in the project, and offer Father Warren Murphy, TOR, Catholic faith with others.” The Eastman of Oak Point, is a junior their thanks to Troop 65 and its coffee house coordinator of the ministry, program is suitable for Catholics of rated, widowed at Ryan High School in Denton. For leaders for the persistence and the encourages those interested to junior high age and older. his Eagle Scout project, Matt built confidence shown in them. and chocolate “come join us for prayer and John Martignoni is founder Help is available for those whose tasting set for sharing.” and president of the Bible Chris- marriage has ended through death, Retrouvaille Marriage En- For more information, contact tian Society, a nonprofit Catholic divorce, or separation. A structured Jan. 11 at St. Fr. Murphy at (817) 927-5383 or apostolate based on education and and confidential peer ministry, weekend Jan. counter week- Richard Griego at (817) evangelization. He has been a guest sponsored by the diocesan Fam- Michael’s 421-1387. on the Eternal Word Television ily Life Office, was created to help 18-20 to offer end to be held All are invited to come to the par- Network (EWTN) and currently hosts persons work through the stages ish hall at St. Michael Church, 3713 EWTN Radio’s Open Line, which of grief that accompany the loss of help for hurt- Feb. 15-17 at Harwood Road in Bedford, Friday, can be heard locally each Monday a spouse. A new series will begin ing marriages CRC Jan. 11, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., to Calix support afternoon from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28, from 7 p.m. to taste a variety of “fair trade” coffees Catholic Radio KATH 910 AM. 9 p.m. at the Catholic Renewal A Retrouvaille weekend, part of a A Marriage Encounter weekend group meets and chocolates. There is no charge for attending Center, 4503 Bridge Street in East program which offers help to mar- will be held Feb. 15-17 at the Participants at the event will also monthly at the event. Optional box lunches Fort Worth, next to Nolan Catholic ried couples who are struggling in Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 have an opportunity to learn about are available for $6 per person if High School. their relationship, will take place Bridge Street in East Fort Worth. (CRS) and ordered prior to Jan. 16. To register For information or to register, Jan. 18-20 in the Metroplex area. Marriage Encounter, a marriage how the international organization Calix, a monthly support meet- or for more information, contact contact Helen Engle at (817) 261- Offered through the Family Life enrichment program, is centered assists coffee and cocoa farmers, ing for Catholics who are alcoholic John Cox at (817) 274-0643 ext. 226 9706 or e-mail to hengle@sbcglobal. Office of the Diocese of Fort Worth, on three principles: building com- their families, and communities in and others who are struggling with or visit the parish Web site at www. net; or call Kevin Gamble at (817) Retrouvaille is a three-month munication between husband and several countries, including Bolivia, addiction and seeking recovery, is smgparish.org. 626-9382. process which combines a live-in wife, nurturing the commitment of weekend with post-weekend follow- marriage vows, and strengthening El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, offered the first Saturday of each up sessions. the couple’s faith. Nicaragua, the , Uganda, month at Holy Family Church, Through the Retrouvaille pro- “It is a great opportunity for a and Vietnam. 6150 Pershing Avenue in West Fort Official Assignment gram, couples who are distanced weekend away to deepen, renew, Participants may RSVP by call- Worth. The next meeting will be in their relationship learn how and refresh your marital love,” ing (817) 283-8746 ext. 30, so that held Jan. 5, beginning at 10 a.m. listening, forgiveness, and com- according to Marriage Encounter adequate amounts of coffee can be in the chapel. munication are powerful aids for materials. prepared. Childcare is available free Calix meetings focus on en- The following assignment has been made by Bishop building a loving and lasting union. Reservations are required. For of charge by advance reservation by hancing spiritual growth through Kevin Vann: All names and conversations will be more information or to make a calling (817) 283-8746 ext. 31. sharing Eucharist, discussion, and kept confidential. reservation, call (817) 451-6005. For more information about CRS fellowship. Father Aloysius Muthaya, SAC, has been assigned as the pastor To register or for more informa- More information is also available Fair Trade policies and products, For more information, call Dea- of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Pilot Point, effective Jan. 13. tion, call 1 (800) 470-2230, or visit online at www.ntexasme.org. visit the organization’s Web site at con Joe Milligan at (817) 737-6768 online at www.retrouvaille.org. www.crsfairtrade.org/coffee. ext. 105. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 5 People and Events Application deadlines ap- proach for Scouts work- ing on religious emblems Bishop Kevin Vann is scheduled to present religious emblems to Ven- ture Crew, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls in March. In anticipation of the annual event, the diocesan Catholic Com- mittee on Scouting has announced the dates for the submission of the religious emblem applications for JESSE TREE CELEBRATION — During Advent, the students of St. Mary’s the various programs. School in Gainesville participate in a Jesse Tree celebration. Each morning, Cub Scouts who have earned an ornament representing an Old Testament figure who waited patiently for the Light of Christ or Parvuli Dei the coming of the Lord and helped prepare his way is placed on the Jesse Tree. emblems should mail their signed, Students from the kindergarten class are shown dramatizing the story of Adam completed application from their RHINELAND CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — The junior youth of St. Joseph Parish in Rhineland presented their annual and Eve, played by Cooper Goldsworthy and Hunter Wolf, respectively; Garrett workbooks, along with a $10 check Christmas play Dec. 5 in the Rhineland gym. The well-attended program, entitled “Once Upon a Starry Night,” was Hess portrayed God in the story from Genesis, and Jessie Gutierrez played the payable to the Catholic Committee told from the perspective of the stars’ heavenly view. Following the program, refreshments were served. The community serpent. Each class has a turn at presenting the daily program, with the biblical on Scouting, to Rich Lockwood offered special thanks to Catholic Life, a fraternal insurance organization, which gave a monetary donation to assist stories being offered through skits, pictures, Scripture readings, reports, stories, at 1014 Duane Street, Fort Worth with the evening’s expenses. (Photo provided by Janet Dillard) and songs. In this way, according to information from the school, the students 76126, before Feb. 18. at St. Mary’s start each day with their hearts and minds focused on Jesus and Venture Crew or Boy Scouts who are reminded daily of the true meaning of Christmas. have earned the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Texas Mission Faith and Fic- New Year’s Eve Pius XII emblems should bring their Council to hold tion group to Dance to be signed, completed applications to Lay Benedictine Rich Lockwood at the Ad Altare Dei conference in meet Jan. 17 held at St. sisters to offer board of reviews, which will occur “Faith and Fiction: Conversations Joseph’s in change time, at St. Philip the Apostle Church Dickinson, Feb. on Spirituality and Imagination,” location for vocation experi- in Lewisville from noon to 4 p.m. 15-17 a venue for discussing novels and Arlington Sunday, Feb. 10. The Pope Pius XII films with themes that shed light The Texas Mission Council of the twice monthly ence Jan. 4-6 board of reviews should be arranged on the journey of faith, will meet The Catholic Divorce Ministry, Texas Catholic Conference invites with Tom Moore prior to that date. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Catholic formerly known as the North Ameri- Single Catholic women, ages 18 all Catholics who are interested in gatherings Adult counselors traditionally attend Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge Street can Conference of Separated and to 40, who want to experience the the missionary work of the Catholic these reviews. Any questions about in Fort Worth. The topic of discussion Divorced Catholics, will be sponsor- “Would you like to deepen your Benedictine way of life are invited to Church to attend its annual mission the Venture Crew, Boy Scout, or will be the novel The Book Thief, by ing a New Year’s Eve Dance, to be relationship with Jesus and Mary?” attend a Benedictine Life Weekend conference at the Christian Renewal Cub Scout religious emblems may Markus Zusak. held Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Joseph ask the of the Blessed Jan. 4-6 at Monastery Immaculate Center in Dickinson, near Houston, be directed to Tom Moore by e-mail Those planning to participate are Church, 1927 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. Mary of (Lay Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana. from Friday, Feb. 15, through Sun- to [email protected]. asked to read the book, reflect on it in Arlington. The dance, which is Carmelites). The Lay Carmelites The weekend will focus on the day, Feb. 17. Completed workbooks and appli- in light of personal experiences, and being hosted by St. Joseph’s Singles invite those in search of this deeper theme “Stability: Commitment to The conference will focus upon cations for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire come to the session with questions, Ministry, will take place from 8:30 relationship to join them on the a Particular People and Place.” theme “Spirituality of Mission.” Girls and Boys must be submitted insights, or observations to share. A p.m. to 1 a.m. second and fourth Sundays of the Participants will have the oppor- Father Joseph Donders, a former before Jan. 15 to Teresa Harner at potluck supper will be served at 6:15 DJ music will be by Charlie V. month for a time of prayer and tunity to experience the rhythm of missionary to Africa who holds 2213 Creekridge Drive, Carrollton p.m., and the discussion will take Productions. Light snacks will be fellowship. the monastic schedule, share in the the missionary chair at Catholic 75007. Direct any questions on Girl place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. provided. The time and location for this prayer and community life of the University of America, will present Scout or Campfire Girl religious Future dates and topics include Everyone is invited to attend prayer service has been changed. sisters, and meet other women who the keynote address. emblems to Teresa Harner by e-mail the following: Feb. 21, 84 Charing this dance in a “welcoming atmo- Those interested are asked to gather are considering religious life. “Mission today includes short- to [email protected]. Cross Road, by Helene Hanff; and sphere,” according to organizers. at 2 p.m. in the chapel of The College There is no charge for the pro- term immersion programs as well The Venture Crew, Boy Scouts, Cub March 27, Wuthering Heights, by A donation of $15 per person is of St. Thomas More, 3017 Lubbock gram, which runs from 7 p.m. as the traditional long-term mission Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Emily Bronte. requested. For more information, Ave., Fort Worth. Formation will take Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday. Women activities…,” states a press release Girls and Boys completing the appli- To ensure good conversation, call Greg Mills at (817) 456-6750 place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. wishing to register or to obtain more from the Texas Mission Council. cation process are asked to arrive at 1 space will be limited. To reserve a or Vince Chairez at (817) 896-5726 in the school building. For more information may call Sister Agnes The council offers this conference p.m. Sunday, March 2, at St Elizabeth spot or for more information, call or (817) 551-5251. information, call Phyllis Poth at Marie Dauby, OSB, or Sister Michelle “to help people become modern Ann Seton Church in Keller for the the Catholic Renewal Center at (817) (817) 457-1746. Catherine Sinkhorn, OSB, at (800) missioners, taking into account the annual diocesan religious emblem 429-2920 or e-mail to danluby@ 738-9999, or e-mail to vocation@ necessities of their daily life.” ceremony with Bishop Vann. udallas.edu. thedome.org. Information about the The Texas Mission Council vocation program of the Ferdinand Additional information on Dioc- esan Catholic Committee activities is recently published a booklet on St. Maria is also available at short-term mission immersion trips, Notre Dame www.thedome.org. available on the Catholic Committee on Scouting’s Web site at www. which it says is “today’s answer to conducting Goretti Parish bsaccs.org. missionary participation by the la- ity.” The manual will be available study of Ameri- to host New at the conference. Year’s Eve party St. Augustine For more information, contact Awa- can pastors Men’s Purity nda Whitworth at (713) 688-1060, or The University of Notre Dame, in St. Maria Goretti Parish, 1200 S. e-mail to [email protected]. conjunction with the Institute for Davis Drive in Arlington, will host its Group meets Educational Initiatives, is conduct- annual New Year’s Eve party Mon- ing a national survey of pastors with day, Dec. 31, in the parish’s Family weekly North Texas oversight of Catholic schools. The Life Center. The doors will open at The St. Augustine Men’s Purity current study seeks to explore and 6:45 p.m., and a buffet dinner will Group, a support group for men Catholic understand pastors’ needs, percep- be served at 7:30 p.m. who struggle with sources of sexual tions, and attitudes as they pertain Among the evening’s activities will impurity such as those found on deadlines for to Catholic schools and Catholic be dancing, drawings by a caricature the Internet, meets regularly at St. submission education. artist, door prizes, and a midnight According to a statement by Father toast. Beverages will be provided; Elizabeth Ann Seton School, 2016 The North Texas Catholic is Ronald Nuzzi, director of Notre attendees are also welcome to bring Willis Lane in Keller, in Room 213, published twice monthly, except Dame’s ACE Leadership Program, their own. and at the Padre Pio House, 1301 during the months of June, July, the study will replicate elements The cost is $20 per adult (no VOCATION POSTERS — Students from Immaculate Conception School in Paxton in Arlington. Those men and August when it is published of two previous national studies of children, please). Reserved tables are Denton recently participated in a local vocation poster contest sponsored by interested in attending one of the monthly. The deadline to sub- pastors and respond to elements of available. Tickets will be available the . Winning posters focused on a variety of vocation upcoming sessions are asked to mit information is noon on the the Notre Dame Task Force Report until Dec. 22; no tickets will be sold themes, such as “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” and “Here consult the group’s Web site, www. Wednesday of the week before on Catholic Education. at the door. I Am, Lord.” Knights representative Dave Petty, shown here with the contest sampg.com, for specific meeting the paper is published. Pastors with oversight of a For more information or to pur- winners, presented the awards at a recent school pep rally. The winners, listed dates and times. Items for the Jan. 11 issue must and who wish to chase tickets, call Michelle at (817) here in their placement order of first, second, third, and honorable mention, For more information, e-mail to be received by noon on Wednes- participate in the study are encour- 795-3459 or e-mail to smg.parties@ included: K-2nd Division: Alex Villa, Caroline Costilla, Mary McKenna, and Mark at seasmenspurity@yahoo. day, Jan. 2. Items for the Jan. 25 aged to contact Fr. Nuzzi by e-mail sbcglobal.net. To order by mail, send Peter Zampino; 3rd-5th Division: Jennifer Medelberg, Kate McDonals, Anthony com or call the St. Elizabeth Ann issue must be received by noon to [email protected] or by phone at check to: M. Licater, 1861 Brown Canizares, and Grayson Morgan; 6th-8th Division: Catarina Gomes, Mary Baker, Seton Parish office at (817) 431- on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Hannah Johnson, and John Baker. 3857. (574) 631-7730. Blvd., Ste. 740, Arlington 76006. Page 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Diocesan / State Diocesan Pastoral Council ready to serve after appointment of new members

By Nicki Prevou Staff Writer Members of the newly formed Diocesan Pastoral Council have The Pastoral Council is a body of Catholics, now been appointed, following ordained and lay, who are active in and in a lengthy process of nomination, touch with the life of the church in the Diocese discernment, and interviews, said Joe Rodriguez, assistant of Fort Worth. The members of the Pastoral director for Pastoral Planning for Council refl ect on their faith, experience, and the Diocese of Fort Worth. The council, which is comprised of 22 information presented in order to investigate, lay members, an ecclesial lay min- consider, and propose practical resolutions so ister, one member of a women’s religious congregation, one dea- as to advise the Bishop on areas of policy and con, and one priest, also includes future direction. JUNIOR KJZT PILGRIMAGE — The Junior Division of KJZT Catholic Family Father Michael Olson, diocesan Fraternal of Texas Society #104 of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Abbott vicar general, and Father James — Mission and Purpose of the recently joined with their counterparts at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Hart, diocesan chancellor. Diocesan Pastoral Council, West for a pilgrimage to local religious sites to pray for the unborn. They began Formerly known as the Dioc- Diocese of Fort Worth with the recitation of the at an outdoor statue of Mary on the grounds of Immaculate Heart of Mary. Then, they proceeded to St. Mary’s Cemetery esan Pastoral Advisory Council in West, where they are pictured before a statue memorializing the passion of (DPAC), the council is headed by Christ. The fi nal stop on the tour was a Marian shrine in the Assumption Parish Bishop Kevin Vann as ex-offi cio Most Blessed Sacrament Church input on how we should observe courtyard. Following the pilgrimage, the entire group was treated to a meal, president. The bishop “will be in Arlington. our anniversary, from a pastoral courtesy of the West KJZT Society. consulting this group on issues “I have known Bishop Vann perspective,” said Rodriguez. that pertain to pastoral life in for more than 20 years,” said “Additionally, the [diocesan] the Diocese of Fort Worth,” ex- Cusack, in an interview with Catechetical Commission has NCCW Province of San plained Rodriguez, noting that the North Texas Catholic, refer- been conducting a comprehen- each member of the council has ring to her longtime association sive, diocesan-wide study,” he a three-year term which may be with the bishop through the added. “Members of the com- Antonio to hold meeting renewed once. Canon Law Society of America. mission will be making a report Dr. Lewis Gaspar, a parish- “It was a privilege to work with to the pastoral council so that a Feb. 22-24 in Irving ioner at St. Mary the Virgin the bishop in focusing the work process for creating a catechetical Church in Arlington, will serve as of the council. Our goal was to plan can be established.” The National Council of On Saturday evening, Bishop moderator of the council. Ronald form a collaborative, consultative New council member Jose- Catholic Women (NCCW), Prov- Kevin W. Vann will celebrate the Sumcizk of St. Michael Church board that will assist him most phine Kuffel, a resident at St. ince of San Antonio, will hold its 5 p.m. Mass for the province as- in Bedford will serve as assistant effectively in his leadership.” Francis Village in Crowley, said 2008 winter meeting Feb. 22-24 at sembly. Following the liturgy, he moderator. Cusack “very much enjoyed” that she is “very excited” to be the Embassy Suites Hotel, 4650 will join meeting participants for The process of reshaping the the time she spent in Fort Worth, a part of the pastoral council. West Airport Freeway in Irving. the Saturday evening banquet. former advisory council was a she said. “The process that the “I am looking forward to learn- The Diocesan Council of Catholic Kay Elliot, NCCW Region carefully planned transition, said planning council undertook in re- ing a great deal more about our Women (DCCW) of Dallas will II past vice president, will lead Rodriguez. Members of the for- shaping the council and surfacing diocese,” said Kuffel, a native host the event, which will focus the Sunday morning prayer mer council worked with canon new members was outstanding. I of Chicago who has lived at St. on the theme “Bringing Light to service at 8:30 a.m., speaking to lawyer Dr. Barbara Ann Cusack was so impressed with the very Francis Village for approximately our Global Society.” participants about her new book, in preparing for the changes to committed Catholics who have 11 years. “I was so impressed Fort Worth DCCW is a part of Enhancing our Spirituality: A Col- the council structure. been discerned as leaders in this with Dr. Cusack and the work the San Antonio Province, along lection of Prayers and Readings for At the invitation of Bishop area. There is a great cross section she did with us at the November with councils from the Archdio- Personal or Group Refl ection. Af- Vann, Cusack came to Fort Worth on the council, representing so meeting. It is a very diverse and cese of San Antonio, and the dio- terward, Eunice Washa, Region in February and in April to work many areas of the diocese.” very interesting group of people ceses of Dallas, Amarillo, Laredo, II vice president of NCCW, will with DPAC members in defi ning As mandated by canon law, on the council. We had an excel- Lubbock, and San Angelo. The give a presentation on NCCW’s the goals and structure of the new several different parishes, dean- lent agenda for our meeting that meeting is open to all Catholic programs, development, and council. Cusack, who serves as eries within the diocese, and allowed us to get to know each women in the province. leadership. chancellor of the Archdiocese of ethnic groups are represented other, so that we will be more The meeting will begin Fri- The meeting registration fee Milwaukee, offered information through the diverse council mem- effective in working together in day, Feb 22, at 7:30 p.m. with of $100 includes all materials, to the group on the guidance giv- bership, noted Rodriguez. The the future.” a keynote address by James meetings, and the Saturday lunch en through canon law to dioceses body will gather for a one-day McGill, a visiting instructor at and banquet. The registration on the ministry of consultation. meeting four times during the Editor’s Note: For a listing of the University of Dallas School deadline is Feb 8. Cusack was also present to assist calendar year, he explained, and Diocesan Pastoral Council members, of Ministry’s Catholic Biblical A block of rooms has been in facilitating the new council’s will offer advice to the bishop on visit the diocesan Web site at www. School. McGill will speak on the reserved for NCCW attendees fi rst meeting, held Nov. 17 at a variety of issues. fwdioc.org and click on the following topic “The Biblical Mandate for at a convention rate of $109 to “We are approaching our 40th links: About the Diocese, Consulta- Social Justice.” $119, depending on occupancy. anniversary as a diocese, and the tive Bodies, Councils, and Diocesan A variety of listening forums Hotel reservations must be made bishop will welcome the council’s Pastoral Council. and workshops will be offered. directly with the hotel by calling Sister Kay Kolb, SSND, and Sis- (972) 790-0093 by Jan. 22. ter Pat Miller, SSND, directors For more information or to of Ministries Outreach at the register, call Kathleen Thome, Catholic Renewal Center in Fort province director, at (817) 236- Worth, will offer a presentation 8518 or contact her by e-mail to entitled, “Spirituality and the [email protected]. Environment.” Sister Roberta Hesse, SSMN, and Sister Char- lie Marie Serafi no, SSMN, will present a session on “The Faces of Women in Global Poverty,” refl ecting on the Sisters of St. Mary Africa Solidarity. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 7 Diocesan KC efforts in Lewisville develop into Knight Light Charities foundation A group of Lewisville-area agencies for help. Knight Light annually to assist the needy in citizens has organized Knight Charities’ goal is to provide the the community. Light Charities, a new charitable funding to cover these unbud- In the next two to three years, foundation whose purpose is geted expenses when called upon Knight Light Charities will to raise funds in support of so- by agencies such as Christian strive to build an endowment cial service agencies in Denton Community Action or the Salva- of at least $250,000. The income County that help those in need tion Army.” earned by that fund is expected of fi nancial assistance. Bill Louree, a member of the to provide the largest share of the “From time to time,” stated Knights of Columbus, indicated annual funding of the agencies’ a press release from the Knight that the newly established not- requests. Light Charities, “many low in- for-profi t organization grew out For more information about come residents need assistance of a 15-year project supported Knight Light Charities in Denton with their rent, utilities, [and] by the Knights of Columbus in County, contact board member medical or grocery expenses, Lewisville. The Knights have Fred Chanslor at (972) 317- and [they] turn to one of several been providing about $10,000 6572.

VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS — The Lady Knights of Immaculate Conception Cardinal Newman Institute to offer course School in Denton won the 2007 North Texas Independent League Championship recently, with a hard-fought win against Tioga. The Lady Knights fi nished the on Catechism of the Catholic Church season with an NTIL record of 8-0 and an overall record of 22-3. This year’s “A Walk Through the Cat- to “re-visit or become acquainted available through the College of volleyball team members are Kaillie Ralston, Jessica Riney, Haley Fowler, Allie Shelton, Sara Nicolas, Sarah Owens, Bethany Rush, Hannah Schoendorf, echism of the Catholic Church,” a with this great gift the church St. Thomas More in Fort Worth. Ashley Combes, Kennedy Feigle, Michelle Zimmerer, Rachel Davis, Haley Catholic school teachers and 10-week course offered by the gave us some 13 years ago. Its Davis, Hannah Thies, Lauren Lange, Delaney Shanahan, Elizabeth Costilla, Cardinal Newman Institute, appeal is not only to the mind, religious education directors/ Rebecca Klinke, Abby Fowler, Kristen Howorka, Ambryne Deanda, and Brianna will begin Saturday, Jan. 5, and but also the heart, as one discov- coordinators are offered half- Stachowiak. Greg Medina serves as athletic director and head coach, and will be held in the Holy Family ers the beauty and reasonable- tuition scholarships to defray Bridget Ralston serves as assistant coach. Life Center at St. Maria Goretti ness of our faith that is so richly course tuition of $200. Church, 1200 S. Davis Drive in presented.” Participants may register Arlington. Sessions will be held Sessions may be audited at the Jan. 5 class. For more FOCUS to hold student leadership from 9 a.m. to noon. or may also be taken for cred- information about required According to course organiz- it toward certification in the materials or to pre-register for conference in Grapevine ers, the sessions will provide institute’s theological studies the class, call (817) 277-4859 or participants with the opportunity program. College credit is also e-mail to [email protected]. The Fellowship of Catholic both secular and Catholic col- University Students (FOCUS) lege campuses. According to the Paid Advertisement will hold the 2008 National Stu- organization’s leaders, FOCUS dent Conference Jan. 2-6 at the “brings the teachings of Christ Gaylord Texan Resort and Con- and the faith and moral traditions vention Center, located at 1501 of the Catholic Church to college Gaylord Trail in Grapevine. students and gives them the tools Convention speakers include to help share those teachings with Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR; their friends and family.” sports star Mike Sweeney; author The FOCUS conference is open Jeff Cavins; and Eduardo Veras- to all young adults, campus min- tigui, star of the fi lm Bella. The isters, priests, and members of Christian rock group Third Day religious orders. For a complete will also perform. list of speakers and registration FOCUS is a national student information, visit online at www. outreach organization serving focusconference.org.

KJT DONATION — The KJT St. Augustine Society #109 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Hillsboro presented a $250 check to Father Albert Bueno, pastor, to be used for further improvements to the CCD program for children and the parish religious education program. Pictured at the presentation are (l. to r.) Josephine Kozlovsky; Bill Kozlovsky; Flo Pustejovsky, CCD superintendent; Diane Davidson; Vernon Markwardt, religious education coordinator; Fr. Bueno; Milton Peterson, president of the local KJT society; and Irene Peterson, secretary/ treasurer of the society. The KJT Society, a fraternal society promoting activities which strengthen family relationships, was organized in July 1889 by a group of Czech immigrants. KJT stands for the name of the organization, “Catholic Union of Texas,” in the Czech language. Page 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Diocesan / National Report cites accomplishments and challenges in church response to abuse

By Carol Zimmermann “provide appropriate protection WASHINGTON (CNS) — Al- and restoration for those accused though the church has taken “Church efforts for but later found innocent.” positive steps in its response The report called for “greater to the clergy abuse crisis, more prevention, healing, speed in the process of determin- needs to be done, according to and vigilance will be ing credibility of allegations and a fi ve-year report on the crisis consequent responses, as well as released Dec. 13 by the National demanded for the rest determination of an appropriate Review Board, the lay group of our days.” role for the church in the supervi- that oversees the U.S. Catholic sion of offenders.” bishops’ compliance with child — Judge Michael Merz It also pointed out that par- protection policies. Chairman ishes can be “victims of sexual The report, addressed to U.S. National Review Board abuse” since parishioners often experience a sense of betrayal DONATION TO WOMEN’S CENTER — The 8th grade class of Sacred Heart Catholics on the fi fth anniversary School in Muenster gathered Dec. 5 to present a $2,000 check to ABBA of the board’s establishment, or outrage over accusations that Women’s Center, a faith-based, not-for-profi t organization dedicated to promoting called the church’s response to education programs and 1.6 lead to the removal of a pastor or the sanctity of life. The students raised the funds during a Walk for Life event the abuse crisis “impressive” but million background investiga- associate. The report stressed that held at Muenster Park in October, in honor of Respect Life Month. Eighth also noted that its “work is only tions have taken place as part more attention should be given grade teacher Annette Bayer is shown giving the check to Sandee Feyereisen, beginning.” of diocesan safe-environment to parishioners who often do not executive director of ABBA Women’s Center. ABBA, an acronym for All Babies It said church offi cials must programs. It also said dioceses know how to respond to abuse Born Alive, offers many services, including pregnancy testing, prenatal classes, do a better job of providing have established procedures to victims and their families. nutrition classes, and assistance with material needs for families in crisis. For victims with the help they need respond promptly to abuse al- The review board also cited more information about the services ABBA provides, call (940) 668-6391. (Photo and should also help Catholics legations. the need to keep church members by Emma Collis) at the parish level understand The review board stressed better informed on the positive how best to respond to victims that educational programs and responses the bishops have made Scholarships for are and their families. It also recom- response procedures “cannot and help them become more ac- mended church leaders provide ensure that abuse will not take tive observers of the programs available through Msgr. Droll fund “protection and restoration” for place” but can make certain that and processes in their parishes priests accused of abuse who are abuse is “less likely to occur” and and dioceses. Catholics who are pursuing a required for these positions.” later found innocent and called will also address the needs of “Such communication is vi- graduate degree in religious or The scholarship is open to for “greater speed” in investi- victims and their families. tally important since the work pastoral studies may seek fund- students who are enrolled in gating and responding to abuse The report also mentioned of the National Review Board is ing for further education through Catholic graduate schools of allegations. two studies on clerical sexual strengthened by vigilant parents the Msgr. Larry J. Droll Scholar- theology or religious studies and The report gave high marks to abuse commissioned by the U.S. and parishioners who investigate ship Fund for Catholic laity. The who have already completed a the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops in their “Charter for the the presence and quality of the $2,000 renewable scholarship, es- bachelor’s degree. Applicants Bishops’ audit process, which Protection of Children and Young programs in their parishes and tablished in 2002, is administered also must be practicing Catho- monitors how dioceses are com- People.” dioceses,” the report said. by Catholic Life Insurance. lics and must reside in one of plying with the church’s national The studies were conducted It also made it clear that the “Today many dedicated Catho- the states in which Catholic Life standards for child protection by the New York-based John responsibility to prevent abuse lics, who are not ordained clergy operates: Texas, Arizona, Florida, programs, prevention of sexual Jay College of Criminal Justice. belonged to everyone. “The or women religious, serve parishes Louisiana, Oklahoma, New abuse, and response to abuse The fi rst study, completed in obligation to provide safe envi- as parish coordinators or admin- Mexico, or Mississippi. allegations. 2004, looked at the nature and ronments that prevent damage istrators, as pastoral associates, Students may attend any “Those audits provide sub- scope of the abuse crisis in the to children, young people, fami- directors of religious education, Catholic graduate school in one stantial evidence of the bishops’ church. The second study, set for lies, parishes, dioceses, and the youth ministers, liturgists, and of the states in which Catholic efforts to protect children and completion in 2009, will look at church rests with all Catholics,” many other roles,” said Msgr. Larry Life operates, or applicants may respond to the abuses of the past the causes and context of clerical it added. J. Droll, vicar general of the Dio- also be enrolled in an extension and present,” the report said. It sexual abuse. Judge Michael Merz, chairman cese of San Angelo and spiritual program or in The Catholic noted that, as of 2006, 98 percent The review board said it hoped of the National Review Board, advisor to Catholic Life Insurance. University of America School of of dioceses and — the the results of the ongoing study said the church’s response to the “This scholarship can help provide Canon Law. name for dioceses in the Eastern would provide “needed insights abuse crisis will be ongoing. the funds to earn the advanced To apply, call 1 (800) 292-2548 Catholic churches — have partici- and recommendations.” “Church efforts for preven- educational degree in theology ext. 141, or visit online at www. pated in the audits and have been In citing future challenges that tion, healing, and vigilance will or religious studies that is often cliu.com. found to be in full compliance. the church will face as it continues be demanded for the rest of our The report said the audits have to respond to the abuse crisis, the days,” he said in a Dec. 13 state- been published by the USCCB report said some issues are “not ment. in annual reports in an “effort to easily resolved” because they are “The price of this crime is maintain transparency.” so complex. steep, both in the pain felt by vic- Although the review board “One of the most signifi cant tims and the shadow cast on the commended the audit process, issues is the need for greater reputation of innocent Catholic it also said the audits were not understanding of victimization priests,” he added. “Most priests enough and suggested that and its consequences,” the report never have abused a child or even they be expanded to measure said. “Discussions with victims someone’s trust in them, but they the “quality of the work that provide evidence of serious needs bear shame by association.” the dioceses and parishes are that still need to be addressed Merz noted the bishops have doing.” To that end, the report in order for victims and their taken a strong approach to deal- recommended that the USCCB families to fi nd the healing that ing with the abuse crisis, and he conduct random audits of par- they need.” also stressed that sexual abuse ishes which could help establish Another challenge highlight- of children is not a problem in “best practices in educational ed in the report is the relation- the church alone. He said the programs, victim care, back- ship of the church to its priests, bishops, as moral leaders, “must ground checks, and investigation “the vast majority of whom,” it stand in the forefront of protect- of allegations.” pointed out, “are not involved in ing children.” In its section on the church’s scandal, but many of whom feel accomplishments, the report alienated from both the bishops Editor’s Note: The full report may noted that more than 6 million and the laity.” The report also be accessed online at www.usccb. children have participated in stressed that the church needs to org/nrb/nrbreport2007.pdf. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 9 National Catholic leaders caution against ‘The Golden Compass’ movie WASHINGTON (CNS) — The trilogy, he actually dies. for a boycott of the movie, and it movie “The Golden Compass” “Nothing says ‘dark irony’ maintained its position in a Dec. has prompted a blizzard of words like a movie focused on blasting 3 statement. assailing the movie and the books a ‘Magisterium’ using a group “The Catholic League wants on which it is based, as well as of, er, bishops, to sell itself,” said Christians to stay away from this defenses of the fi lm. Amy Welborn, a former Catho- movie precisely because it knows The U.S. Conference of Catho- lic News Service columnist, in that the fi lm is bait for the books: lic Bishops announced Dec. 10 a Dec. 4 posting on her blog, Unsuspecting parents who take it was withdrawing a review of Charlotte Was Both. Last year their children to see the movie “The Golden Compass” prepared she wrote the booklet “The Da may be impelled to buy the three by its New York-based Offi ce Vinci Code Mysteries: What the books as a Christmas present,” it for Film & Broadcasting and Movie Doesn’t Tell You,” which said. “And no parent who wants MEMORIAL SERVICE — Father Robert F. “Roc” O’Connor, rector of the Jesuit originally posted on the USCCB was published a month before to bring their children up in the community at Creighton University, leads a Dec. 6 community prayer service and Catholic News Service Web the fi lm premiered in theaters. faith will want any part of these at St. John’s Church on the Creighton University campus in Omaha, Nebraska, sites Nov. 29. Welborn mocked the reaction books.” for victims of a shooting rampage at one of the city’s shopping malls. Robert A. The USCCB gave no reason for of some critics that “The Golden Jesuit Father James Martin, as- Hawkins, 19, of Bellevue, Nebraska, opened fi re with a rifl e inside the Von Maur its decision, although the review Compass” “is so, so valuable sociate editor of Jesuit-run America department store at Westroads Mall Dec. 5, killing eight people and then himself, itself had received a consider- because it will give parents and magazine, quoted an article by police said. Five others were wounded, including Jeff Schaffart, a graduate of the (CNS photo/Don Doll, SJ) able amount of criticism among young people a great opportunity religion journalist and author law school at Jesuit-run Creighton. people distrustful of the anti-re- to discuss the important issues Hanna Rosin saying that Chris- ligionist bent of both the novels raised by Pullman about religious tians were offended by the por- Pope OKs plenary indulgence and their author. authority, human freedom, and trayal of religion in the books. “Today, I saw the movie. And so on…. After we fi nish with ‘The “In this case, I agree with [Bill] for Lourdes’ anniversary I’m not going to change a word Golden Compass,’ shall we break Donohue,” Fr. Martin said in a of what I’ve written as a result,” out ‘The Protocols of the Elders Nov. 27 posting on the maga- By Carol Glatz worthy place dedicated to Our said a Nov. 20 online posting by of Zion’ to open up discussion zine’s blog. “Rosin’s article seems VATICAN CITY (CNS) — To Lady of Lourdes may receive Jeffrey Overstreet, author of the on Judaism? Probably not. Why? to warn that when parents buy mark the 150th anniversary of the indulgence Feb. 2-11. Feb. 11 book Through a Screen Darkly, a Because we recognize that the their kids something [that] they Mary’s appearance to St. Berna- is the day the fi rst of 18 appari- memoir and travelogue of “dan- ‘Protocols’ are lies…. So it is with expect to mirror The Chronicles of dette Soubirous near Lourdes, tions occurred and is the feast of gerous moviegoing,” on his blog, ‘The Golden Compass.’” Narnia, they might be surprised France, Pope Benedict XVI au- Our Lady of Lourdes. Feb. 2 is the Looking Closer Journal. In a joint review by Harry — or appalled — when they learn thorized a special indulgence to the feast of the Presentation of “If the fi lmmakers tried to Forbes, director of the U.S. bish- that it’s less like [Narnia author] encourage renewed holiness. the Lord. ‘tone down’ the anti-religious ops’ Offi ce for Film & Broadcast- C.S. Lewis than Christopher Catholics can receive a plenary Cardinal Stafford said that content, they pretty much failed. ing, and John Mulderig, a staff Hitchens,” a high-profi le anti-re- indulgence for taking part in any to obtain the special indulgence ‘The Magisterium’ is not a term critic for the offi ce, “The Golden ligionist who made the best-seller public or private devotion to Our one must fulfi ll the normal re- invented by [book author] Philip Compass” was classifi ed A-II list this year with the book God Lady of Lourdes, said U.S. Cardi- quirements set by the church for Pullman. It’s a reference to the — adults and adolescents — for Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons nal J. Francis Stafford, head of the all plenary indulgences; these Catholic Church, or at least to “intense but bloodless fantasy Everything. Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican include the person going to the truth that shines through violence, anti-clerical subtext, In his column in the Nov. court dealing with indulgences confession within a reasonably Scripture and the history of the standard genre occult elements, 24 issue of the Clarion Herald, and matters of conscience. short period of time, receiving church. And it isn’t hard to see a character born out of wedlock, newspaper of the Archdiocese As Christians strive to become the Eucharist, and praying for that in the fi lm.” and a whiskey-guzzling bear.” of New Orleans, New Orleans, more holy, they can look to Mary the intentions of the pope, all in The movie starring Nicole The now-withdrawn USCCB Alfred C. Hughes who “calls the faithful to her son a spirit of total detachment from Kidman and Daniel Craig, which review rankled some in the alluded to “The Golden Com- and his sacrifi ce and to the love the attraction of sin. debuted in theaters Dec. 7, is blogosphere with its more posi- pass” in his column, “The Lure of the Father,” said the cardinal, Those who make a pilgrim- based on the fi rst book of British tive than negative tone. It said: of Atheism.” “I do understand quoting from Lumen Gentium, age to Lourdes must visit the author Pullman’s trilogy entitled “This fi lm — altered, as it is, that the fi lm is less blatant than the ’s following sites, preferably in His Dark Materials. The other two from its source material — rates the books but may serve as an Dogmatic Constitution on the this order: volumes are The Subtle Knife and as intelligent and well-crafted inducement to the purchase of Church. — The parish where St. Ber- The Amber Spyglass. entertainment…. Taken purely the books. Atheism is alive and The Vatican published the nadette was baptized. His Dark Materials recounts on its own cinematic terms, [‘The well!” he said. cardinal’s statement announcing — The Soubirous family the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, Golden Compass’] can be viewed Archbishop Hughes added, the indulgence and outlining home. a 12-year-old girl in an alternate as an exciting adventure story “There is a spiritual war going the requirements for receiving — The Massabielle grotto. universe that resembles our own. with, at its core, a traditional on. The kingdom of Satan is at it Dec. 5. — The chapel where St. Ber- With the assistance of several struggle between good and evil, war with the kingdom of God. An indulgence is a remission nadette received her fi rst Com- other characters, she sets out to and a generalized rejection of Rebellion, from the beginning, of the temporal punishment due munion. overthrow the Authority, which authoritarianism.” has been Satan’s goal. His weap- for sins committed. A plenary At each location the faithful is God in Pullman’s work. The The Catholic League for Reli- ons are violence and deceit. In indulgence is the remission of should end their meditation by novels depict him as a weak, false gious and Civil Rights, headed by some ways, violence is easier to all punishment. praying the Lord’s Prayer, the god, and, in the fi nal book in the Bill Donohue, had earlier called fi ght against.” Cardinal Stafford said the creed, and the special jubilee indulgence can also be applied prayer or a prayer to Mary. to the souls of the faithful in Those visiting a holy place Archbishop Dolan named CRS board chairman purgatory. dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes WASHINGTON (CNS) — board member since January Msgr. Dolan was ordained to Catholics can receive the in another part of the world Feb. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of 2007, succeeds Bishop Robert N. the episcopate when he was indulgence during two time 2-11 also should pray the Lord’s Milwaukee has been appointed Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida, appointed in frames. Prayer, the creed, and the spe- chairman of the board of direc- who had been chairman since his native St. Louis. A year later, Pilgrims visiting the Massabi- cial jubilee prayer or a prayer tors of Catholic Relief Services, 2001 and has been a member of he was appointed archbishop of elle grotto, where Mary appeared to Mary. the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief the CRS board since 1995. Milwaukee. to St. Bernadette, can receive the Catholics who cannot visit and development agency. Ordained to the priesthood “We are excited to welcome indulgence during the Lourdes Lourdes or join a communal The appointment, confi rmed in 1979, then-Father Dolan was Archbishop Dolan as our new jubilee year, which runs from service dedicated to Our Lady by Cardinal Francis E. George of secretary to the apostolic - board chair and look forward to Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate of Lourdes because of illness or Chicago, president of the bishops’ ciature in Washington for fi ve his leadership in our mission to Conception of the Blessed Virgin other serious reason could still conference, was announced in a years before serving as rector of assist the world’s poor,” said a Mary, until Dec. 8, 2008. earn the indulgence “in their own Dec. 13 news release. the Pontifi cal North American statement from CRS president Pilgrims who visit any pub- home or wherever they are” Feb. Archbishop Dolan, a CRS College in Rome. In 2001 then- Ken Hackett. lic sanctuary, shrine, or other 2-11, Cardinal Stafford said. Page 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Viewpoints We gain a sense of wonder as we contemplate the symbols surrounding the birth of Jesus By Lucas Pollice so simple yet so profound. Christmas certainly seems to bring out the child in s we celebrate this all of us, and it should also bring about Christmas season May we all during this Christmas the simple child-like faith that we are all called to have. and once again hear It is so easy in our complicated world A season contemplate anew in our to complicate even our spiritual lives and the marvelous good news relationship with God. During this holy season of Christmas, I am always re- of Christ’s birth proclaimed, hearts the face of the infant Jesus, minded of St. Therese of Lisieux, young most of us have become very Carmelite nun who lived in the last part of the 19th century. St. Therese had a familiar with the Christmas and through his great love and very special devotion to the child Jesus, and she lived a simple life of spiritual- story and the events and cir- ity and love. Her spirituality was called mercy revealed in the Incarnation, the “little way,” and it consisted of daily cumstances that surround the offering to God simple acts of love and nativity of Christ. But what rediscover in our own lives our sacrifi ce that blossomed into a profound and burning love for God and neighbor. do these stories and events re- Therese embodied in her life and “holy childhood” before our spirituality the simple love of God that ally reveal to us? is revealed to us by the infant Jesus at Christmas. This love and spirituality You might be surprised how much heavenly Father. is beautifully articulated in her auto- meaning is contained within these sim- biography A Story of a Soul which is a ple and beautiful passages of Scripture. must read for any Catholic and would For as John Paul II states: “In the mys- be particularly great reading during tery of Christmas, the paschal mystery the season of Christmas. St. Therese is already present. Jesus comes into the The young girls in this file photo are patiently waiting to play their roles as angels in their parish’s annual children’s Christmas pageant at St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River, New.York. was truly a child before God, and her world to fulfi ll his mission of salvation (CNS photo by Gregory A. Shemitz, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC) spirituality was so profound that Pope which will culminate in his crucifi xion John Paul II proclaimed her a Doctor of and in the extraordinary event of his and drink for the world so that all may THE MANGER: the Church in 1997 saying: Resurrection” (Angelus Message, Dec. 26, have life and have it in abundance. Christ was not laid in a crib or a bed, One can say with conviction about 1996). With this in mind I would like to but was placed in a manger in the Thérèse of Lisieux that the Spirit highlight some of the most important THE REJECTION AT THE INN: stable. A manger is a feeding trough of God allowed her heart to reveal symbolism and meaning surrounding The fact that Mary and Joseph were re- for animals that held hay or other food. directly to the people of our time the Christ’s birth that reveal to us the Fa- jected at the inn because “there was no Again we have the Eucharistic theme: fundamental mystery, the reality of ther’s plan of salvation that will unfold room” is a foreshadowing of the future Jesus who is the “true bread that comes the Gospel.... Her ‘little way’ is the in the life and mission of this amazing rejection of Christ as the Messiah by the down from heaven” is born in the city way of ‘holy childhood.’ There is some- Christ Child: House of David that leads to his cruci- named the “house of bread” and is born thing unique in this way, the genius fi xion and death. The rejection at the inn into a manger which feeds the fl ocks of of St Thérèse of Lisieux. At the same BETHLEHEM: is also symbolic of humanity having no the shepherd. Thus, Jesus is the Good time there is the confi rmation and re- The fact that Jesus was born in the city room for God in their hearts due to sin Shepherd who gives his life so that he newal of the most basic and most uni- of Bethlehem is of great meaning and from which Christ comes to free us. may feed his fl ock and give them eter- versal truth. What truth of the Gospel importance. First, it was foretold by the nal life. message is really more basic and more prophet Micah that the Messiah would THE SWADDLING CLOTHES: universal than this: God is our Father, be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of After his birth, Mary wrapped Jesus in THE SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELD: and we are his children? (Apostolic David: swaddling clothes. All of us who are This extraordinary event of the angels Letter The Science of Divine Love) parents know that it is still very much of heaven appearing to the shepherds in But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too the norm to wrap a baby in a blanket or a the fi eld and announcing the good news May we all during this Christmas small to be among the clans of Judah, cloth to keep him or her warm and safe. of Christ’s birth is a foreshadowing of season contemplate anew in our hearts From you shall come forth for me one But why does Luke go out of his the Church, to which Christ the Good the face of the infant Jesus, and through who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose way to mention such a normal and Shepherd would entrust the good news his great love and mercy revealed in the origin is from of old, from ancient seemingly insignifi cant practice? In of salvation to his shepherds, the succes- Incarnation, rediscover in our own lives times… He shall stand fi rm and the Jewish/Semitic culture, the baby sors of the apostles, to be the living and our “holy childhood” before our heav- shepherd his fl ock by the strength of was wrapped very tightly in a cloth visible instrument of salvation until the enly Father. Merry Christmas! the LORD, in the majestic name of not only to be kept warm and safe, but end of time. the LORD, his God; And they shall to also give them good posture. This Thus, Christmas reveals to us not Lucas Pollice is director of remain, for now his greatness shall wrapping in swaddling clothes was a only the birth of the Savior, but in the Catechesis and Adult Faith reach to the ends of the earth; he shall very tight wrapping with a thin cloth, fullness of time also reveals the Paschal Formation and RCIA for the be peace. (Micah 5:2-4) a little different from how we do things mystery of Christ and the salvation that diocese. Lucas holds a degree in today. However, for Luke, Jesus being will be won for us through the death theology from the Franciscan The name Bethlehem also has signifi - wrapped in a cloth at his birth is already and Resurrection of Christ, and his University of Steubenville cant meaning concerning the mission a foreshadowing of his death and Real Presence in the Eucharist that will and has a master’s degree in of Christ. In Hebrew, it means “house burial, when Christ would once again remain with us and be our true spiritual theological studies from the Institute for of bread” which is a foreshadowing of be tightly wrapped in his burial shroud food until the end of time. Pastoral Theology of Ave Maria University. Christ who will become for all of us in the tomb. Thus, even at Christ’s fi rst Christmas is also a time in which we He is an adjunct professor of theology with through his death and Resurrection the coming into the world, his ultimate once again are called to contemplate the Cardinal Newman Institute in Fort “bread of life” in the Eucharist. Jesus mission of reconciling the world to God the face of Christ, in particular the face Worth. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have four comes into the world to give Himself through his blood on the cross is already of the infant Jesus who loves us with children, Cecilia, Nicholas, Timothy, and and his body and blood as the true food being revealed and foreshadowed. a pure and unconditional love that is Christian. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 11 Views

Guess who came to Egypt A spot with no papers of tea By Jeff Hensley and ust last week, one of my wife’s Christmas Memories English as a At this time of year J By Kathy Cribari Hamer Second Language we put a lot of attention students came to her hen she comes to my house, with tears of pain on a very famous, well- the fi rst thing my four-year- streaking his face. He known, even revered, Wold granddaughter Natalie had a very bad tooth- wants is a cup of tea. Not just any cup ache. illegal immigrant. of tea. She wants it poured from a silver

He had gone to our local teapot, into her great-grandmother’s “charity hospital” and been re- fused treatment unless he could criminals. The laws broken by their own children, who can be antique china cup. fork over $500. illegal immigrants in seeking expected to do even better than My wife’s response was to economic asylum are civil laws, they have. She wants to sit at the dining room table, munching on want to bundle him up and not criminal laws. And of course we should cookies that have been spread on a china saucer. Some- carry him to the front door of But even if compassion fails be wanting these things and times she wants sprinkles on her cookies. Those do not a candidate for political offi ce, to move us, even if arguments advocating for these things be- have to be baked onto the cookies, nor do they need to be part of whose platform has in- from a Christian point of view cause we believe they are right, on the china saucer with the cookies. They can be — and cluded getting state law to line fail to get our attention, there because they are consistent usually are — sprinkled on the table and the fl oor. up with Tarant County’s policy are other things at stake here. with Catholic SocialTeaching, Natalie doesn’t care what kind of tea it is. It need not of refusing to pay for medical There’s a huge amount of self- consistent with what both the be herbal tea, nor to have been imported from Japan or services for illegal immigrants. interest involved in welcoming Vatican and our bishops, acting the Mediterranean. The tea need not make you calm, nor She didn’t, of course, but it was the immigrants and treating in concert through the USCCB soothe your throat. a good thought. them as we ourselves would are telling us. The tea doesn’t have to be sereni-tea, or sinceri-tea, two She would have confronted want to be treated (Isn’t that And none of this is inconsis- kinds I recently purchased in a gift shop that has excellent him with both the teenager from Scripture? Isn’t it called tent with making our borders marketing sensitivi-tea. I bought some sereni-tea, but so and the question, “How would The Golden Rule?) secure. But for those already far have not had an opportuni-tea to note any difference in you respond if this were one of As someone who just turned with us, already making our my mentali-tea. your children?” That question 60, I’m particularly sensitive to hamburgers, steaks, tacos, Natalie doesn’t care about any of that. In fact, she has an easy answer, easy for this self-interest set of argu- soups, and salads; for those doesn’t care if it is tea at all. Natalie seems equally happy any one of us, even if we think ments. I’m delighted to see who are taking care of our drinking imaginary tea. Air tea. we have fi xed ideas on how this reasoning showing up in children, planting, picking, and My beautiful Nattie loves to sit at Grammie’s table pour- to treat immigrants without columns from political pundits. packing our food, and waiting ing daintily, munching politely, and enjoying the endearing papers. A friend, having heard the on us in our restaurants; for click of cup to saucer. Grammie enjoys the absence of click- At this time of year we put arguments from me, was happy those working in our nursing ing, and applauds the absence of dropping and shattering. a lot of attention on a very to pass along an article from homes and factories and doc- Sam loves his other grandma’s house, in Kansas, where famous, well-known, even the Wall Street Journal with all tors’ offi ces and other places of it is a family tradition to save a lavish collection of autumn revered, illegal immigrant. He but one of them. I’ll come back business, we need for them to leaves in their huge, tree-studded backyard. Grandma would have qualifi ed as a refu- to that one in a bit. do well. We need their labor. and Papa do not rake until late November, so during the gee, since there was a credible These arguments have to We lost the option of making children’s Thanksgiving visit, when the backyard becomes threat of physical harm. Those do with the soon-to-be-failing them legal when we failed to an oak-and-maple-leaf trampoline, the children can savor who sought to take his life did Social Security system. If those keep Roe v. Wade from com- the fall, running and jumping on the leaves, the crisp air take the lives of all male chil- under 40, particularly, want to ing onto the American scene. kissing their cheeks and noses. dren around his age, so even see any money coming back Whether you use the number For parents and grandparents, watching the children our laws would have allowed from that system when they 30 million or 40 million or even reminds them of those times of joy in their own lives, his refuge here. Fortunately need it, they need to be work- more; whatever unimagin- years before, when the fun was their own, along with the there weren’t even any papers ing to get illegal immigrants ably large number of aborted security and comfort that accompanied it. or court proceedings in Egypt legal — legal and paying into children you want to use for Children know their grandparents’ homes like they at the time. Jesus was “home” the system. And not only do the past 34 years of carnage, we know the mothers’ and fathers’ arms. free. they want to see them pay- have a tremendous hole in the The comfort of Mommy’s and Daddy’s arms comes from But now there are laws. And ing into the system, they want American labor force that the repeated parental embraces in times of fear, doubt, and oh there is enforcement. And there them doing well economically, illegal and legal immigrants are yeah — hunger. The ongoing joys of grandparents’ houses is xenophobia, fear of strang- educated to the maximum con- only partially fi lling. come from the tiniest memories that, like the silver teapot, ers, specifi cally, fear of those sistent with their intelligence Even economists are now have acquired a splendid patina from years of periodic use. recently arrived from Mexico, and skills. And they want their admitting that the hole is there, When Sam and Nattie spend the night at my house who are merely fl eeing hunger children to be healthy and also but because it’s the huge blind at Christmastime, I watch them, never hurrying them, and lack of opportunity. educated as well as possible, spot in those who comment on as they walk around to their favorite places. They are But as the Vatican is point- so they can achieve and make the American social scene in drawn to the same things: a glass box fi lled with unusual ing out to us in recent pro- their own contributions to the secular arena, no one is say- marbles; a basketful of action fi gures — everyone from nouncements, even they are not our society, while supporting SEE HENSLEY, P. 26 SEE HAMER, P. 26 Page 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Christmas brings us JESUS! despite loss, sorrow, and our unseeing eyes, He’s there to bring us his joy and peace and life Food for Thought

e think of our loved ones at Christmas. They ground us, affi rm our worth as hu- This work depict- Wman beings. When someone precious to ing Mary and the us dies, our sense of well-being is altered. Christ Child, by Chicago artist But we are not without hope. Melville Stein- In his Angelus address on Christmas Eve 2006, fels, hangs in the Pope Benedict XVI reminded us: Madonna della “It is true, we are all here in passing, but it is Strada (Our Lady precisely Jesus who makes us feel at home on this of the Way) Chapel earth, sanctifi ed by his presence. He asks us, how- on the grounds of ever, to make it a home in which all are welcome. Loyola University Chicago. The Dec. “The surprising gift of Christmas is exactly this: 25 Christmas feast Jesus came for each one of us.” commemorates So the person of Jesus is a constant in our lives the birth of Christ. that we can cling to. He will not pass us by. In fact, The Christmas he still has work for the living to do. season begins Because each person is precious in the sight of with the Dec. 24 God, the pope said, “The corresponding duty is to evening vigil and increasingly overcome preconceptions and preju- ends on the feast of dices, to break down barriers and eliminate the the Baptism of the differences that divide us, or worse, that set indi- Lord, which is Jan. viduals and peoples against one another, in order 13 in 2008. (CNS to build together a world of justice and peace.” PHOTO/BART HARRIS, COURTESY OF LOYOLA Carole Norris Greene UNIVERSITY CHICAGO) Associate Editor, Faith Alive! Catholic News Service

A Christmas miracle of wire and fl annel

By Father Stan Konieczny the new priest at the parish would agreement. a swatch of soft blue fl annel. That Catholic News Service be an easy mark as collaborator. “And,” I added, trying to sound impromptu layette made me They barraged me after school authoritative, “I do no want the think of the poverty of the fi rst uring my fi rst Christmas one autumn afternoon in the Christ child carried off by some Christmas. It was a holy moment as a priest, the children parking lot. Excitedly they shared pranksters. Make sure he is se- for me. Dof my parish taught me their plans to decorate the nearby cured as well.” The next morning, I walked a valuable lesson. Through their shrine to Mary with garlands and With those words of caution I over to the school to congratulate enthusiasm and innocence, I lights. They also wanted funds left the Energy Club to begin plan- the Energy Club after the morning learned that the hope of Christ- to buy a nearly life-sized creche ning their project. assembly. And I said it was a nice mas can transform the practical from a local hardware store that Weeks went by without touch to cover up the Baby Jesus. and mundane into the holy. would be “perfect” for the holiday another thought of the club’s One of the girls replied, “Well, St. Augustine of Canterbury display. “It’s on sale, Father,” they holiday ambitions. I even thought Father, the baby Jesus did look a Parish School has its own distinct cried in chorus. that perhaps they gave up on the little cold lying there, and we had traditions, one of which is the After a bit of creche shopping entire project. to cover up all the wires that you Energy Club. The students who of my own and subjecting them Then one evening as I walked made us use to tie him down!” belong to it volunteer after school to a suitable number of suspense- over to the church for Mass, I The practical becomes holy. to lead recycling drives, pro- fi lled days, I agreed to the project. stopped dead in my tracks. Twin- That is the hope, the miracle mote good ecological practices “There have to be some condi- kling blue Christmas lights sur- of Christmas. on the parish campus and assist tions, though,” I explained. “I do rounded the Mary shrine. Small with some light groundskeeping not want to have to chase after spotlights focused attention on Father Stan Konieczny, the as- “In a touching addition, one of chores. Nativity scene fi gures blowing Mary and Joseph as they stood se- sociate pastor of St. Augustine the Energy Club members had Last Christmas the Energy down the street on a blustery curely beside wrought-iron posts. of Canterbury Parish, Belleville, tucked the fi gure under a swatch Club decided to take on a new day. I want them secured to that The Christ child was the Illinois, is a long-time contribu- of soft, blue fl annel,” writes Fa- task: holiday decorating. Members wrought iron around Mary.” center of attention. In a touching tor to the Catholic News Service ther Stan Konieczny.(CNS PHOTO fi gured they could easily add this The teens’ grinning faces addition, one of the Energy Club Christmas package. ILLUSTRATION/BOB ROLLER) to their growing repertoire, and turned solemn as they nodded in members tucked the fi gure under NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 13 Christmas brings us Jesus! At the center of Christmas: Love

By Dolores R. Leckey were very present in my mind. mas Concert”: pens — and the giveaway — a Catholic News Service In recent years with our chil- copy of Tom Stoppard’s play, “Ar- They made music — dren grown and busy with their cadia,” a favorite of my daughter Children in white robes, hristmas is about love. Of children, Tom and I enjoyed Celia. Obviously Celia had been Adults in formal dress, course, you say; all the the quietude of Christmas Eve, at work between the Mass and the The symphony with shining Cadvertising and merri- the joy of simply being together meal at her ’s. instruments. ment declare that gift-giving is a before the busyness of Christmas I went to sleep feeling sur- The sounds washed over us, sign of love. And so it is. Day and the usual family dinner rounded by beatitude — the Winter pilgrims housed in the But what is the underlying at our house. hospitality of family, which I concert hall, meaning of exchanging gifts and Tom always fi lled a Christmas had been reading about in the Safe from the cold, dark gathering friends and family? stocking for me, small treasures “Sketchbook.” arctic air. How we understand our nu- repeated year after year, and I The next morning I was at We sang of Jesus and his joy to anced meanings is found in the came to count on this part of peace, ready to prepare a Christ- the world; history of Christmas situated in the Christmas Eve ritual. I didn’t mas meal for my family. Handel showed up with his the narrative of a baby born in the know how I would face “an empty At the end of the day as every- sidekick Isaiah; town of Bethlehem, in a country stocking,” symbolic perhaps of one was heading out the door for And, of course, Franz Gruber under Roman occupation, to Mary, the empty place in my life. their own homes, my son Tom allowed us to sing together a woman from the village of Naza- However, Christmas Eve announced this year “a wonderful ‘Stille Nacht.’ reth. All other stories surrounding brought surprising grace. And Christmas!” This angel waits backstage Two hours of beauty this central one are about the ef- once again children old and young And so it was. But why? What for her big moment during the For the ear and eye, fect of the child’s life on others. led the way. made his holy holiday so rich for Christmas Pageant at St. Theo- And then we ventured back The stories of this child’s fi rst Granddaughter Monica was an us? dore Church in Gates, New York into the winter’s dark and cold, days and months on earth are sto- angel at a Christmas Eve Mass, so I think two forces were at work in this fi le photo. (CNS photo, Warmed by the music, ries of high drama: Extraordinary that solved the problem of where to make it so One was the con- Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier) Graced by the light of a people come to visit the child, the to worship. After Mass we gath- scious exchange of love within the Christmas star. person in authority (Herod) tries chimney with care,” and the next ered at the home of our son Tom family; each of us was looking out to kill him; his family fl ees their morning the stockings were fi lled and his family. Returning home and settling for the others. homeland and takes him to an with good things for the children Most of the grandchildren visit- into my annual reading of the The second was simply Christ- alien place for safety where they of the house. ing that fi rst Christmas without Christmas Eve section of Wash- mas itself, an event so much all are refugees. We all have our piece of the on- their grandfather had rehearsed ington Irving’s “The Sketch Book larger than any of our individual The beginning of the Christ- going Christmas story. Here is mine. Christmas carols accompanied by of Geoffrey Crayon,” I knew the lives or our separate sorrows. mas story is not like a Norman In 2003, six months after various musical instruments. This hurdle of Christmas Eve without Christmas is Christmas, and it Rockwell painting. the death of my husband Tom, I musical offering was done with my husband had been overcome. carries itself. Over the centuries, as the wondered how I would maneuver seriousness and skill — and obvi- When I started for bed I was story of Jesus’ birth and early my way through the merriment ously lots of practice. stunned to see a stocking hanging Delores Leckey is a senior fellow childhood has been told, other that is rightly part of the Christ- One of the glories of Christmas on the mantle, unnoticed dur- at Woodstock Theological Center, children moved to the center of mas story. The truth is, I did more is music! Their pageant brought ing my reading time. After some Georgetown University. This ac- the ongoing narrative. We have than wonder — I dreaded the to mind an unpublished poem hesitation, I emptied the contents count of Christmas will appear Christmas tales that describe how holy holiday. by Bishop Robert F. Morneau of so similar to other years: a hum- in her book VESPER TIME, set for “the stockings were hung by the Memories of Christmases past Green Bay, Wisconsin, “Christ- mingbird pin, a jar of jam, some publication in 2009. Being true to the spirit of Christmas (NOT AS SIMPLE AS I AT FIRST THOUGHT)

By Sharon K. Perkins my tailgaters, and I was deter- the coming of the Lord as a time And White Christmas wasn’t Correspondent mined to live up to the challenge. aybe it’s not when “the wolf shall be a guest of just about snow — its story line It didn’t work — at least not Malways as the lamb, and the leopard shall lie featured two people who had his Christmas, my mini- entirely. The fi rst purple candle down with the kid” (Isaiah 11:6). misjudged each other, almost lost van is sporting something on our Advent wreath had barely conspicuous as a As unimaginable as it seemed, their chance at love, and recon- Tnew in honor of the stopped smoldering when my these creatures would not only ciled in the end. Sort of like my holidays—not a lighted auto youngest child and I became magnetic bumper co-exist but thrive despite their restorative participation in the wreath — but a magnetic cut-out engrossed in the movie, “The sticker, but the traditional enmity. parish’s Advent Reconciliation depicting the silhouette of Mary Polar Express” — one of those 25 Could it be that in my well- service, after a long absence from and Joseph in the manger and consecutive Christmas fi lms that signs are all meaning attempts to preserve the the sacrament had dulled my zeal. prominently displaying the words, airs during December. Of course, around us, if we “religious” sense of Christmas, I For me, “Keeping Christ in “KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS.” it featured a quest for the North was missing some important rev- Christmas” this year has meant a I put it there on the fi rst week- Pole and Santa, not the trek to look closely. elations at work in the “secular”? departure from the “sacred/secu- end of Advent as a form of protest fi nd Jesus in the manger. I guess when I thought about lar” dichotomy to an appreciation after I became exasperated at all And the St. Nicholas Day and I found myself dragging my it, the message of the “Polar of Christ’s breaking into our lives the trappings that appeared in the package I shipped to my college feet all the way to the car. Express” wasn’t just about Santa in all sorts of unexpected — and store aisles immediately after Hal- student had a popular DVD and a Although my resolve this year — it was about retaining a child- even non-religious — ways. loween. I was becoming discour- gift card to the Gap packed atop had been fi rm and I wasn’t totally like faith. Didn’t Jesus say some- Maybe it’s not always as conspicu- aged by the numbers of children the Advent calendar and candles. “selling out,” I found myself en- thing about that? ous as a magnetic bumper sticker, in our parish religious education I resisted putting up my gaged in a persistent tug-of-war be- And I guess following that but the signs are all around us, if program whose parents didn’t Christmas decorations too early, tween the secular and the sacred, impulse to drop whatever I was we look closely. attend Mass, much less observe even as I feverishly shopped between resistance and surrender, doing and share the movie with Advent at home. online for just the right gifts. The which seemed to give the lie to my child counted for something. Sharon K. Perkins, currently a I had become so incensed fi nal capitulation was renting and that magnetic bumper sticker. Shipping that package to my el- parish DRE and a doctoral stu- by the number of advertising watching (twice!) the classic fi lm Surely, I thought, there must be dest and laughing about the DVD’s dent in theology at the University circulars doubling the bulk of my “White Christmas;” I guess I was a way to be “in the world but not title — “How to Lose a Guy in of Dayton, lives in Ohio with her Sunday paper, I affi xed the sign compensating for those Christmas of it,” especially where Christmas Ten Days” — opened the door to husband Mike and two of their to my car — reasoning that by Eves during my teen years when preparations were concerned. some really meaningful mother- three kids. They are former mem- my action I could “light one small the local TV station had the au- A refl ection on one of the daughter conversation. Shopping bers of St. Rita Parish on the East candle” instead of “cursing the dacity to air the movie just as our Advent Scripture readings helped for Christmas presents online Side of Fort Worth and Sharon darkness.” I also reasoned that I family was leaving for midnight me put things in perspective. became an exercise in good stew- coordinated the fi rst diocesan needed the reminder as much as Mass (we didn’t have Tivo then), The prophet Isaiah described ardship of resources. Synod. Page 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Christmas brings us Jesus! Christmas, and the divinity of Christ By Father John Catoir more integrated theological per- from his infancy in Bethlehem. Father John Catholic News Service spective in order to supplement The importance of Pope Bene- Catoir fi nds the exegeses. dict’s book cannot be overestimat- Pope Benedict Pope Benedict XVI sees no ed. It restores the simplicity of the very Christmas XVI’s new book difference between the Christ of Christmas story to its traditional JESUS OF NAZARETH Ewe have the op- faith and the historical person place in the . a strong state- of Jesus. In unifying the two he Jesus of Nazareth already has ment of the link portunity to reaffi rm presents a simple, integrated view its opponents. Father Joseph S. between the of the person of Jesus, and even O’Leary, an English literature Jesus of history our faith in the Lord. refers to the kingdom of God as teacher at Sophia University in and the Christ Jesus Christ personifi ed. Tokyo, said this about the book’s The secularization of of faith. This The Holy Father says, “This impact: “A whole century of New fi le photo of the book is not meant to be a pro- Testament scholarship will now the Christmas holiday fi gure of the baby nouncement of the magisterium have to be radically corrected, Jesus is seen has weakened the faith .... It is my personal search ‘for and largely jettisoned” (National during Christ- the face of the Lord.’” Catholic Reporter, 9/27/07). mas Eve Mass of many. However, to One of my favorite passages Doctrinal teachings about the at St. Esprit is when Pope Benedict cites the divinity of Jesus in the fourth the rescue comes Pope Cathedral in Lord’s disagreements with the century were all based on the Istanbul, Turkey. authorities of the time. Here Jesus faith of the primitive Christian Benedict XVI with his (CNS PHOTO FROM uses the expression “I am,” which community expressed in the New REUTERS) new book, Jesus of means “Yahweh.” Testament. The message has It was a bold assertion of his always been the same and quite Nazareth. It is a beauti- mission and his divinity, and the simple; namely, we are destined fully written defense of Pharisees saw it as such. They for eternal life. To get there we all considered it pure blasphemy and need to acknowledge our depen- the divinity of Jesus. became infuriated. Shortly after- dence upon Jesus as Lord, who ward they began planning Jesus’ said, “Without me you can do The pope makes the Incarna- crucifi xion. nothing” (John 15:5). tion the central issue in every Modern secular Scripture Gospel writers, not from actual Pope Benedict also shows how part of the Gospel. The joy of scholars have challenged this fi rsthand witness. Jesus was called the Logos (the Father John Catoir is the the Christmas season is based mystery for decades, treating the Demythologizing the Scrip- Word) in St. John’s Gospel: “In founder and president of on the belief that God came to texts solely as literary works and tures is a legitimate study, but it the beginning was the Word, and St. Jude Media Ministries, a us in the form of man: “The Son discarding the faith perspective in goes off track when it contradicts the Word was with God, and the national radio ministry reach- of Man has come to seek and to their interpretations. the truths of revelation. Word was God.... The Word be- ing out to lapsed Catholics save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). They distinguish between the In his book, Pope Benedict came fl esh and made his dwelling and the unchurched. He is a “For us men and for our salvation, Jesus of history and the Christ of demonstrates the limitations of among us” (John 1:1,14). former director of The Christo- he came down from heaven.... He faith, saying that the Scriptures the historical-critical method of This means that God is fully phers and a past president of was born of the Virgin Mary and have often refl ected later infl u- interpreting Scripture and insists manifested and glorifi ed in the the Catholic Press Association became man” (The ). ences coming from the faith of the that there is a need for a fuller, person of the historical Jesus, right of the U.S. and Canada. The man who put the Christmas message in a timeless story

By Antoinette Bosco job and support those who are de- ture. There I found some personal Catholic News Service This pendent upon him. He also bears writings of Charles Dickens, a reproduction a cross — knowing he cannot father of nine, who died suddenly y house is of a hand- provide the medical care needed at age 58. colored etching by his son Tiny Tim. Thus the In a letter to his son Edward Mloaded with is one eight child faces an early death. who was leaving for Australia, illustrations As the story progresses, Dick- Dickens wrote, “I put a New books, many of them created by ens creates an eerie setting that Testament among your books ... John Leech forces Scrooge to face his own evil because it is the best book that purchased at used book for the 1843 and the death to which this evil ever was or will be known in the will lead. world.... sales. I intend to read publication of Charles It may seem strange that a “You will therefore under- all of them “someday.” Dickens’ Christmas story deals with death, stand the better that I now most classic tale, for Christmas is a time of birth solemnly impress upon you the This week I noticed one bought — the greatest birth ever. truth and beauty of the Christian A CHRISTMAS a long while ago. It had two great But that’s the seduction of A religion, as it came from Christ CAROL. names on the dust jacket, Charles Christmas Carol. By undergoing himself, and the impossibility of (ILLUSTRATION Dickens: The Last of the Great his symbolic death, Scrooge real- your going far wrong if you hum- COURTESY OF Men, by G.K. Chesterton. izes how he lost his life, and he asks bly but heartily respect it.” CHARLESDICK- Thinking of Dickens’ great A for forgiveness and another chance. His message is beautifully ap- ENSPAGE.COM) Christmas Carol, I picked up It is a wish that is granted to him. propriate for Advent! Chesterton’s book and read it in Dickens’ story then becomes a one sitting, so taken was I with tale of life renewed. In the rebirth Antoinette Bosco is the author Chesterton’s wonderful writing. the lives” of his audiences; and it “god,” the next logical need is to of Scrooge and the saving of Tiny of a number of books, including Chesterton, a Catholic convert, has, generations of them. have power. For without power, Tim, A Christmas Carol is a her most recent, MOTHER BENEDICT, said Dickens felt “comradeship As for why, it certainly is you cannot protect your money. renewal of the Christmas message FOUNDRESS OF THE ABBEY OF REGINA and serious joy are not interludes because Dickens dealt with the Dickens’ character Scrooge of hope and redemption, and so it LAUDIS; COINCIDENCES: TOUCHED BY A in our travel; but rather, our trav- two ultimate themes of exis- exercises his power over his lives on. MIRACLE; and THE PUMMELED HEART: els are interludes in comradeship tence — life and death — and employee, Bob Cratchit, bleeding I got the sense that I was FINDING PEACE THROUGH PAIN. Her and joy, which through God shall with human failing. That failing, every ounce of labor from him supposed to write about Charles Web site has more information endure forever.” of course, is the love of money, to protect and increase his own Dickens this Christmas because about this remarkable writer His words had me refl ecting which so easily carries one to the wealth. when I put down Chesterton’s who has worked as a writer and on Dickens’ story and remember- extreme of crowding out all the Cratchit, a man who values book I picked up another small editor in both the Catholic and ing that he himself once said he really good things in life. fi delity to his family, accepts this book that had numerous biogra- secular press for more than 50 hoped it would “pleasantly haunt When money becomes one’s exploitation in order to keep his phies of men of science and litera- years: antoinettebosco.com. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 15 Christmas brings us Jesus! The fullness at the heart of Christmas By Janaan Manternach Mass or an earlier celebration. While I’ve selfi shly avoided Catholic News Service Now I must connect the both them and Stonehill, I plan “endings” that the deaths of my to break through the loneliness I mother and husband are, with the identify with that place and wel- hristmas 2007 beginning that is Christmas. come their friendships once more. Cwill be different I thank God for faith that In addition, I plan to break assures me that death is also a down that wall I come up against for the families of Lady beginning, a birth into new life, a every time I want to write thank different Christmas, so to speak. you notes to the many people who Bird Johnson, Luciano I’ll need my faith as this new sent sympathy cards and gifts fol- truth that Mom and Carl are dead lowing my losses. Pavarotti, mime artist tries to eclipse the beliefs that I so This Christmas I’m also plan- Marcel Marceau and easily wrote about in religion cur- ning a new attempt at stillness, a riculum and spoke about in talks different way of entering into si- many others who have and workshops for decades. lence by looking honestly at those This Christmas I’m up against times when I was unkind to Carl died this year. a challenge I have hitherto not in particular, at stuff I preferred to “I thank God for faith that assures me that death is also a beginning, known. I’d like to totally escape keep hidden and not deal with. In my own family the loss of a birth into new life, a different Christmas,” writes Janaan Mantern- the season, but that’s not pos- I’m beginning to realize that in both my mother and husband six ach. In this fi le photo two women share a laugh at the annual Boston sible! So I’ve come up with a plan order to forgive myself, to become months apart colors Christmas Community of Sant’Egidio Christmas party at Boston College in 2005. to face it, to feel it, and appreciate whole without Carl, I need to re- differently for me too. all it is trying to help me focus on: new my belief in God’s comforting (CNS PHOTO BY WILLIAM B. PLOWMAN) My mother died on Jan. 13 the person of Christ incarnate! promise of forgiveness. I need to from old age; she was 103, sound There’s no one more full of life the waiting for someone to die is I already meditate daily, and ponder and accept the truth that of mind and almost ready to go. than a child. That fullness is at also solemn, but this solemnity is throughout this Christmas season Christ, whose love is boundless, My husband died on July 12; the heart of Christmas because often without the joy that perme- I am praying about a new begin- came precisely to wipe away sin he was 78 and had Alzheimer’s. the child we remember coming ates Advent and Christmas. It’s ning without Carl and Mom. — and tears. I’ll never know whether Carl was into our world is Jesus. often a period so painful that the At Stonehill Franciscan Care ready to go because there were Death is a whole other story. It’s memory of it refuses to quit for Center in Dubuque, Iowa, there Janaan Manternach is a veteran moments when he sensed the an ending moment for someone months, sometimes years. are two women, Eileen Fassbinder catechist and freelance writer in inevitable and became visibly sad. once as full of life as that Christ- I’ve always loved Christmas. and Shirley Lang, who ate at the Dubuque, Iowa. She is a long- When we ponder Christmas, mas child. And unless death is sud- Our home took on the Christmas same table day after day with time contributor to Catholic prepare for it and talk about it, den, there’s a waiting period. spirit with an Advent wreath, a Mom, Carl, and me. They became News Service’s Faith Alive! reli- it’s nearly always in terms of the Like the solemn waiting and decorated tree, a creche, dinner friends, and I’m keenly aware that gious education packages. coming of a child into the world. preparing for the coming of Jesus, parties and gifts, and midnight they would like me to visit.

Christmas with the Little Sisters of the Poor

By Maureen E. Daly baskets for more than 200 fami- all come together. You don’t have Catholic News Service lies each year. that any other time of year. That’s As a deacon at St. Bernardine important, even though we may Parish in West Baltimore during complain about it.” hat does Christ- the 1980s and 1990s, he identi- Wachter worked in Catholic Wmas mean to fi ed families who needed food, social services for 36 years and a turkey, and gifts at Christmas. was a longtime volunteer at a those who have out- Then he worked with the nearby women’s shelter. She noticed more affl uent parish of St. William that some volunteers “could get lived most of their fam- of York to collect the donations resentful that people were not that fi lled the baskets. suffi ciently grateful. I haven’t seen ily? How does someone The annual project helped the that here. Everything we receive people who received the bas- comes from the heart.” with very little money, kets, and it also gave people who Wachter said she learned from frail health, limited wanted to be generous a chance her work, “Give with a loving to give where they were needed, heart, expecting nothing, and strength, celebrate the he said. there will be a great response.” Deacon Harcum has no chil- Sister Geraldine Harvie, 67, season? dren, but he helped his mother For the members of the Sant’Egidio community of Boston serving their the at St. Martin’s Home, raise his nephew. elderly friends and the children from the School of Peace after-school said two highlights of the Christ- Three elderly persons who live “Christmas,” he said, “is for program at their annual Christmas party, Christmas is all about ser- mas season are inviting guests to with the Little Sisters of the Poor keeping the family close together. vice and the gifts we bring to others. Deacon Phillip Harcum shares a big family dinner and visiting at St. Martin’s Home in Catons- It is not as much sharing gifts as similar thoughts about the season of the Lord’s birth in Maureen Da- corporations to ask for donations. ville, Maryland, took some time sharing the love they have for ly’s interview with him at St. Martin’s Home in Catonsville, Maryland, “We are the residents’ family, on a blustery fall evening to speak each other. That’s the important where the Little Sisters of the Poor now care for him. (CNS PHOTO BY and they are our family,” said about the meaning of Christmas thing.” WILLIAM B. PLOWMAN) Sr. Harvie. “We as sisters don’t and how they feel the feast should “I love Christmas. I always possess anything, don’t own be kept. have and so did my husband,” many Christmas cards, but she Now, she said, it comes down to anything, but we don’t want for For Deacon Phillip W. Har- said Rose Dente, 95, who moved has cut back, concerned about this: “The answer is love. Love is anything. And the Lord provides a cum, age 81, “Christmas is very in with the Little Sisters of the the cost of postage. the magic word that will get you hundredfold.” important because of the need. It Poor in 1975, not long after she And Christmas gifts? She said into heaven.” is a time of people reaching out was widowed. Dente said she was they come almost last. “I focus on “I have practically nobody,” Maureen Daly is a freelance to people. Folks know there is a once known for her cooking at Jesus because it is his birthday,” said Dolores Wachter, 71, “and writer and editor in Baltimore, need and try to answer it.” large Sunday gatherings. she explained. this can be a lonely time.” Maryland. She is a former editor For many years Deacon Har- She used to make a Christmas But Dente does not miss those Wachter has lived with the Lit- of the Faith Alive! and columns cum was the man who saw that cake “and put the baby Jesus in activities. She feels blessed with tle Sisters for eight years. Christ- packages for Catholic News needs were met, fi lling Christmas a crib on top.” She used to send good health and a sense of humor. mas, she says, “is a time when we Service. Page 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Diocesan

At the diocesan Ministerium, Bishop Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, tells priests, deacons, religious, and lay ecclesial ministers that

STORY BY NICKI PREVOU

PHOTOS BY THAN NGUYEN

Above: Speaking without notes and encouraging discussion among Ministerium participants, Bishop Gerald Kicanas FROM PAGE 1 offers his insights he added. “At the presentations I Above: A Ministerium participant rises to ask a question of presenter Bishop on the spiritual and have given, I have been impressed Kicanas. Approximately 350 minstry leaders from throughout the diocese theological foundation by the quality and dedication of participated in this year’s gathering, held in the Johnson Activity Center at St. of “Co-Workers in the Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington. Vineyard of the Lord.” people serving in ministry.… The The document on lay church is blessed by those serving document on lay ministry, and he praised them for taking the time ecclesial ministry was generously in our parishes and gave us a great deal of encourage- to attend the gathering, saying, approved by the U.S. Catholic institutions.” ment in the way that he affi rmed “We are, all together, entrusted bishops in November In an interview with the North the priests, laity, deacons, and the with such important work. So it 2005. Texas Catholic after the Ministe- religious, and showed us how is very important for all of us to rium, Bishop Kevin Vann, said the we can all work together,” said come together periodically to be Diocese of Fort Worth, in turn, felt Bishop Vann. “I think he was very reinspired, to be strengthened, “blessed” by the inspiring and en- uplifting.” to be restored. Because it is only couraging presentations offered Scripture readings, songs, and in working together that we can by Bishop Kicanas. Bishop Vann prayers were offered in both Eng- possibly hope to serve in carrying had invited his fellow bishop to lish and Spanish at the opening out the mission of Christ.” address the Nov. 30 Ministerium, prayer service. A noteworthy addition to Above: Bishop hosted by St. Vincent de Paul In his opening remarks, given the day was the fi rst-time inclu- Kevin Vann offers his thanks to Bishop Church in Arlington. The annual after the prayer service and sion of immediate translation Gerald Kicanas at gathering of professional and Bishop Vann’s introduction, services for Spanish-speaking the conclusion of the volunteer ministers of the diocese Bishop Kicanas addressed the participants. Diocesan staff day. The bishop also drew about 350 priests, deacons, group by asking all participants members Sister Yolanda Cruz, took the opportunity vowed religious, and lay leaders to stamp their feet loudly on the SSMN, and Pedro Moreno, to congratulate Msgr. from parishes, schools, and the fl oor. “How beautiful are the feet while listening to the presenta- Charles King on the diocesan administrative offi ces. … of those who bring the good tions and discussion that were 51st anniversary of his The program began with a prayer news,” the bishop refl ected, as offered in English, immediately ordination (Dec. 16), service and included morning the stamping subsided. “Thank translated the proceedings into and Father George and afternoon presentations from you for using your feet to bring Spanish. Twenty-one members Foley on the 49th Bishop Kicanas, as well as ani- the good news to the people of of the gathering, while wearing anniversary of his ordination (Nov. 30). mated table discussions among your diocese and beyond.” headphones and listening to the participants. Throughout the day, the translated remarks, were then “I was very proud to have bishop, who spoke without the able to actively participate in the Bishop Kicanas here with us in use of notes, repeatedly referred proceedings. the Diocese of Fort Worth,” added to Catholic lay ecclesial ministers “We were so pleased to be Bishop Vann, explaining that he as “a great gift of the church,” and able to offer this service at this has known the bishop for many he thanked participants for “all year’s Ministerium, thanks to years when both were living and the work that you do to build the technology that was provided ministering in their home state church, day in and day out.” to us at a very minimal cost,” of Illinois. Lay ecclesial ministers have said Sr. Yolanda. “We hope to “Bishop Kicanas — who was so many responsibilities, and be able to offer the same service in Vietnamese at next year’s Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN, (left) translates recently elected vice president are so busy, that it is “critical to Bishop Kicanas’ remarks into Spanish as he of the United States Conference pull away from the hectic pace gathering.” speaks, while Sister Micaela Diaz, MCSH, of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and to realize that you are not Bishop Kicanas, who served (above) of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Fort — gave us the real spiritual and lone rangers,” Bishop Kicanas as rector at two large seminaries Worth, listens to the translation on a headset. theological foundation of the admonished his listeners. He in the Chicago area during the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 17 Diocesan

Left: Bishop Kevin Vann smiles as he listens to a story told by Bishop Gerald Kicanas at the Ministerium gathering. “Seek an attitude of gratitude, always,” Bishop Kicanas urged his listeners. “Cultivate a profound sense that everything in life is a true blessing.” Left: Bishop Gerald Kicanas greets Father John Robert Skeldon, who serves as parochial administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Wichita Falls.

Below: Mary Kay Manning (standing), a staff member at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington, greets Pat Mancuso of Holy Family Parish during a roundtable discussion session. The day offered an opportunity for priests, deacons, vowed religious, and lay ecclesial ministers from across the diocese to gather for shared prayer, enrichment, and inspiration.

Above: Hilda Flores, diocesan Mission Outreach coordinator, addresses the gathering as Bishop Kicanas looks on. Ministerium participants offered questions and refl ections at the microphone at the interactive morning and afternoon sessions.

1980s and 1990s, was appointed ly, the document emphasizes the auxiliary bishop of Chicago in necessity of collaboration among 1995. Pope John Paul II appointed priests, deacons, religious, and Bishop Kicanas the lay leaders. Bishop of Tucson in October 2001; Citing several studies funded upon the retirement of Bishop by Lilly Endowment grants on the Manuel Moreno, Bishop Kicanas religious beliefs and practices of became the sixth bishop of Tucson youth and young adults in the BY NICKI PREVOU who risk their lives in their quest when they are denied preventive on March 7, 2003. United States, Bishop Kicanas STAFF WRITER for a better life. healthcare. The bishops have Bishop Kicanas, who, like the refl ected upon the implications of After watching the video, Fa- urged us to support their call for late Bishop Joseph Delaney of the results of those studies as they pproximately 70 Minis- ther Stephen Jasso, TOR, pastor of reforms that will protect the hu- Fort Worth, served as a chair of affected the work of lay ecclesial terium participants, rep- All Church in Fort Worth, man dignity of all people.” the USCCB Subcommittee on Lay ministers, particularly those di- resenting parishes and noted the importance of advocat- Karen Roach, pastoral as- Ministry, was also involved in rectly involved in catechetical schools from various parts of the ing for immigration reform. His sistant at Holy Family Church the subcommittee’s sponsorship work. He also led participants Diocese of Fort Worth, attended experiences of offering pastoral in Fort Worth, said that she felt of listening sessions and focus in discussion about their own the annual pre-Ministerium care to immigrants and their that the video and accompanying groups that took place in prepa- experiences of being called to breakfast, sponsored each year by families has led him to work with guidebook could be a valuable ration for the writing of the “Co- serve in ministry and their need the diocesan offi ce of Community congressional leaders and with resource in churches and schools Workers” document. The process for affi rmation and support, and and Pastoral Services. local organizations on behalf of that wish to offer information took a total of 10 years before the reminded them of the need to Ralph McCloud, diocesan his migrant parishioners whose and guidance on Catholic Social document was approved by the seek personal holiness, saying, director of Community and Pas- families have been separated Teaching and immigration is- USCCB in November 2005. “Before you purify others, you toral Services, led participants in through deportation. sues. The document, with the full have to be purifi ed yourself. You discussion after a viewing of the “The bishops have been clear “We have a Peace and Justice name “Co-Workers in the Vine- have to be sanctifi ed in order to video “Dying to Live: A Migrant’s in saying that efforts should be committee at Holy Family,” said yard of the Lord: A Resource for sanctify.” Journey.” The video, produced made to keep families together,” Roach. “I know we could have the Guiding the Development of As participants expressed by the Catholic Communication agreed McCloud, noting the pas- same kind of viewing of the video Lay Ecclesial Ministry,” has four their appreciation and enjoy- Campaign, is being used as a toral letter issued by the Catholic and discussion at our parish. I components, Bishop Kicanas told ment of the day, Bishop Kicanas resource in the “Justice for Im- bishops of Mexico and the United think that would be helpful.” Ministerium participants. He returned their compliments. migrants: A Journey of Hope” States, entitled “Strangers No McCloud said that copies of a noted that the document serves “You’re quite an impressive campaign nationwide in Catholic Longer: Together on the Journey parish resource kit are available to affirm the ministry of lay group, I must say,” he told his parishes and schools. of Hope.” through the U.S. Conference ecclesial ministers; it stresses the listeners in his closing remarks. The fi lm, produced in 2005, is a “As Catholics, it is our task to of Catholic Bishops’ Migration importance of formation through “We all need to be recognized, moving depiction of the realities calm the conversation about im- and Refugee Services. Informa- opportunities for lay ministers to valued, and appreciated,” he of individual migrants from Mex- migration issues,” McCloud said. tion about obtaining the kit, the grow personally, intellectually, added. “Your ministry is a gift ico. The documentary offers the “The conversation often borders video and guidebook, and other spiritually, and pastorally; the and a blessing to the church, insights of several theologians, on hatred and is often very polar- information about the bishops’ document suggests that lay min- and if you hear no other mes- activists, musicians, and Pulitzer izing. Immigrants among us are current campaign for immigra- isters should be commissioned sage from this document [“Co- prize-winning photographers facing so many challenges, as tion reform is available online and authorized formally by the Workers”], I hope you hear that who have personally served as when they are robbed and they at www.justiceforimmigrants. bishop of their diocese; and, last- message.” witnesses and ministers to those are afraid to call the police, or org. Page 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Scripture Readings

stopped billowing from my ears, I heard a small voice in my head say, “Are you trying?” “Put on, as God’s God in his fashion had challenged my self- chosen ones, holy righteousness — and I lost. When I came out of and beloved, heart- my room, my sister was in the bathroom. I wrote her a note that simply said, “I’ll try if you will.” felt compassion, From that point on I don’t think we had an- kindness, humility, other fi ght. gentleness, and pa- On the feast of the Holy Family, the church December 30, The Holy Family of tience, bearing with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. gives us a passage from St. Paul that calls us, not Cycle A. Readings: just to put up with each other, but to bear with one another and for- one another in compassion, kindness, humility, giving one another.” 1) Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 gentleness, and patience. Psalm 128:1-5 It was only when God’s prompting toward — Colossians 2) Colossians 3:12-21 these graces broke through my bitter, angry Gospel) Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 resentment of my sister that peace came to our 3:12-13 relationship. Being a family of holiness takes work, prayer, submission, and selfl ess behavior. It is not By Jeff Hedglen unlike the family that had a virgin teen- ager say yes to God; a fi ancé who initially hen I was 16 I shared a car with my 19-year- wanted to cut and run, but submitted to God’s old sister. We split the cost of the car payment W plan; and a Son who had no idea what lay ahead and insurance down the middle. The plan was of him, but when his hour came, took the cup his that we also would have equal use of the vehicle. Father handed to him. She was older and had a job around the corner; One of the steps to holiness is to take our eyes I was younger and had a girlfriend who lived off of ourselves and put them on those we love. It 30 minutes away. Naturally this caused a lot of is this kind of action that paves the road to being problems. a holy family. Nothing in my life with four other siblings could compare with the fi ghts we had about the use of that car. Doors would slam; very un-Chris- tian words would fl y; and feelings were shred- QUESTIONS: ded. What are some ways we can “bear with one another” when the other One day, after a typical display of mutual selfi shness, I slammed the door to my room and is hard to get along with? Do you have a story that shows how you or said to no one in particular, “Why won’t she even try?!” A few minutes later after the steam someone you know has grown in holiness? Copyright © 2007, Diocese of Fort Worth

Pope says unity in Christ makes friends out of strangers

By Carol Glatz The pope said St. Paulinus stand the teachings of the Second Catholic News Service used his gifts as poet and lover Vatican Council concerning the VATICAN CITY —Being unit- of literature to serve the church. church “as sacrament of the ed in Christ makes friends even Pope Benedict quoted the intimate union with God and out of complete strangers, Pope as saying “for me, the only art — therefore of our unity, and fi nally Benedict XVI said at his weekly faith — is Christ, my poetry.” [the unity] of all humankind.” general audience. St. Paulinus’ correspon- At the end of his general audi- “Without having met, we dence with many contemporary ence, the pope thanked represen- know each other because we are churchmen revealed his sense of tatives of a national association members of one body,” the body communion, the pope said. of Italian bakers for their “appre- of Christ and the church, he said, In a letter to St. Augustine, ciated donation” of panettone, quoting a letter by St. Paulinus to St. Paulinus wrote it was not an Italian Christmas cake, that St. Augustine. surprising that the two of them the pope will distribute through During his Dec. 12 general should feel intimately close his charities to those in need this audience in the Vatican’s Paul as brothers even though they holiday season. VI hall, the pope continued a had never met because “we are Another gift the pope received series of talks on the teachers of members of one body, we have was a 6-foot by 4-foot portrait of the early church with a cateche- one head, we are bathed by the himself, wearing a gold miter sis on St. Paulinus, the bishop same grace, we live by the same and rich red vestments, seated of Nola in southern . Born bread, walk the same path, and on the throne of Leo XIII. in southern France in 354, the dwell in the same home.” The ’ Pa- saint converted to Christianity The pope said this was a trons of the Arts commissioned as an adult. After the death of “beautiful description of what it the piece by Natalia Tsarkova, their fi rst child, he and his wife means to be Christians, to be the a Russian Orthodox painter liv- lived a life of chastity, prayer, and body of Christ, living in catholic ing in Rome. One of Tsarkova’s dedication to the poor. communion of the church.” many portraits of Pope John Paul When he was chosen bishop St. Paulinus’ concept of com- II hangs in the cultural center of Nola in 409, St. Paulinus munion helps people under- named after him in Washington. continued to help the poor and stayed close to his fl ock during the tumult of barbarian inva- Pope Benedict XVI smiles as he leaves St. John the Baptist Hospital in Rome at sions. the end of his pastoral visit Dec. 2. (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 19 Scripture Readings

“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

— Matthew 2:2 January 6, The Epiphany of the Lord. Cycle A. 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

ody language: Specialists in human behav- next point, I was positive and focused, not feel- graces, thankful for his mercy, and amazed that iorB have helped the rest of us understand how ing defeated. he should care at all, much less love me. important it is in communication. Psychologists I’ve realized the same infl uence of body lan- In the Gospel reading for Epiphany, the Magi, explain that we can determine a great deal about guage holds true when I approach God in prayer. representing the greatest among human be- a person’s attitude, underlying his or her words, I grew up Protestant, so the tradition of kneeling ings, searched for the light of God entering the by observing body language. — in community worship — wasn’t prevalent. world’s darkness. Finding it, they brought their In certain arenas, in fact, body language is actu- I always bowed my head, but rarely knelt, in best stuff to the Savior and prostrated them- ally taught. For example, it is part of the training prayer. What a change in attitude I felt before selves before him. for interviewing, sales pitching, or athletic com- God when I lowered my entire body to a posture They modeled for us, with extreme body petition. I remember my son once coming home of supplication. language, an attitude in approaching Jesus that from tennis team practice with written instruc- I understood better who I was in relationship allows us to experience the awesomeness of his tions regarding body language during a match. to my Savior, wholly dependent on his good presence and blessings. Peering over his shoulder at those instruc- tions, I learned a few helpful physical attitudes. Don’t drop your shoulders and head or slow QUESTIONS: your gait after losing a point, for instance. When What is your basic daily attitude in approaching God? Besides kneeling I, myself, applied this on the court, I realized that it probably had more of an effect on me than on in prayer, what other kinds of body language have helped you develop my opponent. Keeping my shoulders back, head up and moving purposefully into position for the an attitude of humility and gratitude to Jesus as your Savior? Copyright © 2008, Diocese of Fort Worth Our Emmanuel pitched his tent among us By Jeff Hedglen his tent” (or tabernacle). So the most perfect example of God’s Scriptures actually say that Je- glory was the tabernacle in the his time of year many sus pitched his tent among us. temple in Jerusalem. But now people travel to visit It is no mistake that Jesus is called The signifi cance of this is that Jesus has pitched his tent Trelatives. Some families huge. First, if you have ever (or tabernacle) among us, he is have plenty of space for the our Emmanuel — God with us! For in been camping, you know that the most perfect expression of visitors, and so they simply pitching a tent is not something the Glory of God. make up the guest room. Other his taking fl esh, making his dwelling to do if you’re just stopping It is no mistake that Jesus is people fold out the couch or for a rest. This is what you do called our Emmanuel — God blow up the air mattress. Still among us, God has pitched his tent in when you are settling in at this with us! For in his taking fl esh, some people just have no room, spot. making his dwelling among so the guests fi nd space at the Second, in the history of the us, God has pitched his tent in nearby inn. our hearts. And as a result we share Jewish people the tent holds our hearts. And as a result, we Few if any people plan to an important place. When the share in the glory of God. pitch a tent for accommoda- in the glory of God. Israelites left Egypt and were As we attempt to fi nd our tions this Christmas. This is too wandering in the desert, the way through the thicket of the bad because this is exactly the Lord’s presence was in the tent commercialized X-mas to the way the Gospel of John ex- where the Ark of the Covenant holy silent night when Christ plains the coming of Jesus. that gives us deep insight into might miss what John is trying was kept. Thus a tent is syn- was born, let’s remember that The typical representation the plan of God in sending us to tell us. onymous with the presence of the glory of the season is not of Jesus’ birth comes from his son wrapped, not in swad- The Word became fl esh. The the Lord. So, in saying “pitched the lights on the house or the Luke’s Gospel. As the story dling cloths, but in fl esh. Word did not take the appear- his tent among us,” what is presents under the tree, or the goes, Mary and Joseph look for John says it this way: “And ance of fl esh or temporarily revealed is that the Incarnate spread of food on the table, a room at an inn, but they have the Word became fl esh and have fl esh, it became flesh. This Word is the new mode of God’s rather it is the Word made no luck. They end up in a barn made his dwelling among us, tells us that the Word of God, presence among his people. fl esh, dwelling in our midst, surrounded by animals and and we saw his glory, the glory the second person of the Trin- Glory is a word we of- revealing the glory of God. shepherds. All of this is beauti- as of the Father’s only Son, full ity, the one whom we call Jesus, ten associate with God, and Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. fully depicted in manger scenes of grace and truth” (John 1:14). became human. God became a rightly so, for it is the visible Bartholomew Parish in Southwest that come to us courtesy of St. This one verse is loaded with human — this is big stuff! manifestation of God’s majesty Fort Worth, is the principal or- Francis who began the practice imagery easily overlooked. We Next, John says that the and power. In this verse from ganizer of Camp Fort Worth each of creating them live in 1223. are very familiar with words Word made his dwelling John’s Gospel, it brings to light summer. Readers with questions John’s Gospel paints a very like: became, dwelling, and among us. In the original lan- how Jesus is now the Glory can contact Jeff at jeff@stbartsfw. different picture, but it is one glory, so much so that we guage, this is literally “pitched of God. Before this time the org. Page 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 América Comienza el Buen samaritano Noche de Paz, Días de Paz, buscando voluntarios Meses de Paz y Años de paz El proyecto Buen samaritano, la Los organizadores del proyecto iniciativa más reciente de la Pasto- piensan que lo ideal fuese servir La verdadera paz ral Juvenil Hispana — un equipo “Queremos que de una a dos horas semanales en de Solidaridad que consiste de los jóvenes se den alguno de estos ministerios. comenzó con una familia jóvenes en la pastoral de varias Parte del proyecto contempla parroquias — organizó su primer cuenta que Jesús reuniones periódicas cada dos en Belén y un pesebre encuentro el 18 de noviembre los llama para que meses, para que los jóvenes pue- dan compartir sus experiencias, en la iglesia San Juan Apóstol Por Pedro A. Moreno, OPL salgan a las calles, fi nalizando cada reunión con una de Fort Worth. La convocatoria Director, Instituto Luz de Cristo inicial precisó como objetivo la a las cárceles, a los oración comunitaria. idea que hay mucha necesidad hospitales, y para Una de las decisiones del de ayudar al prójimo, sobretodo grupo fue la creación de una Noche de paz es lo que encontramos en la famosa a los más pobres y necesitados que sean el Cristo planilla que llenarían cada vez cueva de Belén. Ahí encontramos al niño Jesús envuelto de nuestra comunidad. Su misión para los demás, que asistiesen a brindar su ser- en pañales, María a su lado pendiente de su recién nacido fundamental es concientizar a los vicio. El objetivo de dicha hoja quienes necesitan y José mirando a los dos seres, foco de su amor. Ellos jóvenes sobre los problemas de la sería para ayudar al joven a de- viven en paz, pues viven dándole a Dios prioridad. humanidad para que respondan oír la buena sarrollar conciencia y refl exionar con amor y servicio hacia los nueva”. sobre sus experiencias. Wendy A cada familia, como a la Sagrada Familia, le corre- más desamparados. A la vez, Albarran, una de las principales sponde ser una escuela de paz. Es en la familia donde compartiendo su fe y su vida con —Hermana Elvira Mata organizadoras del Buen sama- se educa una nueva humanidad y donde se aprende, en los demás en forma de oración y ritano, explica lo que desea del un ambiente sano, a vivir la paz. Es en la familia donde refl exión, sus miembros pueden futuro y de la participación de se aprende a respetar la ley de Dios para así vivir en paz llegar más allá de servir a sus Después de las presenta- los jóvenes en este proyecto: con Dios. Es en la familia donde se aprende el valor de parroquias para ayudar a la co- ciones, los jóvenes tuvieron la “Espero que esta iniciativa sirva relaciones justas como punto de partida para vivir en paz munidad en la cual vivimos. oportunidad de hablar con los para entusiasmar a los jóvenes a unos con otros. Es en la familia donde se aprende de que En las palabras de la Hermana representantes de las agencias, utilizar sus talentos en el servicio mientras más nos amamos, más profunda es la paz que Elvira Mata, mcdp, “Queremos interrogarles sobre puntos es- del prójimo, y que a la vez pueda podemos vivir. La familia es la primera escuela de paz. que los jóvenes se den cuenta que pecífi cos y, fi nalmente, anotarse servir como instrumento para Jesús los llama para que salgan a como voluntarios si tenían algo ofrecer sus esfuerzos a Dios”. Vidas llenas de paz es lo que nos ofrece el niño Jesús en las calles, a las cárceles, a los hos- en particular que los atraía a Durante el mes de enero estos la navidad. El ejemplo de la Sagrada Familia nos enseña pitales, y para que sean el Cristo cualquiera de las organizaciones jóvenes esperan poder comen- cómo hacer que sea un hogar una escuela de paz, pero la para los demás, quienes necesitan presentes. Durante el evento, los zar su servicio de voluntarios, paz se puede vivir por mucho más de una noche y más oír la buena nueva”. jóvenes tuvieron amplia libertad para reunirse otra vez más el allá de nuestro hogar. Aproximadamente 70 jóvenes para encontrar oportunidades 20 de enero en la iglesia de San asistieron a la reunión inicial de servicio al prójimo, entre ellas Juan Apóstol de Fort Worth, y Identifi car lo que es la paz es importante. San Agustín para escuchar las aspiraciones y distribución de comida y visitas así convocar y hablar sobre sus la defi ne como tranquilidad de orden, o sea, serenidad y actividades de diversas organi- a cárceles, hospitales, hospitales experiencias de los últimos me- calma; detalles que jamás podrán existir si a Dios no le zaciones, las cuales explicaban de niños, casas de ancianos, y ses. Finalizarán rezando juntos damos la prioridad que se merece. sus misiones y oportunidades enfermos con SIDA. y aprendiendo sobre la doctrina de trabajo voluntario para servir Durante el mes de diciembre, social, que es la llamada a servir Debemos seguir el ejemplo de la Sagrada Familia que a los más empobrecidos de nues- los jóvenes fi nalizarán el proceso con amor y servicio hacia los po- no solo convirtió su hogar en escuela de paz, si no que tra sociedad. Al evento fueron de aplicación a las diversas orga- bres y los más necesitados. ellos también compartieron esta paz con sus vecinos. Las representantes de AIDS Interfaith nizaciones, al igual que la orienta- Si están interesados en apren- relaciones de amor y comunión entre las diversas familias de Fort Worth, Meals on Wheels, ción y entrenamiento requeridos der más sobre el proyecto Buen sa- de un vecindario van creando pueblos de paz. Incluso, la ministerios de las cárceles y de los para cada una. Entonces será el maritano, puede comunicarse con paz que encontramos en Cristo, nuestro Príncipe de Paz, hospitales, el hospital de niños momento en que podrán comen- Wendy Albarran: wendaly@msn. es tan contagiosa y fuerte que podríamos incluso traer la Cook Children’s Hospital, varios zar a servir a los más necesitados com o la Hermana Elvira Mata en paz al mundo entero. hospicios para los ancianos y y ser la presencia de Cristo ante las ofi cinas de la diócesis de Fort fi nalmente Girls Club. quienes más requieren de Él. Worth: (817) 560 3300 Ext. 273. Acabo de leer el mensaje del Santo Padre para la próxima Jornada Mundial de la Paz y aquí les ofrezco una cita del mismo: Familia humana, comunidad de Vaticano: los que se dedican a los medios de comunicación paz… la primera forma de comunión entre las personas es la que el amor suscita entre un hombre y una mujer deben ser como Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe decididos a unirse establemente para construir juntos una nueva familia. Pero también los pueblos de la tierra están CIUDAD DEL VATICANO esfuerzos depende del amor, la en el que escucha”. llamados a establecer entre sí relaciones de solidaridad (CNS) — A semejanza de Nuestra humildad y la creatividad. La Virgen María no hizo menos y colaboración, como corresponde a los miembros de la Señora de Guadalupe, los católi- Como “modelo de la perfecta a Juan Diego, que fue canonizado única familia humana: “Todos los pueblos forman una cos que se dedican a los medios evangelización en cultura”, Nues- en el año 2002, ni lo menospreció única comunidad y tienen un mismo origen, puesto que de comunicación deben de com- tra Señora de Guadalupe se apa- con palabras, dijo el arzobispo; Dios hizo habitar a todo el género humano sobre la entera partir el mensaje del Evangelio en reció al indígena mexicano Juan en lugar de eso, reconoció en su faz de la tierra; también tienen un único fi n último, Dios”. forma tal que refl eje la cultura de Diego en 1531 bajo las apariencias totalidad su dignidad humana y los oyentes y use imágenes y ges- de una mujer indígena, dijo. le dio el gran encargo de comuni- Durante esta Navidad y Año Nuevo estaré orando por tos para cautivar la imaginación “Se adaptó a la mentalidad de carles a otros su mensaje. todos mis lectores y les invito a que vivan una noche de y el corazón de todos ellos, dijo sus hijos, su cultura, su ritmo”, El arzobispo Celli les dijo a los paz, días de paz, meses de paz y muchos años de paz. el arzobispo Claudio Celli. dijo el arzobispo Celli. “Su men- católicos que se dedican a los me- Amen. En una declaración del 12 de saje no estaba hecho solamente de dios de comunicación que en su diciembre, fecha en la que se cele- palabras, sino de gestos, forma, preparación de la Navidad deben Pedro Moreno es director diocesano del Instituto bró la fi esta de Nuestra Señora de imagen, lengua e idioma”. llenarse de un temor reverente Luz de Cristo. Sus escritos espirituales han recibido Guadalupe, el arzobispo Celli, El ejemplo que nos dio la Vir- ante el hecho de que Dios se hizo múltiples premios de la Asociación de Periodismo presidente del Consejo Pontifi cio gen María, dijo, fue de “una co- humano en Jesucristo y que “Él Católico de los Estados Unidos y Canadá. Vive en el de Comunicaciones Sociales, le municación amorosa, y completa que era todopoderoso y mantiene noroeste de Fort Worth con su esposa Maria Mirta dijo a los que se dedican a los aceptación del mundo de sus hi- el universo en su mano se hizo y sus tres hijas Maria, Patricia y Mirangela. Pedro es Laico medios de comunicación en jos, que tiene un efecto dinámico débil y dependiente”. Dominico. Latinoamérica que el éxito de sus obrando un cambio permanente NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 21 América

Proclamar la esperanza de Dios expresada en el nacimiento de Jesús Queridos Amigos en la tremo, a cada uno en particular y a la al niño Dios, nuestra esperanza en la humanidad en su conjunto. Su reino salvación por medio del amor. Diócesis de Fort Worth, Somos salvos a través no es un más allá imaginario, situado Una parte importante de nuestra a es- en un futuro que nunca llega; su reino evangelización en la Diócesis de Fort de la esperanza porque está presente allí donde Él es amado Worth es la promoción de la esperanza. Ytamos y dónde su amor nos alcanza. Sólo su Hacemos esto al darle la bienvenida Jesucristo, el rostro amor nos da la posibilidad de perse- al niño Dios en nuestros corazones. al fi nal de humano del amor y verar día a día con toda sobriedad, Creer en la esperanza cristiana es darle Adviento y sin perder el impulso de la esperanza, a Cristo el libre manejo de nuestros la esperanza, nos ha en un mundo que por su naturaleza corazones y nuestras vidas para que nos queda es imperfecto. Y, al mismo tiempo, su así Él pueda hacerlas nuevas otra vez. salvado y nos ha traído amor es para nosotros la garantía de Esta nueva vida comienza cuando Él poco tiem- que existe aquello que sólo llegamos nos transforma desde adentro, en su po para a cada uno de nosotros a intuir vagamente y que, sin em- imagen y semejanza, y nos une a todos Monseñor Kevin W. Vann bargo, esperamos en lo más íntimo de en un cuerpo para compartir su luz de preparar- el amoroso don de la nuestro ser: la vida que es ‘realmente’ esperanza y amor en el mundo. Creer vida’”. y vivir vidas arraigadas fi rmemente nos para la celebración de la nueva vida. Somos salvos a través de la espe- en estas verdades es tener siempre Navidad. ranza porque Jesucristo, el rostro esperanza; no importa qué retos se y oración. Nuestras parroquias si humano del amor y la esperanza, nos presenten. Creer en y vivir vidas ofrecen oportunidades maravillosas nos ha salvado y nos ha traído a cada arraigadas fi rmemente en la esperanza Parte de esta preparación ha sido para la oración comunitaria; nuestras uno de nosotros el amoroso don de la cristiana nos ayudará a ser discípulos las entusiasmadas celebraciones de celebraciones eucarísticas son el nueva vida. Esta nueva vida nos llega más efi caces, servidores y comunicado- Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe a través mejor ejemplo de esto, pero también a través de la muerte redentora de res más efectivos del amor de Cristo en de toda la Diócesis de Fort Worth. necesitamos tomar un cierto tiempo Jesucristo en la cruz y su resurrección nuestras parroquias. Deseo agradecer a todas las personas, a solas y en silencio para la oración y al tercer día. Por su Encarnación, vida Cada uno de los doce días de la que a pesar de las inclemencias del refl exión personal. No podría servir pasión, muerte y resurrección, Él nos época navideña nos ofrece la opor- clima, llegaron a sus parroquias tan como obispo de nuestra diócesis si expresa cuán bueno y rico en miseri- tunidad como discípulos, parroquias, temprano en la mañana para cantar no fuera por la fuerza y la esperanza cordia Él es en verdad. Él nos guía y diócesis, para estrechar nuestras alabanzas a nuestra bendita madre, que nace, y se mantiene, a través de hacia la verdadera vida. manos hacia los demás como Dios lo Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Los la oración y los sacramentos. El Adviento es una época muy apro- hace con nosotros en la Navidad. Con numerosos grupos de matachines que Nuestro Santo Padre, el Papa piada para entregarnos esta nueva nuestros variados actos de generosidad bailaron, los diversos grupos de ma- Benedicto XVI, nos ha regalado a encíclica, pues la esperanza es uno de y de amor, estamos ayudando a llenar riachi que tocaron sus instrumentos, todos una herramienta maravil- los temas del Adviento. En su men- las vidas de los demás con la esperan- y los muchos devotos que prepararon losa para la refl exión, meditación saje durante la recitación del Ángelus, za cristiana. Actuando como un pueblo los arreglos fl orales y los alimentos tan y oración. Me estoy refi riendo a su el Santo Padre nos menciona cuán lleno de esperanza, estamos dem- deliciosos, se combinaron para hacer nueva encíclica Spe Salvi, sobre la es- apropiado es refl exionar en su nueva ostrando con nuestras vidas qué nos esta celebración una muy especial peranza cristiana. Quisiera darle una encíclica. Incluso llega a decirnos, ha- importan y que amamos a los demás. en las diversas parroquias de toda la mirada a algunas de las ideas de esta ciendo echo del espíritu del Adviento, Recordemos siempre que la esperanza diócesis. carta a la luz de la época navideña “¡En Cristo esperamos; es a Él a quien en acción es amor y vida. De esta De manera especial quisiera men- que está a punto de comenzar. aguardamos”! manera la realidad de la encarnación cionar las parroquias de Santo Nom- Nuestro Santo Padre nos invita Sobretodo durante la Navidad, se hace más evidente entre nosotros. bre y Santa Maria de la Asunción en a considerar la pregunta: ¿Qué es cada celebración es una celebración Espero que el nacimiento del niño Fort Worth, San Francisco de Asís en la esperanza cristiana? Al leer sus de la esperanza porque se centra en Dios en nuestros corazones, especial- Grapevine, y también Nolan Catholic palabras llego a la conclusión que el nacimiento de Jesucristo, nuestra mente cuando lo recibamos en la Euca- High School. Fue en estas comunidades la esperanza cristiana es vivir en el esperanza y nuestra salvación. Cu- ristía en esta Navidad, sea una muestra donde celebré la Eucaristía y donde conocimiento de quién es Dios y no ando visitamos los hermosos pesebres clara de la esperanza que vive en compartí con los grupos de mata- olvidarse de todo lo que Él ha hecho en nuestras parroquias y fi jamos nosotros y del amor que nos tenemos chines. por nosotros. Una traducción del nuestra mirada en la imagen central unos a otros. A todos ustedes mis más expresi- título de la carta es “Salvados por la del nacimiento, estamos mirando Espero y oro para que todos vas gracias por mantener esta devo- esperanza”. Esto nos trae a una se- un signo de la esperanza. Cuando ustedes y sus seres amados reciban ción a nuestra bendita madre, nuestra gunda pregunta: ¿Por qué encontra- miramos el rostro de esta imagen una bendición muy especial en esta estrella de la esperanza, viva en la mos la salvación en la esperanza cris- del divino niño, vestido en pañales Navidad y disfruten de un año nuevo Diócesis de Fort Worth. tiana? Nuestro Santo Padre responde y puesto sobre hierba fresca, esta- lleno de bendiciones. Por favor sigan Otra manera para prepararnos para a esto de una manera muy extensa. mos mirando cómo es que Dios nos orando por mí. Una vez más, le doy la celebración de la Navidad, además He aquí una cita que comienza a comunica su amor infi nito y eterno las gracias a cada uno de ustedes por de los muchos árboles de ángeles en responder esta pregunta. para cada uno de nosotros. ¡Este niño su fi rme compromiso en vivir nues- nuestras parroquias y de otros dona- “Dios es el fundamento de la es- nos recuerda que siempre habrá espe- tra fe católica. La reciente instalación tivos para aquellos con necesidades a peranza; pero no cualquier dios, sino ranza porque Él también nos dice que de Daniel Cardenal Dinardo es un través de nuestra diócesis, es tomar un el Dios que tiene un rostro humano siempre seremos amados! Navidad es reconocimiento de esa vida de fe aquí tiempo para la refl exión, meditación, y que nos ha amado hasta el ex- el nacimiento, el darle la bienvenida en Texas. Encuentro para comprometidos ‘Empezando una vida nueva’ 12 y 13 de enero Grupo de apoyo para separados, divorciados y viudos El Encuentro para Compro- Es presentado por un equipo de metidos es una preparación parejas casadas. El próximo fi n ¨Empezando una vida nueva¨ destrezas de superación que a las 9 p.m. en el nuevo salón matrimonial de fi n de semana de semana se llevará a cabo el es un grupo de apoyo para per- otras personas han aprendido, parroquial de la Iglesia Todos para parejas de novios que de- 12 y 13 de enero, en el Catholic sonas que están pasando por encontrar nuevos amigos/as los Santos, 214 N.W. 20th St., sean contraer matrimonio. Está Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., el dolor de una separación, un que caminarán con usted hacia el Fort Worth. Si desea inscribirse designado para dar a las parejas Fort Worth, Tx. 76103. Favor de divorcio o muerte de su cón- futuro, perdonar, adquirir acep- o desea más información, favor la oportunidad de dialogar in- hablar con Suzanna Ordóñez yuge. El grupo se reúne una vez tación y más... ¨Empezando una de hablar con Carmen Zacarías tensamente y honestamente so- para inscribirse al 817-560-3300 por semana por diez semanas vida nueva¨ comenzará el lunes, al (682) 472-8517. bre su futura vida como pareja. ext. 256. y su propósito es de compartir 28 de enero, 2008, de las 7 p.m. Page 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 América Arranca el programa vocacional para la comunidad hispana con su primer encuentro

Por Ana M. Fores indica su deseo y apertura de Señorita Mata también se reúne Fotos por Coresponsal servir a través de una vocación con la Hermana Elvira dos veces Donna Ryckaert Todos los bautizados bajo la religiosa o sacerdotal”. al mes. fe llevamos una vocación para La Hermana Elvira explicó: Después de ese fi n de semana Izquierda: El Padre Kyle ser alguien especial, y lograr algo “El propósito de este fi n de se- vocacional tan exitoso, la Her- Walterscheid, director de inconfundible en cuanto a nues- mana se desarrolló para que los mana Elvira Mata propuso un vocaciones para la Diócesis de tra fe. Algunos damos nuestros jóvenes hispanos conociesen más seguimiento natural: una vigilia Fort Worth, le habla a un grupo talentos para servir a Dios, a la sobre la vida religiosa y la vida vocacional que tomaría lugar de jóvenes buscando su camino de vocación durante un retiro Iglesia y a nuestros semejantes sacerdotal como respuesta al mensualmente, en la cual los para Hispanos en octubre. a través de la vocación religiosa: llamado del Señor”. Este evento jóvenes interesados en llevar nos convertimos en sacerdotes, se llevó a cabo a través de charlas un proceso de discernimiento religiosas o decanos; otros damos presentadas por sacerdotes y her- podrían seguir buscando su testimonio de nuestra fe a través manas religiosas, exposiciones de vocación. El grupo se reuniría de la oración y del desempeño las distintas comunidades pre- en distintas parroquias o con- de una vida de acuerdo a los sentes, y tiempo para compartir ventos de sacerdotes y hermanas preceptos de la religión católica. con otros jóvenes así como con las religiosas. Estas reuniones con- Así conocemos mejor la palabra hermanas y sacerdotes presentes. sistirían de varios componentes: Abajo: La Hermana Rosa visita de Dios y vivimos el evangelio Además se presentó una película compartirían preguntas sobre la con participante Nancy Lopez al servicio de los demás. De sobre el Padre Alberto Hurtado, vocación, se presentaría un tema durante el retiro vocacional. cualquier manera, la ofi cina dioc- S.J., y su respuesta vocacional. vocacional al mes por una herma- esana de vocaciones en Ft. Worth, Dentro de las actividades más na o sacerdote, y se fi nalizaría con bajo la dirección del Padre Kyle importantes del fi n de semana una oración ante el santísimo. La Walterscheid, convoca reuniones estuvieron las diversas opor- primera reunión después del fi n y da información para quienes tunidades que dispusieron los de semana vocacional en español están considerando asumir este jóvenes para entrevistarse con ocurrió el 16 de noviembre en la compromiso radical que repre- sacerdotes o religiosas. A lo largo catedral de San Patricio, y fue senta una vocación religiosa. del fi n de semana, ellos pudieron dirigida por el Padre Kyle Wal- El fi n de semana del 19 al 21 de pasar tiempo con aquellos que terscheid, quien piensa que la octubre, en el Catholic Renewal han respondido a este llamado juventud Hispana es clave para Center de Fort Worth, se llevó religioso. “Comieron, platicaron, el futuro de la iglesia, ya que a cabo el primer fi n de semana cantaron y oraron con ellos y así más de la mitad de los jóvenes vocacional en español, llamado conocieron más a fondo lo que es católicos son hispanos. El Padre ¡Ven y Sígueme! De acuerdo a la vocación religiosa”, comentó la Kyle explica por qué, en su opin- la Hermana Elvira Mata, mcdp, Hermana Elvira. ión, este programa es vital: “No participaron alrededor de 40 Una de las cosas que le gustó podemos decir que los hispanos jóvenes hispanos “que buscan más a Carolina Mata, feligresa de son parte íntegra de nuestra igle- responder al llamado de Jesús la Iglesia Católica de San Judas, sia católica aquí en los Estados para comprender cómo servirle en Mansfi eld, fue la variedad de Unidos hasta que tengamos un A la derecha: La Hermana Yolanda Cruz, director de mejor en el mundo”. Durante el opiniones y personalidades de liderazgo presente entre ambos Catequesis para los niños de la fi n de semana, organizado por las religiosas: “No eran calladitas, sacerdotes y religiosas, quienes Diócesis de Fort Worth, conversa un comité de jóvenes, hermanas ni seriecitas. Había muchas con- refl ejen el espíritu latino y le den sobre la vida religiosa y el punto religiosas y el Padre Kyle, 13 gregaciones, y muchas se dedi- voz a las preocupaciones de la de vista femenino durante una comunidades — desde las her- caban a cosas diferentes. Algunas población hispana”. de las charlas del día. manas de Santa María de Namur eran religiosas fuera del país, con Habrá otra vigilia vocacional a a las Misioneras Catequistas trabajo misionero, y otras se dedi- mediados de diciembre y, para el de la Divina Providencia y los caban a trabajar aquí. Pero lo que año nuevo, el 18 de enero, las her- Capuchinos Franciscanos, entre más me gusto fue cuán realistas manas franciscanas de la Inmacu- Abajo, a la izquierda:Las muchos otros – dieron charlas eran todas, y no nos forzaban a lada Concepción, bajo la direc- hermanas comparten cuentos de sobre sus comunidades religiosas nada. Nos daban su punto de vista ción de la Hermana Flor Barreto, cómo fueron invocadas a la vida religiosa. en particular. Los participantes y nos dejaban escoger con liber- tendrán el tercer discernimiento. invitados que estuvieron pre- tad”. Actualmente, Carolina Mata La Hermana Elvira concluye Abajo, a la derecha: sentes pertenecían a distintas está asistiendo los discernimientos demostrando su entusiasmo con Padre Richard Flores habla parroquias alrededor de toda la que comenzaron como respuesta estas palabras: “Esperamos que, animadamente mientras diócesis. En palabras de la Her- a este fi n de semana vocacional, a través de estas reuniones, se comparte con un grupo de mana Elvira, “Realmente fue un que toman lugar todos los meses. pueda ayudar, animar, apoyar, hombres; a la vez, Francisco gran logro este fi n de semana, Para complementar su búsqueda y guiar al joven hispano en su Lariz, uno de los participantes, lo pues la respuesta de los jóvenes en torno a la vocación religiosa, la búsqueda vocacional”. mira, refl exionando sus palabras. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 23

IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE THIS CHRISTMAS Page 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 International

POPE CELEBRATES Mission of church is FEAST OF IMMACULATE universal, not restricted CONCEPTION — Pope Benedict XVI to specifi c regions, says leaves in his popemobile Vatican document after celebrating the FROM PAGE 1 and duty of Catholics to share feast of the Second Vatican Council called their faith with others who ask to know more, whether those asking Immaculate them,” that are present in those religions, he said. At the same belong to other religions or to Conception time, one must try “to lead them, other Christian communities. near the without any superiority complex, He said that when non- Spanish Steps to a full understanding of the Catholics are free to minister to in Rome truth in Jesus Christ.” their members in predominantly Dec. 8. (CNS “Even if the various non- Catholic countries, it only makes photo/Dario Christian religions possess seeds sense that the Catholic Church Pignatelli, of truth planted in them by the would have the same right to Reuters) Holy Spirit and the people who offer pastoral care to Catholics follow them may be saved, that in predominantly non-Catholic does not mean that the proclama- countries. tion of the good news of Jesus Besides China, where all reli- Family is primary agency of peace Christ is irrelevant. It is our task gion is restricted, and some Mus- to help the seeds of truth grow lim countries where Christians in society, says pope in message so that they fi nd their fullness in cannot openly practice their faith, Christ,” Cardinal Dias said. the issue also involved some parts FROM PAGE 1 chose for the message, the pope generations and, therefore, must Nigerian Cardinal Francis of the former Soviet Union, where of the environment, and the arms said the fact that a strong, healthy be used with care. Arinze, prefect of the Congrega- the Russian Orthodox Church has race are all threatening signs that family is the basis of a healthy Pope Benedict said the costs tion for Divine Worship and the accused the Catholic Church of individuals and nations have not society is not simply a slogan. and sacrifi ces required to protect Sacraments and also a member of proselytism, or trying to convince learned to live together in har- “In a healthy family life we ex- the environment and to halt its the doctrinal congregation, told members of the traditionally mony and mutual responsibility, perience some of the fundamen- degradation must be shared glob- reporters, “The sharing of our Orthodox population to become the pope said. tal elements of peace: justice and ally, but — as in a family — with Catholic faith with others who Catholic. “Humanity today is unfortu- love between brothers and sisters; an awareness of the limited do not yet know Christ should The document said: “The mis- nately experiencing great divi- the role of authority expressed resources of the poorer nations be regarded as a work of love, sion of the church is universal sion and sharp confl icts which by parents; loving concern for and the greater responsibility of provided that it is done with full and is not restricted to specifi c cast dark shadows on its future,” the members who are weaker the industrialized countries. respect for their human dignity regions of the earth. Evangeli- he said. because of youth, sickness, or old The pope said it might be and freedom. zation, however, is undertaken Cardinal Renato Martino, pres- age; mutual help in the necessities necessary to establish a new in- “Indeed, if a Christian did differently according to the ident of the Pontifi cal Council for of life; readiness to accept oth- ternational agency to coordinate not try to spread the Gospel by different situations in which it Justice and Peace, presented the ers and, if necessary, to forgive efforts to ensure “the stewardship sharing the excelling knowledge occurs.” message to the press Dec. 11. them,” Pope Benedict said. of this ‘home’ of ours.” of Jesus Christ with others, we Asked specifi cally about the He said Pope Benedict’s The pope said that anyone Within the topic of ecology, could suspect that Christian Russian Orthodox claims, Car- concerns about the arms race, who weakens the institution of he said, special attention must either of lack of total conviction dinal Levada said, “Especially both nuclear and conventional, the family weakens “what is be paid to “the stewardship of of the faith or of selfi shness and in a country like Russia where reflects the fact that global in effect the primary agency of the earth’s energy resources,” to laziness in not wanting to share there were long years of atheistic military spending reached an peace” in society. exaggerated levels of consump- the full and abundant means of communism, one must respect all-time high in 2006 and that, “Everything that serves to tion in some countries, to the salvation with his fellow human the sensitivity of the Orthodox, in many cases, countries have weaken the family based on need to expand use of renewable beings,” Cardinal Arinze said. who are concerned about rekin- tried to justify their increased the marriage of a man and a sources energy, and to ensure that Archbishop , dling Christianity in the life of military spending by claiming it woman, everything that directly poorer countries that possess secretary of the doctrinal con- their people.” was necessary in order to combat or indirectly stands in the way of natural energy resources are not gregation, said the document is While some evangelical groups terrorism. its openness to the responsible exploited. a practical follow-up to the 2000 have launched proselytism cam- “After the terrorist attacks acceptance of a new life, every- Pope Benedict also dedicated a document Dominus Iesus, on the paigns in Russia, he said, the against the United States of Sept. thing that obstructs its right to chapter of his message to the need uniqueness of Christ and univer- Catholic Church is there to offer 11, 2001, the international com- be primarily responsible for the for people around the world, like sal salvation in him. pastoral care to Catholics. munity adopted severe measures education of its children, consti- members of one family, to hold Despite the 2000 document’s “We do not proselytize, but against the risk of terrorism,” tutes an obstacle on the road to certain values in common. insistence on the importance of it can happen that someone has Cardinal Martino said. “At the peace,” he said. “For the sake of peace,” he proclaiming salvation in Jesus an encounter with the Catho- same time, nations — especially The family needs and has a wrote, “a common law is needed, Christ alone, he said, “there still lic faith and wants to join the the nuclear powers — began a right to a home, employment, one which would foster true free- exists a coolness toward mis- Catholic Church,” the cardinal renewal of their military appa- education for the children, and dom rather than blind caprice and sionary activity” in many parts said. In such situations, the ratus and their weapons. health care, the pope said. protect the weak from oppression of the church. Catholic Church must respect the “On this basis,” he said, “it But the whole human family by the strong.” In addition, he said, the docu- individual’s conscience and help seems correct to affi rm that the has parallel needs and rights, he In too many situations, the ment is an affi rmation of the right him or her to follow it. current policy of state security said, including the need for an pope said, “the weak must bow threatens the very peace and environment that is used with not to the demands of justice, security of the people it intends care and preserved for future but to the naked power of those to defend.” generations. stronger than themselves.” In his message, Pope Bene- “Human beings, obviously, dict wrote, “In diffi cult times are of supreme worth vis-a-vis Editor’s Note: The English transla- Latin Indult Mass such as these, it is necessary creation as a whole,” the pope tion of the pope’s message is available : p.m. Sundays for all persons of good will to said. “Respecting the environ- by going to the Vatican Web site at St. Mary of the Assumption Church come together to reach concrete ment does not mean considering www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm and agreements aimed at an effective material or animal nature more then clicking on the following links:  W. Magnolia, Fort Worth demilitarization, especially in the important than man.” Benedict XVI, Messages, World High Mass Second and Fourth sundays area of nuclear arms.” However, he said, the earth Day of Peace, and 41st World Day Low Mass First and Third Sundays In explaining the theme he belongs to all people and to all of Peace 2008. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 25 National / International

PREPARING FOR NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM NEWSBRIEFS — Palestinian Francis Morat of Vatican offi cial: Communicators Bethlehem lights a must be like Our Lady of Guadalupe candle before Mass VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, Catholic on the fi rst Sunday communicators must share the message of the Gospel in a way of Advent, Dec. 2, that refl ects the culture of their audience and uses images and in St. Catherine’s gestures to capture imaginations and hearts, said Archbishop Church, which Claudio Celli. In a Dec. 12 statement marking the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Archbishop Celli, president of the Pontifi cal adjoins the Church Council for Social Communications, told Catholic communicators of the Nativity in in Latin America that the success of their efforts depends on their Bethlehem, West love, humility, and creativity. As the “model of perfectly incultur- ated evangelization,” Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the Bank. (CNS photo/ Mexican Indian Juan Diego in 1531 looking like an indigenous Debbie Hill) woman, he said. “She adapted herself to the mentality of her audience, his culture, his rhythm,” Archbishop Celli said. “Her message was not made up of words alone. It was gesture, form, image, language, and idiom.” Threats to invade Iran unnecessarily raise tensions, says Cardinal Martino Theologian’s book could mislead VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Threats to invade Iran by the United States and other countries appear to be “just words,” but they faithful, bishops’ committee says unnecessarily raise tensions and fuel the arms race, said Cardinal Renato Martino. The cardinal, president of the Pontifi cal Council By Nancy Frazier O’Brien theology department at Jesuit- tian religions in themselves,” the for Justice and Peace, spoke about war and threats of war during WASHINGTON (CNS) — A run Georgetown University in statement said. a Dec. 11 press conference to present Pope Benedict XVI’s message Vietnamese-American theolo- Washington. By asserting that “God has for the Jan. 1 celebration of World Peace Day. Asked if the pope’s gian’s 2004 book on religious The statement on “clarifi ca- positively willed non-Christian remarks about increasing tensions among countries and about pluralism contains “pervading tions required” in Fr. Phan’s book religions as alternative ways of concerns over more nations possessing nuclear weapons referred ambiguities and equivocations cited three areas of concern: salvation,” the book calls into specifi cally to Iran, the cardinal said, “they refer to what is on question “the very goal itself of the table,” which includes Iran. However, he said, “all of these that could easily confuse or — Christ’s role as “the unique threats of war, of invasion” to stop what was perceived as Iran’s mislead the faithful,” the U.S. and universal savior of all hu- universal conversion to Chris- efforts to build a nuclear bomb “were just words.” “Now it has bishops’ Committee on Doctrine mankind.” tianity” and implies that “to been discovered that there are no weapons of mass destruction, said in a Dec. 10 statement. — The “salvifi c signifi cance continue the Christian mission a bit like what happened in Iraq,” he said. Father Peter C. Phan’s Being of non-Christian religions.” to members of non-Christian Religious Interreligiously: Asian — The Catholic Church as “the religions would be contrary to Pope among 12 religious leaders on Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue, unique and universal instrument God’s purpose in history,” the CBS documentary ‘In God’s Name’ published by Orbis Books, also of salvation.” committee said. WASHINGTON (CNS) — The genesis for a documentary on why contains “statements that, un- Quoting frequently from But the church sees its evange- people use religion and faith as justifi cation for some of history’s less properly clarifi ed, are not in the book, the documents of the lizing mission not as “an imposi- most horrible acts came from one recent horrible act: the World accord with Catholic teaching,” Second Vatican Council, and Do- tion of power but an expression Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Jules Naudet, who with the committee said. minus Iesus, the 2000 declaration of love for the whole world,” the brother Gedeon produced the upcoming CBS documentary “In In its 15-page statement, the of the Vatican doctrinal congrega- statement added. “Thus there is God’s Name,” collaborated with his older brother on “9/11,” committee said it undertook tion on the “unicity and salvifi c no necessary confl ict between which aired on CBS fi ve years ago. Until those terrorist attacks, an evaluation of Being Religious universality of Jesus Christ and showing respect for other reli- the Naudets intended to make a documentary on the lives of fi refi ghters. What resulted was something entirely different. Interreligiously at the request of the church,” the committee said gions and fulfi lling Christ’s com- The Naudets were at the trade center Sept. 11 because they had the Vatican Congregation for Fr. Phan’s book “could leave mand to proclaim the Gospel to begun work on their fi lm about fi refi ghters. Pope Benedict XVI the Doctrine of the Faith and readers in considerable confusion all the nations.” is one of 12 spiritual leaders, fi ve of them Christian, featured “invited Fr. Phan to respond” to as to the proper understanding of Fr. Phan’s book also says the in the new documentary, scheduled to air Dec. 23, 8-10 p.m. questions. the uniqueness of Christ.” church’s claim “as the unique CST. Non-Christians include the Dalai Lama, the chief rabbi of “Since Fr. Phan did not pro- Although “the uniqueness of and universal instrument of sal- Israel, a Hindu spiritual leader, and a prominent Sunni Muslim vide the needed clarifi cations, Jesus Christ is affi rmed at some vation” should be “abandoned leader. The pope did not give a private interview. Historically, and since the ambiguities in the points” in the book, it is presented altogether,” primarily because the Vatican has not given private interviews with the pope, Jules Naudet noted, so they researched archives and found features book concern matters that are at other times as “not exclusive or of “the humanness of the church on the pope that yielded answers to their questions. central to the faith, the Commit- absolute,” the committee said. and her historical entanglement tee on Doctrine decided to issue Fr. Phan says in the book that with sin and injustice,” the com- Dioceses sell property, reduce staffs to a statement that would both the terms “unique,” “absolute,” mittee said. pay abuse settlements identify problematic aspects of and “universal” in relation to Je- “The book is certainly correct the book and provide a positive sus’ role as savior “have outlived when it points out that members WASHINGTON (CNS) — The clergy sex abuse scandal continued to have a major fi nancial impact on U.S. Catholic dioceses in 2007 restatement of Catholic teaching their usefulness and should be of the church, through the course as multimillion-dollar settlements were reached with abuse victims on the relevant points,” the state- jettisoned and replaced by other, of history, have sinned and that and dioceses funded their share by selling church property, reducing ment said. theologically more adequate the credibility of Christian witness staff, and, in at least one case, soliciting contributions from priests In response to a Catholic News equivalents.” to the world has suffered greatly and lay Catholics. In California alone, fi nancial settlements from Service query, Fr. Phan said in But Dominus Iesus declares from this,” it added. “Neverthe- decades-old abuse cases exceeded $1.8 billion after the statute an e-mail message that he was that theological understandings less, the holiness of the church is of limitations was lifted for one year. The Diocese of San Diego not going to comment on the of Jesus as just one of many his- not simply defi ned by the holiness began bankruptcy proceedings early in 2007 just as the Diocese of committee’s statement. Orbis did torical fi gures who manifest “the (or sinfulness) of her members but Spokane, Washington, and the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, emerged from bankruptcy brought on by costly abuse settlements. not return a phone call from CNS infi nite, the absolute, the ultimate by the holiness of her head, the In early December, the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, agreed to an seeking reaction. mystery of God” are in “profound Lord Jesus Christ.” abuse settlement of $37 million. The agreement, which required The statement was signed by confl ict with the Christian faith,” As Dominus Iesus points out, the approval of the bankruptcy judge to take effect, will allow Bishop William E. Lori of Bridge- the committee said. “it would be contrary to the the diocese to come out of bankruptcy, which it fi led last year in port, Connecticut, chairman of the Although the church fi nds faith to consider the church as anticipation of the sex abuse lawsuits. Two years before fi ling, the Committee on Doctrine, and the “elements of goodness and truth” one way of salvation alongside diocese had reached settlements with abuse victims totaling more six other committee members. in other religions “as a prepara- those constituted by the other than $10.5 million. This fall, the San Diego Diocese and the San Fr. Phan, a former Salesian tion for the Gospel,” Fr. Phan’s religions, seen as complementary Bernardino Diocese agreed to pay $198.1 million to settle lawsuits and now a priest of the Dallas book “rejects this teaching as an brought by 144 people who claimed they were abused by church to the church or substantially personnel between 1938 and 1993. Diocese, holds the Ellacuria chair insuffi cient recognition of the equivalent to her,” the commit- of Catholic social thought in the salvifi c signifi cance of non-Chris- tee said. Page 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Diocesan Jack McKone’s vocation is his response to the example of the Good Shepherd

FROM PAGE 28 was worried about the people little girl died in the landslide, “Why did this little girl have looking forward to it,” he said, the 65,000 people served by the in the area of the storm, had and I don’t think there is anyone to die? Why do the innocent “but at the same time it’s a big area’s one parish, half of whom a chance meeting with a good left who knows her name.”) seem to suffer the most? Why is responsibility. I really think that live in surrounding mountain friend, Miguel Angel, one day “Suddenly a whole new it that some of the worst affected priests and religious have to be villages. He drove a truck and as he approached the convent meaning to the tragedy imposed areas were the poorest? Could open to the Spirit and, a lot of delivered food and medication, where he was staying. Angel is itself on my mind,” McKone it be that the Good Shepherd times, turn their work over to the much of which he had secured a community leader in Patzún, wrote. “Suddenly the child grieves as much for those he Spirit. Left to our own devices, as donations from people in the as well as a choir director, had a background, indefinite looks out at through the eyes of it would not be very pretty,” Diocese of Fort Worth. church architect, catechist, as it was. Suddenly she had a tired bombero, as he does for Deacon McKone said. In a refl ection after his stay husband, and former chief of a gender. Suddenly she was those beloved little ones that he When he wrote his refl ections in Patzún, McKone wrote of his the volunteer bomberos. from Panabaj. Suddenly she carries in Guatemala, Louisiana, on his mission work in Patzún, work there and his feelings about McKone showed Angel the was about four years old. But and Pakistan? Is it me that he is Deacon McKone seemed to be the people. He had brought photograph and asked his there was no one who could looking at, asking me what part giving a literary description of with him a photograph from friend if he knew the bombero, tell the heartbroken bombero I will take in response?” the vocation he chose and the Guatemala that had appeared or the child he carried. Angel her name.” Deacon Jack McKone will reasons he chose it. “The Good in a San Antonio newspaper. It knew the man’s name, but not To McKone, the bombero be ordained to the priesthood Shepherd is looking at me,” he showed a volunteer fi re fi ghter, the little girl’s. Of her, he said, carrying the child looked “like at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at St. wrote, poignantly, “and asks, a “bombero,” tenderly carrying “La niña murió en el derrumbe, an image of the Good Shepherd, Patrick Cathedral in downtown ‘What will you do for these, the the body of a tiny child, wrapped y creo que no había nadie que as his sad and exhausted eyes Fort Worth. least of your brethren? If you in a rough cloth. McKone, who supo el nombre de ella.” (“The seemed to probe my thoughts. “It’s exciting, and I’m really love me, you must love them.’”

He has given us a wonder- the car was powerful. you and me to talk about it land of fall leaves, music, star- “I felt it was my mother,” openly. Everyone has tried to Hamer… light as fancy as Natalie is, and Barbara said, “sending me a Hensley… make the social justice issue people who love us, even when message: ‘Daddy and I are FROM PAGE 11 of abortion a Catholic issue FROM PAGE 11 others are gone. Sometimes it is fi ne.’” ing where the hole came from. these past 34 years. Well, now Luke Skywalker to the Teenage hard to believe. Barbara was comforted by The hole that has been rip- it’s time for us to turn things Mutant Ninja Turtles — previ- Our world is like a grandpar- the scent of evergreen that day, ping the fabric of American on their heels and make legal- ously cherished by their aunts ent’s house, and God is there and when she told me about society since 1973 has also izing immigrants — who are and uncles. with the same sense of sereni- it, we both smiled. The wreath ripped a hole in our work already a part of who we are Sam plays the drums, the tea we received as children. Barbara brought to her mother force, in our economy. — a Catholic issue and not piano, and a brass bugle that My friend Barbara lost her was fashioned of grapevine Funny, isn’t it? Catholics just a social justice issue. decorates the front of our mother two years ago. Kathryn that was genuine, but greenery (and Protestants too) can take By the way, one fi nal ques- fi replace; Natalie opens the was lovely, witty, and vibrant, that was not. great offense at measures tion for anyone around my dress-up trunk, modeling every and her children remember her The evergreen was artifi cial aimed at making “illegal” im- age still clinging to their fear dance costume, satin shoe, and constantly. Barbara recently — nothing but poly vinyl tips migrants legal (even though of strangers, “Where do you prom dress. She drapes beads visited the cemetery to place a and wire. But the fragrance it it’s in our own long-term self think the laborers to care for around her neck and wraps wreath at her mother’s grave. left was real. interest), but fail to recognize the elderly will come from in herself in boas. Then, at my “I wanted something that When God gave us the that they are here taking jobs a decade or two or three, if dressing table, she decorates would last,” Barbara said, “So world — his house — he gave of unborn children never born there’s a huge shortage in the her lips in a color of purple- I took a grapevine wreath and us millions of special places. It because of a “legal” proce- labor force?” red that is forbidden in some wrapped it with evergreen, to is full of ways we can be com- dure. Jeff Hensley is the editor of the residential neighborhoods. symbolize ongoing life, in spite forted by his presence, and as- Even if others can’t speak NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC. He and It makes me remember my of death.” sured of a life fi lled with hope. to the “why” of legalizing his wife Susan and daughter own grandmother’s house, with Delivering the wreath, He sent his love, through his immigrants, it’s a particu- Amy attend St. Bartholomew its glass-enclosed cabinets hous- Barbara felt sad at the loss of mountains, his evergreen trees, larly Catholic sort of thing for Parish in Southwest Fort Worth. ing Uncle Charlie’s old pipes; her mother. She parked the and mostly his beloved Son. my grandfather’s hand-scrolled car, took the newly-assembled “I am in all the right places,” music manuscripts; and porce- wreath from her back seat , and he tells us, now. “I am there lain fi gurines dressed in lace. walked to her mother’s grave- when you need me. And I will Christmastime to grown-ups side. She knelt to arrange her help you feel safe, serene, and can bring feelings of sadness gift, then prayed quietly. secure.” By Jean Denton for those who have no loved “When I got back into the Kathy Cribari Hamer, a Copyright © 2007, Jean Denton ones around them, or have suf- car,” Barbara said, “there was member of St. Andrew fered illness and unanticipated a fragrance coming from the Parish, has fi ve chil- change. The subtle feelings backseat. It was sweet, combined dren, Meredith, John, of unexplained grief can also with an overpowering scent of Julie, Andrew, and come from less tangible sources: evergreen. I looked around to see Abby. Her column is syndicated estrangement, loss of love. if anything was there. in a number of the best Catholic Jesus is enough to fi x all “I looked at my hands, diocesan newspapers across the that, I know, as I go to him for smelling them to see if I had U.S. In May of 2005, her column comfort. He is there for every- touched anything outside, received the fi rst place award for one, and he will fi ll us with bringing fragrance to the car. best family life column by the hope, if we allow him to do There was nothing on my Catholic Press Association of the that. It’s his job. hands to smell, but the scent in U.S. and Canada. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 27 Calendar

MINISTRY FORMATION DAY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BANQUET FAIR TRADE COFFEE HOUSE NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE The next Ministry Formation Day will be To Report Misconduct All are invited to join Bishop Kevin W. Vann An introduction evening to fair trade, which will A New Year’s Eve dance, hosted by St. held Jan. 5 at Nolan Catholic High School, If you or someone you know is a victim and Catholic School alumni, parents, friends, include a coffee house and chocolate tasting, Joseph’s Singles will be held Dec. 31 from 4501 Bridge Street in Fort Worth. The day of sexual misconduct by anyone who benefactors, and staff in celebrating the will be hosted by St. Michael Church, 3713 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The dance, sponsored will feature keynote speakers Mike Patin serves the church, you may gift of Catholic schools to the community. Harwood Rd., Bedford, Jan. 11 from 7 p.m. by Catholic Divorce Ministries, will be held and Father Nathan Stone, SJ, as well as • Call Judy Locke, victim This singular annual event in the diocese to 9 p.m. Fair trade coffees and chocolates at St. Joseph Church, 1927 S.W. Green exhibitors and breakout sessions in English, assistance coordinator, celebrates the legacy of Catholic schools will be featured, as well as the opportunity to Oaks Blvd., Arlington. Tickets are $15 at Spanish, and Vietnamese. Registration will (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 and honors outstanding individuals who are learn how Catholic Relief Services has made the door. Light snacks will be provided. begin at 8 a.m. The day will close at 3 p.m. or e-mail her at [email protected] instrumental in lighting the way for Catholic a difference in the lives of coffee and cocoa For more information, contact “Vince the The cost for the day is $20 by Dec. 22 and • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline schools to continue their mission of faith, farmers, their families, and communities. Dance Man” at (817) 551-5251, “Beth $25 after Dec. 22. Scholarships are avail- (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 knowledge, and service. The celebration Guests are asked to RSVP at (817) 283-8746 the Phone Lady” at (817) 294-5989, or able. For more information, call Kevin Prevou • Or call The Catholic Center at (817) is scheduled for Jan. 26 at the Fort Worth ext. 30 so that there will be enough coffee “Greg the Chairman” at (817) 456-6750. at (817) 560-2452 ext. 261. Registration 560-2452 ext. 107 and ask for the vicar Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, for everyone. A complimentary nursery is forms are available on the diocesan Web general, Father Michael Olson. Fort Worth. Tickets are priced at $75 per available with a reservation at ext. 31. site at www.fwdioc.org. To Report Abuse person. The evening will include a social NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY hour followed by dinner. Dr. Elinor Ford, FOCUS CONFERENCE All are invited to the annual St. Maria Call the Texas Department of Family FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University FAITH AND FICTION GROUP 2007 recipient of NCEA’s Seton Presidential Goretti New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31 at the Protective Services (Child Protective Students) will hold its 2008 Student Lead- “Faith and Fiction: Conversations on Spiritu- Award, will be the guest speaker. Proceeds Family Life Center building, 1200 S. Davis Services) ership Conference Jan 2-6 at the Gaylord ality and Imagination,” a venue for discussing from the event will benefit the Bishop’s Dr. in Arlington. Doors will open at 6:45 1 (800) 252-5400 Texas Resort and Convention Center located novels and films with themes that shed light Scholars Fund, the diocesan tuition assis- p.m. A buffet dinner will be served at 7:30 at 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine. Speakers on the journey of faith, will meet Jan. 17, at tance program. For more information and p.m. Beverages will be provided; attendees APOLOGETICS will include Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR; the Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge to secure reservations, contact the Catholic may also bring their own. The cost is $20 St. Maria Goretti Parish will present “De- Kansas City Royals All-Star Mike Sweeney; Street in Fort Worth. The topic of discussion Schools Office at (817) 560-3300. per person and includes full dinner, dancing, fending the Church” Jan. 26 from 8:30 author Jeff Cavins; star of the film “Bella,” will be The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. party favors, door prizes, caricature artist a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program, featuring Eduardo Verastegui; and Curtis Martin. The The discussion session will begin at 7 p.m. CATHOLIC SCOUTING drawings, and a midnight toast. Reserved John Martignoni, the founder and president Christian rock group Third Day is scheduled and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Future dates Bishop Kevin Vann will present religious tables are available. Tickets will be available of the Bible Christian Society, will present to perform. The conference is open to any and topics include the following: Feb. 21, emblems to Venture Crew, Boy Scouts, until Dec. 22; there will be no admission at an explanation of apologetics and how to student on any campus, campus ministers, 84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff; Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls the door. This is an adults only function. For defend the Catholic Church. Martignoni’s young adults, priests, religious orders, and and March 27, Wuthering Heights, by Emily March 2 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in more information, tickets, or questions, call techniques include using Scripture as the those who have a desire to be a part of the Bronte. To ensure good conversation, space Keller. Cub Scouts who have earned the Light Michelle at (817) 795-3459 or e-mail to smg. primary reference. There is no charge to at- new evangelization. For a complete list of will be limited. To reserve a spot or for more of Christ or Parvuli Dei emblem should mail [email protected]. To order by mail, tend. Optional box lunches will be available speakers and registration information, visit information, call the Catholic Renewal Center their signed, completed application from send a check to: M. Licater, 1861 Brown for $6 per person when registering. Payment the Web site at www.focusconference.org. at (817) 429-2920 or e-mail to danluby@ their workbooks along with a $10 check, Blvd., Ste. 740, Arlington 76006. is due at the door. Registration may be made For more information, contact Justin Bell udallas.edu. payable to the Catholic Committee on Scout- online at www.smgparish.org or by calling ing, to Rich Lockwood, 1014 Duane Street, at (303) 522-0450, or by e-mail to jbell@ John Cox at (817) 274-0643 ext. 226. St. RETROUVAILLE Fort Worth, 76126 before Feb. 18. Venture focusonline.org. PRE-CANA LOCATION CHANGE Maria Goretti Church is located at 1200 S. With the closing of the Green Oaks Hotel, A Retrouvaille weekend, part of a program Crew or Boy Scouts who have earned the Ad Davis Dr., Arlington. the Pre-Cana sessions will be held at the which offers help to married couples who Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII emblem should BENEDICTINE LIFE WEEKEND Fort Worth South Radisson Hotel, 100 Alta are struggling in their relationship, will take bring their signed, completed applications Single Catholic women, ages 18 CALIX Mesa East Blvd., Fort Worth, located off the place Jan. 18-20 in the Metroplex area. to Rich Lockwood at the Ad Altare Dei board to 40, who wish to experience the Calix, a monthly support meeting for intersection of I-35 and I-20. The Radisson Offered through the Family Life Office of of reviews which will occur at St. Philip the Benedictine way of life are invited to at- Catholics who are alcoholic and others who will offer special $79 room rates for those the Diocese of Fort Worth, Retrouvaille is Apostle Church in Lewisville from noon to 4 tend a Benedictine Life Weekend Jan. 4-6 are struggling with addiction and seeking who need overnight accommodations. Effec- a three-month process which combines a p.m. Feb. 10. Pope Pius XII board of reviews at Monastery Immaculate Conception in recovery, is offered the first Saturday of tive Jan. 1, the donation requested for the live-in weekend with post-weekend fol- should be arranged with Tom Moore prior Ferdinand, Indiana. The weekend will focus each month at Holy Family Church, 6150 programs will increase to $75 per couple. low-up sessions. Through the Retrouvaille to that date. Adult counselors traditionally on the theme “Stability: Commitment to a Pershing Avenue in West Fort Worth. The next Scholarships are available for couples in program, couples who are distanced in their attend these reviews. Direct any ques- Particular People and Place.” Participants meeting will be held Jan. 5, beginning at 10 hardship situations. For more information, relationship learn how listening, forgiveness, tions on Venture Crew, Boy Scout, or Cub will have the opportunity to experience the a.m. in the chapel. Calix meetings focus on contact the diocesan Family Life Office at and communication are powerful aids for Scout religious emblems to Tom Moore at rhythm of the monastic schedule, pray with enhancing spiritual growth through sharing (817) 560-3300 ext. 256 or ext. 304. building a loving and lasting union. All names Eucharist, discussion, and fellowship. For [email protected]. Completed work- the sisters, and participate in community and conversations will be kept confidential. more information, call Deacon Joe Milligan books and applications for Girl Scouts and life, as well as meet other women who To register or for more information, call at (817) 737-6768 ext. 105. Camp Fire Girls and Boys must be submit- are considering religious life. There is no (800) 470-2230, or visit online at www. ted to Teresa Harner, 2213 Creekridge Dr., charge for the program, which runs from 7 retrouvaille.org. MINISTRY FOR GAYS / LESBIANS Carrollton 75007 before Jan. 15. Direct p.m. EST Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday. Women wishing to register or obtain more informa- The next meeting of the Fort Worth Diocesan any questions on Girl Scout or Campfire Classifi ed GRIEF SUPPORT tion may call Sister Agnes Marie Dauby Ministry With Lesbian and Gay Catholics, Girl religious emblems to Teresa Harner Help is available for separated, divorced, or Sister Michelle Catherine Sinkhorn at Other Sexual Minorities, and Their Fami- [email protected]. Additional infor- and widowed individuals through a peer (800) 738-9999 or e-mail them at lies will be held Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the mation on Diocesan Catholic Committee Section ministry group. The confidential support [email protected]. Registration is Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St. activities is available on the committee’s group was created to help persons work also available online at www.thedome.org, in East Fort Worth. Father Warren Murphy, Web site at www.bsaccs.org. through the stages of grief and pain that where there is more information about TOR, coordinator of the ministry, encour- COORDINATOR accompany the loss of a spouse through the vocation program of the Ferdinand ages those interested to join for prayer and CATECHISM COURSE St. Andrew Church, a parish with death or divorce. The next session will be Benedictines. sharing. For additional information, contact A 10-week course on the Catechism of the 3,200 families, is seeking candidates held Jan. 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the for the position of coordinator of min- Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fr. Murphy at (817) 927-5383 or Deacon Catholic Church will be offered by the Car- Richard Griego at (817) 421-1387. dinal Newman Institute, starting Jan. 5 from COURAGE SUPPORT GROUP istries with Youth and Young Adults. Fort Worth. For more information, contact Courage D/FW, a spiritual support group for 9 a.m. to noon. This course can be audited The coordinator will be directly Helen Engle at (817) 261-9706 or by e-mail those striving to live chaste lives according TEXAS MISSION COUNCIL or taken for credit toward a certificate in responsible for coordinating the to [email protected], or Kevin Gamble to the Catholic Church’s teachings on The Texas Mission Council of the Texas theological studies. College credit is also components of advocacy, commu- at (817) 626-9382. homosexuality, meets every second and Catholic Conference invites all who are available through The College of St. Thomas nity life, evangelization, leadership fourth Friday evenings. For information, e- NCCW WINTER MEETING interested in learning about or participat- More. Tuition is $200, with Catholic School development, pastoral care, peace/ mail to [email protected] or call justice, and prayer and worship in The National Council of Catholic Women ing in the missionary work of the Catholic teachers, DREs, and CREs being offered one- (972) 938-5433. the lives of youth and young adults. (NCCW), Province of San Antonio, will hold its Church to come to the Christian Renewal half tuition. Classes will be held every other The coordinator will advise and 2008 winter meeting at the Embassy Suites Center in Dickinson, near Houston, Feb. week at St. Maria Goretti’s Holy Family Life consult with existing catechetical Hotel at 4650 West Airport Freeway in Irving 15-17 for the Texas Mission Council annual Center, 1200 S. Davis Dr., Arlington. For more ST. JOHN CENTERING PRAYER programming (religious education, Feb. 22-24. The Dallas DCCW is hosting this conference. The theme of conference will information or to pre-register and to obtain The St. John Centering Prayer group is now sacramental preparation, and the event. The meeting will open Feb 22 at 7:30 concentrate on the “Spirituality of Mission” book information, call (817) 277-4859 or meeting in the Formation Center, located at Catholic School). The coordinator p.m. with a keynote “The Biblical Mandate and will feature Father Joseph Donders, e-mail to [email protected]. Participants 4101 Frawley Dr., on the far east side of St. will work with the two core groups, for Social Justice,” by James McGill from a former African missionary and the mis- may also register at the first class Jan. 5. John the Apostle Church’s property. The hall one for youth and one for young the University of Dallas School of Ministry’s sionary chair at the Catholic University of is located to the east of St. John School. adults. This core group is respon- Catholic Biblical School. The registration fee America. For more information, contact Centering Prayer group meetings are held at PROGRAM ON CHASTITY sible for designing programming is $100 and includes all materials, meetings, Awanda Whitworth at (713) 688-1060 or 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of Jason Evert, a motivational chastity speaker, and events, and providing youth and Saturday lunch, and banquet. The deadline e-mail to [email protected]. each month. The group meets in the first room will make a presentation at Sacred Heart adult volunteers. The coordinator for registration is Feb. 8. A block of rooms on the left after entering the hall. For more Church in Muenster. Evert travels the country will support, train, and supervise for NCCW attendees have been reserved information about the group, contact Tom Adrian’s Floor & speaking to over 100,000 youth annually, the adult and youth volunteers. at the Embassy Suites at a convention rate Uhler at (817) 874-2894 or at tomuhler@ giving them compelling and uplifting rea- This is a newly created position of $109-$119, depending on occupancy. yahoo.com or Kathleen Kelley at (817) The Tile Dentist sons for embracing the virtue of chastity and aspects of the position are still Hotel reservations must be made directly 281-6218 or at [email protected]. Tile Sales & Installation and has appeared frequently on EWTN and flexible. Send a résumé to: Search with the hotel at (972) 790-0093 by Jan. many radio programs. Evert will speak to Committee, St. Andrew Church, 3717 22. For more information or to register, • Floors • Walls • Decorative Tiles LAY CARMELITE GATHERING adults Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Community Stadium Drive, Fort Worth 76109. call Kathleen Thome at (817) 236-8518 or “Would you like to deepen your relationship Tile & Grout Center at Sacred Heart Parish, 714 North contact her by e-mail at [email protected]. Main, Muenster. (Mass that evening will with Jesus and Mary?” ask the Third Order HOUSECLEANING • Cleaning • Sealing • Repairs • of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel be moved to 6 p.m.) The talk is entitled, Catholic couple would like to clean (Lay Carmelites). The Lay Carmelites invite ST. AUGUSTINE GROUP Re-grouting/Recaulking of fl oors, “Raising Chaste Teens.” Any adults are your home and/or office and maintain those in search of this deeper relationship The St. Augustine Men’s Purity Group, a welcome — parents, grandparents, aunts, your yard. Excellent references. Call tubs, showers & more to join them on the second and fourth support group for men who struggle with uncles — or any adult who would like to (817) 692-8434. sources of sexual impurity such a sthose New Sales & Installation help young people live a chaste life. Evert Sundays of the month for a time of prayer found on the Intrnet, meets regularly in will speak to all area youth Jan. 17, at the and fellowship. Those interested are asked SERVICES AVAILABLE Room 213 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, • Wood • Laminates Sacred Heart Community Center. The talk to gather at 2 p.m. in the rectory chapel Topsoil, sand, gravel, washed ma- located at 2016 Willis Lane, Keller, and at • Carpet • Vinyl • Tile is entitled “Romance Without Regret.” For of The College of St. Thomas More, 3017 terials, driveways, concrete, back- 1301 Paxton (Padre Pio House) in Arlington. additional information, call Nicole Hennigan Lubbock Ave., Fort Worth. Formation will hoe, and tractor services. Custom For additional information, visit the Web site (817) 913-5579 at (940) 759-2306, Karen Davis at (940) take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. mowing lots and acres. Call (817) For more information, call Phyllis Poth at 732-4083. at www.sampg.com, or e-mail to Mark at www.adriansflooring.com 759-2053, or Barbara Rohmer at (940) [email protected]. 759-2511 ext. 16. (817) 457-1746. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, December 21, 2007 Page 28 Good Newsmaker

From his parents’ early guidance to his mission work in Guatemala, there were many infl uences that led Jack McKone to understand that he was

STORY BY KATHY CRIBARI HAMER PHOTOS BY JEROD DUET

Left: Deacon Jack McKone prepares his notes for class at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. He will receive the sacrament of Saturday, Jan. 5, at St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown Fort Worth.

Right: Deacon McKone spends a quiet moment reading holy Scripture at Assumption Seminary.

hen Hurricane Stan hit Guatemala in 2005, — you don’t live and work and play in a vacuum.” Jack McKone was busy in his third year at “The fi rst infl uences on my vocation were my parents,” he said of his father, Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, but he still Peter Joseph, and mother, Marcella, who died in January 1987. He has nine wanted to help. siblings: Colleen, Mark, Mary Andrea, Donna, Christopher, Mary Elisa, Tom, The October tropical storm, the 11th the Guatemala mission, having made Peter, and Chuck. “The family couldn’t of the Atlantic hurricane season that his fi rst visit there in 1995. He also had drive very far without saying the ro- year, had caused torrential rain, fl ood- served with the diocesan mission team sary,” he laughed. “I don’t know if the ing, and mudslides in Guatemala, El which in 2001 had purchased fi ve used car would stop or what!” Salvador, and southern Mexico. Nearly school buses for Fort Worth’s sister He was always an altar server, he Deacon Jack McKone 2,000 deaths were attributed to the diocese, the Diocese of Juticalpa, in the said, recalling the morning Masses storm and its aftermath. Olancho province of Honduras. during the summer months when Columbus or the diaconate. But he let It was fall break at the seminary, and McKone helped coordinate the he would serve at 6:30 a.m., “But it me fi nd my own way — with the Holy although McKone had available time, purchase of spare parts and the refur- seemed like 3:30.” Spirit’s help. he realized it would be tough catching bishing of the buses to prepare for a After attending St. Rita School and “For someone who wanted a ranch up with studies when he returned. He fi ve-day journey to Honduras. He took later graduating from Nolan Catholic and a wife and two kids and a white asked permission from Sister Donna advantage of that journey to move to High School, Deacon McKone stud- picket fence, the priesthood didn’t Ferguson, then Fort Worth diocesan Guatemala, beginning an 18-month ied for two years at The University look too good. The fi rst thing I thought director of seminarians, to travel to period in the mission there. of Texas at Arlington and then took a about it was ‘No, surely not me!’ Guatemala. That devotion to mission work is job in service at a car dealership. He “But that’s the beauty of our Creator “Sister told me, ’If you can do it, go descriptive of McKone’s drive to a vo- continued that career until 2001, when that draws you,” said the man whose ahead,’” McKone said. So he did. cation, but it is not the only reason he he stopped for his extended stay in sense of humor and down-home wit fi t Deacon McKone, a seminarian who accepted the call to the priesthood. “A Guatemala. He began his seminary comfortably with his hearty faith and is soon to be ordained to the priest- vocation is not out of an isolated inci- work in 2003. spirituality. “God is very subtle and hood for the diocese, was familiar with dent,” he said. “It is not out of nothing “There are a lot of older vocations creative and considerate. He doesn’t go now,” said Deacon McKone, 55. “For away. He is very patient. Below: Deacon Jack McKone (second from left) relaxes with friends at the seminary. some of us, it takes a little longer to “It’s not the sizzle on the steak,” ripen. McKone said descriptively, “but some- “I think it’s a wealth of experi- thing slow that keeps simmering. ence we have in a priesthood of this “A vocation is a lifelong event. A lot age. Older guys from different back- of us take time to reconcile ‘my idea grounds and experiences relate in dif- with his.’ But when do we ever have ferent ways, broadening the range of an absolute? If all our life is a series of horizons people may encounter in the ‘Damascus experiences,’ where’s the ministry,” he said. challenge there? Where’s free will?” “When I was working for the deal- When Deacon McKone went to ership, I lived in Ponder and had acre- Patzún, Guatemala, to help with the age. I talked with Father Juan Rivero aftermath of Hurricane Stan, he stayed about being active in the church, and with the Carmelite sisters, who tend to he told me to look at the Knights of SEE MCKONE’S VOCATION…, P. 26

MAILING LABEL: Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your paper. Thank you. Inside... This issue of the NTC The writers vary from our own former director of the diocesan Synod, Sharon Perkins, to Father Stan Konieczny, who’s been writing for the CNS Christmas package since before he was a seminarian, to Delores Leckey and Janaan Manternach, both recently widowed, and writing of their experience of Advent and Christmas as seen through the lens of pain and loss. But what they all share in common, is the sense that Christmas, the birth of Christ, celebrated among our families and loved ones, brings us a sense of peace and joy and comfort that help make the presence of the Christ Child in our lives more real. 12-15