Inside

Archbishop Buechlein ...... 4, 5 Christmas Supplement ...... 13 Editorial...... 4, 5 From the Archives...... 28 TheCriterion Question Corner ...... 11 Criterion Sunday & Daily Readings. . . . 11 Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 www.archindy.org December 24, 1999 Vol. XXXIX, No. 13 50¢ CNS photo from Scala/Art Resource of painting by Fra Angelico CNS photo from Scala/Art Resource of painting by Fra ow this is how the birth child has been conceived in her. gN of Jesus Christ came She will bear a son and you are The about. to name him Jesus, because he When his mother Mary was will save his people from their of birth betrothed to Joseph, but before sins.” they lived together, she was All this took place to fulfill found with child through the what the Lord had said through holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, the prophet: since he was a righteous man, “Behold, the virgin shall be Jesus yet unwilling to expose her to with child and bear a son, and The story of the shame, decided to divorce her they shall name him Emmanuel,” quietly. which means “God is with us.” birth of Jesus from Such was his intention when, When Joseph awoke, he did behold, the angel of the Lord as the angel of the Lord had the Gospel according appeared to him in a dream and commanded him and took his said, “Joseph, son of David, do wife into his home. He had no to Matthew. not be afraid to take Mary your relations with her until she wife into your home. For it is bore a son, and he named him through the holy Spirit that this Jesus. † Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 1999 saw start of Catholic-Lutheran healing WASHINGTON (CNS)—For Catholics darkened by natural calamities and human In an action reminiscent of and Lutherans, 1999 was the year in which violence that killed thousands and dis- Martin Luther’s 1517 posting their Churches took a major step toward placed millions around the globe. of his 95 Theses, Cardinal healing a rift nearly 500 years old. Looming large among the year’s William H. Keeler nails the On Oct. 31, the same day that Martin tragedies were: “Joint Declaration on the Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, top • The Serb-led reign of terror against eth- Doctrine of Justification’’ to Catholic and Lutheran officials together nic Albanians in the Yugoslav province the doors of the Basilica of declared that their Churches hold the same of Kosovo, where thousands were killed the Assumption of the essential belief on justification by grace and hundreds of thousands driven out of Blessed Virgin Mary in alone in faith. The joint declaration added their homeland before NATO forces Baltimore on Oct. 31. Looking that neither sees in the present teaching of bombed Yugoslavia into submission. on is Bishop George Paul the other Church the errors on justification • Systematic attacks by pro-Indonesian Mocko of the Delaware- their Churches condemned in the 16th cen- militias against the vast majority of East Maryland Synod of the tury. Timorese before and after their over- Evangelical Lutheran Church The sign of reconciliation among two whelming vote for independence from major Christian bodies marked a fitting Indonesia. CNS photo conclusion to a millennium characterized • Major earthquakes in Turkey and Taiwan • Massive flooding in Vietnam destroying • The slow, arduous digging out and by the two major divisions of Christian his- that leveled huge urban areas, killing 800,000 homes, in Mexico destroying rebuilding in Nicaragua and Honduras in tory, the Great Schism of the 11th century thousands and making tens of thousands 300,000 homes and in North Carolina, the wake of Hurricane Mitch in late 1998, and the Protestant Reformation of the 16th. homeless, plus lesser earthquakes affect- following Hurricane Floyd, the worst dis- which destroyed much of the economy of It also brightened a year otherwise ing thousands in Mexico and Colombia. aster in the state’s history. See 1999, page 8 Pope says peace Mother Teresa’s spiritual director requires change in world’s perspective shares stories of her faith in God VATICAN CITY (CNS)—A “complete change of perspective” in international By Mary Ann Wyand “Her faith was enormous,” Father joined the Sisters of Loreto at age 18 and political and economic structures will be McGuire said during a Dec. 19 interview later taught at the order’s school in necessary to build lasting world peace, A conversation with Mother Teresa’s at Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis, Calcutta. Pope John Paul II said. long-time spiritual director is a lesson where he presented an Advent silent In 1946, while praying on a crowded “There will be peace only to the extent in faith, hope and love. retreat. “Her spirit of hope was enormous. train in northern India, she received an that humanity as a whole rediscovers its Jesuit Father Donald McGuire of But her driving force was the love of image of the crucified Christ, who told fundamental calling to be one family,” he Chicago, who has served the Mission- Jesus Christ, and especially the love of her, “I thirst!” She decided to leave the said in a message for the World Day of aries of Charity as their spiritual director Jesus Christ crucified.” order to found the Missionaries of Charity Peace on Jan. 1, 2000. since 1983, smiles constantly when he Born on Aug. 26, 1910, the former and minister to the poorest of the poor. The 22-page message was released talks about Mother Teresa. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu of Albania When asked how she was able to min- Dec. 13 at a Vatican press conference. ister to the sick and destitute, Father Pointing out that these were the pope’s McGuire recalled, “Mother Teresa would first words of the year 2000, Archbishop say, ‘I am married to Jesus. I am in love François Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, pres- with him, and I am in love with all his ident of the Pontifical Council for Justice children. All the people in the world are and Peace, said the message went to the God’s children.’ ” heart of jubilee celebrations. Mother Teresa always referred to her “It is not an exaggeration to call this a ministry as “a vocation within my voca- globalization message, not of economic tion,” he said. “She did not like you to say globalization, but of humanity,” he said. that she had a vision, although the world In his message, the pope said that the until the end of time and the Church will process of globalization, for all its risks, judge that Mother Teresa had a vision. offers opportunities to enable humanity to But Mother herself wouldn’t tolerate that. become a single family. She would say, ‘Father, it was a vocation “For this to happen, a complete change within my vocation.’ of perspective will be needed: It is no “It happened when she was on her way longer the well-being of any one political, to make her annual retreat in the summer racial or cultural community that must of 1946,” Father McGuire said. “Before prevail, but rather the good of humanity she would begin school again in the fall, as a whole,” he said. she would make an eight-day retreat with In an editorial, Father Bernardo the Jesuits in northern India. She was on a See PEACE, page 12 crowded train weaving up through the mountains—the foothills of the Hima- layas—and was making her examination The Criterion’s last of conscience, which is always made in the presence of Jesus crucified. She closed issue until Jan. 14 her eyes, and there he was—the one and This week’s edition of The Criterion, only time in her life—and he said to her, which includes the annual Christmas ‘I thirst.’ Then he was gone. And her Supplement, is the last edition of 1999. The Criterion will return on Jan. 14,

Photo by Colette Shanahan whole life changed.” 2000, and resume its regular publishing Jesuit Father Donald McGuire of Chicago shares stories about his friendship with Mother Teresa Mother Teresa frequently spoke of the of Calcutta during an Advent silent retreat on Dec. 18 at Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis. first time she picked up a dying man schedule. Mother Teresa asked Father McGuire to serve as the spiritual director for the Missionaries of from a street, Father McGuire said. “It The Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Charity in 1983 after he was recommended by a Carmelite prioress from San Francisco. See MOTHER, page 3 Center will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2, 2000. † In new ritual, pope to push The Criterion (ISSN 0574- 4350) is published weekly open Holy Door at St. Peter’s except the last week of VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope John he said. December and the first TheCriterion 12/24/99 Paul II will push open the Holy Door at When Pope Alexander VI opened the week of January. St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, Holy Door on Christmas 1499, “he used a Moving? 1400 N. Meridian St. inaugurating the Holy Year for the new mason’s hammer, and the blows were not Box 1717 millennium with a new ritual. completely symbolic; the pope tried to break We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 The most noticeable difference from through part of the wall,” the bishop said. advance notice! 317-236-1570 holy years past will be the absence of a For centuries, the opening ceremony 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 hammer, said Bishop Piero Marini, mas- included a long pause to allow masons to [email protected] Name ______ter of papal liturgical ceremonies. finish taking the wall down before the Periodical Postage Paid at New Address______The wall sealing the Holy Door shut pope crossed the threshold. Indianapolis, IN. was to be dismantled after a brief Dec. 15 Pope John Paul will push on the huge, City ______Copyright © 1999 Criterion Press, Inc. ceremony, taking away the symbolic value ornamental bronze doors with both hands, State/Zip ______of having the pope strike the wall with the Bishop Marini said. Because the doors are New Parish ______POSTMASTER: hammer three times, Bishop Marini said extremely heavy, workmen inside the basil- Send address changes to: during a Dec. 14 press conference. ica will pull on them as the pope pushes. Effective Date ______Criterion Press, Inc. “Elements of the old ritual which have Another change for the Holy Year 2000, Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. 1400 N. Meridian St. Box 1717 become obsolete will be replaced by oth- the bishop said, is the end of having the ers which better express the biblical and basilica’s confessors wipe the threshold The Criterion • P.O. Box 1717 • Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717. liturgical significance of the Holy Door,” See DOOR, page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 3

household word that means absolutely taking what God has given you—your received visitors, counseled sisters, gave a MOTHER selfless charity.” soul, your mind and your heart—and giv- little talk and, in the evening, went to her continued from page 2 Many people think Mother Teresa chose ing it back to God. She frequently spoke prayers, her adoration for an hour, then her religious name because of St. Teresa of of the importance of ‘making of your life went to her meal, and finally went to her was clear that, besides the crucified Avila, he said, but she picked the name something beautiful for God.’ ” room to begin to die.” Christ, a companion image for her was of because of her devotion to St. Thérèse of Even as her health continued to Father McGuire was not with Mother Jesus, sometimes, as she would say, ‘in a Lisieux, whom she called “the little decline, he said, “she would never stop. Teresa when she died on Sept. 5, 1997, but a most distressing disguise.’ She would talk Teresa.” The sisters would say, ‘Father, she obeys medical sister in attendance later described about that so lovingly, and in awe of her- All of her life, Mother Teresa consulted you. Tell her to rest.’ So I would tell her, her last day to him. self, in awe of him, and in awe of the with confessors, Father McGuire said, ‘Mother, you’re tired. You really ought to “The sister told me the doctors had event. It was always awesome for her. because she wanted to grow closer to God. rest. Sit down.’ And because of her arrived and were trying to do emergency She would say, ‘Imagine, Father, this “After Jesus Christ, she loved the priest- respect for the priesthood, she always treatments,” he said, “but it stormed and the dying man. I reached down and I lifted hood,” he said. “I think one of her great obeyed me—until I turned my back! She electricity suddenly went off in Calcutta and him up, and I have in my heart that I works was inspiring priests throughout the often told me, ‘Father, I want to die with the medical instruments failed. I believe it don’t want him to die without experienc- world. Mother launched a special program my shoes on.’ ” happened so she could go home to God. The ing God’s love and man’s love.’ ” to support the priesthood. Each sister was On the day she died, he said, “Mother electricity was off long enough so the doc- Mother Teresa’s first nine Missionaries assigned a certain priest to pray for.” got up at her typical hour of 4 a.m. and tors could not revive her. of Charity sisters were her former stu- Mother Teresa also had “a great love completed all the work of the day. She “It must have been an answer to Mother’s dents, he said. “Years later, right before for young people and a great love of mar- said her prayers, attended Mass and prayer,” Father McGuire said. “And so she her death, she sat down with those nine riage,” he said. “She honored marital love signed all of the letters, forms and checks. went to God, as she would always say, with sisters for a picture.” as a sacrificial love, an everlasting love, There are checks floating around the her shoes on. But that was her spirit. As long Mother Teresa is “the greatest exam- in the image of Jesus Christ.” world that are not cashed because they as there was one person in need of love, that ple of charity” in the modern world, Throughout her life, Father McGuire were signed on the last day of her life. was the driving force in her life, because to Father McGuire said. “Her name is a said, “Mother Teresa liked to talk about Mother did all of the work of her office, her, that person was Jesus.” † Retreat helps participants deepen prayer life By Mary Ann Wyand year,” she said. “But I never made the their retreats with the Jesuit exercises, “I think God has led me to this point in connection with my prayers and this which are marvelous tools to help people my life and directed me to the people I Last spring, St. Monica parishioner retreat until after I had my confession re-evaluate and strengthen their faith jour- know now,” Cudworth said. “I really liked Natalie DeHart of Indianapolis felt God with Father McGuire and he said exactly neys. He said we are in a constant state of the fact that the retreat was silent. I could was calling her to deepen her faith, but what I needed to hear. Then it occurred to conversion.” relax and be open to what felt right for me. she wasn’t sure how to go about it. me that I had prayed to Mother Teresa for Another retreatant, Mark Cudworth of Now I want to set aside some time, at least DeHart decided to pray to Mother help. It was like she said, ‘Why don’t you Indianapolis, isn’t Catholic and doesn’t once a week, to relax and be at peace in a Teresa for help and continued to ask for talk to my spiritual advisor?’ ” belong to a faith community, but he is quiet room.” her intercession for several months. Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner searching for answers in his life and liked Former St. Monica parishioner Carole A few weeks ago, DeHart saw a notice Barb Kowich of Indianapolis thought the learning about the spiritual exercises of Johnston moved to Illinois two years ago, in her church bulletin about an Advent Advent silent retreat would be a good St. Ignatius of Loyola, which focus on but decided to come back to Indianapolis silent retreat. It sounded like a good idea, way to prepare for Christmas. prayer, meditation and contemplation. to attend the retreat before her holiday so she registered for the Dec. 17–19 retreat “A silent retreat allows you to withdraw “This seemed like a good opportunity visit with relatives and friends. at Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis. from the world and really commune with for direction,” Cudworth said. “I think “Father McGuire said Mother Teresa During the retreat, DeHart said, she God on a different level,” Kowich said. “I God is subtle. You don’t see bolts of prayed all the time, no matter what she found answers to her prayers and needed the silence and the time. Father lightning these days. I think God puts was doing,” Johnston said. “She was such enhanced her relationship with Christ McGuire led us in the Jesuit exercises, so it people in your life as a subtle way of giv- an incredible role model. This Advent while talking with the retreat master— was a renewal of our Catholic faith and ing you information you need. He calls retreat did much more than just prepare Jesuit Father Donald McGuire of belief system. He talked about the peniten- upon ordinary people to act as his mes- me for Christmas. It helped prepare me Chicago—who was Mother Teresa’s spiri- tial rite, about God’s tremendous mercy sengers and say, ‘Do this for me.’ for the rest of my life.” † tual director for a number of years! and love for us, and about what we can do “Last spring, I felt like God was calling for God. me to learn how to love more,” DeHart “He also talked a great deal about said. “I thought Mother Teresa would be Mother Teresa, about her work in the good to pray to about this, so I asked for world, and her goodness and kindness,” her intercession to help me learn to love Kowich said. “He told us how he has X Christ and others and myself more. worked with the Missionaries of Charity “I prayed about this a lot during the in India and Europe, and how they make Please join Beech Grove tied to Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., the pastor and parishioners of worldwide prayer vigil SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral By Margaret Nelson Forty monasteries in other locations have indicated they plan to have vigils at the same The faithful are invited to join the Beech time. And 100 other communities asked for to celebrate Grove Benedictines for an all-night New the prayer service booklets, so that they can Year’s Eve prayer vigil for peace. participate in their own way. Our Lady of Grace Monastery has been The Service at Dusk, or compline, will the hub of planning a worldwide Proclaim begin at 8 p.m. in the monastery chapel the Opening of the Holy Year Door Jubilee, a contemplative vigil. with lauds and an hour of reconciliation, Benedictine Sister Mary Margaret “Meg” using a water ceremony. Then many of and Christ’s coming in Christmas. Funk is chairing a committee that has invited those present will process to the crib. the 450 monasteries and 40,000 religious in Those present will sit in silence during the Benedictine and Cistercian (Trappist) the vigil, stopping for a short prayer on the communities to pray in solidarity. It is spon- hour that uses Psalm 119 and a reading. 11:20 p.m. sored by Monastic Interreligious Dialogue At the midnight hour, the service will be Vigil service of scripture and song (MID) and Alliance for International Birth of Divine Light, celebrating God’s Monasticism (AIM). presence in the world through the mystery Presider: Fr. Rick Ginther, pastor “Because it is monastic, it will be sim- of the Incarnation. ple,” said Sister Meg. She explained that The faithful will know when the New there will be three major services within the Year comes. After songs and readings and vigil. Proclamation of Millennium, the chapel 12:00 a.m. Because many of the sisters will have will be lit with candles and resound with the long weekend away from their min- bells and whistles. Opening of the Holy Year Door istries, “we have the great freedom to stay The assembly will be invited to make a and up,” said Sister Meg. She explained that commitment: “I, (name), in this land of some of the 70 sisters in the house will darkness, before the natural light, commit Midnight Mass spend the whole night in vigil. myself to seek God with all my heart.” Some sisters are flying in from other This will be followed by prayer and Presider: Archbishop Buechlein, O.S.B. monasteries to show solidarity with the singing of “Joy to the World.” Beech Grove community. The Benedictine sisters will have a number of Little Hour prayer services— Secured Parking each with a song, psalm and reading— Clarification within the vigil. SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral lot The third service, Morning Prayer, will be (enter from North Pennsylvania Street) A story in the Dec. 17 issue of The held at 9 a.m with the theme, Mary, Mani- Criterion gave incomplete information festation of Light. The 9:30 a.m. Mass will The Catholic Center lot about The Christmas Store in Terre honor the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. (enter from West 14th Street) Haute. The store served 871 families The side door to the chapel will be open and 3,665 individuals this year. † so that the public can join them, coming and going as they wish. † Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

Seeking the Face of the Lord Official Weekly Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B. Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler TheCriterion 1915 - 1994 Criterion Founding Editor Most Rev. Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., Publisher William R. Bruns, Executive Editor Greg A. Otolski, Managing Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus Great Jubilee Editorial will extend Christmas all year Christmas in Bethlehem hristmas Day is not just another We find a special Christmas gift for he eyes of the world will be fixed of the Nativity of our Lord. For Jesus is Cday. each of us in the sacrament of Ton the “little town of Bethlehem” as born into a world in which the poor cry One would have to be pretty penance and reconciliation. We find Midnight Mass in the Basilica of the out for justice and sinners cry out for hard-hearted not to be touched with it in the celebration of Holy Mass. Nativity ushers in the Jubilee Year. His forgiveness. He enters into the broken- a little of “the Christmas spirit,” no The thing about a gift is that it is Beatitude Michel Sabbah, Latin ness of our lives and abides with us in Patriarch of Jerusalem, will preside at spite of the tensions and inconsistencies matter what the circumstances. The not truly a gift until it is accepted. Mass in the newly renovated Church of within. He is born not into a perfect long and beautiful tradition of the Gift-giving cannot be consigned St. Catherine of Alexandria in the pres- world, but into a world in need of season, enhanced by warm music only to Christmas Day. The Great ence of hundreds of Palestinian redemption. “Healthy people do not and beautiful decorations, the cus- Jubilee 2000 is like a yearlong cele- Christians. need a doctor,” Jesus says, “but sick tom of sharing gifts and bountiful bration of Christmas because it The residents of Bethlehem have people do.” meals lend a romantic air to commemorates and celebrates the been busy in recent months. Pilgrims One enters into the Basilica of the Christmas. Incarnation of Jesus and our have noticed a flurry of activity around Nativity through a doorway that stands redemption from sin and death. The the Basilica of the Nativity. Changes only 4 ½ feet tall. Designed in an ear- Yet, being hard of heart is not out wrought by the Wye accord have had a lier age to keep invading cavalry from of the question for any of us. Being grace of the jubilee builds on and tangible effect. The long-neglected entering the sanctuary, the diminutive without faith and hope is not deepens the grace of Christmas. infrastructure of the predominantly Arab portal serves as a reminder to all who beyond any of us. Indeed, There will be opportunities for extra city is being replaced now that the city stoop to enter the church of the one Christmas is meaningless if we are prayer and extra good works. There is governed by Palestinian authorities. who first stooped to enter our world. without faith and hope. If viewed as will be opportunities to live the The main road used by the millions of “For he emptied himself, taking the a mere secular celebration, it can faith in more intentional ways. And pilgrims to Bethlehem is being replaced form of a servant, being born in the even be an expensive burden in there will be special times for con- and resurfaced, stone by stone. Shutters likeness of men. And being found in and doors along main streets are being human form he humbled himself and more ways than one. fessing our sins and experiencing repainted in the green and white colors became obedient unto death, even death Are we willing to see that the tin- even greater freedom and peace of of Palestine. Craftsmen in the 84 olive on a cross.” (Phil 2:8) sel decorates a spiritual meaning of soul. Like the spirit of Christmas, wood factories in Bethlehem are work- This Christmas, as images of Christmas? Can we trace what we we want to open our hearts to the ing overtime to ensure adequate inven- Bethlehem are broadcast into our experience as Christmas to the birth spirit of the Great Jubilee. tories of religious articles for the record homes, let us remember that Bethlehem of Jesus? Can we genuflect to the Wherever we are on Christmas number of pilgrims expected during the is a real city. As we celebrate Jesus who is born like one of us? Day and throughout this season of Jubilee Year. Christmas, let us remember that Jesus Tensions between Palestinians and enters into a real world—our world. He Do we believe Jesus Christ is the special love, however distant we Israelis are noticeable throughout the becomes a little child so that we might Son of God and our Savior? may be from loved ones—I think of Holy Land, in spite of the expansion become children of God. “O marvelous Christmas gives us pause to mea- our loved ones who have recently of Palestinian jurisdiction in exchange” the liturgy of the Church sure the quality of our faith. This is gone home to God—however sepa- Bethlehem and other parts of the West sings out. “Man’s Creator has become especially true as Christmas 1999 rated we may feel from loved ones, Bank and Gaza Strip. The construction man, born of the Virgin. We have been launches the Holy Year of Great we can truly meet them in Church, of a new mosque in Nazareth has made sharers in the divinity of Christ Jubilee 2000. Reaching back to our in our prayer, especially at Mass sparked a confrontation between who humbled himself to share in our and Holy Communion. Spiritual Muslim, Christian, and Israeli leaders. humanity.” (Liturgy of the Hours, Jewish roots, our Church views a Every day in Bethlehem is marked by Antiphon 1 for Jan. 1). jubilee year as a sanctified time. reunion is real reunion too! an intense struggle for economic and Not only the Christmas season, During the Great Jubilee, it is my social justice. Peace in the Holy Land —Father Daniel J. Mahan but also the Holy Year, can give a fond hope that we will prepare the is a commodity that is both precious timely boost to our faith. Is our faith way to welcome back home to our and elusive. (Father Daniel Mahan, pastor of a live flame or perhaps merely a Church those who for whatever rea- And so the modern-day city of St. Luke Parish in Indianapolis, is a spark? In every liturgical season and son have left our family of faith or Bethlehem, with its struggles and its member of the editorial committee of especially during a Holy Year, simply have not felt welcome in the dreams, its saints and its sinners, pro- the Board of Directors of Criterion vides an apt setting for the celebration Press, Inc.) † through the Church, God offers us home of our Church. Let this special help to deepen our faith. Our Christmas season be a time when we challenge is to look for and to open our hearts with a new sense of accept the gift God offers us hospitality and understanding love. through the ministry of the Church. Let us pray that Jesus may be born Surely the tradition of giving in the Bethlehem of every home that gifts at Christmas time is rooted in needs him; may he be born in every the fantastic gift God gave the heart that seeks him. May Jesus be TheCriterion human family when he gave his born in the Bethlehem of our family only Son for our salvation from sin of faith. May he lift up our hearts in and death. In the spirit of God’s his love. Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Mailing Address: 1400 N. Meridian Street, Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717. Periodical Postage gift-giving, we are led to give to Know that I shall meet all of you Paid at Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 1999 Criterion Press, Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. others as a sign of our love. The and your loved ones in my evolution of the tradition of Santa Christmas Masses and prayer. If Phone Numbers: Staff: Claus is rooted in a spiritual tradi- you like, please come and join me Main office: ...... 317-236-1570 Senior Editor: Margaret Nelson Advertising ...... 317-236-1572 tion of giving in imitation of God’s in the celebration of Midnight Mass Assistant Editor: Mary Ann Wyand Toll free: ...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 generous love. God’s gift of his and the opening of the Great Circulation: ...... 317-236-1425 Assistant Editor: Susan M. Bierman only Son is our model. Jubilee door at the cathedral. Toll free: ...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 Advertising Director: Don Bramlage Senior Account Executive: Mary M. Verkamp The spiritual call of Christmas is May the peace and joy of Christ Price: Senior Account Executive: Loretta Hahn Williams to live for God and for each other. be with you all! May God bless our $20.00 per year 50 cents per copy Account Executive: Tony Clark The spiritual gift of Christmas is the Holy New Year of the Great Jubilee Director of Publications and Graphics: Jane Lee Postmaster: help, the grace we need to do that. 2000! † Send address changes to The Criterion, Production Coordinator: Louie Stumpf P.O. Box 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Production Assistant: Lara Back Accounting Clerk: Phyllis Huffman Archbishop Buechlein’s intention for vocations for December World Wide Web Page: Catholic Elementary Schools: that they may teach our children the Catholic faith www.archindy.org and assist them in hearing and answering God’s call to service in the Church, E-mail: especially as priests or religious. [email protected] Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

100 years, including war, genocide, totali- place outside of U.N. mandate,” Father Peace-making necessarily involves car- PEACE tarianism, but also condemns modern Cervellera said. ing for the development needs of the poor, continued from page 2 errors, like powerful nations that “weaken In his message, the pope said military he said. the role and credibility of international intervention was sometimes necessary, and “At the beginning of a new century, the Cervellera, director of Fides, the Vatican’s organizations like the United Nations,” the even obligatory, to defend civilian popula- one issue which most challenges our missionary news service, called the priest said. tions against unjust aggressors, after polit- human and Christian consciences is the pope’s message an “examination of con- “One reads between the lines the pope’s ical negotiations fail. poverty of countless millions of men and science of the 20th century.” condemnation of the NATO and U.S. inter- “These measures, however, must be lim- women,” he said. He noted that more than The pope outlines the evils of the past ventions in Kosovo and Iraq, which took ited in time and precise in their aims,” the 1.4 billion people worldwide live in pope said. “They must be carried out in full extreme poverty. respect for international law, guaranteed by The earth’s resources are not destined DOOR an authority that is internationally recog- for a select few, but for the good of all its nized.” inhabitants, he said. continued from page 2 Full use must be made of all the provi- “This basic principle is widely disre- and door posts with cloths soaked in holy sions of the U.N. Charter, he said. He said garded, as shown by the persistent and water. the United Nations “must offer all its growing gulf in the world between a Instead, Bishop Marini said, Catholics member states an equal opportunity to be North filled with abundant commodities from Asia and Oceania will mark the part of the decision-making process, elimi- and resources and increasingly made up doorway with perfume and decorate it nating privileges and discriminations of older people, and a South where the with flowers while traditional Japanese which weaken its role and credibility. great majority of younger people now music plays. “What is needed without delay is a live, still deprived of credible prospects The flowers and perfume are meant to renewal of international law and interna- for social, cultural and economic develop- honor Christ—the gate or doorway of sal- tional institutions,” he said, whose “basic ment.” vation—and to be a sign of the joy which organizing principle should be the primacy The pope suggested a rethinking of was part of the biblical jubilee years, the of the good of humanity and of the human what the economy and its purposes are. He bishop said. person over every other consideration.” invited economists and financial profes- “The joy expressed by the flowers and The pope praised the establishment of sionals to “recognize the urgency of the fragrances adorning the door replaces the an International Criminal Court because need to ensure that economic practices and penitential sign of the purifying water for- “crimes against humanity cannot be con- related political policies have as their aim merly sprinkled on the doorjambs” by the sidered an internal affair of a nation.” the good of every person and of the whole confessors, he said. The Fides editorial said the pope was person.”

Like the Catholics from Asia and CNS photo from Reuters referring to nations like China, Indonesia, He said there was an urgent need to Oceania, representatives from every conti- Workers remove a metal box containing keys Russia and Vietnam, which reject interna- reconsider the models that inspire devel- nent will have a special role during the and religious objects from the inside wall of the tional human rights pressure as meddling opment policies, to include greater partic- ceremony as a concrete sign that Christ’s Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 15. in their internal affairs. ipation of the poor as agents of their own birth, death and resurrection are important Pope John Paul II will officially open the sealed The pope, noting a worldwide increase development. for the whole world, Bishop Marini said. door on Christmas Eve, signaling the start of in armed internal conflicts in which civil- “When seen as a sowing of peace, Representing Africa, a group of the Jubilee Year. ian populations suffer greatly, said nations cooperation cannot be reduced to aid or Catholics from Onitsha, Nigeria, will play at midnight. have a duty “to guarantee the right to assistance, especially if given with an traditional horns in a call to all people to St. Peter’s Basilica, he said, can hold a humanitarian aid to suffering civilians and eye to the benefits to be received in join the celebration, he said. Lay men and maximum of 7,000 people. refugees.” return for the resources made available,” women from the Americas and Europe The bishop said it is up to officials at He called it a “paradox of contempo- he said. will form a procession to carry the Gospel the Prefecture of the Papal Household to rary warfare” that “as recent conflicts have Fides said that the pope was criticizing to the basilica’s main altar. decide who gets tickets, but he is working shown, armies enjoy maximum security, self-serving international aid policies of Bishop Marini said that as of Dec. 14, closely with Vatican and Italian state tele- while the civilian population lives in rich countries like the United States, the Vatican had received requests for vision to ensure the event is prayerful and frightening situations of danger.” Japan and European nations. † 55,000 tickets to watch the opening of the dignified for everyone watching, not just Holy Door and attend the Christmas Mass those inside the basilica. †

Daily Readings, continued from page 11

The Richmond Catholic Community presents Monday, Jan. 3 Monday, Jan. 10 1 John 3:22–4:6 1 Samuel 1:1–8 Psalm 2:7–8, 10–11 Psalm 116:12–19 Norma McCorvey Matthew 4:12–17, 23–25 Mark 1:14–20 “Jane Roe” in the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade, legalizing Tuesday, Jan. 4 Tuesday, Jan. 11 abortion. Ms. McCorvey is now a PRO-LIFE CATHOLIC! Come and hear Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Samuel 1:9–20 her testimony about her amazing conversion from a pro-abortion activist 1 John 4:7–10 (Response) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4–8 to a PRO-LIFE CRUSADER. As witnessed in her book, Won by Love, she Psalm 72:2–4ab, 7–8 Mark 1:21b–28 describes her life from her involvement in Roe vs. Wade, to her work in Mark 6:34–44 abortion clinics, to her conversion in which God used a small child to Wednesday, Jan. 12 change her heart. Wednesday, Jan. 5 1 Samuel 3:1–10, 19–20 Holy Family Catholic Church John Neumann, bishop Psalm 40:2–5, 7–10 815 West Main St., Richmond, IN 1 John 4:11–18 Mark 1:29–39 Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000 Psalm 72:2, 10–13 1:30 p.m. Mark 6:45–52 Thursday, Jan. 13 Free admission Hilary, bishop and doctor of Thursday, Jan. 6 the Church PUBLIC INVITED! Youth groups are encouraged to join us on Friday Blessed Andre Bessette, 1 Samuel 4:1–11 evening for a pro-life pilgrimage. Activities planned include liturgies, a liv- religious Psalm 44:10–11, 14–15, 25–26 ing rosary, several speakers to discuss various pro-life topics, placement of 1 John 4:19–5:4 Mark 1:40–45 4,000 crosses and Eucharistic Adoration. Psalm 72:2, 14, 15bc, 17 Luke 4:14–22a Friday, Jan. 14 Contact Mary Williams, youth minister, 765-966-0134, for details on 1 Samuel 8:4–7, 10–22a how to register. Contact Joyce Deitz for other details about the talk, Friday, Jan. 7 Psalm 89:16–19 765-935-2934. Raymond of Penyafort, priest Mark 2:1–12 1 John 5:5–13 It’s been 27 years since Jan. Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20 Saturday, Jan. 15 27 – 22, 1973, beginning the Luke 5:12–16 1 Samuel 9:1–4, 17–19; 10:1a legalization of abortion. Psalm 19:8–10, 15 Saturday, Jan. 8 Mark 2:13–17 Over 4,000 babies are destroyed at abortion clinics 1 John 5:14–21 4,000 – EVERY DAY in the U.S. Psalm 149:1–6a, 9b Sunday, Jan. 16 John 3:22–30 Second Sunday in Ordinary Babies have died since the Time 30,000,000+ – 1973 decision. Sunday, Jan. 9 1 Samuel 3:3b–10, 19 The Baptism of the Lord Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10 Babies die in abortion Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7 1 Corinthians 6:13c–15a, 1 in 4 – clinics in the U.S. Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 17–20 of abortions are performed 9b–10 John 1:35–42 on mothers who have had Acts 10:34–38 42% – at least one prior abortion. Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

Check It Out . . .

Paulist Father Bob Rivers will present a workshop “The Gift,” a jazz cantata, will feature a mixture of Borders Books and Music, 314-432-3575 or www.bor- on creating evangelizing parishes for the new millen- traditional and classical Christmas songs beginning at ders.com; and Waldenbooks, 636-278-8736. nium. He will discuss topics like the meaning of 4 p.m. on Jan. 2 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 46th and Catholic evangelization, initial considerations on becom- Illinois Streets, in Indianapolis. Members of the The Catholic Choir of Indianapolis will present a ing an evangelizing parish, vision and strategy for St. Thomas Aquinas Gospel Choir, soloist Hazel Strong free concert of Christmas music at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 becoming a welcoming parish, and vision and strategy Johnson and Larry Calland and the Conga Jazz will per- at Holy Rosary Church, 520 Stevens St., in Indianapolis. for becoming an inviting parish. The workshop will be form during the 90-minute concert. Selections are from Following the concert, the choir will accompany Msgr. offered at St. Ann Parish in Lafayette on Friday, Jan. 21, Handel’s “Messiah” a version of “The Hallelujah Joseph F. Schaedel, vicar general and moderator of the and will be repeated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Chorus” arranged by Quincy Jones, “Go Tell It On the curia for the archdiocese, for the Christmas Eve Mass. Carmel on Saturday, Jan. 22. The program runs from Mountain” and “Love Came Down at Christmas.” Free- 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and the cost is $7. Additional infor- will offerings are appreciated. For more information, call Mozart Vespers will be included in a weekend mation is available from Sister Fidelis Tracy, for the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish at 317-253-1461. retreat on the music and the theology of Mozart St. Ann location, at 800-544-1684, and from Denise Jan. 21-23 at Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., in McGonigal, for the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel location, at Tai Chi Chih will begin on Jan. 4 and continue on the Indianapolis. Benedictine Father Noël Mueller, a monk 317-846-3475. following four Mondays from 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. at The of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, is the pre- Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech senter. The cost for the weekend retreat is $125 per indi- Little Flower Parish in Indianapolis will build a Grove. Yoga will begin on Jan. 10 and continue on the fol- vidual and $225 per married couple. The deadline to reg- commemorative brick sidewalk in the summer of 2000 lowing five Mondays from 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. on a morning ister is Jan. 5. For more information, call 317-545-7681 in thanksgiving for 75 years as a Catholic Church in the session will begin on Jan. 11 and continue through the fol- or check the Web site www.archindy.org/fatima. Indianapolis East Deanery. Engraved bricks will be placed lowing five Tuesdays from 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. For more in a pattern of a cross on the grounds. Families and busi- information, call 317-788-7581, ext. 3169 or check the web A Mozart Day of Reflection will be held on Jan. 24, nesses may purchase bricks in two sizes that cost $75 and site at [email protected] from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. For more information, call 317- $200. For more information, call 317-357-8352. 545-7681. Benedictine Father Noël Mueller, a monk of Holy Spirit Parish, 7243 E. 10th St., in Indianapolis Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, is the presenter. The Indiana Repertory Theatre will present a one-man will host several activities on Dec. 31 for Jubilee 2000. play titled “An Almost Holy Picture” from Jan. 6–29 The following is a list: 5:30 p.m., vigil liturgy; Single Catholic women, ages 20–40, who want to on the IRT’s mainstage. The story is about one man’s 6:30 p.m., candlelight service; 6:45 p.m., first holy hour; learn about religious life are invited to attend a search for faith and healing. Samuel Gentle, played by 7:45 p.m., second holy hour; 8:45 p.m., third holy hour; Benedictine Life Weekend Jan. 7–9 at Monastery Tim Grimm, is a non-practicing Episcopal priest who 9:45 p.m., fourth holy hour; 10:45 p.m., prelude music; Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand. The weekend will shares three intimate encounters with God in which he 11 p.m., Jubilee 2000 Mass; 12 a.m., Jubilee 2000 focus on the theme “Stability-Commitment to Life.” reveals his joy, pain, love and struggle to find the mean- Proclamation. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the ing of life. The play was written by Heather McDonald Benedictine way of life as they share in prayer and the and was named “Best New Play of the Year” by the Los Enneagram: Basics, an introduction to the theory of community life of the Sisters of St. Benedict. The pro- Angeles Times in 1995. For ticket information, call 317- personality, will be held on Saturday mornings, Jan. 29, gram is free. For more information, call Benedictine 635-5252. Feb. 5, 12 and 19, from 9 a.m.–noon at the Aquinas Center Sister Anita Louise Lowe at 800-738-9999, or e-mail her in Clarksville. Bob Leonard, who has served as director of at [email protected]. The deadline to register is The Indiana Office for Campus Ministries will spon- religious education/catechetical ministry for the New Jan. 3. Information about the vocation program of the sor “Jesus Stories for Spiritual Consciousness,” a spir- Albany Deanery for more than 18 years, is the presenter. Ferdinand Benedictines is also available at http://thedo- itual life retreat, Feb. 24–25 at Allison Mansion on Leonard has been working with the Enneagram since 1985 me.org. Marion College’s campus, 3200 Cold Springs Road, in and is an O’Leary-Beesing certified teacher of Enneagram: Indianapolis. John Shea, of the Institute for Pastoral Basics. The cost per person is $28. The deadline to register The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand are turning to Studies at Loyola University in Chicago, is the retreat is Jan. 24. For more information, call 812-945-0354. the newest technology to help their oldest members. leader. The cost for the retreat is $60 for Thursday/ Their three-year-old gift shop, “For Heaven’s Sake,” Friday registration and $40 for Thursday registration. For The St. Louis Archdiocese’s commemorative papal which provides support for retired sisters, now has an more information, call 317-923-4839 or e-mail at visit book is now available in bookstores and can be online store for Internet shoppers. The address is [email protected] ordered on-line. “John Paul II: The Pastoral Visit to http://www.forheavensake.org. St. Louis” is a 156-page “coffee table book” commemo- HospiceCare, Inc. is looking for volunteers to work rating the January visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Louis. St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers annual as a group or individually with terminally ill patients The book uses a variety of color photographs and some Jump the Gun, a 1.1-mile run/walk, will be held Jan. 7 at and their families for a few hours a week or month. text to tell the story of the pope’s visit to the Gateway St. Francis South Campus, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., in Many volunteer positions are available at the corporate City. All homilies and speeches delivered by Pope John Indianapolis. Health fair activities will be offered from office. For more information, call 317-580-9336 or 800- Paul II while in St. Louis also are printed in the book. 10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. The run/walk begins at 11 p.m. All 517-9964. The following is a list of bookstores that have the book participants will receive special seeding for the currently in stock. Pauline Books and Media, 317-965- Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon set from The sacraments will be the focus of the annual men’s 3512; Catholic Supply, 314-351-0277; May 6. Registration is not required. The event is open to Lenten retreat at Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St. Peter’s Catholic Store, 636-970-1043; Left Banks all ages. For more information, call 317-782-7981. St., in Indianapolis on March 10–12. For more informa- Books, 314-367-6731; Barnes and Noble, 314-843-9480 tion, call 317-545-7681. or www.bn.com; B Dalton Bookstores, 314-821-2424; A Bereavement Support Group, a series of meet- ings open to any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one, will be held on Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers’ Hospice Office, 438 S. Emerson Ave., in Greenwood. Sessions will be held in the afternoon from 3 p.m.–4:30 Golden Frontier Tours 2000 p.m. and in the evening from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Registration is required. To register, call 317-865-2092. Call 618-234-1445 or write: 4100 N. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62226 A full brochure on each tour will be sent immediately upon request. Caterpillar Kids, a bereavement support group for children ages 5–12 who have experienced the death of a Sponsored by Catholic Shrine Pilgrimage of Belleville, Illinois, a non-profit religious organization loved one, will be held Jan. 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23; and offering tours for adults to various sites in the world. All tours are escorted by a priest for daily March 1 at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. and Sunday Mass. Fares shown below include round trip air on scheduled airlines from Chicago, 31 South, in Indianapolis. Registration is required. To hotels with private bath, meals, ground transportation, entrance fees and guides. register, call 317-865-2092. † (Golden Frontier is independent of Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville.) ROME & HOLY LANDS GERMANY AND FLORENCE, ITALY Rev. Dean Probst AUSTRIA, PASSION Rev. Virgil Mank Carlinville, IL PLAY 2000 Godfrey, IL 10-day tour of the holiest of Shrines, including Bethlehem, Rev. George Radosovich 11 days in March. Three Cana, Tiberias, Jericho and Staunton, IL nights in Florence will take Jerusalem. Airfare from St. 10 days to the Bavarian and Austrian us to the Academia to view Louis to Israel and return. Alps, Munich, Berchtesgaden, Michelangelo’s famed David and the Uffici Included is professional guide throughout the Innsbruck, Oberammergau, King Ludwig’s Linderhof Gallery and its outstanding art. Then to Holy Land, as we trace the footsteps of Christ Castle, Passion Play, the 6th-century Marian Shrine at Rome via Assisi. In Rome, we visit St. Peter’s from Nazareth to Jerusalem, walk the Via Altoetting and northern Austria are to be part of a and the major Shrines of Sts. Peter and Paul, Dolorosa, and visit Bethlehem. Included are beautiful spring trip. Shopping for wood carvings or plus the Pantheon, Bay of Naples, three meals a day (except one lunch on free day), hotels, guides, entrances, transportation cuckoo clocks in Oberammergau, and Austrian crystal Colosseum, Amalfi Coast drive, Trevi throughout the Holy Lands. in Innsbruck are added features. Trip has two hotel Fountain and surrounding countryside. March and November, 2000. locations—in Fussen and Berchtesgaden. March, 2000. $2,368.00 from $2,298.00 May, 2000. from $1,892.00

• NEW ORLEANS & WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE, • GERMANY & AUSTRIA/PASSION PLAY • FRANCE, 11 DAYS IN OCT...... $1,856 10 DAYS IN JAN...... FROM $1,098 10 DAYS IN MAY ...... FROM $1,892 • ENGLAND, 10 DAYS IN NOV...... $1,688 • EASTERN CARIBBEAN, 8 DAYS IN JAN...... FROM $1,180 • RUSSIAN WATERWAYS CRUISE, • GREECE & GREEK ISLES, • HOLY LANDS, 10 DAYS IN MAR. & NOV...... FROM $2,298 17 DAYS IN JUNE ...... FROM $2,828 9 DAYS IN NOV...... $1,588 • ROME & FLORENCE ITALY, 11 DAYS IN MAR. & NOV...... $2,368 • ALASKA CRUISE, 8 DAYS IN JULY OR AUG...... FROM $1,798 • EGYPT, 9 DAYS IN NOV...... $2,388 • PANAMA CANAL & SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE, • ROME & CENTRAL ITALY, 9 DAYS IN AUG...... $2,368 • ROME, NORTHERN ITALY & VENICE, 10 DAYS IN FEB...... FROM $1,688 • NEW ENGLAND & FRENCH CANADA CRUISE, 11 DAYS IN NOV...... $2,382 • HOLY LANDS, 10 DAYS IN MAR. & NOV...... $2,298 8 DAYS IN SEPT...... FROM $1,098 • SICILY & ROME, 11 DAYS IN NOV...... $2,220 (Not all brochures have returned from printer. They will be sent as soon as they are available.) • IRELAND, 9 DAYS IN SEPT...... $1,512 • SPAIN & PORTUGAL, 12 DAYS IN NOV...... $1,920 • SWITZERLAND, 9 DAYS IN OCT...... $1,698 Located on river bluffs near Golconda in southern Illinois, 4 hr. drive from Indianapolis. SAN DAMIANO Offers lovely cottages, kitchen, 2 queen beds, hot tub & fireplace. On grounds: Shrine of Good Shepherd, A beautiful, scenic retreat for rest & relaxation! scenic walking paths, Garden of Angels, video & religious book library. COLDWELL BANKER Call 618-234-1445 for brochure. Rt. 1, Box 106, Golconda, IL 62937 ✆ For reservations, call 1-800-716-1558. ADVANTAGE REAL ESTATE The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 7 Mother finds safe housing for daughters

By Margaret Nelson help serve at food concessions during downtown sporting events. The teens are It’s been less than two years since saving money for their education, and they Marie decided she had to take her three travel to promote the program in other daughters—then ages 8, 11 and 13—and cities. Last year, they made trips to San move away from her husband, who was Francisco, Mexico and Latin America. controlling to the point of abuse. Even the 10-year-old is a junior peer leader. The four lived for weeks in two differ- Marie said that the apartment is much ent shelters before she heard about the better than being in a shelter for more Holy Family Services’ transitional hous- than the obvious reasons. ing program in Indianapolis. “Being in my own apartment gives me Marie, whose name is changed in this more self-confidence. It has raised my story to protect her identity, applied to self-esteem to be on my own,” said Marie. get into the program. She wanted her “I don’t have to depend on anyone else.” family to live in one of the nine apart- Marie wants people who read this story ments at the former south side Catholic to know that homeless people aren’t much school because the program had a sup- different than they are. She warned that it port system that would help her meet her can happen to anyone if a few things go goals—finding a place for her family to wrong. This fact has been emphasized to live, getting a job and buying a car so she her by the honest, hardworking homeless could get to the job. people she has met since she left her hus- Her supportive case manager is helping band. her meet the goal of permanent indepen- “Some people don’t have the skills to dent housing by arranging the transitional provide for themselves, and they just need Photo by Margaret Nelson housing and referring her to full-time a little help,” she said. “You can be work- Marie and her three daughters admire their Christmas tree in their transitional housing apartment employment and educational opportuni- ing and living from paycheck to pay- made possible by Holy Family Services, part of Catholic Social Services. ties. She may live in the apartment for up check.” to two years, paying a portion of her “It’s not like the stereotype—that the She explained that, at the apartment window sill. A Christmas tree dominates salary. Last year, 11 families lived in the homeless are lazy and don’t want to building, families with smaller children the living room. Decorated, it’s topped apartment building—a total of 40 people. work,” said Marie. can get free day care the first 30 days— with an angel. After working for temporary services a “I’m proud of my girls,” she said, until they find permanent day care. Marie’s 10-year-old daughter volun- few months, Marie obtained the job she’s explaining that “their grades are always Holy Family Services also has a crisis teered, “I was an angel last week in the had for 16 months as a security guard. great.” shelter for short-term housing. Last year, Christmas play at school.” And she has been able to get a car. Her Marie takes the classes that Holy 341 families used the shelter—a total of “Transitional housing is just like a former case manager drives Marie’s girls Family Services offer, such as a money 1,000 people, mostly children. Both the blessing,” said Marie. “It gives you a home to school—a task that would be difficult management workshop and a program shelter and the apartment building are of your own, based on your income. It for her with her work schedule. showing survival skills against violence. part of Catholic Social Services, a mem- allows me to save money, and I can work Two of her daughters go to a south She’s reading Building Blocks to Home ber agency of Catholic Charities. They toward my goal of owning a home.” side Catholic elementary school and Ownership. In the process of checking on help families find a safe place to live, another to a public high school. her credit for home ownership, she was escape domestic violence and search for (Those wishing further information about This past August, Marie became legal surprised that “there was not much [bad jobs and other skills to begin life anew. how to help or obtain housing for home- guardian for her two nieces—16 and 18— debt] on it.” Marie’s apartment is neat and homey, less families may call Holy Family when their mother—Marie’s sister—lost By next June, Marie hopes to move her with photos of her daughters lining the Services 317-635-7830.) † her home. family into their own home. She’s found a The teens work two hours after school at south side Indianapolis developer who a multiservice center in a peer leadership renovates homes for families to rent-to- conflict management program. They also buy them. Providence Sisters to host international Vigil 2000

Vigil 2000 will be a day-long service The Sisters of Providence have sched- on Dec. 31 to welcome the new millen- uled the vigil to coincide with prayer ser- nium at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. vices of their communities in Taiwan, Sri Members of all denominations are Lanka and France. invited to attend part or all of the vigil in The vigil will begin at 7 a.m. with the the Church of the Immaculate Conception theme of forgiveness and continue at and in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. 9 a.m. with thanksgiving and praise. “Offering the opportunity for this vigil Mass will be celebrated in the church in preparation for the millennium carries at 11:30 a.m. Services beginning at out, in a special way, the mission of the 1 p.m. will focus on hope, then love. Sisters of Providence to deepen our own After 8 p.m., the services will continue relationship with God and to make God’s in the chapel, with themes of forgiveness, Providence known to others as well,” said then hope and love. Providence Sister Jeanne Knoerle, a At midnight, the Sisters of Providence member of the Contemplative Dimension will host a festive celebration in the Fashion Mall • 8701 Keystone Crossing • Indianapolis, IN 46240 • 317-575-9780 Core Group that planned the event. Providence Dining Room. † St. Vincent de Paul Society

Grant to boost schools’ T. VINCE SPECIAL APPEAL S N of T d Y e to help pay the cost of T P E I A Holiday Food being distributed

computer technology C U L

O

S FREE to the NEEDY By Margaret Nelson The grant will pay for travel and offer stipends for TTLA participants to train EVERY DOLLAR DONATED WILL BE USED FOR FOOD Those who teach technology in arch- their peers in the skills they have In a dia ian diocesan schools will have support learned. napolis, Ind Funds are made available to any parish through a two-year $20,000 grant from This is the beginning of the transfor- in the Archdiocese having a need. the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation mation, said Mark Hofer, coordinator for to the Office of Catholic Education. educational technology for the Office of ❑ $5 ❑ $10 ❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ My Food The Teacher Technology Leadership Catholic Education. Donation is $ ______Academy (TTLA) will help 16 teachers “I’m grateful to Dan Elsener and the integrate technology in their classrooms Christel DeHaan Family Foundation,” NAME ______this year. Hofer said, “for allowing us to support Participants have met three times this these teacher leaders as professionals to ADDRESS ______year to plan ways to integrate multime- extend technology integration throughout ______dia presentations and Web pages into the the archdiocese.” curriculum. They will meet another three Hofer said that any school leader MAKE CHECK PAYABLE AND MAIL TO: Your Donation is a Society of St. Vincent de Paul times in the second semester to integrate interested in having a TTLA participant P.O. Box 19133 databases, spreadsheets and Internet provide faculty training should contact Charitable Contribution for Tax Purposes Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 research in their daily lessons. him at 317-592-4051 for information. † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 1999 continued from page 2

those two countries for years to come. CNS photo from Reuters Perhaps the most shocking act of violence to Americans was the tragedy last April at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., where two students carried out the worst school massacre in U.S. history, killing 13 peo- ple and wounding 23 before killing themselves. Pope John Paul II, who has made the celebration of the jubilee year and bringing the Church into the new millen- nium one of the biggest—and possibly last—major pro- jects of his pontificate, continued his world travels in 1999 despite growing signs of fading health and strength. The pontiff, who turned 79 in May, kicked off the new year with a January trip to Mexico and the United States in CNS photo Pope John Paul II reaches out to a young man in St. Louis in January. The pope which he warned against giving in to a “culture of death.” made trips to seven countries in 1999. In Mexico City, he officially closed the 1997 Synod of Bishops for America by issuing his postsynodal apostolic Father Kenneth Leone talks with exhortation, Ecclesia in America (The Church in America). Kent Kochsmeier, 17, Ending his trip with a one-day stop in St. Louis, he cele- during a prayer brated Mass and met with thousands of young people from service following a across the nation. In a private moment with the governor of shooting rampage at Missouri, he obtained clemency for a convicted murderer Columbine High originally scheduled to be executed on the day of his visit. School in Littleton, During the year, the pope—who has repeatedly called Colo., on April 20. capital punishment “cruel and unnecessary”—interceded for several other death-row inmates in the United States, one of Pope John Paul II sits with Romanian Orthodox the few Western nations that still imposes the death penalty. Patriarch Teoctist during an arrival ceremony for the Numerous U.S. bishops also spoke out against execu- pope in Bucharest on May 7. This was the first visit by tions, and the bishops’ Administrative Board in April a Catholic pontiff to the mainly Orthodox country. issued A Good Friday Appeal to End the Death Penalty. CNS photo In December, the U.S. National Jewish/Catholic Health concerns have caused the Vatican to reduce in the global campaign. Consultation issued a similar plea, saying both traditions somewhat the heavy papal schedule for the Great Jubilee In late October the pope turned his advancing age into a have gradually narrowed acceptable use of capital punish- of the Year 2000, when Rome expects 25 million tourists. pastoral moment with a Letter to the Elderly, marking the ment to the point that “today, we would say together that But aides say the pope, who inaugurates the jubilee by United Nations 1999 Year of the Older Person. In the letter it is time to cease the practice altogether.” opening the bronze Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on he offered his personal spiritual reflections on aging. Pope John Paul visited Romania in May at the invita- Christmas Eve, remains mentally alert and still plans a Three weeks later, the U.S. bishops issued their own mes- tion of Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Teoctist. Making schedule that includes presiding over more than 70 litur- sage on the subject, The Blessings of Age, in which they his first visit as pope to a predominantly Orthodox nation, gical events as well as numerous meetings, audiences and encouraged parishes to develop programs for older Catholics he paid homage to the Orthodox Church but also called appearances simply to bless pilgrims and pray with them. and to make use of their wisdom and talents in parish min- for justice for the Catholic minority. He also has tentative plans to visit the Holy Land in istry. The following month, the pontiff made his seventh and March and Portugal in May. At their November meeting in Washington, the bishops longest visit to Poland, a marathon 13-day tour touching The approaching religious jubilee year reached into the dealt with a wide range of other issues as well, including 21 cities in 16 dioceses. secular realm in an unusual way as millions of ordinary decisions on restructuring their national conference and an The pope presided over the Synod of Bishops for Europe people joined religious leaders in a global movement ask- adult faith formation plan for the country. in October and in November traveled to India to deliver his ing governments and international monetary institutions But the decision which most caught public attention postsynodal document, Ecclesia in Asia (The Church in to grant deep, rapid debt relief to the world’s most heav- was their approval of new norms for U.S. Catholic col- Asia), synthesizing the results of the Asian synod he had ily indebted poor countries. leges and universities, including norms for theologians in convened in 1998. By year’s end major creditor governments and the gov- those institutions to receive a “mandatum,” or mandate to During his four-day visit, Pope John Paul called for a erning bodies of the International Monetary Fund and teach, from the local bishop. new program of evangelization and predicted “a great har- World Bank had taken major steps toward quicker, deeper While theologians, bishops and university administra- vest of faith” in Asia in the next millennium. But he told the debt relief for the worst-off nations—and, much more tion leaders have expressed wide consensus on the need to continent’s non-Christians that they have nothing to fear significantly from the standpoint of religious leaders’ strengthen the Catholic identity of U.S. Catholic higher from the Church, whose mission is “service and love.’’ moral concern, had made human services and poverty education, extensive disagreement remains whether the From India the pope flew to Georgia, a former Soviet relief for the people within those countries a central con- mandatum requirement will contribute to that goal or harm republic, where he celebrated Mass in the capital city of cern in the policy-making process. it. The norms must still be approved by Rome before they Tbilisi, met with President Eduard Shevardnadze and Pope John Paul, who publicly advanced the debt relief will take effect. Georgian Orthodox Catholicos Ilia II, and spent the night proposal in his 1994 apostolic letter on preparing for the Another major controversy to hit the U.S. Church came in a Catholic-run shelter for the homeless. millennium, was easily the most prominent public figure in July when the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a public notice barring two U.S. religious who have been leaders in gay ministry for nearly 30 years from any further ministry involving homosexual people. The notice said “errors and ambiguities” in their ministry have caused confusion and “harmed the community of the Church.” Salvatorian Father Robert Nugent said he accepted the Vatican order, but his colleague, Sister Jeannine Gramick, a School Sister of Notre Dame, said she would seek to appeal the decision. In November, some 4,500 supporters published a national ad urging the bishops to intervene in support of the two. Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, head of the bishops’ conference, issued a detailed response in which he reaffirmed the Vatican ruling and repudiated alle- This Ad Is gations that the Vatican action was intended to diminish or discourage the Church’s ministry with homosexual people. Leading Catholic figures who died in 1999 included: Camera Ready! • Joe DiMaggio, 84, Yankee baseball legend, March 8, at his home in Hollywood, Fla., after a long illness follow- ing lung cancer surgery. • Cardinal Raul Silva Henriquez of Santiago, Chile, 91, St. Meinrad noted for his human rights advocacy under the military government of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, April 9, in Santiago, of respiratory and renal failure. 1088 • Cardinal George Basil Hume of Westminster, 76, England’s leading Catholic figure, June 17, in London, of 4x6 cancer. • Anthony J. Wilhelm, 74, author of the best-selling book Neg on Catholicism, Christ Among Us, July 7, in Walnut Creek, Calif., of a degenerative blood disorder. • John F. Kennedy Jr., 38, only son of America’s first Cath- olic president, July 16, when his private plane crashed at sea. • Archbishop Helder Pessoa Camara of Olinda and Recife, Brazil, 90, a defender of the poor and world-renowned human rights champion; Aug. 27, in Olinda, of cardiac arrest. • Morris L. West, 83, Australian best-selling author and lifelong Catholic whose novels, often dealing with themes of faith, included The Shoes of the Fisherman, Oct. 9, at his home in Sydney. † A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 1999 by Catholic News FaithAlive! Service. Christmas celebration began in fourth century By Fr. Lawrence E. Mick temple to announce the conception of John the Baptist. This appearance When I was a child, I assumed that occurred when Zachariah was serving in Jesus was born in December. After all, the temple. If this service was for the that’s when we celebrated his birth, and feast of Yom Kippur, that would place it most manger scenes had artificial snow near the autumn equinox, around Sept. covering the ground and the stable’s roof. 25. It was years later when I learned that Figuring nine months, from concep- many scholars believed that Christmas tion to birth, puts John’s birth around came to be placed on Dec. 25 in order to June 25. We celebrate the feast of his counteract a pagan celebration called the birth on June 24. Birth of the Unconquered Sun. This feast In appearing to Mary at the of the Roman religion was established on Annunciation, the angel Gabriel told her Dec. 25 by the Roman Emperor Aurelian that Elizabeth was already in her sixth in 274 A.D. month of pregnancy. That puts the Dec. 25 was observed as the date of Annunciation at the spring equinox, the winter solstice, the year’s shortest around March 25 (which is when we cel- day, after which the days began to ebrate that feast). Adding nine months to lengthen again. Just when the darkness of that date brings us to Dec. 25 as the date night seemed about to suppress the light of Christ’s birth. of day, the sun began to regain strength. This also meshes with an opinion This victory was cause for rejoicing. common in the early Church that Christ So Dec. 25 was the date for a popular died on the same date he was conceived. Roman feast. Why, then, would Even if this second theory is correct, Christians choose that as the day for of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean Christmas? Because Jesus is the true Sun that Dec. 25 was the actual date Jesus who conquers the power of darkness. was born. It may suggest, however, that Since the 18th century, this theory of we have the right time of the year and the origin of Christmas has been widely that these two conceptions and births taught. (John the Baptist’s and Jesus’) fell near More recently, another possibility has the year’s four turning points: the winter been suggested by some scholars. This and summer solstices, and the spring and theory of the origin of Christmas relies autumn equinoxes. on the Bible itself to give us clues to the It surely seemed appropriate to the date of Christ’s birth. early Christians that these key events in These scholars begin with the appear- salvation history should occur at or near ance of the angel to Zachariah in the such significant points in the solar calen-

dar. CNS illustration by Joan Hyme The earliest Christians apparently did The angel Gabriel told Mary that Elizabeth was already in her sixth month of pregnancy. That puts the Christmas prayer not celebrate Christ’s birth on a separate Annunciation at the spring equinox, around March 25. Adding nine months to that date would make feast day. At first, the Church only cele- Dec. 25 the date of Christ’s birth. expresses excitement brated the weekly feast of Sunday. Easter was the first annual feast to tury, the feast of Epiphany was wide- Vatican Council II split the themes of By David Gibson develop, linked to the Jewish feast of spread in the East. Epiphany in the West. Now we celebrate Passover. As the two feasts became popular in the Magi on Jan. 6 and the baptism of the “The opening prayer from the The earliest firm record we have of the their respective Churches, they also Lord on the following Sunday, recalling Christmas Mass at dawn contains a celebration of Christmas is a document began to be adopted in the other region. the miracle at Cana on the Second provocative expression which brings a written in Rome in 336 A.D. The feast The East adopted the Western Christmas Sunday of Ordinary Time in Year C of tone of excitement to the jubilee,” said may have existed somewhat earlier, of celebrated on Dec. 25, and the West the Lectionary cycle. Bishop William Weigand of Sacramento. course, but it seems to have developed adopted the Eastern Epiphany celebrated In all these calendar patterns, the The prayer reads, “Your eternal word sometime early in the fourth century. on Jan. 6. Church celebrates more than the birth of leaped down from heaven in the silent The feast spread rapidly throughout On Dec. 25, the East celebrated both the child at Bethlehem. The Christmas watches of the night.” the Church so that it was celebrated the birth of Christ and the coming of the season also celebrates Christ’s revelation Bishop Weigand said, “The idea of widely in the Western Church by the end Magi; on Jan. 6 the East celebrated to the world. the second person of the blessed Trinity of the fourth century. Jesus’ baptism and the miracle of Cana. “The Word became flesh and made his leaping down into the arms of About the same time, Christians in the The West celebrated only Christ’s dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). It is he humankind suggests that God is enthusi- Eastern Church developed the feast of birth Dec. 25, combining the visit of the who has conquered the darkness with the astic about coming to dwell with us in Epiphany on Jan. 6 to celebrate Christ’s Magi, the baptism of Jesus and the mira- light of his glory. human form.” birth. The reasons for choosing that date cle at Cana into the celebration of are even less certain than those for Epiphany on Jan. 6. (Father Lawrence Mick is a priest of the (David Gibson edits Faith Alive!) † Dec. 25, but by the end of the fourth cen- In our own time, the reforms of Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio.) † Discussion Point Holiday focus is on faith, family

This Week’s Question wafer, or oplatki, asking God for forgiveness and for blessings in the New Year.” (Father Joseph Dornika, What change that you made in your own celebration of Christmas—or what tradition or custom—has Athol Springs, N.Y.) worked in terms of focusing attention toward the heart “On Christmas our children are all home. We usually of this feast day? attend Midnight Mass following a Christmas Eve din- “We’ve always tried to make Christmas less of a pre- ner. Lately, we have been inviting people in the area, sent-giving event and more of a family gathering who don’t have a Christmas Eve celebration, to join event. Also, my wife and I have always encouraged us.” (Nancy Gill, Bridgeport, Conn.) our children to participate in volunteer activities, like Lend Us Your Voice working at homeless shelters or visiting the elderly in nursing homes, who might be alone for Christmas.” An upcoming edition asks: Tell of a practice in your (Mike Brodie, Des Moines, Iowa) parish or diocese that fosters understanding among the Church’s diverse cultural groups. “I come from a Polish culture. We sing Christmas car- ols, or koledy. Our Christmas Eve meal is a fasting To respond for possible publication, write to Faith meal. We put hay on the table and cover it with cloth Alive! at 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. to remind us of the manger, and we share a Christmas 20017-1100. † CNS photo Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Journey of Faith/Fr. John Buckel Vatican II: Five documents approved on one day Soaps and

(Tenth in a series) should have a clear understanding of con- fer any direct or indirect burdens because The bishops at the Second Vatican temporary problems in order to help bring of their choice of schools. It said, too, Scripture: the Council approved five documents on people to the Church. 5. Above all else, that education is broader than schools Oct. 28, 1965. They religious life must be understood not as an and that the teaching of religion must be odd couple were: activity, but as a way of life according to extended to those who don’t attend Decree on the the evangelical counsels of poverty, Catholic schools. It supported special Watching soap operas can be a religious Pastoral Office of chastity and obedience. education for the handicapped and posi- experience. Scripture and soap operas can Bishops: It spelled out Decree on the Training of Priests: It tive and prudent education in matters be said to “point to one another.” First of the roles of bishops in said that the true renewal of the Church related to sex. all, there are a number the universal Church, was dependent upon the training of Declaration on the Relation of the of stories in the Bible in their own dioceses priests so they would be prepared for “a Church to Non-Christian Religions: It that read more like a and in their coopera- priestly ministry animated by the spirit of rejected the charge that the Jews were script from a soap tion with one another. Christ.” It dealt with the fostering of guilty of deicide or that they were guilty opera than excerpts It emphasized collegiality and encour- vocations, the importance of seminaries, of the crucifixion of Christ. The docu- from sacred Scripture. aged bishops to form national episcopal the care which should be given to the ment also said, “The Church reproves, as Tales of husbands conferences. spiritual formation of those preparing for foreign to the mind of Christ, any dis- cheating on their Decree on the Up-to-Date Renewal of the priesthood, the revision of ecclesiasti- crimination against people or any harass- wives (2 Sm 11), Religious Life: It sought to adapt religious cal studies, training for pastoral work and ment of them because of their race, color, wives cheating on life to conditions of the modern world the continuation of studies after ordina- condition of life or religion.” It also their husbands (Jn 8), without changing anything essential to tion. All these were to serve the purpose praised Hinduism for its search for God a woman married to a man who is not the consecrated life. It said this was to be done of preparing priests to lead the renewal through asceticism and meditation; com- biological father of her child (Mt 1:18–25) according to five principles: 1. The Gospel that was outlined by Vatican II. mended Buddhism for its belief in the and drunken behavior at dinner parties (1 must be the supreme rule. 2. Each religious Declaration on Christian Education: It radical insufficiency of this temporal Cor 11) are but a few examples of the type institute should recover and follow the emphasized the inalienable right of every world and its search for enlightenment; of R-rated conduct one finds in both the intentions of its founder. 3. All institutes human being to a suitable education and and complimented Islam for its belief in Old and New Testaments. should participate in the work of the uni- said that parents must have the right to God, its recognition of Christ as a Soap operas reflect the “human situa- versal Church according to the degree choose the schools they wish for their prophet and its veneration of the Blessed tion.” Although we live in a world that is allowed by their nature. 4. All religious children. It said that parents must not suf- Virgin. † in many ways very beautiful, it is also a world that is very sinful. Soap operas Cornucopia/Cynthia Dewes demonstrate all-too-well the great capacity people have to mess up their lives. They show how people cope with life, with all Rising to the occasion requires love, patience of its “ups and downs.” They illustrate It seems to me that rising early is unnat- Mass alone, ostensibly to sing in the choir, Bleary-eyed, we’d stagger out of bed try- what people sometimes do when they are ural. My body rhythms have never been in but also hoping that the kids would be ing to look at least pleasant, and turn the confronted with loneliness, lack of self- sync with sunrises and soundly asleep by the time I got home. kids loose on the living-room display. We worth, broken relationships, failure to find waking up alert and Meanwhile, their dad would announce the have photographs of the ensuing scene over meaning in their lives and, worst of all, stuff like that. And by “6 a.m. no sooner” wakeup time, enforce the years. There’s the bright-eyed little girl death. some dumb luck, I silence, and then shift into the annual put- with her loot firmly in hand, and the boys Faced with such problems, many char- married a man with new-toys-together mode. astride or brandishing whatever was new acters in soap operas fall into immoral similar opinions. By the time I returned, he’d be muttering that Christmas. And always a baby, as mys- behavior. Soap operas do a wonderful job Which brings me to curses, knee-deep in tified and cheerful as ever. of revealing the consequences of immoral Christmas mornings packaging while he The kids changed as time behavior, illustrating how such conduct with kids in the house. tried to figure out direc- ‘Bleary-eyed, we’d passed, their presents grew wrecks people’s lives. Now, it was fine tions translated into stagger out of bed smaller and more expensive, Soap operas mirror the human condi- when the older ones English by non- trying to look at least and Santa was no longer a tion but give little or no worthwhile were still babes and didn’t know what to English-speakers. By 2 factor. But Mom and Dad advice about how to cope with it. They expect anyway. They would get up at their a.m. or 3 a.m., Santa’s pleasant, and turn the always looked wasted on are much better at informing us how not usual times and cheerfully go along with largesse would be kids loose on the Christmas morning, with to live than how to live. whatever we had in mind: opening presents, stacked into a pile for living-room display.’ our hair askew, slumped on Where soap operas fail, Scripture suc- admiring the pretty Christmas tree, going to each child, with one the couch trying hard to ceeds. The Bible addresses the pain, sorrow Mass, having company for dinner. It was all unwrapped present for share the kids’ enthusiasm. and challenges that are often associated with OK with them, but not a real blast, either. each indicating whose pile was probably Now we can sleep in as late as we want human existence. It also has a great deal to However, the minute they heard about whose. to on Christmas morning. We can focus on say about the fundamental questions that Santa Claus, things changed. They’d been Finally, Santa’s helpers would crash into Jesus’ birthday and forget about Santa. But frequently arise in life. told that Christmas was Baby Jesus’ birth- bed. And soon, in the dark, the dark of you know, we wouldn’t mind at all if we Scripture informs us that God has day, but what really captured their attention night, we’d be awakened by the sound of could hear little voices again outside our responded to the sad and sorrowful situa- was the idea of Santa bringing gifts, rein- whispers and little feet pattering outside our door whispering, “Psst, is it tion of humanity. It calls to mind the good- deer, elves, and whatever else they picked door. 6 o’clock yet?” ness of God and reveals that he sent Jesus up from TV. So, when Dec. 25 dawned (and “Psst. Psssst. Shh. Psst, Will, is it Christ into our world so that we might be I do mean dawned), we were in for early ris- 6 o’clock yet?” (Will was the only one old (Cynthia Dewes, a member of St. Paul the delivered from sin. ing with a vengeance! enough to tell time.) “Shhh. No, it’s too Apostle Parish in Greencastle, is a regular Christ is God’s answer to the difficul- In those days I usually went to Midnight early.” Patter, patter, thump, wrestle, thud. columnist with The Criterion.) † ties and questions of life. Sin and its terri- fying effects, which are manifested so Faithful Lines/ graphically in soap operas, have been Shirley Vogler Meister overcome through the life, death and res- urrection of Jesus Christ. Epiphany about the Epiphany: we can visit like Magi Unlike soap operas, the Bible is not timid about offering advice on how we Surely, I’m not original when I say this: many prior holiday activities, the atmos- complimentary letter to the staff. should conduct ourselves. This sacred During the hustle and bustle before phere that day was glum. The place was Years later on Christmas Day, I went to book points to the compassionate way that Christmas, it sud- short-staffed, and few employees were St. Augustine Home for the Aged, oper- Jesus treated others and commands the fol- denly occurred to me cheerful, undoubtedly because they did- ated by the Little Sisters of the Poor, who lowers of Jesus to do likewise. that we’re doing this n’t want to be there. We smiled and care for their residents as if each one is At first sight, it probably appears rather wrong. Yes, we greeted everyone we could, including Christ himself. I arrived just after Christ- bizarre that seemingly “opposite realities” observe Advent in staff. When we saw the woman we par- mas Mass ended, and the joy I saw and felt are linked together, that is, something as special ways, trying ticularly came to cheer, was abundantly more unholy as soap operas with something as to focus on the spirit we were appalled. than what I’d experi- sacred as Scripture. However, bizarre as it of giving in prepara- Whoever dressed her ‘I went to St. Augus- enced anywhere else. may seem, Christians, in fact, profess that tion for Dec. 25. chose the ugliest frock tine Home for the Since we can’t on the first Christmas, seemingly “oppo- However, some of us in her closet. The certi- Aged, operated by the change society’s cus- site realities” have come together in the also enjoy a plethora fied nursing assistant tom of partying before person of Jesus Christ. of pre-Christmas holiday parties, celebrat- probably thought the Little Sisters of the the Christ Child’s birth- In other words, a vitally important part ing as though Christ’s birthday had woman wouldn’t know Poor, who care for day, perhaps we can of our faith is the mystery of the already come. any better, since she was their residents as if allow time during the Incarnation, namely, the belief that the Granted, this flurry of festivities began brain-dysfunctional. 12 days after Christmas almighty and eternal God came together decades ago when the holiday was com- That drab dress each one is Christ to revive the tradition with frail and mortal humanity in Jesus, mercialized and shopping became a cen- reflected the entire himself.’ of post-holiday celebra- who is both divine and human. tral activity. Before that, celebrations experience. tion while approaching One of the dominant themes of the began Christmas Eve. Christmas Day had After I came home, I the Epiphany. Perhaps Christmas season is that God is often the center of attention, but the 12 days immediately went alone to a nursing home we could also be like the Magi, but found in places that one would never thereafter were marked in happy ways nearby, where I knew no one. I needed to instead, visit a nursing home, seeing Christ expect: in a manger, on the cross and even until the Feast of the Epiphany itself, see if the same sad atmosphere prevailed. in each resident as the Little Sisters do. in the living room watching a soap opera. which commemorates the visit to Jesus by Instead I found not only an abundance of the Magi. cheerful staff, but the administrator herself (Shirley Vogler Meister, a member of (Father John Buckel is a priest of the Once, my husband and I visited a personally visiting residents. Special care Christ the King Parish in Indianapolis, is Archdiocese of Indianapolis and an asso- nursing home on Christmas morning. I was given to each person’s appearance, a noted poet and author and a regular ciate professor of Scripture at Saint came out crying. Although there were even those with Alzheimer’s. I wrote a columnist with The Criterion.) † Meinrad School of Theology.) † The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 11

Feast of the Holy Family/Msgr. Owen F. Campion The Sunday Readings Daily Readings Monday, Dec. 27 Sunday, Dec. 26, 1999 John, apostle and evangelist Friday, Dec. 31 1 John 1:1–4 Sylvester I, pope • Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 from every burden. Psalm 97:1–2, 5–6, 11–12 1 John 2:18–21 Actually, the epistle calls women to a • Hebrews 11:8, 11–12, 17–19 John 20:2–8 Psalm 96:1–2, 11–13 • Luke 2:22–40 dignity of considerable height. The cul- tural context must be remembered. John 1:1–18 Females were in every sense secondary Tuesday, Dec. 28 Today, the day after the feast of to males. Daughters were regarded as The Holy Innocents, martyrs Saturday, Jan. 1 Christmas, the Church celebrates the useless, except for the fact that they 1 John 1:5–2:2 The Blessed Virgin Mary, great lesson given by might be the source of some benefit if the Holy Family of they could be married to a man of wealth Psalm 124:2–5, 7b–8 Mother of God Nazareth—Jesus, or influence. Matthew 2:13–18 Numbers 6:22–27 Mary and Joseph. Courtship, as it known today, never Psalm 67:2–3, 5–6, 8 The first reading is occurred. Daughters married whomever Wednesday, Dec. 29 Galatians 4:4–7 from the Book of their fathers told them to marry. Under Thomas Becket, bishop and Luke 2:16–21 Sirach, one of the such circumstances, they usually were in martyr Wisdom books of the unions in which they hardly had any Bible. The authors rights, in which they were the mere 1 John 2:3–11 Sunday, Jan. 2 long ago dealt with objects of their husbands’ wishes for Psalm 96:1–3, 5b–6 The Epiphany of the Lord the challenge of con- gratification or to procreate. Luke 2:22–35 Isaiah 60:1–6 vincing Jews who were living outside the This epistle calls women, and men, to a Psalm 72:2, 7–8, 10–13 Holy Land that their religion was not in reality so much higher than that pertaining Thursday, Dec. 30 Ephesians 3:2–3a, 5–6 step with the culture around them, and in the Roman Empire of the time. It that their loyalty to the one, true God of instructs men to love their wives, just as it 1 John 2:12–17 Matthew 2:1–12 Israel was required by the ancient asks women to love and respect their hus- Psalm 96:7–10 covenant and was the utmost in wisdom. bands. The message here is not of subju- Luke 2:36–40 (continued on P. 12) In these passages, Sirach extols the gation, but of mutual love, regard and value of family life, especially by rein- care. forcing the role of parents in the upbring- St. Luke’s Gospel furnishes the last ing and lives of children. Much attention reading. It is the familiar story of the Reflection Very obviously, it places before us the is given to the place of the father in the Presentation of the young Jesus in the In virtually every Western culture today, Holy Family—Jesus, Mary and Joseph— home, but the mother is not overlooked. temple. even in places or among those quite distant as the perfect family unit. Both father and mother are presented as This reading is heavy with meaning. from formal religion, the celebration of St. Luke’s Gospel guarantees who the possessing power from none other than First, the religious devotion of the Holy Christmas brings to mind only the deepest Holy Family is. It is the family into which God. Family is evident. Not every couple felt and most admirable qualities of a human. the Lord Jesus was born, the setting in In most cases, rebelliousness is a nat- obligated to go to the temple in Furthermore, the feast calls families which Jesus was to grow in human nature. ural byproduct of maturation. Filled with Jerusalem to present a child to God, together as does no other holiday or public The example given by the Holy Family a confidence born in inexperience, youth although this was the ideal. commemoration. is clear. St. Luke’s Gospel is clear. The inevitably think that their way is the best Yet Mary and Joseph were there with The Church builds upon these recent example is of absolute dedication and way, regardless of their parents’ admoni- Jesus. Their gift was modest, typical of experiences by celebrating the Sunday closeness to God. It shines not only in tions, demands or examples to the con- what might be given by a relatively poor immediately following Christmas as the Jesus, the Son of God, but in Mary and trary. family. Luke’s inclusion of this information Feast of the Holy Family. Joseph as well. † Such surely was the case in Jewish is not simply trivia. It connects the Holy families for whom Sirach was written. Family with the poor and dispossessed, but Question Corner/Fr. John Dietzen The Scripture asserts that parents have a also with the most beloved of God. vital role to play in the formation of their Simeon, revered as a prophet, recog- children. nizes Jesus as Messiah. Prophets spoke The Epistle to the Colossians supplies in the very name of God. Passage from Isaiah may the second reading for this feast. Written For himself, the encounter with Jesus in the latter part of the first century A.D. fulfilled Simeon’s dreams. God had not for the Christian community in Colossae, forgotten him. not refer to the Messiah the epistle, and today’s reading from the Anna, one of the few female prophets epistle, repeat the great theme of the mentioned in the Bible, also recognizes I have been told that there is no sup- but a footnote explains the confusion Pauline school of theological thought. the young Lord. Qport in the Old Testament for our over the exact meaning of the sentence. Each Christian, by virtue of faith and Finally, Simeon tells Mary that heart- belief that Jesus was Furthermore, there remains real baptism, is part of Christ, the everlasting break and worry at times will be her lot. conceived and born of uncertainty about whether Isaiah himself Son of God. Always overshadowing the story of Jesus a virgin. However, we intended these words as a prophetic ref- Its message to wives to submit to their is the Crucifixion, the great moment of were taught in the past erence to the coming Messiah. He may husbands is often misunderstood, indeed the Savior’s absolute gift of self to God. that the passage from have meant them to refer to specific per- resented, by those who want women to Simeon’s prediction connects Mary with Isaiah 7 refers to sons he was dealing with politically at have every opportunity and to be freed this great act of redemption. Christ and Mary when that time in his life. At any rate, the text it says, “The Virgin apparently was not understood by any- shall be with child, one in reference to the Messiah, or to My Journey to God and bear a son.” virginal conception, until its use by Can we or can’t we St. Matthew. use that to help prove the virgin birth? (Illinois) What is the proper arrangement for Qan Advent wreath? Formerly, we used Christmas Morning It is true that the Church often uses three purple candles (or white candles tied Athis text of the prophet Isaiah in with a purple bow) and one pink candle. Handmaiden of God, Handmaiden of God, connection with the virginal conception I’ve seen other forms of the wreath with You have given to us on this morning Your destiny foretold in the scrolls, and birth of Jesus. As does so much of white candles and blue bows. (Illinois) A portion of heaven against the straw, Do the cool breezes of apprehension this magnificent biblical book (really the A measure of divinity enthroned in a Bestir your peaceful hours? “book” of Isaiah is at least two books), There is no official form of the manger— Have you been gifted with the Isaiah 7:14 gives us rich insights into the AAdvent wreath. Its arrangement is His palace a stable that we be reminded encompassing faith significance of the coming of the Savior. only a matter of custom. All of earth and heaven are his. That assures the tranquility this child However, several things prevent these In times past, Advent was seen as Will need from you? words from being a “proof” of the vir- somewhat of a mini-Lent—a time of Outside the stable walls ginal conception of Jesus. penance and self-denial but with a tinge The muted voices of the shepherds All our fears and doubts and weaknesses First, the original Hebrew of Isaiah, of joy in the background—perhaps sym- Entreat Joseph to allow them to adore We bring to the manger. written about 600 years before Christ, bolized most by the rose vestments the This babe the star has found for them. Now we choose to venerate your does not say virgin, but young girl— priest wears at Mass on the third Sunday Was this the first moment you knew— immortality “almah.” When it was translated into of Advent and by the rose candle that is Although in the womb, he was yours And acknowledge the unique love and Greek a few hundred years later, the lighted on the Advent wreath that day. awhile— favor Greek word parthenos was chosen— As the Church’s liturgy developed That now he belongs eternally God endowed on you alone. which usually does mean virgin. It was over the past century or so, particularly To all who come to him? Adoration to this child completing this Greek translation, for instance, in the last several decades, the predomi- the Holy Trinity, which was quoted in the Gospel accord- nant spirit of Advent is one of joyful Do your arms tremble when you lift him? We anticipate his message, ing to Matthew in the story of the waiting and hope. This theme clearly Do your hands falter when you wrap him? He bears witness of his father. infancy of Jesus (Mt 1:23). appears in the Scripture readings for Against your breast, does he hear Because the prophet did not actually weekday and Sunday Masses as well as The tumultous beating of a heart By Mariam Louise Higgins use the word virgin, most modern trans- in the other liturgical texts for the season. Overcome with awe? lations working from the original texts During the past few years, the increase use the words maiden, or young woman, of the use of blue (symbolizing hope), (Mariam Higgins is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Indianapolis.) in this passage. The New American rather than purple in liturgical color for Bible that you quote does say “virgin,” Advent, reflects this same spirit. † The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 12

100 years, including war, genocide, totali- place outside of U.N. mandate,” Father Peace-making necessarily involves car- PEACE tarianism, but also condemns modern Cervellera said. ing for the development needs of the poor, continued from page 2 errors, like powerful nations that “weaken In his message, the pope said military he said. the role and credibility of international intervention was sometimes necessary, and “At the beginning of a new century, the Cervellera, director of Fides, the Vatican’s organizations like the United Nations,” the even obligatory, to defend civilian popula- one issue which most challenges our missionary news service, called the priest said. tions against unjust aggressors, after polit- human and Christian consciences is the pope’s message an “examination of con- “One reads between the lines the pope’s ical negotiations fail. poverty of countless millions of men and science of the 20th century.” condemnation of the NATO and U.S. inter- “These measures, however, must be lim- women,” he said. He noted that more than The pope outlines the evils of the past ventions in Kosovo and Iraq, which took ited in time and precise in their aims,” the 1.4 billion people worldwide live in pope said. “They must be carried out in full extreme poverty. respect for international law, guaranteed by The earth’s resources are not destined DOOR an authority that is internationally recog- for a select few, but for the good of all its nized.” inhabitants, he said. continued from page 2 Full use must be made of all the provi- “This basic principle is widely disre- and door posts with cloths soaked in holy sions of the U.N. Charter, he said. He said garded, as shown by the persistent and water. the United Nations “must offer all its growing gulf in the world between a Instead, Bishop Marini said, Catholics member states an equal opportunity to be North filled with abundant commodities from Asia and Oceania will mark the part of the decision-making process, elimi- and resources and increasingly made up doorway with perfume and decorate it nating privileges and discriminations of older people, and a South where the with flowers while traditional Japanese which weaken its role and credibility. great majority of younger people now music plays. “What is needed without delay is a live, still deprived of credible prospects The flowers and perfume are meant to renewal of international law and interna- for social, cultural and economic develop- honor Christ—the gate or doorway of sal- tional institutions,” he said, whose “basic ment.” vation—and to be a sign of the joy which organizing principle should be the primacy The pope suggested a rethinking of was part of the biblical jubilee years, the of the good of humanity and of the human what the economy and its purposes are. He bishop said. person over every other consideration.” invited economists and financial profes- “The joy expressed by the flowers and The pope praised the establishment of sionals to “recognize the urgency of the fragrances adorning the door replaces the an International Criminal Court because need to ensure that economic practices and penitential sign of the purifying water for- “crimes against humanity cannot be con- related political policies have as their aim merly sprinkled on the doorjambs” by the sidered an internal affair of a nation.” the good of every person and of the whole confessors, he said. The Fides editorial said the pope was person.”

Like the Catholics from Asia and CNS photo from Reuters referring to nations like China, Indonesia, He said there was an urgent need to Oceania, representatives from every conti- Workers remove a metal box containing keys Russia and Vietnam, which reject interna- reconsider the models that inspire devel- nent will have a special role during the and religious objects from the inside wall of the tional human rights pressure as meddling opment policies, to include greater partic- ceremony as a concrete sign that Christ’s Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 15. in their internal affairs. ipation of the poor as agents of their own birth, death and resurrection are important Pope John Paul II will officially open the sealed The pope, noting a worldwide increase development. for the whole world, Bishop Marini said. door on Christmas Eve, signaling the start of in armed internal conflicts in which civil- “When seen as a sowing of peace, Representing Africa, a group of the Jubilee Year. ian populations suffer greatly, said nations cooperation cannot be reduced to aid or Catholics from Onitsha, Nigeria, will play at midnight. have a duty “to guarantee the right to assistance, especially if given with an traditional horns in a call to all people to St. Peter’s Basilica, he said, can hold a humanitarian aid to suffering civilians and eye to the benefits to be received in join the celebration, he said. Lay men and maximum of 7,000 people. refugees.” return for the resources made available,” women from the Americas and Europe The bishop said it is up to officials at He called it a “paradox of contempo- he said. will form a procession to carry the Gospel the Prefecture of the Papal Household to rary warfare” that “as recent conflicts have Fides said that the pope was criticizing to the basilica’s main altar. decide who gets tickets, but he is working shown, armies enjoy maximum security, self-serving international aid policies of Bishop Marini said that as of Dec. 14, closely with Vatican and Italian state tele- while the civilian population lives in rich countries like the United States, the Vatican had received requests for vision to ensure the event is prayerful and frightening situations of danger.” Japan and European nations. † 55,000 tickets to watch the opening of the dignified for everyone watching, not just Holy Door and attend the Christmas Mass those inside the basilica. †

Daily Readings, continued from page 11

The Richmond Catholic Community presents Monday, Jan. 3 Monday, Jan. 10 1 John 3:22–4:6 1 Samuel 1:1–8 Psalm 2:7–8, 10–11 Psalm 116:12–19 Norma McCorvey Matthew 4:12–17, 23–25 Mark 1:14–20 “Jane Roe” in the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade, legalizing Tuesday, Jan. 4 Tuesday, Jan. 11 abortion. Ms. McCorvey is now a PRO-LIFE CATHOLIC! Come and hear Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Samuel 1:9–20 her testimony about her amazing conversion from a pro-abortion activist 1 John 4:7–10 (Response) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4–8 to a PRO-LIFE CRUSADER. As witnessed in her book, Won by Love, she Psalm 72:2–4ab, 7–8 Mark 1:21b–28 describes her life from her involvement in Roe vs. Wade, to her work in Mark 6:34–44 abortion clinics, to her conversion in which God used a small child to Wednesday, Jan. 12 change her heart. Wednesday, Jan. 5 1 Samuel 3:1–10, 19–20 Holy Family Catholic Church John Neumann, bishop Psalm 40:2–5, 7–10 815 West Main St., Richmond, IN 1 John 4:11–18 Mark 1:29–39 Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000 Psalm 72:2, 10–13 1:30 p.m. Mark 6:45–52 Thursday, Jan. 13 Free admission Hilary, bishop and doctor of Thursday, Jan. 6 the Church PUBLIC INVITED! Youth groups are encouraged to join us on Friday Blessed Andre Bessette, 1 Samuel 4:1–11 evening for a pro-life pilgrimage. Activities planned include liturgies, a liv- religious Psalm 44:10–11, 14–15, 25–26 ing rosary, several speakers to discuss various pro-life topics, placement of 1 John 4:19–5:4 Mark 1:40–45 4,000 crosses and Eucharistic Adoration. Psalm 72:2, 14, 15bc, 17 Luke 4:14–22a Friday, Jan. 14 Contact Mary Williams, youth minister, 765-966-0134, for details on 1 Samuel 8:4–7, 10–22a how to register. Contact Joyce Deitz for other details about the talk, Friday, Jan. 7 Psalm 89:16–19 765-935-2934. Raymond of Penyafort, priest Mark 2:1–12 1 John 5:5–13 It’s been 27 years since Jan. Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20 Saturday, Jan. 15 27 – 22, 1973, beginning the Luke 5:12–16 1 Samuel 9:1–4, 17–19; 10:1a legalization of abortion. Psalm 19:8–10, 15 Saturday, Jan. 8 Mark 2:13–17 Over 4,000 babies are destroyed at abortion clinics 1 John 5:14–21 4,000 – EVERY DAY in the U.S. Psalm 149:1–6a, 9b Sunday, Jan. 16 John 3:22–30 Second Sunday in Ordinary Babies have died since the Time 30,000,000+ – 1973 decision. Sunday, Jan. 9 1 Samuel 3:3b–10, 19 The Baptism of the Lord Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10 Babies die in abortion Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7 1 Corinthians 6:13c–15a, 1 in 4 – clinics in the U.S. Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 17–20 of abortions are performed 9b–10 John 1:35–42 on mothers who have had Acts 10:34–38 42% – at least one prior abortion. CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT Rejoice!

Bright star shining, Dispelling the darkness, Angel songs Echoing on high To herald the birth Of the infant king. Let earth rejoice! Our Savior has come. The promise fulfilled, All our fears allayed On this glorious night When Christ is born. Let us rejoice! Our Savior has come.

By Hilda Buck (Hilda Buck is a member of St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceburg.) CNS photo from Art Resource, Erich Lessing of painting by Carlo Maratta CNS photo from Page 14 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 The Incarnation is a magnificent mystery Many Catholics have difficulty understanding, or totally Love accepting, that Jesus was as much a human as any of us A painting of Mary and Christ by 15th-century By John F. Fink difficulty understanding, or completely realizing, that Jesus was as much a human as any of us. Oh, they rec- Venetian artist In his book The Holy Longing, Oblate of Mary ognize that he ate and drank as we do because there are Bartolomeo Immaculate Father Ronald Rolheiser tells this story as a a lot of dinners in the Gospels, especially in Luke’s. Vivarini was way of explaining why God took on a human body in They know that he walked around Palestine with his selected for the the mystery of the Incarnation: followers as other human leaders did, and that he 1999 Christmas “A 4-year-old child awoke one night frightened, con- finally suffered and died as a human. stamp issued by vinced that in the darkness around her there were all But they don’t really totally accept the fact that he the U.S. Postal kinds of spooks and monsters. Alone, she ran to her was subject to illness, that he sweat profusely in the hot Service. parents’ bedroom. Her mother calmed her down and, and extremely humid Galilee summers before deodor- taking her by the hand, led her back to her own room, ants were invented, that he had the same sexual desires where she put on a light and reassured the child with and temptations that any adult man has, or that he had these words: ‘You needn’t be afraid, you are not alone the same humbling bodily functions that we have. That here. God is in the room with you.’ The child replied, ‘I God would assume those aspects of the human condi- CNS photo courtesy U.S. Postal Service know that God is here, but I need someone in this room tion shows, though, how far he went in humbling him- who has some skin!’ ” self to accept our human nature, to be like us in every Father Rolheiser concluded, “In the Incarnation, God way except sin. The Church forms the Mystical Body of Christ, as became physical because we are creatures of the senses There’s another aspect of the Incarnation that many St. Paul taught in his letters to the Corinthians, the who, at one point, need a God with some skin.” Catholics might not think about: God did not mean for Romans, the Ephesians and the Colossians. Although he Christmas celebrates the magnificent mystery of the the Incarnation to end with Jesus’s ascension into sometimes wrote that Christ was the head of the body Incarnation, the amazing fact that God, who created the heaven. and other times that he was the entire body or commu- entire universe, actually lowered himself to become a Quoting Father Rolheiser’s book again: “The nity, nevertheless our communion with Jesus is properly human being.. Incarnation is not a 33-year experiment by God in his- identified as the unity formed by the parts of a body. It We Catholics do not believe that Jesus, the baby who tory, a one-shot, physical incursion into our lives. The is called “mystical” because the reality of our unity is was born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, grew up to Incarnation began with Jesus and it has never stopped. accessible only to the eyes of faith rather than to ordi- somehow become the Son of God. No, we believe that The ascension of Jesus did not end, nor fundamentally nary sense perception. God, who has existed from all eternity, assumed the change, the Incarnation. God’s physical body is still We are, then, really and truly, the Body of Christ. body and the complete human nature of that baby who among us. God is still present, as physical and as real That means that it’s up to us to demonstrate God’s pres- was born in Bethlehem. The Incarnation was the work today, as God was in the historical Jesus.” ence in the world today. If it seems sometimes that God of the entire Blessed Trinity acting together, but only Yes, of course, you say; Jesus is still present in the is absent from modern society, we have only ourselves the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, was Eucharist. That is true, and we should wish that all to blame. If we don’t proclaim the Gospel message, it united with a human nature. Catholics would understand that Jesus truly is present won’t be proclaimed. It’s up to us to be Christ in the All around us there are people who deny that Jesus in the Eucharist, that the eucharistic host isn’t just a modern world. was God, saying that he was a wonderfully good man symbol of his presence. The Mystical Body has many parts, each with a dif- whose teachings we should follow, but no more than But besides that, we should come to realize—not just ferent function and abilities. It is up to each of us to use that. That doesn’t seem to be the Catholic heresy give lip service to—the fact that we are the Body of our particular and unique abilities to be Christ’s body though. We clearly understand that our Church teaches Christ. Just as Jesus said, “This is my body,” not, “This in the world. Then God will act through us as he once that Jesus was God. is a symbol of my body,” so St. Paul said, “You are acted through his Son, whose Incarnation the world cel- However, many Catholics, it seems to me, have more Christ’s body,” not, “You represent Christ’s body.” ebrates this Christmas. †

Annunciation of the FARIS MAILING Blessed Virgin Mary School HappyHappy Principal - Mrs. Barbara Reece INCORPORATED Introducing Our Giant Mail Box To Handle Holidays!Holidays! The Growing Needs Of Your Business Mrs. Patty Deakins • Chesire addressing Mrs. Annie Parr • Automatic inserting • EDP services Mrs. Karen Rosenberger • List maintenance Mrs. Rebecca Long • Premium fulfillment • Mailing consultants CALIFORNIA CONNECTION Mr. Dale Miller • Printing services Catering

Mrs. Nicole Siples Analysis of mailing requirements 6880 Hawthorne Park Drive Mrs. Ann Marie Hayes Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-246-3315 317-570-0727 19 North Alabama St. • Brazil, Indiana 47834 ED KNOUSE DAN MURPHY 5517 W. Minnesota St., Indianapolis

Perfect Beautiful Gifts A Touch Mirrors Lasting of Class Beauty To Any Home

SUBURBAN GLASS SERVICE, INC. 5999 N. US 31 • GREENWOOD, IN HOURS: 317-535-5747 M-F 8-5 SAT. 9-12 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas Supplement Page 15 Readers share favorite Christmas memories Toddler’s interpretation of ‘Mary Christmas’ teaches mother true meaning of the Nativity

By Mechele Anderson I showed each figure to my little fel- low and asked him what he knew of the Several years ago, when my son, story. He could identify each figure by Jeremy, was about 3 years old, I fulfilled name, except the Three Wise Men, and a dream of my adult life. I had always the nameless shepherd boy, but I was par- wanted a Nativity set. I longed to gaze ticularly impressed by his answer when upon the porcelain images of the Holy queried about Mary. Family, in particular the helpless human “And who is this?” I asked. form of the Word Made Flesh. “Mary,” my own little wise man During one of my frequent resale replied. “Mary Christmas.” reconnaissance outings, I “came upon a My first thought as a parent was to sti- midnight clear” right there in the fle a chuckle and correct his “mistake”— Salvation Army Thrift Store. until I realized that he was exactly right. Like all human families, this one, too, Without the submission of Mary, her was less than perfect. The Christ Child unconditional love for God and trust in was, of course, as perfect as can be made the message of the angel Gabriel, there by human hands, nestled in his little would be no Christmas. In Mary we have manger, but the crèche itself had some a beautiful example to live by in our lives oddities within. Present at the Blessed of obedience to the King of Kings. Birth was a twin set of donkeys, identical Her acceptance has enabled those until down to their position of repose. And the end of time to also accept. Because poor Mary obviously had experienced with Christ we accept forgiveness, we more of the rough life than evidenced by accept accountability, we accept steward- her serene demeanor. She appeared as if ship and we accept the love of the Herod had made an assassination attempt Heavenly Father, evidenced by the sacri- to prevent the arrival of the young king. fice of his Son on the cross, so that we I haggled another dollar off the price might live forever in his house as one of of the Nativity set, because the Blessed his adopted children. Virgin was obviously not immaculate, and With God as our Father in heaven, took my new treasure home. I prepped Mary as our heavenly mother and Christ Mary for emergency surgery, and while Jesus as sibling, teacher and monarch, my children napped, I repaired as best I what an inheritance we have accepted! CNS photo could the shattered form of the Mother of The beautiful thing about an inheri- Christ. tance is that you get it even if you may When the children awoke, I was eager not deserve it. Gifts from the magi to share the Nativity story with Jeremy “Mary Christmas!” and show him the set as I arranged it on The three magi are depicted in a church window in Helsingor, Denmark. Matthew’s Gospel the most honored location in our house— (Mechele Anderson is a member of recalls that the magi came to pay homage to the newborn Christ after spotting “his star.” the entertainment center. St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis.) † Grandmother watches seeds of service take root in granddaughter’s concern for the poor

By Cynthia Schultz some gifts of their choosing. Later we went back to my car to wrap In the last five years, I have been the gifts. It was hard for me to keep a blessed with five darling grandchildren. straight face as I watched two little girls They call me “Nana” and think I’m squeezed into the back seat of the car. pretty special, so I figure I’d better milk They were hovered over the gifts, wear- this time in my life for all it’s worth. ing looks of determination and bent on a I play with them every chance I get— mission of neatness. The wrapping paper from hide and seek in the dark with a seemed to stretch for miles as they flashlight to taking them to a small local twisted and curved it, shaping it around airport to watch planes land and take off. their purchases. Our adventures offer opportunities for Next I drove them to the agency, conversation. What an opportunity and where they got to meet the children and privilege it is to impact their lives! give them their packages. Adaline and Several years ago, I began a Savannah were speechless, but their blue Christmas tradition for the oldest girls, eyes spoke volumes. I knew they felt Adaline and Savannah, now 5. I thought good about cheering up someone else. This Ad Is it was time to plant some seeds of ser- And bingo! The roots were planted. vice and instill in the girls that As I was leaving Adaline’s house fol- Christmas should be a season for giving. lowing our family’s recent Thanksgiving Camera Ready! I called a local agency that temporarily gathering, she called out to me in the houses abused and neglected children, still of the night. “Nana, don’t forget to and asked if I could have the names of a get the names of the poor children again couple of children who were close to this year.” Marian College their ages. My eyes filled with tears. The roots After telling them a story about how had taken hold. 1241 some children were sad at Christmas because they can’t be with their parents, (Cynthia Schultz is a member of 3x8 we headed to a discount store to buy St. Mary Parish in New Albany.) † Neg Late-blooming rose gives relatives a priceless gift during Thanksgiving visit to cemetery

By Mary Ann Wyand find that a single miniature pink rose had just bloomed from a bush my niece had A priceless Christmas gift arrived at pruned in September. Thanksgiving this year—one that my We were speechless as we stared at family will treasure for years. the fragile flower, so unexpected this late When I visited my hometown last in the season. Even more astonishing, the month to celebrate Thanksgiving with rel- rose had bloomed right next to an atives, we went to the cemetery to pray at inscription on her tombstone, as if to the graves of deceased loved ones. reinforce the engraved message: “Her The weather was quite cold in northern spirit lives on.” Indiana, and chilly winds blew across the cemetery grounds. As we approached my (Mary Ann Wyand is a member of sister’s grave to place a Christmas wreath St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in beside her tombstone, we were surprised to Indianapolis.) † Page 16 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas memories focus on childhood For teen-age recipient, Christmas bell symbolizes the love of family and friends By Theresa Smith Naturally, I was very flattered and touched by Peter’s thoughtful intention. It was Christmas time in 1985, my I suggested that maybe the bell could be senior year in high school. In addition to glued back together. Peter, who was my studies, I was responsible for driving much closer to the pieces, emphatically my brother, Peter, and a carpool of neigh- declared that the bell was ruined and borhood kids to and from school in my that Byron was the reason. Byron was father’s old car. so sorry about what happened that he There were six of us crossing all grade apologized over and over again during levels—two freshmen (Peter and Brad), the ride home. one sophomore (Kurt), one junior (Lisa), On Christmas Eve, my family opened Photo by Sue Hetzler and two seniors (Byron and me). our presents. My mom and dad liked the On Tuesdays, we stayed after school personalized bells, even though they Star of Hope display for Art Club meetings. We were helping weren’t quite round on the bottom, and A man looks at decorated Christmas trees on Dec. 4 during the 1999 Star of Hope—A Festival of make ceramic Christmas bells with the the holly my brother and I had painted Trees, Joy and Giving held at Union Station in Indianapolis. Proceeds from the event benefited year “1985” for sale to the student body on them wasn’t perfect. Mom displayed the ministries of Catholic Social Services and the St. Francis Neighborhood Clinic. as a fund raiser for the club’s spring trip both bells on a cabinet in the living to the Chicago Art Institute. room. For an extra $2, Art Club members Several days after Christmas, Byron would personalize a bell with an individ- showed up on the doorstep, apologized Children growing up in Vincennes orphanage ual’s name. Peter and I decided we would once again for the broken bell, and gave make and buy two personalized bells for me a store-bought bell. While I opened were given new shoes each year at Christmas our parents with “Mom” and “Dad” writ- the package, he told me how the store had By Richard Faust line of our feet on paper, and the tracings ten on them. personalized bells with names like were sent to the store with our names. My Several days before the Christmas “Mary” and “Jane,” but didn’t have any I was 2-and-a-half years old when my brothers traced my foot because I was too break, the bells were ready to be brought with my name. mother died in 1932. There were seven small to do it by myself. home and wrapped. I looked at the bell and read, “For children, and because of the times, my In 1936, I remember coming to Indian- I was sitting in the driver’s seat, wait- Sister, With Love, Christmas 1985.” I father was unable to take care of all of apolis to the theater. After the show, we ing for Peter and Byron to get into the thanked Byron over and over again. us. saw Santa. Everyone got a bag of candy car so we could go home, when I heard The bell my brother “gave” me does My brothers, ages 6 and 4, and I went and an orange. a commotion from Peter in the back not get packed with the other Christmas to live at the St. Vincent de Paul I am thankful for the belief I was seat. He was saying something to the decorations. It remains out year-round, Orphanage in Vincennes in 1933. taught in God and his power. effect of “what a klutz Byron was” reminding me of the love of a brother and We had everything that we needed for Christmas was always special (with because he accidentally sat down on a the kindness of a neighbor. our well-being. We were taken care of and new shoes). personalized “Theresa” bell that Peter taught the values of religion and of life. was planning to give me as a surprise (Theresa Smith is a member of St. Monica I remember that everyone got a new pair (Richard “Leo” Faust is a member of for Christmas. Parish in Indianapolis.) † of shoes at Christmas. We traced the out- St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis.) †

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas KAREN L. CURTICE, M.A. from from our citizens • Individual of tomorrow! • Marriage FUNERAL HOME • Family 605 South 25th Street Claver Day Nursery • Bereavement Terre Haute, Indiana & Kindergarten • Chronic David Callahan Nursery, Kindergarten ages 3-6 (Summertime ages 3-10). (812) 232-1365 Open Year Round. Call us for low prices. 317-848-2440 Quality trained staff. Breakfast, Hot Lunch, Snacks, Playground. 10585 N. Meridian State Licensed. Interdenominational. Suite 145 317-923-9080 Indianapolis, IN 46290 Specialized pre-arranged/prepaid funeral arrangements 3246 Sutherland • Indianapolis, Indiana

USED AMERICAN & FOREIGN AUTO PARTS A Blessed Christmas Merry Christmas FREE DELIVERY and a Joyful New Year and Happy New Year SAINT MAUR MONASTERY 4615 NORTH MICHIGAN ROAD from INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46228-2399 (317) 925-9095 “WE MEET BY ACCIDENT ®” TOLL FREE WITHIN INDIANA Your Benedictine friends 1-800-553-1122 TOLL FREE NATIONWIDE invite you to visit us 1-800-553-1122 during the LOCAL CALLS 317-769-6111 Christmas Season. FAX# 317-769-5557 7060 S. Indpls. Rd. Whitestown, IN 46075-9510 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas Supplement Page 17 Mysterious Christmas package from England helps sisters understand the meaning of Advent—a time of joyful waiting

By Sarah A. Zabriskie out and carefully place it beneath the decorated branches. After school, for the next two weeks, my sister and I When my sister and I were growing up in the ’60s, the would make a daily ritual of sitting by the tree, shaking season of Advent seemed interminable. And yet it was a the package, and dreaming of what wonderful contents season of joyful anticipation you could feel all around you. were contained therein. The good Oldenburg Franciscan sisters at Our Lady of At last Christmas Eve finally arrived! Our family tradi- Lourdes School in Indianapolis made sure we had Advent tion was eating Christmas Eve dinner at a restaurant, then wreaths in our classrooms, but for some reason our par- returning home to open Auntie Mu’s present. ents never had an Advent wreath for our home. My mother brought out the scissors and carefully However, our Lord made sure that Advent’s lesson began snipping away the layers of brown paper and would not be lost to us. He taught us Advent’s meaning strings, always saving the stamps. And then she reached through a special package that faithfully arrived each year. the second layer of wrapping. The entire bundle was sewn My mother’s Auntie Mu, who lived in Marlborough, up in cheesecloth. After painstakingly cutting through this England, sent us a Christmas package every year. It arrived cloth, the individually wrapped presents came tumbling like clockwork around the first weekend of Advent. out—one for each of us. Oh, the excitement! Oh, the excitement of finding the package left on our After tearing through Christmas paper, the contents of porch by the postman! It was really a bundle wrapped in our presents were finally revealed. There were notebooks brown paper with strings and cellophane tape, and exotic and pencils, chocolates and toffees, lovely little hankies stamps from a faraway country. It smelled of lavender edged in lace, tiny sewing kits and embroidery threads. and chocolates, and we thought it was the most wonderful Truly we thought we had received the treasures of the package in the world. Orient. And yet, looking back, it was all so simple. But Christmas would not be rushed. My mother put As an adult, when I recall the Christmases of my this wondrous package in her closet, away from curious youth, I remember very few of the gifts I received. But I eyes and prying fingers. I’m sure my mother knew that always remember Auntie Mu’s gifts. There was some- we sneaked upstairs periodically to peek in the closet and thing wondrous in their simplicity. Photo by Sue Hetzler touch this mysterious treasure, imagining all its wonder- And that is God’s lesson of Advent for me. What a Christmas stories ful contents. But she never said anything to us. I think she wonderful time of expectation, culminating in the sim- A storyteller shares Christmas tales from the Victorian era in secretly shared our excitement. plicity of the birth of our Savior, God’s greatest gift to us. England with children during the 1999 Star of Hope—A We always decorated our Christmas tree on the second Festival of Trees, Joy and Giving on Dec. 4 at Union Station in Sunday of Advent after the 8 a.m. Mass. When the tree was (Sarah Zabriskie is a member of St. Pius X Parish in Indianapolis. complete, we were allowed to bring Auntie Mu’s package Indianapolis.) †

Police help nun solve mystery By Sr. Demetria Smith, M.S.O.L.A.

Our religious community was located on 16th Street in Washington, D.C.—one of the busiest streets in the District of Columbia. It bor- ders the White House. Visitors to our convent were different from those who visited the White House. We often had people seeking food, clothing and shelter. One Christmas Eve, as we were about to leave for Midnight Mass, I did a secu- rity check of the doors and windows of the convent. When I looked out the front window, I saw a large object on the porch. It was covered with a black plastic bag. I cracked the door and This Ad Is called out, but there was no answer. Mother Superior suggested that I call the Camera Ready! police. At such a late hour, they knew better where to St. Francis direct the person to a shelter. We left for the Christmas Eve Vigil liturgy through 1844 the garage from the back door. 5x10 When we returned home more than two hours later, I Neg peeked out the front window to see the same bundle on the porch. The plastic bag was moving up and down in the fierce cold winds. Again I was told to call the police for help. After a short time, police officers arrived, made a tour of the house and rang the doorbell to tell us they had come once before, when I called the first time, and found no one. Then a police officer looked at me and said, “Ma’m, you might want to take the big bag of bread and Christmas goodies inside. It was here when I came before. Happy Christmas!”

(Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa Demetria Smith is a member of Cathedral Parish in Indianapolis.) † Page 18 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Favorite holiday memories include traditions Christmas in the Philippines begins Dec. 16 with special traditions and celebrations By María B. Lagadón chestnuts, relleno and paella, etc. Then we went to sleep. Childhood memories come to me at On Christmas Day, the youngsters this time of the year as I remember the would go to their godparents’ home to happy years of my childhood in the receive gifts, called aguinaldos, kiss Philippines. their hands and ask for their blessings. It is a custom in the Philippines for After receiving their gifts, the chil- the Christmas feasts to start on Dec. 16 dren would be offered refreshments and and continue until Noche Buena candies. That’s how Filipino children (Christmas Eve). pass the day on Christmas. My brother, who was 6, and I (age 7) On the Day of the Innocents, people would go with our father to church, believe they have to be careful because which we called Misa de Gallo. This a friend might come and borrow money literally means “Mass of the Rooster” and they may never see it again. Or they because the Mass is said by three might receive a present in a beautiful priests at 5 a.m.—the arrival of dawn. box, then open it to find a dead cock- This Mass was sung and always was roach inside! Such tricks the people very joyful, with accompaniment by play on their friends! violin, tambourines, etc. The church Before the New Year, it’s the custom was always full. to have all the provisions of the house- After the Mass, we would go out to hold, like rice, sugar, coffee, milk, salt, the plaza by the church, where sellers etc., complete. were waiting with some native delica- On New Year’s Day, we would go to cies—puto bombom, suman, bibingka Mass to thank God for the precious gift and hot chocolate. For children, that is of life and for the blessings he has the best part of waking up early at bestowed on us. dawn. On the night before the Day of the On Noche Buena, almost every house Three Kings, the children would put is decorated with lights and faroles their shoes on the windowsill before made of bamboo and tissue paper that going to sleep. They would wake up was shaped like a star with a lighted early the next morning to find their bulb inside. shoes full of nice goodies.

Our mother would prepare the cena People attend Mass on the Day of the Photo by Sue Hetzler de media noche or “supper of mid- Three Kings, then generally the next night.” day is a school day. After the midnight Mass, family That is how Christmas feasts are cel- On duty members would exchange gifts and par- ebrated in the Philippines. take of the midnight supper, although it This toy soldier decorating a Christmas tree appears to stand guard at the 1999 Star of Hope—A was no longer midnight. (María B. Lagadón is a member of Festival of Trees, Joy and Giving on Dec. 4 at Union Station in Indianapolis. We had so much food—ham, fruits, St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) †

This Ad Is Camera Ready!

Vencor 7161 6x8 Neg The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas Supplement Page 19

Family’s ‘not-so-perfect’ Christmas tree is St. Nick reminder of what’s really important in life Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, dressed as Santa Claus, By Nancy A. O’Laughlin the soil ball on the tree had thawed out overnight, with predicable results. listens to the wish list of a Daddy insisted on a live Christmas tree After a second or two of disbelief and boy during a party organized (to be part of our landscape after the holi- despair, we finally saw the humor in the by St. Joan of Arc Parish in days), and he also insisted that it be “per- situation, righted the tree and really Boca Raton, Fla., for Haitian fect” in every way. enjoyed the “not so perfect” decorations. children from a nearby He would spend hours finding the It was the last time we let the pursuit of mission. The Palm Beach “best side” of the tree and putting the perfection ruin our Christmas Eve. bishop owns his own Santa lights on (the large outdoor-type lights When the tree was planted, the wooden suit. He began playing jolly were tradition) so that each one was pre- plaque (we always labeled our trees with St. Nicholas while bishop of cisely spaced on the branches. the year they were used) read “1955— Knoxville, Tenn. When it was time to trim the tree, The tree that was Christmas!” everything had to be perfect—from the Daddy is gone now, and so is the tree many ornaments to the tinsel rope, icicles ... but to this day, whenever I feel grouchy and the traditional angel on the treetop. around this season, I remember that CNS photo Since there was little room for error, tree—and my world is instantly 45 years we usually spent Christmas Eve arguing younger, with a mixture of laughter and and always went to bed upset with each tears to remind me what a beautiful sea- Santa Claus would ask the children to say other. son it is! One year, we awoke in the morning to a prayer and to be good all year long the gut-wrenching sight of our “perfect” (Nancy O’Laughlin is a member of By Frances J. Day string the popcorn to decorate the tree. I tree laying flat on the floor! It seems that St. Joseph Parish in Terre Haute.) † don’t think we ate any of the popcorn Growing up in a large Catholic family, because Santa would check on us to see if there was always much fun, work and we were doing our job. Woman treasures memories of Gramma’s activity for us children. We celebrated on Christmas Eve, and Looking back, Christmas was a very Santa would come back that night to give meat pies and examples of her deep faith big event in our home. us our presents. By Mary Jo Keegan and lard was wrapped around pork. All the windows in the house had to be What I remember most was receiving a What a happy place our kitchen was on washed because the Christmas tree would new writing tablet, a new pencil and a juicy My earliest memory of Christmas Eve Christmas morning as the broth was be placed in front of a window. orange, along with our bigger present or is of my Gramma making meat pies in boiled, the pie was steamed until the Having relatives in the country, we presents. our kitchen. She would wear a bib apron dough became soft and the feast began. were always sure one of our uncles would Santa would ask questions like, “Have and cover her white hair with a towel My husband has nearly mastered the bring us a big tree to be trimmed. you been good this year?” pinned at the neck with a safety pin. art of making pies like my Gram. On This was done by Santa Claus, who And he would ask us to say a prayer. Flour seemed to be all around her. Christmas Eve, he will again be kept busy worked on the project in the family room A dish of cookies especially made for During the early 1940s, Dec. 24 was a bringing broth to a boil to heat the pies. next to the kitchen dining area. Christmas was left for Santa Claus. fast day. Food eaten after midnight would Gramma Annie also gave us the exam- The door between the rooms was kept Remembering that beautiful decorated have broken the Communion fast, so we ple of her deep Irish-bred faith. I can still closed, but there was a transom window tree lighted by candles—not electric lights— had to wait until we had been to Mass on hear her say, “Put the sign of the cross on at the top. Santa would appear at the tran- I realize what a treasure we had and how Christmas morning to eat the pies. you, Mary Jo.” As I did then at her bid- som every now and then to check on us lucky we were not having a fire all those There was no recipe for Gram’s pies. ding, I do now in her memory. and tell us that we had better be good or years. She made them as her mother had done in we would get no presents. the old country—“by the touch.” Stiff (Mary Jo Keegan is a member of St. John Seated at the kitchen table with a large (Frances J. Day is a member of St. Mary dough made from a mix of flour, water the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis.) † pan of popcorn, four of us children would Parish in New Albany.) †

3 generations... Honesty. Integrity. EAST SIDE PRESCRIPTION SHOP (Just West of Community Hospital East) Promises made and kept. These are our principles of service. 5317 E. 16th St. 317-359-8278 INDIANAPOLIS STORE HOURS: M-F 8 a.m.-7 p.m. YOUR ONE-STOP SAT. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. R CENTER SUN. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. “A man is X • Prescription compounding a • Most third party plans and major Mike Feeney Mike Hornak seldom better specialty. credit cards accepted. I would like a FREE funeral cost estimate and information • Competitive prices and senior • Insurance and tax statements are pre- on the following: ❑ Funeral Pre-Planning ❑ Funeral Costs citizen’s discounts. pared at no extra charge. ❑ Military Benefits ❑ Cremation Choices than his word.” • Patient Compliance Aids: • Your medication profile is computer- ❑ Protecting Funds for Funerals Before Applying for Medicaid — Lord Acton ❑ Complete Estate Planning ❑ Out of Town Arrangements Weekly Pill Boxes ized for immediate access and our Personal Dosage Chart pharmacists monitor this for potential Name: ______Doc-u-Dose Compliance Aid interactions.

Address: ______

City: ______State: ___ Zip: ______• Complete Diabetes Department • Consultation and Product Training

Phone: (____) ______Date: ______• Blood Glucose Monitors & Insulin Injectors • Primary Care Billing Do you own cemetery property? ❑ Yes ❑ No 317-257-4271 317-353-6101 • Sugar-Free Foods, Candies and Cookbooks If yes, where? ❑ Locally ❑ Out of Area CRT Pre-Arrangement Office: 317-353-0792 (Not Accepting Assignments)

Retirement Housing Foundation is pleased to announce:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Crooked Creek Tower “Wishing you a very 7988 North Michigan Road merry Christmas and CALL 317-875-0618 a happy New Year!”

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Must be 62 years of age or older. Barrier-Free Apartments for Persons under 62 years of age who need accessibility features. Have incomes below the levels of: $29,300 for 1 person household; $37,650 for 2 person household. AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Carpet • Blinds •Disposals • Electric Stoves • Frost-Free Refrigerator • Lovely Balcony • On the Busline • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning and Heat • Van Available to Groceries/Shopping • Utilities Furnished (except telephone) Qualified applicants will be selected in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Guidelines. Hillenbrand Industries Management agent 504 Coordinator is Mr. Richard Washington, Director of Management for Foundation Property Management, 5150 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 600, Long Beach, CA 90804.

ᵼ Call 562-597-5541 or TDD 1-800-545-1839, Ext. 833. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Page 20 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas in South Africa means relaxing at the beach South African Christians enjoy holiday customs from the northern hemisphere in spite of the warm summer weather

By Bronwen Dachs ties. Beaches everywhere are crowded with picnicking families on Christmas Day. Christmas in South Africa falls in the summer, and the Another outdoor Christmas activity enjoyed by fami- vacation spirit heavily influences celebrations in this pre- lies is “carols by candlelight.” People gather in parks with dominantly Christian country. picnic baskets and carol sheets, awaiting sunset before In rural areas, where African traditions remain strong, lighting candles and singing carols. Christmas is a community celebration lasting a few days. As is true elsewhere, weeks of commercialism precede

Men who work in the gold mines or city factories Christmas, with stores extending their hours and children CNS photo come home for the feast, often for the first time in a year. nagging parents for advertised toys. The day typically starts with families going to church. Christmas is followed by a public holiday known as Family time Rural-area priests make a great effort to get to as many of the Day of Good Will, when South Africans either con- their parishes as possible. tinue their celebrations or rest. The gift of extra time to focus on faith and family during the Then the party, with music and dancing, gets under- holidays is priceless. The weeks of Advent also remind way with the slaughtering of goats, lambs or oxen, which (Bronwen Dachs has written about South Africa for Christians to spend more time in prayer with God. will feed hundreds of people. These meats are cooked on Catholic News Service since 1989.) † an open fire and accompanied by steaming pots of veg- etables and other food and drink. Contributing to the year’s biggest festival is considered Christmas saved a Jewish girl’s life in 1942 very important, while giving gifts is not. Christmas celebrations in South Africa would have By Rabbi Abie Ingber cally in her life until she descended from an attic during begun in the late 17th century, when the country was the Russian liberation of Lutsk in 1944. under Dutch East India Co. rule. The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters of mod- Only decades later did I learn of the Polish expression, Although Portuguese mariners led by Bartholomew ern history. Yet within that nightmare, there were “On Christmas Eve, even a stray cat is allowed to live.” Diaz erected a limestone pillar topped by a small cross at moments of humanity and life-giving compassion. Though a series of six righteous Christians had the coast in 1488, there is no evidence of missionary In August of 1942, my mother was one of the last sur- appeared miraculously to try to save my mother’s life, on work then in what is now South Africa. vivors of the Lutsk ghetto in Poland. Not yet 20, her life the evening of Dec. 24 my mother was abandoned like a Descendants of the European settlers still celebrate was saved by the miraculous appearance of one righteous stray cat in the Polish countryside. At that precise moment, Christmas with strong northern-hemisphere overtones, Christian after another. No one could ever know why she God had to invoke Christmas Eve to save her life. despite the considerable heat in South Africa at this time was spared while her relatives were brutally murdered. I am proud of my Jewish heritage and calling as a of year. Catholic farmers and peasants, each arriving at a pre- rabbi, and I am thankful that Christmas saved my Pine trees—decorated with colored baubles and artifi- cise lifesaving moment, hid her in attics, cellars, chicken mother’s life. cial holly and topped with an angel—are a feature in coops and the flue of a country oven. But on Dec. 24, many South African homes and public places, along with 1942, a Ukrainian peasant who had saved her life under- (Rabbi Abie Ingber is executive director of the Hillel traditionally garbed Santas (called Father Christmas). stood the risk and threw her out of his house. Jewish Student Center at the University of Cincinnati, Many South African Christmas cards bear images of a This time there was no savior. She wandered the dirt Ohio. He teaches homiletics at Hebrew Union College.) † northern-hemisphere Christmas, though some artists have roads of the Polish countryside. She was freezing cold in adapted these, depicting reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh her tattered dress. As night descended, she knew her life across a beach. was at its end. She recognized the home of the county Pretty seasonal lights attract sightseers in the main warden and walked up the path. The warden’s dogs Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! roads of most towns, including one called Bethlehem, jumped on her, ripped her dress and bit her. The warden, where an enormous star guiding the three wise men is the alerted by the barking, came out with a gun in hand. major holiday feature. “Please shoot me,” my mother begged. “Let me share Many Bethlehem residents leave for vacations at the the fate of my family.” coast during the Christmas season, when businesses come “I cannot kill you tonight,” responded the official. to a halt and schools close for their end-of-year break, He took her inside, fed her, gave her a dress and let her which lasts six weeks. sleep there. The next morning, fearful he could be killed Getting to the beach ranks a close second to gatherings for saving a Jew, he gave her to a Christian family. of families in many South Africans’ Christmastime priori- Three more righteous Christians were to appear magi-

$ 00 LIFETIME 1/2 H.P. 255 MOTOR Installation Included WARRANTY Model 1265

• Rugged chain drive with steel construction for years of dependable operation • Includes Security +™ Anti-Burglary Coding that defeats electronic burglary devices that can “steal” your garage door opener code

A-1 Garage Doors, Inc. ® 431 W. South Street, Bargersville, IN 46106 317-422-5225 or 800-755-6351

Holiday wishes CARING COMPASSIONATE COST EFFECTIVE from “It’s Our Mission... Brownsburg It’s What Your Health Care Plan Should Be!” Health Center

Sagamore® Health Network, Inc. Accredited by the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee of Washington, D.C. • Physical, occupational, respiratory and speech Offering a full spectrum of quality managed care services therapy – rehab service from PPO Network, Utilization Review and Case Management... • Specialized Alzheimer’s wing to Ambassador Care Point of Service... • Long-term services to full HMO product. • Case management Call 1-800-435-4095 • Respite care www.sagamorehn.com Providing Rehabilitative Happy Holidays from Services and Nursing Care Sagamore® Health Network, Inc. 1010 Hornaday Rd. • Brownsburg, IN 46112 317-852-3123 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas Supplement Page 21 Posada reenacts Gospel story of the Nativity Celebrating the posada reminds participants that the birth of Jesus is a gift from God

By Alejandro and Mary Aguilera-Titus to Bethlehem, and their need for a place to stay. Over the years, we have invited My best friend and I had planned to friends to celebrate this tradition with us. It meet at his house so we could go together takes place a few days before Christmas. to our youth group meeting that night. The reenacting consists of dividing As I arrived, he told me that a reporter those gathered into two groups. One group, had called, looking for us, because he representing the holy pilgrims and request- wanted to set up an interview. He had ing a place to stay, stands outside the tracked us down by calling the parish house. The other group stays inside, repre- priest to find out who was responsible for senting the owners of the inn (posada in the banner hanging between a light post Spanish). They wonder if it is a wise idea and a tree in front of the church. to welcome people they don’t know. Someone from a nearby retail store After singing simple verses, alternating also had called the priest and expressed between the inside group and the outside concern about the banner. group, the door finally opens, and the It had been only a few days since some group inside sings, “Welcome holy pil- members of the parish youth group grims, our home is simple, but we offer it decided to make a statement on the real to you with sincere hearts.” meaning of Christmas by creating a In response, the pilgrims sing, 5-foot by 12-foot banner with the words, “Blessed is the home that welcomes “Jesus is born in our hearts, not in stores.” tonight our blessed mother, Mary.”

We were a bit surprised by the interest As the outside group enters, they place CNS photo our banner generated, but felt good about the figures of Mary and Joseph in the The posada reenacts the Gospel story describing the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and it. We were making a difference. Nativity scene. their need for a place to stay. The Advent tradition helps Christians keep Jesus and his message of The memory of the banner episode of Then we proclaim the Nativity story peace and liberation as the “reason for the season.” my youth was rekindled at a parish func- from the Gospel according to Luke and tion some years ago as our 5-year-old invite people to share what Christmas As a follow-up to the posada, our chil- blessing of Jesus’ presence in our lives daughter handed me a button with the means to them. dren choose a toy to give away—it must be and in our home. We take our time talking words, “Jesus is the reason for this season.” We close the posada by singing a nice one!—as a way of showing that we and enjoying each other’s company. After 15 years of marriage and three Christmas carols and enjoying hot cider need to share with others as we receive. Of course, if we begin to lose sight of children, Mary and I continue looking and Christmas cookies. The celebration of In the same spirit of simplicity and the true meaning of Christmas, someone for ways to celebrate the true spirit of the posada provides our family and welcome, our family enjoys a simple din- in the family may decide to make a sign Christmas. friends with an awareness that Jesus was ner of soup and bread on Christmas Eve. reminding us that Jesus is not found in The posada is a tradition that has helped born in a poor stable, without any comfort On Christmas morning, family mem- the presents, but is present in each other! us keep Jesus and his message of peace and or nice things. bers gather around the Nativity scene and liberation as “the reason for the season.” It also helps us understand that having place Jesus in the manger. Then each (Alejandro Aquilera-Titus is associate The posada reenacts the Gospel story things isn’t that important and that helping member opens one or two presents before director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat describing the journey of Mary and Joseph others can bring more joy than possessions. getting ready to prepare and enjoy for Hispanic Affairs. He and his wife, Christmas breakfast, fully aware of the Mary, reside in Silver Spring, Md.) † Mannings’ millennium message promotes New Year’s resolutions

By Charlotte Manning new year and new times. Interest yourself, read more, treasure The Manning family of Indianapolis the quiet life. Wishing you a safe holiday season! offers this greeting for Advent, Christmas Utilize all things with wisdom. and the New Year: Meditate, go to Mass, memorize a poem or prayer, learn that mistakes are Merry Christmas! part of living, mail or e-mail something On Sale Involve yourself in life. to someone and make each moment Listen to nature, your senses and God. meaningful because the millennium is Learn to tolerate others, laugh more. God’s message that all people are mem- Enjoy the simple pleasures. orable! Never feel sorry for yourself—we may never have a next year! (Dan and Charlotte Manning are mem- New …. Do something new—it’s a bers of St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis.) †

This Ad Is Camera Ready!

Shirley Brothers

1090 INDIANAPOLIS: North 3x5 9501 N. Meridian 317-844-8170 South Paper 4200 S. East St. 317-784-0226 East 7049 E. 10th St. 317-352-1100 COLUMBUS: 800-613-4476 JEFFERSONVILLE: 888-282-1698 TERRE HAUTE: 800-326-0991 Coupon expires 1/31/00 Call us for your oxygen and respiratory needs. Page 22 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Pope brought Polish customs to Vatican In 1982, pontiff asked for a Nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square

By Cindy Wooden tree and the larger-than-life-size Nativity scene is part of Rome’s yuletide tradition. Surprisingly, in a city marked by his- Tree-lighting ceremonies over the years tory and age-old traditions, it was only in became an occasion for the pope to share 1982 that St. Peter’s Square was given its his life-long appreciation for trees as spir- first bits of Christmas tinsel. itual metaphors. The towering tree in the center of the “In the blooming of the springtime, in square is not part of Italian tradition, but the fullness of the summer, in the fruits of it is a cherished part of Polish Christmas the harvest and in the time of death of celebrations. By order of the Polish-born winter, the tree speaks of the secrets of CNS photo Pope John Paul II, the tree took its place life,” the pope wrote in a message for the Surprisingly, in a city marked by history and age-old traditions, it was only in 1982 that St. Peter’s before St. Peter’s Basilica. 1998 ceremony. Square was given its first bits of Christmas tinsel by order of the Polish-born Pope John Paul II. Today a From his pontificate’s beginning in Trees, he said, are a metaphor for our visit to the giant decorated tree and larger-than-life Nativity scene is part of Rome’s Yuletide tradition. 1978, Pope John Paul had fresh trees spiritual lives. from Poland to decorate the papal apart- “Whoever is rooted deeply enough in Standing next to the manger scene, the chickens, pizza makers and waterfalls. ments. fruitful ground will stand fast,” the pope tree symbolizes all of creation standing The Vatican also has adopted this tradi- But the square was empty. said. “He can reach up high to take in the ready and waiting for its Redeemer, he tion of an ever-changing manger scene, After four Christmases looking out light of the sun and, at the same time, be said in 1996. although nine of the figures—including onto a decidedly unfestive square, protected from the winds that buffet him. Italians claim the presepio, or Nativity the Holy Family—are constant. Sculpted Pope John Paul asked the governor of However, for those who believe they can scene, as one of their national inventions, in 1842 at St. Vincent Pallotti’s request, Vatican City for “something Christmasy” do without a foundation, their existence attributing the idea to St. Francis of they originally were part of the presepio outdoors as well. within time stands like roots in the air, Assisi. Every home, school and church at St. Andrew Church in Rome. Today a visit to the giant decorated deprived of soil.” has at least a small display with Mary, When the figures were set in the Joseph, Jesus, the ox and the ass. manger in 1982, the Vatican added statues While Italians working at the Vatican of two youths, an ox, an ass and a sheep long have erected Nativity scenes in their to its permanent cast. Other additions last offices, the scene in the square only came only one season; one year it was a family as a result of the pope’s 1982 request. dressed in the traditional clothes of Poles In churches and in St. Peter’s Square, from the Tatra Mountain region. the manger scenes are kept behind wraps The presepio also changes during each Archbishop until Christmas Eve, but they remain on Christmas season. On the feast of the Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B. display into February, at least until the Baptism of the Lord, the infant Jesus is feast of the Presentation of the Lord. taken out of his crib, and a toddler Jesus Part of the Italian Nativity-scene tradi- with hand raised in blessing is placed on tion is to add small figures or to change Mary’s knee. Seeking the the layout each year. During Advent, Seeking Rome’s Piazza Navona is transformed (Cindy Wooden is the senior correspon- the into a marketplace of presepio acces- dent at the Catholic News Service in Face Face of the Lord sories—shepherds and sheep, cooks and Rome.) † of the Lord 374 pp. Paperback Topical Index and General Index Christmas cards are By Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B. $14.95, plus $3.50 first-class shipping simple and spiritual A compilation of more than six years of weekly columns— Nuns create calligraphy style greetings that 316 columns—from The Criterion, this book brings together in one place the day-to-day concerns and reflections of an express wonder, excitement, joy and hope archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church. SAGINAW, Mich. (CNS)—There was ple to have stereotypical responses.” nothing routine about Christ coming into She said the Poor Clare nuns chose to Consistently the most read item in The Criterion, Archbishop the world nearly 2,000 years ago. design and sell Christmas cards done in So why, a community of four nuns in calligraphy styles that they felt were Buechlein’s column reflects his southern Indiana, straight- Michigan asked, are faith-filled people more in line with their tradition. talking German-American roots. His style gives readers the content with sending cards that echo the The Sisters of St. Clare, were founded feel of “fireside chats” with a devoted teacher and friend. same tired clichés to their friends and by St. Clare of Assisi. Their foundress families each Christmas? was a contemporary of St. Francis of Messages such as “Seasons Assisi, who is credited for popularizing Greetings,” “Happy Holidays” and “We the Nativity scene. wish you a Merry Christmas” do little to “People can use the ritual as a faith Now available from Criterion Press, Inc. evoke the same feelings of wonder, experience,” Sister Laura said, and send excitement and hope felt so many years blessings for a new year. Proceeds will help support Hispanic ministries ago. Income from the cards helps to sup- in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis The Sisters of St. Clare, a small con- port the Sisters of St. Clare, who depend templative community in Saginaw, have on alms as their major financial means. found a fresh way to ignite the true spirit Sister Laura said the sisters hope their of the season through their specially cards’ unique, yet simple, design will Order today! designed contemporary Christmas cards. stand out among other Christmas cards Please send me _____ copies of Seeking the Face of the Their set of five different greeting in people’s homes this holiday season. Lord by Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B., at $14.95 per copy, plus $3.50 cards utilizes abstract images and origi- “We felt it had to be something first-class shipping. nal interpretations of the scriptural refreshing,” she said, “something to promises to prompt personal Christmas refresh the spirit.” Enclosed is $______imagery. Internationally known artist Michael “We’re looking for what is closest to Clark of Richmond, Va., draws the cal- our spirit—the spirit of conveying that ligraphy. Communicating through Fax NAME______Christ is with us at Christmas and and e-mail, the nuns work with Clark to throughout the coming year,” said Poor design and compose the cards, which the ADDRESS______Clare Sister Laura Hammel. sisters then market out of their home in

CITY______STATE______ZIP______The card designs are simple, with cal- Saginaw Township. ligraphy on the outside and simple mes- Mail this coupon with payment to: Criterion Press, Inc., P.O. Box 1717, sages inside, including “Christmas (The sisters’ Christmas cards are sold in Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 or call 317-236-1585 or 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 brings heavenly gifts to earth,” “Peace is sets of 20 cards for $15, with shipping the gift of Christ” and “A child is born and handling extra. For information, Or charge my: ❏Visa ❏MasterCard Card#______Exp. date______for us, Christmas Peace.” contact Sister Laura Hammel, Sisters of “The dialogue isn’t complete; it only St. Clare, 4875 Shattuck Rd., Saginaw, Signature______initiates thought,” Sister Laura Mich. 48603 or by phone or FAX at 517- explained. “It opens up thought rather 797-0527. Their Internet address is than closes it down. We didn’t want peo- http://www.rc.net/saginaw/srsclare.) † The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Christmas Supplement Page 23

The Good Steward/Dan Conway Dickens tale is a wonderful stewardship carol

(This seasonal column on “a steward- lar versions of this same old story? How long as he holds back—asking “What’s in “My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you seri- ship carol” has been published in the many times have we found ourselves it for me?”—Scrooge is condemned to ous?” cries the gentleman as if his breath Christmas issue of The Criterion for the playing the part of Scrooge—saying to live the life that he has fashioned for him- were taken away. last several years.—WRB) those who ask for our time or our money, self through many years of lonely self- “Not a farthing less,” says Scrooge. “A “Please don’t bother me. I wish to be left centeredness. great many back-payments are included We all remember the scene from old alone”? Fortunately, Mr. Dickens believed in in it, I assure you. Will you do me that movies and TV specials. Two “portly Although he never uses the word, a God who is generous and forgiving. favor?” he pleads. gentlemen,” as Charles Dickens’ wonderful story, A Old Scrooge is given one last chance to And then the most amazing thing hap- Charles Dickens calls Christmas Carol, is about stewardship. experience life as it is truly meant to be pens. As the astounded solicitor tries to them, enter the It is about the joy of giving and about lived. The spirits who visit Scrooge express his gratitude, stammering from offices of Scrooge & learning to care for (and be responsible (including Jacob Marley, a former busi- both appreciation and disbelief, old Marley hoping to for) all God’s creation. And, as Mr. ness partner now condemned to haunt Scrooge says it for him. raise money “for the Dickens makes very clear, A Christmas the spirit world in chains of his own “Thank you,” says Scrooge. “I am poor and destitute, Carol is about much more than just the making) help Scrooge face painful much obliged to you. I thank you 50 who suffer greatly at sentimental (or com- truths about himself. times. Bless you!” the present time of mercial!) “Christmas And by caring In A Christmas Carol, Dickens wants year.” spirit” that comes and enough to confront each of us to discover what old Scrooge They make their goes each holiday sea- him with his selfish- had to learn the hard way: The only way case, pointing out that “hundreds of thou- son. Charles Dickens’ ness, the spirits give to hold onto something is to give it sands are in want of common comforts,” Scrooge is not a Scrooge something away. but Scrooge is not impressed. good steward. He wonderful story far more valuable This is the paradox of giving: The one “Are there no prisons?” the old miser hoards what he has than all his gold. who gives a gift (from substance and asks. “Aren’t the workhouses still in oper- been given (time, tal- is about the joy of They give him a without counting the cost) is the one who ation?” he snarls. ent and treasure) and glimpse of who he is most grateful. Besides being a donor, “Yes,” one of the gentlemen replies, “I he buries his gifts giving and learning was, who he is now, the generous person is also a beneficiary. wish I could say they were not.” deep within himself. to care for all of and who he could That’s why Scrooge says thank you “50 Undaunted, the two gentlemen con- He cannot give or become—if only he times” and also why he asks the gentle- tinue. “What shall we put you down share, and the result is God’s creation. would let go of his man, quite sincerely, to do him a favor by for?” a twisted, self- bitter resentment and accepting the gift. “Nothing!” says Scrooge. absorbed misery. embrace the joy of Ever afterwards, Mr. Dickens says, it “You wish to be anonymous?” the gen- Along with his gifts giving. was said of Scrooge “that he knew how to tlemen ask. and talents, Scrooge Recall that follow- keep Christmas well.” Like any good “I wish to be left alone!” says Scrooge. accumulates and hides all the hurts, ing his change of heart, as he hurries to steward, Scrooge kept it well by giving it The gentlemen leave with hearts full of resentments and disappointments of a join his nephew’s family for Christmas away. And so, as Mr. Dickens observes at sadness. They grieve for the poor and the lonely lifetime. In the end, nothing dinner, Scrooge encounters one of the the conclusion of his story, “May that be homeless “who would rather die” than makes him happy. Nothing gives him two “portly gentlemen” who had asked truly said of us … every one!” suffer the humiliation of a 19th century peace. him for a contribution the day before. English workhouse; but they also grieve There is only one thing that can save After greeting the gentleman so (Dan Conway is a writer, teacher and for old Ebenezer Scrooge whose self-cen- this miserable old man from the hell he warmly that the man barely recognized consultant who specializes in the inte- tered misery has blinded him to the sim- has made for himself. Giving. Open, gen- the old miser, Scrooge whispers in his ear gration of stewardship principles with ple joys of Christmas. erous, unrestricted giving is the only cure the amount of his pledge to help the poor the practice of professional fund rais- How many times have we heard simi- for the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge. As and destitute. ing.) †

Following last year’s successful production of Cathedral Hymns, SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral has produced How Sweet the Sound, a second compact disc of beautiful church music. Selections include: • “Amazing Grace” • “O Come, Divine Messiah,” a French Advent carol • “Good Christians All, Rejoice” and “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” two Christmas hymns • “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley,” and “O Sacred Head, Surrounded,” for Lent and Holy Week • “Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain,” a popular Eastern hymn • Two hymns of eucharistic devotion: “Adore Te Devote,” a chant, and “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” This Ad Is • Two spirituals: “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” and “Somebody’s Knockin’ at Your Door” Camera Ready! • Three hymns of praise: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.” Pope’s Newspaper How Sweet the Sound has been produced under the direction of Ed Greene, music director of the Cathedral, and features fine, local 3x8 artists involved with music and worship at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Neg This limited edition recording is now available for just $14, plus $2 for shipping and handling. To order your copy, call Diana Hay, executive assistant at Cathedral parish, at 317-634-4519. Or pick up your copy after the 5 p.m. Saturday anticipation Mass or the 10:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy at the Cathedral. Proceeds will help support SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, with $1 of each sale being set aside specifically for the Cathedral’s “At- The-Door Ministry,” which meets the immediate needs of the poor and homeless in the center city. Copies of the 1998 CD, Cathedral Hymns, are still available at $13 plus $2 shipping and handling. Page 24 Christmas Supplement The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

This Ad Is Camera Ready!

St. Vincent/Publicis 7242 Full Page The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 25

Letters to the Editor, cont’d from page 5 Be a part of our first bridal issue for 2000! ble with socialism is socialism.” But are the faithful unable or just incon- Socialism/communism sounds great venienced? If a person must, with clear on paper. It just happens to be antitheti- conscience, miss Mass, there is no sin. cal to human nature and has never But if the faithful cannot ever be expect- worked, though the apologists for it ed to try to attend Mass during the always claim that it simply wasn’t week, then perhaps all holy days should implemented right. They always plead, be moved to Sundays or eliminated. “Just give us one more chance and I’m Attending Mass on Christmas is surely sure we can get it right.” Human beings difficult when one is busy with the kids need incentives and competition in a or opening presents. free atmosphere that not only multiplies I am fairly certain that many a hang- the economic pie exponentially but also over has “prevented” attendance at Mass usually brings the best out in individuals for the Solemnity of Mary [Mother of who must push themselves to rise to the God]. By this reasoning, maybe we occasion. should release the faithful from Sunday Yes, there are some abuses under cap- obligation since some people have to italism but so long as it is operating in a work on Sundays or just find the trip to Announcements of free enterprise system, buttressed by Mass once a week too inconvenient. If rule of law and a shared moral base, we only have a Sunday obligation so workers can always vote with their feet that we can put our tithe in the collec- by going elsewhere or by setting up tion basket, allow us to mail in our con- rival power structures such as unions to tributions and stay home with a clear balance the power. Conversely, when the conscience. government has the power, there are no I am disappointed that one more holy Weddings alternatives. You take what they dish out day has been eliminated from the calen- and you’d better like it because you dar. The bishops contend that the laity can’t lump it. Might becomes right. are too confused over Monday and As one who has traveled to the for- Saturday holy days (so most were elimi- mer Soviet Union a dozen times to teach nated) and now Ascension Thursday will To be published in the the necessity for the moral foundation of be transferred. If our pastors and bish- democratic capitalism, I can testify that ops cannot teach their own congrega- the people there would be far better off tions the importance of our holy days, Feb. 4, 2000, issue with the “rampant capitalism” decried in how can we hope to evangelize anyone? your lead editorial [“Rights and needs of If, on the other hand, holy days have no workers,” Dec. 10] than with a re-run of value for the faithful, why do we have socialism/communism or the phony any at all? I am not trying to be sarcas- of The Criterion crony capitalism which has followed. tic on this issue. I truly do not under- The fact is that every country which has stand. Holy days set us apart, just a lit- introduced true free enterprise and free tle, from the rest of society and the sec- If you are planning your wedding between trade has been enriched enormously ular culture in which we find ourselves. over time, not exploited. And this gives They can help foster an appreciation for Feb. 1 and July 1, 2000, we invite you to sub- the people true freedom having their events in history and for spiritual mat- own jobs and making their own futures, ters that we cannot find during “prime mit the information for an announcement on not relying on the governments to buy time.” the form below. their allegiance with make-work projects Whether this change will ultimately dependent on the rulers in power at the lead to a greater faith among the people Pictures time. If the government giveth, the gov- or a greater indifference toward the ernment can take away. Mass is a question I will leave to others. You may send us a picture of the bride-to-be or I am now involved as a volunteer in I can only say that I am happy that the Guatemala, where nothing could possi- vocation to which God called me makes a picture of the couple. Please do not cut pho- bly benefit the people more than a little me responsible for only one small fami- tograph. The picture must be wallet-size and “rampant capitalism” even if it translat- ly and not the spiritual well-being of an ed to so-called “slave wages” by stan- entire diocese. I hope that the bishops of will be used as space permits. Black & white dards here in the U.S. These countries Indiana are correct in their assessment. and these people need to get started picture preferred; we cannot guarantee the first; something is better than nothing. Daniel A. Peck, Greenfield reproduction quality of a color photo. Or would you rather see them have nothing or have to rely on charity forev- Photocopied pictures will not reproduce. er with the resultant lack of self-esteem Millennium and and ability to provide for their families? Please put name(s) on the back. Photos will be Sometimes I think that’s exactly what new millennium returned if a stamped, self-addressed envelope the bashers of the free market want. And As an obsessive stickler for facts, I you can almost hear the peoples’ pleas would like to address the ambiguous is enclosed. ringing out: With this kind of “help” reporting covering the millennium and from such friends, we don’t need ene- the new millennium by much of our Deadline mies. media. In the recent Criterion publication All announcements with photos must be Gary A. Hofmeister, Indianapolis [Nov. 26] containing the “Guide to the received by Wed., Jan. 19, 2000, 10 a.m. Great Jubilee” (which I found to be very good) and the “Special Jubilee Issue” by (No photos will be accepted after this date). Disappointed in Our Sunday Visitor, reference is made to All announcements without photos must be change of holy day Pope John Paul II opening the Holy Year door at St. Peter’s Basilica to formally received by the same date. I was disappointed reading in The begin the Jubilee Year and, on Dec. 31, Criterion recently that the bishops of ringing a bell to begin the millennium Indiana have decided to transfer the year, in one publication, and to ring in Ascension Thursday holy day to Sunday the new millennium in the other. — Use this form to furnish information — in order to eliminate the holy day of Reporting of the opening of the Holy Clip and mail to: BRIDES, The Criterion, ATTN: Susan Bierman, 1400 North Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46202 obligation during the week. My disap- Year door is without ambiguity. Deadline with photos: Wed., Jan. 19, 2000, 10 a.m. pointment stems from both the break However, we obsessive sticklers for the Please print or type: from our traditions and blurring of our facts know that ringing the bell to begin Catholic culture; and also from what the the millennium year is wholly under- BRIDE First Middle Last Daytime Phone excuses proffered tell us about our standable if by this it means that it priests and bishops. refers to the 1,000th year of the second Mailing Address City State Zip Code The fact that parish and diocesan millennium. But to say that the bell will offices have always been open on be rung on Dec. 31, 1999, to begin the Bride’s Parents Ascension Thursday was offered as a third (new) millennium, one has to prime reason for the change. It is also believe that our Gregorian calendar is City State the weakest excuse imaginable. one year off. Presumably, pastors and bishops have My take on the entire subject is that BRIDEGROOM First Middle Last some measure of control over their the pope wants us to celebrate the administrative offices and can change Jubilee Year in the millennium year Bridegroom’s Parents their hours of operations to accommo- (year 2000) by following his guidelines date holy days. If they do not, who is in for reconciliation and indulgences to City State charge of the churches? Who is respon- prepare for the new millennium year sible to God for teaching the faith? (year 2001) and the future. Wedding Date Church City State The inability of the faithful to get to Am I missing something? ❑ Photo Enclosed ❑ Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone Mass in the middle of the week was also No Picture cited as a reason to move the holy day. David G. Rinck, West Harrison Page 26 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

The Active List

The Criterion welcomes announcements of archdiocesan January 4 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; rosary for world peace, 8 p.m. church and parish open-to-the-public activities for “The Father Thomas Scecina ◆ ◆ ◆ Active List” Please be brief—listing date, location, event, Memorial High School, 5000 sponsor, cost and time. Include a phone number for verifi- Nowland Ave., Indianapolis. St. Anthony Church, 379 N. cation. No announcements will be taken by telephone. Second semester registration. Warman, Indianapolis. Rosary Notices must be in our office by 10 a.m. Monday the week Contact: development office, and Benediction for vocations, of (Friday) publication: The Criterion; The Active List; 317-351-5976. 2 p.m. 1400 N. Meridian St. (hand deliver); P.O. Box 1717; Mondays Indianapolis, IN 46206 (mail); 317-236-1593 (fax); January 8 [email protected] (e-mail). Cardinal Ritter High School, Our Lady of the Greenwood 3360 W. 30th St., Indian- Chapel, 335 S. Meridian St., December 24 St. Joe Road, Sellersburg. apolis. Placement test, 8 a.m., Greenwood. Prayer group, Exposition of the Blessed no fee. Information: 317-924- 7:30 p.m. Holy Rosary Church, 520 Sacrament, 8 a.m.–12:30 a.m. 4333. Stevens St., Indianapolis. Information: 812-944-5304.. Tuesdays Catholic Choir concert, 4 p.m. Recurring Msgr. Joseph Schaedel will January 2 St. Joseph Church, 2605 St. preside at Christmas Eve Mass. Daily Joe Rd. W., Sellersburg. ◆ ◆ ◆ St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Shepherds of Christ rosary, 46th and Illinois, Indian- Our Lady of the Greenwood prayers after 7 p.m. Mass. Mary’s Schoenstatt, Rexville. apolis. Gospel Choir jazz can- Parish Center, 335 S. Meridian ◆ ◆ ◆ “Sister hung it right next to Christmas Eve Mass, 3:30 p.m. tata, “The Gift,” directed by St., Greenwood. Perpetual Eddie Doan’s picture of the sun.” www.seidata.com/~eburwink. adoration. Holy Name Parish, 89 N. 17th Dr. Virginia Jefferson, 4 p.m. St., Beech Grove. Prayer December 25 ◆ ◆ ◆ © 1999 CNS Graphics January 3 group, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Mary’s Schoenstatt, Rexville. Holy Rosary Church, 520 Wednesdays Joe Rd. W., Sellersburg. Christmas Mass, 9 a.m. Father St. Lawrence Church, 542 Stevens St., Indianapolis. Thursdays Walnut St., Lawrenceburg. Tridentine (Latin) Mass, Eucharistic adoration, one hour Elmer Burwinkle to open Divine Mercy Chapel, 3354 W. St. Lawrence Chapel, Indian- Healing Mass, 7 p.m. fol- Mon.–Fri., noon; Wed., Fri., after 8 a.m. Mass. Jubilee Door. 30th St. (behind St. Michael apolis. Adoration of the 5:30 p.m. Information: 317- ◆ ◆ ◆ www.seidata.com/~eburwink. lowed by reconciliation. Church), Indianapolis. Marian Blessed Sacrament, 7 a.m.– 636-4478. Information: 812-537-1664 or prayers for priests, 3 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. Mass. Christ the King Chapel, 1827 December 30 512-662-5378. 4 p.m. Information: 317-271- Weekly ◆ ◆ ◆ Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., ◆ ◆ ◆ 8016. Indianapolis. Marian prayers Father Thomas Scecina St. Mary Church, New Albany. ◆ ◆ ◆ for priests, 5:30 a.m.–6:30 a.m. Memorial High School, 5000 St. Augustine Home, 2345 W. Sundays Shepherds of Christ prayer for Nowland Ave., Indianapolis. 86th St., Indianapolis. Holy Rosary Church, 520 Our Lady of the Greenwood lay, religious vocations, 7 p.m.. Saturdays Second semester registration. Cancer patients, family and Chapel, 335 S. Meridian St., Stevens St., Indianapolis. ◆ ◆ ◆ Contact: development office, Clinic for Women, E. 38th St. friends prayer group, patron- Tridentine Mass, 10 a.m. Greenwood. Rosary and 317-351-5976. age of St. Peregrine, 7 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy, St. Patrick Church, Shelby St., and Parker Ave., Indianapolis. ◆ ◆ ◆ 7 p.m.. Salem. Prayer service, 7 p.m. Pro-life rosary, 9:30 a.m. December 31 Information: Ed Green, 317- 876-7947 or Ester Pafford, St. Anthony of Padua Church, ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Clarksville. “Be Not Afraid” St. Joseph Hill Church, 2605 317-297-5966. St. Malachy Church, Holy Rosary Church, 520 holy hour, 6 p.m. Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., Brownsburg. Liturgy of the Stevens St., Indianapolis. ◆ ◆ ◆ Indianapolis. Adult Survivors Hours, 7 p.m. Information: Tridentine Mass, 9 a.m. Christ the King Church, 1827 of Childhood Sexual Abuse, 317-852-3195. Interest Rate Guaranteed For 6 Years Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., Indian- Catholic Social Services pro- ◆ ◆ ◆ Monthly apolis. Exposition of the gram, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Paying Christ the King Chapel, 1827 First Sundays Blessed Sacrament, Information: 317-236-1538. Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 1 Indianapolis. Marian prayers St. Paul Church, Sellersburg. for priests, 5:30 a.m.–6:30 a.m. Prayer group, 7 p.m.–8:15 p.m. ◆ ◆ ◆ Information: 812-246-4555. ◆ ◆ ◆ 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 2 Fatima K of C, 1040 N. Post Go with Road, Indianapolis. Euchre, Fatima K of C, 1040 N. Post 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 3 7 p.m. Information: 317-638- Road, Indianapolis. Euchre, 8416. 1 p.m. Information: 317-638- Grace... 8416. Fridays 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 4 First Mondays GRACE COLETTE St. Susanna Church, 1210 E. 317-513-8687 Main St., Plainfield. Adoration Archbishop O’Meara Catholic 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 5 [email protected] of the Blessed Sacrament, Center, Indianapolis. Guardian 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Angel Guild board meeting, As the new millennium begins, I look forward to the day ◆ ◆ ◆ 9:30 a.m. 7.00%Guaranteed In Year 6 when all things will be fulfilled. In that time, the blind shall see, the lame shall walk, the deaf shall hear and all tears St. Lawrence Chapel, First Tuesdays Offered by: USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY shall be wiped away. Death will no longer have its hold on us Indianapolis. Adoration of the Divine Mercy Chapel, 3354 W. and all will live in harmony and love. Blessed Sacrament, 7 a.m.– 30th St., Indianapolis. $15,000 Minimum 5:30 p.m. Benediction and Wishing Christ’s peace be in your minds and hearts and homes Confession, 6:45 p.m.; and in the lives of all those you love. Mass. Benediction of the Blessed Features: ◆ ◆ ◆ Call 317-513-8687. Sacrament, 7:30 p.m. Tax Deferred Affiliated Women’s Services, ◆ ◆ ◆ Income Options Graduate: St. Mary-of-the-Woods College Inc., 2215 Distributors Dr., St. Joseph Church, 2605 St. Real Estate Institute of Indiana Indianapolis. Pro-life rosary, May Avoid Probate Joe Rd. W., Sellersburg. Holy 10 a.m. Medical and Nursing Home Waiver Member: National Association of Realtors hour for religious vocations, No Sales Charge Met. Indpls. Board of Realtors ◆ ◆ ◆ Benediction and exposition of Ages 0–85 Ministers of Providence St. Joseph Church, 2605 St. —See ACTIVE LIST, page 27 For complete information, call . . . Jim Sorg ATTORNEYS AT LAW Gutters & Downspouts

WOOD, TUOHY, GLEASON, Gutters • Siding MERCER & HERRIN, PC Soffit • Fascia Flashing Serving Indiana since Adoption Roofing SORG-EHRMAN Financial Services Business Copper Work • Windows SE A Division of SORG-EHRMAN Insurance Agency, Inc. 1928, the Indiana Real Estate Doors • Repair 1709 North Shadeland Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46219 Catholic Conference since Elder Law 317-359-9621 or 800-272-6091 New Installations Employment Law E-mail: [email protected] 1969 and the Archdiocese Residential Commercial Compare our prices and www.sorg-ehrman-insurance.com/sei Estate Planning since 1975. Wills Licensed/Bonded/Insured check our references! Select Guarantee Annuity issued by USG Annuity & Trusts Life Company®. Rates subject to change. Minimum General Practice in All Courts. Tax Guaranteed rate after the initial period is 3.0%. Surrender charges begin at 9% the first year, declining Powers of Attorney by 1% each year until end of guaranteed period. This is William J. Wood, James L. Tuohy, Accidents and Injuries a Market Value Adjustment policy, a formula stated in John L. Mercer, John Q. Herrin, Insurance the contract which can impact the accumulation value John S. (Jay) Mercer, James K. Gilday, Mediation 839-3933 253-2636 positively or negatively. Withdrawals from, or surrender John E. Kolas, Todd H. Belanger, West North of, an annuity may be subject to income taxes on John H. Lewis 3400 Bank One Center Tower amounts withdrawn. Also, if withdrawal prior to age OF COUNSEL Indianapolis, IN 46204-5134 784-1214 898-4016 59½ may be subject to IRS penalty tax. (AD990488) Eugene E. Henn, Sue Tuohy MacGill 317-636-3551 South East The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 27

Second Mondays Widowed Organization, 7 Dei, Catholic business group, The Active List, continued from page 26 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Information: 6:30 a.m.; Indianapolis Athletic Church at Mount St. Francis. 317-784-1102. Club, breakfast, talk, Holy hour for vocations to Blessed Sacrament after 7 p.m. Union St., Indianapolis. First Saturdays ◆ ◆ ◆ 7:15 a.m.–8:30 a.m., $20. priesthood and religious life, Information: Shawn Conway, Mass. Exposition of Blessed 7 p.m.. Holy Family Parish, Sacrament after 8 a.m. Mass– St. Nicholas Church, Sunman. 317-264-9400, ext. 35; or Mass, praise and worship, 8 Oldenburg. Support group for David Gorsage, 317-875-8281. First Fridays noon communion service. Second Thursdays the widowed, 7 p.m. a.m.; then SACRED gathering ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Information: 812-934-2524. Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the school. Focolare Movement, Komro St. Francis Hall Chapel, Church, 1752 Scheller Lane, St. Vincent de Paul Church, home, Indianapolis. ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Marian College, 3200 Cold New Albany. Adoration, con- Bedford. Exposition of Gathering, 7:30 p.m. Calvary Mausoleum Chapel, Spring Rd., Indianapolis. cluding with confessions at Blessed Sacrament, after 8:30 Little Flower Chapel, 13th and Information: 317-257-1073. 435 Troy Ave., Indianapolis. 6 p.m., Benediction at Bosart, Indianapolis. Catholic Charismatic Renewal a.m. Mass–9 p.m.; reconcilia- ◆ ◆ ◆ Mass, 2 p.m. of Central Indiana, Mass and 6:45 p.m. tion, 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Apostolate of Fatima holy St. Luke Church, Indianapolis. healing service, 7 p.m. ◆ ◆ ◆ hour, 2 p.m. Third Thursdays ◆ ◆ ◆ Holy hour for priestly and reli- ◆ ◆ ◆ Holy Guardian Angels Church, St. Joseph University Church, gious vocations, 7 p.m. Our Lady of Peace Mausoleum Third Saturdays 405 U.S. 52, Cedar Grove. Terre Haute. Eucharistic ado- Our Lady of the Greenwood Chapel, 9001 Haverstick Rd., St. Andrew Church, 4052 E. Eucharistic adoration after ration, after 9 a.m. Mass–5 Church, 335 S. Meridian St., Third Sundays Indianapolis. Mass, 2 p.m. 38th St., Indianapolis. Mass for 8 a.m. Mass–5 p.m. p.m.; rosary, noon. Greenwood. Devotions and Mary Rexville Schoenstatt Life by archdiocesan Office of ◆ ◆ ◆ Third Fridays ◆ ◆ ◆ sacrament of reconciliation, (located on 925 South, .8 mile Pro-Life Activities, 8:30 a.m.; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, after 8 a.m. Mass. east of 421 South., 12 miles Blessed Sacrament Chapel, SS. walk to Clinic for Women, 2951 St. Mary Church, New Albany. 5333 E. Washington St., ◆ ◆ ◆ south of Versailles). Holy Hour, Peter and Paul Cathedral, E. 38th St., rosary; return to Eucharistic adoration, reconcil- Indianapolis. Adoration, 2:30 p.m.; Mass, 3:30 p.m. Indianapolis. Mass for Civitas church for Benediction. iation, after 9 p.m. Mass–mid- Holy Angels Church, 28th and prayer service, 7 p.m. Information: 812-689-3551. night. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sts., ◆ ◆ ◆ www.seidata.com/~eburwink ◆ ◆ ◆ Indianapolis. Exposition of ◆ ◆ ◆ St. Joseph Church, 2605 St. the Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King Church, 1827 Joe Rd. W., Sellersburg. 11 a.m.–noon. Christ the King Church, 1827 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., Eucharistic adoration after ◆ ◆ ◆ Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., Indianapolis. Exposition of 8 a.m. Mass–noon. Indianapolis. Exposition of the the Blessed Sacrament after St. Mary Church, New Albany. Blessed Sacrament, 2 p.m.–7 ◆ ◆ ◆ 7:15 a.m. Mass–5:30 p.m. Eucharistic adoration and con- a.m. (Monday); rosary, 8 p.m. Sacred Heart Church, 1530 Benediction and service. fessions, after 9 p.m. Mass. Open to midnight. Make tax Call Now for Timely Tax Third Mondays time less Return Preparation St. Matthew Parish, 4100 E. taxing on ■ Individuals and Businesses 56th St., Indianapolis. Young ■ Widowed Group (by archdioce- your time. Convenient Appointments san Office of Youth and Family Including Evenings and Ministries), 7:30 p.m. Child Weekends care available. Information: ■ Knowledgeable and 317-236-1586. Experienced Third Wednesdays St. Jude Church, 5353 Patrick A. Sherman, CPA McFarland Rd., Indianapolis. 881-6670 Martin J. Armbruster, CPA, CFP Rosary, 6:15 p.m. Information: John D. Grant, CPA 783-1445. ◆ ◆ ◆ Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Fax 887-5692 Center, Indianapolis. Catholic 300 S. Madison, 3rd Floor, Greenwood

Photo by Margaret Nelson NEW Book Signing Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein autographs copies of his book, Seeking the Face of the Lord, TV MASS for Catherine Ciresi (from left) and Teresa Lesch of Christ the King Parish of Indianapolis during a Dec. 18 book signing at Krieg Brothers. Mary Ann Klein, of the archdiocesan Communications Office, assists. The archbishop also signed books at the Village Dove-South. Proceeds will go to the archdiocesan Hispanic ministries. By press time, 1,000 books had been sold. TIME Different channel. Different time.

TV Mass can be seen at 6:30 a.m. every Sunday on WTTV/WB4 Indianapolis. This Ad Is Indianapolis Cable Subscribers TV Mass is also available to cable subscribers in Indianapolis at the following time: 9:30 a.m., Time Warner Cable Channel 20, Comcast Camera Ready! Cablevision Channel 99 (upgraded areas) ◆ ◆ ◆ We invite you to participate in the financial underwriting of this weekly program. Holy Rosary Please send contributions to: Catholic Communications Center 1407 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 3x5 ◆ ◆ ◆ Write or call for a free copy of the weekly missal for your use at home. Paper 317-236-1585 or 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 Sponsored by

TheCriterion Page 28 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

From the Archives New Albany champs he year was 1938, and, the seventh identified the persons pictured. Front Tand eighth grade boys basketball row, from left: Paul Rainbolt, George team from Holy Trinity Parish in New Flynn, George Boutele, Jim Albany were the area champions. Heleringer and Bob Knabel. The priest in the photograph is the Middle row, from left: Bill assistant pastor, Father Thomas P. Cummings, Jim Allen, Dick Stein, Carey, who died on March 3, 1999. Adolph Scharf and Bob Read. Following his ordination in May 1934, Back row, from left: Claude Eve, Father Carey was assigned briefly (four Howard Phillips, Paul Meisenhelder, weeks!) to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Father Carey, Russ Daniels, Herb in Indianapolis. However, in June Barr and Pat Quinn. 1934, he was named assistant pastor of Holy Trinity church, built in 1857, Holy Trinity, where he quickly estab- was destroyed by fire in 1975. Less lished a youth ministry program. than two blocks from St. Mary The photo was given to the Parish, the church was not rebuilt and archives by Richard P. Stein, who the parishes were merged. † Musician to be keynote speaker for youth rally

By Mary Ann Wyand

Back by popular demand, nationally known Christian musician David Kauffman of San Antonio, Texas, will again serve as the keynote presenter for the Archdiocesan Youth Conference on Feb. 5–6 at the Sheraton Hotel on the north side of Indianapolis. Kauffman is the first Catholic artist signed to a major record label in 10 years. His new release is called “Simple Truth.” He also was the keynote presenter for the 1993 Archdiocesan Youth Conference at Saint Mary-of-the- Woods and for an archdiocesan Young Adult Conference in Indianapolis several years ago. Marlene Stammerman, associate director of youth min- istry for the archdiocesan Office of Youth and Family Ministries, said Kauffman has “a wonderful gift of sharing the message of his music. The songs he writes are very real, and young people can identify with them. He shares them in a way that glorifies God and helps young people get energized about their faith.” “Choose to Live the Road Less Traveled” is the confer- ence theme. Registrations are $75 for the conference, which This Ad Is is open to high school students. The registration fee includes conference programs and activities as well as Camera Ready! meals and overnight lodging at the hotel, which is located at Keystone at the Crossing. Registration packets are available from parish youth ministry coordinators and the archdiocesan Office of Youth and Family Ministries. Registrations are due at the youth St. Vincent ministry office by the Jan. 5 deadline. The Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center in 1654 Indianapolis is closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 3, but parish youth ministry coordinators can provide registration materi- 4x12 als. Stammerman said the archdiocese has sponsored an annual youth conference since the 1970s, formerly under Neg the auspices of the Catholic Youth Organization. In recent years, teen-age members of the Archdiocesan Youth Council have assisted the youth ministry office staff and youth ministry coordinators with the conference plans. “Youth Council members selected the theme ‘Choose to Live the Road Less Traveled’ because they want to promote the Gospel message to live peace, to have a living faith,” Stammerman said. “Conference workshops will focus on how young people can live their faith in very real ways.” Teen-agers from all 11 deaneries in the archdiocese are expected to attend the conference. “We’re hoping to have 600 teen-agers at the conference,” Stammerman said. “The youth ministry office is committed to providing an annual youth conference because some parishes and deaneries don’t have the resources to provide that experience of the larger Church for young people. The conference creates opportunities for youth to explore their faith, to become confident in their faith and, most impor- tantly, to celebrate their faith.” Conference workshops enable teen-agers to realize that “we have a joyful faith and it’s OK to share that,” she said. “When we share our Catholic faith with one another, we don’t always know who we are helping along the way. I think young people get energized when they realize that, by living their faith, they can make a difference in someone else’s life.” †

Advertise in The Criterion! Indiana’s Largest Weekly Newspaper The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 29

Journey of Hope 2001 Advent pilgrimage to New York

A group of 47 pilgrims from the archdio- Top, Father Richard Mueller (from left), Msgr. Joseph F. cese traveled to New York earlier this Schaedel and Father Robert Mazzola concelebrate Mass at month and celebrated Mass at the the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary Photos by Carolyn Noone (above) and visited the Shrine of Bottom, pilgrims gather to pray at the Church of the Above, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest gothic- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton(statue at right). Immaculate Conception in Secaucus, N.J. style Catholic cathedral in the United States. New York parishioners make spiritual retreat by computer

CHICAGO (CNS)—The technology of the World Aviation Maintenance Wide Web is allowing nearly 30 parishioners at St. Raph- ael Parish in East Meadow, Technicians N.Y., to participate in a spiri- tual retreat without leaving their own homes. In Demand The virtual retreat is tak- ing place over a 34-week period in a private conferenc- ing area through the Web site of U.S. Catholic magazine at www.uscatholic.org. Parti- cipants can post messages Donna Harsh and respond to one another • Associate degree in 15 months whenever the spirit moves • Graduate of ATA Training them. Academy - 1993 “My pastor and I wanted • Full-time career placement service to try a virtual retreat for • Received FAA A&P people like myself who licenses - 1993 can’t seem to find time for a • Day and evening classes ‘real’ retreat but want to • ATA Quality Control experience some of the ben- • Financial aid (for those who qualify) efits,’’ said John Blakeney, a Inspector parishioner at St. Raphael who helped organize the “I knew if I could get • Conveniently located by the airport program. my license, I could do Each week, Blakeney cre- ates a new file with a differ- anything I wanted.” ent topic in St. Raphael’s conferencing area. Parish- “U.S. Airlines will operate ioners involved in the virtual retreat, or e-treat as they call it, say they like the flexibility 50% more aircraft in the next that the format offers them. “Finding time to do things 10 years.” (Air Transport Assoc.) for me is very difficult,’’ said Linda Roeder, a mother of four. “The idea of the e-treat was wonderful. There may be days when I cannot get to my computer, but the best thing is I don’t miss any- Call (800) 241-9699 thing.’’ Many say they find it eas- ier to be open when posting messages instead of speaking face to face. “I feel more comfortable in expressing my thoughts in writing,’’ said Helena Varga. “I like the idea of praying and reflecting at my own pace and in my own (AC-0190) 7251 W. McCarty St., Indianapolis, IN 46241 space, and then sharing the graces received from these reflections.’’ † Page 30 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

Rodimel, Mark and Michael Caesar Harris. Mother of Tina Bevers, Paul and Jerry (Hoover), 63, St. Lawrence, Moriarty, Angela Christiansen, Long, Valerie and Patrice Moorman. Indianapolis, Dec. 13. Wife Tina Rodimel, Grandson of Harris, Patrick and James POETZ, Joseph J., 81, Little James E. Streeter. Mother of Lois Steffey. Lively. Sister of Elda Walton, Flower, Indianapolis, Dec. 4. Ruth Perkins, Sharon Glass, Rest in peace EHRINGER, Mintie A., 69, Sally Miller, Cecilia Huffman, Husband of Eva (Schneler) Susan, James and Ronald St. Paul, Sellersburg, Dec. 10. Louise Droeger, James, Joseph, Poetz. Father of Geraldine Seal, Streeter. Sister of Robert Wife of Cletus J. Ehringer. Paul and Raymond Mattingly. JoAnn Haendel, David and Hoover. Grandmother of 10. Please submit in writing to our Jeffrey Brydon. Uncle of sever- Grandmother of four. office by 10 a.m. Mon. the al nieces and nephews. Mother of Paul, Timothy and Gregory Poetz. Brother of TEMPLE, Phillip J., 62, St. Kenneth Ehringer. Sister of HUNTER, Steven L., 37, Alphonse and Henry Poetz. Jude, Indianapolis, Dec. 15. week of publication; be sure to BUNDY, Theresa R. 76, Mable Roarx, Catherine St. Mary, Greensburg, Dec. 16. Grandfather of 12. Great-grand- Husband of Bonnie (Hatfield) state date of death. Obituaries Sacred Heart of Jesus, Terre of archdiocesan priests and Wethington, Floyd Purdue Jr., Husband of Kathy (Wilson) father of 13. Temple. Stepfather of Bonnie Haute, Dec. 5. Mother of Hunter. Father of Derek and religious sisters serving our Blackburn Jr. and Warren RICHARDSON, Edwin A., Kern and Cindy Bailey. Brother Robert Bundy. Sister of Stanley Tyler Hunter. Stepfather of archdiocese are listed elsewhere Myers. Grandmother of five. 85, St. Mark, Indianapolis, of Ann Forsgren, Kathleen Rak. Grandmother of three. Tesa, Chad and Jeremy Wilson. in The Criterion. Order priests Great-grandmother of one. Dec. 9. Husband of Dolores Changburnocit, Marilyn Slaven, Great-grandmother of three. Son of Oliver Hunters. Brother and brothers are included here, FELDMAN, James Edward, (Fussner) Richardson. Father of Patricia Loyal and Ronald May. BURCH, Barbara A. of Timothy Hunter. Step-grand- unless they are natives of the 76, Immaculate Conception, David, Larry and Mark Grandfather of 11. Great grand- (Raftery), 62, St. Jude, father of one. archdiocese or have other Millhousen, Dec. 15. Brother of Richardson. Brother of Eleanor father of 11. Indianapolis, Dec. 11. Wife of connections to it. Alfred Feldman. Uncle of sev- KIPPER, Marie S., 96, Reimer, Joseph and Robert VANWINKLE, Lucille, 82, Paul J. Burch. Mother of ANDRES, Marcella L. “Sis” eral. St. Mary, North Vernon, Dec. Richardson. Grandfather of St. Isidore, Bristow, Dec. 9. Colleen Meguiar, Dorothy and (Kruer), 81, St. John, Starlight, 12. Sister of Josephine Sterling eight. Great-grandfather of Mother of Judy Seifrig, Bonita Julianne Stenger, John, Neil FRAME, Velma, 85, Dec. 7. Wife of Carl F. “Sep” and William Zohrlaut. seven. Myers, Mike, Gary and Robert and Andrew Burch. Sister of St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Andres. Mother of Janet Regan, Dec. 9. Mother of Harold, LINDER, Lena S., 94, ROBINSON, Nerina Y. VanWinkle. Sister of Oscar and Ginny Balmer, Joyce Young, Kathy Wiggins. Grandmother St. Mark, Indianapolis, Dec. 6. Charles Dotterweich. of nine. Joseph Jr., Jim and Jack Frame. (DiLeonardo), 80, Jackie Colin, Judy Sullivan, Grandmother of 12. Great- Mother of Mary Ann Grass, St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, Grandmother of 11. Great- CESNIK, Martin C., 81, Regina Cox, Connie Missi, grandmother of 16. Frank and Phil Linder. Sister of Dec. 10. Mother of Deana grandmother of 10. Shelly Cox, Dr. Carl, Joseph St. Michael, Indianapolis, Dec. Lucille Gassin and Hazel Shelley and Donna Hurley. YOUNG, Ann (Kervan), 87, and Marlin Andres. Sister of 5. Husband of Betty (Welch) FRY, Bernadette, 78, Scheurer. Grandmother of four. Immaculate Conception, Grandmother of five. Great- St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis, Irma Bierman, Virginia Andres, Cesnik. Father of Shannon LYONS, Tracey E., 96, Holy Millhousen, Dec. 14. Mother of grandmother of three. Great- Dec. 12. Mother of Patricia Martha Schmidt, Norma Johns, Harvey, Patricia Williams, Name, Beech Grove, Dec. 4. Jerry and Frederick Fry. Sister great-grandmother of one. Hodgson and William Young. Bonnie Huber, Ambrose “Bud” Connie Gorman, Cecilia Fine, Aunt of several. Sister of Betty Gardner. Sr., Edward “Butch” Sr. and Mark, Kirk, John, Raymond of Rita Hurd and Ruth Gorman. ROTHERT, Marvin, A., 79, MANNING, Margaret, 87, Grandmother of two. George Kruer Jr. Grandmother and Al Cesnik. Brother of Grandmother of four. St. Andrew, Richmond, Dec. 9. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, of 28. Great-grandmother of Thelma Conroy and Phillip GERDINK, Joan N., 70, Father of John “Tony” Rothert. YOUNG, Charles “Buddy,” Dec. 13. Mother of Patty Hall three. Cesnik. Grandfather of 12. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Terre Grandfather of three. 77, St. Augustine, Jefferson- and Ann Manning. Sister of Great-grandfather of eight. Haute, Dec. 7. Wife of Herbert RYAN, Edwin, 94, ville, Dec. 8. Father of C. AUST, Anna, 93, St. Paul, Mary Pletch, Matilda Knapp R. Gerdink. Mother of Nancy St. Michael, Indianapolis, Dec. Thomas Young. Grandfather of New Alsace, Dec. 16. Sister of COOMES, Lawrence A., 50, and Ed Ruch. Grandmother of two. Marge Hartman, Rose Thebo, St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Vrabic, Kathleen, Matthew and four. Great-grandmother of two. 9. Husband of Mary Ryan. John, Michael, Charles and Joe James. Gerdink. Sister of J. Father of Sally Zahn, Judy WEDDLE, Mary Jane Dec. 11. Brother of Carolyn MINK, Norman G., 71, Klump. Aunt of several. Hilliard, Cathi Myers, James Raymond and John Stockton. Gough and Molly Townsend. (Bushkuhl), 80, Holy Name, Grandmother of two. St. Roch, Indianapolis, Dec. 11. Beech Grove, Nov. 30. Mother BLACK, Melvin “Blackie,” and Donald Coomes. SCHROEDER, Catherine M. Husband of Anna Mae Mink. of Carol Spillman and Jeanne 92, St. Augustine, GUTIERREZ, Manuel, 80, “Katie,” 72, St. Augustine, DAVIS, Anthony DeWayne, Father of Judy Cottrell and Weddle-Logan. Sister of James Jeffersonville, Dec. 13. St. Andrew the Apostle, Jeffersonville, Dec. 13. Sister of 39, St. Jude, Indianapolis, Dec. Glenda Mink. Brother of Enid and Raymond Bushkuhl. Husband of Merlene Black. 7. Father of Nicholas, Nolan, Indianapolis, Nov. 18. Husband Nicely, Pauline Williams and Helen Rudy and Robert Brother of Thelma Noah, Nathan and Gloria Davis. of Refugia Gutierrez. Father of Willene Bilbrey. Grandfather of Schroeder. Aunt of several. Blankenship. Uncle of several Son of Barbara Steffey and Margarita Mesa, Linda Gardner, five. Great-grandfather of five. SIMPSON, Mildred E. 83, nieces and nephews. Davis Rodimel. Stepson of Lyle Gloria, Manuel Jr. and Peter St. Joseph, Indianapolis, Nov. Gutierrez. Grandfather of 16. MOORMAN, Donald B., 58, BRYDON, Douglas Paul, 38, Sr. and Donna Davis. Brother St. Maurice, Batesville, Dec. 30. Mother of Jean Canatsey Great-grandfather of six. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Dec. of Stephanie Alderson, Regina 15. Husband of Martha (Thole) and Ruth Gilbert. Sister of 11. Son of Patricia (Ryan) and Chestnut, Rebecca O’Connor, HARRIS, Veronica, 60, Moorman. Father of Melany Ralph Morton. Grandmother of John Brydon. Brother of Lisa Lyle Jr. and Drew Davis. St. Andrew the Apostle, Collier, Father Dennis, Sheila, 12. Great-grandmother of 22. Hyatt, Pam Berry, Robert and Stepbrother of Troy and Trent Indianapolis, Dec. 7. Wife of Bryan and Todd Moorman. STEIN, Deweese O. “Dewey,” Brother of Anna Mae Kramer, 86, Our Lady of Perpetual Rose Marie Wolter, Shirley Help, New Albany, Dec. 12. Husband of Helen (Powell) Stein. Father of Mary Catherine Benjamin Turner Bir and Joseph Stein. was father of Grandfather of two. STREETER, Margaret M. STEVENS MORTUARY Father William Benedictine “Chapel of the Flowers” Sister Mary Benjamin R. Turner, a mem- Providence ber of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Geraldine was 92 Sister Rose 5520 W. 10th Street in Shelbyville, was the father of Benedictine Sister Mary Father William Turner, pastor of Geraldine Ruppel died at Indianapolis, IN St. Martin Parish in Yorkville Celine taught in St. Paul Hermitage on Dec. 3. 46224 and St. Paul Parish in New the archdiocese She was 92. Alsace. A funeral Mass was cele- Phone Benjamin Turner died on Providence Sister Rose Celine Scecina, 91, died on brated at the Our Lady of 317-247-4493 Dec. 12 at the age of 76. He was also the father of Dec. 15 in Lourdes Hall at Grace Monastery Chapel on Fax Frances Campbell, Annette Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Dec. 6. 317-244-5814 Crosby, Maria NcNeely, Louise A funeral Mass was cele- Born Anna Caroline Ruppel Ratts and Edward Turner. He is brated on Dec. 17 at the in Napoleon, she entered the Joseph F. Stevens, Jr. survived by a brother, Joe Church of the Immaculate community at Ferdinand Turner, and three sisters, Conception there. monastery in 1925. She was Funeral Director Katherine Bauman, Mary Rose The former Veronica received in 1926, took tempo- Buechele and Esther Fowler. He Scecina was born in Linton and rary vows in 1927 and perpetu- was the grandfather of 15; step- entered the congregation of the al vows in 1930. grandfather of three; andgreat- Sisters of Providence in 1924, A founding member of the great grandfather of one. † professed first vows in 1927 Beech Grove monastery, Sister and final vows in 1932. Mary Geraldine was a teacher Sister Rose Celine taught in or housekeeper at Bradford, St. Mary School in Richmond, Rockport, Columbus, Tell City, Our Lady of the Greenwood Siberia, Floyds Knobs, School in Greenwood, St. Clarksville, as well as Christ Michael School in Greenfield, the King Parish in Indianapolis. St. Simon School in Indian- She retired in 1987, living in apolis, as well as schools in the the Hermitage. Evansville Diocese and in Sister Mary Geraldine is This Ad Is Illinois. survived by a sister and a Sister Rose Celine is sur- brother, Catherine and Joseph Camera Ready! vived by two sisters, Rose Ruppel. Sparks and Elizabeth Scecina, Memorial contributions may and two brothers, Frank and be made to the Senior Sisters Thomas Scecina. † Retirement Fund. † Catholic Cem./Buchanan Group 1049 Make a resolution to help those 4x4 less fortunate than yourself! Neg The Crisis Office of Catholic Social Services is always in need of the following items:

✓ Food ✓ Used clothing ✓ Paper grocery bags The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999 Page 31

For Sale Vacation Rentals Services Offered Classified Directory FOR SALE: Two burial loca- FT. MYERS, FL. on the beach. GRANDFATHER CLOCKS ser- For information about rates for classified advertising, call (317) 236-1572. tions in the newly constructed Great view! $500/wk. 317-823- vice and repair. Call 317-781- Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, 9880. 6901. Novena Terre Haute, IN. Locations are Positions Available inside row C and are to be sold NAPLES, FL. efficiency COMPUTER HELP? Y2K test- condo, gulf view, turn key, fur- ing, upgrades, internet setup, THANK YOU St. Anthony and at cost. Phone 812-460-0911. nished. Steps to beach and web site design. Call 317-329- St. Jude for prayers granted. Music Ministry Assistant 2 ELECTRIC lift chairs. Like gulf. Jan.–April monthly rental. 2784 and leave a message. All – P. G. 317-849-4730. calls returned! Part-time salaried music ministry assistant sought. new. 317-885-9551. THANK YOU Saint Jude, Mary Gutter Accommodations/Retreats Growing, dynamic Catholic Church in Carmel is for prayers answered. – S. L. G. Advertise in seeking a person to serve on our staff as quarter THANK YOU St. Jude for this space! KELLY’S Speedway Bed to half time salaried assistant to the director of prayers answered. – S. K. GUTTER SERVICE and Breakfast music/liturgy. The ideal candidate will have Gutter Cleaning • Free Estimates Retreat Facility THANK YOU to St. Jude, Holy 317-236-1572 Minor Repair 1829 Cunningham Road excellent piano and/or organ accompaniment Spirit and Lady of Perpetual 889-2985 or Indianapolis, IN skills, read music well, and be able to improvise Help for prayers answered. 365-0052 (beeper) – S. T. G. Internet (off duty Indianapolis Firefighter) 317-487-6531 • 1-800-975-3412 to some degree at the keyboard. The position also entails some choral directing, office man- THANK YOU St. Jude, Blessed Your Perfect Internet Team! Financial Looking For Virgin, Sacred Heart. – J. S. agement, planning, and shared responsibilities Mention this ad for a 10% discount! Mortgage and with the pastoral staff. Excellent people skills THANK YOU St. Jude for prayers answered. – K. T. Home Equity Loans We Buy: a must. Need not be Roman Catholic, but A Full Service Web Design Company. http://www.prowebsites.net 317-895-6813 Guardianships, understanding of the liturgical forms of worship THANKS TO Blessed Mother • Home Purchase • Refinance Estates, Antiques, essential. and St. Jude for prayers AND answered. – B. K. • Debt Consolidation Household, Tools • Home Improvements Please send résumé to Scott Fitzgerald, THANK YOU Saint Jude for and much more. St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, prayers answered. – M. M. L. NAUGHTON Let us help you 10655 Haverstick Rd., Carmel, IN 46033. A Full Service Web Hosting and Dial-up Company. FINANCIAL THANK YOU Our Lady of http://www.ori.net 317-774-2100 liquidate. Fax: 317-846-3710, Phone 317-846-3850, Perpetual Help for prayers ProWebSites.net and On-Ramp Indiana SERVICES, INC. are independently owned and operated. ext. 17, e-mail: [email protected]. answered. – G. F. F. Tom Naughton Full Auction Service Available Real Estate Home Improvement 317-883-2980 John Beck at 317-796-0523. Co-Director Buying or Selling? Home Repair Plumbing I can help! S&R HOME Glenmary Sisters, a Catholic religious institution, seeks a IMPROVEMENT Catholic lay woman who would be willing to work as a HOUSEHOLD HANDYMAN Weilhammer Since 1901 team member in recruitment and administration of Licensed • Bonded • Insured Painting, Kitchen & Bath Plumbing Glenmary Sister Lay Missioner Association, as well as HOLIDAY SAVINGS! Remodeling, Residential Roofing develop mission programs for youth and young adults in General Contractors All Types General Home Repair (317) Dependable/Insured/Family Man the rural South and Appalachia. Some travel and weekend • Roofing • Kitchen & FREE 784-1870 meetings/programs involved. Salary and benefits are pro- • Siding Bath Remodel ESTIMATES 317-357-8955 Steve J. Sergi We sell & install vided. Accepting résumés through February 1, 2000. Broker/Owner • Guttering • Flooring of • Room Additions all types Water Heaters Send résumé to: Glenmary Sisters, Membership Team, P.O. Box 22264, Owensboro, KY 42304-2264. *All insurance claims welcome Use this Water Softeners 317-507-5883 317-786-9309 space! Toilets/Faucets “YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR” Garbage Disposals Wood Restoration Call to advertise! Miscellaneous 317-236-1572! FREE ESTIMATES CHURCHES • SCHOOLS • BUSINESSES 317-236-1572! Construction CATHOLIC CHOIR Wood Restoration Flooring OF INDIANAPOLIS Traditional music Michael N. Sergi • ALTARS • DESKS • DOORS for your next celebration Lic.# C359600 317-972-1896 • PEWS • FURNITURE • KITCHENS CALL 317-216-5588 • REMOVE WAX FROM FLOORS Call for Holiday Specials! KTU WOOD CARE • Carpet • Hardwood Village Gifts • Vinyl • Laminate “Exclusives” Design and Development • Floor Coverings SPECIALISTS • Tile • Ceramic For your religious gifts, see our References Available • Artistic Work Provided • Recently completed St. Thomas Aquinas RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL General Contracting • Gutters • Handyman Services website: 543-2516 OR 888-227-8827 FLOORING OF ALL TYPES www.vgi1983.com SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Insurance Work • Painting • Remodeling • Restoration Miscellaneous S&R FLOOR COVERING Madonnas, Roofing • Salvaging • Siding 1054 E. Troy 317-786-9309 Crosses, • Licensed • Bonded • Insured Last Supper, ✟ ✟ and much LOURDES WATER Electrical more. Classified Coupon imported from the Grotto of Lourdes in France Thank You 2 Lines • 2 Weeks for $10.00 especially for the sick HAMMANS ELECTRIC, INC. – Complete Electrical – ($1.00 for each additional line Installations, Service & Repairs. Tutoring SAINT ALPHONSUS CHURCH Licensed-Bonded-Insured. or fraction thereof) “Baltimore’s Center for Novena Devotions in honor Emergency Service. Learning Unlimited Write your classified ad on this coupon and send it to us with pay- of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal” Senior Citizens Discount. Tutoring Center, Inc. ment. This special rate applies to advertisements which are mailed 317-351-3670 1-on-1 Instruction • Pre-K thru Adult in or brought in, but not to phoned-in ads. This coupon DOES NOT Downtown Baltimore • (410) 685-6090 Specializing in Reading and Math APPLY to ANY Business ads. The coupon is for use by individuals We will ship anywhere — Call today ONLY. Business advertisers may place ads at commercial rates by calling (317) 236-1570, or Fax: (317) 236-1434. Write your ad below with ONE WORD PER SPACE, including the phone number you want in your ad. Donations Rock Bottom Prices Old and New Wiring • Wall Outlets • Blown Fuses Classification: (for sale, etc.)______Overloaded Circuits • Appliance Wiring 100 and 200 Amp Service • Y2K Backup Systems $20 off “The Positive Ad: (four words per line) Vehicle Split Circuits • Repair Service The vehicle you want to see or haul away—be one Self-Concept” ______Donation EMERGENCY SERVICE session 7 days a week 9 a.m.–9 p.m. it RV, boat or car—could become a donation ______Program 317-787-5367 FREE ESTIMATES 317-595-0929 to the Volunteers of America as well as a tax ______write-off for you. It’s a win, win. You support those in need in your community—and you Jewelry ______save money! ______48 Years Service ______May be tax deductible Deadline: Thursday, noon, 8 days in advance PARKER’S WATCH SHOP of Friday publication date. Call for more information. Name ______317-780-2277 4904 West 16th Street Address______Phone______800-333-6331 Speedway, Indiana 46224 Mail this coupon with payment to: Phone: 317-244-2064 Classified Ads, The Criterion, P.O. 1717, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1717 See your ad here next week! Or charge my: ❏VISA ❏MasterCard Diamonds • Jewelry Card # ______Exp. Date ______Call 317-236-1572 to advertise! Appraisals Watches Signature ______Page 32 The Criterion Friday, December 24, 1999

Gift Certificates New Available Orleans House Open Monday thru Saturday 8845 Township Line Road • Indianapolis

Have a fabulous feast with the (seafood) lover in your life!

Enjoy all the succulent Alaskan Crab Legs, all the super delicious Peel & Eat Shrimp, Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell, Fresh Broiled Scallops, Steamed Clams, Mussels cooked in Wine, Jambalaya, Barbequed Ribs, Frog Legs, Oysters Rockefeller, Escargot and fabulous Homemade desserts including Cheesecake, New Orleans Pie, Huge Bowls of Fresh Strawberries, Chunks of Fresh Pineapple, and Ice Cream with Hot Fudge and Walnuts. To complement this feast, an outstanding selection of fine domestic and imported wines.

FINALLY! Official New Orleans House unique gifts! Remember your special date with a great commemorative gift! Birthdays • House Blend Coffee • Tee Shirts Official New Orleans House Apron Anniversaries • Golfer Gourmet • Coffee Mugs Cajun Spice Mix • Official Hats • Gift Certificates A Seafood Lover’s Dream Call now for reservations: 317-872-9670