Season of sharing Readers share their favorite memories, pages 8 and 9.

Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 CriterionOnline.com December 20, 2013 Vol. LIV, No. 12 75¢

A Christmas message from Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!” (Lk 2:14) Christmas came early this year. God The Gospel remembers that all surprised the Church with a great gift who heard the shepherds “were

CNS/Bridgeman Art Library back in March—March 13, to be exact. amazed” (Lk 2:18) by what the humble At a little past seven in the evening, witnesses reported. The shepherds exit, Rome time, white smoke poured from “glorifying and praising God for all the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, they had heard and seen, just as it had signaling the election of a new . been told to them” (Lk 2:20). An hour or so later, he was introduced The shepherds help us to understand to the world as Francis. He greeted our vocation. At first, they were with smiling simplicity the throngs in bewildered, even frightened by the St. Peter’s Square and asked them to message that reached them as they were pray for him, even that they bless him. tending their flocks. Since his election, Francis has After finding the courage to charmed and puzzled people across the investigate further what this message world, including Catholics. was all about, they met Christ, His pronouncements and gestures an encounter that provoked in them have served to broaden the “tent” of the an incredible joy. That joy led them to Church, while challenging her pastors be bearers of good news, even as they to remain close to the people entrusted returned to their normal occupations. to their care. Pope Francis’ recent apostolic I suppose that the most precious exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” gift of my first year as Archbishop has (“The Joy of the Gospel”), begins with been the election of Pope Francis. I an extraordinary claim: “The joy of met Blessed John Paul II a few times, the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of worked closely with Pope Benedict XVI all who encounter Jesus. Those who and loved and respected them both. accept his offer of salvation are set But, as the pastor of the Catholic free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness Church in central and southern Indiana, and loneliness. With Christ, joy is I thank God each day for the words and constantly born anew” (#1). example of Pope Francis. Here is where the so-called new When he talks about shepherds, his evangelization has to begin: in meeting words resonate in my daily service to Jesus Christ and his saving power, an the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I am encounter that produces an incredible grateful to have him as a model of what joy. It is only then that you and I will be a bishop should be. able to announce a message that is both The Holy Father has given me a lot “good” and “news.” to think about this Christmas, and his In the coming year, our archdiocese inspiration casts a special light on how will consider how we can better live our I read the story of Jesus’ birth this year. vocation as bearers of good news. What I would like to share with you some does the call for a “new evangelization” thoughts about the shepherds. mean in central and southern Indiana? Here the word of God is speaking We will step through the door that to all of us, not simply those baptized God is opening for us and, like the who exercise ordained ministry. The shepherds, carry a message that still has Mary and the Christ Child are depicted in shepherds illustrate the vocation of the power to amaze those who hear it. the painting “Madonna of the Fir ” by every Catholic Christian to rejoice in Together we will praise and glorify God Marianne Stokes. The feast of the Nativity of Christ the Gospel and bring good news to a for all that God will do through us. is celebrated on Dec. 25. waiting and often weary world. But the mission begins with an We meet these shepherds in the encounter. So, this Christmas, I invite account of the birth of Jesus according you to listen to the story as if you to the Gospel of Luke. They are not have never heard it before. Allow the ‘Glory to God the center of the story, which features arrival of Christ to soften your heart the Holy Child and his parents. The and awaken your hope. He is with us in the highest, shepherds, however, are the first to in our joys and sorrows, our victories, receive the news of the birth of the our frustrations and our darkness. He Savior. Having learned the news from is Emmanuel, God-with-us. Do not be and on Earth an angel, they go to “to see afraid to be happy. this thing that has taken place, which May this encounter enkindle the Lord has made known to [them]” exuberant joy and lasting peace. peace to those (Lk 2:15). They bring to Mary and Joseph the Sincerely yours in Christ, “good news for all the people that the on whom his angel had communicated: the birth of one who is Messiah and Lord” favor rests!’ (Lk 2:10-11). We can well imagine how they might have stammered as they repeated the song of the heavenly host: Most Rev. Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. (Lk 2:14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on Archbishop of Indianapolis

Page 2 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christians can’t be gloomy because Jesus always brings joy, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Sadness is a weak and waver before difficulties and our sign of being far from Christ because Jesus own flaws. offers everyone the strength to persevere “On the contrary, we are invited to with hope and joy, Pope Francis said. toughen our hands, steady our knees and “God is the one who came to save us have courage and not be afraid because and offer help, especially to hearts gone God always shows the greatness of

astray,” he said before praying the Angelus his mercy.” Reuters CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, on Dec. 15, Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. Perhaps people may think their sins are “The Church is not a refuge for sad so great that it is impossible to start over, people, the Church is a house of joy” he said. “You’re wrong. You can. Why? because the Christian message is “Good Because God is waiting for you, he loves News”—“a proclamation of joy for all you,” is merciful and will give the strength people,” he said. needed for a fresh start and to overcome all Despite the rain, tens of thousands of pain and sorrow, the pope said. pilgrims turned out in St. Peter’s Square “This true joy even remains during for the weekly prayer and to have the times of trial, suffering, too, because it is pope bless the figurines of Baby Jesus not superficial, but lies deep in the person that children bring and then place in their who trusts in God and confides in him.” Pope Francis replaces his skullcap after this young boy removed it during an audience in Paul VI hall at home or at school. Christian joy and hope are grounded at the Vatican on Dec. 14. The audience was held for families who have been receiving care at the The pope asked the children to in God’s fidelity, “in the certainty that he St. Martha Dispensary, a maternal and pediatric clinic located at the Vatican. remember him when they pray in front of always keeps his promises,” he said, adding their Nativity scenes just as he remembers that this joy flows from knowing you are Dec. 17 birthday when he turned 77. “Auguri,” meaning “Happy Birthday.” them in his prayers. welcomed and loved by God. The day before, children and parents he Another group of kids wearing white Before the Angelus, the pope said Before the pope appeared at the window met in the Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall T-shirts with a yellow letter printed on each that no matter how big people’s sins and of the apostolic palace, people in the gave him a surprise birthday party marked one, assembled themselves to spell out limits, Christians are not allowed “to be square sang “Happy Birthday” ahead of his with singing and a real cake with candles. “Happy Birthday, Pope Francis” in Italian. The children and families use the Vatican’s When presented with the cake, the pope St. Martha Dispensary, a maternal and blew out the candles. He joked, “I’ll tell pediatric clinic. you later if it’s good or not.” He thanked The pope first visited the dispensary, the children for their joy and gifts, which which is staffed by volunteers and serves included a sweater. mainly immigrant families, before he met Rather than giving a talk, the pope in the audience hall with the families who spent the audience greeting, holding and have been receiving care. blessing the children there. One small boy In the hall, a group of children piled the pope was holding plucked the pope’s large blocks on top of each other to reveal skullcap off his head. The pope laughed Your support is critical to the pope’s picture and the Italian word and managed to put the cap back. † our serving ministry needs Archdiocesan Catholics donate $171,000 to typhoon relief effort By John Shaughnessy are dead and more than 1,700 are missing United Catholic Appeal Goal because of the storm that devastated towns $6,000,000 Catholics in the archdiocese have and villages in the central Philippines, donated more than $171,000 to help according to the Associated Press. $5,000,000 people in the Philippines whose lives were The generosity that archdiocesan $4,000,000 devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan on Catholics have shown concerning Nov. 8. the Philippines’ relief effort reflects $3,000,000 The donations have continued pouring a common desire to offer assistance $2,000,000 in ever since Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin that directly helps people, according to announced that there would be a special Father Kirkhoff. $1,000,000 second collection at churches in the “To me, it says a lot that Catholics archdiocese, starting on the weekend of like the person-to-person response of $0 $ Raised to date Annual Appeal Goal Nov. 16-17. their gifts,” said Father Kirkhoff, who $3.9 million $5.7 million “It’s just another example of the is also pastor of Good Shepherd Parish generosity of people in the archdiocese,” in Indianapolis. “It’s the feeling of one said Father Gerald Kirkhoff, director of person helping another person.” 14% the archdiocesan Mission Office. “That’s a Father Kirkhoff saw that same spirit The United Catholic Appeal significant amount of money. of giving on a recent evening when United Catholic supports three ministry areas “It says that Catholics have a vision he was approached by a member of Appeal Participation where the needs are greatest: of need that’s not just for people in the Good Shepherd Parish. archdiocese, but for their brothers and “He gave me a $1,000 in cash and Participating • Catholic education and faith sisters around the world.” said, ‘Father, use it for the poor,’ ” Households (14%) formation People in the Philippines are still Father Kirkhoff said. “I plan to give Total Number of • Education for seminarians recovering from one of the strongest most of it to St. Vincent de Paul Society Households (73,000) and deacons and retirement storms in history. Nearly 6,000 people because of the good work they do.” † benefits for priests • Care for people most in need The Criterion and Catholic Center are closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 for Christmas holiday Give online at www.archindy.org or This week’s issue of The Criterion, The Archbishop O’Meara by returning your pledge card. which is our annual Christmas publication, Catholic Center will be closed from is the last issue of 2013. Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 in observance of The Criterion will be published the holidays. Archdiocese of Indianapolis again on Jan. 10, 2014, and resume its Archdiocesan agencies will reopen at weekly schedule. 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. †

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is published weekly except the The Do you have something exciting or last week of December and newsworthy you want to be considered the first week of January. The 12/20/13 Phone Numbers to be printed in The Criterion? E-mail us: 1400 N. Meri­dian St. Criterion office:...... 317-236-1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1454 [email protected] 317-236-1570 Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Circulation:...... 317-236-1425 Staff [email protected] Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 advance notice! Editor: Mike Krokos Price: $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy Periodical postage paid at Name______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Indianapolis, IN. Postmaster Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Copyright © 2013 New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Criterion Press Inc. City______1400 N Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46206 Business Manager: Ron Massey State/Zip______Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Executive Assistant: Mary Ann Klein Postmaster: Graphics Specialist: Jerry Boucher Send address changes to: New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] Print Service Assistant: Annette Danielson Criterion Press Inc. Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meridian St. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46206. Periodical postage paid at ­Indianapolis, IN. Indianapolis, IN 46206 Copyright © 2013 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46206 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 3 Sweeping changes to Batesville Deanery and NCYC top local news stories By Brandon A. Evans 3. Archdiocesan Catholics respond to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and The multitude of changes that parishes the election of Pope Francis. in the Batesville Deanery saw as a The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI— result of the “Connected in the Spirit” the first such resignation in nearly parish planning process, Indianapolis 600 years—made waves all around hosting 23,000 youths at the National the world.

Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Catholics in the archdiocese reacted with Catholic Courier CNS photo/Sam Oldenburg, and local reaction to the resignation of a variety of emotions, and our news stories Pope Benedict XVI and the election of covered the spectrum as we talked to a Pope Francis were voted the top three local number of people. news stories of 2013. Franciscan Sister Maureen Irvin said that Other stories of note include coverage the decision offered a lesson in humility of Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin receiving and hope. Nick Lesch, then a junior at his pallium from Pope Francis, a Madison Indiana University Purdue University in family business winning a federal Indianapolis, said that the pope’s example appeal against the Department of Health has inspired him to work harder in his and Human Services (HHS) mandate, studies. Maxine Ferguson, 82, understands Marian University opening its school of the challenges of aging and had admiration osteopathic medicine and a record amount for his decision. of money raised for Catholic education. After the resignation became official Maggie McAuliffe holds hands with other pilgrims from St. John the Evangelist Church in Working in the custom of other news on Feb. 28, the archdiocese joined the Spencerport, N.Y., while saying the Our Father during the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth agencies, The Criterion editorial staff votes world in prayer for the election of a new Conference on Nov. 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. More than 23,000 youths from across the each year for the top 10 local stories that pope—something that happened less than country took part in the conference. were published in our newspaper. two weeks later. Many of the stories selected this year Reaction to the election of cover these services substantially burdens Church’s understanding that parents are were made up of several individual articles. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of their religious exercise rights.” the first teachers, and have the right and Read this story online to browse the links Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Pope Francis responsibility to educate their children to all of our original coverage. was immediate, and was covered in a 6. The opening of a new medical consistent with their values and their child’s Among the hundreds of locally number of stories in The Criterion. school at Marian University in educational needs.” produced news stories during 2013, here is “We rejoice that the Lord has given us Indianapolis is a first for a Catholic Statewide, the program—which is the our “Top 10” list: this holy and learned figure to lead the college. nation’s broadest school voucher program— Church,” Archbishop Tobin said. “And I “Some people called it a ‘leap of faith’ gave school vouchers to more than 1. Sweeping changes are announced know that everyone in the archdiocese joins when Marian University in Indianapolis 9,300 students. and implemented for parishes in the me in promising our obedience and our announced its plan to be the first A day after the ruling, the state Senate Batesville Deanery. cooperation to Pope Francis.” Catholic college in the country to have a approved House Bill 1003, a proposal to On June 6, Archbishop Joseph school of osteopathic medicine,” wrote expand the voucher program. W. Tobin spoke before hundreds of people 4. Archbishop Tobin receives his John Shaughnessy, Criterion assistant gathered at St. Louis Church in Batesville pallium from Pope Francis. editor. 9. Three men of diverse cultural to announce a series of decisions that On June 29 at a Mass in St. Peter’s “Yet, Marian’s President Daniel Elsener background are ordained priests for the would affect 26 of the 27 parishes in the Basilica, Archbishop Tobin joined other prefers to use a different phrase as the archdiocese. Batesville Deanery and three other nearby new archbishops of the world to have university’s first group of 162 medical Three men were ordained priests for the parishes. a pallium put around his shoulders by students gets ready for the historic first day archdiocese on May 18 during a Mass at The decisions had been made as part Pope Francis. of classes on Aug. 12. SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis: of the ongoing “Connected in the Spirit” The pallium—a circular band made “ ‘It’s a response to faith, a response Fathers John Kamwendo, Douglas Marcotte parish planning process which the deanery from lamb’s wool—symbolizes both the to a call,’ Elsener said as he sat in the and Martin Rodriguez. had been participating in for two years. archbishop’s role as the shepherd of the sparkling, $48 million, state-of-the-art Each of the new priests comes The result for the Batesville Deanery Church in central and southern Indiana and Michael A. Evans Center for Health from a different cultural background: was that 12 parishes would close by his communion with the pope. Sciences that is now the home of the Father Kamwendo is originally from Dec. 1 of this year; other parishes would To celebrate the event, an archdiocesan university’s longtime nursing program and Tanzania, Father Rodriguez grew up be linked together in such a way that they pilgrimage to Rome was organized from the second medical school in Indiana.” in Mexico, and Father Marcotte was would share a priest, other staff members June 26 to July 1. In addition, those The call Elsener referred to can be seen raised a Hoosier. and create joint programs, ministries unable to go on the pilgrimage were given in recent studies that showed there could be At the ordination Mass, which was and committees; still others would the chance to pray for daily intentions a shortage of 2,000 primary care physicians standing-room only (and streamed online), create partnerships to collaborate with and to follow their fellow archdiocesan in Indiana alone by 2020 if more doctors Archbishop Tobin gave advice to the nearby parishes. Catholics online. weren’t trained. new priests. Archbishop Tobin’s own childhood During the pallium Mass, “We want to be a great Catholic He said that they would “be able to speak parish in Detroit was closed, and he said Archbishop Tobin kneeled before university in a great American city for to the hearts of your people only if you know that he identifies with the pain and anger Pope Francis and the two had a warm service to the world,” Elsener said. “To their joys and sorrows, their anxiety and coming from some of the affected parishes. exchange in Spanish. As he laid the do that without resources is a pipe dream. their hope. “It’s not perfect, as no human process is pallium on the shoulders of the archbishop, So we say that if we want to be a great “You must never let the burden of entirely perfect. But I think it does favor— Pope Francis told him, “May the cross bear Catholic university, we have to have great administration or the pursuit of your own at least in the first stages—the impetus good fruit.” resources, starting with a medical school.” interests deafen you to the cry of our coming from the ground up rather than Archbishop Tobin, in the response, said, sisters and brothers who, like you, search from the archbishop down. I think that’s “You can count on us.” 7. A record $3 million is raised to send for God and hunger for God’s word,” really important. …Having worked in other Later, he said that during the Mass he children to Catholic schools. Archbishop Tobin said. dioceses that have gone through this sort “was thinking of Peter, who was buried Each year, the archdiocese hosts the of reconfiguration, it was much more of a there [under St. Peter’s Basilica], and Celebrating Catholic Schools Values 10. Archbishop Tobin visits each of the top-down process in those other places.” whose feast day we were celebrating Awards event, honoring those with a 11 deaneries during his first months as today. He was someone who could speak commitment to Catholic education and archbishop. 2. Indianapolis hosts 23,000 youths easily and whose deeds didn’t always raising money for schools. Fulfilling a promise he made at NCYC. measure up.” The previous record for money raised upon arriving in the archdiocese, It’s no small feat to play host to more was $1.1 million in 2012. This year, Archbishop Tobin celebrated a series of than 23,000 high school-aged Catholics 5. A Madison family business wins a the event nearly tripled that amount, Masses in each of the 11 deaneries during from all over the country for a weekend. federal appeal against the HHS mandate. raising $3 million to help children attend the first months of 2013. It’s even more impressive that this is the On May 22, a three-judge panel of the Catholic schools. The Masses were covered in a series of second time in the past two years that 7th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in The $3 million was raised mostly stories and photos in The Criterion. Indianapolis has hosted the biannual heard arguments in a lawsuit filed through the Education CHOICE Charitable An estimated 1,000 people attended a National Catholic Youth Conference by Grote Industries, a family-owned, Trust for Tax Credit Scholarships, Jan. 29 Mass at St. Mary-of-the-Knobs (NCYC). worldwide manufacturer of vehicle lighting according to G. Joseph Peters, special Church in Floyd County. “I thought that The three-day event is a chance for products in Madison. consultant to the archdiocese’s Office of Hoosier hospitality was just a bumper young people to come together and The Grote family argued that they should Catholic Education. sticker,” Archbishop Tobin told those grow in the faith of Jesus Christ through have relief from the “U.S. Department of “Many things changed in the school gathered, “but it’s the real thing.” worship, meeting new people, learning Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate choice laws this year, but the most Henry Andres, a lifelong member of more about Catholic beliefs and celebrating that forces most employers to provide important allowed for Tax Credit St. Mary-of-the-Knobs Parish, called the the sacraments. abortion-inducing drugs, sterilizations Scholarships to apply to income-eligible new archbishop “awesome. He’s on our Archdiocesan staff, the and contraceptives to their employees in students already in our Catholic schools level. I think he’s someone we can talk to.” National Federation for Catholic Youth company health plans.” from kindergarten through 12th grade,” The archbishop said that he was energized Ministry and more than 600 local The legal challenge is part of Peters said. by the Masses and the welcome he received, volunteers made the event a success. many across the country and is part and was struck by what he called the The closing Mass featured of a nationwide campaign led by the 8. The Indiana voucher program is “anomalous location of the cathedral.” Archbishop Tobin as the principal U.S. bishops to fight for religious liberty. upheld in the courts and expanded by “I don’t think that I will forget that celebrant, joined by 12 bishops and Rallies and calls to prayer occurred in the the legislature. there’s a lot of the archdiocese outside of 237 priests. archdiocese throughout the year. On March 26, the Indiana Supreme Indianapolis,” he said. “I wouldn’t want “I believe it’s safe to say that tonight On Nov. 8, a ruling was handed down Court unanimously ruled that the state’s them to feel like there’s Indianapolis and, as we formed the national parish of the that gave the Grotes a victory. school voucher program was constitutional. an afterthought, there’s the rest of us.” United States of America,” he said. “We hold that the plaintiffs—the “I’m just really happy that Indiana’s “Can you recall another occasion when business owners and their companies—may constitution provides for and allows (To read the original coverage, including there are people from all 50 states gathered challenge the mandate,” U.S. Circuit Judge for parental choice,” said Glenn Tebbe, additional links of interest, click on the around the Lord’s table in word and his Diane Sykes wrote (emphasis in original). executive director of the Indiana Catholic headline for this story on our website at sacrament? I can’t.” “We further hold that compelling them to Conference. “It complies with the www.CriterionOnline.com.) † Page 4 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013

Opinion

Coming of Age/Erick Rommel Learning about a person

Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 in 140 characters or less Most Rev. Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Publisher Mike Krokos, Editor One complaint about our growing her shortcomings, may be increasingly Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus reliance on communicating via the Internet recognizable as Christ’s dwelling place.” is that we place less It’s a powerful Christmas message, but value on the words not exactly a personable one. we use. From the moment of his election, Editorial Many years Pope Francis demonstrated a different ago, people clerical style. In his first tweet, he asked communicated by people to pray for him, making it clear that writing letters. The he was now the shepherd, but he strongly person receiving the felt part of the flock as well. message understood Following his election, it became

CNS photo/Paul Haring CNS photo/Paul that it took time on easier to see the man behind the miter. the part of the sender Pope Francis’ words on Twitter are less to craft a message. academic and more embracing. “God loves And because it took some time to deliver us. We must not be afraid to love him,” each message, great value was placed on he tweeted on April 4, 2013. “The faith is what was said. professed with the lips and with the heart, With the invention of the telephone, through words and through love.” communicating with one another became That word, “love,” is found throughout more immediate. You could talk with Pope Francis’ tweets. If you look at his anyone, anywhere, if you were willing to @Pontifex Twitter feed and search for it, pay. Time, literally, was money. Words you’ll find it’s repeated numerous times. were expensive. As a result, the person we perceive him Pope Francis leads a meeting with the poor in early October at the Today, communicating with one another to be, by reading his feed, is an accurate archbishop’s residence in Assisi, . In his first extensive piece of writing is as instant as with a telephone, but not representation of the person in real life. as pope, Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church dedicated as expensive or limiting. It’s easy to share Does our online reflection match who to evangelization, with a focus on society’s poorest and most vulnerable, a message with one person or 100, and it we are as closely? Are we the same person including the aged and unborn. costs the same. Because communicating is online as we are in person? Or, do we create simple and inexpensive, we often mistakenly a different person—someone who is better, believe that those words have little meaning. or worse, than the reality? That belief is incorrect. You can still If people formed an opinion of you based On serving the poor learn a lot about a person in just a few on how you present yourself online, would “Behold those Christians. Look in opposition to abortion—which simply words. You can learn far more than you they leave with an accurate picture? how they love one another.” isn’t true. The problem comes when we probably imagine. We know it’s unlikely that Pope Francis These are words in the Apology have to make political choices since Take for instance, the Twitter personally tweets his messages on his of Tertullian, who died in 230. It’s neither the Democratic nor Republican messages of two people we would expect phone, computer, laptop or tablet. But reported that a man named Aristides, Party stands for the same things that the to be quite similar: Pope Francis and that doesn’t make the tweets any less sent by Emperor Hadrian to spy on the Catholic Church teaches. Pope Benedict XVI. honest or powerful. Christians, uttered the words. Catholics must be political, though, Pope Benedict’s first message, sent out We see that his message is one of love At this Christmas time, let’s ask if we are to do the things Pope Francis in December 2012, matched his public of others. It’s also about love of self. And, ourselves if we Catholics can still is calling us to do. As he said in his persona: He was caring but academic. It what is that love? be identified by the way we love exhortation, service to the poor doesn’t read: “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in Pope Francis shared his answer on one another. The evidence seems to just mean handouts. “It means working touch with you through Twitter. Thank you Twitter as well. “Are you angry with indicate otherwise. Today we have to eliminate the structural causes of for your generous response. I bless all of you someone?” he asked via Twitter on June 17, Catholics who identify themselves poverty and to promote the integral from my heart.” 2013. “Pray for that person. That is what as conservative, liberal, orthodox, development of the poor. This means His tweets in the days that followed Christian love is.” progressive, traditional or whatnot. education, access to health care and, were equally formal. On Dec. 21, 2012, It’s so bad that Pope Francis, in above all, employment.” Pope Benedict wrote, “At the end of the (Erick Rommel writes for Catholic News his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Whether you think that those are year, we pray that the Church, despite Service.) † Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), liberal or conservative issues might say had to say, “No more warring among more about you than about the pope. The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick ourselves.” He describes some people, Liberals and conservatives alike say correctly we believe, as not content that they favor better education, greater with “belonging to the whole Church health care, and higher employment God’s gift of love is greater than in all its rich variety,” but insist on rates. They just disagree on how to belonging “to this or that group which accomplish those things. thinks itself different or special.” There should be agreement, though, the material gifts of the season Right now that seems to apply about the pope’s criticism of “ideologies In 2005, some news outlets reported airplane or train tickets before they run out, to people who consider themselves that defend the absolute autonomy of the that then-Speaker of the U.S. House of and to take advantage of —all conservatives. Among them are those marketplace and financial speculation” Representatives of this make us race toward consumption. who have criticized Pope Francis as that, he said, led to the current financial Dennis Hastert told Consider that there are those who use being liberal, as if what he is saying crisis and an “idolatry of money.” federal officials the stock market as their standard of joy: about wanting the Church to “be poor Certainly the poor need safety nets. that the lighted, If it goes up, it’s a good day; if not, it’s a and for the poor” is some kind of The pope was thinking globally decorated tree on bad day. new teaching. when he wrote his exhortation, but the lawn of the Does this point out that something is out Yes, it’s quite true that Pope Francis there’s plenty of poverty right here U.S. Capitol should of order? has been giving extra emphasis to in the United States, despite its being be referred to as the It’s true that the Christmas season serving the poor. But that has been the wealthiest country in the world. “ ‘Capitol Christmas produces much goodness. People extend part of Catholic teaching and practice Almost 20 percent of our population, or Tree,’ as it was themselves in order to bring joy to those from the very beginning. The Council about 47 million people, have annual called until the late less financially fortunate. Heartfelt gifts are of Jerusalem, held in the year 51, incomes of $12,000 or less, and another 1990s.” exchanged and a warm uplifting spirit of approved the work that Paul and 18 million people earn $15,000 or less. Some were calling it the “holiday tree.” happiness is generated. Barnabas were doing among the As the year 2013 draws to a close Though this happened in 2005, it raises And yet one senses that God’s voice is Gentiles, but told them “we were to be at a time when so many people are a troublesome question for 2013: Is the true no longer heard because it is overridden by mindful of the poor, which is the very hurting financially, we encourage meaning of Christmas being lost? feverish activity that distracts us from it. thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10). those who are not below the poverty I believe it is. We sing “Silent Night,” but silence and the How did service to the poor become level to be more generous. Naturally, Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation peace it generates is nowhere to be found. part of only the liberal agenda? It’s we suggest contributions to Catholic “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the How, then, should we celebrate Christmas? something that every Catholic should Charities. It has offices throughout Gospel”) says, “The great danger in today’s One sensible way is to employ our interior be doing if he or she accepts all that the archdiocese—in Indianapolis, world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, life more fruitfully. the Church teaches. Fortunately, we Terre Haute, Bloomington, Tell City and is the desolation and anguish born of a Christmas is an opportunity to believe that most good Catholics New Albany. complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish prayerfully recall that God came among us do try to help the poor. In our We invite you to check pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a out of deep love for us. experience, those who are considered the archdiocese’s website at blunted conscience. Gifts come and go, but God’s gift of love conservative because of their views www.archindy.org to see all that “Whenever our interior life becomes never ends when it’s cherished. on the so-called social issues are also Catholic Charities does for the poor. caught up in its own interests and concerns, Consumerism leaves us empty while those who volunteer for the Society It’s true that non-Catholics should there is no longer room for others, no place God’s love fills us to the brim with joy. of St. Vincent de Paul or similar be able to identify Catholics by the way for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, The glitz of the holidays can’t Catholic organizations. they love one another. But not only one the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, compare to the bliss of realizing we are It’s our society that has somehow another, but all others, too. and the desire to do good fades.” God’s chosen ones. decided that liberals care for the poor It’s not an exaggeration to say we are and conservatives are interested only —John F. Fink “rushed” toward Christmas. Sales urge us (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for to snap up items at the store, to purchase Catholic News Service.) † The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 5 24 Sisters of Providence celebrate milestone jubilees Criterion staff report

In 2013, two Sisters of Providence of Mary-of-the-Woods celebrated 80 years in the congregation, two celebrated 75 years, seven celebrated 70 years and 13 celebrated 60 years. In addition to other ministries, all 24 sisters ministered in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis at some time, giving 504 total years of service within the Church in central and southern Indiana. Sister Mary Esther (formerly Francis Sr. Margaret Louise Sr. Ann Brendan Sr. Adrian Marie Sr. Teresa Sr. Elaine Sr. Mary Catherine Gertrude) Lane celebrated her 80th jubilee. Bernard, S.P. Burget, S.P. Conrad, S.P. Costello, S.P. Doucette, S.P. Duffy, S.P. In the archdiocese, she taught at St. Charles Borromeo School in Bloomington from 1940-41, the former St. Joseph School in Terre Haute from 1952-57 and St. Paul School in Sellersburg from 1957-58. In Indianapolis, Sister Mary Esther ministered at the former St. Anthony School from 1945-46, the former St. Agnes Academy from 1967-69, the former Ladywood- St. Agnes High School from 1972-75 and at Fatima Retreat House from 1975-76. Currently, Sister Mary Esther has a special prayer ministry at the motherhouse. Sr. Sheila Sr. Donna Marie Sr. Michaela Sr. Jane Sr. Carolyn Sr. Marilyn Ann Sister Marceline Mattingly celebrated FitzSimons, S.P. Fu, S.P. Galvin, S.P. Gibson, S.P. Glynn, S.P. Kofler, S.P. her 80th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she taught in Indianapolis at the former St. Anthony School from 1938-40 and St. Philip Neri School from 1942-46. In Richmond, she ministered at the former St. Mary School from 1940-41. Sister Marcelline taught at Our Lady of Providence Jr./Sr. High School in Clarksville from 1968-70, and also served as pastoral associate at St. Mary Parish in New Albany from 1983-89, followed by ministry to the retirement community at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 1989-91. She ministered at St. Mary-of-the-Woods Sr. Mary Esther Sr. Rita Sr. Jeanette Marie Sr. Marceline Sr. Francine Sr. Ann Kevin Lane, S.P. Lerner, S.P. Lucinio, S.P. Mattingly, S.P. McGriffin, S.P. O’Connor, S.P. College from 1966-68, from 1991-93 and from 1994-2001. Since 2001, sister has volunteered in health care services. Sister Rita (formerly Edward Clare) Lerner celebrated her 75th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she ministered in Indianapolis at St. Matthew School from 1977-83 and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in residential and health services from 1983 to 2006. Her current ministry is prayer. Sister Alexa Suelzer celebrated her 75th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she taught in Terre Haute at St. Patrick High School from 1941-46 and at the former St. Agnes Sr. Ann Paula Sr. John Mary Sr. Martha Ann Sr. Louise Sr. Alexa Sr. Helen Academy in Indianapolis from 1946-50. Pohlman, S.P. Rifner, S.P. Rifner, S.P. Schroeder, S.P. Suelzer, S.P. Vinton, S.P. Sister Alexa ministered at Saint Mary-of- the-Woods in several capacities: teacher and professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Sister currently has a special prayer 1945-46; St. Joan of Arc School from St. Paul in Sellersburg from 1969-70. She College from 1962-65 and from 1982-2002; ministry at the motherhouse. 1946-48; Holy Cross School from 1949-50; currently resides in Bradenton, Fla. at Providence Juniorate High School from Sister Margaret Louise Bernard St. Philip Neri School from 1956-58; the Sister Adrian Marie Conrad 1965-68; as a member of the Sister of celebrated her 70th jubilee. In the former St. Anthony School from 1961-62; celebrated her 70th jubilee. In the Providence General Council from 1972-76; archdiocese, she ministered in Indianapolis and St. Matthew School from 1962-63. archdiocese, she served at the former and in residential services from 2002-12. at the former St. Catherine School from Sister Margaret Louise also served at See JUBILEES, page 16

Online Lay Ministry Formation At this holiday season FARIS MAILING The Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) expresses its grateful THANK YOU INCORPORATED ...to our volunteers who donate their time so Introducing Our Giant Mail Box To Handle to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: The Growing Needs Of Your Business selflessly • Courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church from CDU • Inkjet Addressing ...to our donors who contribute their financial • All 12 classes for a Certificate in Lay Ministry available online support so generously • Automatic inserting • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners • Laser Imaging • Employees also receive reimbursement upon course completion ...to our clients who teach us the value of • List maintenance resilience so hopefully • Premium fulfillment For more information, please log on to ...to Our Heavenly Father for the supreme • Mailing consultants www.archindy.org/layministry gift of His Divine Son. • Digital Variable Printing • Wide Format Printing May the peace and joy of the Christ Child be with • Electronic Imaging you this Christmas season. Analysis of mailing requirements 317-246-3315 701 Holt Road, Indianapolis If you are a victim of Report sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the sexual Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of misconduct such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim now assistance coordinator: Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, www.svdpindy.org P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1410 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 Society of St. Vincent de Paul 3001 E. 30th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46218 [email protected] To Donate: www.archindy.org/UCA Page 6 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013

Events Calendar December 20 of what you should know Brookville. First Saturday St. Joseph Parish, Upstairs before reading the Bible. Devotional Prayer Group, Classroom, 1375 S. Information: 317-244-9002. Mass, exposition of the Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. Blessed Sacrament, rosary, Theresa Graham Submitted photo by December 28 confession, meditation and The Bible for Beginners, St. John the Evangelist petitions, 8 a.m. Information: 1p.m., an informative overview Church, 126 W. 765-647-5462. of what you should know Georgia St., Indianapolis. before reading the Bible. Rosary procession and Information: 317-244-9002. January 8 empty manger caroling at Archbishop O’Meara Catholic December 21 Monument Circle, following Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., Bishop Simon Bruté College 12:10 p.m. Mass, pray and Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, Seminary, 2500 Cold process through the streets Catholic, educational, Spring Road, Indianapolis. of downtown Indianapolis charitable and social singles, Men’s Day of Discernment to Monument Circle, empty 50 and over, single, separated, manger caroling event, with Archbishop Tobin, men widowed or divorced. New 1-2 p.m. Information on age 18-50 who are open to the members welcome. 6:30 p.m. rosary procession: faithful. possibility of the priesthood, Information: 317-370-1189. [email protected]. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., registration Information on empty required. Information: January 9 manger caroling event: 317-236-1490 or archindy.org/ St. Mark the Evangelist [email protected] heargodscall/events.html. Parish, Media Center, or 317-527-9531. 541 Edgewood Ave., Planned Parenthood, December 31 Indianapolis. Hope and 8590 Georgetown Road, The Slovenian National Home, Healing Survivors of Suicide Indianapolis. Empty Manger 2717 W. 10th St., Indianapolis. support group, 7 p.m. Caroling event, 9-10 a.m. New Year’s Eve Celebration, Information: 317-851-8344. Haiti fundraiser Information: 317-527-9531. 5 p.m.-close, $5 donation for food, bring a side dish to share. January 15 December 27 St. Malachy Church, Participants listen as a Scripture reading is proclaimed on Dec. 12 at St. Paul Catholic Center Information: 317-632-0619 or Church in Bloomington during a Festival of Lessons and Carols. The event was held to raise St. Joseph Parish, Upstairs [email protected]. 9833 E. County Road Classroom, 1375 S. 750 N., Brownsburg. money for a mission trip by Indiana University students to St. Paul Catholic Center’s sister parish Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. January 4 “Catholics Returning in Haiti in 2014. The event began with a cookie reception, followed by a series of nine readings The Bible for Beginners, St. Michael Church, Home,” six-sessions, 7 p.m. and songs led by the St. Paul adult choir. 1p.m., an informative overview 145 St. Michael Blvd., Information: 317-650-5751. † Submitted photo Submitted photo

Prayer to end hunger

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Indianapolis Council participated in Pope Francis’ launch of the prayer campaign to end global hunger on Dec. 10. Copies of the Holy Father’s prayer for hunger were distributed to volunteers and clients at the society’s Client Choice Food Annual concert on Dec. 22 Pantry, 3001 E. 30th St., in Indianapolis, and the shopping session was briefly halted at noon when the prayer to end global hunger was recited by pantry volunteers and clients. Pictured In this December 1963 photo, former Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish music director is Jim Witchger, Tuesday pantry manager, reading the prayer to end global hunger over the Jerry Craney poses with members of the parish’s third annual Christmas concert which he Client Choice Pantry’s public address system. coordinated. The concert will be held for the 50th time this year at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, 89 N. 17th Ave. in Beech Grove, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 22. What started out in 1961 as a boy’s and men’s choir accompanied by an organ, the concert now includes the Holy Name School choir and adult choir, which includes high school youths, and an orchestra consisting of horn, percussion, wind and string sections, as well as a harp and grand piano. Tickets for limited Society of St. Vincent de Paul still seating are $7 and are available at the door or in advance by calling Marcia at 317-787-1682. seeking end-of-year vehicle donations As the 2013 calendar year comes to a totaled $22,866,” said Bernie Weitekamp, close, year-end, tax-deductible donations coordinator of the program for the of vehicles of all kinds are still desired to Indianapolis archdiocesan council.

benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. While there are minimal “flat” fees Submitted photo The vehicle donation program accepts associated with the transport of a vehicle, not only cars but also trucks, motorcycles title work and the sale of a vehicle at and even boats, and they do not even have auction, the fees assessed are not a to be in running order. percentage of the value of the vehicle. All vehicles are auctioned off, and This maximizes the proceeds that the proceeds are distributed to the parish go to the society. conference that is closest to the donor’s Unlike similar vehicle donation home. All donations ultimately provide programs offered by other charitable for the purchase of food and other groups, the proceeds of all donations essential assistance to the poor, as well as benefit local needs and rely on local emergency assistance to families in need, promotional efforts by the society’s including rent, utilities, transportation various archdiocesan councils. and medicines. To donate or find out more “By the end of the third quarter of this information about the program, year, 42 vehicles had been donated, and log on to www.svdpusacars.com or Women’s Day of Reflection the net proceeds earned from the donations call 800-322-8284.† Women listen during a session at the second annual African-American Catholic Women’s Day of Reflection on Nov. 23 at Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis. The event, sponsored by the Black Catholic Ministry of the archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministry, was attended by 75 African-American Catholic women. The guest speaker, Adrienne Curry, spoke on women of Correction the Bible, particularly Rebekah, Leah, Rachel and Dinah, and how these women encountered the same everyday trials, tribulations, temptations and crises that women face today. Curry holds a On page 6 of the Dec. 13 issue of The Criterion, Mary Young and Virginia Marten were masters in divinity from Catholic Theological University. Due to the great success of the day of incorrectly identified as residents of St. Augustine Home for the Aged in a photograph with reflection, next year’s event will become a weekend retreat taking place on Dec. 5-6. Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin. † The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 7 Letter shares amazing story of Savior’s birth, Holy Family’s plight

By John F. Fink CNS/Crosiers

The following is a letter sent from Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, to Mary, the wife of Clopas, sent during the 22nd year of the reign of the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus.

Dear Mary, concerned about what would happen when she got back to Nazareth since she hadn’t I just received a letter from Mary, the told Joseph about her pregnancy, and she wife of Joseph, and she asked me to tell wasn’t sure what he would do. As you you what has happened to her. She thought know, they had gone through the first part you might be worried about her since of their marriage ceremony, when they she has been gone for so long. The letter became husband and wife, but not the came from Egypt! How that happened is second part when the man takes his wife what she wanted me to tell you, and it’s an into his home. amazing story indeed. It wasn’t until I received Mary’s letter The last time I saw Mary was soon after that I learned what happened. Joseph was the birth of my son, John. As you know so very upset, as any man would be. He knew well, Mary is always thinking of how she that he wasn’t the father of her child, so it can help others, so when she learned that I seemed obvious that she had had relations was pregnant with John she made that long with someone else, probably while she trip from Nazareth to Ein Karem to help was staying with me. A detail of a stained-glass window from St. Edward’s Church in Seattle shows Jesus, Mary and me. She thought I would need some help But he’s such a good man. He didn’t Joseph on their . The feast of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is since I was old for bearing children. want to accuse her of adultery since the celebrated on Dec. 25. The feast of the Holy Family is marked on Dec. 29. I was six months along when Mary Jewish penalty for that is death by stoning suddenly appeared at our home and greeted as described in Deuteronomy 22:23-24. the census. They eventually found a dry outside the walls of Jerusalem, they went me. As she did so, John leaped in my So he decided to divorce her quietly. But cave that was used as a stable. They were into the Temple and offered two pigeons. womb and I somehow realized that Mary, then, Mary wrote, another remarkable able to have their donkey put up in the Since Jesus was their first-born son, they too, was pregnant. Not only that, but I was thing happened: Joseph had a dream stable, and there was also an ox there. consecrated him to the law as Exodus inspired enough to realize that her baby in which an angel told him that Mary’s And that’s where Jesus was born. Mary 13:2-12 requires. was the Son of God! child had been conceived through the wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid While they were there, Mary wrote, an I couldn’t help but cry out, “Most Holy Spirit. him in a manger. elderly man named Simeon recognized blessed are you among women, and Joseph believed the angel and took Not long after his birth, Mary wrote, Jesus as the Messiah and said a prayer blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how Mary into his home during the usual great they had some visitors. It seems that some in which he told God that he could now does this happen to me? For at the moment feast that accompanies that part of the shepherds had been tending their flocks take him because his eyes had seen God’s the sound of your greeting reached my wedding ceremony. (In her letter, Mary when an angel appeared to them and told salvation. Also, an 84-year-old prophetess ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. apologized for not letting me know about them that “a savior has been born for you named Anna praised Jesus to all who were Blessed are you who believed that what that sooner. Naturally, I couldn’t help but who is Messiah and Lord” (Lk 2:11). around. One sorrowful thing happened, was spoken to you by the Lord would be wonder what happened when she got back Then, the shepherds told Mary, a whole though: Simeon told Mary that a sword fulfilled” (Lk 1:42-45). to Nazareth.) multitude of angels appeared singing, will pierce her soul, whatever that means. While Mary was with us for three Mary wrote that she had a very easy “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth Mary said that the shepherds weren’t months, she told me more astonishing pregnancy. But about the time she was peace to those on whom his favor rests” their only visitors while they were in news. She said that an angel had appeared ready to deliver, Caesar Augustus ordered (Lk 2:14). Bethlehem. One day some men, wearing to her! And yes, I believe her. The angel that census you’re so familiar with. That Naturally, they had Jesus circumcised Eastern attire like Persians, arrived at the told her that, of all the women in the meant that Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, when he was eight days old. I think by house. They told Mary that they were world and throughout all the centuries, she the home of his ancestors, to be enrolled. that time Joseph had been able to find a magi, or astrologers, who were searching had been chosen to be the mother of the Mary insisted on going along because house for them since most of those who for the newborn king of the Jews because Messiah we’ve been waiting for. she knew that Jesus was meant to be born had come to Bethlehem to register had they had seen his star at its rising. Of course, Mary wondered how that in Bethlehem, the City of David. As you returned to their homes. They didn’t want They said that they had been could happen since, as she told you as know, Mary, we Jews have long believed to try to travel back to Nazareth with a to Jerusalem where they met with one of her best friends, she intended to that the Messiah would be born in newborn baby, so they decided to remain King Herod. He asked the chief priests remain a virgin. The angel said that the Bethlehem. Mary was convinced that the in Bethlehem until it was time for Mary’s and scribes where the Messiah was to be Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the census was God’s way of providing the purification 40 days after Jesus’ birth, as born, and they told him that it would be in child would be called the Son of God. And reason for Jesus to be born there. prescribed by Leviticus 12:2-8. Bethlehem. So Herod sent the magi there. that’s also when the angel told Mary that I After their five-day trip to Bethlehem, Since they were only five miles from They arrived at the house and prostrated was six months pregnant. they had a hard time finding a place where Jerusalem, they went to the Temple for themselves before Jesus. They also offered After John’s birth, Mary thought that Mary could have her privacy because so the purification. After she did that in one valuable gifts of gold, frankincense she’d better return home. She was greatly many descendants of David were there for of the mikvot (baths) built for that purpose See LETTER, page 10 “Furnace, Heat Pump or Air Conditioner” 0th Anniv 13 ersa ShelbyShelby UpholsteringUpholstering ry Sale && MillMill EndEnd WindowWindow FashionsFashions 130th Anniversary Sale FREE LABOR On the installation of a CALL TODAY! FURNACE, HEAT PUMP 639-1111 OR AIR CONDITIONER Still Locally Owned & Operated Cannot be combined with any other offer. 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IS-5987722 Upholstering Mill End Window Fashions 317-631-8911 317-257-4800 Society of St. Vincent de Paul To Donate: svdpindy.org 3001 E. 30th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46218 Page 8 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 9 Readers share their favorite Christmas memories

‘A Simple Wish’: A wife shares her A wonderful Christmas memory that brings a family together each holiday season words of wisdom about life and love By Rene Becher Later that day, I pulled out the Sears catalog Special to The Criterion and was able to order “the set.” This set has

By Bernie Price the team confirmed that the internal bleeding brought us so many positive memories over Reuters CNS photo/Dominic Ebenbichler, Special to The Criterion was very severe. They also said they would It was the year of 1985. My generous the years. Jim constructed a manger and stable. not be able to perform any type of surgery Grandma Brown always gave us a check However, other things have transpired. One year, Submitted photo I am known to my friends and family due to the severity of the bleeding. for our Christmas present. At this time, our the Baby Jesus was stolen. And, of course, Cindy as the one who does not share personal Again, I asked the team of doctors and daughter Cindy was 3 years old. She was took charge and ordered a new one. feelings. Instead, I am the one who always nurses as they gathered, “What are his always intuitive and would give her strong One of the best things is that Baby Jesus has to come up with the first joke or chances of survival?” The doctor immediately opinion in a reserved way. So my husband Jim appears on . Each member of remark about everything. So there may be responded, “If Jack should survive, it will exclaimed, “What will we do with Grandma’s the family has taken care of the babe to make a few expressions of disbelief on the faces be a long and very difficult recovery.” I money this year?” sure he is placed in the shining lights. For our of family and friends as they read this went with my gut on this one and said to Cindy was an earshot away and replied, family, the Advent season moves forward on this Christmas note. myself, “You begin to prepare not only “We need one of those Baby Jesus cribs in glorious night. In life and in death, we never know yourself, but everyone around you for what is our yard.” what surprises and challenges may come about to happen.” Jim glanced at me, shrugged his shoulders (Rene Becher is a member of St. Simon the our way. No “special” orders are honored My mind began to process the order of and said, “It’s a done deal.” Apostle Parish in Indianapolis.) † in life and death. It is not for us to say or events that I knew were yet to come. Jack control when the death of a loved one will and one of our best friends were scheduled to take place. With that being said, I want go to Ireland on Dec. 27. We were scheduled you to know that my words are from the to take a cruise down the Amazon River in Family learns to ‘stop and smell the heart for all of you. Please take a few several months. And Jack was signed up to moments to walk down the path with me of teach a full schedule of classes at two local roses in life’ thanks to grandpa’s wisdom “a simple wish.” universities. My thoughts began to turn to It was Dec. 21, 2011. I had just arrived my organizational side, by writing notes and By Mark Hummer to our children through the Giving Tree for An angel statue is pictured at a grave during dusk at a cemetery in the western Austrian village of Absam on Oct. 30. Criterion home around 9 p.m. from work. I unlocked listing priorities. Special to The Criterion needy families at St. Christopher Parish reader Mary Jean Wethington shares a poignant story about how she “sang” a retirement resident home to heaven during one the back door, and I heard a faint voice say, About 6 a.m., my first phone calls were in Indianapolis. Christmas season. “Bernie, where have you been?” It was the made to a couple of close friends, to family Bernie and Jack Price were happily married Here are just a few Christmas memories • Growing up, my Grandpa Hummer voice of my husband, Jack, and it sounded and to my co-workers. My words to all of for many years before Jack suddenly died in from over the years that I’d like to share: used to play . After he passed very strange to me, as he was always very them were, “Jack is in the ICU unit, and December of 2011. • Since two of our daughters go to away, it was my dad who took over the Bonnie’s Christmas Angel moves her familiar with my work schedule. his chances of survival are not very good Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in family tradition. He was not sitting in his usual chair at this point.” I am not a “hugger.” At 6 a.m. on Christmas Indianapolis, I kick off the Christmas season • The Christmas in 1991 when my wife, and sings her to her heavenly home working on his computer. As I passed I explained to them that this happened Eve, I told everyone present that it was time by helping the students and the teachers Siming, first came to this country from China. through the kitchen, I saw him lying on the very quickly. All were welcomed to come up, to let Jack go, that it was time to let him be unload Christmas trees from trucks at My dad took her out to look at the Christmas By Mary Jean Wethington Thrown into a deep compassion, unknown ever before dining room floor. When I bent down to if they were comfortable with it. These were our angel to watch over us. Chapel Hill Shopping Center in the rain, lights in our hometown, and he told her to Special to The Criterion by me in this manner, all I could do was begin to pray touch his hand, I immediately realized that very painful phone calls to make because I Two hours later, as the sun rose, Jack snow and wind. “stop and smell the roses in life.” Ever since, beside Bonnie on that floor. Then slowly and softly, I he was not able to move. I called 911 and knew what the reaction would be to my news. passed away. I knew that he was at peace. • Taking in the school’s annual Christmas she has told that to me and later to our kids. It was a snowy white Christmas day, and my elderly began to sing to her the beautiful “Silent Night”—“sleep then told him in a very calm voice, “Jack, I also realized that, as the leader, I needed to We waited until after Christmas to have the concert, which features the best of the mother was slowly returning from the effects of yet in heavenly peace.” I have called 911 for help. Everything is stay focused and to be strong for everyone calling and the funeral for Jack. More than holiday standards. (Mark Hummer is a member of another mini-stroke. The week before, both Momma and For one brief moment, she turned her dull blue eyes going to be fine.” around me. I was very aware that many 1,500 people attended the calling. With the • Trying to pass along the theme of giving St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis.) † I had selected names from the Giving Tree of a nearby toward me, and a light flickered within their depths. The ambulance arrived within five were about to lose a son, brother, mentor help of family and friends, we were able to retirement center, promising to bring our gifts to the Bonnie was the one who gifted me, blessed me and minutes. As the emergency medical and friend. spend a personal moment with each one. We residents on Christmas. expanded my faith, creating a sacred space that only technicians were preparing Jack, I began During the next two and a half days, planned our celebration around a quote from Keeping this commitment, I communicated to sung prayer can enter and touch. to gather all of his medical information. A hundreds of people gathered. It was the Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed Sled mishap, homemade ornaments Momma that I would deliver her selected name’s gift and One word breathed forth from her lips—“angel.” list of his meds was close at hand, which Christmas season, so out-of-towners we can never lose. All that we love deeply mine for the both of us. Because of the cold and snow, Promising Bonnie I would return to visit her the was very helpful upon our arrival to the were beginning to arrive for their family becomes a part of us.” leave lasting impression on writer I had donned my full-length, white, hooded winter coat next day, I left her side, more deeply moved by this emergency room. celebrations. I made a point of updating On the day of Jack’s funeral, we packed and white boots. Momma said I looked like her angel. Christmas encounter than ever before. When I came the Jack was 6 feet, 4 inches tall and quite everyone from time to time as I spoke with the church. The celebration was amazing. By Ann Wathen All the glass ornaments were smashed. My As I approached the retirement center’s entrance, I next day to try to see her, I was told that Bonnie had died stately, so we were all doing our best to nurses and doctors. At the end, I got up and shared the closing Special to The Criterion parents were upset, but I wasn’t punished. received a strange look from the receptionist as I asked exactly one hour after our Christmas visit. Stunned, I hold him down on the emergency room Ours was an open door policy. All friends words. I never even felt a knot in my stomach. After all, I hadn’t put the sled there, and no for the room number for my resident’s name—Bonnie B. again simply turned to prayer and asked God what this table and keep him comfortable. I knew and family were welcomed into Jack’s room. I was so relaxed that it was almost scary. Before World War II, glass ornaments were one had told me not to add weight to one end. I delivered Momma’s gift first and received a grateful all meant. by the look in his eyes that he had no idea I wanted everyone to feel as comfortable Jack was truly watching over all of us and imported from Czechoslovakia. My parents For several years, we had to make response from the dear, elderly woman, Ruth. Then I Three years later at this same retirement center, I where he was or what was going on inside as possible. After all, I had Jack in my giving us strength. bought a few each year. They were just plain ornaments. We were at war, and no went to drop off Bonnie’s gift. As I entered the darkened became spiritual care coordinator there for 12 years— him. His body began to feel very cold. life for over 40 years. It was their time to As I began to speak, a big grin came over balls of various colors but different sizes. ornaments were imported. However, we had room, the gaily wrapped gift fell away from my hands in all because of a beautiful soul named Bonnie B. That When the first doctor came into the be with him. my face. I was very brief in my words, but Each year, after the holidays, the ornaments an inventive mother. Milk was delivered in total dismay as I encountered Bonnie. There, lying upon Christmas, our newborn king allowed me, as my gift to room, I could tell by the expression on At one point, the doctor handed me Jack’s spoke of the Jack I knew and loved. He was a were carefully wrapped in tissue paper glass bottles, capped with a heavy foil. We a thin mattress on the floor, like a throw-away doll, was a both the Christ Child and Bonnie, to be the angel who his face that we were in the middle of a wedding band. I immediately placed it on great husband—faith-filled, very kind, smart and stored. saved those caps throughout the year and young woman, frail and comatose. sang her home. critical situation. I looked at him with my thumb. Somehow, this gave me such a and witty. He also had an extreme sense of Then came the year we got the sled. On invented many ways of cutting and bending Her dull blue eyes pulled me down beside her, and determination and strength and said, “Tell sense of closeness and comfort. I would not fairness and an appreciation of diversity. Christmas morning, it was under the tree. them into pretty, shiny ornaments. my massive white coat surrounded her small frame. No (Mary Jean Wethington is a member of St. Teresa me what is going on. I want all answers let go of the ring—for this was the symbol I projected with enthusiasm “my simple Since there was no snow on Christmas that When we could, at last, buy ornaments, wrapped gift would be received by this young woman. Benedicta of the Cross Parish in Bright.) † straight up, with no sugar-coating or that made it all very clear what life and love wish” that everyone should be as fortunate year, the sled just stayed there. I think I was our homemade ones were trashed. I still maybe’s or might’s.” is all about. as I am—to have a relationship with a great 7 or 8 and had not yet learned laws of action miss them. He was very honest with me and At 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 22, I knew that Jack person like Jack for more than 40 years, to and reaction. I put a heavy toy on the sled, explained that Jack had severe abdominal was not responding to the dialysis. I told know where you stand with someone every the back end went up, and the tree went over, (Ann Wathen is a member of Our Lady of the bleeding. He added that in some cases this everyone camped in the hospitality area that day, to be thankful for your faith, family hitting the dining room table. Greenwood Parish in Greenwood.) † Brother’s actions many years ago lead can be catastrophic. he was not getting any better. I knew that and friends. I also told everyone to always I did not ask any questions, but within a day or two I would have to make remember to leave nothing unsaid. family to unique Christmas experience answered questions about Jack’s medical the decision to continue Jack’s infusions or At that point, I asked everyone to rise and history, his medications and any other let him pass away naturally. This was not to give a standing ovation for a great guy. Shop owner’s kindness leads to By Dolores Francis information that I could provide the up for discussion as I had to be the one to As we processed out of the church, I knew Special to The Criterion medical team. Jack’s last and only words move forward. in my heart and soul that we were all in a to me in the emergency room were, “Who As I thought about this, I returned to good place. a memorable Christmas Eve Our Christmas trees never looked like the ones in CNS photo/Paul Haring CNS photo/Paul is going to take me home?” I knew by the Jack’s room and saw how comfortable and Jack was my best friend. I miss him very By Cecelia Kiley table, we realized with horror that the legs magazines and books. sound of his voice that this was not the peaceful he looked. He was unconscious and much. He will always have first place in my Special to The Criterion were missing! Instead of graceful, downward swooping branches, Jack that I know. His voice had the sound not able to respond, but I knew that a sense heart and soul. Good Grief! What do we do now? How ours resembled a pine cone standing on end with branches of sadness and desperation, which was not of fairness had to be my priority, not only to If you are in a situation that you think is My youngest daughter was 4 years old, can Santa deliver a table without legs? I got curving upward. I was probably in third grade before I his nature. Jack, but to family and friends. impossible for you to handle, you can take and highest on her Christmas list was for out the phone book and was able to find the saw “store-bought trees,” and realized that many people It was now close to midnight. We were Later that evening, I allowed the team to control or you can let it control you. I chose Santa to bring her a little table and chairs. personal phone number of Mr. Schock. did not tramp out in the field and cut down a cedar tree beginning to struggle a bit trying to keep do one more round of infusions. I told myself to take control. This is “my simple wish” for At this time (the late 1970’s), there was I explained my dilemma and that the legs for Christmas. Jack comfortable, warm and even steady that if there was no response we would all of you. a popular Toy and Hobby Shop in town, must surely be back at the store and could One year, my brother, Paul, was charged with going to on the emergency room table. This went on discontinue this process. Ed Schock’s. he please get them for me! He met me at the a neighbor’s house where they had a row of large cedar for several hours. About 3 a.m., we were The next day was a day of waiting, (Bernie Price is a member of Good Shepherd I had found the perfect table set and put store a little before 9 p.m. and, sure enough, trees. We had the neighbor’s permission to cut off a limb taken up to the intensive care unit where reminiscing and hugging—and believe me Parish in Indianapolis.) † it in the layaway. About three days before the legs were still in storage! for use as our . The glows after a lighting ceremony in Christmas, I made the final payment and This store owner was an example of the Instead, he climbed that prickly, poky tree and cut the St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 13. Criterion reader Dolores Francis took the table home. true Spirit of Christmas that night long ago top out of it. My uncle was beside himself with worry, shares a humorous story about her brother’s actions one year It was Christmas Eve. The kids were … to me he was an angel in disguise. sure that Paul had killed the tree. obtaining them a Christmas “tree.” ‘I projected with enthusiasm “my simple wish” that everyone should be as fortunate as I now in bed (around 8 p.m.), and it was He had not. am—to have a relationship with a great person like Jack for more than 40 years, to know time for parents to get things ready. As (Cecelia Kiley is a member of Holy Trinity The row of cedar trees still stands, one without a top. (Dolores Francis is a member of St. Agnes Parish in where you stand with someone every day, to be thankful for your faith, family and friends. I my husband and I began to assemble the Parish in Indianapolis). † As far as I know, the neighbors never complained. Nashville.) † also told everyone to always remember to leave nothing unsaid.’ Page 10 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration Donna Hasty Submitted photos by Far right top, dressed in traditional costumes, Sophia Crews, left, Mariell Fowler and Nicole Schneider, third-grade students at Our Lady of the Greenwood School, process toward the altar with their offering of red roses during a Dec. 12 liturgy honoring the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Our Lady of the Greenwood Church in Greenwood. It was the parish’s 18th annual Mass honoring the patroness of the Americas. Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531.

Far right bottom, flags from the Americas are carried into Our Lady of the Greenwood Church in Greenwood on Dec. 12.

Right, Mike Martin and Robin Robison process with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe through the aisles of Our Lady of the Greenwood Church in Greenwood after a special Dec. 12 Mass honoring the patroness of the Americas.

deserts where it was difficult to find plan to return to Nazareth. Mary said Obviously, the letter is fictional, but the events LETTER water, and worrying that Herod’s men that they wouldn’t want to return to reported are factual. Mary, the wife of Clopas, continued from page 7 might be chasing them. Bethlehem after the massacre there, with remained a friend of the Blessed Virgin and They weren’t though, because, as the only boy who survived. Besides, it’s stood with her by the cross when Jesus was and myrrh. you probably heard, Herod sent soldiers too close to Jerusalem in case Archelaus crucified (Jn 19:25). It’s possible, because of That all sounds great. But then to Bethlehem to massacre all the boys succeeds his father Herod. the closeness in spelling, that she also could came the bad news. Joseph had another 2 years old or younger. The soldiers Mary wrote that they hope to be able have been the wife of Cleopas, one of the two dream. This time the angel told him to weren’t chasing Joseph, Mary and Jesus to stop at your home in Emmaus on their disciples Jesus met on the road to Emmaus after get up immediately and take Mary and because they thought they had already way back to Nazareth, whenever that his resurrection. Since the other disciple isn’t Jesus and flee to Egypt because Herod killed Jesus. happens. Until then, she asked to be kept named, it could have been Cleopas’ wife. was about to search for Jesus and kill So that’s why Mary wrote her letter in your prayers as you are in hers. him! It must have been a nightmare from Egypt. She wrote that they intend (John F. Fink is editor emeritus of journey, taking about a week, through to stay there until Herod dies. Then they Elizabeth The Criterion.) †

Society of St. Vincent de Paul To Donate: svdpindy.org 3001 E. 30th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46218 A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2013 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Be watchful at Christmas for special gifts in those we love By David Gibson

Is there something magical in Christmas gifts? Children think so. As if struck by a holiday contagion, children hunt feverishly, furtively among the packages under the Photography/Corbis Ned Frisk Christmas tree during the last days before the big day, hoping to learn precisely what magic awaits them there. But what adults learned over time and children have yet to discover is that the most magical gifts on Christmas are not hidden under the tree. Consider the 4-year-old’s , finely crafted for Mom or Dad under a preschool teacher’s watchful eye. Parents celebrate these gifts excitedly. True, the parents are happy at their child’s increased ability to cut out and glue rough drawings onto colorful construction paper. But isn’t it less the craft and far more the child that the parents celebrate when the gift is presented? The child is the true gift here. And as Pope Francis might put it, the love between these parents and their child creates music in their home. It is precisely this kind of music that households everywhere hope to play loudly on Christmas. They have the pope’s assurance that this music mixes well with home-based fun. A family’s life together is filled with events of all kinds, Pope Francis observed when he spoke in October The most magical gifts of Christmas are not hidden under a tree. They are often found in the giver of the gift, not the gift itself. to an international pilgrimage of families. But he said that “if love is missing” in a family, joy is missing too, and “nothing is fun.” For him, love is a gift, one to give and receive. ‘Something as small as the smile on the right person’s face can be an amazing Pope Francis speaks of home life often. His thoughts on gift on Christmas.’ gifts and where to find them are noteworthy, too. He is convinced that gifts await us in others. In a recent interview published in major Jesuit publications, he called not for profit but for love.” And when I open something handmade for me by a attention to “what the Spirit has sown in the other as a gift Those working in the shelter are not its only gift givers, grandchild, I will relish the gift while celebrating the giver for us.” however. To locate all the gifts hidden there, it is essential far more. Both home life and gifts were on the pope’s mind to look to its homeless and hungry guests. To them, Pope Truth be told, however, to discover some of the finest last May when he visited the Casa Dono di Maria soup Francis said: gifts of Christmas, it is essential to do what the shepherds kitchen and women’s shelter inside the Vatican walls. The “You are also a gift for this home and for the Church. did the night Jesus was born: Be watchful. Missionaries of Charity, founded by Blessed Teresa of You tell us that to love God and neighbor is not something The watchful shepherds were fearful when “the angel Calcutta, operate the shelter. abstract, but profoundly concrete. It means seeing in every of the Lord appeared to them” (Lk 2:9-10). But soon, upon As a home, the shelter itself is a gift, Pope Francis person the face of the Lord to be served. ... You are, dear arriving in Bethlehem, their fears dissipated, replaced by said. Calling it a home means it is a place of “warmth, brothers and sisters, the face of Jesus.” excited joy. affection”—the kind of “love that can be felt in a family.” In this home, this shelter, “one tries to love one’s It is a great gift when someone eases our fears or clears A home is a crucial place where gifts are given and neighbor, but also to allow oneself to be loved by one’s a space for hope. received, the pope made clear. For him, a home is “where neighbor,” he said. Those “two attitudes,” he insisted, Something as small as the smile on the right person’s life grows and can be fulfilled because it is a place in which “go together.” face can be an amazing gift on Christmas. Someone every person learns to receive love and to give love.” “The music ... of this home is love,” said Pope Francis. else’s announced plan to make important, needed life Pope Francis then affirmed that all the people His reflections on the exchange of gifts in a homeless changes might be received not as a magical gift, but a encountered inside the homeless shelter are a “mutual gift” shelter are food for thought at Christmas. Where will gifts for miraculous one. for each other. you or me be found this Christmas? So be watchful on Christmas. Be on the lookout for First, there are the gifts of “hospitality, material and One thing is certain: You can take the Christmas out “what the Spirit has sown” in others as a gift for you. spiritual sustenance” given by those who work there, he of gift giving, but you cannot take the gift giving out of observed. As a home, he said, the shelter is “a ‘school’ of Christmas! (David Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s charity, which instructs me to go encounter every person, I will enjoy gifts that come wrapped in colorful packages. editorial staff for 37 years.) † Mary is a model of gratitude for the gifts of God at Christmas By H. Richard McCord even tells us that “God loves a cheerful sincerely and humbly. Realizing what giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Giving is more she has been given, Mary expresses Like many families, we have happy than just a good human action. For a gratitude. “The Mighty One has done Christmas memories saved in photos. Christian, it’s a participation in the divine great things for me, and holy is his There is one of our son at age 6 seated activity by which God the Father gives name” (Lk 1:49).

CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec CNS photo/Nancy Phelan on his first bicycle by the Christmas tree. us his Son whose unconditional love In this way, Mary places the emphasis His head is thrown back with an exuberant brings us salvation. where it should be, namely, on what smile. We were pleased to be able to At Christmas, we rejoice in God’s God does for us. We receive all that we give him this “best gift ever,” and he was supreme gift by celebrating the earthly have and all we will ever need from his equally delighted to receive it. Such a coming of his Son. Our Christmas generous hand. memory reminds us that Christmas is as giving is meant to be an act of gratitude To receive a gift at Christmas, no much about receiving gratefully as it is acknowledging what and whom God has matter how small or simple, with delight about giving generously. first given to us. and a grateful heart symbolizes our A gift requires a giver and a receiver As important as it is to imitate the openness to receive all that God gives us. to be a complete experience. This truth divine generosity by knowing how to give, When we open presents this can get lost in the Christmas frenzy of it also is necessary to know how to receive Christmas, might we reclaim some of acquiring and checking off items on a gift. We can look to Mary as the best the simple joy we once had as children our list. The commercial message of example of one who receives. when we received that special gift? If so, Christmas focuses attention on what we’re In St. Luke’s account of the birth of let this experience open our hearts not going to give when really it’s asking the Jesus, Mary sings God’s praises to her only to the gift giver but also to the one bottom-line question: How much are you kinswoman Elizabeth for all that he has who himself is the divine gift. going to spend? The successful Christmas done for her. “My soul proclaims the A stained-glass window portrays the season always seems to be measured in greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in (H. Richard McCord is the former Blessed Virgin Mary praying before the Christ dollars and cents. God my Savior” (Lk 1:46). executive director of the U.S. bishops’ child. Mary gives Catholics a model for Giving generously, especially to those Mary’s canticle offers a perfect example Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family gratitude to God at Christmas. in need, is a truly blessed act. St. Paul of how to receive a gift graciously, Life and Youth.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Faith and Family/Sean Gallagher The visit of the Magi and the flight into Egypt Love is at the (Fourth of four columns) conceived them as kings from the three his family. continents known at the time: Africa, After the Magi returned to their homes root of the reality In the infancy narratives, Luke’s Asia and Europe. One king became black. without returning to Jerusalem, an angel of Christmas Gospel says that the Holy Family returned They were given names: Gaspar, Melchior warned Joseph that Herod was going to to Nazareth after and Balthasar. But none of that is in search for Jesus to kill him. So Joseph took Christmas has become such a driving Jesus’ presentation Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus and Mary and fled to Egypt. Matthew commercial and secular reality in society in the Temple. He Was there really a new star? tells us that this happened “that what the at this time of year obviously didn’t know Astronomers have debated that for Lord had said through the prophet might be that it can be easy for about the events that centuries, pointing particularly to the fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” Catholics to allow are in Chapter 2 of conjunction of the planets Jupiter and (Mt 2:15). The reference is to the prophet the overwhelming Matthew’s Gospel— Saturn in the constellation Pisces in Hosea (Hos 11:1). truth at the heart of the visit of the Magi, 7-6 B.C., which is probably when Jesus For Matthew, it’s important for Christ this holiday to pass the flight into Egypt, was born. But that doesn’t explain the to relive the Jewish Exodus experience. by unnoticed. the massacre of movement of the star and its stopping over Just as Jacob took his family to Egypt and We celebrate at the infants, and the the place where Jesus was. There are some Moses took their descendants back to the Christmas the reality Holy Family’s return from Egypt. things we simply can’t explain. Holy Land, so the Holy Family fled to that Christ, the Who were the Magi from the East? They The Magi stopped in Jerusalem, the Egypt and then returned. Second Person of the certainly were Gentiles, and they must logical thing to do since it was the capital When Herod learned that the Magi Blessed Trinity, freely chose to take on have been astronomers to recognize a new of Judea. That’s how King Herod learned deceived him, he ordered the massacre human nature with all its limits. He who star. They are assumed to be members of about their mission. The Jewish high priests of all the boys in Bethlehem 2 years old had existed from all eternity in a way that the Persian priestly caste, and they were and scribes were able to tell him where the and younger—the feast we observe on infinitely transcends anything we can highly motivated men to travel a great Messiah was to be born—in Bethlehem. Dec. 28. It’s true that there is no record of ever know in this world bound himself distance to pay homage to the newborn So the Magi continued their journey and this massacre from non-biblical sources, to all of the trials and tribulations of our king of the Jews. entered the “house” (they were no longer but it’s true to Herod’s character. He had human existence. Christian lore made them kings, as living in a cave) where they saw Jesus and already killed three of his own sons and Yes, this life has many blessings. But they’re depicted in crèches. Since there his mother. People have asked, “Where was one of his wives. it also has more than its fair share of were three gifts, it was assumed that Joseph?” I’ve always thought that he was Then Matthew has the Holy Family suffering that Christ never experienced there were three kings. Then tradition out working somewhere; he had to support moving to Nazareth. † in his life in the Trinity. Yet he chose to embrace this life in its fullness Our Global Family/Carolyn Woo nonetheless. Msgr. Romano Guardini was a mid- God is with us, even in the tragedies we witness each day 20th century German theologian whose father was an Italian diplomat. He I just completed a talk for the bombing of Christian churches in various in every activity and truth would be the struggled to understand this reality of commemoration of the Jesuit priests parts of the world, security threats to our language in which their students were Christ taking on human flesh, which we martyred in staff and now the millions of Filipinos left schooled. Maryknoll Sister Maura Clarke, call the Incarnation. El Salvador in 1989. without shelter and livelihood in the wake of one of the Churchwomen also martyred In his classic book about Christ, In my preparation, a terrible typhoon. in El Salvador, wrote to her teenage niece The Lord, Msgr. Guardini acknowledged I encountered What does Christmas mean when there is imparting a wish that she would find the difficulty of understanding why others martyred so much suffering, darkness and violence? something she loves enough to die for. someone so utterly transcendent would in El Salvador: Without fully comprehending the meaning Bishop D’Arcy reminded me that do such a thing. “Before such an unheard Archbishop Oscar of the choice, we crafted the theme “Where he was going to see God, to whom he of thought, the intellect bogs down,” Romero and the God Is” for our annual report. We wanted had dedicated his life. He did so on the he wrote. four American to proclaim that where there is poverty, anniversary of his ordination. Then a friend invited him to view the Churchwomen whose hunger, disasters, oppression, there is God. Joy and peace, these are the standing problem from a different perspective, deaths also fell That has been our experience. We have wishes we see in most religious Christmas which “helped my understanding more in the month of December. seen assistance, generosity, commitment, cards. They are not just promises. than any measure of bare reason.” The When reviewing the readings for the God’s abundance in the people he sent. God came into our world and lives to simple explanation his friend gave for Christmas octave, the feast of St. Stephen We have seen joy in the faces of folks at make these real. Against all odds, human God’s motivation behind the Incarnation held my thoughts. Thus the accounts of the arrival of strangers who claim them as frailties and our limited imagination, God was, “‘But love does such things!’ ” martyrdom form the spiritual brackets in family and give them the assurance that they invites us not to be afraid. Hope is not In those five short words, something which Advent and Christmas of 2013 come have not been forgotten. audacious because it is not based on what of the veil of the great mystery of the into view. We cannot help but say “amen” when we can do, but on what God can do. Incarnation is lifted up and we are Also dominant are reflections of communities marginalized and ravaged Like Stephen, the martyrs saw Christ brought at least part of the way into the 2013, which has not been an easy year. by disease rise in health, prosperity not only in the crib on Christmas Day, but very heart of God. On a personal note, I lost a good friend and dignity. standing at their side in their daily lives. It helps us, within the limits of this and spiritual director in Bishop John When reading the accounts of the Stephen’s feast makes the connection world, to get a grasp on this divine reality M. D’Arcy, who called last Christmas to martyrs, what gripped me most was not the between Christ’s birth and new life for us. that makes life in this world bearable. tell me of an aggressive cancer that would way they died, but their love. They made For the people who inspire this essay, It is love that leads young spouses give him only months to live. choices for what they loved: God and the the Christmas message, “Emmanuel: God to do such things as forgoing worldly At work, at Catholic Relief Services, people they lived with. with us,” never dimmed. pleasures by opening themselves to the we were confronted with the plight of the The Jesuit priests martyred in El Salvador gift of children—children who lead those Syrian refugees, hardships of the countries were unshaken in their commitment to (Carolyn Woo is the president and CEO of parents to spend hours awake in the that extended hospitality to them, the a Catholic university, where justice was Catholic Relief Services.) † middle of the night, not out on the town, but with a baby that has trouble sleeping Catholic Education Outreach/Margaret Hendricks or in the bedroom of a sick child. It is love that leads parents to do Keeping Christ in Christmas in our family of faith such things as have high hopes for their children, but allow them to shape Advent is a time of preparation and is a beautiful time to celebrate and worship! • Make your marriage a priority. Treat their own dreams and aspirations as waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus. At The feasts that we will celebrate afford your spouse tenderly in the presence of they grow. the heart of Catholic us an awesome opportunity to witness to your children. Use words of affirmation And it is love that leads spouses to do education is the our children and families, in a powerful and encouragement. Sometimes a gesture such things as to care for each other as commitment to assist and practical way, the love of Christ for his as simple as helping clear the dishes speaks their bodies and minds fail in old age. parents as the first and people. So, if you are like me and looking volumes for the care you have for a spouse. It is these things and so many more best educators of for a few ways you may experience the Simply taking a walk or holding hands are that love leads us to do in our families. their children. This “sacred in the ordinary” and celebrate visible signs of affection for one another. Love leads us to forget ourselves and holy season provides these feasts with purpose, I suggest This list is in no way complete. Take look after the good of other people. an opportunity for the following: these ideas and adjust them to meet the “If even human love has its own us to reflect upon • Read, pray and chat with your children needs of your family. reasoning, comprehensible only to the the family—the at bedtime. Those few quiet minutes with I am blessed to have eight hearts open to it, how much truer must domestic Church. your child can create life-long memories grandchildren. In addition to the gifts my this be for God,” Msgr. Guardini asked. While I make an effort to keep my that will shape a child or teenager for years grandchildren will open this Christmas “When it is the depth and power of God prayer and faith life on track, I find myself to come. Maybe even generations to come! season, I am committed to making time that stirs, is there anything of which love getting caught up in the secularism and • While sharing the Nativity narrative for each of them individually to share is incapable?” materialism associated with the celebration with your children, consider finding time to my memories of their birth and of their If we take these reflections of of Christmas. tell your children about their own birth. mom’s birth. Msgr. Guardini to heart, then Christmas The words “making a list, checking As parents, this was a time of These everyday acts of kindness and is no longer a time to celebrate a historic it twice” from a secular preparation and anticipation. Share with striving for holiness in our relationships relic of the past or a secular holiday reminds me of the shopping I still need to them the people who came to visit them, have the potential to reap big results in devoid of meaning. It becomes tangible finish. Of course, I delight in finding the just like the shepherds and wise men after our families. here and now and sheds the warm perfect gift for each of my grandchildren. Jesus’ birth. Merry Christmas, and Christ’s peace to and beautiful light of love on all the This year seems different, perhaps • The teen years can be a “roller coaster” you and yours! challenges of our daily lives. due in part to the spirit and simplicity for your children. Be intentional with Knowing in this way the love of of Pope Francis. In less than a week, your schedule. The times a teen returns to (Margaret Hendricks is the program God that leads him to do such things we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, or departs from the home are important coordinator for Adolescent Growth for us can be a powerful grace. It can followed by the feasts of the Holy Family, opportunities to “touch base.” Commit Programs for the Archdiocese of impel us to give of ourselves in love to the Solemnity of Mary, the and to being home as often as possible at Indianapolis. You can e-mail her at others in our lives—the greatest gift we the Baptism of Our Lord. As Catholics, this these times. [email protected].) † can give them. † The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 13

Fourth Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings Monday, December 23 Isaiah 62:11-12 Sunday Readings St. John of Kanty Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12 Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Titus 3:4-7 Sunday, December 22, 2013 Psalm 25:4bc-5ab, 8-10, 14 Luke 2:15-20 • Isaiah 7:10-14 conception of Jesus. It is very clear, as Luke 1:57-66 Day • Romans 1:1-7 in Luke, that Jesus had no earthly father. Isaiah 52:7-10 • Matthew 1:18-24 He was the son of Mary, a human being, Tuesday, December 24 Psalm 98:1-6 and since she alone was the earthly 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Hebrews 1:1-6 This weekend, the Church celebrates parent, Jesus received human nature itself Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 John 1:1-18 or the fourth and last Sunday of Advent 2013. from her. For its first reading, this weekend’s In this story, Joseph is concerned, to say Luke 1:67-79 John 1:1-5, 9-14 liturgy offers a reading the least. He first understandably wonders Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord from the first section if his betrothed has been unfaithful to (Christmas) Thursday, December 26 of the Book of Isaiah. him. How else could Mary have become Isaiah 62:1-5 St. Stephen, the first martyr This reading refers pregnant? An angel relieves Joseph’s mind Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 to King Ahaz of the by revealing to him in a dream that the Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc-17 southern Hebrew unborn child is in fact the Son of God. kingdom of Judah. It is more than simply a chronicle of Matthew 1:1-25 or Matthew 10:17-22 The reference allows the conception and birth of Jesus, divine Matthew 1:18-25 scholars to date this though these events may have been. The Friday, December 27 prophecy. coming of the Messiah is a sign, perfect Wednesday, December 25 St. John, Apostle and evangelist Ahaz reigned in and penultimate, of God’s everlasting love The Nativity of the Lord 1 John 1:1-4 the last third of the eighth century before for humankind. God never fails, is never Christ. To be kind, he is not regarded as absent from people. (Christmas) Midnight Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 having been a remarkably successful king. Isaiah 9:1-6 John 20:1a, 2-8 It is easy to understand why Isaiah prodded Reflection Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13 him more than once. This weekend, the Church calls us Titus 2:11-14 Prompting Isaiah’s interest in Ahaz, to observe the last Sunday of Advent. Luke 2:1-14 or in any king, was not necessarily the The season of Advent is the careful and Dawn continued on page 16 monarch’s obvious power and prestige, focused period preceding Christmas. It is but rather the fact that the king first and more than a time to prepare for a festive foremost was the servant of God. The day of good food and good cheer. rulers were God’s assigned and anointed Of course, it looks to the occasion of agents. This religious fact overtook all remembering the Lord’s birth. The Church other considerations. The final judgment of sees another purpose, and it provides Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle how well kings performed was whether or Advent to assist us in this purpose, in our not they were truly loyal to God. effort personally to unite with the Lord. Urged to be loyal and devoted, Ahaz Our union with God, so intimate that At ordination, bishops receive a ring that was promised a sign of God’s favor. It we can possess even God’s eternal life, was the birth of a son, whose mother was occurred because of our unity first with is a sign of their faithfulness to the Church Ahaz’s young bride or a virgin who was Jesus in a common humanity. This union, Why do Catholics kiss the pope’s recited at particular hours in the day? I still his concubine. established by creation, was completed in Qring? Did our Lord walk around with have to run errands, go grocery shopping, St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans the Lord’s own humanity. such a ring? I don’t etc., and wonder whether I could keep to a provides the second reading. Introducing We ratify and reinforce our own know whether our new specific regulated schedule. (Albany, N.Y.) himself, Paul firmly states that he is an personal unions with God by individually Pope Francis has had Apostle, called by the Lord to proclaim the choosing holiness. Thus, Advent is a ring designed for The Liturgy of the Hours, the Divine Gospel. Above and beyond everything, he at our disposal. The question is if we himself. It seems that AOffice and the breviary all refer to was God’s servant, obediently following shall respond. he is trying to live the the same thing—namely, an official set Jesus. Of course, the Apostle devoutly Growth in faith and in discipleship simple apostolic life. For of prayers that is required to be recited believed that Jesus was Lord and Savior. has never been easy. Advent liturgies that, he is making news by members of the Catholic clergy and For its last reading, the Church presents often centered on John the Baptist, killed both in Catholic and in members of religious orders. a section from the Gospel of St. Matthew. because of his fidelity to God. secular circles, and it Consisting of psalms, hymns and Only two of the four Gospels, both of Facing our own temptations, the seems that he was sent readings, they are part of the public prayer them synoptics, recount the birth of Jesus. Church reassures us. Be strong, it advises. just at the right time. (Jamestown, Ky.) life of the Church and are offered at various Matthew is one of these Gospels. Luke is God will strengthen and enlighten us. times to sanctify the day. The Divine Office the other. He has never failed in love, mercy and For centuries, have worn a ring has a long history in the Church. The This weekend’s reading recalls the guidance, given in and through Jesus. † Acalled the fisherman’s ring. It shows earliest Christians tended to continue the an image of Peter, the first pope, marking Jewish practice of reciting prayers at certain Peter’s original occupation and Christ’s hours of the day and night. My Journey to God invitation to the first Apostles to become With the reform of Pope Paul VI “fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). following the Second Vatican Council, the Until 1842, the ring was used to stamp Liturgy of the Hours consists of morning official papal decrees in wax as a sign of prayer, daytime prayer (divided into their authenticity, a fact reflected in the midmorning, midday or midafternoon), present-day symbolic destruction of a pope’s evening prayer, night prayer and the office ring at his death or resignation. of readings, a component that features CNS photo by Greg Tarczynski Greg CNS photo by Characteristic of Pope Francis’ preference extended excerpts from Scriptural and other for modesty, the new pope’s ring is actually spiritual writings. not one newly designed at his election. The Monastic communities gather in wax model for it was created decades ago for their chapel at certain times throughout Pope Paul VI. the day, while diocesan clergy and Though a ring itself was never produced non-monastic religious often tend to pray at that time, Paul VI’s priest-secretary kept the office individually, fitting it at their the wax model, and sometime later it was own convenience into their other pastoral cast in gold-plated silver. When he was responsibilities. shown the “leftover” ring, Pope Francis I admire your desire for a deeper Such music man had never heard! chose it as his own. prayer life and encourage your efforts. So strong! So true! So bright! Bishops, too, wear a ring that is presented I believe, though, that to take on the Music For ages had the angels sung to them in their episcopal ordination as a entire Divine Office might become too By Louis John Kiefer In practice for that night! symbol of their faithfulness to and nuptial burdensome for you. What many of the relationship with the Church. laity have found helpful instead, and what Music comes from heaven They made no vocal error When people kiss a bishop’s ring (a I would recommend, is a publication For the night our Savior came As when we mortals sing practice seen less frequently these days and called Magnificat (you can request it A band of holy angels They had for their director often replaced by a simple handshake), they via this toll-free telephone number: Sang praises to his name. A mighty infant King. are expressing their respect for the bishop’s 1-866-273-5215). role and responsibility in guiding the Church. You are mailed a monthly booklet, Their voices blended sweetly He lay there in a manger which, for each day, includes morning In melodies of prayer. And simply moved his hand, I am an 82-year-old woman who lives prayer, evening prayer and the Mass texts And filled with peace, and love, and joy And all those great musicians Qalone. I would like very much to have a for that day, together with some brief The shepherds watching there. Were made to understand. deeper relationship with God. additional devotional readings. I pray and meditate on the rosary and, The entire text can be read and prayed (Now deceased, Louis John Kiefer was a member of St. Ambrose Parish although I have several booklets with in about 20 minutes, and it can be done in Seymour. His daughter, Mary Jane Kiefer, a member of Our Lady of devotional prayers in them, those prayers at any point in the day, depending on Greenwood Parish in Greenwood, submitted this poem to The Criterion. seem to be very short and not enough to your schedule. Kindergarten students dressed as angels sing in the annual Christmas show satisfy me. I have heard of the Liturgy of the at Corpus Christi School in Piedmont, Calif.) Hours and the Divine Office, but I am not (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth familiar with them. Doyle at [email protected] and Do they require that certain prayers be 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.) † Page 14 Christmas 2013 The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013

Sr. and Rose Chlopecki. Sister of Arnie, Bruno Jr. and Paul Rakowski. Grandmother of Honoring seven. Rest in peace MARTIN, Robert A., 82, St. Margaret Mary, Terre Haute, Mary Please submit in writing DONNELLY, Claire, 87, Dec. 6. Husband of Kathleen to our office by 10 a.m. St. Michael the Archangel, (Sweeney) Martin. Father of Jesus Arias carries a banner Thursday before the week of Indianapolis, Nov. 27. Wife Sarah Easton, Bridget, Michael World Catholic New CNS photo/Karen Callaway, of Our Lady of Guadalupe on publication; be sure to state of Robert Donnelly. Mother and Timothy Martin. Grandfather Dec. 8 as a procession of more date of death. Obituaries of of Keith and Kevin Donnelly. of eight. archdiocesan priests serving Grandmother of five. Great- than 100 horses and riders makes our archdiocese are listed grandmother of four. MULLIN, John William, 91, its way past the Shrine of Our Lady St. Roch, Indianapolis, Dec. 4. elsewhere in The Criterion. DWENGER, Harold B., 104, of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Ill. Husband of Virginia (Diver) Order priests and religious St. Roch, Indianapolis, Nov. 29. as part of a pre-celebration for sisters and brothers are Father of Jean Bohn, Martha Mullin. Father of Margaret the Dec. 12 feast day. More than included here, unless they are Curd, Linda Kestler and Joseph Bowers, Mary Smith, Martha 100,000 people make a pilgrimage natives of the archdiocese or Dwenger. Grandfather of 16. Weber, John and Timothy Mullin. to the shrine each year for the have other connec­tions to it; Great-grandfather of 28. Great- Grandfather of nine. event. The feast celebrates the those are separate obituaries great-grandfather of two. PITTS, Jeannette H., 89, appearance of Mary to indigenous on this page. FORD, Marshall, 56, St. Teresa Benedicta of the peasant St. Juan Diego in BAMFORD, William Harold, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Cross, Bright, Nov. 25. Mother 1531 near present-day Mexico City. 87, St. Barnabas, Indianapolis, (Little Flower), Indianapolis, of Barbara Holodnak, Beverly Dec. 7. Husband of Nina Nov. 28. Father of April Hudson, Weber, Robert and William (Pansini). Father of Rebecca Andrea and John Ford. Brother Pitts. Sister of James Hemphill. Long, Katherine Lykins, of Mae Brown, Betty Howard Grandmother of 10. Great- Susan Mikels, David Creely, and Bobby Ford. Grandmother grandmother of 14. Joseph and William Bamford. of six. PUSHOR, Chrystal M., 81, Grandfather of 16. Great- GARRETT, Norma Lee, grandfather of eight. St. Bartholomew, Columbus, 88, St. Charles Borromeo, Dec. 4. Mother of Mary Deckard, Joseph F. Casey, the father of Father Noah Casey, BRYANT, Mary Isabelle, 90, Bloomington, Nov. 27. Wife Cathy Franke, Peggy Stam, John of Thomas Garrett. Sister of St. Mary, New Albany, Nov. 29. and Larry Pushor. Grandmother loved the Irish community of St. John the Evangelist Mother of Anita Leonard and Charlotte Price. of 11. Great-grandmother of four. Joseph F. Casey, 88, the father of He also loved the Irish community of Diane Presley. Grandmother of GEIS, Harold Joseph, 89, Father Noah Casey, rector of SS. Peter and Paul St. John the Evangelist Parish, and was proud of four. Great-grandmother of one. St. Michael, Brookville, Dec. 2. QUINN, Patricia A., 64, Cathedral Parish in Indianapolis, died on Dec. 8. his Irish heritage and of the commitment to faith Father of Greg Geis. Brother of St. Michael the Archangel, CAMPBELL, Bernard R., Sr., He was 80. Corinne Johnson and James Geis. Indianapolis, Nov. 14. Wife of and family that he helped in handing down to 77, , Brazil, Dec. 3. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Husband of Mary Campbell. Phillip Price. Mother of Colleen, future generations. HAIRE, Dawn R., 46, on Dec. 16 at St. John the Evangelist Church. Father of Beth Christopher, Richard and William Quinn. He is survived by his son, Father Noah, St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, Sister of Mary Quinn Burke, Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Bernie, Michael and Paul Dec. 6. Wife of Roger Haire. and his two sisters Helen M. (Casey) Joan, Nancy, James and Philip Indianapolis. Campbell. Brother of Charles, Mother of David and Dustin McGrath (Robert) and Patricia A. (Casey) Quinn. A native of Indianapolis, he was a longtime Donald and Robert Campbell. Gillespie. Sister of Kelly Hannah Beidelman, who cared for him beautifully member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in the Grandfather of 11. Great- and Chris Riley. Grandfather SIEMER, Nicholas, 25, in his later years. He was also the uncle of grandfather of two. city and attended the former St. John School and of one. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Father Patrick Beidelman, executive director of Cross, Bright, Nov. 17. Son of Manual High School. DIJAK, Dennis, 65, St. Michael, JOUBERT, Alyce A., 79, the archdiocesan Secretariat for Spiritual Life Greenfield, Nov. 15. Husband of Jeff Curtis and Susan Siemer He was employed by General Motors, St. , Indianapolis, and Worship. Diana Dijak. Father of Suzanne Nov. 29. Wife of Raymond Yust. Father of Hailyn Marie Chevrolet and later Allison Engine, for 55 years. Donations may be made in his memory to Dijak-Robinson and Daniel Joubert. Mother of Therese Siemer. Brother of Austin Curtis, Throughout his life, he was devoted to Dijak. Brother of Gloria Portney, Andry, Angela Cox, Jennifer Jeffery Montano and Jacob Yust. the Church, especially to the priests of the St. John the Evangelist Parish or SS. Peter and James, Robert and William Fernandes and Michael Joubert. Grandson of Irene Curtis, Joyce Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the monks of Paul Cathedral Parish, both in Indianapolis, or to Dijak. Daughter of Bruno Rakowski and Joseph Siemer. † Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad. Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Ind. † SECURITY + CONTROL stvincent.org

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Not available in all areas. Remote video and fire monitoring requires purchase of additional equipment. Remote access not available with all smartphones. License #: MI 3601206217. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit www.comcast.com/ xfinityhome. ©2013 Comcast. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The Criterion Friday, December 20, 2013 Christmas 2013 Page 15 Priest’s commitment to vocation, others shines in new novel Reviewed by Mike Krokos sharing with others the wonderful and friends,” Father Turiddu said. goes out to people in need—no life and pastoral ministry of “The Cardinal was very good to me matter who they are, no matter At 82, “Father T” is still active, Msgr. Polizzi.” when he was our archbishop. Now what their station in life, and living out his priestly vocation as Similar to the first novel, it’s payback time. End of story!” no matter what sins they have full-time pastor of a parish and Father Turiddu: The Savior of the Though there are no real-life committed. When Pope Francis staying very involved not only in City, Father T learns of a challenge situations shared in the book, talks about our Christian duty to his faith community but in the local affecting someone or something he Conway said some of the represent the God of mercy, not community that he loves. cares about and jumps into action to fictional stories have their roots in the judgmental God, I think of But that part of his life is put address the situation. real-life situations. Msgr. Polizzi.” on hold when he learns that his When Father Turiddu hears One truth that cannot be ignored As readers peruse the fast-paced former archbishop and now cardinal that his former shepherd, now is the author’s commitment to novel, they too will no doubt gain is being threatened in Rome by a a cardinal in Rome leading the the printed word. Conway, who a better understanding of a priest left-wing terrorist group trying to Apostolic Signature (the Church’s serves as senior vice president whose vocation shapes all he says intimidate and frighten the Church Supreme Court), is moved from for planning, marketing, and and does. into changing its position on his residence to inside the Vatican advancement at Marian University Readers will also appreciate how several issues. after receiving death threats from in Indianapolis and occasionally Conway is able to blend intrigue In his latest novel Father Turiddu the Sword of Justice terrorist group, writes editorials for The Criterion, and action with the story’s strong Returns: The Cardinal and the he jumps on a plane to Italy to see admitted that writing is a “labor of faith backdrop. Inquisitor, author Daniel Conway what he can do to help. love” for him. Family, including Father T’s advances the fictional story of The cardinal is later moved That love shines through not strong Silician roots, is at the heart Father Salvatore E. Turiddu, a priest to a Benedictine monastery, then only in his characters in the novel, of the story, too. modeled after Msgr. Salvatore kidnapped and taken to Naples but also as he discusses clergy who “In my book, A Communion of Polizzi, an 83-year-old priest where the Grand Inquisitor of have influenced him. , I wrote ‘nothing is more who currently serves as pastor of the terrorist group attempts to “During the past 45 years, since important than family because St. Roch Parish in St. Louis, Mo., intimidate him to “confess to I entered the college seminary at family binds us to each other and and is a longtime friend of Conway. crimes” committed by the Church Saint Meinrad, I have come to to God,’ ” Conway said. “I was “I decided to create a fictional throughout its history. know and love hundreds of priests blessed to be born and reared in character, Msgr. Salvatore Turiddu, Entrusting the situation to the of all ages, temperament and a remarkable family—very real Author or Father T, based on my friend Sacred Heart, readers will again see ecclesial points of view—liberal, people with lots of problems and Daniel Conway Msgr. Polizzi. The adventures Father T’s unbridled commitment conservative and everything in difficulties who were sustained by are fictional, but the character of to helping others no matter what the between,” Conway said. their faith. Msgr. Polizzi would Father Turiddu Returns: Father T—and that of his family cost—“end of story.” “I can honestly say that I have be the first to agree. Family The Cardinal and the and friends who appear in the “I may be 82 years old, but while never met a priest whose pastoral comes first.” Inquisitor is available online novels—are all true to life!” I have good health and a sound instincts and commitment to his at www.amazon.com. Conway noted. “I hope that by mind, I’m going to use all the gifts people was more genuine than (Mike Krokos is editor of telling stories about Father T, I am God gave me to help my family Msgr. Polizzi. His heart always The Criterion.) †

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A Nativity scene and wall decoration depicting the Daily Readings Cont. birth of Christ are seen in the Saturday, December 28 home of Verna Bechard in The Holy Innocents, martyrs New London, Wis. Bechard 1 John 1:5-2:2 displays at Christmas time The CNS photo/Sam Lucero, Compass nearly 200 sets she has Psalm 124:2-5, 7c-8 collected over the years. The Matthew 2:13-18 liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Sunday, December 29 Christmas Eve and concludes The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, and Joseph we celebrate the birth of Christ Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 into our world and into our Psalm 128:1-5 hearts, and reflect on the gift of Colossians 3:12-21 or salvation that is born with him Colossians 3:12-17 … including the fact that he was born to die for us. Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Monday, December 30 1 John 2:12-17 Psalm 96:7-10 Luke 2:36-40

Tuesday, December 31 St. Sylvester I, pope Friday, January 3 Monday, January 6 Friday, January 10 1 John 2:18-21 The Most Holy Name of Jesus St. André Bessette, religious 1 John 5:5-13 Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13 1 John 2:29-3:6 1 John 3:22-4:6 Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 John 1:1-18 Psalm 98:1, 3-6 Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12a Luke 5:12-16 John 1:29-34 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Wednesday, January 1 Saturday, January 11 Mary, the Holy Mother of God Saturday, January 4 Tuesday, January 7 1 John 5:14-21 Numbers 6:22-27 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest Psalm 149:1-6a, 9b Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 religious 1 John 4:7-10 John 3:22-30 Galatians 4:4-7 1 John 3:7-10 Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8 Luke 2:16-21 Psalm 98:1, 7-9 Mark 6:34-44 Sunday, January 12 John 1:35-42 The Baptism of the Lord Thursday, January 2 Wednesday, January 8 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 St. Basil the Great, bishop and Sunday, January 5 1 John 4:11-18 Psalm 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 doctor of the Church The Epiphany of the Lord Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 Acts 10:34-38 St. Gregory Nazianzen, bishop Isaiah 60:1-6 Mark 6:45-52 Matthew 3:13-17 and doctor of the Church Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 1 John 2:22-28 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Thursday, January 9 Psalm 98:1-4 Matthew 2:1-12 1 John 4:19-5:4 John 1:19-28 Psalm 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17 Luke 4:14-22a

served for seven years on the residential ministered at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in celebrated her 60th jubilee. In the JUBILEES services staff. Sister now has a special prayer residential and health care services from archdiocese, she ministered at St. Paul continued from page 5 ministry at the motherhouse. 1980-98. Sister Elaine now has a special School in Sellersburg from 1955-56 and at Sister Ann Kevin O’Connor celebrated prayer ministry at the motherhouse. the former St. James the Greater School in St. Mary School in Richmond from her 70th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she Sister Mary Catherine (formerly Indianapolis from 1959-60. She currently 1946-50 and at the former Sacred Heart taught at St. Charles Borromeo School Marie Michele) Duffy, a native of ministers as director of the office for School in Terre Haute from 1972-76. In in Bloomington from 1954-55 and at Indianapolis, celebrated her 60th jubilee. women religious in the Diocese of San Indianapolis, she ministered at the former St. Matthew School in Indianapolis from In the archdiocese, she has spent more than Diego, Calif. Bishop Chartrand High School from 1963-64. At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, 25 years serving the Hispanic community Sister Ann Paula Pohlman, a native of 1968-70; the former Ladywood-St. Agnes she served on the General Administrative in Indianapolis and currently ministers Indianapolis, celebrated her 60th jubilee. High School from 1971-72; and Cathedral staff from 1994-97 and from 1998-2002 at the Marian Center in Indianapolis in In the archdiocese, she taught at the High School from 1976-78. She provides in various departments and programs. immigration assistance. She served in former St. Catherine of Siena School in volunteer service as an outreach minister in Currently Sister Ann Kevin’s ministry Provincial Administration from 1978-86, Indianapolis from 1968-74 and served as Los Angeles. is prayer. and taught at St. Matthew School in principal there from 1974-76. Sister Ann Sister Sheila (formerly Marie Sheila) Sister Louise (formerly Indianapolis from 1986-87. Paula currently tutors at St. Joseph School FitzSimons, a native of Indianapolis, Edward Louise) Schroeder celebrated Sister Donna Marie Fu celebrated in Bradenton, Fla. celebrated her 70th jubilee. In the her 70th jubilee. In the archdiocese, her 60th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she Sister John Mary Rifner celebrated archdiocese, she taught at St. Thomas she served at St. Joan of Arc School in ministered in Terre Haute at the former her 60th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she Aquinas School in Indianapolis from Indianapolis from 1959-62. Since 1991, Sacred Heart School from 1956-57 and at taught at the former St. Anne School in 1955-56 and as adult education teacher in she has ministered in various departments the former St. Ann School from 1972. Sister New Castle from 1966-69; at St. Susanna New Albany at Providence Self Sufficiency at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, including currently is a vocation promoter for Asia. School in Plainfield from 1969-81; and Ministries from 1999-2002. She served residential and health care services. Sister Jane (formerly Dorothy Jane) St. Simon School in Indianapolis from in transportation at Saint Mary-of-the- Sister Ann Brendan Burget celebrated Gibson celebrated her 60th jubilee. She 1981-85. She ministered at Saint Mary- Woods from 2002-10. Sister Sheila devotes her 60th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she ministered in Indianapolis at Holy Cross of-the-Woods in the Transportation time now to a special prayer ministry at ministered in Indianapolis at Nativity School School from 1972-74; as housekeeper at the Department from 1985-2011. Sister the motherhouse. from 1958-61; St. Jude School from Cathedral from 1974-77 and at Cathedral currently volunteers at the motherhouse. Sister Michaela Galvin celebrated 1961-65; the former St. Andrew School from High School from 1979-80; in outreach Sister Martha Ann Rifner celebrated her 70th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she 1965-67; and Holy Cross Central School ministry from 1980-92; as a home health her 60th jubilee. In the archdiocese, ministered at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in from 1974-87. Sister Ann Brendan also care giver from 1994-2008 and at St. Rita she ministered at St. Michael School in residential and health care services from served at St. Patrick School in Terre Haute Parish from 2008-10. Sister Jane devotes Greenfield from 1966-68; at St. Margaret 2000-11. Sister now devotes herself to a from 1967-74; and at Woods Day Care/ time now to a special prayer ministry at the Mary School in Terre Haute from special prayer ministry at the motherhouse. Pre-School, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods motherhouse. 1968-77; and served in the Transportation Sister Francine McGriffin celebrated from 1987-2005. She currently volunteers Sister Carolyn (formerly Department from 1987-2001 at Saint Mary- her 70th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she in The Gift Shop at Providence Center at John Michael) Glynn celebrated her of-the-Woods. She continues to serve there served in Indianapolis at St. Thomas Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. 60th jubilee. In the archdiocese, she in residential services. Aquinas School from 1950-54; at Sister Teresa (formerly Ellen Maureen) ministered at the former St. Anthony Sister Helen (formerly Helen Jean) the former Aspirancy High School at Costello celebrated her 60th jubilee. In the School in Indianapolis from 1958-61. Vinton celebrated her 60th jubilee. In Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 1963-64; at archdiocese, she taught in West Terre Haute Currently, Sister Carolyn is a volunteer with the archdiocese, she served at the former the former Ladywood High School and the at Educational Family Services from Catholic Charities in Bradenton, Fla. St. Mary School in Richmond from former Ladywood-St. Agnes High School 1995-96. Sister currently ministers as a Sister Marilyn Ann Kofler celebrated 1958-64, and in Indianapolis at the former from 1966-72; as a licensed practical citizenship teacher and visitor to the elderly her 60th anniversary. In the archdiocese, Ladywood High School from 1964-70 nurse at several Indianapolis facilities in Weymouth, Mass. she served in Brownsburg at St. Malachy and at the former Ladywood-St.Agnes from 1973-76 and in adult education at Sister Elaine (formerly Elaine Marie) School from 1959-61. Sister Marilyn Ann High School from 1970-75. Sister currently United Southside Community Organization Doucette served in Indianapolis at the currently volunteers in immigration services ministers as assistant executive director from 1976-81. When she returned to former St. Agnes Academy from 1959-62 in Chicago. at Southern Mutual Health Association in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1997, she and St. Jude School from 1963-66. She Sister Jeanette Marie Lucinio New Iberia, La. †