“They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect. They deserve an Southwest Kansas immigration reform.” -- Page 10 atholic CNewspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City www.dcdiocese.org/register Vol. L, No. 13 • Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 “When sin makes us feel ashamed or unworthy of the love Pope Francis of God, just remember that God has known everything for atholic and Family all eternity. God knew exactly what sins you would commit C before He even created the world, and yet He created you was blessed to attend four events with Pope anyway, and loves you anyway.” -- LifeTeen website blogger Joshua Madden i Francis in Philadel- phia at the end of his journey to the United States. What an extraordi- nary presence he has! Our Holy Father just radiates Who is beyond mercy? love, welcome, and the joy of the Gospel of Jesus By DaViD MYerS Christ! + Most rev. John B. Southwest Kansas Register In my Sources of Truth Brungardt “if i bore you to tears, remember that you column in this issue of can gain holiness through suffering, so what Bishop of the Catholic the SKC (Page 19), I give a beautiful opportunity you have.” Diocese of Dodge instructions for fi nding – Father Gale Hammerschmidt at the Sept. 9 City Pope Francis’ documents and 12 ITV workshops on “Mercy” online. I urge you to read them with an eye of faith. At times, we hear from the media only s Christians, we have “no excuse for not selected quotes, with comments coming from a Aoffering mercy and forgiveness to others.” political or other perspective. I suggest to pon- “All of you who have sinned, you have der his teachings through a lens of the Gospel. received mercy. Because of that reception, it What is Jesus saying to us in this teaching of takes away every excuse you could ever formu- His Vicar? late to ever deny someone else mercy.” I was very touched by the end of his talk at Father Gale Hammershmidt, a priest of the the Prayer Vigil for the Festival of Families at Diocese of Salina, spoke from Manhattan at the end of the World Meeting of Families: a catechist formation workshop to classes at “I don’t want to keep on talking because it interactive sites (ITV) across southwest Kansas, will go on too long, but I did want to stress as well as in Salina and Hays. two little points about the family. I would ask His presentation came on the eve of Pope you to think about them. We have to care in a Francis’s Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015-Nov. special way for children and for grandparents. 20, 2016. The priest admitted that he was ap- Children and young people are the future; they prehensive prior to his presentation because he are our strength; they are what keep us moving honestly considered that the audience may not forward.They are the ones in whom we put our “be as big of a sinner as I am. hope. Grandparents are a family’s memory. “Even the really beautiful souls still know They are the ones who gave us the faith, they sin,” he said. “If you lived your life without passed the faith on to us. sin, you wouldn’t know mercy the way I’ve “Taking care of grandparents and taking care the good Samaritan Continued on Page 6 of children is the sign of love – I’m not sure if it is the greatest, but for the family I would say that it is the most promising – because it prom- ises the future. A people incapable of caring for children and caring for the elderly is a people Welcoming spirit without a future, because it lacks the strength and the memory needed to move forward. ou can’t feel much more welcome than “The family is beautiful, but it takes hard Ywhen people you may or may not know ap- work; it brings problems. In the family, some- proach you to take a “selfi e” with them. times there is fi ghting. The husband argues During Bishop John Brungardt’s Oct. 2 parish with the wife; they get upset with each other, visit to St. Theresa Church in Dighton, he took or children get upset with their parents. May I some time to attend a local high school football offer a bit of advice: never end the day without game, where these two girls took a selfi e of making peace in the family. In the family the themselves with the bishop. He also visited St. day cannot end in fi ghting. May God bless you. Joseph Parish in Scott City. May God give you strength. May God inspire The annual visits allow the bishop to enjoy you to keep moving forward. Let us care for the valuable time with both parish staff, and pa- family. Let us defend the family, because there rishioners, and it occasionally allows for some our future is at stake. Thank you. God bless extracurricular activities, such as attending a you, and please pray for me.” local football game. Let us pray and work for strong marriages (Photos from other parish visits will be placed and united families. The Holy Family, Jesus, in the next issue.) Mary and Joseph will help: they, and Pope Francis, loves us more than we can ask or imagine! “selfi e with Bishop John” Page 2 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Listen to Him t just breaks your heart, that’s what it does. steps that seem to lack all I The shootings last week happened in a room where the motive. students were studying language. Words, they were about, and So, go ahead, change sentences, and paragraphs. our laws. Go ahead, Communication, that’s what they were after. Communion, that’s change our treatments. what they were seeking, minds and hearts at one. Community, Go ahead, form new that’s what they were desiring. One inner world shared with an- committees, throw new other inner world, that’s what they were practicing. And, then, the thoughts and new words at belief in the power of thoughts and words to heal, all of it savaged it. It won’t work. For we suddenly by senselessness. live in a place called Babel, One young man, bitter disharmony and anger welling up in and we are hell-bent on Bishop emeritus his heart, a corrosive venom running all through his veins, one building our Tower. ronald M. gilmore young man opened a door, entered a room, and sent feelings, and For there is ever whispering in the fallen heart of man the secret thoughts, and words ducking, and hiding, and pleading. He was voice of self-love and self-worship, urging him to rise up against blind to all real values, to life, to innocence, to community, to his Maker and tell him to his face Non Serviam … I will not obey. truth, to justice, to love, and to hope. That blindness led him to evil We always manage to avoid the real problem.

The Diocese of Dodge City requires all employees and vol- unteers who work with children to participate in a Protecting Catholic God’s Children awareness session. Through the Diocesan Dominican Sisters to host Awareness Sessions and other educational efforts of the Social Service diocese, all people of the diocese can learn how to discuss different aspects of abuse -- including sexual abuse -- with mission bazaar Nov. 14 hiLdren children and how to teach them to protect themselves. he Dominican Sisters of Peace in Great Bend will host invites public

C their Annual Mission Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 14 from S There are no English sessions currently scheduled. See Page T ’ 9 for a listing of the Spanish session, scheduled for Oct. 18. 7 a.m. to 2. p.m. at the Dominican motherhouse at 3600 to 50th Broadway in Great Bend. od Visit dcdiocese.org/safe-environment for updates. Included will be a “morning coffee break”, soup and pie g Reporting Abuse for lunch, hundreds of handcrafted and homemade items, a Anniversary If you or someone you know may have been a victim of drawing for 20 prizes, unique gift theme baskets, and a si- sexual abuse by clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Dio- lent auction. There is even a special drawing for a ring with Banquet cese of Dodge City, you are asked to contact Dave Snapp, small diamonds and emeralds. -- For more Fitness Review Administrator: (620) 225-5051 or dsnapp3@ Sisters invite everyone to “come spend the day and enjoy starrtech.net the aroma and magic of this festive autumn, pre-holiday information, see the roteCting You always have the right to directly contact the Depart- event.” For more information, call 620-792-1232. ad below, and the p ment for Children and Families/Kansas Protection Report article on Page 19. Center. The hotline number is 1-800-922-5330. The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 3 Russian bishop says Thank You to Kansas Catholics the Most rev. John B. Brun- gardt was among several guests who visited with the Most rev. Joseph Werth (in white shirt at right), Bishop of the Diocese of the Transfi guration at novo- sibirsk, russia, at Dick and Kay Werth’s home in Hays. at left are (Ltor) Father Kl- emens Werth (Bishop Werth’s brother), Capuchin Father Jeff ernst, Capuchin Father earl Meyer, Cliff Werth, Capuchin Father John Schmeidler (in back), Frank Braun (front gray with white stripes shirt), Helen Werth, Dick Werth, Jackie Braun (front row), Kay Werth, Father alvin Werth (standing to Bishop Brungardt’s right), Capuchin Father gilmary tall- man, Bishop John Brungardt, Bishop Joseph Werth, Capu- chin Father Blaine Burkey, and Cora Schulte.

Photo by Connie Windholz, Technol- ogy Coordinator, St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Victoria, Kansas

By DOUg WeLLer cult time but also a heroic time,” nists in Russia, the Volga Germans Joshua Werth. The young priest “I am proud Salina Register Bishop Werth said. suffered a lot,” Bishop Werth told the TMP-Marian students that Editor’s Note: The following is Both his First Communion and explained. His father was deported meeting the bishop opened his eyes when I hear reprinted with permission from The Confi rmation were secret, as was in 1931 from his home in Scho- to becoming a priest and to the Register, the newspaper for the his entry into the Society of Jesus, enchen, Russia, to Kazakhstan, freedoms Catholics have here. how my people Catholic Diocese of Salina. the Jesuits. where he met his future wife, who “We take our religious freedom dealt with their ays — In the 23 years since He eventually moved from his also had been exiled there. There for granted, especially our Catholic Hhis fi rst visit, Bishop Joseph home in Kazakhstan to Lithuania, they raised 11 children. faith,” he said, particularly in Ellis diffi culty in Werth said the Catholic Church has a Soviet state that was more liberal Bishop Werth said 30,000 ethnic County, where nearly a fourth of Russia. There made great strides. His diocese, the in its control of religion. There, he Germans were deported from the the Diocese of Salina’s Catholics Transfi guration of the Lord at No- could enter the seminary and be Volga, and by the following spring, live. were no houses vosibirsk, also has a seminary, one ordained a priest. only 12,000 had survived. “We can’t fathom there being no high school and one elementary Just seven years after his 1984 “I am proud when I hear how my priests there. So don’t be surprised in Kazakh- school. The diocese covers a terri- ordination, he was named a bishop, people dealt with their diffi culty in if Bishop Werth asks you to con- stan when tory in western Siberia equivalent and a year later, he traveled to Russia. There were no houses in sider coming to Russia to be one to the area of Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas to meet with long-lost rela- Kazakhstan when they arrived. But of his priests,” said Father Werth, they arrived. Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma tives. they said if we praised the Lord who serves parishes in Plainville and Texas. Both he and his brother and in good times, we should praise and Stockton. But they said What he stressed to the school’s many resident of Ellis County him now and sang, ‘Holy God Students were well-prepared for if we praised students was the fact that, despite today trace their ancestry to people we praise thy name.’ In that way, Bishop Werth’s speech. Norma Communist efforts to create an who left Germany in the late 1700s our ancestors started a new life in Pipkin, a Schoenchen-area native the Lord in atheistic state, Catholics kept and to settle the Volga River region of Siberian Kazakhstan,” he said. and French teacher at the school, good times, we passed on their faith. Russia. They came at the behest of It was in 1991 that Capuchin Fa- spent the previous day with each He spoke of how he was bap- Catherine the Great, the country’s ther Blaine Burkey, on the faculty classroom, explaining the heritage should praise tized by his parents, because there German-born empress. at TMP-Marian, read in a mission- of the Volga Germans and the sig- were no priests in 1952. They had A century after their migra- ary publication about a Catholic nifi cance of the bishop’s presence. him now and been exiled, imprisoned or execut- tion, however, thousands left for priest named Joseph Werth who “I wanted them to know why he sang, ‘Holy ed. North and South America after was ministering in the Volga River was at TMP. Yes, he has a connec- After Soviet leader Joseph Stalin Catherine’s promises of religious region. tion to Schoenchen, but why come God we praise died in 1953, those priests still freedom and freedom from military He wrote him, described the to them?” she said. alive were freed, but they were conscription were revoked. Volga-German heritage of the area It was to visit with Catholic thy name.’ forbidden to minister. Hundreds came here and found- and invited him to visit. Local school students, which is such a In that way, “All the churches had been de- ed the communities of Herzog Catholics quickly raised the funds rarity in Russia, she told them. stroyed. The priests began to work (now Victoria), Catharine, Munjor, to pay for his trip. “That foundation of young our ancestors underground to celebrate Masses Pfeifer and Schoenchen in Ellis Bishop Werth likened the events people is not there,” added Barbara started a new and administer the sacraments,” County and Liebenthal in Rush to the story of Joseph being sold Wagoner, the school’s campus Bishop Werth explained. County. into slavery in Egypt, then return- minister. life in Siberian People gathered secretly in With the Communist revolu- ing to his homeland. Father Joshua Werth stressed homes to worship. tion of 1917, however, ties with “It is not so far away from the to the students the connection Kazakhstan.” “About 300 people would be the Germans who had remained truth,” he said. between our diocese and Russia. there. The priest came in a way in Russia were severed. It wasn’t During that 1992 trip, he toured “We may not be related by -- Bishop that no one could see him. It was until the fall of the Soviet Union in Schoenchen and the other villages language or family, but we are Joseph Werth very diffi cult. There was no space, 1991 that news trickled out of their and met many people with his related by our Catholic faith. When no air to breathe. I remember with fate. surname. they suffer, we suffer,” he told the happiness that this was a diffi - “During the time of the Commu- One of those now is Father students. Page 4 October 18, 2015 Commentary The Southwest Kansas Catholic Of pay-phones and Rosie the Robot National Vocation other Nature has a pretty good foot- that suck us up and Mhold between southwest Kansas and into our flying cars Denver: fields of sunflowers soak up the sun; each morning to go to Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7 farms and grain silos stand like the beating work; and we have no hearts of the heartland; and roaming cattle Rosie the Robot to do Jesus told his disciples, “the harvest is abun- remind us why this region is far more im- our chores. Sure, we dant but the laborers are few; so ask the mas- portant than many people from out of state have robotic vacuum ter of the harvest to send out laborers for his stop to consider. cleaners, but until harvest.” (Luke 10: 2) Recently, as I drove east along I-70 to- those hockey-puck ward Limon, Colo., after having stayed a shaped vacuums that By David Myers his coming November 1-7, 2015, the whole nation, few days with my folks in Denver, I looked zip around your floor Editor Tonce again, will celebrate a week dedicated to the up at the sky and saw a cloud shaped like wear aprons and share matronly advice, prayer for vocations. a duck eating an apple. Perhaps Mother they’re no substitute for Rosie. Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations states: Nature was bored, I thought, and the duck I turned south toward Lamar. I thought “It is really God himself, The Lord of the harvest, who By Father Rene Labrador eating an apple was one of Mother Nature’s about the Tesla kiosks I had just seen. I chooses his laborers; his call is always undeserved and Assistant Director, Office of doodles. Still, it was pretty amazing. It thought about what the “now” looks like unexpected. And yet in the mystery of God’s covenant Priestly Vocations looked so much like a duck eating an apple compared to what I thought it would look with us, we are called to cooperate with His providence, that I wondered for a moment if my mind like way back when. While we don’t have and to use the powerful tool which he has placed in He said to them “Come wasn’t playing tricks, and that I really was flying cars and burger joints in space (which our hands: prayer! This is what Jesus asked us to do: and See.” looking at a duck in flight, eating an apple. is too cool to even think about), we do have ‘Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers They came and saw where Then I recalled that ducks don’t have teeth. hand-held computer devices that would have into his harvest.’” he was staying. Nor are they huge, white, billowy masses of blown the mind of anyone back in the 60s, Also, this is a special week when we remember that (John 1:39) liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere when a computer that did .0001 percent of God has created each of us for a definite purpose. As above a planetary body. what they do today would fill an entire floor. Catholics, we firmly believe that God has a plan for our God of all nations, we are As I got farther into the country, I spot- (That figure may or may not be accurate, lives! He calls some to marriage, others to the priest- most grateful ted ... Could it be? ... Yes! It was Cousin since I base it on nothing.) hood, still others to the religious and consecrated lives. for the first Catholic mis- Itt thumbing a ride (or so I thought, until This led me to think about what we call While we want to pray for more priests and religious, sionaries and explorers I remembered that Cousin Itt didn’t have the “good ol’ days.” It’s a sad fact that we we need to be open to the calling that God has placed who came to southwest thumbs). Darn, I thought as I zoomed by the rarely recognize the joys of the present on each of our hearts, as well. Kansas. guy on the highway, his long hair blowing until it’s the past. Like those grand ol’ days This year, the beginning of the national Vocation As strangers in a strange in my wake like a cape. It would be so cool of yore when your cell-phone only made Awareness Week falls on All Saints Day – a happy land they brought with to pick up Cousin Itt. I wonder if he ever phone calls, and kids weren’t checking so- and grace-filled coincidence, because a vocation, in them countless skills, learned English? cial web-sites 100 times a day (literally) to its fullest and deepest sense, is our path to heaven and talents and traditions, but Suddenly I sensed movement on the road make sure Billy or Sue or Billy Sue wasn’t sainthood. Indeed, our own vocation in life (priesthood, their greatest treasure ahead. I squinted and could make out some- saying anything bad about them. Or when consecrated lives, or marriage ) is a “means to attain an was their faith. thing standing on the highway. It was shaped family gatherings didn’t include at least half end”, namely, our life of holiness. This is the universal May the good News of Je- a lot like a prairie dog. Turns out it was its members sitting unmoving except for call to holiness – as Jesus told his disciples, “Be holy sus Christ, which molded indeed a prairie dog, hence the prairie dog their thumbs, their minds focused entirely as your Father in heaven is holy”. (Mt. 5:48) and shaped their lives, shape. Fortunately, he had seen me looking on their phones as if no one else was in the We are, once again, reminded that promoting priest- continue to mold and at the sky and seemed to understand that I room. (This phenomenon led directly to the ly and religious vocations is the task of all members shape our lives today. was distracted by the duck-eating-an-apple first ideas for the current zombie craze.) of the Church. The Second Vatican Council was quite Bless our diocese with cloud, and knew to dart out of the road just I crossed the border into Kansas. As I explicit in this regard: “the duty of fostering voca- men and women before any squishing could occur. We must drove through the town of Coolidge, I saw tions falls on the whole Christian community, and who will follow in their always be diligent when driving down coun- something that made me sigh with relief. I they discharge it principally by living full Christian footsteps to serve the try highways, even if it means not staring up hadn’t even realized I needed any relief. I lives”. (Optatam Totius, no. 2) Church as religious broth- at the sky instead of watching the road. guess tension likes to play hide-and-go-seek Let us, once again, be creative in promoting ers, sisters, priests, and I arrived in Limon at lunch time and pulled sometimes. priestly and religious vocations in our parish and deacons. up to an Arby’s to get myself a sandwich, What I saw was an old-fashioned phone in our home/family. Let us offer a special hour of on which the Arby’s chef would put ap- booth set up against a blank wall. It remind- prayer and adoration; let us share our own vocation Lord Jesus Christ, help to proximately two gallons of horsey sauce. ed me of a certain joy of solitude. Of quiet. story; let us continue to encourage and invite young hear your call to “Come As I pulled out of the parking lot, my mouth Of disconnect. Ahhhh. There’s a reason why and single men and women to consider offering their and See.” having tied itself into a knot, I noted that we are called to simplify our lives, I thought lives serving God and his church. next door to the adjoining gas station was as I drove on. one of those new Tesla electric car filling A few hours later, I pulled into my little stations. There was a series of several four- town of 800 people--my town with no traf- foot high, narrow, horseshoe-shaped kiosks fic lights, no home mail delivery; no huge that you pull your car up to and … well, I’m crowd of cars parked in front of a super not sure what you do. market; a town where if you walk for a few Regardless, it was kind of cool. I felt blocks you can see Mother Nature stretching like I was in one of those educational films endlessly into the horizon; where the night from back in elementary school, where they sky gives on the feeling of standing in a great highlight all the cool things we’d have in the cathedral. future. I knew way back then that by the time I miss my folks and friends in Denver--the I was the age I am now, the world would be activities, restaurants, even the lights of the just like it is on “The Jetsons.” city. Yet, when I get home, I can’t help but Instead, we can’t take a rocket to a burger thank our loving and living God for His very joint in space; we have no cool, giant tubes sweet gift of simplicity.

Official Newspaper Bishop John B. Brungardt...President Published Semi-Monthly by the David Myers...... Editor Catholic Diocese of Dodge City. All Tim Wenzl...... Advertising Manager material in this newspaper is copy- Daniel Stremel, CPA...... Business Manager righted 2015. Mrs. Margaret Klenke...... Editor Emerita The Southwest Kansas Catholic P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801 Service of Editors Phone: (620) 227-1519 Msgr. A.J. Felling 1966-1971 Facsimile: (620) 227-1570 Byron Hull 1971-1974 e.mail: [email protected] Margaret Klenke 1974-1990 website: www.dcdiocese.org/register Tim Wenzl 1990-2001 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Commentary October 18, 2015 Page 5 Becoming apprenticed to mercy, to love am not enjoying standing in line at the downtown and out against bare gums. A strand of hair falls arms upward, like a trusting child reaching toward I post office any more than the people ahead of across one eye. a caring father, a loving mother. me or behind me. We inch our way forward at a “Would you like my place in line,” I ask. “Cómo estas?” he says. glacial pace. “Where are you?” she rasps, craning her neck I recognize the phrase Cómo estas, But I do not Through the side door comes a woman shuffling past the people in front of her. know how to answer it. Some progress I have made in with her walker. Each step is intentional, “Up there,” I point. I lead the way and she in my Spanish lessons, I think. resolute, as those bare skinny arms repeat the follows close behind me, those bare skinny arms “Es Maria,” I say shyly, hoping I said the motions: Up, heft, and forward. Up, heft, and lifting, hefting that walker. Her caregiver follows sentence right. forward. Her caregiver follows behind. like a silent shadow. “Si, si.” The woman shuffles past us and takes her place I pick up my package to make a space for her, He reaches up and hugs me hard, then hugs me at the end of the line, four people back from me. and step to the back of the line. again. “Trade places with her,” I think. And I pull out No one looks or nods or moves or seems to I ask him about his eye, which now is clear of By Mary my phone to check the time. Whether I trade places notice. all traces of blood. He tells me he can see colors Sharon Moore or not, I will miss the noon bus. But what I notice is the swift chastisement of again, “blue, and yellow,” he says, pointing to a bus “Trade places with her,” I think. I will wait a the caring Teacher. passing by. I see the blue, but not the yellow. Poor, Like minute so that she can catch her breath, and I won’t You did the deed, the voice gently says, but you I reach into my pocket and pull out a sandwich, Jesus look like an obvious do-gooder. did not show the love. a bottle of water, and I hand them to Gonzalo. “Trade places with her,” I think. And I remember Quietly I feel the sting of correction. Reveal Si, Gonzalo beams. Si. Gracias. my morning prayer, Lord Jesus, let me stand in the love, the voice says. Do not be afraid to be We bid each other adios. your place today. the love. As I continue on toward the transit mall I realize I look back, and there she is, leaning with a firm True, I initiated the encounter. I did the merciful that Jesus, cleverly disguised as Gonzalo, has loved grip on her walker, her eyes fixed straight ahead, thing. But I did not enfold the encounter in love. me, apprenticed me, into my larger, more loving determined to accomplish her mission. Redemption, I remind myself, is always around and merciful self. I set my package on the floor and peel away the corner. So I take this lesson to heart. Si. Gracias. from my place in line. I approach her. She looks As I walk up Willamette toward the transit mall at me. I see my friend Gonzalo, sitting in his wheelchair. Copyright Mary Sharon Moore, 2015. All Rights The look in her eyes affirms my intuition: We His prosthetic leg and hemorrhaged eye suggest to Reserved. Mary Sharon Moore writes and speaks stand here at the threshold of encounter. me that his life is neither simple nor easy. nationwide on the nature of God’s calling. Visit Her face is weathered. And though she looks very “Gonzalo!” I say as I approach him. He marysharonmoore.com. old, I suspect that she is not. Her thin lips move in recognizes my voice. Immediately he raises his A Pastor’s Reflection: When love and conscience collide Science and Editor’s Note: Below is the third of a repeatedly tells us it’s okay. Sin becomes evil, right and wrong. “I love you,” He series of articles provided by St. Eliza- invisible, but remains sin. seemed to say, “but you are better than religion are beth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg, There is no one-size-fits-all response the choices you’ve made!” Love, chal- Penn. It is presented here by Father Ted to moments when love and conscience lenge, and grace were offered together. partners, not Skalsky as a continuation of a series be- collide. Parents, friends, co-workers, and We cannot easily gloss over ques- gun in the Sept. 6 issue. Father Skalsky is loved ones walk a tightrope in continu- tions of right and wrong, because for antagonists the Moderator of Marriage, Family Life ing to love sincerely while refusing to a person with same-sex attraction, just and Natural Family Planning. endorse a lifestyle inherently sinful. It as for a person who longs for a sexual By Msgr. is a crisis of conscience to love—deeply partner other than their husband or wife, M. Francis Mannion espite more than three decades of love—someone who fights an inner or one with an addiction to pornography, Catholic News Agency Dpriestly ministry and 27 years of battle yet ultimately chooses to sin. the daily struggle to remain chaste is eople are often surprised to learn formal education, I am at a loss for words The enormous range of issues and agonizing —no less than for the craving Pthat the Vatican runs an Astro- when someone asks me how to respond emotions cannot be addressed here. alcoholic or the addict who longs for an- nomical Observatory in Arizona in to a son or daughter, a former spouse, a However, we can recall a few basics. other high. One who strives to be chaste, association with the Mount Graham co-worker, a friend, or a parent, who is Catholic faith is adamant that neither or clean, or sober, needs our prayerful International Observatory. Questions in a same-sex relationship. “Love them,” God’s affection nor ours is withheld companionship, because we each have arise in many minds as to what the Vati- I respond. “Love them!” But how does from a person sincere in trying to follow our sins and we know how weak we are can is doing meddling in astronomy. Is a faithful Catholic respond at family the Lord’s loving will for their lives. without God’s grace and without the the Observatory’s task to bend science get-togethers, community events, restau- Ours is not a faith that proclaims, “God sacraments and mutual support within to the convictions of religion? Is the rants, shopping, or holiday gatherings? loves everyone... except you!” Ours is the Church. Observatory simply a hobby for Jesuits The emotions run deep and they also not a faith that ignores sin or dilutes No one of us can be self-righteous. with too much time on their hands? are conflicting. Is one to be defiant? the impact of sin on eternal salvation. We each carry within us brokenness and In fact, the Vatican Observatory Ashamed? Angry? At peace? Resigned? We affirm that we are each the product weakness, and the memory and desire symbolizes the truth that science and Is a parent allowed to be happy about a of our choices: to accept God’s grace for sin. What can save us from ourselves religion are properly partners, not an- child’s joy in such a relationship? Is a and embrace a life of holiness toward and our disordered desires but the Cross tagonists, and should work together in good Catholic to attend the ceremony or salvation, or to persist in sin, aware of Jesus Christ, the sign of God’s great- seeking to unveil the mysteries of the the reception? To give anniversary gifts? of the eternal consequences. Love for est gift and the pledge that God will universe. Celebrate the adoption of a child? Is one someone does not erase the choices that stop at nothing to bring us His peace? Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, to ignore right and wrong in the interest person makes. Love for a child or parent Humbly, truthfully, we each need to fall one of the principals at the Arizona of family harmony? Can one affirm what or friend doesn’t erase a DUI offense or before the Cross and confess our sins. Observatory states: “Religion needs sci- has been a lengthy and agonizing interior unmanageable debt. Love does not make Our heavenly Father’s strong arm will ence to keep it away from superstition struggle for someone close? a crime disappear, and it does not make reach out to us and raise us up with grace and keep it close to reality, to protect A parent will always want to embrace, sin disappear. Love boldly, but be honest to sustain us in our daily walk with Him, it from creationism.” By the same to- love, and protect a child. A friend will about the reality of sin. our daily decisions for purity and holi- ken, science needs religion to answers always want to welcome the gladness of The ministry of Jesus offers us an ness, our daily recommitment to follow questions like: Why is there something someone close. Yet, at the same time, example. He did not hesitate to be pres- what our consciences know to be right and not nothing? Where did the order conscience resists affirming a lifestyle ent to those whose lives were touched by and holy and true. Since we are each be- of the universe and the laws of nature that is contrary to the order set in God’s sin, but He did not miss the opportunity loved children of a heavenly Father, and come from? How is it that creation had creation and written in our very bod- to challenge them to rise above their each beset by temptation to sin, let us a beginning in time? ies as male and female. We know right sins because of His love: “Go and sin no love one another without compromise, The Vatican Observatory reminds us from wrong, even if we deeply love the more,” He said repeatedly. Jesus enjoyed committed to being faithful disciples of of the mostly-forgotten truth that the person. We don’t hear or like the word the company of everyone, but He never a loving Lord, who asked us, “Remain in Catholic Church was, from the early “sin” anymore, but any of us can become gave approval to sinful choices. No one my love.” Continued on Page 23 complacent to the reality of sin if society doubted His understanding of good and — Monsignor William J. King Page 6 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic

Happy Encounter With God’s Call 100th Nov. 14-16, Conception, Mo. You’re invited to a birthday, road trip! Have fun SEND ife at while exploring ‘Omah’ Lseminary seminary life! is not all study. In fact, it’s diffi cult Penka to talk to just about any seminarian without them laughing as they call to mind a recent game or other fun activity. Boys who are juniors in high school and older, to young col- intention of entering the priesthood, you’re very of the Cathedral of Our Lady lege-aged men, are invited to explore welcome to attend. And if you are considering the of Guadalupe Parish, will lead seminary life -- from the deeply spiritual priesthood, you will gain a fuller understanding the trip. devotion to an awesome God, to an assort- of what life as a seminarian entails. Register online at www. ment of fun, leisurely activities, Nov. 14-16 The event is free, and includes two dcdiocese.org/vocations/dis- at Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo. nights’ room and board and transportation. cernment-events or call Father This is a chance to get away for free with your Register by Nov. 5 to be guaranteed a Wesley Schawe at (620) 227- peers and see what seminary life is all about. Even room. Father Wesley Schawe, Direc- 1533. if you’re just curious about the life, and have no tor of Priestly Vocations and pastor The fi rst lesson in mercy came from Jesus mah Opal (Oeser) Penka, From Page 1 “Simply being there for another is ex- “Let your son or daughter see you go OHealy, will celebrate her experienced it. If you’ve not experienced tending your mercy. It’s not so much about to confession,” he said. “How powerful 100th birthday, Oct. 21. A special that mercy, it will be diffi cult for you to injustice or forgiveness, but just about that is, the witness of a dad, living out celebration is planned for Satur- know how to extend that mercy.” being there for another who is suffering. the faith--obviously a mom as well, but day, Oct. 24 at the Healy Schools Humankind’s fi rst lesson in mercy Mercy is shown by Christ confronting the statistics show that when dads, in particu- Commons Area from 2 p.m. – 5 comes from Jesus, who calmly addressed crowd about the adulterous woman, meet- lar, live out their faith, there is so much a p.m. All are invited. an angry mob preparing to stone a woman ing the Samaritan woman …. greater chance that the kids will live out Omah was born to Fred and for adultery. “Mercy is show by Christ ultimately tak- their faith.” Mary Oeser at home near Clafl in. “He said, ‘Let the one among you ing up the cross laden with the sins of the ForGiVEnEss She had four siblings, was the sec- who is without sin be the fi rst to throw a world, and being led to his own death. One of the reasons that we have a dif- ond to the oldest, and is the only stone at her.’ Then he was left alone with “Mercy is the quality on which the fi cult time forgiving others—and our- living survivor of the family. She the woman before him. He said to her, Christian will ultimately be judged.” selves—is that we get wrapped up in the grew up going to the Methodist ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one conFEssion “ridiculousness of humanity,” he said. Church which stood on the land condemned you?’ As Catholics, we are given the ability “In the confessional, I’ve experienced that her father gave to the church. “’No one, sir.’ to fi nd absolution for our sins through lot of people who have a hard time receiv- She converted to the Catholic “Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn confession, an act Father Hammerschmidt ing Christ’s mercy,” Father Hammer- Church upon her marriage to Bill you. Go, and from now on do not sin any fi nds particularly moving. schmidt explained. Penka in 1938 at Dubuque, Kans. more.’ “As a priest, I have the opportunity to sit “The former bishop of Salina, Paul Omah has three children: Fred “Jesus said it in such a way to teach in the most profound place where God’s Coakley—now the Archbishop of Oklaho- Penka and Janice Brooks, both of a lesson,” Father Hammerschmidt ex- mercy is passed form his grandeur to the ma City—told a group of priests, ‘Gentle- Healy, and a deceased son, Jerold. plained. “Your kindness to others is not human soul, and that’s the confessional,” men, as priests, we deal with people, and She has six grandchildren and 10 just for kindness’s sake, but it’s to teach he said. “At the heart of every person who people are messy. So be gentle.’ great-grandchildren. a lesson about how we should live. Jesus walks into a confessional is a person who “I fi nd that to be one of the most Until May of this year, Omah shows compassion so as to transform the says God, I want to turn back to you. I comforting and profound teachings I’ve had been living alone on the heart. That’s important to keep in mind want to start walking with you again. That ever heard,” Father Hammerschmidt said. farmstead for 67 years. She is the when we show mercy: It’s to change our is the most beautiful moment to ever be “And it doesn’t just go for priests, but it oldest Healy resident and the old- hearts, but also to change the hearts of with another human being. I get to be pres- goes for all people who ultimately deal est parish member of St. Theresa’s others.” ent, because of some incredible gift God with other people. For the most part, we Catholic Church, Dighton. Mercy, Father Hammerschmidt said, has given to me through my anointing as as humans are messy. We’re ridiculous. She remains an active member isn’t only about forgiving. Mercy is a priest, to be able to stand in the place of We’re wrapped up in this ridiculousness of of the parish and attends Mass “love’s response to suffering.” Christ in the confessional and to experi- humanity! We try to do the right thing but every Sunday. During her 67 years “Mercy is the compassion and care for ence people experiencing the mercy of our many times we fail; we try to be good but on the farm, the only times she others, whereby one takes on the burden of God. Seeing God’s mercy rain down upon a lot of times we’re not. missed Mass when muddy roads another as one’s own. the human soul ... how beautiful it is. We “One of the best things we can do with prohibited travel. “Mercy eagerly helps even if the need realize the grandeur and the beauty of God each other is just to be gentle. Be gentle She would enjoy hearing from for help is an interruption in your own day. who loves us, who forgives us. And when with others, but then the next is to be all her friends: 775 E. Diamond “Mercy is kindness toward the friend we receive mercy, we can give mercy.” gentle with ourselves. Yes, we strive to be View, Apt. 103, Dighton, KS who has come to you with the same prob- For those of you who’ve been away incredibly perfect, to be great disciples and 67839. lem once again, even when you’re tired of from the confessional for a long time, followers of Christ, but time and again we hearing about it. Father Hammerschmidt said, “It’s only fall.” A Church in Partnership “Mercy is told in the story of your daily one time that you have to say, ‘Forgive Quoting from Joshua Madden, a blogger life,” Father Hammerschmidt said. “What me Father, for I have sinned. It’s been 20 on the website LifeTeen.com, Father Hem- the Diocese of Dodge City and does that look like on a practical level? years since my last confession.’ To which merschmidt said, “When sin makes us feel newman University collaborate It’s expressed with patience with that old I always respond, ‘Welcome back. What a ashamed or unworthy of the love of God, through Church in Partnership, woman who’s taking too long to fi nd her beautiful thing to have you here this day.’ just remember that God has known every- which uses an interactive television coupons in the check-out lane. Or when I And then I invite them to come back to thing for all eternity. God knew exactly network (iTV) to facilitate commu- go to a convenience store and I step up and confession in, like, two weeks, just so they what sins you would commit before He nication across the 23,054 square someone is playing the lottery, scratching have the pleasure of saying, ‘It’s only been even created the world, and yet He created mile territory of Southwest Kansas. out their ticket as I wait. two weeks since my last confession!’” you anyway, and loves you anyway.” The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 7 Remembering St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Liberal

Morrow Hospital was renamed St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and operated by the Sisters of Mercy from 1922 to 1924.

n all but forgot- to meet with Bishop August building was used for a hotel. They were an article entitled “Klan a Distinctive ten Catholic J. Schwertner. The stated small rooms but would serve as rooms for Organization and A Community Benefi t,” Ahospital in the goal was to obtain Sister- the Sisters and give more privacy then if paid for by Local Klan No. 22. territorial boundaries of personnel for the hospital they had to room on the same fl oor with The reasons for the absence of Catho- the Diocese of Dodge and provide a new facil- the patients. All the patient’s rooms were lic church news in the newspaper could City is St. Joseph Mercy ity for the Sisters within a on the second fl oor. Four rooms two on be many. With the Ku Klux Klan in the Hospital in Liberal. This three-year period. This time each side of the stairway were across the community, it would have been natural hospital was operated line coincided with the end front of the building, then ten rooms on for the parish to be less visible. Fundrais- by the Sisters of Mercy, of the lease on building. the south and north; a few of them had ing for a Catholic hospital would have who had their mother- Bishop Schwertner two bedrooms, a four foot hall on each been impossible. Any support for such house in the eastern part thought is would be better side and served these room on the outside a venture could have been disastrous for of Kansas at Fort Scott. to build the new hospital of the building and opened into several businessmen. It was common in other “Mercy Hospital” only Mining The before obtaining the promise rooms running through the center, with parts of Kansas that businessmen who operated in Liberal for of the Sisters. The persua- light and ventilation from sky-light win- supported the Catholic Church were met two years, from 1922 to Archives sive committee, however, dows and suction fans. These rooms were with boycotts. There is no evidence that 1924, before the Sisters tim Wenzl convinced him that the pres- utilized for operating room, sterilizer this ever occurred in Liberal, but this was left “under tremendous Archivist, ence of the Sisters would room, linen room and diet kitchen. The a known practice of the Ku Klux Klan pressure from some anti- Catholic Diocese build public relations and bath room and a utility room were at the that would not have been ignored. The Catholic elements.” of Dodge City help in raising money to end of the hall on each side. There was no most important weapon of the Ku Klux The history of this construct the new hospital. elevator in the building, but they had not Klan was fear. health care institution Bishop Schwertner contact- experience any great diffi culty in carrying At the same time the lease on the Mercy was documented by Sister Mary Madeline ed Mother Mary Josephine Nulty Knapp, patients up on a stretcher as the stairway Hospital building was coming to an end, Feely, one of the sisters who worked in superior of the Fort Scott community, who was wide with no turn. the Methodist Church was taking an inter- the hospital. Her unpublished manuscript accepted the proposal. Both had a clear Ku Klux Klan est in the other hospital in town, Lib- is part of the collections of the Mercy understanding that a new Catholic hospital The fundraising for a new hospital eral Hospital. This hospital was having Archives in St. Louis, Mo. The manu- would eventually be constructed in Liberal. never materialized in Liberal. At fi rst fi nancial diffi culty and had been looking script was used as research for a chapter The Sisters assigned to the hospital the reason was the poor broom corn and for help from the community. On Oct. on the hospital appearing in Mercy in the were Sister Mary Madeline Feely, supe- wheat harvests in the “dry years.’ But 1, 1924, after the fi nancial arrangements Heartland (1986) by Sister Mary Annrene rior and director of the hospital; Sister then another element came into play, the were completed, the Methodist Church of Brau, RSM. Together these, and newspa- Mary Veronica Fenoughty, in charge Ku Klux Klan. the Southwest Kansas Conference took per articles printed in the Liberal news- of the dietary department; Sister Mary The Klan was organizing across the control of Liberal Hospital, renaming it papers at the time, offer some interesting Gertrude Fox, sacristan and housekeeper; Midwest in the early 1920s. By the fall of Epworth Hospital. details about Liberal’s Catholic hospital. Sister Mary Gregory Seimer, nursing 1922 the Ku Klux Klan had organized in The Sisters of Mercy left Liberal on A group of physicians headed by Drs. duties; Sister M. Laurence Westhoff, sur- Liberal. Neither of the Sisters of Mercy Oct. 8, 1924. Day and A.M. Morrow operated a hos- gery and nursing duties; and Sister Mary histories of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital The Klan was “ousted from organizing pital in the former Coat’s Hotel at Third Sebastian Westhoff, diet kitchen and linen make mention of any threats by the Klan. or controlling lodges” in the state of Kan- and Kansas. The facility, named Morrow room. Father Edward Cryne was sent to It was a booklet for the 50th anniversary sas by a State Supreme Court decision on Hospital, provided 35 beds for the sick of Liberal at this same time as chaplain for of St. Anthony Parish in 1966 that men- Jan. 10, 1925. the community. Dr. Morrow’s wife served the hospital and resident pastor for St. tions the Sisters left “under tremendous Father Cryne continued to serve as as superintendent of nurses, administered Anthony Parish. pressure from some anti-Catholic ele- pastor of St. Anthony Parish until Febru- anesthetics and was an x-ray technician. The old hotel was a manageable design ments.” ary, 1926, when he returned to his native Her work was important and necessary. for a hospital. On the fi rst fl oor the large At times the absence of information can Connecticut. When Mrs. Morrow learned she was lobby was used for a receiving offi ce and be very telling. When the fundraising for (rEsEarcH BoUnTY! The archi- expecting her fi rst child, she decided patients’ lounge. A private offi ce was at a new hospital never occurred, the Sisters vist will pay $25 to the person who dis- to resign from her duties. The doctors the left and an x-ray room on the right; of Mercy left Liberal at the conclusion of covers a photograph of Father edward needed to fi nd help and remembered then a large dining room for several the three year lease. Cryne, pastor at St. anthony Parish reading about a group of Sisters who went tables, then a kitchen and storage room. During the months prior to the Sisters in Liberal from 1922 to 1926. Contact to Hutchinson and started St. Eliza- There were six rooms on the fi rst fl oor departure, there was no mention of Mercy tim Wenzl at [email protected]. beth Mercy Hospital. A committee that separated by a hall running the full width Hospital in the Liberal News. The church Please note: We do have one photo of included physicians and other Liberal of the building. These rooms had house notes did not include information about Father Cryne standing in front of a citizens traveled to Wichita late in 1921 some of the help during the time the the Catholic Church. There was, however, church with some boys and girls. ) Page 8 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic El papa Francisco y la familia uve la bendición de asistir sus enseñanzas a través de una quien ponemos nuestra esperanza. niños se enojan con sus padres. a cuatro eventos con el óptica evangélica. ¿Qué nos está Los abuelos son la memoria de Permítanme un consejo: nunca ter- tpapa Francisco en Filadel- diciendo Jesús a nosotros en esta una familia. Ellos son los que nos minar el día sin hacer la paz en la fi a al fi nal de su viaje a los Estados enseñanza de su Vicario? han dado la fe, nos transmitieron familia. En la familia el día no pu- Unidos. ¡Qué extraordinaria Yo estuve muy conmovido por la fe. El cuidado de los abuelos y ede terminar en enfrentamientos. presencia que tiene! ¡Nuestro la parte fi nal de su charla en la Vi- el cuidado de los niños es el signo Que Dios los bendiga. Que Dios Santo Padre irradia el amor, la gilia de Oración para el Festival de del amor; no estoy seguro de si les dé fuerza. Que Dios les inspire acogida, y la alegría del Evangelio las Familias, al fi nal del Encuentro es el mejor, pero para la familia, a seguir adelante. Cuidemos la de Jesucristo! Mundial de las Familias: yo diría que es el más promet- familia. Defendamos la familia, ya En mis columna “Fuentes de “No quiero seguir hablando edor, porque promete el futuro. que nuestro futuro está en juego. verdad” en esta edición de la SKC, porque va a durar mucho tiempo, Un pueblo incapaz de cuidar a los Gracias. Que Dios los bendiga, y doy instrucciones para encontrar pero yo quería hacer hincapié en niños y los ancianos es un pueblo por favor oren por mí “. los documentos del papa Fran- dos pequeños puntos alrededor de sin futuro, porque carece de la Oremos y trabajemos para tener + John B. Brungardt cisco en línea. Les insto a leer- la familia. Les pediría que piensen fuerza y la memoria necesarias matrimonios sólidos y familias Opispo de Dodge City los con el ojo de la fe. A veces, en ellos. Tenemos que cuidar de para seguir adelante. La familia unidas. La Sagrada Familia de escuchamos de los medios de manera especial de los niños y los es hermosa, pero hay que trabajar Jesús, María y José los ayudarán: comunicación sólo citas seleccio- abuelos. Los niños y jóvenes son el duro; conlleva problemas. En la ¡ellos, y el papa Francisco, nos nadas, con comentarios que vienen futuro; son nuestra fuerza; son lo familia, a veces hay luchas. El aman más de lo que podemos de una perspectiva política o de que nos mantienen en movimiento marido discute con la mujer; se pedir o imaginar! otra. Sugiero refl exionar sobre hacia adelante. Es en ellos en enojan el uno con el otro, o los Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario: Piden rezar un misterio por los cristianos perseguidos ROMA, 07 Oct. 15 / 03:48 pm fundir esta invitación en las redes Además, en los últimos meses ha do, durante el Primer Encuen- (ACI).- La Fundación Pontifi cia sociales con los hashtag #Cris- establecido contactos con otros tro de Cristianos Perseguidos Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada tianosPerseguidos y #UnRTun- grupos extremistas musulmanes realizado en México, religiosos (AIN), pidió a los católicos Misterio para que llegue a más en Libia y otras zonas de África, que realizan trabajos de misión de todo el mundo dedicar personas y compartan “su Cruz”. desde donde ha amenazado a en Oriente Medio, Asia y África, hoy, festividad de la Virgen Desde mediados de 2014 la Europa. exhortaron a los católicos del del Rosario, “al menos un persecución contra los cristianos Sin embargo, en países como mundo a no ser indiferentes ante misterio del Rosario por en Medio Oriente se hizo más Pakistán e India los cristianos el sufrimiento de sus hermanos. los cristianos perseguidos” notoria, a raíz de la irrupción vio- también sufren agresiones por “No basta con lamentarnos en Medio Oriente, Asia y lenta del grupo terrorista Estado motivos religiosos. El caso más de su suerte, tenemos que hacer África. Islámico (ISIS) en Mosul y Qa- emblemático es el de Asia Bibi, algo por ellos. Ellos esperan de En su sitio de Facebook, AIN raqosh (Irak), de donde expulsa- una madre católica que desde nosotros que su sangre no caiga recordó que ron a cientos de miles de cristia- 2009 es acusada de blasfemia en vano. Difundamos esto, ore- “hay miles de nos. Los que se negaron a salir contra el Islam. mos por ellos porque ciertamente cristianos en fueron asesinados, esclavizados Asimismo, en abril de este año se sostienen con nuestras oracio- el mundo que o convertidos en pobladores de AIN denunció en España que nes”, señaló durante el evento la necesitan” de baja categoría. 200 millones de cristianos son hermana Guadalupe, religiosa la oración de ISIS –que nació de una facción perseguidos en todo el mundo a argentina del Instituto del Verbo sus hermanos. de Al Qaeda-, se ha extendido a causa de su fe. Encarnado que trabajó durante En ese sentido, pidieron di- Siria y establecido un “califato”. En ese sentido, la semana pasa- dos años en Alepo (Siria).

Este niño quiere conocer al Papa Francisco y… sueña ser Pontífi ce algún día

ENVER, 26 Sep. 15 (ACI).- Desde que comenzó matemáticas” y su madre era la secretaria. “Ella nos ha Josh le contó a la gente de su parroquia, Nuestra Da ir a la escuela católica hace tres años, el pequeño ayudado a hacer toda la parte de redacción y a tenerlo Señora de Loreto en Aurora, en el estado de Colorado, Parker Langdon de nueve años quiere ser sacerdote. todo preparado para el viaje”. Estados Unidos; a los Caballeros de Colón y al grupo “Le pidió a mi madre que le hiciera unas casullas y Dirigió una carta para pedir a sus amigos y familia de hombres de fe, que fueron extremadamente genero- él armó un pequeño altar con un vaso y con formas. algunas donaciones, sos y lo animaron. Le encanta celebrar la misa con sus primos y para los ofreciendo a cambio A cada uno de los vecinos”, explica su madre Jordan Langdon. Cuando rezar por sus donantes. donantes les enviaron cartas vienen mis padres de visita, Parker también invita a Al inicio Josh y de agradecimiento escritas a otras personas y “celebra Misa” y da homilías, asegura. Jordan estaban bastante mano y les prometieron tam- Parker tiene un hermano de tres años, Lincoln. “Él es nerviosos sobre lo que bién algún pequeño recuerdo el diácono Lincoln”, asegura su padre Josh Parker. podría pasar si Parker del viaje. “Ha sido una gran sorpresa para nosotros. Es algo en no conseguía juntar todo Nueve días antes del viaje lo que él ha estado interesado durante tiempo, así que el dinero y comenzaron comenzaron la novena de nosotros también queremos ayudarle a que siga siendo con un plan de contin- la Divina Misericordia y a así todo el tiempo que él quiera”, afi rma Jordan. gencia para poner la organizar la maleta. La madre Cuando la familia Langdon supo del viaje del Papa diferencia. de Parker espera ver al Papa Francisco a los Estados Unidos se lo contaron a su hijo. Pero en cuanto se Francisco en persona y la “Mi padre me contó que el Papa venía y me preguntó corrió la voz, la cam- reacción de su hijo al verlo. El si yo quería verlo. Y contesté: ¡Sí!”, recuerda Parker. paña ganó bastante niño está realmente emociona- “Pero después me di cuenta de que era demasiado caro fuerza. Y el proyecto do por asistir a la Misa papal y reunir el dinero iba a ser complicado. Y en cierta se convirtió en una lec- del domingo y ver al Santo manera ha sido bastante complicado, pero también ción de gratitud y gen- Padre en acción. bastante sencillo”. erosidad para la familia “Realmente quiero ser Papa Los Langdon formaron un comité para juntar el Langdon, asegura Josh. algún día. Creo que quiero ser dinero necesario –más de 3 mil dólares– para enviar a “Tuve unas reunio- sacerdote, así que espero estar Parker y su madre al Encuentro Mundial de las Fa- nes con algunos empresarios que nunca habían cono- cerca y así ver qué tipo de milias, en el viaje organizado por la Arquidiócesis de cido a Parker”, explica Josh. “Estuvimos comiendo y cosas hace”. Denver, para ver al Papa Francisco. hablando del viaje, y hacia el fi nal de la comida me Traducido por Blanca Ruiz Publicado originalmente Parker era el líder del comité, su padre el tes- dieron unos 200 dólares en efectivo y me dijeron ‘dile a en CNA orero porque según el pequeño “él es bueno con las Parker que la pase bien’”. The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 9 ‘Otro Camino’ e parte el corazón, eso es lo que hace. Un hombre joven, amargado por la falta de cambien las leyes. Adelante, cambien nuestro T Los tiroteos la semana pasada ocurri- harmonía y coraje brotando en su corazón, un manejo. Adelante, hagan nuevos comités, eron en un cuarto donde los estudiantes estaban veneno corrosivo corriendo por sus venas, un pónganle nuevos pensamientos y nuevas pal- estudiando lenguaje. Palabras, frases, párrafos, hombre joven abrió la puerta, entro al cuarto, y abras. No funcionara. Porque vivimos en un de eso se ocupaban. envió sentimientos, y pensamientos, y palabras lugar llamado Babel, y estamos empecinados en Comunicación, eso es lo que seguían. Co- a esquivar, a esconderse, a rogar. Estaba ciego construir nuestra Torre. munión, es lo que buscaban, mentes y cora- a todos los valores reales, a la vida, a la inocen- Porque hay siempre un susurro en el corazón zones en uno. Comunidad, es lo que deseaban. cia, a la comunidad, a la verdad, a la justicia, al caído del hombre la voz secreta de amor propio + ronald M. Un mundo interior compartido con otro mundo amor, y a la esperanza. Esa ceguedad lo llevo y adoración propia, impulsándolo a que se gilmore interior, eso es lo que estaban practicando. Y, a tomar pasos malvados levante contra su Creador y decirle a su cara Obispo Emeritus después, la creencia en el poder de los pensa- que parecen carecer de Non Serviam… No voy a obede- de Dodge City mientos y palabras de sanar, todo eso atacado cualquier motivo. cer. Siempre logramos eludir salvajemente sin sentido. Así que, adelante, el verdadero problema.

Papa Francisco: La familia es y será siempre la “carta magna” de la Iglesia

ATICANO (ACI).- La familia puede perspectiva más humana: “abre los ojos solo la organización Vser y debe ser la familia de Dios por de los hijos a la vida –y no solo la vista, de la vida común se lo que “se podría decir que el ‘espíritu sino también todos los otros sentidos– encalla en una buro- “Las familias saben bien qué es la dig- familiar’ es la carta magna de la Iglesia”. representando una visión de la relación cracia del todo extraña en nidad de sentirse hijos y no esclavos, o Además, el mundo necesita una “robusta humana edifi cada sobre la libre alienación los lazos humanos funda- extranjeros, o solo un número del carné inyección” de este espíritu puesto que en del amor”. mental- es, sino que además la costum- de identidad”. la sociedad no se le da el debido “peso, “La familia introduce la necesidad de bre social y política muestra a menudo “De aquí, de la familia, Jesús retoma reconocimiento y apoyo”. lazos de fi delidad, sinceridad, confi anza, señales de degradación –agresividad, su paso entre los seres humanos para Es lo que afi rmó el Papa Francisco en cooperación, respeto; anima a proyectar vulgaridad, desprecio– que están muy persuadirlos de que Dios no los ha olvi- la Audiencia General de este miércoles un mundo habitable y a creer en relacio- por debajo del umbral de una educación dado”. en la Plaza de San Pedro, cuando en el nes de confi anza, también en condiciones familiar mínima”. Francisco añadió que también “de aquí Vaticano se realiza hasta el 25 de octubre difíciles”. Por ello, “los extremos opuestos de esta Pedro toma vigor para su ministerio” y el Sínodo de los Obispos sobre la Familia. Pero además, “enseña a honrar la pal- ‘brutalización’ de las relaciones se conju- “de aquí la Iglesia, obedeciendo a la Pa- En su catequesis, el Santo Padre abra dada, el respeto de las personas, el gan y se alimentan el uno al otro”, lo que labra del Maestro, sale a pescar al lago, recordó que “la familia que camina en compartir los límites personales y los de resulta “una paradoja”. con la certeza de que, si esto sucede, la la vía del Señor es fundamental en el los demás”. “La Iglesia individualiza hoy, en este pesca será milagrosa”. testimonio del amor de Dios y merece por “Todos somos conscientes de lo in- punto exacto, el sentido histórico de su Al terminar, el Pontífi ce pidió oracio- ello toda la dedicación de la que la Iglesia sustituible de la atención familiar de los misión respecto a la familia y del autén- nes por los Padres Sinodales para que es capaz”. miembros más pequeños, más vulnera- tico espíritu familiar: comenzando por “animados por el Espíritu Santo foment- Por eso, “el Sínodo está llamado a in- bles, más heridos, e incluso más desastro- una atenta revisión de vida que mira a sí en el impulso de una Iglesia que aban- terpretar, para el hoy, esta solicitud y este sos en las conductas de su vida”. misma”. dona las viejas redes y se pone a pescar cuidado de la Iglesia”. “En la sociedad –agregó el Papa– quien El Papa manifestó que “se podría decir confi ando en la Palabra de su Señor”. Francisco afi rmó que “un vistazo atento practica estas actitudes, las ha asimilado que el ‘espíritu familiar’ es la carta magna Al término de la catequesis, el Santo a la vida diaria de los hombres y mu- del espíritu familiar, no de la competición de la Iglesia: así el cristianismo debe Padre saludó a enfermos, jóvenes, y re- jeres de hoy muestra inmediatamente la y del deseo de autorrealización. aparecer y así debe ser”. cién casados en especial por la memoria necesidad que hay en todas partes de una El Pontífi ce aseguró también que a “Jesús, cuando llamó a Pedro a seguirlo de la Virgen María del Rosario. robusta inyección de espíritu familiar”. pesar de todo esto “no se le da a la familia le dijo que lo haría convertirse en ‘pesca- “Que la esperanza que habita en el El Santo Padre señaló que “el estilo el debido peso, reconocimiento y apoyo”. dor de hombres’ y por eso nos quiere un corazón de María les infunda coraje fr- de las relaciones parece muy racional, “La familia no solo no tiene el recono- nuevo tipo de redes”. ente a las grandes elecciones de la vida; formal, organizado, pero también muy cimiento adecuado, sino que no genera “Podemos decir que hoy las familias queridos enfermos, que la fortaleza de la ‘deshidratado’, árido, anónimo”. “Se aprendizaje”, dijo Francisco. son una de las redes más importantes Madre a los pies de la cruz les sostenga convierte a veces en insoportable” y “en “A veces diría que, con toda su cien- para la misión de Pedro y de la Iglesia”, y en los momentos más difíciles; queridos la realidad abandona a la soledad y al des- cia y su técnica, la sociedad moderna no “no es una red que haga prisioneros”. Al esposos recién casados, que la ternura carte a un número cada vez más grande está todavía en grado de traducir estos contrario, “libera de las aguas maliciosas materna de Aquella que acogió en el de personas”. conocimientos en mejores formas de del abandono y de la indiferencia, que seno a Jesús les acompañe la nueva vida El Pontífi ce manifestó la razón de por convivencia civil”. ahogan a muchos seres humanos en el familiar que acaban de iniciar”, con- qué la familia abre a toda la sociedad una Francisco también subrayó que “no mar de la soledad y de la indiferencia”. cluyó.

Sesiones de conscientización Línea especial para víctimas La Diócesis requiere a todos los empleados y voluntarios Sunday, Oct. 18 de abuso sexual que trabajan con menores a asistir a las sesiones de con- 4 – 7 p.m. Si usted, o alguien a trator: (620)225-5051, o scientización de Proteger a los Niños de Dios. Cathedral Our Lady Of Guadalupe quien usted conoce ha (620)225-2412, o al correo Estas sesiones de conscientización están disponibles St. Augustin Room sido víctima de abuso electrónico dsnapp3@ en ambos inglés y español. Son conducidos por gente 3231 N. 14th Avenue sexual por algún clérigo, starrtech.net. Conserva de nuestra Diócesis especialmente entrenadas como fa- Dodge City, KS 67801 o cualquier empleado de siempre su derecho de cilitadores. Las sesiones se publicarán en las parroquias, Contact Person: Maria Antonia Cruz (620) 255-0366 la Diócesis de Dodge City, comunicarse directamente escuelas, el períodico Southwest Kansas Register y la PGC Facilitator: Norma Alvarez (620) 338-7501 por favor comunicarse a Social Relief Services, página electrónica de la Diócesis. www.dcdiocese.org/pro- con el Sister Dave Snapp, 1-800-922-4453. tectingchildren. Fitness Review Adminis- Page 10 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic The little girl that defied security guards... catholic news agency Cruz told reporters, “I feel ashington D.C. - Sophie blessed and very moved be- WCruz travelled from Los cause this blessing isn’t just for Angeles, across the United our family, it’s for all the im- States, with her father and two migrant families, all the Latin uncles to try to hand a letter American families.” Pope Francis. Her dream came Cruz was born in the United true when the popemobile States, to parents who immi- stopped for the child, and she grated illegally from Oaxaca, was given the most tender em- Mexico. brace of the day. Raúl Cruz, Sophie’s father, While Pope Francis paraded told Telemundo, “We made a on his popemobile toward the really long trip, a big sacrifi ce, National Mall in Washington, we’re migrant parents. Thanks D.C., Sept. 23, Cruz, 5, jumped be to God, to the faith we have, a security barrier and was soon and the dream that we had, we stopped by security agents. were able to give the Pope a But Pope Francis saw her letter so he would intercede and motioned for the agents to for all the immigrants, not just bring her to him. She was car- Latinos or Mexicans, but from ried over to the Roman Pontiff, all the countries. We are all the who gave her a hug, a kiss, and children of God.” a blessing. The Cruz family were among Cruz in turn gave Francis a group of a dozen faithful a letter she wrote, as well as who travelled from Our Lady, the yellow T-shirt worn by the Queen of the Angels parish in ... and got a hug from the Pope immigration reform advocacy Los Angeles to see the Pope in group to which her father and Washington, D.C. uncles belong. She also includ- As they hoped, Pope Francis ed a drawing of Pope Francis has indeed advocated for im- joining hands with herself and migrants while in the United other children, with a message States. The same day he met in Spanish that reads: “My Sophie Cruz, he spoke to the friends and I love each other no country’s bishops, praising matter the color of our skin.” them for their welcome of Cruz later recited the letter’s immigrants, “who continue to contents, which she had memo- look to America, like so many rized in English and Spanish, others before them, in the hope for reporters from The Guard- of enjoying its blessings of ian. freedom and prosperity.” “I want to tell you that my And in his Sept. 24 address heart is sad,” Cruz began. “I to Congress, he said, “I am would like to ask you to speak happy that America contin- with the president and the Con- ues to be, for many, a land gress in legalizing my parents, of dreams,” noting that many because every day I am scared migrants have come to America that one day they will take with the desire to build and them away from me.” achieve their dream of a future She mentioned the hard farm in freedom. Millions of viewers watched live coverage of Pope Francis’s visit to the United States when little and factory work immigrants “On this continent, too, Sophie Cruz, 5, crawled past the security fence to get a hug from the pope. do, and concluded, “All im- thousands of persons are led migrants just like my dad help to travel north in search of a feed this country. They deserve better life for themselves and to live with dignity. They for their loved ones, in search deserve to live with respect. of greater opportunities. Is this They deserve an immigration not what we want for our own reform.” children?”

“I want to tell you that my heart is sad. I would like to ask you to speak with the president and the Congress in legal- izing my parents, because every day I am scared that one day they will take them away from me. All immigrants just like my dad help feed this country. They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect. They deserve an immigration reform.” -- From a letter to Pope Francis written by Sophie Cruz, 5 Health and Wellness

• a Special Section of the Southwest Kansas Catholic • October 18, 2015 • A triumph through remarkable trial By aLisa FLicKinGEr Catholic News Agency aples, Fla. (Sports Up Today) - Remembering the story of one Catholic athlete the words spoken by then-fi ve year-old Vale- Nria Tkacik still gives her mother, Anne, goose bumps. “I turned around to look at her, and she was looking at me and smiling, and I’ll never forget that day. She said, ‘Mommy, I was born to make people happy.’ I said to her, ‘I know you will.’ I truly believe she was getting a message from the angels right then. And from all her achievements, I know this to be true.” These days, Tkacik is a standout lacrosse player for Ave Maria University in Florida. By all accounts, she is a leader on and off the fi eld. Tkacik was named to the National Women’s Lacrosse League South Regional Team and is considered a talented athlete who loves playing lacrosse, basketball, golf, track, soccer and fl ag football. A good student in the classroom, Tkacik was also accepted as a Mother Teresa Scholar at Ave Maria. She has contributed service time for charity work, including a mission trip to Harlem, N.Y., where she served the poor and homeless. Tkacik recently donated 12 inches of her hair to Art of Wigs (Texas) to help cancer pa- tients. As a freshman, she served as a representative on Ave Maria’s Student Government. For her sophomore year, she will serve on the Student Activities Board and was selected for Ave Maria’s Media Internship Pro- Valeria tkacik CNA gram. And if those achievements aren’t enough, Tkacik is also a motivational speaker, helping patients who are struggling with the loss of limbs and providing them encouragement. The reason? Tkacik can relate to their “Dear story. Happy and healthy You see, what makes Tkacik’s life especially inspir- friend, I ing is that she achieves so much with only one arm. Tkacik was adopted from Russia at 18 months old. how-tos from 100-year- pray that Her parents say they were meant to be a family right from the start. In fact, Tkacik came home nine months you may from when they fi rst saw her picture. olds, 10-year-olds “We look at Valeria as we are blessed,” says her enjoy mother, clearly proud. “It was the right direction to go (BPT) - Spinning and yoga classes are no longer reserved for only the in our lives. We always look back and think, she wasn’t young and restless. Take a closer look around, and you might just fi nd good born to us but it was perfect harmony between the three that it’s great-grandparents who are out-pedaling you on the stationary of us. You’re either meant for adoption or you’re not. bikes. In fact, according to UnitedHealthcare’s 100@100 survey, nearly a health It’s given to you by God.” quarter of 100-year-olds (24 percent) report doing cardiovascular exercise Tkacik was born with a condition called congenital indoors at least once a week; almost one-third (29 percent) meditate or and that shoulder disarticulation, meaning she has no left arm. do other stress-relieving activities; and even more say they exercise to Workers at the children’s home where she was born strengthen their muscles (34 percent). said the condition was due to complications from the Every year, UnitedHealthcare polls 100 centenarians for their insights all may kidney medication her birth mother was taking during and perspectives on reaching the century milestone. To mark the survey’s her pregnancy. 10th anniversary in 2015, UnitedHealthcare also polled 100 10-year-olds go well But being born with only one arm hasn’t stopped to compare responses among the generations. Tkacik from living a life more active than most. Findings from the survey suggest 100-year-olds are staying active, feel- with you, Tkacik’s parents decided early on that words like ing positive, and embracing the present. And the kids? Though they may “handicapped” and “disability” would not be part of be small, their thoughts are anything but. Here are some key takeaways. even as their home vocabulary. “We knew with her situation that we wanted to make sure Valeria had the confi dence Embrace your smile lines your soul needed to do the things she wants to do,” says her father, John. “Valeria knew she had to work harder than is getting Mind and body are linked, according to 1 in 4 centenarians surveyed others and she did, that’s the kind of girl she is. Vale- who say the key to staying healthy is having a positive attitude. This ria has a lot of self-confi dence and we can’t hold her along aligns with last year’s 100@100 survey, in which two-thirds of centenar- back.” ians said attitude is as important as physical health in terms of living 100 Tkacik thrived on that support. years or more. well.” “My parents always believed that they would never When it comes to positivity, the 100-year-olds have an edge on the set any limitations on me,” she says. “They always kids. More than half (61 percent) say they feel very positive, while only -- 3 John 1:2 encouraged me to do my best. My parents have given 44 percent of 10-year-olds say the same. On the bright side, centenarians me everything.” say it gets easier to maintain a positive attitude with age, so 10-year-olds From the time Tkacik was very young, she loved Continued on Page 23 Continued on Page 24 Page 12 October 18, 2015 HealtH and Wellness The Southwest Kansas Catholic On your feet all day? Tips to keep feet and legs feeling great (BPT) - A growing number of desk-bound are on their feet for more than four hours who stand a lot. The stand in place or offi ce workers are choosing to stand at their a day also felt the effects in their personal American Podiatric run around all workstations, hoping to reap the health ben- lives, having skipped exercise, foregone Medical Associa- day, your posture efi ts associated with working while upright. socializing with friends, skipped playtime tion offers tips for can affect how Yet millions of Americans, such as nurses, with their kids and let household chores buying shoes and a you feel at the end waitresses, factory workers and more, don’t slide due to leg and foot discomfort. list of APMA-ap- of the day, from have a choice about standing on their feet all If you’re among the millions of Ameri- proved footwear your neck and day. For many of them, working on their feet cans who have to work on their feet, here are on its website, shoulders all the has the potential to negatively impact their some tips to help relieve discomfort related www.apma.org. way to your heels. bodies, their mental well-being and even to standing for long periods of time: No matter what Practice good pos- their productivity, reveals a new survey • Wear the right shoes. If you’re on type of shoe you ture. Stand or walk conducted by Futuro Graduated Compres- your feet all day, avoiding dress shoes choose, be sure with your head up sion Legwear from 3M. and high heels may be obvious, but you that it fi ts prop- and shoulders back, The survey found that standing workers still may not be wearing the best shoe for erly and offers striving to keep your said they felt less productive. And those who your needs. Choose shoes made for people plenty of sup- spine in good align- port. ment, with your ears, • Choose the shoulders and hips in right legwear. a straight line. Socks and stockings can have a big impact • Pamper your on comfort, so look for legwear designed for feet at home. Make foot care at home a part people who are on their feet a lot. Legwear of your daily routine. Soak tired feet in a should never irritate, and should allow your warm mineral bath, learn how to massage feet and legs to breathe. If your ankles typi- your feet and toes, use a pumice stone to cally swell by the end of the day, consider reduce rough areas and moisturize daily. graduated compression legwear like the op- • See a podiatrist for persistent pain. tions from Futuro Brand, which help reduce While it may be normal to feel tired at the swelling, improve circulation and massage end of your work shift, persistent foot pain tired, achy legs as you move. Visit www. is a concern. While it’s probably normal for futuro.com to learn more. your feet to hurt after spending the entire • Stretch as much as possible. Some on- day on them, if pain persists throughout your-feet jobs allow you to move around a your off hours or on weekends, it may be lot, while others require you to stand in one time to see a podiatrist for help. spot for extended periods. Simple stretches, Foot and leg discomfort can negatively such as pointing your toes, rotating your affect your work performance and personal ankles and drawing your heels back toward life. Some simple precautions and care can your thighs can help relieve stiffness and help your feet and legs feel better and allow encourage circulation. you to stay on your toes throughout your • Pay attention to posture. Whether you work day.

The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 13 Health and Wellness Catholic CrossFit gym lifts Colorado priests

Photo by Steve Smith.

By Kate Veik he is grateful to have access to a gym Catholic News Agency that gives him a good workout without enver -- A Catholic CrossFit gym compromising his faith. Din Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is “As a Christian, it can be hard to go bringing a whole new meaning to re- to the gym sometimes; especially as a demptive suffering. priest,” he explained. “It’s almost like Oversized white boards typical to Divine Mercy is redeeming the workout CrossFit gyms hang on the walls of culture.” Divine Mercy Fitness. Not so typical to “I love to work out, I think it’s re- CrossFit gyms are the prayer intentions ally important and I think it makes you scrawled across the board alongside the happier and healthier. (But) some of the description of the day’s workout. fitness culture – in fact, almost all of it in “You can offer up your suffering during our country – is broken. It’s characterized the workout for souls,” explained member by vanity and by lust, quite frankly. There Father Brian Larkin. can also be a pride that comes with physi- In addition to its prayer intentions cal fitness.” board, other indicators of the gym’s Cath- Smith’s personal goal is to help 100 olic roots include scripture verses along priests and seminarians get physically fit. the walls and icons. An image of Divine So far, he’s had more than a dozen. Mercy serves as a backdrop to exercise “The hard part is taking the time to equipment. Priests work out alongside la- do it,” he said. “We try to convince the ity, and members start each workout with priests who have a hard time to really a prayer. come in.” Monsignor Tom Fryar, a member at the Another typical barrier to fitness, and gym, described the atmosphere at Divine CrossFit in particular, is cost. Member- Mercy Fitness as spiritual and uplifting. ship at Divine Mercy Fitness has an initial “It’s a supporting setting for people to fee of $250 for those who are new to the come together and know they’re doing CrossFit movement. After that, member- something good; not only for themselves, ship costs $125 each month for access to but beyond,” he said. the gym three times a week. Divine Mercy Fitness started in 2008 in But, for priests and seminarians, mem- the house garage of owner Steve Smith. bership is free. Smith pays out of his own The current location opened in 2009 in pocket. an industrial section of southeast Den- “There’s no way I could do it without ver. Besides daily classes, Divine Mercy Steve being so generous toward priests Fitness offers Olympic lifting training, and seminarians,” Fr. Larkin said. “That neuromuscular therapy and a “Women wasn’t something we approached him on Weights” program tailored for women about. It was his initiative and he’s being battling osteoporosis. doing it since...they were still running the Though the gym is open and available gym out of their garage.” for all people, Smith told CNA he has a “I think the Church is healthier when its special outreach to priests and seminar- priests are healthier, so it’s a great service ians. that Steve and his family are giving to “They do so much work on spiritual priests.” formation and education; and a lot of Msgr. Fryar said he can see the differ- times they don’t have the emphasis on ence in his ministry since he started work- their physical bodies,” Smith said. “We ing out regularly at Divine Mercy Fitness all know it’s soul, body and mind; and several years ago. when you leave one out, the others suf- “I’ve certainly got more energy to carry fer.” out my full days,” he explained. “Quite “And so my goal is simply to have a often, I start the day around 5 and hope- place that is safe, in terms of dress, and is fully get in bed by 11. Every bit of energy just appropriate for priests to be exposed you can have, it all helps.” to – versus (other gyms) where you have Father Larkin echoed Msgr. Fryar’s a whole bunch of inappropriate things go- comments. ing on.” “Working out helps me to be joyful in Father Larkin has been a member at Di- being a priest,” he said. “It helps me be vine Mercy Fitness since day one, when the man I’m supposed to be to serve my he was still a seminarian. He told CNA parish.” Page 14 October 18, 2015 HealtH and Wellness The Southwest Kansas Catholic Be Peace The following is from the October newsletter for St. Joseph Parish, Ellinwood, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Clafl in. uring the 2014-2015 school year, the PSR stu- dents of Clafl in and Odin took on the challenge ofD being peaceful people. The children each received a t-shirt with the logo, “Be Peace”. Besides praying for peace, the pupils tried to be more peaceful at home and at school. “Be Peace” is the slogan of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Each class wrote a letter to Pope Francis telling him what they did as a class. Sister Andre Kravek, OP, Pastoral Associate at Immaculate Conception Parish, sent the letters to the Apostolic Nuncio (the pope’s representative in Washington, DC). Below is a copy of the letter the children received in return. In the coming year the children will focus on a different continent each month and pray for peace in those countries.

From: apostolic nunciature United States of america 3339 Massachusetts avenue, n.W. Washington, DC. 20008

Sister Andre and Religious Education Students: s the personal representative in the NewmaN UNiversity AUnited State of America of His Holi- ness Pope Francis, I thank you for your kind westerN letters and photograph, sharing with the Holy Father your studies and efforts to “Be KaNsas Peace”. I am grateful to know of your deep con- CeNter cern and desire for peace and unity among you all at school and at home. The sacraments for which you are prepar- ElEmEntary ing, Reconciliation, First Communion, and Education Confi rmation --- are effi cacious means of Program “being peace” because they bring us closer to Jesus, who IS peace! I assure you that the Holy Father prays and works assiduously in union with you for this great cause. His Holiness asks you to support him spiritually, praying through the intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace that the Church may be the instrument which brings Christ’s peace to all nations, espe- cially the United States of America. Thank you for your prayers and efforts to “Be Peace”. Invoking the blessing of Almighty God apply now! upon all of you and your families, I am,

Start your journey today at: Sincerely yours in Christ, archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano www.NewmaNU.edU/westerN-KaNsas apostolic nuncio or call 620-227-9616

΄ Fastest path out of class and into the classroom (16 months for students with associate’s degree) ΄ nu WKc Education grads have nearly 100% Job Placement ΄ “life-Friendly” class Schedule – Perfect for working adults 236 SaN JoSe # 39 DoDge City, KS 67801 ΄ 8 Week course Schedule – www.NewmaNU.edU Newman University is accredited Evening classes available by the Higher learning Commission

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano The Southwest Kansas Catholic HealtH and Wellness October 18, 2015 Page 15 What saves us from loneliness? Family! Pope Francis says

Be Peace By eLiSe HarriS tion and care, and the Synod must rather “fellow citizens of the saints Catholic News Agency respond to this demand.” and the family of God.” atican City- Family rescues us “When families journey along the Through the Church, “Jesus again Vfrom indifference and loneliness way of the Lord, they offer a funda- passes among us to persuade us that and teaches us the essentials of life, mental witness to God’s love, and they God has not forgotten us,” he said, Pope Francis said – adding that as the deserve the full commitment and sup- adding that it is through the family that family of God, the Church has the port of the Church,” he said. “the Church again goes out fi shing in same role and must evaluate how to Francis stressed that it’s inside the order to prevent men from drowning live this out. family that we learn and develop the in the sea of loneliness and indiffer- “Like Saint Peter, the Church is bonds of fi delity, sincerity, trust, co- ence.” called to be a fi sher of men, and so operation and respect which unite us, Referring to how, after a night of too needs a new type of net. Families even when there are diffi culties. catching nothing, Peter cast his net out are this net,” the Pope told pilgrims It is families who teach children into the deep waters at Jesus’ com- gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his how to honor one’s word, to respect mand, Francis prayed that the Church Oct. 7 general audience. others and to understand one’s limits, herself would “go out into the deep” Families, he said, “free us from the he said, adding that they also give “an with confi dence that she will have a sea of loneliness and indifference, so irreplaceable attention to members good catch. that we can all experience the freedom who are smallest, most vulnerable, Pope Francis closed his audience of being children of God.” wounded and devastated in life.” by praying that the Synod Fathers, L’Osservatore Romano. Pope Francis made his comments But the Pope also noted that de- “inspired by the Holy Spirit, encour- Pope Francis embraces a baby during the gen- in his fi rst general audience after the spite the values families offer, they age the Church to cast out her net with eral audience in St. Peter’s square on aug. 26. Oct. 4 launch of the Synod of Bishops, are frequently not supported by the confi dence and faith in the Word of which is meeting for three weeks to political and economic sectors of life, God.” discuss the theme “The vocation and which seem “to have lost the ability to He then greeted pilgrims present “Like Saint Peter, the Church is mission of the family in the Church incorporate the virtues of family life from various countries around the called to be a fi sher of men, and so and in the contemporary world.” into the common life of society.” world, and asked that those pres- too needs a new type of net. Fami- After recently concluding a series of It is here, he said, that the Church is ent continue to pray for the ongoing catechesis on the family as a lead-in called to live out her mission by fi rst Synod on the Family. He prayed that lies are this net,” the Pope told pil- to this year’s synod gathering, Pope evaluating to what extent she is living they would always be witnesses to grims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Francis explained that he would start as the family of God. God’s love and mercy in the world. a new catechesis on the “indissoluble” For the Church, the family “is like Afterward, Francis offered a special for his Oct. 7 general audience. relationship between the Church and her Magna Carta: the Church is and greeting to a group of Iraqi refugees Families, he said, “free us from the the family, with the good of all hu- must be the family of God,” he said. who were present in the audience, and manity in mind. The Pope explained that this can entrusted both pilgrims and the work sea of loneliness and indifference, He began by drawing attention to be seen in scripture when St. Paul of the synod to the intercession of Our so that we can all experience the the synod’s theme, and said that the says that those who were once far off Lady of the Rosary. freedom of being children of God.” family today “requires our full atten- are no longer strangers or guests, but Secrets of experienced moms to save time, money and stress (BPT) - The fi rst time around, being a enced moms make diaper time easier by mom means learning a lot of new things using Luvs with NightLock. The new, and approaching each new stage with larger refastenable stretch tabs make caution. The second time around, moms fastening Luvs diapers super quick know sometimes you need to wing it and and easy, plus moms can rest-assured embrace the imperfections (and humor) knowing baby’s getting a secure, snug of parenthood. fi t every time. Best yet: these high-qual- Through this experience, moms learn ity features come at less cost than the some amazing time-saving, stress-bust- premium brands. Parenting is full of ing, mind-blowing parenting tricks. Want stressful moments, so don’t let diaper- to know the best time-tested strategies? ing be one of them. Learn more at www. Here are eight ideas from those who luvsdiapers.com. have been around the mommy block a Streamline grocery shopping: A few times: trip to the grocery store doesn’t have to Smart snack storage: There’s no need be a disaster with kids in tow. First, eat to buy expensive snack food containers before you shop. Empty tummies make for all the kiddo’s goodies. When you’re for grumpy kids who want everything done with your coffee creamer, simply in sight. Next, to keep kids focused on remove labels, wash and fi ll with favorite the task at hand, let them be shopping dry snacks. These handy containers are a assistants. Bigger kids can help get foods breeze to pop open and pour into bowls, on your list and little ones can assist by plus the upright bottle maximizes space holding a small item safely and helping in cabinets. you spot foods from the cart (who sees a Cut car chaos: If you have kids, red apple for mommy?). you know all about car clutter, but this Simplify dressing: If you dread put- doesn’t have to be your reality. A canvas ting onesies over your baby’s head, shoe organizer in the back seat is a you can take a sigh of relief because fantastic way to store toys and supplies. there’s an easier approach. Those layered Next, eliminate spills and goo by placing shoulder tabs on onesies mean you can silicone cupcake liners into cup holders. stretch the neck out and dress baby from Finally, a tackle box is ideal for creating the bottom up. When it’s time to undress, a food travel kit with various snacks in simply pull down. No more wiggling, each compartment. crabby baby. Quick and easy diapering: Experi- Continued on Page 18 Page 16 October 18, 2015 HealtH and Wellness The Southwest Kansas Catholic The most common - and solvable - home health and safety risks (BPT) - For many Americans, • To prevent small children from tax credit as are the installation “home” evokes warmth, com- falling out of windows, install costs. Visit www.veluxusa.com fort, security and safety. But window guards with an emer- to learn more. while home may be sweet, gency release device in case of Fires statistics show it’s far from fi re. Each year, thousands of safe. From falls and other types • Use safety straps when placing Americans are killed or injured of accidents to fi res and poor babies and young children in in home fi res, according to data indoor air quality, home can high chairs, carriers or swings, from the National Fire Protec- be a dangerous place - so it’s and never leave a child alone tion Association. Yet homeown- important to make simple home while he or she is strapped in to ers can do a lot to reduce the improvements that can help a device. risk of a fi re occurring: minimize avoidable home safety indoor air quality • Every home should be and health risks. While you may think of pollu- equipped with smoke alarms. Falls tion as an outdoor problem, the If your home is older, it may Falls are the leading type of air inside your home can actu- not already have alarms. Add accident that sends people of ally host more harmful irritants them - smoke alarms reduce all ages to the emergency room, than outside air, according to the risk of home fi re fatality by each year, and they’re particu- research by the Environmental half, according to the NFPA. If larly dangerous for older people Protection Agency. Air pollu- you do have smoke alarms, but and very young children, ac- tion has been linked to a host of they’re old, replace them with cording to data from the Centers health problems, from respi- newer models, and consider the for Disease Control and Preven- ratory ailments like allergies investment of having your home tion. Simple changes to your and asthma, to headaches and hard-wired with alarms. home can help reduce the risk of even depression. Several home • Replace old electrical wiring someone falling: upgrades can help improve air and appliances - they’re a lead- • Make sure all stairways are quality inside your home. ing cause of home fi res. equipped with handrails that are When painting choose low • If you have a wood-burning securely fi xed to the wall. or no-VOC paints. Consider fi replace, use a safety screen to • Outfi t bathrooms used by removing carpets if you suf- catch sparks and prevent burn- Skylights admit healthful daylight and provide passive natural seniors with grab bars in shower fer from allergies or asthma. ing material from rolling out. ventilation. Energy star-qualifi ed VELUX no leak solar powered and toilet areas. Good ventilation can make a • Finally, if you’re building fresh air skylights and blinds are operated by programmable • Provide adequate lighting for home more comfortable and the a new home or renovating an touchpad remote control and close automatically in case of rain. when people move around at air inside it healthier. You can existing one, consider adding the skylights, blinds, and installation costs are eligible for a 30 night, especially in stairways, improve ventilation in a variety a home fi re sprinkler system. percent federal tax credit. Details at www.whyskylights.com. hallways and bathrooms. The of ways, including by installing According to the NFPA, they same is true during the day, fresh air skylights. In addition to reduce the chance of someone especially for older adults and venting stale indoor air through dying in a home fi re by 80 Falls are the leading type of accident that for anyone with reduced vision. passive ventilation, Energy Star- percent. When installed during sends people of all ages to the emergency Traditional or tubular skylights qualifi ed solar powered fresh new construction, a home fi re can bring abundant natural light air skylights deliver the health sprinkler system costs about room each year, and they’re particularly dan- into these and other areas of the benefi ts of natural light. Energy- $1.35 per square foot of covered gerous for older people and very young chil- home. effi cient, remote-controlled space, the Home Fire Sprinkler • Remove or tack down area solar powered fresh air skylights Coalition says, noting that’s dren, according to data from the Centers for rugs to reduce the risk someone and solar powered blinds are about what you would pay to Disease Control and Prevention. will catch a toe and trip. eligible for a 30 percent federal upgrade your carpeting.

Help for farmers • Kansas Rural Family Helpline, toll free, 866-327-6578: Provides con- fi dential, short-term emotional sup- port, advice, and qualifi ed referrals directly to rural families struggling with an unmet emotional, medical, fi nancial, or legal need. • Kansas Agriculture Mediation Services, toll-free, 800-321-3276: Helps farmers, agricultural lenders and USDA agencies resolve disputes in a confi dential and non-adversarial setting outside the traditional legal process. • WORKs -- Work Opportunities for Rural Kansans, toll free, 866- 271-0853: Helps farmers, ranchers, and their families to make a transition from farming and ranching to non- farm employment. “Not a moment of life is waisted on a farm. Other people may have been more places, but they haven’t out- lived me.” -- a Texas farmer God wants full custody, not just weekend visits. -- Anonymous The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 17 This nine-year-old wants to meet Francis oh, and be pope someday, too

With the help of his little brother, Parker Langdon of Denver pretends to celebrate Mass. Photos courtesy of the Langdon family

By MarY reZaC raise the money, which I thought it was here.” “Parker’s thinking about snacks, of Catholic News Agency going to be a little hard. But it was sort At fi rst, Josh and Jordan were nervous course,” said Jordan, “He’s packing a enver, Colo. - Ever since he started of hard and sort of easy.” about what would happen if Parker backpack full of beef jerky.” Dattending Catholic schools three The Langdon family put their heads couldn’t raise all the money. They start- And his binoculars, for prime papal years ago, nine year-old Parker Langdon together and formed a committee to raise ed coming up with contingency plans for viewing. has wanted to be a priest. the money – more than $3,000 – that making up the difference. They also prepared to travel with a “He asked my mom to make him would be necessary to send Parker and But once the word spread, the cam- group that’s quite a bit older. vestments, and he’d set up the altar, and an accompanying parent to the World paign gained some serious traction. “There’s one other family that has a get cups, and he wanted hosts, so he’s Meeting of Families trip with the Arch- The whole project became a lesson in few kids going, and then everyone else loved to do that with his cousins and for diocese of Denver, which concluded gratitude and generosity for the Langdon is quite a bit older,” Jordan said. “So the neighbors,” said his mother, Jordan with Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. family, Josh said. Parker and I have been talking about Langdon. Parker was the committee head, Dad “I was having a network meeting with preparing ourselves mentally for what When he’s visiting his grandparents, was treasurer – “He’s good with charts”, another business man who’d never met that means to go on a pilgrimage with Parker also likes to invite people over said Parker, and Mom was secretary. Parker,” Josh said. “We were at lunch people that are older, and that we might and “say Mass” and give homilies, she – “She helped to do stuff like write out just talking about (the trip), and towards have some sacrifi ces to make and help said. things and all the stuff for us to get ready the end of lunch he just slid $200 in cash them along the way.” Oh, and Lincoln, his three year-old for the trip.” across the table and said, ‘Tell Parker to Jordan said she was looking forward brother? “I had to write out an agenda, because have a great time.’” to seeing Pope Francis in person and to “He’s ‘Deacon Lincoln,’” said his we had our own little meetings to com- Josh said the people of their parish, watching Parker’s reaction to seeing the father, Josh Parker. municate with each other to see what Our Lady of Loretto in Aurora, Colo., Pope. “It’s been quite a surprise to us and was going to happen,” Parker said. including Knights of Columbus Council Parker said, besides the plane rides, he very touching, and something he’s He also drafted a letter to send out to 12336 and the Men of Faith group, have was most excited for the Papal Mass and maintained an interest in, so we want to friends and family, asking for donations been overwhelmingly supportive and seeing Pope Francis in action. support his interests as far as we can,” for his trip: generous. “I really want to be the Pope someday, Jordan added. It was slow going at fi rst. The letters Handwritten thank-you notes were I kind of want to be a priest, so I thought So when the Langdon’s found out didn’t come pouring back right away sent to each donor, as well as a promise maybe I could see him, see what kind of about Pope Francis’ trip to the United like Parker had expected. of gifts from the trip. things he does.” States, they shared the news with their “My fi rst donation was from me, and Once the funds were raised and the son. so I had $57 at the time, so I put that trip was a clear “go”, the Langdons Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, at press “My dad told me about how he was toward the trip, so I didn’t know if I was began preparing in other ways. time there is no information regarding going to come, and he asked me if I going to make it,” he said. “But once I Nine days before the trip, they began whether or not Parker was able to meet wanted to go and I said yeah!” Parker started getting money and getting letters, praying the Divine Mercy novena, and with Pope Francis. recalled. “But then I found out I had to I thought ok we’re making progress getting their packing lists together. Page 18 October 18, 2015 Obituaries The Southwest Kansas Catholic Maria S. Rodriquez, 52, of St. Anthony grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; mittee, was a lector and Eucharistic min- Father Benjamin Martin presided. of Padua Parish, Leoti, died Sept. 27, 2015. and sister, Donna Schmidt. Father Firmin ister. He also served his faith at Perpetual Dorothy E. Kerschen, 91, of Prince of She is survived by her husband, Pete Ro- Kyaw presided. Adoration for 13 years. Survivors include Peace Parish at St. Patrick Church, Great driquez; sons Ivan and Adan; daughters anna M. Cole, 88, of Prince of Peace his wife of 39 years Jenise; two daughters Bend, died Oct. 9, 2015. She was preceded Haydee Rodriguez, Candice Rodriquez, Parish at St. Rose of Lima Church, Great Jessica Moreno and Bridgette Regan; a son, in death by her husband, Wilferd J. Ker- Susan Fitzgerald, Cecilia Rodriquez, and Bend, died Sept. 29, 2015. She was married Nathan; two granddaughters Hailey Moreno schen, on July 9, 1977. She was a member Maria Rodriquez; brothers Luis A. Bailon to Jack K. Cole, who preceded her in death and Kristen Moreno; brothers Tom, Mike, of the Altar Society. Survivors include one Sr. and Francisco Bailon, Sr.; sisters Maria on Dec. 1, 1988. A Great Bend resident Tim, and Jim; sisters Kathleen Scheuchzer, son, Robert Kerschen; two daughters, Sue De Socorro Bailon, Rita Alicia Bailon, Tere since 1947, coming from Willowdale, Mrs. Mary Regan, Ann Pottorf, and Colleen Doonan and Aimee Shank; four grandchil- Bailon, Graciela Bailon, Maria de Jesus Cole was a self-employed seamstress work- Steck; and numerous nieces and nephews. dren and five great grandchildren. Father Bailon Cuidad Juarez, and Elizabeth Bailon; ing. She was a member of the Altar Society, Father Reginald A. Urban presided. Don Bedore. presided. 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. and was a former Girl Scout leader and Frank E. Frias, 60, of St. Mary Parish, Father Ben Martin presided. Boy Scout den mother. Survivors include Garden City, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015. • • • eugene “Gene” Michael Garrett, 80, one son,: Ken Roberts; two daughters, Survivors include his wife, Virginia Mar- If you notice that a loved one’s of Holy Rosary Parish, Medicine Lodge, Carla Hanson and and Audrey McLain; tinez; children Frankie Frias and Yaneth obituary has not been included, died Sept. 28, 2015. He was a 4th degree step-son, Doug Cole; two step-daughters, Berenice Frias; three grandchildren and one contact Dave at (620) 227-1519, or Knight in the Knights of Columbus and Elaine Felke and Cathy Cole; one sister, great-grandchild; and siblings Elvia Frias, email [email protected]. was the original founder of the Knights of Christina Bohrer; 13 grandchildren and 25 Delia Frias, Ray Frias, Mario Frias, Bernie The Catholic makes every effort to Columbus in Medicine Lodge. He served in great-grandchildren. Father Louis Trung Frias, Samuel Frias and Eddy Frias. the U.S. Army from 1957-1959. Survivors Dinh Hoang presided. Esperanza “Hope” Terrones, 82, of St. include obituaries for all Catholics include his wife, Lillian Garrett,; daugh- Shawn Leo Joseph Regan, 61, of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Leoti, died Oct. residing in the Diocese of Dodge ters, Kim McCormick, Valerie Starnes, Dominic Parish, Garden City, died Oct. 2, 5, 2015. Survivors include sister, Mary City. Due to space constraints, the Rita Buckaloo, and Tonia VanRanken; six 2015. He served on the parish finance com- Guerra, and many nieces and nephews. Catholic must edit for length. Got a minute? George Harshberger, Jr. mourned The Diocese of Dodge City seminar- from the people back home. Please take Thank eorge D. Harshberger Jr., 77, of the Cathedral of ians have expressed that they are the envy a moment to drop them a note, card or GOur Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Dodge City, died of their classmates because of the many postcard, offering them your well-wishes Oct. 9, 2015. He was a lifetime resident of Minneola. He letters and cards of support they receive for a good year! you! was named to the All-Conference Football team for the 1959 season and was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers and Juan Salas Jacob Schneider John Stang Mark Brantley: Denver Broncos. Upon graduating from Dodge City Junior College with honors in May of 1960, with a degree in Pope Saint Mathematics, he opted to accept a two-year teaching fel- John lowship in Physics at WSU. XXIII After completing his fellowship and earning a Masters National Degree in Physics, he accepted a contract from Dodge Seminary, City Jr. College beginning August of 1962. His teach- 558 South ing contract included head golf coach, assistant football Avenue, coach, and Math-Science instructor. Mr. Harshberger was Weston, employed by DCCC for 12 years when he decided to retire MA 02494 from teaching and devote full time to the family farm. Survivors include his wife, Judith DeShon; children, An- drea Castaldo, Greg Harshberger, Gary Harshberger, Susan St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, 1300 S. Steele St., Dunn; two sisters, Norma Leis and Ida Heinson; seven Denver, Colo. 80210 grandchildren. Father Aneesh Parappanattu presided. Secrets moms use to avoid stress From Page 15 of cold; all you have to do is place them in a Streamline midnight feeding: Don’t lose plastic bag, seal and keep in the freezer. precious Z’s because it’s feeding time. Keep Keep small hands clean: There’s no need baby in “sleep zone” with little-to-no light and to strain your back holding your kid up so he refrain from talking. Light and moms voice are can reach the sink to wash his hands. An empty extremely stimulating to baby. Another smart shampoo bottle can easily transform into a handy idea: change her diaper first so if she falls asleep faucet extender. Ditch the cap and cut a hole on while eating, you can lay her down and get back the bottom to hook to the faucet. Secure on the to bed quickly. spout and the water will extend out so it’s within Inventive cold packs: From babies to toddlers a child’s reach. to big kids, boo-boos are a fact of life. For little Experienced moms know more, know better bumps, a mini-marshmallow pack is a fun way and know that clever tips and tricks can help to make ouchies feel better. Mini marshmallows save time and money. That means less stress are lightweight, soft and hold the perfect amount plus more time and energy for creating lasting memories with the little loves of your life.

Scripture Readings Help for farmers Sunday, Oct. 18 Romans 7:18-25/Luke 12:54-59 thursday, Oct. 29 Isaiah 53:10-11/Hebrews 4:14- Saturday, Oct. 24 Romans 8:31-39/Luke 13:31-35 • Kansas Rural Family Helpline, toll free, 866-327-6578: 16/Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45 Romans 8:1-11/Luke 13:1-9 Friday, Oct. 30 Provides confidential, short-term emotional support, advice, and Monday, Oct. 19 Sunday, Oct. 25 Romans 9:1-5/Luke 14:1-6 qualified referrals directly to rural families struggling with an Romans 4:20-25/Luke 12:13-21 Jeremiah 31:7-9/Hebrews 5:1- Saturday, Oct. 31 unmet emotional, medical, financial, or legal need. tuesday, Oct. 20 6/Mark 10:46-52 Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29/ • Kansas Agriculture Mediation Services, toll-free, 800-321- Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20- Monday, Oct. 26 Luke 14:1, 7-11 3276: Helps farmers, agricultural lenders and USDA agencies 21/Luke 12:35-38 Romans 8:12-17/Luke 13:10-17 sunday, Nov. 1; All Saints resolve disputes in a confidential and non-adversarial setting Wednesday, Oct. 21 Tuesday, Oct. 27 - Solemnity outside the traditional legal process. Romans 6:12-18/Luke 12:39-48 Romans 8:18-25/Luke 13:18-21 Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14/First • WORKs -- Work Opportunities for Rural Kansans, toll free, thursday, Oct. 22 Wednesday, Oct. 28; Saints John 3:1-3/Matthew 5:1-12 866-271-0853: Helps farmers, ranchers, and their families to Romans 6:19-23/Luke 12:49-53 Simon and Jude, apostles make a transition from farming and ranching to non-farm em- Friday, Oct. 23 Ephesians 2:19-22/Luke 6:12-16 ployment. The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 19 Catholic Social Service St. Bernard invites public to Parish, Belpre 50th Anniversary Banquet to host 53rd Turkey Supper odge City, Oct. 7, 2015: The task of Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas together to make sure those needs were Dserving the people in all 28 coun- by Timothy F. Wenzl. Reservations for the met. t. Bernard Parish Hall in Belpre ties of southwest Kansas was daunting banquet can be made online at http://catho- “I have to say it is quite amazing,” said Swill play host to the parish’s 53rd prospect in 1965. To accomplish the feat, licsocialservice.org/banquet-rsvp Debbie Snapp, Executive Director of Cath- Annual Turkey Supper, Wednesday, Father Walter Weiss fl ew to meet with The story of Catholic Social Service is olic Social Service. “I always feel we are Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. “until the food adoptive couples in his little Piper Cub air composed of many remarkable stories: so small when I go to the Catholic Char- runs out.” plane, landing in whatever fi eld or country the placement of nearly 600 children in ity USA gatherings and there are other Besides a turkey supper, the event road was available. loving adoptive homes since 1965; the agencies doing so much. When we think will include a country store, games Today, Catholic Social Service staff couple in Ransom who became adop- back on all that has been done, though, our and a raffl e. members use cars to travel and meet with tive parents for fi ve siblings; the couple agency seems pretty big!” Raffl e prizes include: metal art clients, but the mission of helping those in who fostered 102 babies until they could Catholic Social Service opened its fi rst donated by Ironman Studio’s Brian need remains the same. The agency invites be placed in loving homes; the resettle- offi ce in Great Bend KS on March 15, Williamson; a quilt handmade by the public to come and share other similar ment of more than 400 refugees from the 1965. Throughout the year, the agency has Cheryl Skalsky; dental cleaning stories at the 50th Anniversary Banquet worn-torn countries of Vietnam, Laos been celebrating its 50th Anniversary with donated by Crystal Obee of Kinsley; that will be held on Nov. 7, 2015, at 6 and Cambodia; the recovery efforts after special events in Great Bend, Garden City a $75 gift certifi cate for Burkharts p.m., at the United Wireless Conference the Great Bend Flood and the Hoisington and Dodge City. The 50th Anniversary in Kinsley, and three lawn chairs Center, 4100 Comanche in Dodge City. and Greensburg tornadoes; the migrant Banquet will mark the conclusion of the donated by BTI. There is no charge for the event, and workers; the teen moms; the bishops, year of celebration. Reservations for the Raffl e tickets cost $1, or six for $5, attendees will receive a free copy of the priests and sisters; and the countless banquet can be made online at http://catho- and can be purchased from any par- new book: A Legacy of Hope: 50th An- volunteers who noticed the needs in their licsocialservice.org/banquet-rsvp, or by ish member. Participants need not be niversary of Catholic Social Service in the local communities, and who worked calling Rebecca Ford at 620-792-1393. present to win. Meal tickets cost $9 for adults; $5 for children aged 5-12; and free for

WHEN Life GETS children under age 5. Belpre is located just north of Hwy Sources of Truth TOO HARD TO STAND, 50, approximately 20 miles east of The following feature, which includes ways in which you can Kinsley. Turn north on Larned St. fi nd information, entertainment, and evangelization within a (Hwy 19) and left on Hudson Ave. Catholic context, was created by Bishop John Brungardt. kneel. Pope Francis key source of truth is the homilies, speeches, and other writings of our A Pope. For example, in Pope Francis’ recent trip to the USA, we often hear or see a few select quotes from him. I recommend to read the whole talk, refl ecting on it with an eye of faith. How does the statement lead us to When it comes to your to-do list, a deeper understanding of our Catholic Faith, of our place in the world, of a call to action? The Holy Father’s documents may be found at: put your future first. http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en.html Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s For example, use left menu for “homilies” or “speeches.” Find year and best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, month. Scroll to the document, click on the language you want, or click on “Video.” Edward Jones offers a complimentary financial review.

A financial review is a great opportunity to sit face to face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and St. SebaStian’S SoduKo develop strategies to help keep your finances in line with your short- and long-term goals. a sudoku puz- zle has 9 col- umns, 9 rows To find out how to get your financial goals and 9 boxes of on track, call or visit today. 3x3 squares. to solve a puzzle, Jim Armatys fi ll in the table Todd J Armatys Lloyd Davis, CFP® Financial Advisor so that the Financial Advisor . . numbers from 1904 Broadway 210 E Frontview Suite B 1 to 9 will be Great Bend, KS 67530 Dodge City, KS 67801 1-888-825-0651 in each col- 620-793-5481 620-225-0651 umn, each row 1-800-432-8249 and each 3x3 box only once. every sudoku puzzle can R.T. McElreath, have only one AAMS® correct solu- Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC . tion. 103 West 6th Scott City, KS 67871 1-800-632-3188620-872-3188 Page 20 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic adVantage

GABRIEL’S CROSSWORD

aCrOSS 2 These were waved 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 at Jesus when he entered 8 9 Call us today at the following locations: Jerusalem Bucklin: 620-826-3848 6 Vatican ___ 8 ___ Holy Spirit, fi ll Cimarron: 620-855-3185 the hearts…” 10 11 12 Dodge City: 620-227-3196 9 “Where were you Garden City: 620-276-7671 when I laid the founda- tion of the ___?” (Job 13 14 15 16 Ness City: 785-798-2237 38:4) Syracuse: 620-384-7800 10 St. Mark is patron of this city www.kellerleopold.com 11 Communion at the 17 18 19 20 end 21 13 Short text chanted before and after a psalm 22 23 24 25 26 15 It is given after the Gospel 17 Gift of the Holy 27 28 29 30 Spirit 19 Honorifi c title for a bishop 22 Nun’s headdress 31 32 24 The gifts 33 34 27 Conferred Holy Or- ders www.wordgamesforcatholics.com 29 Diocese in Arizona 31 He went to and fro 2 Asking God for our 10 The ___ Dolorosa 22 Catechism question: on the earth (Job 1:7) needs in prayer 12 Marian month ___ made me? 32 Mary, ___-Virgin 3 Father of Noah 14 She renamed herself 23 Type of Psalm 33 Patron saint of Can- 4 ___ of the Servants Mara 25 Our Lady of ___ ada of God (papal title) 16 Language of the 26 B i b l e o p e n e r Dan reed, FiCF rob Pinkerton 34 Jesus separated these 5 One who gives 15A, Church (abbr.) Field agent Field agent from the sheep in Mat- for example 18 Divine time 28 There were 40 days (785) 472-2145 offi ce (785) 543-7651 thew 25 6 Perfumed oil, conse- 20 Saintly evidence and nights of this (785) 531-0135 cell Servicing the following DoWn Servicing the following crated by the bishop needed to canonize 30 Animals frequently councils: Larned, Belpre, 1 Symbol of the Holy councils: Great Bend, 7 “Blessed art ___ 21 First bishop of Aus- mentioned in the Bible St. John, Seward, Ness Spirit Olmitz, Ellinwood, Rus- City, Great Bend, Olmitz among women” tralia sell, Clafl in, Hoisington, Odin, Ellsworth. ST. MICHAEL’S BRAIN TEASERS

teaSer tHe FirSt: TEasEr THE sEconD: Handel has been teaSer tHe tHirD: Five words that contain killed and Beethoven is on the case. He has These are rhyming word BO as a letter pair have interviewed the four suspects and their state- riddles. For example: 1409 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-8168 had all of their other let- ments are shown below. Each suspect has Large Feline would be Fat Dodge City, KS 67801 ters removed and placed said two sentences. One sentence of each Cat. into a pool. Put those suspect is a lie and one sentence is the truth. 1. Sweet condiment letters back in their proper Help Beethoven fi gure out who the killer is. 2. Fast fl oating places. What are the 3. Chicken noodle club words? Joplin: I did not kill Handel. Either Grieg is 4. Fact detective rJ Meyer, FiC tyler Meyer the killer or none of us is. 5. Phoney pain Field agent Field agent *BO**, BO****, Grieg: I did not kill Handel. Gershwin is the 6. Tiny sphere (620) 546-6071 (785) 726-4899 **BO**, ***BO*, killer. 7. Wander to your house Servicing the following councils: Servicing the following ****BO* Strauss: I did not kill Handel. Grieg is lying 8. What you say when you councils: Kingman, Sharon, Ness City, Spearville, Wright, when he says Gershwin is the killer. want the feline to leave Willowdale, St. Leo, Pratt, Fowler, Windthorst, Dodge City, Pool: A, A, A, C, D, E, I, Gershwin: I did not kill Handel. If Joplin did 9. Hypnotic ballet Jetmore, Ashland, Kinsley. Danville, Medicine Lodge, Kiowa, Greensburg. I, L, M, N, N, R, R, S, S, not kill him, then Grieg did. 10. Poem hour T, U, W, Y

this Could Be You!

george Spinelli, FiCF, LUtCF, CLU general agent For more (785) 726-4899 offi ce information on a (785) 650-3404 cell career with the Servicing the following councils: Knights of Marienthal, Scott City, Johnson, Lakin, Columbus, please Tribune, Ransom, Garden City, Plains, contact Liberal, Ulysses, Ingalls, Hugoton, Syracuse, Elkhart, Satanta, Dighton. george Spinelli at (785) 726-4899. 855-392-9333. The Southwest Kansas Catholic AdVantage October 18, 2015 Page 21 Priests on the Prairie Msgr. Joseph Gerstenkorn – October 18, 1998 sgr. Gerstenkorn was born Jan. 29, 1907, at Redwing. He Mattended Holy Family School in Odin. He took his semi- 105 Layton Street nary studies at St. Lawrence Seminary, Mount Calvary, Wisc., and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis. He was ordained May 26, 1934, by Bishop August J. Schwertner at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Wichita. His first assignment was assistant pastor at St. Patrick’s, Par- sons (1934-37). He served in six pastorates: St. Joseph, Offerle, with St. Mary, Hodgeman County (1937-48); St. Joseph, Conway Springs (1948-50); Christ the King, Wichita (1950-59), St. Francis of Assisi, Wichita (1959-67), St. Vincent de Paul, An- dover (1967-75), and St. Mary’s, Aleppo (1975-84). He retired in 1984. On Feb. 4, 1939, during his first pastorate, a fire caused by a faulty furnace, destroyed the interior of the brick church at Of- ferle. It was remodeled within the same year. Msgr. Gerstenkorn developed a reputation as a building priest. He started the school at Hodgeman County (1943); built a new school at Offerle (1945), and a new rectory at Conway Msgr. Gerstenkorn de- Springs (1950). veloped a reputation as a He was elevated to the rank of papal chamberlain by Pope building priest. He started Pius XII in 1957. Msgr. Gerstenkorn was the founding pastor for two Wichita the school at Hodgeman parishes: Christ the King and St. Francis of Assisi, where he County (1943); built a new built the parish plants. school at Offerle (1945), He was a resident at the Priest Retirement Center when he died at the age of 91 on Oct. 18, 1998. Bishop Eugene J. Gerber and a new rectory at Con- celebrated the funeral at Christ the King Church. Burial was at way Springs (1950). Resurrection Cemetery in Wichita.

www.dcdiocese.org/archivist-diocesan/necrology

waddell.com Member SIPC Paula Mueting Financial Advisor 1409 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 2012 B First Ave 620-227-8168 Dodge City, KS 67801 Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-5903 Your ad here At more than 6,000 issues printed bi-monthly, the Southwest Kansas Catholic has the highest circulation of any Catholic newspaper in southwest Kansas. For several years in a row, it has received the “Best Newspaper of the Year” award, as judged and presented by its staff. To place an ad, contact Tim Wenzl at (620) 227-1556, or email [email protected].

Masonry Restoration & Repair When you want to New Masonry Sell or Buy a Farm or Ranch Call (316) 218-7481 Michael Beckerman Golden, Inc. Realtors Cell: (316) 218-7481 Email: [email protected] Obituary Policy -- Obituary listings are printed free of charge, but must be edited for space. If the SKC missed a listing, or printed an inaccuracy, contact Dave at (620) 227-1519 or [email protected]. Please pray for those listed, their families and friends. Page 22 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic adVantage

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ABOUT, BODILY, EMBOSS, EMBOSS, BODILY, ABOUT, Cellular (620) 629-1747 email: [email protected] FirSt: (620) 227-1533 • [email protected] 307 N. Kansas, Suite 101, Liberal The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 23

Science and religion Happy and healthy From Page 5 Middle Ages, a leader in the development of science. how-tos from The Church founded the fi rst universities, like Paris, Oxford, and Cambridge. What people are most surprised about is that many 100-year-olds, 10-year-olds of the great scientists of the past were priests and From Page 11 members of religious communities. Polish cleric have the next 90 years to catch up. Both groups say family and Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) was the fi rst per- friends are key to maintaining a positive attitude. son to place the sun at the center of the solar system, astrolabe with the earth revolving around it, rather than the created Nurture family relationships sun revolving around the earth. This discovery upset Despite many years together, centenarians feel anything but by Bishop the accepted theories of religion and science. “stuck” with their families. In fact, they actively stay in touch, ignazio Ignatio Danti (1536-1586), Bishop of Altari, was with 83 percent saying they speak with extended family mem- Danti. renowned for his wide-ranging interests in astronomy, bers at least weekly. Nearly 9 in 10 centenarians (89 percent) mathematics, architecture, civil engineering, hydrau- say visiting with family and friends makes them happy, and two- lics, and cartography. The French Jesuit Jean-Felix devoted considerable attention to the relationship be- thirds of 10-year-olds agree. Picard (1620-1682) was the fi rst person to provide tween religion and reason, insisting that they are two What’s more, almost half (45 percent) of 100-year-olds and an accurate measure of the size of the earth. complementary tracks toward an understanding of 40 percent of 10-year-olds say they’d prefer to spend time with The Augustinian Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) is the world. In 1988, Pope John Paul II issued a land- a family member above anyone else in the world. And when it acclaimed as the father of modern genetics, and his mark encyclical titled “Faith and Reason” (Fides et comes to childhood role models, both groups cite family above work continues to be an important starting point for Ratio) in which he argued for the complementarity teachers, celebrities or others, with mom being the most popular genetic science today. The Belgian priest Georges of religious faith and scientifi c reasoning. choice. Lemaitre (1894-1966) was the fi rst to propose the In recent times, the “New Atheists” (principally “Big Bang” theory—which revolutionized standard Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Remember, age is just a number views of how the universe was created. The “Big Hitchens) have been enormously successful in While both groups say it’s good to be young, many centenar- Bang” theory continues today to be the accepted convincing people at a popular level that science ians embrace their age. Perhaps that’s because, on average, the view of the origin of the universe. and religion stand in radical opposition, and that 100-year-olds report feeling more than two decades younger So where did the antagonism between science religion is fundamentally nonsense, even dangerous than they are, and 60 percent say they do not feel old. Given the and religion originate, so that people like Galileo and destructive, and has nothing to offer science. choice between being their current age or 10-years-old, more were condemned by the Church? Not from a sup- The truth is that the development of science than half of centenarians (58 percent) say they would rather be posed religious hostility toward science, but from stands at the heart of the Church’s mission. Catholic 100. misunderstandings and ecclesiastical politics. In universities and colleges have science programs fact, popes over the centuries have been far more not only to qualify young people for jobs, but to For more information on UnitedHealthcare’s 100@100 survey, positive about science than is often thought. advance the cause of science through rigorous study visit UHC.com/100. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI and research. Page 24 October 18, 2015 H ealtH and W ellness The Southwest Kansas Catholic A triumph through remarkable trial From Page 11 playing with toy horses, and one day, she asked to try horse- back riding. John says, “She was four when she started ‘pony camp’ and I remember she was in a riding show her fi rst year. That smile on her face just stole the judge’s hearts. You can never look to Valeria to see which team is losing or winning because she’s always smiling. Valeria enjoys everything she does, she enjoys life.” Tkacik went on to take fi ve years of dance classes includ- ing hip hop and tap dancing, played the trumpet in elementary school and was in the school’s Drama Club. She also got in- volved in sports, which she says helped build her confi dence. “Growing up as a little girl, I never saw my life as any dif- ferent and I don’t think my friends did either,” she says. In fact, her parents called Tkacik the “Pied Piper” of their neighborhood as a child because of her ability to attract new friends. It’s those friends and her community which have lent her support throughout the years. Still, Tkacik says people are often curious about how she’s able to handle life with one arm. “People always asked me growing up how I am able to tie my shoes, how do I put my hair up in a pony tail or how I am able to play lacrosse,” she said. “I just say that I just do it. Even though I only have one arm, God has given me so many other beautiful gifts. It’s been a real honor and blessing to please the Lord with all the events and activities I’ve been do- ing and I think He is pleased with how I handled my situation growing up.” It didn’t take long for Tkacik’s athletic talents to progress from her fi rst game in 4th grade basketball to some lofty achievements on her 8th grade team. That was the year she was named to two all-tournament teams and won a 3-point contest. She led her team in scoring, assists and blocked shots – so strong defensively that she was the team’s center. As a junior in high school, Tkacik played an important role during her basketball team’s championship season. She also played the position of defender as a lacrosse player for her high school team; a sport that she had not played until her sophomore year. “I loved guarding the cage,” she said. “At Ave Maria, I also got to play mid-fi eld and absolutely loved it.” Tkacik’s quickness and speed allow her to be a diverse player on the fi eld. Tkacik said she always knew that God had a plan for her and the entire Tkacik family points to her strong faith as the reason for her success. “She learned her Catholic faith attending Catholic schools but also living in the faith at home. We would say rosaries at home together. She would remind us it was almost time to pray. The feeling you get from that as a parent wants to make you do it that much more,” her mother refl ected. Those teachings have served her well as a young adult now living away at college. She frequently attends Mass at her university and spends time in the Adoration Chapel. “(People) always ask me how I am able to do what I do. They say it is something that they could never do,” she said. “It’s a crutch that God gives certain people that He thinks can overcome it and I think I am the right person to handle this.” “God led my parents to Russia to come pick me up,” she says. “I always had joy in my heart and I always want to give back to God because without Him, I don’t know where I would be.” Tkacik, a political science major, said she would love to get into politics in the future as she also completed an internship with U.S. Senator Rob Portman in Washington, DC. “I just think it’s fascinating,” she said. She has an interest in attending law school following her undergraduate studies and is also considering pursuing a career in the media. Ultimately, Tkacik said she just wants to live the life she’s been called to live. “Actions speak louder than words and I just love my life,” hrough the parish and diocesan commitment to stewardship, World Mission Sunday is supported she said. “My goal is to continue to live a Christ-like life.” Tthrough sacrifi cial gifts you place in the offering basket each Sunday. If you wish to make a special gift of support for Catholic missions across the globe, please send that gift clearly marked to the Catholic Diane Xavier contributed to this story. Reprinted with per- Chancery, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, Kansas, 67801. Your gift will be sent directly to the United States mission from Sports Up Today. Conference of Catholic Bishops to benefi t the efforts of Catholic missions.