“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”

VOL. 31, NO. 10 MAY 16, 2019 Pope Issues New Norms on Mandatory Abuse Reporting, Bishop Accountability VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Fran- governance and protecting those entrusted cis has revised and clarified norms and to their care. procedures for holding bishops and reli- For this reason, the new document es- gious superiors accountable in protecting tablishes a clearer set of universal proce- minors, as well as in protecting members dures for reporting suspected abuse, carry- of religious orders and seminarians from ing out initial investigations and protecting abuse. victims and whistleblowers. The new juridical instrument is meant The new document, given “motu pro- to help bishops and religious leaders prio,” on the pope’s own initiative, was around the world clearly understand their titled “Vos estis lux mundi” (“You are the duties and church law, underlining how light of the world”), based on a verse from they are ultimately responsible for proper the Gospel of St. Matthew (5:14). “The crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, cause physi- cal, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faith- ful,” the pope said in the document, released by the Vatican May 9. Pope Francis prays in front of a candle in memory of victims of sexual abuse The norms go into ef- as he visits St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin Aug. 25, 2018. (CNS photo/Paul fect June 1. Haring) To stop all forms of abuse from ever hap- hearts” necessary, there must be “concrete Congregation for Bishops, said the new pening again, not only and effective actions that involve everyone norms ascribe a new role to heads of dio- is “a continuous and in the church,” he wrote. profound conversion of Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Please see ABUSE page 27 }} Bishop Schlert to Ordain Transitional Deacon May 18 By TAMI QUIGLEY conate. He truly has a theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in be done by, first of all, recognizing that Staff writer servant-leader’s heart, Emmitsburg, Maryland. God is the one who knows how much help which characterizes “I hope to receive from God the grace of I will need and what I can accomplish with “Truly I must acknowledge at this mo- our Lord’s call to ser- his help. These words his grace. ment in my life that what God has worked vice, most especially may sound easy, but “This is because in me has not been what I would have in the ordained min- the reality of asking “I thank God for all the angels only God knows expected, but this is because God’s plans istry of the deacon. I for the grace of God’s better than we do for me are greater than I could ever have know he will bring a help is not something that the Lord has placed on our family history, imagined,” said Juan Eduardo Rodriguez, great deal of joy and that is always easy this path of discernment and our experiences who will soon be serving the Diocese of zeal to his ministry to do. After all, we, vocational training.” and a thousand Allentown as a transitional deacon. and his assignment,” as humans, want to other variables that Bishop Alfred Schlert will administer said Father Christo- be self-sufficient, but “Doy gracias a Dios por to- contribute to the the Sacrament of Ordination by ordaining pher Butera, Diocesan we are called to be unique picture of Rodriguez a transitional deacon during the director of seminar- humble and recognize dos los ángeles que el Señor our dependence on Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate Satur- ian formation and ad- that we are not really ha puesto en este camino de the divine.” day, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral ministrator of Sacred Rodriguez capable of doing any- discernimiento y formación Rodriguez, of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. Heart, Bath. thing on our own. vocacional.” 46, was born and As a transitional deacon, Rodriguez will “The timing of God “We all need the raised in the Do- share God’s word, bring Viaticum to the is perfect, and with the help of God’s grace, grace of God’s help to minican Republic. dying, celebrate funerals, assist with and I will be ordained a transitional deacon of live our particular vocations to God. After graduating from Liceo Nocturno Los bless marriages, baptize, instruct people in the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Al- “Asking for God’s help is something Alcarrizos High School, Santo Domingo in the faith and perform works of charity. lentown,” said Rodriguez, who is of Do- that must be affirmed with courage every 1992, he graduated as a graphic designer “The Diocese is very happy and proud minican origin. “I have recently finished, day and learned every day, especially in to be ordaining Juan Eduardo to the Dia- with the grace of God, my third year of my case as a transitional deacon. This can Please see DEACON page 3 }} Families Invited to Vocations In This Issue Holy Hour for 3 Priest Candidates Because We Are Catholic 2 Quo Vadis, Fiat Camps 3 Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert invites fam- Confirmation Schedule 7 ilies in the Diocese of Allentown to a Vocations We Are Remembered 9 Holy Hour Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at the Cathe- YA Commissioners 13 dral of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 W. Turner St., Allentown – in prayer for the transitional deacons Alpha for Teens 14 to be ordained to the priesthood the next day, Sat- St. John Neumann Relics 15 urday, June 1 – and a Diocesan Act of Consecra- Catholic Daughters 16 tion to the Blessed Mother. Servants to All 17 Details on page 4. 2 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019

“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord” Because We Are Catholic

As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. Times is the official newspaper Lay Advisory Board Oversees Spending for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill of Bishop’s Annual Appeal Donations counties. By PAUL WIRTH Published biweekly or triweekly Diocesan Communications Staff on Thursdays by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. As a member of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Trust at P.O. Box F Advisory Board, Marian Carty of Palmerton helps en- Allentown, PA 18105-1538 sure that every dollar donated to the appeal is spent ap- Phone: 610-871-5200, Ext. 2264 propriately. Fax: 610-439-7694 “The Bishop’s Annual Appeal plays a key role in the E-mail: [email protected] Diocese of Allentown,” says Carty. “The appeal enables us to care for every member of our community, in all five President counties of the Diocese, which we do ‘Because We Are Bishop Alfred Schlert Catholic.’” The Trust Advisory Board, a group of mostly lay peo- Secretary for External Affairs ple from across the Diocese, meets regularly to recom- Matt Kerr mend how the money should be spent, and to monitor that spending. Editor Recently, people have asked if Bishop’s Annual Ap- Jill Caravan peal donations would be used to pay the costs of the cler- gy abuse crisis or to pay settlements for victims. Staff Writers “No dollars from the appeal are used for any abuse- Tara Connolly related expenses,” says Carty. Tami Quigley “The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is operated with trans- parency and accountability. The faithful can be assured Design & Production that their gift is always allocated to the specific charities, Marcus Schneck educational uses and ministries for which it is intended.” Advertising Contact Lori Anderson “Because We Are Catholic” tells the stories of how the people of the Diocese of Allentown Administrative Assistant Cheryl Dano make a difference in the lives of others, bringing the Light of Christ to each other DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN and to our community. MISSION STATEMENT Videos of people in the series are available on the A Roman Catholic Family of Faith, Diocesan website at centered in the Holy Eucharist, faithful to the Church’s teaching, bringing the www.allentowndiocese.org/bishop-blog. Light of Christ to each other and to our community. POLICY STATEMENTS The A.D. Times will consider all editorial Upcoming Issues of The A.D. Times copy and photos submitted in a fair and ob- jective manner. The newspaper reserves the Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline right to reject or edit any submission. May 30 May 20 May 23 Any advertising copy accepted does not June 20 June 10 June 13 necessarily reflect the views, opinions or en- 1 July 1 July 1 July 4 dorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its pub- lisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right to Aug. 1 July 22 July 25 reject any advertising copy submitted. Aug. 22 Aug. 12 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Sept. 2 Sept. 5 DEADLINES Oct. 3 Sept. 23 Sept. 26 Advertising copy must be received by Oct. 17 Oct. 7 Oct. 10 Monday of the week before publication. News copy must be received by Thursday Oct. 31 Oct. 21 Oct. 24 of the week before publication. Nov. 14 Nov. 4 Nov. 7 Nov. 28 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 MEMBERSHIPS Dec. 19 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Catholic Press Association, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service, VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR Washington, D.C. The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, Catholic Press Association deacon or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish Award Winner Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, victims by the Church. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line 1-800-791-9209. 2016, 2017, 2018 To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown’s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on “Youth Protection” at top right. POSTAL INFORMATION The A.D. Times (USPS 004-111) is published COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS on Thursdays, biweekly January to May; tri- La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado weekly June to September; biweekly October sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia. to November; and triweekly in December, at Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Al- a subscription cost of $20 per year by Allen- lentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las town Catholic Communications, Inc. at 1515 víctimas por la Iglesia. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown, PA Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa 18102-4500. Periodicals Postage paid at Al- 1-800-791-9209. lentown, PA and additional mailing offices. Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite POSTMASTER: Send address changes to www.allentowndiocese.org y haga clic en “Protección de la Juventud” en la parte superior The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA derecha. 18105-1538 May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 3 2019 Quo Vadis or Fiat Days July 14-18 Are you wondering what to do with at DeSales University from Sunday, July your life? Have you asked the question, 14 to Thursday, July 18. “What am I looking for?” Quo Vadis and Fiat Days are open to If so, you are not alone. You are in young men and women from ages 14 to good company because people like St. 18 (including the newly graduated). Andrew and St. John the Evangelist had This five-day event will include time these same questions and then found the for personal and group prayer, Mass and answers in a man who was baptized by other Catholic devotions, talks by priests John the Baptist and called them to be and religious sisters, and sports and other “fishers of men.” activities. We invite you to join the seminarians Registration materials are available at of the Diocese of Allentown and Sisters www.allentowndiocese.org. Click on the from various women’s religious commu- vocations information link. Spaces are nities at the 2019 Quo Vadis or Fiat Days limited so act fast.

2019 en Quo Vadis y Fiat 14-18 de Julio ¿Te has preguntado qué hacer con tu mingo 14 de julio al jueves 18 de julio. vida? Te has hecho la pregunta, “¿qué es- Quo Vadis y Fiat están abiertos a hom- toy buscando? bres y mujeres jóvenes de entre 14 y 18 Si es así, no estás solo. Estas en buena años (incluidos los recién graduados). compañía porque personas como San An- Este evento de cinco días incluirá drés y San Juan el evangelista tuvieron tiempo para la oración personal y grupal, las mismas preguntas y luego encon- Misa y otras devociones Católicas, char- traron las respuestas en un hombre que las de sacerdotes y religiosas y deportes y fue bautizado por Juan el bautista y los otras actividades. llamo a ser “pescador de hombres.” Los materiales de inscripción están Te invitamos a unirte a los seminar- disponibles en www.allentowndiocese. istas de la diócesis de Allentown y a las org. Haga clic en el enlace de infor- hermanas de varias comunidades religio- mación de vocaciones. Los espacios son sas en el retiro del 2019 en Quo Vadis y limitados, así que actué rápido. Fiat en la Universidad de Desales, del do- Deacon }}Continued from page 1 ‘Yo Seré Ordenado Como Diácono Transitorio’ El tiempo de Dios es perfecto, y con la ayuda de la gracia de Dios, ¡Yo seré ordenado como Diácono Transitorio from the University of Santo Domingo in de la Iglesia Católica para la Diócesis de Allentown! Hola, soy Juan Eduardo Rodríguez. 1997 with a degree in graphic design. Soy de origen dominicano, soy seminarista de nuestra Diócesis de Allentown y recientemente finalicé, con la gra- “From a very young age, I was raised cia de Dios, mi tercer año de Teología en el Seminario Mount St. Mary en Emmitsburg, Md. and educated in the Catholic faith. When Yo seré ordenado como Diácono Transitorio por la imposición de las manos de nuestro Obispo Alfred A. Schlert I was a teenager, I was an altar server. el próximo sábado, 18 de mayo, a las 10:30 am en la Catedral de Santa Catalina de Siena, Allentown. And when I was a young adult, I served Yo debo reconocer realmente que en este momento de mi vida que lo que Dios ha trabajado en mí ha superado mis as a catechist, lector and singer. As an expectativas y esto se debe a que los planes de Dios para mí son mayores de lo que jamás yo podría haber imaginado. adult, I served as the religious education Espero recibir de Dios la gracia de su ayuda. Pedir la ayuda de Dios, estas palabras pueden sonar fáciles, pero la officer of my parish in the Dominican realidad de pedir la gracia de la ayuda de Dios no es algo que siempre sea fácil de hacer. Después de todo, nosotros, Republic,” Rodriguez said. como seres humanos, queremos ser autosuficientes, pero estamos llamados a ser humildes y reconocer que realmente Rodriguez is the son of Eduardo and no somos capaces de hacer nada por nuestra cuenta. Juana Rodriguez of Allentown. Todos necesitamos la gracia de la ayuda de Dios para vivir nuestras vocaciones particulares a la que Dios nos “I am the second of three siblings to llama. Pedir la ayuda de Dios es algo que debe afirmarse con coraje todos los días y aprender todos los días, especial- Martin Rodriguez and Rosa Rodriguez. mente en mi caso como Diácono Transitorio. Two other brothers who are a gift from Esto se puede hacer en cualquier tipo de vocación, en primer lugar, si nosotros reconocemos que Dios es el que God are Chelsea Moronta and Alexander sabe cuánta ayuda necesitamos y lo que podemos lograr con su gracia. Esto se debe a que solo Dios sabe mejor que Garcia. In Allentown I have many rela- nosotros nuestra historia familiar, nuestras experiencias y miles de otras variables que contribuyen a la imagen tives, friends, and brothers and sisters única de nuestra dependencia de lo divino. in the faith. I have been a member of St. Yo nací y crecí en la República Dominicana. Después de la secundaria, me gradué como diseñador gráfico en la Paul, Allentown since I immigrated to Universidad Pública de Santo Domingo la República Dominicana (UASD). the United States of America in 2007,” Desde muy joven, fui criado y educado en la fe católica. Cuando era adolescente, era un servidor del altar (mona- he said. guillo), y cuando yo era un joven adulto, serví como catequista, lector y cantaba en el coro parroquial. Como adulto, “I thank God for all the angels that the me desempeñé como el encargado de educación religiosa de mi parroquia en la República Dominicana. Lord has placed on this path of discern- Mis padres son el Sr. Eduardo Rodríguez y la Sra. Juana Rodríguez. Soy el segundo de tres hermanos: Martin ment and vocational training because Rodriguez y Rosa Rodriguez. Tengo otros dos hermanos que son un regalo de Dios como digo yo: Chelsea Moronta without the help of them, I believe that y Alexander García. it would not have been possible to reach En Allentown tengo muchos familiares, amigos y hermanos en la fe. He sido miembro de la Parroquia St. Paul en this day on which, by the grace of God, I Allentown, PA, desde que emigré a los Estados Unidos de América en 2007. will be ordained as a transitional deacon Doy gracias a Dios por todos los ángeles que el Señor ha puesto en este camino de discernimiento y formación to serve at the Lord’s table and, through vocacional, porque sin la ayuda de ellos creo que no hubiera sido posible llegar a este día en que por la gracia de Dios the celebration of the sacraments, to seré ordenado como diacono transitorio para servir en la mesa del Señor y a través de celebración de los sacramen- serve the holy people of God who are tos al pueblo santo de Dios que peregrina en la Iglesia Católica de Allentown. Que Dios nos bendiga. pilgrims in the Catholic Church of Allen- town. God bless us.” 4 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 5 6 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 NFL Pro Talks Addiction and Recovery at DeSales University By TARA CONNOLLY said there was no way to predict that he Staff writer would become an addict since he was blessed with a loving family and never DeSales University, Center Valley suffered trauma. faced the opioid epidemic and addic- His descent into addiction increased tion crisis April 25 with stories from a by buying Percocet from a fellow student pro football hall of famer and a Catholic who just had his wisdom teeth removed. school alumnus, who both experienced Despite binge drinking and blacking success before turning to cocaine, alco- out, he excelled at baseball and academ- hol, heroine and pain killers. ics. Former National Football League “On paper, everyone loved ‘Joey,’” he player Cris Carter and Joe Ashdale, a said. talented athlete and alumnus of Father Ashdale was also the kid who out- Judge High School, Philadelphia, were drank everyone, wanted the spotlight on on hand at the University Center to share him and was rolling in kegs of beer after their love of sports and their descent into his parents went out for the evening. drugs and alcohol. Accepting a baseball scholarship from Along with athleticism and addiction, Gwynedd Mercy University, Philadel- both men are also affiliated with Ambro- phia, Ashdale said his roommate became sia Treatment Center, Florida, for whom his “live in” pharmacist after he suffered Carter is a spokesperson and where Ash- a knee injury. dale sought treatment and is now the resi- Unable to play baseball, he walked dent manager. onto the golf team and was elected class Carter, one of seven children who Former National Football League player, Cris Carter, who was abruptly cut president – and maintained his alcohol grew up poor and raised by a single moth- from the Philadelphia Eagles after one season, shares his story of addiction at and drug habit. er, said Ohio State University awarded DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photos by John Simitz) During his senior year he rarely at- him a football scholarship and sent a car tended class and was stealing to afford for him the morning after his high school “One time a guy came over to my car. addict – but Ryan did. It was the worst his addiction. graduation. He gave me the drugs and I gave him the day of my life when he cut me. He told Then he was called to Student Ser- During his junior year he was drafted money. He recognized and swiped my me that he didn’t trust addicts,” recalled vices, where he was surprised to find his by the Philadelphia Eagles under Coach Eagles hat off my head. There was noth- Carter. father and the dean of students waiting to James David “Buddy” Ryan with a $1 ing I could do. I couldn’t even run after “After starting 38 games, an equip- tell him to leave the university. million contract and flourished as one of him,” said Carter. ment guy handed me a garbage bag to In and out of rehabilitation centers, the top wide receivers in the league. Unable to make the drive back to his clean out my locker. I remember crying Ashdale forged and cashed checks be- What few people knew was that Carter plush home in Cherry Hill, Carter said he while driving over the Walt Whitman longing to his sister, stole cards from a had become a full-blown drug addict off would often sleep in his car in the parking Bridge,” he said. christening party, and gave stolen and the field. lot of Veterans Stadium and ask workers Although Carter said he was already inactive gift cards to family members as “I was trying to cop dope every night,” to wake him up when the stadium opened. clean for six month before being cut, Christmas gifts. he said. His use of ecstasy, alcohol and crack Ryan still released him and he was im- “I ruined my family name. Friends After games and practices he would caught up with him, forcing Ryan to mediately picked up by the Minnesota were angry at me. I didn’t get invited maneuver the streets of South Philadel- shock the football world and cut Carter Vikings. anywhere. I had no conscience,” he said. phia and Camden, New Jersey in his lux- from the team on Labor Day 1990. While it was one of the worst days of Ashdale finally hit rock bottom when ury car looking for drugs. “Most guys didn’t know I was an his life, Carter said Ryan did him a huge he called a friend from a bridge that he favor by cutting him, never speaking was threatening to leap from. about his addiction and telling the press, “He came and got me, and I was in re- “All he does is catch touchdowns.” covery at Ambrosia in less than a day,” “That’s how my life changed. It he said. changed in one day,” said Carter. In recovery, Ashdale learned life skills “I had to change. When you are in- and got a job cleaning rugs before be- volved in substance abuse – people can’t coming Ambrosia’s resident manager af- trust you. That’s what we do. That’s what ter five years of sobriety. addiction looks like. But today, I am 28 “For me, I don’t know why I became a years, seven months and four days sober.” drug addict or an alcoholic. I had every- Carter also said that no one should thing I needed as a kid,” he said. ever say “I won’t drink or do drugs ever As a recovering addict, Ashdale said again” and take recovery one day at a he still has everything he needs. time. “I have sobriety, a beautiful wife, a “People have to get it in their minds daughter and one on the way,” he said. that people have addictions and they de- The evening also featured representa- serve the help that is out there,” he said. tives from Kolbe Academy, Bethlehem Ashdale, who was raised with two sis- the first Catholic recovery school in the ters and one brother by loving parents, nation and a mock teen bedroom to show said he wasn’t interested in getting help where kids commonly stash drugs and Joe Ashdale, resident manager at Ambrosia Treatment Center, Florida, dis- after getting drunk for the first time when alcohol, sponsored by the Center for Hu- cusses his struggle with drug and alcohol dependency and how he overcame he was 13 to impress older friends. manistic Change. addiction. Never waking up with a hangover, he Learn the Harmful Effects of Pornography “Seek Always the Light of Christ,” addressing the burgeoning issue of por- a frank discussion on the effects of por- nography.” nography on children and adults, will be It provides education, training, en- Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis couragement and resources to break free of Assisi Church, 1046 W. Cedar St., Al- from pornography, heal relationships, and lentown, in the parish hall. assist parents in preventing and respond- The event will be for adults only – any ing to pornography exposure, which is so parents or grandparent, aunt or uncle, devastating in the lives of children. brother or sisters; any persons who work For more information, visit website with children of any age, in any capacity; www.adlumenchristi.org, and follow on any Catholic or non-Catholic adult who Facebook “Lumen Christi Commission,” is interested in learning about the effects Twitter @ADLumenChristi and Insta- of pornography on our society and ways gram @adlumenchristi. to effectuate change to protect ourselves The hotline is at 610-871-5200 op- and our families. tion 1 for Lumen Christi. For questions Speaker will be Father Allen Hoffa, or more information, email ADLumen- chair of the Lumen Christi Commission [email protected]. of the Diocese of Allentown. For more information about the May Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert 20 event, call St. Francis Church at established the Lumen Christi Commis- 610-433-6102 or visit www.stfrancisal- sion “to help in the pastoral planning of lentown.org. May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 7 Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Confirmation Schedule The diocesan Office of Divine - Wor Mahanoy City; and St. Richard, Barnes- sus, Allentown. de Chantal, Easton. ship has announced the 2019-20 confir- ville. Thursday, Feb. 13 – St. Elizabeth of Thursday, March 19 – Assumption mation schedule as follows. All confirma- Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Our Lady of Mercy, Hungary, Whitehall and Annunciation BVM, Bethlehem. tions will begin at 4:30 p.m. Easton and St. Anthony of Padua, Easton. BVM, Catasauqua. Tuesday, March 24 – St. Joseph, Coo- Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Most Blessed Sacra- Wednesday, Oct. 30 – Our Lady of Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Notre Dame of persburg. ment, Bally and St. Columbkill, Boyer- Mount Carmel, Roseto and Our Lady of Bethlehem. Wednesday, March 25 – All Saints, town. Good Counsel, Bangor. Wednesday, Feb. 19 – St. Anne, Beth- McAdoo and St. John XXIII, Tamaqua. Wednesday, Oct. 2 – St. Stephen of Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Sacred Heart, Bath. lehem. Thursday, March 26 – St. Mary, Ham- Hungary, Allentown. Wednesday, Nov. 20 – St. John Baptist Thursday, Feb. 27 – St. Thomas More, burg and St. Mary, Kutztown. Thursday, Oct. 3 – Holy Guardian An- de la Salle, Shillington and St. Benedict, Allentown. Tuesday, March 31 – Holy Infancy, gels, Reading and St. Joseph, Reading. Mohnton. Tuesday, March 3 – Our Lady of Per- Bethlehem. Tuesday, Oct. 8 – St. Ignatius Loyola, Thursday, Nov. 21 – Sacred Heart, petual Help, Bethlehem. Thursday, April 2 – St. Joseph, Sum- Sinking Spring and St. Francis de Sales, West Reading and Holy Rosary, Reading. Wednesday, March 4 – St. Rocco, mit Hill. Robesonia. Tuesday, Dec. 3 – St. Margaret, Read- Martins Creek and St. Elizabeth of Hun- Tuesday, April 21 – St. Ambrose, Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Immaculate Con- ing and St. Paul, Reading. gary, Pen Argyl. Schuylkill Haven. ception BVM, Douglassville. Wednesday, Dec. 4 – St. Peter, Read- Thursday, March 5 – Assumption Thursday, April 23 – St. Peter the Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Holy Family, ing. BVM and Queenship of Mary, both Fisherman, Lake Harmony; SS. Peter and Nazareth. Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Snow date. Northampton; St. John Fisher, Catasau- Paul, Lehighton; Immaculate Conception Thursday, Oct. 17 – St. Catharine of Tuesday, Feb.4 – Cathedral of St. qua. and St. Joseph, both Jim Thorpe. Siena, Reading. Catharine of Siena, St. Paul and St. Fran- Tuesday, March 10 – St. Ann, Em- Tuesday, April 28 – Most Blessed Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Sacred Heart, cis of Assisi, all Allentown. maus. Trinity, Tremont; St. Matthew the Evan- Palmerton; Assumption BVM, Slating- Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Immaculate Con- Wednesday, March 11 – St. Joseph the gelist and St. Michael the Archangel, ton; and St. Nicholas, Walnutport. ception BVM, Our Lady Help of Chris- Worker, Orefield. both Minersville. Wednesday, Oct. 23 – St. Charles tians, St. John the Baptist, and SS. Peter Thursday, March 12 – St. Theresa of Wednesday, April 29 – St. Clare of As- Borromeo, Ashland and St. Joseph, and Paul, all Allentown. the Child Jesus, Hellertown; St. Ursula, sisi, St. Clair; Holy Cross, New Philadel- Frackville. Thursday, Feb. 6 – Holy Trinity and Fountain Hill; Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, phia; St. Stephen, Port Carbon; St. John Thursday, Oct. 24 – Divine Mercy, St. John the Baptist, both Whitehall; St. Incarnation of Our Lord, and SS. Simon the Baptist and St. Patrick, both Potts- Shenandoah; St. Joseph, Sheppton; St. Peter, Coplay. and Jude, all Bethlehem. ville. Mary, Ringtown; St. Teresa of Calcutta, Tuesday, Feb. 11 – Sacred Heart of Je- Tuesday, March 17 – St. Jane Frances Thursday, April 30 – Snow date. 8 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 9 We Are Remembered 28 Years of Shining Hope of Christ Through Grief By TAMI QUIGLEY Bortz, who lost his life April 22. He was Staff writer the brother of Father Tom Bortz, pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. “How strange this fear of death is. Others included in the Book of the Re- We are never frightened at a sunset.” So membered are those whose names were wrote George MacDonald (1824-1905), enrolled recently, over the years, as well Scottish author, poet and Christian min- as who have been remembered since the ister. ministry began, starting with Jim Minter, This thought resonates with the heart Bridget Fertal and Dottie Mascari. of We Are Remembered Ministry, which Rich and Eileen Badesso, and cho- celebrated its 28th Annual Easter Mass ral members of Sacred Heart, Bath pro- April 24 at St. John the Baptist, Allen- vided music, town. including the Those gathered for the annual liturgy beautiful song “On The Road have grief in their hearts, but know they “We Are Re- will see their loved ones again because membered,” to Emmaus, Je- Christ has taken the sting and fear out of which Rich sus encourages death by dying for our sins; the beauty Badesso wrote them to look of their loved one remains with them and dedicated through the through the hope of Christ, the hope that to the ministry clouds so their is central to the ministry’s purpose. more than a “On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus was decade ago. hearts would present to the disciples, just as he is pres- Carol Fer- still be open to ent to us,” said Father Jim Torpey, cel- tal served as his message of ebrant and homilist at the evening liturgy. lector as her hope.” th Father Torpey is advisor to the ministry husband Ed JoAnne Julo places the Book of the Remembered on the altar during the 28 and instrumental in its founding in the stood by her Annual Easter Mass of We Are Remembered Ministry April 24 at St. John the Diocese of Allentown in 1991. side. Their Baptist, Allentown. (Photos by John Simitz) Father Luigi Palmieri, retired to Holy daughter, Bridget Jane’l Fertal, was killed Family Villa, Bethlehem, concelebrated. 28 years ago when We Are Remembered Father Torpey said the disciples, like of the pulpit. Deacon William Urbine, who serves began in the Diocese. us, heard the news about the empty tomb. The sunset photo was taken by this Notre Dame of Bethlehem, assisted. Before and after Mass those gathered Christ walking with them was not recog- writer, in my other role as a freelance We Are Remembered ministers to all had the chance to sign the Book of the nized by “the sun setting on their jour- photographer. It paints flares of a Decem- faiths, parents who have lost a child and Remembered and write a note to their ney.” ber sunset over a field in Orefield, just off all who have lost someone to death un- loved one. “As in this picture, some of the most Route 309. der tragic circumstances. All who grieve In his homily, Father Torpey refer- amazing sunsets appear not when there Father Torpey said when there are the loss of a family member or friend are enced the evening’s Gospel, Luke 24:13- are no clouds in the sky – that’s a gift clouds – losses – such as losing a child, welcome. 35, The Road to Emmaus, which is al- from almighty God,” Father Torpey said A total of 611 names were enrolled ways proclaimed at the annual liturgy. as a poster of a sunset photo stood in front Please see REMEMBERED page 11 }} and remembered at this year’s evening “Words were not necessary to express liturgy, attended by approximately 150 the heartbreak of the disciples on the people. Road to Emmaus. And we don’t need to We Are Remembered supports those explain to anyone the heartbreak we suf- affected by tragedies such as SIDS, sui- fer … or the hope that endures. That’s the cide, homicide and opioid overdoses. beauty of the celebration of this Gospel One of the enrolled this year was Jim on the Road to Emmaus.”

What is We Are Remembered? We Are Remembered reaches out to people at the time of the death of a child/family member and at the annual Mass, celebrated the Wednesday after Easter, when the Gospel proclaimed is “The Road to Emmaus.” Father James Torpey is advisor to the ministry. Rich and Eileen Badesso coordinate the mailings/enrollment of names, and provide music for the min- istry, available via iTunes. The late Bishop Thomas Welsh allowed the ministry to begin in the Dio- cese. It works in cooperation with the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. Approximately 150 people attend the evening liturgy. For more information, write to We Are Remembered Ministry, P.O. Box 20082, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0082.

Bill Frost, minister of the altar, carries the “I’ll Remember You” sunset photo by “Time allows clouds and tears of rain. But in the very gift of the Eucharist we Tami Quigley in the recessional. Behind him are, from left, Father Jim Torpey, can get a glimpse of the view of God. Our loved ones who have gone can see Deacon William Urbine and Father Luigi Palmieri. him clearly,” Father Jim Torpey says in the homily. 10 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Kicks Off in Schuylkill County

By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

“It’s wonderful to be with you here tonight on this spring evening,” said Bishop Alfred Schlert, main celebrant and homilist of an evening Mass April 8 at St. Ambrose, Schuylkill Haven that kicked off the 2019 Bishop’s Annual Ap- peal (BAA) in Schuylkill County. “It’s good to see so many here … you’re the backbone of your parish.” The Diocese of Allentown and BAA Trust Advisory Board hosted the evening that launched this year’s appeal, “Be- cause We Are Catholic,” which has a goal of $4.6 million to help those in need. The liturgy was followed by a recep- tion in the parish hall, which included presentations by two BAA Trust Advi- sors: John Boyer, parishioner of St. Am- brose; and Mark Scarbinsky, parishioner of St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair. The appeal always begins after Easter. Monsignor William Glosser, pastor of “I challenge each of you to be an am- St. Clare of Assisi and vicar forane of the bassador for Christ,” Trust Advisor “Because we are Catholic, it is our calling to reach out to those who need it Schuylkill Deanery, was principal con- Mark Scarbinsky tells those gathered most. No contribution is too small – every dollar makes a difference,” Trust celebrant. for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) Advisor John Boyer tells those attending the kickoff reception. Also concelebrating were Monsignor kickoff in Schuylkill County April 8 at William Handges of Pottsville, pastor St. Ambrose, Schuylkill Haven. (Pho- emeritus of St. Peter, Coplay; Father tos by John Simitz) Mark Scarbinsky claims of creditors of the Diocese. Ronald Minner, pastor of Holy Cross, Scarbinsky thanked everyone for their Of the Segregation of Trust Assets, New Philadelphia; Father Paul Rotherm- the love of the Trinity.” past support of BAA and voiced confi- Scarbinsky said, “These assets can never el, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, Ash- The Bishop thanked those gathered dence “we can count on you this year.” be an asset of the Diocese. They are an land; and Apostles of Jesus (AJ) Father for all they do, and said, “Calling God “Being a trust advisor has opened my asset of the trust, a completely separate Barnabas Shayo, assistant pastor of All our Father through Jesus and in the Holy eyes to the need and also to the different account.” Saints, McAdoo and chaplain at Lehigh Spirit – it’s what makes us Catholic. Catholic ministries who work hard meet- Scarbinsky said board members are Valley Hospital Schuylkill, Pottsville. “The best way to start our appeal this ing those needs,” he said. appointed by the Bishop for a three-year Also, Father Eric Tolentino, adminis- year is with the greatest prayer ever – the Scarbinsky spoke of the Limited Pur- term, with a minimum of five members trator of St. Mary, Ringtown and St. Jo- Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.” pose, Protection of Trust Assets and Seg- mandated by the trust; there are currently seph, Sheppton; and Father Christopher As the evening segued into the recep- regation of Trust Assets. 12 members. Zelonis, pastor of St. tion, Father Zemanik Scarbinsky said assets are used solely “They are representatives of the ap- Michael the Arch- led those gathered for the intended purpose of the trust. “We peal. The theme this year, ‘Because We angel, Minersville. “The best way to start our in a prayer and Paul make sure the money is used for intended Are Catholic,’ drives to the heart of our Monsignor Edward Acampora, secretary purposes.” Zemanik, pastor of appeal this year is with the of Diocesan Secre- The money, he said, is protected from Please see SCHUYLKILL page 12 }} St. Ambrose, concel- greatest prayer ever – the tariat for Steward- ebrated and was mas- Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.” ship and Develop- ter of ceremonies. ment, offered words “Jesus gets him- of welcome. self into trouble when “Being with you he refers to God as his father. As Chris- is a blessing,” Acampora told the faithful tians, we have the image of God as a lov- of Schuylkill County. ing father. People of the Old Testament Acampora said news stories say that didn’t see him that way, they saw him as people are not giving to the Church, but more of a judge,” said Bishop Schlert in said that’s not true, as the appeal has re- his homily, adding part of the reason they ceived nearly a half million dollars so far subsequently wanted to put Jesus to death and it hasn’t even officially started. is that he saw God as his father. “People like you are making a differ- “We are people of the Trinity,” the ence locally and across the country.” Bishop said. The event included a screening of the “We as a Church reach out in love to BAA video. those most in need. In penance, we meet a In 2018, BAA supported community loving God. In the Eucharist, we meet the services with $2,153,000; education divinity of Christ. At confirmation, the $846,000; vocations $508,000; parish Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates Mass with, from left, Apostles of Je- seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are given life $423,000; parish sharing $370,000; sus (AJ) Father Barnabas Shayo, Father Ronald Minner, Monsignor William to us in love. and administration $300,000. Handges, Monsignor William Glosser, Monsignor Edward Zemanik, Father “We are asked to put the love of the Eric Tolentino, Father Paul Rothermel and Father Christopher Zelonis. Father, Son and Holy Spirit into what we do every day. “All of us are born in love, surrounded by the love of the Trinity, and will stay in

Rick and Deb Dasch, parishoners of St. Ambrose, Monsignor Edward Zemanik, left, chats with Angle John and Mary Strauss, parishioners of Holy Cross, are joined by Gail Braun, parishioner of St. Mary, and Joe Zawisza, parishioners of St. Ambrose. New Philadelphia, enjoy the celebratory evening. Hamburg, center. May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 11

Carol Fertal serves as lector husband Remembered Ed stands nearby. }}Continued from page 9 meaning Christ the Son of God, not the family member or friend, “It’s hard to see sun in the sky. anything bright or cheerful, or we could “The “I’ll Remember You” sunset,” say sunny.” Father Torpey said, “As our friends are “It’s beautiful to see the power of God home, their names proclaimed in the found in nature,” he said, alluding to the halls of heaven, and as in the song, “We photo, which is titled “I’ll Remember Are Remembered.’ You.” “The intentions of the ministry and “I immediately thanked God for the the names in the Book of the Remem- gift of this image, to behold that.” bered are remembered in all my Masses.” “Clouds make the view all the more Father Torpey expressed thanks to the beautiful,” Father Torpey said. “Some- parish of St. John the Baptist and its ad- times you have to step back – that’s what ministrator, Father Gregory Karpyn, for we have in We Are Remembered. opening the parish to We Are Remem- “We Are Remembered was given to us bered. He thanked Bishop Alfred Schlert, by the hand of almighty God – it allows who approves the ministry in the Diocese us to step back and see the larger picture. of Allentown, and the Diocesan Secre- “For our loved ones who have died in tariat for Catholic Life and Evangeliza- the Lord, think of St. Peter at the pearly tion that works in cooperation with the gates welcoming our family and friends ministry. in the name of Jesus the Nazarene. Father Torpey also thanked the late “Sometimes we can’t see the sun or Bishop Thomas Welsh, who allowed the broader picture, but the sunset continues “What we are here to do is ask God to courages them to look through the clouds ministry to begin in the Diocese. Bishop to guide us.” share with us a piece of the bigger pic- so their hearts would still be open to his Welsh’s name is in the Book of the Re- Father Torpey said We Are Remem- ture.” message of hope. He knows we have membered. bered is not there to take people’s pain Father Torpey said as he watched the been broken by the loss of love, but wants Women of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, away. He noted sometimes people don’t man make the print of the “I’ll Remember us to make just a little more space for the Whitehall served cookies and other good- know what to say to someone who is You” sunset, at first he just saw a bunch message of hope. ies at the ensuing fellowship, which gave grieving; they don’t know how to com- of lines, then all of a sudden some sun, “Time allows clouds and tears of rain. those attending time to share memories fort. So they say things such as “don’t and red in the sky. “That’s it – that’s what But in the very gift of the Eucharist we of their loved ones and receive a spring cry” or “you can have another child.” it’s like to see the larger picture,” he said. can get a glimpse of the view of God. Our flower. We Are Remembered obtained “We may in response want to stay si- “God thinks not in days, years or cen- loved ones who have gone can see him the flowers from Hickory Grove Green- lent or lash out,” Father Torpey said. “But turies, but fits the span beyond space and clearly.” houses, Catasauqua and its proprietors, we have to take a step back and see the time. “Clouds, the storms of life, have tried the Eline family, who themselves lost a broader picture. “On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus en- to stop us from seeing the son,” he said, child.

Mary Frances Fuehrer, left, and Betty Keating select their gift of a spring flower Choral members of Sacred Heart, Bath provide music for the Mass. during the time of fellowship.

Kolbe Academy to Facilitate Addiction Series Kolbe Academy, Bethlehem, the first Catholic high school in the nation for students battling addiction and participating in recovery from substance and alcohol abuse, will facilitate an addiction series in June. “We Thirst,” Christian Reflections on Addiction, will be Monday, June 10 through Thursday, June 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem. “We Thirst” is a comprehensive educational an inspirational series on the topic of addiction from a Christian perspective. This program provides extensive knowledge while encouraging faith, hope and love. It has been featured on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops podcast “Made for Love,” radio shows, as well as news and magazine articles. Due to high demand, the series is being filmed for video production. The series is free and all are welcome. For more information on the series or to register, contact Mark at 610-559- 4534 or [email protected], or visit website www.wethirstseries.com. For more information on Kolbe Academy, visit http://kolbe-academy.com/, https://www.facebook.com/KolbeAcademyLV/ or https://twitter.com/Kolbe_ Academy. 12 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019

to the parish. He said administrative costs of the ap- Schuylkill peal are only 6 percent, and administra- }}Continued from page 10 tors make sure the funds go where they can do the most good. Catholicism. “Because we are Catholic, it is our “In Lent, we are more attuned to the calling to reach out to those who need it sufferings of Christ, and to the sufferings most. No contribution is too small – ev- of those around us. I’m not here to talk ery dollar makes a difference.” about your level of donation – that’s be- tween you and God. I challenge each of Bishop Schlert you to be an ambassador for Christ.” “The most important thing about the appeal is we do it because we are Catho- John Boyer lic,” the Bishop said. “When someone Boyer said he’s been a BAA trust ad- comes for service, we don’t ask if they visor since its inception in 2012. “I’m are Catholic.” proud to be part of this wonderful group.” Bishop Schlert referenced the Di- Boyer said approximately 48 percent ocesan Mission Statement, “A Roman of BAA funds go to health and human Catholic family of faith, centered in the services, including Catholic Senior Hous- Eucharist, faithful to the Church’s teach- ing. “Catholic Charities is the largest re- ing, bringing the light of Christ to each Above, Sister of St. Joseph (SSJ) Mary Jane Dunleavy and Tony Pilo of St. cipient of the appeal,” he said, funding other and our community.” Patrick, Pottsville enjoy the event. such things as feeding the hungry, assist- “Bring the light of Christ to each other ing families with counseling in their grief and our community – we do this in many Below, Riley McDonald, cantor at the Mass, left, enjoys the reception with altar and other traumas, case management for ways, but BAA lets us do it in concrete servers, from left, Cole Andrefski, Ian Andrefski and Bo McDonald. older adults and pregnancy support. ways,” Bishop Schlert said. “That hap- “Last year over 100 households in pens not because of me, but you. Schuylkill County received counseling, “I’m very proud of the work we do to- and 1,000 meals were served at the Potts- gether in BAA.” ville Soup Kitchen,” Boyer said. “These are our neighbors.” Eileen Barlow Boyer said BAA supports the three Di- “The appeal – in all its forms – has ocesan special learning centers, including been a part of my life since childhood,” St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, said Eileen Barlow, parishioner of St. Pottsville. Students in Schuylkill County Joseph, Frackville. “My mother used to benefit from the Bishop’s Catholic Schol- ‘collect’ for Catholic Charities when I ar Program, and “in something that’s near was young. I can still picture her going and dear to my heart, grade schools in door-to-door. Schuylkill County receive a stipend.” “I have worked in and for the Church He added BAA funds also help adult since I was in my teens and have seen the formation, Ministry with Persons with need for support of our seminarians, cler- Disabilities, and seminarians. “I’m proud gy, special needs students, soup kitchens, to say we have two diaconate candidates and the like. We are charged with caring from our parish.” for the least of our brothers and sisters, Boyer said if a parish exceeds its BAA and this is a small way in which I can give goal, 50 percent of the money is returned back.” May 16, 2019 Youth & Young Adults The A.D. Times 13 Spotlight on Members of the Commission for Young Adults Ed Burns, Parishioner of St. Stephen of Hungary, Allentown Biographical background the last century. The traditions of our We do not need to manufacture any- Ed Burns, 26, parishioner of St. faith are what keep us alive spiritually; thing to be appealing; that has been Stephen of Hungary, Allentown; bach- the sacraments enliven us with grace. tried and left wanting. We simply need elor’s degree from Penn State Univer- These things matter very much. The to be Catholic, and then we will know sity; and marketing consultant. Church has truth and beauty, two things that if people leave, it is because it has people are starving for today. been found difficult and therefore been How were you raised in the faith? left untried. My home parish is St. Mary, Ham- Why are young adults so important If we do not work to be more holy, burg. I was raised in the faith like most to the future of the Church? if the Church does not double down on in my generation. We went to Mass and Young adults are important to the being authentically Catholic, then there CCD, but never talked much about the Church now. There is immediacy here. is no reason for young people to em- faith at home. If we do not engage young Catholics brace the Church. CCD was a lot of feel-good forma- in their faith now, we will not need to tion; it was nice, but there wasn’t much worry about an impending priest short- In light of the clergy abuse crisis, there to hold on to. It lacked substance. age because the priests we have will how and why did you remain stead- Jesus was talked about as a nice guy. have no one to serve. fast in the faith? We talked about mercy, but never about The clergy abuse crisis is a crisis of justice. Confirmation was essentially a What do you believe has caused holiness. It seems many of our leaders graduation out of the faith. some young adults to drift from the forgot why we are Catholic, and that Church, and how can the Church is heartbreaking. The crisis is a call to Why did you accept the opportunity reach out to them? greater holiness for all of us. Impurity to serve on the commission? would like to see addressed and why? Young adults have left the Church of any kind in the clergy is a reflection I accepted the opportunity to serve Tepidity. We are tepid in the faith, because they never truly encountered of the impurity of our society, and the on the commission because our culture and that is why we are floundering in the Church. Young adults, generation- impurity within each of our hearts. is mired in mediocrity and meaning- our attempts to attract and retain the ally, were not catechized in the faith to It is also a clear call that we are in lessness. The one, true faith provides us youth. The greatest saints of every gen- understand why the Church exists in desperate need of “spiritual father- with the means to salvation. In a time eration were courageous to speak out the first place. In order to effectively hood.” Our priests and our bishops of unparalleled hopelessness (drug use, against the evils of the world around reach out to them, the Church must must lead the faithful to heaven through suicide, depression), the faith provides them, and they worked diligently to have something significant for them to courageous example, guidance in holi- hope. grow in holiness. come into. ness, and chastisement when we fail. Catholicism matters and brings We are afraid to say when things We must be counter-cultural, differ- This is why it’s such a blessing to meaning to people’s lives. I hope that are wrong because many Catholics, lay ent from anything they can get in the have a good and holy bishop in Bishop the commission will help to encourage and clergy, have embraced relativism, world. That means embracing our tra- Schlert. He is willing to take the brunt the people, not just Catholics, of our which is rampant in our culture; this is a ditions, ensuring we are more reverent of the backlash and has done so in an Diocese to be more holy and assist the cancer that needs to be addressed. with the Eucharist, taking the sacra- exemplary way; moreover, he under- Diocese in saving souls. The other major issue I would like ments seriously, preaching hard truths stands that the sacraments will restore to see us address is the rejection of tra- from the pulpit and providing better the Church to her proper glory. What are some of the issues you dition within the Catholic Church over catechesis. Sarah DeArment, Parishioner of St. John the Baptist, Pottsville Biographical background particularly natural family planning grateful every day for my mother-in- Sarah DeArment, 27, wife and versus artificial contraception. I feel law, who prayed fervently to Mary for mother, master’s degree in professional that the Catholic Church has a wealth my now-husband to return home to the counseling, pediatric clinical therapist and depth of hidden beauty and truth Church. And here we are. at Geisinger and lifetime member of St. regarding these topics that most of us John the Baptist Parish in Pottsville. are too afraid to talk about. In light of the clergy abuse crisis, I am part of a generation that is seek- how and why did you remain stead- How were you raised in the faith? ing truth and holistic answers, and I am fast in the faith? I was raised in the Catholic faith most certain that many of these answers I choose to remain steadfast in the from birth, and my faith is the great- can be found right here in the Church faith despite the crimes, sins and faults est gift my parents have ever given me. within the Kingdom of God. of our human Church leaders because I My mom was Protestant until I was 12 know that truth is the foundation of the years old, so I had experience growing Why are young adults so important Catholic Church. up with both Catholic and Protestant to the future of the Church? I’ve attended two evangelical uni- churches. My husband and I are newly married versities and have had much experi- My mom went through our par- and have been blessed with a beauti- ence in the Protestant and Evangelical ish’s RCIA program when I was 12, ful daughter, Philomena, and beautiful worlds. We have a lot to learn from and thanks be to God, we have all been goddaughter, Lucy. We look at them these brothers and sisters in Christ. Catholic ever since. Now my husband and know that they are the future of However, I know that truth lives in the and I are starting our own family and our Church, and we are also reminded Catholic Church. strive daily to pass on the faith that was as new parents that we are the future of We have the real deal that no one given to us. the Church. I believe the allure of our busy and else has – Jesus in the Eucharist, and Faithful Catholics everywhere are enticing secular world has pulled young universality of Mass and the Commu- Why did you accept the opportunity struggling with the abuse crisis that has adults away from the faith. There’s a lot nion of Saints all over the entire world. to serve on the commission? plagued our beloved Church. It is easy of sin out there disguised as beauty and Now is the time to dig in, to remain I accepted the opportunity to serve to feel ashamed, embarrassed or use busy-ness. I believe we can re-reach steadfast, to be truly Catholic and most on the commission first and foremost, current events as an “excuse” to slowly young adults by investing in them. important, to be the Body of Christ on because ... what an honor. It is truly re- back away, attend one less Mass, and Our parishes need priests who are earth. freshing and inspiring that our Bishop fade gradually from the Church. willing to preach on difficult topics “Christ has no body now but yours. is so invested in our young people, the But we are actively in battle, and yet meet their parishioners with under- No hands, no feet on earth but yours. future of our Church. this is a turning point, a time for mind- standing and love. We need programs Yours are the eyes through which he I left the first commission meeting ful and deliberate choice. Our young for young adults and networking events looks with compassion on this world. feeling very hopeful about the future people (babies, children, teens – and where this demographic can find and Yours are the feet with which he walks of our Diocese and of the Church. The their parents) are our future, and this is support one another. And most impor- to do good. Yours are the hands through people of the Allentown Diocese have why my husband and I feel so passion- tant, we need prayer. which he blesses all the world. Yours quite a generation rising up. ate about passing on the faith. Young adults are searching, seeking are the hands, yours are the feet, yours truth, and navigating a world of profes- are the eyes, you are his body. Christ What are some of the issues you What do you believe has caused sional and familial demands. I believe has no body now on earth but yours” – would like to see addressed and why? some young adults to drift from the that prayer – particularly intercessory St. Teresa of Avila. I am passionate about Church teach- Church, and how can the Church prayer to our Blessed Mother – will ings regarding marriage, family life and reach out to them? bring so many home to the faith. I am 14 The A.D. Times Youth & Young Adults May 16, 2019 ‘Alpha’ Deepens Faith for Teens from Schuylkill Catholic Youth Ministry

By TARA CONNOLLY “Not only did God lead me out of Staff writer Columbine that day – he was leading me home on that day. He was leading me to Teens from Schuylkill Catholic Youth himself,” she told the teens. Ministry explored and re-examined the “And I wanted to say ‘yes’ with all my faith during a 12-week series of interac- heart to God’s plan. I realized that he had tive sessions Jan. 27 through April 7 be- a plan, and I wanted to say ‘yes’ to that fore culminating the experience with a plan,” said Sister. 12-hour retreat on March 23. “Her story was a powerful testimony Thirteen teens participated in Alpha to the power of the nudging of the Holy for Teens, a series that includes 12 epi- Spirit,” said Sarlo. sodes about the basics of the Christian According to Sarlo, the Holy Spirit faith designed for teens age 14 to 18, has also nudged the teens who want to which sparked conversation about life, host Alpha for another group of teens. Jesus’ existence, Christianity and God’s “They have been so encouraged by plan for salvation. their experience that they want to share it Annie Sarlo, director of Schuylkill with their peers,” she said. Catholic Youth Ministry, guided the se- The series and the retreat have bol- ries, which included a meal, a short video Annie Sarlo, back, director of Schuylkill Catholic Youth Ministry, enjoys a re- stered friendships, prayer life and a desire targeting specific questions about the treat day with teens after completing the series Alpha for Teens. From left are to learn more about the faith. faith and small group discussion. Briar Riegel, Jacob Challenger, Haley Rymarkiewicz, Richie Joyce, Caitlyn “I have felt like I’m part of a commu- “The event was a great success,” she Corby, Katherine Joyce, Riley Cassidy, Camden Diebert, Josh Kuzmitsky and nity,” said one participant. said. Max Whittman. (Photos courtesy of Annie Sarlo) “My prayer life has completely The highlight of the series, which fo- changed since the retreat. I met a lot of cused on prayer and developing a person- cool new people. I want to keep coming al relationship with Jesus Christ, was the Sister Mary Gianna, formerly Jenica stead of going to the library to study as to youth ministry,” said another teen. retreat held on a farm in Zion Grove. Thornby, was born a non-Catholic and she normally did. As Schuylkill Catholic Youth Minis- “The teens and youth ministry leader- never imagined God would call her to re- “Growing up, I didn’t really know if try continues to expand, Sarlo said she ship team gathered for 12 hours of fun, ligious life. But growing up without any God existed or not, or that he had a plan. is humbled and blessed to witness teens inspiring talks and an evening of Eucha- faith she struggled with some of the most What made me leave school that day? grow in the faith. ristic Adoration with praise and worship basic questions concerning human life, I always went to the library,” she said. “Building a youth ministry from the music, prayer and healing ministry, and including what life was about, who she “Then I remember being told, ‘God must ground up isn’t easy. I’ve met so many the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” said was and what she was living for. have a plan for your life.’” friendly and welcoming people in the Sarlo. Her life changed forever when she She came to the realization that God region. A team quickly came together to Guest speakers at the retreat were was 16 years old on April 20, 1999, the existed, leading her to a Catholic parish, support the new initiatives,” she said. Christine Fauci-Wittman, licensed thera- day two of her schoolmates opened fire, where youth ministers share the message “These past few months have blown pist, and Sister Mary Gianna, who sur- killing 12 students and a teacher, and of the Gospels. Jenica became a member me away, and I rejoice in Jesus’ work in vived the Columbine shooting as a soph- wounding 23 others. of the Catholic Church and went on to each soul that has been part of our min- omore student. She escaped being in the library, the study at Franciscan University of Steu- istry. I can see a culture of missionary Both women shared their personal tes- center of the tragedy, when an inner benville, Ohio before entering religious discipleship starting to form. The Holy timonies and encouraged the students to prompting urged her to leave school that life and the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Spirit is on the move. And I’m blessed to grow in a life of prayer. day just minutes before the shooting, in- Christ. be part of his work.”

Sister Mary Gianna, left, who escaped the Columbine High School shooting as Father Brian Miller, pastor of St. Joseph, Frackville, leads Eucharistic Adora- a teen, discusses how God’s plan for her came to fruition. tion with teens on retreat at a farm in Zion Grove. Theology on Tap to Discuss ‘The Lost Art of Listening’ “The Lost Art of Listening” will be The monthly series is sponsored by discussed at the next Theology on Tap the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Hops at the Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM). Paddock, 1945 W. Columbia St., Allen- The series is designed to welcome town. married or single young adults ages 21 In a world of constant noise and dis- to 35 in a casual setting where they can tractions, it can be challenging to stop grow in the faith and share community and listen, even if we are listening for the with one another. voice of God. Theology on Tap events are free of Join us as Father Arthur Purcaro of charge. Food and beverages can be or- Villanova University, Philadelphia dis- dered from the menu at the event site. cusses the lost art of listening and how For more information, visit www.al- we as young adults can slow down and lentowndiocese.org/tot or email Alexa listen for God’s gentle inspiration as we Smith at [email protected]. discern our path in life. May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 15 Relics of St. John Neumann to Visit St. Patrick May 22 The relics of St. John Neumann, who flect on St. John Neumann and his rele- served as Bishop of Philadelphia and was vance to our lives, followed by the oppor- greatly connected to our local Church, tunity for prayer, veneration and blessing will be visiting our Diocese at St. Patrick with the relics. Parish in Pottsville on Wednesday, May The opportunities will take place from 22. 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. St. John Neumann established 11 par- For questions, contact the Office of ishes in what would become the Diocese Adult Formation at adultformation@al- of Allentown. lentowndiocese.org or 610-289-8900 ext. These relics will be accompanied by 2021. Father Anthony Michalik, who will re- New Museum for St. John Neumann Opens at His Shrine Editor’s note: This article is reprinted by train, then on by carriage and finally with permission from a May 1 posting by horseback to visit the most out-of-the- on www.CatholicPhilly.com. way hamlets. He could speak 11 languag- es. He even learned Gaelic, which was By LOU BALDWIN the language of some Irish immigrants he Catholic Philly would encounter in the confessional. One elderly Irishwoman according to Archbishop Charles Chaput blessed tradition declared “Thank God we have the new St. John Neumann Museum that an Irish bishop now.” has opened in the renowned national A big part of St. John Neumann’s shrine to the saint during a visit to St. Pe- legacy, Hayes believes, are the approxi- ter the Apostle Parish in North Philadel- mately 100 schools started in those eight phia April 29. years, as well as about 80 parishes. Philadelphia’s fourth Catholic Bishop, “He connected with the people on the John Nepomucene Neumann was born in margins, and that is so great a thing for a 1811 in Bohemia, where he studied for bishop to do,” Hayes said. the priesthood. Because there was a great Not everything in the museum is di- need for priests in America he came to rectly connected with St. John Neumann this country and was ordained in New or even the mission of the Redemptorists. York in 1836. In 1842 with his bishop’s One of its most important artifacts is permission he joined the Redemptorist a very rare copy of the Douay Rheims congregation, primarily to minister to Bible printed in 1790 by Philadelphia German immigrants. printer Mathew Carey. It is the very first He was the first candidate to join the English language Catholic Bible printed Redemptorists in the United States, al- Archbishop Charles Chaput blesses the new St. John Neumann Museum in Philadelphia April 29, assisted by officials with the Redemptorist congrega- in its entirety in North America. though he was European by birth and al- There were only about 500 copies ready an ordained priest when he joined. tion, of which St. John was a priest and later the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb) printed, and of that about 40 are known After several assignments he was ap- still to exist. This copy in its original pointed bishop of Philadelphia in 1852 binding may be in the most pristine con- and served in that capacity until his sud- He was declared venerable by Pope prayed for.” dition of any of them, certainly of the 10 den death in 1860. Benedict XV in 1921, beatified in 1963 The new St. John Neumann Museum, copies or so that Hayes has seen. According to Bishop Neumann’s by Pope Paul VI and canonized a saint by on the lower floor of the parish school It is believed to have come from the stated wishes he was buried under St. Pope Paul VI in 1977 with his feast day building, contains many artifacts related library of Maryland’s Charles Carroll Peter the Apostle Church, where at the Jan. 19, the anniversary date of his death. to St. John Neumann and historic materi- of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer time other fellow Redemptorists were in- “After his death as people visited his als connected to the Congregation of the of the Declaration of Independence and terred. Because there was persistent visi- grave, the pastor at the time told them Most Holy Redeemer, the formal name of the last to die. A cousin of John Carroll, tation to his grave by pilgrims who were they should pray for him, not to him, but the Redemptorists. America’s first Catholic bishop, he was convinced of his holiness, a cause for his the people found his piety and holiness The museum also has an expanded reputed to be the wealthiest man in the canonization ultimately opened. an attraction,” said Redemptorist Father gift shop, lecture facilities and a café that 13 original colonies. Apparently, he kept As part of the process his remains Raymond Collins, rector and director of can accommodate about 50 people. excellent care of his books. were exhumed and placed within an ef- the National Shrine of St. John Newman. As a congregation the Redemptorists This copy of the Bible somehow got figy in a glass sarcophagus beneath an “Really the core of his spirituality was were founded in Italy by St. Alphon- to the Redemptorist novitiate in Annapo- altar near his original grave. a genuine humility, and that’s what he sus Ligouri in 1748 but quickly spread lis and then to the Redemptorist seminary throughout Europe, and since then world- in New York, and now it is back home in wide. The Baltimore Province to which Philadelphia. Neumann would belong was formally Although the book is too valuable just established in 1850. to pass around, an interactive digital copy Many of the artifacts for the museum, is on display that visitors can peruse at as they concern St. John Neumann and their leisure. the congregation itself, have been trans- Another rare book in the collection of ferred from Baltimore and other loca- a humble nature is a Chippewa catechism tions, including Brooklyn to the St. John compiled by a Redemptorist missionary Neumann Museum, according to Dr. Pat- in the 1830s. rick Hayes, the Redemptorist archivist John Neumann was himself a book- and museum curator. lover and not only of sacred texts. Sev- Almost everything connected with St. eral of his books in the collection are on John Neumann is now at the museum, in- botany, written in both English and Ger- cluding documents and papers from his man. years as bishop of Philadelphia, Hayes “We have field guides he used,” Hayes explained. said. “He signed everything he read, and These would ordinarily be in the arch- that love of nature is important for people diocesan archives, but were turned over today.” to the Redemptorists during the lengthy If you wish to venerate St. John Neu- canonization process because the con- mann by a visit to his tomb at his shrine gregation had the leading role in the very in St. Peter the Apostle Church, take time complex cause. to learn about John Neumann the man by Included in the collection are books, dropping in at the museum. vestments, letters and other items of Phil- The National Shrine of St. John Neu- adelphia’s first canonized saint. mann is located at 1019 N. Fifth St., in “He fit in a lot of work during his eight Philadelphia. For more information, visit years in Philadelphia,” Hayes said. the shrine’s website, https://stjohnneu- A display case shows some of the artifacts from St. John Neumann’s life in In the summer he would visit the far- mann.org/. the new museum at the National Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. flung places. He would go to Gettysburg 16 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019

Members of CDA Easton Court #358 will commemorate the court’s 100th an- The original charter of the Catholic Daughters of America Easton Court #358. niversary May 19. Easton Court Catholic Daughters of America to Commemorate Centennial By TARA CONNOLLY nard, Easton, who invited all Catholic said, CDA has supported the bishop, Staff writer women interested in forming an organi- priests, local seminarians and local chari- zation in February 1919. ties, including Third Street Alliance, The Catholic Daughters of America Fifteen women met and Mary Moran Easton and the St. Vincent de Paul Soci- (CDA) Easton Court #358 will mark its Duffin was selected chairman. An appli- ety Food Pantry. 100th anniversary of engaging in the re- cation was sent to the CDA state office, In addition, CDA administers scholar- ligious, charitable and educational apos- and on March 30, 1919 Easton Court was ship programs and strives “to be helping tolates of the Church – in the original chartered with 50 members. hands where there is pain, poverty, sor- church where it was founded – on Sun- By 1964 there were eight active CDA row or sickness.” day, May 19. courts in the Diocese. Today three CDA Bleam, who joined CDA when she Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert courts are in existence: Easton; Ryan was 18 in 1959, said she followed in her will be principal celebrant and homilist Court, Jim Thorpe; and St. James Court, mother’s footsteps by becoming a mem- for the Anniversary Mass at 2 p.m. at Our Frackville. ber. Lady of Mercy (St. Bernard Oratory), Along with participating and support- “Becoming a member tends to be Easton. ing church apostolates, CDA engages in handed down through the family. All of CDA, one of the largest and oldest na- creative and spiritual programs, which my aunts and sisters were members, too,” tional organizations of Catholic women provide its members with the opportu- she said. in the Americas, founded in 1903, estab- Mother, CDA members share a deep fem- nity to develop their God-given talents CDA has nearly 66,000 members in lished Easton Court #358 representing inine spirituality, and are united by their in meaningful ways that positively influ- 1,150 courts in 45 states across the Unit- the Lehigh Valley in 1919. faith in Jesus Christ and their devotion to ence the welfare of the Church and all ed States, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, The national organization was found- the Church and the Holy See. people throughout the world. Guam, the Virgin Islands, Kenya and ed in Utica, N.Y. by John Carberry and Patricia Bleam, court regent, said 50 It also strives to embrace the principle Peru. several other Knights of Columbus as a charter members established the Easton of faith working through love in the pro- The anniversary Mass is open to the charitable, benevolent and patriotic so- Court, which also includes members motion of justice, equality and the ad- public at Our Lady of Mercy, 132 S. Fifth rority for Catholic ladies. It was original- from Allentown, Bethlehem and Bangor vancement of human rights and human St., Easton. A sold-out reception will be ly called the “National Order of Daugh- areas, and at one time reached a member- dignity for all. held after Mass at Parkview Event Cen- ters of Isabella,” and is dedicated to the ship of 180 women. “We do a little bit of everything in ter, Easton. principles of “Unity and Charity,” the The history of the Easton chapter support of the Church and to support our For more information about CDA, order’s motto. began with an announcement by Father brothers and sisters,” said Bleam. visit www.cdapa.com/. Under the patronage of the Blessed John Edward McCann, pastor of St. Ber- Over its century of existence, Bleam

Hear our cries as we agonize Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse over the harm done to our brothers and heal your people’s wounds sisters. and transform our brokenness. God of endless love, Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, Breathe wisdom into our prayers, Grant us courage and wisdom, humility ever caring, ever strong, join to your own suffering soothe restless hearts with hope, and grace, always present, always just: the pain of all who have been hurt steady shaken spirits with faith: so that we may act with justice You gave your only Son in body, mind, and spirit Show us the way to justice and whole- and find peace in you. to save us by the blood of his cross. by those who betrayed the trust placed in ness, them. enlightened by truth and enfolded in your We ask this through Christ, our Lord. mercy. Amen. Copyright © 2004, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. Pub. No. 7-074 May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 17 Servants to All Benefits from Local Poverty Relief Fund Grant By TAMI QUIGLEY ter.” Staff writer United Presbyterian Church is located at 214 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. “Working Together to End Homeless- Services include spiritual nourish- ness in Schuylkill County” is the tagline ment, food, clothing, material goods, prominently featured on the website of personal goods, transportation, shelter, Servants to All, which received a $10,000 education and training. grant this year from the Diocese of Allen- Traino Sinn said visiting priests aid town Local Poverty Relief Fund to bol- with spiritual nourishment by such things ster its mission. as joining morning prayer or fulfilling The grant specifically aided the orga- special requests such as joining events, nization’s My Father’s House, which pro- or one-on-one time with clients for indi- vides emergency shelter and supportive vidual needs. services. The mission Servants to All also statement of Ser- received grants the For more information on vants to All states: three previous years. “Through the love My Father’s House Servants to All, call 570-728- of the Father, we is a safe and caring en- 2917, email servantstoall@ work to restore vironment that serves comcast.net or visit www. dignity, build in- Schuylkill County by servantstoall.org. tegrity, instill ac- providing housing, countability, and material goods, and thus transform the supportive services to homeless men and lives of poor and displaced individuals women striving to obtain sustainable in- and families. Our programs are tailored to dependence. foster self-reliance and sustainability by “We operate a Day Center at 4 S. Cen- empowering individuals to make positive tre St. in Pottsville that operates as the life choices. Because we are God’s first, My Father’s House, operated by Servants to All at 4 S. Centre St., Pottsville, main hub of the program,” said Jeanette we are servants to all.” received a $10,000 grant from the Diocese of Allentown Local Poverty Relief Traino Sinn, executive director. Servants to All describes its beliefs Fund to bolster its mission of providing emergency shelter and supportive ser- “We also operate an overnight facility and values this way: We believe in “com- vices. (Photos courtesy of Jeanette Traino Sinn) at the United Presbyterian Church, which munity,” cohesive society which encour- provides 13 beds for men and women ages, supports and provides opportunity while they work to complete their goals for each member to realize its highest with our case managers at the Day Cen- and best use of their God-given talents. It believes in being uniquely created by God with talent and dignity – every indi- Tim’s Success Story vidual, especially the poor, homeless and elderly, is meant by God to support and Tim, of Schuylkill County, first shared be supported by its community in order his success story April 6, 2018. to create growth and flourish. No person When Tim first arrived at Servants to is a solitary being. All, he had almost nothing – no identifi- The vision of My Father’s House is to cation, no money, no housing, no clothes seek to provide effective programs allow- other than what he was wearing and no ing for lasting resettlement of displaced support system. What he did have was a individuals who have multiple and com- series of life experiences that had turned plex needs. him into a person he wanted to change. The mission is to break the cycle of Now Tim has a family, two jobs, a repeat homelessness by strengthening the house and a new outlook on life. Tim individual’s internal mechanisms related credits his progress not just to Servants to positive life choices, and by building to All’s programming, but to the staff as partnerships and deep foundations before well. building bridges to sustainable indepen- He said the goal-setting process is dence. Through compassionate, intensive what ultimately helped him change his training, the goal is to reintroduce capa- life around. He set his plans, and the staff ble, confident and well adjusted members made sure he met those goals by provid- into society. ing support, guidance and keeping him The funding received by the 2019 “true to the course.” grant helped provide supportive services While Servants to All met Tim’s basic to homeless and at-risk individuals in survival needs of food, shelter and cloth- Schuylkill County and the surrounding ing, he was able to focus on finding a job counties. The client services area at My Father’s House. and saving enough money to get back on These services include emergency his feet. housing, food, clothing, personal care “There were times when I was tempted items, material goods, transportation as- Oscar’s Success Story to go back to what I had always known, sistance, prescriptions and copays, iden- but they helped me see another way,” he tification cards such as birth certificates Oscar, of Schuylkill County, first shared his success story June 20, 2018. said. and ID cards, temporary housing and Oscar said he was homeless and had hit rock bottom, nearing a breakdown, when Now he chooses to give back to the security deposits, as well as rental and/or he found Servants to All. With help from the organization, things started to look less program. Working around his busy utility assistance. bleak. schedule and taking care of his infant son, Servants to All was incorporated Sept. “You really pulled me out of the gutter. I was thinking bad things then,” Oscar said. Tim stops in to bring food donations, help 26, 2012 and granted tax-exemption as Oscar said he would recommend Servants to All to anyone in need. Servants to with building upkeep, assist with moving a 501 (c) (3). It operated as a temporary All helped connect him with resources he never would have known about, such as the donated materials and, perhaps most im- winter shelter from February to May rapid rehousing program. portant, talk with and mentor people who 2014, and purchased the day program Oscar stayed at Servants to All’s overnight shelter while he went through the rapid might be in a similar situation. “My Father’s House” on Dec. 1, 2014. rehousing process. He had a place to sleep during the time it took him to locate an Tim said while everyone comes from In November 2015 Servants to All apartment, assemble the necessary paperwork, have the apartment inspected and move different backgrounds, everyone has the began distributing clothing and supplies into the apartment. same goal toward personal progress. His to the poor and homeless, and began pro- Servants to All and its case managers were able to provide him support during the experience at Servants to All taught him viding clients hotel and rooming house daytime. to give more than he takes in life. vouchers, as well as supportive services. In addition to the support regarding rapid rehousing, Oscar received assistance with “If I help even one person, it’s worth Servants to All opened its overnight food, transportation and clothing. it,” Tim said. He’s grateful the program shelter on Nov. 15, 2016 and continues “I thank God you guys were there for me. I would’ve never made it without you exists so it could help him and continue to today to provide overnight shelter to men guys. You helped me get my life back together,” Oscar said. “I think Servants to All do the same for others. He said he could and women. is the best.” not stress enough just how much the staff Servants to All serves a wide range Oscar said he also met a lot of good people and made good friends through Servants at Servants to All helped his life. of people in need and plays a large role to All. He said everyone he has dealt with so far has been “tremendously nice, good When people tell Tim they need assis- in reducing homelessness in Schuylkill and helpful.” tance, he always sends them to Servants County, including specific and targeted Oscar still comes by Servants to All to visit and help out current clients. to All because, “They’ll help you. If you vulnerable populations, such as veterans, The welcoming environment and staff at Servants to All allow him to pay it forward need help, they’ll help you. They’re good and help other people. people. Good program.” Please see SERVANTS page 18 }} “It’s like I have a new family,” Oscar said. 18 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 Servants }}Continued from page 17 Weeknight persons with disabilities, re-entry popu- lation, and families and youth. It also supports the needs of the el- Confessions derly in collaboration with local Senior Services and Adult Protective Services. “The target population of the people Are Available we serve are sleeping in places not meant for human habitation, people being dis- Young adults in the Diocese charged from an institution with no per- of Allentown have been asking manent residence available, people who would be discharged from an institution for a more widespread avail- if there was a permanent residence avail- ability of the Sacrament of Rec- able and displaced victims of domestic violence,” said Traino Sinn. onciliation during the week. In 2018, Servants to All provided Due to these requests, St. emergency housing to 146 homeless in- Jane Frances de Chantal, dividuals and provided supportive ser- Children from Bethesda Vacation Bible School who came to help Servants to vices to 309 individuals. “During the All with two summer projects gather to share a smile. Easton and some other parish- next 12 months, we expect to provide es are now offering confession housing to over 150 different individuals and assist over 500 individuals with per- on Wednesday nights from 8 to sonal needs,” said Traino Sinn. 9 p.m. Today it has 10 employees and more We hope that this increased than 50 volunteers that continue the work that its board of directors began. availability will allow many to The board launched Servants to All experience the great mercy of with the mission to help those in need, and to be servants for our heavenly Fa- God found in the Sacrament ther. The board is comprised of 14 in- of Reconciliation. As always, dividuals from Schuylkill County that confessions can also be made bring diverse skills and experience. For more information on Servants to by appointment. All, call 570-728-2917, email servantsto- For a full list of confession [email protected] or visit www.servant- stoall.org. times in the Diocese of Allen- town, visit www.allentowndio- Ladies from Angels Sharing Warmth cese.org/confession. come to My Father’s House to pro- vide a home cooked meal for the program’s clients and the at-risk com- munity. May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 19 Bishop Schlert Leads Helpers of God’s Precious Infants on Prayer Pilgrimage

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants unite in prayer April 13 during a Prayer Pil- grimage outside the Allentown Women’s Center, Bethlehem. (Photos by Sue Braff)

Helpers and other pro-life supporters pray the rosary during a peaceful pres- ence across from the Allentown Women’s Center. Helpers are a group of peo- ple committed to maintaining a loving and prayerful presence outside abortion centers and meditating on the value of human life during Mass. For more infor- mation, visit www.facebook.com/helpersallentown.

Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, right, leads the prayer of the rosary for the protection of unborn children with Barry Bazzone.

Mark Napierkowski, parishioner of St. Anne, Bethlehem and development di- rector of Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown, meditates on the ro- sary while praying for the protection of life at all levels.

Bishop Schlert, left and Monsignor Thomas Baddick, pastor of Notre Dame of Bethlehem, celebrate Mass at Notre Dame in observance of respect for life. “We are a church so steadfast in the protection of life. We have a consistent practice of protecting human life, whether it is the unborn, the young, the frail, the elderly or those on death row,” said Bishop Schlert during his homily.

Above, faithful offer prayers for the unborn at Notre Dame. Right, Helpers and those preparing for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults listen to the homily during Mass. 20 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 ‘Father Forgive Them, for They do not Know What They are Doing’ By SISTER MEG COLE it for them. Such was the very young Catholic Charities Therapist woman’s experience that stood out to me in this movie. I recently attended the movie “Un- The movie has many emotional mo- planned.” This movie is a very poignant ments that actually continue to flashback and significant expose of the abortion in- in my mind and heart. But one scene in dustry, as well as those who have an abor- particular is when a determined, angry, tion. punishing and resentful father shoves I was somewhat hesitant in going, as his reluctant, beautiful, pregnant teenage my ministry at Catholic Charities is post- daughter into the violent auspices of the abortion counseling with men and women abortion clinic. who have had an abortion. So this minis- How could he? How could he be so try is an “about face” with those who are self-protective and not weigh the misery now suffering for having made that fate- that his daughter and grandchild would ful visit to an abortion center. now have? How could he have not made These men and women made a seri- the choice to use love as his way out of ously difficult choice in a time-sensitive this situation and take the option for life? situation. They are now deeply regretful How did he think taking her to an abor- and in a great deal of emotional, psycho- tion clinic was going to improve her life? logical and spiritual pain. I get that under the weight of know- Who they were when this distressing ing his teenage daughter was pregnant he healthy daughter and grandchild? as he suffers on the cross, when he was experience happened and who they are was probably afraid, his dreams for her Did he not have enough faith, hope in the most powerless, humiliating and now are two entirely different people. future shattered, his reputation may be and love to accept that he as a dad had humbling situation of his life, can also And actually, in many cases, they did not somehow on the line. But did he not con- the ability to manage this situation and be be our words for those who have forced make the sad choice, someone else made sider a future that could have included a the face of mercy and compassion for his a woman into an abortion. And in my daughter? Could he not have made the prayer now, it is for fathers and future hard, brave and independent choice, look grandfathers who participate and who into the distance and see the daughter he come to the resolution for their daughter Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat in June for loved yesterday needed his love all the to have an abortion. more today? How was he so heart blind? In some cases, it is the father of the Anyone Seeking Healing After Abortion It is only at the point of the movie son who influences his son and girlfriend where his daughter is back there longer to have an abortion. (I have had a father Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, an intimate spiritual journey for anyone seeking healing than he expects that he starts to panic. tell me that he offered to buy his son’s after abortion, will be the weekend of June 21-23. Little did he know that the botched job of girlfriend any car she wanted and to pay In a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment, you can focus on this painful the staff was causing his daughter to have her full college tuition if she would just time in your life and enter into the process of healing. Through Scripture readings, major blood loss. It is one of the scenes I have the abortion.) A father’s indifference guided meditations, and activities flowing from the meditations, you can experience can’t seem to get out of my head. toward his grandchild has driven him to God’s compassion and forgiveness. All through the movie, and even now be heartless in the face of what could Deadline for registration is Thursday, June 13. when I have flashbacks I pray, “Father have been a loving moment. For registration information, contact Sister Meg Cole at 1-866-3 RACHEL (toll forgive them, for they do not know what I have now met regretful grandfathers free), 610-332-0442 ext. 2019 or [email protected]. they are doing” (Luke 23:34). For information about the retreat experience, visit the national website, www.rach- These being the first thought and elsvineyard.org. words out of the heart and soul of Jesus Please see RETREAT page 21 }} May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 21

Saturday, July 20 Sunday, May 19 484-456-6818, 484-767-8669. Collection for Central and Eastern Europe, also Meat Bingo, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, so- Sunday, July 21. cial hall, 1 p.m., doors open noon, $11 for 15 games, Wednesdays, July 10, Aug. 14 Calendar 610-432-3505. St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Resorts Ca- Designer Handbags, Baskets and Cash Bingo, sino, Atlantic City, N.J., $55, suemueller45@gmail. Editor’s note: E-mail, fax or mail Church-affili- com, 610-392-2957. ated items for the Calendar page (Calendar, Re- Bethlehem Chapter of UNICO, at St. Francis Center Retreats for Renewal, Bethlehem, cafeteria, 1:30 p.m., doors treats, Socials, Festivals, Bazaars, Trips) to: email, Saturday, July 13 [email protected]; fax, 610-439- First Tuesdays open noon, advance tickets $20, at door $25, tickets 610-691-1338, 610-865-2419. St. Thomas More, Allentown to Washington Na- 7694; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA “Simply Prayer,” mornings of prayer, reflection tionals at Phillies, $60, 484-951-0440. 18105-1538. and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Beth- Sundays, May 19; June 2, 23; Aug. 4, 18; Sept. 8, Items must be received by Thursday of the week lehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, free will offering, 610-867- Thursday, July 25 before publication. Please type or print. Please no- 8890, [email protected], www.stfrancis- 22; Oct. 6, 20; Nov. 3, 17; Dec. 8 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, St. St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to tify The A.D. Times if bingos and other regularly ctr.org. “Annie,” Dutch Apple Theater, Lancaster, $90, 610- listed events are cancelled for the summer or other Stephen Hall, Shenandoah, 2 p.m., doors open noon, 570-590-3270 or 570-590-1188. 791-1758. holiday periods, and again when they resume. Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Hunterdon Hills, Please do not send items again after they are pub- “Weekend Directed Retreat,” Jesuit Center for $97, 610-866-0360. lished. Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, www.jesuitcenter. For more information, e-mail adtimes@allen- org/directedretreats_bylength. Tuesday, Aug. 13 towndiocese.org or call 610-871-5200, ext. 2264. Holy Family, Nazareth, Golden Agers to Sky- Monday, June 10 – Thursday, June 13 Trips line Cruise of Atlantic City, New Jersey, $90, 610- Thursday, May 16 “We Thirst,” addiction series, St. Francis Center 759-0576. Financial and Estate Planning for Women, De- for Renewal, Bethlehem, hosted by Kolbe Acad- Editor’s note: The A.D. Times publishes newly announced, Church-affiliated trips in every issue. Sales University, Center Valley, University Center, emy, 7-9 p.m., free, registration 610-559-4534, Saturday, Aug. 17 6-8 p.m., reservations 610-871-5200 ext. 2244 or www.wethirstseries.com. The entire previously announced list is repeated as space permits. St. Thomas More, Allentown to Indians at the [email protected]. Yankees, $125 or $150, 484-951-0440. Monday, June 17 – Sunday, June 23 Send Church-affiliated trips to adtimes@allen- towndiocese.org by Thursday of the week before Saturday, May 18 5-Day Directed Retreat, www.jesuitcenter.org/ Thursday, Aug. 22 Chicken Dinner, St. John the Baptist, Allen- directedretreats_bylength. publication. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled for a trip so it can be removed from Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 55+ to Atlantic City town, social hall, 4-6:30 p.m., adults $12, children Cruise and Casino, $70, 610-866-0360. under 10 $5, no sales at door, 610-432-3505. Sunday, June 23 – Thursday, June 27 the repeating list. “Rooted in the Graces of the Exercises,” www. Trip listings include sponsoring group, desti- nation, cost and contact information. Contact the Sunday, Sept. 8 – Thursday Sept. 12 Sunday, May 19 jesuitcenter.org/IgnatianLeadershipforMission. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem to El “Desire,” concert, Roxy Theater, Northampton, sponsor for other details, such as times, dining lo- cation, itineraries and what is included in the cost. Coronado Hotel, Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $10, sponsored by Knights of Co- Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30 $470, 484-456-6818. lumbus 14464 of Sacred Heart, Bath, tickets at door “Forgiveness: A Journey Toward Healing and Newly announced $10, information 610-837-1702. Freedom,” St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 610- Wednesdays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 258-3053, ext. 0, www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Mohegan Sun Monday, May 20 Sunday, June 30 – Tuesday, July 2 St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City, Golden Casino, Poconos, $30, [email protected], “Seek Always the Light of Christ,” discussion Sunday, July 14 – Friday, July 19 610-392-2957. on effects of pornography, Lumen Christi Com- “Icon Writing Retreat,” St. Francis Retreat Age, to Tropicana Casino Resort, $295 or $399, 570-773-0838, 570-773-0378. mission, at St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, church House, Easton, 610-258-3053, ext. 0, www.stfran- Monday, Sept. 16 – Thursday, Sept. 19 hall, 7 p.m., adults only, 610-433-6102 or www.st- cisretreathouse.org. St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Niagara Falls francisallentown.org. Sunday, July 14 – Friday, July 19 St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City, Golden and the Erie Canal, $579, suemueller45@gmail. Friday, Aug. 9 – Sunday, Aug. 11 com, 610-392-2957. Wednesday, May 22 “A Franciscan Pilgrimage with St. Francis and Age to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tenn., $859 or $1,168, 570-773-1753. “Relics of St. John Neumann,” St. Patrick, St. Clare,” St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 610- Wednesday, Sept. 18 Pottsville, two presentations by Father Anthony 258-3053, ext. 0, www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. Previously announced St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to Michalik, 3-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m., veneration, prayer, “Barefoot in the Park,” Hunterdon Hills, $90, 610- blessings with first class relic, no registration, free, Friday, Nov. 8 – Sunday, Nov. 10 791-1758. 610-289-8900, ext. 2021, adultformation@allen- “Spiritual Push,” St. Francis Retreat House, Saturday, May 18 St. Thomas More, Allentown to New York City towndiocese.org. Easton, 610-258-3053, ext. 0, www.stfrancisretreat- Thursday, Oct. 10 house.org. Ballet: Balanchine, $114; Broadway: “Kiss Me Kate” $168 or “Tootsie” $188; 484-951-0440. Holy Family, Nazareth, Golden Agers to Ger- Monday, May 27 manfest at White Birches, Hawley, $86, 610-759- Mass for Memorial Day, SS. Peter and Paul, Tuesday, May 21 – Friday, May 24 0576. Lehighton, 9 a.m. at parish cemetery, North Fourth Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 55+ to “Streisand/ Street, bring lawn chairs; rain location in the church. St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Thousand Festivals/Bazaars Islands, $559, [email protected], 610-392- Sinatra,” Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe, 610-866-0360. Saturday, June 8 Sunday, May 19 2957. “Flores de Mayo,” Filipino celebration, St. Jane Thursday, Oct. 10 – Saturday, Oct. 19 Applebees Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast, St. St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City to Roy- Michael’s Byzantine Church, at Applebees, 1510 Frances de Chantal, Easton, Mass 2 p.m., followed Tuesday, May 28 – Wednesday, May 29 by procession, potluck of Filipino dishes, church St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to al Caribbean Northbound Cruise, $1,387.51 or Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, 8-10 a.m., adults $7, $1,085.51, 570-280-7002. children 2-12 $4.50, 484-553-3828, jmk@cbher- parking lot. Dover Downs, Delaware, 610-791-1758. itage.com. Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 Wednesday, June 12 Tuesday, Oct. 15 St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to Friday, June 14 “Festa,” St. Anthony of Padua, Easton at Holy St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to Cross Park, Friday 7-10 p.m., Saturday 6-9:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun, Wilkes-Barre, $25, 610-791-1758. Supremes Show, Mount Airy Casino, Mount Po- “Writing Your Legacy Letter,” John Paul II Cen- cono, $62, 610-791-1758. ter for Special Learning, Shillington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 5-8 p.m., Polka Mass Sunday 2:30 p.m. no charge, hosted by Diocese of Allentown, RSVP Thursday, June 13 Friday, June 7 – Saturday, June 8 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, Golden Wednesday, Oct. 30 610-871-5200, ext. 2244, gdowney@allentowndio- St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to cese.org. “Block Party,” St. Mary, Ringtown, Friday 4-10 Agers to “Mama Mia,” Fulton Theatre, Lancaster, p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m., horseshoe tournament $99, 484-264-7723. Hollywood, $25, 610-791-1758. Saturday, June 15 Saturday 11 a.m.-noon, team registration $20, 570- Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Mohegan Sun Ca- 985-7311. sino, Wilkes-Barre, $30, 610-866-0360. Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Thursday, Nov. 7 Holy Father Collection (Peter’s Pence), also St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to At- Sunday, June 16. Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, HGA Seniors Friday, June 7 – Saturday, June 8 to “Mamma Mia,” Fulton Theatre, Lancaster, $100, lantic City, New Jersey, 610-791-1758. Sunday, June 23 Parish Festival, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 610-921-1515 or 610-929-0384. Whitehall, Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 5-10 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 – Saturday, Nov. 16 Solemnity of Corpus Christi, St. Jane Frances Assumption Travel Club, Assumption BVM, de Chantal, Easton, noon Mass followed by Eucha- 610-266-0695, www.sercc.org. Wednesday, June 19 Holy Family, Nazareth, Golden Agers to “Trib- Slatington to Rome and Amalfi Coast, Italy, $3,899, ristic procession to chapel, exposition with benedic- 610-767-3036. tion 1-4 p.m., Divine Mercy Chaplet 3 p.m. ute to the Beach Boys,” Mount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono, $66, 610-759-0576. Wednesday, Dec. 4 Thursday, June 27 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, Golden Agers to Resorts, Atlantic City, $40, 610-264-3721. Holy Family, Nazareth, Golden Agers to Christ- “Writing Your Legacy Letter,” Nativity BVM Socials mas Show, American Theater, Lancaster, $96, 610- High School, Pottsville, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., no charge, 759-0576. hosted by Diocese of Allentown, RSVP 610-871- Sundays Friday, June 21 Holy Trinity, Whitehall, Seniors in Action to St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Christmas 5200, ext. 2244, [email protected]. Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Show, Radio City Music Hall, New York City, $219, Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Ar- “Guys and Dolls” Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on the Delaware, $71, 610-262-6058. [email protected], 610-392-2957. Friday, June 28 gyl, 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., 610-863-4816. St. Thomas More, Allentown, Prime Time to Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Jane Monday, June 24 Christmas Show, American Music Theater, Lan- Frances de Chantal, Easton, 8:15 a.m. Mass, exposi- Third Sundays caster, $85, 610-791-1758. tion with benediction until 10 p.m., Divine Mercy Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 St. Thomas More, Allentown to New York Mets at Phillies, $75 or $60, 484-951-0440. Chaplet 3 p.m., rosary 7:30 p.m. for vocations. p.m., doors open 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 Tuesday, June 25 – Friday, June 28 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, Golden July-August (as scheduled locally) Thursdays Agers to “Joy to the World,” American Music The- Collection for Mission Co-Op. Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem, Fel- lowship Group to Villa Roma, New York, $505, ater, Lancaster, 610-264-3721.

mothers and fathers of aborted children) can find healing and mercy at a Rachel’s Retreat Vineyard Retreat. God’s Divine Mercy Sunday Scripture }}Continued from page 20 and Forgiveness can heal this deep wound of regret and sorrow. Bringing this hurt, Sunday, May 19 Sunday, May 26 pain and division that happens among all Fifth Sunday of Easter Sixth Sunday of Easter in the post-abortion ministry. They at who are part of this momentous, histori- times justify their decision saying they cal decision that remains in the hearts and First reading First Reading thought it was the best thing to do so their souls of all involved can be reconciled at Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27 Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2, 22-29 child could go to college. Or he blames an RVR weekend. Responsorial Psalm Responsorial Psalm his wife saying she told me to do this. Or When Jesus uttered the words “Father Psalms 145:8-13 Psalms 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 he says he didn’t want his wife to know, forgive them, for they do not know what Second Reading Second Reading nor did the daughter want her mother to they are doing” he was offering the gift of Revelations 21:1-5a Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 know, and so he followed through on this forgiveness not just to those around him, Gospel Gospel decision he now sees as a desperate and but he was thinking of the future too, of John 13:31-33a, 34-35 John 14:23-29 regretful moment in his life. us, and offering us the gift of forgiveness Grandfathers (and grandmothers and for each other and for ourselves. 22 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 High Schools, Special Learning Centers to Graduate 827 The six high schools of the Diocese of Allentown will honor 821 in baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies this year. The three special learning schools in the diocese will graduate six students. Allentown Central Catholic High School (ACCHS) Baccalaureate: Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m., St. Thomas More, Allentown. Celebrant and homilist: Father Mark Searles, ACCHS chaplain. Graduation: Friday, June 7, 7 p.m., Rockne Hall, ACCHS. Valedictorian: Ryan Schanta. Salutatorian: Thomas Perun. Graduating: 180. Berks Catholic High School, Reading (BCHS) Baccalaureate: Tuesday, June 4, 7 p.m., St. Catharine of Siena, Reading. Celebrant and homilist: Father Stephen Isaac. Graduation: Wednesday, June 7, 7 p.m., Physical Education Center, Alvernia University, Reading. Valedictorian: Danielle Siteman. Salutatorian: James Hornickle. Graduating: 204. Bethlehem Catholic High School (Becahi) Baccalaureate: Tuesday, June 4, 7 p.m., Becahi auditorium. Celebrant and homilist: Bishop Alfred Schlert and Father Kevin Bobbin, Becahi chaplain. Graduation: Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m., auditorium. Valedictorian: Julia Zambo. Salutatorian: Kaitlyn Hartman. Graduating: 177. Marian High School, Tamaqua (MHS) Baccalaureate: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., Marian gymnasium. Celebrant and homilist: Monsignor David James, vicar general, and Father Brian Miller, MHS chaplain. Graduation: Friday, May 31, 7 p.m., Marian gymnasium. Valedictorian: Zachary Boyer. Salutatorian: Emma McClafferty. Graduating: 65. John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington Graduation and Mass: Monday, June 3, 12:30 p.m., John Paul II Center. Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville Celebrant and homilist: Monsignor Thomas Orsulak, pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Baccalaureate: Monday, June 3, 7 p.m., Nativity gymnasium. Reading. Celebrant and homilist: Father David Loeper, Nativity chaplain. Graduates: 2 – Angel Maldonado-Flores, Samuel Stoudt. Graduation: Tuesday, June 4, 7 p.m., gymnasium. Valedictorian: Benjamin Patton. Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown Salutatorian: Hadrian Vaupel. Graduation and Mass: Wednesday, June 5, 10 a.m., All Purpose Room, Mercy. Graduating: 70. Concelebrant and homilist: Father John Chmil, assistant pastor, Church of St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg. Notre Dame High School, Easton (NDHS) Graduates: 4 – Thomas Garrou, Austin Braun, Rachel MacDonald, Lea Sessoms. Baccalaureate: Tuesday, June 4, 7 p.m., St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. Celebrant and homilist: Father Eugene Ritz, NDHS chaplain. St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. football field (weather permitting). No graduates this year. Valedictorian: Benjamin Gormley. Salutatorian: Isabela Guet-Cruza. Graduating: 125.

It pays to advertise in The A.D. Times Contact Lori Anderson at [email protected] or 610-871-5200 extension 2273 May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 23 Parish Mission at St. Ursula Highlights Eucharistic Miracles

By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

St. Ursula, Fountain Hill offered a parish mission for its 100th anniversary in hon- or of Jesus Christ that high- lighted Eucharistic miracles as the mission launched Palm Sunday evening, April 14. The mission ran April 14-16, and visitors were able to read 85 Eucharis- tic miracle posters hanging around the Church. Dr. Annamae Hein spoke April 14 on the Vatican International Eucharistic Parishioners peruse the Eucharistic miracle posters, from left, Tom Neimeis- Miracle Exhibition. Hein ter, Mary Ann Ehrhardt, Maria Lahr and her mother Rose Roth, at St. Ursula, retired as a science teacher Fountain Hill on the opening evening of the April 14-16 parish mission for its from Dieruff High School, 100th anniversary in honor. (Photos by John Simitz) Allentown and with Rose Neimeister, is a parish sec- Above, Dr. Annamae Hein speaks about the Inter- retary at St. Ursula. which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this national Vatican Eucharistic Miracle Exhibition. The International Vatican Eucharistic Miracle Exhi- bread, he shall live forever.” bition is printed from free DVDs issued by this organi- “This confused the disciples. They didn’t know Below, Father Robert Potts welcomes those gath- zation after minimal procedures. It is administered by whether to take him literally,” she said. ered for the parish mission. volunteers like Hein, scattered across the world. Hein also referenced John 6:53: “Jesus said to them, It was inspired by a young boy, Venerable Carlo Acu- Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the tis (1991-2006), who lived his life for Jesus. He and his Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, researched each mira- within you.” cle and created the exhibit. Monsignor Rafaello Marti- “At the consecration the priest quotes the direct nelli promoted the exhibition and brought it to the world. words of Christ and it changes the reality.” Carlo died in 2006 from leukemia at age 15. The Eucharistic miracles are available for online The formal introduction of Carlo’s cause for canon- study at: http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/ ization came May 13, 2013 and he became titled as a engl_mir.htm. Servant of God. Pope Francis declared him venerable This traveling Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles July 5, 2018. is available for organizations to display to their commu- Information can be found on the official website of nities at no cost. The complete exhibition is comprised the Carlo Acutis Association and the Cause of Beatifi- of 173 posters representing 109 Eucharistic miracles cation of the and their loca- Venerable tions around the Servant of The Eucharistic miracles are available for online study at: world. Dona- God Carlo http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm. tions for printing Acutis, http:// costs are appre- www.car- ciated. For more loacutis.com/ information, call en/association/mostra-miracoli-eucaristici. St. Ursula, 610-867-5122. “Carlos declared the Eucharist his ‘highway to heav- “We hope to bring this exhibition to as many people en,’” Hein said. as possible,” Hein said. Samples showed muscle cells Father Robert Potts, pastor of St. Ursula, welcomed and intact white blood cells; white blood cells disinte- the faithful gathered for the April 14 opening evening of grate after 15 minutes, and this test was done six years the mission. after the miracle occurred. Deacon David Rohner of St. Ursula offered “Intro- Hein then detailed several Eucharistic miracles. duction to Eucharistic Miracles Presentation,” during Sister Rose Mulligan, a Sister, Servant of the Im- which he spoke of transubstantiation, the conversion of maculate Heart of Mary, spoke on the Shroud of Turin the substance of the Eucharistic elements into the body April 15. People could continue to visit the Eucharistic and blood of Christ. “Some of our fellow Christians be- exhibition. lieve this is a symbol, but we as Catholics know it’s the The exhibition continued April 16, along with adora- body and blood of Christ.” tion and Benediction of the Holy Eucharist. The CCD “The reason we brought the baby Jesus in procession children performed a dramatic Stations of the Cross. on the first evening of our parish mission on the Eucha- Also, the day prior to the mission, April 13, and Sun- rist during Lent is that we wanted to remind people that day morning, Palm Sunday, visitors could view the post- Jesus was born a man just like all of us with Mary’s ‘yes’ ers. to God,” Deacon Rohner said. “He grew up just as we have: he laughed, he cried, he Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena-Orvieto, Italy played with other kids, he felt pain, he loved his mother Hein said this is the Eucharistic miracle that led to the and father, he mourned his stepfather’s death (Joseph), Feast of Corpus Christi. and he grew up steeped in his Jewish faith knowing the Hein said among the miracle posters is this story from law. 1263, when Peter of Prague, a pious German priest, was “It was a way to begin our parish mission of the Eu- having doubts about the transubstantiation of the Holy charist from his birth to his death and resurrection as Eucharist. Because this is the heart of our Catholic faith, each evening progressed.” he was questioning his priesthood vocation. Deacon Rohner also led the discussion “What is the He decided to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Eucharist to Catholics?” at the close of the evening. Peter in Rome to pray for enlightenment. He stopped As Hein began her presentation, she said Auxiliary along the way to celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Chris- Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles has said appear- tina in the Basilica of Bolsena, Italy. ance is not reality. When he raised his arms to consecrate the host it be- “In the night sky you see lots of stars. You zero in on gan to bleed and ran down his hands onto the corporal one, but you’re not seeing it as it really is. The star had beneath. At first he tried to hide the blood, but soon he to travel 35,000 light years to get to our eyes. We see interrupted Mass and asked that he be taken to where starlight that has traveled a far distance and for a long Pope Urban IV was residing in nearby Orvieto. As he Deacon David Rohner offers an “Introduction to Eu- time,” Hein said. “When we wish upon a star we’re time left the church some of the blood fell and stained the charistic Miracles Presentation.” traveling.” marble floor. With transubstantiation, “Father Barron says it comes Those who traveled faster than he told the Pope of the down to the power of words. The appearance of bread miracle. Urban IV decided to intercept the priest him- with the Blood of Christ can be visited in the Cathedral and wine is not reality because of the authenticity of the self. They met at the Bridge of the Sun, where the Pope of Orvieto, Italy on the altar of the Golden Shrine. The words,” Hein said. knelt in adoration. The Feast of Corpus Christi was de- Feast of Corpus Christi will be celebrated this year on Hein referred to John 6:48-69, and specifically quot- clared on Aug. 11, 1264. ed John 6:51 when Jesus said: “I am the living bread Although more than 750 years old, the Holy Corporal Please see MIRACLES page 24 }} 24 The A.D. Times Diocese May 16, 2019 Miracles }}Continued from page 23

June 20, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, Italy Hein said another very famous Eucharistic miracle occurred in Lanciano, Italy in 750 A.D. While saying the words of consecration, a doubting priest witnessed the host turn into flesh and the wine turn into blood. This miracle has been extensively studied throughout history and as late as 1970 by Dr. Edward Linoli, the director of a hospital in Arrezo and a professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His findings were later corroborated through 500 tests done by other expert scien- tists from the Medical Commission of the World Health Organization. The findings were published in December, 1976. These tests found that the flesh was striated tissue of human heart muscle with white blood cells that indicated they were taken from a living heart under great duress. The blood contained a normal distribution of proteins and responded during clinical Debbie Rohner, wife of Deacon David Rohner, carries the baby Jesus as the testing just as living tissue. It is type AB, the same as the Shroud of Turin. When the women’s guild processes in on the first night of the mission Palm Sunday globules of blood are weighed separately or together they consistently weigh the same evening. 15.85 grams. The relics are sealed for security but are not air tight. Testing also revealed no sign of salt preservation even though it is now 1,269 years old. This miracle can be visited cle-lanciano/ . at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, Lanciano, Italy. The official website is https://thecatholictravelguide.com/destinations/italy/lanciano-italy-eucharistic-mira- Eucharistic Miracle of Betania, Venezuela Hein also spoke of this Eucharistic miracle that occurred during the midnight Mass of Dec. 8, 1991. Father Otty Ossa Aristizabal was celebrating Mass in the chapel of the Shrine of Betania in Cua and during the consecration, saw the host bleeding. The miraculous host is preserved in the city of Los Teques, at the convent of the Augustinian Recollects Nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, where it is permanently exposed for the adoration of the faithful and it is visited every year by numerous pilgrims coming also from abroad. Tests confirmed the blood of the priest did not match the one of the particle, and that the blood was human type AB positive, matching the one found in the cloth of the Shroud of Turin and in the host of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. Many prodigious events have taken place connected to the host of the miracle, among the one which stands out that occurred to a young American who filmed the miraculous host pulsating like a heart, while it was exposed to the faithful. On Nov. 12, 1998, Daniel Sanford, a pilgrim from New Jersey, saw the host as if in flames in the tabernacle, with a pulsating heart that was bleeding in its center. Hein showed a clip of Sanford’s film to those gathered at St. Ursula. Eucharistic Miracle of Buenos Aires, Argentina The parish of St. Mary in Buenos Aires has been the protagonist of three Eucharistic miracles that occurred in 1992, 1994 and 1996. Professor Ricardo Castanon Gomez was called by Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires – now Pope Francis – to analyze the miracle that occurred Aug. 15, 1996. During Mass on the Feast of the Assumption, a consecrated host fell to the ground and was placed in a vessel of water to dissolve. On Aug. 26 a Eucharistic minister opened the tabernacle and saw the host had blood. Analysis showed it was human blood and that it presented the entire leukocyte for- mula; the white blood cells were active. Further analyses showed the samples were tissues of the heart, similar to those of the studies performed on the host of the Miracle of Lanciano. Samples showed muscle cells and intact white blood cells; white blood cells disintegrate after 15 minutes, and this test was done six years after the miracle occurred. The cells were inflamed and it is the left ventricle of the heart. The relic of the miracle is preserved in the tabernacle at the Church of St. Mary. The poster that describes the Eucharistic miracle of Betania. Filipinos to Celebrate Flores de Mayo May 19 The Filipino Catholic Community in ces de Chantal, Easton. of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem by St. Potluck and fellowship will follow at the Diocese of Allentown (FCCDA) in- “Flores de Mayo” (“Flowers of May”) Helena. the six blue tents at the parking lot. vites everyone to its annual “Flores de is a Filipino ceremony honoring our Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. by Participants are asked to bring and Mayo – Santacruzan” celebration and fes- Blessed Mother, and “Santacruzan” is a Monsignor Stephen Radocha, pastor, fol- share their favorite Filipino dish. tivities Sunday, May 19 at St. Jane Fran- procession commemorating the finding lowed by a procession around the church. For more information, call 610-751- 3943. May 16, 2019 Diocese The A.D. Times 25

con gran fuerza salió de él. Todos se asustaron, y se preguntaban unos a otros: Liberación — ¿Qué es esto? ¡Enseña de una manera Por DIÁCONO JOSÉ SANTOS nueva, y con plena autoridad! ¡Incluso a los espíritus impuros da órdenes, y lo Qué bueno es vivir y caminar con lib- obedecen! Y muy pronto la fama de ertad, sin prisa, sin preocupaciones, ni su- Jesús se extendió por toda la región de jeto a los afanes temporales. Para poder Galilea” (Mc 1, 21-28). llegar a ser feliz, necesitamos encontrar- Hoy es necesario meditar en este nos en estado de tanta libertad, que nos evangelio, hay mucha gente, incluso en- permita elegir lo que realmente es correc- en contra de los otros. Pero ahora, para dad” (Ef 4, 20-24). tre los bautizados hay gente que puede to y verdadero. Sólo cuando volvemos a los que queden de este pueblo, ya no voy Los cristianos debemos vivir de una estar afectada de diversas formas por vivir según el plan de nuestro “Arquitecto a ser como en los primeros días. Yo, el manera diferente, no somos ya del mun- los espíritus del mal. Me alegro que en Creador” encontramos paz y seguridad Señor todopoderoso, lo afirmo. Porque la do, pertenecemos al Reino de los Cielos. nuestra diócesis después de cada misa se interior. paz estará sembrada entre ellos. Los viñe- En este nuevo reino buscamos el bien del invoque la asistencia del Arcángel San Dios es el arquitecto que nunca re- dos darán su fruto; la tierra, sus produc- otro, no el bien propio; porque cuando lo- Miguel para pedir a Dios ésta ayuda tan pite ningún diseño, Él ha creado a cada tos; y el cielo, su rocío. Y yo les daré todo gramos hacer feliz a una persona, esto es necesaria para liberar al pueblo de los es- uno, único, e irrepetible, todos venimos eso en posesión a los que queden de este recíproco. Es mejor poder dar, que poder píritus malignos dispersos. al mundo con una misión. Cada persona pueblo” (Zac 8, 7-12). recibir; cuando compartimos con los her- Es una realidad, la presencia del mal debe descubrir cuál es la voluntad del Se- Dios por medio del profeta anuncia la manos en la fe o con los hermanos más en el mundo. No podemos darle mucha ñor, cual es el propósito en la vida de cada liberación de su pueblo, le promete bien- necesitados, lo hacemos porque tenemos importancia, pero tampoco ignorar que uno. ¿No te has dado cuenta que muchas estar a todos los que se esfuercen a vivir los recursos y las posibilidades de ayudar. actúa por medio de las tentaciones, se veces queremos hacer cosas buenas y no según sus palabras y mandatos. La liber- Dios ha regalado dones a los bautiza- anida en aquellos que viven en pecados podemos? Otras veces intentamos hacer tad es el fruto del esfuerzo y el sacrificio dos y medio de estos dones, nos ha ca- mortales, ejemplos: adulterio y todo tipo cosas malas y no nos salen. Dios por me- viviendo con justicia ante Dios, y frente pacitado para actuar en su nombre, para de desorden sexual, matar como en el dio de su ángel te está guiando para que a todos nuestros hermanos. Así como el hacer el bien, para mostrar misericordia aborto y todas sus formas, la brujería y la cumplas tu misión. fruto del trabajo, es una buena cosecha, o como Él ha tenido misericordia de no- adivinación, y toda clase de superstición. “Yo, el Señor todopoderoso, lo afirmo: una paga justa en efectivo, así todo bien sotros. Hay más alegría en dar que en La vida sacramental fervorosa, nos Yo libertaré a mi pueblo del poder del exige sacrificio para lograr la satisfac- recibir. libera de todas estas trampas del enemigo país de oriente y del país de occidente, y ción. “Llegaron a Cafarnaúm, y en el sába- de Dios. La Iglesia nos proporciona los lo traeré a Jerusalén para que viva allí. El- “Pero ustedes no conocieron a Cristo do Jesús entró en la sinagoga y comenzó sacramentos para llegar a ser verdadera- los serán entonces mi pueblo, y yo seré su para vivir así, pues ciertamente oyeron a enseñar. La gente se admiraba de cómo mente libres, como hijos del Dios vivo Dios, con fidelidad y justicia.” el mensaje acerca de él y aprendieron a les enseñaba, porque lo hacía con plena que somos. Si sospecha que tú o alguien Esto dice el Señor todopoderoso: “Es- vivir como él lo quiere, según la verdad autoridad y no como los maestros de la en tu familia o entorno está siendo in- fuércense, ustedes que en estos días han que está en Jesús. Por eso, deben ustedes ley. En la sinagoga del pueblo había un vadido por algún mal espíritu, no dudes oído las palabras dichas por los profe- renunciar a su antigua manera de vivir y hombre que tenía un espíritu impuro, el en recomendar a acudir a los sacramen- tas, desde el día en que se pusieron los despojarse de lo que antes eran, ya que cual gritó: — ¿Por qué te metes con no- tos del bautismo, de la reconciliación, cimientos para la reconstrucción del todo eso se ha corrompido, a causa de los sotros, Jesús de Nazaret? ¿Has venido a frecuentar las visitas al santísimo sacra- templo del Señor todopoderoso. Porque deseos engañosos. Deben renovarse es- destruirnos? Yo te conozco, y sé que eres mento y vivir en persona el sacramento hasta estos días no había paga para los piritualmente en su manera de juzgar, y el Santo de Dios. Jesús reprendió a aquel de la Eucaristía junto a la comunidad los hombres ni para las bestias. Y a causa revestirse de la nueva naturaleza, creada espíritu, diciéndole: — ¡Cállate y deja a domingos, y diario si está a tu alcance. “Y del enemigo, tampoco había paz para los a imagen de Dios y que se distingue por este hombre! El espíritu impuro hizo que serán verdaderamente libres en el nombre habitantes; y yo había puesto a los unos una vida recta y pura, basada en la ver- al hombre le diera un ataque, y gritando de Jesús.” Amen. Learn About Aprenda más sobre la Natural Family Planning planificación familiar natural

Learn more about Natural Family ports the natural dignity of women’s re- Una y otra vez, las parejas que prac- y la fertilidad de las mujeres sin drogas o Planning. productive health and fertility without tican NFP revelan un mejoramiento dispositivos peligrosos. Over and over, couples practicing dangerous drugs or devices. dramático en sus matrimonios, incluido Vea un nuevo video en NFP y obtenga NFP reveal dramatic improvements to See a new video on NFP and get more la comunicación, el crecimiento espiri- más información visitando www.allen- their marriage including communication, information by visiting www.allentown- tual y una mayor intimidad. towndiocese.org/NFP. spiritual growth and deeper intimacy. diocese.org/NFP. Además, NFP mantiene y apoya la Furthermore, NFP maintains and sup- dignidad natural de la salud reproductiva

Soner, both of Linden, N.J. Death Her ministry as an elementary teacher and mission coordinator was served in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Religious Sister Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Texas. In the Diocese Sister Lidwina Konicki, 105, of the of Allentown, she served at St. Casimir, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Or- Shenandoah and St. Joseph Villa, Read- der Regular of St. Francis, died May 13 ing. at St. Joseph Villa, Reading. Mass of Christian Burial will be cel- She was born in Lansford, daughter of ebrated Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. at the late Anthony and Cunegunda (Koci- Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, olek) Konicki. Surviving are a brother, with burial in the congregation’s cem- Walter Konicki, and a sister, Carmela etery, Mount Alvernia, Reading.

Switch to an Online Subscription of The A.D. Times To transfer your print subscription of The A.D. Times to instead receive an email notification with a link to each new issue posted on the diocesan website, send the following information to adtimes@al- lentowndiocese.org or fill out the submis- sion form on the diocesan website, http:// www.allentowndiocese.org/ad-times. Email address Name Address Parish Daytime phone number Subscriber number (on line imme- diately above your name printed in the lower left corner of this issue) 26 The A.D. Times World May 16, 2019 Internet, Online Porn Seen as Enabling Sexual Exploitation of Children Editor’s note: This is the sixth story in a distorted image of sexuality, relation- a series from Catholic News Service ships, and men and women, which may called “Children at Risk” on child sex- then affect their behavior,” they wrote. “It ual abuse in the United States. can also make them more vulnerable to being sexually abused, since their under- WASHINGTON (CNS) – The in- standing of appropriate behavior can be ternet facilitates sexual exploitation, a damaged.” category of child abuse, according to ex- One result of exposure to this vio- perts in this field interviewed by Catholic lence of pornography is an “explosive” News Service. increase in children who are assaulting The internet also, they say, enables other children. near universal access to violent pornog- Layden said it is more likely for a raphy, with a range of negative impli- daughter to be assaulted by her brother cations, including normalizing sexual than by her stepfather in a “blended” aggression and the dramatic increase in household. children abusing other children. Dawn Hawkins concurs with Layden. In a recent report on the role of tech- Hawkins is senior vice president and ex- nology in sex trafficking, as reported by ecutive director of the National Center on the Justice Department’s Domestic Mi- Sexual Exploitation, or NCOSE, known nor Sex Trafficking studies and based on as Morality in Media until 2015. interviews with 260 survivors, Vanessa “NCOSE believes the increase in Bouche, a political science professor at children with ‘harmful sexual behavior’ Texas Christian University, found the in- – a term that includes rape – is due to ternet facilitated prostitution, through on- early exposure to hard-core porn,” said line ads, in 75 percent of the cases. Hawkins. An illustration shows a teenager looking over her Facebook page. The internet The average age of entry was 15. Hawkins said there’s little data, for facilitates sexual exploitation, a category of child abuse, experts in this field Young victims, under 1 through age 10, one reason, in school settings sexual told Catholic News Service. (CNS photo/Mariana Bazo, Reuters) were exploited by family members (76 abuse between children is not reported, percent), while older minors were ex- but the damage to victims is real. ploited by members of their social net- The lawyer for an 8-year-old girl years old. Nurses traced the phenomena with great severity – getting past its fil- work or strangers, far more often than by raped multiple times by a 13-year-old to exposure to pornography. ters. family. male neighbor, consulted NCOSE re- One potentially positive note in the And Starbucks announced it will According to Mary Anne Layden, di- cently. The boy – a consumer of violent disturbing trend regarding peer assault is block customers from perusing pornog- rector of the sexual trauma and psycho- pornography – had lined up his younger that, unlike adult perpetrators, young of- raphy while on the store’s free Wi-Fi, as pathology program in the University of siblings, and the victim’s sibling, to serve fenders who receive treatment do not ap- a result of pressure from the South Car- Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychia- as an audience for his illicit performance. pear to re-offend into adulthood. olina-based advocacy group Enough is try, our society is at the point of “almost “We know child sexual abuse leads “The good news on treatment means Enough. universal exposure” of children to por- to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, we need mandatory reporting of these Some of these changes are a result nography, which gives them “massive self-harm, PTSD, risky sexual behaviors, cases, so kids get help,” observed of consumer pressure, according to mis-education about intimacy and sexu- poor physical health and other difficult NCOSE’s Hawkins. Hawkins. ality.” struggles,” summarized Hawkins. “It She also is excited that after “many “The general public is becoming more Children “learn that sex is non-inti- often predates an individual’s entry into meetings” with Google, the internet gi- aware of the public health harm,” she told mate, violent, adversarial, that it is non- prostitution.” ant has quietly added a “safe search” fea- CNS. “Parents are concerned about the relational, it is degrading and it is narcis- “So the trauma experienced by that ture, allowing a setting that automatically harm to their young kids.” sistic,” she told CNS. “Almost 90 percent group of children, caused by an immature screens out graphic sexual imagery from She added, “There is a connection be- of pornography coded by researchers is brain’s exposure to pornography, could popping up. tween pornography and violence against violent, so boys are being taught: Women take years, even decades, to unravel,” she Private companies as well are begin- women.... The general public is becom- like to be forced; women like to be raped, added. ning to respond to evidence of the harm- ing aware of this and demanding an end fisted, choked, gagged and slapped.” Hawkins recommends the website ful impacts of pornography and to federal to the violence and sexual abuse of chil- Women are depicted as enjoying, or Protect Young Minds, www.protecty- law enforcement crackdowns on it. dren.” having a neutral response, to maltreat- oungminds.org for guidance on inoculat- The social networking site Tumblr, Hawkins also cited 40 peer-reviewed ment. ing them from harmful imagery online. now owned by Verizon, announced in studies since 2001 that stated the detri- “Everything pornography says is a Another such site is www.faithandsafety. early December it would block all por- mental impacts of pornography. “There is lie, but it is a massively effective teach- org, created by the U.S. Conference of nography and “adult content” from its much more widespread awareness of the ing tool – of toxic learning,” Layden ex- Catholic Bishops’ Department of Com- site beginning Dec. 17, as a result of child harms, which have been swept under the plained. munications and the Greek Orthodox pornography – a federal crime treated rug and not talked about,” she said. The U.S. Catholic bishops addressed Archdiocese of America. these harmful effects on children in their A data set released Nov. 30 by Chil- 2015 pastoral letter on pornography, dren’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, “Create in Me a Clean Heart.” Missouri, found that in almost half of its “Being exposed to pornography can be 2017 child abuse cases, boys ages 11 to traumatic for children and youth. Seeing 15 years were the perpetrators, physically it steals their innocence and gives them and sexually attacking girls ages 4 to 8 Vigilance by Parents and Their Children Called Key to Safe Internet Use WASHINGTON (CNS) – In his in- safety is the National Center for Miss- sexual questions or requests for pictures. of mobile apps; ways to address issues ternet safety presentations at schools, ing and Exploited Children, or NCMEC, “Your kids might not tell you every- faced by children online, such as bully- Justin Gaertner emphasizes that safety runs the website www.netsmartz.org thing but ask anyway,” the center says. ing; and resources to educate parents on “comes back to parents and kids being with tip sheets and guidance tailored “Regular conversations about safety can protecting their home networks. vigilant.” for various audiences. The site is one go a long way in increasing trust and It also features regular columns by “If you see something, say some- of more than a dozen sites with child communication.” leading Catholic and Orthodox figures thing,” he tells his audiences. safety resources the U.S. Conference of The site www.faithandsafety.org tells on connecting faith and technology, as Wounded in war while serving in Af- Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Child parents: “No technology, no piece of well as news updates, how-to guides and ghanistan as a Marine veteran, Gaertner and Youth Protection lists at https://bit. software, no parental control is ever a video content. works with the Department of Homeland ly/1DlKIJR. substitute for active and involved parent- “All safety – especially mobile and Security, pursuing predators who collect For parents, NCMEC suggests the ing. The most effecting internet safety online safety – begins at home,” the site’s and trade child pornography – more ac- best way to protect your children is to tool is you.” homepage says. “The habits you exhibit curately termed, child sexual abuse im- actually engage with them in accessing Launched in 2013 by the USCCB’s about technology use in your home will agery – on the internet. things online: offer to play the games Department of Communications and the be the same habits your children learn.... “We all have to be very careful,” they like, ask them to show you what Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Amer- Model the behavior you yourself expect Gaertner told Catholic News Service. platforms they use, discuss being re- ica, the Faith and Safety website has a from your children.” One resource for guidance on internet spectful online and never responding to variety of resources, including reviews May 16, 2019 World The A.D. Times 27 Philadelphia Holds ‘Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying’ PHILADELPHIA (CNS) – More than 1,000 people gathered in Philadel- phia May 10 to demonstrate against re- cent social media videos of a Pennsylva- nia lawmaker berating people for praying outside of an abortion clinic. The “Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying” took place in front of the Planned Parent- hood facility in downtown Philadelphia where the week before, state Rep. Brian Sims had confronted pro-life demonstra- tors and posted two videos on social me- dia where he asked for donations to the abortion center while offering money to viewers who could provide the identities and addresses of the activists. Shortly after the videos emerged on social media, the national organization Live Action organized a rally in response that featured representatives from the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Family Council, 40 Days for Life, Students for Life, Side- walk Advocates for Life, Sidewalk Ser- vants and the Susan B. Anthony List. Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, was moderator. She called for Sims’ resignation but also said the Lila Rose, founder of the pro-life group Live Action that sponsored the “Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying” May 10 in event was organized for a “much bigger Philadelphia, speaks to a crowd on the street in front of a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city. The rally was held in reason” – to stand for the dignity of hu- response to the verbal harassment of peaceful sidewalk witnesses by state Rep. Brian Sims, which came to light in man life, a point emphasized in several recent videos he posted on social media. (CNS photo/Sarah Webb, CatholicPhilly.com) other speeches at the rally. Rose said: “Over 900 babies are killed every day at Planned Parenthood facili- right to life,” she said. for an abortion induced through an aborti- “meet the hateful actions of Rep. Sims ties across the U.S., and 2,600 across the Several speakers directly addressed facient prescription. In speaking engage- with the love of Christ.” Philadelphia nation at abortion clinics.” Sims’ claims that the pro-life advocates ments, McFadden now shares her insights Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre deliv- Author and speaker Matt Walsh, who he had filmed were racist. on post-abortion healing and spiritual de- ered a final blessing at the rally. had called for the rally through a series Richara Krajewski of the Pro-Life velopment “so that no more babies need Some 20 patient escorts from Planned of Twitter posts, said “abortion is not a Union of Greater Philadelphia said she to die because of convenience.” Parenthood, wearing bright yellow and reproductive issue, but a parenting de- stood before the crowd “as a pro-life Abby Johnson, author of the book pink vests, lined the sidewalk during the cision,” since “by the time the abortion black woman.” “Unplanned” and a nationally recognized rally. They declined to offer comment happens, reproduction has already oc- Noting that “it’s so popular now to call pro-life advocate, met with an enthusias- about it to www.CatholicPhilly.com, the curred.” out racism,” Krajewski wished to clarify tic response as she announced she is now news outlet of the Archdiocese of Phila- He said he hoped the rally would be- that application of the term, particularly 37 weeks pregnant. delphia. come a regular event. “in the context of pro-abortion politics.” A former Planned Parenthood employ- Margaret Kuhar, a Philadelphia resi- Ashley Garecht, one of the women “Real racism,” she said, “is co-opting ee, Johnson took the organization to task dent who has just finished her freshman who had been confronted in Sims’ vid- the language of liberation to advocate for for “covering up statutory rape of minors, year at the University of Mary near Bis- eos, drew cheers as she commended the the destruction of the lives of the most not sterilizing instruments that are being marck, North Dakota, said the rally was longtime efforts of pro-life demonstrators vulnerable. Real racism is a so-called used woman to woman” and repeatedly remarkable for its “shoulder-to-shoulder and volunteers, noting they “are standing white ally telling black and brown wom- failing health inspections. turnout” and the rapid way it came to- on the side of the angels.” en that they need to choose between their “That is the antithesis of health care gether. Garecht also pointed out that the rally dreams and their babies.” and the antithesis of feminism,” said She has attended the annual March for was taking place just blocks from the for- Toni McFadden, founder of Relation- Johnson. Life in Washington more than 15 times mer home of James Madison, a primary ships Matter, described her own experi- Earlier in the week, Philadelphia Arch- with her family and said she has seen “a author of the U.S. Constitution, which ence as an African American teenager bishop Charles Chaput in a statement had big turnaround” in the attitude of young- enshrines “a self-evident, inalienable who had turned to Planned Parenthood encouraged people to attend the rally and er generations to abortion.

* Procedures for the investigation of ly. liminary investigation include the bishop bishops, cardinals, patriarchs, religious * A minor is anyone under the age of immediately requesting from the Vatican Abuse superiors and all those who lead – even 18 and a vulnerable person is “any person that he or a delegate be assigned to begin }}Continued from page 1 temporarily – a diocese or particular in a state of infirmity, physical or men- the preliminary investigation. If he con- church, including personal prelatures and tal deficiency, or deprivation of personal siders an accusation is unfounded, the pa- ceses by making them responsible for personal ordinariates. liberty which, in fact, even occasionally, pal nuncio is informed. The Vatican will alerting the proper Vatican authorities of * Leaders will be held accountable not limits their ability to understand or to have 30 days to respond to the request all forms of suspected abuse, including only with suspected cases of committing want to otherwise resist the offense.” and the bishop sends a status report to the the possession, distribution or creation of abuse themselves, but also accusations * The definition of child pornography Vatican every 30 days. pornography involving a minor. of having interfered with, covered up or as any representation of a minor, regard- * When the investigation is complete, He told Vatican News May 9 that the failed to address abuse accusations they less of the media used, “involved in ex- the bishop sends the results to the proper norms respond to Pope Francis’ contin- were aware of. plicit sexual activities, whether real or Vatican office, which then follows exist- ued insistence for concrete and effective * When the accused individual is a simulated, and any representation of sex- ing canon law. measures to ensure bishops and religious bishop, the metropolitan will receive a ual organs of minors for primarily sexual * The continued obligation to respect superiors have a very clear understand- mandate from the Holy See to inves- purposes.” civil laws regarding mandatory reporting. ing of what their obligations are and what tigate or delegate a person in charge of * Bishops and religious superiors will * Those who reported suspected abuse they should and should not do when it the preliminary investigation. A status re- be accountable not just for protecting mi- or cover-up will be told of the outcome comes to safeguarding. port must be sent to the Holy See every nors against abuse but also for protecting of the investigation if they request to be It also requires all priests and religious 30 days, and the investigation completed seminarians, novices and members of re- informed. to report suspected abuse or cover-ups with 90 days with some exceptions. Vati- ligious orders from violence and sexual * A fund can be set up by bishops’ con- and encourages any lay person to report can offices are also held to specific time- abuse stemming from an abuse of power. ferences, synods and church provinces to through a now-mandated reporting “sys- frames and prompt action. The norms apply to reports of “delicts cover the costs of investigations. tem” or office in each diocese. * By June 2020 every diocese in the against the sixth commandment” regard- The document is a follow-up to Pope How the office or “system” works will world must create an office or “public, ing clerics or members of religious or- Francis’ 2016 document, “As a Loving be up to each diocese, but “the idea is stable and easily accessible systems” for ders and “forcing someone, by violence Mother,” on transparency and account- that anyone who has suffered abuse can reporting suspected abuse against a minor or threat or through abuse of authority, to ability of bishops and religious superiors. have recourse to the local church, while or vulnerable person, failure of compli- perform or submit to sexual acts.” The two documents together are meant being assured they will be well received, ance of abuse guidelines by bishops or * Those who report abuse cannot be to correct what had been a lack of or un- protected from retaliation, and that their superiors, and cases of interference or subjected to pressure, retaliation and dis- clear procedures for investigating the reports will be treated with the utmost cover-ups in either a civil or canonical crimination or told to keep silent. The way a bishop complies with already es- seriousness,” Andrea Tornielli, editorial investigation of suspected abuse. seal of confession, however, remains in- tablished norms against abuse and clearly director of the Dicastery for Communica- * All priests and religious that become violable and is not affected by the new expressing the consequences of noncom- tion, told Vatican News. aware of abuse or its cover-up must alert norms. pliance or cover-ups. The new norms now stipulate: their bishop or religious superior prompt- * Procedures for carrying out the pre- 28 The A.D. Times World May 16, 2019 Bishop Schlert Among U.S. Bishops in Dialogue with Abuse Victims WASHINGTON (CNS) – During the last days of April, a section of the student hub on the campus of The Catholic Uni- versity of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. displayed a gallery of tales of pain, but also of recovery and healing, featur- ing Catholics from across the country who had experienced sex abuse by clergy. They were men and women, younger and older, of various ethnicities – pro- files of Catholics who had survived tor- ment by trusted members of the church but who also were helped to recover by Catholic communities of faith. On May 1 just behind the walls where the tales of abuse and healing were on display, a small group of Catholics just like the ones in the stories, gathered with bishops, clergy, victim advocates and others for a daylong event on the sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, but also to acknowledge the pain caused, to offer comfort, express sorrow, share a meal, pray and extend the wish to heal a broken trust. Abuse survivors Teresa Pitt Green and Luis Torres Jr., center, pose May 1 with John Garvey, president of The Catholic “To see the bishops up on a platform University of America, back left, and U.S. prelates, at the university in Washington. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert with survivors having a discussion in is front second from left. Back fourth from right is Bishop of Rockville Centre John Barres, former Bishop of Allentown. front of other people ... my hope is that it (CNS photo/Bob Roller) was the beginning of a lot more conver- sation between leadership and survivors,” ing Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley and ing the possibility that the higher rungs the devastation that the abuse caused, but said Kathleen Chastain, a victim services Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, took of the church can actively participate in the cover-up, and the resilience of these coordinator from the Office of Child and part in the event, which included a private the healing of a broken trust, Deacon No- people and their love for the church,” Youth Protection for the Diocese of Kan- meeting between the prelates and a small jadera said. Father DeAngelo said. “They’re the first sas City in a May 2 interview with Catho- group of survivors who attended and “This can work,” he said. “In the step in helping the church.” lic News Service. whose discussion was not open to other end, the dream is that the church can be Dallas Bishop Edward Burns said that Though the bishops gathered had heard attendees. healthier and holier.” while some in the church had found the the testimony of the two survivors before In a May 6 interview with CNS, Bishops sat at tables with survivors, revelations to be uncomfortable, “it’s im- – at their annual meeting in November in Bishop Shawn McKnight of Jefferson ate lunch together, and participated in portant for us to be uncomfortable” and Baltimore – the City, Missouri, who small group discussions with one another to face the reality of what took place, he May gathering took part in the private following panel discussions. said. placed them to- “In the end, the dream is that meeting, said a fam- Some bishops spoke of their efforts to “We have to enter into uncomfortable gether on a stage ily member attended walk with those who have been abused situations to bring about the healing.” to dialogue, a the church can be healthier the event, bringing to during their journey toward recovery, of In his remarks opening the meeting, back and forth and holier.” the forefront the full trying to reassure survivors of their wor- CUA President John Garvey said that like of questions and weight of what abuse thiness and of Christ’s love. other Catholics he, too, had been grap- answers, a shar- does: it negatively af- But that’s not always an easy message pling since last year with the emotions he ing of experi- fects more than the to get across to those facing deep trauma. had to face after accusations that former ences, which occasionally included an survivor. It affects family members and Victim advocate Chastain said the meet- Washington Cardinal Theodore McCar- outpouring of painful memories. friends who later wonder whether they ing was like no other, watching the will- rick had abused children and seminar- The event was titled “Pushing Back could have prevented it, he said. ingness of the bishops to meet in such a ians, and later with the Aug. 14 release of Against the Darkness,” an effort that The daylong meeting, Bishop McK- public way with those who’ve been hurt a Pennsylvania grand jury report on cler- came about with coordination by CUA, night said, was “more of a family meet- by a group they’re associated with. gy sex abuse in some parts of the state. members of the survivor group Spirit ing,” and “much more human, and hav- “To have them be in a room with in- “We often hear how important it is Fire and the U.S. Conference of Catholic ing to do with the heart and mind,” rather dividuals who have been harmed and to listen to the voices of survivors. The Bishops. than discussing policy, or how to ap- you’re representing that harming party reason is that their testimony makes the Survivors spoke of the abuse and its proach the problem institutionally – the ... it’s making yourself vulnerable,” said problem real. And that, in turn, can pro- byproduct on the lives of those who’ve focus of many meetings that have taken Chastain. voke anger,” he said. been abused, including broken relation- place among bishops. Conventual Franciscan Father Jude “Anger is not a bad thing.... Like other ships, lack of trust, depression, addictions “One of takeaways I got from it was DeAngelo, university chaplain and di- emotions, anger can be deployed for vi- and how it distances some of them from the importance of listening,” he said. “We rector of campus ministry at CUA, said cious or virtuous ends. Anger can harm, what they treasure most as Catholics: the have to be more aware that it is not sim- he watched as the bishops shared their but it can also help us heal.” Eucharist. ply our responsibility to conduct a formal stories with the survivors, of how they And healing can only take place when Some bishops spoke of the pain they, canonical process. We’re also supposed tried to reach out to those who had been you take into account all who have been too, had felt when they arrived at dioces- to be pastors.” harmed. hurt, and that includes the families, es where sex abuse had taken place, and In a May 2 interview, Deacon Bernie “It was really helpful to me as a priest friends of survivors, but also the parishes, how they grappled with the suffering of Nojadera, executive director of the US- to see bishops who have worked hard to said Bishop McKnight. the families, as well as the pain of faith CCB’S Secretariat for Child and Youth bring survivors back into the church,” to “That’s really touched me,” he said. communities reeling from the events. Protection, said that though many bish- heal the wounds and to have communi- “The trauma is to them, to their friends, Some admitted that in the past, it wasn’t ops regularly meet with survivors in their ties of faith participate in that process, he their family members, people close to a situation that the seminary and other dioceses, those meetings are private. said. them. That’s why the whole church needs training they had received, had prepared But such national meetings like the “It’s very important, not just for the healing.” them to face. one that took place in Washington can bishops, but for the entire church to hear More than a dozen bishops, includ- serve as a model for future events, show- these stories and to learn not only about Cardinal Turns on the Lights and Raises Ire of Italian Politician ROME (CNS) -- Back in Rome less They have occupied the building since Matteo Salvini, deputy prime minister ing food and medicine as well as doctors. than 24 hours after visiting refugees in 2013, but on May 6 the electric company of Italy, told a crowd at a rally May 12 “The absurd thing is that we are in the camps in Greece, Cardinal Konrad Kra- cut service, leaving the occupants with- that the occupants of the building owed heart of Rome,” Cardinal Krajewski told jewski turned on some lights and found out lights, without hot water and without the electric company 300,000 euros the paper. “These are families who don’t himself being threatened by Italy’s depu- functioning refrigerators. (about $337,000) and he would be send- have anywhere to go, people who strug- ty prime minister. Asked if it was true that he person- ing the cardinal the bill. gle to survive.” The cardinal, who distributes charity ally lifted a manhole cover and climbed “I’ll pay it. No problem,” the cardinal The question people should be asking, on behalf of Pope Francis, went May 11 down to reconnect the building to the told the newspaper. “And if one arrives, he said, is not who will pay the electric at 10 p.m. to a state-owned building in power main, Cardinal Krajewski told the I’ll pay a fine as well.” bill, but why there are more than 400 Rome where more than 430 people – in- newspaper, Corriere della Sera, “It was a The Vatican, through Cardinal Kra- people, including small children, living cluding more than 100 children – have set special situation. Desperate. I repeat I as- jewski’s office, had been assisting the like that. up housekeeping. sume all the responsibility.” residents for some time, regularly send-