Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 28 No. 5 May 2012

More than 700 Religious Freedom: gathered in Fort Worth, joining in one of many The most cherished of Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rallies across American freedoms the country.

More than 700 people gathered outside the Fritz G. Lanham Federal Building in Fort Worth March 23 to protest the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate forcing religious institutions to violate their consciences. The rally was one of 140 held at cities across the United States.

Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen ■ Correspondent my Lerner packed a sack lunch for her three young children “There are people who want to convince religious freedom.” us that this argument is simply about Addressing the group from a cement and braved the traffic and congestion of downtown Fort contraception and the Catholic Church,” he bench, Tabitha Mattiace read an open letter Worth on a busy Friday at mid-day for a very special reason. told the retirees, home-schooled youngsters, to President Obama, explaining the position A and picketers who filled the small park in front of women who oppose the HHS contraceptive The determined mother joined more than 700 Catholics and non- of the federal building. “We are here to defend mandate. Proponents of the federal requirement our freedoms, and that is the message we want have linked the controversy to preventive health Catholics outside the Fritz G. Lanham Federal Building on March 23 to send to our representatives in Washington care for women. to peacefully rally against a U.S. Department of Health and Human and at the state level.” “Those currently invoking ‘women’s During the rally, participants circulated health’ in an attempt to shout down anyone Services (HHS) mandate that threatens religious freedom. a petition addressed to President Barack who disagrees with forcing religious institutions Obama that stated the health care mandate is to violate deeply held beliefs are more than a Under the federal order, Catholic religious freedom growing up, and I want my not supported by all women. Pat McMahan, little mistaken,” Mattiace said. “It’s simply an institutions are required to disregard Church children to experience that too.” a registered nurse trained at the Holy Cross attempt to deflect attention from the serious teachings and offer free contraceptives, The local Stand Up For Religious School of Nursing in South Bend, Indiana, religious liberty issues at stake.” sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs in Freedom gathering was one of 140 rallies added her name to the list of signers. She also dismissed the argument that their employee health plans. held across the country in front of historical “This mandate forces people to costless birth control equals sexual equality. “Religious liberty is guaranteed in the sites and government buildings. Organized violate religious beliefs in order to meet the “No one speaks for all women on these Constitution, and the HHS mandate does at the national level by the Pro-Life Action requirements of the government,” said the issues,” she insisted. “Each of us, Catholic not allow Catholics or anyone else to practice League and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, parishioner from St. Vincent de Paul Church in or not, is proud to stand with the Catholic religion freely,” said Lerner as she handed the public protest brought out more than Arlington who is also president of the parish’s Church and its rich, life-affirming teachings on sandwiches to Andrew, 7, Peter, 4, and 50,000 supporters nationwide who listened to St. Vincent de Paul Society. “I’m against that.” sex, marriage, and family life.” 18-month-old Clara. motivating speeches, sang hymns, and offered The long-time health care worker fears One of the rally’s keynote speakers was At home, naps routinely follow lunchtime, prayers. imposing the edict could force Catholic Michele Wetteland, wife of John Wetteland, and giving up that needed break to attend the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner hospitals to close. the 1996 World Series MVP and the 2005 rally was a sacrifice, the active mom admits. Joe Jordan kicked-off Fort Worth’s outdoor “They can’t violate Catholic principles in Texas Rangers Hall of Fame inductee. A “But this is so very important,” Lerner assembly with a prayer and a partial reading of order to accommodate the government,” she explained. “I had the wonderful liberty of the Declaration of Independence. pointed out. “That’s clearly an intrusion of RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, P. 18 PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 ShepherdOur Speaks

Ad Limina visit, an experience of ‘ecclesial communion’

Dear Brothers and to the 1500s and it is only one block over from gratitude, and Faith, as this was my first report the Trevi Fountain in the heart of Rome. to the Holy See as the Bishop of the Diocese. Sisters in Christ, Currently Father Jonathon Wallis from our It is a reflection of all of your lives, and your Diocese is in residence there while completing powerful witness to the presence of Christ to ast month’s North Texas Catholic had his S.T.L. (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) from all in our Diocese and far beyond as well. some pictures from the Ad Limina visit the Gregorian University. The entire visit was I dedicated the Ad Limina report to all Lof the Region X Bishops to the Holy See. coordinated by the North American College, who have come before us, and I would like to For all of us bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, and I extend a special thanks to Monsignor close with that dedication. It is taken from a and Arkansas, it was an experience of what James Checchio, the Rector, and the staff of the book that describes the early history of the life could be called “ecclesial communion” and College, for their coordination of these visits. I of the Church here in Texas. This is how the certainly a profound experience of Faith. The was accompanied by Father Isaac Orozco, our dedication appears on the first page of the Ad word Ad Limina means “to the threshold,” – new Vocations Director, and our Diocesan Limina report: this is a visit to the “threshold of the Apostles,” Chancellor, Father Dan Kelley. We had the specifically the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. chance to visit with not only Fr. Wallis, but DEDICATION T h i s w a s a n e x p er ienc e of e c c le si a l c om mu n ion our two seminarians, Matthew Tatyrek and “The story told in the preceding chapters because the purpose of the visit is to reflect on Joseph Keating who are both completing their is not one of perfect people who always got it and strengthen the reality of the communion studies in Rome. right but rather the story of men and women of Faith of the local Church with the Universal In addition to all the official business that who strived, in spite of their weaknesses and Bishop Kevin Vann Church, especially in the person of the Bishop of ne e de d to b e done , t here were p er s on a l moment s prejudices, to dedicate themselves to eternal Rome, Pope Benedict XVI, who is the successor for me as well. I had the chance to visit with ideals in the service of others. All in all, the of St. Peter. A month later, as I am writing these Pope Benedict and made us all realize just how longtime priests, religious, and laity in Rome Catholic Church thrived in frontier Texas. words, I see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the St. united in faith we are with the Holy Father, and and Italy who are close friends. Bishop Richard Often poor, its people were nevertheless a I g n at iu s bu i ld i n g f rom t he w i ndow of my of f ic e through him with the entire Universal Church. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, and I were also able hearty lot who took their faith seriously and at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and think of the time During the remaining days we visited with to have lunch at the Angelicum (the University flourished spiritually. And this was in large with the Holy Father at St. Peter’s and how the the officials of the various departments of the of St. Thomas Aquinas in the city) with the part due to the determined priests and Universal Church and the local Church here in Holy See called “dicasteries” which assist the Dominican Friars who are on the faculty. I religious who led the frontier Church. Though Fort Worth are truly in communion. Pope in teaching, governing, and sanctifying earned my J.C.D. (Doctorate in Canon Law) not perfect, when viewed in the perspective This reality of ecclesial communion was the Universal Church. We had the opportunity from the Angelicum, so this was a homecoming of when and where they labored, they tend also reinforced by making this visit together to visit such dicasteries as the Congregation for for me as well! to put later generations to shame.” with the Bishops of the Provinces of San the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for This visit was also a visit of prayer and faith (From the concluding chapter of Antonio, Galveston-Houston, and Oklahoma Bishops, the Congregation for Religious and which was a blessing to me both personally and THROUGH FIRE AND FLOOD: THE CATHOLIC City. When our Province of San Antonio had Secular Institutes, the Congregation for Divine for my ministry as a bishop. We celebrated Mass CHURCH IN FRONTIER TEXAS 1836-1890, by our meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on the Worship, the Congregation for the Clergy, and at the four Major Basilicas of Rome (St. John Father James Talmadge Moore, Texas A&M third day of our visit, he said to us, “Welcome, other dicasteries and Pontifical Councils as well. Lateran, St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, University Press, l892.0 ) you are at home here in the House of Peter. We Each of these departments oversees various parts and St. Mary Major). At St. Peter and St. Paul are a family. I would like to hear something of of the life of the Church Universal, which is we were very conscious of praying directly over The above excerpt well described the faith your local Churches.” Each of us, then, took a no easy task. We were warmly welcomed in or near the tombs of the Apostles St. Peter and of the early Catholic settlers in Texas. It is to theme of the life of the Church in the Province of each dicastery by the Prefect, the Secretary, St. Paul. The Bishops of the Region together these people, and their descendants, that I San Antonio. First, Archbishop Gustavo García- and the Undersecretary. They listened to prayed the Nicene Creed at the tomb of St. dedicate the pages of my first Ad Limina report Siller from the Archdiocese of San Antonio gave our questions and concerns about our local Peter. On the last day, we celebrated Mass at as Bishop of Fort Worth. a beautiful opening reflection. Bishop Kevin Churches, and offered reflections, counsel, the tomb of Blessed John Paul II which was Farrell from our close neighboring Diocese of advice, and direction. Many of the Bishops just recently moved after his beatification to A Happy Easter to all, and I pray that the Dallas spoke of the increase in seminarians had a chance for individual appointments one of the side chapels on the main floor of Risen Christ will be a source of strength and that we are experiencing, and yet the need for as well with the officials to speak of specific St. Peter’s Basilica. These were moments not joy to you and your families. priests to minister to the increasing Catholic concerns or problems. We were given a very only of ecclesial communion, but also of great population. Bishop Douglas Deshotel, one cordial welcome. The officials of the dicasteries Faith, being very aware of the presence of the of the Auxiliary Bishops in Dallas, spoke of were very grateful to hear about the life of the Lord Jesus who called the first apostles to Catholic schools, and Bishop Oscar Cantú, Church in this part of the country where the “Come follow me” and who has called each of the Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio, talked challenges are growth and expansion, both in us bishops to share in the apostolic ministry as of the current challenges facing marriage and numbers, mission, and vocations. successors of the apostles. +Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD family life. I spoke on the important topic of After visiting the dicasteries, we also had Most importantly for me the visit, having Diocese of Fort Worth ecumenism, reflecting especially on the work the opportunity to visit the Villa Stritch which prepared the Ad Limina or Quinquennial (that of the Pastoral Provision and Anglicanorum is the residence for American priests who are is, five year) report to the Holy See on the state Coetibus and the recent establishment of the missioned to work at the Holy See. We also of the Diocese of Fort Worth, was a profound Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter here in the celebrated Sunday Mass at the Casa Santa Maria experience of gratitude for everyone in our United States. The other Bishops took similar of the North American College which is the local Church: their lives, faith, and sacrifices. themes, for example, speaking of the challenges graduate house of the North American College Reading that report, I could not help but be of immigration that face our country, especially where United States priests are in residence very aware of all whose lives, faith, and sacrifice here in Texas. This provided for us a truly while pursuing graduate studies at the Pontifical make up the living Body of Christ here in our powerful moment of ecclesial communion with Universities. The original building dates back Diocese. It was a great moment of “ownership,” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 3 North CONTENTS May 2012 Texas Features Departments catholic New Vocations director issues 4-5 Briefly PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann 8 challenge to discerners in first column DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina By Father Isaac Orozco 9 Catechesis EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez Five dedicated priests are invested ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau 13 with papal honors 10-11 Voices WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen CIRCULATION: Rita Garber Features 12 REGULAR COLUMNISTS: Parish-based ACTS retreats are Denise Bossert 16 spreading throughout the diocese Jean Denton 22-23 Word to Life Kathy Cribari Hamer By Juan Guajardo Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley 24-26 Spanish David Mills Pope Benedict goes on Apostolic Mary Regina Morrell 20-21 visit to Mexico and Cuba Father Isaac Orozco Sharon K. Perkins By CNS 27 Calendar Lucas Pollice Father John Rausch CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Baker In the midst of attacks, we have hope Crystal Brown don't know that our Church has ever faced the kind of challenge in this country as it is visit in his column on Page 2. And in the midst of a nationwide vocations shortage, our Jenara Kocks Burgess facing now. While historically, Catholics had been attacked and treated as second-class diocese still has 27 men in formation to become priests, and is anticipating nine more for Juan Guajardo citizens (particularly in the 19th- and at the turn of the 20th centuries), such treatment next year, all of whom will need support on Page 17. Kathy Cribari Hamer was never offi cially sanctioned by the State. Now, we are being asked to violate our John Henry I Joan Kurkowski-Gillen beliefs by the actual government entities. And speaking of hope, being a monthly publication, there is no way we can fi t all the Mike McGee wonderful things happening in our diocese into our print edition, but check out our website Wendy Pandolfo As both a Catholic and a journalist, I take First Amendment rights very seriously. But if there regularly at www.fwdioc.org/ntc to be inspired by stories of youth, the future of our Donna Ryckaert is one thing I've learned by studying history, it's that the Catholic Church can be attacked, Church, deepening their relationship with Christ at Youth 2000, or answering his call to Kristin Zschiesche beaten, and damaged (sometimes, even internally), but it will never die. This is the Church serve others by helping their peers aff ected by the tornados that hit the area during Holy Christ has given us, and that's enough to give us hope as we battle for religious freedom. Week. And Bishop Vann is chronicling many other things to be hopeful for on his blog at Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. fwbishop.blogspot.com, so be sure to see what he has to say. And as we're entering Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort And there are a lot of things to be hopeful for, as well, especially in our diocese. Every the digital world, we still invite you to become a fan of us on our Facebook page: ̏North Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is Easter Vigil, our Church welcomes new members, and we've captured this moment in a Texas Catholic Newspaper.” published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of photo essay on Pages 14-15. Bishop Vann writes about the hope he felt visiting with his the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the brother bishops from Region X meeting with the Holy Father in Rome for their Ad Limina Tony Gutiérrez, Associate Editor Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC Next month in the North Texas Catholic: is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the following month as the date of issue. Though Mary Crimmins, a Nolan Catho- To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. org/ntc lic High School student, and her family The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must and neighbors had their lives “turned exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. upside down” by the damage left behind by an EF-2 tornado on April 3, 30 of her Nolan classmates quickly lent a helping hand. The students, who were glad to help not only their classmate’s family but various surrounding neigh- bors, took part in an extensive cleanup on Good Friday and Easter weekend to get the victims back on their feet. PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012

Santa Rosa Diocese will ‘shut down’ if HHS Mexican Senate approves religious liberty mandate imposed, bishop says amendment for Mexican constitution

By Valerie Schmalz the conviction that each person has MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The Mexican “Mexico incorporates the highest levels of unique dignity.” Senate narrowly approved a constitutional respect and promotion of human rights.” SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — If the Diocese of Catholics must unite as they never provision providing “freedom of religion,” Critics of the measures, including Santa Rosa is required to cooperate with have before if they hope to prevail against days after Pope Benedict XVI completed some non-Catholic congregations, the Obama administration’s mandate the federal contraceptive mandate, a visit to the country marked by an questioned why amendments were requiring most religious employers to because the alternatives are bleak, Briefly outpouring of enthusiasm and affection. necessary and warned the changes provide no-cost contraceptive coverage, according to speakers at the March 29- The Senate approved changes to would allow for the religious education the diocese won’t, said Bishop Robert 31 conference at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Church, National, Article 24 of the Mexican Constitution and religious groups owning TV and F. Vasa. San Francisco. March 29, guaranteeing freedom of religion radio stations — two Catholic Church “If they shut me down, they shut In the Santa Rosa Diocese, Bishop and making it possible to lif t restrictions on priorities in Mexico. me down,” the bishop said March 30 Vasa said he has taken the first steps to & International religious groups to hold services outside of “In Mexico, there’s religious freedom. following a speech on Catholic health changing its health insurance coverage. authorized churches without first seeking What’s limited is priests’ political care at a three-day conference on Catholic He requested that Anthem Blue Cross Cardinal Dolan sets out six government permission. Earlier in the day, expressions,” Senator Pablo Gómez wrote health care reform hosted by Life Legal send him all 20,000 or more codes for the Senate approved changes to Article 40 in the newspaper, Milenio. Gómez opposed Defense Foundation and the Christus procedures and payments so he can characteristics of New Evangelization of the constitution by including the word changing Article 24. Medicus Foundation. The Archdiocese analyze exactly what is and is not covered. “secular” as one of the descriptions of the The constitutional changes now must of San Francisco and the dioceses of In the past, as an official of the Diocese of Mexican state. be approved by a majority of Mexico’s 31 Sacramento, Oakland, and Santa Rosa Lincoln, Nebraska, and as bishop of Baker, The Mexican bishops’ conference state governments. were among the sponsors. Oregon, Bishop Vasa said he changed welcomed the changes, saying in a March Pope Benedict visited central Mexico However, in an interview with health insurance to a self-insured plan 29 statement that with the reforms, March 23-26. Catholic San Francisco, the archdiocesan that did not offer morally objectionable newspaper, Bishop Vasa said he believes benefits to anyone. the Church will prevail on the issue A new federal proposal issued March because religious liberty is “enshrined 21 suggesting third-party administrators Vatican offers ‘widget’ containing content in our Constitution.” pay the costs of contraceptives for from Vatican website for blogs and websites “Precisely because Jesus healed the religious employers reinforced the sick, the Church is involved in healing mandated coverage for self-insured VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marking the ministry,” Bishop Vasa said in his keynote Catholic hospitals and social service seventh anniversary of the election of address to the conference, stressing the agencies. The U.S. bishops said that even Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican is offering Photo by George Gongora / South Texas Catholic Catholic Church’s commitment to health with the new proposal, the mandate a “widget” — a software application — Cardinal Timothy Dolan (LEFT) proudly wears a cowboy hat presented to him during his address at the care. “We are involved in this based on “remains radically flawed.” Corpus Christi Diocese’s centennial conference, while sharing a laugh with Bishop Michael Mulvey. that will allow anyone with a website or blog to provide readers with automatically Review of Arizona law has implications Alfredo E. Cardenas, Editor lackluster.” updated news and documents from the SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC The New York Archbishop set Vatican. beyond state’s own immigrants out six characteristics of the New The Vatican’s Internet Office CORPUS CHRISTI — Bishop William Evangelization, which can be used to announced April 19 that the widget is Michael Mulvey’s efforts toward catechize ourselves. available free from the Vatican’s website: diocesan renewal got a boost at the The first is that the Church herself is www.vatican.va. Diocese of Corpus Christi’s Centennial in need of evangelization. Translating a When installed, the widget opens Jubilee Formation Conference on March Latin phrase, Cardinal Dolan said, “You a small rectangular window with four 26 when Cardinal Timothy Dolan, can’t give it if you ain’t got it. We can’t tabs; clicking on one provides the latest Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, and a group of give Jesus to others if we don’t have him.” news from the Vatican, the pope’s Sunday bishops from throughout Texas provided Secondly, evangelization “starts Angelus or “Regina Coeli” address, recent CNS Photo guidance to the faithful on various with ourselves.” One cannot evangelize speeches and the Vatican press office’s A new widget offered by the Vatican enables aspects of pastoral care. others, unless “you first come to interior daily news bulletin. anyone with a website or blog to provide Cardinal Dolan shared with the conversion,” he said. The Vatican said the widget should readers with automatically updated news faithful in Corpus Christi some of the The third characteristic of the New help make the content of its website more and documents from the Vatican. The Vatican's Internet Office announced April 19 CNS photo / Jim West thoughts he presented to Pope Benedict Evangelization is that the Church does widely known and is another opportunity that the widget is available free by emailing Water and food for migrants from Mexico that were left along a desert trail by volunteers with XVI and his brother cardinals on Feb. 27 not preach a doctrine but introduces to use new technology “to spread the word this address: [email protected]. “No More Deaths” are seen in late January in Arivaca Junction, Arizona. When the U.S. Supreme when the Holy Father asked him to speak people to a person, the second person of the Holy Father.” Court considers the constitutionality of Arizona's 2010 immigration law April 25, the eventual to the group on the New Evangelization of the Blessed Trinity. “A person who ruling will have an effect on far more than one border state's relationship to its own residents. in view of the upcoming “Year of Faith.” revealed truths and doctrine,” Cardinal By Patricia Zapor away, leaving Alabama’s agriculture “We need to fall in love all over Dolan said. Catholic News Service industry reeling from lost workers while again with Jesus Christ and his Church,” The primacy of discipleship is Chinese bishops not recognized by crops rotted, unpicked in the fields. Cardinal Dolan told more than 2,000 the fourth characteristic of the New government, detained, released on Easter WASHINGTON — When the Supreme The Supreme Court is being asked of the faithful gathered at the Selena Evangelization he continued. He Court considers the constitutionality of to settle the constitutionality of four Auditorium. described John Paul’s Marian model of HONG KONG (CNS) — Two Chinese country’s religious policies. Arizona’s 2010 immigration law April key provisions, centered on the question So what is “new” about the New the Church in which, like the Blessed bishops not recognized by the Sources told UCA News that 25, the weight of an eventual ruling will of whether immigration is solely the Evangelization, he asked. Mother, we are called to be attentive to government were freed by authorities Bishop Shao was detained because he come to bear on far more than one border enforcement concern of the federal After a review of the historical nature the Word of God and eager to obey God on Easter, Church sources told the Asian participated in the secret episcopal state’s relationship to its own residents. government, or whether states can act of the Church’s evangelization efforts, in all things. church news agency UCA News. ordination of the bishop of Tianshui last The outcome of Arizona v. United independently in some areas. These key beginning with Christ’s command to The fifth characteristic is that “we Coadjutor Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin year. His participation was seen by the States could affect the half-dozen states provisions: “go make disciples of all men,” Cardinal got a Church that says yes and not no,” of Wenzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, government as “an act of defiance to the that have passed laws modeled on — Require that state and local Dolan said the Second Vatican Council Cardinal Dolan said. “The Church says yes and Bishop Peter Jin Lugang of Nanyang, official Church’s ‘self-election and self- Arizona’s, the 20 that have considered law enforcement officers verify the had set out the who and where of the to everything that is noble, and decent, in central Henan province, were detained, ordination’ of bishops,” said the sources. doing so, and the remaining states that immigration status of every person New Evangelization, without giving it and liberating, and upbuilding and good respectively, for four weeks and for They said Bishop Shao, 49, was haven’t weighed in legislatively on stopped, arrested or detained if there is that name. and honorable,” the cardinal said. four days. escorted by government officials to immigration. So could the practices of “reasonable suspicion” the person might The “Who” is everybody. “All of The only thing the Church says no Bishop Jin was taken away in early Leshan Diocese, where he met the churches, employers, and social service be in the country without permission. us, by our very Christian identity, by to is to the “negating of the dignity of April by officials wanting to prevent him excommunicated Father Paul Lei Shiyin, providers. Foreign relations and business — Make it a crime for immigrants the sacraments…are called to be the human person.” The Church is at the from celebrating the Chrism Mass, which ordained as a bishop without a papal ventures also may be affected. to fail to carry their “alien registration missionaries,” Cardinal Dolan said. The service of the human person, he said. symbolizes a bishop’s communion with mandate last June. Father Lei and Meanwhile “copycat” legislation, document.” “Where” of evangelization is “wherever The sixth characteristic of the New his clergy, and other Easter liturgies. the officials showed Bishop Shao much of it drafted by the same Kansas — Criminalize the act of working we are” not just in some distant land. Evangelization is that the Catholic The prelate was detained in a some historic monuments, a church- attorney who helped write Arizona’s S.B. for pay without authorization from It was Blessed Pope John Paul II Church is a Church of martyrs. Again, guesthouse and taken by four officials run hospital, guesthouse, and the 1070, roiled other states over the last year, immigration authorities. who first gave this notion the name of paraphrasing Pope John Paul II, Cardinal to several tourist spots before being construction site of the new bishop's particularly Alabama. As that state’s law, — And allow officers to arrest the “New Evangelization.” The pope, Dolan said, “If it ain’t worth dying for, it released April 8, UCA News reported house. among other provisions, made it illegal someone without a warrant if the Cardinal Dolan said, believed that “we ain’t worth living for.” April 16. Father Paul Jiang Sunian, chancellor to rent or provide utility service without officer thinks there is “probable cause” need evangelization of people who “There is someone worth dying for Bishop Shao was detained March 19. of Wenzhou, who was detained with proof of the customer’s immigration to think the subject is guilty of a crime are technically not only Christians but and living for, and his name is Jesus Local Church sources said his detention Bishop Shao, was released March 24, status, thousands of immigrants moved that subjects him or her to deportation. Catholics but whose faith has grown Christ,” Cardinal Dolan said. included a “brainwashing” class on the UCA News reported. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 5 Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrates Fifth-graders learn about religious life 100 years of service in South Texas Briefly at annual Fifth Grade Vocations Day Local & State Rosary Vigil for Life draws more than 600 outside Planned Parenthood Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Brother Stephen Dufrene, CFR, talks about becoming a Franciscan friar with fifth grade boys Photo by George Gongora / South Texas Catholic Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, metropolitan archbishop for the province that during the Diocesan Fifth Grade Vocation Day. includes the Diocese of Corpus Christi, serves as the main celebrant for the diocese’s 100th By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen miracles in your life? Do you have a pet? anniversary celebration Mass. He is joined on the altar by bishops from dioceses across the The bishop, good naturedly, region, and priests from the diocese. Correspondent answered every question while driving Alfredo Cardenas, Editor He thanked the faithful for their The fifth grade was a pivotal home the day’s message — everyone SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC “willingness to march together into time in the life of Father Isaac Orozco. is called to lead a holy life, but some the future with hope to bring to life the After years in public school, the new are chosen for a consecrated life as a Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of the Word of God...” diocesan director of Vocations enrolled religious. Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston was Bishop Mulvey also shared with in Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving. Reflecting on his own vocation, the principal celebrant at the Centennial attendees his meeting with the Holy It was his first exposure to Catholicism during his homily at the Mass, Bishop Jubilee Mass for the Diocese of Corpus Father Pope Benedict XVI earlier in the and the religious community of Hungarian Vann admitted thinking about the Christi at the American Bank Center on month. The pope, Bishop Mulvey said, monks who operated the school. priesthood in elementary school. March 26. He said he would title his sent “not only his greetings but his Looking back on that experience, the “But, I didn’t respond right away. I report to the Holy Father on the event blessings.” young priest calls it a seminal moment had other plans,” he said. “Finally, God got as “Walking on ice with confidence.” Cardinal DiNardo read a letter from Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic in his vocation. through, and I listened and responded in Four-year-old Digory Milburn prays alongside his grandfather Tony Milburn at the annual Good He was referencing the fact that the the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Friday Rosary Vigil for Life. “The monks sacrificed everything to the same way I responded to my parents Mass he had celebrated was on the floor Angelo Sodano on behalf of the pope. The establish a new life here,” remembers at the end of the day.” of an ice rink used by the local semi-pro letter said the Holy Father was confident By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen get an outpatient surgical license that Fr. Orozco. “They inspired me in a lot Other speakers included Carmelite hockey team; and the ice was underneath that the people of the Diocese of Corpus Correspondent will enable them, under the laws of Texas, of ways.” Sisters of Our Lady Jocelinda Cacas the flooring. Christi, inspired by their pioneering to kill babies until the end of the sixth He hopes the diocesan-sponsored and Chita Torres; Sister Mary Paul It is from the Diocese of Galveston predecessors, would continue their Larry West and Rick Campos sported month (of gestation).” Vocations Day has similar impact on the Haase, CSFN; Sister Maria Hinajosa Del that the Diocese of Corpus Christi sprang “missionary commitment to the spread Texas Rangers jerseys, but attending the Pelletier asked participants to Catholic school fifth-graders who come Pilar, MSC; Brother Stephen Dufrene of forth, and the Archdiocese of Galveston- of the Gospel.” April 6 season opener wasn’t a priority for remember that reality as they recited together every year to learn about life as the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal; Houston is today the province to which it Lee Gwozdz (one-time liturgy and the baseball fans as they stood outside an the Rosary. Pro-life supporters have a priest, seminarian, sister, or member of transitional Deacon Manuel Holguin; and belongs. Cardinal DiNardo is no stranger music director of St. Andrew Church abortion facility on Good Friday. already begun prayerful protests at a religious order. More than 450 students Father Kyle Walterscheid, who had served to Corpus Christi, having presided over in Fort Worth), assisted by Guadalupe “Baseball is a pastime. This is about the construction site. Several building heard speakers share their spiritual as Vocations director for the last six years. the installation Mass for Bishop William Rivera, directed the Diocesan Chorus. a lifetime for those babies,” West said, contractors withdrew their services once journeys at this year’s event, March 28 For Kennedy Tate, a Holy Family Michael Mulvey two years ago. In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo explaining why he chose to attend the the building’s purpose was disclosed. at Holy Family Church in Fort Worth. fifth-grader, Vocations Day eased some Bishop Mulvey, Bishop Emeritus offered congratulatory remarks to Bishop 27th Annual Rosary Vigil for Life instead Located on a bus line in an upscale For many, the highlight of the day nagging concerns she’s had since her Edmond Carmody, and bishops from Texas Mulvey and the faithful of the diocese. of going to the Ballpark. “The benefits neighborhood, the new facility could was a question and answer session with cousin entered a convent. and other invited bishops and priests The Centennial Mass fell on the Solemnit y of this are eternal. You have to live life make abortion more accessible in Tarrant Bishop Kevin Vann following Mass. “I’ve been wondering for a long time concelebrated the Mass. of the Annunciation of the Lord and knowing there’s a greater purpose.” County. Planned Parenthood currently Inquisitive young minds wanted to if you would miss your family,” she said. More than 5,000 faithful attended the Cardinal’s homily focused on the For Campos, a parishioner at St. performs 6,000 abortions a year in know: What is the difference between a “The nuns told us what they do, where the Mass, making it the largest Blessed Mother’s “yes,” which resulted Joseph Parish in Arlington, prayer took North Texas. priest and a bishop? Have you had any they go, and everything else a nun does.” attendance at any Mass in the history in the Word made flesh and in Corpus precedence over pleasure. “A lot depends on what happens of the diocese. Christi — the Body of Christ, which is “We came out here to do the Lord’s in the election this fall,” Pelletier told In his opening remarks before the the Church. work before enjoying any type of the North Texas Catholic. “It’s becoming Bishop leads public Stations of the Penitential Rite, Bishop Mulvey expressed Recalling the tumultuous first recreation or entertainment,” he added. more difficult to find doctors who will do his appreciation to Cardinal DiNardo decade of the diocese, which faced two The two men joined more than 600 abortions. New laws could allow nurse Cross through Downtown Fort Worth and the many other clergy and religious hurricanes, the unexpected death of people who turned out for the annual practitioners to perform them.” present. San Antonio Archbishop clergy to the Spanish flu, and the caring event sponsored by Catholics United One regular participant in the Gustavo Garcia-Siller and bishops from for clergy and religious fleeing the for Life and the Mother and Unborn sidewalk prayer ministry is Dr. Daniel throughout Texas (including Bishop Kevin uprising in Mexico, Cardinal DiNardo, Baby Care Center. Led by Bishop Kevin McDonald. The obstetrician, who Vann), Oklahoma, Arkansas, Minnesota, said the people possessed a “resilience Vann and other clergy, the large crowd promotes natural family planning at his and Connecticut were in attendance. of faith in the Word made flesh.” weathered high temperatures and a Denton practice, tries to pray outside Benedictine Abbots from Oklahoma and “What a tremendous history you have blazing sun to pray 20 decades of the an abortion facility every First Friday. Arkansas were also present. of that reality in the Diocese of Corpus Rosary. Attending the Good Friday Rosary Vigil Among the bishops present were Christi,” Cardinal DiNardo said. Organizers have held the Good Friday was a first-time experience for his wife, four who were born in and served as “We need to take this 100th prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood’s Michelle, and five children. priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, anniversary, stand back, thank God, Henderson Street location for 12 years, “The first time I stood outside an including Bishop Emeritus Raymundo praise God, ponder, and then move ahead but that is expected to change, according abortion clinic really had an impact Peña of Brownsville, Bishop James in mission, the mission is to make Jesus to Chuck Pelletier, long-time organizer [on me],” explained Dr. McDonald, still Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Carmelite Sister Jocelinda Cacas reads the reflection for the 11th Station during the public Tamayo of Laredo, Bishop Daniel Flores known,” the cardinal said. of the event and director of Mother and dressed in his hospital scrubs from an Stations of the Cross held annually on Good Friday. of Brownsville, and Bishop Michael He closed his homily by reminding Unborn Baby Care. earlier emergency. Pfeiffer of San Angelo, who was born in the faithful of the urgent challenge the “This is probably the last year we will Watching women exit the building By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen of the Texas Third District, held signs Alamo and ordained a priest while the Church faces today against incursions be at this location,” Pelletier announced after their abortions tugged at the heart Correspondent depicting the Passion of Christ, as the Rio Grande Valley was still part of the into its religious liberty. He said that using a public address system to reach of the medical professional who brings crowd advanced to each Station. Diocese of Corpus Christi. they are called to provide witness in the the throng of supporters. life into the world dozens of times in the A cloud-like crown of thorns, created Louis and Lucette Adam and their Bishop Mulvey extended a special public square. Planned Parenthood recently broke course of a year. The previous day, he had by the contrail of a small plane, was an two children traveled from Duncanville thanks to the many women religious in He said this challenge required ground for a new two-story building delivered a 17-week-old premature baby. appropriate backdrop for a Good Friday to attend the outdoor prayer service. They attendance. He told them they “played everyone to adhere to the central lesson in Southwest Fort Worth to replace its “When you deliver a baby like that, procession through the Stations of the searched the Internet to find a public a vital and indispensable role in the life taught by Jesus in the beatitudes that current facility. The project includes an it makes you think of all the babies torn Cross in downtown Fort Worth April 6. Good Friday observance in the Metroplex. of the Church.” Even before the diocese “blessed are the pure of heart.” ambulatory surgical center for late-term apart in the uterus. I wonder what those Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann led the “This is such an important day in our was erected, women religious educated “You can’t do anything unless there abortions. doctors (who perform the abortions) observance attended by more than 150 Catholic faith as we walk with Christ and youth, comforted the sick, gave shelter is purity of heart…if you don’t have that, “The mega abortion mill will be must be thinking,” he explained. “When I people on a grassy strip of land adjacent to understand what He went through to set to the homeless, and consoled those in all the battles we have to deal with, it almost five times as big as this one,” come out here, I pray for the mothers but Lancaster Avenue. Dressed in full regalia, us free,” Louis said. “We need to keep that need, Bishop Mulvey said. won’t work,” he said. Pelletier told the crowd. “They plan to I pray for those doctors, too.” the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in mind as we go through life.” PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 In Memory Josephite Father Michael Farrell (1933-2012), former Our Mother of Mercy pastor, was affectionately known as the ‘Hillbilly Priest’ By Jenara Kocks Burgess to Patrick and Nora Farrell, (nee Manor in Baltimore, Maryland in in New York. He was crazy about Correspondent O’Sullivan). He received his March 2006. that music,” McCloud said. theology training at St. Joseph “I moved up here Fr. Farrell did radio interviews Father Michael Farrell, 78, a Seminary in Washington, D.C., [Washington, D.C.] about the about his country music library retired Josephite priest and former where he earned his degree. He was same time he [moved to Baltimore], and country itself with some of the pastor of Our Mother of Mercy ordained to the priesthood June 4, and we remained friends,” said stars of the genre who count him Church in Fort Worth who was 1960, as a Josephite, the only male McCloud, who works for the as a friend. Called affectionately known for his love of bluegrass American religious community United States Conference of the “Hillbilly Priest,” he was music, died March 12 at St. Joseph dedicated to evangelization in the Catholic Bishops in Washington. well-known in the industry for Manor in Baltimore after a long African-American community. “What he was known most for possessing one of the nation’s most illness. Fr. Michael Farrell’s final was his love of country or what he complete libraries of country music, “He was very, very pastoral,” assignment was at Our Mother of called hillbilly or bluegrass music. numbering in the thousands, said Ralph McCloud, former Mercy Church where he served He had over 2,000 albums on 78s,” especially mint condition vinyl parishioner of Our Mother of the only traditionally African- McCloud said. “He loved to listen 78 rpm albums going back many Mercy and Fr. Farrell’s friend. American parish in the Diocese of to them, and let you listen with decades, along with tapes and “He was always available. He had Fort Worth from 1997 to 2006. him,” he said. CDs. Using his interest in musical a tremendous sense of humor — Prior to coming to Fort Worth, he Photo Courtesy of Society of St. Joseph From his youth he collected talent, he successfully launched always ready to cheer you up,” he served in Washington, D.C.; New Fr. Michael Farrell, SSJ the best of country music and singing careers for several of his said. Orleans, Louisiana; Montgomery, maintained that practice all his life. parishioners in New Orleans. A funeral Mass was held for Fr. Alabama; Lebeau, Louisiana; and teacher and coach, said Fr. Farrell “When he was a child, he He is survived by his sister, Farrell on March 21 at St. Joseph at St. Nicholas Parish and at St. was a great priest. heard it on the AM radio stations Patricia Walsh. Manor, and again at Our Lady of Anne de Beaupre Parish, both in “He made everyone feel at Fatima Church in Jackson Heights, Houston. home. He really worked with Queens, New York. Fr. Farrell “He was very loved by the people if they ever needed help. I was interred in Calvary Cemetery, people of Our Mother of Mercy know we’re all going to miss him,” Jackson Heights on March 22, Parish,” said McCloud. he said. 2012. Frank Staton, a lifetime Increasing health problems Michael Jerome Farrell was member of Our Mother of Mercy ended Fr. Farrell’s pastoral career, born in Queens, on Jan. 11, 1933, Church and retired Fort Worth forcing him to retire to St. Joseph NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 7 Institute for Pastoral Theology to host lecture on Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI

By Michele Baker traditional students who might Correspondent be impeded from undertaking Douglas Bushman, director graduate level study due to work or of Ave Maria University’s Institute family commitments, the IPT uses Catholic Charities Spotlight: for Pastoral Theology, will give a a once-a-month weekend intensive lecture at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, format. With the first year of ‘Leading Families’ about the Year of Faith declared by courses drawing to a close, the IPT Pope Benedict XVI. is looking to assemble another class A frequent guest on Catholic of first-year students for the fall. television and radio, Bushman has a However, the upcoming lecture on reputation as one of the preeminent the Year of Faith is not restricted to scholars of the Second Vatican prospective students. Council and the post conciliar “Anyone who is interested in Church. Yet despite a nearly the Year of Faith and has heard the Douglas Bushman encyclopedic knowledge of Church Church’s call for renewal should Director of Ave Maria Unversity's history and doctrine, Bushman come,” Bushman said. “And we Institute for Pastoral Theology has a gift for illuminating their hope that among those who attend, relevancy in the lives of the faithful. some will be interested in the IPT Perhaps most telling is the title “The joy that Pope Benedict program.” he’s chosen for his presentation, “I is constantly challenging us to When asked what he hopes Believe in Love: Pope Benedict’s rediscover is going to be a function attendees will take away with them Photo courtesy of CCFW Vision for the Year of Faith.” of not just knowing that God loves at the end of the lecture, Bushman “There are many doctrines and us, but experiencing it,” Bushman mentions his desire that people 2012 Graduates of the Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) "Leading Families" program held disciplines that people associate said. “Lots of people know that leave with a sense of having more in Cisco are shown with their families after completing a 13-week parenting program for men. with the Church,” Bushman God loves us but just as many to learn about their faith. Reading explained in a recent interview. are missing the joy of the lived the Catechism, the documents “When we speak of love, we are experience of it. What good is of Vatican II, and the Scriptures Walker York, 22, is a and five are currently in session not taking any of those things off doctrinal truth if it doesn’t impact that are woven throughout these dedicated single father, retaining in areas such as Cisco, De Leon, the table. But they are only fully your life?” documents are all good ideas. But, custody of his three year-old Bowie, Graham, and Wichita understood in the light of love.” Bringing doctrinal truth as always, Bushman returns to love. daughter while working as Falls. As always, Bushman takes his to relevance, however, implies a “I would hope that people a heavy equipment operator. “We hold the sessions in cues from Pope Benedict himself, knowledge of that truth, which will be able to prayerfully reflect York, a lifelong resident of community centers, libraries, pointing out that love is one of Bushman has devoted his life to on the Holy Father’s message and Cisco, recently graduated from agencies, and churches,” says the Holy Father’s most important imparting through the Institute ask themselves if they are open a 13-week parenting program, Pattullo. “It is difficult for many recurring themes in both his for Pastoral Theology. Now in its to letting God love them,” he “Leading Families,” held at a of the residents in rural areas to writings and his preaching. first year in the Diocese of Fort said. “We open up through the family resource center in Cisco access these kinds of opportunities, “For the vicar of Christ to Worth, the IPT offers a three- sacraments, through our devotions. and designed specifically for men so our commitment is to go out emphasize love is profoundly fitting year program culminating in a And with love, we move through to help them learn necessary tools to the communities.” because our Lord did and so did Master of Theological Studies mere knowledge to personal for success with their children and The men who attend the the apostles, especially St. Paul,” (MTS) degree. Designed for non- conversion.” spouses or other loved ones. The sessions tend to form small Bushman said. “Love is the heart of program, sponsored by Catholic communities of mutual support the gospel.” Charities Fort Worth (CCFW), and friendship, says Pattullo. Building on that foundation, is available to men residing in 14 “It’s great to see the kind of Bushman says that it all comes back rural counties in North Texas. connections that come out of the to Vatican II and the Church’s call York was one of ten fathers groups, and to know that these to renewal. Central to enacting that of varying ages in his weekly friendships will continue in the call is proclaiming the fact that Thursday night group. “I knew future,” she says. “It’s especially God’s love makes a difference. I was a good dad when I agreed heartwarming to be present on to take the class, but I figured I the last night of the programs, could always sharpen my skills. when all of the men invite their I’m really glad I did it, because I families to attend and to hear the learned a lot from the experience,” essays they’ve written about the To Report Misconduct says York. “Each week, we had a kind of fathers they want to be If you or someone you know is a different topic to discuss about for their children.” victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you aspects of parenting, such as According to Walker York, may appropriate discipline, managing Catholic Charities’ commitment • Call Judy Locke, victim stress, and the importance of to helping build healthy families assistance coordinator, playing with our kids, having is evident in the success of this (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 fun times together, and making particular form of outreach. or e-mail her at [email protected] • Or call the Sexual Abuse good memories.” “[Leading Families] is a great Hotline Workbooks, childcare, program,” he says. “It helped to (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 snacks, and a trained facilitator remind me of something I already • Or call Th e Catholic Center at to lead the classes are all offered knew, which is how important it (817) 560-2452 ext. 102 and ask at no cost. Leading Families’ is to me to be the best father I can for the moderator of the curia, program manager, CCFW staff possibly be.” Father Stephen J. Berg member Betsy Pattullo, notes For more information about To Report Abuse that since the program’s launch the Leading Families program, Call the Texas Department of Family i n Novemb er of 2 011, fou r c l a s s e s call (817) 289-3888 or visit www. Protective Services (Child Protective of varying sizes have “graduated” catholiccharitiesfortworth.org. Services) at (800) 252-5400 PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 Vocations Responding to God’s call

Father Isaac Orozco Encouraging for some; uncomfortable for others Diocesan Director of Vocations

think for some time now of priestly ordination and recent but only God grants the increase. I think about it, those who has been, "yes." What comes to young Americans have history as a seminarian, which I am here to make sure that our are considering the priestly or my mind is the old story of St. been looking for a way to spanned 1998-2007, although five thirty-odd seminarians discern religious life are the ones, who Peter abandoning Rome after make their mark on society. of those years were spent in Rome. in a formal way what was begun in making their mark, will either reaching his threshold of patience IThis effort finds its expression These numbers are not impressive. from before their birth. And from be encouraged or uncomfortable. with the local Church and seeing in technological advances, What they show however, is the another priest's mouth, I have a With being idealistic comes Jesus journeying in the opposite popular culture, politics, and in time line for a new Vocations responsibility to practice "truth possibility and imagination. direction to be with his people. church. Like a competitor on the director who begins a ministry in in advertising." Our seminarians Coupled with sincerity and It reminds us that the decision to “Amazing Race” (I've only seen discernment, where determining need to know what future faithfulness, this is promising for love is one made repeatedly. It isn't the promotional commercials), God's will in the world is both ministry will entail. Conversely, both discerners and the Church. idealistic or made just once. It's we find the adventurous young rewarding and difficult. And after my responsibility to our bishop as The discomfort comes when, sincere and made daily. We know discerner who is idealistic, sincere, mentioning a timeline, I now director of Vocations is to ensure faced with diversity of opinion that in this tale Peter, perplexed by open, and faithful. For some this mention a timetable: five years. My that he knows exactly who he is and experience, the discerner the sight of Jesus on the way back is encouraging but for others it's assignment is a term of five years ordaining. Is this an exact science? realizes that up close, Christ's to Rome, asks Christ, "Where are uncomfortable. and will end while I am still in my No. Bride has wrinkles and warts. you going?" To this Jesus replies, In what will be two years this thirties, but just barely. So going back to that part And he or she will have to put on "I am going back to Rome to be June, I've had the to opportunity to The benefit of coming onto about some being encouraged the mind of Christ and make a crucified again." And in this tale experience various levels of the 28 the scene now is that I can claim and others being uncomfortable. decision. Do I love? we should read, “I will love.” As counties that make up the Diocese credit for all the new seminarians At first, I was thinking about The answer to this question I mentioned before, some will be of Fort Worth. I've been able to that are coming in. Not really. the people in the pews and not century after century and encouraged and others will be add this to my almost five years Some planted, Fr. Kyle watered, the discerners. But now that millennium after millennium uncomfortable. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 9 Catechesis The resurrection of Christ is the very Cornerstone of our faith

By Lucas Pollice Rejoice, fruits of a humanity freed from the power of What will separate us from the love witnesses of the resurrection and mercy of sin and death and transformed by the grace of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or Christ to a world that is very much in need heavenly powers! of the Father. Th rough the resurrection of persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or of hope and friendship with Christ. Th e Christ we truly become glorifi ed sons and peril, or the sword? No, in all these things upcoming Year of Faith, promulgated by Sing, daughters of the Father living forever in his we conquer overwhelmingly through him Pope Benedict XVI, calls us in particular, life and love. As St. Paul powerfully reveals: who loved us. For I am convinced that to be this witness, to be a living Gospel choirs of angels! neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor proclaiming the love and mercy of the Risen Exult, Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not principalities, nor present things, nor Christ that, even in the midst of suff ering all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, future things, nor powers, nor height, nor and death, conquers all. As Pope Benedict all creation in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the depth, nor any other creature will be able XVI states: last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, to separate us from the love of God in around the dead will be raised incorruptible, Christ Jesus our Lord. (ROM 8:35-39) “Th at the word of the Lord may speed on and we shall be changed. For that which and triumph” (2 TH 3:1): may this Year of God’s throne! is corruptible must clothe itself with Th us, the truth of the resurrection of Faith make our relationship with Christ Jesus Christ, incorruptibility, and that which is mortal Christ is the source and foundation for the the Lord increasingly fi rm, since only must clothe itself with immortality. And Church’s mission of evangelization. In the in him is there the certitude for looking our King, is risen! when this which is corruptible clothes itself same way that the women at the tomb raced to the future and the guarantee of an with incorruptibility and this which is back to the eleven to witness to them the joy authentic and lasting love. Th e words of Sound the trumpet mortal clothes itself with immortality, then and hope of the resurrection, the Church Saint Peter shed one fi nal ray of light on the word that is today must continue faith: “In this you rejoice, though now of salvation! written shall come to preach and be a for a little while you may have to suff er about: faithful witness to various trials, so that the genuineness of "Death is the joy and hope of your faith, more precious than gold which Th ese opening words of the Exultet swallowed up in the resurrection to though perishable is tested by fi re, may sung at the great liturgy of the Easter Vigil victory. a world that is often redound to praise and glory and honour announce with great joy the resurrection of Where, O death, in desperate need of at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without Christ. Jesus Christ has been truly raised is your victory? the mercy of God. In having seen him you love him; though you from the dead and sin and death have been Where, O death, is a culture that in so do not now see him you believe in him and destroyed forever! Christ’s victory over your sting?" many ways degrades rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. death reveals in a real and powerful way the Th e sting of death the dignity of the As the outcome of your faith you obtain the merciful love of God that is greater than sin is sin, and the human person, and salvation of your souls” (1 PET 1:6-9). Th e and death, a transforming love that brings power of sin is the with so many who fi nd life of Christians knows the experience of even out of the death of the Son of God, the law. themselves overcome joy as well as the experience of suff ering. salvation of the world. But thanks be to by the power of sin, How many of the saints have lived in Th e resurrection of Christ is the very God who gives us the resurrection is a solitude! How many believers, even in cornerstone of our faith: that Christ is truly the victory through permanent reminder our own day, are tested by God’s silence resurrected from the dead and has destroyed our Lord Jesus of the great dignity when they would rather hear his consoling Resurrection of Christ and the Women at the Tomb, 1441 sin and death forever. For as St. Paul says, Christ. (1 COR Fra Angelico (1387 - 1455) and worth of each and voice! Th e trials of life, while helping us to “If Christ has not been raised, then our 15:51-57) every human person understand the mystery of the Cross and preaching is in vain and your faith is in who is redeemed by to participate in the suff erings of Christ vain.” (1 Cor 15:17) Th e resurrection fulfi lls Above all, the resurrection is the the blood of Christ and destined to live (CF. COL 1:24), are a prelude to the joy and confi rms Christ’s entire mission, words, revelation of the love and mercy of God that forever in glory. Now is the time to proclaim and hope to which faith leads: “when I am and actions; for he came to free us from is fully revealed in Christ. Easter morning without fear the mercy of God revealed in weak, then I am strong” (2 COR 12:10). sin and death and forever establishes the manifests to the entire world the mercy of Christ! We believe with fi rm certitude that the Kingdom of God. God is greater than sin and death and has In fact, on the Sunday after Easter, we Lord Jesus has conquered evil and death. Th e resurrection is not just simply no limits or boundaries. Th is is the mystery celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday in which the With this sure confi dence we entrust Christ being resuscitated from the dead in and paradox of the Cross: on the one hand universal Church celebrates and proclaims ourselves to him: he, present in our midst, the same way Jesus brought others back to the Cross reveals the horror of sin. But in the with joy and hope the great mercy of God overcomes the power of the evil one (CF. life such as Jarius’ daughter and his cousin, light of the resurrection, the Cross reveals revealed in the death and resurrection of LK 11:20); and the Church, the visible Lazarus. Th ey were brought back to ordinary the unimaginable mercy and love of God. Christ. Th is devotion to the Divine Mercy community of his mercy, abides in him as earthly life but would someday die again Th is is the good news of Christianity: the was revealed by our Lord to St. Faustina a sign of defi nitive reconciliation with the and were still subjected to sin and death. Th e love of Christ conquers and triumphs over Kowalska in the 1930s. In these visions, Father. resurrection of Christ is the inauguration of a all! Th is is the very foundation of our faith Jesus appeared with a message of great divine new creation, of a glorifi ed humanity that is and hope, and the inspiration of all the saints mercy he wished to outpour over the entire May we all thoroughly experience the freed from sin and death and destined to live and martyrs that have been the powerful world, and especially to souls that are in joy of the Easter season, be instruments of in glory forever. Th e resurrected Christ truly and convincing witnesses to the hope of the particular need of his mercy. Jesus also asked life, mercy, and reconciliation, and bring had a human body, for he ate and drank, and resurrection over the centuries. Th e truth of the Sunday after Easter be proclaimed Divine others to experience the fullness of life found Th omas placed his fingers in the nail marks the resurrection reveals that if we live in the Mercy Sunday which John Paul II fi nally only in the Risen Christ. in his hands and the wound in his side. But grace and friendship of Christ, we should not promulgated in 1995. Jesus summarized this Happy Easter! it is a true human body and a true human be afraid, for nothing can separate us from devotion to his mercy with the simple prayer, nature fi lled with the grace and power of the love of Christ who is in all and conquers “Jesus I trust in you.” the Holy Spirit, and not bound by space all. As St. Paul convincingly testifi es in his Th erefore, now more than ever do we Lucas Pollice is director of Catechesis and Adult and time. Th e resurrected Christ is the fi rst letter to the Romans: need to be a people free from fear and be Faith Formation and RCIA for the diocese. PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice More than just a bandage, The Cardinal and the Atheist Faith is a source of healing, eternal life Christianity fends off social darwinism oday, as I was writing my She walked in the footsteps of St. here’s a scene in one of The great Christian writer G. K. Chesterton column, I received an email Theresa of Avila, who once chastised God, Dorothy L. Sayers’ Lord Peter and others battled it tooth and nail. In alert reminding me that whom she loved above all things, saying, Wimsey mysteries where a England, successful people decided that “today is Joan’s birthday.” I “If this is how you treat your friends, it’s no dangerous criminal begins to Darwin had shown that the poor —l ike the bawled my eyes out, because wonder you have so few.” figure out who the disguised Irish whose country they’d run for centuries Joan,T one of my closest friends, was buried LordT Peter really is, and Lord Peter starts to their own advantage, and pretty much four days earlier following a sudden and insulting him. The criminal gets angry but anyone else whose name ends in a vowel — unexpected death. backs off, and the detective gets away. Later were biologically or culturally or otherwise It seems surreal that I cannot drive over he road to death, he explains that people are much less likely to her house for a cup of coffee, will not have to look at you closely when you’re being rude in reality, is a her company for summer outings or family T to them. o you want get-togethers, or simply see her smile. way of hope and it passes Recently the leading “New Atheist” I recalled the profoundly meaningful Richard Dawkins told a “Reason Rally” to words of Pope Benedict, as he explained through our cemeteries, “ridicule and show contempt” for religion. He ‘Da world our human fear of death, saying, “We singled out the Catholic belief in the Eucharist cannot accept that all that is beautiful and just as can be read on the as something simply unbelievable and (using in which the weak great, realized during a lifetime, should be the word in the old sense) ridiculous. He suddenly erased, should fall into the abyss tombstones and fulfills a told the crowd of earnest atheists gathered in and vulnerable are of nothingness. Above all, we feel that love Washington, D.C., to “mock” religious people calls and asks for eternity and it is impossible journey marked by the hope and “ridicule them in public.” Other speakers to accept that it is destroyed by death in an said the same thing, some in language that protected or one in instant.” of eternity.” Pope Benedict can’t be quoted here. Certainly, within that failure to accept I admit to feeling that Dawkins, like which they’re not?’ death, we are aware that mortality is a fact XVI, general audience, Nov. Sayers’ detective, is trying to insult us so that of life. 2, 2011 we don’t look too closely at what he’s actually I don’t know if that’s considered irony, doing. The “New Atheists” differ from the inferior. Science said so. There was nothing paradox, or just plain, hard truth. great atheists of the past mostly by invoking to be done about it. No matter which, I don’t like it. evolution as if it provided a knock-down There were caring social darwinists as I’m never ready for it. It always hurts. Today, I identify with these women. argument against religious belief, and also by well as brutal social darwinists, of course. And even though I understand the value Today, Jesus is in the drawer, face down, quite naively thinking that atheism is good Some said this meant that they should of suffering and being broken, there are times no doubt waiting patiently for me to come news for man. do more for the poor, some said it meant when I’d just as soon not incur any more around, because he is God and I am not. They don’t think to answer the basic they should do less. To be fair to Dawkins value-added experiences in my life. Nature I am human, and I hurt. questions of why there is something to evolve himself, he says in the debate that “We tells us oversaturation is not a good thing. I But tomorrow is another day; a day in the first place and how you decide what to should not live by Darwinian principles.” But agree. There are times, like today, when I’m when the rest of Pope Benedict’s reflection do when you’ve tossed out any transcendent when you strip the world of any transcendent OK with mediocre and half-grown. on death will speak profound words of hope source of truth and goodness. They’re not so meaning, when you insist that life evolved There are also times when we need to be in a time of darkness: “…only those who reasonable even if they hold rallies claiming randomly, you take away the moral law that reminded that faith in God and the promises can recognize a great hope in death, can live reason for themselves. tells people to be kind to the weak. of eternal life are not the bandage people a life based on hope. ... Man needs eternity But that is a subject for another day. As the cardinal said in the debate, sometimes think they should be. for every other hope is too brief, too limited Here I want to look at what happened when “Because it is the struggle for survival, the Bandages may aid in healing, but they for him. Man can be explained only if there Dawkins ran into someone he couldn’t strong take what they can and the weak do not heal; they may keep wounds clean but is a love which overcomes every isolation, ridicule. In Australia for the Global Atheists give what they must and there is nothing to they don’t take away pain. even that of death, in a totality which also Convention, he debated Cardinal George restrain them.” Faith is more than a bandage, it gives transcends time and space.” Pell, the archbishop of Sydney. Pell, wrote an Australian writer named us strength and purpose, it is a font of God became accessible to us, explains They were arguing about the meaning Andrew Bolt, brought up “what even I, as a God’s healing. But it is not cause to deny the pope, and “in the supreme act of love of life, with Pell noting that science can’t non-Christian, know is one of the strongest or diminish our humanness. Being human on the Cross, immersing himself in the answer the question of why we are here and cases for Christianity. As Pell suggested, means losing and hurting and trying to make abyss of death, he conquered it, and rose Dawkins declaring that a “silly question,” Christianity stands against totalitarians by sense of an imperfect world while we are in and opened the doors of eternity for us too. when the cardinal brought up one of the defending the value of every human life. it. Christ sustains us through the night of death great advantages of Christianity over It insists that no human whether weak, Jesus, who was like us in all ways except which he himself overcame; he is the Good atheism. He mentioned “social darwinism,” sick, in the womb, or of another race is so sin, cried over a lost Jerusalem, he wept at the Shepherd, on whose guidance one can rely which applies evolutionary ideas about the insignificant that he or she can be sacrificed death of Lazarus, his friend, and with his last without any fear, for he knows the way well, development of species to the way people to some creed, whether communism, fascism breath he asked God, “Why…?” even through darkness.” relate to each other. If different species or, Gaia.” So, today I, a sinner, am going to developed through lots and lots of random And that is something to say if you run take human license, similar to artistic mutations, so that those best adapted to the into a New Atheist: “Do you want a world in license, and follow in the footsteps of an world around them survived and those that which the weak and vulnerable are protected Irish grandmother who felt comfortable Mary Morrell is a free-lance writer and weren’t died out, so some people survived or one in which they’re not?” enough with God to argue with him, to be communications consultant for pastoral projects and others didn’t. And that’s just the way embarrassingly honest with him, and to turn working from Ortley Beach, New Jersey. She things are. his picture to the wall when she was mad at blogs at http://wellspringcommunications. This was a popular idea in the late David Mills is the executive editor of FIRST him. typepad.com/god-talk-and-tea. nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. THINGS (www.fi rstthings.com). NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 11 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice When we take The Contraceptive Mandate: up our crosses, what is its real impact? we unite with By Susan E. Wills Christ upporters of By Tony Gutiérrez Associate Editor, the Health North Texas Catholic and Human even years ago, my roommates (all fellow Catholics) and I were watching his “solution” to unplanned pregnancy live coverage of now Blessed Pope John Services T S Paul II's fi nal hours on this earth. I believe it is appalling on many levels, not the least of was the fi rst time we had cried in front of each (HHS) other (which is a big deal considering we were which is that these more effective methods all college-age guys still worried about what contraceptive mandate others thought of us). S What I remember most about his death, can pose even greater health risks to girls endlessly repeat these claims: though, wasn't all the great work he had done during his pontifi cate, but it was the way he was contraception is an essential and women. dying. Th ere's no doubt that he was suff ering, but he was also showing us how to suff er. preventive healthcare It's very easy when we're faced with trying times to give in to despair, self-pity, and anger. benefit; cost is the chief JPII faced his suff ering with joy. He was more than happy to take it on, following in the example of our Lord. barrier to access; and those Spouses and dependents must be included in The importance of this trend cannot I read plenty of other stories about other all policies, and confidentiality and privacy be overstated, because one-third of sexually saints as well, and how they suff ered, with great who object to the mandate between the insurer and user are mandated. active teen girls will become pregnant — joy. St. Lawrence, patron saint of comedians, got Parents need never know, and the teen despite using contraception — within two his patronage because he joked with his killers are “waging war on women.” doesn’t even need to beg, borrow, or steal the years of initiating sex. And young people as he was being martyred by being roasted co-pay from Mom and Dad. aged 15-24 acquire close to 10 million new over a spit that he was done on that side and This “solution” to unplanned pregnancy These are red herrings to distract sexually transmitted infections each year. to fl ip him over. And that wasn't even his last is appalling on many levels, not the least of from the core issue: the Administration’s Many STDs are incurable, and annual joke — that credit goes to him being declared which is that these more effective methods unprecedented violation of rights of treatment costs are estimated to exceed $14 patron saint of barbecue. can pose even greater health risks to girls and conscience and religious liberty in forcing billion. Recently I've faced some emotional and women. The estrogen/progestin combination almost everyone who offers or purchases a But the contraceptive mandate is mental suff ering in my own life, and I was in most methods significantly increases the health plan — including faithful Catholics not just about access to condoms and tempted to give in to despair. I wasn't willing risk of the two most common cancers in and most Catholic employers — to cover pills. Reproductive “rights” advocates to embrace the Cross. Christ told us that he women: breast and cervical cancer. Depo- sterilization procedures, contraceptives, and hope it will help take fertility out of the would. God would not give us anything we Provera doubles the risk of acquiring AIDS abortifacients. control of contraceptive users (who may couldn't handle, but that we still had to take and other STDs, and even 12 months’ Can supporters claim access is a not always take a pill promptly or use a up our crosses. I wasn't willing to take up mine. use can double breast cancer risk. The problem, while also asserting that over 99% condom as instructed) and give control to Recently, a friend and mentor was admitted contraceptive patch reportedly doubles the of sexually active American women age 15- drug companies and doctors, by switching to the hospital. I continue to be amazed by this risk of blood clots and death, compared 44 have used contraceptives? women to expensive “long-acting reversible man who probably suff ered more not because to second-generation pills. Nuvaring’s Low-income women can’t afford contraceptives” (LARCs). he was in pain, but because his pain hindered manufacturer is facing at least 730 U.S. contraceptives? They received $2.73 billion In its 1995 “Uneven and Unequal” his ability to do other things. lawsuits for blood-clot-related injuries and in federal and state funding for family position paper, the Guttmacher Institute Suff ering is all around us — it will always deaths. In a large study of copper IUD users, planning in 2010. Oral contraceptives are proposed a comprehensive plan to be a part of our lives. I suppose that's a result two-thirds experienced abdominal pain and also available from many pharmacies for a accomplish this through health care reform: of the Fall. Th e question isn't, "Why is there a 60% increase in bleeding. few dollars a month. • All methods must be covered by all suff ering?"; the question is, "How do I deal So, why do some people think Even teens have access! Contraceptive plans, along with surgical procedures like with it when it happens?" contraception prevents health problems? And use is “virtually universal” among sexually sterilizations and abortions. God will always give us a choice: to either why is it a “war” on women to speak up for experienced teens (96%), according to an • No co-pays or minimums required. turn to him or to run away. In embracing his their health, and their freedom to say no to October 2011 report on teen sexual activity This eliminates the barrier of the high Parkinson's, Blessed John Paul united himself this agenda? and contraceptive use by the U.S. Centers for upfront costs of implants ($800) and IUDs to Christ and found joy. In embracing the Disease Control and Prevention. The good (up to $1,000), and the monthly or quarterly human barbecue, St. Lawrence united himself news is that most teens are now choosing office visits for injectables. to Christ. We are all called to unite ourselves Susan Wills is Assistant Director for self-control instead of fertility control with • With cost no longer a barrier, only one with Jesus, to live our lives for Him, and to Education & Outreach, United States hormones and latex. Currently, 57% of girls obstacle remains: Parents! How does a girl lead others to Him. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of 15-19 and 58% of boys have never had sex. on her parents’ insurance policy get an IUD Jesus doesn't promise us that life will be easy Pro-Life Activities. To learn more about the Since 1988, abstinence rates increased 20% without their finding out? The Guttmacher (as a matter of fact, he promises the opposite), Catholic bishops’ pro-life work visit www.usccb. among these girls and almost 50% among “solution” is reflected in HHS’s March 21 but he does promise He'll always be with us. org/about/pro-life-activities. boys. “Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking”: Next time we suff er, let us unite with Him. PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 Features

miscarriages in about 30 months. That year-and-a-half was a I never thought very tumultuous time. Every emotion imaginable, from joy crashing down to loss, and grief giving way to hope only to be dashed again, was just about unbearable. It was a time of of Jesus being a loud questioning. “Why us?” “Where are you God?” “How will we ever get through?” “What now?” Through it all, though it seldom felt this way, God was by our side seeing ‘person in my life, us through the labyrinth of emotions, sustaining us, and reshaping our lives. Working in ministry for 25 years has provided countless

By Jeff Hedglen close moments with Jesus. Every retreat has these special (CNS photo/Paul Haring) n 1984 I went on my first Cursillo retreat. It was one of moments when students open their hearts to let in the love of Augustinian Father Richard G. Cannuli brushes off carbon after tracing a design while creating an icon in Rome April 12. those “mountain top” experiences of closeness to Jesus God. Every session of Camp Fort Worth shows how serving and His Body. It was also a weekend of learning about the poor, praying, receiving the sacraments, and making new I friends transforms people’s lives. But encounters with Jesus what it means to be a Christian. Cursillo is short for Cursillos de Cristiandad (A short course in Christianity). Throughout come in smaller moments too: religious education classes, the weekend we hear talks about the three legs that hold up heartfelt conversations on a whim, and in the frustrating our faith life: Piety, Study, and Action. After the weekend times that come with leading teens and young adults through we are encouraged to join small faith-sharing groups to talk life. about how we are living these three important aspects of our Encounters with Jesus have always been transforming. faith and to share our “closest moment to Christ” since we In this Easter season, we continue to hear the Apostles post- last met. resurrection moments with Jesus. They bring about doubt, Over the years I have been in a number of small groups fear, and a cautious hope. As the Easter season continues, and my favorite part of the time together was sharing our we will hear Jesus calling himself a Good Shepherd. These Gospels share how he cares for us and wants to be in a (CNS photo/courtesy Father Browne S.J. Collection) closest moments. I like it because it challenges me to reflect This is one of a collection of photographs of the Titanic taken by the late Irish Jesuit Father Frank relationship with us to the point that we know his own voice. on my walk with Jesus and determine when I felt close to Browne. Father Browne's Titanic Album has been reprinted to mark the centenary of the demise He also says that he is a vine and we are the branches; if we Him, or when I needed Him the most or when I really saw of the massive liner. Father Browne became a prominent documentary photographer and a his hand at work. I will admit that sometimes I could not stay connected we will bear much fruit. much-decorated chaplain in the British army in World War I. think of an especially close moment, but I learned that was These two images reveal that Jesus wants to have OK. After all, Jesus is always close to me whether or not I feel encounters with us, just like he did with the disciples Him. before and after his resurrection. Sure, we probably will not In my life I have had a number of significantly close experience him walking through walls and appearing in moments to Jesus. The first I remember was when I was 16- human form, but that does not mean that we cannot have a years-old. I was on a retreat and was asked a question: “Who real encounter with the risen Christ. are the two most important people in your life?” After some Having a close moment with Jesus does not mean that time to think about the question, the retreat master asked: you are so overcome with emotion that you are reduced to “Was one of those people Jesus?” a babbling, weeping mess. Rather it simply means that you That seemingly innocent and rather obvious question are graced with a glimpse of the truth that Jesus is alive and rocked my world. I had never thought about Jesus being closer than you could ever imagine. a “person in my life.” He had always been a loving God (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, ST. LOUISE REVIEW) watching me from a distance. Thinking of Jesus in this Jeff Hedglen is campus minister at UTA and associate Three Carmelite nuns profess their vows in 2011 in the chapel of the Divine Heart of Jesus personal way really transformed my faith. director of Young Adult Ministry. He remains active with convent in St. Louis. Love of God nurtures love of neighbor, especially in people with vocations Another especially close time with Jesus was early Camp Fort Worth. Readers with questions can contact to the priesthood or religious life, said Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of on in my marriage when my wife and I experienced six Jeff at [email protected]. Prayer for Vocations, which will be observed April 29. Cross-Words

By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down: 1. Pontius Pilate was one 4. Turn aside 2. Salad oil 5. Homes for Robins 3. Quarries

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5 Diocese NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 13 Five dedicated priests invested as monsignori at March 27 Vespers

Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

ell-wishers filled St. W Patrick Cathedral on March 27 to watch five diocesan priests receive the pontifical honor designating them as monsignors during a solemn vespers service.

Pope Benedict XVI conferred the title Prelate of Honor on Monsignor Stephen Berg, Vicar General for the Monsignor Stephen J. Berg, Vicar Diocese, poses with his mother, Jeanne, who General and Moderator of the Newly invested monsignori proudly display their certificates during a March 27 vespers service honoring them. From left to right are Msgr. E. James Hart, traveled from Montana to see her son receive Curia, and Monsignor Raymund Msgr. Juan Rivero, Msgr. Publius Xuereb, Msgr. Stephen Berg, and Msgr. Raymund Mullan. the papal honor. Mullan, pastor of two churches — St. Mary in Graham and St. luncheon at the diocesan Catholic Theresa in Olney. Center. Named Chaplain of Honor to For the ceremony, the new His Holiness were Monsignor E. monsignors wore distinctive James Hart, pastor of St. Elizabeth vestments indicating they now are Ann Seton Church and Vicar for members of the papal household Special Projects; Monsignor Juan and listed on the Annuaria Pontificio Rivero, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini (the papal yearbook.) Chaplains are Church in Granbury and Vicar permitted to wear the black cassock for Priests; and Monsignor Publius with purple trimming, buttons, and Xuereb, pastor of Holy Redeemer sash. Prelates of honor wear a purple Monsignor Raymund Mullan, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Graham and Monsignor Juan Rivero, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Granbury, Church in Aledo. cassock with red trimming, buttons, St. Theresa in Olney, and Dean of the Southwest Deanery, stands with his Dean of the South Deanery, and Vicar for Priests for the diocese, poses Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann and sash. brother, Dr. Bertram Mullan of Denton (RIGHT), and Bishop Kevin Vann. with parishioners at a reception following the investiture. presented each honoree with a large, A group of 40 parishioners framed certificate issued by the from St. Mary in Graham traveled Vatican Secretariat of State stating 100 miles from the small, West the new title and rank. Texas city to witness their pastor, “We thank our brothers here Msgr. Mullan, receive his papal this evening for having been sent by honor. Among the group was the God’s providence from California, new monsignor’s brother, Dr. Mexico, Malta, South Africa, and Bertram Mullan, of Denton. Montana,” Bishop Vann said, “He’s an outgoing man. addressing the congregation. “They He’s done tremendous work in have ministered to the people in Graham,” said Dr. Mullan. “They their parishes urging them to trust, love him out there,” he said, telling them not to fear and to during a reception in St. Patrick’s Monsignor Publius Xuereb, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Aledo, is Monsignor E. James Hart, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller rejoice in the Lord’s presence in new pastoral center following the invested as a monsignor by Bishop Kevin Vann at the March 27 liturgy. and Vicar for Special Projects, stands with his wife LaDorne (LEFT CENTER), their lives.” evening service. “It’s a wonderful Assisting is diocesan Vocations Director Father Isaac Orozco. brother John (FAR LEFT), and sister, Sister Edith Mary, RSM (FAR RIGHT). Many of the people sitting honor, and he’s a wonderful priest.” in the pews journeyed with the His brother always wanted Cabrini Church in Granbury who “He’s helped us move from Berg and Msgr. Hart were both men during various stages in their to be a priest, the older sibling attended the service to congratulate the Anglican community to the assigned at different times, to his priesthood. explained, and he credits their late their pastor, Msgr. Juan Rivero. Catholic Church, so we wanted to parish. He met Msgr. Publius “This recognition of their mother, Hermina, for instilling a “He’s not just special to the support him in return,” explained Xuereb at a diocesan function. priestly ministry is recognition of devotion to Church in the family Mexican community, he works well Chuck Hough, IV, who is on staff “We wanted to come and all the people in their communities home. with everybody,” Pablo Torres said. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and show our respect,” said the St. whom they have served and prayed “Strangely enough, my mother “Eleven years ago, he married us is both a seminarian studying for Michael parishioner. “They are all with and, in turn, who have was not Catholic but would go and later baptized our daughter. We the Catholic priesthood to serve wonderful, dedicated men.” supported them,” the bishop said. to church with us,” Dr. Mullan would not have missed this.” within the ordinariate and a former But, perhaps, the happiest The title “monsignor” is a pointed out. “She was Dutch Several members of the newly Anglican priest. “We not only person in the room was Jeanne Berg, papal honor recognizing a priest’s Reformed and a true saint. She was formed Anglican ordinariate (the wanted to honor Msgr. Hart, but mother of Msgr. Stephen Berg. The service to the Church. Each priest a role model for me, my brother, and Personal Ordinariate of the Chair all the monsignors. They have been elderly mother of nine traveled from is nominated for the honor by his our father.” of St. Peter) also came to witness very welcoming.” Montana to see her son receive his bishop who submits a request and Letitia Guerrero, Angie and the diocesan event. Msgr. James Like many others who came to papal honor. biography to the Holy See. Bishop Pablo Torres and the couple’s Hart, a former Episcopalian priest, the Solemn Vespers and celebration, “I’m very proud of him,” she Vann announced the names of the daughter, Christi, were some of is supporting their transition to the Bert Guidry, knows several of the said. “This is a happy moment for new monsignors during a Feb. 14 the parishioners from St. Frances Catholic faith. new monsignors. Msgr. Stephen our family.” PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 1 2 Easter Vigil S and Rituals po Resurre

Photos by NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC photographers Jua

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7. Just as the Easter Vigil is the focal point of th point of the Mass. Fr. Polycarp, Vietnamese Mar 8. A statue of the Risen Christ, victorious over d Martyrs on a processional stand. (DONNA RYCKAERT) 8 1. Monsignor Publius Xuereb and Deacon Patrick Bresler laugh with parishioners at Holy Redeemer Parish in Aledo at the start of 6 the vigil Mass. (JUAN GUAJARDO) 22. James Key, a catechumen at Holy Redeemer, holds his candle in the darkened church during the vigil Mass. (JUAN GUAJARDO) 3. Holy Redeemer Deacon Scott France holds up the Easter Candle sso candidates could light their candles. (JUAN GUAJARDO) 4. Father Polycarp M. Ducthuan Nguyen, CMC, prepares to light the Paschal Candle at Vietnamese Martyrs Church. (DONNA RYCKAERT) 5. Catechumens from Good Shepherd Parish in Colleyville process into the church with lit candles at the beginning of the Easter Vigil. (MICHAEL MCGEE) 6. Monsignor Publius Xuereb sprinkles the congregation with holy water after the renewal of baptismal promises. (JUAN GUAJARDO) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 15 Sacraments 13 14 oint us to the ection an Guajardo, Donna Ryckaert, and Michael McGee

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he Church calendar, the Eucharist is the focal rtyrs pastor, holds up the host. (DONNA RYCKAERT) death, is triumphantly carried into Vietnamese T)

9. Good Shepherd Pastor Father Richard Eldredge, TOR, baptizes a 9 catechumen into the Catholic Church. (MICHAEL MCGEE) 10. Fr. Polycarp baptizes a young woman into the Catholic Church. (DONNA RYCKAERT) 11. During the Easter Vigil, the newly elect receive a candle after being baptized into the Body of Christ, allowing them to carry the Light of Christ. (MICHAEL MCGEE) 12. Fr. Polycarp places chrism oil on a confirmation candidate, bringing him into full communion with the Church. (DONNA RYCKAERT) 13. Deacon Pat Lavery hands the chalice carrying the Precious Blood to the newly elect who received the Eucharist for the first time. (MICHAEL MCGEE) 14. Monsignor Publius Xuereb confirms Dylan Bush into the Church during the Easter Vigil service. Bush (LEFT) was confirmed alongside his brother, Denver (RIGHT). (JUAN GUAJARDO) PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 Parish-based retreat program spreading through the dioceses encourages parishioners to respond to ACTS of the Spirit

By Juan Guajardo / Correspondent

arc Pierel says it was out of the ordinary for him to Mstep up to the ambo near the end of Mass at Holy Redeemer Parish in Aledo earlier this year and extend an invitation to fellow parishioners to come on an ACTS retreat. After all, says Pierel, who describes himself as reserved, pulpit talks aren’t something he usually does. “Standing in front of people like that is not me,” said Pierel, a long-time participant and volunteer in ACTS retreats. “That’s not something that comes to me naturally; that’s something that I did

North Texas Catholic file photo because I knew it was the right thing to do and I knew that it was Retreatants from the first Spanish men’s ACTS retreat in Gainesville held Oct. 15-18, 2009 at the Lone Oak Retreat Center part of what the Lord expected me to do.” return to St. Mary’s Church to attend the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass with their families. oversees core groups that plan retreats at each parish in the holding its first Spanish retreat last year. diocese that holds them. Parishes include St. John the Baptizer Fr. Thompson says the retreats don’t just benefit the in Bridgeport, Holy Cross in The Colony, Immaculate parish. Conception and St. Mark in Denton, St. Mary’s in Gainesville, “It’s revived the faith of a lot of people — people that have St. Mary in Jacksboro, St. Philip the Apostle in Lewisville, kind of quit practicing their faith or have a minimal faith or St. Peter in Lindsay, Our Lady of Lourdes in Mineral Wells, people that just never really made any kind of awakening. It’s Sacred Heart in Muenster, St. Thomas Aquinas in Pilot Point, been a tremendous thing. At the personal level it’s been really and Holy Family in Vernon. powerful,” he said. “ACTS is about men and women giving hope, joy, peace, Aside from strengthening individuals, families, and and love to others,” Vela said, adding that many participants parishes, ACTS also fosters a sense of fellowship and say those blessings come back to them “one hundred fold.” community, Fr. Thompson, Lira, Pierel, and Stolzer said. Vela is quick to point out the retreats are a means, not an “Really, to this day when I’m with my fellow brothers

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lira end, that helps men and women experience or re-experience who had been on the ACTS retreat with me, either fellow Immaculate Conception youth participate in an activity during a Teen ACTS retreat. God’s love. retreatants or team members, my reaction is still the same: It’s After a retreat, Vela says, participants give more to their a big smile and a big hug,” Pierel said. “And the experience ACTS retreats are parish-focused, laity-led, four-day communities and parishes, and work to grow in their faith by leaves you feeling like, I think it’s described by the apostles and retreats put on by the non-profit ACTS Missions, which has attending weekday Masses, adoration, or faith-sharing groups. the disciples after Pentecost, … how they lived together as a several chapters around the country. ACTS retreats (which Ralph Lira, a board member of the Fort Worth ACTS community.” stand for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) aim chapter and long-time retreat volunteer, first participated in That community spreads far and wide, and provides to deepen retreatants’ faith by focusing on those four aspects an ACTS retreat in 2005, after he was invited by a fellow support even during bad times. and inspiring men and women to serve in their parish and parishioner who went through a Denton ACTS retreat (which Pierel recalls how a retreat friend’s house burned down a community, build fellowship, and engage in prayer and study combines Immaculate Conception and St. Mark Parishes). few years ago. While the firefighters were still putting out the of the Catholic faith. “I was one of those Catholics who basically checked in flames, several other retreat friends were already there “at his “I was very surprised, I was very moved and touched by to go to Mass on Sunday and then checked out as soon as I side consoling him and supporting him and his family.” the whole experience,” Pierel said of his first ACTS retreat in could,” said the Immaculate Conception parishioner. Initially, The next Sunday at Mass, several parishioners and ACTS 2005. “I had been on maybe a dozen or so silent retreats. I had Lira was hesitant about going, but his friend kept insisting. participants assisted the family with gift cards and lent a hand. never been on a retreat like this that was so lively and peppy “So I signed up not having any clue what I was getting “It was just like I pictured the disciples living as it’s and enthusiastic. It seemed like every time I turned around into,” Lira said. “I went on my retreat and it was life-changing. described in the Acts of the Apostles,” Pierel said. “They just there were some more blessings coming my way and things I ... Then my wife went the next year. Our son and daughter took care of each other.” didn’t expect.” have been on retreats. So our entire family has been on [the At St. Philip Parish in Lewisville, that sense of community Since then, Pierel and his wife, Carolyn (who is also retreats], and it’s just helped us — especially during some among ACTS retreatants is also evident. According to Greg an ACTS participant), have become more involved in their trying times in our lives. So it’s been a great blessing.” Walterscheid, who along with a handful of other parishioners parish, spend more time in prayer, and have had an easier time Athena Stolzer of St. Mark, and a board member for the helped bring the retreat to the parish, the retreat draws 20-35 remembering the “Lord’s involvement in our lives.” Fort Worth chapter, attended her first retreat in 2006. parishioners per event. Founded in 1987 by a group of three men from “I’m a convert, so for me it was a great celebration of some “From my own personal experience, now I can say I Selma, Texas, who witnessed Blessed John Paul II’s visit of the things the Catholic faith has to offer that I had kind of have a close-knit connection with 200 people that I didn’t to San Antonio and were inspired by his call for a “new missed out on during my RCIA,” Stolzer said. know before,” said Walterscheid , the core group’s facilitator. evangelization,” ACTS retreats have spread to every diocese in Since her retreat, Stolzer’s husband has attended, and their “It’s given a lot of other attendees a sense of belonging and a Texas, 22 states across the country, and five other countries, children have gone on Teen ACTS retreats. recommitment to our parish.” said Jay Vela, executive director of ACTS Missions in San “It’s a really nice thing for us to share,” she said. “I don’t Since ACTS began there in 2010, Walterscheid has seen Antonio, the movement’s headquarters. know how a whole family can go through it and not experience 50 ACTS participants take part in weekly faith-sharing groups. Aiming to spread the new evangelization one parish at that kind of positive impact.” Another eight became Knights of Columbus, and many more a time, the retreat has reached 500 parishes nationwide and Father Tim Thompson, pastor of Immaculate became involved in other ministries. 400,000 retreatants. On any given weekend there are 20 Conception, and the bishop’s liason to the Fort Worth “I think that’s the beauty of it ... it builds the parish up ACTS retreats happening around the six countries that have chapter, has seen his parish benefit too. ACTS participants into one big family,” Lira observes. them, Vela said. Approximately 3,800 people have participated have become involved as extraordinary ministers of holy in ACTS retreats in the Diocese of Fort Worth since the Communion, lectors, volunteers in religious education, faith For more information on ACTS or Teen ACTS, visit www. first retreat was held in 2004 in Denton. Now, there are support groups, groups that visit the sick, and in Why Catholic? actsmissions-fortworthchapter.org or contact Jeanne Greathouse, nine parishes that hold ACTS retreats for men, women, and Furthermore, he says the popularity of ACTS at his parish the Fort Worth ACTS chapter facilitator, at bighouse@ teenagers, according to the Fort Worth ACTS chapter, which has spread to the Hispanic community, with Denton ACTS embarqmail.com. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 17 Vocations Good Shepherd Sunday special collection, which supports education and living expenses for seminarians, to be held April 28-29 By Michele Baker for the priesthood,” said Michael to North Texas for his job as a Correspondent Messano, director of Advancement mechanical engineer. Through Give online to the 2012 Good Shepherd for the diocese. “While that’s involvement in parish life at St. Jesus said, “I am the good great, when a diocese has Michael in Bedford, Picou, who Sunday Special Collection for the shepherd. A good shepherd lays this many men, the costs are had begun formation for the Seminarian Formation Fund at down his life for the sheep (John staggering. That doesn’t mean priesthood right out of college but 10:11).” that we abandon them, though. It had left the seminary to pursue a www.fwdioc.org. When these words are read means we work harder to provide secular career, found himself back this year on Good Shepherd for them.” in formation for the priesthood. Sunday, April 28 and 29, the Right now the diocese spends “The call is much larger Picou recognizes that the it should be. “These seminarians faithful of the Diocese of Fort more than $1.2 million each than the traditional path to the support he’s received spiritually are making a commitment to our Worth are asked to remember year to provide education, room, priesthood,” he observed. “I’d and materially have helped him to diocese,” he said. “Supporting the good shepherds among them, and board for seminarians. And consider myself atypical but God’s answer that call. them is an investment in the especially the seminarians who are while the material need is great, call doesn’t go away.” Messano says that this is how future of our local Church.” preparing to lay down their lives the spiritual support is just as in service to the local Church. The important. Good Shepherd Sunday special “Every year around collection helps the diocese to Christmas, we get letters from offset the cost of educating those the Catholic elementary and who have discerned a call to the high schools,” said Gary Picou, a priesthood. There are currently seminarian who is completing his 27 such men in formation while pastoral year at St. Joseph Parish another nine have been accepted in Arlington. “The kids write to to begin their studies in the Fall. encourage us and to let us know “One of the most beautiful that they’re praying for us.” things about the Diocese of Fort Picou, a Houston native, Worth is that we’re very blessed to found his way into the Diocese have a number of men preparing of Fort Worth when he relocated PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012

HHS mandate is and what it is not.” costs?” she queried. “This mandate is not about contraception,” Schwind told the North Texas Catholic she Religious Freedom stated the Pre-Cana instructor and co-director wanted to educate and motivate the audience. of the Balanced Family Ministries apostolate in “I hope people have a clearer idea of how FROM PAGE 1 the Diocese of Fort Worth. “It’s about religious serious this is when they leave here,” she added. motivational speaker in her own right, Wetteland freedom. And it’s not just about religious freedom Carrying a sign with an image of Our Lady fired up the crowd’s patriotism with stories about for Catholics.” of Fatima, Estela and Eduardo Aguilar listened her family’s military service to the country. Her Acknowledging the presence of non- intently to each presentation. They came to the grandfather served in four wars, and her father Catholics in the crowd, Schwind thanked them for Stand Up For Freedom rally after learning about it Two rally participants share a supportive embrace during was an Air Force Commander. their participation, then warned, “they’re coming on the Internet. The St. Patrick parishioners believe the Stand Up For Religious Freedom gathering. “I come from a family of great Americans,” after you next. We’re here to let the government prayer can stop the mandate from being enforced. explained the mother of five who lives in the know we are not standing for this as a group of “Our Lady of Fatima has a lot of truth, and Dallas-Fort Worth area. “I have truly understood faithful Christians.” we need to pray for her to intercede,” Eduardo for my entire life that our freedoms are not free.” And, despite political spin surrounding the suggested. “Prayer is stronger than anything Wetteland feels there is an assault on long- issue, opposition to the mandate is not a war on man can do.” held American values and she encouraged her women, she pointed out. listeners to stand up for what they believe. “As a Catholic woman who converted to “By being here today, you’re sending a message this faith, I believe there is no institution [that] that you care about your freedom and liberty,” she holds women higher than the Catholic Church.” continued, “so the sacrifices of our forefathers will The St. Thomas Aquinas, Pilot Point, not be in vain.” parishioner cautioned women not to be fooled Reading from a March 14 statement issued by by misrepresentations in the media. Alice Kendall of St. Peter Church in Lindsey and Jackie Schilling the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Diane “If this is really about women’s health care, of Sacred Heart Church in Muenster read over rally literature. Schwind explained for the assembly, “what the where is the free care for pregnancy and birthing

Rally supporters carry placards listing First Amendment Diane Schwind of Balanced Family Ministries explains the Home-schooled youngsters show off their homemade Estela and Eduardo Aguilar’s sign asks Our Lady of Fatima freedoms. ramifications of the HHS mandate to an attentive audience. posters. to pray for “our religious freedom.” Catholics urged to resist unjust laws, join in ‘fortnight for freedom’ By Nancy Frazier O’Brien to such services. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to bolster defend it more vigorously abroad.” Catholic News Service “In an unprecedented way, the federal its arguments. The statement called on “American foreign government will both force religious institutions Rev. King, writing from jail in Birmingham, policy, as well as the vast international network WASHINGTON — American Catholics must to facilitate and fund a product contrary to their Alabama, in 1963, described an unjust law as of C at hol ic a g enc ie s” to m a k e “t he promot ion of resist unjust laws “as a duty of citizenship and own moral teaching and purport to define which one “that is out of harmony with the moral law,” religious liberty an ongoing and urgent priority.” an obligation of faith,” a committee of the U.S. religious institutions are ‘religious enough’ to and said he agreed with St. Augustine that “an The bishops assigned special responsibility bishops said in a new statement on religious merit protection of their religious liberty,” the unjust law is no law at all.” for advancing religious freedom to several liberty. statement said. “These features of the ‘preventive “An unjust law cannot be obeyed,” the groups: Titled “Our First, Most Cherished services’ mandate amount to an unjust law.” bishops’ statement said. “In the face of an unjust • Those who hold public office must Liberty,” the 12-page statement by the Ad Hoc Among other examples of “religious liberty law, an accommodation is not to be sought, “protect and defend those fundamental liberties Committee on Religious Liberty also calls for “a under attack” the bishops named: especially by resorting to equivocal words and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights,” regardless of fortnight for freedom” from June 21, the vigil • Immigration laws in Alabama and deceptive practices. their political party. of the feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas other states that “forbid what the government “If we face today the prospect of unjust • Leaders of Catholic hospitals, More, to July 4, U.S. Independence Day. deems ‘harboring’ of undocumented immigrants laws, then Catholics in America, in solidarity universities, and social service agencies “who “This special period of prayer, study, — and what the Church deems Christian with our fellow citizens, must have the courage may be forced to choose between the good catechesis and public action would emphasize charity and pastoral care to those immigrants.” not to obey them,” it added. “No American works we do by faith, and fidelity to that faith both our Christian and American heritage of • An attempt by the Connecticut desires this. No Catholic welcomes it. But if it itself” were encouraged to “hold firm, to stand liberty,” the committee said. “Dioceses and Legislature in 2009 to restructure Catholic should fall upon us, we must discharge it as a fast, and to insist upon what belongs to you by parishes around the country could choose a parishes. duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith.” right as Catholics and Americans.” date in t hat period for specia l events t hat wou ld • Discrimination against Christian The bishops also distinguished between • Priests must offer “a catechesis on constitute a great national campaign of teaching students on college campuses. conscientious objection and an unjust law. religious liberty suited to the souls in your care,” and witness for religious liberty.” • Government actions in Boston, San “Conscientious objection permits some a responsibility that is shared with “writers, Made public April 12, the document was Francisco, the District of Columbia and the relief to those who object to a just law for reasons producers, artists, publishers, filmmakers approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic state of Illinois that have “driven local Catholic of conscience — conscription being the most and bloggers employing all the means of Bishops’ Administrative Committee during its Charities out of the business of providing well-known example,” the committee said. “An communications.” March meeting for publication as a committee adoption or foster care services” because the unjust law is ‘no law at all.’ It cannot be obeyed, In addition to the “fortnight for freedom” statement. agencies would not place children with same- and therefore one does not seek relief from it, June 21 to July 4, the bishops designated the The ad hoc committee opened its statement sex or unmarried heterosexual couples. but rather its repeal.” feast of Christ the King — Nov. 25 this year with several “concrete examples” of recent • A New York City rule that bars small The statement also raised the issue of — as “a day specifically employed by bishops threats to religious liberty, saying that “this is church congregations from renting public religious freedom abroad and said “the age of and priests to preach about religious liberty, not a theological or legal dispute without real- schools on weekends for worship services, while martyrdom has not passed.” both here and abroad.” world consequences.” allowing such rentals by nonreligious groups. “Assassinations, bombings of churches, Cited first was the Department of Health • Changes in federal contracts for torching of orphanages — these are only the Editor’s Note: The full text of “Our First, Most and Human Services’ mandate that most health human trafficking grants that require Catholic most violent attacks Christians have suffered Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious plans must include contraception, sterilization agencies “to refer for contraceptive and abortion because of their faith in Jesus Christ,” the Liberty” is available at www.usccb.org/issues-and- and some abortion-inducing drugs free of services in violation of Catholic teaching.” bishops said. “It is our task to strengthen action/religious-liberty/our-first-most-cherished- charge, even if the employer is morally opposed The statement quotes the Founding Fathers religious liberty at home, ... so that we might liberty.cfm. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 19

storm. Nguyen’s father had prepared passengers well for this latest challenge. He led daily prayer services on the boat and Around you is a lot of water but you are dying Andy Nguyen… taught his countrymen to always put their faith in God. That faith was tested during the maelstrom. “Everybody of thirst. You are in an ocean with tons of fish, FROM PAGE 28 was praying. Even non-believers were praying to Mary and but you are dying of hunger. A storm comes and Nguyen’s older brothers managed an opportune escape Joseph and Jesus,” Nguyen said. in 1979. Notably, one of them eventually became a well- Miraculously, the ship and its passengers weathered the you cannot do anything about it. You are like a respected priest in the Diocese of Fort Worth — the Rev. storm. After more than a week at sea, they made it to the tiny little leaf floating in the giant Pacific Ocean. Hoa Nguyen, now pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Wichita refugee camp in Malaysia. Falls. The two brothers would establish residence in the Young Nguyen had seen his father save lives through You are totally helpless. ... When you are in that United States and work tirelessly to reunite their family. exceptional perseverance, keen navigation skills, and a In 1981, after six years of imprisonment, Nguyen’s father steadfast Catholic faith. situation, even a non-believer has to believe. secretly boarded an overcrowded fishing boat with five of his The experience taught all the survivors a lesson in Who else can save you, except God? children, while his wife and youngest son remained behind to spirituality, Nguyen said. distract the communists. By now, Nguyen was 14 years old “Around you is a lot of water but you are dying of thirst. — Andy Nguyen and about to embark on a voyage he would never forget. You are in an ocean with tons of fish, but you are dying of hunger. A storm comes and you cannot do anything about it. You are like a tiny little leaf floating in the giant Pacific Guided by faith Ocean. You are totally helpless. A devout Catholic, Nguyen attends St. Vincent de Paul A banker by trade, Nguyen’s father studied navigation in “When you are in that situation, even a non-believer has Church in Arlington and St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic preparation for this escape from oppression. Now it was his to believe. Who else can save you, except God?” Church in Grand Prairie. Married and a father of three, goal to get 80 desperate boat passengers to a refugee camp in Nguyen is committed to his family. Malaysia, several hundred miles across the South China Sea. Freedom found “Through it all, we always supported each other,” No one aboard expected it to be easy, and the wise navigator After several months at the refugee camp, the Nguyens Nguyen said. That involved his mother serving as a decoy knew he must take the boat on a circuitous route away from were reunited with the two older brothers who had escaped for the final escape and his father’s resoluteness, even the Gulf of Thailand. The longer course would help them earlier and were living in Covington, Kentucky. through imprisonment, to find a better way for his family. avoid pirates, but it would create additional hardships for From the Nguyen family would come great contributors Support also came from his father’s Catholic spiritual passengers short on water and food. to society, including engineers, business leaders, a nurse, guidance to keep his family and fellow refugees strong. And After several days of severe hunger and thirst, relief came an architect and two Roman Catholic priests. The clergy necessary help came from his older brothers, along with the in the form of an offshore oil rig. When the refugees neared includes Fr. Hoa and Fr. Linh Nguyen, a younger brother entire family, as they pooled their resources to fund one the structure, friendly rig hands greeted them. Upon learning who is a priest in Georgetown, Kentucky. All seized the another’s plans for a better way of life in America. that the refugees in the boat below their platform were opportunity to realize their potential in the U.S. “I always remember where we came from,” said dehydrated, the rig workers showered fresh water down on They also succeeded in bringing their mother and the Nguyen, “and the prices we had to pay to get here. And them from a thick hose. family’s youngest child to America in 1992, and the entire I remember the sacrifices that our parents and my older Nguyen opened his mouth wide. “It tasted like milk and family now lives in this country. brothers made. honey. I can’t describe that feeling. It was just wonderful.” All are proud of Nguyen’s public service post in Tarrant In hard times, the only thing we could do was count The respite would not last long for the refugees. Their County, said Fr. Hoa. “Andy always thought big. He always on each other. Family, I learned, is very important. And I next experience at sea came in the form of a treacherous wanted to do more. And he’s always been a leader.” believe it’s the fundamental bedrock for our society.” PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 International Apostolic visit to Mexico Trust in God to help change society, pope says in Mexico’s heartland

By Francis X. Rocca country since being elected in 2005. Catholic News Service The journey was not easy for SILAO, Mexico — Celebrating Mass many. Thousands of the faithful in the Catholic heartland of Mexico, walked more than three miles Pope Benedict XVI told a nation and from parking lots in the town a continent suffering from poverty, of Silao, 220 miles northwest of corruption and violence, to trust in Mexico City. God and the intercession of Mary to "This is nothing too difficult," help them bring about a "more just quipped Jose Trinidad Borja, 81, a and fraternal society." retired hardware store owner from "When addressing the deeper Queretaro who boasts of having dimension of personal and community participated in the annual eight-day life, human strategies will not suffice diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica to save us," the pope said in his of Guadalupe in Mexico City for 65 homily during the outdoor Mass straight years. at Guanajuato Bicentennial Park An army of vendors hawked March 25, the second full day of his water, coffee, and tamales along the second papal visit to Latin America. route in addition to Vatican flags "We must have recourse to the one and photos of Pope Benedict and who alone can give life in its fullness, his predecessor, Blessed John Paul because he is the essence of life and (CNS photo/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO) II, who, with his five visits, became its author." Pope Benedict XVI, wearing a sombrero, arrives to celebrate Mass at Bicentennial Park in Silao, Mexico, March 25 one of the most beloved figures in an Citing the responsorial psalm officially secular country. for the day's Mass — "Create a clean monument to Christ the King visible hearts: the love of God that he brought social progress that blend Christian "With Benedict, I feel something heart in me, O God" — the pope atop a nearby hill and observed that into the world with his sacrifice and s o c i a l do c t r i ne w it h M a r x i sm or ot her indescribable," said Guadalupe said that evil can be overcome only Christ's "kingdom does not stand the truth to which he bore witness." secular ideologies. Nambo Gutierrez, a retired secretary through a divinely inspired change on the power of his armies subduing That message was consistent "The Church is not a political from Guanajuato City, who saw the of the human heart. others through force or violence. It with Pope Benedict's frequently power, it is not a party," the pope pope in the colonial town March 24 The pope made note of the rests on a higher power that wins over stated objections to strategies for told reporters on his flight to Mexico and attended the Mass the following March 23. "It is a moral reality, a day. moral power." Getting a ticket was another In his Silao homily, the pope did matter. Nambo won a raffle for some not specifically address any of Latin of the tickets the Archdiocese of Leon America's current social problems, but allotted to St. Joseph and St. James the after praying the Angelus following Apostle Parish. Others simply decided the Mass, he recited a litany of ills to try their luck by showing up -- and plaguing Mexico and other countries many could be seen outside the Mass in the region: "so many families are site behind barricades guarded by separated or forced to emigrate ... so federal police officers. many are suffering due to poverty, Bishop Raul Vera Lopez of corruption, domestic violence, drug Saltillo said his diocese only received trafficking, the crisis of values ,and its allotment of 2,500 tickets 10 increased crime." days before the Mass, making it Speaking in the central Mexican difficult for parishes to plan trips state of Guanajuato, which was a for churchgoers. Still, all the tickets stronghold of the 1920s Cristero were claimed and more than 6,500 Rebellion against an anti-clerical requests were made. national regime, Pope Benedict Most of those coming from recited the invocation that served Saltillo, in northern Mexico, traveled as the Cristeros' rallying cry: "Long overnight and were expected to return live Christ the King and Mary of immediately after the Mass. Some Guadalupe." parishes opted not to send people to But reaffirming his message of the Mass because of concerns about nonviolence, the pope prayed that security along the route. Mary's influence would "promote "We hope that things calm fraternity, setting aside futile acts of a little after this visit," said Silao revenge and banishing all divisive resident Jorge Morales as he walked hatred." to the Mass. The presidential candidates The previous evening, after a from Mexico's three main political brief appearance before a crowd in parties attended the Mass, along Guanajuato's main square, Pope with President Felipe Calderon and Benedict privately greeted a group his family. that included eight people who have The Vatican said 640,000 lost relatives to violence, much of it people attended the Mass. Some drug-related, which has killed nearly Mexicans took long trips just to see 50,000 Mexicans over the last five Pope Benedict on his first trip to the years. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 21 International Apostolic visit to Cuba At Mass, pope recognizes Cubans’ struggles, calls freedom a necessity

By Francis X. Rocca and most needy.” Catholic News Service According to the Center SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba for Demographic Studies at the — Celebrating an outdoor Mass Un iver sit y of H av a n a , Cuba’s d ivorc e on his first day in Cuba, Pope rate has almost tripled in four decades, Benedict XVI acknowledged the rising from 22 divorces per 100 struggles of the country’s Catholics marriages in 1970 to 64 in 2009. after half a century of communism The country’s parliament is scheduled and described human freedom as later this year to consider the legal a necessity for both salvation and recognition of same-sex marriage, social justice. in response to a campaign led by The pope spoke March 26 in Mariela Castro, daughter of President Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, Raul Castro. i n Cuba’s se c ond-l a rge st cit y. He h ad Despite his challenges to Cuban arrived in the country a few hours society, Pope Benedict concluded his earlier, after spending three days in homily by repeating an earlier call for Mexico. patience with the Catholic Church’s The Vatican had said the square policy of dialogue and cooperation would hold 200,000 people and it with the communist regime, a process was full; several thousand also filled initiated by Blessed John Paul II the streets leading to the square. during his 1998 visit to Cuba. Cuban President Raul Castro, who “May we accept with patience welcomed the pope at the airport, sat and faith whatever opposition may in the front row for Mass. come,” the pope said. “Armed with Tens of thousands of those at peace, forgiveness, and understanding the Mass were wearing white T-shirts ... strive to build a renewed and open welcoming the pope as the “pilgrim (CNS photo/Rickey Rogers) society, a better society, one more of charity”; many wore baseball caps A girl receives Communion from Pope Benedict XVI during Mass at Antonio Maceo Revolution Square in Santiago worthy of humanity, and which better to protect them from the hot sun. de Cuba, Cuba, March 26 reflects the goodness of God.” Before the pope arrived in the After the Mass, the pope paid Popemobile, the original statue of recognized the “effort, daring, communist state continues to prevent world, wished to depend on the free homage to Our Lady of Charity Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, and self-sacrifice” required of the construction of new churches consent of one of his creatures,” by placing at the statue a gold rose Cuba’s patroness, was driven atop Cuban Catholics “in the concrete and strictly limits Catholic access to Pope Benedict said. “It is touching weighing more than a pound and a white truck through the cheering circumstances of your country and state media. to see how God not only respects standing almost a foot tall. crowd. The statue then was enthroned at this moment in history.” Though In a possible allusion to reports human freedom, He almost seems A 30-year-old woman in a near the papal altar. now more tolerant of religious that the regime had prevented to require it.” baseball cap who identified herself In his homily, Pope Benedict practice than in earlier decades, the political opponents from attending The most specific advice in only as Xichel told Catholic News the Mass, Pope Benedict extended his the pope’s homily regarded a topic Service she and about 100 others customary mention of those absent familiar to his listeners in the traveled about 165 miles from for reasons of age or health to include prosperous capitalist countries of Camaguey for the Mass, and she people who, “for other motives, are Western Europe and North America: hoped to see the pope in Havana. not able to join us.” the sanctity of the “family founded on Older pilgrims traveled by train or Before the pope arrived, a man in matrimony” as the “fundamental cell bus, she said. the crowd shouted an anti-communist of society and an authentic domestic “I came to see the pope because slogan and was immediately taken church.” I am Catholic and he is the successor away. “You, dear husbands and wives, of Peter, who was the first pope,” she The pope painted a dire picture are called to be, especially for your said, adding that she saw Blessed John of a society without faith. children, a real and visible sign of Paul in Camaguey in 1998. “When God is set aside, the the love of Christ for the Church,” She also expressed pride that a world becomes an inhospitable place Pope Benedict said. “Cuba needs the member of her parish was to read the for man,” he said. “Apart from God, witness of your fidelity, your unity, second reading. we are alienated from ourselves and your capacity to welcome human Contributing to this story was are hurled into the void. life, especially that of the weakest Cindy Wooden in Havana. “Obedience to God is what opens the doors of the world to the truth, to salvation,” the pope said. “Redemption is always this process of the lifting up of the human will to full communion with the divine will.” Taking his theme from the day’s liturgical feast of the Annunciation, when Mary learned that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, the pope emphasized that fulfillment of the divine plan involved Mary’s free acceptance of her role. (CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo) “Our God, coming into the People line a street in Havana as they wait for Pope Benedict XVI to pass in his popemobile PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“He takes away every branch “No one has greater love than this, in me that does not bear fruit, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” and every one that does he prunes  John 15:13 so that it bears more fruit.”  John 15:2

May 13, Sixth Sunday of Easter. May 6, Fifth Sunday Cycle B. of Easter. Cycle B. Readings: Readings: 1) Acts 9:26-31 Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32 1) Acts 10:25-26, 2) 1 John 3:18-24 34-35, 44-48 Gospel) John 15:1-8 Psalm 98:1-4 2) 1 John 4:7-10 Gospel) John 15:9-17

By Jean Denton

his time of year the good results of pruning become evident in a Tprofusion of new growth in flowering trees and shrubs. By Jeff Hedglen Witnessing such beauty and vitality in nature shows how the Gospel metaphor of pruning is so appropriate to Jesus’ message. He promises new id had been out of work for some time. He had sent off countless growth, if we hold tight to God’s life in us even as we suffer injury and Srésumés and been to a number of interviews. His friend Al knew about loss. Sid’s predicament and also knew that there were some job openings at Jesus says he is the vine and the Father the vine grower who, while his place of employment, so he invited Sid to come to work with him to disposing of the dead wood, nurtures  and renews  the life force that inquire about a job. has survived the pain. Our relationship to Jesus is similar: He is the vine, When they arrived, Al went in to see his boss and asked if he would be and we are the branches who receive life through Him. open to talking to Sid about a job. His boss looked through the window, Just before Easter, I got a card from my friend Marie. She wrote it while saw that Sid was a black man and said, “We don’t hire that kind here.” Sid on a retreat  an annual retreat we attended together for many years. I did not know what was being said in the office, but when Al came out moved away nearly 15 years ago, but her note recalled a spiritual bond we he told Sid, “I guess we're both looking for a job.” When Al heard such a still have because of the times we shared being away with Jesus. bigoted statement from his boss, he had quit on the spot. Since then, Marie has experienced some heavy setbacks including, most In this week’s Gospel, Jesus calls us all to love each other as he has notably, the death of her son when he was in his early 20s. I can’t imagine loved us. He goes on to say that the greatest measure of love is to lay down the darkness of her grief but remember my amazement at how she never your life for a friend. Then he looks at his disciples and says, “I call you seemed to waver in clinging to a deep force that was her relationship with friends.” Jesus gives us the prime example of love by laying his life down Jesus. for us all. That relationship has produced much fruit, seen in the vital, faith-filled I have always liked that story from John’s Gospel but wondered if I ever lives of Marie’s daughters, grandchildren, and friends who have learned would be in a situation where I would have the choice to lay down my life from her how to remain in Christ and draw strength from Him. for a friend. But the story of Sid and Al revealed to me that laying down In her card, Marie wrote, “As always, when I’m on retreat I think of you my life could have many forms. and I pray for you.” Then she added that she hoped the Lord manifests Jesus calls us to love one another as He loves us, that is, completely, Himself to me every day in new ways, that I find in new places the peace without thought of self, pride, or wanting something in return. I have we had on retreat and new people with whom to share our love for Jesus. heard love defined as “wanting the good for another and being willing to While recognizing the core of faith and love that God first planted in do what it takes to make that good happen.” This definition of love has us and nurtured through our experience, Marie kept emphasizing newness. nothing to do with feelings, but everything to do with actions, and it is Christ’s life is resurrection. Marie shared her hope for things new exactly the kind of love Al had for Sid and Jesus has for all of us. because she understands the fundamental constancy of God who strengthens us through continual new life, offering salvation and willing us to bear fruit.

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Have you, or someone you know, ever done something extreme out What makes it most difficult for you to draw on Christ within you? of love for a friend or family member? What are some ways we can When has an instance of suffering or injury led to new life for you? lay down our lives for our friends in everyday life? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 23

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Why are you standing “Peace be with you. As the Father has there looking at the sky?” sent me, so I send you.”  Acts 1:11  John 20:21bc

May 27, Pentecost May 20, Ascension of the Lord. Sunday. Cycle B. Cycle B. Readings: Readings: 1) Acts 1:1-11 1) Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34 2) Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13 2) 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 Gospel) Mark 16:15-20 Gospel) John 20:19-23

By Jeff Hensley By Sharon K. Perkins s we approach the beginning of Pope Benedict’s Year of Faith hen our son was a youngster, he played T-ball with a local YMCA observance this fall, these Pentecost readings take on a fresh league. (For readers not familiar with the game, it’s like baseball, but A W significance, perhaps offering us some glimpses of what we ought to be the batter swings at a ball perched on an adjustable tee in lieu of a pitched doing to prepare ourselves. ball.) David’s position was usually in the outfield, which was a problem. The reading from Acts focuses on what happened when the Holy Spirit Like many boys his age, he had an active imagination and was prone came upon the disciples gathered in one room, when a noise came from to daydreaming, especially when relatively few hits reached the outfield the sky, “a noise like a strong, driving wind,” a wind that brought a fire, to command his attention. Thus it invariably happened that when a ball tongues of fire, in fact, “which parted and came to rest on each one of finally found its way to his vicinity, he was usually looking up at the sky them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in or at something else more interesting, away from the field of play. Distant different tongues.” This was really dramatic. from the action in the infield and lulled into complacency, he was caught But it gets better, they went out into the street where a crowd had unprepared to fulfill the task his team was counting on him to do. gathered and the crowd  from Europe, Asia, and Africa, the known Before his ascension to the Father, Jesus gave his disciples a clear world  each heard them speaking “of the mighty acts of God” in their mandate: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every own native language. creature.” Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they would go on to be Christ’s Part of what we don’t get in the scope of this reading, is that the witnesses “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of disciples, upon whom the Holy Spirit fell with such overwhelming power, the earth.” In most cases, their zealous and single-minded obedience would had been gathering to pray and read the Scriptures for some time, waiting result in martyrdom. on the promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had given them. You or I may not be called to martyrdom (although far more of our As we prepare for a New Evangelization, I’m betting some of the things contemporaries have given their lives for Christ than in the first century), the disciples did, we should be doing: gathering together in a spirit of but our directive from the risen Lord is no different and no less critical. unity, praying, both for one another and others outside our circles, but However, perhaps because of both our geographical and chronological also for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our own times. distance from Jesus’ earthly ministry, we are either looking up at the sky In the many spiritual renewal movements God has given the church in for his eventual return, or we’re looking down at the ground at our own recent decades, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, and the ACTS Movement cares and concerns. come to mind, these have been common elements. Perhaps with the Either way, we’re not focused outward to fulfill the task we’ve been foundation laid by RENEW and Why Catholic? we should now enter into given which is to “equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for a time of prayer for the whole Church, not just smaller groups of it, to building up the body of Christ.” experience a fire of renewal that will draw crowds to find out what it is Each of us is called to proclaim the Gospel in our own unique way, in that the Holy Spirit is doing with us. our own set of circumstances and to persons whom no one else might be Hopefully, they will come to make the observation that was made of in a position to reach. St. Paul assures us that the same “grace was given to the early Christian Church: “See how they love one another.” each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” To borrow a saying from another sport: “The ball’s in our court.” What are we waiting for? QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: To whom is the Spirit calling you to share the good news of Jesus Have you experienced God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, given to you at Christ? What is keeping you from fulfilling the task you’ve been Confirmation, making a difference in your own life? How might given? you go about increasing the influence of God’s Spirit on your life? PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 Nuestro Pastor Habla Visita Ad Limina Apostolorum, una experiencia de ‘comunión eclesial’

Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo: graduados, donde sacerdotes de los Estados de Cristo aquí en nuestra diócesis. Fue un gran Unidos están en residencia mientras cursan momento el sentir personalmente responsable, estudios de postgrado en las Universidades sentir agradecimiento, y sentir una profunda fe, l mes pasado el North Texas Catholic pontificias. El edificio original data del año 1500 ya que este fue mi primer informe a la Santa tuvo algunas fotos de la visita Ad y está a sólo una cuadra más de la Fuente de Sede como Obispo de la Diócesis de Fort Worth. Limina Apostolorum de los obispos Trevi, en el corazón de Roma. En la actualidad Es un reflejo de todas sus vidas, y su poderoso de la Región X a la Santa Sede. Para el Padre Jonathan Wallis, de nuestra diócesis se testimonio de la presencia de Cristo a todos Etodos nosotros los obispos de Texas, Oklahoma encuentra en residencia allí mientras completa en nuestra diócesis y mucho más allá también. y Arkansas, fue una experiencia de lo que podría su STL (licenciatura en Sagrada Teología) en Dediqué el informe Ad limina a todos los llamarse la “comunión eclesial” y, ciertamente, la Universidad gregoriana. Toda la visita fue que vinieron antes que nosotros, y me gustaría una profunda experiencia de fe. El termino Visita coordinada por el Colegio norteamericano, y terminar con esa dedicación. Está tomado de Ad Limina Apostolorum, en ocasiones llamada un agradecimiento especial a Monseñor James un libro que describe la historia temprana de solamente Visita ad limina, significa “visita al Checchio, el Rector, y el personal del Colegio, la vida de la Iglesia aquí en Texas. Así es como umbral de los apóstoles”. Específicamente es una para la coordinación de estas visitas. Estaba aparece la dedicatoria en la primera página del visita a las grandes basílicas de los Apóstoles, la acompañado por el Padre Isaac Orozco, nuestro informe Ad limina: Basílica de San Pedro y la Basílica de San Pablo nuevo Director de vocaciones, y nuestro Canciller Extramuros, o sea, una visita a la Ciudad del diocesano, el Padre Dan Kelley. Tuvimos la Vaticano en Roma y al sucesor de San Pedro, el oportunidad de visitar, no sólo con el Padre Dedicación Papa Benedicto XVI y sus colaboradores. Esta Monseñor Kevin Vann Wallis, sino de visitar también a nuestros dos “La historia narrada en los capítulos fue una experiencia de profunda comunión seminaristas, Mateo Tatyrek y José Keating, anteriores no es una de las personas perfectas eclesial, porque el propósito de la visita fue Unidos. Los demás obispos tomaron temas que están completando sus estudios en Roma. que siempre lo hicieron bien, sino más bien la para reflexionar y fortalecer la realidad de la similares, por ejemplo, hablando de los retos Además de todos los asuntos oficiales que historia de hombres y mujeres que se esforzaron, c omu n ión de l a fe de l a I g le si a lo c a l de l a Diócesis de la inmigración que enfrenta nuestro país, y tuvimos que hacer, hubo momentos personales a pesar de sus debilidades y prejuicios, para de Fort Worth con la Iglesia universal centrada especialmente aquí en Texas. Esto realmente para mí. Tuve la oportunidad de visitar a dedicarse a los ideales eternos en el servicio en el Vaticano en Roma, especialmente con la proveyó para nosotros un momento fuerte de sacerdotes, religiosos y laicos en Roma e Italia, de los demás. Con todo, la Iglesia Católica persona del obispo de Roma, el Papa Benedicto comunión eclesial con el Papa Benedicto, y que son amigos cercanos de hace mucho tiempo. prosperó en las fronteras de Texas. A menudo XVI, el sucesor de San Pedro. Pasado ya un todos nos dimos cuenta de cuan unidos en la El Obispo Richard Pates de Des Moines, Iowa, pobre, sus habitantes fueron, sin embargo, un mes, al escribir estas palabras, veo la Catedral fe estamos con el Santo Padre, y a través de él, y yo también pudimos almorzar en la Angelicum grupo lleno de entusiasmo, que tomaron en serio de San Patricio y el ed if icio de San Ignacio desde con toda la Iglesia Universal. (la Universidad de Santo Tomás de Aquino en la la fe y florecieron espiritualmente. Y esto fue la ventana de mi oficina aquí en la Catedral de Durante los restantes días visitamos con ciudad) con los Frailes dominicos que están en debido en gran parte a la determinación de los San Patricio, y pienso en el tiempo que compartí los funcionarios de los distintos departamentos la facultad. Obtuve mi J.C.D. (Doctorado en sacerdotes, religiosos y religiosas que dirigieron con el Santo Padre en San Pedro y como la de la Santa Sede en el Vaticano que se llaman Derecho Canónico) de la Angelicum, ¡así que la Iglesia dentro de las fronteras. Aunque no son Iglesia Universal — o sea la Iglesia Católica “dicasterios”, que asisten al Papa en las esto fue un regreso a casa para mí también! perfectos, cuando se ven en la perspectiva de extendida a través de todo el planeta, y la Iglesia responsabilidades de enseñar, gobernar, y Esta visita también fue una visita de cuándo y dónde trabajaron, tienden a poner las local aquí en esta porción del norte de Texas, o santificar a la Iglesia Universal. Tuvimos oración y de fe, que ha sido una bendición para generaciones posteriores en vergüenza”. sea la Diócesis de Fort Worth — está verdadera la oportunidad de visitar dicasterios como mí personalmente y para mi ministerio como (En el capítulo final de Through Fire and y profundamente unida, está en comunión. la Congregación para la doctrina de la fe, la obispo. Hemos celebrado la Misa en las cuatro Flood: The Catholic Church in Frontier Texas Esta realidad de comunión eclesial se vio Congregación para los obispos, la Congregación basílicas mayores de Roma (San Juan de Letrán, 1836-1890, por el Padre James Talmadge reforzada también por hacer esta visita junto para los religiosos e institutos seculares, la San Pedro, San Pablo Extramuros y Santa María Moore, Texas A&M University Press.) con los obispos de las Provincias eclesiásticas de C on g r e ga c i ón pa r a e l c u l t o d ivin o, la Congregación la Mayor). En San Pedro y San Pablo, estuvimos La cita anterior también describe la fe de San Antonio, Galveston-Houston y Oklahoma para el clero y otros dicasterios y consejos muy conscientes de orar directamente sobre o los primeros colonos católicos de Texas. Es a City. Cuando nuestra Provincia de San Antonio pontificios también. Cada uno de estos cerca de las tumbas de los Apóstoles San Pedro estas personas y sus descendientes que dedico tuvo el encuentro con el Papa Benedicto XVI departamentos supervisa varias partes de la y San Pablo. Los obispos de la región, rezaron las páginas de mi primer informe Ad limina, en el tercer día de nuestra visita, nos dijo: vida de la Iglesia Universal, que no es tarea todos juntos el Credo de Nicea en la tumba de como obispo de Fort Worth. “Bienvenido, estás en casa aquí en la Casa de fácil. Nos dieron una cálida bienvenida en San Pedro. En el último día, se celebró la santa ¡Feliz Pascua a todos, y pido que Cristo Pedro. Somos una familia. Me gustaría escuchar cada dicasterio por el Prefecto, el Secretario Misa en la tumba del Beato Juan Pablo II, que Resucitado sea la fuente de fortaleza y alegría algo de vuestras iglesias locales”. Cada uno de y el Subsecretario. Ellos escucharon nuestras fue recientemente trasladado después de su para ustedes y sus familias! no s ot ro s , entonc e s , tomó u n tem a de l a v id a de l a preguntas y preocupaciones acerca de nuestras beatificación a una de las capillas laterales en Iglesia en la Provincia de San Antonio. En primer iglesias locales, y ofrecieron reflexiones, la planta principal de la Basílica de San Pedro. lugar, el Arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller de la consejos, asesoramiento y orientación. Muchos Fueron momento s no s ólo de c omu n ión e c le si a l, Arquidiócesis de San Antonio hizo una reflexión de los obispos también tuvieron la oportunidad sino también de gran fe, estando muy consciente de apertura hermosa. El Obispo Kevin Farrell de citas individuales con los funcionarios, de la presencia del Señor Jesús, quien llamó a de nuestra vecina Diócesis de Dallas habló del para hablar de preocupaciones o problemas los primeros apóstoles “Ven y sígueme”, y que + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD aumento de seminaristas que estamos viviendo, específicos. Nos dieron una muy cordial ha llamado a cada uno de nosotros, los obispos, Diocesis de Fort Worth y sin embargo, de la necesidad de sacerdotes bienvenida. Los funcionarios de los dicasterios a compartir en el ministerio apostólico, como para atender a la creciente población católica. El se mostraron muy agradecidos de escuchar sobre sucesores de los apóstoles. Obispo Douglas Deshotel, uno de los obispos la vida de la Iglesia en esta parte del país, donde Lo más importante para mí de la visita, auxiliares en Dallas, habló de las escuelas los desafíos son el crecimiento y expansión, tanto después de haber preparado y entregado el católicas, y el Obispo Oscar Cantú, obispo en número, misión y vocaciones. informe Ad Limina o “Quinquenal” (que auxiliar de San Antonio, habló de los desafíos Después de visitar los dicasterios, también significa, cada cinco años) a la Santa Sede sobre actuales que enfrentan el matrimonio y la vida tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar la Villa el estado de la Diócesis de Fort Worth, fue la familiar. Yo hablé sobre el importante tema del stritch, que es la residencia de los sacerdotes experiencia de profunda gratitud por todos los ecumenismo, reflexionando sobre todo en el estadounidenses que tienen la misión de trabajar miembros de nuestra iglesia local: su vida, fe y trabajo de la Provisión pastoral y ANGLICANORUM en la Santa Sede. También celebramos la Santa sacrificios. Leyendo el informe, no podía sino COETIBUS y la reciente creación del Ordinariato Misa el domingo en la Casa Santa María del ser muy consciente de todos aquellos cuyas de la Cátedra de San Pedro aquí en los Estados Colegio norteamericano, que es la casa de estudios vidas, fe y sacrificio constituyen el cuerpo vivo Noticias NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 25 Visita apostólica a México Confianza en Dios para ayudar a cambiar la sociedad, pide el papa Por Francis X. Rocca “Esto no es nada difícil,” Catholic News Service bromeaba José Trinidad Borja, de 81 años, un propietario jubilado SI L AO, Mé x ic o — C elebra ndo M i sa de una ferretería de Querétaro, que en el corazón católico de México, el se jacta de haber participado en el papa Benedicto XVI les pidió a un peregrinaje anual de ocho días a la país y a un continente aquejados por Basílica de Guadalupe, de la Ciudad la pobreza, la corrupción y la violencia, de México durante 65 años seguidos. que tuvieran confianza en Dios y en Un ejército de vendedores la intercesión de María para ayudarles servía agua, café, y tamales a lo a conseguir una sociedad más justa largo de la ruta, además de banderas y fraterna”. vaticanas y fotos del papa Benedicto “Cuando se trata de la vida y su predecesor, el beato Juan Pablo personal y comunitaria, en su II quién, con sus cinco visitas, se dimensión más profunda, no convirtió en uno de los personajes más bastarán las estrategias humanas amados en este país oficialmente laico. para salvarnos”, dijo el papa en su La noche anterior, tras homilía durante la Misa al aire libre en comparecer brevemente ante una el Parque Guanajuato Bicentenario el Foto por CNS / L'Osservatore Romano multitud en la plaza principal de El Papa Benedicto XVI, llevando puesto un sombrero mexicano, llega a celebrar Misa en el PARQUE BICENTENARIO en Silao, Guanajuato, el 25 de Marzo. 25 de M a r z o, e l s e g u ndo d í a c omple to Guanajuato, el papa Benedicto saludó de su segunda visita papal a América privadamente a un grupo que incluía Latina. “Se ha de recurrir al único que objeciones que el papa Benedicto el narcotráfico, la crisis de valores, o El Vaticano dijo que 640.000 a ocho personas que han perdido a puede dar vida en plenitud, porque ha lanzado frecuentemente hacia las la criminalidad”. personas asistieron a la Misa. Algunos familiares por la violencia, en buena Él mismo es la esencia de la vida y estrategias para el progreso social que Hablando en el estado de mexicanos hicieron un largo viaje parte relacionada con la droga, que su autor”. mezclan la doctrina social cristiana Guanajuato — en el centro de para poder ver al papa Benedicto en ha matado a casi 50.000 mexicanos Citando el salmo responsorial de con el marxismo u otras ideologías México, que fue un baluarte de la su primer viaje al país desde que fue durante los últimos cinco años. la Misa del día — “Crea en mí, Señor, seculares. Rebelión Cristera de 1920 contra elegido, en 2005. Dirigiéndose especialmente a los un corazón puro” — el papa dijo que “La Iglesia no es un poder un régimen estatal anticlerical — el La jornada no fue fácil para niños del lugar, el papa pidió “proteger el mal puede ser vencido sólo a través político, no es un partido”, dijo el papa Benedicto recitó la invocación muchos de ellos. Miles de fieles y cuidar a los niños, para que nunca de un cambio en el corazón humano, papa a los periodistas en su vuelo que sirvió a los Cristeros como grito caminaron más de tres millas desde se apague su sonrisa, puedan vivir en inspirado por Dios. a México el 23 de marzo. “Es una de guerra: “Viva Cristo Rey y María los estacionamientos en la ciudad de paz y mirar al futuro con confianza”. El papa hizo referencia al realidad moral, un poder moral”. de Guadalupe”. Silao, a 220 millas del noroeste de la monumento de Cristo Rey, visible En su homilía en Silao, el papa Pero reafirmando su mensaje Ciudad de México. David Agren contribuyó a esta noticia. en lo alto de una colina cercana, y no abordó específicamente ninguno de no-violencia, el papa rogó que observó que “el reinado de Cristo no de los problemas sociales actuales la influencia de María promueva consiste en el poder de sus ejércitos de América Latina, pero después “la fraternidad, evitando la inútil para someter a los demás por la fuerza de rezar el Ángelus al término de la venganza y desterrando el odio que Senado mexicano aprueba o la violencia. Se funda en un poder Misa, recitó una letanía de males que divide”. más grande que gana los corazones: aquejan a México y a otros países de la Los candidatos presidenciales de cláusulas de libertad religiosa el amor de Dios que él ha traído al región: “tantas familias se encuentran los tres principales partidos políticos CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (CNS) “México incorpora los más altos mundo con su sacrificio y la verdad divididas o forzadas a la migración... de México asistieron a la Misa, junto — El senado mexicano aprobó niveles de respeto y promoción de de la que ha dado testimonio”. muchas padecen a causa de la pobreza, al presidente Felipe Calderón y su por margen estrecho una cláusula los derechos humanos”. Ese mensaje concuerda con las la corrupción, la violencia doméstica, familia. constitucional proveyendo Críticos de las medidas, “libertad de religión”, días después incluyendo algunas congregaciones que el papa Benedicto XVI no católicas, cuestionaron por qué terminara una visita al país, las enmiendas eran necesarias, marcada por un derrame de y advirtiendo que los cambios entusiasmo y afecto. permitirían la educación religiosa, El senado aprobó, el 29 de y que grupos religiosos serían marzo, cambios al artículo 24 propietarios de estaciones de radio de la constitución mexicana, y televisión, dos prioridades de la g a r a nt i z a ndo l a l ib er t a d de re l i g ión, Iglesia católica de México. y haciendo posible levantar las “En México hay libertad restricciones a grupos religiosos religiosa. Lo que son limitadas de celebrar servicios fuera de son las expresiones políticas de iglesias autorizadas, sin primero los sacerdotes”, escribió el senador procurar permiso gubernamental. Pablo Gómez en el periódico Temprano ese día, el senado Milenio. Gómez se opuso a cambiar aprobó cambios al artículo 40 el artículo 24. de la constitución, incluyendo la Los cambios constitucionales palabra “secular” como una de las deben ser ahora aprobados por descripciones del estado mexicano. la mayoría de los 31 gobiernos La Conferencia episcopal estatales de México. mexicana acogió los cambios, El papa Benedicto visitó a diciendo en un comunicado del México central del 23 al 26 de 29 de marzo, que con las reformas, marzo. PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, Noticias MAY, 2012 Visita apostólica a Cuba El papa reconoce las dificultades de los cubanos y que la libertad es una necesidad

Por Francis X. Rocca los vítores de la gente. La estatua fue el vacío”. Catholic News Service después entronizada junto al altar. “La obediencia en la fe es la En su homilía, el papa Benedicto verdadera libertad, la auténtica SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba — reconoció el “esfuerzo, audacia, y redención”, señaló. “La redención C e lebr a ndo u n a M i s a a l a i re l ibre en su abnegación” de los católicos cubanos es siempre este proceso de llevar la primer día en Cuba, el papa Benedicto “en las circunstancias concretas de su voluntad humana a la plena comunión XVI reconoció las dificultades que país, y en este tiempo de la historia”. con la voluntad divina”. atraviesan los católicos de este país A pesar de que ahora es más tolerante Tomando el tema de la fiesta tras medio siglo de comunismo, y con la práctica religiosa que en décadas litúrgica del día de la Anunciación, Foto por CNS / L'Osservatore Romano describió la libertad humana como anteriores, el estado comunista sigue cuando María supo que iba a concebir El Papa Benedicto XVI reza frente a la estatua de NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CARIDAD DEL COBRE, en la iglesia una necesidad tanto para la salvación impidiendo la construcción de nuevas al Hijo de Dios, el papa remarcó que dedicada a ella en El Cobre, Cuba, el 27 de marzo. El papa llegó al santuario como un peregrino, como para alcanzar la justicia social. iglesias y limita estrictamente el acceso el cumplimiento del plan divino uniéndose a miles de personas que han visitado la ermita para marcar el 400 aniversario del El papa habló el 26 de Marzo en de la Iglesia católica a los medios de implicaba que María aceptara descubrimiento de la estatua. la Plaza de la revolución Antonio Maceo, comunicación estatales. libremente su papel. en la segunda ciudad más grande de En una posible alusión a las “Nuestro Dios, al entrar en el de su fidelidad, de su unidad, de su la política de diálogo, y cooperación Cuba. Había llegado al país unas horas informaciones que afirman que el mundo, ha querido contar con el capacidad de acoger la vida humana, de la Iglesia Católica con el régimen antes, tras pasar tres días en México. régimen impidió a opositores políticos consentimiento libre de una criatura especialmente la más indefensa y comunista, un proceso iniciado por El Vaticano dijo que en la plaza asistir a la Misa, el papa Benedicto suya”, d ijo el papa B ened ic to. “R e su lt a necesitada”. el beato Juan Pablo II en su visita a cabían unas 200.000 personas y estaba extendió su habitual mención a quienes conmovedor ver cómo Dios no sólo Según el Centro de estudios Cuba en 1998. llena; varios miles tuvieron que ocupar estuvieron ausentes por razones de respeta la libertad humana, sino que demográficos de la Universidad de la “Aceptemos con paciencia y fe las calles que llevaban a la plaza. El edad o salud, e incluyó a aquellas parece necesitarla”. Habana, la tasa de divorcio en Cuba cualquier contrariedad o aflicción”, presidente de Cuba, Raúl Castro, que personas que “por otros motivos no El consejo más concreto en la se ha c a si t riplic ado en cu at ro déc ad a s, dijo el papa. “Con las armas de la paz, h a bí a re c ibido a l p ap a en e l a eropuer to, han podido estar aquí con nosotros”. homilía del papa se refirió a un asunto aumentando de 22 divorcios por cada el perdón, y la comprensión, luchen se sentó en primera fila para la Misa. Antes de la llegada del papa, un conocido por sus seguidores en los 100 matrimonios en 1970, a 64 en para construir una sociedad abierta Decenas de miles de asistentes hombre en la multitud gritó un slogan prósperos países capitalistas de la 2009. El parlamento del país tiene y renovada, una sociedad mejor, más iban vestidos con una camiseta blanca, anti-comunista y se lo llevaron de Europa Occidental y Norteamérica: previsto contemplar, antes de finales digna del hombre, que refleje más la dando la bienvenida al papa como inmediato. la santidad de la “familia fundada de año, el reconocimiento legal al bondad de Dios”. “peregrino de la caridad”; muchos de El papa pintó un cuadro grave de en el matrimonio” como “célula matrimonio entre personas del mismo Después de la misa, el papa ellos también llevaban una gorra de lo que puede llegar a ser una sociedad fundamental de la sociedad y verdadera sexo, en respuesta a una campaña rindió homenaje a Nuestra Señora béisbol para protegerse del tórrido sol. sin fe. Iglesia doméstica”. liderada por Mariela Castro, hija del de la Caridad, colocando al pie de la Antes de que el papa llegara a “Cuando Dios es arrojado fuera, “Ustedes, queridos esposos, han presidente Raúl Castro. imagen una rosa de oro, que pesa más bordo del papamóvil, la estatua original el mundo se convierte en un lugar de ser, de modo especia l para sus hijos, A pesar de sus desafíos a la de una libra y mide casi un pie de alto. de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del inhóspito para el hombre”, dijo. signo real y visible del amor de Cristo sociedad cubana, el papa Benedicto Cobre, patrona de Cuba, fue conducida “Apartarse de Dios nos aleja de por la Iglesia”, dijo el papa Benedicto. concluyó su homilía repitiendo una Cindy Wooden contribuyó a esta noticia en lo alto de un furgón blanco, entre nosotros mismos y nos precipita en “Cuba tiene necesidad del testimonio petición anterior de paciencia hacia desde la Habana. Se exhorta a los católicos a que se resistan contra leyes injustas y a que participen el aborto; todo, en forma gratuita, Distrito de Columbia y el estado de congregaciones de iglesias pequeñas en ’una quincena de libertad’ incluso si el empleado en cuestión se Illinois que “han corrido a Catholic que renten espacio en escuelas opusiera a tales servicios por seguir Charities de actividades mediante públicas, los fines de semana, para Por Nancy Frazier O’Brien y parroquias. la moral en conciencia. las cuales se buscaba la adopción servicios de culto, concediéndoles Catholic News Service El documento, que salió a luz Y entre otros ejemplos en los que de menores, o servicios de familias ese privilegio de renta a grupos que pública el 12 de abril, había sido claramente se ven “que la libertad subrogadas”, con el pretexto de que no estén afiliados a ninguna religión. WASHINGTON — Los católicos de aprobado por el Comité administrativo religiosa está sometida a ataques”, las agencias católicas se negaron a • Cambios en contratos federales los Estados Unidos deben resistirse en de la Conferencia de obispos católicos de los obispos mencionaban en su destinar a menores a que vivieran con sobre asignaciones en operaciones en contra de leyes injustas “como deber los Estados Unidos, USCCB, durante declaración los siguientes puntos: parejas formadas de dos personas del contra de tráfico con humanos, en los cívico y obligación de fe”, se dijo en su reunión del mes de marzo para su • Leyes de inmigración en mismo sexo o parejas normales — que les exigen a las agencias católicas una declaración sobre la libertad publicación, como declaración oficial Alabama y otros estados del país de hombre y mujer — pero que no “que envíen a las personas necesitadas religiosa, emanada de un comité de del comité. que “prohíben lo que el gobierno estaban casados. a que reciban contraceptivos y/o los obispos de los Estados Unidos. En la declaración se ofrecían tilda de ‘encubrimiento’ a favor de • Una ordenanza de la Ciudad servicios de aborto, en violación de En la declaración, contenida en varios ejemplos de lo que se describía inmigrantes indocumentados y que la de Nueva York que les prohíbe a las las enseñanzas católicas”. un escrito de 12 páginas redactado como amenazas recientes en contra de Iglesia, por el contrario, llama caridad por un comité ad hoc, formado con la libertad religiosa, afirmando que cristiana y cuidado pastoral a favor de Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada propósito de defender la libertad “esto no es una disputa teológica o esos inmigrantes”. Si usted o alguien que conozca es abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, religiosa, se hacía también un llamado legal vacía de consecuencias reales • Intento de la Legislatura del víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada Ext. 900 por parte de cualquier persona que a guardar “una quincena de libertad” en nuestro mundo”. estado de Connecticut, en el año ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por que iría del 21 de junio, vigilia de la Primero se citaba la ordenanza 2009, de reestructurar las parroquias empleado, o miembro del clero, puede el canciller/moderador de la curia, el fiesta de San Juan Fisher y Santo Tomás impuesta por el Departamento de salud católicas. reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: padre Stephen Berg. More, hasta el 4 de julio, Día de la y servicios humanos, mediante la cual • Discriminación en contra Mecanismo para reportar abuso ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de independencia de los Estados Unidos. se obligaba a incluir en la mayoría de estudiantes católicos en recintos asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Y se invitaba a dos semanas de planes de salud la práctica de la universitarios. 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo Servicios de protección (Servicios de de oración, estudio, catequesis y esterilización, la contracepción, y el • Acciones por parte del gobierno electrónico a [email protected] protección de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400. acción pública en todas las diócesis uso de algunas drogas que inducen local en Boston, San Francisco, el ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 27 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region May Dates 4-5 23 Classifieds ST. MARK’S ‘FUND’ FESTIVAL WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 2 OF 4) Friday, 6:30 to 10 p.m. adults only dinner; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. family 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- festival - St. Mark Church, 2800 Pennsylvania, Denton. For information, mation, call (214) 331-6224. Youth Minister e-mail [email protected] or visit the parish website at www. Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Wichita Falls, a stmarkdenton.org, or contact the parish offi ce at (940) 387-6223. 24 FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY parish of over 1,200 families, is looking for a full-time 4 CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES, FAMILIES, FRIENDS youth minister to develop, coordinate and implement AN EVENING OF PRAYER & SHARING WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. 7 p.m. - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For informa- a holistic youth ministry. Degree in religious MARY OF NAMUR tion, contact Dorene Rose at (817) 329-7370 or Rita and Ron Clegg at (817) education or certifi cate in youth ministry with 4 to 7:30 p.m. - Our Lady of Victory Center, 909 West Shaw, Fort Worth. 795-9747. some experience preferred. Candidate must exercise For information, contact Sister Yolanda Cruz at (817) 923-3091 or sycruz@ personal initiative, the ability to work in collaboration sbcglobal.net. 26 with other staff and youth ministry team, and WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 2 OF 4) 5 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- possess excellent organizational skills. Candidate CALIX SUPPORT GROUP mation, call (214) 331-6224. must be a prayerful, practicing Catholic, who works 10 a.m. - A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and well with parents, has a genuine love for teens, and those struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, possesses excellent relational and communication 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon Joe skills. Application deadline is May 31. Send résumé Milligan at (817) 431-5369.. June Dates to Fr. Sojan George, Our Lady Queen of Peace, 4040 York St., Wichita Falls, Texas 76309, or to LET’S TALK CHASTITY - GABRIEL PROJECT WORKSHOP 1 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - St. Rita Church, 5550 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. For AN EVENING OF PRAYER & SHARING WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. [email protected]. information, contact Debra Heron at (800) 545-5935. MARY OF NAMUR 4 to 7:30 p.m. - Our Lady of Victory Center, 909 West Shaw, Fort Worth. Business Manager 6 For information, contact Sister Yolanda Cruz at (817) 923-3091 or sycruz@ Th e Catholic Communities of Wise and Jack KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PRO-LIFE CHARITY DISC GOLF PICNIC sbcglobal.net. Counties need a full-time business manager to work 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Turner Park, 699 SE 8th St. (N. Beltline), Grand Prairie. in their central offi ce at Bridgeport. Applicant must For information, visit the diocesan website calendar page at www.fwdioc. 2 be Roman Catholic and have three years experience org, or contact Dan Norman at (817) 419-8227. CALIX SUPPORT GROUP in business management or accounting. Bilingual 10 a.m. - A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and 8 those struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, with college degree is preferred. For an application AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS MEMBERSHIP 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon Joe and complete job description, call (940) 683-2743 or LUNCHEON Milligan at (817) 431-5369. e-mail [email protected]. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Rolling Hills Country Club, 401 E. Lamar, Arlington. For information and reservations, contact Sandy Fallon at (817) 893-0083. 9-10 Director of Religious Education GABRIEL PROJECT ANGEL TRAINING Holy Name Parish seeks a new director of religious WOMEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT: SINGLE WOMEN, 16-50 Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (includes Mass education. Requirements include: organizational 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. at 6 p.m. ) - St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1408 N. Davis Dr., Arlington. For skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the For information, contact Father Isaac Orozco at (817) 560-3300. information, contact Mary Stroupe at (940) 464-3224. Church's life and practices to inspire and teach so LECTURE AND INFORMATION SESSION: INSTITUTE FOR PASTORAL that everyone in the parish experiences the rich depth THEOLOGY 11 MEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT: SINGLE MEN, 16-50 and impact of the Church's solemn teaching in how 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Catholic Center, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth. For 6 to 9 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For they worship, evangelize, grow as disciples throughout information, contact Lucas Pollice at (817) 560-2452 ext. 260 or lpollice@ information, contact Father Isaac Orozco at (817) 560-3300. life, and live as grateful stewards. In this position, the fwdioc.org DRE will oversee the religious education of youth, 12 the formation of youth program (6th-12th grade), WOMEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT: SINGLE WOMEN, 16-50 campus ministry, and assist the pastor with adult 11-13 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. RACHEL’S VINEYARD WEEKEND RETREAT For information, contact Father Isaac Orozco at (817) 560-3300. formation and RCIA. Th e role description, explaining A weekend retreat for healing following an abortion. For information, con- this full-time position and the qualifi cations, is tact Betsy Kopor at (817) 923-4757. All information is kept confi dential. 28 available from the parish offi ce during regular FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY business hours. Interested applicants should contact 12 CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES, FAMILIES, FRIENDS the offi ce at (405) 224-6068. Please submit a résumé RESPECT LIFE PARISH COORDINATORS’ QUARTERLY MEETING 7 p.m. - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For informa- 10 to 11:30 a.m. - The Catholic Center, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort and letters of recommendation/references to PO Box tion, contact Dorene Rose at (817) 329-7370 or Rita and Ron Clegg at (817) Worth. For information, contact Chanacee Ruth-Killgore at (817) 560-2452 795-9747. 748, Chickasha, OK 73023, by May 15. Qualifi ed ext. 257. 29-1 applicants will be contacted later 14 PRO-LIFE BOOT CAMP SESSION 1 Home Healthcare Needed MEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT: SINGLE MEN, 16-50 High school students ages 14-18. For infomration, contact Sue Laux at (817) Weekend home healthcare needed for elderly man; 6 to 9 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For 939-8595. light housekeeping, cooking. Please contact Catherine information, contact Father Isaac Orozco at (817) 560-3300. at (817) 602-8854 or [email protected].

17 Courage, a support group for persons with same- Christian Caregiver DCCW QUARTERLY LUNCHEON MEETING sex attraction living chastely according to Catholic Christian Caregiver; excellent references; 12 years 9:30 am. - St. Jude Parish, 500 E. Dallas, Mansfi eld. For information, contact Spirituality meets twice monthly in the DFW area. experience; (817) 713-7353 Kathy Thome at (817) 236-8518. Father James Gigliotti, TOR, of the Diocese of General Construction Services Fort Worth, serves as Spiritual Director. For more General construction work/repairs inside and out includ- 19 information, call (972) 938-LIFE (5433) or e-mail ing topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BREAKFAST [email protected]. or visit the national 9 a.m. to noon - Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. For concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. Custom mowing information, contact Nanci Ferri at (817) 498-7980. Courage website at www.CourageRC.net. lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MAY, 2012 PAGE 32 Good Newsmaker From Refugee to Public Servant: Tarrant County Commissioner Andy Nguyen’s faith strengthened him during his journey from Vietnam to Texas, and inspired him to give back through public service

By Jerry Circelli Correspondent

ew elected officials in the United States appreciate living in one nation under God Fin quite the same way as Andy Nguyen. Born in South Vietnam in 1966, Nguyen saw his country overrun by communist forces that abruptly put an end to all basic freedoms. Only a near-death struggle for survival, a fight against all odds, and unshakable Catholic faith eventually led the way to newfound liberty. Now an American citizen living in Arlington, Nguyen’s experiences as a refugee taught him that anything is possible through perseverance. It was that conviction that gave Nguyen the confidence to throw his hat in the ring in an election for Tarrant County Commissioner a few years ago. An unlikely political contender, Nguyen was not given much of a chance to win a race against a 20-year incumbent. But he proved the experts wrong. Early last year, Nguyen was sworn in as the first Asian-American elected to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court. It was the latest destination in a journey that began more than 30 years ago in the South China Sea. Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic A devout Catholic, Andy Nguyen became the first Asian-American elected to the Tarrant County Commissioners

Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. Court, the general governing body of Tarrant County. He was elected from Precinct 2, in Southeast Tarrant County, and serves with a county judge and three other commissioners.

Losing freedom and a father The father of eight was held there for three years and After the April 30, 1975, fall of South Vietnam to his family faced enormous challenges in his absence. communists from the north, events unfolded rapidly “We experienced total starvation,” Nguyen said. “But at Nguyen’s home in Vung Tau, about 40 miles from we learned to survive. We ate off the land. We basically Saigon. The 8-year-old lived there with his parents and ate weeds and whatever we could find.” seven siblings. It was the middle of the night when In 1978, Nguyen’s father was released, only to be communist soldiers stormed into their home and dragged arrested again after trying to leave the country with his Nguyen’s father off to prison at gunpoint. family. He was then imprisoned for another three years. “They called it a ‘re-educational camp,’” Nguyen While the family’s fate seemed hopeless, two of said. “But really it was a hard-labor camp. It was a prison.” SEE ANDY NGUYEN, P. 19