Final celebration Pope Francis venerates Apostle’s relics, closes the Year of Faith, page 13. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 CriterionOnline.com November 29, 2013 Vol. LIV, No. 9 75¢ ‘Signed. Sealed. Delivered.’

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Some 23,000 Catholic teenagers pray on Nov. 23 in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at the conclusion of the eucharistic prayer during the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) held on Nov. 21-23 at the stadium and the adjacent Indiana Convention Center. Shown on the large screens above a stage on the floor of the stadium are Deacon Timothy Wyciskalla, left, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin and Father Patrick Beidelman. The theme of the conference was “Signed. Sealed. Delivered.” For coverage of NCYC, see pages 3-5, 7-13 and 20. All coverage, including galleries of photos, can be found online at www.CriterionOnline.com. In apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis lays out his vision for Church’s mission of evangelization VATICAN CITY (CNS)—In his was mostly the work of his predecessor, made manifest in Jesus Christ who died and first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. rose from the dead.” Pope Francis lays out a vision of the The pope wrote the new document in Inspired by Jesus’ poverty and concern Catholic Church dedicated to evangelization response to the October 2012 Synod of for the dispossessed during his earthly in a positive key, with a focus on society’s Bishops on the new evangelization, but ministry, Pope Francis calls for a “Church poorest and most vulnerable, including the declined to work from a draft provided by which is poor and for the poor.” aged and unborn. synod officials. The poor “have much to teach us,” he “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of Pope Francis’ voice is unmistakable writes. “We are called to find Christ in the Gospel”), in the 50,000-word document’s relatively them, to lend our voices to their causes, released by the relaxed style—he writes that an but also to be their friends, to listen to Vatican on Nov. 26, “evangelizer must never look like someone them, to speak for them and to embrace the is an apostolic who has just come back from a funeral!”— mysterious wisdom which God wishes to exhortation, and its emphasis on some of his signature share with us through them.” one of the most themes, including the dangers of economic Charity is more than mere handouts, authoritative globalization and “spiritual worldliness.” “it means working to eliminate the categories of The Church’s message “has to structural causes of poverty and to promote papal document. concentrate on the essentials, on what is the integral development of the poor,” the Pope Francis’ most beautiful, most grand, most appealing pope writes. “This means education, access first encyclical, and at the same time most necessary,” he to health care, and above all employment, “Lumen Fidei,” writes. “In this basic core, what shines forth for it is through free creative, participatory Pope Francis published in July, is the beauty of the saving love of God See DOCUMENT, page 2 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013

laity from having to listen to them and the DOCUMENT clergy from having to preach them!” continued from page 1 The pope devotes several pages to suggestions for better homilies, based on and mutually supportive labor that human careful study of the Scriptures and respect beings express and enhance the dignity of for the principle of brevity. Reuters Gentile, CNS photo/Tony their lives.” Pope Francis reaffirms Church teaching Yet he adds that the “worst discrimination that only men can be priests, but notes that which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual their “sacramental power” must not be “too care. ... They need God and we must not fail closely identified with power in general,” to offer them his friendship, his blessing, his nor “understood as domination”; and he word, the celebration of the sacraments and a allows for the “possible role of women in journey of growth and maturity in the faith.” decision-making in different areas of the Pope Francis reiterates his earlier Church’s life.” criticisms of “ideologies that defend the As he has done in a number of his absolute autonomy of the marketplace and homilies and public statements, the financial speculation,” which he blames for pope stresses the importance of mercy, the current financial crisis and attributes to particularly with regard to the Church’s an “idolatry of money.” moral teaching. While lamenting “moral He emphasizes that the Church’s concern relativism” that paints the Church’s for the vulnerable extends to “unborn teaching on sexuality as unjustly children, the most defenseless and innocent discriminatory, he also warns against among us,” whose defense is “closely linked overemphasizing certain teachings to the defense of each and every other out of the context of more essential human right. Christian truths. “A human being is always sacred and In words very close to those he used Pope Francis kisses a baby after his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Nov. 6. inviolable, in any situation and at every stage in an oft-quoted interview with a Jesuit In his first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church of development,” the pope writes, in his journalist in August, Pope Francis writes dedicated to evangelization, with a focus on society’s poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged strongest statement to date on the subject of that “pastoral ministry in a missionary and unborn. abortion. “Once this conviction disappears, style is not obsessed with the disjointed so do solid and lasting foundations for the transmission of a multitude of doctrines to defense of human rights, which would be insistently imposed,” lest they distract always be subject to the passing whims of from the Gospel’s primary invitation to the powers that be.” “respond to the God of love who saves us.” The pope writes that evangelization Returning to a theme of earlier entails peacemaking, among other ways statements, the pope also warns against through ecumenical and interreligious “spiritual worldliness, which hides behind dialogue. He “humbly” calls on Muslim the appearance of piety and even love majority countries to grant religious freedom for the Church, [but] consists in seeking to Christians, and enjoins Catholics to not the Lord’s glory but human glory “avoid hateful generalizations” based and personal well-being,” either through Your support is critical to on “disconcerting episodes of violent embrace of a “purely subjective faith” or fundamentalism” since “authentic Islam and a “narcissistic and authoritarian elitism” the proper reading of the Quran are opposed that overemphasizes certain rules or a serving our ministry needs to every form of violence.” “particular Catholic style from the past.” Pope Francis characteristically directs Despite his censures and warnings, the some of his strongest criticism at his fellow pope ends on a hopeful note true to his United Catholic Appeal Goal clergy, among other reasons, for what he well-attested devotion to Mary, whom he describes as largely inadequate preaching. invokes as the mother of evangelization $6,000,000 The faithful and “their ordained ministers and “wellspring of happiness for God’s $5,000,000 suffer because of homilies,” he writes, “the little ones.” † $4,000,000 $3,000,000 Synod of Bishops questionnaire on the family $2,000,000 and evangelization available for participation $1,000,000 Pope Francis has called for an The Holy See has issued a preparatory $0 Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in document and a series of questions to help $ Raised to date Annual Appeal Goal October 2014 on the theme: The Pastoral determine the challenges to family and $5.7 million Challenges of the Family in the Context marriage. A questionnaire can be found of Evangelization. Archbishop Joseph on the homepage of the archdiocesan W. Tobin is inviting the faithful of the website at www.archindy.org or by going to 10% Archdiocese of Indianapolis to take part www.archindy.org/synod. The United Catholic Appeal in a consultation to help the bishops The questionnaire must be returned to United Catholic supports three ministry areas prepare for this synod. the archdiocese by Dec. 13. † Appeal Participation where the needs are greatest:

Participating • Catholic education and faith Households (10%) formation Criterion readers are invited to share their favorite Total Number of • Education for seminarians Households (73,215) and deacons and retirement Christmas memories for special December issue benefits for priests The Criterion invites readers to or friends. • Care for people most in need submit a brief story about a special Submissions should include the holiday memory for possible inclusion writer’s name, address, parish and in our annual Christmas issue, which telephone number. Give online at www.archindy.org or will be published on Dec. 20. Send your story to Your favorite Christmas story may The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian St., by returning your pledge card. be written about a humorous or serious Indianapolis, IN 46202 or by e-mail to topic related to your faith, family [email protected] by Dec. 11 † Archdiocese of Indianapolis

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is published weekly except the The Do you have something exciting or last week of December and newsworthy you want to be considered the first week of January. The 11/29/13 Phone Numbers to be printed in The Criterion? E-mail us: 1400 N. Meri­dian St. Criterion office:...... 317-236-1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1454 [email protected] 317-236-1570 Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Circulation:...... 317-236-1425 Staff [email protected] Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 advance notice! Editor: Mike Krokos Price: $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy Periodical postage paid at Name______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Indianapolis, IN. Postmaster Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Copyright © 2013 New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Online Editor: Brandon A. 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Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46206 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 3 Archbishop Tobin addresses youths as ‘parish of the U.S.’ at closing Mass By Natalie Hoefer sealed and delivered,” Archbishop Tobin said, calling upon the “Signed. Sealed. For three days, the energy level of the Delivered” theme of the conference. 23,000 Catholic teenagers kept soaring. He explained to the 23,000 participants Now their voices, raised in joyous song, that being signed, sealed and delivered Natalie Hoefer Photos by filled Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis means avoiding the extremes of as wave after wave of nearly 400 bishops, self-centeredness and detachment. priests, deacons Regarding the first extreme, he said, and seminarians “The world does not revolve around us. Life processed into doesn’t revolve around us. We’re not here so the arena. others can serve us.” Tapping into Referring to detachment, that energy, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin Archbishop Tobin stated that “we began Mass with the trademark call and are not people without faces. We are not response that was often shared by the orphans. We belong to the Lord. teenagers during the National Catholic “And because we belong to the Lord, the Youth Conference (NCYC) on Nov. 21-23. worst thing that could happen to us is not “NC!” he shouted. that we die, but that we forget we belong to “YC!” the youths thundered in response. the Lord. “NC!” the archbishop yelled again, “That’s why we need each other,” the raising a fist in the air. archbishop continued. “To remind each other “YC!” the youths roared even louder. of the gift of God’s word, the gift of the Seconds later, a spirit of reverence and sacraments and the gift of our community, sacredness descended upon the stadium. and to remind us that whether we live or die, With 11 bishops from around the country listening, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin delivers a homily to No ordinary Mass we belong to the Lord. 23,000 teens at the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference on Nov. 23 at Lucas Oil in a common church “We live as his Stadium in Indianapolis. building, this was the servants and as his closing bilingual Mass ‘We live as his servants friends, and we show held on the evening of and as his friends, and we the world the beauty Nov. 23—the climax of show the world the beauty of belonging to Christ the three-day celebration of belonging to Christ because we are signed, of Catholic youths and because we are signed, sealed and delivered.” the faith they embrace. sealed and delivered.’ In addition to After the Gospel Archbishop Tobin, reading, silence four other bishops pervaded the stadium —Archbishop proclaimed parts of the as the archbishop Joseph W. Tobin eucharistic prayer— made his way across Bishops Christopher the large circular J. Coyne, vicar general; stage in the middle of Michael D. Pfeifer of what is normally the playing field for the San Angelo, Texas; J. Terry Steib of Memphis, Indianapolis Colts. Tenn.; and retired Bishop Matthew H. Clark In the presence of 12 bishops, of Rochester, N.Y. 237 priests, 31 deacons and As the words of consecration were 90 seminarians—as well as the spoken, a murmur could be heard from 23,000 teenagers—Archbishop Tobin the seats surrounding the altar—the offered his homily. voices of 237 priests joining in the “I believe it’s safe to say that tonight centuries-old prayer. we formed the national parish of the The contrast between the boisterous Above, young Catholics from the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., United States of America,” he began, after enthusiasm of the youths during the three hold hands during the Our Father at the closing Mass of the opening with comments in Spanish. “Can days of the conference and their prayerful National Catholic Youth Conference at Lucas Oil Stadium in you recall another occasion when there are composure after receiving the Eucharist was Indianapolis. people from all 50 states gathered around dramatic. Neither the knobby, hard plastic the Lord’s table in word and his sacrament? tile covering the field nor the solid concrete Right, Jordan Frederick of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in I can’t.” in the stands prevented the youths from Indianapolis sheds tears of many emotions after receiving Archbishop Tobin commented on kneeling in reverence. Communion at the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth two other events that marked the day—the As she prayed, 16-year-old Conference on Nov. 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. ending of the Year of Faith, and the feast of Jordan Frederick of St. Mark the Evangelist Christ the King. Parish in Indianapolis wiped away a tear that “Whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, traced down her cheek. “It was amazing. It was thrilling. I was In the meantime, experiences shared we join our brothers and sisters across One of the animators who helped amazed at how many people were here. will be applied, said 16-year-old Hannah time and across space,” he said. “Tonight, energize the youths during general sessions, I’ve grown stronger in my faith. I can’t Svegal of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and in a particular way, we are part of a world Jordan spoke of her tears as a sign of wait to share it with the rest of the world Minneapolis, Minn. parish, a parish that stretches across the joy and sadness. and in Alaska.” “There were a lot of lessons I learned globe as 1.2 billion Catholics bring to “I had gotten so close to the other After the final strains of the closing that opened my eyes to errors in my conclusion a year that was dedicated animators,” she said. “We each had our own hymn sounded, the animators rushed life that I didn’t even notice I needed to particularly to our faith. spiritual journeys [during NCYC], both as to the stage for a final performance improve in,” said the first-time NCYC “[Faith is] first and foremost knowing individuals and as a group. of Stevie Wonder’s 1970 hit—and participant. “There’s so much higher I a person, and letting that person know us. “I was happy to experience that, but source of the conference theme— could go with my faith that I wasn’t even That person tonight we call our king, Jesus sad that it was my last day with them. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.” aware of. Christ, the king of the universe, the king of But overall, I just felt so blessed to be A pandemonium of shouts, laughter, “And seeing all of the different people our hearts. a part of it.” hugs and tears pervaded the stadium as the bonding together, knowing there are “Calling Jesus our king means we The event also left a lasting impact song continued. so many Catholics my age, it’s really belong to him and he belongs to us, but on John Washington of the Diocese of Farewell words and embraces were motivating.” in a way different from any relationship Fairbanks, Alaska. Washington is a native shared as the participants departed, already between an earthly king and his subjects. Eskimo from a village of 400 people near anticipating the 2015 NCYC to again be (For more photos of the event, log on to “We belong to the Lord. We are signed, the Bering Strait. held in Indianapolis. www.CriterionOnline.com.) † Unexepected moments show the heart and the success of NCYC, organizer says By John Shaughnessy for healing, we set up four additional locations for young National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, and the people to receive the sacrament and began recruiting any 600 local volunteers for making the conference possible. It was a moment Kay Scoville will never forget, a available priest to assist. “Volunteers included young adults who returned after moment when all her planning for the National Catholic “At one time, we most likely had 75 priests offering the having experienced an NCYC previously and who wanted Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis seemed to hit a sacrament, and the lines were as long as what you would to give back, seminarians for the archdiocese, adults who major roadblock in one important area. see at Wal-Mart on Black Friday. It would be impossible helped in 2011 and were touched by the lives of the young Yet all the qualities that Scoville showed in helping to assess the number who went to confession, but God people they served, and even retired adults in scooters and plan the event on Nov. 21-23—her attention to detail, her provided the opportunity.” wheelchairs wanting to offer their time, talent and treasure resourcefulness and her faith-filled That humble success set the stage for the closing for the young Church.” concern for the 23,000 youths Mass later that evening—another highlight of the The magical feeling of the conference even continued attending the conference— conference for Scoville. into the day after the event for Scoville. suddenly went into overdrive. “With our Archbishop [Joseph W.] Tobin as the main “As I was packing up on Sunday, in a now empty “The highlight of Saturday celebrant, it was an amazing conclusion not only for convention center, one of the security guards came up was discovering that the line for the conference, but to close the Year of Faith,” she said. to me and asked, ‘Is it true that this conference comes reconciliation was so very long that “The reverence, respect and engagement of the young back every two years?’ And I answered jokingly, ‘Yes, the set-up was not going to serve people was evident during the Mass. And once the do you plan to put in for vacation on those days?’ And all those seeking the sacrament,” bishops and priests processed out, and all were dancing, he responded, ‘No, ma’am, on the contrary, I plan to recalled Scoville, archdiocesan clapping and singing in celebration, I thought, ‘It has all schedule myself to work it. It was great! The kids were director of youth ministry. come together.’ ” great! It was all great!’ “So moving into a ‘triage Scoville deflected any credit for the conference’s “His reaction was a true testimony of evangelization Kay Scoville mode’ for all these souls looking success. Instead, she praised the archdiocesan staff, the for our Catholic Church.” † Page 4 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013

Opinion Letters to the Editor Morning Prayer is a great way to start your day in a centered fashion Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 Thank you for publishing John Fink’s downtown in the morning, we started a Most Rev. Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Publisher Mike Krokos, Editor recent Year of Faith column on the Liturgy Morning Prayer group in the Bosler Chapel Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus of the Hours in the Nov. 15 issue of at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 46th and The Criterion. Illinois streets in Indianapolis. It meets He educates your readers about the every weekday from 7:30 to 7:50 a.m. nature and value of lay participation in This December, it will be 10 years Editorial the Liturgy of the Hours, and I wanted to since we started our group. Anyone is thank him for his advice. I also want to welcome to join us at St. Thomas, on a give your readers personal witness to the regular or occasional basis, and become value and impact of his advocacy. familiar with Morning Prayer from the I first learned about Morning Prayer, Liturgy of the Hours. a specific component of the Liturgy of If our location and time is not the Hours, through an article that Fink convenient, I am sure the Franciscans Photo by Sean Gallagher Photo by wrote in The Criterion more than 22 years would also welcome laypeople to ago (“The breviary for laypeople? Yes, their morning prayer at Sacred Heart. indeed” in the Aug. 30, 1991, issue). Interested individuals might also contact I then began regular attendance at the Benedictive sisters at Our Lady of Morning Prayer every weekday, from Grace Monastery in Beech Grove to see 7 to 7:20 a.m., in the presence of the if they could attend their Morning Prayer. Franciscans at Sacred Heart Church on the This is a great way to start your day in a near south side of Indianapolis. The timing centered fashion. and location were just right to finish prayer Thank you, John, for bringing Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City, Kan., talks to a teenager and start my work, then as a scientist at Morning Prayer into our lives. during the sacrament of reconciliation on Nov. 21 during the Eli Lilly in downtown Indianapolis. National Catholic Youth Conference at the Indiana Convention Center After I took early retirement from Bill Scott in Indianapolis. Dozens of priests and bishops heard confessions of Lilly and no longer had a need to travel Indianapolis youths and chaperones for hours during the conference. Constitution’s Establishment Clause NCYC shows young people not meant to be controversial, reader says As the Supreme Court today once power (however defined) for protection, are eager to embrace their faith again faces arguments regarding the etc. come nowhere close to violating real meaning of the U.S. Constitution’s this First Amendment clause because, here were hugs, handshakes and in long lines to receive the sacrament Establishment Clause, I remain astonished most fundamentally, there is absolutely Thigh fives shared throughout of reconciliation. that such a simple, clearly stated no national, legal mandate and no the weekend. The prayer chapel consistently had statement is still so controversial. consequences for the non-believer. Lots of them. When you’re among lots of young people visiting to pray or sit The First Amendment reads, It might be noted that more than one 23,000 of your peers having the time of quietly in reflection. “Congress shall make no law respecting of our non-believer founders had no your life, teenagers do that kind of thing. And many of them attended not only an establishment of religion, or trouble with engraving supplication to And we can’t forget the hats. Tons the closing Mass but the regional liturgies prohibiting the free practice thereof,” God into our Declaration of Independence of hats. Upside down ice cream cones. held on Nov. 21 and 22 to receive the reflected an historical perspective of and other significant federal statements, Cowboy hats. Replicas of the Statue of greatest gift of our faith, the Eucharist. European citizens cruelly ruled by some of which remain engraved on Liberty on young people’s heads. To With the advances in technology we’ve oppressive, church-dominated national federal buildings to this day. Our current view a photo gallery of them, log on to had during these young people’s lifetime, governments. As such, this clause dilemma clearly derives from ignorance of www.CriterionOnline.com. which translates into a constant news should be easily understood without European and national history. But the 2013 National Catholic Youth cycle, we are quick as a society to hear of much question. There are understandably atheists, non- Conference (NCYC) on Nov. 21-23 the challenges and heartbreak so many of The key word here is clearly Christians, Muslims, believers in celestial at the Indiana Convention Center and them face. Faith seems noticeably absent “establishment,” which by any sense of gods, tree huggers and others who may Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis was from the conversation. the English language implies a national, be offended by simple prayer to a higher about something bigger. What NCYC proves to us once again, statutory requirement of allegiance to power, but they suffer little consequence It was a three-day pilgrimage of faith as Catholics, is that many of our teenagers a specific religious belief with serious other than being offended. for the young people, their chaperones, are hungry to learn more about God, economic and personal well-being Unfortunately for such, the and the speakers, musicians, priests, what our Church teaches and why. It also consequences for non-compliance. U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a bishops, deacons, seminarians and proves why we need to continue to make The continuing arguments against right not to be offended. religious who participated during this it a priority to provide them catechetical school prayer, invocations asking God journey where they had their lives of opportunities that will bear fruit. to guide our legislative deliberations, David A. Nealy faith “Signed. Sealed. Delivered,” the NCYC is a prime example of Christmas displays, asking a higher Greenwood theme of the conference. how to do this. Robert McCarty and As Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin his staff at the National Federation described it at the closing Mass, it was for Catholic Youth Ministry, and Media useMedia amongMedia use use amongchildren among children children 8 or 8 youngeror younger8 or younger a gathering of “the national parish of Kay Scoville, director of youth ministryAverage Average timeAverage spent time time per spentspent day per perusing: day day using: using: the United States of America” that in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and also coincided with the end of the her staff and local steering committee 1:551:55 1:55 Any screenAny media screenAny screen media media Church’s Year of Faith and the feast of members, are to be commended for 2:162:16 2:16 Christ the King. letting the Holy Spirit work through You couldn’t help but feel them to organize an outstanding :57 :57 :57 TelevisionTelevisionTelevision energized—and hopeful—as you faith-filled gathering. 1:091:09 1:09 watched the teenagers soak in all they But we also can’t forget to thank the :22 :22 :22 saw and heard during the three days, hundreds of volunteers who donated DVDs DVDsDVDs then shared their reflections of how it their time to help make the weekend :31 :31 :31 affected them as young people eager to memorable for our young Church and so :11 :11:11 have their lives of faith nurtured by the many others. ComputersComputersComputers Church and its sacraments. Wondering what the future of the :17 :17:17 “For me, it was eye-opening,” Church looks like? Katie Koehne, a :10 :10:10 20132013 2013 said Renee Gibney, 17, a member of youth minister at St. Joseph Parish in Video gamesVideoVideo games games :14:14 2011 St. Joseph Parish in Elkader, Iowa, in the Elkador, Iowa, has a pretty good idea. :14 2011 2011 Archdiocese of Dubuque. “The kids make NCYC. I look around :15 :15:15 “You’re at a higher God level,” she here, and I’m surrounded by all these Mobile devicesMobileMobile devices devices :05 :05:05 said. “You really think more.” terrific youths and I truly see the future of Matthew Benetiz, 17, a the Church and the future of the world,” member of St. Celestine Parish she said. “It just really gives me a lot Percent Percentof parentsPercent of of parentswho parents say who who media say saymedia cause media cause them them cause to to them to in Elmwood Park, Ill., in the more confidence in the future of the worldspend morespend spendor moreless more time or or less with time time familywith with family members: family members: members: Archdiocese of Chicago, was just knowing that we have kids like this to as energized. carry on what we’re doing.” “It’s just great to see so many kids More proof that today’s young people together in one spot, doing the same love our Church and what it can bring to 28% 28%28% No difference thing, trying to deepen their faith their lives of faith. No differenceNo difference Less time Less time in God,” he said, “getting closer to It is a faith they cherish, and want to 58% 58%58% Less time MoreMore timetime More time everyone and to God and all the saints.” learn more about to grow closer to God. 12% 12%12% If you think these young people only May we make the time to continue to talk the talk, think again. nurture each and every one of their souls. As in 2011—when NCYC was held

in Indianapolis, too—teenagers stood —Mike KrokosSource: CommonSource: SenseSource: Common Media Common Sense Sense Media Media © 2013© 2013 Catholic Catholic© 2013 News News CatholicService Service News Service The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 5 Baptism sets up life of ‘fulfillment, purpose,’ speaker tells youths

By Natalie Hoefer yet all under one roof in Indianapolis. The opening general session began When Stevie Wonder wrote his hit with Catholic catechist, singer, musician single “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m and Two by Two Ministries co-founder Yours” in 1970, Jesse Manibusan taking the stage as Natalie Hoefer Photos by he likely never emcee for NCYC. imagined the He and his wife, Jodi, led words would 23,000 youths through songs with hand form the motions and rounds of call and response theme of a national Catholic gathering that drew an enthusiastic participation: for youths. “Who’s the Church?” But the words reinterpreted through “We are!” the lens of faith formed a clear message “Where’s the Church?” to the 23,000 youths gathered for the “Right here!” National Catholic Youth Conference “What is the Church?” (NCYC): “Welcoming to all!” Signed—by the waters of baptism. “That’s how the world knows Sealed—by the Holy Spirit. that we’re … ” Delivered—from death into life. “Signed! Sealed! Delivered!” The rain that fell outside Lucas Oil Manibusan introduced Catholic singer Stadium in Indianapolis on Nov. 21 and songwriter Matt Maher. Thousands of proved appropriate, with the opening teens rushed the stage as he opened with general session focusing on baptism. several of his popular songs. At the opening session of the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis on Nov. 21, Through that rain, Archbishop Joseph After leading the crowd in an a 23,000 participants sing and move to a song in Lucas Oil Stadium. W. Tobin of Indianapolis processed with cappella rendition of the hymn, “Here I the Eucharist from St. John the Evangelist Am, Lord”, Maher shared his thoughts on Church across the street to the Indiana the theme of “Signed. Sealed. Delivered.” Convention Center. On the Jumbotron screens flashed a Xander Eisert of the Archdiocese of picture of a young boy. Louisville, Ky., 15, described the scene. “That’s my 2-year-old son, Conner,” “We were in the lobby of the Maher said. convention center. [Priests and “Conner loves playing hide-and-seek. seminarians] started walking in, group But he hates staying hidden. I’ll close after group, and they were singing in my eyes, count to 10 and say, ‘Where’s Latin. Everyone was down on their knees, Conner?’ And he’ll say, ‘Here I am!’ our hats were off. It was a really cool “Baptism is about being found—by experience. I didn’t expect that on the God,” Maher continued. “It sets you up first day.” for a life of fulfillment, a life of purpose, a Xander was not the only one impacted life of meaning. Above, Bishop Christopher J. Coyne addresses by the procession. “The problem is, sometimes we make a 23,000 youths during the opening session of “It was impressive to see that many mess of it. We’re covered in sin. the National Catholic Youth Conference in priests in one area,” said Luke Grant, 17, “Your expectation is that God Indianapolis in Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 21. of the Diocese of Lansing, Mich. has condemnation or shame for you. “I hope to spend some time in But he doesn’t. Left, singer, songwriter and musician Matt Maher adoration while I’m here. On the bus ride “This weekend, God wants to empower speaks on the theme of ‘Signed. Sealed. here, our guide talked about how there is a you, to help you realize how precious you Delivered’ during the opening session of thin veil between God and man, and how are in his sight,” Maher concluded. the National Catholic Youth Conference in in the Eucharist that veil is literally taken Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, Indianapolis in Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 21. away, and you’re in the presence of God. vicar general, offered closing remarks That’s pretty cool,” said Luke. about the sign of a baptized disciple. used throughout NCYC, then sent the faith with everyone.” From the quiet of the adoration chapel “There’s going to be troubles in our youths off to “try to get some sleep.” As the thousands of youth made their in the convention center, the youths made lives, times when things don’t go right,” Sleep seemed far from the minds of the way out of Lucas Oil Stadium, joyful calls their way to Lucas Oil Stadium for the the bishop said. energized teens. were met with spirited responses: music performances before the opening “But I really think what marks us For Mason Fisher of the “Who’s the Church?” general session. most as disciples is the joy of knowing Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, a “We are!” In the stadium, the teens swayed, that we’re signed, sealed and delivered, first-time NCYC participant, the scene “Where’s the Church?” clapped and even formed a conga line of knowing from whom we come and to left an indelible mark on his mind. “Right here!” to inspiring songs by Grammy-award whom we go. “It is so powerful seeing all these “What is the Church?” winning musician Israel Houghton, the “Why would anyone want to join a people come together,” he said. “Welcoming to all!” energetic tunes of Grupo Huellas and the sad Church?” Bishop Coyne asked. “Isn’t Maya Johnson of St. Mark Parish in “That’s how the world knows rap sounds of Righteous B. that one of the best ways of being an Indianapolis, also new to NCYC, agreed. that we’re ... ” Overhead, Twitter messages from evangelizer—to live the good life of faith, “I’ve never seen so many kids in “Signed! Sealed! Delivered!” participants flashed on several Jumbotron and to spread the Good News wherever one place,” she said. “It’s so inspiring and screens, statements of joy, excitement and we go that Jesus is Lord?” exhilarating. 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To Donate: www.archindy.org/UCA Page 6 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013

Events Calendar December 1 December 4 Sat. 5 p.m. Mass; Sun. 8 a.m., Mission, “God Are You St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Community St. Paul School, Archbishop O’Meara Catholic 10 a.m., noon English Masses; On-Line?”, Dominican Parish, Media Center, of Richmond, 701 N. 9788 N. Dearborn Road, Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., 6 p.m. Spanish Mass. Friar Father William Garrott, 541 Edgewood Ave., “A” St., Richmond. New Alsace. School Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, Information: 317-546-4065. presenter, 6:45-9 p.m. each Indianapolis. Hope and Charismatic prayer evening, rosary, mission Commission Christmas Catholic, educational, December 8 Healing Survivors of Suicide group, 7 p.m. Information: charitable and social singles, talk, reconciliation, free- support group, 7 p.m. [email protected]. breakfast, Christmas Scecina Memorial High School, 50 and over, single, separated, will offering. Information: Information: 317-851-8344. music, 8 a.m.-noon, pictures 5000 Nowland Ave., widowed or divorced. New 317-784-5454. December 18 with Santa, 9:30-11:30 Indianapolis members welcome. 6:30 p.m. . Christmas December 13-14 Calvary Cemetery, a.m., free-will donation. music concert, 3 p.m., December 9 St. John the Evangelist Information: 812-623-2631 or Information: 317-370-1189. Mausoleum Chapel, no charge. Information: Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Parish, 126 W. Georgia St., 435 W. Troy Ave., Indianapolis. [email protected] 317-356-6377 or House, 5353 E. 56th St., Indianapolis. Christmas City Christmas Mass, 2 p.m. [email protected]. December 2-5 December 7 Indianapolis. Advent Sidewalks, Christkindl Information: 317-784-4439 or St. Joseph Church, 312 E. St. Michael Church, dinner and concert, Village, Fri. 5-9 p.m., www.catholiccemeteries.cc. 145 St. Michael Blvd., St. Michael Parish, 6-9 p.m., $40 per person. High St., Corydon. Advent Sat. noon-9 p.m. Information: Brookville. First Saturday 145 St. Michael Blvd., Information: 317-545-7681 or 765-561-2924 or Parish Mission, “Give Me December 19 Devotional Prayer Group, Brookville. “The Signs [email protected]. [email protected]. Your Heart and I Will Give Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Mass, exposition of the from God: Miracles and You My Heart,” Family of December 10 December 14 Mausoleum Chapel, 9001 N. Blessed Sacrament, rosary, Their Meaning,” 7-9 p.m. Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. Jesus Father Philip Scott, confession, meditation and Information: 765-647-5462. St. Paul Hermitage, 501 N. St. Roch Parish, confession, 6 p.m., mission, 17th Ave., Beech Grove. Family Life Center, Christmas Mass, 2 p.m. petitions, 8 a.m. Information: Information: 317-574-8898 or 7-9 p.m., Mass each day 765-647-5462. Helpers of God’s Precious Ave Maria Guild Christmas 3603 S. Meridian St., www.catholiccemeteries.cc. at 8:30 a.m. Information: Infants, Terre Haute. Mass Party and Pitch-In Indianapolis. Single Seniors 812-738-2742. St. Matthew Church, at Carmelite Monastery, Luncheon, noon. Information: meeting, 1 p.m., age 50 December 28 December 3 4100 E. 56th St., Indianapolis. 59 Allendale, 7:30 a.m., prayer 317-888-5098. and over. Information: St. John the Evangelist Advent organ recital, in front of Planned Parenthood, 317-784-4207. Marian University, Church, 126 W. Travis Person, organist, 30 S. 3rd St., 9:30 a.m., prayer December 12 Marian Hall, 1st Floor Georgia St., Indianapolis. 3:30-4:15 p.m. Information: at St. Patrick Adoration Chapel, St. Paul Catholic December 15 Conference Room, Rosary procession, following 317-257-4297. 1807 Poplar St., 10 a.m. Center, 1413 E. 17th St., St. Michael Parish, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Bloomington. Lessons and 145 St. Michael Blvd., 12:10 p.m. Mass, pray and Indianapolis. Adult programs December 7-8 December 8-11 Carols, 7-9 p.m., reception, Brookville. “The Signs process through the streets information meeting, 6-7 p.m. St. Lawrence Parish, Most Holy Name of Jesus 6 p.m., free-will offering. from God-Miracles and of downtown Indianapolis. Information: 317-955-6271 or 4650 E. 46th St., Indianapolis. Church, 89 N. 17th Ave., Information: 812-339-5561 or Their Meaning,” 7-9 p.m. Information: faithful. [email protected]. 64th Anniversary weekend, Beech Grove. Advent [email protected]. Information: 765-647-5462. [email protected]. †

VIPs Retreats and Programs December 2 Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, Jerry and Margie (Schuster) Cahill, members of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Beech Grove, celebrated their 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Grove. Advent November 29-December 1 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 28. Faith Building Institutions (FBI), “Preparing The couple was married on Nov. 28, 1953, at Sacred Heart Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Drive, for Christmas in the Footsteps of St. Francis Church in Indianapolis. St. Meinrad. “O” Antiphons Retreat, and Pope Francis,” Fr. Chris Wadelton, They are the parents of eight children, Christie Denzer, Benedictine Fr. Columba Kelly, presenter, 5:15 p.m., $30 per person includes Anne Elliott, Cathy Huser, Helen Stephon, Ed, John, Mike and the presenter. Information: 812-357-6585 or dinner. Information: 317-788-7581 or late Tom Cahill. [email protected]. [email protected]. † They also have 31 grandchildren and 18 great-granchildren. † Registration is open for young adult Join French-speaking Catholics for pilgrimage to annual March for Life Advent Day of Recollection on Dec. 7 Registration is now open for those age person, includes transportation to and The French-Speaking Catholics receive Jesus.” 18-25 who want to join the archdiocesan from Washington, D.C., two nights at a Ministry of the Multicultural Ministry of The event, led by the group’s chaplain, Young Adult and College Campus hotel, pro-life material and group gear. the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is hosting Father Michael Hoyt, will include Ministry pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., The deadline to register is an Advent day of recollection in French at presentations, eucharistic adoration and for the annual March for Life on Jan. 7, 2014. St. Malachy Church, 9833 E. County Road Mass. Please bring your Bible. Jan. 20-23, 2014. Log on to www.indycatholic.org for 750 N. in Brownsburg, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost is $10, which includes breakfast The pilgrimage, which costs $220 per more details. † on Dec. 7. and lunch. To register or for additional The theme is: “Marie apprends-nous information, e-mail Dabrice Bartet and à attendre et à recevoir Jésus” which Marie Valèse at [email protected]. translates, “Mary, teach us to wait and Child care will be provided. † Moving sale at The Gift Shop at Providence Center through Dec. 15 The Gift Shop at Providence Center, the permanent shrine of St. Mother

a ministry of the Sisters of Providence Theodore Guérin and the renovation of Submitted photo at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Providence Center, The Gift Shop will be St. Mary-of-the-Woods, is having a closed from Dec. 16 through Jan. 5. moving sale through Dec. 15. During this The Gift Shop will reopen on Jan. 6 time, everything in The Gift Shop will be in its new temporary location on the on sale, with some items reduced as much first floor of Owens Hall on the Sisters as 75 percent. of Providence grounds at Saint Mary- A long-awaited children’s book about of-the-Woods, with similar shopping St. Mother Theodore Guérin will also be hours. Signage will lead shoppers to the unveiled and orders taken. new locale. The Gift Shop offers Christmas During the sale, The Gift Shop will ornaments, Nativity sets and other operate under its regular business hours, decorations in time for the holidays. which are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday The Gift Shop also offers inspirational through Friday, and on the weekend from music, fair-trade coffee, tea and chocolate, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. mementos from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Call 812-535-2947 for more such as mugs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, trivets, information, or log on to sister-made items and much more. www.SPGiftShop.com, where some—but Because of the construction of not all—items will be on sale. †

Advent lessons and carols to be presented at Saint Meinrad Archabbey on Dec. 9 Seminarians from Saint Meinrad readings and singing hymns and carols. Seminary and School of Theology in The service is expected to last an Domino Jesus St. Meinrad will present an Advent hour and 15 minutes and is free and lessons and carol service in the Saint open to the public. Mark Peredo, left, a member of St. Mary-of-the-Knobs Parish in Floyd County, and Bob Naville, Meinrad Archabbey Church, St. Meinrad, Parking is available in the a member of St. Mary Parish in Navilleton, pose on Nov. 23 in the Indiana Convention Center at 7:45 p.m. CST on Dec. 9. Guest House and student parking lots. in Indianapolis next to a portrait of Jesus made up of more than 7,150 dominoes in a pattern The service, titled “From Eden to For more information, contact Mary designed by artist mathematician Robert Bosch. Neville and Peredo directed more than Heaven: The Story of Salvation,” tells Jeanne Schumacher at 500 teenage participants in the National Catholic Youth Conference, held in Indianapolis on the story of Christ through Scripture 812-357-6501. † Nov. 21-23, in creating the portrait, which was unveiled on Nov. 23. The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 7 NCYC participants learn what it means to be adopted by God By Sean Gallagher thundered their applause. To help them appreciate their being a “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” was the part of God’s family and to share that good theme of the 2013 National Catholic Youth news with others, Herron had conference

Conference held from Nov. 21-23 in the participants take out their cell phones, Sean Gallagher Photo by Indiana Convention Center and Lucas take a picture of the tens of thousands Oil Stadium in that filled the stadium and then post it to Indianapolis. social media. On the “We’ve got a big family here,” Herron morning of said. “And everybody knows what to do Nov. 23, the when you’re with your family. Get out 23,000 youths from across the country your cell phones and get ready, because who participated in the conference we are going to take the biggest family reflected on and prayed about the “signed” picture ever.” part of that theme and its relationship to Later, Herron reflected on how God’s baptism during a general session held in family is enriched by the talents of each of Lucas Oil Stadium. its members. Bob Herron, director of youth and “Our job, young Church, as a family, young adult ministry for the Diocese of is to help one another see what gifts they Wheeling-Charleston, W. Va., spoke about have and then to help them live those gifts how those who out,” he said. “Part of being a family, an are baptized are adopted family, and living out our baptism adopted children means using those gifts and giving them NCYC participants from the Diocese of Dodge City, Kan., take photos on Nov. 22 of the 23,000 youths of God and that, back to God.” gathered in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis listening to a presentation by Bob Herron, director of together, they form Herron also challenged the teenagers youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W. Va. God’s family. to reach out in love and support to their Herron spoke adopted brothers and sisters who might be of God that we are already a part of.” you to pass it on.” about this belief out picked on or bullied in their schools or in Finally, Herron shared the story of his The Nov. 22 morning session in of his experience as other settings. father who struggled with Lou Gehrig’s Lucas Oil Stadium ended with a prayer the father of three He invited the audience to pause and disease for years. Shortly before he died, service led by Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of adopted children. think of one person in that situation that the father shared an important life lesson the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pa. It At one point, they know. with his son. featured bishops attending the conference Bob Herron he asked those in “Think of that person,” Herron said. “He looked at me and said, ‘Bob, if going throughout the stadium and blessing the audience who “When we become part of God’s adopted I’ve learned anything through my dying the conference’s participants with holy had been adopted to stand up. Then he family and become a son and a daughter, it’s this: You cannot repay love. You only water as a reminder of their baptism. explained how everyone who has been we are called to love. I believe this. When pass it on,’ ” Herron said. “My challenge “I love the communion of saints,” baptized has been adopted by God. Jesus died on that cross, he died for my to you, young Church, is to share that Bishop Bartchak said. “Not only the ones “We become adopted by God, who sins. When he died on that cross, he died love with one another here and when that are in heaven. But I’m looking around loves us from the first moment of our for your sins. And guess what, young you go home. this place today, seeing that we are filled in existence, when we become baptized and Church—when he died on that cross, he “We are called, young Church, to share this place with living saints. part of this Church,” Herron said. “So if died for that person that you were just that love that God freely gives to us. In “You are part of the communion of you are baptized, you are adopted. So I thinking about now. our baptism, he says, ‘I love you,’ and he saints. And so we pray with and through ask you again, young Church, if you are “We are called to love and to reach out pursues you with reckless abandon. He and for each other. What a wonderful adopted, please stand up.” to those people, and pray for those people pursues you constantly. He doesn’t ask communion to belong to, because we are Everyone in the stadium stood up and and to help them become part of the family you, though, to repay that love. He asks adopted children of God.” † Faith forms bedrock of who they are, say youths Youths share By John Shaughnessy said Sarah, 17, a member of Our Lady Alli Kiss had the same feeling as she sat of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany. at a craft table, shaping a cross from a small the advice In one moment, the hope for the future “I’ve always loved everything in my faith. piece of reddish-brown clay. of the Catholic Church in the United States And I’ve always looked toward it in the “It’s eye-opening to see how big the that guides could be seen in the eyes and the hands of tough times of my life. For a while earlier Church is,” said Alli, part of a group from Sarah Bishop and Carmen Miller. this year, I drew back from my faith when the Diocese of Charleston, S.C. “It’s not just That moment occurred as 23,000 youths my father died in February. I was mad at our parish. It’s not just our diocese. People their lives from across the country met in Indianapolis God, asking him why he would take my are coming together from all over the By John Shaughnessy for the National Catholic Youth Conference on best friend. country for one sole purpose—to celebrate Nov. 21-23—a three-day event that featured “Then all these other good things Jesus Christ and grow deeper in faith.” A message board inside Mass, workshops, musical performances, happened. I was able to come here. I was She paused before adding, “My faith the theme park of the eucharistic adoration, and a theme park inside accepted into a good college. I’ve learned means everything to me. I would be National Catholic Youth the Indiana Convention Center filled with that God always has my back, even if it’s a nowhere without Christ in my life. We Conference offered the fun activities, service opportunities and a different solution from what I wanted.” should all live our lives serving God on 23,000 participants an opportunity wondrous, widespread wearing of crazy hats Carmen looked at her new friend and Earth and trying to get to heaven.” to add their thoughts to this by the Catholic teenagers. nodded sympathetically. Even though she The youths’ display of faith at the theme, “How I Choose to Live As the action in the theme park whirled is from the same parish as Sarah, they had conference touched the hearts of the adults Life at Its Best.” around them, Sarah and Carmen kept their never met before they became roommates who joined in the celebration with them. The answers that the young focus on the face of Christ—the face they during the youth conference. “It really gives me a great deal of Catholics from across the country had helped shape from their small part of the “My faith is what I lean on,” said encouragement as I see the young wrote on brightly-colored, 2,000 pounds of clay that event organizers Carmen, 17. “If I didn’t have my faith, I Church alive and well, dedicated to adhesive notes also offered an had set up for the youths to create images of don’t know what I’d do.” Christ and in love with one another,” said opportunity to view their visions their faith. The embrace of faith echoed loudly Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of the and approaches to life. Strangers to each other until just hours during the large, general meetings New Orleans Archdiocese. Here are some of the thoughts before, Sarah and Carmen worked side by of the youth conference when the At the area where Sarah and Carmen that Catholic teenagers shared side, using sculpting tools to create a crown of 23,000 participants came together at worked on sculpting the face of Christ, on the message board inside the thorns for Christ’s head. Then they sculpted Lucas Oil Stadium for sessions that mixed Dave Gehrich watched the efforts of the Indiana Convention Center during his beard, his eyes and his facial features. music, faith, stories and celebration. Still, two teenagers. the conference on Nov. 21-23. As they added the final touches to Christ’s the depth and the essence of faith came An adult volunteer in that area, Gehrich “Be joyful.” face, they each also shared how God had through louder and more profoundly in had started the head of Christ before Sarah “Live your life. Never touched their lives in the past year—a year the quiet moments when individual youths and Carmen asked to take over. Gehrich give up.” marked by heartbreak for Sarah. talked about their faith. looked at the two new friends. He looked “Love as Jesus has taught us.” “My faith means everything to me,” In one moment, Anthony Washington Jr. around at the youths passing by him, “Don’t worry. God has smiled and laughed with his friends from some wearing halos, other wearing hats your back.” New All Saints Parish in Baltimore, Md., featuring a cow, an upside-down ice cream “Allow someone to love you.” as he had his picture taken with a life-sized, cone, a piece of corn on the cob, or even a “Forgive the mistakes made in cardboard image of Pope Emeritus Benedict piece of pumpkin pie topped by a dash of the past.” XVI. In the next moment, the 17-year-old whipped cream. “Always be yourself.”

Photo by John Shaughnessy Photo by turned serious as he talked about his faith. For Gehrich, it was hard not to notice the “Accept everyone for “It’s how I live my life from the smallest way the youths embrace a spirit of fun and who they are.” choices to the biggest choices,” said joy. It was equally hard to overlook the way “Keep your friends close. They Anthony, who wore a T-shirt emblazoned they embrace their faith. care about you.” with this verse from Psalms 127:30, “You see them and talk to them and it “Treat your body with respect.” “Children are a gift from the Lord. They are reminds you of the bigger picture—the “Always laugh.” a real blessing.” continuation of our faith,” said Gehrich, “You are amazing. Don’t let Anthony looked around the Indiana youth minister at St. Maurice Parish in anyone tell you different.” Sarah Bishop, left, and Carmen Miller of the Convention Center swelling with people his Decatur County and St. John the Evangelist “Don’t worry about tomorrow. Archdiocese of Indianapolis work together age and noted, “It’s a good feeling to be part Parish in Enochsburg. Do what is meant for today.” to sculpt a clay image of Jesus during the of all these people who feel the same way “When you wonder if the Church and “Love as God would National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis about our faith. I’ve never been to anything the faith is going to continue, this lets you love you.” † on Nov. 21. like it.” know it will.” † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 The spirit of two girls helps the faith of others soar By John Shaughnessy for the girl. “At the end of doing all this, he gave He moved to the stage with the strut and her $40, took all the damaged fruit away, the swagger of joyful New Orleans. and said, ‘I hope I didn’t spoil your day too Rich Clark Photo by As the music soared and brightly-colored badly.’ As he looked at her, he saw tears umbrellas danced above the heads of a streaming down her face.” group of teenagers, Ansel Augustine flashed By this time, he had to leave to book a smile that was almost as bright as the another flight. bling on his fingers and the sparkling gold- “As he walked away, the girl said, white-and-black ‘Mister!’ He stopped, turned around and boots he wore. looked into her eyes. And the girl asked On stage, this question, ‘Are you Jesus?’ the celebration “He didn’t answer. He didn’t know how. continued as the But that question was burning in his heart longtime youth minister led the youthful all the way home.” Psalm 119 Step Team from the Archdiocese As the once rocking stadium turned of New Orleans in a rousing, stomping silent, Augustine paused before asking the dance number that brought the 23,000 Catholic youths a question. Holding a large crucifix, Ansel Augustine, left, talks with National Catholic Youth Conference emcee teenagers inside Lucas Oil Stadium to their “NCYC, young Church of today, are Jesse Manibusan during his presentation at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis feet, cheering. you Jesus? Can people mistake your life so on the morning of Nov. 23 in Lucas Oil Staidum. Yet even with all that strut and swagger, much so as that of one of Christ? The way perhaps the most lasting impact that you treat one another, how you act, can noticing ripples in the water behind her. turned off the tape recorder and asked if Augustine made on the participants of people say, ‘That’s a follower of Christ’? He started rowing a little faster. All of a she could see the girl’s scars. The little the National Catholic Youth Conference Or do you just go with the flow? Are you sudden, an alligator’s head popped out of girl hopped on her hospital bed and pulled (NCYC) on the early morning of Nov. 23 scared to step up and speak out in the name the water. up her gown. Her legs were twisted and came through the spirit and the substance of of Jesus? “The father starts screaming and mangled from the alligator’s teeth, the years two stories he shared. “If we were to pull up your Facebook shouting, rowing as fast as he could, but the of surgery and the years of rehab.” Augustine’s first story focused on a page, your Instagram page, your Twitter, daughter couldn’t hear him because she’s The reporter was embarrassed that group of men hustling through an airport would you be proud of what you are swimming so hard. The alligator is getting she had asked, but the girl said, “Don’t after a business trip, trying to make a flight representing? Young people, our Church closer to her.” worry about it. Do you want to see home that was ready to leave. needs you. My challenge to you is to check In the frantic seconds that followed, the my cool scars?” “They’re running through the airport yourself. As you do, find those areas of father made it to the pier while his daughter The reporter was confused. She said, and one of them accidentally knocks over your life where Christ may be vacant. was just feet away from reaching it. The “Cool scars? Well sure.” this little girl’s fruit stand, fruit going Bring him in, and let us know who you are dad told the daughter to jump to him. “The little girl jumped up on the hospital everywhere,” began Augustine, director of and whose you are.” “She jumped into her father’s loving bed, rolled up her sleeves, and there were the Office of Black Catholic Ministries in Augustine’s second story focused on a arms. Unfortunately, the alligator jumped, all kinds of scars up and down her arms. the Archdiocese of New Orleans. father and a daughter. too, and he clamped onto the girl’s legs. The little girl said, ‘These are my cool scars All but one of the men made the flight, One of their common bonds was fishing Immediately, a tug of war happened. The because this is where my father refused to Augustine noted. together, and they were just heading home father tried to pull the daughter out, and the let me go.” “He called his wife and said he’d be from a day when they had caught a bounty alligator tried to pull the girl in.” Augustine let the emotion of those words late. He went back and saw this young girl of fish. As they headed back to the pier in a At the same time, a farmer was driving sink in for the teenagers. hopelessly on the floor, groping for fruit, row boat, the daughter told her dad, “I bet I by, saw the struggle, grabbed his shotgun “For many of us here, we walk around people ignoring her, and no one there to can beat you to the pier if I swim.” The dad and fired at the alligator, killing it. with scars. We have our own issues, our care for her. let her. Augustine continued the story by own trials, our own tribulations, our own “When he walked up to her, he started “She jumped in the water and started focusing on a moment a few years later problems. But I came here to remind you helping her grab the fruit when he realized swimming as hard as she could,” Augustine when a reporter came to visit the girl in that Jesus refuses to let us go. He is there something. He realized the young girl was told the teenagers. “Trying to make his the hospital—as part of a “where are they with us.” totally blind.” daughter feel good, the father started now” story. By then, the girl had reached Augustine paused again. The man spent the next several minutes rowing real, real slow. As the daughter the point where she was walking again. “Never forget who you are. Never forget putting the fruit stand back together started swimming harder, he started “At the end of the interview, the reporter whose you are.” †

Best Catholic pick-up lines and stories of love, Souvenir shirt help speaker connect with thousands of youths slogans fit the By John Shaughnessy we do these silly things. That’s why we’re Catholic, who when he was in college Catholic faith to a ‘T’ so attracted. We were made for a love that was very involved in campus ministry,” The laughter of 23,000 teenagers is free, total, faithful and fruitful.” she began. “He had thought, ‘I’m going By John Shaughnessy roared through Lucas Oil Stadium in And the source of that desire to give to wait until marriage to have sex.’ This Indianapolis. love and experience love is God, Francois young man started dating this girl, and Teenagers often express themselves Jackie Francois had just shared the told the teenagers. she wasn’t very much into her faith. through the messages on the T-shirts two favorite pick-up lines that she heard a “It makes even more sense that we One thing got pushed further and further. they wear. guy use on a girl at the National Catholic were made in the image and likeness of And sure enough, he lost his virginity. So it was fitting that T-shirts that captured Youth Conference (NCYC). God as male and female. Why? Because “He started rejecting the Holy Spirit thoughts about the Catholic faith were once The first pick-up line she shared with love is never just one. Love is never just and started to be a slave to his sin. For again among the most popular souvenirs the crowd was, “Girl, if I had a rosary in solitude. Love always has the lover, the two years, he was in this relationship that for the 23,000 teenagers who attended the bead for every time I thought of you, I’d beloved, and the love between them. was crippling him. At some point, a friend National Catholic Youth Conference in have a glorious mystery.” “Now here’s the truth. God wants us said to him, ‘Are you even happy?’ He Indianapolis on Nov. 21-23. As the laughter eventually died down, to share in his love so he gives us the said, ‘No, I don’t like myself. I don’t like Here are six of the Catholic Francois said, “My other favorite is this Holy Spirit who is love. God gives us the who I am.’ The Holy Spirit listened to his “messages” that were displayed on T-shirts one: ‘Girl, I would say God bless you, but Holy Spirit so we might truly be free.” heart, and this guy decided to break off at the conference: clearly he already has.’ ” She then shared two stories of how the relationship.” “Keep Calm and Offer It Up.” Even Francois laughed again at that the Holy Spirit’s influence shaped lives, The young man also decided to enter “Lifeguard. Mine Walks on Water.” line during her keynote presentation on starting with the story of an 11-year-old a seminary, to consider a vocation he had “Got Mystery? Joyful. Luminous. the evening of Nov. 22. girl whose actions led her to sainthood— thought about earlier in his life. Sorrowful. Glorious.” “But seriously, we were made for St. Maria Goretti. “In seminary, the healing started “Thou shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s love,” said Francois, a full-time speaker, “She was 11 when a man attempted to to begin,” Francois told the crowd. Wi-fi.” singer/songwriter and worship leader rape her. As he was attempting, she yelled “He grew into the man of God he was “Who’s your hero?” (T-shirt showed a from Orange County, Calif. “That’s why out, ‘Please don’t do this. You will have supposed to become. Ironically, when lone image of Christ on the cross.) mortal sin on your soul, and you will go he was in seminary after three years, he “Can’t Beat the Real Thing—The to hell.’ The man took out a knife and realized he was called to marriage. And Catholic Church.” † stabbed her 14 times, and she died. three months ago, I married that man.” “The man was sent to prison. And As the crowd cheered, Francois Photo by Rich Clark Photo by in his prison cell, St. Maria Goretti smiled. appeared to him and said, ‘I forgive you.’ “I am so glad that he told the Holy And by the power of the Holy Spirit, Spirit, ‘I don’t want to be a slave to sin

that man had a huge conversion, and his no more.’ Because the man I married John Shaughnessy Photo by life was changed.” is an amazing man of God, a man who The man even attended St. Maria walks with the Holy Spirit, a man who Goretti’s canonization with her mother, I go to Mass with, adoration with, and Francois told the teenagers. pray the rosary with. A man who is truly a “Can you imagine that? Her mother new creation.” said, ‘If Maria forgives you, so do I.’ It’s That’s the hope and the challenge that only by the power of the Holy Spirit that Francois shared with the teenagers. we can do these kinds of things, that we “God is asking you today, ‘Are you can forgive someone who hurts us.” going to say yes?’ T-shirts display inspiring faith messages at Speaker Jackie Francois talks about love She then shared the story of a young “If we truly say yes to the Holy Spirit, Inspiration Junction during the National Catholic during her presentation on Nov. 23 at man who had to forgive himself. his gifts will allow us to set the world on Youth Conference on Nov. 23. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. “There was a young man, raised fire with God’s love.” † The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 9 Teens explore priestly, religious vocations during NCYC By Sean Gallagher

Tens of thousands of teenagers from across the country weren’t the only people who made their way to

Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference Sean Gallagher Photo by (NCYC), which took place on Nov. 21-23 in the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. Some 216 representatives of 62 religious communities in the United States also participated in the biennial Catholic youth event. They interacted with teens in a variety of settings in two large exhibit halls in the Indiana Convention Center that had been turned into a thematic park called “Inspiration Junction.” It was a place where Catholic teens could create arts and crafts projects, put together meals for those in need, listen to Catholic musicians sing or pray in a variety of settings. Representatives of different religious communities worked together in groups as they helped the teens in the thematic park. Sacred Heart Brother Ronald Hingle of Baton Rouge, La., chairman of the board of the National Religious Vocations Council, stood in the midst of Inspiration Junction on Nov. 21 and liked what he saw. “We want to promote all of religious life in the Church,” Brother Ronald said. “That’s why we need to work together. We truly are collaborating, and we’re presenting the broad spectrum of religious life in the Above, Transitional Deacon Daniel Bedel, a member of St. John the Evangelist United States.” Parish in Enochsburg, left, plays the violin on Nov. 22 for Guillermo Caballero, Two years earlier at NCYC, religious orders had booths second from left, a seminarian of the Diocese of Little Rock, and teenage in one part of the connected exhibit halls. Brother Ronald participants at the National Catholic Youth Conference held at the Indiana Krokos Mike Photo by thinks the changed approach this year reflects the place of Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. religious life among the faithful. “Religious are, by our lifestyle, to be leaven in the Right, Bishop Paul D. Etienne of Cheyenne, Wyo., left, discusses on Nov. 23 Church,” he said. “We’re to be part of the Church and not his vocation and the phone call he received where he learned he was named a separated from it. So we’re trying to be all throughout the bishop with Father R. Tony Ricard, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, entire thematic park and the entire conference, as opposed at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ “Vocations Got Talent” venue. to being separated and segregated.” Katie Allie, 16, of Cornelius, Ore., first attended NCYC like skiing, playing the violin, beekeeping or walking on appreciated how the religious at the conference were two years ago. She saw the change in how religious were a stilts,” Father Augenstein said. “We have a nun who walks available to the teens and that a lot of teens were talking part of the event this year. on stilts. We have a brother who does juggling.” with them about vocations to consecrated life. “A lot of the kids get to interact with them rather than Frances Seaton was attending the conference “I think it’s really cool because, personally, you think just hearing information from them [at booths],” she said. from Owensboro, Ky. After listening to transitional of Church figures as people you really can’t talk to,” said “They’re also getting to do arts and crafts with them, and Deacon Daniel Bedel of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Alexandra. “Seeing them here interacting with all of us and experience a little bit of what they have to offer. It gives play the violin, she talked about how she has an aunt who explaining to us about what they do is really nice. them more of an impression.” is an Ursuline sister and a cousin who is a priest. She is “I think that it’s nice that a lot of people are open to the That impression was able to be shaped in a special way considering religious life herself. fact that they might be called to something in the Church. in the thematic park at “Vocations Got Talent.” Throughout “I know that they’re just regular people. They’re It’s really cool.” the three-day conference, seminarians, deacons, priests and awesome, too,” Frances said. “It’s great to see them not Alexandra was joined in her appreciation by Providence religious showed off their talents and shared their vocation just at the altar because I think a lot of people think that Sister Theresa Clare Carr who stood in the middle of the stories in an area organized by the vocations office of the priests and seminarians just do [ministry]. But they’re thematic park taking in the thousands of teens who made Archdiocese of Indianapolis and religious orders in central really awesome people, and have awesome talents to their way through the exhibit halls, often taking time to and southern Indiana. share with us.” chat with her and other religious. Archdiocesan vocations director Father Eric Augenstein Teens at NCYC who wanted to have conversations with “It’s been very heartwarming to see so many kids,” said “Vocations Got Talent” showed the teens at the the religious at the conference could go from the often Sister Theresa Clare said. “When we approach them, conference that people who discern a priestly or religious raucous thematic park to a quiet corner of the Vocations they’re all smiles. They’re happy to be here. We’ve met vocation have multifaceted lives beyond the ministries that Nook, furnished with couches and easy chairs. so many, from Connecticut and Baltimore to New Mexico they might see them involved in. Alexandra Desrosiers, 16, of Belleville, Ill., chatted and California. “They’re able to continue to do the things that they love, with Brother Ronald in the Vocations Nook. She “If we can plant a seed now, that’s what counts.” † Young people from coast to coast experience forgiveness during NCYC By Sean Gallagher stuff off of my chest.” It’s [also] really encouraging to see all of those She paused and added, “I feel really happy right now.” priests giving time to help students like myself to The happiness of Rachel Moos shone out clearly The joy that was the fruit of the sacrament of confess to them.” through the smile on her face as she left a conference reconciliation at NCYC wasn’t experienced by the The hushed conversations in the confession room stood room where dozens of priests and bishops were teenagers alone. in contrast to the singing, laughter and cheers that filled hearing confessions during the National Catholic Father Clement Davis, pastor of St. Bartholomew other conference rooms during NCYC. A similar quiet Youth Conference (NCYC) held on Nov. 21-23 at the Parish in Columbus, drove an hour to Indianapolis to hear atmosphere pervaded a nearby chapel where a holy hour Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in confessions on Nov. 22. of eucharistic adoration took place on Nov. 22. Indianapolis. “It’s great to see people in this number, and having Many teens who received sacramental absolution “We were going to go to another [session], and it a really close encounter with Christ,” he said. “They in confession made their way to the chapel, a was full,” said Rachel, 16, of South Vienna, Ohio. “So I really are coming to grow closer in their relationship converted conference room, where they prayed and did decided that I wanted to go to confession. Here was God with Christ. And the sacrament helps them with that. It’s their penance. giving me the chance. And it was a relief because I hadn’t inspiring. I get goose bumps when I think about it because Devin Gutierrez of Dallas appreciated the quiet of gone since my first Communion. I’m there. I’m part of that process.” the chapel. “I had wanted to for quite a while. I needed to get this Bishop John B. Brungardt of the Diocese of “You’re praying to Jesus,” she said. “You’re kneeling Dodge City, Kan., signed up for six hours of confession before him and giving your thanks to him, giving him during the conference. all that you are. It’s quiet. You can think. You can pray “It’s great,” Bishop Brungardt said. “Mercy and without all the noise, the laughter, the screaming.” forgiveness is a beautiful gift for the young people. It Wearing an “I’m forgiven” sticker, Rachel Moos gives them great hope. All are welcome.” reflected on how the outwardly intense general sessions Photo by Sean Gallagher Photo by Luke Hassler, a seminarian for the Evansville Diocese in Lucas Oil Stadium flowed to the inwardly profound and a junior at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in experience in confession. Indianapolis, assisted conference participants in making “You’re coming down from this crazy high,” she their way to priests and bishops in the confession room. said, “and you’re getting back down to the part where The regular flow of teens preparing to confess their sins [you say to yourself], ‘This is what I have done. I need encouraged him in his vocational discernment. somebody to listen and forgive me and help me get back “It reflects how our young Church responds to God’s to where I was.’ ” mercy,” said Hassler. “It’s amazing seeing everybody Having experienced the power of confession after come together and seeing what the young Church is like.” being away from it for a number of years, Rachel said The numbers of teens availing themselves to the there was more to the numbers of teens at NCYC going to sacrament of reconciliation during the conference was a confession than just a form of positive peer pressure. help to Luke Santiago of Kualapuu, Hawaii. “We’re all similar. We’re all in this Catholic faith. It’s Father Rick Ginther, pastor of St. Patrick and St. Margaret Mary “I felt intimidated at first,” said Luke about the so empowering,” she said. “We all have sins. And we all parishes, both in Terre Haute, hears the confession of a National idea of going to confession. “But then it made me feel want to feel that we can be forgiven. Sometimes it’s hard Catholic Youth Conference participant on Nov. 22 in the Indiana more comfortable because there were kids my age to feel that way. And to be forgiven and know you are Convention Center in Indianapolis. [going to confession]. being forgiven is really great.” † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 11 Photo by Sean Gallagher Photo by ‘Signed.­ Sealed. Delivered.’ Sean Gallagher Photo by Youths embrace their faith at National Catholic Youth Conference Photo by Rich Clark Photo by

Joella Bitter of San Antonio, Texas, receives Communion from Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin during Haley Beierwaltes, left, Eva Hagman, Amanda Durava, Catherine Mazur and Shawn Durava, all of the Nov. 23 closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference. Niles, Ill., in the Chicago Archdiocese, sing and clap hands at the start of the Nov. 23 closing Mass. Photo by Sean Gallagher Photo by Photo by Rich Clark Photo by

Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, vicar general, shares high fives on Nov. 23 with participants in the National Catholic Youth Conference at the end of the conference’s closing Mass. Teenagers from the Diocese of Nashville, Tenn., sport cowboy hats during the National Catholic Youth Conference on Nov. 21 in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Photo by Natalie Hoefer Photo by Photo by Natalie Hoefer Photo by

Above, animators lead the crowd in song during the Nov. 21 opening session of the National Catholic Youth Conference in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The conference, which drew 23,000 youths from across the country, took place on Nov. 21-23 in the stadium and the adjacent Indiana Convention Center. Photo by Rich Clark Photo by

Right, members of the youth group from the Diocese of Honolulu in Hawaii pose on Nov. 23 for a photo before they took the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium for a performance. Father Kenneth Taylor, center, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Indianapolis, processes into Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with the 237 priests who concelebrated at the closing Mass of the Below, Bishop Donald F. Hanchon, an auxiliary bishop of the Detroit Archdiocese, assists teenagers with a service project National Catholic Youth Conference on Nov. 23. in Inpiration Junction on Nov. 23 in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. One of the many Tweets sent before the opening general session at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is displayed on a Jumbotron screen on Nov. 21. Photo by Rich Clark Photo by Rich Clark Photo by Photo by Rich Clark Photo by Photo by Natalie Hoefer Photo by Photo by Natalie Hoefer Photo by Photo by Sean Gallagher Photo by

Above, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin receives a T-shirt signed by members of JUMMP Youth Ministry in Terre Haute. Marcia Lane-McGee, left, coordinator of JUMMP, and Karen Ridgway, also of Terre Haute, pose with the archbishop and his shirt.

Left, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin carries a monstrance during a eucharistic procession from St. John the Evangelist Church to the Indiana National Catholic Youth Conference emcee Mason Tope, 17, of the Diocese of Convention Center on Nov. 21 in Indianapolis. The Jesse Manibusan leads 23,000 youths in a song Davenport, Iowa, prays after receiving procession was part of the biennial National Catholic of praise during the opening general session of Communion on Nov. 23 during the closing Mass Brendan Nussear of Orlando, Fla., spins a prize wheel on Nov. 21 as Felician Sister Youth Conference, a three-day experience of prayer, NCYC at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on of the National Catholic Youth Conference at Marie Eliana Remiszewski of Chicago looks on during the National Catholic Youth community and empowerment for Catholic teenagers Nov. 21. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Conference at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. and their adult chaperones. Page 12 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 ‘Courage capes’ reveal the hearts of heroes and volunteers By John Shaughnessy a medical condition. Paige Hicks was one of the 40 youths who signed up to The idea tugged at the heart of 17-year-old Abby Tuttle have her hair cut during the conference. as soon as she learned about the “courage capes.” “My hair hasn’t been this short in four years,” said

Abby immediately joined the long line of Catholic Paige, as she proudly showed the 10 inches of her hair that John Shaughnessy Photo by teenagers who were waiting had been cut. “It was the longest it’s ever been in my life.” their turn to make one of the Paige said she made the decision to cut her hair after capes for a child who is a patient talking about it with her mother. at Peyton Manning Children’s “My mom said I should do it. At first, I thought it Hospital in Indianapolis. was too much,” said Paige, a member of the Diocese of “I think it’s great that the kids get these capes to Owensboro, Ky. “But then I thought, ‘Me having long hair show them that they’re superheroes,” said Abby, who is less important than a child being happy.’ ” traveled from the Archdiocese of Kansas City to attend Living out the halos they wore, 16-year-olds Christian the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Urmanski and Jennie Britton were part of a large Indianapolis on Nov. 21-23. contingent from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles who As she ironed a large star onto a multi-colored, striped swooped into action to help fill, seal and pack bags of rice. Paige Hicks, left, of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., is pictured with cape, Abby noted, “It’s important for kids to have the Their efforts were part of a Catholic Relief Services and stylist Alice Hannon getting a haircut on Nov. 21. Paige was one of strength to face diseases. It’s important that they know that Helping Hands organization project determined to stop 40 youths at the National Catholic Youth Conference who signed up other people care about them, and that other people are hunger in Burkina Faso, an African country hit hard by to have 10 inches of her hair cut off for “Locks of Love,” a program helping them overcome their struggles.” drought in recent years. that provides wigs for financially disadvantaged children who have For three days, that combination of service and “An important part of being Catholic is helping lost their hair because of a medical condition. compassion resonated throughout the conference’s theme others,” Christian said as he waited for another bag of park inside the Indiana Convention Center. rice to seal. “There are a lot of people around the world For Jennie, being involved in the “Stop Hunger Now” Each area of the theme park seemed to offer an who need food.” program is an extension of the service work that has opportunity for the conference’s 23,000 participants to Christian and Jennie both learned that each bag of rice marked her life as a young Catholic—part of a generation make a difference, from donating “Jeans for Jesus” to would create six meals for someone in need. They later that has embraced the concept of serving others. cutting off 10 inches of hair for the “Locks of Love” learned that they were among the 1,000 volunteers during “I love helping out in the community and for the program—a program that provides wigs for financially the conference who assembled more than 101,000 meals Church in any way I can,” Jennie said. “This is a great disadvantaged children who have lost their hair because of to help people in the African country. way to help. I see it as an important part of my faith.” † Faith of adult volunteers grows from helping young people By John Shaughnessy for children at a parish in Haiti. “courage capes” for children who up bracelets that had the names of “I’ve been on the Haiti will become patients at Peyton hospitalized children on them—a Marcella Rumpel’s smile committee for a number of years, Manning Children’s Hospital reminder to keep the children in revealed one of the great truths and I’ve been to Haiti twice,” in Indianapolis. their prayers. often experienced by adult said Rumpel, a member of Most “When we tell them that every “I have a child who had an volunteers who work with children Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish cape goes to a child, they think appendix out at St. Vincent John Shaughnessy Photo by and youths trying to learn and live in Jeffersonville. “You can’t that’s great,” said Laudick, a part five years ago,” Laudick said. their faith: understand the poverty until you of the group from St. Pius X Parish “I know how important something The more an adult is around see it. The people love God. This is in Indianapolis that organized like this is.” those children and youths, the a project for the Haiti kids. I’ll do the “courage cape” effort at She also knows how special more their own faith seems anything for them. I love them.” the conference. the youths who helped create the to grow. She had a similar feeling for It didn’t take long for the “courage capes” are. Rumpel had that experience the Catholic teenagers who kept youths at the conference to reach “It’s so neat to see the kids again as she volunteered at a coming to the booth to make the goal of creating 250 capes. come in and do this.” † booth inside the theme park at backpacks for the children in Besides the capes, many of the the National Catholic Youth Haiti. youths who created them attached Conference in Indianapolis on “We’ve got a bunch of young notes of encouragement for the Kathy Laudick of St. Pius X Parish Nov. 21-23. people here who are faith-filled,” children in the hospital. in Indianapolis shows one of As a member of the Catholic Rumpel said. “It’s just good to see One read, “Keep your head up! the “courage capes” that youths community of Jeffersonville, God working in all of them.” You’re very strong and inspiring.” at the National Catholic Youth Rumpel was part of a group Kathy Laudick couldn’t stop Another noted, “I hope this cape Conference made for children who offering conference participants smiling either as she talked about gives you courage. Stay strong!” are hospitalized at Peyton Manning the opportunity to make backpacks the youths who lined up to make Many of the youths also picked Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Catholic comedian connects faith, life and humor during NCYC performance By Natalie Hoefer combine fitness and prayer time. even know it.” As a result of the incidents of kids want to come up and talk And on a stage in a large McDonald has been her past, McDonald has suffered to me,” said McDonald. “She’s A peek into the exhibit halls exhibit hall, comedian Judy performing as a comedian for from Post-Traumatic Stress that extra push that comforts kids of the Indiana Convention Center McDonald commented on the 20 years. She started doing Disorder (PTSD) for the last three if they want to share something during the National Catholic questions she is asked because of comedy on the side while a years. with me. I’m someone from out Youth Conference (NCYC) in her service dog, Daisy. freshman at the University of “My doctor said getting a of town, and they may not be Indianapolis on Nov. 21-23 would “They’ll ask if I’m blind— San Diego. service dog would be good for comfortable telling their youth show different aspects of the faith. while I’m texting,” she jokes. After graduating, McDonald me, but that it was $10,000. I minister, but they’ll talk to me. A bishop talked about turning McDonald and Daisy were served as campus minister for her didn’t exactly have that in the “Of course, I then tell them to off electronic devices to find time part of the Saturday afternoon alma mater. cookie jar,” she said. share it with their youth minister for God. recreation portion of NCYC in an Later, while working as youth McDonald prayed about what or priest or mom,” she said. A priest discussed how to hour-and-a-half session called the minister for a junior high school, to do. She decided to send a McDonald is a fan of NCYC, Comedy Club. she felt a push toward full-time letter to all those for whom she’d and not just for the economic The pair was joined by seven comedy—out of necessity. worked in the past, as well as opportunity it provides. other comedy acts to lighten “The priest at the time said, adding the plea to her Facebook “I love this venue. It’s so great the mood after two-and-a-half ‘You know how you want to be fan page. for the kids to see before they go

Photo by Natalie Hoefer Photo by days of praise, worship and a comedian? Well, this is God’s “I really felt the Holy Spirit off to college that it’s OK to be faith-growing sessions. way of shoving you into that nudging me to trust that if these Catholic. “Comedy is in our life because we don’t have enough people cared for me then they “If I’d known what these kids every day, like depression and money to pay you anymore.’ I would help me.” are learning here, I would have dinner and pancakes and snot,” was like, ‘Thank you?’ But now I Within two weeks, McDonald stayed Catholic out of love instead said McDonald, a lifetime praise God for it.” had the $10,000. of fear,” she admitted. Catholic and former youth She switched to full-time “I really feel like God gave me “It’s so great to see them and campus minister. comedy in 2003, speaking at [my service dog] Daisy,” she said. having fun and doing it because “Life is life. I think we tend faith-based conferences, Life “She came from the aptly named they want to do it. Now their kids to compartmentalize God into a Teen events and parishes. ‘Little Angels Service Dogs’ in are going to learn, and it’s just separate area, and he doesn’t want Soon she was invited to San Diego. She alerts me when going to build. that. He wants all of it. go overseas to perform at I’m going to have a panic attack “These kids aren’t the Church “So I think, why not put garrisons and army bases. or flashback or nightmares,” of the future, they’re the Church Catholicism in comedy and That led to speaking at McDonald explained. right now,” said McDonald. comedy in Catholicism? It’s part parishes in Ireland and other “She’s not the end all be all, “Anybody could come here of our life.” countries, and eventually large but God has certainly put her and have hope. If anyone is After performing a comedy routine McDonald, who lives in San venues like NCYC. in my pathway as a gift, and I disillusioned about the Church, on stage on Nov. 23 in an exhibit hall, Diego, sees comedy as a form of But all was not comedy and respect her as such. She really is they need to come here and comedian Judy McDonald pays some the new evangelization. laughter in McDonald’s life. my little angel.” see this. attention to her service dog, Daisy, “I integrate a funny talk with “My childhood was not The dog has proven to be a “[NCYC] gives me hope at her booth at the National Catholic sharing my faith. I did that even particularly good, and no one blessing in her comedic ministry throughout the year. I can look Youth Conference at the Indiana in secular clubs. I was part of the knew about it until I was about as well. back at this and say, ‘The Church Convention Center in Indianapolis. new evangelization, and I didn’t 30,” she said. “She’s great after shows when is OK.’ ” † The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 13 Pope venerates Apostle’s relics, urges people to focus on Christ VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis and archbishops of the Eastern Catholic closed the Year of Faith by calling on people Churches, who were in Rome for a to keep Christ at the center of meeting, and extended those greetings to their lives, especially in times all Christians living in the Holy Land, Syria of trouble. and the East, wishing “them the gift of “When Jesus is at the peace and harmony.”

center, light shines even on He expressed his appreciation for their Rellandini, Reuters CNS photo/Stefano the darkest moments of our fidelity to Christ, which comes “often at a lives; he gives us hope,” he high price.” said in his homily on Nov. 24, the feast of In his homily, the pope focused on “the Christ the King. centrality of Christ” and how the faithful The closing Mass in St. Peter’s Square are expected to recognize and accept “the also saw, for the first time, the exposition centrality of Jesus Christ in our thoughts, for public veneration of bones believed to words and works. be those of St. Peter. The Apostle is believed “When this center is lost, because it is to have been martyred on a hill overlooking replaced with something else, only harm St. Peter’s Square, and buried in a tomb now can result for everything around us and for located two levels below the main altar of ourselves,” he said. St. Peter’s Basilica. Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading of Eight bone fragments, each two to the good thief, who was crucified alongside three centimeters long, were nestled in an Jesus, repents and asks Jesus to remember open bronze reliquary displayed to the side him in paradise, the pope said Jesus of the altar. responds to the man with forgiveness, “not During the ceremony, the pope—the condemnation. Pope Francis venerates the relics of St. Peter the Apostle during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the 265th successor of Peter—held the closed “Whenever anyone finds the courage to Vatican on Nov. 24. The bone fragments, which were discovered during excavations of the necropolis reliquary for several minutes in silent prayer ask for this forgiveness, the Lord does not under St. Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s, are kept in the pope’s private chapel but had never been while choirs sang the Nicene Creed in Latin. let such a petition go unheard.” displayed in public. The bones, which were discovered The pope said everyone should ask the during excavations of the necropolis under Lord to remember them because “each one the cornerstone of the Christian experience preparing for baptism at Easter. St. Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s, are kept in of us has a history,” has made mistakes and because it drives the choices and actions of During a Liturgy of the Word in the pope’s private chapel but had never been sinned as well as experienced happy times our daily life. St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope told the adult displayed in public. and sad. “Faith in Christ is able to warm hearts, catechumens that it is always God who While no pope has ever declared the People need to say, “ ‘Jesus, remember truly becoming the driving force of the new initiates relationships with people and that bones to be authentic, Pope Paul VI said in me because I want to be good, I have the evangelization,” he said. he patiently and perseveringly waits for 1968 that the “relics” of St. Peter had been desire to become good, but I don’t have the A faith “lived deeply and with a response. “He never draws away from “identified in a way which we can hold to strength. I can’t, I’m a sinner,’ ” the pope conviction” spreads the proclamation of us, but has the patience to wait for the be convincing.” said. In response, “the Lord always grants the Gospel far and wide, but “apostolic favorable moment to meet each of us.” Pope Francis began his more than what he has been asked.” courage” also is needed to reach people Believing “is walking with Jesus. It’s a homily by thanking retired With an estimated 60,000 people where they are, especially in very journey that lasts a lifetime,” Pope Francis Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for gathered in the square for the Mass, a difficult places. told the catechumens. “Obviously, in this establishing the Year of Faith, calling it a special collection was taken up for victims Before closing the Year of Faith, journey there will be moments when we “providential initiative” that gave Christians of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Pope Francis presided on Nov. 23 over the feel tired and confused. However, faith “the opportunity to rediscover the beauty In a Nov. 25 meeting with people Rite of Acceptance, marking the moment gives us the certainty of the constant of the journey of faith begun on the day of who volunteered their time and efforts when some 500 men and women, from presence of Jesus in every situation, our baptism.” to organize and promote Year of Faith 47 countries, inquiring about the Catholic including the most painful and difficult The pope then greeted patriarchs activities, Pope Francis said, “the faith is faith, formally became catechumens to understand.” †

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www.retiredreligious.org Page 14 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Vatican, Google team up to bring Christian catacombs to light VATICAN CITY (CNS)— Paul accompanying Christians eight-mile complex of catacombs Early Christian burial sites are into the afterlife. Jesus’ face is now accessible online. now easier to see, both in person resembles portraits of the However, there is no underground and via the Internet, thanks to Emperor Constantine, who map to let users know exactly 21st-century technology and legalized Christian worship what they are seeing. Haring CNS photo/Paul collaboration between Google in 313. Also on Nov. 19, Google and the Vatican. Cardinal Ravasi also heralded launched a Street View “This is perhaps the sign of the the Nov. 19 debut of the of the catacombs of the joining of two extremes, remote catacombs on Google’s Street Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni, antiquity and modernity,” said View feature, a project he said located in southeast Rome. The Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi on had grown out of a conversation catacombs are privately owned Nov. 19 at a news conference he had with the Internet and not open to the public, so the at the Catacombs of Priscilla in giant’s executive chairman, virtual mode is the only way to northeast Rome. Eric Schmidt. visit them. The cardinal, president of both Users of Google Maps can The news conference at the Pontifical Council for Culture now click the “see-inside” option the Catacombs of Priscilla and the Pontifical Commission for the catacombs, which allows was held above ground in the for Sacred Archaeology, lauded them to move virtually through reconstructed fourth-century recent restoration work by the the narrow corridors tunneled Basilica of St. Sylvester, where archaeological commission out of soft tufa stone, and to a new museum displays hundred A fragment from an ancient marble sarcophagus is pictured in a new museum inside the complex of early see high-resolution images of of fragments of ancient marble in the reconstructed 4th-century Basilica of St. Sylvester above the Catacombs Christian tombs. the interiors from practically sarcophagi, also recently restored. of Priscilla in Rome on Nov. 20. Users of Google Maps now can see virtually Using advanced laser every angle. The brilliantly lit A glass floor offers illuminated through the underground corridors of the Catacombs of Priscilla. techniques, restorers views are in startling contrast views of the sites of ancient have uncovered vivid late to the shadowy reality of an tombs below. said the restorations had made appreciate these “dark places that fourth-century frescoes depicting in-person visit. Msgr. Giovanni Carru, the Catacombs of Priscilla a were lit up by the emblematic and Jesus raising Lazarus from Google’s Giorgia Abeltino told secretary of the Vatican’s “privileged course” for pilgrims paradigmatic stories of salvation” the dead and Sts. Peter and reporters that almost the entire archaeological commission, to Rome, helping them to painted on their walls. † Pittsburgh, Erie dioceses win temporary injunction against HHS mandate PITTSBURGH (CNS)—A federal judge on Nov. 21 the day of the ruling. “Judge Schwab refused to accept that [i.e., worship and faith, and ‘good works’]—in other words, granted the Pittsburgh and Erie dioceses a preliminary religious freedom is solely the freedom to worship behind whether the government will be successful in restricting injunction against the federal health care law’s closed doors.” the right to the free exercise of religion as set forth in the contraceptive, abortifacient and sterilization mandate, In a statement issued in Washington, the president of the First Amendment to a right to worship only.” saying religious employers’ right to adhere to their moral U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he was “strongly He wrote that he could not understand why religious objections to it outweighs a government decision to widen encouraged by the court’s rejection of the government’s employers, such as Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, also a access to contraceptives. attempt to reduce freedom of religion to freedom of plaintiff in the case—“born from the same religious faith, Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik said that “all who worship, as well as the court’s recognition that service to and premised upon the same religious tenets and principles, recognize the importance of religious liberty should be very those in need is at the heart of our faith. and operate as extensions and embodiments of the Church, pleased” with the ruling by Judge Arthur J. Schwab of the “The court’s decision vindicates that approach, and but are not subsidiaries of a parent corporation—would not U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania. we fully expect more decisions like this to follow,” said be treated the same as the Church itself with respect to the “Acknowledging that our beliefs are sincerely held, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. free exercise of that religion.” Judge Schwab found that the good works that the Church In his 65-page opinion, Schwab said the issue he was Without the preliminary injunction, the government provides in society are both essential and integral to who asked to decide was whether “the government will be would have begun levying fines on Jan. 1 on the dioceses we are as believers,” the bishop said in a statement released permitted to sever the Catholic Church into two parts and related entities for noncompliance with the mandate. †

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Scan the Society of St. Vincent de Paul QR code to view the full calendar of To Donate: svdpindy.org events and more information. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook 3001 E. 30th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46218 A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2013 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Wait in hope during Advent for Christ’s glorious coming

By Marcellino D’Ambrosio

The word Advent literally means “coming.” If we are looking for blessings from God to come, that means that they are not here yet. And so Advent inevitably means not just coming, but waiting. Throughout the Bible, we read about people with a wish Wiechec CNS photo/Nancy Phelan list. Abraham longed for a son, his enslaved descendants yearned for freedom. Soon after, it was their own land they wanted. Then they wanted a king to save them from the Philistines. In exile, they longed to return home. In the days of the Caesars, they wanted an anointed one or a messiah, who would once again sit upon David’s throne and, like David, smash their foes. There are two things that they, and we, have in common. One is that it turns out that God wants to give us much more than we asked for. The second is that we have to wait a long time to get it. Moses’ mission had taken him quite a distance, from the splendor of Pharaoh’s palace, to a stroll through the Red Sea, to wrestling with Israel’s stubbornness for 40 years in the desert. How sad that he never made it across the Jordan. But God gave him a moment of consolation. He brought him up to the top of Mount Nebo and showed him the Promised Land. John the Baptist had a similar mission. He proclaimed the imminent coming of the kingdom and labored tirelessly to prepare the way. Yet, next thing we know, we find him locked in a dismal dungeon, awaiting execution. He sends a message to his cousin Jesus, looking for some shred of hope. “Are you the one who is to come?” (Mt 11:3). The message sent back to him no doubt made excitement surge throughout his weary bones. The Joe Brooks lights the first candle of the Advent wreath at St. Joseph’s Church in Alexandria, Va. The season of Advent features the prophecy of Isaiah had been fulfilled—the blind see, theological virtue of hope as the faithful are called to confidently await Christ’s glorious second coming. crippled people walk, lepers become clean, the dead are raised, the poor hear good news. This can mean only one thing: The anointed one, the Messiah, has come. Though John had seen the anointed one and heard ‘You can endure hardships cheerfully only when the anticipated reward makes it of his wonderful works, he, like Moses, did not enter all worthwhile.’ into the kingdom of God during his lifetime. John only caught a glimpse of the first light before sunrise. For the dawn from on high would not break upon the world until law versus the law of the Spirit, of liberation from Pharaoh as hope. This unsung hero among the theological virtues Easter morning. The birth of Jesus, his teachings and even versus liberation from Satan. is terribly important because it makes patience possible. his miracles were but a preparation for the kingdom of It is also good to pause a moment to remember the You can endure hardships cheerfully only when the God, for the righteousness, peace, love and joy that could difference between Christ’s first coming and his second, of anticipated reward makes it all worthwhile. only have been made possible by the Messiah’s death, mortality versus immortality, of the darkness of faith versus Hope also is important because it holds the key to joy. resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit. the beatific vision, of the valley of tears versus unending And that’s why the third Sunday of Advent is known as Who is greater than John? The little baby who is joy. And this brings us to ponder on the Advent of his birth “Gaudete” or “Rejoice” Sunday. The vestments change incapable of doing very much at all, but who, through versus the advent of his ultimate coming. from penitential purple to rose because the suffering of the saving waters of baptism, is born into the kingdom of While Christ’s first coming transformed the meaning of this present age is as nothing compared to the glory that God. This baby is born not of woman, like John, but of suffering, it did not banish it. His second coming, however, is to be revealed to us. water and the Holy Spirit. The greatness of this baby is a will. At the sight of him riding upon the clouds, “sorrow Moses rejoiced on Nebo. John rejoiced even in chains. pure gift of God’s grace, the gift of being an adopted child and mourning will flee” (Is 35:10). In the season of Advent, in the midst of this valley of of God and temple of the Holy Spirit. All this is so much Yes, we who live between the two comings of Christ tears, let us rejoice in hope. more than what John and the people of Israel ever dreamed have been saved, but we have not yet fully taken possession they’d receive. of our salvation. We have tasted the first fruits, we have (Marcellino D’Ambrosio writes from Texas and It is good to pause a moment and think about the received the down payment, but the rest is held for guides pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land. He is difference made by Christ’s first coming, of the old us in trust. co-founder of Crossroads Productions, an apostolate of covenant versus the new, of works versus grace, of written The confident anticipation of this inheritance is known Catholic renewal and evangelization.) † Advent can teach us to wait patiently for the light in many areas of life By Rhina Guidos has become increasingly popular as some faithful will take forever. When you’re older, and depending on observe with Advent wreaths or calendars, counting your Christmas customs and practices, that wait seems There’s little, if anything at all, to be found in the down to the moment of joy, of the birth, the new life, not endless if you’re anticipating gifts. It can seem endless, Bible pertaining to Advent. just of our Savior but essentially, of our faith. too, to a mother or a father waiting for a child who lives Though it’s hard to peg down, some believe the What’s most important about observing Advent is that far away, and who visits only during Christmas. Catholic Church began observing this period leading up for those who really take the time, it can teach us to slow But there’s something really beautiful about the wait, to Christmas in the fourth century. Since then, Advent down, to reflect during what is, for many, the busiest and about the anticipation, and we shouldn’t let it go to most stressful time of the year. It can help us get ready waste. Perhaps we’re waiting, neither for presents, nor for our lifelong advent, that waiting period until we are for the “magic” some of us find in the Christmas season, with God, our light. but for a moment of darkness or loneliness to pass, one I can’t help but think of lyrics from George Harrison’s that only the Lord can lift us out of.

CNS photo/Debbie Hill CNS photo/Debbie “My Sweet Lord,” when the former Beatle sings “I really Maybe we’re waiting for the advent of the day when want to see you, really want to be with you, really want we’re able to defeat an addiction, with help from God, to see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord.” or when we’re able to get a better job, holding on solely I remember having that feeling when I was a child, to God during our moments of tribulation. We know the when we stopped by the empty bed of straw in the day will come when the pain will be over, if we wait with Nativity scene of our parish church. I had no way of the Lord for the storm to pass. measuring or counting the days until the beautiful statue “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, of the baby Jesus reappeared in his straw bed. But each they will soar on eagles’ wings; they will run and not time we passed it and he wasn’t there, I remember that grow weary, walk and not grow faint,” says Isaiah 40:31. “I really want to see you” feeling. Advent can teach us to wait for the light, in whatever Nuns and Palestinians pray during Mass in St. Catherine’s Psalms 27:14 tell us to “Wait for the Lord, take form it comes. Church at the Church of Nativity in the West Bank town of courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord.” Bethlehem on Nov. 29, 2009, the first Sunday of Advent. When we’re children, it seems as if that waiting period (Rhina Guidos is an editor at Catholic News Service.) † Page 16 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Faith and Family/Sean Gallagher The Infancy Narratives: Reflections for Advent A faith-filled (First of four columns) return from Egypt. Jesus’ genealogy. For his part, Luke apparently didn’t Most important, though, is that Advent can With the end of the “Year of Faith” know about the flight into Egypt. He has Matthew’s genealogy ends with a broaden our hopes last Sunday, we arrive at Advent this the Holy Family returning to Nazareth right woman—Mary. Throughout the genealogy, Sunday. It seems after Jesus’ presentation in the Temple. we heard that so-and-so was the father of for Christmas appropriate, therefore, Matthew and Luke agree, though, on so-and-so. But at the end, we hear, “Jacob to devote four columns the essentials: Jesus was born to the virgin [was] the father of Joseph, the husband of I’ve found that the older my five sons to preparation for Mary, the wife of Joseph, in Bethlehem, the Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called get, the more specific their Christmas wish Christmas. What could city where King David had been born. the Messiah” (Mt 1:16). lists become. be more appropriate Matthew’s Gospel begins with “the Then we learn that Joseph was not the It used to be when during Advent than genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, father of Jesus. The angel told Joseph, “It is Michael, 11, and reflections on the the son of Abraham” (Mt 1:1), but Luke through the Holy Spirit that this child has Raphael, 8, were Infancy Narratives? puts his genealogy in Chapter 3. They differ been conceived in her” (Mt 1:20). Joseph younger, they were They are the somewhat, but the main difference is that was prepared to divorce Mary because happy with just about first two chapters of Matthew begins with Abraham and goes he assumed, quite naturally, that she had anything that they the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. I hope forward to Joseph while Luke begins with committed adultery. He knew darned well received. you’ll read them sometime during Advent. Joseph and proceeds back all the way to that the baby wasn’t his. I can even Both of these Gospels link Christ’s birth Adam and then to God. This happened after Joseph and Mary remember Raphael with passages from the Old Testament Thus, Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ were married but before they lived being excited by to show how it fulfills prophecies about bonds with the people of Israel while Luke together. A Jewish wedding at that time getting clothes for Christmas one year— the Messiah. They tell stories rooted in stresses Jesus’ universalism. consisted of two parts: the actual marriage quite a contrast from my reaction when I history: Here is what actually happened. Matthew’s genealogy includes and then, later, when the husband came to received a similar Christmas gift when I Nevertheless, they tell different stories. four women. Luke’s are all men. All take his wife into his home. Thus, the angel was his age. Matthew’s account is told from Joseph’s four women bore children in unusual told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary Now it’s a little different. Michael viewpoint while Luke’s is more about or scandalous ways. Matthew wasn’t into his home. He obeyed. definitely has certain Lego sets in mind Mary. They also had different sources, so afraid to point out that Jesus’ family, Although Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ that he’d like to see under the tree on Matthew didn’t know that Mary and Joseph like those of most of us, was sometimes actual father, he was his legal father, Christmas morning. And I’ve found that had traveled to Jerusalem from Nazareth. dysfunctional. Furthermore, none of the which meant that Jesus belonged to the he’s meeting with Raphael to help him He has them moving to Nazareth after their women were Jewish. Gentiles were part of house of David. † figure out what specific Lego set he should ask for. Living Well/Maureen Pratt I have to pause and smile before I try to temper their hopes and broaden their ‘Tis the season to calm down and let go of life’s stresses horizons a little. I took pretty much the same approach to my Christmas wish list Peace on earth. Good will toward this year, peppered with loss, financial practices are passed. There is no time when I was their age. all. Comfort and joy. Light and love. worry and health concerns. like the holidays to reinforce the values Nonetheless, I feel it my duty as their Prosperity. Purpose. It might even seem appealing to and faith that form the backbone for the father to help them consider alternatives— Did last year’s wishes as expressed in hibernate through the next several weeks, oft-sung “people of good will.” like the kind of Legos I played with songs and greetings only emerging when the new year is The next few weeks is for the child as a child, which are basically still come to pass in 2013? underway. But if we step back a bit in all of us. Medical studies show the available today. Or as we approach from the adult-ness of how we feel, the importance of laughter and play, the They were colorful building blocks with another holiday bone-weary, emotionally drained individual human need to take time for rest and which you could build just about anything, season, with another buffeted by external pressures and internal relaxation. not just a specific Star Wars spaceship or round of carols and angst, we might begin to feel differently. The days of Thanksgiving and Lord of the Rings movie scene. cards, are you feeling This time of year, unlike other weeks Christmas are crucial for us who desire to No matter how persuasive I think tired? Hollow? and months, is not for the world-worn be better, do better and reflect all the good my advice might be, however, I foresee Discouraged? cynic, but for the child. that God has given us. We are celebrating my sons pretty much standing firm in Unfulfilled? We can choose to focus on the child a marvelous gift, one given freely, with their hopes in the weeks leading up Are you wondering, born in Bethlehem. This period is about complete love. Simply put, if we take the to Christmas. “What’s the point to these weeks of the birth of Jesus Christ, in a manger, far holidays too seriously, we will seriously Maybe that’s one of their ways to celebration, gift-giving, sleep-deprivation- from glitz and glamour. He is the point of miss the point. observe Advent, which has been described causing holiday responsibilities and this season, and no special interest group Even if this year has been up and down, as a season of hope. reunions with people I don’t have much or hectic schedule can tear us from this or more down than up, the point of the Thankfully, it’s not the only way contact with the other 10 or 11 months of wondrous, peace-giving gift from God, his holiday season is not to erode well-being that Advent is a part of our family the year, let alone really like?” only Son, come down to Earth. This season and heap stress upon stress. life in December. Are you already looking past December is for renewal of appreciation of our faith. Let’s take the opportunity to breathe When we sit down for a family supper and into a new year when it might seem This season is for the children among us deeply, enjoy the world with childlike eyes during Advent, we’ll start it with the usual that troubles will only continue? who have no inhibitions about expressing and renew our faith, energy and focus so meal blessing prayer. At the end of that Is it difficult to take off stress and put delight in laughter, unconditional love and that no matter what the next year brings, prayer, however, we’ll pray together, on cheer at any time of year, let alone even too-cute insistence in “how many we will meet it with courage and strength. “Come Lord Jesus.” during the jam-packed holiday season? more days until ...” Then we’ll bring out our Advent Many people I have spoken with, myself It is to these children that history, (Maureen Pratt writes for Catholic News wreath, place it in the center of our table, included, have had extremely difficult lives traditions and—most important—faith Service.) † light the requisite number of candles on it and turn off the dining room lights. Emmaus Walk/Debra Tomaselli We then sing a verse from “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” A gift from our God who knows every child’s need Finally, we have one of our boys open up a door on a homemade Advent Shivering, I glanced outside. Grey skies The women swarmed over, helping Christmas!” calendar. Behind each door is either a added a chill to the December air that each other choose the right style and size. The woman at the pay phone paused. drawing of a saint whose feast is that day, we, living in Florida, Amazingly, each took only what they “Not only that,” she said, “but it’s her an Advent or Christmas symbol or the weren’t used to. This needed, nothing more. Finally, the only birthday.” various “O Antiphons” that are prayed in week in particular, as remaining items were one frayed sweater I bent down next to the girl. Evening Prayer from Dec. 17-23—and my neighbors and I and the little pink jacket. “Happy birthday,” I said. “How old are which serve as the basis for the verses of discussed Christmas The women thanked me and directed you today?” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” festivities, we found me toward other residents. As I entered “Six,” she said. She pulled a necklace We also wait to decorate our house ourselves grumbling the courtyard, I saw a frail woman with out from her collar, and proudly showed for Christmas until Gaudete Sunday, the about the freezing straggly hair. me her silver crucifix. Third Sunday of Advent, which features weather. “Would you like a sweater?” I asked. “I love Jesus, too!” I exclaimed. the joy that is part of our waiting for the I went home, “Yes,” she said, pointing to her cotton Beaming, she hugged me. coming of Jesus. That’s a good bit after keenly aware that we shirt. “This is all I have for the cold.” “Happy birthday,” I said, returning the we see Christmas decorations going up on had nothing to complain about. We could Smiling, she donned the sweater. embrace. “Merry Christmas.” other houses, let alone retail stores. heat our plush homes, don sweaters and The last item was the little pink jacket. I As I left, I overheard the woman on the The Christmas decorations that start coats … or even purchase new ones. entered the residential building and found phone offering an explanation. “I don’t filling our house that day are meant to be Rather, I found myself thinking about an overweight woman sitting on a folding know,” she said, “Some lady just came an expression of that joy. the people at the local homeless shelter chair, talking into a pay phone. I waved here and gave her a jacket …” Hopefully, over time, this faith-filled where my Bible study group served meals. the pink jacket at her. But the gift really wasn’t from some approach to the weeks leading up to Glancing at the clock, I knew they’d soon “Do you know anybody who lady. The gift was from a God who loved Christmas will help broaden the hopes of be gathering for lunch. needs this?” that child and knew her every need. It’s our sons for the upcoming celebration of Suddenly, I searched my closets, The woman motioned toward a child in the same God who loves you and knows Christ’s birth. grabbing sweaters, coats and a little pink the hallway. your every need. It’s the same God who Given the growing secularized and jacket my daughter had outgrown. Then I “Maybe her,” she said. sent his Son to be born in a manger so we commercialized approach to Christmas, phoned neighbors and asked if they would A beautiful girl with braided pigtails could be together in eternity. it’s never too early to lay the foundation do the same, promising to deliver their approached. She had big, brown eyes that “Thanks be to God for his indescribable for this countercultural perspective on this donations immediately. Soon, I was on sparkled at the sight of the jacket. gift” (2 Cor 9:15). holy day. It’s one which I am convinced my way to the shelter, arriving with an “Would you like this?” I asked. will lead to a celebration of Christmas armload of clothing. She nodded enthusiastically. (Debra Tomaselli writes from filled with a far deeper and long- “Anybody want a coat or a sweater?” I “It’s yours!” I said. It fit perfectly! Altamonte Springs, Florida. She can be lasting happiness than a Lego set could announced, unloading them onto a table. Turning to leave, I added, “Merry reached at [email protected].) † ever provide. † The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 17

First Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings Sunday Readings Monday, December 2 Friday, December 6 Isaiah 4:2-6 St. Nicholas, bishop Sunday, December 1, 2013 Psalm 122:1-9 Isaiah 29:17-24 • Isaiah 2:1-5 Christ in human living, the great Apostle Matthew 8:5-11 Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 • Romans 13:11-14 urged disciples to set their priorities by Matthew 9:27-31 • Matthew 24:37-44 making eternal life with the Lord their Tuesday, December 3 uncompromised goal. St. Francis Xavier, priest Saturday, December 7 With this weekend, the Church begins Paul also bluntly said that earthly life Isaiah 11:1-10 St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor its new liturgical year. In so doing, it also can end at any time for anyone. begins to use the A Cycle of readings at The Gospel of St. Matthew provides Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 of the Church Sunday Masses. the last reading this weekend. It predicts Luke 10:21-24 Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 This weekend’s the final coming of Jesus. In reading this Psalm 147:1-6 first reading is from passage, it is important to remember that Wednesday, December 4 Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 the first section of the the Catholic Church teaches that proper St. John Damascene, priest and Book of Isaiah. Isaiah reading of the Gospels requires realizing is one of the most three perspectives: 1) The Gospel event in doctor of the Church Sunday, December 8 important prophecy the actual time of Jesus; 2) The event as its Isaiah 25:6-10a Second Sunday of Advent books in the Hebrew implications came to be understood in the Psalm 23:1-6 Isaiah 11:1-10 Scriptures. It is time when the Gospels were written, likely Matthew 15:29-37 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 inevitably eloquent and decades after Jesus; and, 3) The place that Romans 15:4-9 profound. It also is one the event occupies in the general literary Thursday, December 5 Matthew 3:1-12 of the longest books in the Old Testament, structure of the individual Gospel. although it is actually a collection of three This is important when considering Isaiah 26:1-6 distinct works. this weekend’s passage from Matthew. Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a As often is the case with other prophets, Likely composed a generation or two after Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Isaiah at times warned the people that if Jesus, Matthew was written for Christians they did not return to heartfelt religious who yearned to be relieved of the burden, fidelity their doom was on the way. This and indeed peril, of living amid harshly is certainly a theme of this first section antagonistic circumstances. They pined for of Isaiah. the second triumphant coming of Jesus, No prophet, however, including Isaiah, recalling the Lord’s own words. They Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle spoke warnings without expressing a most earnestly believed that they would be hopeful and faith-filled thought that God, vindicated when Jesus would come again the Almighty and merciful, would protect in glory. While valuing poverty, bishops choose the people in the end. After all, such was the promise of Reflection meeting sites with practicality in mind the Covenant. God had pledged to Advent, begun with the liturgies of I notice that the Catholic bishops of facility that can host 600 attendees, be safeguard and secure the people, despite this weekend, calls us to prepare for Qthe United States are holding their easily accessible from all parts of the nation the stubbornness of the people and Christmas. Preparation is much, much annual meeting at and provide 60,000 square feet of space their fascination with sin, in spite of the more than addressing Christmas cards the Marriott Hotel for meetings, religious services, news catastrophe they brought upon themselves and decorating Christmas trees. It means at Baltimore’s Inner conferences, etc. by sinning. working studiously to make the coming of Harbor. This strikes Sometimes what is ideal needs to This weekend reading, the first Scriptural Jesus into earthly life, commemorated on me as an expensive be sifted through what is practical and proclamation for Advent 2013, is a Christmas, a personal event because we site for those who possible. Your question, though, serves as testament of this confidence and faith. God admit the our Lord into our loving hearts. are constantly a valuable reminder: Optics are important, will judge the good and the bad. Such is the So, especially in Advent, the Church asking Catholics for and Christians need habitually to view divine right. It is logical. Human behavior calls us to be good Christians and to rid contributions to the things through the lens of the poor. must be balanced against the justice and ourselves of anything standing in the way. poor. Don’t they know love that perfectly are in God. It calls us to set priorities. Regardless that most of the faithful How should I respond to a young It is not a tale of gloom. Sin is to be of Christmas 2013, Jesus will come again could not afford to stay at such a place for Qcouple, who were raised as Catholics, feared. Human faithfulness to God brings to earthly existence in a most glorious, several days? who do not plan to baptize their infant peace and reward. victorious and final way. At that moment, It strikes me that there are many children? They intend to wait until the St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is the where will each of us be? We must prepare Catholic properties around the country— children are old enough to decide on a source of the second reading. ourselves for our Lord properly, beginning seminaries, abbeys or convents—which religion for themselves. (Baltimore, Md.) Paul always called upon Christians to now. We must refine ourselves as honest could accommodate them for much live as authentic followers of Jesus. While disciples of the king born in Bethlehem. less money, and would serve as a better I would ask the couple whether they stressing their need to be faithful models of We must shape our lives accordingly. † example. Afollow the same standard in other areas Why don’t the bishops take a page of child rearing. Since they’re not sure from Pope Francis and start acting like whether their son will grow up to like math, My Journey to God the original Apostles whom they claim to do they decline to teach him arithmetic represent? (Jamestown, Ky.) when he is little? The role of parents is to determine what Since his election in March of 2013, opportunities they have benefited from, APope Francis has continually called what virtues and values have helped them, Christians to examine themselves against what moral framework can offer guidance Christ’s own witness to poverty. On the through life—and then to pass on the best feast of St. Francis, the pope hosted a lunch of what they have learned to their children. for the poor in Assisi. That same day, he What Catholic parents say by CNS photo/Mohamad Torokman, Reuters Torokman, CNS photo/Mohamad addressed townspeople in strong words, having their infants baptized is this: We saying that “the Church, all of us, should believe, both from our faith and from divest ourselves of worldliness. Worldliness our experience, that the sacraments and is a murderer because it kills souls, kills Catholic teaching offer a clear channel to people, kills the Church.” God, and we want our children to have Such a message rings especially true that blessing. from a man who has chosen to live in a modest two-room apartment in a Vatican (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Longing for Emmanuel guest house for visitors, and to eat his Doyle at [email protected] and meals at a common table. 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.) † By Sister Susan Marie Lindstrom, O.S.B. Prompted by your question, I looked into the U.S. bishops’ choice of the Baltimore Still my soul, O God of Advent. Benedictine Sister Marriott for their annual meeting. What I Readers may submit prose Attune my heart’s ear Susan Marie found is that they are indeed sensitive to or poetry for faith column to the ancient songs Lindstrom is a the Gospel’s call for simplicity. of promise, member of Our Lady In fact, some years ago their annual The Criterion invites readers to submit of possibility of Grace Monastery meeting was moved from Washington, original prose or poetry relating to faith of a world overflowing with plowshares. in Beech Grove. She D.C.—where the U.S. Conference of or experiences of prayer for possible teaches theology Catholic Bishops is headquartered—to publication in the “My Journey to God” With Spirit-breath, at Bishop Chatard Baltimore precisely because hotel rooms column. fan the embers of my soul High School in in Baltimore rented for about two-thirds of Seasonal reflections also are appreciated. into a fire that cannot be contained, Indianapolis. A what they had been paying in D.C. Please include name, address, parish and a heat that might penetrate even the stone-cold heart, woman lights a Another reason for the change was telephone number with submissions. an energy that sustains the journey. candle in the Church that flights were generally cheaper into Send material for consideration of the Nativity in the Baltimore-Washington International Airport to “My Journey to God,” Kindle within me a light West Bank town of than into Ronald Reagan Washington The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian St., that will permeate my inner darkness, Bethlehem. National Airport. Indianapolis, IN 46206 or e-mail to igniting anew a passion for Kingdom-living. Realistically, the options for such a [email protected]. † large meeting are limited. It requires a Page 18 The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013

Harrell. Father of Billy Harrell. Neugenbauer, Irene Shaffer, Morgan. Brother of Charles and STUTTS, Richard E., Son of William Harrell. Brother of Leona Spartan, Edward Thomas Morgan. 48, St. Simon the Apostle, Crystal Collins. Holipsky, Frank, George and SAMUELSON, Cliff, 71, Indianapolis, Nov. 4. Husband of HUTCHINSON, Mary Ann, Richard Krynicki. Grandfather Our Lady of the Greenwood, Wendy (Wagner) Stutts. Father Rest in peace 84, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus of 18. Great-grandfather of 11. Greenwood, Nov. 11. Father of of Kathleen and Megan Stutts. (Little Flower), Nov. 9. Wife of McDANIEL, Dorothy, 95, Wendi Samuelson-Dull and Ryan Son of Jane (Morgan) Stutts. Please submit in writing of Freda John, Jesse Skelton and Richard Hutchinson. Mother of St. Joseph, Clark County, Samuelson. Brother of Arlene Brother of Corrine France, Kathy to our office by 10 a.m. Frank Lori. Grandmother of 11. Teresa, Bernard, Charles, David, Nov. 8. Mother of Alice, White. Grandfather of four. Schwab, Christine Sommers and James Stutts. Thursday before the week of Great-grandmother of eight. Dennis, Michael and Patrick Benedictine Sister Dorothy SCHALL, Richard, 94, publication; be sure to state EDELEN, Charles W., Sr., 75, Hutchison. Sister of Charles and Graf, Alvin, Cletus, Larry, St. Bartholomew, Columbus, TRAUB, Donald V., 58, date of death. Obituaries of St. Anthony of Padua, Clarksville, John Withem. Grandmother of Ralph and Robert Graf. Sister Nov. 5. Father of Theresa Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, archdiocesan priests serving Nov. 10. Husband of Mary Helen seven. Great-grandmother of three. of Luella Rauck and Kenneth Books and Michael Schall. our archdiocese are listed Sept. 20. Father of Emily and Edelen. Father of Thomas and JULIUS, Morgan J., 26, Kleehamer. Grandmother of Brother of Eunice Carbrey and elsewhere in The Criterion. Eric Traub. Brother of Martha William Edelen. Brother of Anna St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, 24. Great-grandmother of 32. Ralph Schall. Order priests and religious Nelson, Anne Thompson, Joan Gish, Eileen Springston and Len sisters and brothers are Nov. 9. Son of Dennis Julius and McKEE, James M., 58, SCHRADER, H. Imogene, Traub-Martin, Jerry, Pat, Paul Edelen. Grandfather of four. included here, unless they are Suzanne Julius. Brother of Kelsey St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, 85, St. Michael the Archangel, and Tim Traub. Great-grandfather of three. and Kris Julius. Grandson of Bill Oct. 29. Father of Meghan natives of the archdiocese or Indianapolis, Oct. 18. Wife of WARNER, Clara, 75, St. Rita, FOSTER, Theresa Ellen, 89, and Barbara Julius. Price and Mason McKee. have other connec­tions to it; Leonard Schrader. Mother of Indianapolis, Nov. 17. Mother those are separate obituaries Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Brother of Patti Depko, Joy KERR, Shirley Ann, 73, Sandra Barnor, Linda Griffis, of Dana Alexander, Derrick on this page. New Albany, Nov. 11. Mother Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 4. McKee-Brown and Mike Anna Snyder, Michael and Paul and Philip Jacks. Sister of Betty of Anna, Martina, Mark and Wife of Michael Kerr. Mother McKee. Grandfather of three. Schrader. Sister of Sharon Simon, BENICH, Richard, 71, Hughes, Lawrence, Marion and Michael Foster. Grandmother of of Pamela Smith, Deborah and (correction) David and William Parker. Holy Family, New Albany, Richard Beaven. Grandmother two. Great-grandmother of two. Teresa Weisheit. Sister of Donna MISKOWIEC, Dorothy Grandmother of 11. Great- Nov. 9. Husband of Pamela of eight. Benich. Father of Pamela HARDIN, Patricia A., 70, Dail, Susie Wassman, Rodney (Nicoloff), 80, Holy Trinity, grandmother of four. Hockenberry, Pauline McCullum, St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Jordan, Jerry and Larry Austin. Indianapolis, Oct. 27. Mother SCOTT, Katherine, 60, WUENSCH, Karl Joseph, 42, Christine Michals, Richard and Nov. 18. Wife of Robert Hardin. Grandmother of four. of Edward and James St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Agnes, Nashville, Nov. 10. Ryan Benich. Brother of Ray Mother of Terese Walters, KRYNICKI, Thomas J., 83, St. Miskowiec. Sister of George Indianapolis, Nov. 14. Wife of Husband of Cassandra Wuensch. Benich. Grandfather of 12. Gregory and Michael Hardin. Vincent de Paul, Shelby County, Nicoloff. Grandmother of three. Robert Scott. Mother of Kristy Father of Cole, Dakota and Great-grandmother of one. BOWMAN, Rose A. (Lori), Sister of Karen Hamby, Edmund Nov. 13. Father of Cynthia Brattain, Blackman, Brian and Dan Scott. Kelsay Wuensch. Son of Bill 90, St. Anthony of Padua, Jr. and William Henderzahs. Delana Brenner, Ronda Hall, MORGAN, Robert P., 85, Daughter of Tom Doyle. Sister Wuensch and Kathleen Adams Clarksville, Nov. 11. Mother of HARRELL, William V., 46, Robin Lysiak, Dawn Runnebohm St. Mary, New Albany, Nov. of Aileen Parsons, Kevin and Butcher. Brother of Michele Nancy Phipps, Chris, David, St. Bernadette, Indianapolis, and Thomas Krynicki. Brother of 11. Husband of Carolyn Thomas Doyle III. Grandmother Dagenais, Melissa Wood and Jim and John Bowman. Sister Nov. 6. Husband of Jana (Frye) Vicky Bonnett, Jay Fiore, Agnes Morgan. Father of Beverly of eight. Eric Wuensch. † Pope’s embrace was heavenly, says man with disfiguring disease

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—For on Nov. 6 at a general audience late mother also suffered from around me. He held me so tightly, someone who has frequently in St. Peter’s Square “seemed the disease, which is typically cuddling me, and he didn’t let go. I been shunned and humiliated like forever.” hereditary. tried to speak, to say something, but because of a disease that has Images of the pope kissing and Riva told the Italian magazine I wasn’t able to: I was too choked severely disfigured his entire embracing the Italian man made Panorama on Nov. 18 that the up. It lasted just a little more than a CNS photo/Claudio Peri, EPA CNS photo/Claudio Peri, body, receiving the pope’s loving headlines, but his identity and thing that struck him most was that minute, but, for me, it seemed like embrace was like being in paradise. background weren’t known until the pope didn’t hesitate at all. forever,” he told Panorama. Vinicio Riva, who is afflicted two Italian news outlets found and “I’m not contagious, but [the “The pope’s hands are so soft. with neurofibromatosis, said his interviewed him. pope] didn’t know that. But he did Soft and beautiful. And his smile brief encounter with Pope Francis “My heart was bursting,” it, period: He caressed my whole [is] bright and wide.” he told the Italian daily face and while he was doing it, I Neurofibromatosis results in Corriere della Sera on Nov. 18. felt only love,” he said. numerous, often painful benign Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva, When the pope hugged him tight, “First, I kissed his hand, tumors. Riva said they constantly 53, during his general audience in “I felt like I was in paradise.” while he caressed my head and itch, and he often wakes in the St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Riva, 53, lives in a small village wounds with his other hand,” morning with his shirt soaked with Nov. 6. Riva, who is afflicted with near Vicenza in northern Italy with Riva explained. blood from scratching. neurofibromatosis, said receiving his younger sister Morena Riva, “Then he pulled me toward “The first signs [of the disease] the pope’s embrace was like being in who has the same genetic disorder, him, hugging me tight and kissing appeared after I was 15. They said I paradise. Riva is from a small village and their aunt, Caterina Lotto, my face. My head was against his would be dead by 30. Instead, here near Vincenza in northern Italy. who cares for them. The siblings’ chest, and his arms were wrapped I am.” †

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Online Lay Ministry Formation If you are a victim of Report sexual misconduct by a person The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the ministering on behalf of the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) sexual Church, or if you know of anyone to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: who has been a victim of misconduct such misconduct, please contact • Courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church from CDU the archdiocesan victim • All 12 classes for a Certificate in Lay Ministry available online now assistance coordinator: • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners • Employees also receive reimbursement upon course completion Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1410 For more information, please log on to www.archindy.org/layministry 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 [email protected] The Criterion Friday, November 29, 2013 Page 19 Advent penance services are scheduled at archdiocesan parishes

Parishes throughout the archdiocese have • Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at St. Rita scheduled communal penance services for Advent. • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle, The following is a list of services that have been Fortville reported to The Criterion. • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. for Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette and St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Batesville Deanery (Little Flower) at St. Bernadette

• Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m. for Immaculate Conception, • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Mary SS Peter and Paul Crupi, Catholic CourierCNS photo/Mike Millhousen; St. John, Osgood; and St. Maurice, Cathedral: Confessions will be heard in the Napoleon, at St. Maurice, Napoleon Blessed Sacrament Chapel from 4:30-5 p.m. each • Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg Saturday during Advent. On the Sunday mornings • Dec. 3, 7 p.m. for St. Nicholas, Ripley County; of Advent, confessions will be heard from St. Anthony of Padua, Morris; and St. Louis, 10-10:30 a.m. Confessions are also heard from Batesville, at St. Louis, Batesville noon to 1 p.m. each Friday. • Dec. 4, 7 p.m. for St. Vincent de Paul, Shelby County and St. Joseph, Shelbyville at St. Joseph, Shelbyville Indianapolis North Deanery Father Dennis Noelke hears a confession at Christ the King Church in Irondequoit, N.Y., • Dec. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. and 6:30-7 p.m. at St. Peter, • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. deanery service at St. Lawrence on March 26. Franklin County • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. deanery service at St. Lawrence • Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Greensburg • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. deanery service at St. Lawrence • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. St. Mary, Navilleton • Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at All Saints, Yorkville • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Michael, Bradford • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for St. Maurice, Decatur County; Indianapolis South Deanery • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Lanesville and St. John the Evangelist, Enochsburg, at • Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. at St. Ann • Dec. 15, 3 p.m. at Holy Family, New Albany St. John the Evangelist, Enochsburg • Dec. 4, 7 p.m. at St. Roch • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Advent resources • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Teresa Benedicta of the • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Jude New Albany Cross, Bright • Dec. 11, 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Michael, Charlestown are available on • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. for St. Paul, Sellersburg and archdiocesan Bloomington Deanery • Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Nativity of Our Lord St. Joseph, Clark County at St. Paul, Sellersburg • Dec. 2, 6 p.m. for St. Charles Borromeo, Jesus Christ • Dec. 22, 4 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Starlight Web site Bloomington • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist During the • Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, Martinsville • Dec. 18, 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas Seymour Deanery season of Advent, • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul, Bedford • Dec. 23, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Greenwood, • Dec. 5, 7 p.m. for Most Sorrowful Mother of God, the Archdiocese • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Agnes, Nashville Greenwood Vevay, and Prince of Peace, Madison, at Prince of of Indianapolis • Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude, Spencer Peace, Madison will have a special • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Apostle, Indianapolis West Deanery • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. for Our Lady of Providence, Web page at Bloomington • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at Mary, Queen of Peace, Danville Brownstown, and St. Ambrose, Seymour, at www.archindy.org/ • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel St. Ambrose, Seymour advent. Connersville Deanery • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Susanna, Plainfield • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. for Holy Trinity, Edinburgh, The page • Dec. 4, 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel, Connersville • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Malachy, Brownsburg and St. Rose of Lima, Franklin, at Holy Trinity, contains various • Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at St. Bridget, Liberty • Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m. for St. Anthony and Edinburgh Advent resources, • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Holy Trinity at St. Anthony • Dec. 15, 4 p.m. for American Martyrs, Scottsburg including links to Cambridge City • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel and St. Patrick, Salem at St. Patrick, Salem the daily readings, • Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Rushville • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More, Mooresville • Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Bartholomew, Columbus past reflections • Dec. 17, 6 p.m., following 5:15 p.m. Mass for • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Monica • Dec. 23, 7 p.m. for St. Ann, Jennings County; from Archbishop Richmond Catholic Community at St. Mary, St. Mary, North Vernon; and St. Joseph, Emeritus Daniel Richmond New Albany Deanery Jennings County, at St. Joseph, Jennings County M. Buechlein, • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for St. Rose of Lima, • Dec. 3, 7 p.m. for Sacred Heart, Jeffersonville, penance service Knightstown and St. Anne, New Castle at and St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, at St. Augustine, Terre Haute Deanery schedules, St. Anne, New Castle Jeffersonville • Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Sacred Heart, Clinton images of past • Dec. 4, 7 p.m. at St. Joseph, Corydon • Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary, Criterion Christmas Indianapolis East Deanery • Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at St. Mary, New Albany Terre Haute issue covers and • Dec. 3, 7 p.m. for Holy Cross and St. Philip Neri • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, • Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. at Annunciation, Brazil links of interest at St. Philip Neri Floyd County • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Benedict, Terre Haute to other Advent • Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, websites. † • Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at St. Michael, Greenfield Clarksville Greencastle †

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Describe NCYC in one word: Youths respond Photo by Rich Clark

An NCYC participant kneels while praying the rosary in the Indiana Convention Center on Nov. 22.

Dear NCYC participants: Thank you for a weekend I will never forget

By Briana Stewart The Mass captivated me, especially Archbishop “We are!” Joseph W. Tobin’s homily. “Where’s the Church?” Two years ago was the first time I had ever heard I was anxious all during Mass because I was “Right here and everywhere!” of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). It looking forward to the eucharistic procession after it “How will others know this?” was being hosted here in Indianapolis, and everywhere from the church to the Indiana Convention Center. I “All are welcome!” I went I heard clips of had only seen photos from the previous procession The echo from all of our voices was incredible conversation about the three-day in 2011, but I already knew it was going to be a to hear. celebration. magical moment. Complete silence came afterward, letting the sound “NCYC is so much fun!” Criterion reporter Natalie Hoefer and I shuffled to hang in the air and letting me absorb what I had just “I am so excited for NCYC the back of the church to snap photos of the procession. heard. It was truly awesome to hear the strength in the this year!” As we stepped outside into the rain, my level of awe voices of these teens representing their Church. I now “NCYC changes your life.” increased tenfold when I saw the thousands of teens know what wonder sounds like. I didn’t understand then waiting to catch a glimpse of the Eucharist. I will never forget those echoes for as long as I live. how teenagers—normal, Then the procession began as I scampered about, The rest of my weekend was a blur of seminars and social, sometimes irresponsible holding an umbrella over Natalie as she took shot after crowds, but I loved it all the same. I felt like I was in teenagers—could be so excited shot. The streets fell silent as priests came out in two’s a different world. I mean, everywhere I turned, I saw about their faith. and three’s, steadily singing “Ubi Caritas.” boys talking about the new crucifix they just bought, I didn’t understand the crazy hats and funky costumes Finally, Archbishop Tobin arrived, holding the and all kinds of teens crowding a booth trying to get a that many of the participants wore. monstrance under a red velvet canopy supported by “VIRGINITY ROCKS” T-shirt. I didn’t understand how 23,000 teens would want to four seminarians. As we entered the Indiana Convention It may have been a different world, but a world I come together from all across the nation to celebrate Center, I bid Natalie farewell, feeling much too would like to visit more often. Catholicism. uncomfortable still standing as the Eucharist continued The last event I attended was Jason and Crystalina Now, I understand. to come closer. Evert’s seminar, “Love or Lust?” on Friday. It was After attending the 2013 National Catholic Youth Once I kneeled down by the doors and watched empowering, helpful and humorous. Conference, I have been enlightened. Archbishop Tobin pass, I cried. I’m not sure why, but I was so inspired afterward that I made a promise to I arrived Thursday afternoon at St. John the the sight and the singing were just so beautiful that tears myself to stay pure until I’m joined in holy matrimony Evangelist Church for the opening Mass for youths from streamed down my face. with my husband. I never felt so confident and excited the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I had been looking After the procession, the mood in the halls lightened, for the future than when I put that purity ring on my forward to this event since I was told that I would be and kids were getting ready for the opening session left hand. If I didn’t get the chance to attend NCYC, I attending NCYC as an intern for The Criterion. down at Lucas Oil Stadium. I was also excited as I wouldn’t have been strengthened in my decision to do The church was gorgeous with high-arched walked into a sea of flashing lights, squid hats, and this. ceilings. Twenty or so priests sat near the front and chattering teens inside the stadium. The beginning of In fact, if I didn’t get the chance to be “Signed. concelebrated the Mass, all in white. And the large the session was filled with musical acts and dancing Sealed. Delivered” with all these other teens, I would statues placed around the church enthralled me. But from the teens, and plenty of screaming! I was getting still be under the impression that being proud of my there was something even more spectacular that took my so excited. It was amazing. faith is embarrassing and really not very fun. breath away. Kids were tweeting all kinds of stuff so they could These teenagers and all the people attending the The reverence and participation demonstrated by the show up on the Jumbotron screens, but their tweets conference really changed my life and reinforced my more than 1,000 teenagers and adults in attendance were were so refreshing and clean. belief in Catholicism. riveting. I would have expected the subdued silence Finally, the party really started, and the emcee, So thank you. from an older generation and the enthusiastic singing Jesse Manibusan, came out to get the 23,000 people Thank you, all you 23,000 brothers and sisters, for from children, but the teens succeeded in doing both. I in attendance even more hyped up—if that was even turning a doubter into a believer. was pleasantly surprised and grateful. possible at this point! Thank you for giving me two days I will never During Mass, I usually refrain from singing because The most memorable part of the opening forget. nobody else is singing, but for once I could look around session was when he asked us three questions and and see everyone joining in song. Our voices filled the we responded. Loudly. (Briana Stewart, an intern for The Criterion, is a senior church. I loved it. “Who’s the Church?” at Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in Indianapolis.) †