DECEMBER 2, 2011 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 23

INSIDE: Page 2: Commitment to preventing abuse Page 3: Retirement Fund for Religious Page 12: District gold for Lancaster Catholic Page 16: Bishop blesses St. Monica’s altar Called to Glory

Eighty youth from the Diocese of Harrisburg join 23,000 peers in faith-filled experience at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. See pages 8 and 9.

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS  - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December , 011

Local Church News All Must Remain Vigilant in Commitment to Preventing Abuse

By Jen Reed In fulfillment of the Charter for the Protection of quirements, including criminal record checks. The Catholic Witness Children and Young People – adopted by the United Regarding education of youth, the Diocesan Sec- States bishops in 2002 – the diocese’s Youth Protec- retariat for Education oversees a safe environment Recognizing the tragic prevalence of child sexual tion Program includes outreach to victims and their curriculum for all students in Catholic schools and abuse, the Diocese of Harrisburg continues to en- families, prompt reporting of and inquiry into each parish religious education programs. The program is courage an ever-vigilant commitment to its Youth incident, and education and screening. a required component of the Youth Protection Pro- Protection Program, which employs strict guide- Phone calls to the diocese’s toll-free number for gram. lines and procedures designed to prevent the sexual, reporting suspected abuse of a minor directly reach “The sexual abuse of minors is a horrific and ter- physical and emotional abuse of minors. the Victim Assistance Coordinator under the Youth rible sin. This tragic occurrence affects every part of The diocese maintains a zero tolerance policy for Protection Program. Victims and their families are society, cutting across all denominations and occu- abusers in ministry, in volunteer service or in em- offered immediate connection to counseling ser- ployment, and dedicates itself to the healing and rec- vices. Upon receiving notification of possible abuse pations. Therefore, we must be ever vigilant in pro- onciliation of victims. of a minor, the diocese begins an investigation and tecting children,” said Bishop Joseph P. McFadden. “Recent national attention focused on the issue of immediately reports the matter to law enforcement “What is needed is education and reflection in child sexual abuse has helped us all once again to authorities. Reports to civil authority are made even looking at what can be done to prevent child sexu- recognize the seriousness of this issue in our soci- if the law does not require it. al abuse,” he said. “We want to be able to say that ety,” said Msgr. William J. King, Vicar General for Completion of the diocesan online Safe Envi- nobody does more than the Catholic Church to en- the diocese and director of its Youth Protection Pro- ronment Training Program and multiple criminal sure that the sexual abuse of minors doesn’t happen gram. record checks are required for all employees and again.” “The Diocese of Harrisburg remains committed adult volunteers who work with minors. The diocese The Diocese of Harrisburg continues to make to addressing this issue with firm resolve, and takes also requires all persons who work with youth in improvements to its Youth Protection Program. this opportunity to ask people to pray for and sup- Church-related ministries to wear a diocesan-issued A wealth of additional information about the pro- port victims of abuse in any form. No person who identification badge when in the presence of minors. gram and efforts to prevent child sexual abuse can has been abused in the context of the Church should The badge indicates that the wearer has successfully be found online via the “Youth Protection” link at hesitate to report that abuse,” he said. completed all of the diocese’s youth protection re- www.hbgdiocese.org. Diocese of Harrisburg Diócesis de Harrisburg Youth Protection Program Programa Protección

To report suspected Para reportar la sospecha abuse of a minor, del abuso de un menor, call the toll-free PA Child llame al número de teléfono gratuíto Línea de Abuse Hotline at Ayuda Abuso del Niño 1-800-932-0313 Pennsylvania: 1-800-932-0313 To report suspected abuse of a minor Para reportar la sospecha by a Church official, del abuso de un menor employee or volunteer, a manos de un official, em- also please call pleado o voluntario de la iglesia, también llame al the diocesan toll-free número de teléfono hotline at gratuíto de ayuda diocesana: 1-800-626-1608 1-800-626-1608

Heart of Mary Pregnancy Support Services December 4 - This week’s edition of Catholic Perspective features an update on the issue of school choice in Pennsylvania. This legislation, sometimes referred to as Senate Bill 1, is supported by the Church as it would give parents the opportunity Baby Pantry Wish List to choose the school they prefer for their children via two initiatives. These include a small test study of vouchers and increased funding of the popular Educational Im- provement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The measure has passed the Senate and is The Heart of Mary Pregnancy Support Services, located in the former con- to be voted on in the Pennsylvania House. More information is available at www. vent building of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church PaCatholic.org. in York, is in great need of the following items for its emergency baby item Father Luis Rodriguez, Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Mount Joy shares the story of his vocation to the priesthood with listeners. pantry: An explanation of the season of Advent is offered by Father William Weary, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lewistown and St. Jude Thaddeus, Mifflintown. Listeners will hear the inspirational story of how one young man uses his Catholic • Size newborn, size 3 and size 4 diapers faith to overcome the challenges of cerebral palsy in his everyday life. • baby wipes Catholic Perspective is produced in cooperation with the Office of Communica- • Gerber Good Start Gentle Plus Formula (1-ounce powder cans) tions of the Diocese and WHFY AM 720. This new radio ministry has many needs • baby wash and opportunities for volunteers. Find out more by calling 717-525-8110 or visiting • www.yourholyfamilyradio.com. Gently used size 1-18 month girls’ clothing The program is heard Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon on WHYF AM 720 and • Gift cards to Wal-mart, GIANT or Weis on Sunday mornings on WLAN-AM 1390, Lancaster at 7:30 a.m.; WHYL-AM 960, Carlisle, at 8 a.m.; WHVR-AM 1280, Hanover, at 8 a.m.; WKOK-AM 1070, Sunbury, at 6:30 a.m.; WIEZ-AM 670, Lewistown, at 8 a.m.; WWSM-AM 1510, Lebanon, at 7 All items can be dropped off at their office at 26 East College Avenue in a.m.; and WWEC-FM 88.3, Elizabethtown, at 9:30 a.m. It is also available on line at York. Call 717-843-7986, ext. 229 prior to dropping off donations. www.OldiesRadio1620.com at 6:30 a.m. or for download at www.hbgdiocese.org. December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 

Local Church News Annual Collection Supports 34,000 Retired Sisters, Brothers, Priests in Religious Orders From the National to coordinate the annual collection and to Religious Retirement Office distribute the proceeds of this collection to religious institutes in need. The 24th annual collection for the Re- The crisis in retirement funding can be tirement Fund for Religious will be taken attributed to three primary factors: insuffi- up Dec. 10-11 in the Diocese of Harris- cient retirement savings, rising health-care burg. Sponsored by the National Religious costs, and declining income. Tradition- Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, ally, women and men religious worked D.C., the appeal asks Catholics to Share in for small stipends that furnished only the the Care of more than 34,000 women and men religious past age 70. basics of daily living. As a result, a major- Last year, the Diocese of Harrisburg ity of religious communities lack adequate contributed $290,694.03 to this collec- savings for retirement. At the same time, tion. In 2011, the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and the cost of care continues to increase, es- Methodius received financial assistance pecially as older religious now outnumber made possible by the national appeal. In younger religious. Today, there are more addition, the Diocese of Harrisburg, in than 34,000 religious past age 70 living in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Phil- the United States. In 2010, the average an- adelphia and the Diocese of Allentown, nual cost for their care was over $35,000 also distributes funding to local religious per person. Skilled care averaged nearly communities to support retirement needs. $54,000 per person. Currently, the income “We could never thank adequately the of younger religious supports a large por- retired religious sisters, brothers and tion of elder-care expenses. In the coming priests who worked so devotedly serving years, however, this will no longer be the the people of our area,” said Father Phillip case as more religious reach retirement Burger, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy and age and leave compensated ministry. Consecrated Life. “I encourage all of the The annual appeal for the Retirement good people of the Diocese of Harrisburg Fund for Religious, which is taken up to contribute to the collection.” each December in most U.S. Catholic par- “We are continually humbled by the generosity shown this appeal,” said NRRO ishes, provides vital support to religious Executive Director Sister Janice Bader, a institutes in meeting current and future re- member of the Sisters of the Most Pre- tirement needs. Since 1989, the National cious Blood of O’Fallon, Missouri. “Since Religious Retirement Office has distrib- the fund was launched in 1988, Catholics uted over $607 million to religious insti- have donated $643 million to assist reli- tutes across the nation, including almost gious communities in caring for their el- $540 million to help underwrite the direct der members.” care of elderly religious. More than $67 As a result of the 2010 collection, which million has supported efforts by religious garnered $26.7 million, the NRRO was institutes to stabilize retirement savings able to distribute $23 million to religious and to develop comprehensive retirement communities to help support the day-to- strategies. day care of senior members. An additional 70 dropped slightly this year. religious by nearly four to one. In addition to sponsoring the annual ap- $2.7 million was allocated toward initia- “The real challenge for many religious For this reason, the NRRO implemented peal, the National Religious Retirement tives targeted for religious communities communities is a lack of retirement sav- a comprehensive initiative to provide edu- Office offers assessment tools, educational with the greatest needs. Ninety-three cents ings,” explained Sister Bader. “Most cation, consultation and financial assis- programming, services, and resources that of every dollar aids elderly religious. senior religious worked for years for tance to communities that are 50 percent enable religious institutes to evaluate and While the response to the collection is or more underfunded for retirement. Since prepare for long-term retirement needs. unprecedented, so is the need. In 2010 small stipends. There were no retirement this program began in 2009, 55 communi- The NRRO also coordinates an extensive alone, the total cost of care for women plans.” As religious continue to age, fewer ties, representing some 7,000 women and network of volunteer consultants, includ- and men religious past age 70 exceeded men religious, have initiated targeted strat- members are able to serve in compensated ing experts in elder care and financial $1 billion. Nearly 5,000 religious required egies to address their funding shortfalls. skilled care. At the same time, however, ministry, leading to a sharp decrease in planning, to help religious institutes plan “We’re working to ensure religious com- for the ongoing care of senior members. religious communities strive to minimize income. By 2019, National Religious Re- munities can care for their elder members The NRRO is sponsored by the Confer- costs. In fact, the NRRO reports that the tirement Office data projects that retired today and tomorrow,” said Sister Bader. average cost of care for religious past age religious will outnumber wage-earning In 1988, Catholic bishops in the United ence of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), States launched the Retirement Fund for the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (RFR) to address the significant Religious (CMSWR), the Leadership Con- lack of retirement funding for Catholic ference of Women Religious (LCWR), and sisters, brothers, and priests in religious the United States Conference of Catholic orders. The National Religious Retirement Bishops (USCCB). Office (NRRO), formerly the Tri-Confer- For more information, visit www.retire- ence Retirement Office, was established dreligious.org.

• December 12 – Celebrante and Omilista La Fiesta de La Senora de Guadalupe Missa, St. Is Your Marriage Francis Xavier, Gettysburg, 7 p.m. Tearing You Apart? • December 1 – Neumann University Board Rediscover the joy in your marriage of Trustees Meeting, Neumann University, through the Retrouvaille program Aston, noon. • December 14 – Irish Edition Awards January 20-22 Ceremony, Irish Consulate, New York City Homewood Suites, mechanicsburg • December 18 – Dedication of Holy Name Retrouvaille is French word meaning rediscovery. Retrouvaille is a pro- of Jesus Church, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.; Men’s gram which helps to restore communication and trust in a marriage. If you feel helpless or trapped by frequent conflicts, please know that hundreds of Discernment Group Christmas Mass and couples have been helped. Call us and give yourselves another chance. The Dinner, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, next program will be held January 20-22 at the Homewood Suites in Mechan- 4 p.m. icsburg. Let us reserve a place for you. For information, call Tom or Patty at 717-938-8229 or 1-800-470-2230.  - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

Catholic Commentary Life, Love and Half-Off Condoms

By Father Paul CB Schenck responsible to limit children, especially in difficult that loveless act and redeems the crime by bringing Special to The Witness economic times? The Church affirms the use of forth a person who is the product of God’s love, not natural family planning, the responsible spacing of man’s hate. Recently I dropped into the convenience store to children, but not the out and out rejection of the Contraception subtly teaches us to reject the other buy a cup of coffee. Next to the checkout counter possibility of the child. person, to be divided from others, rather than unit- was a “half-price” shelf with day old doughnuts, The Catechism tells us: “God is love and in him- ed. It fosters fear and suspicion of the other person pancake syrup and, condoms. I asked the clerk, self he lives a mystery of personal loving commu- as a threat to me, to my resources and comfort. It “Do you have a lot of young people coming in nion. Creating the human race in his own image … teaches me to “hold back” what I have from the here?” “Yes” she said, “especially after school.” I God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman other, and to withdraw myself from the other per- pointed to the condoms and told her it sent a terri- the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibil- son and push them away from me. It undermines ble message to them – and everyone – cheapening ity, of love and communion.” (2331) and degrades the bonds of love and concern that and degrading the most important human relation- Each and every human being is conceived in should unite us, not divide us. Just think of the con- ships that exist. love. But wait, you say, what about casual sex? Un- traceptive vocabulary; “did you use protection?”; By this time, six or seven customers were lined loving sex? What about rape? The love that brings “are we safe?” Protection from a baby? Safe from up behind me, and some were grumbling. “I know” every human being into existence is not first hu- your own child? she said, “but there’s nothing I can do about it.” So man love – but rather God’s love. Love is the di- The Church respects, cherishes and treasures I bought all the condoms, the other customers wait- vine impulse that gives existence to everything and the bonds that unite people. A contraceptive cul- ing while she swiped each packet, which gave me most especially everyone. That God is existence ture fosters fear, suspicion and division. A culture the opportunity to explain to them what this meant. itself, in other words, without God nothing at all of life fosters openness and acceptance of others Then I told her to throw them into the garbage bin would exist, is only half the story. Love is at the through mutual giving and sacrifice. These help to behind her, which she did. I like to think it made an core, the “essence” of existence because “God is form the foundation of a civilization of love. impression on at least some of those customers. Love” (I John 4:7-8). Saint Augustine tells us that (Father Paul CB Schenck is Director of the Dioc- Many people, even many Catholics, wonder why love always seeks to be united with the beloved. So esan Respect Life Office and Administrator of Our the Church considers the use of contraceptives to God brings every person into existence because He Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. A married be immoral. After all, isn’t the decision to have a loves that person with limitless love. That a child Pastoral Provision priest, he and his wife Rebecca child a personal and private one? And too, isn’t it may be conceived even from a rape contradicts have eight children.) Hollywood Discovers Abortion’s Aftermath By Susan E. Wills out of Hollywood, released the same also a credit to the researchers, aca- Simply reading the stories women have Special to The Witness day (October 7), in which the often demics, and therapists who have not posted of their experiences of pain and painful aftermath of abortion figures been afraid to tell the truth about the loss on websites like www.hopeafter- The often painful emotional after- prominently in the plot—“The Way” negative impact of abortion. Some of abortion.org and www.afterabortion. math of abortion—marked by intense (Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez) these leaders gathered in late October grief, sadness, and remorse—has been and “The Ides of March” (George at the Healing Vision Conference in com. . . should convince anyone that treated only obliquely, if at all, in Hol- Clooney and Ryan Gossling). Milwaukee—a forum for continuing abortion victimizes women along with lywood films. In “The Way,” a woman on a pil- education, therapeutic best practices, their children. If Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” (1972) grimage to Santiago de Compostela and networking. Many of the speak- But the good news is that God’s mer- regretted anything about her abortion, finds healing after years of emptiness, ers—e.g., Drs. Vince Rue, Priscilla ciful love is available to anyone with a it was only having to sell her fur coat remorse, and emotional pain. The rev- Coleman, Catherine Coyle, and Anne repentant heart. Every day women are to pay for it. Stacy Hamilton in “Fast elation of her heartbreaking story to Speckhard—have been pioneers in Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) fellow pilgrims is the most powerful this field, publishing scores of peer-re- being healed from the pain of abortion quickly bounced back with a new and moment in the film and stuns audienc- viewed studies describing the mental by the grace of God and ministries better boyfriend after only a twinge of es into utter silence. health problems that plague millions of like the Project Rachel Ministry of the sadness. In the “Ides of March,” the intern women worldwide following abortion. Catholic Church. If you have had an Penny of “Dirty Dancing” (1987) who became pregnant from a brief af- For years, these experts were ridiculed abortion, you need not suffer any lon- nearly died from an illegal abortion, fair with a married Presidential candi- by peers, and their studies were dis- ger. Contact the Project Rachel Min- but we learn nothing of struggles. date did not have to be told to abort missed by pro-choice intelligentsia on The screenwriter/co-producer stated her child. The revelation would have ideological grounds—elites like those istry nearest you, under “Find Help” that she wanted to portray abortion as doomed his candidacy and career. But who wrote the infamous Task Force at www.hopeafterabortion.org. You’ll a non-event (except for the physical afterward, struck by the enormity of Report of the American Psychologi- never regret making that call. risks from the back-alley variety). her action and feeling abandoned, she cal Association claiming that adverse (Susan Wills is Assistant Director for “Cider House Rules” (1999), winner takes her own life. emotional reactions are no greater af- Education & Outreach, U.S. Confer- of two Academy Awards, was hailed as The fact that the range of emotion- ter abortion than after childbirth. ence of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat “courageous” for portraying “a sympa- al and psychological consequences Doubters need not go to the medi- of Pro-Life Activities. For more in- thetic, caring doctor” who also aborted of abortion can be treated accurately cal literature to find the truth, although babies. In every case, the abortion af- speaks volumes about how wide- we’ve conveniently assembled cita- formation on pro-life issues including termath was uneventful. spread and universal the experience tions to over seventy articles at http:// reproductive technologies, visit www. Then came two mainstream films has become. This development is hopeafterabortion.com/?page_id=756. usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities.)

The Catholic Witness OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG 2012 Witness Schedule Available

Most Rev. Joseph P. McFadden The schedule of issue dates and submission deadlines for the 2012 edi- Publisher tions of The Catholic Witness are now available. You can find the Publication Telephone Jennifer Reed Schedule and Submission Guidelines online. Click on the “Catholic Witness” 717-657-4804 ext. 201 Managing Editor link at www.hbgdiocese.org to find the schedule and guidelines under the FAX “Quick Links” list on our page. If you would prefer to receive the Publication 717-657-7673 Staff Email: [email protected] Chris Heisey Emily M. Albert Schedule and Submission Guidelines via e-mail or standard mail, contact us Susan Huntsberger Website: www.hbgdiocese.org via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 717-657-4804. Yearly Subscriptions: The December 16 edition will be the final one for 2011, and we’ll resume $8.17 per family, derived from The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly our regular schedule with the January 20, 2012 issue. diocesan revenues from the parishes. except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Know someone who isn’t receiving the paper? USPS regulations require Other subscriptions: $24.00 Association, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals detailed address information for delivery of periodicals. If you know of some- postage paid at Harrisburg, PA. Moving? Send us the address label one who is not receiving The Catholic Witness, have them contact both their from The Catholic Witness plus your NEW address including zip code +4. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: parish office and The Catholic Witness at 717-657-4804 or witness@hbgdio- Please allow three weeks for the The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. cese.org. change. December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 

Faith and Life Humble Like this Child

By Chris Heisey him for his politeness and self-con- The Catholic Witness trol and what a gift that he was to everyone. “Who is the greatest in heaven?” “I was given so much grace that questioned Jesus’ followers. Christ, day,” Karen said. “To be able to tell according to the Gospel of Saint my son what a gift he was that day Matthew, then called a little child to was such a blessing. I was able to tell come to him. Jesus stood the child him that he was the best “O” ever, before his followers and then said, “I and what a great brother he was and tell you the truth. You must change what a great son he was. I have no and become little children in your regrets.” hearts. If you don’t do this, you will When dad came in the door, he never enter the kingdom of heaven. was able to join in the conversation, The greatest person in the kingdom and he listed a few items that made of heaven is the person that makes Owen a great Owen. himself humble like this child. If a person accepts a little child like this In our society we seem to place in my name, then that person accepts greatness on fallen adults rather than me.” on children. This little boy makes Remembrance is a spiritual gift that you want to argue that greatness we are given to confront profound lives in the young, too. grief. When you remember with true The next day baseball practice was fondness, something very good can to begin. Owen was a dandy player, come out of the terrible pain. The and he loved his uniform, he loved pain remains, but we are given the the game, and he was so looking for- grace to treat it, lessen the ache and ward to getting on the field. It was do great good if we choose. spring – it was baseball season – it PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BREZITSKI FAMILY was time to play ball. And that is what appears to be Eight-year-old Owen Brezitski was a gift, a great bother, and a great son, says happening in the Brezitski family. his mother Karen. This photo of Owen was taken March 17, 2011, just hours be- But, he had a concert to go to first. On Saint Patrick’s Day 2011, an ac- fore he died. Find information on the non-profit organization Orange 4 Owen on During the concert, he used his fam- cident happened that saddened the Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orange-4-Owen/258814680804515 ily’s newly bought video recorder to entire Harrisburg area community record snippets of the concert, of his when 8-year-old Owen Brezitski, not safe driving. The Brezitski family answered as his sick classmate was friends, his family and of himself. a student at Holy Name of Jesus wants to make that abundantly clear as back in school that day. “Mommy, it When the theme to Stars Wars was School in Harrisburg, was struck they celebrate the short life that Owen was the best day ever,” he said. played as the finale, he hummed the and killed by a car. He was leaving beautifully lived. He was wearing a shamrock pin giv- tune and showed his childlike joy Bishop McDevitt High School in the In a short interview after the sign un- en to him by a teacher who admired that is forever burned into that trea- darkness with his mother and grand- veiling, Karen Brezitski spoke of her his goodness. Though Owen’s favorite sured keepsake digital file. parents after they had attended one cherished son in heartwarming fashion. color was orange, green fit him well Moments later, Owen stepped onto of his sister’s music concerts. Earnest in every detail, she recounted also. the road. There, where bright signs On a chilly November afternoon that fateful March 17. It was a day that As mom and Owen sat down to alert us now, you just know and feel eight months later, the family, Ow- Karen remembers as being filled with have pizza together before the concert, that Christ called this little child to en’s parents Karen and Mark along grace. Owen had come home from Karen was able to tell him how much Him to show his followers how to with sisters MaKenna and Kyla and school happy. His prayers had been she loved him, how proud she was of enter the kingdom of heaven. grandparents, gathered at the scene with students from Bishop McDe- vitt, Holy Name of Jesus School and other local schools to unveil two new signs that will warn drivers coming up and down busy Market Street that a school crossing is bisecting the road midway on the hill’s crest. It’s a dangerous city thoroughfare. The two new blinking crossing signs were donated through a part- nership with the City of Harrisburg, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and with business support. The solar powered signs have LED blinkers to warn drivers that students or visitors can be crossing Market Street both day and night. The Brezitski family wanted something very good to come out of their immense grief. At the dedica- tion ceremony for the signs – more than a hundred students and friends gathered – Karen Brezitski, with remarkable composure and poise, spoke of Owen’s legacy. Above all, they want drivers to understand the perils of distracted driving. They want all drivers to slow down, be alert and save a life. It’s a mantra they not only share for Owen’s sake, but for all other innocent victims that distracted driving claims.

If you are on a hand-held cell CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS phone, you are distracted. Texting Members of the Brezitski family join Harrisburg city leaders in unveiling solar-powered school crosswalk signs in front of is folly waiting for collision and Bishop McDevitt High School. The Brezitski family worked diligently for the installation of the new signs in the area where fumbling with items in a vehicle is 8-year-old Owen Brezitski was struck and killed by a car last March.  - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

Local Church News Are Catholic Schools Academically Accountable? By Joelle Shea Special to The Witness

Now that Senate Bill 1 has passed the Senate and been sent to the House Education Committee, Pennsylvanians are hearing false arguments from those opposed to giving parents the abil- ity to choose the best school for their child. One of these tired “red herrings” is that Catholic schools are not academically ac- countable. In fact, Catholic schools diligently monitor teacher and student achievement in a variety of ways, and have been doing so consistently for decades. If the question is academic accountability, Catholic schools already make the grade. Catholic schools across the state of Pennsylvania already use academically rigorous nationally normed standardized tests. These test results provide measurements to help schools evaluate the progress of students, the effectiveness of teach- PHOTO COURTESY OF JOELLE SHEA ers and the efficacy of curriculum. Further, Catholic schools Catholic school students, teachers and staff pack the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg Nov. 15 in support test students nearly every year beginning in grade 3; this is of school choice. During the rally, they advocated for legislation that includes a voucher program and not required in state law for non-public or public schools, but an increase to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Catholic schools have found that testing in every year provides the most complete picture of educational progress. Taking tests School Choice Rally Energizes Capitol doesn’t solve anything – it’s the action that follows from these tests that creates positive progress and increased success for By Joelle Shea of students repeated the rallying cry of “SB 1! SB the students. Catholic school teachers write action plans based Special to The Witness 1” in unison. On Oct. 26, the Senate passed Sen- on their students’ test results. Not only do Catholic schools test ate Bill 1, the Opportunity Scholarship Act, by a their students, they also act upon the results, which is the most Nearly 50 Pennsylvania Catholic schools were vote of 27-22. Senate Bill 1 was then sent to the crucial part of the accountability process. represented at a rally in the Capitol Rotunda Nov. There is also accountability in Catholic school curriculum. All House Education Committee. It is currently un- 15 in support of school choice. Hundreds of stu- known if the House will use Senate Bill 1 or an- of our high schools and most of our elementary schools are ac- dents, teachers and school staff advocated for credited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and other piece of legislation to pass education reform school choice legislation that includes a voucher Schools. While not required, nearly all teachers in Pennsyl- that includes vouchers and an increase to EITC. program and an increase to the Educational Im- vania’s Catholic schools are public school certified. At times, Dr. Ronald Bowes, Assistant Superintendent Catholic schools look for professionals with a specific exper- provement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Catholic schools have long been advocates of for Public Policy and Development, Diocese of tise and advanced degrees, rather than certification. Catholic Pittsburgh, said “Education should not be left to schools require their highly qualified teachers to complete parental choice in education, seeing it as an issue continuing education, take part in lesson plan evaluations, and of social justice because low-income families are chance; it should be left to choice!” Bowes also participate in the professional development that is included as often treated inequitably. gave the attendees of the rally a homework as- a regular part of the academic calendar. Governor Tom Corbett opened the press con- signment: visit your representatives in person as If opponents still aren’t convinced about the accountability ference by clearly stating his support for school soon as possible to voice your support for school in Catholic schools, there are additional safeguards built into choice. He pointed to the two chambers saying, choice. Senate Bill 1. The legislation requires all non-public schools (Joelle Shea is the Director of Outreach and As- to administer at least one of eight nationally normed standard- “I believe (Senate Bill 1) is a great first step in sistant Director of Communications of the Penn- ized tests (our schools already use these tests). The school is education reform. We’ve gotta move it from this also required to share the voucher student results with parents end of the building [the Senate] to that end of the sylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs (our schools already do this for all students, not only those who building [the House].” arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the receive tuition assistance). The energy in the rotunda was high as hundreds Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.) And we can’t argue about the results. Catholic school stu- dents typically score well above national averages on their SATs and complete hundreds of hours of community service. Catholic high schools prepare graduates to successfully ma- School Choice for Special Needs Students triculate through some of our nation’s top universities, with many of our Catholic high schools sending nearly 100% of By A.B. Hill into an appropriate grade level to get them on a their graduates onto post-secondary studies, gleaning millions Special to The Witness reasonable timeline for high school graduation. of dollars in academic scholarships to do so. Catholic schools work with parents to determine The ultimate measure of accountability in Catholic educa- In the school choice debate, some opponents what the best course of action will be for the tion is that parents choose, year after year, to send their chil- say that students with special needs will be left child to succeed, thus educating the total person dren to our schools. If families aren’t happy with our schools, out. Supporters of school choice know this is not with dignity. they can simply transfer their children from them and send true. Financial realities prevent many parents from them to the tuition-free public schools. Competition demands Senate Bill 1 would create a voucher program having any educational choices for their children, accountability. It is clear Catholic schools are already highly and significantly expand the EITC, allowing especially when students have special needs. accountable for student achievement. many more students, including those with special (Joelle Shea is the Director of Outreach and Assistant Direc- Parents who pay their school taxes deserve some needs, to get scholarships to non-public schools. tor of Communications of the Pennsylvania Catholic Confer- benefit from those taxes, in the form of some as- ence – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bish- The Catholic school system is the largest pro- sistance in the exercise of their right to choose ops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.) vider of nonpublic education in Pennsylvania. a nonpublic school, if that is best for their chil- Catholic schools view their role as partners in dren. A school choice program that includes both fulfilling parents’ role as primary educators as vouchers and an increase in EITC scholarships well as their moral obligation to educate their is a step in the right direction toward expanding children. Admission to a Catholic school in- those opportunities to more families. Contact Your Representative! volves collaboration with parents to define a Catholic schools across Pennsylvania put sig- It’s a critical time for school choice advocacy. School choice student’s individual needs and a plan to meet nificant effort into providing a nurturing envi- legislation – the Opportunity Scholarship Act – has passed in those needs as best as the school is able. Many ronment based on dignity and respect for every the Senate. For school choice to become a reality, it must also Catholic schools provide special education or student. Parents – Catholics and non-Catholics pass in the House of Representatives. assisted education through specific programs, alike – desire this experience for their children Call or visit the office of your local State House of Repre- specially certified staff and/or entire buildings with special needs. Only they can determine if sentative to tell them you support school choice, and that you designed to educate those with special needs. this is best for their child. School choice will em- want them to vote for it. Visit the Web site of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference at www.pacatholic.org/schoolchoice for a Catholic schools coordinate instructional sup- power parents to make this choice, not the state. wealth of information on the topic, and visit the Pennsylvania port through local Intermediate Units and other (A.B. Hill is Communications Director of the Catholic Advocacy Network link to find contact information state and federally funded programs. All dioces- Pennsylvania Catholic Conference -- the public for your legislators. es have policies to place transfer students who affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops are behind where they should be academically and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.) December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 

Faith and Life

Prayer at the Lighting of the Advent Wreath Lord our God, We praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us, He is the Savior of every nation. Lord God, Let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen! Making Way for Christ Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Marking the start of the Advent season, Bishop Joseph P. McFadden celebrated Mass at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Fairfield, where he also blessed recent renovations to the Adams County church. In his homily, the bishop spoke of the period of waiting and preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord. “We are called to be watchful because he comes each and every day to us,” he said. “God is a potter. He is constantly fashioning and constantly refashioning us,” the bishop said. “Hopefully in Advent you can examine your lives. It’s time to be watchful and time to reach out for reconciliation, to view our faults and sins in the sacrament.” The bishop’s focus on the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent was an especially pertinent encouragement to the faithful of the Fairfield parish, whose pastor is Father CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Michael Messaro, a priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Susan Torborg and her son Jacob greet Bishop Joseph P. McFadden on the First The founder of Father Messaro’s religious order, St. Gaetano Errico (1791-1860), worked Sunday of Advent at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church tirelessly to bring the faithful to the confessional to help them find healing and a deeper in Fairfield. spiritual life. St. Joan’s for Life Rosaries for Holy Family

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL In honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, Bonnie Polk and Ina Clair Darby, Rosary makers from St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle, visited the fifth grade class at Holy Family School in Harrisburg, and with lots of love and patience, taught the PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOL students how to make rosaries. The ladies shared their love and devotion of St. Joan of Arc School in Hershey held a special prayer service for all new the Rosary as they helped the students unravel knots and forgotten beads of moms and moms-to-be as part of the conclusion of the school’s observance Hail Marys or Our Fathers to their rosaries. Mrs. Polk and Mrs. Darby are part of the 40 Days for Life program. Also as part of the program, each class of a group of people who make Rosaries for missions overseas, shut-ins in prayed part of the rosary every day for 40 days. Students gathered with Sis- nursing homes, and for the troops overseas. Mrs. Darby told the students that ter Eileen Marie McGowan, DM, principal; and second-grade teacher Joyce they have made more than 100,000 rosaries during the last 20 years. The Huber to present funds collected for their baby bottle campaign to Morning students treasure their rosaries, which were blessed by Father Robert Yohe, Star Pregnancy Services representative Leslie Moyer. pastor of Holy Family. 8 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011 NCYC 2011

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Youth Called to Glory, Growth in Faith By Emily M. Albert A special prayer service for diocesan members of the group traveling from the The Catholic Witness Carlisle War College was offered at St. John Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic Church in Indianapolis. The local chapter of the military ministry led the prayer NCYC, the National Catholic Youth Conference, was held in Indianapolis Nov. service and asked the youth and chaperones to share how they help people in need 17-19 at Lucas Oil Stadium, and some 80 youth from the Diocese of Harrisburg in their own community, just as their deployed loved ones help those in other coun- joined 23,000 of their peers in the conference. tries. The group from Carlisle shared experiences of their work with the Amish Each day the youth woke early, boarded a bus and participated in Morning Prayer community that allows them to pick up fallen fruit to share with the local hungry. with concerts and keynote speakers. After Morning Prayer, the youth could pick out Rebecca Brown and Caitlin Thomas shared their thoughts about having a parent their favorite speakers and attend seminars on such topics as friendship, peace and in the service; they both participate in Project Share by distributing food to families justice, prayer and dating. Also included in the seminars were Bishops’ Roundtable who cannot afford groceries. Rebecca said that last month while working, an elderly Discussions, where 30 or so youth could ask questions to a bishop assigned to their room.. woman handed her a small cross with a pink rose in the middle. “It really touched me, because she wanted to give too,” Rebecca said. Rebecca has lived in ten different cities. Her mother has never been deployed but is away for work about 20 days out of the month. “I’m really close to my mom and it is hard when she leaves. I really cherish our time together,” she said. Watching Rebecca and Caitlin at the prayer service and observing the inner strength of both girls, it is clear they have a strong rela- tionship with their families and with God. They both agree that attending Mass has helped ease the pain of being apart from a parent. They pointed out that whenever their family is together, they sit down as a family and have dinner, play games together and pray together. “When a parent is away for a long time you ask God why? But I know through God it will be ok. My faith in God keeps me strong,” Rebecca said. What stood out the most during the four days at NCYC was the strong faith of so many of the youth. It is important the youth have an outlet and room to grow in their faith, and in so many ways NCYC and World Youth Day events give the youth this opportu- nity. NCYC 2013 will be in Indianapolis again, and anyone interested should contact the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry via e-mail at oyy- [email protected]. You can also find more info by visiting the “Youth and Young Adults” link at www. hbgdiocese.org. December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 9

“It was only within the last three months that I truly became Catholic. I was baptized as a baby, but never really believed. NCYC has only served to strengthen my new faith and strength in Jesus. The speakers challenged us to be open; just open ourselves up to the unfailing love of Jesus. As a senior, I am trying to figure out what to do next year and with my life. The speakers reminded NCYC emcee ValLimar Jansen, a cantor, recording artist and speaker, engages the audience with her in- me that God knows what I am spirational voice. supposed to do and that his path for me is the one that will bring ultimate happiness. It is not my job to decide what my path is, but only to listen to God and then, as Mary did, say, ‘Let it be done.’ NCYC reminded me that to love God means we trust him and ‘all things will work together unto good.’” ~ Maura Manning, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg Some 23,000 participants came to the youth conference in Indianapolis, some from as far away as Hawaii.

Youth from the Diocese of Harrisburg share stories as they swap hats during Leaders traveling with diocesan youth from Carlisle participate in a special prayer the conference. service led by those involved in military outreach in Indianapolis.

Read Our Blog! Diocesan youth and chaperones joined The Catholic Witness photojournalist Emily M. Albert in blogging about their experiences during the National Catholic Youth Conference. Read their posts and see more photos by checking out the blog on the “Youth and Young Adults” link at www.hbgdiocese.org. 10 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

World and National News Poverty in the Midst of Plenty: Hunger Persists in the United States By Mark Pattison “What farmers really need is some risk Catholic News Service management,” Rev. Beckmann said. Hardship in the US Tianna Gaines-Turner, mother of three As U.S. nutritionists cringe over the children and stepmother to another three, prospect of an overweight nation indulg- The number of people at risk of hunger increased from is a member of Witnesses to Hunger, ing in a two-month binge of “season’s 36.2 million in 2007 to 48.8 million in 2010. Charities and founded in Philadelphia by a Drexel Uni- eatings” – from Halloween candy to food assistance programs are feeling the strain with these versity professor so hungry people could Thanksgiving dinners to Christmas feasts document what their lives are like con- to New Year’s parties – there are millions increased numbers. tinuously living hand-to-mouth. After of Americans who aren’t sure they’re go- two years of volunteering, she got a job ing to get enough to eat this day or the unemployed Supplemental Nutrition Food Bank Client with Witnesses to Hunger last year and next. households is helping set up new chapters in Boston, The problem is made worse by lack of Assistance Program households Baltimore, Omaha, Neb., and Martha’s access to nutritious food, as residents of Vineyard, Mass. – not the first place one America’s poorest cities and neighbor- 20 associates with hunger and poverty. hoods have little choice but to make do Gaines-Hunter told Catholic News with fast food or convenience stores that Service Nov. 21 she planned to spend don’t stock fresh produce. Thanksgiving “thankful that I have an 15 And even if they were the food-savvi- adequate meal” and a safe, secure place est consumers in the country, the federal to live for herself and her family. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- Some are even less lucky. The D.C. gram – the new name for food stamps 10 Central Kitchen prepares 426 breakfasts – doesn’t stretch far enough to let each and dinners each day for 801 East, a member in the household eat a healthy men’s shelter in Washington operated by meal three times a day, seven days a households (millions) 5 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of week. Earlier this year, SNAP benefits Washington. For many of the men, it is were cut to pay for a boost in school the only food they’ll eat all day. The men lunch programs. Hunger isn’t the only issue. 0 must be out of the shelter by 7 a.m. each A Catholic Charities USA third-quar- BEFORE THE RECESSION AFTER THE RECESSION day, and cannot return until 7 p.m. each ter “snapshot” of its member agencies night. issued Nov. 22 found that 88 percent of Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, USDA, Feeding America ©2011 CNS The number of homeless men climbed the agencies either had to turn away peo- with the onset of the 2008 recession, said ple or maintain a waiting list for at least perate people in the world,” said the Rev. the use of food crops to make biofuels, Paul Amara, who helps manage shel- one service, 64 percent couldn’t meet the David Beckmann. such as corn to make ethanol, are driv- ters for Catholic charities. It was in this need for emergency financial assistance, The Lutheran minister, who is presi- ing up the cost of food well beyond what downturn, he added, that he first started and 56 percent couldn’t meet requests for dent of Bread for the World, a Christian people in poverty can afford.” One wom- seeing young men barely past the age of utility assistance – including 67 percent anti-hunger lobby, made the comments in an reported that on days when money is majority seeking shelter. in Southern states dogged by heat waves a preface to the organization’s 22nd an- scarce, she’ll get by on a two-liter bottle Amara told CNS that 801 East tries to and an extended drought. nual hunger report, titled this year “Re- of soda to feel full so that her children can give the men a little something extra at What’s more, requests for help by the balancing Act: Updating U.S. Food and eat real meals. Thanksgiving and Christmas; some of working poor were up 80 percent over Farm Policies.” “We do not need farm policies that en- the men may be taken in by relatives for the second quarter, requests by families The report is peppered with indict- courage farmers to produce more fats and the holiday. But the dynamics of home- were up 66 percent, by the homeless up ments of current U.S. food policy. “Cur- sweeteners to feed hungry children,” the lessness are complicated, he said. 60 percent – and by the middle class up rent policies favor production of calories, report said. “Some stay and move on to other tran- 59 percent. not nutrients,” it said. “Today, the United At a Nov. 21 news conference to intro- sitional housing programs. We have guys “In the House’s agricultural appropria- States does not even produce enough duce the “Rebalancing Act” report, Rev. who come into the shelter and in the mat- tions bill for 2012, it voted to take away fruits and vegetables for Americans to Beckmann said a new farm bill should get ter of a month or two get a job or some- nutrition assistance from 600,000 young meet the recommended daily allowances rid of agricultural subsidies in favor of thing,” Amara said. “We have some who children and their mothers who now par- of vitamins and minerals.” revenue insurance, thus freeing up more stay forever. We also have recidivists. ticipate in the WIC (Women, Infants and Elsewhere, the report noted: “Agricul- funds for nutrition assistance in a country From November to March, the chroni- Children) program and to eliminate food tural research has been starved for pub- where federal statistics show that close to cally homeless stay off the street. aid rations for 14 million of the most des- lic support. Shrinking food supplies, and 46 million people are living in poverty. “After that, you see them disappear.” Bishops, Back from Iraq, Suggest Ways Catholics, Americans Can Help By Mark Pattison Ohio, who accompanied Bishop Kicanas to Iraq. Iraqi-Americans and Iraqis living in Jordan have com- Catholic News Service “It becomes a matter of not putting Iraq out of our minds” plained about the U.S.’s slow pace of processing and re- once the soldiers have returned, Bishop Murry said. “Along jection of immigration requests for reasons they cannot The nation and American Catholics both can help keep with the pain that we went through and the number of men comprehend. Iraq from sliding into chaos once U.S. troops leave the and women who have lost their lives, we talked about go- The size of the Christian minority in Iraq, principally country at the end of the year, said two U.S. bishops who ing into Iraq to liberate Iraq from years of oppression. Chaldean Catholics, has shrunk since the war. While there visited Iraq for four days in October. “That liberation is not just the physical removal of Sad- had been an estimated 100,000 Christians in the capital city “The U.S. withdrawal of combat troops does not reduce dam Hussein, but we have to give them the opportunity to of Baghdad, Bishop Murry said he was told only 4,000 re- the obligation to help,” principally to protect Iraqis and pro- live their lives with dignity, with freedom and with hope.” main today. vide assistance, said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Bishop Murry said that to aid Iraq he envisioned a “mod- “We have focused so much on disengaging form Iraq and Ariz., chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services, ern-day version of the Marshall Plan, which helped to re- getting our soldiers back to our families,” he said. “Our during a Nov. 15 press briefing during the U.S. bishops’ fall build Europe after the Second World War.” president and our Congress have to realize there’s more to general meeting in Baltimore. “When something comes up that our country and other the question than bringing the soldiers hope. We’re leaving “It would be extremely important for our government to countries consider important we do find the money,” he a country that’s in very difficult straits and they need our participate in an orderly transition. ... The great fear right said. “Iraq is suffering from the results of the war. The help more than ever before.” now is if the troops leave, the violence will intensify,” Bish- United States and the nations that joined with it in the war Bishop Kicanas said a frequent refrain he heard during op Kicanas said, adding the United States must “make sure can help Iraq rebuild their infrastructure and rebuild their the Iraq visit was, “We need jobs. We need work. We need people’s lives are protected and violence doesn’t erupt.” country.” peace.” He added opportunities for work must be provided, The American public needs to be sold on the necessity Bishop Murry added, “We have to be open to Iraqi refu- noting that Caritas Iraq, which receives funding from CRS, of providing sufficient aid to Iraqis in a time of budget gees coming to this country, and to countries in Western is teaching women how to cook and how to sew skills that crunches, said Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Europe.” can translate into jobs. December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 11

Local Church News

The names of the following deceased Sister mary Armella Solich persons have been submitted by their parishes: Adorers of the Blood of Christ Sister Mary Armella Solich died Nov. 11 at St. bLUe rIDGe SUmmIT – St. Rita: Anne’s Retirement Community in Colum- Cheryl Bostwick, Frank Bowders. bia. She was 99 years old. Diocesan Seminarian Admitted to candidacy cAmP HILL – Good Shepherd: Born Amalia Lucy Solich in Johnstown, Stephen P. Kelley, a seminarian of the Diocese of Harrisburg, was one of four Adelaide Cortese, Margaret Smith. Pa., she entered the Congregation of the seminarians at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa., admitted to Candidacy by cArLISLe – St. Patrick: Marjorie A. Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Columbia Fitzpatrick, David A. Pittenger. in 1931. In the Diocese of Harrisburg, Sister Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, D.D., Bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, on Nov. Mary Armella served her religious commu- 21 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. cHAmberSbUrG – Corpus Christi: nity and others as a cook at St. Mary’s Con- Mr. Kelley, of York, is the son of Philip and Brenda Kelley of Lebanon. He is Hazel “Suzy” Addlesberger, Clara Jean Lennartz. vent in Steelton (1939 and 1950-1951) at a 1991 graduate of Cedar Crest High School, Lebanon, and earned a bachelor of the bishop’s residence in Harrisburg (1942- science degree in music education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania cOAL TOWNSHIP – Our Lady of Hope: 1947) at St. Joseph’s Convent (1948-1949, in 1996. Helen Derk, John Dziadosz, Lorretta Ka- 1957-1961, 1970-1972) and at St. Anne’s linowski, Catherine Retirement Community (1951-1957, 1961- Maurer, Mary Jo Maurer, Wayne 1969, 1972-1981). She earned a dietary Food Pantry Volunteer recognized Maurer, James E. Neary, Anthony management certificate from Messiah Col- Petroski, Florence M. Uhrin, Sarah T. lege in Grantham, Pa. She also took on as Jefferson Award Winner Witt. nursing responsibilities at St. Anne’s from Mark Shuttlesworth, a member of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin cOLUmbIA – St. Peter: Jacqueline Y. 1969-1970, baked altar breads and carried Mary Parish in New Oxford and a graduate of the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Ecclesial Nikolaus. out light duties. Lay Ministry Program class of 2002, has been selected as a winner of the 2012 Jef- cONeWAGO – Sacred Heart: Cletus The funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. ferson Award for Outstanding Public Service benefitting local communities. Bievenour, Loretta A. Livelsberger, Ed- 16 in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Convent in Mr. Shuttlesworth is the volunteer coordinator of the New Oxford Community ward J. Timmins. Columbia. Burial was in the Adorers’ cem- Food Pantry, and was selected as the 2012 Jefferson Award winner from Adams GeTTYSbUrG – St. Francis Xavier: etery in Columbia. County. This award is in conjunction with WGAL-TV 8, PSECU and the United Way Pauline Adamik, William K. Collinge, to recognize citizens who have made significant contributions to their communities Charles Lillie, Laura Ricketts. Sister Ignatia Tice through their volunteer service. He received his award on Nov. 2 during a dinner and program at the Sheraton Har- HANOVer – St. Joseph: Kenneth Christian Charity Sister Ignatia Tice died risburg-Hershey. Collins, Eileen Gingrow, Raymond at Holy Family Convent in Danville Nov. Weaver. 10. She was 94. Mr. Shuttlesworth has been volunteer coordinator for the New Oxford Community Born Marie Tice in Allentown, Pa., she Food Pantry for three years, and has been involved with the food pantry for seven HArrISbUrG – Holy Name of Jesus: years, beginning as a volunteer and parish representative. Louis E. Feher; St. Catherine Labouré: attended Holy Trinity School in Hazleton, Dolores Hudak, Catherine Kudler. Pa., and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham, KULPmONT – Holy Angels: Ann N.J., in 1931. Her entire religious life was Knights of columbus, bishop Mauray, Thelma Peters, Rose dedicated to teaching in the primary grades Pitingolo. mcFadden Pray for Deceased brothers of the community in New York, Florida, LANcASTer – Assumption BVM: John Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Sister Igna- Bishop Joseph P. McFadden joined his fellow Conroy, Hetty E. Meck. tia arrived at Holy Family Convent in 1997 Knights of Columbus from the Diocese of Har- risburg to remember brother Knights who passed LeWISTOWN – Sacred Heart of for general help. away last year. Jesus: Antonietta Nelli Gagliardo, Mary The funeral Mass was celebrated in the Helen Mahon. convent chapel in Danville. Burial was in Flanked by more than 30 members of the Col- St. Joseph Cemetery there. or Corp, the bishop joined with other members mecHANIcSbUrG – St. Elizabeth of the Knights of Columbus and their families Ann Seton: Ed Clark, Victor Malpezzi; St. for Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg Joseph: Concetta Acri. Nov. 6. Reminded by the bishop of the need to mIDDLeTOWN – Seven Sorrows BVM: live one’s life in service to the Lord, all present Angie Gusler, Millie Sim. prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased mOUNT cArmeL – Our Lady: Edward Knights. Ferdock. Please pray for the following clergy who During the Mass, Mike Moglia, Faithful Navi- gator for the Father Capodanno Assembly, placed NeW cUmberLAND – St. died in December during the past 25 years: Theresa: Frances Altigeri. Father Stephen Rolko, 1993 a memorial wreath in honor of the deceased Msgr. Joseph Bradley, 1996 Knights in front of a relic of Venerable Michael NeW FreeDOm – St. John the Baptist: Father John Aurentz, 1996 McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. Alicia Bancells, Constance Formulak. Father Vitale Leonard Casey, 1997 “One of the slogans of our Order is ‘Tempus NeW OXFOrD – Immaculate Father Joseph Blascovich, 1999 Fugit Memento Mori’ which means ‘Time Flies Conception BVM: Alice Sprankle. Father Robert Kobularik, 1999 Remember Death.’ It serves as a constant remind- Deacon Michael Lydon Sr., 1999 SeLINSGrOVe – St. Pius X: Noel er that our time on earth is temporary and we must continually strive to live it accord- Deacon Charles Rebuck, 2005 ing to the principles of Christianity. Today, we remember those of our Brothers who Moran. Father Thomas Hemler, 2006 Father Thomas M. McLernon, 2009 did just that and now sleep with Christ in His glory.” YOrK – Immaculate Conception BVM: The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization whose members strive Ronald Trone; St. Joseph: Father Paul Aumen, C.PP.S., 2010 Frederick L. Wallbillick, Jr. to live the lifestyle of Christ through prayer and service to others. For more information about the Knights of Columbus and the Father Capodanno Assembly, visit http://www.kofc3167.com.

Diocesan Cemeteries Knights of columbus in elysburg HArrISbUrG mecHANIcSbUrG/ Manager Mike Rugalla YOrK Holy Cross Cemetery Phone: 570-672-2872 continue community Service 4075 Derry Street Gate of Heaven Cemetery Fax: 570-672-3268 [email protected] The Knights of Columbus Father Charles R. Slough Council 14161 in Elysburg Harrisburg PA 17111 1313 York Street Mechanicsburg PA 17055 LANcASTer continue their charitable endeavors to benefit those in their local community. Mount Calvary Cemetery St. Mary Cemetery Last month, the Knights hosted a “Wine and Dine” evening to benefit the Preg- 500 South 13th Street St. Anthony Cemetery Violet Hill Harrisburg PA 17104 Ranck Mill Ave. and Grofftown Rd. nancy Care Center in Shamokin. More than 100 people enjoyed the evening to York PA 17402 Lancaster PA 17602 Resurrection Cemetery benefit a great cause. As a result of the evening, Grand Knight Vic Lisiewski and St. Patrick Cemetery St. Mary Cemetery 116 South Oak Grove Road Dennis Fellin presented a check of $502 to Margie Conrad, Executive Director Violet Hill New Holland Pike, Route 23 Harrisburg PA 17112 York PA 17402 Lancaster PA 17601 of the Pregnancy Care Center in Shamokin. This is the third year the council has Manager Ed Scholly Holy Saviour Cemetery St. Joseph Cemetery given financial support the center. Dennis Fellin was in charge of the “Wine and Phone: 717-545-4205 3420 Susquehanna Trail (Old St. Joseph’s) Dine” evening. The Knights support pro- life efforts and feel the Pregnancy Care Fax: 717-545-4523 York PA 17402 440 St. Joseph Street [email protected] Manager Tom Brlansky Lancaster PA 17601 Center is an outstanding organization and hope to support in the future. LebANON Phone: 717-697-0206 St. Joseph Cemetery Additional charitable endeavors included a Sunday breakfast to benefit the (Mechanicsburg) 170 Charles Road scholarship and seminary funds and 13 Week Club party to benefit Queen of the Holy Cross Cemetery 717-764-9685 (York) P.O. Box 127 Most Holy Rosary Church. The council also plans to hold its annual Christmas 1810 Jay Street [email protected] Bausman PA 17504 Lebanon PA 17046 Party in the Father Charles R. Slough Knights of Columbus Hall on Dec. 3 at eLYSbUrG Manager Patrick Eichelberger Manager Patrick Eichelberger All Saints Cemetery Phone: 717-394-2231 6 p.m., and a children’s Christmas party Dec. 4 from 2-4 p.m. The council cel- Phone: 717-273-7541 172 All Saints Road Fax: 717-394-2664 ebrated its 5th anniversary on Oct. 30 of this year. [email protected] Elysburg PA 17824 [email protected] 12 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

Catholic Sports Report Gold Rush

Lancaster Catholic wide receiver Sean Titus breaks up an interception attempt in the end zone.

Sean Titus hauls in a catch Running back and stretches into the end Brandon Hollister breaks zone to make it 14-14 in the a tackle to sustain a third quarter. crucial fourth-quarter drive.

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness The Crusaders of Lancaster Catholic are making it a tradition of sorts to play big football games the day after Thanksgiving at Hersheypark Stadium. And it seems that every year standing in the way of district gold and a state playoff berth are the Spar- tans of Wyomissing – a very well coached team that uses a variety of deceptive running looks out of the Wing T to baffle defensive fronts. But heavily favored Lancaster Catholic was able to do what great football programs always seem to do when the chips are down. Coming back from a 14-7 halftime deficit, the Crusaders entered the fi- nal 7:14 knotted at 14 after scoring early in the third quarter to even things. With the ball on their own 13 and 87 yards to paydirt, it was now or never for the Crusaders, who last year were upset by these same Spartans in the Class AA semis. Without disguise, the Crusaders lined up and rammed the ball right down Wyo’s throat with senior Brandon Hollister carrying the load. The brawny tailback finished the game with 169 yards on 18 carries, but it was his consecutive runs of 13, 29 and finally a nifty 34-yard dash off left tackle out of the wildcat formation that put the Crusaders ahead, 21-14. It was nothing fancy – more like Pickett’s Charge than a stealthy flank attack – but it worked with a little heart adding to the brute. It was the fourth district gold for Bruce Harbach’s team in the last seven years and now their eyes are set on notching their second state championship, but not before having to better storied programs like Mount Carmel, West Catholic or the Quips of Aliquippa to notch their second state title. CHRIS HEISEY AND EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 13 Songs and be filled with the Christmas spirit. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and free for children under 4. To order, call Helen DeVenney at 717-486-7545, Karen Freese at 717-249-6447 or Millie Bannon at 717-249- Compiled by Jen Reed meal, great conversation, and a chance to make new friends. 8504. Open to all ages and all faiths. Sponsored by Father Dan Sacred Heart School in Hanover will host its “Santa Spiritual Offerings Powell, pastor of St. Margaret Mary’s Parish in Harrisburg. Mass with prayers for healing will be celebrated by Fa- Call Julia for more information at 717-652-3598. Breakfast” Dec. 4 from 7:30-11:30 a.m. All-you-can-eat ther Leon Leitem, OFM Cap., at St. Theresa Church in New breakfast includes home fries, bacon, sausage, pancakes, Advent Fridays, “The Birth of Christ: Breaking Open scrambled eggs, chipped beef, biscuits, coffee, tea, and Cumberland Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Mass is sponsored by the Greatest Story Ever Told through Scripture,” will be of- the Pilgrims of Praise and Life in the Spirit prayer groups. For fered Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 7-8 p.m. at St. Joan Church orange juice. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children (6-12). more information, contact Mary Ann at 717-564-7709. and School in Hershey. Dec. 2 begins with Evening Prayer This event will be held in the school’s gymnasium. Proceeds There will be an Ecumenical, Inter-Religious Candle- in the church, and the sessions on Dec. 9, 16 and 23 will be benefit the SHS Development. light Remembrance Service held for anyone who has held in the school cafeteria. York Catholic High School’s Christmas Concert will experienced the death of a friend, family member, loved Theology on Tap in Shippensburg - Join young adult take place Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the high school. Celebrate one to suicide. It will be held Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Sacred Catholics in their 20s and 30s for a Theology on Tap session the season and enjoy the sounds of holiday spirit! Instru- Heart Basilica, Conewago, 30 Basilica Drive, Hanover. Light Dec. 6 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the University Grille in Shippens- refreshments will be served in the parish hall following the ments and voices come together in this Christmas concert. burg. Father David Hillier, pastor of Our Lady of the Visitation Admission is free. service. For more information, contact Sue Poist at 717-624- Parish, will speak on, “The Story of Christmas: What Do We 2055 or e-mail at [email protected]. All are welcome ~ Really Know?” For information, contact Zachary Mentzer at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg is does not matter when the suicide occurred. It is just a time for 717-321-4840 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook. selling perohi in the parish hall. Wednesday sales will be us all to come together to let you know you are not alone. com/groups/145724765525360/ from noon-1 p.m. on Dec 7, 14, and 21. Saturday sales will A pro-life Traditional Latin Mass will be offered every An Advent Contemplative Morning, “Advent: Waiting in be from 9 a.m.-noon on Dec. 3, 10, and 17. Perohi will be third Saturday at St. Lawrence Chapel in Harrisburg. Father Joyful Hope,” will be presented Dec. 7 from 10:45 a.m.-12:10 sold frozen for $5.50 per dozen. Fillings available will be po- Frank Parrinello, Chaplain of the Mater Dei Latin Mass p.m. at the Dominican Monastery on Lititz Pike in Lancaster. tato & cheese, cabbage, prune, sauerkraut, farmers cheese Community, will celebrate the Mass followed by prayers in All are welcome to experience the contemplative and prayer and apple. Cooking directions available. Proceeds benefit front of the Hillcrest abortion clinic in Harrisburg. Email info@ life of the monastery nuns that touch the lives of people in hbglatinmass.com or www.hbglatinmass.com. The next Mass parish educational activities. Call 717-652-1415 or visit www. today’s world. Sister Maria DeMonte, OP, will lead the reflec- stannbyz.org for more information. is Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. tions. Sister Maria is a Dominican Sister of the Congregation Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated by Father of St. Catherine de’Ricci. She ministers as spiritual direc- Pizza with Santa will take place Dec. 10 at St. Joseph Walter Sempko Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Labouré tor, leads home, parish, and contemplative retreats. Cass School in Dallastown. Admission is $4 per person, children Church in Harrisburg. Confessions will be heard after Mass in Jendzurski, a member of the Fraternity of St. Dominic and receive a picture with Santa! Join us for crafts, shopping at preparation for Christmas. the founder and director for “Songs for the Journey,” will Santa’s Secret Shop, cookie sale, and more. Call 717-244- provide the harp music. A free-will offering is requested. 9386 today to reserve your seating time (11:30 a.m., 12:30 The annual Sanctity of Life Mass sponsored by the Registrations are required. To register, or for more informa- Knights of Malta of the Lancaster Region will be celebrated tion, contact Sister Maria, OP, at 717-285-4536, ext. 717 or p.m. or 1:15 p.m.). by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend Jan. [email protected]. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Church in Rohrerstown. For Join the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick in Har- information, visit www.orderofmaltalancaster.com. A Women’s Night of Reflection, “There was no room for risburg Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. as we celebrate Christmas in Retreats & Pilgrimages them...” will be offered by Father Michael Rothan, pastor of concert. The fifth annual Festival of Lessons and Carols St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey, Dec. 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. in brings together the Cathedral Choir, the Schola Cantorum A Pro-Life Retreat will take place at St. Patrick Church the St. Joan of Arc School cafeteria. The event is sponsored in Carlisle Jan. 14 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $25, and a of the Diocese of Harrisburg, and this year we also welcome by the parish Council of Catholic Women. Call the church at the Bishop McDevitt High School Concert Choir. Featured catered lunch will be served. For more information, and to 717-533-7168 to RSVP or for details. find out how to register, call Theresa Riskis at 717-241-2036 soloists will include soprano Alexis E. Basehore and Robert or the parish office at 717-243-4411. The Oblates of St. Benedict, St. Anselm Deanery, M. Goodrich. Following the traditional format as used at will meet Dec. 11 in the church library at St. Pius X, Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Harrisburg is offering a Kings College in London, there is a series of nine Lessons Selinsgrove. If you have any questions about the Oblates, read by Lectors who represent the various parish ministries, mini-retreat “Women of Grace, Morning of Grace” Jan. 21from contact Frank Stoshack at 570-648-5013. 9 a.m.-noon in the Social Hall. The program will include a interspersed with choral anthems and congregational carols. DVD presentation, prayer, and speaker Father Edward J. Theology on Tap in Harrisburg – Join the growing num- Accompanied by the Cathedral Sinfonia and under the baton Qunilan, parish administrator and Diocesan Secretary for ber of young adult Catholics, ages 21-39, in the Harrisburg of Mr. Nicholas Basehore, this annual musical festival is the Education. Mass at 8:30 a.m. is available; donation of $7 in- area who are choosing to live their faith. Theology on Tap perfect way to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons. cludes light breakfast. RSVP to Chris Arnold at 717-671-9256 features an evening of good food and drinks as young adults explore their faith and talk about issues that matter. The next A free-will offering will be taken at the door. Call Nick Base- or [email protected], or Vicki Crispo at wog325@ hore at 717-232-2169, ext. 224 for more information. gmail.com or 717-757-4295. gathering in Harrisburg will be Dec. 15 at Ceoltas in Harris- burg. Guest speaker Joe Creavey will speak on “Beyond the Christmas caroling will take place at Sacred Heart of A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is being hosted by Karen Horizon: A Soldier’s Journey of Faith.” Arrive at 6:30 p.m., M. Hurley, DSS, from March 17-27, 2012. The scriptures Jesus Parish Center in Spring Grove Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. Hot sit back and listen at 7 p.m., join in the discussion at 7:45 chocolate will be served afterward. Call the parish at 717- will come alive as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Tour p.m. and hang out at 8 p.m. For more information and to includes: Daily Mass at holy sites, guide, accommodation in RSVP, go to the Theology on Tap - Harrisburg group 225-1704 for information. First Class hotels (five nights in Jerusalem, three nights in Ti- on Facebook or visit http://www.stjosephmech.org/ministries/ Irish tenor Mark Forrest in concert. Join us for a berias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee), land transporta- adult-education/theology-on-tap. tion by deluxe motorcoach, roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia musical evening of Christmas and Irish tunes featuring the on nonstop flight, and more, for $2,975 per person/double An Afternoon of Reflection for Women will take place International Irish Tenor Mark Forrest Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. at occupancy. For further information, contact George’s Interna- at St Andrew Parish in Waynesboro Jan. 7 (snow date Jan. St. Joseph Parish Center in Hanover. Order now. Tickets or tional Tours, 800-566-7499 or www.georgesintl.com. 21) at 1:30 p.m., concluding with Mass at 4 p.m. A Great way Christmas gift certificates are available but limited. Call the to start off the New Year! The theme is “The Gifts of the Holy parish office for more information at 717-637-5236. Catholic Italy – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will host a 10 Spirit: Rediscover the Gifts You Have Been Given.” Enter- day tour of Catholic Italy. Scheduled to depart New York’s taining and practical reflections about how to strengthen and Parish & Organization News JFK Airport on Sept. 4, 2012, the cost of this tour is $3,290 revitalize our everyday lives by tapping into the amazing St. Stanislaus Grade School in Shamokin reunion May double occupancy. This price does not include a $98 tax. Gifts that Holy Spirit has placed into our souls. Presenter is Cities included on this tour are Siena and San Gimignano, Father Daniel Wilson, Legionaries of Christ priest, from the 27, 2012. Mass at 1p.m. at Mother Cabrini Church, then Pisa, the beautiful city of Venice, Florence, Assisi, home of Center for Family Development and Our Lady of Bethesda proceeding to St Stan’s Hall at Race & Vine Streets Sham- St. Francis, the Vatican Museum and Vatican City where an Retreat Center. Free-will offering. Sponsored by the Council okin. Contact Mary (Narkiewicz) Harmon at 570-594-3663 audience with the pope will be held provided the pope is in of Catholic Women. RSVP to Elaine Sneeringer at 717-352- or [email protected], or Lee Konjura at leekonjura@ residence at that time and Christian Rome. For additional 8697. hotmail.com. This event will co-incide with the Anthracite information, call Ruth at 717-732-1049. Diocesan Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Heritage Festival to be held Friday and Saturday of Memorial The Travel Committee of St. Columba Parish in – Adult Girl Scout Leaders are invited to attend a meeting of Day Weekend. Bloomsburg presents a Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with the Diocesan Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Shining Light Thrift Shop, a clothing ministry of the Barcelona Oct. 21-30, 2012. Double $2,899; Single $3,299; Fire (DCCGSCF) Jan. 21 from 10 a.m.-noon in the Cardinal Triple $2,869. Contact John at 570-437-9081 or Pat at 784- Keeler Center, Harrisburg. For more information, contact Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg, is in need 2230 for brochure. the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry at oyyam@ of volunteers to work Tuesday-Saturday between the Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – Travel with Father hbgdiocese.org or 717-657-4804 x327. hours of 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Any time you can offer will be John Peck, O.S.B., Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Holiday Bazaars appreciated. The shop is located at 1310 N. 3rd St. across Annville, to the Holy Land Nov. 7-15, 2012. Call Jeanne from the Broad St. Market. Parking is available in the rear of Rittle at 717- 867-1525 to have an itinerary sent to you or Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Spring Grove will host the shop. Call Steve at 717-234-2436. a Christmas bazaar Dec. 2 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors, visit http://www.collettevacations.com/group-page/index. Diocesan Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire cfm?ID=453914 to see the itinerary online. Highlights: daily homemade pies, soups and good food. A free gift will be Mass, Caesarea, Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation, given away every hour. Music and Christmas-themed gifts. – Applications for Girl Scout adult recognition are due by Cana, Tiberias, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of A Christmas Bazaar will be held at St. Peter Parish in Jan. 7, 2012. Download a copy of the application from the Galilee, Transfiguration Church, Tel Megiddo, Jaffa Jeru- Columbia Dec. 3 and 4. On Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m., soup Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry website (www. salem, Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of The Holy and a light fare will be available in the Parish Center. Sunday hbgdiocese.org/youngchurch) and/or contact the Office for Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Mount Zion, Bethlehem, Church of morning beginning at 8:30 a.m., a continental breakfast with Youth and Young Adult Ministry at [email protected] the Nativity. Double Occupancy, $2,999 pp, includes most homemade sticky buns, fruit, juice and coffee will be avail- or 717-657-4804 x327. meals, round trip air from Philadelphia, coach transfer to and able. And, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., an Italian dinner with pasta, from airport, hotel transfers, air taxes.(5 day Discover Jordan meatballs, salad, soup, bread and dessert will be served. The Council of Catholic Women of St. Joseph Parish post tour extension option.) Tickets for the dinner are available at the door or in advance in Hanover will sponsor an Angel Tree again this year as Education, Enrichment & Support through the parish office by calling 717-684-7070. part of the “Hope for the Holidays” program conducted by For a listing of additional adult faith formation offer- Events & Fund-Raisers the Greater Hanover Chapter of the American Red Cross. ings around the diocese throughout the year, visit www. Parishioners of St. Joseph’s will provide 300 gifts to the Red The Heritage Club at St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle will Cross participants. In conjunction with the parish’s steward- hbgdiocese.org and click on the Diocesan Institute link on present “An Amish Family Christmas Play” Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. the left side of the homepage. Contact Ryan Bolster at 717- at the parish’s Father Andrew J. Fontanella Activity Center. ship program, “Servant Joy,” which was initiated in 2010, 657-4804, ext. 225 for more information. The Amish Freedom Players, formerly known as Freedom children will carry some of the gifts to the altar during the Harrisburg area single’s group “WinDowS” invites Chapel Dinner Theatre, will perform their well-known play, Offertory Procession at each Mass one weekend during widowed, divorced and single men and women to join other “Amish Family Christmas.” You will feel like you are peeking Advent. Gifts will then be delivered to the Red Cross for singles each month at different restaurants, have a lovely in a window of an Amish home. Enjoy the hymns, Christmas distribution. 14 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

World and National News Addressing U.S. Bishops, Pope Defends Church Efforts on Sex Abuse By John Thavis he wanted to acknowledge the suffering should have a key role in responding to their response to the issues raised by in- Catholic News Service inflicted on victims as well as the church’s these deep changes in society. creasing secularization, and their efforts efforts to ensure the safety of children and “Despite attempts to still the church’s to articulate a common pastoral vision. In a speech to U.S. bishops, Pope Bene- deal “appropriately and transparently with voice in the public square, many people of He cited as examples the bishops’ recent dict XVI defended the church’s “honest allegations” of abuse. good will continue to look to her for wis- documents on political responsibility and efforts” to confront the priestly sex abuse “It is my hope that the church’s consci- dom, insight and sound guidance in meet- on the institution of marriage. scandal with transparency, and said its ac- entious efforts to confront this reality will ing this far-reaching crisis,” he said. In the end, the pope said, the effective- tions could help the rest of society respond help the broader community to recognize In that sense, he added, the present mo- ness of the church’s witness to the Gospel to the problem. the causes, true extent and devastating con- ment is “a summons to exercise the pro- in the United States is linked to “the recov- While the church is rightly held to high sequences of sexual abuse, and to respond phetic dimension of your episcopal minis- ery of a shared vision and sense of mission standards, all other institutions should be effectively to this scourge which affects try by speaking out, humbly yet insistently, by the entire Catholic community.” held to the same standards as they ad- every level of society,” the pope said. in defense of moral truth, and offering a He said Catholic universities have an dress the causes, extent and consequenc- “By the same token, just as the church word of hope, capable of opening hearts important role in promoting this renewal es of sexual abuse, which has become a is rightly held to exacting standards in this and minds to the truth that sets us free.” and ensuring the success of “new evange- “scourge” at every level of society, the regard, all other institutions, without ex- At the same time, the pope said, the seri- lization,” especially among younger gen- pope said Nov. 26. ception, should be held to the same stan- ousness of the challenges facing the church erations. On wider issues, including the institution dards,” he said. in the United States cannot be underesti- “Young people have a right to hear of marriage, the pope encouraged the bish- Pope Benedict’s speech was the first in mated. He said one big problem was that clearly the church’s teaching and, most ops to speak out “humbly yet insistently a series of five talks he is expected to de- secularization affects the lives of Catholic, importantly, to be inspired by the coher- in defense of moral truth.” Responding to liver in coming months, as 15 groups of leading at times to “quiet attrition” among ence and beauty of the Christian message, the challenges of a secularized culture will U.S. bishops make their consultative visits the church’s members. so that they in turn can instill in their peers first require the “re-evangelization” of the to Rome. He said he planned to focus pri- “Immersed in this culture, believers are a deep love of Christ and his church,” he church’s own members, he said. marily on the urgent task of “new evange- daily beset by the objections, the troubling said. The pope made the remarks in a speech lization.” questions and the cynicism of a society The pope also spoke about the imple- to bishops from the state of New York, The pope said many of the U.S. bishops which seems to have lost its roots, by a mentation of the revised translation of the who were in Rome for their “ad limina” had shared with him their concern about world in which the love of God has grown Roman Missal, which is being introduced visits. The group was led by Archbishop the “grave challenges” presented by an cold in so many hearts,” he said. in the United States during Advent. He Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who increasingly secularized society in the For that reason, he said, modern evan- thanked the bishops for making this a mo- as president of the U.S. bishops’ confer- United States. He said it was also interest- gelization is not something aimed only at ment of catechesis about the liturgy, say- ence has spoken of the need to restore the ing to note a widespread worry about the people outside the church. ing that a weakened sense of the meaning church’s credibility and its evangelizing future of democratic society in general, by “We ourselves are the first to need re- of Christian worship inevitably leads to a capacity. people who see “a troubling breakdown in evangelization,” he said. That must in- weakened witness of the faith. The pope began his talk by recalling his the intellectual, cultural and moral founda- clude critical and ongoing self-assessment He said consolidating America’s “proud 2008 visit to the United States, which he tions of social life” and growing insecurity and conversion, and interior renewal in the tradition of respect for the Sabbath” would said was aimed at encouraging Catholics about the future. light of the Gospel, he said. help renew U.S. society in accordance in the wake of the sex abuse crisis. He said He suggested that the church could and The pope praised the U.S. bishops for with God’s “unchanging truth.” Cardinal Says U.S. Ordinariate for Former Anglicans to Be Created Jan. 1

By Patricia Zapor assumed that an ordinary will be named at that time. The “Anglicanorum coetibus” applies to the entire Catholic News Service “I remain convinced that this ordinariate will be a world and allows Anglican communities to be received true expression of the Catholic Church because of your into the Catholic Church through new ordinariates in- A new ordinariate – functionally similar to a dio- engagement in the steps leading up to the acceptance of stead of through existing dioceses. cese – will be created Jan. 1 to bring Anglicans into the the candidates for ordinate and for your involvement in U.S. Catholics may be familiar with an ordinariate in U.S. Catholic Church, announced Washington Cardinal the catechetical formation of the members of the con- the form of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, Donald W. Wuerl during the annual meeting of the U.S. gregation seeking membership in the ordinariate,” he an ordinariate which serves U.S. military chaplaincies Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 15. said. “Your involvement is one of the guarantees of the around the world. Its offices are in Washington, and it is Cardinal Wuerl also said 67 Anglican priests have well-being of the ordinariate as it is established and be- headed by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio. submitted their dossiers seeking ordination in the Cath- gins to receive both clergy and congregations.” In addition to the approvals by the Vatican, the back- olic Church, and 35 of those have received initial ap- The U.S. ordinariate will be the second one created ground checks and psychological evaluations, the can- proval from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the under “Anglicanorum coetibus.” The Ordinariate of Our didates for ordination as Catholic priests also will go Faith. Lady of Walsingham was established for England and through a program of priestly formation approved by That means they can move to the second stage of ap- Wales in January of this year. It is led by Msgr. Keith the Vatican, Cardinal Wuerl said. The program is based proval, which includes a criminal background check, Newton, a former Anglican bishop who is married and at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, either on-campus or psychological evaluation and recommendations from was ordained a Catholic priest. It includes about 1,000 through the university’s distance-learning program, he the Catholic bishop where he lives and from his Angli- individuals in 42 communities. Its priests include five said, and should take six to nine months to complete. can ecclesiastical authority, he said. former Anglican bishops, according to background in- Congregations that wish to become a part of the ordi- Cardinal Wuerl told reporters after the session with formation distributed by the USCCB. nariate will go through a catechesis program based on the bishops that Anglican parishes with a total of about The Catholic Church does not allow married priests the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. 2,000 members have so far asked to become part of – whether those in Eastern rites that allow priests to A great many details remain to be decided about how be married, or former clergy from other churches who the Catholic Church through the process established the ordinariate will function, he added. Parishes in the in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI issued an apostolic have become Catholic – to become bishops. ordinariate will have the option of using either “The constitution, “Anglicanorum coetibus.” Cardinal Wuerl Therefore, the new ordinariate may be led by a priest, Book of Divine Worship,” a Vatican-approved liturgi- was named by the Vatican to head an ad hoc committee who will have a role similar to a bishop, according cal text based upon Anglican liturgies, or the Roman for the constitution’s implementation. to the background material. An ordinary who is not a The constitution authorizes the creation of an ordi- bishop will not be allowed to ordain priests, however. Missal used in other Catholic churches. nariate to bring in Anglicans, or Episcopalians as they So, Cardinal Wuerl explained, ordinations for the or- Questions raised by bishops after from the floor are known in the United States, who seek to leave their dinariate may need to be done by “one of us” until the Cardinal Wuerl’s presentation touched on issues such tradition and join the Catholic Church but retain certain ordinariate has its own bishop. as whether the newly ordained priests of the Anglican elements of the Anglican liturgy and traditions. Cardinal Wuerl did not say where the Anglican com- ordinariate might be available to help out in other par- The process was established to accommodate whole munities seeking to become Catholic are located. Two ishes and vice versa, such as for priests on vacation; congregations who choose to join the Catholic Church such parishes have already completed the transition, and whether parishioners of Catholic churches would after they have become disaffected with the Anglican one in Fort Worth, Texas, and the other in Bladensburg, be free to participate in the Anglican parishes. Church over recent changes, such as the ordination of Md., which were accepted in ceremonies in September The answer to both questions was yes. Priests work- women, the ordination of openly gay priests and bless- and October. They will become a part of the new ordi- ing across ordinariate lines, so to speak, would need ing of same-sex marriages and partnerships. nariate when it is established, though for now they come permission from the bishop or ordinary, as currently is Cardinal Wuerl’s announcement in the final hour of under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Fort Worth and required when priests work in other dioceses, Cardinal the public portion of the annual meeting in Baltimore the Archdiocese of Washington, respectively. Wuerl said. brought immediate logistical questions, such as the re- A Vatican-approved pastoral provision has since 1980 Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston lationship between the ordinariate – which will cover provided a way for individual Protestant clergymen to suggested that dioceses with priests who are entering the entire U.S. – and the dioceses in which the former be ordained for U.S. Catholic dioceses. It also allows into full communion with the church might, for exam- Anglican priests will live. Anglican parishes to become Catholic parishes. Three ple, offer to have the new priests participate in the dioc- The physical location of its offices will be determined have done so and are referred to as “Anglican use” esan health insurance program until the new ordinariate after the ordinariate is erected. Cardinal Wuerl said he communities, according to the background material. is able to offer such benefits. December 2, 2011, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 15

World and National News In Africa, Pope Asks Church to Be Model of Reconciliation Catholic News Service own example, he said. In a Ouidah church, Pope Benedict prayed On a three-day visit to Benin, Pope Bene- at the tomb of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, who dict XVI urged African Catholics to witness worked for many years with the future pope in the hope of the Gospel in their daily lives and the Roman Curia. The pope said that over the make the church a model of reconciliation for years, the two had met many times, engaged in the entire continent. deep discussions and prayed together. In a particular way, the church must be “at- Addressing diplomats, civil authorities and tentive to the cry of the poor, the weak, the religious representatives Nov. 19 in Cotonou, outcast,” the pope said at a Mass Nov. 20 for the pope said Africa’s challenges reflect wid- more than 50,000 people who filled a stadium er issues common to all humanity, including in Cotonou. scandals and injustice, corruption and greed, “I would like to greet with affection all those and “too much violence which leads to misery persons who are suffering, those who are sick, those affected by AIDS or by other illnesses, and death.” to all those forgotten by society. Have cour- He urged world leaders to put the common age! The pope is close to you in his thoughts good at the center of their policies. and prayers,” he said. “From this place, I launch an appeal to all The pope stressed the urgency of evangeliz- political and economic leaders of African ing and said the church must make a special countries and the rest of the world. Do not de- effort to reach those “whose faith is weak” and prive your peoples of hope! Do not cut them who think selfish satisfaction and easy gain is off from their future by mutilating their pres- the goal of human life. ent!” he said. “The church in Benin has received much The pope also cautioned the international from her missionaries; she must in turn carry CNS/PAUL HARING community against viewing Africa solely as a this message of hope to people who do not Women dance and sing as they await the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI at Cardinal place of problems and failures. Often this per- know or who no longer know the Lord Jesus,” Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 18. The pope was spective is fueled by prejudices, he said. he said. in Benin to present the conclusions of the 2009 Synod of Bishops for Africa. He “It is tempting to point to what does not The pope’s message was aimed beyond urged the continent to uphold values of family and human dignity. work; it is easy to assume the judgmental tone the borders of Benin, a small West African “Sometimes you may even have to push said that in the face of Africa’s problems, “a of the moralizer or of the expert who imposes country with a population of nearly 3 million his conclusions and proposes, at the end of the Catholics out of a total population of nearly 9 them a little. But do not hesitate to do so. God church reconciled within herself and among is that important!” he said. all her members can become a prophetic sign day, few useful solutions,” he said. million. He came to Africa to unveil a docu- He warned of the related risk of seeing Af- ment, “Africae Munus” (“The Commitment Later he pulled a rosary from his pocket and of reconciliation in society” and help guide the asked the young people to learn how to pray struggle against “every form of slavery” in the rica only in terms of vast resources that can be of Africa”), that outlined pastoral strategies easily exploited. and urged Catholics to become “apostles of it. Each child was given a rosary at the end modern world. before they left. Ouidah is known as a center of voodoo Relations between Christians and Muslims reconciliation, justice and peace” across the in Benin are generally good, and representa- troubled continent. On Nov. 19, the pope traveled to the coastal practices in West Africa, and in a meeting with At every one of his public events, Africans city of Ouidah, a former slave trading post on Catholic faithful there the pope underlined tives of Islam were among those present at – including many pilgrims who came from the Atlantic, to sign his follow-up document the need to reject customs incompatible with the Cotonou meeting. The pope emphasized neighboring countries – gave the pontiff a live- to the 2009 Synod of Bishops for Africa. The Christianity. Understood correctly, he said, the that “everyone of good sense” understands ly welcome, blending song, dance and prayer 138-page text said the church should lead the Christian faith “liberates from occultism and the need for interreligious dialogue today and in a spirit of religious celebration. The smiling way in promoting respect for human dignity vanquishes evil spirits, for it is moved by the rejects the attempt to justify intolerance or vio- pope clearly appreciated the reception. and life at every stage, fighting against eco- power of the Holy Trinity itself.” lence. One of the most animated encounters saw nomic imbalance and environmental degrada- He also encouraged lay Catholics to defend “Aggression is an outmoded relational form the pope surrounded by several hundred tion, providing health care to those with AIDS the institution of the family “built according which appeals to superficial and ignoble in- schoolchildren, who accompanied him in a and other diseases, educating the young and to the design of God” and the Christian under- stincts. To use the revealed word, the sacred rhythmic procession and cheered him inside a reconciling human hearts in places of ethnic standing of marriage. Parents should transform scriptures or the name of God to justify our parish church. In a talk, the pope told the chil- tension. family life through the power of prayer and by interests, our easy and convenient policies or dren to ask their parents to pray with them. In a brief talk before the signing, the pope transmitting values to their children by their our violence, is a very grave fault,” he said. Pope Urges International Agreement on Climate Change

By John Thavis experienced around the world. This year we He said education toward environmental re- higher targets of renewable energy production Catholic News Service saw floods in Central America, South and sponsibility must begin in families and schools by phasing out coal and nuclear production Southeast Asia and drought across East Af- and must reflect the church’s teaching that re- and by developing the job creation potential of Pope Benedict XVI urged international rica,” Cardinal Rodriguez said in a statement spect for the human being – in all stages of life renewable energy.” leaders to reach a credible agreement on cli- released by Caritas. – goes hand in hand with respect for nature. The bishops also called on people “to reduce mate change, keeping in mind the needs of the “Urgent action is necessary. Climate nego- In a pastoral letter, the Southern African greenhouse gas emissions by using your own poor and of future generations. tiators in Durban must not further delay agree- Catholic Bishops’ Conference asked people properties productively to grow trees that will The pope made the remarks at his noon ing to international legislation to curb the to urge South Africa’s government, which is absorb carbon dioxide, to grow vegetables and blessing at the Vatican Nov. 27, the day be- threat of climate change and set the world on chairing the Durban meeting, to support reso- fore officials from 194 countries were to begin a path to a more just and sustainable future,” lutions “based not on immediate economic crops organically to reduce the use of chemi- meeting in Durban, South Africa, to discuss he said. needs only, but on the survival needs of future cal-based fertilizers, and to share the food thus the next steps in reducing greenhouse gases In 2011, East Africa suffered the worst generations.” grown with the hungry and malnourished in and stopping global temperatures from rising. drought in half a century. Caritas noted that Noting that South Africa is the world’s 13th- your midst.” “I hope that all members of the international drought was not new in East Africa, but said highest global emitter of carbon dioxide, the (Contributing to this story was Bronwen community can agree on a responsible, cred- changes in weather patterns combined with bishops said the country should pledge “much Dachs in South Africa.) ible and supportive response to this worrisome lack of investment, competition for land and and complex phenomenon, keeping in mind water have eroded the capacity of local people the needs of the poorest populations and of fu- to cope. ture generations,” the pope said. “The whole world is vulnerable to climate The meeting, which runs until Dec. 9, is the change, but poor countries are affected more,” latest in a series to consider follow-up action Cardinal Rodriguez said. “Africa is one of the to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which obligated most vulnerable continents to the impacts of industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse climate change. Africans are taking a stand in gas emissions by a specific amount. The Kyoto Durban; it is time for the world to stand with Protocol expires at the end of 2012, and the Africa.” Durban encounter is considered crucial in Before leaving for Durban, Cardinal Ro- forging an additional commitment period. driguez took several thousand young Italian The goal of the talks organized by the U.N. members of a Franciscan environmental group Framework Convention on Climate Change is to the Vatican for a lively encounter with the to cut greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2050 pope. and prevent temperatures from rising more The pope told them that the church’s teach- than 2 degrees Celsius. ing on the environment follows from the prin- Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Mara- ciple that men and women are collaborators diaga, president of Caritas Internationalis, was with God and his creation. The lessons of re- leading a 20-person Caritas delegation to the sponsible stewardship over natural resources Durban talks to press for an agreement on be- are increasingly important, he said. half of poor countries that have been severely “In fact, it is by now evident that there is CNS/SIPHIWE SIBEKO, REUTERS impacted by climate change. no good future for humanity or for the earth Local residents march in Durban, South Africa, ahead of the international climate “Our climate is changing. Caritas organi- unless we educate everyone toward a style of talks Nov. 26. Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders to reach a credible agreement zations are responding to increasing unpre- life that is more responsible toward the created on climate change, keeping in mind the needs of the poor and of future genera- dictability and extreme weather conditions world,” he said. tions. 16 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, December 2, 2011

Faith and Life The King’s Sacrifice

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS n the Feast of Christ the King, the Joseph P. McFadden blessed the new altar Altar of Repose, an ambo and a celebrant’s solemnity. “Our King came to serve. He OCatholic Church looks forward to a at St. Monica Church in Sunbury. It is on chair in addition to the altar. came as a shepherd. He came as the Good new heaven and new earth, when all will the altar that the memorial of the Lord is “It is on this altar that Jesus again offers Shepherd to gather his sheep. He does that be one in Christ. The solemnity, which celebrated and his Body and Blood given himself for us. We are dedicating this al- still today.” marks the last Sunday of the Church’s li- to his people. tar because it is a place of great sacrifice,” “Who did Jesus care to associate with? turgical calendar, reflects the fulfillment of St. Monica Parish and its pastor, Father Bishop McFadden told the congregation. Did he mingle with the rich and power- all the work God is doing for his people in Donald Cramer, worked with Berger’s “Our King came into the world in com- ful? No, he was present with the marginal- Jesus Christ. Trinity Peace in Elysburg to obtain the plete and absolute poverty, not at all like ized,” Bishop McFadden said. “He comes On this year’s feast, Nov. 20, Bishop custom-made pieces, which include the other kings,” he said, reflecting on the to those who are lost.”

Clouds tinged with orange and red hues float above St. Peter’s Basilica during sunset in Rome. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden is in Rome Nov. 30-Dec. 11 as part of the U.S. bishops’ “ad limina” visits to the Vatican.

CNS/PAUL HARING