CatholicThe P st Holy Year of Mercy opens Dec. 8 Bishop Jenky’s Newspaper of the Diocese of Peoria Festival Letter Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 Vol. 81, No. 25 outlines plans In this— issue

BY TOM DERMODY In the coming days Holy Doors of Mercy will be blessed OF THE CATHOLIC POST and opened at the following jubilee year pilgrimage sites designated by Bishop Jenky for the Diocese of Peoria: The Diocese of Peoria’s plans to observe clockwise from upper left, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Peoria; St. the Holy Year of Mercy include the designa- John’s Catholic Chapel, Champaign; St. Robert Bellarmine tion of six churches and chapels as Holy Chapel at St. John Paul II Newman Center, Normal; St. Pius Door pilgrimage sites, according to a newly X Church, Rock Island; the Shrine Church of the Most Holy released Festival Letter by Bishop Daniel R. Rosary, LaSalle; and Sacred Heart Church, Peoria. Jenky, CSC. “As Christians, we know God’s mercy, and Final day of distribution at so all our lives we must continue to learn Clare House, Bloomington: P3 how to be more merciful to others,” writes Bishop Jenky in “Divine Mercy,” a reflec- tion issued as the church prepares to open an extraordinary jubilee year proclaimed by Pope Francis. The full text of Bishop Jenky’s letter is found in a pull-out section in this issue of The Catholic Post. It has also been posted on the diocesan website, which offers a page of Holy Year of Pope Francis surprised by Mercy resources at crowds, joy on Africa trip: P4 cdop.org/mercy. Cathedral, five churches and While Bishop Jenky’s previous 13 Festival Letters chapels named pilgrimage sites — major teaching documents for the “We look forward to welcoming many Some of the churches are designating coming year — were guests and visitors.” interior doors as their Holy Door, while issued in January So says Msgr. Mark Merdian, pastor of St. others are using exterior entry doors. on the Feast of the Pius X Parish in Rock Island, whose church Throughout the Holy Year of Mercy, a Epiphany, the 2016 is one of six sanctuaries in the Diocese of plenary indulgence is available for pilgrims letter has been re- Peoria to be designated by Bishop Daniel R. entering the designated Holy Doors and leased early to cor- Jenky, CSC, as pilgrimage sites during the fulfilling certain conditions including the respond with the opening of the Holy Year Holy Year of Mercy set to open on Dec. 8. sacrament of reconciliation and reception of Mercy on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Holy Doors of Mercy will be blessed at of the Eucharist. Brochures explaining Join ‘Post’ on a Holy Year of Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis has each site prior to Masses in the coming days indulgences and other aspects of the Holy Mercy pilgrimage to Rome: P10 asked that all “gaze even more attentively” on the following schedule: Year of Mercy will be available at each site. on the mystery of God’s mercy during the Tuesday, Dec. 8 — The Shrine Church of They are also explained in Bishop Jenky’s Index jubilee year, which concludes on Nov. 20, the Most Holy Rosary, 529 4th St., LaSalle, Festival Letter found in this issue of The COLLECT FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS 2 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King. 7 a.m.; St. John’s Catholic Chapel, 604 E. Catholic Post and online at cdop.org/mercy. TUESDAY IS A HOLY DAY 3 Armory, Champaign, 5 p.m. Msgr. Stanley Deptula, rector of St. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT 6 AREA PILGRIMAGE SITES Wednesday, Dec. 9 — St. John Paul II Mary’s Cathedral and pastor of parishes COLORADO SHOOTING REACTION 7 In his Festival Letter, Bishop Jenky an- Catholic Newman Center, 501 S. Main St., including Sacred Heart in Peoria, said that PRAYER IS THEIR MISSION 8 nounces that the Diocese of Peoria’s obser- Normal, 7 p.m. because of continuing extensive renova- MARY ON MAGAZINE’S COVER 9 vance of the jubilee year will officially open Saturday, Dec. 12 — St. Pius X Church, tion in the cathedral, the opportunities FAITH COMMUNITY NURSES 11 on Dec. 13, known as Gaudete Sunday. On 2502 29th Ave., Rock Island, 4 p.m. for pilgrimage there will be limited in the 23,000 CATHOLIC YOUTH IN INDY 13 that weekend, Holy Doors of Mercy will Sunday, Dec. 13 — Sacred Heart Church, coming months, which is why Bishop Jenky OBITUARIES 14 504 Fulton St., Peoria, 10 a.m.; St. Mary’s Ca- also designated Sacred Heart in downtown WAYS TO WITNESS THIS ADVENT 17 PLEASE TURN TO FESTIVAL LETTER 15 thedral, 607 N.E. Madison, Peoria, 10:30 a.m. Peoria as a pilgrimage site. LIVING THE WORD 18 2 | THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com 419 N.E. MADISON AVE. MOST REV. DANIEL R. JENKY, C.S.C. PEORIA, IL 61603 OFFICE OF THE BISHOP PHONE: 309-671-1550 DIOCESE OF PEORIA FAX: 309-671-1576 Mission Statement The Catholic Post spreads the saving message of Jesus Christ as it faithfully informs, forms, and unites members of the Diocese of Peoria. (USPS 557-000) Retirement Fund for Religious Publisher Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, CSC Editor-in-Chief ...... Thomas Dermody Advertising Manager ...... Sonia Nelson Assistant Editor ...... Jennifer Willems Production ...... Theresa Lindley collection ‘a moment of thanks’ Board of Directors: John Gibson, chairman, Msgr. James Kruse, Deacon Greg Serangeli, Deacon Bob Sondag, Dr. Sharon Weiss, Jack Rooney To: The Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Peoria POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Catholic Post, PO Box 1722, Peoria, IL 61656 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Office located at 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 Most of us can probably recall some religious priest, brother, or sister who has made Phone: (309) 671-1550, or (800) 340-5630 a positive impact on our lives. Fax: (309) 671-1579 We have experienced their Email: [email protected]. Web address: thecatholicpost.com. Changes of address should consecration, their witness, Member of the Catholic include name of new parish. and their service in so many Press Association Price: $29. Published biweekly by the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. Periodicals postage paid at Peoria, IL different facets of our parish and of our own particular lives. The Catholic Post and all communications efforts of the Diocese It is once again, our assistance of Peoria look to the example of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. that they call for as we under- take the Retirement Fund for Sheen, a native son of the diocese who pioneered the use of modern Religious collection. media to spread the Gospel message. Over the years, you have generously responded to this important collection for the re- tired religious. The generosity Be alerted to breaking Catholic news that you have provided is still by following The Catholic Post not enough to offset the multi- via Facebook and Twitter. billion dollar unfunded liability that faces our elderly religious priests, brothers, and sisters. As they have provided us with a lifetime of service, we want to return their offering with a moment of thanks. By your continued generosity, we hope to continue to provide for their many needs. I want to thank you once again for your continued generosity to this Retirement Fund for Religious collection. Please know of my continued prayers, thanks, and best wishes.

Sincerely yours in Christ, The collection will be received the weekend of Dec. 12-13. See related story Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC on page 8. Bishop of Peoria

•Nursing Services-Adult & Pediatric •Respite & Companions •Personal Care •Transportation & Errands (Bathing, Dressing, Grooming, Ambulation) •Meal Preparation •Medication Assistance •Housekeeping Bloomington (309) 663-4680 — Champaign (217) 398-4100 Danville (217) 446-6800 — Peoria (309) 691-3032 Visit us Online: www.rescarehomecare.com SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST SECOND FRONT PAGE | 3 www.thecatholicpost.com — ‘They changed my life’ Clare House in Bloomington closes with final distribution on eve of Thanksgiving BY JENNIFER WILLEMS OF THE CATHOLIC POST “One thing I’ve learned is people BLOOMINGTON — The non-perishable have loving food items that once filled the basement of Clare House are gone, but the house at compassion for 703 E. Washington St. isn’t empty by any each other without means. “It’s just love left in the house — and you any judgment. We can feel it,” Tina Sipula said after an emo- all come from the tional morning of giving thanks, providing food for Thanksgiving dinners to those same place.” who needed it, and saying goodbye to the people she has Tina Sipula served for the last Founder and director, Clare House 37 years. Before the final food distribution Tina Sipula responds on Nov. 25, Sipula to a well-wisher after stood on the porch thanking people for of Clare House their trust in and sup- and expressed her port of Clare House. gratitude to the people who were in line, exchanging Sipula added that any remaining food at to do some writing about her experiences. arms around him and said, “I want you to smiles and waves the warehouse was sent there, too. When she opened Clare House in 1978, love yourself as much as these people love with them. As the The two women met when they volun- she provided shelter for homeless women you. I love you.” people moved forward to receive their bags teered at a benefit 25 years ago. Sipula’s and women affected by domestic violence “One thing I’ve learned is people have of food at the side door, she mingled with work at Clare House inspired Turner to and then transitioned to housing for moth- loving compassion for each other without them and took photos. start a pantry in her basement. ers and their children. The food pantry any judgment,” she said. “We all come from “They changed my life,” she told The “Now she has two facilities and she helps started 20 years ago. the same place.” Catholic Post. “They brought such grace a lot of people not only with food but cloth- While she might be passing the torch to No proof of need was ever required or and wisdom to me and taught me so much ing and all kinds of necessities of life,” other community organizations, Sipula is questions asked at the door of Clare House. about life and survival and struggle and Sipula said. “She’s just a great, great lady. I holding on to many memories made over That continues at Loaves and Fishes, prayer and the strength of community, and want to help her in any way I can.” the last 37 years. where people share food, their stories, and that we really are brothers and sisters.” The Catholic parishes of Bloomington She remembers the time “John” fell in struggles, Sipula said. Sipula added that this gives her much and Normal have stepped forward to spon- the middle of Washington Street just as “It becomes very supportive and like more reason to give thanks than receive it. sor the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, they were preparing to distribute food. family,” she said. “It’s been very humbling,” she said. an outgrowth of Clare House. Started in Without a word, all the other men in line Monetary donations may be sent to After everyone had been served, volun- 1983 at Holy Trinity Church in Blooming- came forward to form a protective circle Loaves and Fishes, c/o Father Tony Lee, teers lined up again to pass bags of grocer- ton, Loaves and Fishes has provided lunch around him and then moved him out of Holy Trinity Church, 711 N. Main St., ies and supplies from the basement to on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the parish traffic to the grass in front of Clare House. Bloomington, IL 61701. Please make checks waiting vans, which took everything to Pat hall of St. Mary Church, 527 W. Jackson, “John” didn’t remember what had hap- payable to Loaves and Fishes. Online gifts Turner at Center for Hope in Bloomington. since 2001. pened, so Sipula told him. Then she put her may be made by visiting ciCatholic.com. NO QUESTIONS ASKED Immaculate Conception Dec. 8 The founder and director of Clare House, Sipula announced her retirement Oct. 9. She a holy day of Mass obligation plans to spend more time with Bob Samp- son, her husband of eight years, and hopes There are many reasons to celebrate this Tuesday, Dec. 8, a holy day of Mass obliga- tion. (Left) Longtime volunteer Donna Boelen It is the Solemnity of the Immaculate distributes bags of food for Thanksgiving Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from the door of Clare House for the last recalling that by God’s grace Mary was pre- time. served from all stain of original sin from the moment of her conception. In addition, the feast marks the begin- (Right) Joyce Neirynck and Tina Sipula ning of the Holy Year of Mercy proclaimed hug as they prepare to part after the by Pope Francis. (See related stories final food distribution at Clare House. throughout this issue of The Catholic Post.) The Wednesday morning volunteers will Finally, it is the patronal feast of the Dio- continue to meet, however, and have cese of Peoria. The cathedral in Peoria’s already set a date to have coffee. The Catholic full name is the Cathedral of St. Mary of Post/Jennifer Willems the Immaculate Conception. 4 | POPE FRANCIS IN AFRICA THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Crowds, joy surprise pope on Africa trip ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM AFRICA (CNS) — Pope Francis told reporters he is In Kenya, says belief seen well aware that God is a God of surprises, but he had not been prepared for what a surprise his in respect, unity, service first visit to Africa would be. Obviously tired, but equally con- NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — as “a revolutionary-minded man tent, Pope Francis told reporters Respect, unity and service are the of God” on behalf of the country’s he prayed in a mosque in Bangui, foundations of a strong family, Muslims, who, he said, make up Central African Republic, and a solid democracy and a healthy about 30 percent of the popula- rode around a Muslim neighbor- response to the gift of faith — any tion. hood with the imam seated with faith, Pope Francis told the people “As people of one God and of him in the popemobile. Both were of Kenya. this world,” he told the pope, “we spontaneous initiatives of the pope Meeting ecumenical and inter- must stand up and in unison clasp Nov. 30, his last day in Africa. religious leaders, celebrating a hands together in all the things Returning to Rome from Bangui large outdoor Mass and greeting that are essential for our collec- later that day, the pope spent more priests, religious and seminarians tive progress as one humanity, than 60 minutes with reporters in in Nairobi Nov. 26, Pope Francis one world irrespective of location, the back of his plane, responding insisted faith means serving one’s culture, language, race, ethnic- to their questions. fellow human beings. ity, status, politics . . . for we are “The crowds, the joy, the ability The pope’s day began early citizens of the same world.” to celebrate even with an empty on the rainy morning with an stomach” were impressions the intimate meeting with 40 rep- MASS FOR MORE THAN 200,000 pope said he would take home Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with youths at Kasarani Stadium resentatives of Kenya’s Chris- The centrality of the family and with him after his six-day trip to in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 27. CNS/Paul Haring tian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and the obligation to be missionar- Kenya, Uganda and the Central Buddhist communities, as well ies in word and deed were at the African Republic. as with a Masai elder and other heart of Pope Francis’ homily After two years of civil war, the leaders of communities that have during a Mass celebrated with pope told reporters, the people of Defends rights of poor maintained their traditional Afri- more than 200,000 people on the Central African Republic want can beliefs. the grounds of the University of “peace, reconciliation and forgive- During the meeting in the Nairobi. Strong rains overnight ness.” in visit to Nairobi slum Vatican nunciature, Pope Francis and throughout the morning “For years, they lived as brothers remembered the terrorist attacks turned the campus lawns into a and sisters,” the pope said, and NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — The or regular garbage collection. on Kenya’s Westgate Mall in 2013, muddy mess, but that did little local Catholic, Muslim and evan- wealth of residents of the poorest Pope Francis told the people Garissa University College in to dampen the people’s spirits as gelical Christian leaders are doing neighborhoods ringing big cities gathered in the church that he April and Mandera in July, and they sang, swayed, danced and their best to help their people around the world will never be had an obligation to denounce urged a common recognition that ululated. return to that situation of peace, quoted on the stock exchange, the injustices that keep the slum “the God who we seek to serve is a The health of a society depends coexistence and mutual respect. even though their wealth gives dwellers living in such desper- God of peace.” The Somali-based on the health of its families, the Leaders of every religion must life and joy to millions of people, ate circumstances, but he also militant group al-Shabab claimed pope said in his homily, which he teach values, and that is what is Pope Francis said. urged the people to recognize responsibility for all three attacks read in Italian. Msgr. Mark Miles, happening in Central African The pope began his day Nov. the values they have and that the pope mentioned. an official of the Vatican Secre- Republic, Pope Francis said. 27 in Nairobi’s Kangemi neigh- the world needs: Solidarity, “All too often, young people are tariat of State, alternated with Pope Francis said that at various borhood, usually referred to as a celebration, taking care to bury being radicalized in the name Pope Francis, giving an English moments of his trip, he visited slum. It features tiny dwellings the dead, making more room of religion to sow discord and translation. the very poor, people who lack made of cinder block, tin or re- at one’s simple table and taking fear, and to tear at the very fabric Welcoming children as a bless- everything and have suffered claimed boards. The homes are in the sick all are characteristic of our societies,” the pope said. ing and respecting the dignity of tremendously. He said he knew jumbled together with dirt roads of people in the world’s poorest “How important it is that we be each human being should be the that a small percentage of people and paths running between neighborhoods. seen as prophets of peace, peace- marks of Christian families, the — “maybe 17 percent” — of the them. Such values, he said, are makers who invite others to live pope said. “In obedience to God’s world’s population controls the Exact figures vary, but be- “grounded in the fact that each in peace, harmony and mutual word, we are also called to resist vast majority of the world’s wealth, tween 55 percent and 65 percent human being is more important respect.” practices which foster arrogance “and I think, ‘How can these of Nairobi’s population live in the than the god of money. Thank Abdulghafur El-Busaidy, chair- in men, hurt or demean women people not be aware?’ It’s such slums. Many have no drinking you for reminding us that an- man of the Supreme Council of and threaten the life of innocent suffering.” water, electricity, sewage system other type of culture is possible.” Kenya Muslims, greeted the pope children.” “We are called to respect and encourage one another, and to reach out to all those in need,” Pope Francis said. The sacraments, he said, not only strengthen people’s faith, they are meant to change people’s Jim Carlson hearts, making them more faith- 4111 N. Prospect Peoria Heights, ful disciples as seen in the care IL 61616 they show others. Office phone: The country has more than (309) 681-8717 13.8 million Catholics. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST POPE FRANCIS IN AFRICA | 5 www.thecatholicpost.com — Counter violence with love in Central African Republic BANGUI, Central African Republic (CNS) — Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic. “Even when the powers of hell are unleashed, Christians must rise to the summons, their heads Anglican Archbishop Stanley Ntagali of Uganda offers an explana- held high, and be ready to brave tion to Pope Francis at the Anglican martyrs’ shrine at Namugongo blows in this battle over which in Kampala, Uganda, Nov. 28. CNS/Paul Haring God will have the last word. And that word will be love and peace,” the pope said in an evening hom- Says martyrs in Uganda ily Nov. 29 at Bangui’s cathedral. A civil war that began in 2013 and ongoing outbursts of vio- must inspire active faith lence, including between mainly Muslim and mainly Christian Pope Francis greets children as he visits a refugee camp in Bangui, KAMPALA, Uganda (CNS) — As militias, have sown terror in the Central African Republic, Nov. 29. CNS/Paul Haring Pope Francis encouraged Ugan- Central African Republic, which dan Christians to draw inspiration already was on most lists of the zones” between them patrolled brothers and sisters,” created by from the 19th-century Ugandan five poorest countries in Africa. by U.N. peacekeepers. the same God, he said, and they Martyrs, he carried with him A fifth of the country’s popula- “God is peace, ‘salam,’” the must act like it. graphic images of the horrors the tion has fled abroad or is living in pope said in his speech at the “Together, we must say no to 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs camps for displaced people. mosque, where armed U.N. hatred, to revenge and to vio- endured. Explaining to people outside peacekeepers monitored the lence, particularly that violence The pope made an early morn- the Bangui cathedral that their crowd outside from each of the which is perpetrated in the name ing visit Nov. 28 to the Anglican city was, for the day, “the spiri- three minarets. of a religion or of God himself,” shrine and museum located on the tual capital of the world,” Pope “Christians and Muslims are Pope Francis insisted. site where many of the martyrs Francis prayed for the mercy and died. The main exhibit features grace of peace as he used both realistic statues of men being hands and his body weight to tortured, bound and thrown on push open the Holy Door of the Is your money really a fire. cathedral. The main opening of Pope Francis had a look of shock the Year of Mercy will be Dec. 8 working for you in your on his face as Anglican Arch- at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. bishop Stanley Ntagali of Uganda Pope Francis embraces Winnie IRA, CD, or annuity? explained how the martyrs were Nansumba, who was born with PRAYS FOR PEACE IN MOSQUE executed on the orders of King and is living with HIV, during a The following morning, Pope Mwanga II in the late 1800s. meeting with young people at Francis visited the Koudoukou Afterward, the pope celebrated the Kololo airstrip in Kampala, mosque in Bangui. a Mass outside the nearby Catho- Uganda, Nov. 28. CNS/Paul Haring Most areas of Bangui are lic shrine to the martyrs. The divided into Christian or Mus- shrine has an artificial lake, and lives in this world and helps us lim neighborhoods with “buffer Ugandan security patrolled it in a to reach out to those in need, little rubber boat throughout the to cooperate with others for the liturgy. common good and to build a In his homily, Pope Francis more just society which promotes honored all the martyrs, noting human dignity, defends God’s that they shared the same faith in gift of life and protects the won- Jesus and they offer a witness to ders of nature, his creation and “the ecumenism of blood.” our common home.” Honoring the martyrs is not something to be done only on EMOTIONAL MEETING WITH YOUTH their feast day, he said, but must Heartbreaking modern chal- be done daily through upright be- lenges to faith led Pope Francis havior and loving care for others to abandon the text he had pre- in the family, the neighborhood, at pared for an afternoon meeting work and in society. with Ugandan youths. Instead, Pope Francis sits next to Imam Keeping one’s eyes focused on he tried to respond directly to Tidiani Moussa Naibi during a God, he said, “does not diminish the young woman and young meeting with the Muslim commu- our concern for this world, as if man who addressed him. nity at the Koudoukou mosque in we only look to the life to come. Bangui, Central African Republic, Instead, it gives purpose to our PLEASE TURN TO UGANDA 19 Nov. 30. CNS/Reuters 6 | AROUND THE WORLD THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Pope says choice is In —brief Blessed Teresa could be Dalla Torre, along with three canonized Sept. 4, if . . . other Vatican judges, deliberated clear: protect or for 10 minutes before granting VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The her request and announcing the Vatican calendar for the Year trial would resume Dec. 7. of Mercy deliberately set aside Along with Chaouqui, the de- destroy environment Sept. 4, 2016, as a possible date fendants present were: Spanish for the canoniza- Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — The cies, Pope Francis planted a tree. tion of Blessed secretary of the Prefecture for international community is fac- His speech contained ample Teresa of Kolkata, the Economic Affairs of the Holy ing a stark and serious choice, quotes from his June encyclical if her sainthood See; Nicola Maio, who served The Vatican’s 2015 Christmas “either to improve or to destroy on the environment. cause is concluded as personal assistant to Msgr. stamps feature a manuscript il- the environment,” Pope Fran- The Paris conference, the pope by then. Vallejo Balda when he worked on lumination of the Holy Family by cis said, referring to the Paris said, “represents an important The canonization the commission; and the jour- an unknown artist from the 15th Climate Conference. stage in the process of develop- would be celebrat- nalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi, author century. CNS/courtesy Vatican Philatelic and Blessed Teresa “It would be sad, and I dare ing a new energy system which ed by Pope Francis of “Merchants in the Temple,” Numismatic Office say even catastrophic, were depends on a minimal use of in St. Peter’s Square at the end of and Emiliano Fittipaldi, author special interests to prevail over fossil fuels, aims at energy ef- a three-day pilgrimage of people of “Avarice.” denominations of 80 euro cents the common good,” the pope ficiency and makes use of energy who, like Blessed Teresa was, All five defendants had been and 95 euro cents in sheets of said Nov. 26 during a visit to the sources with little or no carbon are engaged in corporal works of given Vatican court-appointed 10. The Vatican post office and headquarters in Nairobi of the content.” mercy. attorneys in the run-up to the Philatelic and Numismatic Office U.N. Environment Program and Pope Francis told those gath- “Sept. 4 is a hypothesis or plan trial. Msgr. Vallejo Balda and also offer a collector’s booklet U.N. Habitat, an agency con- ered at Nairobi’s U.N. offices within the calendar for the jubilee Nuzzi had requested the Vati- containing four 95 euro-cent cerned with urban planning. that he hopes the Paris confer- year,” Jesuit Father Federico Lom- can’s appellate court to allow stamps and commemorative Under the auspices of the ence will result in a “global bardi, Vatican spokesman, told them to be represented by their cover for 3.80 euro. United Nations, the Paris confer- and ‘transformational’ agree- Catholic News Service Nov. 19. own lawyers. However, Nuzzi All order requests should be ence Nov. 30-Dec. 11 has the aim ment based on the principles of The Italian news agency AGI tweeted Nov. 24 that the appel- made by email to: order.ufn@scv. of achieving a legally binding solidarity, justice, equality and reported Nov. 18 that a panel late court denied his request. va. The Vatican stamp office will and universal agreement on participation; an agreement of physicians convoked by the Msgr. Vallejo Balda, Chaouqui then send a proper order form measures to stem climate change which targets three complex and Congregation for Saints’ Causes and Maio are accused of forming and methods of payment. and protect the environment. interdependent goals: lessening agreed there was no medical or an “organized criminal asso- On his way into the meeting the impact of climate change, natural explanation for the re- ciation” with the aim of “com- Prayer movement launched with U.N. officials and diplomats fighting poverty and ensuring covery of a Brazilian man suffer- mitting several illegal acts of for North Korean parishes accredited to the two U.N. agen- respect for human dignity.” ing from multiple brain tumors. divulging news and documents His healing after prayers for the concerning fundamental inter- SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) intercession of Blessed Teresa ests of the Holy See and (Vatican — To mark the 70th anniversary was submitted as the miracle City) State.” of the division of Korea and the needed for her canonization. Under the Vatican criminal Year of Mercy, the Archdiocese Father Lombardi urged cau- code, it is a crime to take, dis- of Seoul launched a prayer move- tion, however. “The process is tribute and publish confidential ment, “North Korean Church in still underway and official com- documents. My Heart.” munications will be given at the Fittipaldi and Nuzzi are ac- Seoul Cardinal Andrew Yeom appropriate time.” cused of “soliciting and exer- Soo-jung, who serves as apostol- cising pressure, especially on ic administrator of Pyongyang, ‘VatiLeaks’ trial for five (Msgr.) Vallejo Balda, in order to North Korea, said the people is rescheduled for Dec. 7 obtain confidential documents there “have always been in my and news,” which they then used prayers.” VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A for their books. The books went Before a Mass at Myongdong Vatican trial against two Italian on sale in early November. Cathedral Nov. 24, the cardinal journalists, a Spanish monsignor said: “Pope Francis has an- and two others was postponed Painting of Holy Family nounced the Jubilee of Mercy; for one week after the court al- on Vatican Christmas stamps I believe the Korean Peninsula lowed one of the defendants to is one of the regions that need change lawyers. VATICAN CITY (CNS) — This most the mercy of God. I invite On what was to be the crimi- year’s Vatican Christmas stamps everyone to join me in this prayer nal trial’s first day of testimonies feature a 15th-century manu- movement, to bear in mind the by the defendants Nov. 30, the script illumination of the Holy Catholic Church of North Korea, Vatican court granted a request Family. and to show our love and concern by one of the accused to have a Flanked by a lowing ox and a with continuous prayers,” he said new lawyer and receive more donkey, Mary and Joseph pray ahead of the opening Mass for time to prepare for the case. over baby Jesus as angels sing the movement. The proceedings began with above and poor shepherds ap- After the liberation of Korea, the presiding judge, Giuseppe proach. there were 57 parishes and about Dalla Torre, stating the request The image, painted by an 5,200 Catholics in North Korea. by Francesca Chaouqui, a unknown artist, is from the After the Korean War, however, member of the former Pontifical Codices Urbinates Latini 239 the Catholic Church of North Commission for Reference on (1477-1478) from the Vatican Korea underwent persecutions the Organization of the Econom- Library. by the government. Only a few ic-Administrative Structure of The special edition stamps hidden Catholics are believed to the Holy See. went on sale Nov. 19 in two be in North Korea now. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST AROUND THE NATION | 7 www.thecatholicpost.com — Colorado shooting antithesis of pro-life movement COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. the attack broke out around “unequivocally condemns (CNS) — A priest who celebrates 11:30 a.m., local time, patrons “We want the conversion of Planned unlawful activities and acts of Mass every Friday morning on and employees of the businesses Parenthood, not their destruction. The violence regardless of motiva- a sidewalk near the Planned “sheltered in place” for nearly tion. The pro-life movement Parenthood clinic targeted by a six hours while police tried to pro-life movement has no place for violence.” works to protect the right to life lone gunman Nov. 27 said the contain the alleged shooter, Rob- and increase respect for human shooter’s actions were the antith- ert Lewis Dear, 57. The standoff Father Bill Carmody life. The unlawful use of violence esis of the pro-life cause. ended with Dear’s arrest at 4:52 Respect Life director, Diocese of Colorado Springs is directly contrary to that goal.” “We want the conversion of p.m., local time. Judie Brown, president of Planned Parenthood, not their Among those killed was Gar- afterward because of the snow- in both states. Voting records American Life League, said that destruction,” said Father Bill rett Swasey, a police officer at the storm hitting the region. show that Dear maintains a resi- “despite aggressive attempts Carmody, the longtime Respect University of Colorado at Colo- “We were long gone” before the dence in Hartsel, a small town of some news media to tie this Life director for the Diocese of rado Springs and father of two. attack started, Father Carmody about 120 miles west of Colorado brutal and egregious act to pro- Colorado Springs. “The pro- told The Colorado Catholic Her- Springs, The Gazette reported. life causes, there is no evidence life movement has no place for UNKNOWN TO LOCAL LEADERS ald, the diocesan newspaper of supporting their case — and violence.” The clinic is the frequent site Colorado Springs. “ACT OF PURE EVIL” these attempts are simply ir- The attack on the clinic in of prayer vigils and other activi- Others who regularly pray “Yesterday, our community responsible.” northwest Colorado Springs left ties, in addition to the pro-life outside the clinic also said they experienced an act of pure evil “We abhor and condemn all acts three people dead, including a Masses, leading several national did not recall seeing Dear at any at the local Planned Parent- of terrorism, all acts of savagery police officer, and nine others media outlets to speculate that pro-life events. hood clinic,” Bishop Michael J. against the innocent — born and wounded. The clinic reported Dear was a member of the pro- Law enforcement officials Sheridan of Colorado Springs preborn — and we call upon our that none of its employees or pa- life movement. would not discuss a motive for said in a statement. “As Pope fellow Americans to do likewise,” tients was among those killed or However, Father Carmody said the shootings because their Francis recently reminded us, she said in a Nov. 30 statement. seriously wounded in the Black he did not recall ever having investigation was still underway. ‘The path of violence and hate Brown urged people to “to look Friday attack. seen or spoken to Dear. On the Dear appeared in court Nov. 30. can never solve the problems of beneath the surface of escalating The clinic sits near a busy day of the shootings, he had cel- According to The Gazette daily humanity.’” violence in this nation” to see shopping center that includes ebrated his usual weekly Mass, newspaper, Dear previously lived The National Right to Life that “the violent act” of surgi- a grocery store, a bank and but he said that he and others in South Carolina and North Committee’s president, Carol cal abortion is at the root of it, several other businesses. After in attendance departed shortly Carolina and had arrest records Tobias, said her organization which “the media ignores.” In —brief Mother Angelica remains on bed, but that she acknowledges the same things Americans do, to bring nations together to ad- for the larger church.” feeding tube at monastery visitors to her room in the mon- including to live in safety and dress this humanitarian crisis.” The Catholic Extension award astery. protect their children, Kevin “If we pull up stakes and close was presented during a Nov. 8 HANCEVILLE, Ala. (CNS) — “She’s able to communicate Appleby said. He is the director our doors, we’re playing into Mass in Ray City, which is in the Mother Angelica, who spear- with a squeeze of a hand, make of migration and refugee policy their hands and strengthening Diocese of Savannah. headed the founding of the Eter- gestures with her eyes. She ac- for the U.S. Conference of Catho- them, not weakening them,” Father Wall said the pastor is nal Word Television Network, knowledges people when they’re lic Bishops. Appleby was one of Appleby said, referring to the “a hidden Catholic hero, who has has been placed there. The nuns say she does four speakers on a Nov 17 news terrorists. grown and united a previously on a feeding tube sleep a lot,” he said. conference call convened to urge dispersed and struggling parish as she continues to A native of Canton, Ohio, a calm and open response to the ‘Hidden Catholic hero’ in rural Georgia into a dynamic battle lingering ef- Mother Angelica launched plight of Syrian refugees. is Lumen Christi winner and thriving multiethnic faith fects of two strokes EWTN Aug. 15, 1981. The Speakers said of the more than community.” she suffered 14 initiative was met with doubt 4 million Syrians who have fled RAY CITY, Ga. (CNS) — The During his eight-year tenure as years ago. from television executives who their country, fewer than 2,000 president of Catholic Exten- pastor of St. Anthony’s predeces- Mother Angelica A spokesman for felt there was little demand for have been resettled in the United sion hailed Father Fredy Angel, sor parish — Queen of Peace in her order, the Poor Catholic programming. The States since 2011. President pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Lakeland and its missions — Fa- Clares of Perpetual Adoration at networks’ website reports that Barack Obama has said the Parish in Ray City, as “a hidden ther Angel has united, nurtured Our Lady of Angels Monastery it transmits programs 24 hours U.S. would accept an additional Catholic hero” and and energized a diverse commu- in Hanceville, said the 92-year- a day to more than 230 million 10,000 Syrian refugees in the “a light for the nity of African-American, white, old nun is doing as well as can homes in 144 countries via cable 2016 fiscal year. church.” Latino and Asian-American be expected for someone her age and other technologies. More than two dozen gov- Father Jack Wall Catholics. who remains partially paralyzed. ernors, including Gov. Bruce made the com- Since its founding in 1905, “From what I’m told, it’s not Resettlement officials call Rauner of Illinois, have said ments as he gave Chicago-based Catholic Exten- that she’s completely unable to they would not accept refugees the 2015-2016 Lu- sion has distributed more than eat. It’s assisting her to get the for admission of Syrian refugees from Syria in their states be- Father Angel men Christi Award $1.2 billion in today’s dollars to nutrients she needs,” said Luke RYE, N.Y. (CNS) — Fear of Syr- cause they are concerned about to the priest, who provide funding and resources Johnasen, director of pilgrim- ian refugees entering the United a possible link between the refu- has helped a struggling rural to the 94 “mission dioceses” in ages at the monastery. States in the wake of terrorist gees and Islamic State, or ISIS, Georgia parish thrive and grow. the U.S., where faith is thriving Johnasen told Catholic News attacks in Paris is misplaced and which took credit for attacks that “You have come to this beauti- but resources are scarce. Service that she was fitted with antithetical to U.S. values and killed at least 129 people and ful community in Georgia, you Father Angel is the 38th Lu- the tube in recent weeks. some governors’ efforts to exclude injured 352 in Paris Nov 13. have come as a gift to us, to the men Christi recipient, and at “She’s had some up and downs them from their states is likely Appleby said to “turn our church in the United States,” age 41, is the youngest priest to the last few months,” he said. illegal, according to a coalition of backs” on America’s history of Father Wall told the Colombian- receive the award. “She’s a fighter.” refugee resettlement leaders. offering safe haven “diminishes born missionary priest. “To- The Latin phrase “Lumen Johnasen added that Mother Syrian refugees are fleeing our standing and moral leader- gether with this community, you Christi,” taken from the Easter Angelica remained confined to terror themselves and want ship in the world and our ability truly are a sign of light, a light Vigil, means “Light of Christ.” 8 | PEOPLE THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Prayer is continuing mission for ‘retired’ Religious BY JENNIFER WILLEMS Province, who staff Holy Fam- OF THE CATHOLIC POST “Prayer is amazing at this ily in Peoria, and St. Mary in stage of life. It’s such a Wenona, St. John the Baptist in LACON — Sometimes Sister Lostant, St. Patrick in Minonk, M. Alphonse Husak, DSF, sits in witness and a testimony to and St. Ann in Toluca. the chapel of St. Joseph’s Nurs- God’s goodness. He’s there ing Home here with the lights SACRIFICES APPRECIATED off. At 93, memory has become and he’s not limited by our “As we all know, health care an issue, but she hasn’t forgotten memories. This is what costs have gone through the who is in the tabernacle and why roof, so the collection helps us she’s there. we need to remember and meet the needs of our senior “I walk in and say, ‘Are you recognize and support in friars,” Father Michael Zielke, OK?’ and turn the lights on. She OFM Conv., provincial minister, says, ‘I’m OK. Don’t waste the our elderly Sisters.” told The Post. electricity,’” Sister M. Michael “Our friars have worked very Fox, DSF, says with a smile. Sister M. Michael Fox, DSF hard in serving God’s people. For “I can see she’s in prayer. It us to help them in their senior shows me our spiritual life is not port for about 33,000 Catholic years, providing them a safe, something that is affected by de- Sisters, Brothers and religious clean, loving and living environ- mentia,” she said. “The spiritual order priests, age 70 or older, ment shows how much we have needs are there and the growth whose communities do not have appreciated their sacrifices in they can have is still there. The sufficient retirement funding. their years of active ministry,” prayer life stays intact.” The Diocese of Peoria contrib- he explained. “Even now our “This is their mission,” Sister uted $124,469.54 to the 2014 senior friars who are limited in M. Loretta Matas, DSF, regional collection, which raised $28.3 active ministry pray daily for us. superior, told The Catholic Post. million. That made it possible They have taken on the ministry “They pray for the people God for the NRRO to distribute more of prayer, praying for all God’s entrusted to us here.” than $25 million in monetary people and His world.” Sister Alphonse is one of the support to 395 religious com- “Prayer is amazing at this senior members of the Daugh- munities. stage of life,” Sister Michael ters of St. Francis of Assisi in In addition to the Daughters said. “It’s such a witness and a Lacon who benefit from the of St. Francis of Assisi, the testimony to God’s goodness. Retirement Fund for Religious. Retirement Fund for Religious He’s there and he’s not limited The annual collection will be assists the Benedictine monks by our memories. That doesn’t received in parishes around the of St. Bede Abbey in Peru. The limit God. This is what we need Diocese of Peoria the weekend of collection also benefits members to remember and recognize and Dec. 12-13. of religious communities that support in our elderly Sisters.” Sister M. Justina Delonga, DSF, (standing) and Sister M. Michael Fox, Now in its 28th year, the are not based in central Illinois Sister Loretta said that at the DSF, greet Patricia Karrick, a resident at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home appeal is coordinated by the but have members serving here. time Sisters like Sister Alphonse, in Lacon. Now 75, Sister Justina continues to visit and prayerfully National Religious Retirement Among them are the Conventual support the people entrusted to the care of her community. The Catholic Office (NRRO). It offers sup- Franciscans of St. Bonaventure PLEASE TURN TO RELIGIOUS 15 Post/Jennifer Willems People in— the diocese Stewardship initiative honors Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Mount Prospect, and The Father Jennett, Father Paul Langevin, of four men to complete candi- superintendent of schools and for reflecting the “patience, Patrick J. Henry Leadership OFM Conv., Larry Carrigan, dacy, the third and final phase of The Resource Renewal Project, prudence and thoughtfulness” Award to Father Wayne Watts, Sondra McEnroe and Pat Snell, preparation for profession in the a stewardship initiative of the Pope Francis has demonstrated pastor of St. John Berchmans and (back row) Joel Gray, Mat- Secular Franciscan Order. Also Coleman Group of Chicago, has in his ministry. Parish in Chicago. thew Eppel, Matthew Yee and completing candidacy were Scott named Dr. Sharon Weiss as “I am grateful and honored to Robert Polizzi. Distelkamp, Jim Stomberg and the recipient of its Pope Fran- receive the Pope Francis Lead- Secular Franciscans On Nov. 14, Budzinski was one Matthew Yee. Provided photo cis Leadership ership Award from the Cole- welcome new member Award. She will man Consulting Group,” Weiss be honored at a said. “My co-workers, Mr. Jerry Stan Budzinski of Peoria dinner in Chicago Sanderson, Dr. Susan Stolt, Mr. was professed as a member of on Jan. 12. Bill Engelbrecht, Mrs. Roberta the Secular Franciscan Order The organiza- Gifford and Mrs. Pat Schelp, are during a Mass at Holy Family tion noted that a wonderful team that assists me Parish in Peoria on Nov. 17. He Weiss Weiss, superinten- daily in making Bishop Jenky’s is a member of the Sacred Heart dent of Catholic vision a reality for his Catholic Fraternity. schools for the Diocese of Peoria, schools.” Being professed means that an has provided “tremendous vision, At the same celebration, the individual lives a Franciscan life faith, support and compassion to Resource Renewal Project will — embracing permanently the the children, teachers, principals also award The Brother Thomas choice to live the Gospel in the and priests of Peoria, as well as to Minta, CSC Leadership Award spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. the broader Catholic community.” to Roberta Nichols, commu- Budzinski (front row, third She was also cited for working nications coordinator at St. from left) is surrounded by “closely and collaboratively” with Raymond de Penafort Parish in fraternity members Matthew SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST | 9 www.thecatholicpost.com — Writer inspired by researching Sacred Heart, Moline hosting Mary for National Geographic ecumenical Advent vespers MOLINE — Sacred Heart Third Sunday of Advent, will be WASHINGTON (CNS) Jambo, Mother of the Word. Church, 1608 13th St., is hosting Rev. Roger Hungerford, pastor — Maureen Orth, a special Mary spoke to the girls so often a series of ecumenical Advent of All Saints Episcopal Church in correspondent for Vanity Fair that they called her Mama.” vesper services to celebrate “the Moline. magazine who has written But even though Mary is anticipation of the Christ Child The series concludes on Dec. about music icons, world lead- said to have spoken of the love during the hyperactive month of 20, the Fourth Sunday of Ad- ers and Hollywood celebrities, of Jesus and gave these girls December.” vent, with a reflection by Sister tackled a completely different motherly advice, she is also The first service was held last Johanna Rickl, president of the subject for National Geographic said to have shown them im- Sunday, Nov. 29, and featured Congregation of the Humility of magazine: the Virgin Mary. ages of heaven, hell and purga- a reflection by Father Robert Mary, which is based in Dav- For the magazine’s December tory along with horrific images McAleer of Bettendorf, Iowa. The enport, Iowa. A reception with cover story, “Mary the most of genocide that she warned series continues this Sunday, Dec. cookies, coffee and punch will powerful woman in the world,” could happen if Rwandans 6, with a reflection by Sacred follow. Orth visited several countries did not renew their hearts and Heart parishioner Mary Lach. All of the vesper services begin and interviewed dozens of peo- dispel evil. The speaker on Dec. 13, the at 4 p.m. ple with strong devotional ties Orth said that the people she to Mary — including from those spoke with who said they saw who claim to have seen her, apparitions all seemed genuine. Former sportscaster to speak those who believe She approached them as she her intercession would an investigative jour- at Dwight, Campus parishes has healed them The cover of the December 2015 nalist. Their stories have been and those seeking issue of National Geographic consistent throughout the years DWIGHT — To begin the Holy 114 W. Mazon Ave., following her spiritual guid- magazine. CNS/National Geographic and they also have undergone Year of Mercy and for their 2015 the 5 p.m. on Mass on Monday ance and interces- extensive questioning from Advent Mission, St. Patrick evening. sion. saying she understood Mary Vatican officials. Parish here and Sacred Heart In Campus, Rzeppa’s presen- Orth In the maga- more as a person after talking Orth pointed out that very Parish, Campus, tation will take place at the Sa- zine’s Washington with so many who are devoted little is known about Mary will host author cred Heart Church hall, 205 Elm office Nov. 24, Orth, widow to her. from the Bible, but as her and speaker Zip St., following the 6 p.m. Mass. of Tim Russert, moderator of She also witnessed the deep story reveals, the lack of details Rzeppa this Mon- Rzeppa is a former sports- NBC’s “Meet the Press,’’ who faith of many who have trav- about Mary has not stopped day and Tuesday, caster in the St. Louis, Boston died in 2008, said what made eled great distances to be people from reaching out to Dec. 7-8. and Cincinnati markets. He is the biggest impression on her where apparitions of Mary are her in prayer and devotion as a “For a Greater now a Catholic evangelizer and while interviewing people for said to have taken place such as way to better understand and Rzeppa Purpose: Liv- author of the autobiography, the article was Mary’s universal Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegov- approach God. ing the Joy of the “For a Greater Purpose.” appeal across diverse cultures. ina, where six village children “The number of people who Gospel in a World Filled with There is no admission charge “It was a huge journey all over said they first saw Mary in 1981 use her as their guide and Chaos” will be the theme of for his presentations, though a the world,” she said, noting that and continue to see appari- their way to a higher meaning, Rzeppa’s presentations. free will donation is welcomed. what particularly stands out tions there. A Vatican doctrinal that was impressive across the In Dwight, the talk will be All who attend will receive a free after a year of visiting Marian congregation is still studying board,” Orth said. in the St. Patrick Church hall, copy of Rzeppa’s book. devotional sites in Bosnia- these claims. Herzegovina, France, Mexico, One of Orth’s most inspiring Egypt and Rwanda is that Mary stops for the story, primar- Bishop Amos to join St. Ambrose University in is the “hope and solace of so ily because she had not been many people including Mus- aware of it, was the small lims.” village of Kibeho, Rwanda, celebrating patron saint with Mass, ceremonies The Muslim appreciation described as the place where of Mary, as a “holy woman of Mary appeared to three young DAVENPORT, Iowa — St. len Awards will be presented to said Sister Joan Lescinski, God,” she told Catholic News girls in the 1980s and foretold Ambrose University will James and Karen Collins, the CSJ, president of St. Ambrose Service, “is a bridge that ought the genocide that took place in celebrate its patron saint, St. founding contributors to the University. “We are pleased to to be explored,” especially in that country in 1994. Ambrose of Milan, with a Mass, Freeman Pollard Endowment welcome them to this honor roll this time of strife caused by In 2001, that Vatican veri- awards ceremony and recep- Fund, and Msgr. John Hyland, of valued Ambrosians.” religious extremism. fied the claims of the three tion, and lecture this Sunday, vicar general and moderator of The annual lecture, spon- girls. One had been killed in Dec. 6. Everything will take the curia of the Diocese of Dav- sored by the Academy for the “MORE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP” the genocide, one became a place in the university’s Christ enport. Msgr. Hyland, a 1964 Study of St. Ambrose of Milan, Orth, a practicing Catholic, monastic sister in Italy and the the King Chapel, 518 W. Locust alumnus of St. Ambrose, has will be given by Father David who certainly knew about Mary third fled to the Democratic St. served on the board of trustees Voprada. His topic is “Saint before this assignment, said Republic of the Congo and then Bishop Martin Amos of Dav- since 1998, and James Collins, Ambrose and Growth in the she learned a great deal from Kenya during the three-month enport will preside at the Mass, who graduated in 1969, was a Christian Life.” talking with scholarly experts onslaught when the majority which begins at 10:30 a.m. member of the board from 1998 Father Voprada teaches pa- and reading mystics who Hutu attacked the minority Music will be provided by a to 2010. tristics and early church history wrote about the life of Mary Tutsi and more than 800,000 combined choir of St. Ambrose “Msgr. Hyland and Karen at Charles University in Prague, but whose observations didn’t people were killed. University Chamber Singers and Jim Collins embody the Czech Republic, and serves make it into the article. The girls, Orth writes, “said and the faculty, staff and stu- commitment to St. Ambrose as faculty chaplain and canon She came away with a “more they spent countless hours in dent members of the SAU music and its current and future stu- priest of the Royal Collegiate personal relationship” with conversations with the Virgin, ministry. dents, which this distinguished Chapter of Saints Peter and Mary than an intellectual one, who called herself Nyina wa Following Mass, the McMul- award is intended to honor,” Paul in Prague-Vysehrad. 10 | THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Join ‘Post’ for Holy Year of Mercy pilgrimage to Rome Papal audience, Holy Doors highlight Oct. 21-27, 2016 trip Readers of The Catholic Post — and all interested persons — are invited to make a pilgrimage to Msgr. Dale Jennifer Rome an unforgettable, grace- Wellman Willems filled part of their observance of Spiritual ‘Post’ the Holy Year of Mercy. director representative The Catholic Post, in conjunc- tion with the Collette travel by Pope Francis to signal the Pilgrims will pass through company, is offering a seven-day start of the Year of Mercy — as trip to Rome and the Vatican well as jubilee doors at other pa- Holy Doors at papal basilicas Oct. 21-27, 2016, just one month pal basilicas including St. John before the closing of the extraor- Lateran, St. Paul Outside the A highlight of The Catholic Post-sponsored “Holy dinary jubilee year proclaimed Walls, and St. Mary Major. Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to Rome” next October by Pope Francis. “The Holy Door will become will be the opportunity for participants to pass Msgr. Dale Wellman, spiritual a Door of Mercy through which through the Holy Doors at papal basilicas including adviser of the Diocesan Council anyone who enters will experi- St. Peter’s Basilica (shown in a Jubilee Year 2000 of Catholic Women for more ence the love of God who con- file photo), St. John Lateran (center) and St. Paul than four decades and newly soles, pardons, and instills hope,” Outside the Walls. CNS/Catholic Press Photo and Paul Haring appointed episcopal vicar for wrote Pope Francis in “The Face senior priests, will be the tour’s of Mercy,” his announcement of spiritual director. Representing the jubilee. The Catholic Post and serving In that document, the pope obtain an indulgence granted by Circus Maximus and an in-depth (five breakfasts and three din- as pilgrimage photographer will said the practice of pilgrimage Pope Francis for the Extraordi- visit to the Colosseum — the ners, including wine). be Jennifer Willems, assistant — whether to Rome or local sites nary Jubilee of Mercy when the Vatican Museums, the Sistine To request a promotional editor. — “has a special place in the Holy visit is linked with the sacra- Chapel, and the papal basilicas. flier or for further information, The itinerary is highlighted by Year, because it represents the ment of reconciliation and other Tuesday is kept open for shop- contact The Catholic Post at two likely encounters with Pope journey each of us makes in this requirements. ping, exploration of the city, (800) 340-5630 or cathpost@ Francis — at his Sunday Angelus life. May pilgrimage be an impetus relaxation, or participation in cdop.org. Pilgrimage planning is on Oct. 23 and his Wednesday to conversion: by crossing the GUIDED TOURS OF ROME SITES an optional cooking class. continuing, and updates will be general audience three days threshold of the Holy Door, we will In addition to its spiritual Cost is $3,779 and includes published in future issues of The later. find the strength to embrace God’s components, including several airfare from Chicago (as well as Catholic Post and on our website, Participants will also have the mercy and dedicate ourselves to Masses, the time in Rome will roundtrip bus transportation thecatholicpost.com. To reserve opportunity to pass through the being merciful with others as the offer guided tours of Classical from Peoria to Chicago), ac- a spot on the pilgrimage, contact Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica Father has been with us.” Rome — featuring the Piazza commodations at the Hotel dei Collette at (800) 851-8942 and — which will be opened Dec. 8 Pilgrims to Holy Doors may Venezia, the Roman Forum, Borgia in Rome, and eight meals reference booking 722396. Concert Dec. 13 precedes festival choir’s visit to Italy, Pope Francis Before they sing for Pope of year, with what’s happening Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in the world, we all need a few in Rome, the members of St. minutes to just sit and hear the Anthony’s Camerata Chorale words given by the Holy Spirit in Festival Choir will fill St. Joseph this music.” Church in Peoria with song on The Dec. 13 concert is the Sunday, Dec. 13. The concert will same one the festival choir will begin at 3 p.m. be presenting at the Church of A reception with wassail and St. Ignatius in Rome on Jan. 5. cookies will follow in the parish It includes “For Unto Us a Child hall at 103 Richard Pryor Place. is Born” from Handel’s “Mes- “It almost leaves me speech- siah,” “O Magnum Mysterium” less to see where they were at the by Morten Lauridsen, the Franz beginning and where the Holy Biebl arrangement of “Ave Ma- Spirit has brought them,” said ria,” “Dixit Maria” by Hans Leo Mary Ann Fahey-Darling, who is Hassler, and a special arrange- directing the group that will tour ment of “The Huron Carol” by “Majestic Italy” from Dec. 30 to Steve Schuch. Jan. 7. The audience will also hear “The sound that comes from beloved Christmas carols, such Mary Ann Fahey-Darling leads the St. Anthony’s Camerata Chorale Festival Choir in a mid-November them — it’s such a blessing,” as “The First Noel” and “Silent rehearsal at St. Anthony Church in Bartonville. The group will travel to “Majestic Italy” for a musical she said. “The music speaks to pilgrimage from Dec. 30 to Jan. 7. A highlight will be singing at a papal Mass on the Feast of Epiphany. The the soul. Especially at this time PLEASE TURN TO MAJESTIC ITALY 15 Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST | 11 www.thecatholicpost.com —— Fr. Girzone Faith Community Nurses educate, screen, pray dies; wrote BY JENNIFER WILLEMS People often allow their medi- OF THE CATHOLIC POST cation to expire or know high blood pressure runs in the family ‘Joshua’ novels It wouldn’t be Thanksgiv- and don’t want to deal with it, she ing without a feast, so Sophia’s explained. Others have to make ALTAMONT, N.Y. (CNS) — Fa- Kitchen in Peoria hosted a tough choices about how to spend ther Joseph Girzone, who became turkey dinner with all the trim- their limited incomes. far more prominent in retire- mings on Nov. 19 for the people “We do a lot of education — ment than during active ministry who come for sack lunches five simple things they can do, like because of his “Joshua” series of days a week. While it wasn’t cut down on their salt, stop novels, died Nov. 29 at St. Peter’s on the menu, they also got a smoking or cut back a tiny little Hospice Inn in in Altamont. He heaping dose of care mixed with bit, and get more activity. It was 85. prayer from Faith Community depends on the person,” Jacques A funeral Mass will be celebrat- Nurse Peggy Jacques. said. ed Dec. 12 at St. John the Evan- Offered by OSF Saint Fran- That’s much easier to do when gelist Church in Schenectady cis Medical Center in Peoria, people have a spiritual founda- with Bishop Edward B. Scharf- the Faith Community Nurse tion, she said, because they real- enberger of Albany as principal program is designed to fill the ize they’re important enough to celebrant. gap between the hospital and take care of themselves. Father Girzone, a priest of the the doctor’s office by providing Charlotte Harrison smiles as her new friend, Peggy Jacques, takes “It comes across differently Diocese of Albany, retired from basic health screenings, offering her blood pressure at the Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by So- when you can say, ‘You’re worthy. active ministry in education and getting people phia’s Kitchen in Peoria. The Faith Community Nurse for the Heart You’re a child of God and God 1981 because of a connected to the assistance they of Peoria Catholic Community, Jacques visits Sophia’s Kitchen, has a plan and a purpose for heart ailment. need. based at St. Joseph Church, every Thursday. The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems you,’” said Jacques, a member of After retiring, “The other thing is we get to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in he picked up his pray with people,” said Jacques, is the 12th poorest. make appointments.” Peoria Heights. pen and wrote who has been part of the Jacques is the third nurse That’s vital because many of When talking about Faith Com- “Joshua,” which program since March and has hired for the program and the people she sees at Sophia’s munity Nursing and the work Father Girzone was published worked with the four parishes works with the Catholic par- Kitchen, for example, have dan- Jacques does, Msgr. Deptula puts in 1983. It was a in the Heart of Peoria Catho- ishes in the city. To help get the gerously high blood pressure. “I it simply. success, selling tens of thousands lic Community since October. program started in the Heart don’t think I’ve ever taken blood “This is a corporal and spiritual of copies in hardcover before a “That’s the best part about Faith of Peoria Catholic Community, pressures like this,” she said. work of mercy,” he said. paperback edition was issued. Community Nursing.” she visits St. Bernard on the The premise of “Joshua” and She said many first Sunday of the several novels that followed in times people are “It comes across month, St. Joseph the series is that Jesus comes scared or stressed on the second back to earth disguised as itiner- and may not want differently when Saturday, Sacred ant carpenter Joshua, distilling to pray right away. you can say, ‘You’re Heart on the third simple wisdom and challenging Once their health Sunday, and St. the prevailing order on a variety concerns are ad- worthy. You’re a Mary’s Cathedral of issues so that the books’ char- dressed and they child of God and on the fourth acters can get closer to God. feel they’re being Sunday. He told Catholic News Ser- heard, however, God has a plan and She’s at Sophia’s vice in a long-ago interview that they become open a purpose for you.’” Kitchen, which is he wrote “Joshua” to heighten to it. based in the parish awareness that the church will One of the people hall of St. Joseph “lose more of our people if we who has experi- Faith Community Church, every don’t show more gentleness.” enced that physical Nurse Peggy Jacques Thursday. “Christ was the good shepherd and spiritual care “The need is — he used to bring people home, is Charlotte Harrison, who came overwhelming,” said Msgr. not drive them away,” he said. to Sophia’s Kitchen for lunch and Stanley Deptula, rector of St. Other books in the series a blood pressure screening on Mary’s Cathedral and pastor of included “Joshua and the Chil- Nov. 19. the four parishes. dren,” “The Shepherd,” “Joshua’s “She’s a rare blessing because “It’s an important ministry — Family,” “Joshua and the City,” she prayed for me,” Harrison the way people open up to her, “The Parables of Joshua,” “Joshua said of Jacques. “She’s my the way she’s helped people,” he in a Troubled World,” “Joshua in friend.” told The Catholic Post. “I think the Holy Land” and “Joshua: A she’s saved lives, just by getting Homecoming.” POWERFUL MINISTRY their diabetes under control Father Girzone did not restrict Going back to their roots, The or getting their blood pres- himself to fiction. He also wrote Sisters of the Third Order of St. sure checked. What a powerful “Jesus, His Life and Teachings: Francis, who own and operate ministry.” As Recorded by His Friends OSF Healthcare System, sent “The main goal is just to be Mathew, Mark, Luke and John,” nurses into the Peoria neighbor- available,” Jacques said. “A lot “Joey” and “My Struggle With hoods covered by the 61605 and of times I’m monitoring their Faith.” 61603 zip codes to talk to people blood pressure. People haven’t Even before the 20th century and survey the needs. The 61605 been to the doctor, so I’m mak- was over, his books had sold zip code is the fifth poorest in ing sure they have the proper more than a million copies. Illinois, while the 61603 zip code medical card and helping them 12 | AROUND THE DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com DEADLINES calling Angie, the regent, at (217) mas cookie sale on Saturday, dy Cane Lane Christmas Cookie Anniversary 359-1317. The court’s cookie sale Dec. 12, in the parish hall, 206 Walk” on Saturday, Dec. 5, from Deadlines for Around the will be held Sunday, Dec. 13, at N. School St. It will begin at 9 a.m. to noon in the parish hall. — Diocese are Friday, Dec. 11, for Holy Cross Church, 405 W. Clark 8 a.m. Assorted cookies and Cookies, candy and breads will the issue of Dec. 20; Friday, Dec. St., Champaign. candies will be sold for $6 per be available for $6 per pound. 18, for the issue of Jan. 3, 2016; pound. Italian succarines will be All proceeds will benefit the Friday, Jan. 8, for the issue of ULTREYA: Holy Cross Church, 405 available for $10 per pound. ongoing needs of the parish. Jan. 17; and Friday, Jan. 22, for W. Clark St., will host an Ultreya the issue of Jan. 31. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Mass at METAMORA PEORIA HEIGHTS Items may be sent by email to 5:30 p.m. will be followed by COOKIE, CANDY SALE: St. Mary’s Altar CARMELITE MEETING: The Com- [email protected] or mailed to a potluck in the parish center. and Rosary Society will hold its munity of Mary, Mother of the The Catholic Post, P.O. Box 1722, Cursillistas will celebrate the holiday cookie and candy sale Blessed Sacrament of the Secu- Peoria, IL 61656. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 to lar Discalced Carmelites will Anniversary announcements with a speaker and a Mexican 11 a.m. in the gym of St. Mary meet for Mass on Saturday, Dec. are also welcome for those theme for the potluck. Taco School, 400 W. Chatham. A 5, at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel of couples celebrating 50, 60, 65, meat, tortillas and taco shells variety of decorated cookies and St. Thomas the Apostle Church, NEU 70TH — Robert and Alice 70 or more years of marriage (in will be provided by the parish. springerle cookies will be avail- 904 E. Lake Ave. The liturgy Neu of Toluca celebrated their five-year increments). To receive Those who attend are asked to able at $5 per dozen. Candies, will include a clothing ceremony, 70th wedding anniversary at a a form, contact Jennifer Willems bring taco toppings, side dishes mixes and other specialty items temporary promises and defini- family dinner. Mr. Neu married at [email protected] or (800) and desserts to share. Drinks also will be sold. For more infor- tive promises, vows and renewal the former Alice Schwiderski 340-5630. and tableware will be provided. mation, call (309) 367-2232. of promises. A luncheon recep- on Nov. 29, 1945, at St. Ann Craft activities and treat bags tion will follow in the lower Church in Toluca. They are now BLOOMINGTON for children will be provided OTTAWA level of the church. Visitors are members of St. Patrick Church FAMILY ULTREYA: The Bloomington- with an RSVP by Dec. 9. Make CDA NEWS: State Regent Patricia welcome. in Minonk. They are the parents Normal Cursillo community is reservations by contacting Glo- Sloan attended the November of three daughters, Mary Anne planning a Family Ultreya for ria Fellers at (217) 649-8786 or meeting of Court Santa Maria WEST PEORIA (Robert) McNamara of Normal, Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Pat- [email protected] No. 236 of the Catholic Daugh- PRO-LIFE HOLY HOUR: The Holy Hour and Jeanne Reustman and Con- rick Church of Merna, 1001 N. ters of the Americas, which was for the “Rights of the Unborn nie (Gene) Craig, both of Toluca, Towanda Barnes Road. Mass at 7 CHERRY held at Starved Rock Lodge. It Child” will be held at 7 p.m. and one son, Daniel Neu, who p.m. will be followed by a social FILIPINO CHRISTMAS: A Filipino was reported that the annual on Monday, Dec. 7, at Rosmini is deceased. Their family also in Shamrock Hall. Bring a dish Christmas Mass is planned for “Baby Shower” raised more than House, 2327 W. Heading Ave. It includes 12 grandchildren, 30 to share. Cursillistas, their fami- Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at $2,600 and the funds will be will consist of Benediction, the great-grandchildren and two lies and guests are welcome. Holy Trinity Church 212 S. Main. distributed to local pregnancy rosary and other prayers. great-great-grandchildren. A Christmas party and potluck centers and women’s shelters. CHAMPAIGN will follow in the parish hall. The court’s $100 donation for Cathedral calendar CDA NEWS: The Catholic Daughters Everyone is invited to attend. December will be given to the of the Americas, Court No. 1070, American Legion Honor Guard. — will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 8, CHILLICOTHE A memorial service was held The Cathedral of St. Mary of the followed by Solemn Christmas Eve at Presence Covenant Medical “GOD’S MERCIFUL LOVE”: Deacon for Margaret Mossey, Geraldine Immaculate Conception, located Mass celebrated by Bishop Daniel Center, 1400 W. Park St., Ur- Greg Serangeli will talk about Farrar and Mary Louise Welch. in Peoria at 607 N.E. Madison R. Jenky, CSC, at 9 p.m. bana. Mass in the chapel at noon “God’s Merciful Love” on State Regent Sloan told members Ave., is the mother church of Friday, Dec. 25: Solemn Mass will be followed by the meeting Sunday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. in the national and state courts are the Diocese of Peoria. Weekend of Christmas Day celebrated by with box lunches. The cost is $6 the parish hall of St. Edward working to add new local courts Masses are at 4 p.m. on Saturdays Bishop Jenky, 10:30 a.m.; Spanish per person. Reservations are Church, 1216 N. Sixth St. This and new members. The next (in Latin), and at 10:30 a.m. (in Mass of Christmas Day, 12:15 p.m. required and may be made by is the third part of “Reboot St. meeting will be a Christmas tea English) and 12:15 p.m. (in Spanish) Friday, Jan. 1: Mass for the Edward,” a series of informa- on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 3 on Sundays. Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of tive presentations related to the p.m. at the Knights of Colum- The 10:30 a.m. Mass is frequent- God, 7 a.m.; Mass in Spanish, 8:30 KNOW SOMEONE WITH A STORY? The Catholic Post Catholic faith. bus Hall. New members will be ly a pontifical liturgy celebrated by a.m. is committed to sharing one in-depth story of faith in inducted at this time. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC. each issue on our “People” page. Do you know someone GRANVILLE Thursday, Dec. 24: Family HOLY FAMILY whose life of faith inspires others? Someone who serves COOKIE SALE: The Altar and Rosary PEORIA Mass of Christmas Eve, 4 p.m.; RADIO 95.7 others in a unique way? Contact our newsroom at 1-800- Society of Sacred Heart Parish COOKIE WALK: St. Ann Church, 1010 Christmas Eve Mass in Spanish, 6 Champaign/Urbana 340-5630 or email [email protected]. will host its 13th annual Christ- S. Louisa St., will have its “Can- p.m.; Christmas concert at 8 p.m., Donate to: Trinity Educational Association 1802 Amber Ln, Apt 103 Marketplace Urbana, IL 61802 Marketplace Peoria Jewelry Buyers St. Bernadette Frank’s Peoria Jewelry Buyers St. Bernadette Buying watches, rings and catholic radio Pizzeria Buying watches, rings and diamonds as well as broken, catholic radio diamonds as well as broken, unwanted and antique jewelry. 94.3 FM peoria (309) 755-8321 94.3 FM peoria unwanted and antique jewelry. Call: (309) 645-1366 Silvis Call: (309) 645-1366

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INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — As liturgy also featured 18 bishops, 23,000 youths from across the 50 deacons and 50 seminar- country worshipped together ians. during the closing Mass of the The NCYC closing Mass National Catholic Youth Confer- capped the conference that ence in Indianapolis, Leanna began Nov. 19 and took place in Long felt “amazingly over- the Indiana Convention Center whelmed” to be in the midst of and Lucas Oil Stadium in In- so many people who shared her dianapolis. faith. The Archdiocese of Indianap- St. Mary, Metamora, fills stockings for military She attended the conference olis has hosted the last three Students at St. Mary School in Metamora are pictured with some of the from her home in North Caro- conferences, which are held ev- nearly 300 stockings they recently stuffed with snacks collected for shipment lina, where Catholics are a small ery two years. It is scheduled to to active duty military. The stockings were made by teachers Barb Clem and minority of the overall popula- host the next one in 2017. The Emily Dawson as well as school parent Deb Fitzgibbons. Provided photo tion. conference is sponsored by the “We know the church is large,” National Federation of Catholic said Long, a member of St. Youth Ministry. Thomas More Parish in Chapel Alaina Sincich, a member of Indianapolis Archbishop Hill, in the Raleigh diocese. “But St. John Neumann Parish in Joseph W. Tobin expressed his to be able to see it and know that Sunbury, Ohio, kneels in prayer pride in the Catholic Church in I’m not alone (is helpful). Nov. 21 during the closing central and southern Indiana Mass of the National Catholic for working hard to host the EXTEND CHRIST’S KINGDOM AT HOME Youth Conference at Lucas Oil youth conference by telling The church’s youthful vitality Stadium in Indianapolis. CNS/Sean the story of St. Mary Parish and diverse universality were Gallagher in Lanesville, which sent 20 on display Nov. 21 as conference youths to the conference and attendees were led in worship Cardinal Rodriguez exhorted also 40 volunteers. on the feast of Christ the King his “young brothers and sisters” “Young people face particular by Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez “to spread out Christ’s reign of challenges today,” Archbishop Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Hon- love, with all the values of the Tobin said. “In the heart, we duras, who was the principal kingdom.” know what it means to be celebrant. In addition to the 23,000 young. And we can serve them. During his opening remarks youths participating in the I’m so pleased that so many at the Mass, Cardinal Rodri- Mass, approximately 250 people in the archdiocese be- St. Philomena Food Drive nets 15,260 items guez shared with his young priests concelebrated. The lieve in the young people.” listeners the mission they were Led by the student council of St. Philomena School in Peoria, families of the being given as they returned to parish donated 15,260 food and toiletry items during a Nov. 9-20 food drive. their homes. While the annual drive usually supports the South Side Office of Concern, “This is not the end,” said the the overwhelming response to this year’s project enabled the Salvation cardinal, a close adviser of Pope Army to become a second beneficiary. The food drive is one way the stu- Francis. “This is the beginning dents are taught the lesson of stewardship. Pictured with a van they loaded of another stage when you will for delivery are student council members, in back, Mark Hanley, David Couri, go back to your places in order and Tim Reynolds; in front, Maggie Waller, Lauren Scurry, Olivia Ludolph, to spread the kingdom of Jesus Emma Mueller, Charlie Shadid, Jenna Day, and Ted Hinds. Provided photo Christ.” Children in costume for Thanksgiving Day Mass at St. Mary Church, Peru Children from both St. Mary and St. Valentine parishes in Peru dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans for the 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day Mass celebrated on Nov. 27 at St. Mary Church. Paula Atkinson, or- ganist, accompanied the St. Mary’s choir which also included guest members from other area parishes. Pictured are, front row from left, Audrey Sell and Quinn Klobucher; back row, Gavin Bratkovich, Jackson Klobucher, Drew Sell and Sophia Bratkovich. Provided photo/Carole Haas 14 | OBITUARIES THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Pray for our faithful departed Sister June (Marie — Jerome) Wilkerson, OP The following death no- EAST PEORIA: Betty L. Stiers, 87, Dresbach, 80, St. Joseph (Marseilles), Paul Rowland, 58, St. Pius X, Nov. 12 Taught in Bloomington tices were taken from area daily St. Monica, Nov. 14; Richard Watson Nov. 21; James William Halm, 90, St. SENECA: Larry R. Eikleberry, 43, newspapers dated Nov. 13-26, Schwab, 93, St. Monica, Nov. 13 Francis of Assisi, Nov. 18; Jose Aaron St. Patrick, Nov. 16 SINSINAWA, Wis. — A funeral 2015. The notices list name, age, EUREKA: Gregory Keith McAl- Ochoa, 24 St. Francis of Assisi, Nov. 14 SPRING BAY: Donald F. Wyzlic Mass was celebrated Dec. 2 for parish, and date of death. lister, 68, St. Luke, Nov. 10 PEKIN: Alaina Jane Miller, 24, Sr., 88, St. Ann (Peoria), Nov. 10 Sister June (Marie Jerome) Wilk- This list may not be complete GALESBURG: Klaus H. Hemmer, St. Joseph, Nov. 21; Ernest M. Tas- SPRING VALLEY: Steven “To- erson, OP, in the Gathering Place for many reasons. Only persons 69, St. Patrick, Nov. 20 in Illiopolis sart Jr., 93, St. Joseph, Nov. 16; Carl noos” Tonozzi, 61, Nativity of Our chapel here. Burial whose funeral Masses took place GENESEO: Frank Mariman, 96, St. George Yock, 93, St. Joseph, Nov. 16, Lord, Nov. 21 of her cremated in a Catholic church within the Malachy, Nov. 14 sang in parish choir for 70 years STREATOR: Loretta H. Katchmar, remains followed Diocese of Peoria are normally GERMANTOWN HILLS: Maurice F. PEORIA: Mary Ellen Uranich, 83, 82, St. Michael the Archangel, Nov. 23; in the Motherhouse listed. King, 55, St. Mary (Metamora), Nov. 14 St. Vincent de Paul, Nov. 23; Timo- Margaret A. Kettman, 99, St. Michael Cemetery. Prayers for those on this list, LACON: Sharon Lenz, 80, Im- thy Rutherford, 56, St. Ann, Nov. the Archangel, Nov. 22, twice president Sister June died their families, and all the faith- maculate Conception, Nov. 12 22; LaVerne A. Turner, 92, St. Mary of her parish Altar and Rosary Society; Nov. 24, 2015, at ful departed are encouraged. LA SALLE: Daniel E. Lyons, 83, (Kickapoo), Nov. 20; Blanche Lut- James E. Thompson, 86, St. Michael St. Dominic Villa in Holy Cross (Mendota), Nov. 24; tenberger, 96, Holy Family, Nov. 19; the Archangel, Nov. 21; Robert L. Sinsinawa. She was 91. ALPHA: Mary “Jane” Streeter, 79, Therese F. Born, 89, St. Patrick, Nov. Viola C. Metroff, 87, St. Bernard, Nov. Kauzlarich, 87, St. Mary (Wenona), The daughter of Jerome and St. John (Woodhull), Nov. 19 15; Kathryn J. “Jeanne” Majeske, 94, 19; Miguel Montejano Sr., 60, St. Ber- Nov. 14; Joseph N. Mazzola, 84, St. Mi- Mary Grace (Mead) Wilkerson, BLOOMINGTON: Jean Ferrel St. Patrick, Oct. 22 in Naples, Florida nard, Nov. 18; Marjorie M. Basfield, chael the Archangel, Nov. 13; Lucille A. Sister June was born in St. Louis McDonald, 79, Holy Trinity, Nov. LEONORE: George “Bud” Knecht, 77, St. Thomas the Apostle (Peoria Scarratt, 87, St. Michael the Archangel, on June 8, 1924. She made her 20; Marilyn J. Pool, 85, St. Patrick 81, Sts. Peter and Paul, Nov. 21 Heights), Nov. 16; Martha M. (Couri) Nov. 12; Edwin Bud Klein Sr., 80, St. first profession as a Sinsinawa Do- Church of Merna, Nov. 15 LINCOLN: William R. “Ronnie” Burke, 96, Holy Family, Nov. 16; Joyce Michael the Archangel, Nov. 9 minican on Aug. 5, 1948, and her BUDA: Donald Keith Andrews, Gober, 75, Holy Family, Nov. 11 A. Wenzel, 79, St. Ann, Nov. 16 TONICA: Patricia Ann Busch, 75, final profession on Aug. 5, 1941. 76, St. Patrick (Sheffield), Nov. 20 MANVILLE: James L. “Skip” PERU: Louis A. Giacobazzi, 91, St. Sts. Peter and Paul (Leonore), Nov. 12 She taught for 30 years, minis- CHENOA: Charles Dale Chap- Katcher, 86, St. Michael the Archan- Joseph, Nov. 17; Delores E. “Tootie” WASHINGTON: Shirley A. Noe, tered in peace and justice for 10 man, 82, St. Joseph, Nov. 19 gel (Streator), Nov. 21 Aaron, 96, St. Mary, Nov. 13; Law- 75, St. Philomena (Peoria), Nov. 22 years, and was involved in health CHERRY: Lynn “Noni” Soldati, MILAN: Suzanne M. Hoskins, 67, rence J. Tadych, 89, St. Valentine, WENONA: Floyd “Pete” Peter- outreach for 19 years in Illinois, 66, Nativity of Our Lord (Spring Val- St. Mary (Rock Island), Nov. 18 Nov. 13 sen, 93, St. Mary, Nov. 14 Montana, Alabama, Wisconsin, ley), Nov. 23 MOLINE: Richard J. DeBo, 86, PONTIAC: Raymond B. Giovanni, WESTVILLE: Mildred Louise Minnesota, Indiana and Califor- CORNELL: Joan Marie Mullen, Sacred Heart, Nov. 23; Gloria Peralta 95, St. Mary, Nov. 22, was among the Wilson, 84, St. Mary, Nov. 21, nurse nia. In the Diocese of Peoria, she 84, St. Mary (Pontiac), Nov. 20 Gonzalez, 55, St. Mary, Nov. 17; founders of the St. Vincent de Paul at St. Elizabeth Hospital (Danville) for served at Holy Trinity School in DEPUE: Eunice Lucille Shipp El- Charles J. De Taeye, 78, Sacred Food Pantry at the parish; Ernest 40 years Bloomington from 1966 to 1968. lis, 92, St. Mary, Nov. 13 Heart, Nov. 12 Joseph Charlier, 85, St. Mary, Nov. DWIGHT: Thomas “Vince” Mc- NAPLATE: Emma M. Kneebone, 19; James Raymond Broerman, 52, 903 W. Custer Ave. 315 E. Vermillion Ginnis, 78, Sacred Heart (Campus), 93, St. Mary, Nov. 17 St. Mary, Nov. 12 Pontiac Odell Aug. 22 NORMAL: Alan C. Penn, 31, PRINCETON: Arvid “Shorty” (815) 844-7111 (815) 998-2143 EAST MOLINE: Marjorie L. Epiphany, Nov. 18 LeRoy Fundell, 93, St. Louis, Nov. 20 Baney, 73, St. Anne, Nov. 18; Mar- OGLESBY: Barbara Peterlin, 77, ROCK ISLAND: Rita Jane Parkin- shall Edward Martel, 67, St. Anne, Holy Family, Nov. 23 son, 94, St. Pius X, Nov. 22; Thomas DUFFY • BAIER • SNEDECOR Nov. 18 OTTAWA: Rosemary A. J. Plechaty, 78, St. Pius X, Nov. 15; A. Funeral Home A meaningful funeral is a personalized funeral, one that is a Serving your family’s needs with our family values tribute to the life that’s been lived, not the death that’s occurred. Richard L. Baier, Matthew T. Snedecor Directors/Owners Families better cope with the pain of death by involving themselves in the planning of a meaningful tribute to their loved ones.

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be dedicated at the following churches and chapels designated by Bishop Jenky: l St. Mary’s Cathedral, Peoria l St. John Catholic Chapel, Champaign l The Shrine Church of the Most Holy Rosary, La Salle l St. Robert Bellarmine Cha- St. Anthony’s Camerata Chorale pel at St. John Paul II Newman Festival Choir from Bartonville Center, Normal will take 31 singers from around l Sacred Heart Church, Peo- the Diocese of Peoria, as well as ria, and St. Louis and Iowa, on a musical l St. Pius X Church, Rock pilgrimage to “Majestic Italy” Island from Dec. 30 to Jan. 7. The Catholic The specially designated Post/Jennifer Willems churches allow local Catholics to take part in a jubilee year tradi- tion observed in Rome, where MAJESTIC ITALY Holy Doors are established at FROM PAGE 10 St. Peter’s Basilica and the city’s other major basilicas. In declar- Night,” and be invited to sing ing them Doors of Mercy, Pope Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, visits with volunteers at Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria, an outreach ministry along to “What Child is This,” “O Francis hopes that those who based at St. Joseph’s Hall that distributes hundreds of sandwiches every weekday. In his new Festival Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Joy pass through them “will experi- Letter, “Divine Mercy,” Bishop Jenky encouraged the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during the to the World.” ence the love of God who con- Holy Year that opens Dec. 8. The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems Admission to the concert is a soles, pardons, and instills hope.” non-perishable food item for So- “Throughout the Holy Year, gained by the faithful who enter He especially requested sume a responsibility that is not phia’s Kitchen, which serves as a plenary indulgence may be these doors,” writes Bishop Jen- coordinated, regional celebra- theirs,” calling it a “foolish and many as 500 lunches a day out of ky. A plenary indulgence is the tions of Divine Mercy Sunday a heavy burden” to keep a strict the St. Joseph Parish Center. removal of the temporal punish- on April 3, 2016. A significant account of the fault of others. “We want to wish people a RELIGIOUS ment due for the sins commit- part of Bishop Jenky’s Festival “When a relationship can ‘Merry Christmas’ but we also ted up to that time and already Letter explains the develop- be healed, Christians should want them to see where they FROM PAGE 8 sacramentally forgiven. Bishop ment of the Divine Mercy devo- be willing to take the first may be able to help out,” Fahey- Jenky outlines the conditions for tion following visions of Jesus step towards reconciliation,” Darling said. “Sophia’s Kitchen Sister M. Cornelia Blasko and Sis- the indulgence, including sacra- experienced in the 1930s by St. said Bishop Jenky, though he needs volunteers all the time. . . . ter M. Olga Poluch traveled from mental confession, reception of Faustina Kowalska. acknowledges in “toxic relation- Or maybe they can make a dona- Slovakia to establish the American the Eucharist, and prayer for the Bishop Jenky opens his letter ships” the best path might be to tion before the end of the year.” Province of the Daughters of St. pope’s intention within 20 days by acknowledging that all bless- “charitably avoid all contact.” Francis of Assisi, they didn’t pay before or after. ing comes from God and that the “In any circumstance, hatred 31 MEMBERS FROM ACROSS DIOCESE into Social Security or even receive He asked that the designated “blessed” are called happy be- is always a corroding acid that There are 31 people from all much in terms of a paycheck. That churches and chapels in the cause they respond in praise and hurts us more than the person over the Diocese of Peoria — as didn’t stop them from starting and Diocese of Peoria “make ample thanks to God’s acts, “especially we hate,” he wrote. well as St. Louis and Iowa — serving as administrators, pastoral provision” for the Sacrament of God’s gracious gift of mercy.” Bishop Jenky concludes singing in St. Anthony’s Cam- care workers, nurses and activity Reconciliation and, when pos- “Lured by this gift of mercy, by noting the Year of Mercy erata Chorale Festival Choir. A directors at places like St. Joseph’s sible, remain open throughout we must ourselves be merciful,” begins on a feast of the Blessed total of 58 people are making the Nursing Home in Lacon. the day “to help the faithful writes the bishop, urging Cath- Mother. musical pilgrimage, with Msgr. At 75, Sister M. Justina Delon- encounter the Lord of Mercy not olics to imitate the challenging “As we begin this special Holy William Watson as the spiritual ga, DSF, continues to volunteer only through the Sacred Liturgy example of Jesus, whom Pope Year of Mercy, it is a blessing director. at St. Joseph’s, offering hugs, but also in prayer, devotion and Francis refers to as “the merci- and a consolation for us to While the group will sing prayer and smiles to the 74 resi- contemplation.” ful face of the Father.” remember that Mary is rightly in Assisi, Florence and Rome, dents there. She also takes meals But he warned that “when hu- reverenced as the Refuge of Fahey-Darling said the highlight to eight or 10 members of the OTHER DIRECTIVES man beings take on the Divine Sinners and the Mother of of the trip will be singing for the Lacon community on Fridays, In other Holy Year of Mercy role as ultimate judge, they as- Mercy.” Mass celebrated by Pope Francis supplying nourishment for their directives, Bishop Jenky asked for the Feast of the Epiphany, spirits as well as their bodies. that: Radiothon to benefit Children’s Hospital Jan. 6. This will take them to St. “Sisters don’t retire. Ever,” l all pastors and chaplains Peter’s Basilica. Sister Loretta said. make additional and varied The 15th annual The Drive of Children’s Hospital, raising As they prepare, however, it is “As they have provided us with times available for the sacrament for Miracles Radiothon to funds to support ongoing needs. important for the festival choir a lifetime of service, we want to of reconciliation, especially on benefit the Children’s Hospital The event has raised more than to have the experience of per- return their offering with a mo- the Wednesdays of Lent; of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis $1.5 million since 2001. forming for the people of central ment of thanks,” Bishop Daniel l frequent reference to God’s Medical Center in Peoria will Persons wishing to volunteer Illinois, she said. R. Jenky, CSC, writes in a letter mercy be made in preaching, take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. or donate are encouraged to call “It’s an affirmation to the that will be read at Masses this and on Dec. 9-10. the Children’s Hospital of Illinois group that has been rehearsing weekend. Asking the faithful l more frequent Mass par- John Riley and the other per- Foundation at (309) 566-5666 for so long and to raise aware- for their continued generosity, ticipation, adoration, and the sonnel from radio station 93.3 or visit: ness for Sophia’s Kitchen,” he said, “we hope to continue to corporal and spiritual works of The Drive will spend the days childrenshospitalofillinois Fahey-Darling said. provide for their many needs.” mercy be encouraged. broadcasting from the lobby foundation.org/radiothon. 16 | COMMENTARY THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Guest —editorial The door of God’s mercy is always open VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Because us and is always by our side. Courage! From the Let’s enter through this door.” Turn backs on refugees God always keeps open the door of his mercy and offer of salvation to Pope everyone, the doors of every church Pray for peace, weep for world and the terrorists win and every Christian heart must never From the Pope be closed to others, Pope Francis VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “Jesus EDITOR’S NOTE: The Catholic Post provides a regular sampling said. wept.” Pope Francis opened his morn- of current commentary from around the Catholic press. All over the world, individual ing homily with those words as he Following are excerpts from an editorial which appeared in Christians and the whole church spoke about the wars and violence en- the Nov. 20 issue of The Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese must be seen as “the hospitality of gulfing numerous parts of the world. of St. Cloud, Minnesota. It was written by Joe Towalski, a God who never shuts the door in The Gospel reading for Nov. 19 editor. your face with the excuse that you’re — began, “As Jesus drew near Jerusa- not part of the family,” he said during lem, he saw the city and wept over it, wo and a half months ago, the plight of interna- his weekly general audience Nov. 18. saying, ‘If this day you only knew what makes for peace tional refugees received renewed attention after The pope dedicated his catechesis to the symbol of the — but now it is hidden from your eyes.’” T media outlets around the world published pho- Holy Door, which will be opened at St. Peter’s Basilica “Jesus is weeping today, too, because we have preferred tos of Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old boy from Syria who Dec. 8 to mark the the path of war, the path of hatred, the path of enmity,” drowned with other family members when they fell from start of the extraor- the pope said during the Mass in the chapel of the Do- a raft trying to reach Greece. dinary Holy Year of mus Sanctae Marthae where he lives. The photos showing little Alan lying face down on the Mercy. “The whole world” seems to be at war today, the pope beach shocked our consciences and came to represent Holy doors around said, and there is “no justification” for it. the human face of a refugee crisis of a magnitude not the world represent the “A war can be — quote-unquote — ‘justified’ for many seen since World War II. Other nations pledged to do “great door of God’s reasons, but when the whole world is embroiled in war more to help. mercy” and are gener- like it is today — there is a world war (being fought) in Sadly, the terrorist attacks in Paris put Syrian refugees ously opened to receive pieces, here, there, everywhere — there is no justifica- in the spotlight again when it was reported that one of people’s repentance tion. And God weeps. Jesus weeps,” the pope said. the attackers arrived in Europe posing as a refugee from and offer the grace of “It would do us good to ask for the grace of tears for the Syrian war. There is no way to condemn strongly God’s forgiveness, he this world that does not recognize the path of peace,” the enough what happened in France. In the aftermath, said. pope said. “Let us ask for the conversion of hearts.” however, some European politicians have called for a The recent Synod of Pope Francis prayed that the upcoming Year of Mercy halt to further refugee arrivals. In the United States, Bishops on the family would bring with it “the grace that the world would more than two dozen governors have said they are refus- was an occasion to en- discover again the ability to weep for its crimes, for those ing to take in Syrian refugees because they have security courage the church and who make war.” and safety concerns. all Catholics to meet “We are approaching Christmas,” the pope said, and soon While their fears are understandable, we cannot turn Pope Francis opens a Holy God at this open door everywhere “there will be lights, decorated trees, even Na- our backs on the millions of individuals and families — Door at the start of a Mass and to open their own tivity scenes,” but if they are not signs of faith in Jesus and Christian and non-Christian — who are caught in the with priests, religious, doors to others — “to a commitment to following him, then it is “all fake.” crosshairs of Syria’s war through no fault of their own. catechists and youths at the go out with the Lord” They are not the cause of what happened in Paris and cathedral in Bangui, Central to encounter his chil- Church must not worship ‘St. Payola’ should not be blamed for it. They are trying to escape African Republic, Nov. 29. He dren who are journey- violence and devastation that have long been a part of will officially open the Holy ing, who are perhaps VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis condemned a daily life. Faced with the same situation, many of us Year of Mercy by opening uncertain, perhaps church that worships power, money and “St. Payola,” a would do the same. We need to do more to help them, the Holy Door at St. Peter’s lost, “in these difficult fictional patron of lucrative kickbacks. not less. Basilica on Dec. 8. CNS/Paul Haring times,” he said. The temptation is always there to yearn for worldly As Catholics, we are called to reach out in love to “wel- “If the door of God’s security and forget that only God can bring peace, true come the stranger,” protecting their human dignity and mercy is always open, happiness and redemption, he said in his morning hom- providing them with hope in what surely seems to many the doors of our churches, our love, our communities, ily Nov. 20. refugees as a hopeless situation. And, as the Year of our parishes, our institutions, our dioceses also must be Celebrating an early morning Mass in the chapel of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis approaches, helping open so that we all can go out to bring God’s mercy” to his residence, Pope Francis spoke about the day’s Gospel war refugees is one way to practice the works of mercy others, he said. reading in which Jesus cleanses the temple that, instead of the Holy Father has asked us to undertake. The jubilee year also represents the need to open the being a house of prayer, had become “a den of thieves” (Lk So how can we respond in ways that help those most many small doors in everyone’s life so that “the Lord 19:45-48). By driving out the traders and moneychangers, in need while not putting more innocent lives at risk? can come in or, many times, to let out the Lord impris- Jesus angered the temple’s chief priests and scribes, who Clearly, it’s a complex issue that needs careful examina- oned by our structures, our selfishness,” the pope said. were benefiting from all the commercial activity. tion. Prayer is always the best place to start — that God “The jubilee means to let the Lord come in and go out.” The leaders of the temple had created a “St. Payola,” would protect all refugees fleeing violence and persecu- Don’t let the fact that so many homes and businesses the pope said. “They were devoted to money and they tion. deadbolt their doors for security reasons influence one’s venerated this saint.” But we also must step up humanitarian efforts by personal approach to life, he said. “They sullied the temple,” he said. “The temple is an providing financial support to organizations such as “We must not succumb to the idea of having to apply icon of the church. The church will always — always — Catholic Relief Services, which is assisting hundreds this system to our whole life, to family life,” to life in the suffer the temptation of worldliness and the temptation of thousands of refugees in Europe, Jordan, Lebanon, city and community and much less to church life, he of a power that is not the power that Jesus Christ wants Turkey and other countries where there has been a large said. for her.” influx. The pope also said that it takes courage to “cross the When the church does succumb to this temptation and In the meantime, however, if we cave in to fear, if we threshold” and accept God’s invitation. enters into “this process of decay,” he said the end result turn our backs on refugees, if we’re not up to the chal- “Each one of us has something that weighs on us “is very ugly. Very ugly!” lenge to be the face of Christ to those who are suffering inside, right? We are all sinners,” he said. “Let us take He also asked that people pray for the grace that they even when it’s difficult for us, then the terrorists have advantage of this moment that is coming and cross the themselves never fall into this spiral of “decay toward gained another victory. As people of faith, we cannot let threshold of this mercy of God who never tires of forgiv- worldliness that leads us to attachment to money and it happen. ing, who never tires of waiting for us, who looks upon power.” SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST COMMENTARY | 17 www.thecatholicpost.com — Ways to receive, share mercy during Advent, Christmas dvent is upon us, and Christmas is just weeks away. she has “fallen ence it firsthand. If you have What a beautiful time of year! too far away,” By being a joyful, not received the Sacrament A For some, December is more about shopping invite her to evangelizing of Reconciliation for a while, and parties than it is about anticipating and recalling attend an Ad- wait no longer! Participate the birth of Jesus. Yet, many of these vent penance Catholic, someone in your parish Advent people will find their way to Mass on service with is bound to notice penance service or call Christmas. While this may frustrate or you. For some your pastor to set up a even baffle us, consider both of these people, hearing . . . and to come time. Then, make a goal to seasons as great opportunities to share Scripture and back home! go more often during this your faith . . . to evangelize. music focused Jubilee Year of Mercy. Find This year has also been declared a on mercy and CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz a good friend or your spouse Jubilee Year of Mercy by Pope Francis. forgiveness will to hold you accountable. This is a tremendous gift. The Holy begin to soften Go together once a month. Father wants all of us — active or inac- their hearts. Imagine the blessings in store for you! tive, faithful or fallen away Catholics 3. Throw a big party on the Feast of the Holy Whatever you do, don’t lose sight of the beauty of the Called to — to know the Mercy of Jesus. After all, Family. It’s just two days after Christmas this year, but season. By being a joyful, evangelizing Catholic, some- Witness Jesus came into the world to save us make it special by exchanging gifts of prayer cards, jour- one is bound to notice . . . and to come back home! with His mercy! nals, or sacred art for the home. Model the beauty of the Kim Padan Here are some ideas for starting the Holy Family, especially with family members who have EDITOR’S NOTE: The National Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Church year, and the Year of Mercy wandered away. has compiled a collection of program ideas for evangeliza- — with an evangelizing theme: 4. Hold a special “Welcome Home” event in tion within our parishes. Peoria DCCW will be sharing some of 1. Invite family and friends to Mass, not just for your parish, women’s group, or men’s group, encour- these ideas, as well as others inspired by the national program, Christmas Day, but for the Sundays of Advent and all the aging personal invitations to those who haven’t been periodically here in The Catholic Post. If your parish women’s Sundays of the Christmas season. Let them know your to Mass for a while. Offer to help with transporta- group is affiliated with PDCCW, you can have access to the en- invitation never expires. tion or child care so that barriers to attendance are tire program. Contact Kim Padan, evangelization chair, at kim@ 2. Tell those who have been away from the removed. gabrielsmom.com. Kim is member of St. Paul Parish in Danville, church that they are truly missed. If someone feels 5. Finally, in order to show mercy we must experi- a lay Dominican, and blogs at gabrielsmom.com. Thirteen sons, no daughter, and no reality TV shows he wedding that Tyler Schwandt and his fiancée evening before supper, hashing out the pros and cons. are planning could’ve been broadcast on national “I was never intrigued,” Ty said. “I liked the attention, T TV. But he’s perfectly content with a quieter, more but I never loved the attention, and it almost lasted a intimate wedding Mass. Tyler little too long for me. I’d rather live a simple, happy life. The 23-year-old Catholic from Rockford, Michigan, Schwandt You see ‘Kate Plus 8’ and the Duggars and all those other has the distinction of being the firstborn of 13 boys, the and Bailey shows. They make a good run and then, in the end, they family whose improbable boy streak went viral with the Thompson come crashing down. It 12th pregnancy and generated another prefer to wasn’t worth trying to be Each boy has felt like round of stories when a 13th son ar- have an the exception.” rived in May. Crews from “The Today intimate The money TLC offered a one-in-a-million Show” and “Good Morning America” wedding, didn’t justify the cost it blessing to Jay and were at the Schwandts’ six-bedroom though would come at, Ty felt. brick home before they had returned it could Surely the camera crew Kateri Schwandt, from the hospital, citing statisticians have been would’ve gravitated toward whose openness to who set the odds of 13 consecutive nationally the handsome firstborn, boys at 1 in 8,000. televised. turning his engagement life is rooted in their Twenty Each boy has felt like a one-in-a- Tyler is the into a major storyline and Catholic faith. million blessing to Jay and Kateri firstborn reducing the wedding sac- Something Schwandt, whose openness to life is of 13 boys. rament to a heavily mar- Christina rooted in their Catholic faith. Provided photo/ keted special episode. Capecchi Tori Hook No thanks, says Ty. “We want our wedding to be inti- HOUSE LIKENED TO A LOCKER ROOM mate. I’m glad we’re able to keep this in the family.” — Ty absorbed those values his entire Just reading the online comments strangers have writ- life and considers his family the best ten about his family is enough to make his stomach turn. marriage prep he could’ve hoped for. He’s been chang- Saying no to reality TV, as he sees it, is a yes to privacy, ing diapers since third grade and has a knack for getting plan to learn NFP before their July 2016 wedding. She serenity and family. He has total confidence — and a a baby to sleep. When asked what he wants to do when has one sibling and used to imagine having two kids of measure of relief — in their decision to decline. he grows up, Ty has always offered the same answer: be her own one day but has since raised it to four — a num- “I’m very thankful for it because I don’t know how well successful, be happy and be a dad. ber Ty still considers far too low. “God has a plan for us,” I’d be able to take it. My biggest concern would be all of Growing up with so many brothers brought a series Ty said. “I’ll be happy with whatever we’re blessed with. the little boys. They would grow up in front of cameras. I of practical jokes and broken windows, including one Every time we get on that subject, Bailey says, ‘Please, feel like they would never become who they really are.” instance when the family’s pole barn didn’t have a single just give me one little girl.’” Watching their lives unfold as he begins a family of his intact window, thanks to errant hockey pucks. Stuffed own leaves nothing to be desired. It is the adventure of a with backpacks and bunk beds and mounds of hockey SAYING NO TO REALITY TV lifetime. pads, Kateri has likened their house to a locker room. Ty After the birth of their 12th son in 2013, TLC offered loves it. the Schwandts a reality show. Jay and Kateri sat down CHRISTINA CAPECCHI is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, He and his fiancée, Bailey, a 20-year-old college junior, to discuss the prospect with their older sons one autumn Minnesota, and the editor of SisterStory.org. 18 | SCRIPTURE THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Baptist’s call for repentance still relevant, urgent Were churches filled Second Sunday of Advent/Dec. 6 being prepared is God, but in the Gospel of Luke the “Lord” is Jesus. By reinterpreting the words from Isaiah, Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6; Luke is teaching that Jesus is God. after Paris massacre? Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-6 ratifying as it was to see so many people united by HOW DO WE PREPARE? grief following the recent massacre in Paris, there ll four Gospels start their accounts of the begin- The Gospel call to repentance finds an echo in this G seemed to be a curious omission. Perhaps televi- ning of Jesus’ public ministry by describing John fanciful story: sion missed it, perhaps I did or perhaps there was noth- A the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord. In this “A woman was expelled from heaven and told that if ing to report. But it seems to me that such a catastrophic Sunday’s Gospel, Luke begins his story with a wide lens she would bring back to heaven what is most valued by event would result in people flooding the churches of by naming the people in authority, both in civil and God she would be welcomed back. She brought back Paris. The only sign I saw was a short article in these religious settings. He is historically setting the time drops of blood from a dying patriot. She brought back pages showing some 1,500 people attending a Mass of an event, namely the preaching of some coins that a destitute widow had given to the poor. at Notre Dame, most of them elderly the prophet John the Baptist as he She brought back a remnant of a Bible that had been women wearing head scarves. proclaims, “Prepare the way of the used for years by an eminent preacher. She brought By comparison, we were shown the Lord, make his paths straight!” He was back some dust from the shoes of a missionary laboring thousands of people on the streets and proclaiming a baptism of repentance in a remote wasteland. She brought back many similar heaps of flowers, candles and various for the forgiveness of sins. things, but was turned back again and again. sentiments of love and loss. But what Note that the Word of God does not “One day, she saw a small boy playing by a fountain. about the churches, and there are come through the expected spokesper- A man rode up on horseback and dismounted to get a many in Paris! I would hate to think sons, i.e., those in authority, but to an drink of water. The man saw the child’s face and sud- It Seems the French people have become so Living the obscure prophet living in the desert, a denly remembered his long-lost boyhood innocence. secularized, so blind that they would place of purification and inner scrutiny Then, looking in the fountain and seeing the reflection of To Me not turn to God after such a horrifying Word — far from the palaces and temples of his hardened face, he realized what he had done with his event. the powerful. life. Tears of repentance welled up in his eyes and began Jerry Klein If one believes statistics, something Father Tom In his call to repentance, John quotes to trickle down his cheeks. The woman took one of those like 4 percent of the people of France Kelly the words from the prophet known as tears with her back to heaven. She was welcomed back — regularly go to church although most Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3-5): “Every with joy and love.” of them are still Catholic. They are baptized, married — valley will be filled in, every mountain We prepare the way of the Lord by seeking forgiveness and buried in the church and otherwise seldom ap- and hill shall be made low, the rugged land shall be made for our sins. Come Lord Jesus! pear. a plain, the rough country a broad valley.” The original But consider for a moment that 4 percent. That per- setting for these words was the Babylonian Exile. It was FATHER TOM Kelly, a former pastor in Ottawa and Bartonville cent of the Catholics in the city of Dijon, roughly compa- a message to comfort the exiles with the assurance that and chaplain at the Newman Foundations at the University rable in size to Peoria, would amount to fewer than 500 God would restore them to the promised land. of Illinois in Champaign and Bradley University in Peoria, is a church-goers in a city of 120,000 people. I find this hard In the Book of Isaiah the “Lord” for whom the way is senior priest of the Diocese of Peoria. He resides in Peoria. to believe. There are churches in our diocese that count that many people in a single Sunday Mass. Daily Readings So where are the other 60 million French people on — Sunday morning? Or the Italians or Germans or Span- Monday, Dec. 7: St. Ambrose (Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-3,4,5-6 iards for that matter? The church in Europe has been Isaiah 35:1-10 Philippians 4:4-7 bleeding membership for years. Psalm 85:9ab and 10,11-12,13-14 Luke 3:10-18 Luke 5:17-26 WILL PRESENCE OF EVIL WAKE US UP? Monday, Dec. 14: St. John of the Cross Can it happen here? One reads accounts of dwindling Tuesday, Dec. 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Numbers 24:2-7,15-17a Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Psalm 25:4-5ab,6 and 7bc,8-9 enrollment in seminaries Genesis 3:9-15,20 Matthew 21:23-27 and the decreasing number We were shown the Psalm 98:1,2-3ab,3cd-4 of women religious. God is Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12 Tuesday, Dec. 15: Advent Weekday mocked. And we are, ac- thousands of people Luke 1:26-38 Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13 cording to reports, down to on the streets and Holy Day of Obligation Psalm 34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19 and 23 30 percent who regularly at- Matthew 21:28-32 tend Sunday Mass. Agnosti- heaps of flowers, Wednesday, Dec. 9: Advent Weekday cism has become trendy. candles and various Isaiah 40:25-31 Wednesday, Dec. 16: Advent Weekday Meanwhile the reality Isaiah 45:6b-8,18,21b-25 Psalm 103:1-2,3-4,8 and 10 seems to be sinking in that sentiments of love Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 85:9ab and 10,11-12,13-14 Luke 7:18b-23 we are facing a movement and loss. But what Thursday, Dec. 10: Advent Weekday motivated by pure evil, the Isaiah 41:13-20 Thursday, Dec. 17: Advent Weekday author of which is surely about the churches, Psalm 145:1 and 9,10-11,12-13ab Genesis 49:2,8-10 Satan. From slaughtering and there are many Matthew 11:11-15 Psalm 72:1-2,3-4ab,7-8,17 innocent airline passengers Matthew 1:1-17 and party goers to torture in Paris! Friday, Dec. 11: Advent Weekday and beheadings, this entity Isaiah 48:17-19 Friday, Dec. 18: Advent Weekday known as ISIS is the com- Psalm 1:1-2,3,4 and 6 Jeremiah 23:5-8 plete opposite of love. Maybe Matthew 11:16-19 Psalm 72:1-2,12-13,18-19 the existence of such raw evil will shock us into action Matthew 1:18-25 and the very existence of its naked evil will wake us up in Saturday, Dec. 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe time and bring us back to God and His holy church. Let Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab Saturday, Dec. 19: Advent Weekday Judith 13:18bcde,19 Judges 13:2-7,24-25a us pray. Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47 Psalm 71:3-4a,5-6ab,16-17 Luke 1:5-25 JERRY KLEIN is an author and longtime fine arts critic in the secu- Sunday, Dec. 13: Third Sunday of Advent lar press. He lives in Germantown Hills and is a member of St. Zephaniah 3:14-18a Mary’s Cathedral Parish in Peoria. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST | 19 www.thecatholicpost.com and AIDS, particularly that “we must — UGANDA respect our life and that of others,” chang- ing behavior to prevent the spread of the FROM PAGE 5 disease. An estimated 150,000 youths gath- ered at the Kololo airstrip to see the pope. Winnie Nansumba, 24, told the pope More than 7 percent of Ugandan adults she was born HIV-positive and, “as a are HIV-positive and tens of thousands young woman, I always found it hard to continue to be infected each year. fall in love because I thought I didn’t have Pope Francis did not speak specifi- a right to love and be loved.” cally about AIDS or its prevention, but he In the end, she said, she decided to use spoke instead about overcoming despair her story to teach other youths about HIV and depression and fighting for one’s life. Ornament sales benefit retirement fund of Heading Avenue Franciscans WEST PEORIA — Christmas tree orna- ments are on the minds of many now and there is a way to decorate your tree and benefit the retirement fund of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Concep- tion at the same time. The Sisters, also known as the Head- ing Avenue Franciscans, are selling the limited edition 2015 Rolan Johnson Christmas ornament, “Love Was Born at Christmas.” The inspiration for this orna- ment, the 21st in a series, is Johnson’s 1986 Christmas card. The Rolan A. Johnson Company Inc. of Peoria has been in existence for 60 years and for 40 of them, Johnson created screen-printed greeting cards for Christ- mas that he mailed to family members, friends and business associates. In 1995, he granted exclusive permission to the Heading Avenue Franciscans to use his designs as an ornament fundraiser. After his death in 2000, the Johnson family allowed the Sisters to continue the ornament series in their father’s memory. It remains the Franciscan community’s to: Heading Avenue Franciscans, 2408 major fundraiser. W. Heading Ave., West Peoria, IL 61604. The collectible ornament is two-sided Order forms and retail locations can be and encased in a 24 karat gold-plated found at westpeoriasisters.org. brass frame. It sells for $34 and will be The ornaments may be purchased at available at a variety of retail stores in the any time during the year at Immaculate Peoria area through Dec. 31. Conception Convent on Heading Avenue. To purchase them by mail, send a check For more information, contact the with your name and address, plus $4 for community’s Development Office at (309) shipping and handling for each ornament, 675-2005. 20 | THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Catholic Diocese of Peoria Summary of Diocesan Financial Activities

Year Ended June 30, 2015 Special Collections $755,320

A Gift that Lives Forever

As Catholic stewards we are asked to make our Church a vibrant source of service and hope to the larger community. Often a financial gift given directly to the Diocese can forever perpetuate our Catholic Faith right here close to home. It may be a gift in your will, a gift of real estate, life insurance or even your required minimum distribution from your IRA. These are gifts that anyone may afford and most likely do not impact your cash flow or lifestyle. To discuss making a gift that ”lives forever” please call the Diocesan Office of Development at (309) 671-1550. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST FESTIVAL LETTER | B1 www.thecatholicpost.com — n essential truth often repeated in the Bible is that all blessing comes from God. AThe scriptural formula blessed is occurs 26 times in the Psalms, 8 times in the Book of Proverbs, and at least 10 more times in other places in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, the word beraka, or “blessing,” signifies the praise offered to God in response to His amazing good- ness. In the New Testament the Greek word macarios also indicates the blessing and sheer joy experienced by those who accept the Good News. Utter dependence upon the God revealed in the Scriptures and incarnate in Jesus Christ is the foundation for all true blessing in human Fourteenth existence. The blessed are called happy because they respond in praise and thanks to God’s acts, especially God’s gracious gift of mercy. Festival

As Pope Francis has taught, Jesus “is the mer- ciful face of the Father.” Jesus came into the Letter of world to save sinners. His death on the cross is the perfect atonement for all human sin. As Saint Paul observed: We have all sinned and Most fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23), or as Saint John pointed out: If we say we have not sinned, we are deceiving ourselves, and the Reverend truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8) Only our Blessed Lady, uniquely predestined by grace to be the Mother of God, was a sinless disciple. Everyone Daniel else, even the most heroic among the saints, have known sin. For this reason, the Church has been called “an ark for sinners,” a commu- R. Jenky, nity of faith, that Christ has redeemed from sin, rescued from death, and in his great goodness destined for eternal bliss. C.S.C. “God manifests his power above all by for- giveness and mercy.” (Pope Francis) Lured by Bishop of this gift of mercy, we must ourselves be merci- ful. As Jesus himself proclaimed: Blessed are the merciful, for Peoria they shall be shown As Christians, we mercy. (Matthew 5:7) know God’s mercy, In this well-known lives we must continue to learn how to be more pline its members, when human beings take on Beatitude, given at merciful to others. Peter once asked Jesus, How the Divine role as ultimate judge, they assume a and so all our lives the beginning of often must I forgive my brother? Seven times? responsibility that is not theirs. It is also a fool- the Sermon on the Jesus answered, Not seven times, but seventy ish and a heavy burden to keep a strict account we must continue Mount, Jesus insists times seven. (Matthew 18:21) The Gospel of of the faults of others, to cling to the memory of to learn how to be that in order to be Luke records a similar teaching: Even if they every offence, and to live in antipathy towards forgiven, we must sin against you seven times in a day, and seven certain individuals or even whole groups. When more merciful to be forgiving. As we times come back to you and saying “I repent,” a relationship can be healed, Christians should others. say in the Lord’s you must forgive them. (Luke 17:4) be willing to take the first step towards recon- Prayer: Forgive us ciliation. When, however, what has sometimes our trespasses, as All human judgment is at best provisional, been called a “toxic relationship” is the sad we forgive those and only God who perfectly reads the heart can reality, perhaps the best path is to charitably who trespass against us. It is never enough perfectly judge. While it is clearly necessary for avoid all contact. In any circumstance, hatred is just to recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. We civil magistrates to punish the guilty, for teach- always a corroding acid that hurts us more than must also accept the authority of his teaching ers to assign grades, for parents to teach their the person we hate. and try to imitate his challenging example. As children to take responsibility for their choices, Christians, we know God’s mercy, and so all our and even for the Church to occasionally disci- Mercy towards others, on the other hand, wins us peace of heart. Believers living in this imperfect world, should perhaps just say a brief The Diocese of Peoria’s logo for the Year of Mercy shows prayer for their perceived enemy, and then “let Jesus searching for the one lost sheep. A website with go and let God.” As Saint Paul taught: There- resources for the diocese’s celebration of the jubilee fore do not pass judgment before the time, but year has been created at cdop.org/mercy. PLEASE TURN TO DIVINE MERCY B2 B2 | FESTIVAL LETTER THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com This billboard along DIVINE MERCY Interstate 74 in FROM B1 downtown Peoria, sponsored by the Morton wait until the Lord comes, who will bring to Knights of Columbus, light things hidden in darkness and disclose the shows an image of Jesus motives in men’s hearts, then each man’s praise the Divine Mercy as will come to him from God. (1st Cor 4:5) revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska. The spires of The centrality of mercy in the Christian life St. Mary’s Cathedral are seen at left. A highlight was dramatically reemphasized within the of the Year of Mercy in Catholic tradition through a series of powerful the Diocese of Peoria visions experienced in the 1930s by Faustina will be the celebration of Kowalska, a Sister of Saint Mary of Mercy, who Divine Mercy Sunday on served in convents in Poland and Lithuania. A April 3, 2016. vision of Jesus “as the King of Divine Mercy,” wearing a white garment with red and pale In the Diocese of Peoria, our local observance John Paul II Newman Center, Normal rays emanating from his heart was revealed to of the Holy Year will begin on Gaudete Sun- l Saint John Catholic Chapel, Newman this religious sister. The Lord told her: “Paint day, December the 13th, 2015. On that day, the Center, Champaign an image according to what you see, with the Diocese will dedicate Holy Doors in the Cathe- inscription Jesus I trust in you.” The Lord dral and at five other churches and chapels. While these sanctuaries and all the churches further revealed “that the soul that will venerate Throughout the Holy Year, a Plenary Indulgence and chapels of the Diocese will offer a variety this image will not perish,” and that the paint- may be gained by the faithful who enter these of spiritual programs, a highlight will certainly ing “should be solemnly blessed on the Second doors, under the usual conditions, that is within be the celebration of Mercy Sunday on April 3, Sunday of Easter,” which henceforth should also about 20 days before or after, of prayer for the 2016, which is the Second Sunday of Easter. I be called “the Feast of Mercy.” In a subsequent Pope’s intentions, sacramental Confession, ask my Vicars Forane to work with the clergy, vision some years later, Sister Faustina was and reception of the Eucharist. The designated religious, and laity in their area to prepare a given the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer, the sanctuaries should make ample provision for common celebration at central locations. Our purpose of which was to obtain mercy, to trust the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Guided by Diocesan Offices of Family Life and Evange- in Christ’s mercy, and to show mercy to others. pastoral prudence and in consultation with one lization will make available resources to help Jesus also told Sis- another, I encour- bring the Holy Year into all our homes, par- ter Faustina: “I do age all pastors and ishes, schools, hospitals, and religious houses. not want to punish His Holiness strongly chaplains to make The Catholic Post and www.cdop.org will offer aching humanity encourages all the faithful, additional and suggestions, guides, and pastoral plans to help but desire to heal varied times avail- make the promise of this Mercy Year a reality. it, pressing them but especially those who able for Confes- to my merciful may have fallen away from sions, especially on Anticipating the Year of our Lord 2016, I am is- heart.” On April 20, the Wednesdays suing this my 14th Festival Letter on the Solemni- 2000, Pope John the practice of the Faith, to of Lent. Frequent ty of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of Paul II canonized approach the Sacrament of reference to God’s our Diocese and the revered title of our Cathedral. Saint Faustina mercy in preach- We rejoice in the knowledge that no human being and affirmed her Reconciliation and know ing, and the en- is more in debt to the grace of God than is Our inspired message that they will be warmly couragement of Lady. No taint of original sin was ever allowed to the Universal daily Mass, Adora- to touch Mary, because Jesus was to receive the Church. He said of welcomed home. tion, and the Cor- fullness of his humanity entirely from her. While her: “The message poral and Spiritual the rest of us are saved by grace from our sins, she brought was the appropriate and incisive Works of Mercy should also characterize the Mary was saved by grace from sinning. Jesus was answer to the questions and expectations of hu- pastoral program of this Holy Year. Where it the Son of God and the Son of Mary. He lost none man beings of our time.” is safe and possible, the specially designated of his Divinity when the Word became flesh, and churches and chapels should also remain open he lost none of his humanity when he ascended to Recently, Pope Francis has invited the entire throughout the day to help the faithful en- the right hand of the Father. Our Lady is there- Catholic Church to observe a special Holy Year counter the Lord of Mercy not only through fore the preface to all the Lord’s merciful works of of Mercy, beginning on December the 8th, 2015, the Sacred Liturgy but also in prayer, devotion, grace. Mary is also the first and the greatest of all the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and contemplation. Since geographically our the Lord’s disciples. In the Communion of Saints, and concluding on November the 20th, 2016, Diocese is large and since extensive renova- Mary continues to pray with and for Christ’s the Solemnity of Christ the King. His Holiness tions in the Cathedral will continue for most of Holy Church. As we begin this special Holy Year strongly encourages all the faithful, but especially the coming year, I encourage pilgrims to pass of Mercy, it is a blessing and a consolation for us those who may have fallen away from the prac- through the Mercy Doors located throughout to remember that Mary is rightly reverenced as tice of the Faith, to approach the Sacrament of the Diocese. the Refuge of Sinners and the Reconciliation and know that they will be warmly Mother of Mercy. welcomed home. The Holy Father has also recent- These locations will be at: ly simplified the procedure for marriage annul- December the 8th, AD 2015 ments, and so those seeking this form of healing l Sacred Heart Church, Peoria after a broken marriage should be encouraged to l Saint Pius X Church, Rock Island contact the Diocese. The Pope has, as well, espe- l The Shrine Church of the Most Holy Most Reverend Daniel cially enriched this Holy Year with indulgences, Rosary, La Salle R. Jenky, C.S.C. including a special Plenary Indulgence. l Saint Robert Bellarmine Chapel, St. BISHOP OF PEORIA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 THE CATHOLIC POST FESTIVAL LETTER | B3 www.thecatholicpost.com In the early centuries of Catholic Christianity, when The Feast of Saint Crescent, whose relics are solemnly— calendars were uncommon and often imprecise, a enshrined in Corpus Christi Church, Galesburg, is bishop would send out an annual “Festival Letter” to Festival Letter celebrated on Saturday, the 27th of August. announce the proper dates for observing the fasts and feasts of the Liturgical Year. It was not uncommon to The Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the also use such a letter as a means of instruction for the Church and Patroness of our diocesan vocations faithful. I have established this custom in our Diocese 2016 – Calendar program, is celebrated on Saturday, the 1st of Octo- both to foster a greater love for the liturgy and to afford ber, and has been raised to the rank of a liturgical myself an additional opportunity for teaching. feast in our Local Church.

ear brothers and sisters, the glory of the Lord The Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation, is has shone upon us and shall ever be manifest celebrated on Tuesday, the 1st of November. The D among us, until the day of His return. Through Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is the rhythms of times and seasons, let us celebrate the observed on Wednesday, the 2nd of November. mysteries of our salvation. Let us recall the year’s culmination, the Sacred Easter The Solemnity of Christ the King, on which we cel- Triduum of the Lord: His Last Supper, His Crucifixion, ebrate the Solemn Closing of the Year of Mercy, will His Burial, and His Rising, celebrated between the eve- be celebrated on Sunday, the 20th of November. ning of Thursday, the 24th of March, and the evening of Sunday, the 27th of March. The Church will celebrate the beginning of the new Each Easter, as on each Sunday, Holy Mother Church liturgical year of grace and prayer on the First Sun- makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ day of Advent, the 27th of November, in the Year of has conquered sin and death. Our Lord 2016. From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy: In the Year of Our Lord 2016, the Solemnity of the Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, in the Year of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lord 2016, will occur on the 10th day of February. is celebrated on Thursday, the 8th of December, and is a holy day of obligation as well as the Patronal Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and Feast of the Diocese of Peoria. abstinence. In commemoration of the Lord’s death on the cross, all Fridays of Lent are days of The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness obligatory abstinence. Abstinence from meat is also of the Americas, is celebrated on Monday, the 12th of recommended on all the Fridays of the year. December.

The annual Chrism Mass, during which the priests renew Christmas will be on Sunday, the 25th of December. their ministerial commitment, will be celebrated in the Cathedral on Tuesday of Holy Week, the 22nd of March. The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is celebrat- ed on Sunday, the 1st of January in the Year of Our No other activities or pastoral responsibilities, except Lord 2017. the need to tend to the dying, should keep a priest from attending the Chrism Mass. I also invite the To better enjoy the infinite treasury of merit won by faithful of our diocese to join us for this celebration In a special way our Divine Savior gave the Church the our Divine Saviour, in accord with the Enchirdion Indul- as they keep their priests in prayer. gift of the Sacrament of Holy Orders to make present the gentiarum and the Ceremonial of Bishops, “the diocesan Paschal Mystery for all people of every time and place. bishop in his own diocese may bestow the papal blessing The Church will keep her most solemn night of vigil This year, the Diocese of Peoria will celebrate the Sacra- with the plenary indulgence, using the proper formu- and prayer to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on ment of Holy Orders in several ways. lary, three times a year on solemn feasts, which he will Saturday, the 26th of March. According to the ancient On Sunday, the 22nd of May at 10:30 a.m. in the morn- designate . . .” and universal practice of the Church, the Easter Vigil ing in the Cathedral, I will ordain a man to the transi- As Bishop of Peoria, I am happy to bestow such bless- may not begin until after nightfall. In Central Illinois, tional diaconate. On Saturday, the 28th of May at 10:30 ing with the plenary indulgence during the Year of Our sunset is estimated to begin at 7:17 p.m. CDT in Peoria a.m. in the morning, I rejoice to ordain a new priest for Lord 2016 at the end of Holy Mass for the great Solemni- (7:09 p.m. CDT in Danville and 7:21 p.m. CDT in Mo- service to our Diocese. ties of Easter Vigil, Pentecost Day, and Christmas Eve. line). The Easter Vigil at the Cathedral will be celebrat- I invite and encourage the clergy, consecrated men and Further, to enhance the devotional life of the faithful ed at 8:15 p.m. women, and lay-faithful to join with me at these great cel- and the liturgical life of our parishes, I have encour- ebrations. All priests and deacons serving in the Diocese aged a return to the practice of Rogation Days to mark On Divine Mercy Sunday on the Second Sunday of Easter, of Peoria are expected to participate in the Ordination the change of seasons. I have requested the Holy See to the 3rd of April, I have asked my Vicars Forane to work of Priests. Except the need to tend to the dying, no other confirm these days as part of the official calendar of our with the clergy, religious, and laity in their area to pastoral duty or personal obligation is of greater impor- local Church. Pending their confirmation, I encourage prepare a common celebration at a central location for tance than welcoming our new brothers to our presbyter- pastors to observe these Rogation Days in the Diocese of the conclusion of the Novena of Divine Mercy which will ate. Peoria: begin on Good Friday, the 24th of March. Likewise, the Pilgrim Church proclaims the Passover of the Lord in the feasts of the Holy Mother of God, the January 22nd to coincide with the national day of The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on Apostles, and the Saints, and in the Commemoration of prayer and fasting for the dignity of human life. Sunday, the 8th of May, according to the decision of the Faithful Departed. June 23rd to pray for healthy growth and good the bishops of the Illinois Province. Pentecost, the In the Year of Our Lord 2016, the Solemnity of Saint weather, associated with the Nativity of St. John the joyful conclusion of the Great Fifty Days of Easter, Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will be Baptist will be celebrated on Sunday, the 15th of May. celebrated on Saturday, the 19th of March. September 13th to highlight the fruits of the har- vest, associated with the Triumph of the Cross Any Catholic in a state of serious sin is obligated to ap- The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord will be December 7th to highlight the family, associated proach the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once celebrated on Monday, the 4th of April. with our patronal feast of the Immaculate Conception. between Ash Wednesday and Pentecost Sunday. All Catholics are especially urged to confess their sins dur- The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on To Jesus Christ, who is, was, and who is to come, the ing the penitential season of Lent, during Advent, before Monday, the 15th of August, and is not a holy day of Lord of all time and history, be endless praise, for ever the great festivals, and regularly throughout the year. obligation this year. and ever. Amen. B4 | THE CATHOLIC POST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 — www.thecatholicpost.com Ideas, further resources for Holy Year of Mercy BALTIMORE (CNS) — From P. Blair of Hartford, Connecticut, the faithful to contemplate the 25-31 in Krakow, Poland. entering a diocesan Holy Door explained at last month’s U.S. greater mystery of God’s mercy The Vatican has its own web- to undertaking the corporal and Conference of Catholic Bishops’ by reflecting on the life of Jesus site for the jubilee at im.va. spiritual works of mercy, Catho- fall general assembly. and the jubilee can help people to Numerous resources also have lics can model a compassionate Repeatedly pointing to Pope be merciful in their lives, Arch- been developed by the USCCB. life during the Year of Mercy Francis’ “Misericordiae Vultus” bishop Blair said. The archbishop told the general declared by Pope Francis, said (“The Face of Mercy”), which in- “The idea is to have local assembly that catechetical re- the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ stituted the jubilee, the archbishop events so all of the people can sources that focus on topics such Committee on Evangelization called on local bishops and parish- participate and adopt God’s mer- as the psalms of mercy, saints in and Catechesis. ioners to heed the pontiff’s call to ciful attitude,” he explained. mercy and mercy in the teaching The jubilee period, desig- “gaze more attentively to mercy.” The Vatican is naming selected of the popes have been devel- nated as Dec. 8 through Nov. 20, Pope Francis will open the priests from around the world as oped for local use. 2016, can be observed in many observance by opening the Holy special “missionaries of mercy.” Individual USCCB commit- different ways that allow every Door at St. Peter’s Basilica at the The priests will undertake spe- tees have additional resources Catholic to be a “credible witness Vatican Dec. 8. Other Holy Doors cial activities, hear confessions, and are planning special events. to mercy,” Archbishop Leonard at sites around Rome are to open preach the church’s missionary For example the annual Catho- in the following weeks. Archbish- message and “be welcoming lic Social Ministry Gathering op Blair said local bishops can signs of forgiveness.” for diocesan and parish-based designate a diocese’s own Holy Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz social action staff will focus on Door at a cathedral or at a shrine of Louisville, Kentucky, USCCB the theme “Called to Live Mercy frequented by pilgrims. president, said he met with This is the logo for the Holy Year in Our Common Home” when it In Catholic tradition, the Holy Vatican officials following the of Mercy, which opens Dec. 8 convenes Jan. 23-26. Door represents the passage to Synod of Bishops on the family and runs until Nov. 20, 2016. CNS/ Social media also will be part salvation — the path to a new and learned that about 50 U.S. courtesy of Pontifical Council for Promoting New of the effort. Archbishop Blair and eternal life, which was priests were to be designated a Evangelization encouraged Catholics to promote opened to humanity by Jesus. missionary of mercy. everyday acts of mercy under the Ideas for local observances participation in the sacrament of #mercyinmotion designation. “SO ALL CAN PARTICIPATE” are identified on the USCCB reconciliation, Lenten activities The Diocese of Peoria’s re- The pope identifies the church’s website at usccb.org/jubilee-of- and special events timed during sources for the Year of Mercy are primary task as introducing mercy. The list includes prayer, World Youth Day festivities July found at cdop.org/mercy.

Come and see the copy of To unveil Nativity scene, Image of Guadalupe drawn on cloth according to original tree early; door readied dimensions of the Tilma as VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The the masonry that had walled off attempted by John Riedell. Christmas tree and Nativity the door. scene in St. Peter’s Square will be Cardinal Angelo Comastri, at Lagron Miller Co. set up and unveiled earlier than archpriest of the basilica, led a usual this year to be ready for the small ceremony that included 4517 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria opening of the Year of Mercy. prayers and a procession Nov. 17, Saturday, December 12 In preparation for the ex- the eve of the anniversary of the from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. traordinary event, which begins basilica’s dedication in 1626. Dec. 8 with the opening of the The Vatican also announced John Riedell, artist and author, will also have his book ‘The Tilma and Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, Nov. 18 that the traditional Others Poems’ available for purchase and signing during this event. Vatican workmen broke through tree and Nativity scene that dominate the center of St. Peter’s Square would be ready by Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate December 1 - December 23 Conception. The 82-foot spruce fir comes Monday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from Germany’s Bavaria region. Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The decorations this year were to include painted ceramic orna- Wednesday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ments made by children receiv- Thursday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ing oncological care in a number of Italian hospitals. Friday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Nativity scene was do- Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. nated by the northern Italian province of Trent. The 24 life- sized figures carved from wood included Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the Three Magi and a man bending over to help an elderly man in an act of mercy.