Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 27 No. 6 July 2011 Diocese ordains three to priesthood

Bishop Kevin Vann invokes the Holy Spirit as he ordains Father June 4, 2011 Story and Photos by Kathy Cribari Hamer Kheim Van Nguyen to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Worth.

In 1989, he joined the he Diocese of Fort Worth welcomed Congregation of the Mother Co- Redemptrix in Missouri; 22 years three new priests this month, and their after that, just this month, he was ordained to the priesthood for the long journeys had multiple points Diocese of Fort Worth. “Part of the mystery of life is of embarkation: Dallas, Phoenix, fi guring out what God wants you to do,” said Father Phillip Petta, who Chicago, Wichita, and Th u-Duc, Saigon, Vietnam. had carried a reverence for the popes since Pope John XXIII, in the early ‘60s when he was a child. “Everyone But no matter their ages, must be lived according to God’s fi gures it out. It takes a lot of prayer, occupations, or GPS coordinates, all will, I began to think I wanted to and you have to do your best.” three men told a universal story. become a priest.” Fr. Phil was inspired to be A vocation is a lifelong presence, During a treacherous small boat a priest in 1998, while he was they each said, and it is known only trip from Vietnam to the United an Episcopalian. “I knew I was to God. Th e mystery is simple: when States, Fr. Khiem promised the supposed to be a Roman Catholic Bishop Kevin Vann invokes the Holy Spirit as he ordains Father will the vocation be recognized? Blessed Mother that if he survived, priest before I was a Catholic!” Richard Kirkham to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Worth. “I believe I realized my vocation he would become a priest. Later, he said. He was confi rmed into in 1974 or 1975 at age nine or 10,” as a young man, he renewed that the Catholic Church in 2003, said Father Khiem Van Nguyen. “It resolve while spending a month in called Sister Donna Ferguson, was during a Sunday Mass. When a hospital recovering from an auto I heard my pastor say that our lives accident. SEE ORDINATION, P. 24

Deacons Petta, Kirkham, and Kheim prostrate themselves before the altar of St. Patrick Cathedral, signifying their unworthiness of the offi ce and their dependence on God and the Bishop Kevin Vann invokes the Holy Spirit as he ordains Father prayers of the people to be able to perform their ministry to God and his Church. Philip Petta to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Worth. PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 ShepherdOur Speaks Vacation is an ideal time to refl ect on the Word of God Dear Brothers and We are already in the heart of the summer, Without love, even the most important at least in the northern hemisphere. activities lose value and do not bring joy. Sisters in Christ, Th is is the time in which the schools are Without a profound meaning, everything closed and in which most vacations are we do is reduced to sterile and disordered s we begin these concentrated. Even the pastoral activities activism. And who gives us love and of the parishes are reduced, and I myself truth if not Jesus Christ? So let us learn, summer months, now have suspended audiences for a period. It brothers, to help each other, to cooperate, is therefore a favorable moment to give is a time for us to pause but fi rst of all to choose together the better A fi rst place to what is eff ectively the most part, which is and will always be our and refl ect upon the many gifts important thing in life, that is to say, greater good. (Ibid) listening to the Word of God. and blessings that God has given — Angelus Address, July 18, 2010 With all this in mind, vacation is not us in our lives, especially the gift a time to take a vacation from practicing Refl ecting on the well-known passage and living out our Catholic faith! Vacation of life and the gift of our faith from the Gospel of John where Martha is does not give one a dispensation from the busy working and providing hospitality, obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. Even that sustains us in our daily lives and Mary is sitting at the feet of the Lord, when we travel, we still have the obligation and the many challenges that we the Holy Father reminds us that while work to attend Mass on Sunday wherever we are, Bishop Kevin Vann and the tasks of daily life are necessary and we have the responsibility to make the often face. and always before us, Mary has chosen the appropriate plans ahead of time to be sure As I refl ect over the past several weeks, better part because she is focusing on what that we can attend Mass while we are away. as busy as they have been, it has been such role as catechists in the life and mission of ultimately is most important and what will Especially in our technological world today, a tremendous blessing for me as I have had the Church is an indispensable one, for you last for eternity — our relationship with there are many tools at our disposal that can the privilege of celebrating the Sacrament of are truly instruments of Christ bringing God. We cannot allow even the busyness of help us locate when and where we can go Confi rmation with so many of our young others into communion with the Person of our lives and the many things that need to be to Mass wherever we are, tools like www. people throughout the Diocese as well as Jesus Christ and his Church — in a sense done, to keep us from our relationship with masstimes.org, and there is even an app for almost 100 adults at St. Patrick’s Cathedral you truly step into the mystery of Christ God. Th e Holy Father again states: your smart phone that can give you Mass on Pentecost. I know these past several handing on not your own teaching, but times and locations wherever you are. weeks have also been the occasion for many the teaching and very Person of Jesus. As Christ's word is quite clear: no scorn Th is is also a good time to remind First Communions as well as the reception Pope John Paul II teaches in his Apostolic for the active life, nor much less for the ourselves of how we are to properly prepare of about 1,000 new Catholics across the Exhortation on Catechesis Catechesi generous hospitality; but a plain reminder ourselves for Mass and of the proper attire Diocese at Easter Vigil. All of this is a great Tradendae, “What assiduous study of the of the fact that the one thing that is truly and reverence we should show when we sign that the Church is alive and growing word of God transmitted by the Church's necessary is something else: listening to the attend Mass, even when we are on vacation. not only here in North Texas, but all around Magisterium, what profound familiarity with Word of the Lord; and the Lord is there First, one must be properly prepared to the world as more and more people respond Christ and with the Father, what a spirit of in that moment, present in the person of attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. to and accept the Catholic faith. Th is calls prayer, what detachment from self must a Jesus! Everything else will pass and will be Th ree things are necessary for one to to mind the words of the Second Vatican catechist have in order that he can say: ‘My taken away from us, but the Word of God worthily receive Communion. First, one Council in the Dogmatic Constitution on teaching is not mine!’" (6). Th ank you for is eternal and gives meaning to our daily must be in the state of grace, that is, if one the Church, Lumen Gentium, which teaches your work and know that all you are doing activity (Ibid). is in the state of mortal sin, then one must “the Church is in Christ like a sacrament is making a big diff erence in the life of the receive the Sacrament of Penance before or as a sign and instrument both of a very Church and in the world! Vacation, far from being a time to set receiving Holy Communion. Th is however, closely knit union with God and of the Th ese days of summer are also a time aside our obligations of our faith, is actually does not mean that one should not attend unity of the whole human race” (1). Th rough for vacation and getaways in which we take an ideal time to refl ect upon the Word of Mass; one must still attend Mass on Sunday these Sacraments of Initiation, we are truly some time away from the busyness of life God and the Lord’s presence in our lives. but cannot receive Holy Communion until seeing Christ working through his Church and school and the many other activities that Th is time away from the busyness and one has gone to Confession. Second, one is as the instrument of salvation in the world, take place during the other times of the year. distractions of our daily lives becomes a required to fast for one hour before receiving bringing us together as the Body of Christ, In fact, it is important that we do take some perfect time to, like Mary in the Gospel, sit the Eucharist. Th is is both a physical and the Church, and calling each of us to be his time, especially during the summer, to rest at the feet of the Lord and be renewed in spiritual preparation for receiving the instruments and witnesses to all the world. and refl ect, not only for our own physical our faith and our love for the Lord and to Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I would like to take this time to rest, but also for our spiritual lives as well. remember that our relationship with Christ Th e Eucharistic fast is very important in especially thank all of you in the many Vacation and rest can be and should be a and his presence in our lives is the most preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies for parishes who have given so much of your great time for spiritual renewal, when we important thing, and without his grace and our reception of Jesus. Finally, one must time and eff orts in preparing and catechizing step away from the busyness and distractions his love we can do nothing. As Pope Benedict believe that Jesus is truly present Body, those who have received Confi rmation, First of daily life to refl ect upon the blessings of concludes: Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. Communion, or those who were received God, especially the blessings of life, family, In addition to the above, one must into the full communion with the Catholic and our faith. Pope Benedict XVI, who Dear Friends, as I said, this Gospel prepare themselves for Mass by wearing Church at Easter. Having been a pastor in himself always takes time off in the summer passage is very important at vacation time, proper attire to Mass, attire that is Illinois of several parishes, large and small, for vacation and rest (and to escape the heat because it recalls the fact that the human appropriate and modest for the occasion rural and urban, I know fi rsthand how of Rome) has given us a beautiful refl ection person must work, must involve himself in of worshiping God and receiving Christ dedicated you are to your ministry, and how on how vacation can be and should be a time domestic and professional concerns, to be in the Eucharist. One should never wear much you unselfi shly give of yourselves as of refl ecting on the presence of Christ in our sure, but he has need of God before all else, attire that is distracting or disrespectful to you hand on and witness your faith. Your lives. He states: who is the interior light of love and truth. others. Vacation does not dispense from this Celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with Bishop Kevin Vann as he presides at a special feast day Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, Sunday, June 26 at 12:30 p.m. North A Eucharistic Procession through Downtown Fort Worth follows Communion. Texas All are welcome. For more information, call the Cathedral at (817) 332-4916 catholic

PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann July 2011 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina CONTENTS EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez Features Departments ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner Bishop Vann announces possible 4-5 Briefl y 6 move of central offi ces of diocese CIRCULATION: Rita Garber By NTC Staff REGULAR COLUMNISTS: 10-11 Voices Denise Bossert Jean Denton U.S. Bishops approve fi rst statement Kathy Cribari Hamer 9 on assisted suicide, revise Charter 12 Vocations Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley By Catholic News Service David Mills Catechesis Mary Regina Morrell 13 Sharon K. Perkins Father Kyle off ers his own glowing, Lucas Pollice 12 detailed tribute to Monsignor King Father John Rausch 14 Features Father Kyle Walterscheid By Father Kyle Walterscheid Contributors: 26-27 Word to Life Michele Baker Young Adult Ministry seeks to Jenara Kocks Burgess John English 15 build communities of connection Juan Guajardo By Juan Guajardo 28-30 Spanish Kathy Cribari Hamer Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Donna Ryckaert Kristin Zschiesche

Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas The Church reaches out as it grows 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort ooking for a place to fi nd out about what the Church is doing to reach where he had been pastor, knowing many would be unable to drive to Denton's Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is out to young adults? See our special four pages on Young Adult Minis- Immaculate Conception Parish for services. Both Father Kyle Walterscheid and published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of tries inside the accountability report for All Things Possible. Just pull out Kathy Cribari Hamer share remembrances of the much beloved priest. You'll the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the the white pages, and there you have it: a four-page section on Young want to read them both. Fr. Kyle's is on Page 12. Kathy's is on Page 34. Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 L for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Adults and the Church. Pages 15-16 and 21-22. Writer and photographer Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Current recent postings on the Bishop's Blog at www.fwdioc.org tell Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Juan Guajardo lets us know about the developing Young Adult Ministries and about his work on the creation of the Anglican Ordinariate to receive Episcopa- Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of a conference on a sub-group, the 18-25-year-olds. Post high school, technical the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC lian clergy and laity as Catholics; the text of his ordination homily; pictures of is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the school, working, or out of college, they often need a way to re-connect to the following month as the date of issue. additions to Vietnamese Martyrs Church in Arlington, as well as progress on the Church. The diocese's fi rst conference for emerging young adults, (18-25-year- To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. new parish center at St. Patrick Cathedral. org/ntc olds) will take place at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Hotel July 9 and 10. The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must All of us associated with Monsignor Charles King felt the pangs of sadness when Get more news from the NTC at www.fwdioc.org/ntc. exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. he entered heaven on June 1. He remained the caring pastor even after death, Jeff Hensley Editor having arranged for his body to lie in state, available for viewing in all the parishes important requirement. One should faith. Our reverence at Mass and toward all dress as if they are visiting someone very things that are holy is one of the gifts of the important, and who is more important Holy Spirit, the gift of Reverence or Piety. + Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD than Christ! Finally, there should never be In many ways, our culture has lost sight of Diocese of Fort Worth gum chewing during Mass, and we always this gift, of the recognition of the holy. May need to remember to turn off our cell we all strive always to be a positive witness phones so as not to be an interruption and to holiness through the ways in which we distraction to others during Mass. love and live our faith. All of this is very important, not only I pray that you all have a blessed in our own personal life of faith, but also summer and some time for vacation and in that we need to be a positive witness to the opportunity to rest and refl ect upon the others of how we live out and practice our presence and blessings of God in our lives. PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Pope entrusts cause of peace to Evangelize with courage, concentration camp martyrs conviction, joy, says pope By John Thavis Catholic News Service By Sarah Delaney said, ”to demonstrate the beauty and VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict Catholic News Service reason of faith.” XVI entrusted the cause of world Briefly VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI He called on parents to peace to the martyrs of World War said that a proper transmission of the baptize their children, saying that II concentration camps, including faith to the young or the uninitiated even youngsters are capable of a German priest executed for his Church, National, depends on a solid grounding of understanding the importance of the hostility to the Nazi regime. the basics of Catholic formation Christian message, can appreciate Speaking to pilgrims at his noon — Baptism, first Communion and prayers and rites and know the blessing June 12, the pope noted that International, catechism. difference between right and wrong. the Church was about to beatify Father Pope Benedict XVI told participants The church continues children’s Alois Andritzki, who died at the Nazi of a diocesan conference in Rome June religious education throughout their death camp of Dachau. 13 to not be afraid of their duty as adolescent years by offering parish Christians to evangelize and to pass on programs, church-run summer camps, ”Let us praise the Lord for this German Father Alois Andritzki was executed the word of God ”with courage, with and youth groups so that children ”can heroic witness of the faith, who joins at the Nazis' Dachau camp in 1943 at age conviction, with joy.” understand with intelligence the truth the ranks of those who gave their 28. He was beatifi ed June 13 in Dresden, Speaking from Rome’s Basilica of of faith” and also have the ”experience lives in the name of Christ in the Germany. (CNS photo) concentration camps. On this day of St. John Lateran, the pope called for of prayer, charity, and fraternity,” the Pentecost, I would like to entrust to renewed efforts for evangelization, pope said. their intercession the cause of peace in against the state and sent to Dachau, which he said, ”is not the duty of a He called on Roman parishes the world,” the pope said. where he formed a Bible study group. few, but of all the members of the to continue the education of young ”May the Holy Spirit inspire After more than a year in the camp, Church.” Catholics through catechism, emphasis courageous efforts for peace and sick with typhoid, he asked a guard if Special attention should be given on the sacraments, and guidance on support the commitment to advance he could receive Communion. Instead, to the education of children, adults the value of silence and prayer. them, so that dialogue may prevail they gave him a lethal injection. He who have not been baptized and Despite the obstacles daily life over arms and respect for human died Feb. 3, 1943, at the age of 28. His Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, greets Sydney Khoury outside the rectory those who have left the church, he poses to the work of evangelization, dignity may overcome special sainthood cause was introduced in of St. Philip Church in Greenville May 31. Sydney's parents feel a blessing he gave to her with said. he said ”don’t be afraid to commit interests,” he said. 1998 and Pope Benedict approved his a relic of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, while she was in intensive care three years ago, has saved It is the duty of Catholics today, he yourself to the Gospel.” He prayed that God would ”rectify martyrdom last December. her life. (CNS photo/Rick Snizek, the RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC) hearts that have been twisted by Earlier June 12, Pope Benedict selfishness” and help the human family celebrated Mass for the feast of Strong faith, prayer credited in to rediscover its fundamental unity. Pentecost in St. Peter’s Basilica. In 9-year-old girl's cancer recovery Father Andritzki, the latest in a his homily, reflecting on the birth San Jose child protection officer long line of Catholic martyrs under of the Church, he said the Church GREENVILLE, R.I. (CNS) — With quiet Hasbro Children’s Hospital with her Nazism, was beatified June 13 in was holy ”not thanks to the abilities confidence, Sydney Khoury climbed life hanging in the balance, the bishop named to head national office Dresden. of its members, but because God each step of a metal ladder as she prayed over her with a relic of Blessed WASHINGTON (CNS) — Deacon Ordained in 1939, Blessed Andritzki himself, with his Spirit, created it and positioned herself to place a crown of Teresa of Kolkata. Bernard V. Nojadera, director of the was engaged in youth ministry when sanctified it.” flowers atop a statue of Mary at St. Sydney’s parents say the prayerful Office for the Protection of Children he was interrogated by the Nazis If the Church were merely an Philip Church. It was a bit of a reach intervention yielded results nothing and Vulnerable Adults in the Diocese for his theater productions’ ”hostile institution born of human initiative, he for Sydney, but with determination, short of miraculous, because very of San Jose, California, since 2002, statements” about the regime. He was said, ”it would have died out long ago, the 9-year-old extended her arms, quickly after the blessing she began has been named to head the U.S. arrested in 1941 for ”treacherous acts” just as every human thing passes.” carefully placing her tribute atop the the road to recovery. bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth head of the mother of Jesus for the While he is cautious about Protection. church’s May crowning this year. attributing Sydney’s recovery solely to Deacon Nojadera, who will assume A short distance away, Providence divine intervention, Bishop Tobin said Vatican, biotech firm host congress his new post Aug. 15, succeeds Teresa Bishop Thomas J. Tobin watched the day he visited her in the hospital Kettelkamp, who has headed the office to promote adult stem-cell therapy admiringly as the St. Philip School was a powerful day indeed. ”I always since 2005. second-grader successfully met yet tend to be skeptical of these divine VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican and the culture council’s foundation. Msgr. David Malloy, general another challenge in her young life. interventions, but it is very clear to me will host an international congress to The interdisciplinary congress, ”Adult secretary of the U.S. Conference Three years ago, Bishop Tobin also that something very special happened promote the use of adult stem cells as Stem Cells: Science and the Future of of Catholic Bishops, made the witnessed Sydney overcome one of that day,” Bishop Tobin told the Rhode a safe, effective and ethical means to Man and Culture,” will feature expert appointment June 1 and said Deacon her greatest challenges. At that time, Island Catholic, newspaper of the fight degenerative diseases. speakers from the fields of medicine, Nojadera ”brings to this position as she lay in the intensive care unit of Providence Diocese. The congress, to be held Nov. 9-11, health, and ethics. valuable experience from many areas.” Deacon Bernard V. Nojadera will also feature speakers who support Father Trafny said at a Vatican ”He is a family man and trained son. embryonic stem-cell research, to give news conference June 16 that Pope receives Archbishop Sheen social worker who is familiar with the He has served with the U.S. Marine proponents an opportunity to ”explain proponents of embryonic stem-cell church both at the parish and diocesan Corps and the Army National Guard and the reasoning behind their position,” research will have an ”opportunity to canonization cause papers level and with law enforcement,” he as a commissioned officer with the U.S. said Father Tomasz Trafny, an official defend their position” and give their VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Bishop outlining why the Catholic Church added. ”He understands the need for Navy Reserves. with the Pontifical Council for Culture. reasons for pursuing a field that is Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, Illinois, should recognize Archbishop Sheen as child protection services in all areas.” Deacon Nojadera holds a bachelor’s The church is opposed to the use of not only unethical, but has not yet presented Pope Benedict XVI with a saint. Archbishop Sheen, who was Diane Knight, who chairs the degree from St. Joseph College in embryonic stem cells since it involves produced any concrete benefits. two thick volumes about the life of born in Illinois in 1895 and died in New National Review Board that oversees Mountain View, California; a master of the destruction of the human embryo. He said some governments may be Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Pope York in 1979, was an Emmy-winning the work of the secretariat, said social work degree, with specialization The congress, organized by investing money in embryonic rather Benedict told him something he hadn’t televangelist. His program, ”Life is Deacon Nojadera ”has the experience in health and mental health services, the Vatican’s councils for Culture than adult stem-cell research because known. The pope had worked on the Worth Living,” aired in the United to understand the issues we face in the from San Jose State University; and a and Health Care Ministry as well as most government officials making commission for mission at the Second States from 1951 to 1957. Bishop Jenky 21st century.” master’s of theology from St. Patrick’s the Pontifical Academy for Life, is these decisions are not medical experts Vatican Council with Archbishop said, ”I hope it helps” that the pope ”The National Review Board Seminary and University in Menlo Park, being held in conjunction with the and are influenced by others to choose Sheen, Bishop, Jenky told Catholic personally knew Archbishop Sheen, looks forward to his work in support California. international biopharmaceutical which path to take. News Service. The pope served as a who was national director of the of its efforts to assist the bishops in He has been a member of the company, NeoStem. That is why it is important to increase theological expert at the council in Society for the Propagation of the Faith ensuring the safety of children and Diocese of San Jose’s Safe Environment The congress will be the culture people’s understanding about the the 1960s. At the end of the pope’s in 1950-66 and attended every session young people in parishes and schools,” Task Force, the San Jose Police council and the biotech firm’s first concrete beneficial results coming out of weekly general audience May 25, of Vatican II. For the Peoria bishop, she added. Department’s Internet Crimes Against major collaborative project since adult stem-cell therapies, he added. Bishop Jenky presented the pope with the most impressive thing about Ordained a deacon in 2008, Children Task Force, the YWCA Rape they forged an agreement in 2010 That is also why the target two leather-bound volumes with Archbishop Sheen was his untiring Nojadera was a pastoral associate at St. Crisis Center and its Child Assault to work together to educate people audience for the congress will be golden lettering on the side: Fultonius evangelizing effort.. ”I don’t know how Mary’s Parish in Gilroy, California, from Prevention Program, and the Santa about the benefits of adult stem-cell people ”who do not have a real Ioannes Sheen. The tomes — totaling many people he brought to the faith; 1987 to 2002. He is married and has a Clara County Interfaith Clergy Project research. The collaboration is between scientific background.” close to 2,000 pages — are the it must be thousands and thousands,” 20-year-old daughter and 16-year-old for Elder Abuse Prevention. NeoStem’s Stem for Life Foundation positio, the official position paper, the bishop said. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 5 Eleven complete sign language class Texas Catholic Conference announces Jeffery offered by diocesan Deaf Ministry Patterson as new executive director AUSTIN (TCC) — The Texas Catholic Conference has announced that Jeffery R. Patterson will serve as its new executive director. Briefly “Jeffery has a long experience in understanding legislative process and at the same time a deep and firm Diocesan, State commitment to Catholic teaching,” said Bishop Vann encourages students to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. “In addition, as reflect Light of Christ at 8th Grade Mass a native Texan, he has a good sense of the state and of the Catholic Church and Jeffery Patterson its life here. I heartily welcome him to his position as executive director of the to TCC from the University of Texas at Texas Catholic Conference.” Austin, where he served for six years

Photo courtesy of Connie Martin As executive director, Patterson as assistant dean for Administration at The Diocese of Fort Worth Deaf Ministry Program offered a Beginning Sign Language Class for will serve the Texas Bishops in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public hearing participants this spring. The class met for an hour and 15 minutes every Tuesday for overseeing the Conferences’ activities, Affairs, and eight years as program seven weeks at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. The following individuals completed the which include coordinating Catholic officer/ communications director beginning class: Audrey Anderson, Becky Garcia, Janie Garcia, Ashley Hernandez, Jane Hoffrogge, institutions, programs, and ministries for the Hogg Foundation for Mental Thelma Linkka, Bekah Reiser, Elizabeth Reiser, Angelika Vaquiz, Awilda Vaquiz. One individual, across the state, as well as advocating Health. Previously, he served as a Nancy Baum, completed the advanced beginning class. Sign classes will be offered again in the before the Texas Legislature, the U.S. deputy press secretary for U.S. Senator fall. For more information, contact Connie Martin, diocesan coordinator of Deaf Ministry and Congress, and governmental agencies Lloyd Bentsen and as a legislative Special Needs Services, at (817) 560-2452, ext. 305, or by e-mail at [email protected]. on issues involving the moral and aide and press secretary for U.S.

Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC social teachings of the Catholic Church. Congressman Michael A. Andrews. Archbishop says Ghanaian church proud to Eighth-graders from Catholic schools throughout the diocese gather in the sanctuary “I am enthusiastic for the “I wish to welcome Jeffery send priests as missionaries of Immaculate Conception Church in Denton to celebrate the annual Eighth Grade Mass opportunities this position provides Patterson as the new executive director Wednesday, May 18, honoring those Catholic School students who are about to enter high — especially at the intersection of the Texas Catholic Conference,” VICTORIA (CNS) — Archbishop said. school. Immaculate Conception Catholic School is attached to Immaculate Conception. of public policy and faith — to said Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin. Matthias K. Nketsiah of Cape Coast, “We need a pastoral center, DENTON — When Fort Worth Bishop the leader of the Catholics of North further our shared values and social “I believe Jeffery’s years of work in Ghana, said he is excited that his where we can form priests, laypeople, Kevin Vann encouraged 458 Catholic Texas noticed the sunshine streaming responsibilities,” Patterson said. “As public affairs and communications will country can provide Catholic priests to catechists. We need those structures, middle school graduates to “reflect through the stained-glass windows Texas continues to face a number of be a tremendous benefit to the Texas serve as missionaries in other countries such as catechetical centers, for Christ’s light in the world” during a and said it created an appropriate critical challenges, I look forward to Catholic Conference. As the bishop facing a priest shortage, because he training and forming the faithful,” he Mass held May 18 in their honor, his setting for the day’s Gospel message: working with the bishops to offer of Austin, I look forward to working sees it as a way to repay the West for explained. words resonated in a special way for I came into the world as light, so that governmental leaders thoughtful and closely with him. I am grateful to fostering the Church in Ghana. “We feel that now we need to be one eighth-grader. everyone who believes in me might not compassionate approaches to deal with Andrew Rivas for his service to the TCC The Church in the West is “our self-reliant financially, so I intend to As a little girl, Sara Wohlwend remain in darkness. these issues.” for the past 5 years.” mother Church because they gave us get churches to invest in financial, would tell people she had a little flame “Dark clouds and rain storms come, Patterson is the fifth director of The TCC is the official public policy birth, planted the faith, sacrificed income-generating projects,” he in her heart for Jesus. but they always pass and the light the conference and follows Andrew voice of the Catholic Bishops of Texas. lives,” he said. added, emphasizing the word “invest” “And every time I’d hear God’s comes out,” he continued. “My prayer Rivas, who served for five years. The primary purpose of the conference “It wasn’t easy. They sacrificed — “so that it’s a win-win situation.” word or go to Mass that flame would for you, as you finish this part of your Patterson brings nearly 30 is to encourage and foster cooperation a lot. The first missionary to Ghana “Right now, the response has been grow bigger,” she explained. education, is that you take the faith years of experience in political and communication among the died of malaria, then religious sisters muted,” the archbishop said, referring Time spent in Catholic schools that has grown in you these past years communications and institutional dioceses and the ministries of the came,” the archbishop said. “Some to his efforts to find funding during fueled the youngster’s faith. She and use it to reflect the light of God to public affairs management. He comes Catholic Church in Texas. were 19 years old and knew they were his travels. enrolled at St. Rita School as a sixth- the world in which you live.” going to die.” “For me, begging is not pleasant,” grader after moving to Fort Worth In everyone’s life, there are times “Now it’s time for us to return the he said with a smile. from McAllen where she also attended of darkness and uncertainty. Mission trips to Mexico suspended amid compliment. We know the situation, Archbishop Nketsiah said he a Catholic school. “We all need people to come our perceptions of violence the lack of priests. It’s not that we realizes it is not easy for his priests “I like singing to God and learning way and show us the light of Christ don’t need them. ... I could open to be missionaries or for the Western about Him. It makes me so happy,” said and the love of God,” the bishop said. MEXICO CITY (CNS) — American Bob Houston stopped authorizing missions three parishes now, but we make the Church in terms of adapting to one the 14-year-old who served as a cantor “I hope your lives reflect light for the Decker leads mission groups through programs to Mexico in April 2009. sacrifice, so that the faith and ministry another. “We come here as a product for the Mass in Immaculate Conception paths and footsteps of others as well the ramshackle neighborhoods of Spokeswoman Jenny Faber said the may go on here (in the United States).” of our culture and come to minister Church in Denton. “I definitely felt as yourself, so you can see where God Ciudad Acuña, which borders Del archdiocese followed State Department Archbishop Nketsiah, 69, made the in a Western culture, and the two are God’s light shining on me today as I is leading.” Rio, Texas, where poorly paid factory and U.S. Embassy advisories when comments in an interview with The different.” was singing.” Before the liturgy ended, diocesan workers drawn from impoverished making the decision. Catholic Lighthouse, newspaper of the He said that it is especially difficult The annual liturgy marks Catholic Schools Superintendent Don pockets of Mexico originally built tiny Concern grew greater with Victoria Diocese, where 16 of its 64 because of the priests’ accent, so he a milestone in the lives of the Miller told students the Eighth Grade cardboard dwellings. the January shooting death of an priests are from Ghana. Many of them advises his priests to speak slowly eighth-graders and gives them an Mass was one of his favorite events But organizations such Decker’s evangelical missionary who was have become U.S. citizens and are when ministering in a different opportunity to worship with peers on the school calendar. It’s a time of San Antonio-based organization, Paper driving in the state of Tamaulipas, just pastors of parishes. country. who are also preparing for high excitement but also hope. Houses Across the Border, receive fewer south of the Texas border. He has headed the Archdiocese of “When one gets excited, he speaks school and new responsibilities. “Your Catholic faith has taught requests and take fewer participants, Rick Jones, director of the San Cape Coast since 2010. He succeeded faster and the language gets garbled,” Participation is a key component of you that hope is more than wishful even though Decker said many parts of Antonio-based Mi Casa Foundation, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who is now he said. “That may be part of the the celebration and delegates from thinking. It’s a confident belief in the Mexico continue being safe for travel which runs orphanages and homes for head of the Pontifical Council for difficulty when we come to help.” each school carried representative loving presence of God,” he said. “That and free of the organized crime violence the elderly in Mexico, said such stories Justice and Peace. Back home in Ghana, one of the banners into the church during the confidence has come from people who that has claimed nearly 40,000 lives have impacted his organization. Of the archdiocese’s 130 priests, 15 challenges the Catholic Church as processional or served as lectors, have been the light of Christ for you over the past four-and-a-half years. “I can’t make up excuses when live in the United States and another well as the 10 mainline Protestant ushers, musicians, and choir and given you direction, confidence, But many parishes in Texas and there’s that kind of risk,” Jones said, 10 live in Europe. In the U.S. Cape denominations face is the many members. and energy.” other parts of the United States have even though he acknowledges that Coast priests serve in Seattle, New Pentecostal churches in Ghana. Hayden Schilling from Sacred Heart He advised the youngsters to suspended cross-border ministries many parts of Mexico are safe enough Orleans, New York, Chicago, Albany, “The Pentecostals are a bother; School in Muenster called the diocesan take time during the busy days before and partnerships with counterparts places to live and work. and Victoria. The archbishop spent May they challenge every practice of our assembly of eighth-graders “inspiring.” graduation to thank parents, teachers, in Mexico, Decker said. In some cases Jones said he used to interview 9 to June 6 traveling to visit his priests. faith,” Archbishop Nketsiah said. “They “There are only 11 kids in my and priests for setting an example of he added, the money and volunteer up to 20 candidates for every opening He said that the Western Church preach an easy faith, and they get the class, so it’s almost like a family,” he faith. efforts previously directed toward at Mi Casa shelters, but interest can still help the Church in Ghana, youth.” added. “It was a good to see people “They have made you aware of Mexico are now going farther south to diminished to the point that he will where there are four archdioceses, 15 While the Church in Ghana is eager from other schools and see everybody the two great gifts God has given Guatemala, where the murder rate is not send any volunteers to Mexico this dioceses, and one apostolic vicariate. to provide missionaries to the U.S., he together for a Mass.” you. The first is life and, secondly, his three times higher than in Mexico. year. He also decided against driving In the Cape Coast Archdiocese, said, at the same time, “we are praying Immaculate Conception Pastor love,” Miller explained. “These people Some dioceses have suspended into Mexico. “we need to continue training people; that your own vocations go up, because Father Tim Thompson and visiting have been the light of Christ and the mission programs to Mexico altogether “If I’m not willing to make the trip financial help is essential, so the it is more effective when one ministers clergy concelebrated the Mass with manifestation of hope for you. Now and forbid prelates to cross the border. myself, how can expect others to do supply of priests can continue,” he in one’s own country and culture.” Bishop Vann. During his homily, you get to pass it on.” The Archdiocese of Galveston- the same?” he said. PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Diocese Bishop Vann announces possible relocation of diocese's administrative offices to Downtown Fort Worth By NTC Staff feasibility study to determine if Offices of the diocese will be this project is viable,” explained relocated to the office tower, if this Bishop Kevin Vann has Peter Flynn, director of Finance project becomes a reality. A parking announced the possible relocation St. Patrick Cathedral is the seat of the and Administrative Services for the garage will be located on land of The Catholic Center — The diocese. “It will take a few months already owned by the diocese and Pastoral and Administrative Offices diocese.... Locating the diocesan central to put all the pieces together and St. Patrick along 13th and Jennings of the Diocese of Fort Worth from its complete our assessment,” Flynn streets. In return for a long-term present location in West Fort Worth office close to St. Patrick Cathedral is an stated. land lease, the diocese and St. to downtown. “We are exploring the On Tuesday, June 7, a proposal Patrick would have dedicated possibility and affordability of this opportunity to further consolidate the was presented to the Fort Worth parking in the garage. opportunity,” said the bishop. Local Development Corporation to Flynn also explained, “Funds Bishop Vann also explained, Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth into the construct a mixed-use complex in raised in the recently completed All “St. Patrick Cathedral is the seat of the 100 and 200 blocks of Lancaster Thing Possible Campaign will not be the diocese. Coupled with recent central downtown location. Avenue of Downtown Fort Worth, used for this relocation. During the renovations to St. Patrick Cathedral, south of St. Patrick Cathedral. feasibility study period, we will be the St. Patrick rectory, and now the The proposed development will determining the availability of funds construction of the $4.5 million St. — Bishop Kevin Vann feature workforce and market rental for the project from other sources. Patrick Family Center, the Diocese housing along with ground level If the diocesan offices are moved of Fort Worth already has a major retail, a 5-story office tower as well downtown, the Catholic Center presence in Downtown Fort Worth. opportunity to further consolidate “The diocese and St. Patrick as parking facilities. The Central property may be sold.” Locating the diocesan central office the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Cathedral have been offered an close to St. Patrick Cathedral is an into the central downtown location.” opportunity to participate in a

Cassata High School, diocese's ‘second chance high school,’ to offer orientation program Aug. 2 By Jack Raskopf (along a city bus route), the school requires competence in computer- Contributing Writer is staffed with a dedicated faculty based operations.” skilled in working with students Students of all religious Cassata High School, a unique who want to earn a high school affiliations, economic status, and educational institution which is diploma. While focused on its diverse ethnic backgrounds are part of the Diocese of Fort Worth academic curriculum, Cassata’s welcome, the Cassata president outreach program and frequently president points out that it still is said. referred to as the “second chance a school that reflects a pleasant, Cassata has a sliding tuition high school,” will hold an up-beat, can-do atmosphere scale based on family income, orientation program Tues. Aug. of individualized attention, as size, and needs. Financial aid is 2 in preparation for the fall 2011 students and teachers work together available. Those who are interested semester. to achieve their academic goals. in pursuing their high school As described by the school’s “We’re in the process of education can find out more details president Susan Flood, Cassata updating, re-equipping, and re- by calling (817) 926-1745 or by offers a high school education designing our computer facilities attending the orientation program and diploma for serious students and program,” Flood said, “so scheduled in August. whose education may have been that our students will be truly Flood said that there is no interrupted for various reasons or competitive as they go into higher upper age limit for acceptance into who need a non-traditional type of education or a job market that the Cassata program. institution to bring out their talent and to help them achieve their TO REPORT MISCONDUCT academic goals. Unique in Tarrant County, the If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by school is named after Fort Worth’s anyone who serves the Church, you may first bishop, John J. Cassata. It was • Call Judy Locke, victim founded by two nuns more than assistance coordinator, 30 years ago, and through the (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 school’s “second chance program” or e-mail her at [email protected] nearly 4,000 students have received • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline a high school diploma or GED. (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 • Or call The Catholic Center at (817) 560-2452 ext.102 and ask The majority of its graduates for the moderator of the curia, Father Stephen J. Berg have gone on to productive jobs, military service, or have earned TO REPORT ABUSE or are working toward college or university degrees. Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services Located at 1400 Hemphill (Child Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400 St. on Fort Worth’s South Side NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 7 Diocese Natural Family Planning Awareness Week to be celebrated July 24-30

By Kristin Zschiesche premarital sex, adultery, cohabitation, technology is used to naturally Correspondent children born outside of marriage, address infertility issues, according abortion, and divorce parallels the rise to the diocesan NFP brochure. Natural Family Planning in the use of contraceptives since some NFP respects the dignity of marriage, prevents Antonio and Paula Macias are Awareness Week, celebrated July 24– churches began reversing long-held women from being simply an object of physical instructors of the third NFP method, 30, is a national educational campaign positions against it in 1930. pleasure, and helps people see fertility as a gift known as the Sympto-Thermal Method sponsored by the USCCB Secretariat Natural Family Planning (NFP) (STM). The two met as students for Laity, Marriage, Family life, and describes three methods of observing rather than an illness to prevent. and were committed to following Youth that focuses attention on the and charting the physical signs God’s plan for marriage. During a Catholic Church’s acceptable, moral, of a woman’s menstrual cycle to — Paula Macias chaste courtship, they discovered and natural methods for planning determine times of fertility and NFP instructor STM but originally considered the families within the sacrament of infertility for the purpose of achieving hour-long, one-way drive to classes Marriage. The week coincides with or avoiding pregnancy, as opposed a sacrifice. It turned out to be a the anniversary of Pope Paul VI's to using artificial contraceptives, Ovulation Method. Tony’s journey to effective in postponing pregnancy, blessing. The long drives encouraged encyclical Humanae Vitae which which contradict Church teaching. NFP is a story of conversion, and he according to an NFP brochure communication, making NFP a articulates and reaffirms Church The Billings Ovulation Method, the credits NFP as the catalyst that brought released by the diocese. unifying factor in their relationship teaching on human sexuality within Couple to Couple League’s Sympto- him back to the Church. When they Mandy Cox, a married mother as they discussed the possibilities the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Thermal Method, and the Creighton married in 2000, preparation classes of five, teaches the Creighton Model of family over contraception. After In particular, the encyclical directs Model FertilityCare™ System are did not include NFP and the couple FertilityCare™ System. Active in the moving to Mexico, Antonio and Paula its attention to the immoral use of reliable, natural, and inexpensive practiced contraception before starting pro-life movement in her teens, she felt ca lled to help Hispa nic s t here who artificial contraception to prevent methods in unity with the Church’s their family. Meanwhile, Tony strayed developed a passion for life in its early, were deprived of NFP due to a lack the conception of life by any artificial teachings against contraceptives and from the Catholic Church. After the most vulnerable stage and studied the of information and education. The means. help couples learn to respect God’s gift birth of their second son, Marianne theology of early life while in college. Macias’ became STM instructors, A diocesan survey revealed 79 of fertility, according to the Diocese began using the Billings method to “I see NFP as a remedy for ministering to couples seeking a percent of couples preparing for of Fort Worth’s website, www.fwdioc. manage their family’s size, but Tony abortion and crimes against the sacramental life in marriage over marriage today engage in pre-marital org/ministries/nfp. was not initially interested. unborn,” said Cox. “A unique cohabitation. sexual relations and 84 percent use Tony Abadie, the NFP coordinator “I incorrectly considered it just aspect of the Creighton method is “I’ve been married 12 years and contraception once married. As for the Diocese of Fort Worth, with his another form of birth control,” said its ability to provide an alternative experienced 100 percent success anticipated by Paul VI, the increase in wife, Marianne, teaches the Billings Tony. to in vitro fertilization and artificial in both postponing and achieving After eventually taking a class, insemination for couples experiencing pregnancy,” said Paula. “NFP respects Tony became intrigued by NFP’s infertility. It treats the source of the dignity of marriage, prevents 10#6';1748'*+%.' science and tracking methodology. He infertility in an effort to achieve women from being simply an object & found its brief periods of abstinence and sustain pregnancy rather than of physical pleasure, and helps people QHHGTJQRGHQTVJQUGKPPGGF helped reorient his life and enhanced resorting to artificial fixes that see fertility as a gift rather than an his marriage. overlook the cause of fertility issues.” illness to prevent.” 1-888-317-SVDP Tony believes chastity is the Cox is so committed to NFP, she Antonio and Paula continue to single most important aspect of NFP, pursued the next level of education teach STM in Fort Worth as Spanish www.svdpfw.org saying that it is essential both within and became one of only 25 people l a n g u a g e i n s t r uc tor s . T he c ouple h ave (TGGVQYKPI6CZFGFWEVKDNG and outside of marriage. worldwide, certified to train others three daughters and expect the birth 'RQDWH\RXUYHKLFOHWR5V8KPEGPVFG2CWNDQGVXSSRUWRXUPLVVLRQRIOHQGLQJ DKHOSLQJKDQGWRWKRVHLQQHHG+DYH\RXUYHKLFOHWLWOHLQKDQGZKHQ\RXFDOO “NFP allowed me to become to teach the Creighton method. of their fourth any day now. TRIDENTINE MASS said Tony. effective, it relies upon observation Like the Billings method, it tracks Developed by physicians John and charting of biological markers and charts physical signs but also Latin Mass and Evelyn Billings, the Billings that assess health and fertility. incorporates basal body temperature. Ovulation Method is scientifically Linking family planning with It is 99.6 percent effective for avoiding : p.m. Sundays based on more than 50 years of gynecological and procreative pregnancy and offers variations for St. Mary of the Assumption Church ongoing research. It involves daily healthcare, these biomarkers can be postpartum and pre-menopausal  W. Magnolia, Fort Worth tracking of a woman’s physical signs used to achieve or avoid pregnancy conditions, according to the diocesan High Mass Second and Fourth sundays to determine a pattern of fertility. with the added benefit of identifying NFP brochure. Low Mass First and Third Sundays Used correctly, it is 99.5 percent health abnormalities. Its procreative NFP empowers couples to follow Church teachings yet easily and effectively manage family size, according to the diocesan website. NFP also helps create fulfilling marriages by fostering communication and the willingness to set aside individual desires for the good of one’s spouse. This selflessness mimics Christ’s sacrifice for his Church. For more information about Natural Family Planning, visit the diocese’s NFP website, www. fwdioc.org/ministries/nfp, or contact diocesan NFP Coordinator Tony Abadie at (817) 560-2452, ext. 252, or by e-mail at aabadie@f wdioc.org/. PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Special Collection Diocese Black and Indian Mission JPII Institute School of Lay Ministry to offer summer cycle with courses in English and Spanish July 11-23

By Michele Baker Correspondent

The Pope John Paul II Institute School of Lay Ministry is offering a summer cycle of courses. Unlike the schedule of classes that begin in the fall, SLM summer sessions are open to everyone in the diocese regardless of their affiliation with the program’s two-year course of study. This summer, the school will offer two sessions, one in English (July 16-23) and one in Spanish (July 11-23). The English lecture series, entitled American Culture and Catholic Morality, will feature a week of discussions on culture and morals led by Monsignor Michael Olson, rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving. “Michael is the perfect person for this,” said Father Carmen Mele, OP, director of the School of Lay Ministry. “Not only does he have amazing knowledge — he just earned his doctorate from the Alphonsianum in Rome — but his ability to communicate is delightful. He’s an engaging speaker Pedro Moreno, director of Spanish Catechesis with a great sense of humor.” for St. Peter Church in White Settlement; Father Additional presenters include Fr. Mele; Father Angel Infante, of All Saints Parish in Fort Worth; Thu Nyugen, pastor of St. George Parish in Fort and Fr.Mele. Courses in Spanish include a class on Worth; Kevin Prevou, diocesan director of Youth and baptismal preparation for fathers and godfathers, Young Adult Ministry; and Shawn Finer, who works a lecture on healing ministry, and a course on with TriQuest, an IT company that contracts with preparation for quinceañeras. the diocese; covering a wide variety of topics ranging The School of Lay Ministry of the Diocese of from workshops on young adult ministry and the Fort Worth exists to form lay Catholics to serve the new translation of the Roman Missal to two sections Church. Using Scripture and Christian doctrine, the on advanced PowerPoint. program provides training in four areas of ministry: The lecture series in Spanish will center on the pastoral, liturgical, catechetical, and social. theology of marriage and will feature Father Hector SLM Summer Cycle courses in both English and Medina, pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Arlington. Spanish range in price from $15 to $30. Registration “Fr. Medina is extremely well respected in our information is available on the diocesan website, diocese,” explained Fr. Mele. “He’s actually written a www.fwdioc.org, under “Upcoming Events.” book about marriage. He’s an excellent speaker and a Questions or comments may be directed to Fr. fine priest.” Carmen Mele, OP, or Lucia Romo (817) 560-3300; Other speakers for the Spanish sessions include [email protected], [email protected].

School of Lay Ministry Summer Cycle English Courses

PROGRAM Lectures on Ethics Workshop on Liturgical and Workshop on the New and Society Non-liturgical Preaching Translation PRESENTER Msgr. Michael Olson Fr. Carmen Mele, O.P. Fr. Thu Nyugen DATE July 18-21 July 16 July 23 PLACE Catholic Center Catholic Center St. George Church Hall TIME 7-9:30 p.m. 9-3:30 p.m. 9-3:30 p.m. FEE 4 lectures $25 $25 (with lunch) $25 (with lunch)

PROGRAM Workshop on Young Workshop on Advanced Workshop on Advanced Adult Ministry PowerPoint (limited seating) PowerPoint (limited seating) PRESENTER Kevin Prevou Shawn Finer Shawn Finer DATE July 23 July 23 July 23 PLACE Catholic Center Catholic Center Catholic Center TIME 9-3:30 p.m. 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1-3 p.m. FEE $25 (with lunch) $30 $30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 9 National Bishops approve statement on assisted suicide, Charter revisions at annual spring meeting By Catholic News Service

BELLEVUE, Washington — The U.S. bishops June 16 approved a policy statement on physician- assisted suicide, the first on the issue by the bishops as a body, and they also approved revisions to their 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The votes came on the second Photo by Stephen Brashear / CNS day of the bishops’ annual spring ABOVE: Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the general assembly held near Seattle U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, gives the homily during Mass before in Bellevue June 15-17. the opening session of the bishops' annual spring meeting near Seattle Taking on the issue of in Bellevue, Washington, June 15. physician-assisted suicide in the state where voters most recently LEFT: Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski (LEFT) presents Dallas approved it, the U.S. bishops Bishop Kevin J. Farrell with a box of Miami-made Cuban Cigars hope to counter the recent “strong during the USCCB's annual spring meeting. Archbishop Wenski lost resurgence” in activity by the a wager between the two when the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA assisted suicide movement, said Photo by Stephen Brashear / CNS championship against the Miami Heat June 12. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of Committee on the Protection of On the first day of their the U.S. Conference of Catholic Children and Young People he meeting, the bishops also heard Bishops’ Committee on Pro- introduced the document to the a report from Cardinal Donald Life Activities, in presenting the bishops June 15. W. Wuerl of Washington on document a day before the vote. “The Charter has served the progress being made toward a U.S. In the document, titled “To Church well,” he said. “It is a personal ordinariate for former Live Each Day With Dignity” and helpful tool as we keep our pledge Anglicans who want to enter into approved in a 191-1 vote, the U.S. to protect children, promote full communion with the Catholic bishops declared assisted suicide healing, and rebuild trust.” Church. “a terrible tragedy, one that a The next day before the As many as 100 U.S. Anglican Photo by Stephen Brashear / CNS compassionate society should work vote there was little debate on priests and 2,000 laypeople could Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington to prevent.” the proposed revisions. But not be the first members of the U.S. delivers a report during a June 15 session It says if advocates of assisted every bishop is on board with the ordinariate, said the cardinal, of the annual spring meeting of the USCCB. suicide succeed in their campaign Charter’s provisions, as evidenced who was appointed by the Vatican Cardinal Wuerl was appointed by the Vatican to see it legalized in more and by the 28 amendments proposed last September to guide the last September to guide the incorporation of more states, “society will undergo a by Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz of incorporation of Anglican groups Anglican groups into the U.S. Catholic Church radical change.” Lincoln, Nebraska, and rejected by into the Catholic Church in the under ANGLICANORUM COETIBUS, an apostolic The revisions to the Charter the committee. United States under Anglicanorum CNS photo / Marcus Donner, Reuters constitution issued by Pope Benedict XVI in Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston- were approved 187-5, with Most of the amendments coetibus, an apostolic constitution November 2009. four abstentions. They reflect suggested by Bishop Bruskewitz issued by Pope Benedict XVI in Houston, chairman of the U.S. bishops' changes in Church law since the were aimed at weakening the November 2009. Committee on Pro-Life Activities, answers last revision in 2005, bringing Charter’s wording because, the At a news conference committees of the USCCB. questions from the press June 16 about the it into line with recent Vatican bishop said in a rationale included following his report, Cardinal Archbishop Carlson said bishops' statement on physician-assisted instructions in response to the with the amendments, “The Wuerl said he “wouldn’t be the document would be “at once suicide. crisis of sexual abuse of minors by USCCB bureaucracy cannot bind surprised” if the Vatican were to inspirational and practical, ... priests. These include mentioning bishops to obey the Charter.” establish the U.S. ordinariate by grounded in the tradition of days of Spanish-speaking countries child pornography as a crime Retired Archbishop Francis T. the end of the year. “I think it will the Church” and would aim to as an appendix to the eventual against Church law and defining Hurley of Anchorage, Alaska, also be sooner rather than later,” he “adequately convey the purpose of Spanish translation of the Roman the abuse of someone who raised questions June 16 about the said. the homily at Mass: the personal Missal for use in the United States; “habitually lacks reason,” such as a “zero tolerance” policy outlined Earlier in the day, the U.S. encounter with the Incarnate — Were given the option of person with mental retardation, as in the Charter, which requires the bishops voted overwhelmingly to Word.” beginning use of some musical the equivalent of child abuse. permanent removal of any priest authorize preparation of a 50- On the first day of the settings for the new translation of They also outline procedures who admits or is found to have page document on preaching for assembly, among other items, the the Roman Missal in September, to follow if a bishop is accused of abused a child. consideration in November 2012. bishops also: rather than waiting until full having sexually abused a child and But at a news conference held St. Louis Archbishop Robert — Received an update from implementation on the first another bishop becomes aware of it. later in the day, Bishop Cupich J. Carlson presented the proposal Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of Sunday in Advent; and The experiences of the past said a change in the policy would on behalf of the Committee on Oakland, California, about the — Bid farewell to Monsignor. nine years have shown that “the send the message that “we are Clergy, Consecrated Life, and conference’s efforts to promote and David Malloy, a priest of the Charter works,” said Bishop Blase going to put priest offenders first,” Vocations, which he chairs, but defend marriage; Archdiocese of Milwaukee, who J. Cupich of Spokane, Washington. and that is not the case, he said. said the document would be drawn — Approved, 185-1-3, the use was completing five years of service As chairman of the USCCB “We are putting the victims first.” up in consultation with various of the Mass texts for patronal feast as USCCB general secretary. PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Texas’ 82nd session God's ultimate compliment Some successes; some failures No one is forced into heaven... By Jennifer Carr Allmon hy are Americans so fi xated on hell?” s the last few hours of the 82nd or Catholics, being the English biblical he whole story the regular session drew to a close, scholar N.T. Wright“W recently asked. I hadn’t noticed that Bible tells us is the my Twitter feed was on fi re pro-life means T we think about it much at all. If anything, with proclamations that the F story of God’s desire that LegislatureA had passed the most pro-life we would be better off if we thought about respecting human life and budget in the history of the state. I refrained hell much more often. everyone repent of their sins In fact, hell is one of those subjects you from commenting, but was perplexed at how dignity from conception this could be an accurate description. are more likely to hear about from someone and come to Him. All the outside Christianity than from another For Catholics, being pro-life means to natural death — Th e mechanisms of the Church respecting human life and dignity from Christian. And you are more likely to hear conception to natural death — Th e Church about it as another easy argument against through history are ways Church also teaches Christianity. Th e argument runs like this: also teaches that a budget is a moral God has given us to fi nd document that refl ects our priorities. So does God is good, hell is bad, therefore God that a budget is a moral would have nothing to do with hell. this moral document refl ect a consistent Him. He is on our side. Th is respect for life — from womb to tomb, and Th e Church teaches the reality of everything in between? document that refl ects hell, and does so in very stark language. is what those who object to Th e Catechism of the Catholic Church says: Th ere are some strong successes in this the Christian belief in hell budget to protect unborn life and encourage our priorities. So does this “Immediately after death the souls of those mothers to choose life for their unborn who die in a state of mortal sin descend into don’t see. children. Funding for abortion alternative moral document refl ect a hell, where they suff er the punishments of providers — critical programs that provide hell, ‘eternal fi re.’ Th e chief punishment of practical support for mothers to choose life consistent respect for life — hell is eternal separation from God, in whom — increased from $8 million to $8.3 million alone man can possess the life and happiness in the upcoming biennium, the state’s two- from womb to tomb, and for which he was created and for which he way. He will let you choose hell if you really, year budget cycle. longs.” truly want it. Th at’s a very high compliment. At the other end of the life spectrum, we everything in between? You can see how people who don’t Would the critic rather believe in a God who were successful in preventing a 33 percent know the whole story might react to this. made us go to heaven when we didn’t want cut to nursing home care that was originally Th e Catechism also stresses the fact that we to, like a parent who makes their child eat proposed. choose hell and that God does not want us liver? On the dignity front, funding for poor homelessness prevention allocated to to. “God destines no one to go to hell; for As C. S. Lewis put it in his book Th e and homeless programs and the children’s the Texas Department of Housing and this, a willful turning away from God (a Great Divorce, “Th ere are only two kinds of summer nutrition program was increased Community Aff airs. mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in people in the end: those who say to God, slightly from the previous budget year. Th ere was also a decrease of $10 million it until the end. In the Eucharistic liturgy ‘Th y will be done,’ and those to whom God Th e Texas Cord Blood Bank, which in prison diversion funding, and public and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the says, in the end, ‘Th y will be done.’ All that stores donated adult stem cells from education was underfunded by $4 billion, Church implores the mercy of God, who are in Hell, choose it. Without that self- umbilical cord blood, was funded through including the elimination of full-day pre- does not want ‘any to perish, but all to come choice there could be no Hell. No soul that a last-minute correction in the conference kindergarten. to repentance.’” seriously and constantly desires joy will ever committee. Th is program literally saves lives Access to quality education is a matter Th e whole story the Bible tells us is the miss it. Th ose who seek fi nd. To those who by curing more than 80 diff erent illnesses, of justice for children to reach their fullest story of God’s desire that everyone repent knock, it is opened.” including some types of cancer and inherited potential and, in some cases, break free from of their sins and come to Him. All the Christianity teaches that God loves illnesses. Th ese are promising outcomes, but the cycle of poverty. A contentious special mechanisms of the Church through history you so much that his Son died so you could they do not tell the whole story. session of the Legislature is taking place at are ways God has given us to fi nd Him. He choose Him and therefore enter heaven if Overall the Legislature adopted a budget the time of this writing to attempt to rectify is on our side. Th is is what those who object you wish. He will fi ll your life with chances that cut total spending by $15.2 billion, with school funding issues. to the Christian belief in hell don’t see. and reasons to fi nd Him, and He will judge $11 billion of that reduction coming from While some of these programs may boil People who object to the Church’s your desire for Him very mercifully. He has the health and human services article of the down to decisions of prudential judgment teaching of the reality of hell will usually say stacked the deck in your favor, given you the budget. over funding streams, on the whole, the state something like “A loving God would never answers before the exam, shortened the odds, Th e CHIP Perinatal program received a Legislature failed to craft a moral document send anyone to hell.” Th erefore, either God off ered to carry you across the fi nish line. 36 percent cut. Th is program helps mothers that protects life and dignity from conception doesn’t exist or the Church does not know Th at is what grace is. choose life by providing them with the to natural death. Th ey chose to make these who He is. But you can also say “no.” Th at is what medical support that they need to ensure cuts while keeping billions of dollars in the It is an easy argument to make, but it free will is. Th at’s what it means to be a man the health of their unborn child. Also, there state’s Rainy Day Fund. Th e result is not a is not a very good one. Th e fi rst thing to say created in the image of God. God bows to is a rider in the budget that reauthorizes document we can be proud of or call “pro- when someone tells you that a loving God your wishes. Hell is, as I say, a very high the Women’s Health program without life.” We pray that the Legislature will do would never send anyone to hell is that “A compliment. preventing abortion providers and their better next time and will advocate ceaselessly loving God would never force anyone into affi liates from receiving state funding for for the protection of life at all stages. heaven.” Th is probably won’t convince them, David Mills is the executive editor of family planning dollars. Th ere is a chance but it may make them stop and think. FIRST THINGS (www.fi rstthings.com). He that this will be corrected in the special Jennifer Carr Allmon is the associate director of In other words, Christianity teaches that and his family attend St. Joseph’s Church session of the Legislature this summer. the Texas Cathlic Conference, the offi cial public you get where you really want to go. God in Coraopolis. He can be reached at Th ere is no funding explicitly for policy voice of the Bishops of Texas. thinks enough of you not to stand in your [email protected]. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 11 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Th e fi rst shall be We've all lost someone of great value last, the last, fi rst But those who loved him know we have a friend in heaven By Jeff Hensley By Kathy Cribari Hamer Editor, North Texas Catholic omething extraordinary happened ow many problems do we just next door to us in the Diocese have when we lose things and Sof Dallas in June. A bunch of fi ne try to fi nd them? It’s the most athletes, some more outstanding than frustrating occurrence in our others, did something amazing together lives.H It causes us to get behind in our actions that none of them claimed credit for as — trying to fi nd the scissors, fi nd an earring, individuals. fi nd your wallet, fi nd the keys, fi nd the can And the seven-foot German who of WD-40 …. had the greatest claim to having pulled I’ve learned to pray at those times — together their group eff ort made no pray to St. Anthony, pray to St. Jude, or to claims of his own greatness, but pointed Jesus, the fi nder of fi nders. Lately my Lord consistently to the achievements of others. and Savior is also my “Go-To Guy” for all Th e Mavericks have off ered a living things lost. What I have learned is that example of what it means to put the when I fi nd the thing I was looking for I common good ahead of individual glory, say, spontaneously, “Th ank you, Jesus,” with contrasting sharply with their opponents' infi nite joy and relief. attitudes. Because I lose so many things, my In an ego-obssessed age, where gratitude is automatic, and since the only those who promote themselves seem to way I ever fi nd things is through Him, I have catch too much of the spotlight, it was a new connection with Jesus. glowingly good to see the good guys win. He fi nds things for me. Really. hehe DioceseDiocese ofof FortFort WorthWorth lostlost somethingsomething moremore Th e Catholic values of putting others Jesus plays a constant and personal preciousprecious thanthan goldgold wwhenhen MMsgr.sgr. KingKing passedpassed fromfrom fi rst, collegiality, striving for the common role in our lives anyway, and it becomes T good, showed up in what some might increasingly obvious the more we converse ourour midstmidst ttoo tthehe companycompany ofof thethe Lord.Lord. think the most unlikely of places — the with Him. I am not necessarily a good hardwood-fl oored arenas of professional example for that because I am undisciplined basketball. and inconsistent. What if the Congress began to look a Msgr. Charles King receives a kiss on the cheek from Kathy's granddaughter, Emma Grace (Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer) My good friend Monsignor Charles King bit more like the Mavericks’ locker room? liked to talk about the practice of prayer, speak to him again.” I spoke this repeatedly excruciating. What if a generation of kids would take as explaining clearly the ways and times he set en route from Immaculate Conception Parish Days later I related my story to our their role models, guys who know how to out to talk, and mostly listen, to God. He to the hospital where Msgr. King lay. bishop, who quietly stated, “Th ere are no share the ball, yield to the better qualifi ed never succeeded in instilling his skills in me, When I entered his room, he was alone, coincidences, Kathy. Th at was a sign.” to maximize their gifts in the moment, however, although he had 36 years to do it. sleeping deeply. I touched his arm and spoke, “What do you mean? Little Charlie’s work together well. Still, my personal, unskilled habits may hoping he was listening, like he listened to birth? A sign from God?” Scriptures to describe this team come have merit of their own: I just talk to Jesus God when he had fallen asleep. “Yes,” Bishop Vann said. “It was a sign to mind easily: “Th e fi rst will be last, and all the time. Continually. Sometimes I even I told him our family would miss him, of resurrection. It was a sign of eternal life.” the last will be fi rst” (Matthew 20:16). move my lips when I am doing it — like that we loved him, and that I wished I’d “Can that be?” I was thinking, happily. “Th e greatest among you must be your a child does while learning how to read gotten to gamble with him one time. It First I asked God to let me speak to Msgr. servant. Whoever exalts himself will be silently. would have been fun to watch. Th en he King, and let him hear me, and those things humbled, but whoever humbles himself I am more than a little afraid, turned and opened his eyes, just like I’d happened. will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). however, that I will be spotted in animated prayed for! He greeted me. My heart leapt. Th en I asked Monsignor for a sign, and Th ere will be other seasons. There conversation on one of the dozens of security In tears, I continued my monologue. our bishop said I had received one. will be times when the guys who win are cameras near my offi ce, and after reporting “Remember all the talks we had about faith Bishop Vann turned to me again and not the good guys. me, the staff will have me carted off by men and death, and heaven and God? Well, I said, said, “Th e sign was for you, Kathy.” Th is particular group forming a team in white jackets. A crowd of old friends when you get there, could you please send me My faith rose, and my spirits soared. in the moment, following the example probably will be standing nearby, helplessly a sign that you are there? A sign that you are I am not asserting that Monsignor sent a set by their leaders of putting others fi rst, shaking their heads and whispering: “I liked with God?” sign, nor that God did, nor that Bishop Vann putting aside their own egos to work for a her. But she was a little crazy. Suddenly I remembered something was delivering it. I am, however, certain the common goal, may not endure. “And she was always losing things.” important he needed to know. His namesake, bishop’s earthly statement reinforced my But for a brief moment in the world Th e Diocese of Fort Worth lost my son Andrew Charles, was about to belief in a spiritual reality: (“He is not in the of sport, we have seen what following something more precious than gold when become a father! His wife Erika was in tomb. He has risen.”) the rules of the Kingdom of God can Msgr. King passed from our midst to the labor at a nearby birthing center, and my So, I say thank you again and again my accomplish in the real world, in a highly company of the Lord, with Whom he had grandchild — a boy — was also to be dear Lord, for all you have done for me. competitive situation. spoken every morning of his life. (“I wake named Charles. Monsignor knew this. “What was lost has been found.” But perhaps best of all, when the big up early enough to spend an hour in prayer At the news, my dear friend opened his guy went into a slump in the fi nal game and listening,” he told me. “I say ‘Th is is your eyes brightly, and I know he could hear me. I Kathy Cribari Hamer is a member of St. of the playoff s, scoring only one point in time Lord; talk to me!’ If I am too tired, I was crying, saying, “Yes, really, Baby Charles Andrew Parish in Southwest Fort Worth. the fi rst half, it was the two little guys — leave it to the Lord to keep me awake. If I fall will be here tonight or tomorrow.” I stood Last May, her column received the second both under six feet tall — who picked asleep, it’s the Lord’s problem.”) with him for 15 more minutes just talking, place award for best family life column by up the slack and kept Miami at bay until Th e night before Monsignor died, I hoping he was hearing. the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. the fourth quarter comeback kid, Dirk drove to the hospital in audible prayer. Charles Hamer was born the next and Canada. In 2005, Kathy’s column was Nowitzki, could step up his game for his “Please Lord,” I asked, “I beg you, if he is evening, exactly two hours before Charles recognized with the fi rst place award in the team and the victory. unconscious, let him hear me. I need to King died. Th e mixture of joy and grief was same category. PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

Father Kyle Walterscheid, director of the Offi ce of Vocations, following Vocations his ordination in May 2002 at Sacred Heart Church in Muenster. Responding to God’s call Even then he appeared to be inviting people to ask if they were called to a vocation.

By Father Kyle Walterscheid, Director of the Offi ce of Vocations

Well done, good and faithful servant onsignor Charlie poverty as his friend over wealth so as to bring the only true wealth, eternal life in King, pastor Christ, to both the rich and the poor alike. emeritus of Who else will choose this type of lifestyle M of obedience, poverty, and celibacy to build Immaculate Conception up the Kingdom of God? Who will pick up Church in Denton passed where Msgr. King has left off ? Actually, Msgr. King’s work is away at sunset June 1, as unfi nished, as he will now labor from a more heavenly position to draw souls to God would have it, the very Christ. In addition, God has sent Father hour that began the Vigil Tim Th ompson, another great priest of the Diocese of Fort Worth, who has labored in of the Solemnity of the the Lord’s vineyard for nearly 30 years and Ascension of our Lord Jesus who will now live and preach the Gospel as the new pastor of Immaculate Conception Christ. Church. Furthermore, three more men Msgr. King gave his life and his all, have been found worthy of the call of the living and preaching the Gospel of Jesus priesthood after many years in the seminary Christ, spanning seven decades. I know of and were ordained by our Bishop, Kevin W. times that he would visit the sick virtually Vann, on June 4. Th ey are Father Richard every day for months to be at the side of Kirkham, Father Kheim Nguyen, and Father parishioners who were ill, bringing them Phil Petta. the Lord and his goodness in the Blessed them see the "bigger picture" so that couples for you have been my help; Yet, the fact is, we need many more men Sacrament and blessing to them at their hour knew that they had to labor much and put in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. to answer the call to the priesthood and many of need. their trust in both Christ and his bride, the My soul clings to you; more men and women to answer the call to He was the foremost leader in our local Church, in order to keep a marriage strong, your right hand holds me fast. the religious life. We owe it to God and our Church for decades in ecumenical and inter- holy, and enjoyable. children to call upon the Harvest Master for religious alliances, as he was well respected Msgr. King did so much more for the Psalm 63:2-9 more help because people are troubled and among the Jewish and Protestant leaders for Church and in living the Gospel than I abandoned like sheep without a shepherd his labor of fi nding common ground and can put into words here, but the following Th rough the years Msgr. King has (Matthew 9:36). We need more men and values, as well as overcoming social injustices Psalm was prayed at his bedside as he entered baptized thousands into salvation in Christ women to give their lives over to Christ like in the local community. eternal life which sums up the way he chose Jesus; celebrated more than 1,000 weddings; Msgr. King to live completely for the Lord. He built Immaculate Conception to live his life with steadfast faith in God. labored and welcomed over 1,000 people into Th e harvest is abundant but the laborers are Church, as we now know it, from the ground full communion with the Catholic Church; few, so ask the master of the harvest to send up, and he did the same in the 1970s at St. A soul thirsting for God celebrated the Holy Sacrifi ce of the Mass out more laborers for his harvest. Andrew's parish in Southwest Fort Worth. over 18,000 times so that others may receive Obviously, Msgr. King did more than He always made time for anyone who O God, you are my God, for you I long; Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist; he heard his share of the labor. Th ank you Msgr. asked, a remarkable gift of concern and for you my soul is thirsting. confessions and absolved sins by the tens King! Well done, good and faithful servant. love for the individual, especially given My body pines for you of thousands; he visited those in hospitals, May others feel the need to step forward the pressures of being a pastor day-in and like a dry, weary land without water. nursing homes, and homebound by the and respond to the challenge and call from day-out with over 3,000 families to care for, So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to thousands; he visited the imprisoned and Christ! which often causes many pastors to limit see your strength and your glory. the institutionalized; he visited thousands of their personal contact in order to devote families to ensure the Good News of Christ themselves to the concerns of administering For your love is better than life, dwells in the home; and he was up before May the soul of the 50 or more ministries of the parish that my lips speak your praise. sunrise every day to begin his morning also build up the Body of Christ. Th rough So I will bless you all my life, prayers; and labored well into the night Msgr. King, and all the prayer and dedication he always found a way in your name I will lift up my hands. for over 50 years as a Catholic priest, even to do both. My soul shall be fi lled as with a banquet, during his lengthy illness. faithfully departed, through He was one of the best at marriage my mouth shall praise you with joy. Msgr. King chose to lay down his whole the mercy of God, preparations and Engaged Encounter classes life to bring us the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as he often brought humor and the reality On my bed I remember you. foregoing marriage, embracing obedience rest in peace. Amen! of marriage home to those engaged, making On you I muse through the night to Christ and the Church, and embracing NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 13 Catechesis

By Lucas Pollice his month, we celebrate present in the Sacrament of the Altar, in the members of the Church with Christ and the branches. He states: which she discovers the full manifestation one another in the Eucharist expresses the We return to the biblical image of the vine the great Solemnity of of his boundless love. reality of the mystical Body of Christ. Th e and the branches, which immediately lends Corpus Christi, when — Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 1 great Vatican II theologian Henri de Lubac itself to a consideration of fruitfulness and T states: life. Engrafted to the vine and brought the universal Church ponders the Th e Church’s very life and mission is to life, the branches are expected to bear great gift of the Body and Blood of dependent upon the Eucharistic presence Th e head and the members make one single fruit: “He who abides in me and I in him, of Christ which gives the Church her body; the Bridegroom and the Bride are he it is that bears much fruit” (John 15:5). Christ given to us in the Eucharist. meaning and purpose, and makes her “one fl esh.” Th ere are not two Christs, one Bearing fruit is an essential demand of As we refl ect upon the Eucharist, we are existence through the lives of every member personal and the other “mystical” … the life in Christ and life in the Church. Th e reminded of one of the more powerful and an eff ective sign of Christ’s salvation. “For Church is not just a body, but the body person who bears no fruit does not remain most quoted passages from the Second the liturgy, ‘through which the work of our of Christ; man must not separate what in communion: “Each branch of mine that Vatican Council: “Th e liturgy is the summit redemption is accomplished,’ most of all in God has united — therefore, “let him not bears no fruit, he [my Father] takes away” toward which the activity of the Church the divine sacrifi ce of the Eucharist, is the separate the Church from the Lord.” (John 15:2). is directed; at the same time it is the font outstanding means whereby the faithful may — Th e Splendor of the Church, 152 — Christifi delis Laici, 34 from which all her power fl ows” (Vatican II, express in their lives and manifest to others Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the mystery of Christ and the real nature THE EUCHARIST AND THE MISSION OF THE Th e Eucharist, the very means by which 10). Th ese profound words open to us the of the true Church” (Vatican II, Dogmatic CHURCH the Church is grafted to the vine of Christ, is mystery of the relationship between the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 2). the means by which the faithful bear fruit in Eucharist and the Church. For the very life Th is communion of love in the Eucharist the world. Th e Eucharist, as the “sacrament and mission of the Church is completely THE EUCHARIST AND THE UNITY OF THE with Christ and each other is also the source of communion” is the very vine that unites enfolded in the mystery of the Eucharist, CHURCH of the entire life and mission of the Church. the branches to give them life and bear the continuous real presence of Christ to Th e life of each and every member of the much fruit. Th us, the faithful, through self- his Church. Th erefore, the Eucharist is the Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and Church is intrinsically Eucharistic in nature, entrustment and communion with Christ font from which the mystery of the Church his union with all of humanity through and through a participation in the priesthood in the Eucharist, make present the profound is constituted and sustained as the mystical the reception of the Eucharist also reveals of Christ, all the faithful are introduced unity of the Church as the Body of Christ, Body of Christ, as well as the climax and and makes present the mystical Body of into the inner life of self-entrustment of and continue Christ’s mission to build the goal of the entire life and activity of the Christ, in which the Head is mystically the Holy Trinity. Christ, the New and Kingdom of God through faith, hope, and Church. united with each and every member of the Eternal High Priest, fully entrusts himself charity by bearing much fruit. Church. Th erefore, it is the Eucharist, which to the Father, obedient and faithful even Th is is why the celebration of the THE EUCHARIST AS THE HEART OF THE CHURCH is produced by the Church, which produces unto death. Th is self-entrustment of Christ Eucharist is at the very heart and center the Body of Christ, the Church. It is in the became the very foundation of his mission, of the Church’s mission and each of our It is through Christ’s real presence in Eucharist that each and every person is not and was actualized most profoundly in the lives. At every Mass we off er ourselves in the Eucharist that Christ is continuously only united to Christ, but in Christ, they Paschal mystery. Th rough the Eucharist, all sacrifi ce so that we can be transformed by the made present to the Church, and it is this are united to each other. Th us, the Eucharist the faithful are called to share in the same presence and grace of Christ made present presence that reveals the true nature and becomes the primary sacrament of not priesthood of Christ, off ering themselves as in the Eucharist. Th en more perfectly united mystery of the Church. In the same way only union with Jesus, but the unity of the a holy sacrifi ce to the Father with Christ. to Christ and to one another, we are sent out that the two disciples walking on the road entire Church: the sacrament of ecclesial Th is Eucharistic attitude is at the heart of into the world to do the work of Christ and to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the breaking communion. Th e Eucharist is at the heart the Church’s life, for it is through this gift of accomplish his mission. As Pope John Paul of the bread (Luke 24:31), it is through and foundation of the Church’s unity and self that the followers of Christ are brought again states: the Eucharist that the Church realizes her faith; it vivifi es and unites the members of into the self-entrusting communion of love nature and mission. By Christ being made the Church in mission and purpose into a between the Persons of the Trinity, and Proclaiming the death of the Lord “until sacramentally present to the Church, the spiritual organism, the living Body of Christ. are able to attain holiness of life through he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26) entails visible sign of the communion with God of Th e Eucharist also brings together all self-denial and active charity. By off ering that all who take part in the Eucharist the entire human race, the Church, in turn, the gifts and spiritual wealth of the Church themselves as a spiritual sacrifi ce through the be committed to changing their lives reveals herself as the sacrament of salvation and makes it one Body. United in faith and celebration of the Eucharist, the “sacrament and making them in a certain way to all the nations by which humanity is love through the Eucharist, the Church of love,” their whole lives and being become completely “Eucharistic.” It is this fruit of brought into communion with God. It is is made manifest and has her being. John "in Christ." Th rough this great off ering of a transfi gured existence and a commitment precisely through the Eucharist, the breaking Paul II states: “Th is drawing together and self in love and thanksgiving, the followers to transforming the world in accordance of the bread, Christ’s real presence, that the this union, the prototype of which is the of Christ truly die to themselves so that "it with the Gospel. Church’s life and mission has meaning. As union of the Apostles at the Last Supper, is no longer I, but Christ living within me" — Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 20 Blessed Pope John Paul II teaches: express the Church and bring her into being” (Galatians 2:20). (Dominicae Cenae, 4). Th is communion of self-entrustment is Th erefore, as we celebrate the solemnity Th e Second Vatican Council rightly Further, not only does the Eucharist also at the foundation of the mission of the of Corpus Christi, may we be more aware proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifi ce is constitute the Body of Christ, the Church, Church. Being in communion with Christ of our life and mission in the Church made “the source and summit of the Christian but also they are one in the same, for they means sharing in and fulfi lling his mission. manifest and strengthened by the Eucharist life.” “For the most holy Eucharist contains both are the living Body of Christ. Th is is Hence, it is the Eucharist in which the as we “go in peace to love and serve the the Church's entire spiritual wealth: Christ seen in the nuptial relationship between Church is united to Christ, and it is from Lord.” himself, our passover and living bread. the Eucharist and the Church. Th rough the the Eucharist from which the mission of the Background picture: Pope Benedict XVI carries a Eucharist, Christ the Bridegroom becomes Church fl ows “to go forth to love and serve Th rough his own fl esh, now made living monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament during and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he off ers “one fl esh” with his Bride, the Church, and the Lord.” Pope John Paul II connects the the celebration of the feast of the Body and Blood life to men.” Consequently the gaze of the the Church really and mystically becomes intimate relationship between communion of Christ in Rome June 11, 2009. (CNS photo/Giampiero Church is constantly turned to her Lord, Christ’s Body. Th is nuptial union between and mission to the parable of the vine and Sposito, Reuters) PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Features

God did not answer my prayers in the way I wanted or in the God is always right timing I wanted, but it turns out God was right on time. Th is is not a new phenomenon. Th ousands of years ago a mom had a wild son. She prayed for him incessantly on time, even when for years, and nothing seemed to happen. Th en, slowly but surely, through a long and winding road with many trials and ups and downs, St. Monica’s son, Augustine, fi nally began to we think He's late. consider devoting himself to Christianity. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)) Well, we all know the end of the story, as both are Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves after celebrating Mass on the feast of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican June 12. In his homily, refl ecting on the birth of By Jeff Hedglen saints now. St. Monica’s prayer for Augustine’s conversion to the Church, Pope Benedict said the Church was holy, "not thanks to the abilities of its Christianity took longer than she wanted, but again God’s members, but because God Himself, with his Spirit, created it and sanctifi ed it." once heard a story about a man walking on a beach timing was perfect. having a conversation with God. Th e man said “God, We are limited by time and space. We can only see where I read in the Scriptures that to you one minute is like we have been and where we are now. Our imaginations are a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” limited by our vocabulary, and too often our dreams are held I(2 Peter 3:8). God replied, “Why yes, that’s true." Th e man back by our fears. But God has none of these limitations. walked on a bit farther and then said, “Well, then is it true God transcends all limitations and is eternally present, that one dollar is like a million to you?” God replied, “I is the eternal Word, and suppose so.” So the man asked God “Can I borrow a dollar?” dreams bigger than we dare. God replied, “Just a minute.” God really is Th ese are the qualities of I think of this story whenever the issue of God’s timing our “on time God,” Who comes up. I’ve heard it said for years that when we pray there always on time, often seems out of sync with are three possible answers: Yes, No, and Not yet. I think I maybe not on our timetable. When this like the “not yet” answer better than the “no.” But at least happens, our task is to be ((CNS photo/Marcelo de Pozo, Reuters) with the negative response there is closure. It seems like patient in the waiting. our time, but at Pilgrims ride horses next to the shrine of El Rocio in the province of Huelva, southwest God’s timing is seldom in line with my plans. In times when I have Spain, June 11. Every year hundreds of thousands of people converge on the shrine in a Last December at a conference on Catholic Youth the right time. been impatient, I have pilgrimage honoring the Virgin of El Rocio (Virgin of the Dew) celebrated at Pentecost. The Ministry in New Orleans, I heard a gospel choir sing a song heard people say “patience church sits on the edge of the National Park of Donana, a marshland where fl amingos, herons and storks gather in the spring. with the following chorus, “He’s an on time God. He might is a virtue — that you don’t not come when you want Him but He’s right on time.” Th e have.” Th ey are right on both counts. Patience is a spiritual choir sang this line over and over, and each time I heard it, gift that I forget to call upon when I am awaiting an answer the message was planted deeper and deeper in my heart. God to prayer. Usually I try to do it all myself with will power really is always on time, maybe not on our time, but at the and any number of mental gymnastics of overthinking the right time. situation. But sometimes, after all the beseeching is done, all I thought I had my life planned pretty well. Work in the that is left to do is trust and wait. fi eld of youth ministry for a while, and along the way get a I wish I could take you all back to that convention center degree in counseling, so I could continue to help people after in New Orleans to be enveloped by the powerful experience a few fun years with the youth. Well after three tries, I did of hearing the impassioned proclamation that our God is an not make it into the counseling program I was shooting for, on time God, because the truth is, He may not come when so I decided to take the money I had been saving and visit my we want Him, but He’s always right on time. brother who was stationed in Germany. Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. Bartholomew Parish in (CNS photo/Ricardo Moraes, Reuters) To make a long story short, in the fall of 1992, instead Southwest Fort Worth, is the principal organizer of Camp Fort A priest celebrates Mass at the Brasilia Cathedral, in Brazil May 31. The Metropolitan of studying counseling, I was meeting my wife, and I have Worth each summer. Readers with questions can contact Jeff at Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecido, is dedicated to Mary under her title Our Lady of now been in youth ministry at the same parish for 25 years. jeff @stbartsfw.org. Aparecido, proclaimed by the Church as Queen and the Patroness of Brazil. Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com 1. Abraham’s son 3. Main artery 2. The ___ rejected by the 4. Initial stakes builder 5. Finish

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5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 15 Young Adult NEWS

Diocese plans first conference for Emerging adults July 9-10

By Juan Guajardo / Correspondent

ext month the diocesan Office of NYouth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry and members of St. Bartholomew Parish’s young adult group, Gethsemane, will host an event that will be the first of its kind in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Known as the “Emerging Conference,” the event, taking place July 9-10 at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport, is unique in that it will cater to Catholic young adults between the ages of 18 to 25, and will address that sense of disconnect and transition that young Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC adults in that age range often face. Young adult minister Jeff Hedglen explains the meaning and significance of the Mass to St. Bartholomew's Gethsemane group June 9.

The conference begins on Saturday July 9 at 1 p.m. decisions ….” and will feature music by Catholic musician and songwriter He continued, saying that members of this emerging Vicente Lujan, three keynote sessions with topics that include adult age group find themselves between life stages, The distinction of this group is that ‘What am I emerging from?’ and ‘Whirlwinds of Now!’ and struggling to find their place in life and in the Church, with evening prayer, Mass with Bishop Kevin Vann, as well as some “pretty definite ideas about what they want and what they still have some characteristics time for fellowship and group outings on Friday and Saturday they don’t want. And so I was very interested in the group nights. Registration which costs $45 (and will be $50 at the after we got back from the conference.” door) includes a snack, supper, and Sunday breakfast. Soon afterward, he and Hedglen approached the of adolescence, but they’re clearly Kevin Prevou, diocesan director of Youth, Young Adult, Gethsemane group, made up of about two dozen young and Campus Ministry, said the idea for the conference arose adults, all between the ages of 18-25, about putting together emerging as an adult. I mean, people after he and Jeff Hedglen, the youth and young adult minister a conference specifically for young adults their age. Together at St. Bartholomew in Southwest Fort Worth, attended a they helped plan and organize the program, promote the look at them as adults; they expect national conference on Catholic youth ministry and saw a event, produce a video about the conference and even develop video about “emerging adults” — those young adults ages 18 to the theme for the conference: “Lost?”. they’re going to be able to make 25 who generally have graduated high school, have graduated Melinda Valero, 23, a member of Gethsemane, was college or are still pursuing a degree, and oftentimes are also in involved in that brainstorming session for the theme of the adult decisions …. the workforce, but usually aren’t married with children. conference and said the theme was something many of the “The distinction of this group is that they still have some young adults in the group could relate to. characteristics of adolescence, but they’re clearly emerging “I graduated college not too long ago, so I know all — Kevin Prevou as an adult,” Prevou said. “I mean, people look at them as of my friends, we’re still struggling,” Valero said. “We’re Diocesan Director of Youth, Young adults; they expect they’re going to be able to make adult not really adults yet — we’re so young — but we’re not Adult, and Campus Ministry teens either, and [we’re] not in college anymore. So we kind of feel lost in the world, and that’s kind of how that theme came about,” Valero continued, as a way to say “if peers and have a back and forth conversation with Vogel. you’re lost in your faith” or may “I think this is a unique program for this targeted have lost your faith in college or age group,” Prevou said. “This is the very group that says somewhere else along the way, you can that the Church doesn’t pay attention to them, and right find your way back. now the Church is paying attention to them. So it’s a great Prevou said the keynote speaker will be opportunity for them to come and be able to share what’s Margaret Vogel, a ministry specialist with going on in their lives,” he said, “not only with other young the Diocese of Cleveland’s Youth and Young adults but also with the Church, so that we can hopefully be Adult Ministry Office, who has a great deal of more responsive to them, and we can invite them into” parish experience ministering to young adults. life as they make their home in this area. The conference will be highly interactive, To register, or learn more about the conference or to Prevou added. Instead of just a series of talks, view the Gethsemane group’s video about the conference, after each presentation participants will have visit the diocesan Young Adult Ministry website at www. a chance to engage in discussion with their fwdioc.org/YAM. PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

Though few and far between, young adult ministries throughout the diocese are reaching out to young adults and helping them to Reconnect to their faith and each other

By Juan Guajardo / Correspondent

oung adults make up a significant Yportion of the U.S. Catholic Church. According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 22 percent of current American Catholics are between the ages of 18-29. But the stats are sobering. Study after study points to the trend that young adults are usually the ones leaving their faith, or jumping to another one. And Pew’s research shows the Catholic Church is losing a great number of people while America’s religiously unaffiliated population is gaining greater numbers than ever before

(approximately 25 percent of whom are Photos courtesy of Chris Kastner young adults between the ages of 18-29). ABOVE: Young Adults from throughout the diocese socialize in a back room of Buffalo Wild Wings on Hulen Street in Fort In a landscape where these college-educated and Worth before the evening's Theology on Tap lecture begins. usually highly-skilled young adults are often missing from the pews, and from parish life in general, young adults Theology on Tap is a monthly gathering for young adults to in the Diocese of Fort Worth active in their faith and in socialize and learn about theological topics. young adult ministry groups and the Church are indeed the exception. But they’re also representative of the faith- driven, talented, and active young people that parishes RIGHT: Bishop Kevin Vann has been a frequent speaker for and the faith community can unite with to build a strong Theology on Tap, most recently addressing the changes occuring Church. They’re the products of young adult ministry EW OMAN ISSAL groups that have been actively supported throughout the in the N R M . diocese — ministries that Kevin Prevou, diocesan director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, and other relations department at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. aced with the loss of leadership, the young young adult ministers hope will continue to grow and care “Melinda has been crucial to the Young Adult Council Fadults involved in the combined young adult ministry for a vulnerable population that one young adult minister because she gives us multiple ways to invite young adults to group at Holy Family and St. Andrew Parishes in Fort calls “the future of the Church.” Theology on Tap, retreats, and other young adult ministry Worth, which goes by the acronym HFSA (pronounced But attracting an audience of young adults is a programs,” Prevou said. “As difficult as young adult ministry “Huffsa”), decided they had to step up. difficult task. Last year, there was a crucial need for a is to draw young adults, it would be near impossible without The ministry was the brainchild of two interns from volunteer publicity manager on the group that serves as the a comprehensive publicity coordinator like we have in Notre Dame University’s ECHO program in 2007. Seeing a organizational backbone for diocesan young adult ministry Melinda.” need for outreach to young adults at the parishes, the interns — the Young Adult Council (YAC) — so Prevou put out a Since last June her commitment has included decided to team up so they could share resources, expand call for help. producing the diocesan Young Adult Ministry (YAM) their parishes’ boundaries, and pull from a larger pool of Through the young adult ministry grapevine, Jeff newsletter, taking charge of the YAM Facebook page, young adults. But as their internship commitment neared Hedglen, the youth and young adult minister at St. sending out e-fliers about upcoming diocesan young adult a close, the young adults who joined the group realized Bartholomew Parish in Southwest Fort Worth, got word of events, and doing various other promotional tasks, all something had to be done to keep it going without their that need. He had a candidate in mind, Melinda Valero, and while helping out and staying involved at her home parish, guidance. So they formed a leadership team of about a dozen she was in his Tuesday night young adult Bible study. So he St. Bartholomew, juggling her job with the Rangers, and people, two of whom are currently staffers. told her about the council, and she decided to attend the next pursuing a master’s degree in public relations from Texas And so the ministry kept going. And growing. Genni council meeting. Christian University. Sayers, the youth and young adult minister at Holy Family, At that meeting, Valero expressed her interest in the “So she’s got a lot of other stuff going on, but she’ll take said there are about 150 people on the email list, although position, and the council voted unanimously to immediately the time to do this stuff because it’s part of her faith,” Prevou attendance hovers closer to 10-30 at the various events and bring her on board. It should come as no surprise. Valero said. programs the ministry offers. had a degree in communications with an emphasis in public Valero, 23, is just one of the many, many young adults in It’s a model program, Prevou says of HFSA. Not only relations and advertising from St. Edward’s University. She also the diocese who are stepping up to the plate to fill a need for had field experience thanks to her internship with the player ministering to their peers. SEE YOUNG ADULTS, P. 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 17 PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 19 PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 21

Young Adults … I did youth group in high school, and when I went to college up in

FROM PAGE 16 Denton I was really involved in the UNTWU Catholic Campus Ministry. So because it boasts one of the longer life-spans and larger followings in the diocese, but because of what it has done in when I graduated, there definitely was a void to fill there. “Where do I fit connecting young adults to Christ, their parish communities, and to their call to service. In providing a variety of activities, from the social and fellowship-related, to the faith-related in? I’m not in college anymore, but I’m not married with kids either.” and service-related, it has given young adults a way of connecting with their peers, with their parish, and with the — Amy Dossett community in general. Member of HFSA young adult group Sayers said there are several examples, but one of them came last winter when the young adults started helping the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society with their holiday food basket delivery. “It used to take them several hours, and now young adults got together and built a playground for an friends with the young adults at the HFSA group. we get it done in an hour,” Sayers said. “It’s something that orphanage in Juticalpa. “So I’ve been there ever since,” she said. would have gotten done, but it’s getting done easier and more “We did all the fundraising and got all the engineers effectively and efficiently with less hardship on the core of of the group who are good at that kind of thing to design a the St. Vincent de Paul Society by having the young adults playground, and we built it, and it got shipped over, and we urrently the diocese has no full-time young adult involved.” met it over there and put it together,” Amy Dossett said. Cministry staff. But several parishes have either part- Amy Dossett, 30, a member on the HFSA young adult Since its start, the group has rolled out activities like time staff or staff members serving as coordinators, group’s leadership team, said the ministry provided a place weekly Bible study; a Small Church Community program; including HFSA, St. Bartholomew, St. Mark Parish in for her to connect with other Catholics. Mass n’ Munch, where young adults attend Mass together Denton, and Good Shepherd Parish in Colleyville. The “I did youth group in high school, and when I went to and go out for dinner afterward; Catholic Ninjas, a group of young adult ministries at those few parishes are thriving, says college up in Denton I was really involved in the UNTWU young adult runners who compete in 5Ks, marathons, and Prevou. They’ve hit on an effective formula for attracting Catholic Campus Ministry,” Dossett said. “So when I everything in between; social activities like the Pint Night, young adults, and as a result are involving them with their graduated, there definitely was a void to fill there. ‘Where do where the young adults go out for a drink on the town; or the parish community and reaping the benefits. I fit in? I’m not in college anymore, but I’m not married with Saturday Soiree, where they meet up and have fellowship at What’s their secret? Genni Sayers, the youth and kids either.’” one of the young adults’ homes; the occasional sports outing; young adult minister at Holy Family, and Lisa Frank, her HFSA filled that void. In 2007, Dossett moved to Fort and various service opportunities that the group comes up counterpart at St. Andrew, say the success is mainly due Worth from Denton after completing her master’s at Texas with on a monthly basis. In the past the group has worked to guidance and support from the parish and from staff Woman’s University. She was looking for a new parish and with the homeless, sewn pillows for Cook Children’s Hospital ministers. was invited by a friend of a friend to come to a social outing and helped out at area food banks. Prevou agrees that parish support is crucial to ministries planned by the HFSA group, then only six months old. She like these, which are vulnerable to fizzling out within a year met new people and liked what the group offered, so she or two when led entirely by young adults putting in sporadic went to the next event too. he HFSA group also provided a way for time with little or no parish support. “It kind of just went from there…” the Holy Family THeather Larkin, 26, to get closer to her faith. That’s not to say the ministry should be completely parishioner said. “I definitely made a lot of great friends, After moving to Fort Worth from Tucson in 2009, staff-supported. In fact, Sayers and Frank say part of the people that I think I’ll be friends with and hang out with and she heard about Theology on Tap (TOT), a once-a-month success at HFSA is also due to it being a peer-driven ministry. grow with, hopefully for the rest of our lives. speaker series in the fall and spring hosted at Buffalo Wild The 10 young adults on the leadership team come up with “I met my husband there, so that was good too,” she Wings in Southwest Fort Worth by the diocesan Office of events and activities, help with the planning and promotion, added with a laugh. Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry. and Frank and Sayers provide logistical support for events, Her husband, Paul Dossett, was already a member of the “I didn’t know a single soul,” Larkin said. “When I went set up meetings, and give input here and there. That’s a group when she joined. She had met him a few times before to Theology on Tap for the first time ever I was very nervous sign of a successful ministry according to the United States at other events. Through the various activities the ministry meeting all those people, and I didn’t know anyone…. But Conference of Catholic Bishop’s 1996 young adult ministry provided, they started getting to know each other better, and, what made me feel great about this group was that they were pastoral plan, Sons and Daughters of the Light, Prevou said. after a while, Paul asked her out. After dating for a year and a so welcoming and really open to having new people. And “That’s what I say to [parishes],” Prevou said. “Your job half, Paul popped the question. They’ve been married for two there was always an activity going on, so I didn’t feel like as a parish isn’t to do everything for young adults. Your job years now. there was a wall or that they weren’t reaching out to me in is to support them so that they can minister to one another “We’re both really involved, and that’s good because we some way.” as peers, so they can make connections to Jesus Christ, met some really good friends and have had some very good At TOT, she met some people from St. Bart’s and she and all of these other goals that were named in [Sons and times,” Amy Dossett said. started going to the young adult Bible study there. Larkin Daughters.]” One of her favorite experiences was a young adult attended more events, and after participating in the diocesan mission trip to Honduras in 2008, where a bunch of the young adult event, Flag Football for Charity, she became SEE YA MINISTRY, P. 22

Photos by Juan Guajardo / NTC Photos by Juan Guajardo / NTC LEFT TO RIGHT: St. Bartholomew youth and young adult minister Jeff Hedglen leads a discussion during a meeting of the parish's Gethsemane group. The group was started just last year and has since grown and attracted a steady audience of 18-25 year olds. • Members of the Gethsemane group, including Melinda Valero (CENTER) and Manuel Olmos (FAR RIGHT), both quoted in the accompanying story, listen during a talk about faith. • Local Catholic musician and songwriter Vicente Lujan performs at a Theology on Tap gathering. Lujan will also be performing at the diocese's Emerging

Conference for young adults. Photos courtesy of Chris Kastner PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

f you build it, they will come.” Paul healthy, Jarzembowski said. YA Ministry … “IJarzembowski, coordinator of young adult ministry Prevou says his hope is that the diocese could get to for the Diocese of Joliet and executive director for a place where it can hire a full-time diocesan young adult the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association minister, and that more parishes around the diocese would FROM PAGE 21 (NCYAMA), is a young adult minister himself. In a recent take the initiative to name someone on staff as a liaison or interview with the North Texas Catholic, he said that young coordinator for young adult ministry. That person could then eff Hedglen was thrilled when young adult Ioely adult ministry as a whole isn’t doing well. facilitate and provide support to a developing young adult JPereda approached him in 2009 about meeting with her In recent years young adult ministry has become a victim ministry by helping get notices in the bulletin or helping and a group of her college-age friends once a week at a of the economy, with many dioceses nationwide cutting back reserve a meeting space at the parish. With crucial help like local Starbucks or eatery to talk about the faith and to answer and typically axing young adult ministry programs and staffers that, the group could grow and sustain itself. He adds that it some of their faith-related questions. first. With parishes also struggling financially, they aren’t needn’t be much of a burden on a parish, since young adults Hedglen, the youth and young adult minister at St. Bart, attempting to put their time or resources into reaching out aren’t a group that needs much handholding, but they’re a had noticed that college-age young adults were missing from to young adults — although the need and the audience are group with skill sets and ideas. his Tuesday night young adult Bible studies, even though he there. And then there are parishes that have ignored it from the Jarzembowski likens supporting young adult ministry to kept inviting them. So when given the opportunity to reach beginning, because if young adults aren’t in the pews and they “investing in a very good stock that has a lot of future” and out directly to them, he took it seriously. He was surprised aren’t coming, why bother? although it will take some time, he says, the payoff could be when he saw a dozen or more college-age kids at those casual “That’s one of the things that obviously we don’t like to stronger marriages, future priests, religious, lay ministers, weekly meetings. “Something’s going on here,” Hedglen hear, but that’s what some churches [say],” Jarzembowski said. church workers, teachers, masses of active and flourishing remembers thinking. It was a sight that told him there was a “That’s their reaction to young adults: ‘Why have something young adults, and a growing Church. desire to learn and connect with the faith, but it wasn’t being for an audience that isn’t showing up anyway?’ My counter to “What would it look like if every parish tomorrow made a met through the programs already at the parish. So from that is it’s kind of like ‘if you build it, they will come’ kind of decision that they were going to do that?” Prevou asked. “That those humble beginnings blossomed St. Bart’s Gethsemane theology in a sense,” he said, quoting the famous line from the they were going to, on purpose, proactively invite a group of group, made up of “emerging” or “younger” young adults — movie Field of Dreams. “That if we build an outreach to young young adults to come together and invite them to develop a specifically those between the ages of 18-25. adults and we really do an effort in evangelizing and getting peer ministry and say to them, ‘We will not leave you on your “It was really pretty great. We had great conversations out there, then the young adults will come later.” own. We will support you as you do this.’ I think great things and just asking questions on why we do this and why we There is some good news though. The few young adult could happen around the diocese…. I think amazing things do that,” Hedglen said. “So last summer I said we might ministries that do exist are doing “very good work” and are could happen.” want to make that a little bit more intentional and not so haphazard… and so we came up with this format.” The group, now about 25 strong, meets once a week for an hour (hence Gethsemane), to participate in praise and worship and to talk about a faith-related topic with Hedglen. Afterward, they usually go out as a group and grab a bite to eat. Manuel Olmos, 19, an accounting major at the University of Texas at Arlington and a long-time parishioner at St. Bart’s, said he has found a home with the group. Although he was involved in youth group and had continued to volunteer as a youth leader, he struggled to fit in at the parish after he graduated from high school. “After I left being a youth, there was really nothing to help me grow in my faith and learn,” Olmos said. “I didn’t like the Bible study [at the parish] that much because of the age gap between those people and us. We were a lot younger, so it felt awkward.” When he heard about the Gethsemane group, he started coming every week and kept learning more about his faith. Through the group he also continued his friendship with young adults he had known since youth group and met other young adults. According to Hedglen, those in the group have formed a strong tie with their faith, their parish community, and each other. He considers it a valuable extension to the young adult Bible study that has been at the parish since 1983, because it’s something that attracts that younger segment of young adults — unlike the Bible study which draws more married couples and young adults in their late 20s and early 30s. But he stresses that both programs have been successful. “I think honestly, the most significant factor in the success of the young adult ministry here is consistency,” Hedglen said of the ministry he has overseen for the last 10 years. “There’s Bible study every Tuesday; there’s Gethsemane every Thursday. The young adults are busy. They can’t come all the time…. There is no pressure to have to attend, but the consistency of it means that if they miss one week, they can be back next week. And because it’s consistent, the reason is for them to gather and meet up with each other, and then they begin to form friendships in the community without me involved.” Forming that fellowship is the key to keeping young adults connected to their faith and their parish community. Without fellowship, staying committed to the faith is a harder experience, he said. “It’s everything, it’s everything,” he said. “The Catholic Church is a church of community. By design Jesus set it up that way… He knows intimately that we’re made to be in community. We encounter God best in community.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 23 Vocations Seminarian Manuel Holguin ordained to transitional diaconate May 31 Story and Photos by ‘Oh my gosh! Now is the moment to ask some things about Kathy Cribari Hamer life!’ Correspondent “We went to that retreat, and it was a most important moment. It was 15 days after my graduation, but that moment Manuel Holguin’s grandmother, Maria Bonilla, always at the evangelization retreat was more important than my predicted her grandson was going to be a priest. “Grandma graduation. taught me about faith and to follow Jesus. Every weekend I “All my questions I had for God — they fell away, because went to Mass — and to all of her prayers and other things — I was so impressed. I am talking about faith — I found Jesus! I with my grandmother.” thought, ‘How…can I live without you?’” So it was, that after growing up and being educated “It was March 14, 2003. It was really good. In my life I in a large Catholic family in Chihuahua, Mexico, and felt — different, you know? Really totally different.” after receiving a degree in accounting and embarking on a At his ordination liturgy Bishop Vann instructed Deacon ABOVE: Newly ordained Deacon professional career, Deacon Manuel found himself following Manuel, “In the ministry of the word and of charity, which you described his choice of Manuel Holguin prepares the altar at his grandmother’s original impetus toward a priestly vocation. will now receive, the greatness of God must be proclaimed, not processional music, “Pueblo his May 31 ordination Mass. Helping Maria’s grandson was ordained on the feast of the only by your words that you preach, but by your life as well. de Reyes.” “It says royal him is permanent Deacon Barry Visitation, May 31, to the transitional diaconate at Immaculate “The greatness of God is something the world needs to people, holy assembly, people Sweeden of Immaculate Conception. Conception Church in Denton. know once again,” he said. “The vocation of the deacon is like of God, and I did a reflection BELOW: Bishop Kevin Vann lays Deacon Manuel’s mother, Guadalupe Ogaz, was present the Church showing the greatness of God.” about this. hands on Manuel Holguin, ordaining and gave him a benediction during the liturgy, at the sign of It was a matter of weeks after Deacon Manuel’s university “It is the Church, all the him to the transitional diaconate. peace. His father, Everardo Holguin was unable to attend. graduation that he had attended one life-changing retreat. assembly, all the baptized His grandmother had passed away two years earlier, but Then he experienced another, during Holy Week, that brought people, and all the Church. not before learning that her decades-old prediction was about him face-to-face with a vocation choice. The Church presents her to be realized. “I didn’t know anything about the seminary,” Deacon son — the candidate — and In his homily at the Ordination Mass, Bishop Kevin Vann Manuel said. “I talked about it with other friends, and finally I says ‘Oh God, I present explained the Visitation feast day Gospel, which speaks of went to the seminary to discover if this was my vocation.” you, my son. He was born traveling on a road. Finally during the activities of the pre-seminary, they went before in baptism, and now I “There is a road in front of you now, Manuel,” the bishop to a parish, “And in that moment,” Deacon Manuel explained, present [him to] you. Please said. “You and this road, should be, as St. Paul would say, ‘that “I discovered the needs of the people — we need priests.” consecrate him just for light shining in the darkness to all who come your way.’” “This day is a most appropriate day for you as you accept you and with you, but give During the early part of his life, Deacon Manuel had this step forward to the diaconate,” Bishop Vann said at the him back to serve me, his attended church on Sundays and followed the lessons of his ordination. “The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth is a model of mother,’” Deacon Manuel youth, “But I always had doubts about my faith, things I the journey of faith that must be yours as a deacon. Led by the explained. did not understand.” During his last year in university, an Holy Spirit, in this world that is often far from God, you must “This is important invitation to attend a retreat provided answers. seek out in service your vocation, those in need of consolation, because God is calling me to serve my mother the Church — “They told me there was a retreat for evangelization, and just as Mary sought out and visited Elizabeth.” baptisms, sacraments, sick people, the poor, the rich, all the that you would find Jesus — your personal God. And I said, In preparing his ordination liturgy, Deacon Manuel people, all the races. So it is beautiful to think about this.” Two seminarians to complete studies in Rome, declare candidacy at May 21 ceremony By Kathy Cribari Hamer attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where they were Correspondent active in the Catholic Students' Association. After graduating, Keating became a youth minister at St. Mark Parish in Denton. Two strapping, young, educated Texas men will take “We know each other from the seminary, but also through off for Italy next month, where they will live within sight of mutual friends,” said Matthew Tatyrek. “We both went to the Vatican, and daily walk the streets of the city where the Texas Tech. We met through a reunion of one of the ministries martyrs lived and died. The two will continue seminary study of the Catholic Students’ Association in Lubbock. they began two years ago at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving. “We are excited and nervous — it’s very exciting and very Matthew Tatyrek from Holy Family Parish in Vernon, good for our diocese I think.” and Joseph Keating from St. Mark Parish in Denton, are In prayer, Bishop Vann said, “Compelled by the love of enrolled at North American College in Rome, where, in the Christ and strengthened by the inner working of the Holy fall, they will begin their studies at the Gregorian University. Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer Spirit, you have arrived at the moment when you are to express At St. Patrick Cathedral May 21, the two participated in Seminarians Matthew Tatyrek (far right) and Joe Keating declare their openly your desire to be bound in Holy Orders for the service the rite of admission to candidacy, a step in the process toward candidacy, or intention to complete their studies, May 21 at St. Patrick Cathedral of God and humanity. This desire we shall receive with joy. ordination. Bishop Kevin Vann celebrated Mass, led prayers for during a rite of admission before Bishop Kevin Vann (far left), assisted by Deacon “From this day on, you must cultivate more fully your their vocational preparation, and heard their public declaration Don Warner, diocesan director of Liturgy. vocation using especially those means that can be offered to of intention to study for priestly ordination. you as help and support by the ecclesial community entrusted The bishop, who himself had studied at the North Christ.” with this task.” American College in Rome, said, “When you go through Candidates for ordination who make a public declaration Joe Keating’s mother, Priscilla, of San Angelo, said her all this study, you are inserted into the life of the Universal are trying to say, “this is the journey I wish to undertake,” the family has “kind of a calming sense of pride,” in her son Joe’s Church. You experience being close to the Holy Father, bishop explained in his homily. They are publicly declaring, vocation. “I knew he wanted to dedicate his life to a closeness walking the streets of Rome, walking the streets of the city for all the Church, “Send me, Lord, send me to help the people with the Church. He has a master’s in marketing, but said, where the martyrs came, where the martyrs lived, where who long to see your face, because I know that the need is ‘Mom, retail just isn’t my thing.’ He wanted to find out if this they’re buried, where their life and their examples — Peter and great, because He Himself in the Gospel says the harvest is was real — and I knew it was a matter of time. Paul and all the apostles and others — still live on. abundant but the laborers are few.” “So, after two years at St. Mark’s and all the wonderful “Matthew and Joe,” Bishop Vann said, in the rite of Families and friends gathered for the celebration, which things he experienced there,” she said, “he definitely made the admission, “we address these words to you who have already also included a post-liturgy discussion for the seminarians decision.” begun your formation. Through this formation you will learn and other young men discerning their vocations. After Mass, “Matthew and Joe,” Bishop Vann addressed the two each day to live according to the Gospel, and be strengthened Bishop Vann spoke to the assembled group, as did the two who seminarians, “we pray for you today as you enter this new and in faith, hope, and charity. By practicing these virtues you will are about to leave for Rome. important part of your life. You have the prayer and support of grow in the spirit of prayer and in zeal to win all mankind for Before entering seminary, Keating and Tatyrek both your families and of all of us.” PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

“What does it mean to be a priest?” Bishop Vann read John Paul’s writing. “According to St. Paul it means above all to be a steward of the mysteries of God. Th is is how one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

— Bishop Kevin Vann in his homily before the ordination of deacons Kheim, Kirkham, and Petta to the Order of the Presbyterate

Using the Oil of Chrism, Bishop Kevin Vann anoints the hands of (L. to R.) deacons Kheim, Kirkham, and Petta, sanctifying them and setting them aside for God's service. (Photos by Kathy Cribari Hamer)

FROM PAGE 1 and your paths to this day,” he said, will manage them justly and prays the prayer of consecration, Church have been bestowed on then director of seminarians for “I was in my offi ce at the Catholic responsibly, in exactly the same that the newly ordained may me,” Fr. Khiem said. “Standing the diocese, and said, “I’m ready Center, and I happened to look up way the priest receives from Christ joyfully accept their role of service beside the altar and looking down to go to the seminary.” He was on the wall of my offi ce. I saw the the treasures of salvation in order as Presbyter. at the people, at that time, I just disappointed to learn he had to one copy that I think was left of my to duly distribute them among the Th e priestly ordination of these thought how wonderful it is wait two years after his conversion ordination invitation 30 years ago, people to whom he is sent. three men attracted the attention of when diff erent races of people come before being admitted. now in the form of three small pots “Th e treasures are those of the diocese and a large attendance together in one house of the Lord. Father Richard Kirkham’s that hang on the wall in my offi ce.” faith,” Bishop Vann recounted. of those who had followed the men “I did pray that God and childhood neighbor in Oak Cliff His invitation, he told the “Th us the priest as a man is a man through their formation. Diocesan our Blessed Mary, our Heavenly was Sr. Donna herself, who was three then deacons, had a quote of the Word of God, a man of the seminarians served in diff erent Mother, bless and pray for everyone a high school senior when he from St. Paul’s fi rst letter to the mystery of faith.” capacities, and, said Fr. Kirkham, in the Church, especially those who was born. (“I was the baby of Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 1 Th e ordination of a Catholic the new priests appreciated their have been helping me successfully the neighborhood,” he said.) Th e and 2. priest takes place in a solemn participation. “I was with my come to the day of ordination.” product of a strong Catholic family “I liked the quote,” the bishop liturgy, during a sequence of brothers, and they were there to “My chalice is special,” Fr. in a mostly Catholic community, said, “but I wanted a diff erent traditional actions. First is the serve!” Richard said. “It is from 1957, and Fr. Richard was always faithful and translation, so I found a Jerusalem examination of the candidates, “My chalice was a gift from was given to a parish in New York active in the church, but continued Bible and it went something in which the bishop asks the men Father David Bristow, who is a by a family whose son had died. wondering and searching. like this: ‘People must think of to proclaim their willingness to mentor to me,” Fr. Phil said. “It My godmother — my childhood As he approached his us as Christ’s servants, stewards commit to the responsibilities of belonged to an Episcopalian priest next-door neighbor — purchased it 40th birthday, the successful entrusted with the mysteries of ordination; then the promise of who left it to him. Father received for me. I never knew the priest, but businessman asked himself, “What God.’” obedience, in which each of the permission from the widow to give his name is on the chalice, and I do I want to be doing when I die?” Th e bishop also referenced a men places his hands within those it to me. It means a lot to me. feel blessed to have it. His answer was that he wanted to refl ection from Blessed John Paul of the bishop as a sign of obedience “At the ordination I saw so “At the ordination, I was be serving God. “I had no more II, on the same Corinthians quote. and respect. many friends who had tracked me not overwhelmed with anxiety, I excuses, I began the process of Th e refl ection, he said, comes from Th e invitation to prayer occurs through the whole process. Th ey wanted to enjoy every moment. A entering the Fort Worth Diocese as a work entitled Gift and Mystery. when the men lay prostrate before were all from St. Mary, and have stand-out experience for me was a seminarian.” “What does it mean to be a the altar, as the celebrant and been supportive. when the bishop had anointed my Sr. Donna was the babysitter priest?” Bishop Vann read John congregation join in praying the “At St. Mary I am at home,” hands with oil, he wrapped them for Fr. Richard during his Paul’s writing. “According to St. Litany of the Saints. Fr. Phil said. “I don’t care if I with a cloth, then looked at me and childhood, but would miss the Paul it means above all to be a Th e ancient sign of ordination get sent to Vladivostok of Russia, said, ‘I’m proud of you.’” biggest development in his life. He steward of the mysteries of God. comes immediately afterward, St. Mary will always be home. It “When I went in the back entered the seminary in 2006; she Th is is how one should regard us: when the men kneel before the is the most special place in Fort to remove the cloth,” Fr. Richard passed away in 2008. as servants of Christ and stewards bishop, who lays hands on their Worth for me, and I was extremely fi nished, “my brother seminarians Bishop Kevin Vann spoke of of the mysteries of God.” heads, and prays in silence for the honored, pleased and thrilled to were waiting there to help me. Th is his own vocation history in his Th e refl ection explained gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wearing have my fi rst Mass there.” meant the most to me — they are homily at the June 4 Liturgy of that the steward is not the owner stoles, the symbol of the Order of “Th e day of my ordination, I the men I joined with, and these Holy Orders. but the one to whom the owner Presbyter, all priests present do the felt really happy because the love are the men who were fi rst to call “As I was thinking of all of you entrusts his goods, so that he same, and afterward, the bishop of God and of the people of the me ‘Father.’” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 25 At Right: Th e three ordinands prostrate themselves before the altar during the ordination liturgy in St. Patrick Cathedral, June 4. While they are prostrate, the assembly is praying the Litany of the Saints. Th is precedes the laying on of hands, invocation of the Holy Spirit, and ordination to the Order of the Presbyterate by the bishop, Bishop Kevin W. Vann. BELOW Top Row, Left to Right: Fr. Ken Robinson, Fr. Bob Strittmatter, and Fr. Ray McDaniel invoke the Holy Spirit on the newly ordained, following Bishop Vann's ordination of Fr. Phillip Petta, Fr. Richard Kirkham, and Fr. Kheim Van Nguyen. Fr. Nguyen Tuan Nha, Fr. Juan Rivero, vicar for priests; and Fr. Kyle Walterscheid, director of vocations, do likewise. Th e newly ordained are welcomed into the priesthood with fraternal hugs. Here Fr. Philip Petta is welcomed by Bishop Vann. Middle Row, Left to Right: Fr. Phillip Petta prays from the altar during the ordination Mass, for the fi rst time as a priest of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Fr. Kheim receives a welcome from a brother priest, welcoming him to the priesthood. Fr. Kirkham prays at the altar for the fi rst time as a priest of the diocese, as Bishop Vann looks on. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Frs. Kirkham, Kheim, and Petta each give Bishop Vann their fi rst blessing as newly ordained priests. All photos by Kathy Cribari Hamer PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Come to me, all “I consider that you who labor and are the suff erings of this burdened, and I will present time are as give you rest.” nothing compared — Matthew 11:28 with the glory to be revealed for us.” — Romans 8:18 July 3, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: 1) Zechariah 9:9-10 July 10, Fifteenth Sunday Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 in Ordinary Time. 2) Romans 8:9, 11-13 Cycle A. Readings: Gospel) Matthew 11:25-30 1) Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalm 65:10-14 2) Romans 8:18-23 By Jean Denton Gospel) Matthew 13:1-23

hankfully, it’s no longer politically correct for award winners to thank T“all the little people” who helped them reach their achievement. Such By Jeff Hedglen recognition carries an unseemly air of superiority and disrespect. In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus indeed contrasts the wise and learned to t seems as though every time I turn on the news another horrible “the little ones.” But He does it in a way that elevates the latter. Th at is his Ievent has occurred. One day it is an earthquake and tsunami in Japan; intent. To those who aren’t blinded by their self-reliance, Jesus teaches, the another day it is war in Afghanistan or elsewhere; another day it is one grace of God’s love and strength is revealed. more EF5 tornado tearing through one or more states; another day it is I’ve witnessed that truth more than once while visiting my church’s mighty rivers cresting from an overabundance of rain or wild fi res because twin parish in Haiti. of too little. In our twin’s remote village, the people have meager education and Th ese are the big stories that make the national news. But daily, in little material wealth. Yet God’s presence is foremost in the consciousness much less-noticed corners of the world, there is bullying and peer pressure, of these “little ones” as they constantly acknowledge that everything they physical and sexual abuse, hunger and neglect, and drug and human have and hold is a gift of God. traffi cking. Today as I prepare for another trip to Haiti, I look forward to regaining Just when I am about to be overwhelmed, I read St. Paul’s message this perspective through the faith of our Haitian community. for us this week: “I consider that the suff erings of this present time are as Last time I was there, I introduced our parish group to my longtime nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.” I fi nd it hard to friend Venel. With his keen intellect and wide range of talents, Venel take comfort in these words because I am afraid they somehow lessen the would surely be a government or business executive if he lived in a circumstances of all those suff ering in today’s world. Yet, I know Paul is developed country. speaking from a fi rsthand knowledge of suff ering while still holding out As it is, he ekes out a bare livelihood through two small enterprises hope in faith. in his Haitian town. He also is youth minister and music minister of Paul himself had been shipwrecked and imprisoned, and he lived in a his parish. He’s taught scores of people how to play a variety of musical time of extreme persecution of the Church by the Romans, yet even in the instruments. He has established a ministry to poor, elderly widows, and face of such hardship and fear he found a reason to hope. he and his wife, who have two young daughters, have taken into their He was living the message Jesus gives us in the Gospel: “Th e seed sown household fi ve more needy children. on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed It’s no wonder that every time I see Venel he’s a little thinner and more bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” He knew that the worn down than before. But Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn seed of faith had been planted in his willing heart, and thus the fruit it was from me … and you will fi nd rest for yourselves,” and Venel believed him. bearing and would continue to bear would outweigh his current suff erings. When we came to his house, although his face looked tired, Venel Th e mystery of the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus tells us that received us graciously, passed out bottles of water, and spoke to my friends whatever suff ering comes our way is not the end of the journey; it is but on their very fi rst day in his country, explaining how diffi cult life is for his a pathway to the glory of God. Th is does not diminish the suff ering fellow Haitians. experienced, and it does not take the pain away, but it does give us a reason “But I am constantly aware of living the Gospel. It is the way to to hope, for while we groan here on earth, we await our redemption in heaven,” he said, as the fatigue lifted from his face. eternity.

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: When has the truth of the Gospel been revealed to you through an As people of faith, how do we face times of extreme suff ering and unlikely source? What in your life sometimes obscures the simple unexplainable tragedy? How have you navigated the hard times in reality of God’s love? your own life? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 27

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up July 17, Sixteenth Sunday “For your to now….” in Ordinary Time. might is the source — 1 Kings 2:12b Cycle A. Readings: of justice; your 1) Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 mastery over all Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 things makes you July 24, Seventeenth 2) Romans 8:26-27 lenient to all.” Sunday in Ordinary Time. Gospel) Matthew 13:24-33 — Wisdom 12:16 Cycle A. Readings: 1) 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 By Sharon K. Perkins Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130 2) Romans 8:28-30 had a conversation the other day with a group of colleagues, who also Gospel) Matthew 13:44-52 Ihappened to be parents of young children, and we were sharing stories of various parenting techniques we observed. A couple of techniques and characteristics stood out as both exemplary and very eff ective. Th e “Look” By Jeff Hensley was high on our list. Having just observed the “Look” used by a young mother of four ne of our diocese’s outstanding pastors, Msgr. Charles King, passed during Mass, I could describe it well: Whenever one of her brood became Ofrom among us quite recently. His wisdom, compassion, and pastoral disruptive, she simply fi xed her eyes on him or her with an expression that nature made him a much admired and beloved fi gure. Monsignor, as he could have meant anything from, “You know that there will be severe was most often called, was an especially important fi gure in my own life, consequences for your behavior when we get home,” to “I’ve taught you as I came into the Catholic Church through his priestly ministry in 1974. how to behave appropriately in church and I’m really disappointed in you In this week’s reading from the First Book of Kings, Solomon answers right now,” to “I know you’re hungry/tired/need to go to the potty but I’m the Lord’s off er to give him anything he would ask, saying, “I serve you sure you’re capable of lasting a while longer!” in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that Sometimes the “Look” was accompanied by a raised eyebrow, a it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an gentle touch on the shoulder or a whispered word, but there was never any understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from question about who was in charge. wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” Whatever unspoken family “code” had been established, there was an As pastor of several large parishes, Msgr. King must have prayed a obvious, underlying assumption of parental authority that was calmly prayer like this at some time. Indeed every pastor must, like Solomon, look communicated, justly applied and gently enforced. It also indicated that out on the people whose spiritual care has been entrusted to him and ask Mom was fully aware of each child’s unique limitations and capabilities God for the wisdom to make good and wise decisions as shepherd of that and was prepared to respond accordingly to each one’s age-appropriate fl ock. need. Each of us, lay or ordained, is called to act wisely on behalf of those for Although she must have had her moments of fatigue and frustration whom we are responsible in one way or another, whether family members, (she was human, after all!), there was no drama, no fl are of temper, no co-workers, friends, or acquaintances. demonstrated resentment. From my vantage point in the pew behind Th e psalm response points us to the source of wisdom, to be found them, I was duly impressed. in the law — the commands — of the Lord. Additionally, the Romans Today’s readings convey these same unmistakable messages of God’s reading tells us that all things “work for good for those who love God, just yet gentle treatment of all his children, regardless of our individual who are called according to his purpose.” capabilities and defi ciencies. God’s lenience is also God’s strength. God We are assured that in God’s words we will fi nd wisdom and eventual compensates for our inadequacies in prayer. When the seeds of goodness in positive benefi ts (sometimes in eternity) as we face life’s challenges. Th e our lives are contaminated by sin or evil infl uences, God doesn’t petulantly passage in Romans goes on to assure us of God’s assistance in becoming overreact or intervene prematurely, but he patiently entrusts us with the the people he desires us to be: “For those he foreknew he also predestined time and encouragement we need to learn from our mistakes — albeit to be conformed to the image of his Son….” with the assurance of our eventual accountability. It’s the constant, unwavering “Look” of love that gives us, God’s children, “good ground for hope.” QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Have you been overwhelmed by the responsibilities you face in In what specifi c way(s) has God dealt leniently with you? How has caring for others? Where have you found the strength, wisdom, and God’s example of kindness and justice taught you to treat others, love to make the right decisions? especially those who are entrusted to your care? PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Nuestro Pastor Habla Las vacaciones son un tiempo ideal para refl exionar sobre la Palabra de Dios

Queridos Hermanos y importante en la vida, o sea, la escucha de Con todo esto en mente, ¡las vacaciones Hermanas en Cristo, la Palabra del Señor. no son el momento para tomar unas — Angelus, 18 de julio de 2010 vacaciones de practicar y vivir nuestra fe l comenzar estos meses de católica! Las vacaciones no nos excusan Refl exionando sobre el conocido pasaje verano, ahora es un momento la obligación de ir a Misa los domingos. del evangelio donde Marta está ocupada para nosotros de hacer una pausa Incluso cuando viajamos, todavía tenemos la trabajando para proporcionar hospitalidad, y refl exionar sobre los muchos obligación de asistir a Misa el domingo, donde donesA y bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado en y María está sentada a los pies del Señor, el estemos, y tenemos la responsabilidad de hacer Santo Padre nos recuerda que, mientras el nuestras vidas, especialmente el don de la vida los planes apropiados antemano para estar trabajo y las tareas de la vida cotidiana son y el don de la fe, que nos sustenta en nuestra seguros de ir a Misa mientras estemos lejos. necesarias, y siempre están presentes, María vida cotidiana y nos ayuda contra los muchos Especialmente hoy día en nuestro mundo ha elegido la mejor parte porque ella se centra desafíos que a menudo enfrentamos. tecnológico, existen muchas herramientas a en lo que en defi nitiva es más importante y Al pensar sobre las últimas semanas—que nuestra disposición que nos pueden ayudar a lo que durará para siempre—nuestra relación me han mantenido tan ocupado—han sido localizar cuándo y dónde podemos ir a Misa con Dios. No podemos permitir que el ajetreo una enorme bendición para mí, pues he tenido dónde estemos, herramientas como www. de nuestras vidas—e incluso las muchas cosas el privilegio de celebrar el Sacramento de la masstimes.org. Es más, hay una aplicación que hay por hacer—sean un obstáculo en Confi rmación con tantos jóvenes a lo largo de para el teléfono móvil que puede darle nuestra relación con Dios. El Santo Padre la diócesis, así como con casi 100 adultos en información sobre los horarios y lugares de la Monseñor Kevin Vann nuevamente nos dice: la Catedral de San Patricio en Pentecostés. Sé Misa dondequiera que se encuentre. que estas últimas semanas han sido también apostólica sobre la catequesis, Catechesi La palabra de Cristo es clarísima: ningún Esto también es un buen momento para la ocasión para muchas primeras comuniones, Tradendae, ”¡Qué contacto asiduo con la desprecio por la vida activa, ni mucho recordarnos cómo nos podemos preparar así como la recepción de unos 1.000 nuevos palabra de Dios transmitida por el Magisterio menos por la generosa hospitalidad; sino propiamente, cómo nos podemos vestir católicos a través de la diócesis durante la de la Iglesia, qué familiaridad profunda con una llamada clara al hecho de que lo adecuadamente, y cómo podemos mostrar Vigilia pascual. Todo esto es un gran signo Cristo y con el Padre, qué espíritu de oración, único verdaderamente necesario es otra reverencia cuando asistimos a Misa, incluso de que la Iglesia está viva y creciendo, no qué despego de sí mismo ha de tener el cosa: escuchar la palabra del Señor; y cuando estemos de vacaciones. En primer sólo aquí en el norte de Texas, sino a través catequista para poder decir: «Mi doctrina no el Señor en aquel momento está allí, lugar, debemos estar bien preparados para de todo el mundo, pues cada vez hay más y es mía»!’” (6) ¡Gracias por su trabajo y sepan ¡presente en la Persona de Jesús! Todo lo asistir a Misa y recibir la santa comunión. más personas que responden a y aceptan la fe que todo lo que están haciendo logra hacer demás pasará y se nos quitará, pero la Tres cosas son necesarias para ir a comulgar Católica. Esto me trae a la mente las palabras una gran diferencia en la vida de la Iglesia y en palabra de Dios es eterna y da sentido a dignamente. En primer lugar, debemos estar del Concilio Vaticano II en la Constitución el mundo! nuestra actividad cotidiana. (ibíd). en estado de gracia; es decir, si estamos en dogmática sobre la Iglesia, Lumen Gentium, Estos días de verano son también un estado de pecado mortal, entonces debemos que nos enseña que ”Iglesia es en Cristo como tiempo de vacaciones y escapadas en que Las vacaciones, lejos de ser un tiempo recibir el sacramento de la penitencia antes un sacramento, o sea signo e instrumento de tomamos algún tiempo lejos del ajetreo de de dejar de lado nuestras obligaciones de de recibir la santa comunión. Sin embargo, la unión íntima con Dios y de la unidad de la vida, la escuela y muchas otras actividades nuestra fe, son realmente un momento ideal no signifi ca que no deberiamos asistir a Misa; todo el género humano” (1). A través de estos que tienen lugar durante las otras épocas del para refl exionar sobre la palabra de Dios y todavía debemos asistir a Misa el domingo, sacramentos de iniciación, realmente estamos año. De hecho, es importante que tengamos la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas. Esta pero no podemos recibir la comunión hasta viendo a Cristo trabajando a través de su algún tiempo, especialmente durante el temporada, lejos del ajetreo y distracciones que hayamos ido a la confesión. En segundo Iglesia como el instrumento de la salvación en verano, para descansar y refl exionar, no sólo de la vida cotidiana, se convierte en un lugar, es necesario ayunar una hora antes de el mundo, reuniéndonos como el cuerpo de para nuestro propio descanso físico, sino momento perfecto—como la de María en el recibir la santa comunión. Se trata de una Cristo—la Iglesia—y llamándonos a ser sus también para nuestra vida espiritual. Las evangelio—de sentarse a los pies del Señor preparación física y espiritual para la recepción instrumentos y testigos en todo el mundo. vacaciones y el descanso pueden y deben y renovarse en nuestra fe y nuestro amor por de la Presencia real de Cristo en la Eucaristía. Me gustaría aprovechar esta ocasión para ser un buen momento para la renovación el Señor, y recordar que nuestra relación con El ayuno eucarístico es muy importante en la agradecer especialmente a todos ustedes de las espiritual, cuando nos alejamos del ajetreo Cristo y su presencia en nuestra vida es lo preparación de nuestros corazones, mentes y parroquias que han dado tanto de su tiempo y las distracciones de la vida cotidiana para más importante. Sin su gracia y su amor no cuerpos para la recepción de Jesús. Por último, y esfuerzo en la preparación y catequesis refl exionar sobre las bendiciones de Dios, podemos hacer nada. Como concluye el Papa se debe creer que Jesús esta verdaderamente de quienes han recibido la confi rmación especialmente las bendiciones de la vida, la Benedicto en su mensaje: presente en el cuerpo, sangre, alma y divinidad y la primera comunión. También quisiera familia y la fe. El Papa Benedicto XVI, que Queridos amigos: como decía, esta página de la Eucaristía. agradecer a aquellos que fueron recibidos en la siempre toma un tiempo libre en el verano del Evangelio es especialmente adecuada Es más, debemos prepararnos para plena comunión con la Iglesia Católica en la para sus vacaciones y descanso (y para escapar al tiempo de vacaciones, pues recuerda la Misa vistiéndonos adecuadamente, con Vigilia pascual. Después de haber sido párroco del calor de Roma), nos ha dado una hermosa el hecho de que la persona humana debe ropa apropiada y modesta, digna para de varias parroquias en Illinois—ambas refl exión sobre cómo las vacaciones pueden y trabajar, sí; empeñarse en las ocupaciones adorar a Dios y para recibir a Cristo en la grandes y pequeñas, rurales y urbanas—sé deben ser un momento de refl exión sobre la domésticas y profesionales; pero ante Eucaristía. Nunca debemos usar vestimenta de primera mano cuán dedicados están en presencia de Cristo en nuestras vidas. Afi rma todo tiene necesidad de Dios, que es luz que distraiga o sea una falta de respeto a los su ministerio, y cuán desinteresadamente se el Santo Padre: interior de amor y de verdad. Sin amor, demás. Las vacaciones no nos dispensan de entregan al compartir y dar testimonio de hasta las actividades más importantes este importante requisito. Debemos vestirnos su fe. Su papel como catequistas en la vida Estamos ya en pleno verano, al menos en pierden valor y no dan alegría. Sin un como si estuviéramos visitando a alguien muy y la misión de la Iglesia es imprescindible, el hemisferio boreal. Es el tiempo en el signifi cado profundo, toda nuestra acción importante, ya que ¿quien es más importante pues son verdaderamente instrumentos de que cierran las escuelas y se concentran la se reduce a activismo estéril y desordenado. que Cristo? Por último, nunca deberíamos Cristo, guiando a otros a una comunión con mayor parte de las vacaciones. También Y ¿quién nos da el amor y la verdad sino mascar chicle durante la Misa, y siempre la persona de Jesucristo y su Iglesia; en un las actividades pastorales de las parroquias Jesucristo? Por eso aprendamos, hermanos, deberíamos recordar de desactivar nuestros sentido es como si entraran al misterio de se reducen y yo mismo he suspendido a ayudarnos los unos a los otros, a teléfonos celulares para evitar una interrupción Cristo compartiendo no su propia enseñanza, las audiencias por un período. Es por lo colaborar, pero antes aún a elegir juntos la o distracción a otros durante la Misa. sino la enseñanza y persona de Jesús. Como el tanto un momento favorable para dar el parte mejor, que es y será siempre nuestro Papa Juan Pablo II enseña en su Exhortación primer lugar a lo que efectivamente es más mayor bien. (Ibíd) CONTINUADA A LA DERECHA NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 29 Noticias de la Iglesia Tribunal rechaza escuchar apelación de ley de matrícula estatal para inmigrantes WASHINGTON (CNS) — asuntos hasta que haya decretos de de inmigración sea mantenida de residente a inmigrantes legalizado de inmigración. El Tribunal supremo de los Estados tribunales federales menores o de confi dencial. indocumentados, porque ésta Nacionalmente la legislación Unidos el 6 de junio rechazó tribunales supremos estatales que Otros 11 estados tienen también permite que ciudadanos conocida como la Ley DREAM escuchar una apelación de la estén en confl icto en asuntos de leyes similares. En Maryland, estadounidenses que satisfagan permitiría que estudiantes que ley de California de una década leyes federales. que aprobó su versión este año, las cláusulas también asistan fueron traídos a los Estados que permite que inmigrantes Desde enero del 2002 opositores están reuniendo a universidades de California Unidos cuando niños tuvieran indocumentados y otros que no California ha permitido que fi rmas para poner una pregunta pagando tarifas de residente aunque la oportunidad de legalizar su tengan residencia estatal asistan a estudiantes paguen matrículas más en la papeleta electoral del 2012 no tengan residencia estatal. estado de inmigración asistiendo universidades pagando tarifas de bajas para residentes del estado si procurando derogar la ley. El Los Angeles Times informó a la universidad o sirviendo en la matrícula como residentes del estado. se han graduado de una escuela Otros 12 estados se rehúsan que unos 41,000 estudiantes milicia estadounidense. La Ley de La acción permite que la secundaria después de asistir a esa explícitamente a permitir matrícula aprovecharon la cláusula el año desarrollo, ayuda y educación de política continúe. escuela durante tres o más años. de residente para personas que pasado, con la vasta mayoría menores extranjeros fue aprobada en Sin comentarios, el tribunal En casos donde estudiantes estén en el país ilegalmente. asistiendo a colegios comunitarios. la Cámara en el 2010 pero no pudo rechazó escuchar la apelación no tienen estado inmigratorio El Tribunal supremo de El periódico dijo que 2,019 obtener los 60 votos necesarios para de un decreto de noviembre del legalizado, California requiere que California decretó que la nueva estudiantes universitarios pagaron vencer la amenaza de una medida Tribunal supremo de California ellos soliciten legalizar su estado lo ley no está en confl icto con matrícula de residente bajo la ley obstruccionista en el Senado. sustentando la ley. El tribunal más pronto posible y requiere que una prohibición federal de que durante el 2009 y se cree que unos Ésta fue presentada nueva- a menudo rechaza intervenir en la información acerca de su estado los estados otorguen estado 600 de ellos carecían de estado mente en el Senado el 11 de mayo.

La Escuela de ministerios laicales está ofreciendo un ciclo de cursos de verano Por Michele Baker sobre cultura y moral, encabezada por adultos; y Shawn Finer, quien trabaja ha escrito un libro sobre el para formar a los laicos católicos Corresponsal el Monseñor Michael Olson, rector con TriQuest, una empresa que matrimonio. Es un excelente orador para servir en la Iglesia. Usando La escuela de ministerios laicales del Seminario Santísima Trinidad. proporciona servicios de tecnología y un buen sacerdote”. las sagradas escrituras y la doctrina del Instituto Papa Juan Pablo II ”Michael es la persona perfecta informática para la diócesis. Con Otros oradores de las sesiones cristiana, el programa ofrece está ofreciendo un ciclo de cursos para esto”, dijo el Padre Carmen su extensa gama de conocimientos, en español incluyen el Pedro entrenamiento en cuatro áreas de verano. A diferencia de la Mele, OP, director de la escuela. podrán cubrir una amplia variedad Moreno, Director de la catequesis ministeriales: pastoral, litúrgica, programación de las clases que van ”No sólo tiene un conocimiento de temas, desde talleres sobre el hispana en la Iglesia de San Pedro catequética y social. a comenzar en el otoño, las sesiones sorprendente — acaba de obtener ministerio de jóvenes adultos y la en White Settlement; el Padre Este ciclo de cursos de verano, de verano están abiertas a todos su doctorado de la Alphonsianum nueva traducción del misal romano Angel Infante, de la Parroquia de tanto en inglés como en español, en la diócesis independientemente en Roma — sino también su a dos secciones avanzadas sobre el Todos los Santos en Fort Worth; y tiene un costo que fl uctúa entre de su afi liación con el curso de capacidad de comunicarse es uso de Power Point. el Padre Mele. Cursos de español $15 a $30, dependiendo del curso. dos años. Este verano, la escuela encantadora. Es un orador con un La serie de conferencias en incluyen una clase de preparación Información para la matrícula ofrecerá dos sesiones, una en inglés gran sentido del humor”. español se centrará en la teología para la celebración del bautismo, está disponible en el sitio Web (16-23 de julio) y otra en español Presentadores adicionales del matrimonio y contará con el especial para los padres y padrinos; diocesano, www.fwdioc.org, bajo (11-23 de julio). incluyen el Padre Carmen Mele, Padre Héctor Medina, Párroco de una conferencia sobre el ministerio “Upcoming Events”. Preguntas o La serie de conferencias OP; Padre Th u Nyugen, Párroco de la Iglesia San Mateo en Arlington. de sanación; y un curso para la comentarios pueden ser dirigidas al en inglés, titulada La cultura la Iglesia de San Jorge en Fort Worth; ”El Padre Medina es bien preparación de quinceañeras. Padre Carmen Mele, OP, o a Lucia estadounidense y La moral católica, Kevin Prevou, director diocesano respetado en nuestra diócesis”, La escuela de ministerios laicales Romo (817) 560-3300; cmele@ contará con una semana de debates del Ministerio para jóvenes y jóvenes explicó el Padre Mele. ”Incluso, de la Diócesis de Fort Worth existe fwdioc.org, [email protected].

Todo esto es muy importante, descansar y refl exionar sobre la El Papa dice que Moisés medió por Israel no sólo en nuestra propia vida presencia y las bendiciones de Dios personal de fe, sino también en en nuestras vidas. nuestra obligación de ser un testigo como Cristo medió por la humanidad positivo para otros de cómo vivir CIUDAD DEL VATICANO charlas durante las audiencias papales dios comprensible que correspondiera y practicar nuestra fe. Nuestra (CNS) — Moisés estaba dispuesto enfatizando la importancia de la a sus ideas y a sus proyectos”. reverencia en Misa y hacia todas + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD a sacrifi carse a Dios por los pecados oración y su poder transformador. Dios estába dispuesto a las cosas que son sagradas es uno Diocesis de Fort Worth del pueblo de Israel, justo como El Papa Benedicto relató la destruirlos por orarle a un dios falso, de los dones del Espíritu Santo, el Jesucristo más tarde se sacrifi có por historia del Libro del Éxodo cuando pero Moisés, en oración, le suplica don de la reverencia o la piedad. De los pecados de la humanidad, dijo el a Moisés, quien había estado perdonarlos y que “se muestre más muchas maneras, nuestra cultura ha Papa Benedicto XVI. ayunando durante 40 días para fuerte que el pecado y la muerte”, dijo perdido de vista este don, el don que Durante su audiencia semanal el prepararse para a recibir los Diez el Papa. En realidad, segun el Papa, nos ayuda a reconocer todo lo que 1o de junio en la Plaza de San Pedro el mandamientos, un Dios iracundo Dios le dio a Moisés la oportunidad es santo. Que todos nos esforcemos Papa Benedicto dijo que la intercesión le dice que en su ausencia el pueblo de interceder, “revelando así que siempre en ser testigos de la santidad de Moisés, en la cual pidió el perdón de Israel ha hecho un becerro de oro el deseo de Dios es siempre la a través de las maneras en que de Dios a nombre de ot ros, i nv it a a los para adorarlos. salvación”. amamos y vivimos nuestra fe. cristianos a reconocer sus pecados y E l Pap a d ijo que e s to er a p orque e l Al pedir perdón, el Papa dijo, Ruego que todos ustedes ser salvados mediante la misericordia pueblo, después de haber sido liderado Moi s é s no d a e xc u s a s , si no que a d m ite tengan un santo verano, una de Dios. por Moisés para salir de Egipto, no el error y apela a la misericordia de temporada de vacaciones llena de La explicación del rol de Moisés p o d í a entender e l m i s ter io de u n Dio s Dios, “quien le ofrece al pecador la bendiciones, y la oportunidad de fue la más reciente en una serie de invisible, y por lo tanto produjo “un posibilidad de regresar a Él”. PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Monseñor Charles King 1931-2011 Bien amado pastor muere a los 79 años l monseñor Charles B. King, PA, de 1969, el padre diocesano fue Earcipreste del Decanato Norte y asignado a la Iglesia de St. Andrew. pastor emérito de la iglesia Immaculate En 1975 el Papa Pablo VI nombró Conception en Denton, falleció el como monseñor al padre King, y la miércoles 1º de junio, de un tipo poco fl oreciente parroquia del pastor — en común de cáncer del hígado. Tenía el suroeste de Fort Worth — comenzó 79 años. a atraer más familias jóvenes a su “El monseñor King me explicó colegio católico adjunto. En 1979 fue la historia de la iglesia en el norte de asignado a la parroquia donde creció, Texas”, comentó el obispo Kevin Vann, Sacred Heart Church, después de un quien no conocía mucho de Texas tornado devastador que arrasó todo y y el suroeste cuando fue nombrado dañó severamente a la comunidad de obispo en 2005. “Le debo mucho. Wichita Falls. Estando allí, coordinó Pude conocer a la gente de la diócesis una iniciativa interreligiosa de auxilio de Fort Worth a través de sus ojos”. a los damnifi cados. El obispo presidió la Misa de “Todos lo querían”, recuerda MONSEŃOR CHARLES B. KING Funeral para el difunto monseñor el el padre Tim Th ompson; su primer (Foto de Chris Kastner) 9 de junio en la iglesia Immaculate trabajo como sacerdote fue en Sacred ARRIBA: El Obispo Kevin Vann consagra la Eucaristía durante la Misa de Funeral para Conception en Denton. Heart, cuando monseñor King era el Monseñor King en la iglesia de Immaculate Conception de Denton. Desde cuatro Luego de conocerse durante una pastor. “El monseñor King no estaba días antes, el féretro del Monseñor King fue velado sucesivamente en cada una de las sesión de planifi cación antes de la satisfecho con el status quo. Siempre parroquias que había presidido: St. Andrew’s en Fort Worth, Sacred Heart en Wichita ordenación hace seis años, el obispo pensaba que las cosas podían mejorar. Falls, St. John’s en North Richland Hills, e Immaculate Conception, donde Monseñor King Va n n y e l mon s eñor for ja ron u n v í nc u lo Su legado a la diócesis es el ejemplo era pastor emérito al momento de su muerte. (Foto por Carl Oberman) de respeto mutuo. Y, aunque el obispo, de su servicio total a los demás”. El más joven, tenía un cargo superior padre Th ompson remplazaría más al pastor de la iglesia Immaculate tarde al monseñor King como pastor parroquia y ex-alumna del padre King ABAJO: Muchos de quienes tomaron parte del primer retiro ACTS de Denton en español Conception, admite que dependía de en la iglesia St. John the Apostle de en Bishop Lynch High School. “Nos dijo se reunieron para rendir tributo al Monseñor King durante la Rosary el 8 de junio en la la experiencia y sabiduría del sacerdote North Richland Hills en 2000, y en que les abriéramos nuestros corazones iglesia Immaculate Conception de Denton. (Foto por Carl Oberman) de 79 años. la iglesia Immaculate Conception en y hogares a los menos afortunados”. “Lo llamaba todo el tiempo para abril de este año. Como buen pastor, animaba a los pedirle consejos”, admitió el obispo Byanka Peff ers describió los doce católicos no practicantes que tuvieran Vann. “Lo consideraba un buen amigo”. años del monseñor King en la iglesia cualquier queja contra la Iglesia a que “E r a u n c on s t r u c t or ”, d ijo e l obi s p o de St. John como un torbellino de contaran su historia. con admiración. “Sin embargo, no se actividad diaria. Del 1988 al 2000 “Entendía que muchas veces la trataba solamente de nuevas iglesias se formaron nuevos ministerios; se gente solamente necesita ser oída”, y escuelas. Formaba comunidades de añadió un centro para la vida familiar dijo Mary Wolfl e, su secretaria de personas adonde fuera”. al edifi cio central de la iglesia; y St. mucho tiempo, tanto en St. John como Nacido a Jean Leahey King y John fue la primera parroquia de los Immaculate Conception, explicando Charles King el 5 de noviembre de suburbios ofreciendo una Misa en el método de evangelización del 1931 en Wichita Falls, el joven Charles español para la creciente población monseñor. “Tal vez nunca supiera si sirvió como monaguillo en Sacred hispana del área. volverían a Misa; sin embargo, quería Heart Church. Después de graduarse “Muchos se alborotaron”, Peff ers plantar una semilla. Los resultados de Wichita Falls Senior High School admitió, “pero el monseñor era más que vendrían más tarde”. en 1949, obtuvo su licenciatura en nada un hombre de negocios y muy El padre Jeff Poirot, pastor de 2007, el monseñor King asumió su K i n g se d i f u nd ió por l a d ióc e si s el 1º de economía y ciencias militares de diplomático. Reconocía la necesidad la parroquia de Holy Family en Fort enfermedad con el mismo valor y junio, una avalancha de condolencias Georgetown University en Washington, de una Misa en español”. Worth, comentó que, siendo colega estoicismo que mostró el Papa Juan llegó a la ofi cina de la iglesia. D.C., en 1953. Luego se graduó con Si la ofi cina de la parroquia estaba del monseñor King en Immaculate Pablo II: nunca se quejó de su deterioro “Tocó muchas vidas”, dijo García. una licenciatura en teología sagrada abierta, el monseñor King también Conception, le enseñaron que un cura de salud, pero odiaba ver a otros “Pensé, ‘Me gusta trabajar con y fue ordenado el 16 de diciembre de estaba detrás de su escritorio. Días debería ser respetuoso de los miembros sufriendo o dolidos. gente, y las personas que he notado 1956 en el North American College en de 12 horas y citas en las noches eran marginalizados de la comunidad de la Los feligreses se unieron en trabajan mejor con la gente son Vatican City por el obispo Martin J. típicas para él; era un administrador fe — especialmente los enfermos, los oración cuando la condición física del los sacerdotes. ¿Cómo sería ser un O’Connor. energético. incapacitados, y los inmigrantes. Para monseñor King se empeoró a fi nales sacerdote diocesano?’” comentó el Su primera asignación en la Cuando las temperaturas caían ayudar a los trabajadores inmigrantes, de mayo. Muchos fueron al servicio de monseñor King, refl exionando sobre Diócesis de Dallas-Fort Worth fue bajo cero en Denton — donde estaba muchos de quienes no podían ir a oración y asistieron al rezo del rosario su vocación al sacerdocio, en una como pastor asistente en la Parroquia la parroquia Immaculate Conception, Misa los domingos por trabajo o por de la Divina Misericordia, o guardaron entrevista en el North Texas Catholic de St. Pius X, en Dallas, donde estuvo lugar de su última asignación problemas de transporte, el monseñor vigilia durante las 24 horas de adoración en 2009. “En todo lugar donde fui desde septiembre de 1957 hasta 1965. — el monseñor ofrecía a los más King a veces organizaba Misas del Santísimo Sacramento. Cuando la asignado, la gente fue maravillosa. Y Como un joven sacerdote, el padre necesitados un lugar cálido para semanales en hogares privados, aún noticia del fallecimiento del monseñor me encantó estar con ellos,” añadió. King también trabajó de consejero y dor m i r. Si e l g i m n a sio de l a p a r ro qu i a cuando tenía difi cultades hablando profesor de religión en Bishop Lynch estaba ocupado, los indigentes español Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada High School en Dallas, y de vicario dormían en el santuario. Acoger a los “Sin embargo, ponía su alma y Si usted o alguien que conozca es abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, auxiliar e instructor religioso en Nolan desamparados y abrirles la propiedad vida en todo, y sus feligreses lo querían víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada Ext. 900 por parte de cualquier persona que Catholic High School en Forth Worth. de la Iglesia preocupaba a algunos mucho”, recordó el padre Poirot, quien ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por Igualmente, sirvió como vicario para feligreses, quienes argumentaban que creció en Denton. empleado, o miembro del clero, puede el canciller/moderador de la curia, el las reservas militares. Desde 1967 esta práctica les podría aumentar el En el 2008 obtuvo el honor más reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: padre Stephen Berg. hasta 1969, sirvió como vicerrector seguro y exponerlos a problemas de a lto d a do a u n s a c erdote c u a ndo e l Pap a Mecanismo para reportar abuso ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de y luego como rector del seminario de litigación. Benedicto XVI lo nombró apostólico asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Holy Trinity. “El monseñor insistía que Jesús protonotario, a solicitud del obispo 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo Servicios de protección (Servicios de Cuando la diócesis católica de no rechazaría a nadie”, comentó Mary Kevin Vann de Fort Worth. electrónico a [email protected] protección de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400. Fort Worth se estableció en agosto García, gerente de operaciones de la Diagnosticado con cáncer en el ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY 2011 PAGE 31 National News Of Catholic Interest Court declines to hear appeal of law on in-state tuition for immigrants By Patricia Zapor to attend California colleges at in- Catholic News Service state rates even though they lack WASHINGTON — The U.S. state residency. Supreme Court declined June 6 to hear Th e Los Angeles Times reported an appeal of a decade-old California that about 41,000 students took law that allows undocumented advantage of the provision last immigrants and others without state year, with the vast majority of them residency to attend college at in-state attending community colleges. tuition rates. Th e paper said that in 2009, 2,019 Th e action allows the policy to university students paid in-state continue. tuition under the law, with about Without comment, the court 600 of them believed to lack legal declined to hear the appeal of a immigration status. November ruling by the California Nationally, legislation known Supreme Court upholding the statute. as the DREAM Act would allow Th e court often declines to intervene students who were brought to the in issues until there are rulings from United States as children the chance A young woman cries after watching from the Senate gallery as the DREAM Act was defeated Dec. 18, 2010. The legislation, which to legalize their immigration status lower federal courts or state supreme would have provided a chance for young people brought into the United States illegally as children to go to college or join the military courts that are in confl ict on matters and legalize their status. It was re-introduced in the Senate May 11. (CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters) by attending college or serving in of federal law. the U.S. military. Th e Development, Since January 2002, California lawful immigration status, California its version this year, opponents are legally. Relief and Education for Alien has allowed students to pay lower requires them to fi le to legalize their gathering signatures to put a question Th e California Supreme Court Minors Act passed the House in in-state tuition if they graduated st at u s a s soon a s possible a nd requ ire s on the 2012 ballot seeking to repeal ruled that the law did not confl ict with 2010 but failed to get the 60 votes from a California high school after that information about immigration the law. a federal prohibition on states granting necessary to override a fi libuster threat attending the school for three or status remain confi dential. Another 12 states explicitly residency status to undocumented in the Senate. more years. Eleven other states have similar refuse to allow in-state tuition for immigrants, because it also allows It was reintroduced in the Senate In the case of students without laws. In Maryland, which passed people who are not in the country U.S. citizens who meet its provisions May 11. Catholic University returns to single-sex dorms to curb drinking, ‘hooking up’ Inside Higher Education says CUA may be fi rst of colleges to change from coed housing to single-sex dorms

By Carol Zimmermann supported by recent studies. He university that had changed from college. Catholic News Service noted that according to some studies, coed housing back to single-sex He also said he initiated the WASHINGTON — John Garvey, students in coed housing are more A handful of U.S. Catholic dorms. possibility of single-sex dorms when president of Th e Catholic University of likely than students in single-sex In the coed dorms at Catholic he was interviewed last year by the America in Washington, announced residences to consume excessive colleges off er only single- University, men and women reside university’s board of trustees. June 13 that the university would be amounts of alcohol, known as binge on separate fl oors. Regina Conley, a rising junior at taking a stand against binge drinking drinking, and have permissive sexual sex dorms, including A handful of U.S. Catholic Catholic University and editor of the and the ”culture of hooking up” by attitudes or casual sexual relationships Belmont Abbey in Belmont, colleges off er only single-sex dorms, student newspaper Th e Tower, told phasing out coed dorms. referred to as ”hooking up.” including Belmont Abbey in Belmont, CNS by phone in Raleigh, N.C., that He likened the move to a ”slightly Garvey specifically cited North Carolina; Ave Maria North Carolina; Ave Maria University the announcement was generating a old-fashioned remedy” to combat Christopher Kaczor, a philosophy in Ave Maria, Florida; Christendom lot of student conversation through what he described as the ”two most professor at Loyola Marymount University in Ave Maria, College in Front Royal, Virginia, Facebook and Twitter. serious ethical challenges college University in Los Angeles, for Franciscan University of Steubenville Th e overall reaction of Catholic students face.” pointing out the data from these Florida; Christendom College in Ohio; John Paul the Great Catholic University students seems mixed, she Th e shift will begin with next studies. University in San Diego; and the said, with girls more in favor of it and year’s freshmen, who will be assigned In a May 11 article, ”Rethinking in Front Royal, Virginia, University of Dallas. guys against it. Since it doesn’t aff ect to single-sex residence halls. Single-Sex Dorms” in First Th ings Garvey, who spoke to Catholic current students, she pointed out that Garvey made the announcement magazine, published by the Institute Franciscan University of News Service by phone June 15 the reaction might be somewhat more public in an op-ed piece in Th e Wall on Religion and Public Life, Kaczor Steubenville in Ohio; John while he was in San Francisco, said subdued. St. Journal where he said the transition argued that ”by reducing levels of he was surprised that there had been Conley called the decision a will ”probably cost more money” and binge drinking and participation Paul the Great Catholic so much reaction, primarily positive, ”great move” because it ”sets the will involve architectural adjustments in the hookup culture, universities to his decision. ”I think it touched a school apart.” She wasn’t sure if it as well as a change in the ratio of committed to the academic and University in San Diego; and cultural nerve,” he added. would impact binge drinking or s t udent s a d m it te d e a c h ye a r. ”But ou r ethical growth of students can better He said the decision came about premarital sex since that can also students will be better off ,” he wrote. fulfi ll their mission. Th e time has the University of Dallas. after a lot of discussion, meetings take place off campus, but she said Th e university president, who has come to stop bemoaning campus and campus workshops focusing on the decision emphasizes ”even subtly” been at the school’s helm since last culture and to take concrete steps to developing student virtue. that students who choose to go to July, also said he knew his proposal improve the situation.” some universities. According to the The conversation about Catholic University are ”called to was countercultural, citing the fact At many U.S. colleges, coed news website Inside Higher Ed, the challenges today’s students face a higher standard and to respect that more than 90 percent of all dorms appeared in the late 1960s or Association of College and University started many years ago at the Garvey boundaries.” college housing is currently coed. early 1970s. In the past decade, coed Housing Officers-International home since he and his wife, Jeanne, ”It’s a good move by Garvey. Garvey said his decision is dorm rooms have been an option at was not aware of another college or have put fi ve their children through He’ll see good results,” she added. PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011

Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC Archives Photo courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano Msgr. King (second from left) wipes away a tear as he is honored with the title of Protonotary Pope Benedict XVI greets Msgr. Charles King and Sister Francesca Walterscheid, SSMN. The two Apostolic, the highest honor a priest can receive, along with the late Msgr. Hubert Neu (third were chosen to represent the Diocese of Fort Worth at the papal audience during the diocese's from left), at a Vespers service in 2008. Also honored were Msgr. Joe Scantlin (far left) and Msgr. 40th anniversary pilgrimage to Rome led by Bishop Kevin Vann in 2009. Phil Johnson (far right), who were given the title "Monsignor" at the service.

North Texas Catholic Archives priest do that the way he did.” Msgr. Charles King and Immaculate Conception Catholic School Over the years, the Hamer family welcomed Msgr. King Principal Elaine Schad break ground for the site of the new school Msgr. King … into their home as a frequent dinner and party guest. building in Denton on Bonnie Brae Street in 2001. “He was so much a part of our lives,” Beck said, looking FROM PAGE 36 back on their long friendship. “There wasn’t a decision or According to his sister, Mary King Kayser, the new problem he didn’t help me with.” graduate announced plans to enter the seminary the summer When Beck’s newest grandson arrived in the world just after finishing college. hours before the monsignor passed away, her son, Andrew His parents supported the decision to study for the Hamer, named the baby, Charles Joseph, in his honor. priesthood but were not enthusiastic about the bishop’s “Msgr. King knew the baby was going to be named after decision to send their only son to the Gregorian University in him, and I think that made him happy,” she added. Rome, Italy. As the monsignor traveled to different parishes and “It meant my brother would be gone for four years, worked with various church and civic groups, his circle of and people didn’t fly back and forth to Europe then,” she friends and admirers widened. Byanka Peffers described explained. “He was probably sent to Rome because he was Msgr. King’s 12 years at St. John the Apostle Church as one of the few seminarians who already had a college degree.” a daily whirlwind of activity. From 1988 to 2000, new Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC Archives Msgr. King prays a blessing over a pregnant mother and other visitors at the Loreto The 25-year-old North Texan graduated with a ministries were started, a Family Life center was added to the House Catholic Life Center chapel, where he served as chaplain, in 2009. Licentiate in Sacred Theology and was ordained on Dec. church building, and St. John’s became the first suburban 16, 1956 at the North American College in Vatican City by parish to offer a Spanish Mass for the area’s growing the Most Rev. Martin J. O’Connor. His first assignment in Hispanic population. the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth was assistant pastor to St. “That ruffled a few feathers,” Peffers admitted, “but Pius X Parish in Dallas where he remained from September the Monsignor was very much a businessman and very 1957 until 1965. As a young priest, Fr. King also worked as diplomatic. He recognized the need for a Spanish Mass.” a guidance counselor and religion teacher at Bishop Lynch Keeping parishioners and staff members involved and High School in Dallas and assistant chaplain and religion informed was a priority. On Sunday mornings he’d address instructor at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth. the congregation about parish business and knew what was From 1967 until 1969, he served as vice-rector and then on the church calendar by scheduling a weekly meeting rector of Holy Trinity Seminary. with ministry directors. If the parish office was open, Msgr. When the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth was King was behind his desk. Twelve-hour days and evening established in August 1969, the diocesan priest was assigned appointments were typical for him; he was an energetic

North Texas Catholic Archives to St. Andrew Church. In 1975, Pope Paul VI named Fr. administrator. A young Father Charles King speaks at a banquet. King a monsignor and the pastor’s flourishing parish in “I’ve worked for the church 16 years, and I don’t know Southwest Fort Worth began attracting more young families anyone who put in as many hours in the office as he did,” to its adjacent Catholic school. said Peffers, a former bookkeeper who is now the parish’s Elaine and Frank Bettinger enrolled their five children business manager. in St. Andrew’s School during his tenure. Some of that time was spent planning staff field trips “He was a busy pastor but always made time to visit and fleshing out other ideas. the schoolchildren and hand out their report cards,” Elaine “He wanted us to do things together and bond as a unit, remembered. “That was so important to us as parents so we could serve the people better,” she explains. because we wanted our youngsters to experience the presence One year during Lent, he encouraged each staff person of a priest. He had an impact on them.” to spend a lunch hour visiting someone who was homebound. When the couple celebrated their 50th wedding “He always wanted us to see and understand that we

Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Archives anniversary last July, Msgr. King returned to his former were here for more than just working in a church office,” Msgr. King participates in a group discussion at the 2009 Texas Catholic Conference parish to say the Mass and attend the reception. He sent a Peffers continued. “Msgr. King was an awesome man who Summit on Catholic Schools held in Fort Worth. letter thanking the Bettingers for giving him the opportunity was concerned with taking care of people and taking care of to visit with old friends. the future of the church.” “But it was the greatest honor to have him travel from When temperatures dipped below freezing in Denton Denton to say the Mass for us,” she enthused. ”He was so — the home of his last parish assignment, Immaculate special.” Conception Church — the compassionate priest offered When another St. Andrew parishioner, Kathy Hamer the homeless a warm place to stay. If the parish gym was Beck, moved to Fort Worth from New Jersey 36 years ago, occupied, the transients slept in the sanctuary. Msgr. King not only convinced her to change parishes, he got Welcoming the homeless onto church property troubled the busy mother involved in a mission project. Before long, some parishioners who argued the practice raised insurance the newcomer met other church members who would become and litigation issues. lifelong friends. “The Monsignor insisted that Jesus wouldn’t turn people Photo courtesy of Peter Flynn “He was the kind of person who drew people in and away,” said Mary Garcia, parish business manager and former Msgr. King distributes holy Communion to pilgrims during a daily Mass on the helped them make connections,” she said, describing the diocese's 40th Anniversary pilgrimage to Rome in 2009. pastor’s charismatic personality. “I’ve never seen any other SEE PARISH IMPACT, P. 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 33

Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Lipscomb of Mobile, Alabama, a classmate Fr. Tim Thompson, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, kneels before the body of his of Msgr. King's from North American College in Rome, visits with Msgr. mentor. He led the large gathering in praying the Rosary June 8. King’s family following a Vespers Service on the eve of the funeral. Diocesan clergy remember their brother priest Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman variety was located,” Fr. Berg recalled. “My project was to By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Bishop Kevin Vann blesses Msgr. King's casket with incense during the June 9 liturgy. Correspondent gather different Texas fruit trees and incorporate them into the landscape.” When Msgr. Kevin Vann moved from his hometown of The skilled horticulturalist was also given irrigation duties. Springfield, Illinois to become bishop of the Diocese of Fort “On many hot Texas days, I had the task of making sure Worth in 2005, he journeyed into unfamiliar territory. The Monsignor’s vegetable garden was watered,” he added. culture of Bible-belt Catholicism is a little different from the Through their shared interest in nature and gardening, traditions of the Midwest and Northeast where the faith has the young seminarian learned valuable lessons about life and flourished for more than 200 years. the priesthood. Guidance and friendship came from an elder statesman of “Working with him in the garden was a wonderful the diocese, Monsignor Charles B. King. connection for us,” Fr. Berg adds. “Msgr. King taught me about the Church’s history in During his life, the busy Monsignor also found time to Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman North Texas,” Bishop Vann said, remembering the revered enjoy golf and casino games. Members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, of which Msgr. King was a pastor who died June 1 after a four-year battle with liver “Everybody loved him,” remembers Father Tim member, escort Immaculate Conception staff members bringing the offertory gifts cancer. “I owe a lot to him. I came to know the people in the Thompson whose first assignment as a priest was at Sacred to the altar. Diocese of Fort Worth through his eyes.” Heart Church in Wichita Falls where Msgr. King was pastor. The bishop presided at a Mass of Christian Burial for the Fr. Thompson would later replace Msgr. King as pastor of St. late Monsignor on June 9 at Immaculate Conception Church John the Apostle in 2000 and at Immaculate Conception in in Denton. April of this year. After meeting at a pre-ordination planning session six years “He was constantly on the go and interested in doing the ago, Bishop Vann and the monsignor forged a bond of mutual next right thing.” respect. And, although the younger bishop “outranked” the When Immaculate Conception Church moved from Elm pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, he admits relying on Street, on the edge of downtown Denton to a new site a few the 79-year-old priest’s experience and wisdom. miles away, the construction and relocation process took four “I called him all the time for advice,” Bishop Vann years. admitted. “I considered him a close friend.” “It was a monumental task,” Fr. Thompson said, “but he

A learned, industrious man, Msgr. King left each parish never let finances stop him.” Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman he served — St. Andrew in Fort Worth, Sacred Heart in Today the parish campus includes a church, offices, Men who attended Denton's first Spanish ACTS retreat in May of this year pay their final Wichita Falls, St. John the Apostle in North Richland Hills, rectory, gym, and school. respects to Msgr. King together. Msgr. King was a supporter of the ACTS community. and Immaculate Conception — with improved facilities, “Msgr. King wasn’t content with the status quo. He always new construction and a wider range of ministries. Getting thought things could be better,” he continued. “His legacy to parishioners to work together was one of his strengths. the diocese is his example of total service to other people.” “He was a builder,” the bishop said with admiration. Father Jeff Poirot said the late Monsignor taught him “But it wasn’t just about new churches and schools. He built that a priest should be mindful of the marginalized members communities of people wherever he went.” of the faith community, especially the ill, homebound, and A believer in ecumenical cooperation among different immigrants. denominations, Msgr. King was the diocese's ecumenical “Whenever he saw a need, he tried to find a way to fill officer. He was also a member of other interfaith organizations it,” observed the Holy Family pastor, who served with the like the Cattle Country Clerics and The Attending Clergy Monsignor as associate pastor at Immaculate Conception

Association in Denton. Church in Denton. Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman The busy pastor was also a long-time member of the The Monsignor encouraged Fr. Poirot to distribute holy Thousands of people paid their respects to Msgr. King. Upon his request, his body lie Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, and served, early in Communion and visit with every homebound person in the in state at each of the four parishes he served as pastor, with a Rosary prayed at each his priesthood, as an army chaplain. In recent years, he was parish at least once a month. To help immigrant laborers one. Here, people stand in line at Immaculate Conception June 8. appointed dean of the North Deanery for the diocese. who couldn’t attend church on Sunday because of work or “He loved being a priest and was an example of how to transportation problems, Msgr. King sometimes organized a pastor,” the bishop said. weekday Mass in a private home. The pastor’s Spanish skills One of the young priests he took under his wing was were a little sketchy. Father Steve Berg, now the vicar general of the diocese. The “But he put his heart and soul into it, and the people Montana native was a seminarian when he was assigned to seemed to love him,” remembered Fr. Poirot, who grew up in St. John the Apostle. Msgr. King quickly tapped into the Denton. newcomer’s field of expertise. Before beginning his studies, Fr. When the new priest would become overwhelmed by the Berg worked for a popular nursery chain and was an expert on pressures of balancing ministry and other time commitments, growing plants and trees. his more seasoned mentor would chide him by saying, “It’s a The seminarian was handed the responsibility of caring great life, Jeff. Don’t take things too seriously.” for the rectory yard. That advice continues to resonate for the young pastor. Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman “Msgr. King had 100 varieties of day lilies and irises “Msgr. King was right. Being a priest and bringing the The Immaculate Conception chapel was used for overflow crowds at the June 9 planted in a careful, systematic way. He knew just where every presence of Christ to people is a great life.” funeral Mass as live video was streamed and projected. PAGE 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 Monsignor was a King to us; his memory remains in our photographs and our hearts

EDITOR'S NOTE: Long-time NTC correspondent and columnist But almostldd never did I contribute to the Body Kathy Hamer was asked to write a personal reflection about of Christ when it was not in some way suggested or her family's relationship with Msgr. Charles King. This piece influenced by my dear friend and surrogate family member, is representative of the kind of man he was, and how he, as a Msgr. King. pastor, mentor, and friend personally touched each of us at the I pray he continues to suggest and influence. NTC, among countless other people. The first thing Msgr. King ever asked me was “Why aren’t you registered in this parish?” The second thing was “Would By Kathy Cribari Hamer you write a history of St. Andrew’s?” After that he branched out to mission projects, the ladies society, or creating a parish heh earliest Monsignor Charles King newsletter. That job stuck with me for years, and in some way, I believe, catapulted me to the North Texas Catholic. T pphotograph we own was taken in the When there was a lull in the volunteer action, Monsignor These would catch me after Mass or a parish retreat, and ask me photographs are taken didriveway of our first home, when he arrived for to perform a task like driving someone home. A lonely from Kathy Hamer's personal collection, dinner and a house-blessing. grandmother new to the parish from another state, or a and capture moments her family shared with Msgr. King. person of Italian descent — he had countless stock reasons for With my Instamatic camera I captured an connecting people with others who might enrich their lives, or our family photographs, sometimes at Thanksgiving dinners underexposed image of his car in the driveway, keep them attached to their church. He was clever like that. when we shared turkey and traditional Italian cardoons, which Artfully clever. he learned to appreciate. He would nibble at the turkey while and two small children running to him as My children grew up in the shadow of that Roman collar. we carved it, and cringe when I threw away the parts the kids he crouched with open arms. The children Each year, when we drove home from Colorado after didn’t like. He would rescue them and take them home. The visiting my mom, the children would be sad, as would I. So, turkey, not the kids. were wearing yellow outfits with their names a mile out of Pueblo I would dry my tears and announce We have Christmas photographs of him giving presents embroidered in orange on the backs of the pants cheerfully, “Don’t forget, we get to stop in Wichita Falls to see he selected for each child. For me he brought ones from parish Msgr. King on the way home!” and school bazaars, and it is those I cherish most. — a look I apparently thought was adorable, When we arrived at Sacred Heart Parish he might greet In addition to holidays, we captured photos and video because I sewed them myself. That flower child us with a dinner invitation and take us to Pioneer Restaurant. of him at five Hamer weddings, seven Hamer baptisms, four Or perhaps Monsignor would have corn popping there in the more house blessings, and once, on stage with my son Andrew, look WAS adorable, perhaps, in an early 1970s rectory. We’d share laughter, the kids’ antics, and accounts of in an improv comedy show. his most recent parish activities, as he dropped the names of Recently, in my new home, I found even more pictures. sense. many of his best families and acquaintances. He loved all of They were stashed in my new husband’s family albums, and The two children — Meredith and John — were the only them. were taken when all my children — and all of his — together ones I had then. They now have children of their own. Years later we visited him in North Richland Hills, at St. brought birthday cake to Monsignor one November at St. After that day we collected three-and-a-half decades of John the Apostle, and occasionally I took TCU students there Andrew’s Parish. We had decorated our cake with a plastic photographs, all with more (Julie, Andrew, and Abby) and to the parish’s Holy Thursday or Good Friday liturgies. Msgr. crown — an easy image, and heartfelt. successively bigger children, all wearing clothing created by King was proud of that parish too, and he introduced us to Monsignor was a king to us. A father, a grandfather, a their mom, and all with a black-suited, Roman-collar-clad anyone who hesitated or even feigned interest. best friend, an advisor, and a willing audience to my children’s gentleman who, for some reason, never changed. But his crowning glory, I believe, was the new Immaculate endless tales, musical performances, sometimes precarious He never changed at all. Conception Parish, which he spoke of with such love, pointing behaviors and slightly tasteless humor. When I reach Heaven and God asks me what I did to out the symbolism of each detail of the sanctuary; the He always laughed, he always listened. I hope he was build his Kingdom, I shall say I accomplished a miniscule amenities of the modern school. listening and could hear, before he died, when I told him how amount on most days, and, rarely, quite a large amount. Since the 1970s, Msgr. King has appeared in hundreds of much we would miss him. And how much we loved him.

“He chose the artist for our stained-glass windows and Kevin Vann. traveled to Germany to see how they were made,” Garcia “He loved his vocation above everything else except Parish Impact … explained. God,” she said. “He knew being a priest was what he was Instead of lead panes, the 16 windows that fill meant to do.” FROM PAGE 32 Immaculate Conception Church are etched stained-glass. And, as a caring shepherd, an important part of his student of Fr. King at Bishop Lynch High School. “He told The colors are soft, natural and blend with the stone of the ministry was welcoming people back into the flock. He us to open our heart and home to the less fortunate.” building. encouraged lapsed Catholics with a gripe against the Church The first year Immaculate Conception served as “Msgr. King loved those windows,” she added. “When to come and tell their story. an emergency shelter, the pastor would get up early and the sun sets on the west side of the church, the light enhances “He understood that many times, people just want to brew coffee for the visitors. As the ministry became more the pinks and blues in the most amazing way.” be heard,” Wolfle said, explaining the monsignor’s method organized, volunteers brought in an evening meal of hot soup Parishioners knelt in prayer beneath those windows as of evangelization. “He might never know whether they came or chili and prepared a small breakfast in the morning. Msgr. King’s physical condition worsened in late May. Many back to Mass, but he wanted to plant a seed. The results “One of his dreams was to open a homeless shelter in attended the Divine Mercy prayer service or kept vigil during could come later.” Denton,” Garcia said. the 24-hour adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Msgr. King faced his Planning and executing building projects was one of the As word of Msgr. King’s June 1 death spread across the illness with the same courage and stoicism shown by Pope Monsignor’s talents. He grew parishes making them bigger diocese, condolences poured into the church office. John Paul II. He never complained about his own failing and better. Under his leadership from 2000 to April, 2011, “He touched a lot of lives,” Garcia said. health but hated to see others hurt or suffering. Immaculate Conception purchased 21-acres for a new church Mary Wolfle, the monsignor’s longtime secretary, said “His main goal, next to getting to heaven, was reaching and school to accommodate the area’s fast-growing Catholic her boss was an efficient administrator and trusted confidant out to people,” said the secretary and devoted friend who community. The church was dedicated in October 2004 but but first and foremost a priest. In 2008, he earned the highest cared for the monsignor in his final days. “He had a strong lacked one feature the late monsignor coveted — beautiful honor given to a priest when Pope Benedict XVI named him prayer life. He could not have accomplished all that he did windows. protonotary apostolic, at the request of Fort Worth Bishop without that.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 35 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region July Dates August Dates 8-10 6 Classifieds KOINONIA RETREAT WEEKEND CALIX SUPPORT GROUP Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For information, 10 a.m. Director of Childcare Ministries contact Hank Martin at (972) 420-1400 or [email protected] or Sandy A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and others St. Andrew Catholic Church is searching for a Urick at (817) 595-5899. who are struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon Director of Childcare Ministries. Th is includes parish 17 Joe Milligan at (817) 431-5369. nursery services and Th e Learning Center (formerly ‘JAMMING’ FOR JESUS PDO) programs. Early learning childcare experience 5 - 8 p.m. - Our Mother of Mercy Church, 1001 East Terrell Ave., Fort Worth. 13 and computer skills as well as budgeting and expense For information, contact Joi Bernard at (817) 382-7148 or joibernard@yahoo. COME AND SEE VOCATION RETREAT management are required. Working with paid staff , com. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. - Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent, 1814 Egyptian Way, volunteers, the Childcare Advisory Board, families Grand Prairie. RSVP by Aug. 11. For information, contact Sr. Mary Paul and children requires good interpersonal skills. Th e 22-24 Haase at (972) 642-5191 ext. 24. RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT - INTERDENOMINATIONAL position requires leadership, supervisory skills and Fort Worth; for information, contact Rachel Ministries at (817) 923-4757. 20 an ability to unite all involved in a common purpose 2011/12 PARTNERS IN MINSTRY PROGRAM and vision for the ministry. Th e hours are 25 hours 28 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; seven-month program to be held at Most Blessed per week, which are fl exible, with some weekend and FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY Sacrament, 2100 N Davis Dr., Arlington. For information visit www. evening work required. Applications will be accepted ministriesoutreach.org or call (940) 382-3594. CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES, FAMILIES, FRIENDS through June 30. Th e preferable start date for this 7 p.m. - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For informa- position is August 16. Send résumé and cover letter to tion, contact Father Warren Murphy at (817) 927-5383 or Dorene Rose at (817) 329-7370. 25 [email protected]. FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY General Construction Services 29-31 CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES, FAMILIES, FRIENDS General construction work/repairs inside and out BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND 7 p.m. - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For informa- including topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, tion, contact Father Warren Murphy at (817) 927-5383 or Dorene Rose at Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For information, con- driveways, concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. tact the Beginning Experience team at (972) 601-4091 or dfwbe@hotmail. (817) 329-7370. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. com or www.beginningexperiencedfw.org.

Offi cial Assignments List of Clergy Appointments 2011, by Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD NEWLY ORDAINED DEACON Rev. Jacob Alvares SAC, appointed parochial administrator of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Rev. Mr. Cruz Manuel Holguín Ogaz, newly ordained “transitional” deacon, appointed as Deacon Mary parish, Decatur, Texas, St. John the Baptist Parish, Bridgeport, Texas, and St. Mary Parish, at Immaculate Conception Parish, Denton, Texas, eff ective June 1, 2011. Jacksboro, Texas, from parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi parish, Grapevine, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS Rev. Richard Kirkham, newly ordained, appointed parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Rev. John Pacheco appointed parochial administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Wichita Parish, Denton, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. Falls, Texas, from parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, Texas eff ective July 1, 2011.

Rev. Philip Petta, newly ordained, appointed parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, Rev. James Pemberton appointed parochial administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish, Fort Worth, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. Texas, eff ective August 1, 2011.

Rev. Khiem Nguyen, newly ordained, appointed parochial vicar of St. Michael Parish, Bedford, IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. Rev. José Gildardo Álvarez Abonce, upon presentation by his Religious Superiors of the “Confraternidad Operarios del Reino de Cristo”, appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary PAROCHIAL VICARS Parish, Fort Worth, Texas, eff ective August 1, 2011. Rev. Luke Robertson TOR, upon presentation by his Religious Superiors, appointed as parochial vicar of St. Andrew Parish, Fort Worth, eff ective April 13, 2011. Rev. Alejandro Hernández Garcia, upon presentation by his Religious Superiors, of the “Confraternidad Operarios del Reino de Cristo”, appointed parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Rev. Alfredo Barba Rodríguez appointed parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, Texas, Mary Parish, Fort Worth, Texas, eff ective August 1, 2011. from parochial vicar of St. John the Apostle parish, North Richland Hills, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. Rev. Oscar Sánchez Olvera, upon presentation by his Religious Superiors of the “Confraternidad Operarios del Reino de Cristo”, appointed parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Fort Rev. Amado Vallejo García appointed parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Wichita Falls, Texas, Worth, Texas, eff ective August 1, 2011. from parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. GRADUATE STUDIES Rev. John Hennessy appointed parochial vicar of St. John the Apostle Parish, North Richland Hills, Rev. John Robert Skeldon is appointed to graduate studies in Biblical Th eology at the Catholic Texas, eff ective August 1, 2011. University of America, Washington D.C., from pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Wichita Falls, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. PASTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS Rev. Msgr. Philip Johnson, is appointed “pastor emeritus” of St. Michael Parish, Bedford, Texas Rev. John Swistovich is appointed to Sabbatical at the Institute for Continuing Th eological eff ective July 1, 2011, and in residence at Holy Family Parish, Fort Worth, Texas, eff ective July 1, Education at the North American College in Rome, Vatican City State, from pastor of Our Lady 2011. Queen of Peace Parish, Wichita Falls, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011.

Rev. J. Michael Holmberg appointed parochial administrator of St. Michael Parish, Bedford, Texas IN RESIDENCE from July 1, 2011 until December 1, 2011, without prejudice to his role as pastor of Holy Cross Rev. Tigga Jeremias, HGN, upon presentation by his Religious Superiors, appointed as “priest in Parish, Th e Colony, Texas. residence” at St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland, Texas, eff ective June 1, 2011.

Rev. Sojan George HGN, appointed pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Wichita Falls, Texas, from pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish, Decatur, Texas, St. John the Baptist Parish, Bridgeport, Texas, and St. Mary Parish, Jacksboro, Texas, eff ective July 1, 2011. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, JULY, 2011 PAGE 36 Good Newsmaker Msgr. Charles King (1931-2011) Beloved pastor dies at 79 after more than

North Texas Catholic archives 50 years of active priestly ministry Photo by Chris Kastner A 1960 photograph of Father Charles King A portrait taken of Msgr. Charles King that ran in the Texas Catholic newspaper. By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen for the diocese's 2009 directory.

North Texas Catholic archives Msgr. King guides then-Bishop Joseph Delaney through the construction site of the future North Texas Catholic archives Immaculate Conception Church, which was Then-Bishop John Cassata of Fort Worth joins dedicated in 2004. Father Charles King, then-pastor of St. Andrew Church in Fort Worth, in a groundbreaking ceremony for the parish's new church building.

North Texas Catholic archives Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC archives In this early 2000s photograph, Msgr. King hands Photo courtesy of Carl Oberman Msgr. King receives the "ferraiuolo," or cape, that a piece of chalk to Madison, a young student at Bishop Kevin Vann holds up the host during the Eucharistic Consecration for Msgr. King's Mass of Christian Burial June 9. Bishop Vann is joined by priests from Supernumerary Apostolic protonataries may wear Immaculate Conception Catholic School. throughout the diocese, several of whom had served as associate pastors under Msgr. King's guidance during his more than 50 years of active priestly ministry. for non-liturgical events of special solemnity.

at Saulsbury still remembers the roaring The dinnertime funnel cloud took the lives of 45 Services which later became Interfaith Ministries, Inc. people, injured 1,700, and left 20,000 homeless. Damage to the Saulsbury home looked as if sound a killer tornado made as it ripped “Days later, we were still walking around “someone dropped a bomb” but the Sacred Heart the roof off her home on “Terrible traumatized.” parishioners were reluctant to ask for assistance. As residents of the tornado-ravaged community “We felt others needed it more, but the Monsignor Tuesday.”P The F4 twister, one of the worst in U.S. began rebuilding the city’s infrastructure and their lives, convinced us to accept help,” Pat Saulsbury admits. “He help arrived in the form of a hard-working priest whose pulled a lot of us through that time. He was a special history, is still a vivid memory for anyone living in “can do” spirit was matched only by his compassion person — a gift from God.” Wichita Falls on April 10, 1979. for others. Appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church The late monsignor grew up in the same Wichita weeks after the disaster, Monsignor Charles B. King is Falls parish he would later serve as pastor. Born to Jean “We hid in a crawl space and watched the remembered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike as Leahey King and Charles King on Nov. 5, 1931, young floor boards of our house rise and fall,” she says, the man who offered comforting words and practical Charles attended the Academy of Mary Immaculate assistance in the wake of the deadly storm. and served as an altar boy at Sacred Heart Church. In a recalling the storm that cut an 8-mile swath of The 79-year-old monsignor, a native of Wichita 1998 story written by Mary Martin for the North Texas Falls, died June 1 at Denton Regional Medical Center Catholic, he attributed his lifelong support for Catholic destruction across her neighborhood. from a rare form of liver cancer. He served as pastor of education and strong faith to his teachers, the Sisters of Immaculate Conception Church in Denton for the past St. Mary of Namur. A product of the religious order’s Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. 10 years. Christ-centered approach to learning and discipline, the His death left many former parishioners, like Pat Catholic school graduate went on to emulate the sisters’ and Tony Saulsbury, grieving the loss of a friend who advocacy for the disadvantaged and poor. tried to make life’s challenges a little more bearable. “The Sisters of St. Mary made a difference in the “After the tornado, he’d visit with parishioners, so world, my life, my parents’ lives and my sister’s life,” he we could talk. He wanted to know how the tragedy was said, in praise of the sisters. “They are part of the story of affecting us physically and emotionally,” Pat Saulsbury my life and the story of my faith. I owe (them) a debt of explains. gratitude I can never fully repay.” To ease the financial burden many families After graduating from Wichita Falls Senior experienced as they repaired homes and replaced High School in 1949, he earned a bachelor’s degree furnishings, Msgr. King launched the Tornado Catholic in economics and military science from Georgetown Disaster Relief Fund. The organization doled out more University in Washington D.C. than $85,000 to needy victims during its brief 18-month history. He was also active in the ecumenical Disaster SEE MSGR. KING, P. 32