THE CATHOLIC MIRROR

Vol. 54, No. 10 October 16, 2020

Pope Francis pens newest encyclical, Feeding the hungry Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Churches and non-profits work together to feed those in need amid COVID-19 Friendship By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer

Job loss, furloughs and a reduction in hours due to COVID-19 has created a great- er demand for assistance. But pinning down the exact need is tricky, said Luke Elzinga, communications and advocacy manager at Des Moines Area Religious Council in Des Moines. “It’s a complex pic- ture,” Elzinga said. “We’ve actually seen an overall decrease in use in our pantry,” said Elzinga. “But the number of new people fre- quenting the pantry has risen.” Changes in govern- ment assistance in light of VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- COVID-19 has reduced the Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, food pantry need for some. “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social “Since April, every- Friendship,” at the tomb of St. Francis one who receives food assis- Capital City Fruit distributed free USDA food boxes to those in need out- of Assisi, source of the document’s title tance has been getting the max- side of Southridge Mall in Des Moines. Learn more about the USDA Food and inspiration. imum possible benefit. So for Box Program on page 8. Pope Francis set the text on the some people, that’s been a huge altar under the tomb of St. Francis and increase,” Elzinga added. signed it on Oct. 3. A new population of Pope Francis, in his social en- individuals began using the cyclical released Oct. 4, sees the need food pantry, though, in the for human fraternity as more than just wake of layoffs and shutdowns. an abstract concept, but as a concrete But as the economy improves, path toward peaceful coexistence in a they are using it less, or not at world fraught by war, said Cardinal Pi- all. etro Parolin. The CARES Act also Cardinal Parolin, Vatican sec- meant an increase in unem- retary of state, said the document shows ployment benefits for a period that “fraternity is not a trend or a fash- of time, which could have tem- ion which develops over time or at a porarily skewed the number of particular time, but rather is the result of people in need, he added. concrete acts.” Volunteers loaded free USDA Food Boxes into people’s trunks outside “In fact, if weapons -- and with Continued on page 8 Southridge Mall earlier this year. Learn more about the USDA Food Box Program on page 8. Continued on page 11 Beatified Italian teenager a ‘model of sanctity’

By Jonathan Luxmoore Sacrament,” said Anna Johnstone, a pro- today to avoid bad aspects of social me- Catholic News Service fessional singer and longtime friend of dia and fake news, and to go to confes- the teen’s family. sion if they fell prey to it,” said John- Acutis, who died of leukemia stone, a Cambridge University theology OXFORD, England (CNS) in 2006 at age 15, was to be beatified graduate who also acted as governess -- Carlo Acutis, a London-born Italian Oct. 10 in the Basilica of St. Francis of to Acutis’ twin siblings, born four years teenager who used his computer skills Assisi in Assisi, Italy. after his death. to foster devotion to the Eucharist was The teenager developed a data- beatified in October, offers a model of base and website that chronicled world- sanctity for Christians in a new era of wide Eucharistic miracles. lockdowns, a British Catholic who lived Johnstone said Acutis was with his family said. convinced good could be achieved Italian teenager Carlo Acutis “What’s struck me most is the through the internet. She said Catholics was beatified Oct. 10 in the exceptional simplicity of his formula worldwide had found the information Basilica of St. Francis of for becoming a saint: attending Mass he disseminated massively affirming Assisi. He died in 2006 at and reciting the rosary daily, confessing during a global coronavirus pandemic. age 15. weekly and praying before the Blessed “He would urge young people 2 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Mystic or Gnostic?

St. Teresa of Avila, one whose felt identity is in tension ty to be perfect; one telltale sign midst of a pandemic. We are to of four women doctors of the By with their natural sex). of a gnostic tendency, says Pope worship Christ, especially in the Church, is one of the wisest and Bishop Nor should we neglect Francis, is when “somebody has Blessed Sacrament, more than most trustworthy guides we can William the ways in which we are obliged an answer for every question,” any comfort or consolation, in- consult to learn the way of prayer Joensen to take care of the Body of and where the need to be clear cluding those that attend visions, and the authentic workings of the Christ--whether it be the neigh- and sure conceals a need to con- for these are too easily hijacked Holy Spirit. In fact, I would go bor next to us, or those whom trol, to bend reality to our theo- by the father of lies, the gnostic so far to say that any account itual la-la land. In other words, God has appointed pastors and ries—including those of conspir- prince of darkness, disruption, of prayer that is not in harmony she is a true mystic who avoids teachers. The prophetic Spirit acies and hidden agendas. and division. with hers is not to be trusted. the recurring tendency within never prompts us to disregard St. Teresa humbly sub- Jesus at one point said Her description of the excep- the Church toward gnosticism. the precepts of the Church, to pit mitted her account of her spiri- he came to bring, not peace, but tional mystical graces afforded Here I will try to contrast what our subjective freedom against tual life and insights to her own division (see Luke 12:51). Yet he her is always joined to a more it means to be a ‘mystic’ versus the grace-enabled freedom that wise guides and judges. Fore- admits division only as a trans- down-to-earth, unvarnished ac- a ‘gnostic” as briefly as I can, comes to us from doing what the most among them was St. John forming, purifying step to genu- count of her own frailty and her because I think that one of the Church does when it worships, of Avila. Upon critically re- ine communion, rather than the great attachment to the humanity dangerous side effects of the professes faith, or practices char- viewing her manuscript, St. John retreat into shallow cliques of of Jesus and the saints. Though COVID-19 pandemic that afflicts ity. The Holy Spirit is an agent of wrote her a letter commending like-minded people to whom we she was favored with ecstatic ex- us is the rise of a sort of gnostic belonging and unity, in contrast her teaching on prayer, including turn in person and in chat rooms periences that drew her into the attitude WITHIN the church, let to the preference to always do her description of interior and when we are challenged to make upper realm of God’s self-reve- alone outside the company of the things “my way.” The unholy exterior communications from sacrifices for love’s sake, to ad- lation, she never lost touch with faithful. spirit tempts us, Pope Francis God. St. John deciphers authen- mit we don’t have all the an- the need to be vigilant against Pope Emeritus Bene- observes, to prefer “a God with- tic communications that come swers. We do well to listen re- the tendency to pride, or to avoid dict XVI contrasts encounters out Christ, a Christ without the from God which arrive in times spectfully to persons with whom thinking of oneself as somehow we have with the Risen Lord in Church, a Church without her of need, to strengthen us in time we disagree. We know that we, above and beyond the Church. Mass and the celebration of sac- people” (see Gaudete et exultate of temptation or doubt, or warn as much as anyone else, need She knew the need raments, or in unique moments n. 37). us of approaching danger. Such ongoing conversion of mind to practice obedience to those where we know God has broken The unholy spirit pits genuine favors are always con- and heart. We don’t want to be whom the Church appoints as into our lives in ways similar to faith against reason; in contrast sistent with Holy Scripture and gnostics, let alone self-made pastors, confessors, and spiritu- what Mary Magdalene or the to a secular gnosticism that the teaching of the Church. But mystics, prophets, visionaries, al directors. She quickly sensed apostles experienced, from prop- trusts only scientific knowledge he cautions: “Visions, whether or spiritual experts. God wills which priests could discern the erly mystical experiences. In a and dismisses faith, an inverted imaginary or corporeal, are the to reveal his face to each of us, genuine promptings of the Holy mystical experience, “the human form of spiritual gnosticism ex- most deceptive”; they should for sure, but not so that we can Spirit versus the work of unho- spirit is momentarily drawn aloft alts faith to the extent that it casts never be desired and should be stand apart from or over others. ly spirits—spirits who would out of itself and perceives the good sense and the natural virtue actively resisted. “We should By our humility, our docility to inflate our belief that we are realm of the divine and eternal, of prudence aside. beg of God not to allow us to our Church’s pastors and doctors “special” persons entitled to act only to return then to the nor- The unholy spirit urges walk by sight, but defer the rev- such as St. Teresa, along with subjectively as authority figures mal horizon of its existence.” us to be gnostics, rather than set elation of Himself and His saints our steadfast seeking of unity in our own right. While God A mystical experience helps us on the path that, by God’s mercy, until we reach Heaven.” We over division in the midst of so- blessed her with many mystical slip beyond the normal limits might lead us to become mystics. should prefer the ordinary way cial and political strife, we will favors, St. Teresa teaches us that of space and our own habits of A gnostic attitude pits “my” ex- available to all God’s people, be favored to reveal our Savior’s we must beware the tendency mind. But it should not fool us perience of Jesus against the un- cultivating humility, for even face to others, which is the only to think ourselves as somehow into thinking that we can disre- folding story of what St. Teresa then we will be kindled in our recognition worth desiring in the above it all, free to dismiss the gard the God-given significance and God’s friends discovered at love and affection for God, and first place. counsel of persons who help us of our bodies (as occurs in the much personal cost, and self- our willingness to bear life’s suf- “keep it real,” and avoid going medically activist, transgender lessly hand on to us. Gnostics ferings as penance—which is the off into some self-isolating, spir- mindset that would prey on those regard their own vision of reali- opportunity afforded us all in the ¿Mística o Gnóstica?

Santa Teresa de Ávila, aprender sobre la función de la con la necesidad de estar vigilan- mente como figuras de autoridad erenciando los encuentros que una de las cuatro mujeres doc- oración y de las obras del Espíri- te ante la tendencia hacia el or- en nuestro propio derecho. Aun- tenemos con el Señor Resucitado tores de la Iglesia es una de las tu Santo. De hecho, me atrevería gullo, o el evitar pensar sobre sí que Dios la bendijo con muchos en la Misa y la celebración de guías más sabias y confiables a a decir que no debe confiarse misma como alguien por encima favores místicos, Santa Teresa los sacramentos, o en momentos quien podemos consultar para ningún tipo de oración que no o más allá de la Iglesia. nos enseña que debemos estar especiales en donde Dios ha pen- está en armonía con su estilo. Su Ella sabía de la necesi- alertas ante la tendencia de pen- etrado en nuestras vidas en for- descripción de las excepcionales dad de practicar obediencia hacia sar que nosotros mismos estamos mas similares a las que vivieron THE CATHOLIC gracias místicas que le fueron aquellos a quien la Iglesia había de alguna manera por encima de María Magdalena y los apóstoles, concedidas va siempre de la designado como pastores, con- todos, con la libertad de ignorar contra las experiencias místicas mano con un recuento más sen- fesores y directores espirituales el consejo de personas que nos adecuadamente identificadas. cillo y a nivel de suelo sobre su Ella podía sentir rápidamente ayudan a “mantenernos en la re- En una experiencia mística, “el MIRROR propia fragilidad y su gran con- cuáles sacerdotes podían dis- alidad” y evitar el partir hacia un espíritu humano es extraído mo- exión a la humanidad de Jesús y cernir los verdaderos llamados tipo de autoaislamiento en una mentáneamente de sí mismo y Bishop William Joensen de los santos. A pesar de que fue del Espíritu Santo contra las obras tierra espiritual de fantasía. Di- percibe el ámbito de lo divino Publisher favorecida con experiencias de de espíritus malignos – espíritus cho de otra forma, ella era una y eterno, para luego regresar al [email protected] éxtasis que le llevaron a un nivel que inflaban nuestra creencia de verdadera mística que evitaba horizonte normal de su existen- superior en la revelación de Dios que somos personas “especiales” la tendencia común dentro de cia.” Una experiencia mística nos Anne Marie Cox mismo, nunca perdió contacto con facultad de actuar subjetiva- la Iglesia hacia el gnosticismo. ayuda a escurrirnos más allá de Editor Aquí voy a tratar de contrastar los límites normales del espacio y [email protected] tan brevemente como me sea de nuestra propia condición men- posible, lo que significa ser un tal. Pero no debe esto engañarnos Kelly Mescher Collins Bishop William Joensen has made the fol- “místico” contra un “gnóstico,” haciéndonos pensar que podemos Staff Writer lowing appointments effective October 15, pero creo que uno de los efectos ignorar el significado que Dios ha [email protected] 2020. secundarios más peligrosos de la dado a nuestros cuerpos (como Father Protas Opondo Okwalo,SJ, adminis- pandemia del COVID-19 que nos sucede en los activistas clínicos, trator, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Student afecta es el avance de un tipo de en que el pensamiento transgéne- The Catholic Mirror (ISSN Center, Drake Newman Community, to pastor, actitud gnóstica DENTRO de la ro hace presa de aquellos que 0896-6869) is published St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Student Center, iglesia, sin mencionar fuera de la sienten que su identidad está en monthly for $20 per year by Drake Newman Community compañía de los fieles. conflicto con su sexo natural.) the Diocese of Des Moines, El Papa Emérito Ben- Father James Ahenkora, pastoral administrator, of St. Patrick 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, edicto XVI hace contraste dif- Continúa en la página 4 Iowa 50309. Periodicals post- Parish, Council Bluffs, to pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Council age paid at Des Moines. Bluffs. POSTMASTER: Send changes Father Luis Mejia, pastoral administrator, St. Patrick Parish, Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas to THE CATHOLIC MIR- Perry, to pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Perry. ROR, 601 Grand Ave., Des El Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas es un empleado de Polk Moines, Iowa 50309. PHONE: (515)237-5046 County Victim Services. Ella ayuda a víctimas de abuso sexual por EMAIL: mirror@dmdiocese. parte del clero durante el proceso de la queja y buscando servicios org Faithfully in Christ, de apoyo y consejería. Pueden comunicarse al 515-286-2028 o en DIOCESAN WEBSITE: Jason Kurth Most. Rev. William Joensen, Ph.D. Chancellor [email protected]. www.dmdiocese.org Bishop 3 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Culture of life highlighted during October

The annual Respect Life Month celebration is a nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life.

Pro-life advocates lined Broadway in Council Bluffs, from 16th Street to 35th Josie Talley and Lizzie Erickson of Dowling Catholic High School par- Street on Life Chain Sunday, traditionally the first Sunday in October. The ticipated in the Life Chain along Merle Hay Road in Des Moines in silent witness drew 110 people including Father James Ahenkora of St. October. Katie Vasque of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines with her Patrick Church and Marty Cannon of the St. Thomas More Law Society. The children Rowan, Penny and Greta. annual event in Council Bluffs has been organized by Ray and Marie Turpen and Eileen Smith for the last 19 years. Cancer survivor advocates Father PJ McManus, for others fighting for life pastor of Christ the King Parish in Des Moines, visits a parishioner while taking preventative By Anne Marie Cox measures to avoid the Staff Writer coronavirus.

This month, Emily Hoffman celebrates her sev- enth year as a cancer survivor. Since battling cer- vical cancer, she has lob- bied government officials for research funding, shared her patient perspective with healthcare professionals and Disabilities Awareness mentored other cancer pa- Domestic Violence tients and survivors. Month During Respect Awareness month noted Life Month, she’s being hon- ored with the Cervivor Spark by Catholic Charities award, from the national can- cer survivor group Cervivor. “The Cervivor com- Emily Hoffman munity of cervical cancer sur- vivors understood me like no nosis and six months of chemo- one else did when my treat- therapy and radiation. ment ended and I felt so lost,” “If I hadn’t been she said. “Cervivor also taught scheduling routine exams, the me how to share my story ef- outcome could have been very fectively and the importance of different,” Hoffman said. being a patient advocate.” Now that a vaccine Reaching out to other has been developed that could survivors didn’t come quickly. eradicate this type of cancer It took two years from being and five other types, she’s be- declared cancer-free that she come a patient advocate to ed- felt comfortable sharing her ucate others on cancer preven- story. tion to ensure no one else has Every year, 13,000 to experience what she gone women are diagnosed with through. “That means no more Catholic Charities shelter in Council cervical cancer in the United women would die from this Bluffs for victims of domestic abuse States and 4,000 will die from disease or suffer the same long- housed 336 women, men, and children it. term side effects from treatment last fiscal year. Of those who were shel- “I could easily have that I do,” she said. tered, 113 were children. The Catholic been one of those 4,000 women “I still have days when Charities program assisted petitioners in 2013 at the age of 30 because I wish I could unload my advo- in filing 67 civil protection orders, and I had no symptoms,” she said. cacy responsibility and not be worked with 151 people who attend- “It was only by the luck of me ‘the girl with cancer,’” she said. ed programs called Journey Beyond scheduling my annual exam, like I had done every year since The encouragement of friends, Abuse and Seeking Safety. “Violence Robert Fisher, of St. John Parish in high school, that my cancer was family and the Cervivor com- in any form – physical, sexual, psycho- Adel, lobbies legislators for oppor- found.” munity motivate her to keep her logical, or verbal – is sinful; often, it is tunities for the disabled. Fisher, who Within a year, a tumor moving forward. a crime as well,” according to the U.S. has used a wheelchair all of his life, had grown on her cervix, lead- bishops in their 2002 statement When I is a member of the Iowa Develop- ing to a stage two cancer diag- Call for Help. mental Disabilities Council. He works for Hy-Vee grocery store. 4 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Expansion underway at two growing metro parishes

By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer

Parishes in the growing Des Moines’ suburbs of Altoona and Norwalk are expanding. Ss. John and Paul Par- ish in Altoona is building a new parish hall, said the pastor, Fa- ther Tim Fitzgerald. “It’s been a long time coming,” Father Fitzgerald said. “The parish started a conversa- tion about it 15 years ago,” he continued. “The parish hall is not big enough, and the current hall and offices were the original 1985 building when the parish was about 200 households – now it’s about 900 households. Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona (left) and St. John Parish in Norwalk (right) have construction projects underway. The parish has out- grown its current space, which is center. Development Center.” fish fry and more. tend St. John. a “happy problem,” he added. “It will be connected to The new $3 million, Expected completion is The parish’s $3 million The new hall is under the current hall building,” Father 6,000-square-foot parish hall Easter 2021. project includes renovating the construction between the current Fitzgerald said. “There will be a will be used for parish gather- “It will serve the parish offices, building a new day chap- social hall and faith development walkway connecting to the Faith ings, meals, socials, the Knights’ needs into the next generation,” el for daily Mass, small funerals, Father Fitzgerald said. “This weddings and Eucharistic ado- month is the parish’s 37th anni- ration, as well as building a new versary.” youth room. They will also pave ¿Mística o Gnóstica? Father Dan Kirby, pas- a new access road for improved tor of St. John Parish in Nor- traffic flow and a covered drop conspiración y nuestras agen- walk, said they, too, are excited off. Continúa de la página 1 admite la división únicamente das ocultas. about expanding to better meet “I just think when the como un paso transformador y Tampoco debemos ig- Santa Teresa presentó the needs of the growing com- people see the building, there’s purificante hacia una genuina co- norar las formas en que estamos humildemente la experiencia de munity. an excitement,” Father Kir- munión, en vez de la acción de obligados a cuidar del Cuerpo de su vida espiritual y de sus obser- “In the community of by said. “It’s an opportunity to retirarse a grupos superficiales Cristo – ya sea el vecino de al lado vaciones a sus propios guías y Norwalk housing is exploding serve the parishioners, but also de personas que piensan igual y o aquellos a quienes Dios ha en- jueces. Principalmente entre ellos all around us, and you definite- the wider community.” a quienes buscamos tanto per- comendado como pastores y mae- se encontraba San Juan de Ávila. ly do see that the community is The project is expect- sonalmente como en las redes stros. El Espíritu profético nunca Al revisar sus manuscritos con growing,” he said. ed to be complete in February sociales cuando se nos reta a nos llama a ignorar los preceptos criticismo, San Juan le escribió There are currently 2021. hacer sacrificios por amor, para de la Iglesia, a enfrentar nuestra una carta elogiando su enseñanza about 750 households who at- libertad subjetiva contra la liber- sobre la oración, incluyendo su admitir que no tenemos todas tad que concede la gracia y que descripción de comunicaciones las respuestas. Hacemos bien en nos viene por hacer lo que la Igle- interiores y exteriores por par- escuchar respetuosamente a per- sia hace en sus prácticas de culto, te de Dios. San Juan descifra sonas con quienes no estamos de profesa su fe, o pone en práctica comunicaciones auténticas que acuerdo. Sabemos que, al igual Cultivating a culture of vocations la caridad. El Espíritu Santo en un vienen de Dios y que llegan en que muchos otros, necesitamos agente de pertenencia y de unidad, momentos de necesidad, que nos una conversión de mente y de contrario a la preferencia de siem- fortalecen en casos de tentación corazón continua. No queremos pre hacer las cosas a mi manera. o de duda, o para prevenirnos de ser gnósticos, menos aún au- El espíritu maligno nos tienta, algún peligro que nos acecha. tonombrarnos como místicos, como observa el Papa Francisco, Tales favores genuinos siempre profetas, visionarios o expertos a que tengamos preferencia por son consistentes con las Santas espirituales. Seguramente Dios “un Dios sin Cristo, un Cristo sin Escrituras y las enseñanzas de la desea revelar su rostro a cada uno la Iglesia, una Iglesia sin su gen- Iglesia. Pero él le advierte: “Las de nosotros, pero no para que nos te” (ver Gaudete et exultate n. 37) visiones, tanto imaginarias como distingamos o nos pongamos por El espíritu maligno enfrenta nues- corporales, son las más engaño- encima de los demás. Por medio tra fe contra la razón; en contraste sas”; nunca debemos desearlas y de nuestra humildad, de nuestra al gnosticismo secular que confía debemos resistirlas activamente. docilidad con los pastores de únicamente en el conocimiento “Debemos suplicar a Dios que nuestra Iglesia y de doctores tales científico y que desecha la fe, una no nos permita caminar por lo como Santa Teresa, junto a nues- forma invertida de gnosticismo que vemos, pero que volteemos tra constante búsqueda de unidad espiritual exalta la fe de tal forma a la revelación de Él mismo y de sobre división en medio del caos Taylor Hawkins (right) of Christ the King Parish was que crea un buen sentido acom- Sus santos hasta que alcancemos social y político, seremos favore- accepted into the novitiate for the Marian Sisters of pañado de la virtud natural de la el Cielo.” Debemos entonces cidos en poder revelar el rostro the Diocese of Lincoln. On her day of reception, she prudencia. preferir la forma ordinaria que de nuestro Salvador a los demás was given the name Sister Benedicta. El espíritu maligno nos está disponible a todo el pueblo lo cual es, en primer lugar, el úni- empuja a ser gnósticos, en vez de Dios, cultivando la humildad, co reconocimiento que vale la de colocarnos en el camino que, porque incluso entonces se en- pena desear. por la misericordia de Dios, nos cenderá en nosotros nuestro amor pueda llevar a convertirnos en y afecto hacia Dios, y nuestra vol- místicos. Una actitud gnóstica untad de tolerar los sufrimientos confronta “mi” experiencia de de nuestras vidas como signo de National Vocations Awareness Jesús contra la reveladora histo- penitencia – que es la oportunidad ria de los que Santa Teresa y los que se nos ha ofrecido a todos en Week is Nov. 1-7 amigos de Dios descubrieron a un el medio de una pandemia. Debe- costo mucho más personal y que mos adorar a Cristo, especial- National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated desinteresadamente nos entregan. mente en el Santísimo Sacramen- Nov. 1-7. Please pray for more dedicated, holy priests, Los gnósticos consideran que su to, más que cualquier comodidad deacons and consecrated men and women. May they propia visión de la realidad es per- o consuelo, incluyendo a aquellos fecta; un signo revelador de una que atienden las visiones, ya que be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith tendencia gnóstica dice el Papa éstos pueden ser engañados fácil- community, and respond generously to God’s gift of a Francisco, es cuando “alguien mente por el padre de la mentira, vocation. tiene una respuesta para cualquier el príncipe gnóstico de las tinieb- pregunta,” y cuando la necesidad las, de las perturbaciones y de la de ser claro y seguro esconde una división. necesidad de controlar, de acomo- Jesús en un punto dijo que venía Follow the Office of Vocations - Diocese of Des Moines dar la realidad a nuestras teorías a traernos, más que paz, división at Facebook.com/DMVocations – incluyendo aquellas teorías de (ver Lucas 12:51). Aún así él www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 5 November 11 is Veterans Day Diocesan priest serves military Veterans reflect on service by Kelly Mescher Collins Portsmouth veteran recalls time in Navy something about it.” “And the next day, the He was sta- bakery on the ship baked a cake tioned to the USS Es- for him and welcomed him back,” sex, where he worked Heller continued. “And just by in the engine room as accident, that afternoon I was go- a MM2, machinest ing on a four hour watch in the mate, second class. afternoon, and he was there on His was the the mess desk eating a piece of first Navy ship to have cake and drinking a cup of coffee. steam catapults put on And I grabbed a piece of cake and at that time, so planes shook hands with him and wel- had a 125mph takeoff comed him back.” He felt grate- The years have flown Rich ful having a Catholic by and many of his fellow Ko- Father Zach Kautzky is serving the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain. Rich Heller Heller of St. priest on the ship with them. rean War veterans are no longer Mary Parish in “We had Mass every day around. By Kelly Mescher Collins ing them, especially after they Portsmouth recalls volunteering and on Sunday they had Mass on Heller’s family cele- Staff Writer get out of high school?” at 20 years old to serve in the Ko- the hanger deck,” Heller said. brated his 90th birthday on Aug. Young adults fresh out rean War. “The ship I was on was 942 feet 19 with a drive-by birthday party Father Zach Kautzky of high school are facing lots Volunteering before long – the size of about four foot- that included handing passers-by was born and raised on the fam- life changes, opportunities and being drafted meant he could ball fields. We had 92 planes.” a piece of cake. Heller and all of ily farm outside of Perry. temptations as they step out on choose the branch of military he He also met a celebrity his children and grandchildren He and his siblings their own. He felt God calling wanted to serve. on this ship – Neil Armstrong – were there to celebrate. attended St. Patrick Catholic him to be there for these young “I wanted to go on a who was a Naval fighter pilot. His daughter also coor- School and Parish and – despite men and women serving our ship, and see the world if I could “And he got shot down dinated a card shower, and he re- the 45 minute commute each country. – and I did,” Heller said. “And in North Korea, and our helicop- ceived nearly 120 birthday cards way – graduated from Dowling “I was really affirmed my oldest brother was in the ter went over and picked him up in the mail. Catholic High School in West by the number of quality stu- Navy in World War II, so I knew in the ocean and brought him Des Moines. dents [I knew in Des Moines] back to the ship,” Heller said. His beloved uncle, Fa- going off to the military, and a ther Jon Kautzky, was a source lot of them are staying in touch Council Bluffs veteran served in U.S. Air Force of inspiration for his vocation. with me. And the Lord placed Father Jon kept cattle that in my heart a few years were really about,” said Hunter, “I was let out at Travis at the family farm, baptized the ago.” who served the U.S. Air Force. Air Force base in California on Kautzky kids and even married Father Kautzky is cur- “The one thing the unit a bus to the San Francisco air- Father Kautzky’s parents. His rently serving in the U.S. Air was most proud of was that to- port,” he said. “There was an faith made an impact on the Force. He went through eight wards the end of the war we anti-war demonstration going on entire family before he passed weeks of training; the first two actually forced the Paris Peace and they were calling us names away in 2000. of which were basic training. accord,” he said. “The war was and somebody threw a Michelob “For me, it was seeing “It was really a cul- brought to an end out of the Air beer bottle and it hit me in the the priest in the important times ture shock getting woken up at Force unit that put so much pres- head.” of people’s lives – seeing the 4 in the morning,” he said, with sure on the North Vienamese His faith became in- priests as the person of Christ, drill sergeants yelling at you and that they went back to signing a creasingly important to him after walking with people and help- marching in uniform. peace deal.” his time in the military ended. It ing them be closer to God,” Fa- “We have other chap- Finding time to focus helped him deal with many of ther Kautzky said. lains teaching us how to func- on faith was difficult during his the post-traumatic stress disor- During his interview tion in the military as a chap- time in the military. der symptoms he had after the on Making it Personal with lain,” he continued. “How to be One of the chaplains’ vehicles “It was an ordeal just war. Bishop Joensen on Iowa Catho- faithful to our faith background during the Vietnam War. to get to Mass,” Hunter said. “I think what happened lic Radio and the Spirit Catholic while also realizing that we’re Radio network, Father Kautzky an officer and we’re working Jim Hunter of Corpus “Most of us were working 12 was the belief in God became hours a day. At the time they more true for me as time went said church felt like “home.” within a pluralistic organization Christi Parish in Council Bluffs “And for me, it was the within the government and how was drafted into the military at held Mass at the end of the run- on,” Hunter said. “And I had to way every Saturday or Sunday.” learn to let go a lot of baggage idea that the priest is going be- to navigate some of those tricky age 19 for the Vietnam War. tween God and man – bringing situations.” “I didn’t believe much Mass was eventually of bad things that we did and celebrated in a 10-minute time that happened. It took probably God to people through the sac- Father Kautzky arrived in war – I didn’t think it was raments,” Father Kauztky con- at Barksdale Air Force Base in serving the right purpose, but I frame. the better part of 20 years to get “That’s how we did it,” there.” tinued. “My uncle was certainly Shreveport, Louisiana just a few went and did my duty, and after an inspiration, as were a number weeks before COVID-19 be- years I have changed my out- Hunter said. “There were several Going through the Catholic priests on the base and RCIA program in 2006 was also of holy priests in our diocese.” came widespread, where he is look on it,” Hunter said. “But it Father Kautzky was a pastor at the on-base chapel, probably never should have hap- they would take turns celebrat- an “eye opener.” ing the Masses – because the op- He credits two diocesan ordained in 2010 by Bishop celebrates weekend and daily pened.” Emeritus Richard Pates. One of Masses and helps with parish It was an eye-opening eration was so fast-paced there priests in particular for his jour- wasn’t always time.” ney – Fathers Chris Reising and his first assignments was serv- life activities. experience for him and his fel- ing as a chaplain at Dowling He also serves police low soldiers who were mostly Upon Hunter’s return Glen Wilwerding – who sat with to the states, he and his fellow him and engaged in conversation Catholic High School in West officers, firefighters, K-9 units fresh out of high school. Des Moines. and more embedded within the “Mostly we were so service men were not welcomed about topics of faith. home. While on a retreat he unit. naïve to what war circumstances recognized God’s “call within There is a shortage of the call.” priests serving in the military, he “The retreat center was added, with 75,000 Catholics in Navy veteran’s faith comes full circle next to the Marine base, and I the Air Force and only about 55 kept hearing these explosions priests serving them worldwide. in the middle of the retreat,” Kevin Cox lacked direction While Cox is a proud veteran, “For me as a chaplain, he said. “And I asked the monk after graduating from St. Albert Cath- the hardest part of his 28 years of ser- I’m happiest when I’m hearing [what those noises were.]” olic in Council Bluffs. vice were the deployments – he did six confessions of Catholics and Camp Pendleton was “College didn’t really click of them. Most of that time was spent in reaching out to our airmen,” right next door, where the Ma- with me, and so I just didn’t really have the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert he said. “Many of them have rines conduct weapons training. any direction…,” Cox said. “I was al- Storm, Operation Desert Shield and the stopped practicing their Catho- “And I remember see- ways interested in the military… My Global War on Terrorism. lic faith… That’s where a priest ing those Marines and walking oldest brother was in the Navy and he “Basically you leave every- can really be helpful – bringing around town and thinking they told me about the Navy life and things body and everything behind and you some of those people back and looked like high schoolers from you get to do and how there are pretty leave the states and you live and eat inviting them into the communi- Dowling,” Father Kautzky said. good technical fields to learn, so when and breathe and work on the ship for ty – focusing on evangelization “And I wondered, ‘Who is look- you get out it would translate well, so six [to nine] months,” Cox said. “It’s and reaching out to the Catho- ing out for them? Who is help- that’s why I made the decision to join lics.” Kevin Cox the Navy.” Continued on page 15 6 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Around the Diocese Tune in to Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6 be hosting their annual Fall Fish & Each meal will contain a generous Fall Fish & Chicken Chicken dinners on Oct 16, 23, 30 portion of fried Alaskan pollock, Nov 6, 13 & 20. Serving hours are chicken tenders, French fries, cole Making it Personal with Dinners 5:30 - 7 p.m. All meals will be served slaw & a dinner roll. The cost per INDIANOLA, – The In- from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall meal is $10. Bishop Joensen dianola Knights of Columbus will as a drive-up carry-out service only. Virtual rosary aimed to unite Catholics in ‘moment of prayer’ for nation WASHINGTON The USCCB host a vir- couraged to join in this prayerful (CNS) -- The president of the tual rosary event Oct. 7, which moment of unity for our country, U.S. Conference of Catholic was the feast of Our Lady of to seek healing and to ask Our Bishops called for a “moment of the Rosary. Des Moines Bishop Lady, on her feast, to pray for us prayer” to unite Catholics across William Joensen prayed the Our and help lead us to Jesus,” ac- the country at a time when there Father for the intentions of the cording to a statement from the is “much unrest and uncertainty” Holy Father in the virtual event. USCCB. in the United States. “The faithful are en- Mercy College names new academic deans

Ryan “Bud” Marr, losophy. Prior to coming to Des State University in educational Ph.D., is returning to Mercy Moines, he served as campus administration, supervision, and Heard every Friday morning at 9 a.m. College of Health Sciences in minister and professor of theolo- evaluation and curriculum and Des Moines as its new academ- gy at St. Louis University and as instruction with an emphasis in ic dean. Kristy Irwin, director of a chaplain in North Carolina. curriculum leadership. Iowa Catholic Radio assessment and accreditation has He cohosts a radio show She will be responsible 1150 am | 88.5 fm | 94.5 fm been named associate dean of ac- called “UnCommon Good” on for providing academic oversight or stream at www.IowaCatholicRadio.com ademics. Iowa Catholic Radio with Bo for academic programs and will Marr spent the last Bonner, director of mission and continue to have oversight for three years as the director of ministry and assistant professor Mercy College’s assessment and Spirit Catholic Radio Network the National Institute for New- at Mercy College. accreditation activities. 102.7 FM man Studies in Pennsylvania. In Marr holds a bachelor’s that role, he worked to promote degree in theology from John knowledge of the life, work Brown University, a master’s and influence of St. John Henry degree in divinity from Duke Di- Newman. vinity School and a doctoral de- Marr served at Mercy gree in historical theology from College from 2014-2017 first as St. Louis University. the director of Campus Ministry, Irwin holds two Master then as assistant professor of phi- of Science degrees from Emporia

National Association of Church Personnel Administrators names Valdez as president-elect of board of directors

Alexandria, Virgin- versary next year.” ia —The National Association Valdez has served the of Church Personnel Adminis- Diocese of Des Moines since trators has named Eileen Cull 2011. As director of Human Re- Valdez, director of Human Re- sources, she is responsible for sources for the Diocese of Des the operational and technical Moines, as president-elect of its personnel duties of the HR of- Board of Directors. fice in the diocese. Prior to this The announcement position, Valdez was a human was made by Elizabeth Allen, resources professional for 14 director of Human Resources of years with Merit Resources Inc. the Diocese of Portland, Maine now known as Aureon in Des and president of NACPA’s Moines. board. NACPA represents hu- “We’re grateful to Ei- man resource directors, finance leen for accepting this leader- directors, chancellors, school ship role in our association,” administrators and other Church said Allen. “Eileen’s experience leaders in arch/dioceses nation- in the Diocese of Des Moines wide and has as its mission “to and her exceptional service on promote justice in the work- the NACPA Board of Directors place.” are great credentials that will help the association move for- ward as we mark our 50th anni-

Got a story idea?

We are looking for people and stories of faith, hope and inspiration! Tell us your idea and we may feature it in an upcoming issue of The Catholic Mirror. Email Kelly at [email protected]. www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 7 St. Albert Catholic School announces new president

At the Oct. 7 press conference, Anne Rohling was introduced as the new president of St. Albert Catholic School in Council Bluffs. Rohling attended St. Albert as a child and is the first female president.

Anne Rohling will be- experience includes prosecution, ucation and voluntary involve- lings was 10 years old,” she said. by the Spirit to embrace this come the new president of St. business operations, regulatory ment in communal and corporate “My mother sacrificed to provide great personal and professional Albert Catholic compliance and litigation man- outreach,” said Bishop William all of her children with a Cath- sacrifice by making this momen- School in Coun- agement. Joensen. olic education, each one attend- tous transition at this point in cil Bluffs begin- She holds a bachelor’s “Anne brings many ed parish schools and graduated her career on behalf of St. Albert ning Nov. 2. degree in mechanical engineer- years of experience in the busi- from St. Albert High School. Catholic School and I am pro- A graduate of ing from the University of Notre ness world, has very deep roots “This model of sacrifice foundly grateful,” he said. the school and Dame, a Master of Business Ad- in the Council Bluffs and south- and the experiences St. Albert Rohling will be the native of Coun- ministration degree from Creigh- west Iowa communities, and afforded me, opened my eyes to first female president at the cra- cil Bluffs, she ton University and Juris Doctor- has an abundant enthusiasm and the beauty of Catholic education dle-to-college school. brings a wealth of business and ate from Creighton University passion for St. Albert and Cath- and the profound desire to sup- “Anne is a tremendous legal acumen to the role, having School of Law. olic education,” said Joe Narmi, port and promote Catholic ed- addition to the strong and diverse guided strategic initiatives and A parishioner of St. Pe- school board president. ucation in my community,” she leadership at St. Albert,” said negotiated multi-million dollar ter Parish in Council Bluffs, she For Rohling, this role is added. Jeff Lenz, St. Albert Foundation contracts for a number of For- has served as the director of reli- personal. Bishop Joensen said president. tune 500 companies. gious education for the last few “My father passed away she’s a natural leader. After her time in cor- years. when the oldest of my six sib- “I believe she is moved porate America, Rohling opened “Anne Rohling is an independent legal practice in steeped in the experience of Council Bluffs, where she prac- Catholic education in her own ticed patent law and advocated life path, and in her own com- on behalf of the elderly. Her legal mitment to parish religious ed- You are invited... To a Pro-Life Christmas Gala St. Francis receives National Blue Ribbon designation The Royal Child! Sat., Nov. 21st, 2020 5:30 PM Ron Pearson Hall

Cocktails Dinner Entertainment

Special Guest Speaker Bishop Joensen

Gabe Ireland, in eighth grade science class, is mixing cornstarch and water together to simulate the texture and properties of the part of the Earth’s mantle called the asthenosphere. Get your tickets today: St. Francis Catholic ment gaps among student sub- iowansforlife.org • 515-255-4113 School in West Des Moines is groups. Since 2001, five diocesan among six Iowa schools to be schools have been named Blue named a National Blue Ribbon Ribbon Schools: Sacred Heart School this year. The elementary in West Des Moines, 2000/2001; Stay Connected @dmdiocese.org school was nominated for exem- Dowling Catholic High School in plary high performance. Begun West Des Moines, 2003; St. Au- in 1982, the program recognizes gustin in Des Moines, 2004; Holy both public and private elementa- Trinity in Des Moines, 2008; and ry, middle and high schools based St. Francis in 2014. Schools can on overall academic excellence or reapply for the designation after their progress in closing achieve- five years. 8 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Feeding those in need USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program unites farmers’ products to families in need Continued from page 1 Sacred Heart Parish in Wood- bine, is vice president of the Woodbine Community Food By Kelly Mescher Collins Another factor making Pantry Outreach Center board. Staff Writer it difficult to determine the need The center provides is the influx of support from the assistance to parents, supply- When COVID-19 be- community. ing meals to kids throughout came widespread, the hospitality “From the Midwest the summer who wouldn’t be industry came to a halt, leaving standpoint, we all want to chip receiving breakfast and lunch at many farmers without a market in when people are down,” said school. for their food products. Leslie Van Der Molen, poverty “Parents rely on that,” “Early this spring farm- reduction program manager at Sullivan said. “For some kids, ers were actually plowing under Catholic Charities. “So when that’s all they get to eat.” their crops across the country,” COVID-19 first hit and schools “They were very ap- said Brent Addison, director of closed for the year, we saw an preciative,” Sullivan added. sales and marketing at Capital increase in pop-up pantries in Linda Lehan, of St. City Fruit in Norwalk. “And so the community through church Patrick Parish in Dunlap, reg- the USDA said, ‘Let’s keep the groups and other organizations. ularly volunteers at the Dunlap farms going and put together a Because of additional surplus, Community Food Pantry. program so that the processors it was really hard to gauge the “It gives me a good and distributors would find a need.” feeling to help out the commu- way to get food to the people With COVID-19, mo- nity and help out those in need, who needed it most.’” bile food pantries have become and I’ve got the time to volun- The U.S. Department more popular. teer,” Lehan said. “It just makes of Agriculture’s Agricultural “A trend we’ve noticed me feel good.” Marketing Service quickly creat- is that we are seeing less people When the pandemic ed the Farmers to Families Food are out at brick and mortar food first hit, they saw an influx of Box Program. pantries, but more at our mobile clients, but it eventually leveled By partnering with na- food pantries,” Elzinga said. out. She expects the need to in- tional, regional and local distrib- “Despite the fact that our pan- crease over the winter months. utors, whose workforces have tries implemented a drive up, The food pantries are been significantly impacted by people still seem to feel more there for people, and someone the closure of restaurants, hotels comfortable going to outdoor should never feel ashamed or and other food service business- places to pick up food.” unwelcome at a food pantry, es, it became possible to pur- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Market- In response to this con- Van Der Molen said. chase up to $4 billion in fresh ing Service quickly created the Farmers to Families Food cern, DMARC started a delivery “I think our goal is to produce, dairy and meat prod- Box Program this spring to unite farmers’ food products service during the pandemic. always be here, especially when ucts from American producers with people in need. “If folks are home- there are people experiencing of all sizes. bound and can’t get out to a a need for the first time,” Van The program has been The Des Moines Area which is a win on multiple lev- food pantry, they can call our Der Molen said. “Our goal is to supplying food boxes of fresh Religious Council and the Cath- els,” Comito said. “It is a win for neighbor and we’ll bring out a safely serve everybody and treat fruits and vegetables, dairy prod- olic Charities Food Pantry were U.S. growers, for the companies delivery the next day,” he add- them with dignity and respect. ucts, meat products and a com- two of the local organizations and their employees assembling ed. “We’ve partnered with Cen- There are a lot of people who bination box of fresh produce, that helped distribute the boxes. the food boxes, for the non-prof- tral Iowa Center for Indepen- don’t want to utilize the food dairy or meat products. Distribu- Dowling Catholic High its such as DMARC, and for the dent Living.” pantry because they feel like tors package these products into School graduate Brendan Comi- people in our community that Smaller towns across they failed. But we don’t view family-sized boxes, then trans- to, chief operations officer at need food assistance.” the diocese are working with it that way – we’re here to help port them to food banks, com- Capital City Fruit, is happy to be To date, nearly 100 parishes to offer help to those in when you’re in need.” munity and faith-based organi- a part of this program. million food boxes have been need. zations, and other non-profits “We are able to reach distributed. Marianne Sullivan, of serving Americans in need. Each box contains approximately 20 even more people through the pounds of food USDA Food Box program,

Victim Assistance Advocate

The diocese’s Victim Assistance Advocate is a staff member at Polk County Victim Services. He helps victims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy through a complaint process and in seeking support and counseling services. He can be reached at 515-286-2024 or [email protected].

Reach 35,000 households by placing an ad in The Catholic Mirror. Contact Kelly at [email protected] or 515-237-5054 to learn more. The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 9 Hospitality becomes more important during pandemic

Left: Ushers Maren and Audrey Trettin welcome guests to Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines. Usher Kevin Wittrock cleans pews after Mass at St. Patrick Church in Audubon. Darrell and Nancy Wittrock enter St. Patrick Church in Audubon while their son, Kevin, holds the door open for them.

By Anne Marie Cox can continue to worship. p.m. Mass on Saturdays. Audrey broke out, people thought that Kurt Petersen has been Staff Writer “The role of ushers has is often seen standing outside the main task for ushers was to an usher at Corpus Christi Parish changed and it’s changed for the the door with a big “Welcome to greet people at the entrance of in Council Bluffs for about 35 As churches began to better,” said Loralee Chase, of SH” sign. the church or to open the door years and said he has additional reopen for public worship after Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Maren volunteers to for them,” said the pastor, Father responsibilities as a hospitality closing due to COVID-19, there Moines. share her gifts and talents and to David Nkrumah. “But when the minister since COVID-19. He were many more tasks to consid- “When we had to plan role model for her children. pandemic broke out, it took on a and fellow ushers encourage er. to reopen our doors after almost “With the pandemic, different dimension all together.” parishioners to use masks and Who would encourage three months of nobody allowed unfortunately, many of the ways Ushers now make sure social distance. Ushers dismiss everyone coming to wear a mask in the church, the task seemed in which we would normally vol- the church pews have been disin- people from church so there isn’t to prevent spread of the virus? almost impossible,” she said. unteer aren’t quite possible yet,” fected, stand ready to take guests a crowd at the doorway. They Who would clean the “There were so many regulations she said. “When they asked for to their seats, offer hand sanitiz- also spray the pews and wipe church after each gathering? that needed to be met to have people to help usher, I thought it er, provide a face mask for those door handles. Who would offer hand people safely worshipping.” would be a good way to continue who come without one, and en- “If somebody needs sanitizer and help people find The parish began work- volunteering and something my sure social distancing at commu- something, they’ll come to us or the baskets where they could put ing with veteran ushers, but kids can do as well.” nion time. They open the doors if they have questions, they’ll ask their tithing gifts? quickly realized many more were It worked for Audrey. widely as people leave so visitors us,” he said. “It’s a way of minis- Parish hospitality min- needed and some who had served “I volunteer because I don’t have to touch the doors and tering.” isters – the ushers – have stepped for many years could not because love helping,” she said. “I would disinfect the pews after Mass. “There is a new normal up in an increasingly import- they’re vulnerable to the corona- also like to be like my mom “When we asked for for what going to Mass looks ant role. Not only are they wel- virus. someday because I can tell she volunteers, we got new ones,” like and it can be intimidating,” coming parishioners and guests, Maren Trettin and her has a close relationship with said Father Nkrumah. “People said Trettin at Sacred Heart. “It’s they’re ensuring that safety mea- 11-year-old daughter, Audrey, God. I like to volunteer because volunteered to assist in all of the the usher’s job to help put peo- sures are followed so the faithful became ushers at the parishes 5 I know it’s helping me build a re- jobs. They are so wonderful.” ple at ease and make things run lationship with God and I know Alice Lauridsen, of St. as smoothly as possible so that I’m helping as much as I can for Patrick in Audubon, had been parishioners can focus on partici- my age.” in charge of scheduling the ush- pating in the Mass. It’s a bonus if The role of usher ers before the pandemic. Now, you can put a smile on their face changed at St. Patrick in Audu- she not only schedules them but at the same time.” COVID-19 impacts clergy bon and Holy Trinity in Exira, serves as one herself along with too. members of the Audubon and By Anne Marie Cox virus. “Before the pandemic Exira joint parish council. Staff Writer Bishop William Jo- ensen was among those in quar- For one weekend in antine last month. mid-September, about 20 Des “I feel a little bit like Moines metro area priests I’ve been liberated from my Outdoor Mass draws a crowd were under quarantine because time of self-isolation after com- they’d been near someone who ing into contact with one of our had COVID-19. Among those priests who tested positive for quarantined were eight priests COVID-19,” said Bishop Jo- in active ministry and 12 priests ensen in video posted on social who are retired. media afterward. “Thankfully, Due to the fact that Father is doing well, has ob- many priests unavailable to as- served his own period of time sist with Masses, there was a before returning to his active scramble to ensure that sacra- ministry. But it reminds us how ments were celebrated and wor- precarious our lives are.” ship services were held. Many The bishop later add- of the retired priests the diocese ed: “These experiences contin- relies on to assist when a pastor ue to orient us to our ultimate is unavailable were also under horizon of eternal life in Christ quarantine. Jesus. Ultimately, the Masses The diocese high- were covered, the quarantine ly recommends all those on ended and the priests returned church or Catholic school prop- to their regularly scheduled erty wear a mask, observe so- ministries. cial distancing and wash their This served as a re- hands frequently as a charitable Father David Nkrumah, pastor of St. Patrick in Audubon and Holy Trinity in Exira, minder that even ministers of means of protecting others from celebrates an outdoor Mass twice per year for parishioners. The last outdoor Mass the Church are vulnerable to the the spread of COVID-19. in Audubon drew some worshippers who are vulnerable to the coronavirus and felt safer worshipping outside than in a church. 10 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Online option draws viewers from a dozen countries to faith conference

This conference attendee livestreamed from Canada.

About 2,000 people were in attendance under social Camille and Robert Rajnauth of distancing guidelines at the 2020 Christ Our Life Trinidad livestreamed the weekend Conference at Wells Fargo Arena in September. conference.

By Kelly Mescher Collins tighter as a faithful community,” to see her youngest child, under the Staff Writer said co-chair Ellen Miller, of St. age of two, kneeling in front of the Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indiano- television as the priests kneeled. la. “We were also thirsting for it. As a result of positive The Christ Our Life Con- We were fed and it was beautiful.” feedback and the ability to reach ference held Sept. 26-27 drew near- With the new online op- homebound, and those with mobil- ly 2,000 people in-person at Wells tion, parishes across the state host- ity issues or unable to travel, they Mary Ann Borg and Tania Attard, sisters from Malta, Fargo Arena. All attendees were ed watch parties, and people joined will offer the online ticket option streamed the conference. required to wear face masks in the conference from the comfort of again for the next conference, Sept. common areas and observe social their homes from at least 12 coun- 24-25, 2022. distancing guidelines. tries. Christ Our Life will be Another 1,400 connec- “There’s a woman [I know posting 2-3 minute clips from some tions were made by viewers online. who livestreamed the event] and of the best moments at this year’s “I think it was just full of she grabbed me and said, ‘I have to conference on its Facebook page the Holy Spirit,” said co-chair Mar- tell you, that was my first confer- in the weeks to come at Facebook. ilyn Lane of Sacred Heart Parish in ence and it was the most amazing com/ChristOurLifeIowa. Organiz- West Des Moines. “I have been told thing. I am so on fire,’” said Lane. ers started a blog, Christ Our Life so many stories…. God graced the “[My friend said] ‘I can’t imagine Everyday, which can be found at shortcomings that COVID caused.” being there, but …I felt everything ChristOurLifeIowa.com. “It was like everybody like I was there.’” was so joyful to be together – being Another woman shared People attending the conference were required to that while livestreaming, she turned wear masks in all common spaces. The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 11 Pope Francis’ encyclical letter

Save the Date! Iowa Catholic Radio’s 2020 Dinner in December

December 5, 2020 Embassy Suites by Hilton, Downtown DSM Anna Rowlands, professor of Catholic social thought and practice at the University of Durham, England, speaks at a press conference for the release of Pope Francis’ new With Keynote Speaker encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friend- ship,” in the synod hall at the Vatican Oct. 4. (CNS photo/ Jeff Cavins Paul Haring) Catholic speaker, author, television host, podcaster, and pilgrimage leader. Continued from page 1 contribution to the Church’s rich tradition of social doctrine. changing not only the structure “Pope Francis’ teaching of the international community here is profound and beautiful: but also the dynamics of rela- God our Father has created every Tickets will be available in November at tionships within it.” human being with equal sancti- IowaCatholicRadio.com Anna Rowlands, pro- ty and dignity, equal rights and fessor of Catholic social thought duties, and our Creator calls us and practice at the University to form a single human family of Durham, England, noted that in which we live as brothers and “this letter has its roots in a spe- sisters,” said Archbishop Go- cific interfaith encounter” and mez. seeks to rally action in the name “God’s plan for human- of the truths proclaimed by faith, ity, the pope reminds us, has im- beginning with the truth that all plications for every aspect of our people were created by God. lives — from how we treat one “Faith is our well- another in our personal relation- spring,” she said. “It is part of ships, to how we organize and how we can name and move be- operate our societies and econo- yond the grieving indifference of mies. our age.” “In analyzing condi- Archbishop José H. Go- tions in the world today, the mez of Los Angeles, president of Holy Father provides us with a the U.S. Conference of powerful and urgent vision for Catholic Bishops, wel- the moral renewal of politics and comed the encyclical. political and economic institu- “On behalf of the Cath- tions from the local level to the olic Church in the United States, global level, calling us to build a I welcome the Holy Father’s new common future that truly serves encyclical letter on human frater- the good of the human person,” nity. Like ‘Laudato Si’ before it, the archbishop said. ‘Fratelli Tutti’ is an important

515.309.3536, 12345 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325 OPINION 12 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020

Imperfect prayer is still worth doing

October is a month dedicated to kids to participate in some chore or task perfectly, you pray the rosary I hope you’ll our Blessed Mother, and on the feast of Marriage and Family Life around the house. And their help is always join me in responding to the invitation of Our Lady of the Rosary Pope Francis en- a mixed bag. They sometimes work im- Pope Francis. Let us grow in this beauti- couraged all of us to “rediscover the beau- perfectly, or they slow me down, or I find ful devotion, so that as we reflect on the ty of the prayer of the rosary, which has myself acting as a referee. Yet even if I mysteries of the Holy Rosary, “we may nourished the faith of the Christian people feel like I could do the job more quickly, imitate what they contain and obtain what through the centuries.” I took Pope Fran- By Adam Storey or better, without their help, I still delight they promise”! cis’ invitation to heart, because honestly in their participation. As a father, it’s a joy this hasn’t been a strong devotion in my to share my work with my kids, and in that prayer life in recent years. My personal time together we share our lives with each ten as anyone), or there are tears. After all prayer time is usually filled with other other. This is how God looks at us when Adam Storey is the diocesan director of that struggle it is easy to feel like it’s just things, and while I’ve always been attract- we pray! It’s imperfect, certainly, and yet Marriage and Family Life. He can be not worth it. ed to the concept of the family rosary, with it is how God invites us to participate in reached at [email protected] or at Pope Francis has reminded me, four small children at home this devotion His work, and it is how He shares His own 515-237-5056. it’s worth it! Our Father receives and cher- has remained just that; a concept. life with us. This month Pope Francis has ishes all our prayers, those prayed with It’s not that my family doesn’t reminded us that our prayers matter, and great devotion, and those prayed while try to pray the rosary. It’s just that usually that the rosary is an especially powerful we are distracted, tired, and even at times we can get through half a mystery before prayer, especially in times of difficulty rushed (no judgment)! someone wanders off, a couple kids are and trial. Often times at home I’ll ask my fighting, someone is distracted (me as of- So no matter how often, or how

Faith, courage and humility

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, an an- nual reminder of the service and sacrifice Guest Column made by our veterans. My dad, Paul Mescher, was a veteran and a proud member of the lo- cal American Legion in Carroll County. When we buried him this past May in my hometown of Halbur, he received military honors. During the playing of Taps, the 21-gun salute and folding of the American By Kelly flag that had draped his casket before pre- Mescher Collins senting it to my Mom, there was not a dry eye in sight. In Ephesians, St. Paul says: “For My sister, Lieutenant Colonel our struggle is not with flesh and blood but Amy Price, also served for 26 years. with the principalities, with the powers, I have a strong respect and admi- with the world rulers of this present dark- ration for our veterans and military – and ness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” really anyone who embodies truth and jus- The Church offers protection and tice and displays bravery and conviction a place of retreat. The sacraments, espe- to do what is right – especially in the face cially the Eucharist and reconciliation, of peer pressure, judgment or worse. lighten our load and give us strength. History is filled with examples of Great theologians, including St. courageous people of faith. Vincent de Paul and former soldier, St. Ig- St. Joan of Arc was a young, pi- natius of Loyola, have pointed to humility ous teenage girl who felt called by God to as part of a strong arsenal. lead the French army to its victory at the “Humility and abandonment to Siege of Orléans over the English in the the will of God in every moment is one of 1400s. She was eventually captured and the most powerful weapons at our dispos- burned at the stake at just 19 years old. al in our daily spiritual battles for peace,” The movie Hackshaw Ridge tells Burke writes. “The reason for this is if we the story of U.S. Army Private First Class are humble, and we are open to whatever Desmond Doss, who won the Congres- the Lord brings, we are thereby attached sional Medal of Honor for his service in to very little, and the enemy has little World War II. Despite being mocked by room to tempt us.” his peers and pressured by superiors, he Keeping my Bible at the ready held steady to his beliefs, refusing to bear and trusting in God are key for getting arms while serving as a medic. Without a through life – though none of us ever real- weapon to defend himself, he still saved ly get through it completely unscathed. 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. “In all circumstances, hold faith And who can forget the pivotal as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming ar- scene in the movie Braveheart and Mel rows of the evil one. And take the helmet Gibson’s rousing pep talk to Scottish war- of salvation and the sword of the Spir- Kelly Mescher Collins’ father, Paul Mescher, was a proud veteran and riors before later screaming, “F-r-e-e-e-e- it, which is the word of God,” it says in received military honors at his burial earlier this year. d-o-m!” He portrayed William Wallace, Ephesians 6: 16-17. considered one of Scotland’s greatest I regularly take up my rosary, heroes and chief inspiration for Scottish which St. Padre Pio called “the weapon Lady of Victory). rugged hill of hell’s defeat – my fortress th resistance to King Edward in the 13 cen- against the evils of the world today.” A song by my favorite Christian and my victory.” (Rend Collective, Nailed tury. Wallace was eventually captured, I find comfort knowing faithful band, Rend Collective, sums up my ap- to the Cross, off the album, Good News) condemned to death, hung, disembow- have been praying the rosary for the Vir- proach. eled, quartered and beheaded. gin Mary’s intercession for centuries. “When I stand accused by my re- Most of us have never engaged in In fact, Oct. 7 was the anniver- grets, and the devil roars its empty threats, military battle. But there’s not a human on sary of the Holy League of 1571’s victory I will preach the Gospel to myself, that Kelly Mescher Collins is multimedia this planet who has avoided battle with the over the Ottoman Navy at the Battle of I am not a man condemned – for Jesus journalist for the Diocese of Des Moines. unseen enemy – the evil one. Lepanto, marking the entire month of Oc- Christ is my defense.” She can be reached at kcollins@dmdio As Dan Burke writes in his book, tober as the month of the rosary. Catholics “When the doubt and shame cese.org. Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of celebrate Oct. 7 as the Feast of Our Lady hang over me… like the arrows of the Spirits, “the battle is unavoidable.” of the Rosary (formerly known as Our enemy. I will run again to Calvary – that OPINION www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 13

Ask a Priest The Hidden Face of Evil

you see persons sowing division, attributing false Guest Column motives to others, calling for them to be distrust- Q. Did God really create the imagine how much more ed and ostracized. Indeed, this is almost the dom- universe in seven days? mind-boggling is trying to inant element we see in our politics and in our A. Almost certainly not. The conceptualize heaven or hell social media. The result is the breakdown of com- story of creation is meant to or purgatory. We think of munity, the stalemate in our politics, the break- indicate that God is at the very heaven as “up” and hell as down of civility, the loss of trust in the meaning beginning of the universe. It’s “down,” but those terms real- By Father of truth, the smug belief that our own idiosyncrat- not intended to solve geologi- ly don’t work when we know Ron Rolheiser ic narrative functions as truth, and the near uni- cal or astronomical or his- the earth is not flat. Heavy versal neglect of elemental charity. Today we are torical issues. In fact, in the stuff, eh? witnessing a dangerous breakdown of trust and book of Genesis, there are We tend to be naïve about evil, at least civility, coupled with a massive erosion of simple two stories of creation. One Q. Is our life determined be- as to what it looks like in everyday life. Our pic- honesty. The devil must be smiling. is in chapter one; the other in fore we are born? ture of evil has been falsely shaped by images Where do we see the satanic at work? chapter two. Look it up to see A. No. Some things are taken from mythology, religious cults, and from Everywhere as well. More and more we are re- the differences. For early be- determined: where we are books and movies that portray evil as personi- treating into tribes, gangs, with those others who lievers, these stories helped to born, what language we fied in sinister spiritual forces. Demons haunt think like us and have the same self-interests to form a people of faith in a God speak, what kind of educa- houses, appear at séances, are summoned up by protect. While this can be a good thing, it’s not who loved them and cared for tion we are lucky enough to Ouija boards, contort bodies, and are exorcized good when we unite in ways that are rooted in them from the very start. receive, what color our eyes by the sprinkling of holy water. Whatever evil self-serving ideologies, economic privilege, rac- and hair and skin are. But does reside inside this concept of demonic forces ism, sexism, false nationalism, envy, and hatred. Q. How does the religious we also believe that we have (and you can believe in them or not) is infinitely When this happens, our group ceases being a history of the world and the free will to make decisions eclipsed by the ordinary face of evil which looks community and becomes instead a mob, a sick scientific history of the world about our lives. We’d like out at us from newscasts, is daily manifest in or- one, which at the end of the day, whatever its match up? to think that we are COM- dinary life, and is manifest too in our own face on particular idiosyncratic slogan, ends up chanting, A. We are constantly learn- PLETELY free, but we know a given day. as did the crowds on Good Friday, “Crucify him! ing more. Every generation our lives would be very dif- Mostly we are blind to the hidden evil Crucify him!” It’s significant that in the Gospels adds to our knowledge in ferent if we grew up in a dif- that foments inside us, tears communities apart, almost every time the word “crowd” is used it’s many subjects. Religion and ferent country with different and eats away at God and goodness. The Gospels used pejoratively. Commentators tell us that al- science are not rivals for our parents and a different kind can help us understand this. most without exception every time the word votes. A crazy comparison of government and a different In the Gospels, the evil one has two “crowd” appears in the Gospels it could be pre- might ask how does mathe- language. Even our DNA de- names because evil works in two ways. Some- ceded by the adjective “mindless.” Crowds are matics influence language? It termines if we are susceptible times the Gospels call the evil force “the Devil” mindless; worse still, they generally have a sick doesn’t. Science offers us to certain diseases or other and other times they call it “Satan”. What’s the bent towards crucifixion. The renowned Czech insights into space, medi- conditions. We are free in difference? In the end they both refer to the same novelist Milan Kundera highlights this when he cine, astronomy, and chemis- many ways, but not in every force (or person) but the different names refer to shares his strong fear of “the great march,” the try. Religion attempts to con- way. the different ways in which evil works. Devil, in sick fever that so generally infects a crowd and, nect us with God and with one Greek, means to slander and to tear things apart. soon enough, has them chanting “Release to us another. Prayer and worship Q. Does God know what I am Ironically, Satan means almost the exact oppo- Barabbas! And as for Jesus, crucify him!” This don’t preclude the advances going to do – does he know site. It means to unite things, but in a sick and is the face of satan in ordinary life, the actual face in science. Rather, science what path I am going to take malevolent way. of evil. often assists us in helping one already? So evil works in two ways: the devilish We need to name this today as we see another to live more complete A. Well, it’s a fair enough works by dividing us from each other, tearing us the ever-intensifying and bitter polarization in- and more loving lives. question, but we simply apart, and having us habitually slander each oth- side our families, communities, neighborhoods, don’t know. Take a few min- er so that community is forever being torn apart cities, and countries. Factionalism, anger, bit- Q. If you go to purgatory, then utes when you get a chance, through jealousy and accusation. The satanic, on terness, distrust, accusation, and hatred are in- how do people go to hell? and take the bible off your the other hand, does the opposite, with the same tensifying most everywhere, even inside our own A. Oh my. We hope that bookshelf. Turn to the book result. The satanic unites us in a sick way, that families where we are finding it harder and hard- no one goes to hell. It’s un- of Psalms and look at Psalm is, through the grip of mob-hysteria, social hype, er to sit down together, be civil with each other, derstandable that we think eight. It’s not very long, but self-serving ideologies, racism, sexism, envy, ha- and talk through our political, social, and moral of purgatory and heaven and it will give you a look at how tred and in a myriad of other malevolent ways so differences. Sadly, even the deadly presence of a hell as specific geographical small our understanding is of as to draw us into mob-hatred, gang-rapes, lynch- pandemic which threatens all of us has worked to places. But we have no di- the magnitude of God. ings, and crucifixions. It was satanic forces that divide rather than unite us. rect experience or knowledge engineered Jesus’ crucifixion. Evil doesn’t ordinarily have the face and of them. We know that the When we look at our world today, from feel of the devil in Rosemary’s Baby; it has the earth is round, but we usual- Got a question for “Ask a politics to social media to what’s happening in- face and feel of this evening’s newscast. ly think of it as flat – for ex- Priest” and its author, Father side many of our religious circles, we would have ample, when building a home John Ludwig? Send it to com to be blind not to see the powers of the “devil” Oblate Father Ron Rollheiser, theologian, or school or office building, [email protected]. and of “satan” at work (however you personally teacher and award-winning author, is president we lay out the plans flat. If define and picture these). of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, that’s the case with the earth, Where do we see the devilish at work? Texas. He can be contacted through his website Basically everywhere. Today, most everywhere, ronrollheiser.com.

Watch Bishop Joensen’s reflections ...plus, his Wednesday Mass livestreamed at 12:10pm on Facebook We welcome Letters to the Editor

The Catholic Mirror welcomes Letters to the Editor written by parishioners of the Diocese of Des Moines. Letters should pertain to issues of faith. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Send to [email protected] or The Catholic Mirror 601 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309

YouTube.com/DmDiocese Facebook.com/DmDiocese

www.DMDiocese.org www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 14 Former Imogene teacher dies Dominican Sister Mary al profession Aug. 5, 1955. She at St. Patrick, Imogene, 1959- may be made to the Sinsinawa Ann Heyd, also known as Sister taught for 31 years and served 1966. She also served in Minne- Dominicans, 585 County Road Wilberta, died Sept. 6 at St. Dom- as director of religious education sota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 inic Villa, Hazel Green, Wiscon- for seven years, subprioress and Pennsylvania, New York, Ne- or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate sin. liturgist for three years, pastoral braska and Kentucky. online. Repeat broadcasts of the Born in 1931 in Peoria, associate for eight years, family The funeral Mass was wake and funeral for Sister Mary Illinois, Sister Mary Ann made care giver for eight years, and held at the Dominican moth- Ann are available online at www. her first religious profession as community visitor for two years. erhouse, Sinsinawa, Sept. 11, sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa In the Diocese of Des followed by burial in the Moth- “on demand” tab. Aug. 5, 1952, and her perpetu- Moines, Sister Mary Ann taught erhouse Cemetery. Memorials Sister Mary Ann Heyd Sister devoted her life to education Sister Jean M. (Jean Charles Borromeo Parish, Chi- Council Bluffs, Iowa; Chicago; Memorials may be giv- Francis) Byrne, BVM died cago. She professed first vows and Butte, Mont. She served the en to Sisters of Charity, BVM Wednesday, Sept. 23 at Caritas on March 19, 1946, and final congregation as BVM Personnel Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Center in Dubuque, Iowa. She vows on Aug. 15, 1951. Office director and Mount Carm- Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or was 94. Sister Jean ministered el Archives volunteer. online at https://www.bvmsis- She was born on Nov. as a secondary teacher at St. Jo- Virtual visitation and ters.org/support_donate.cfm. 13, 1925, in Chicago and en- seph Academy in Des Moines Rite of Committal were held tered the Sisters of Charity of and Dowling Catholic High Sept. 25. A memorial Mass was the Blessed Virgin Mary con- School in West Des Moines. She Oct. 1. Burial was in the Mount gregation Sept. 8, 1943, from St. was an elementary teacher in Carmel Cemetery. Sister Jean M. Byrne Sister’s gift for music carried through her life Dominican Sister Bap- na, Illinois, Sister Baptist made liturgist for one year and in ad- Memorials may be tist Stohrer died Aug. 31 at St. her first religious profession as a ministration at Villa Schifanoia, made to the Sinsinawa Domini- Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Florence, Italy, for one year. A cans, 585 County Road Z, Sin- Wisconsin at age 93 after spend- Feb. 3, 1947, and her perpetual former student described her sinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at ing 73 years with her religious profession Aug. 5, 1950. “as always pleasant and easy to www.sinsinawa.org/donate on- community. She primarily taught learn from.” She served in Illi- line. Repeat broadcasts of the The funeral Mass was music in elementary and high nois, Iowa, Wisconsin and South wake and funeral for Sister Bap- held at the Dominican mother- schools for 20 years before be- Dakota. tist are available online at www. house, Sinsinawa, Sept. 4, fol- ginning a 40-year tenure in mu- In the Diocese of Des sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the lowed by burial of the cremains sic at Rosary College/Dominican Moines, Sister Baptist taught “on demand” tab. in the Motherhouse Cemetery. University, River Forest, Illinio- at St. Patrick Grade and High Born in 1927 in Urba- is. Sister Baptist ministered as a Schools in Imogene in 1947. Sister Baptist Stohrer Congregation of the Humility of Mary Jubilarians

Eight religious women 70 years Hope team in Davenport, match- mility of Mary Center where she Sister Rosalind (Ma- with the Congregation of the Hu- Sister Rachel Beeson ing volunteers with opportunities works with Sister Rosie Restelli rio) Restelli was born in 1942 mility of Mary, who have ties to was born in 1932 in Des Moines. to serve the homeless, migrants as sacristan, volunteers for the in Great Falls, Montana, and the Diocese of Des Moines, cele- She entered the Congregation of and refugees, inner- city children CHMs and visits immediate fam- entered the Congregation of the brated jubilees this past summer. the Humility of Mary in 1950 and the elderly. ily members who suffer serious Humility of Mary in 1960. Her On Aug. 30 the congre- making her first vows in 1953. Sister Rachel currently health issues. first vows were pronounced in gation had a private Mass of Cel- Sister Rachel studied lives in Davenport, Iowa at Hu- *** 1963. ebration in the Magnificat Chap- education at Ottumwa Heights mility of Mary Center where she Sister Catherine (Ra- She received an asso- el at Humility of Mary Center in College in Ottumwa, received is active in a ministry of prayer mona Marie) Linnenkamp was ciate degree in teaching from Davenport. her BA in education from Mary- and witness. born in Sigourney, Iowa, in 1938 Ottumwa Heights College in crest College in Davenport, and and entered the Congregation of Ottumwa, Iowa, and a BA in el- 75 Years an MA in elementary admin- 60 years the Humility of Mary in 1960. ementary education from Mary- Sister Rosalia (Mary istration from Southeast Mis- Born in Bernard, Iowa, Her first vows were pronounced crest College in Davenport. Her Andrew) Riedel was born in 1923 souri State University in Cape in 1938, Sister Kathleen (Moa- in 1963. ministry of education found her in Milford, Ohio. She entered the Gerardeau, Missouri. She also donna Marie) Henneberry en- Sister Catherine re- at schools in Iowa in Marshall- Congregation of the Humility of completed a corporate ministry tered the Congregation of the ceived her associate’s degree town and Bettendorf. In the Dio- Mary in 1945 and made her first program at St. Louis University Humility of Mary in 1960 and in education from Ottumwa cese of Des Moines, she St. Pius profession in 1948. Sister Rosa- in St. Louis. made her first profession in 1963. Heights College, a BA in educa- X in Des Urbandale (1965-66) lia received a BA in elementary In the Diocese of Des Sister Kathleen re- tion from Marycrest College in and St. Joseph School in Neola education from Marycrest Col- Moines, Sister Rachel taught at ceived her BA in elementary ed- Davenport and an MA in educa- (1977-90 and 1991-94). She also lege in Davenport and 40 years St. Joseph in Dunlap (1954-55) ucation from Marycrest College tion from George Peabody Col- taught in Wahiawa, Hawaii. later received a certified nurse’s and St. Anthony in Des Moines in Davenport. She continued her lege for Teachers in Nashville, Sister Rosalind also aide degree from Scott Commu- (1960-62). She was teacher and education at many colleges with Tennessee. served as a pastoral minister at nity College in Davenport. assistant principal at St. Pius X in a focus on spiritual direction, Her ministry of teach- St. Patrick Parish in Neola start- She taught elementary Urbandale (1967-69); principal theology, hospice care and pasto- ing in Iowa found her at St. ing in 1994 until retirement. She school in Iowa in Centerville, at St. Pius X (1969-71), St. Al- ral ministry. Anthony School in Des Moines was the last Sister of Humility Bettendorf, Albia Oskaloosa and bert in Council Bluffs (1973-77), Her teaching ministry (1967-68). She also taught in to serve in Neola, having min- Ottumwa. In the Diocese of Des and St. Anthony in Des Moines in Iowa found her at Ottumwa, Ottumwa, Albia and Bettendorf. istered there for 37 years. Sister Moines, she taught at St. There- (1977-81), She also served Davenport, Albia, Centerville, She served as principal in Albia Rosalind now lives at Humility sa School (1962-63). She also schools in Iowa in Cosgrove, and Davenport. In the Diocese of and two schools in Davenport. of Mary Center in Davenport taught in Montana and Illinois. Oskaloosa, Centerville, Daven- Des Moines, she taught at St. Jo- Her ministry as assistant where she is a sacristan. After teaching, her min- port, Albia, Clinton and Musca- seph, Dunlap (1966-68). She also registrar at Marycrest College istry focused in a different direc- tine. She served a school in Min- taught in Montana and Illinois. began in 1986. She then became tion. She worked in Davenport at neapolis and Benton, Missouri as Sister Kathleen’s parish registrar at Teikyo/Marycrest *** the Center for Active Seniors as well. ministry found her in Davenport, University. Sisterr Johanna (Mary a program assistant, a program Sister Rachel’s varied St. Louis, Illinois, Iowa, and Changing ministries in Johanna) Rickl was born in 1942 facilitator and finally as a volun- ministries also included: plant Minnesota. In the Des Moines 2000, she worked in health infor- in Glendive, Montana, and en- teer. coordinator at Ottumwa Heights diocese, she served Sacred Heart mation management at Genesis tered the Congregation of the Sister Rosalia now re- in Ottumwa, coordinator of re- Parish in Chariton and St. Fran- Medical Center in Davenport. Humility of Mary in 1960. Her sides at Bishop Drumm Care tired at Marycrest in Davenport, cis Parish in Corydon (2003-08). Currently Sister Catherine lives first vows were pronounced in Center in Johnston, where she is women’s counselor at New Life From 2008-2010 Sister in Davenport and serves as the 1963. active in a ministry of prayer and Style in St. Louis, religious edu- Kathleen served as the CHM co- CHM finance clerk at Humility She received her asso- witness. cation coordinator at St. Anthony ordinator at Bishop Drumm Care of Mary Center. ciate degree in education from Parish in Knoxville, Iowa. She Center in Johnston. She current- was a member of the Seeds of ly lives in Davenport at the Hu- *** Continued on page 15 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 15 Face masks deemed expression of faith that Founder of KCs to be beatified deepens safety precaution HARTFORD, Conn. hydrops. LEWES, Del. (CNS) It’s all black with a (CNS) -- Father Michael Mc- Father Mc- -- When Father Brian S. Lewis small white patch at the center Givney, the founder of the Givney (1852-1890), the son walked into St. Jude the Apostle top of the cloth, resembling the Knights of Columbus, will be of Irish immigrants, was born Catholic Church in Lewes to cel- white collar on the black cleri- beatified during a special Mass in Waterbury, Connecticut, and ebrate Mass on a recent fall Sat- cal garb most priests wear. The Oct. 31 at the Cathedral of St. was ordained a priest in 1877 urday evening, he was sporting a “cleric” mask elicits laughter, Joseph in Hartford. for what is now the Archdiocese unique face mask. stares, double takes and curios- On May 27, the Vatican of Hartford. He founded the Mask wearing is a re- ity, Father Lewis told Catholic announced that Pope Francis had Knights of Columbus at St. quirement for most people to en- News Service during a recent signed the decree recognizing a Mary Parish in New Haven, ter the worship space as a public interview. miracle through the intercession Connecticut, in 1882. safety measure during the coro- “I wear it proudly, not of Father McGivney, clearing He originally started navirus pandemic, so a friend of only for the shock value and Father Brian S. Lewis the way for his beatification. the Knights as a service orga- Father Lewis’ sister-in-law craft- because it’s funny,” he said. “It Once he is beatified, he will be nization to help widows and ed a face covering fitting for the also symbolizes something that ing the mask can be a spiritual given the title “Blessed.” orphans. The fraternal order for pastor of the Delaware parish. should be on full display. Wear- work of mercy.” The Vatican Congre- Catholic men has become the gation for Saints’ Causes an- largest lay Catholic organization nounced the date for the beatifi- in the world with 2 million mem- Chiefs’ star kicker: Catholic faith, family are priority cation July 20. bers and sponsors a wide range The miracle recognized of educational, charitable and KANSAS CITY, Mo. LIV. with my time on this earth is re- by the Vatican occurred in 2015 religious activities. (CNS) -- Harrison Butker’s im- But the morning after maining dedicated to my prima- and involved an U.S. baby, still Father McGivney, who pact on the the game, as he told the attend- ry vocation -- helping my family in utero, with a life-threatening will be the first American parish football ees at the Knights of Columbus get to heaven,” he said. condition that, under most cir- priest to be beatified and has long field is tre- 55th annual College Councils Butker, a member of cumstances, could have led to an been a hero of working-class mendous. Conference, he still had to take the Knights of Columbus who abortion. Catholics, can be viewed as a As the kick- out the garbage. joined while a student-athlete at That baby, Mikey martyr of a pandemic. When he er for the This simple act was a Georgia Tech, challenged Col- Schachle, is now 5. His parents, died of pneumonia complica- Kansas City humbling reminder to him while lege Knights to make an impact Dan and Michelle Schachle, of tions at age 38 in 1890, it was Chiefs, he on top of the football world. on their communities and college Dickson, Tennessee, prayed to during an outbreak of influenza was a vital “Outside of the bright campuses by “showing by our Father McGivney to intercede known as the Russian flu in Tho- component lights of the stadium, with the actions what a Christ-centered with God to save their son, still maston, Connecticut. Harrison to the team’s fans and the notoriety that come life looks like put into practice.”. in his mother›s womb, who Butker victory in with being an NFL player, the was given no hope of surviving Super Bowl greatest impact that I will make a life-threatening case of fetal Pope Francis addresses United Nations Pope Francis asked tle respect for human life. integral development of peoples York, Pope Francis returned to for maintaining the lifestyles of members of the United Nations “We must ask ourselves and protect the natural environ- themes he has repeated since wealthy individuals and nations. how they think they can respond if the principal threats to peace ment,” the pope said in his vid- the COVID-19 pandemic began: The pope spoke in Spanish; a to the COVID-19 pandemic and and security — poverty, epidem- eo address, which was broadcast Humanity faces a choice be- Vatican translation of his speech build a more peaceful, more just ics, terrorism and so many others Sept. 25 during a virtual meeting tween trying to go back to an of- follows, copyright © 2020 by Li- world when many of their coun- — can effectively be countered of the U.N. General Assembly. ten unjust “normal” or taking the breria Editrice Vaticana. tries spend billions of dollars on when the arms race, including The U.N. is celebrat- opportunity to rethink economic military weapons and when their nuclear weapons, continues to ing its 75th anniversary. On the and political policies, putting treatment of the unborn, of refu- squander precious resources that fifth anniversary of his visit to the good of all people and the gees and of women shows so lit- could better be used to benefit the the U.N. headquarters in New environment ahead of concern Veterans reflect on service Congregation of the Humility of Mary Jubilarians Continued from page 1 “It was when I retired and moved back to Council Bluffs Continued from page 14 Services, Inc and Our Lady of *** very difficult to be away from when I felt the need to reconnect the Prairie Retreat. Sister Mary Penelope home for that long and again, with the Church, and that’s when Ottumwa Heights College in Wink (M. Damien) was born in working and sleeping and eating I went back to my childhood par- Ottumwa, a BA in biology from *** Evanston, Illinois in 1941. She and do everything in the same ish,” said Cox, who was raised Marycrest College in Davenport, Born in Davenport, entered the Congregation of the place and it gets a little tedious.” Catholic. “I went through RCIA and an MS in zoology from Ari- Iowa, St. Alphonsus Parish, in Humility of Mary in 1960. Her Cox admits to falling to get confirmed – I was never zona State University. She later 1940, Sr. Nancy (John Mary) first vows were pronounced in away from this faith while serv- confirmed.” completed the Qualified Gen- Schwieters entered the Congre- 1963 and final vows in 1968. ing in the military. While there, he discov- eral Interpreter Program at Des gation of the Humility of Mary Sister Mary Penelope “A lot of the ships didn’t ered Corpus Christi was look- Moines Area Community Col- in 1960 and made her first vows received a BA in biology from have Catholic priests – we were ing for a parish manager, which lege and is a charter member of in 1963. Marycrest College in Davenport, fortunate on my last one that we matched his skill set – and he the Iowa Interpreters and Trans- Sister Nancy received an MS in biology from Kansas did have a Catholic priest,” Cox now works for the church where lators Association. an associate degree in elemen- State Teachers College in Empo- said. he was raised. Her ministry of teach- tary education from Ottumwa ria, Kansas, and an MA in gestalt ing began at St. Anthony School Heights College, Ottumwa, IA, psychotherapy from Integro in in Des Moines (1965-66), and a BA in elementary education Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Corning native on Army service continued in Montana, Arizona from Marycrest College, Daven- She also has various certificates Lynn Schafroth of St. him, and he has made point of and Ottumwa, Iowa. Sister Jo- port, and an MA in religious ed- in programs related to pastoral Patrick Par- giving back. hanna did pastoral work in Chi- ucation from Seattle University. services and psychotherapy. ish in Corn- He and wife, Linda, apas, Mexico for 13 years and Her ministry of teaching in Iowa Sister Mary Penelo- ing joined helped lead the Teens Encoun- later in Montana. She was pas- found her at St. Pius School in pe taught in Iowa at St. Pius X the Army ter Christ 3-day weekend at St. toral administrator of a parish in Urbandale (1964-65). She also in Urbandale (1964). She also National Thomas More Center 23 times. Montana for 10 years. taught in Marshalltown and Dav- taught in Marshalltown and Ot- Guard as He helped lead a program called From 2003-2008 she enport, and in Montana. She co- tumwa. She worked with single a senior Quest for freshman and sopho- lived in the CHM New Hope ordinated the CHM formation mothers while working in a uni- in high mores, and has been a chaperone Community, serving residents of program at the Ottumwa Heights versity laboratory in Nashville, school. for the National Catholic Youth the River Bend neighborhood of Center in Ottumwa. Tennessee and in Houston. After Conference three separate times. Des Moines and interpreting at Sister Nancy served She also acted as CHM training he He and Linda were also Mercy Medical Center. with John Lewis Community formation director and associate was a pla- involved in marriage preparation, Sister Johanna has Services as a job connect and coordinator. Since 1975, Sister Lynn toon leader and have met with 25 engaged served as president and vice computer lab mentor. She con- Penelope’s ministry has been Schafroth at the Red Oak couples over the years. president of the CHM commu- tinued that ministry with Humil- that of pastoral work in differ- Armory before “I felt like I needed to nity and is currently part of the ity of Mary Shelter, Inc. in Dav- ent parishes in Chiapas, Mexico. training Vienamese officers in Ft. give back to the community in CHM Leadership Team in Dav- enport. She has since retired and In addition, since 2002 she has Benning, Georgia. some way, and to me the church enport. Much of her attention is is active in a ministry of prayer ministered as a psychotherapist Schafroth’s Catholic was the logical choice,” Schafroth directed to the CHM sponsored and witness. and since 2018 as a polarity inte- faith is extremely important to said. ministries, Humility Homes & gration therapist in Chiapas. www.dmdiocese.orgDSM. Oct2020 9.75x15.25.qxp_Layout 1 9/29/20 2:24 PM Page 1 The Catholic Mirror October 16, 2020 Miracle Approved! Father McGivney to be Beati ed! ROME – The Vatican today (May 27) announced Father McGivney also remains an important role that Pope Francis approved the promulgation model for parish priests around the world and left of a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to us a transformative legacy of e— ective cooperation the intercession of the founder of the Knights of between the laity and clergy. Columbus, Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, Father McGivney spent his entire priesthood in a Connecticut priest who served his „ ock during parish ministry and died of pneumonia on August the pandemic of 1890, before himself becoming ill 14, 1890— two days after his 38th birthday – and dying of pneumonia. after falling ill amid a pandemic. Recent scienti› c The pope’s action means that Father McGivney evidence indicates that that pandemic – like can be declared “Blessed,” the step just prior to the current one – may have been caused by a sainthood. An additional miracle attributed to coronavirus. Father McGivney’s intercession will be required for Known by his contemporaries for his his canonization as a saint. devotion to the faith and his embodiment of the “Father McGivney has inspired generations characteristics of the “Good Samaritan,” his cause of Catholic men to roll up their sleeves and put for sainthood was opened in the Archdiocese their faith into action,” Supreme Knight Carl A. of Hartford in 1997. St. John Paul II – who was Anderson said. “He was decades ahead of his time pope at that time – lauded Father McGivney’s in giving the laity an important role within the principles, stating in 2003, “In › delity to the vision Church. Today, his spirit continues to shape the of Father McGivney, may you continue to seek new extraordinary charitable work of Knights as they ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world continue to serve those on the margins of society and a spiritual force for the renewal of the Church as he served widows and orphans in the 1880s. in holiness, unity and truth.”

The Knights are o— ering three dates you can join in a free livestream of our latest documentary — Father Michael McGivney: An American Blessed — ahead of his beati› cation Mass on Oct. 31. This new short documentary explores the life, legacy and impact of Father Michael McGivney, apostle of spiritual brotherhood and unity, who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882. The 20-minute › lm will air on the K of C YouTube and Facebook channels in three, exclusive, limited time events:

■ September 26 at 8 p.m. ET Scan to learn more ■ October 25 at 8 p.m. ET about the Knights

Lift Every Voice... Join the Knights of Columbus — visit www.kofc.org/join To Learn More www.iowakofc.org | Follow us on facebook/IowaKnightsOfColumbus and Facebook.com/caballerosdecoloniowa | on twitter.com/IAKnights

9:40 AM A Portfolio of Protection Our signature product. t Life Insurance Walker Bormann Jeromy Brockelsby Dan Ginther Donnie Kenkel Permanen Insure your life for life. Assistant General 402-651-7613 515-460-3411 712-579-9066 Term Life Insurance Affordable protection Agent Council Bluffs, Carlisle, Altoona, Council Bluffs, for temporary needs. Glenwood, Red Oak Elkhart and Atlantic, Stuart, 563-219-5800 etirement Annuities Retirement income you Eastern Iowa & Shenandoah Des Moines Greenfield & Neola R can count on. Guaranteed. erm Care Insurance Protect your assets. Get quality care. Long-T Prepare for the future. come Insurance Receive an income even when you Disability In can't work.

Rob Ryan Pete Seuntjens Steve Tatz Welcome New Agent 515-490-8753 712-880-0044 515-201-6568 Gregory Waddle WDM, St. Francis Harlan, Earling, Serving 515-218-3550 & Sacred Heart, Audubon, Dunlap Des Moines All Saints, Grimes, Clive, & Logan Councils including St. Augustin, Johnston & Ankeny Perry, Waukee St. Anthony’s The Knights of Columbus offers a full-line of quality, flexible products & Urbandale and Christ the King backed by our top-rated financial strength* to help protect your Catholic family.

* As of 01/2018, rated A+ Superior by A.M. Best

L I F E I N S U R A N C E • D I S A B I L I T Y I N C O M E I N S U R A N C E • L O N G - T E R M C A R E I N S U R A N C E • R E T I R E M E N T A N N U I T I E S Neil Pfeifer BORMANN AGENCY General Agent Mike Bormann Northeast Nebraska, General Agent Southwest and 563-689-6801 West Central Iowa [email protected] 402-379-0180 [email protected]