Southwest Kansas “let the resurrection �oy lift us fro� loneliness and �eakness and des�air to strength and beauty ATHOLIC and ha��iness.” — Floyd W. Tomkins Cnewspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City www.dcdiocese.org/swkscatholic vol. lii, no. 23 sunday, april 1, 2018 Defending Adoption t. Paul teaches: “For those Bills before House and Senate would protect adopti on choice who are led by the spirit By Joe Bollig Sof god are children of god. Bishops ask Catholics to Contact State The Leaven ForLed you did notby receive the a spirit ofSpirit Editor’s Note: The following is reprinted with Legislators Regarding Pending Bill slavery to fall back into fear, but permission from the Leaven, the newspaper of the you received a Spirit of adopti on, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Kansas through which we cry, ‘abba, OPEKA — Could faith-based adopti on and foster In Support of the Adopti on Protecti on Act, HB 2687 Father!’ ” (Romans 8:14-15). Tcare agencies in Kansas be forced to choose Through Jesus’ life, death and between either shutti ng down or violati ng their Catholic Chariti es of SW Kansas Adopti on Program: resurrecti on and by the grace of + most rev. John faith and conscience? a half century of fi nding forever homes the Holy Spirit, we participate B. Brungardt See Page 8 See Pages 8-9 with Jesus in His divine Sonship. Bishop of the We have become the Father’s Catholic Diocese adopted sons and daughters of Dodge City through Christ; Jesus has taught us to call God “Abba, Father,” to convey our inti macy with Him. Most of us have known that same kind of inti macy with our birth or adopti ve parents. Those of you who are parents through your vocati on to marriage and family life fi nd your fulfi llment in sharing that love with your children. Many of you reading this may have firsthand experience with the adoption process. Perhaps a brother or sister was adopted, or maybe you yourselves have adopted a child, or provided foster care to a child in need. Perhaps you were blessed to work with a Catholic or other faith-based agency in the process. Unfortunately, right now in our state, there are acti vists seeking to prohibit faith-based adopti on and foster-care agencies from providing their services simply because they choose to place children only in homes with a married mother and father. There are no protecti ons under the law for the conscience rights of these agencies. Acti vists have successfully shut down child placement agencies like Catholic Chariti es in Massachusett s, Texas, Illinois, California and Washington, D.C. It is only a matt er of ti me before they att empt to do the same here in Kansas. As people of faith who believe in the sancti ty of one-man, one-woman marriage and seek to defend the family as the “original cell of social life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207), I am calling upon you to support the “Protect Adopti on Choice” campaign currently under way. Materials were provided to every parish for inclusion in weekly bulleti ns outlining how you can parti cipate simply by making a phone call to your state representati ve and senator and asking them to support House Bill HB 2687 and Senate Bill SB 401, The Adopti on Protecti on Act. Additi onal ‘He is not here; he has risen, information about the Protect Adoption Choice campaign is featured in this issue of the Southwest Kansas Catholic and can also be found on the diocesan -- Matthew 28:6 Web site, htt p://www.dcdiocese.org. just like he said.’ Time is of the essence. The state legislature ut on the fi rst day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb. adjourns April 6. Please review these materials, And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when or those provided to you by your pastor, and call your legislators today. It is urgent that we seize the they entered, they did not fi nd the body of the Lord Jesus. Two men momentum on this important issue. suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were As we begin the joy of the Easter Season, we ask Jesus terrifi ed and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, our Risen Lord and Savior to help us assist children in “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but need of a home. Catholic Chariti es and other faith-based He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in agencies must be able to do just that, as they have for decades. Thank you for your generous help. Jesus loves Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of the litt le children, and you, more than you can ask or sinful men, and be crucifi ed, and the third day rise again?” And they remembered His imagine! Happy Easter! words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to + Bishop John all the rest. -- Luke 24:1-10 Page 2 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Where the Resurrection begins I follow Jesus, all its signs. They are fi lled with the move rapidly. The stream of your mystery of God. consciousness is a buzzing, booming, not the world + most rev. And you, where are you to be confusion, as William James once ronald m. found? Inside, of course. Inside your described it. But that is exactly gilmore own heads and your own hearts. where you are. That is the starti ng + most rev. John B. Brungardt Bishop There is movement there, constant point for each of your days. Bishop of the Emeritus of moti on. There is an unending fl ow And that is exactly where the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City of persons, places, issues, and events Resurrection begins. It floats in Dodge City that are to be found there each your stream. It swims in your river. day. Some call this the stream of It rushes in your waters. It fl oods here should you go to consciousness. It is your stream, to and changes your very course. celebrate Easter? You be sure. You allow this or that, or The Resurrecti on is a deep current The following is Part 5 of a Wshould go where the Lord the other thing, into it. But it is also fl owing through you, the deepest 10-part series on “Good News is to be found. You should go where beyond you. It works without you. part of where and who you are. So and Kingdom Living.” you are to be found. So, gather up all the thoughts, the take where you are to be found to The Lord is to be found in his holy feelings, the desires, the urges, the where the Lord is to be found in “ … you do not belong to the world … “ (John 15:19). words, and in his sacred signs. This dreams, the wounds, the fears, the these Holy Days. Let them enlighten We are in a temporary home on this earth. We do not is the ordinary way he comes to resentments, the angers, and the you to the healing that is happening belong to this world. I joke with people: “Do you like to us. So, in a last gasp of Lenten self- joys too … gather them all up, these deep inside you. Wake up to a relax in a Holiday Inn room aft er a long day of travelling? denial, give yourselves up to this things, and many more besides. blessed, and life-changing, Easter Yes. Do you want to live at Holiday Inn for the rest of your Holy Week, with all its words and They change constantly. They Sunday. life? No!” We are made for heaven, we are created to live with God for all eternity, we are designed to praise God forever! Then, what is this earth? It is only a temporary home. We are in the world, but not of the world. The way of the world will lead us to sadness, empti ness, and misery. We are called to follow Jesus’ way of life, His path, our Savior’s directi on, not the way of the world. This way of Jesus will lead us to happiness, peace, and life in heaven. “ … We have seen and testi fy that the Father has sent his son as savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). The Good News is that I need a Savior, He is Jesus, He died and rose on Easter Sunday to save me, He invites me to believe and I respond, and I follow Jesus and His Church (not the world). The next arti cle in this series is Kingdom Living, how we put this belief into practi ce. Let us follow Jesus, who loves us so much. Happy Easter! + Bishop John Bishop’s Catechesis good news: Church, not the world 1. I need a Savior Kingdom living: 2. Jesus is God became 1. Daily prayer Man 2. Weekly Holy Mass 3. Jesus died and rose to 3. Monthly Confession save me 4. Study the Bible and 4. Jesus invites me to the Catechism believe, and I respond 5. Witness the Good 5. I follow Jesus and His News

‘Love Gives Life Conference’, April 7 een and adults are invited to the “Love Gives Life” Conference on Saturday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 Tp.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. The conference will be hosted by Kansans for Life and the Knights of Columbus Council #2955 and will feature Terry Beatley, who will share the personal testi mony of Dr. Bernard Nathanson about the decepti on used to convince Americans to accept legalized aborti on. Several educati onal workshops also will be off ered, in both English and Spanish. Come for just an hour, or come for the enti re program. The cost is $5 for adults, and teen ti ckets are free. Lunch is included, but you must RSVP by April 4 if you will be eati ng lunch. Register by April 4 at kansansforlife.salsalabs.org/04718dodgecity or call 1-800-928-5433. See www.kfl .org for a complete schedule. dolescentes y adultos están invitados a una conferencia pro-vida, “el amor Da la vida” el sábado, Aabril 7, de 11 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. en la Catedral de nuestra señora de guadalupe en Dodge City.¡el costo es solo $5 por cada adulto, y los boletos para adolescentes son grati s. Se incluye almuerzo, pero se requiere que se registre antes del 4 de abril. regístrese antes del 4 de abril en la pagina web kansansforlife.salsalabs.org/04718dodgecity o llame al 1-800-928-5433. The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 3 Knights purchase new scanner for ABC Pregnancy Center athers Mark Brantley and Warren Stecklein presided at Fthe dedication and blessing of a new $47,000 ultrasound scanner at the ABC Pregnancy Care Center in Garden City, which was purchased thanks to a donation by the Knights of Columbus. “We are extremely excited to have this machine,” said Erica Boone, Executive Director of the ABC Pregnancy Care Center. “Right after the dedication, we were able to do five sonograms for abortion-minded and abortion vulnerable women. All of the women chose life for their unborn baby. “We are so grateful to have the technology of this machine. The machine we had before worked well for its age, but we’re so happy to have the technology that this machine offers,” including a wide screen and 3-D imagery of the unborn baby. “Mothers have a better, clear picture of their baby,” Boone said. “It’s just extremely exciting to have that.” The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative actively raises money toward the purchase of ultrasound machines for pregnancy centers across the country. This was the first time that a machine was purchased for a center in southwest Kansas. The Supreme Council (the national Knights office) has provided half the cost, while Kansas Knights have provided the other half. “Our center is doing a lot over here,” said Tom Loker, a former grand knight and a member of the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus, Council 2795 in Garden City, who is on the board of directors for the ABC Pregnancy Care Center in Garden City. “We even provide post-abortion counseling. We recently hired a new executive director, and she has done a fantastic job.” The Knights’ nationwide ultrasound project began in 2009. The ultrasound machines will help the centers better provide for the health of both mother and child. Ultrasound exams, which are medically indicated throughout pregnancy for a variety of diagnostic reasons, use sound waves to scan a woman’s abdomen, creating a picture or “sonogram” of the Photos courtesy of Tom Loker, Audra Olson, and Dan Ordonez baby in her uterus. Above, right, Father Mark Brantley and Father Warren Stecklein bless the new sonogram machine. Below, left Without K of C support, these centers would be unable are with representatives of the Knights and employees of the ABC Pregnancy Care Center. At bottom, right, Bishop’s Catechesis to purchase the ultrasound devices, each costing tens of Knights parade down the hall of the center prior to the blessing ceremony. The sonogram was purchased using thousands of dollars. funds raised through a special initiative of the Knights of Columbus that began in 2009. Cardinal Rigali on the Celebration of Jesus’ Mercy Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church takes place April 8 By J. Basil Dannebohm The memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, REAT BEND - The parishes shall obtain mercy.” Special to the Catholic Mother of the Church, has been added to the in and around Great Bend Saint Faustina said in her diary n March 3, the Vatican announced General Roman Calendar, the Roman Missal, Gwill celebrate Divine Mercy that people “radiate” God’s mercy that Pope Francis made the decision and the Liturgy of the Hours. Sunday with a solemn hour of prayer to others by actions, words and Othat the Church should celebrate the “What Pope Francis has now given to the and benediction at 3 p.m. Sunday, prayers. Blessed Mother in her role as “Mother of Church is a new celebration of Mary, Mother April 8 at Saint Patrick Church, 4100 The Divine Mercy image is a painting the Church” every year on the Monday after of the Church, to be observed throughout the Broadway. of Jesus with two rays emerging from Pentecost, as a way to foster Marian piety and Church on the Monday after Pentecost,” says The service will include adoration of his heart representing the blood and the maternal sense of the Church. His Eminence. “It has the liturgical rank of a the Blessed Sacrament, the Divine Mercy water which flowed from the side of The official decree was published in a Memorial. As such, it is inscribed in the calendar Chaplet in song, as well as prayers, Jesus as his heart was lanced after he letter from Cardinal Robert Sarah, head of of the Church. It is not a Feast but it is given to music and meditation. Confessions will died upon the cross. the Congregation for Divine Worship and the the whole Church, and its celebration brings be heard during the service. It is open One ray is pale representing the Discipline of the Sacraments. new honor to our Blessed Mother.” to people of all faiths. water which makes souls righteous, The Marian title of “Mother of the Church,” His Eminence noted that observing the Devotion for Divine Mercy began in the other is red for the blood, which was given to the Blessed Mother by Blessed memorial on the Monday after Pentecost bears the 1930s when Saint Maria Faustina is the life of souls. Pope Paul VI, who earlier this month, the significance. Kowalska, a Polish nun, received “These two rays issued forth from Vatican announced will be canonized a saint “This new Memorial is beautifully placed right special communications with Jesus the very depths of my tender mercy later this year. after the Solemnity of Pentecost and in this way in which he asked her to have this when my agonized heart, was opened In an interview with writer J. Basil Dannebohm, also provokes a reflection on the relationship image painted to spread the message by a lance on the cross. These rays His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali, explained of the Blessed Virgin to the Holy Spirit,” said of his mercy. shield souls from the wrath of my the significance of the distinction between a Cardinal Rigali. Under the instructions of a spiritual father. Happy is the one who dwells votive Mass and a Memorial. In his encyclical, “Divinum Illud Munus,” Pope director, Saint Faustina wrote down in their shelter, for the just hand of “A votive Mass is a Mass that is not inscribed Leo XIII mentioned the spousal relationship her revelations from Jesus, now God shall not lay hold of him.” (Diary in the liturgical calendar of the Church, but between the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin: contained in her 600-page diary. In number 299) which the Church permits to be celebrated on “You know well the intimate and wonderful these writings, Saint Faustina said Saint Faustina died in 1938 at the certain days in honor of a particular mystery relationship existing between her (The Virgin people are to call upon Jesus with age of 33. She was canonized a saint of God or the Blessed Virgin or the Angels or Mary) and the Holy Spirit, so that she is justly trust, receive his mercy, and let it flow April 30, 2000, in Rome by the Pope Saints,” said Cardinal Rigali. “In the Roman called His Spouse.” through people to others. at that time, Saint John Paul II, who Missal there is a Votive Mass of Our Lady, The memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, This mercy fulfills the message said that the Sunday after Easter, Mother of the Church, which can be used on Mother of the Church, will officially be in Matthew’s gospel that states, Divine Mercy Sunday, would now be various occasions.” celebrated for the first time on May 21, 2018. “Blessed are the merciful, for they an official feast day of the Church. Step back with me, if you will, to a time when a young whipper snapper named George W. Bush was in office, Pope John Paul II was still our pontiff, I had a Labrador named Sarah, and my brain was still fully functioning.

Page 4 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Commentary ‘Infantes Journalle’ Ready or not! “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not ome of you are probably aware of Infan- expect, the Son of Man will come.” -- Matthew 24:44 tes Journalle, a diary uncovered in France Sin the early 1940s that details the daily efore computer games and virtual reality combats, when I was events of an unborn child. The oddity, as you young my sis and I would often join the neighborhood kids may know, is that the journal was reportedly Bin the game of hide and seek. The one who was the seeker dictated by the unborn child herself. would start by closing his/her eyes and count to 100, while all the This phenomena, called “Talking Unborn others would scatter and hide. Baby Syndrome,” or TUBS, has been scientifi- As the seeker approached 100, they would count the last few cally documented on at least four occasions. In By Dave Myers numbers louder: “…96, 97, 98. 99, 100!” Then shout: “HERE I COME, each instance, the unborn child had an uncan- Editor READY OR NOT!” The seeker then opened his/her eyes and tried to ny ability to hear and learn from its mother’s find the hiders; the first one found became the next seeker, and the speech patterns, thus acquiring a working vocabulary while still last was winner of the round. in the womb. Nobody liked being caught off guard—before finding a good hiding By Sister Amy In 1889, Deanna Richter of Hassburgen, Germany was scared place, or when not ready or feeling unprepared. McFrederick, OP out of a deep sleep when a tiny voice emanating from her belly Last Thursday around 8:45 p.m., a 50 mph wind whipped around demanded, “Genug halten dat schnorchen, einredy!” (“Enough our house and snapped off two huge branches of a two-pronged tree with the snoring, already!”) The voice was eventually determined just a few feet from our house. Both of them came tumbling down to be that of her unborn daughter, but only after a team of Ger- onto our house with sudden thunderous crashes. man veterinarians removed suspicion from the family’s Terrier. Shocked and alarmed at the suddenness of the noise, and not In 1917, scientists were amazed when Edgar Johnstone of knowing exactly what was happening, I leapt up from the couch near ... I leapt up Newhaven, Conn. carried on a 15-minute conversation with his a window and instinctively moved to the middle of the room. I could from the couch unborn son, who it turns out had a fascinating theory on how the feel the house shake from the impact as one of the great falling rise and fall of ancient Rome related to the geopolitical events of branches hit the southwest corner of the attic, then landed on the near a window, the day. Noted Russian biologist Dr. Leonid Gravsky called it the roof of our screened in porch. At the same time, the other dragged most profound theory ever presented by an unborn child. down gutters and molding on the north front rim and destroyed the and instinctively As late as 1973, Portia Warwick of Theshire, England fainted roof of our front porch before landing on the ground just off the moved to the when, just seconds after giving birth to her son, her newborn step. requested a “copy of the London Daily and a spot of tea.” It all happened quickly without warning. But thank God, no one middle of the So far, Infantes Journalle is the only known instance where a was hurt. newborn dictated her daily experiences leading up to her birth, After assessing the damage and doing what we could to keep room. I could feel thus creating a first person written record of life in the womb. It water, wind and critters from coming in through one window pushed the house shake has proven an invaluable record for scientists across the globe. in by an intrusive branch, and satisfied we could do no more, our Following are just a few snippets pulled from the 75-page di- Clarissa House community went off to bed. But sleep? Well, that was from the impact ary, currently on display at the Palais de la Découverte in Paris an individual matter. (through June 1): This scary incident reminded me that at any moment, whether as one of the great • “There is hope in the womb. Hope — that most fragile of we’re READY OR NOT, God may come seeking us. In the child’s falling branches threads which binds us to life yet lived; hope born anew, hope game of hide and seek, those listening to the countdown have a fair not yet scourged by the incessant roar of our own mortality. warning when the seeker is coming. But in the game of life, there hit the southwest Hope divine. usually is no clear indication that one’s time is up. “And it is wet in here. Very, very wet.” Am I ready to go with God now or at anytime? Are you? What corner of the attic, • “Tonight Mama sang to me the third movement of Mozart’s would you/I need to do to be ready? then landed on Serenade No. 7 in D major. Her voice is as sweet as a spring rain. I Taking God as our Hiding Place, walking with the Divine Seeker could have done without her drum solo, though.” moment by moment, and sharing with a faith companion and/or the roof of our • “It is Day 211. Today I discovered that I have a twin brother! community day by day seems to me the best ways to stay alert and I spent a glorious afternoon sharing my deepest hopes and ready. What do you think? screened in porch. dreams.” This column was reprinted with permission from the Dominican • “Day 212. I am vexed. My twin brother turned out to be a Sisters of Peace Associate Blog. More articles can be found on their gas bubble. Alas, I now know better than to seek conversation website at https://oppeace.org/news/associate-blog/ after Mama eats a combination platter. “This womb is growing small. Should I prepare to relocate? A dryer climate would be nice. Maybe I could sublet.” Pope’s Monthly • “241 days have passed. What is existence? Who am I in God’s eyes? How do I relate to the world around me? Does the Intentions universe extend beyond Mama? Is there ‘life after womb?’ Will my life as I know it end with a birth — a ‘delivery’ if you will APRIL 2018 — into another world? And if so, will it include Chinese take-out? Too many questions. I must rest now.” For those who have • “Nine months spent. I don’t mean to question God’s grand design, nor do I pretend to understand his mysteries, but it’s get- responsibility in ting really crowded in here and — What the …? What’s going on? economic matters Hey! HEY!!” • “Wonderful news! True, I have left the warmth and security That economists may of the womb, but I have also met my mama and papa. Mama have the courage to called me her most precious child, and Papa called me a gift reject any economy of from God. I chance to think that I will enjoy this life, and am truly exclusion and know how thankful to God, and to Mom and Dad. Thank you for choosing to give me life!” to open new paths.

Official Newspaper Published Semi-Monthly by the Bishop John B. Brungardt...... Publisher Catholic Diocese of Dodge City. All Dave Myers...... Editor material in this newspaper is Tim Wenzl...... Advertising Manager copyrighted 2017. Daniel Stremel, CPA....Business Manager Mrs. Margaret Klenke...... Editor Emerita The Southwest Kansas Catholic , P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801 Service of Editors Phone: (620) 227-1519 Msgr. A.J. Felling 1966-1971 Facsimile: (620) 227-1545 Byron Hull 1971-1974 e.mail: [email protected] Margaret Klenke 1974-1990 website: dcdiocese.org/swkscatholic Tim Wenzl 1990-2000 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Commentary April 1, 2018 Page 5 Looking back at the last five years with Pope Francis his week marks the almost 17 million followers and the faithful the chance to “wipe the slate woman at the well, prudential attention 5th anniversary the Pope video to disseminate clean” through plenary indulgences and to Amoris will enhance pastoral care for Tof the pontificate his monthly intentions, Francis a general wake-up call to the sacrament marriage and the family. of Pope Francis. He has is a tech-aware spiritual guide of confession. The pope also encouraged Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of surprised the Church – and to an estimated 1.2 billion Catholics to be instruments of God’s Washington, is a leading American prelate the rest of the world – Roman Catholics. mercy through an increased attention to offering such attention. The cardinal with his spontaneity and Most compelling during and exercise of the corporal and spiritual recently published a guide for implementing substance. these five years is the echo works of mercy. Amoris entitled Sharing in the Joy of Love Reminiscent of the ever- Pope Francis has given as the And the Holy Father has moved the in Marriage and Family. Wuerl’s Amoris present Saint Pope John Paul Vicar of Christ to two of Jesus’ discussion of marriage and the family guide identifies the exhortation’s three II, who visited a whopping By Andrea central teachings – mercy and forward with the publication of his 2016 basic principles: fidelity to the received 129 countries over the span Picciotti-Bayer love. Apostolic ExhortationAmoris Laetitia. The tradition, respect for individual conscience, of 25 years. Pope Francis Catholic News Agency Francis’ first Apostolic 256-page letter was an eagerly anticipated and accompaniment. According to the has visited 34 countries to Exhortation, E v a n g e l i l summation of two synods and the Pope’s prelate, “The rule to follow in all cases, the date. Francis’ visits have revitalized the Gaudium, was an impressive novel-length own considerations offered “as an aid to Pope makes clear, is the love and mercy Church in many predominantly-Catholic commentary on the Catholic Church’s reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, of the Lord.” countries plagued by growing secularism. new evangelization. When presenting and as a help and encouragement to Just as the five-year marker of Francis’ Now, globe-trotting is not the measure the text, Archbishop Fisichella explained: families in their daily commitments and pontificate was to be reached, the Holy of prowess in the papacy (just look at the “The cement binding the themes of the challenges.” Father added the memorial of Mary, less-traveled, but incredibly profound exhortation together is the merciful love Amoris’ opening sentence profoundly Mother of the Church to the liturgical influence of Pope Emeritus Benedict of God which goes forth to meet every notes, “The joy of Love experienced by calendar. By directing attention to Our XVI), but it does reflect the 81-year-old person in order to manifest the heart of families is also the joy of the Church.” Lady’s maternal care over each and every pontiff’s commitment to attend to the his revelation: The life of every person While concerns by members of the member of the Mystical Body of her Son, Church’s faithful across the four corners acquires meaning in the encounter with Magisterium over the proper understanding the Pope’s catechesis on mercy and love of the world – including those on its social Jesus Christ and in the joy of sharing this of some of the points in Amoris are being is perfectly entrusted. peripheries. experience of love with others.” assessed, ignoring Amoris altogether Pope Francis has reached Catholics and Pope Francis has also been present Pope Francis also invited Catholics to be withholds needed direction to the faithful non-Catholics across the world with his to souls who have not had the privilege witnesses to the mystery of God’s mercy during a particularly turbulent time. engaging personality and indefatigable of an audience with the Holy Father or by declaring 2016 an Extraordinary Jubilee Much as the disciples with time, care. Drawing attention to Christ’s message the chance to greet him in their home of Mercy. And this witness was to be a reflection and light from on High were able of mercy and love has been a wonderful countries. With a Twitter account boasting two-way street. The Holy Father offered to appreciate Christ’s encounter with the fruit of his papacy so far.

Photo of the Week A requiem for God? By Bishop Arthur Serratelli other public places. The nation is polarized and Catholic News Agency needs the common resolve to put aside political oung people fleeing in panic. Shots ringing agendas in an effort to solve a problem that is out. Police swarming the building. Screams. literally killing us. YTears. Anxious parents huddled together. We cannot let this most recent mass shooting News media surrounding the carnage. This scene simply become a footnote in our history books. has become all too familiar in America. The recent Nor can we let these moments of human tragedy mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High destroy one of the greatest resources from which School in Parkland, Fla., has once again devastated this country can draw strength and wisdom to solve families. This Valentine Day’s massacre has broken its problems. Pew Research reports that 70 percent the heart of the nation. of Americans pray regularly. As a nation set up by In 2012, the nation recoiled in horror when a our Founding Fathers, we are heirs to great Judeo- gunman in Newtown, Conn., killed 20 first graders Christian principles that encourage the practice of and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. faith and toleration of diverse religious communities. But the outrage at such a tragedy has done little Turning our hearts to God in prayer, whatever our to prevent further shootings. Since Sandy Hook, religion, is the first and most fundamental step there have been 239 school shootings. And, since to move us from violence to safety, from fear to the first 45 days of this year alone, there have been security in our homes and public places. 18 incidents of school shootings in our country. Unfortunately, in the wake of this latest man- We are facing an epidemic of violence. Last year made tragedy, some have been publicly ridiculing ended with a record of 345 mass shootings, the the faith of those who, in these moments of deadliest chapter in the history of mass shootings horrendous violence, spontaneously pray to God in modern times. With gun-like rapidity, the Texas for help and comfort. They taunt people of faith, church shooting of Nov. 5, 2017, the deadliest questioning how an all-good God can allow such mass shooting in the state’s history, followed the pain, such tragedies, so much human suffering. Las Vegas massacre of Oct. 1, 2017. They fail to see that the very fact that we recognize These repeated tragedies of shootings in schools, evil as evil points to a standard of what is right and sports events, parking lots, churches, post offices good and, ultimately, points to God whose laws are and cafeterias confront us with an unsettling meant to guide us to peace and happiness. question. Are we a violent people? Can we not The secularistic vitriol against God in the public put behind us the bloodshed of the Civil War when place cannot drive him from his universe. If we partisan views on slavery plunged the nation into were to understand why God allows us the freedom its chaos? Are we still tethered to the attitudes to do evil, we would be God. Perhaps, there lies of the 60s when civil unrest led to violence and the real problem. Too many have dethroned God Future saint visits with assassinations? Is violence the tragic legacy we and placed themselves with their materialistic, wish to give our children? agnostic or atheistic mentality as the center of servicemen Are we getting more violent as a people? Are their universe. we regressing into something akin to what we saw God’s existence is not predicated on our Saint Padre Pio, center, visits with servicemen at the time of the in the ’60s, an era marked by assassinations, civil understanding. God does not depend on us to Second World War. The Italian priest was known for having the unrest, and political chaos? The Feb. 14th Parkland approve him. We need him. We need his grace. stigmata (the wounds an individual receives that correspond to School shooting immediately unleashed emotional And he is ever ready to accompany us as we strive the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ), as can be seen by the cloth responses of fear, anger and sorrow along to put an end to violence in our country. Now is wrapped around his hand. Part of one cloth — on which one can with a flood of political views. Some Americans not the time for a requiem for God! still see blood — was on display at the cathedral in Dodge City desperately want stricter laws regulating the sale Bishop Serratelli is the bishop of Paterson, New recently. (See Pages 10-11.) of guns. Others, more security at our schools and Jersey. Page 6 April 1, 2018 Vibrant Ministries — Uniting Our Church The Southwest Kansas Catholic Who is served? Vibrant Ministries appeal nearing $9.9 million CITY PARISH GOAL ACTUAL % OF GOAL FAMILIES DONORS PARTICIPATION FRIENDS Outside the Diocese $208,376.02 19 ‘I was homeless, Ashland St. Joseph $78,180.00 $45,368.00 58% 75 38 51% Belpre St. Bernard $80,240.00 $87,600.00 109% 65 50 77% Claflin Immaculate Conception $166,435.00 $70,487.00 42% 156 58 37% and you gave me Coldwater Holy Spirit $26,810.00 $9,204.11 34% 20 6 30% Deerfield Christ the King $47,250.00 $37,078.59 78% 50 16 32% Dighton St. Theresa $100,420.00 $75,375.00 75% 101 42 42% shelter’ Dodge City COLG $1,970,591.00 $1,813,345.07 92% 4,346 1,060 24% By Dave Myers Elkhart St. Joan of Arc $105,550.00 $88,468.43 84% 87 66 76% Southwest Kansas Catholic Ellinwood St. Joseph $462,115.00 $136,186.00 29% 266 80 30% Fowler St. Anthony $97,600.00 $109,201.40 112% 91 51 56% “I was homeless, and you gave me Garden City St. Dominic $1,003,355.00 $871,177.64 87% 857 268 31% Garden City St. Mary $927,550.00 $662,734.55 71% 2,405 517 21% shelter.” – Matthew 25:35 Great Bend Prince of Peace $1,463,700.00 $1,072,955.28 73% 1,808 405 22% Greensburg St. Joseph $63,188.00 $49,841.00 79% 40 29 73% or 19 years, Marci Smith closed doors. It was Hanston St. Anthony $63,670.00 $38,853.50 61% 37 18 49% part of her job. And it broke her heart. Hoisington St. John $285,855.00 $149,666.00 52% 323 145 45% F “One of the worst things was locking people Hugoton St. Helen $179,050.00 $194,887.71 109% 130 89 68% up,” she said of her nearly two-decade job in juvenile Ingalls St. Stanislaus $234,180.00 $421,937.59 180% 150 70 47% probation. Jetmore St. Lawrence $47,000.00 $43,005.09 92% 74 26 35% Today, she works for Catholic Charities of Southwest Johnson St. Bernadette $75,620.00 $62,704.00 83% 190 50 26% Kansas where her job is to open doors — to find Kinsley St. Nicholas $180,643.00 $84,591.16 47% 210 60 29% homes for the homeless, a sense of security for those Kiowa St. John $172,745.00 $82,940.00 48% 57 32 56% escaping violence, a new start for those recently LaCrosse St. Michael $104,560.00 $180,777.50 173% 163 40 25% released from prison. Lakin St. Anthony $126,250.00 $107,390.95 85% 268 75 28% “Here, we work with a lot of the same people, and Larned Sacred Heart $290,640.00 $141,970.00 49% 345 84 24% we don’t have to lock them up,” said Smith, Director Leoti St. Anthony $100,220.00 $67,044.00 67% 109 42 39% of Family Services. Liberal St. Anthony $681,870.00 $555,842.95 82% 1,959 355 18% In 2017, her first full year with Catholic Charities, Liebenthal St. Joseph $42,415.00 $18,618.37 44% 59 30 51% she helped find homes for 40 adults and 41 Marienthal St. Mary $141,865.00 $124,416.00 88% 104 49 47% children. Meade St. John $69,420.00 $88,066.00 127% 62 36 58% So far in 2018, among those she has helped include Medicine LodgeHoly Rosary $103,500.00 $66,920.00 65% 90 55 61% a woman who had been living in a car for weeks with Ness City Sacred Heart $327,000.00 $173,325.00 53% 257 112 44% several of her eight children. Another had five children Odin Holy Family $101,300.00 $38,009.00 38% 113 36 32% and were living in a home already over-crowded with Offerle St. Joseph $72,590.00 $96,045.00 132% 55 34 62% numerous extended family members. Olmitz St. Ann $149,600.00 $71,299.00 48% 146 61 42% As the wind chill reached record lows, a young man Plains St. Patrick $104,985.00 $178,362.22 170% 122 58 48% was sleeping in a display shed in front of a hardware Pratt Sacred Heart $518,190.00 $247,727.74 48% 453 104 23% store. It took a while to find the young man a home, Ransom St. Aloysius $62,915.00 $50,090.00 80% 75 37 49% Satanta St. Alphonsus $87,940.00 $92,933.91 106% 169 55 33% even after he was kicked out of his shed/shelter. Scott City St. Joseph $225,020.00 $226,662.00 101% 328 92 28% “He told me not to worry, that he’d been on the Sharon St. Boniface $129,162.00 $61,200.00 47% 90 46 51% streets for a long time, and that he’d be fine,” Smith Spearville St. John $325,850.00 $272,307.86 84% 269 159 59% said. St. John St. John $94,030.00 $61,725.00 66% 75 23 31% It is these individuals and families — and the many Syracuse St. Raphael $75,590.00 $91,884.00 122% 102 57 56% others served by Smith and Catholic Charities — who Timken Holy Trinity $54,050.00 $34,897.00 65% 64 30 47% have been helped by the Vibrant Ministries Appeal. Tribune St. Joseph $62,860.00 $22,190.00 35% 60 13 22% Much of Smith’s funding comes from grants such Ulysses Mary, Queen $356,850.00 $211,045.00 59% 676 129 19% as the federal HUD grant and the Kansas Emergency Wright St. Andrew $221,740.00 $260,427.03 117% 133 77 58% Solutions Grant. But it’s the unexpected expenses TOTAL $12,462,159.00 $9,957,158.67 80% 17,884 5,084 28% – a family or individual who needs a night or two in a hotel or other emergency assistance, or, say, who needs appliances or even various kitchenware — that are made possible because of the appeal. ost of those whom Catholic Charities serves have limited income and often need help with When a person is in dire straits and dependent on Mbasic necessities once they secure housing. You can help clients be given a warm welcome the kindness of strangers for the basic necessities, into their new home with some basic household necessities to get them started. meeting those unexpected needs can mean the Needed items include cleaning products (bucket, mop broom, duster, dust pan, laundry soap, difference between comfort and misery. Like all of Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, laundry basket, window cleaner, sponges, or cleaning rags), kitchen items (dish soap, paper Smith’s office takes the teachings of the Lord directly towels, cooking utensils, plates, mugs and cups, pots and pans), bedroom items (twin/full to the people — not in words but in action. sheets, pillows, comforter/blankets, and curtains), bathroom items (towels, soap, shampoo, “We use the ‘Housing First’ model,” Smith stressed. toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, rugs, shower curtains, liner, rings, deodorant, comb, “A home comes first, then we talk about income.” The only requirement? razor, lotion) other (diapers, wipes, baby/children hygiene items). “They have to be homeless to come here,” she For more information on creating a “blessing kit,” go to http://catholiccharitiesswks.org/ways- explained. “That includes living on the street, in a to-help and click on “Can you spare a blessing kit?” on the lower, left or call (620) 272-0010. shelter, or if they are fleeing domestic violence.” Once they enter the doors of Catholic Charities, they are given a questionnaire that will assess their needs and prioritize them. As one can imagine, Compassionate God, To donate to the Vibrant there’s a waiting list. ou are the light of the world. You give us your Son to illuminate our Ministries -- Uniting “It’s not first come, first served,” Smith said. Ypath, and the Holy Spirit to shine through us. Loving God, fill us with the Our Church Appeal, “Housing is based on risk level.” The Garden City desire to be with you in all things, invite others into your light and love, and go to www.dcdiocese. office currently has 36 people on its waiting list, while walk with us on our journey to holiness. Merciful God, bless our efforts to org/vibrant-ministries, the Dodge City office has six. unite our Church as you help us to respond to the needs of the least among or contact Mark Roth, Catholic Charities tries to get the clients independent within a year, but they can help support us. Form our faith and strengthen priestly vocations. May we generously [email protected], them for up to two years. share our gifts with one another, in the name of Jesus our Savior. Amen. 620-227-1535. Continued on Page 19 It should have been expected when discussing centuries-old atti tudes toward women, yet the Oct. 26 Scripture Day, presented by Father Raymond Collins,

The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 7 Fasting for Priestly Vocations A grace ovation God’s priestly call for s a gift to my brother on the occasion of his ordinati on years ago, I told him that I would off er up all of my speaking Aengagements in thanksgiving for his Father Wesley ... Westley ... Weasley vocati on to the priesthood. This seemed an especially fi tti ng and easy gift because I love s I was sorti ng through I thank the Lord for the gift of my priesthood. speaking for groups, and talking about our some of my belongings The Lord chose me to be a biological father to faith always brings me great joy. (trying to simplify my none and a spiritual father to thousands. The A At times, of course, my joy in this is life!), I came across a stack of Lord chose me to follow the example of Jesus strained. letters and cards I received (see Ephesians 5:32), taking not one woman, One evening stands out as an example. from children while I was a but the enti re Church as my bride. I was scheduled to speak for an evening seminarian. Getting my first Aft er the resurrecti on, Jesus spent a short event, and I did not go on unti l 8:15 pm. I name correct—not to menti on ti me with His disciples (which we celebrate in was ti red, it was winter, dark, cold, windy, my last—was a challenge. But this Easter season) before returning to His Father By elizaBeTh Kelly and one of those dreadful mixes of snow what a beautiful gift! Their at the Ascension. Yet even upon his return, He and sleet. I sat at my desk grumbling that Your Heart, questi ons and comments made never really left His people: I should be so put out as I printed out me smile then, and they still “Behold, I am with you always unti l the His Home the text of my speech – the topic was, By Father Wesley make me smile now. Some end of the age.” Matt hew 28:20 no less, praying through suff ering. So, aft er a full day’s work, schawe examples: One of the remarkable ways that Jesus remains I bundled my body and braced myself for winter’s assault on Director, Offi ce of • I like to play tag. What do with us “always” is through His priests. When a the way to my car, grumbling all the way. Priestly Vocati ons you like to do? priest acts “in persona Christi ” (in the person of But as I was driving to the gig, clutching the steering wheel, • My brother, sister, and I Christ), it is truly Christ who is speaking, acti ng, slumped over with brow furrowed, the Lord reminded me were a smore for Halloween. ministering! I hope that this Lent you joined Bishop very clearly of my promise – to off er up in thanksgiving my • We were supposed to ask you about seminary school. Brungardt in fasti ng for priestly vocati ons for the speaking engagements on behalf of my brother, for the I couldn’t think of anything to write, so I thought I’d talk Diocese of Dodge City. Perhaps you are called to protecti on and fl ourishing of his priesthood. I immediately to you like my best friend. Hi, Bye. conti nue into the Easter season. Our need is dire. Yet saw him the day of his ordinati on: he glowed like a perfect, • How many years do you want to be a priest? God’s promise is unconditi onal—He will always be brilliant sunrise. Another image fl ashed in my mind: litt le • My grandma was talking about someone practi cing with us! Our Lord already knows who He has chosen children running up to him aft er Mass, their earnest litt le to become a priest and immediately I thought of you! to serve as priests in southwest Kansas—maybe some arms extended to him with complete trust and aff ecti on. I • P.S. I will keep you in my prayers. of the very ones who wrote me a lett er years ago. thought of so many people who have been blessed to call On occasion I got a window into a child’s diffi cult life, May your fasti ng bear fruit in the generous “yes” of my brother, Father, including me. like in 2002 from a dear kid in Great Bend: those called. I immediately adjusted my atti tude and went laughing “I hope you be a good Priest at what Church into my talk, sensing God’s free rush of grace to give you go to. And I hope you git good grades. I have G�� ��� F�����, Y�� ���� ���� �� �� me stamina and sincere aff ecti on for the needs of my one brother and one sister and my dad girl friend �� ��� ��� ����� �� ��� B��� �� C�����. audience. The talk came off well and at the end, I was is pragnet so I do not know if I am having a girl of W� ��� ���� Y�� ������� ����� ������ given a standing ovati on. I wish I could claim that I am boy. How many brother and sister do you have. frequently the recipient of standing o’s, but I have to My dad and mom are deforst are your mom and ���� Y�� ���� �� ��� ���������� confess this was rather unusual. I laughed all the way dad deforst?” ��� ����������� ���� �� ������������ home, even as I crept over the icy streets, making my In all of the goofi ness or sadness, I saw children who ������ Y��� ����. W� ��� ���� ������� way through the bitt er winter’s darkness. reached out to a priest (or almost-a-priest). Even today, C�����, ��� S�����. A���. I take two things from this litt le episode. One, the Heavenly Father must be so very pleased with my brother’s priesthood. (I realize that I am probably a smidge biased on this point, but I sti ll think my assessment is judicious.) Two, and more importantly, I am reminded that God’s grace can never be exhausted. He never ti res of extending himself to me. Never. He only asks the ti niest eff ort on my part, the slightest leaning in his directi on, the most miniscule eff ort to resist evil. He will rush in and joyfully do the rest. He will take my measly off ering and magnify it unto his glory. The generosity of this reality fi lls me with awe. Your grumblings may be big or small, exaggerated or very real indeed. You may be in the throes of resisti ng great or pett y evil, but the principle holds true: you need only off er what you can Jesus will do the rest, and the communion of angels and saints will off er a veiled but glorious ovation in thanksgiving and in joy. Father, never let me forget that your inexhausti ble grace sustains me in every moment and that it is your joy to ever off er it. Thank you for my brother and the gift of his priesthood. Bless you, my brother – and Father.

Elizabeth Kelly is an award-winning speaker and the author of six books, including including Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn about Healing, Freedom and Joy from the Women of the New Testament. She is trained as a spiritual director in the Ignati an exercises and leads retreats with a parti cular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith. She teaches in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas (MN). Her website is: www.emkbooks.com. Page 8 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Defending adoption Bills would protect faith-based adoption and foster-care agencies In Brief Thousands of children in the U.S foster system are in that prevent faith-based providers from serving in of a married mom and a dad. desperate need of a safe place to call home, particularly accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs. Legislation being considered by the Kansas Legislature minority children, older children, and those with Catholic Charities’ adoption ministry was forced to shut will ensure that faith-based agencies are free to serve the disabilities. Faith-based adoption agencies in Kansas have down after 100 years of serving in Boston. Agencies in San common good as they have for decades. This bill does not been giving these children forever homes for more than Francisco, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. also have been change existing policy related to foster care or adoption, 60 years. forced to close because of their policy of only placing rather it protects against any future policies that might Sadly, other states have implemented policy changes children in homes where they will have the lifetime benefit target faith-based providers for their religious beliefs.

Could the 50-year-old Catholic Charities of SW Kansas Bishops ask adoption program be the next to shut down? Catholics From Page 1 years. providers, and another bill is working its way to Contact According to the Catholic bishops of Kansas, More recently, the American Civil Liberties through the Georgia Legislature. the answer is “yes.” And it’s only a matter of Union initiated a lawsuit last September “The results have been positive,” said time before activist groups force Catholic against St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Schuttloffel. “Just last year in Virginia, the State agencies to make this lose-lose choice. Michigan. The ACLU seeks to make it illegal governor issued an executive order limiting That is why Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for the state of Michigan to work with faith- state contracts with entities that did not Legislators and the other bishops of Kansas are taking based agencies that operate according to share his personal views on marriage, family the proactive step of launching the Protect their faith. and sexuality. Because the Virginia Legislature Regarding Adoption Choice campaign. “We do not want this to ever happen in had acted years ago to protect faith-based The campaign seeks to mobilize Catholics Kansas,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive adoption providers, they were protected to support bills now before the Kansas director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. from the executive order and remain free to Pending Bill Legislature that would protect the conscience “Interest groups hostile to faith-based serve in Virginia.” ishop John Brungardt, in rights of faith-based organizations. adoption services want to close faith-based The Catholic bishops of Kansas strongly concert with the other The religious liberties of Christians and the adoption providers whose religious beliefs support HB 2687, but non-Catholic entities bishops of Kansas, is fates of children in desperate need hang in they don’t like. They want to do this in all — including the Family Policy Alliance of B appealing to Catholics throughout the balance. 50 states.” Kansas and the Kansas Chapter of Concerned the diocese to support an effort A long history “It is only a matter of time [before they do Women for America — support it as well. currently underway called the The Catholic Church has a long history so] unless states act to protect faith-based “The ACLU and Equality Kansas oppose the “Protect Adoption Choice” of working with secular government to aid adoption providers,” he concluded. “Seven bill,” said Schuttloffel. campaign. The goal is to mobilize children. states have already done this and at least But the bill seeks only to protect the rights Catholics to support bills now “Since the founding of this nation, the three more are considering such laws this of faith-based child protection agencies as before the Kansas Legislature Catholic Church has been an active partner year.” well as all those wishing to adopt. that will protect the conscience with state authorities in placing children The Adoption Protection Act “The bill does not prevent anyone from rights of faith-based adoption and conceived in difficult situations into loving Two identical bills that would enact the adopting,” said Schuttloffel. “It just protects foster-care agencies. homes with a mother and a father,” said Adoption Protection Act were introduced into groups like Catholic Charities that operate Currently, faith-based adoption Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in a Feb. 23 the Kansas House and the Kansas Senate in according to religious principles. Same-sex and foster-care agencies in the letter to all pastors. early February: House Bill 2687 and Senate couples continue to adopt in all the states state are free to operate according “The church and other faith-based groups,” Bill 401. that have passed laws like this.” to their religious beliefs. The the letter continued, “because of their Both bills are currently before the Federal The time to act is now Adoption Protection Act (House pastoral relationship with the people they and State Affairs committees of the two Catholics need to get involved in the Bill HB 2687 and Senate Bill SB serve, are able to place kids that often no chambers. So far, no hearings have been held Protect Adoption Choice campaign now 401) would ensure that the current one else can. regarding the bills. because the regular session of the Kansas situation remains the same. “In Kansas, faith-based adoption agencies According to the fiscal note for HB 2687, Legislature ends on April 6. The Kansas Catholic Conference have been giving hard-to-place children the bill would “exempt child placement “There is a veto session in May where some is helping to coordinate this forever homes for more than 60 years. Sadly, agencies (CPAs) from being involved with the work can possibly be done, but time is of the statewide campaign. in other states we have seen the Church placement of a child if the placement would essence,” said Schuttloffel. There have been situations in forced out of this adoption ministry because violate the CPAs’ sincerely held religious The danger is so clear, and the time so other states where government of our deeply held respect for the inherent beliefs.” short, that Archbishop Naumann encourages agencies have forced Catholic rights of a child to have both a mother and Further, faith-based child placement Catholics to contact their state representatives Charities to shut down their a father.” agencies could not be denied a license, and senators in support of the two bills as adoption ministry because they In his letter, Archbishop Naumann asked permit, authorization or renewal because of soon as possible. will only place children in homes pastors to play a DVD about Protect Adoption a refusal to place children. The CPAs could “It is urgent that we act now because with a married mother and father. Choice for parishioners, and urged them to not be denied grants and contracts, or be political and legal activist groups hostile The “Adoption Protection Act” visit the campaign website. subject to fines or administrative actions or to faith-based providers are becoming would proactively ensure that this Increasingly, Catholic Charities and other claims because of a refusal to place a child increasingly active on this issue,” said the will not happen in Kansas. This non-Catholic faith-based agencies have based on the CPA’s faith. archbishop. legislation simply allows faith- come under attack by activists through the Currently, faith-based adoption agencies The Protect Adoption Choice video can be based child placement agencies to courts. are free to operate according to their viewed on the website. continue to operate according to After Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM religious beliefs, said Schuttloffel. The Persons can also use the site to contact their religious principles. The bill Cap., was unable to get an exemption from Adoption Protection Act ensures the current legislators in support of HB 2687 and SB 401. does not infringe upon anyone’s Massachusetts’ nondiscrimination law in situation will remain the same. Go to its home page and click on legal right to adopt children; it 2006, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Similar laws have been passed in other “Information” at the top of the page. Scroll simply affirms that faith-based of Boston was forced to end its 100-year-old states. These include Virginia (the model for down to the bottom of the “About This agencies cannot be punished for adoption ministry. the Kansas bills), Michigan, North Dakota, Initiative” page. Click on the yellow box that adhering to their religious beliefs Agencies in San Francisco, Illinois and South Dakota and Texas. says “Take Action to Protect Adoption Choice.” in their adoption ministries. Washington, D.C., also were forced to shut Rhode Island and Mississippi also have This will take you to a form “Support HB 2687 down their adoption ministries in subsequent protections for faith-based adoption & SB 401 – Protect Adoption Choice.” Continued on Page 9 The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 9

Bishops urge Catholic Charities of Statement by the Catholic Catholics to SW Kansas Adoption Bishops of Kansas in take acti on Program: a half century support of the Adoption Conti nued from Page 8 of fi nding forever homes Protection Act, HB 2687 HB 2687 and SB 401 do not impact By Tim Wenzl and Dave myers the rights of same-sex couples to adopt hank you Mr. Chairman and members of the committ ee Southwest Kansas Catholic for holding this hearing. children nor do they discriminate ift y years ago, Catholic Chariti es of Southwest Kansas against any group or individual. The Over a century before Kansas achieved statehood, (then Catholic Social Service), empowered by the and decades before the American founding, the Catholic bills simply say that faith-based faith-fi lled spirit of a Ness County family, worked a T F Church was serving the poor, the needy, and the orphan on these providers will not lose their licenses or litt le magic and helped beget a miracle. be otherwise punished for conti nuing shores. For 300 years, our charitable endeavors have served the The year was 1968. An arti cle in the July 18 Southwest common good by ministering to the most vulnerable among us, to operate as they have and serving Kansas Register highlighted a family of fi ve children who the common good by placing children including children in need of a “forever home.” The Adopti on were in need of a home: “Anyone interested in adopti ng a Protecti on Act will ensure that Catholic Chariti es and adopti on in homes through adopti on and foster family of fi ve beauti ful children who need a home are asked care. According to the Kansas Catholic providers from other faith traditi ons will remain free to serve, as to contact Father Walter Weiss at Catholic Social Service in they have so well for so long. Conference, this bill is needed because Great Bend.” a future governor could implement It is disappointi ng that this legislati on is necessary, but experience The arti cle included a photo of fi ve children — Bett y, 9, in other states shows that it is. In recent years, government changes administrati vely that would Billy, 8, Larry, 6, Barbara, 4, and Juanita, 3. punish faith-based providers because agencies have forced Catholic Chariti es to close their adopti on There was litt le hope that they would stay together. Not ministries in Boston, Washington DC, Illinois, and San Francisco of their policies. fi ve children, aft er all. All voti ng-age Catholics are asked to because of their policy of placing children only in homes with a Or so you would think. married mother and father. get involved in the Protect Adopti on Enter Urban and Rose Landwehr, members of St. Aloysius Choice campaign now before Catholic Chariti es’ adopti on ministry in Boston was one of the Parish, who were raising three daughters on their farm 13 oldest in the country and had a strong reputati on for being able the regular session of the Kansas miles west of Ransom: Susan, 17, Elizabeth, 15, and Joann, Legislature ends on April 6. Failure to to place hard-to-place children, such as older children or special 12. needs children. Faith-based providers oft en specialize in handling take acti on on this important issue “Daddy was home, we farmed, and he got the mail and could one day result in the closure challenging situati ons, so to lose their experti se would be a blow saw that arti cle in the Register,” recalled Joann Landwehr to the children and families they serve. Nonetheless, these other of faith-based adopti on agencies like Bergkamp, who now resides in Halstead, Kansas. Catholic Chariti es. jurisdicti ons enforced their closure. We do not want such a “Daddy was 47 and Mom 42 in 1968,” said Joann. “There scenario to ever occur in Kansas. Please contact by phone your state were younger applicants for representati ve and senator as soon as Groups hosti le to faith-based adopti on providers are becoming the children, but Daddy and increasingly liti gious, creati ng a climate of fear and uncertainty. possible. The following is a sample of Mom were the only ones what you might say: Make no mistake, closing down adopti on providers does not who would take all five. increase access for anyone. However, were the state to pass They felt the five should these protecti ons, it is altogether likely that faith-based providers “Hello, my name is ______be raised together in and I am a registered voter from would increase their services. By having a diversity of providers one family. I remember operati ng in Kansas, we can maximize the number of children and ______. I respectf ully ask you Father Weiss making a families served. A diverse society should welcome a diversity of to support the ‘Adopti on Protecti on home visit. Our neighbor, perspecti ves among adopti on providers. Act’ (HB 2687 in the House and SB Conti nued on The rights of birthmothers and adopti ve parents should not be 401 in the Senate). This legislati on Page 15 forgott en in this discussion. It oft en happens that a birthmother wants ensures that faith-based adopti on her child to be raised in a home that shares her faith. Politi cal acti vists providers like Catholic Chariti es will who do not agree with her religious beliefs should not be able to conti nue to be free to serve children stand in the door and thwart her wishes. Someti mes a birthmother’s and families. Catholic Chariti es’ decision to place her child for adopti on is based on her desire for the adopti on ministry has been forced child to have the benefi t of a mother and a father, something she may to close in other states because of not be able to provide at that moment in her life. Such extraordinary groups and government agencies selfl essness should command society’s awe and support. hosti le to our Catholic beliefs. Much the same, there are adopti ve parents who for a variety of Catholic Chariti es and other faith- reasons wish to work with faith-based providers. The government based adopti on providers should should not be allowed to stand in the way of their choice, as has be free to serve the common good unfortunately happened elsewhere. That fact that faith-based as they have for so long. This providers may operate according to religious criteria that not legislati on does not aff ect anyone’s everyone agrees with should be expected in a diverse society. legal right to adopt, it just protects Under the criteria employed by Catholic Chariti es, we the Catholic groups like Catholic Chariti es. bishops of Kansas are not eligible to adopt children. We can assure Birthmothers and adopti ve parents you that this is not because Catholic Chariti es bears any ill will who want to use a faith-based against bishops. provider should be free to do so. As Seven states have laws like the legislati on before you. None of your consti tuent, this legislati on is those laws have taken away anyone’s legal right to adopt. Rather, very important to me. Thank you.” they have simply ensured that faith-based providers can conti nue to serve their communiti es in accordance with their religious To learn more about the Protect principles. Adoption Choice campaign, visit If our opponents are successful in their eff orts, America will the campaign web site at www. become a place where even Mother Teresa would be forbidden ProtectAdopti onChoice.org where you from carrying out her adopti on ministry. That is anything but can directly email your state senator tolerance. and representati ve. To fi nd the phone We strongly support the Adopti on Protecti on Act and thank you number of your state legislator, for your considerati on. please visit htt p://www.kslegislature. most reverend Joseph F. naumann org/li/b2017_18/members/, or call Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas Legislative Administrative Services most reverend John B. Brungardt at 785-296-2391 for your legislators’ Bishop of Dodge City phone numbers. Thank you for your most reverend Carl a. Kemme generous support of the children. May Bishop of Wichita the Lord assist us. very reverend Francis e. Coady Diocesan Administrator – Diocese of Salina Page 10 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Relics from the Holy Mother, the Crown of Thorns, dozens of saints, draw prayers for miracles By Dave Myers Holy Cross.” He is the founder of would she know which was the True Southwest Kansas Catholic “Treasures of the Church,” for which Cross of Jesus? hey came with handfuls of he travels around the world giving “Helena was very clever,” Father items to be venerated by presentations and displaying some Martins said. Helena found a woman Thundred- and thousand- 150 or so relics of his collection of who was affected with a grievous year-old saints, including more than 4,000 relics. disease. Helena led the woman 150 tiny pieces of earthly or bodily Prior to the showing of the relics, to each cross, which she touched remains kept in small reliquaries. Father Martins gave a one-hour with no effect until she came to a There were relics of saints such presentation in the worship area in cross that immediately healed her as Francis of Assisi, Maria Goretti, which he described, for example, affliction. Joachim and Anne, the parents of how it is that the relic of the true The story, the history, the effect Christ, just to name a few; as well as cross in his display was not just one that this God-made-man had on a fragment of the clothing worn by of a forest of supposed true cross each person and on the entire world the Blessed Virgin. There was a piece relics that exist today, and is instead — told even way back when Christ of Christ’s crib and a part of the iron the real thing. walked the earth, led those at the that pierced Christ’s side as he hung “In 315 AD, Constantine was the time that these items were deeply on the cross. first Christian Emperor of Rome,” holy and needed to be kept and Some held their items, including Father Martins said. “His desire treasured. photos of loved ones who were ill, was to convert all the people to the Once in the gathering space after against the glass of the reliquary as a Christian faith.” Father Martin’s presentation, people means of intercession, a prayer for a After some three centuries of processed solemnly around the room healing miracle. Christians being fed to the lions, filled with tables on which sat the It’s understandable if some of Constantine knew this would reliquaries and a plaque describing those entering the cathedral March take some work. He decided that each saint. Many people knelt before 18 for an exposition of the holy relics obtaining some actual Christian the holy relics, one woman making had at least a few doubts as to their artifacts to display to his people her way around the large room, origins. These are tangible items, would help. So, he sent his mother, kneeling before each of the 166 after all — bone fragments from the (Saint) Helena in search of pieces of reliquaries. saints, wood from the true cross, the True Cross. Another woman knelt and prayed separated only by a piece of glass. “She was given a revelation that reverently before the relic of St. That’s where Father Carlos she would find the True Cross on Faustina, the young nun who was Martins comes in. Father Martins the West side of Jerusalem,” Father told by Jesus to paint him as he A woman prays before a reliquary containing a piece is an Ontario-born priest belonging Martins explained. Helena discovered appeared to her, leading to the Feast of the veil of the Holy Mother Mary. to the order “Companions of the the remains of three crosses. How Continued on next page The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 11 Relics from the Holy Mother, the Crown of Thorns, dozens of saints, draw prayers for miracles Continued from previous page of Divine Mercy, celebrated the first Sunday after Easter. Among the many relics were those of Bernadette of Lourdes, the Apostle James the Greater (whom Jesus jokingly called “Son of Thunder” due to his voluminous preaching), John Paul II, Mother Teresa, John the Apostle, John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul, Rose of Lima, Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower), and many others.

For more information on Father Martins and his Treasures of the Church presentation, visit http://treasuresofthechurch.com/. Click on the “more” tab to go to a gallery of photos.

At top is a relic of the At right is a relic of the veil spear that punctured of the Holy Mother Mary. Christ’s side as he hung on the cross. Behind Photos by Dave Myers the relic is a document — an ancient certificate of authenticity with the name of the relic, the authority who issued the relic, as well as the date that it was sealed. All relics are sealed in wax so that it is easy to tell if it has been tampered with. At left, a man and his young son examine one of the relics. Page 12 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic

Yo sigo a Jesús, no al mundo CAteQueSiS del OBiSPO “ustedes no son del mundo” entonces, ¿qué es esta que el Padre envió a su hijo la Buena nueva: (Juan 15,19). estamos en ti erra? es solo un hogar como Salvador del mundo” (1 1. Necesito un Salvador un hogar temporal en esta temporal. estamos en el Juan 4,14). la Buena noti cia 2. Jesús es Dios que se hizo ti erra. no pertenecemos a mundo, pero no somos del es que necesito un Salvador; Hombre este mundo. Bromeo con la mundo. el camino del mundo Él es Jesús, Él murió y resucitó 3. Jesús murió y resucitó gente: “¿Te gusta relajarte en nos llevará a la tristeza, el el domingo de Pascua para para salvarme una habitación de holiday inn vacío y la miseria. estamos salvarme, Él me invita a creer 4. Jesús me invita a creer después de un largo día de llamados a seguir la forma de y yo respondo, y sigo a Jesús y yo respondo viaje? sí. ¿Quieres vivir en vida de Jesús, su camino, la y su iglesia (no al mundo). el 5 Sigo a Jesús y su Iglesia, holiday inn por el resto de tu dirección de nuestro salvador, siguiente artí culo de esta serie no al mundo reverendísimo vida? ¡no!”. estamos hechos no el camino del mundo. este es la vida del reino, cómo JOhn B. BrunGArdt vivir el reino: para el cielo, hemos sido camino de Jesús nos llevará a ponemos en prácti ca esta Obispo de la Diócesis 1. Oración diaria creados para vivir con Dios por la felicidad, la paz y la vida en creencia. sigamos a Jesús, Católica de Dodge City 2. Santa Misa semanal toda la eternidad, ¡estamos el cielo. que nos ama tanto. ¡Felices 3. Confesión mensual desti nados a alabar a dios “nosotros lo hemos Pascuas! Mons. John, obispo. 4. Estudiar la Biblia y el Catecismo para siempre! contemplado y atesti guamos + Mons. John, obispo 5. Ser testi go de la Buena Nueva ‘Donde comienza la Resurrección’ ¿A dónde debería ir para celebrar la Pascua? encuentran allí cada día. Algunos lo llaman el fl ujo de parti da para cada uno de sus días. Debería ir a donde se encuentre el Señor. Debería de la conciencia. Es su fl ujo, ciertamente. Usted Y ahí es exactamente donde comienza la ir a donde lo encuentren a usted. permite esto o aquello, o lo otro, dentro de él. Resurrección. Ella fl ota en su corriente. Ella El Señor se encuentra en sus santas palabras y Pero también está más allá de usted. Funciona nada en su río. Ella se apresura en sus aguas. en sus signos sagrados. Esta es la manera ordinaria sin usted. Ella inunda y cambia su propio rumbo. La en que él viene a nosotros. Entonces, en un últi mo Por lo tanto, reúna todos los pensamientos, los Resurrección es una corriente profunda que grito de abnegación cuaresmal, entréguese a esta senti mientos, los deseos, los deseos, los sueños, las fl uye a través de usted, la parte más profunda Semana Santa, con todas sus palabras y todos sus heridas, los miedos, los resenti mientos, los enojos de dónde usted está y de quién usted es. Así signos. Están llenos del misterio de Dios. y las alegrías también... júntelos, estas cosas y que vaya desde donde se encuentra al lugar Y a usted, ¿dónde lo encontrarán? En el muchas más. Ellos cambian constantemente. Se donde se encuentra el Señor en estos Días obispo ronald m. interior, por supuesto. Dentro de su propia mueven rápidamente. El fl ujo de su conciencia Santos. Deje que lo iluminen para ir a la curación gilmore cabeza y su propio corazón. Hay movimiento allí, es un zumbido, un estallido, una confusión, como que está sucediendo en lo profundo de usted. movimiento constante. Hay un fl ujo interminable William James una vez lo describió. Pero eso es Despiértese con un bendito Domingo de Pascua Otro Camino de personas, lugares, problemas y eventos que se exactamente donde usted está. Ese es el punto que le cambie su vida. The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 13 ‘Llevar por el Espíritu’ Por reverendísimo JOhn B. BrunGArdt an Pablo enseña: “todos los que Muchos de ustedes que leen esto Massachusett s, Texas, Illinois, California “Proteger la Elección de Adopción” y se dejan llevar por el espíritu de pueden tener experiencia de primera y Washington, DC. Es solo cuesti ón de también se puede encontrar en el siti o SDios son hijos de Dios. y ustedes mano con el proceso de adopción. Tal vez ti empo antes de que intenten hacer lo web diocesano, htt p://www.dcdiocese. no han recibido un espíritu de esclavos, un hermano o hermana fue adoptado, o mismo aquí en Kansas. org. para recaer en el temor, sino un espíritu tal vez ustedes mismos han adoptado un Como personas de fe que creen en la El ti empo es esencial. La legislatura de hijos adopti vos que nos permite niño, o proporcionado cuidado tutelar santi dad del matrimonio de un hombre estatal se suspende el 6 de abril. Por llamar a dios Abba, Padre.” (Romanos a un niño necesitado. Tal vez fueron y una mujer y buscan defender a la favor revise estos materiales, o los que 8,14-15). A través de la vida, la muerte bendecidos al trabajar con una agencia familia como la “célula original de la vida le proporcionó su párroco, y llame a sus y la resurrección de Jesús y por la gracia católica u otra agencia confesional en el social” (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, legisladores hoy. Es urgente aprovechar del Espíritu Santo, parti cipamos con proceso. 2207), les pido que apoyen la campaña el impulso en este importante tema. Jesús en su fi liación divina. Nos hemos Desafortunadamente, en este “Proteger la Elección de Adopción” Al comenzar la alegría de la temporada converti do en hijos e hijas adopti vos del momento en nuestro estado, hay actualmente en curso. Se proporcionaron de Pascua, le pedimos a Jesús, nuestro Padre por medio de Cristo; Jesús nos acti vistas que buscan prohibir a las materiales a cada parroquia para su Señor y Salvador resucitado, que nos enseñó a llamar a Dios “Abba, Padre” agencias confesionales de adopción inclusión en boleti nes semanales que ayude a ayudar a los niños que necesitan para transmiti r nuestra inti midad con él. y cuidado tutelar de proveer sus describen cómo puede parti cipar un hogar. Caridades Católicas y otras La mayoría de nosotros hemos servicios simplemente porque eligen simplemente haciendo una llamada agencias confesionales deben poder conocido ese mismo ti po de inti midad ubicar a los niños solo en hogares con telefónica a su representante y senador hacer justamente eso, como lo han con nuestros padres biológicos o una madre y un padre casados. No estatales y pidiéndoles que apoyen hecho durante décadas. Gracias por su adopti vos. Aquellos de ustedes que existen protecciones bajo la ley para la HB 2687 y la SB 401, The Adopti on generosa ayuda. Jesús ama a los niños son padres a través de su vocación al los derechos de conciencia de estas Protecti on Act (Ley de Protección de la pequeños, ¡y usted, más de lo que puede matrimonio y la vida familiar encuentran agencias. Los acti vistas han cerrado Adopción). En este número de Southwest preguntar o imaginar! ¡Felices Pascuas! su sati sfacción en comparti r ese amor con éxito las agencias de colocación Kansas Catholic se puede encontrar con sus hijos. de niños como Caridades Católicas en información adicional sobre la campaña + Mons. John, obispo ‘Proteger la Elección de Adopción’ Los obispos piden a los católicos que se pongan en contacto con los legisladores estatales con respecto al proyecto de ley pendiente

l obispo, Mons. John Brungardt, en con fe conti núen operando de acuerdo con Comuníquese por teléfono con su representante estatal y su concierto con los otros obispos de sus principios religiosos. El proyecto de ley no senador lo antes posible. La siguiente es una muestra de lo que podría EKansas, está llamando a los católicos de infringe el derecho legal de cualquier persona decirles: toda la diócesis para que apoyen un esfuerzo a adoptar niños; simplemente afi rma que las “Hola, mi nombre es ______y soy un votante registrado actualmente en curso llamado Campaña agencias religiosas no pueden ser casti gadas de ______. Le pido respetuosamente que apoye la “Proteger la elección de adopción”. El objeti vo por adherir a sus principios religiosos en sus ‘Ley de Protección de la Adopción’ (HB 2687 en la Cámara es movilizar a los católicos ahora para apoyar los ministerios de adopción. de Representantes y SB 401 en el Senado). Esta legislación proyectos de ley ante la Legislatura de Kansas HB 2687 y SB 401 no afectan los derechos garanti za que los proveedores de adopción confesionales como que protegerán los derechos de conciencia de las de las parejas del mismo sexo a adoptar niños Caridades Católicas conti nuarán siendo libres de servir a niños agencias confesionales dedicadas a los servicios ni discriminan a ningún grupo o individuo. Los y familias. El ministerio de adopción de Caridades Católicas de adopción y cuidado tutelar. En la actualidad, proyectos de ley simplemente dicen que los se ha visto obligado a cerrar en otros estados debido a grupos las agencias confesionales de adopción y cuidado proveedores confesionales no perderán sus y agencias gubernamentales hosti les a nuestros principios tutelar en el estado son libres de operar de licencias o serán casti gados de otra manera por acuerdo con sus principios religiosos. La Ley conti nuar operando como lo han hecho y por católicos. Caridades Católicas y otros proveedores confesionales de Protección de la Adopción (Proyecto de Ley servir el bien común al colocar a los niños en de servicios adopción deben ser libres de servir al bien común HB 2687 de la Cámara de Representantes y hogares a través de la adopción y el cuidado como lo han hecho durante tanto ti empo. Esta legislación no Proyecto de Ley Senatorial SB 401) garanti zaría tutelar. Según la Conferencia Católica de Kansas, afecta el derecho legal de nadie a adoptar, solo protege a grupos que la situación actual siga siendo la misma. La este proyecto de ley es necesario porque un como Caridades Católicas. Las madres biológicas y los padres Conferencia Católica de Kansas está ayudando a futuro gobernador podría implementar cambios adopti vos que deseen uti lizar un proveedor confesional deben ser coordinar esta campaña estatal. administrati vos que casti garían a los proveedores libres de hacerlo. Como su consti tuyente, esta legislación es muy Ha habido situaciones en otros estados donde confesionales debido a sus principios de acción. importante para mí. Gracias”. las agencias gubernamentales han obligado a Se les pide a todos los católicos en edad de Para obtener más información sobre la campaña “Proteger la Elección de Caridades Católicas a cerrar sus servicios de votar que parti cipen en la campaña “Proteger Adopción”, visite el siti o web de la campaña en www.ProtectAdopti onChoice. adopción porque solo colocaban a los niños en la Elección de Adopción” ahora antes de que org, donde usted puede enviar un correo electrónico directamente a su hogares con una madre y un padre casados. La la sesión ordinaria de la Legislatura de Kansas senador o representante estatales. Para encontrar el número de teléfono “Ley de Protección de Adopción” garanti zaría fi nalice el 6 de abril. Si no se toman medidas en de su legislador estatal, visite htt p://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/ proacti vamente que esto no ocurra en Kansas. este importante tema algún día podría resultar en members/ , o llame a Servicios Administrati vos Legislati vos al 785-296-2391 Esta legislación simplemente permite que las el cierre de agencias de adopción confesionales, para obtener los números de teléfono de sus legisladores. Gracias por su agencias confesionales de colocación de niños como Caridades Católicas. generoso apoyo a los niños. Que el Señor nos ayude. Jóvenes se encuentran con Cristo en la reunión anual del Encuentro de Adolecentes Evangelizadores de Arcoiris proximadamente 110 jóvenes de entre 13 y 18 años, Ajunto con miembros adultos del equipo de Arcoiris, se reunieron recientemente para el encuentro anual en el salón parroquial de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Dodge City. Los jóvenes llegaron desde lugares tan lejanos como Hays para asisti r al evento profundamente espiritual, que fue lleno de elogios, canciones, discusiones y diversión. Otros parti cipantes vinieron de Liberal, y por supuesto que había muchos del área de Dodge City. La reunión de jóvenes es parte de una iniciati va más grande de “V Encuentro,” un proceso de cuatro años iniciado por los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos para aprender a servir mejor a la creciente población de hispanos. Page 14 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Law’s failure exposes prevalence Confirmation of Down syndrome abortions By Perry West Health, county prosecutors, and members olumbus, Ohio (CNA) - A federal of the state medical board. judge blocked a law from taking Black blocked the law’s implementation Ceffect in late March which would as a privacy violation: “It violates the right have banned abortions after a prenatal to privacy of every woman in Ohio and is diagnosis of Down syndrome. unconstitutional on its face,” he wrote. After the law was blocked by Judge Timothy Supporters of the law have questioned Black March 14, the Catholic Conference Black’s impartiality. He had served of Ohio expressed disappointment in as president of Cincinnati’s Planned the decision, but also hope that it may Parenthood in 1988 and as its director from be overturned after an appeal by Ohio 1986-1989. Attorney General Mike DeWine. He recused himself from a case involving “We are disappointed; we do think that it Planned Parenthood in 2014. was an appropriate first step to point out, Tobin lamented the blocking of the law, specifically, that so many Down syndrome calling it a tragic case disrespectful to children are aborted,” said Jim Tobin, of the human life. Department of Social Justice at the Catholic “It’s just tragic that, particularly in the Conference of Ohio. case of Down syndrome, folks would “We are still hopeful that there are other decide that [these babies] are better off appeals that are available here, and that we aborted than lovingly cared for or placed ST. MICHAEL PARISH, La CROSSE -- Nine young people in St. Michael’s Parish PSR may be able to yet overturn this decision,” for adoption,” he said, noting these cases Program received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, March 11. The Most he told CNA. show “a loss of respect for the dignity of all Reverend Bishop John B. Brungardt, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, The law, which was due to go into effect human life and their value.” conferred the sacrament on the students with Father Eric Gyamfi concelebrating the March 23, bans abortions solely due to In a March 15 statement, Ohio Attorney Mass with him. Pictured from left to right, back row, Catechist James Suppes, Colby a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. It General Mike DeWine said he will appeal Stull, Brooke Herrman, Bishop Brungardt, Father Eric, Allie Seltman, and Catechist imposes criminal penalties on medical Black’s decision. Mark Baalmann. In the front row, left to right, are Gabe Proffitt, Alisha Kreutzer, professionals, but women procuring “I strongly disagree with the district Chet Irvin, Johannah Baalmann, Ella Showalter and Danielle Wagner. abortions are not penalized. court’s ruling that there is a categorical The law was signed by Governor John right to abortion that prevents even any Kasich in December 2017. consideration of Ohio’s profound interests On behalf of Planned Parenthood, the in combatting discrimination against a class American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit of human beings based upon disability. We in February against the Ohio Department of will be appealing.”

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Advisor www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Saturday, April 7; Saint John Baptist de Saturday, April 14 103 West.103 West6th 6th la Salle, priest Acts 6:1-7/John 6:16-21 Scott 103ScottCity, West KS City, 67871 6th KS 67871 620-872-3188620-872-3188 Acts 4:13-21/Mark 16:9-15 Sunday, April 15 Scott City, KS 67871 Sunday, April 8 Acts 3:13-15, 17-19/First John 2:1-5/Luke 620-872-3188 Acts 4:32-35/First John 5:1-6/John 20:19- 24:35-48 The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 15 Obituaries David Schloctermeier, 52, a home-maker and farm wife, Linda King Shields; sister, Susan of Larned, was the son of Don and she had served as a bookkeeper Percy; nine grandchildren; and Lorraine Kincaid, longtime Jeanne (Martin) Schloctermeier. for the Hoisington Oil Co., and a nine great- grandchildren. He graduated from Ellinwood cook for St. John Catholic School. John S. Koett, 66, of Sacred chancery secretary, dies at 81 High School in 1984, and later he Survivors include her husband, Heart Parish, Larned, died March ODGE CITY - Lorraine Faye (Stegman) worked as a sales representative Donald E. Reif, Sr.; one son, Don E. 3, 2018. A lifetime area resident, Kincaid, 81, died March 19, 2018 at for Jimmie Jones Welding Supply Reif, Jr.; two daughters, Diane Reif he was a farmer/rancher near D Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. and as an oil field worker. and Sheila Metzger; one brother, Belpre. On May 12, 1979 he She was born July 7, 1936 in Spearville, Survivors include, daughter, Melvin Lang; and one grandson, married Rolinda Sherwood in the daughter of Raymond R. and Applonia Rachel Pumford; his parents; Hunter Metzger. Father Anselm Belpre. She preceded him in Stegman. She attended school at Sacred and sisters Jamie Zink and Jill Eke presided. death on Nov. 2, 2009. Survivors Heart Academy in Wichita and was a 1954 Moore. Other survivors include Mary Marcella Weide, 99, include four sons; Jerome, Corey, graduate of St. Mary of the Plains High two nephews and three nieces. of Topeka (formerly of Great Chad, and Austin; and seven School in Dodge City. She worked as a The funeral Mass was March 16 at Bend), passed away on March grandchildren. Father Bernard secretary for 30 years, the last 29 years in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church 15, 2018. She was a graduate Felix presided. the chancery office for the Catholic Diocese north of Ellinwood, with Father of Spearville High School. She Leila D. Leon, 95, of St. of Dodge City. She retired in 1997. Terrance Klein presiding. married Milton Weide on Nov. Joseph Parish, Greensburg, In her 29 years, Lorraine was secretary for Bishop Marion F. Forst, Msgr. Lillian Fern Besser, 94, died 26, 1937. They enjoyed 70 years died March 19, 2018. A Bucklin Norbert Temaat, Father Stephen Wylie, Bob Hamilton, comptroller; Dan March 14, 2018. Lillian Chamberlin- together before he preceded resident since 1966, moving Stremel, director of finance; Father Jonathan Callison, Dwaine and Louis Kisner and John Besser were her in death on July 24, 2008. from Minneola, she was a Lampe, and DiMaio Amos, all in the Office of Family Ministries; Tim married on June 16, 1947, in the Mary was a ward clerk and homemaker. On April 26, 1941 Wenzl, then editor of the Southwest Kansas Register; Debbie Snapp, then St. Nicholas Catholic Church in nurse’s aide at the hospital in she married Cipriano Leon at program director for Catholic Social Service; Linda Hessman, director Kinsley by Father Nicholas Cody. Great Bend. She was a founding Garden City. He preceded her of Rural Life; and Father James Baker, Father David H. Kraus, and Sister Lillian had a son, William Edward member of the Daughters of in death on June 14, 1979. Pat McGreevy, O.S.B., all part of the Tribunal Office. Besser-Kisner, from her marriage Isabella in Great Bend, and Leila is survived by her eight She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to William Kisner, who was killed recently received her 70 year children; Robert Leon, Arlene Dodge City. during a training expedition while pin. Mary was also a member Allen, Mary Sturd, Alfred Leon, On Oct. 27, 1956 she married Leland Kincaid at Sacred Heart serving in the Army. John and of the St. Patrick’s Altar Society Rhonda Davis, Mickey Leon, Cathedral in Dodge City. He survives. Lillian had two children, Barbara in Great Bend. She is survived Michael Leon and Moni Immell; Other survivors include: sons, Jeff and wife Susan, Windsor, Colorado, and Robert (Bob) Besser. John by her children, Jan Funnell, her sister, Josephine Archuletta; Chad and wife Mary, Dodge City, and Brad and wife Linda, Wichita; a adopted WIlliam (Bill) after their John Weide, Joe Weide and Jay 48 grandchildren, 71 great- brother, Larry Stegman and wife Linda, Offerle; 10 grandchildren; and marriage. She was involved in Weide; seven grandchildren; grandchildren and six great- 23 great-grandchildren. many activities at St. Nicholas 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Father She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert Catholic Church. John prededed great-great-grandchildren; Robert Schremmer presided. and Melvin Stegman; three sisters, Delores Heiland, Ann Schaapveld her in death on March 13, sister, Ermalee Newby; and Shirley A. Weis, 79, of Mary, and twin sister, Elaine Harper; a grandson, Mike Kincaid and a great- 2005. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Kathy Snyder. Queen of Peace Parish, Ulysses, granddaughter, Aubrey McNeill. eight grandchildren; 15 great- Mary Antonia (Toni) died March 20, 2018. Shirley was The Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 24 at the Cathedral grandchildren, five great-great- Wilson, 80, of Sacred Heart a homemaker, and a cook for of Our Lady of Guadalupe, concelebrated by Father Wesley Schawe, grandchildren; and many nieces Parish, Larned, died March 11, USD 214 at the high school. She Father James Baker, and Father Robert Schremmer, V.G. and nephews. Father Michael 2018. She moved to Larned from was an active member of Mary, Klag presided. Saint John three years ago, where Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Lorene Marie Reif, 81, of she was a Licensed Nurse. She She is survived by sons, Larry St. John the Evangelist Parish, married John C. Wilson in Simi, and Steve; daughter, Michelle Hoisington, passed away March CA. He died in 2014. Survivors Martin; six grandchildren, and Vogel Accounting 16, 2018. She was a member of include son, Timothy Guy King; three great-grandchildren. Father Public Accountant the Altar Society. Besides being two daughters, Laura Smith and Peter Fernandez presided. Tax Preparation Gerald Vogel Computerized Bookkeeping Service 116 S. Main Farm Accounts A half century of finding forever homes Cimarron, KS 67835 Individual Accounts Continued from Page 9 doesn’t only create a relationship between the child Small Business Services 855-3888 1.5 miles south, had an airstrip. Father flew there and his or her new adoptive parents, but between and Tax Planning 800-203-8437 and Daddy picked him up. I do remember when the adoptive parents and the birth parents, as Father Weiss left our house; he said, ‘Speak now, well. It’s called “open adoption,” and it leaves no or forever hold your peace,’ meaning, ‘if we were mysteries for the child to unravel later in life. Birth not completely sold on the adoption, we needed parents can continue to have a relationship with to say something now.’ the child. “In early August of 1968 we flew from Wichita to “It’s important that we have birth mothers and Miami to meet our new family. We stayed several birth fathers who can select a family that shares days in Miami, and then boarded the plane to come their values,” noted Debbie Snapp, Executive home….” Director of Catholic Charities of Southwest Juanita Landwehr Parson, who now resides in Ellis, Kansas. She has been personally involved in the Kansas, shared these recollections: practice of adoption for more than 25 years. “I was placed in foster care when I was nine months “We’re presenting to them a family that is old. I’m not sure how long we had lived apart from consistent with our Catholic families’ beliefs, as each other, but Larry, Barbara, and I had been far as a healthy marriage, practicing their faith, together for some time. I believe we were in multiple how long they’ve been married, those kinds of homes over the three years we were in foster care. things. We’re not saying that people who don’t “As I understand things — my birth father placed share our values can’t adopt anyplace, because us with his eldest daughter (by a previous marriage) they certainly can. This only affects 13 of the 35 and her family. She had a large family herself, and or so licensed child-placing agencies in Kansas. it became too much for her. My eldest half-sister, “There are three Catholic Charities offices doing along with my birth father and mother, placed us adoptions in Kansas. Collectively we only place with Catholic Charities (of Miami), and her oldest about 10 infants a year. So, this isn’t a big impact daughter, who was our baptismal sponsor, begged on the state of adoption in Kansas. But it would be Catholic Charities to keep us together and to have a significant impact on those who come to Catholic us raised as Catholics.” Charities to place or to adopt.” Fifty years later, Catholic Charities of Southwest “This subject is very near and dear to my heart,” Kansas continues to endeavor to find homes for added Bishop John B. Brungardt. “My youngest children and infants, both by helping perspective brother and sister were adopted. The purpose of parents, and by aiding those who wish to place their the legislation is to protect faith-based agencies child in the adoptive process. in the area where there are deeply held religious But unlike 50 years ago, today Catholic Charities beliefs.” Page 16 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic AdVantage

Gabriel’s Crossword

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dive Visit our online catalog at: FirsT: www.idonnelly.com The Southwest Kansas Catholic April 1, 2018 Page 19 ‘I was homeless, and you gave me shelter’ Senior/Boomer Expo to kick From Page 6 “Our goal for them is to be off Older Americans Month self-sustainable.” he SouthWest Kansas Area Agency On Aging’s (SWKAAA) 32nd Annual Senior Expo will be Thursday, April 26, at the They are mostly single men d antage who come to the Catholic TDodge City Civic Center. a V Chariti es offi ce, Smith said, but “Engage at every age” is the nati onal theme for this day long there are couples and children as celebrati on, which will also recognize May as Older Americans well. Sadly, there are far more in Act Month. need than there are resources to Acti viti es begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Madrigal Singers from meet those needs. the Dodge City High School Choral Department performing the Catholic Chariti es does not have Nati onal Anthem and other musical numbers. the staff or fi nancial resources Darlene Marshal, SWKAAA Board Chair, will provide opening Distributors of for an unlimited number of remarks and read a proclamati on signed by the board of directors clients, so it must try to limit its declaring May as Older Americans Month. She will encourage all Budweiser, clients to a total of 16 homes. seniors to celebrate positi ve aging. There are currently seven homes More than 35 social, service and business exhibits will display Bud Light, being served in Dodge City, and products and services of interest to seniors, individuals with 11 in Garden City, which adds disabiliti es, and caregivers, from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Michelob Ultra, up to 18. Photo by Dave Myers Door prizes from area merchants will be given away throughout “Brooke [Hamlin-Lopez, “We help find them housing and work the day. At 10:30 a.m., seniors will try their luck at various Michelob Family Support Specialist], is with landlords,” Smith said. “Our clients are marci smith, competi ti ve games around the arena. Western Beverage Inc. Amber Bock, the case worker for Garden City,” never charged more than 30 percent of their Director of At noon, a box lunch will be provided by the Dodge City Senior 301 E. Wyatt Earp Smith said. “This is a difficult income.” Family services Center for a nominal charge. for Catholic Dodge City, KS Natural Light, populati on to case manage, so And if they don’t have some sort of income? At 12:15 p.m. parti cipants will hear a presentati on from Dr. Lou Catholic Charities helps them to apply for Chariti es of Scott , DVM - “Pets For the Heart”. His workshop will focus on the (620) 227-7641 we all work together to help the Busch, O’Douls case management process run various programs that will assist them as they southwest benefi ts of seniors having pets and how to take care of them in 1-800-658-1770 more smoothly. get back on their feet. She is “SOAR” certi fi ed, Kansas, in her an apartment setti ng. “We pay the fi rst three months’ which means Smith can help individuals apply garden City Aft ernoon acti viti es start at 1 p.m. on the big stage with musical rent and the safety deposit,” for disability if they are homeless or at the risk of offi ce where entertainment by the Buckner Creek Band from Spearville. Smith explained. Every three homelessness. she works to Activities will conclude at 2:30 p.m. with the Mega Bingo months, Smith’s staff will visit “My greatest reward is seeing people make fi nd homes for Blackout (a $300 cash jackpot) for age 60 and over, and an ice with the clients to reassess their changes in their lives, become self-suffi cient,” those most in cream social for all ages. situati on. Smith said. need. SWKAAA’s Senior Expo is free to att end thanks to the generous support of the sponsors listed in the ad below. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” -- Matt hew 25:40 - My column - A news story by Fr. Tim (is he working on one?) or the Leaven article - a feature story on adoption. - The bulletin insert (this emphasizes the phone calling; the Leaven article the emailing to legislators). - The KS bishops testimony to the legislators

Page 20 April 1, 2018 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Chrism Mass A celebration of our diocesan family

he annual Chrism Mass, during which the bishop blesses the three By Dave Myers Tholy oils, is also an occasion for the diocese to recognize those he Chrism Mass, March who are celebrating milestones in their service to the diocese, and 22 at the Cathedral of to thank those who have served the diocese in special ways. At the TOur Lady of Guadalupe, reception following Mass, the following honorees were presented a can’t help but be a celebra- gift from the diocese: tion of our diocesan family. It’s when priests of the Father Ultan Murphy, 65 years of priestly diocese come together to ministry, continued in active ministry until age renew their priestly promis- 87, having become the oldest active Catholic es, witnessed by represen- priest in Kansas. Father Murphy has a multitude tatives from every parish in of joyful memories: “The happiest part of my the diocese. ministry has been many converts – marriages It is when the Most Rev. – getting people back to the Church. I miss visiting John B. Brungardt blesses the kids in the classroom on Sunday morning. each of the three vessels That was one of my better things to do.” of oil: Oil of the Sick, Oil Father Ultan Father Jim Dieker, 25 years of priestly The Most Rev. John B. Brungardt consecrates the Chrism Oil. Murphy of the Catechumens, and ministry, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Science the Sacred Chrism. Repre- degree before deciding to serve the two-legged sentatives arrive with empty vessels, ilk. He was a member of St. Anthony Parish in and leave with consecrated oil to be Fowler. Father John Lavrih was pastor. “Father used in the most sacred ceremonies. Lavrih was a very seasoned and dedicated pastor. “In a Chrism Mass, the bishop of the As a refugee, his life story was impelling, but his diocese consecrates the Chrism and charismatic faith was intoxicating. He prayed for blesses the holy oil of the catechu- vocations constantly. I went to him on a whim to mens and the oil for the anointing of learn German. We never got around to studying the sick. These oils will be taken by Father Jim German, but discovered my real search was for representatives from each parish to Dieker faith and direction in my personal life.” be used in sacramental life. Bishop Stanley Schlarman, 60 years of “These oils remind us of Jesus, priestly ministry: In 1983, Bishop Schlarman whose name is Christ, meaning the was named bishop of the Diocese of Dodge City, ‘Anointed One.’” where he remained until 1998 when he returned Speaking first in Spanish and then Photos by Dave Myers to the Diocese of Belleville, where he was reared. in English, the bishop described the Priests of the diocese renew their priestly promises. In 2003 he became Vicar for Priests in Joliet, Ill. In different oils. 2006 he returned to Belleville where he served as Catechumen: “Before the Baptism, a bless- Vicar for Priests. “I love the priesthood and the ing occurs with the words ‘We anoint you with priests of this diocese,” he said “I would never the Holy Oil of Salvation in the name of Christ Bishop Stanley have done anything different from what God has our Savior. May he strengthen you with his Schlarman asked me to do.” power.’ Luke Blair, graduate of Pastoral Ministry “This anointing strengthens a person as he or Formation Program, is a pastoral assistant at she prepares to be baptized, become a Catholic, Prince of Peace Parish in Great Bend, and is a and to receive the faith of Jesus Christ.” member of the Pastoral Council and Liturgy Oil of Sick: “Jesus visited and healed the Commission. “I appreciate how the Pastoral sick many times, according to the gospels. Ministry Formation program not only provides The Church teaches that the anointing of the classes that build a theological background, but sick gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to those also has classes and seminars that allow you to who are sick. By this grace the whole person is collaborate with others around the diocese on helped, sustained by a trust in God. He or she Luke Blair how to apply the material in a hands-on way is strengthened against temptation, against to become more effective ministers to God’s anxiety or death. people.” “It’s a great blessing for me and my brother Alex Chavez, graduate of Pastoral Ministry Volunteers prepare the blessed oils to be taken back to priests to visit the sick, to pray for them and the parishes by the parish representatives. Formation Program: “Enrolling in the PMF their families, to offer them this beautiful sacra- program has been a true blessing in my life. I feel ment of healing,” the bishop said. like it’s a birth of my intellectual faith. I would Turning toward the priests, the bishop exhorted them: recommend this to anyone who yearns to have “Priests: do not hesitate to visit the sick.” a deeper knowledge of our Catholic Faith or who Chrism: “Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the has a calling to serve God.” baptized receive strength through the Holy Spirit in order to Alex Chavez Bill Trenkle, retiring from the Diocese of imitate Christ and live as witnesses in the world. Dodge City Diocesan Counsel: During his more “Confirmation is an often misunderstood sacrament,” then three decades in the Diocese of Dodge the bishop said. “It strengthens the faith of the person. ... City, Trenkle was active in the cathedral parish, Confirmation is not a rite of passage, not a graduation from including serving as DDP chair one year and as one religious education, not becoming an adult Catholic. Confir- of the chairs of the cathedral building campaign. mation isa strengthening of your Catholic faith by the power A member of the Knights of Columbus, Trenkle of the Holy Spirit. served as fundraising chairman for the diocese “The Sacred Chrism is also used in the ordination rite of and as Chairman of the Board for St. Mary of the priests and deacons. After my homily, the priests assembled Plains College. He is the former primary attorney here will renew their commitment to priestly service. Each Bill Trenkle for the Diocese of Dodge City. year we rededicate ourselves as priests to Jesus’s New Cov- enant. This commitment takes sacrifice, humility, compas- Vibrant Ministries Diocesan Executive Committee, for their sion, unconditional love, and a grateful heart.” support and commitment to the Diocesan Appeal: Farrel and Mary The bishop named those celebrating jubilees (see the side- Ellen Bleumer; Thelma C. ‘Toke’ Heiman; Gerald and Joan Vogel; bar at left), and thanked them for their service. Ron Eakes; Jose Manuel; Maria Isabel Sanchez; Norma Alvarez; “Let us thank the Lord for this gift of our sacramental life. Bill and Ruth Baalman; Maurice Bleumer; Joe Gleason; Luis and Let us trust and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit as we are Primitivo and Maria Corona collect the Catalina Guzmán; Trish Keller; Greg and Regina Lix; Adan and Maria anointed by the oils. Let us imitate Christ, the Anointed One. blessed oils to be taken to Mary Queen of Monarrez; Ignacio Ortiz; Oscar and Marta Rodriguez; Duane Tasset. He loves us more than we can ask or imagine.” Peace Parish in Ulysses.