The Western Kentucky CATHOLIC Western Kentucky Catholic, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 Volume 36, Number 8, October, 2009 Young People Strongly Support Owensboro’s 30th Annual Walk For Life

October is Respect Life Month and has been since 1972. “God’s creation is one and it is good. The concerns for non- violence, sustainable development, justice and peace, and care for our environment are of vital importance for humanity. They cannot, however, be understood apart from a profound reflection upon the innate dignity of every human life from conception to natural death: a dignity conferred by God himself and thus inviolable. - Pope Benedict XVI, Sydney, July 17, 2008

By Kelsey Cash, OCHS senior OWENSBORO,Ky. - On Saturday September 12th about three hundred people took part in the 30th Annual Walk for Life fundraiser. This walk is sponsored every year by the Right to Life of Owensboro. The walk for life started at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church parking lot. From there, Among the crowd of over 300 people who participated in the 30th Annual Walk For Life in the crowd walked down Frederica Street with a police escort. A large va- Owensboro on Sept. 12 were many high school and college-age people. Photo by Kelsey Cash, OCHS senior riety of people from every age group were present at this awe-inspiring display of fortitude. You are invited to pray the rosary at the annual October is Respect Life Month of Owensboro Respect Life Month of October through prayer, action, community outreach, Rosary Walk Sunday, Oct. 4 RESPECT LIFE is a verb (second person and grassroots activism. command, grammatically speaking), & Our efforts must be centered on God “Praying the Rosary for Life” October is Respect Life Month. We invite and His infinite love for us – for the born and you to observe this official national US the unborn, for those who oppose us as well Conference of Catholic Bishops and Diocese as those who agree with us.

Come at 2 p.m.

Everyone is welcome!

Requested Change Change Help us celebrate the Month Service of the Rosary with a community gathering at the Memorial Rosary Walk on the grounds

Owensboro, KY

Permit No. 111 of Mount Saint Joseph in Nonprofit Org. Maple Mount (15 miles west of U.S. Postage

42301 Owensboro on Highway 56 at Paid Cummings Road.) A mother pushes her two children in a carriage down Frederica Street in Owensboro during the For more information, call 30th Annual Walk for Life. Most of the walkers behind her are young people who want to see 270-229-0200 abortion made unnecessary and illegal in the US and the world. Kelsey Cash Photo 2 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Diocesan 2009 Ash Wednesday Collection Monte Cassino pilgrimages Sends $77,000 to Diocese of Mandeville Dear Richard Murphy and giving friends of the Diocese of Owensboro, It is with grateful hearts that we write to thank you for the Ash Wednesday Collec- to be held in October tion of 2009! The seventy-seven thousand dollars, given with your generosity of heart, represents one month of our expenses to operate thirty-two parishes, the Catechetical programs, the Distribution Center, and the Pastoral Office of our third world diocese, Mandeville Jamaica. To you we extend our heartfelt appreciation! We desire also to especially thank Bishop John McRaith, for his initiation several years ago of giving to a Third World Diocese, as suggested by the Bishops of the US in the USCC publication, “Global Solidarity.” We also want to especially thank Mr. Richard Murphy for his gentle and quality leadership of the Mission Office of Owensboro. We know Richard has several effec- tive committees and thanks is extended to them as well. This is truly what our faith is about, giving with hearts full of understanding, to those less fortunate than ourselves. Most importantly, we thank each giving member of the Diocese of Owensboro. We extend a prayer to you, in thanksgiving: May the Lord Jesus Christ Who walks on wounded feet, Walk with you to the end of the road. May the Lord Jesus, Who serves with wounded hands, Help you to serve each other. May the Lord Jesus, Who loves with a wounded heart, Be your love forever. Saint Meinrad Archabbey’s pilgrimages to honor the Blessed Mother at the Monte Bless God wherever you go, Cassino Shrine have been scheduled for the Sundays in October. And may you see the face Of the Lord Jesus The pilgrimages begin with an opening hymn and a short sermon, followed by In everyone you meet! a rosary procession. The service ends with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and a With deep respect and gratitude, hymn. Sisters Connie Ostrander and Naomi Rosenberger, OSB, Development Direc- Speakers and topics for the pilgrimages are: tors, Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica • October 4—Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, “Mary, the Image of Our Hope” • October 11—Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, “Mary, Model of Mystery” A Letter from the Bishop Of the Diocese • October 18—Fr. Timothy Sweeney, OSB, “Mary, We Hardly Knew Ye” • October 25—Fr. Vincent Tobin, OSB, “They Have No Wine: Jesus Sees through of Mandeville, Jamaica Mary’s Eyes” Services begin at 2 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The public is invited. The Monte My Dear Friends in Christ, Cassino Shrine is located one mile east of the Archabbey on State Highway 62 in St. On behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese Meinrad, IN. of Mandeville, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the very generous donation from the Catholic Youth Foundation USA people of the Diocese of Owensboro. It is certainly a tribute to the deep spiritual commitment to the Proclamation of the Gospel. Your sacrifice, prayers Awards 2 Conference Registrations and generosity allows us to continue the Mission Dear Friends: of the Church. On behalf of the board of director., of the Catholic Youth Foundation USA, I On so many different am pleased to inform you that the Foundation has awarded $390 in registration fees areas we experience difficulties and overwhelming toward your trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference this fall! Your award pack- challenges. Your expressions of care and support age is the equivalent of 2 full conference registrations. This award will be applied to enable us to share the Mysteries of our Faith with so your NCYC balance. many. Thank you. This year, the Foundation’s NCYC scholarship review committee was presented As a Diocese we try to respond to the needs of the with $403,251 in requests for assistance from 52 dioceses to fund a total of 1,849 informed, the aging. Education is a value that is so deserving young people and adults. Unfortunately, the Foundation could only award important to us. Personally, I am overwhelmed by the $60,000 in scholarship money this year. However, the foundation was able to pay for kindness of your people. Their charity expresses a the NCYC registration fees of 307 teenagers! This work of bringing teenagers closer deep commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church. to Christ is what keeps the Foundation going, and It is all tnanks to the support of our Please be assured of my continued support and generous benefactors. prayers. Please be sure to share the good news of your award with your diocese. The fur- Yours in Christ’s Passion, ther the mission of the CYFUSA spreads, the more kids we can help. Congratulations Most Rev.Neil Tiedemann, C.P., Roman Catholic Bishop once again, and I look forward to seeing you at NCYC! of Mandeville Yours in Christ, William A Cubbedge,J.D., CYF-USA The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 3

“Come and See” A Celebration of 100 Years of the Life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta +++ Given by Fr. Thomas Sullivan, CPM First Saturday, November 7, 2009 Chapel of Divine Mercy, 806 Shaker Museum Road, Auburn, KY 42206 (270) 542=4146, ext. 304 +++ 9:15 First Conference 10:00 Rosary, confessions, first showing of documentary, “Legacy.” 11:00 Mass 12:00 Pot-luck lunch - please bring a dish to share! 12:45 Second Conference 3:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy, blessing with first class relic of Mother Teresa 4:30 Fathers of Mercy holy hour and benediction - All are welcome Mrs. Davena Cecil, Kindergarten Teacher at the OCS Elementary K-3 Campus, No cost for the conference; free-will donations gratefully accepted performs a Science experiment about sink and float. OCS Photo Pope says families should create ‘spiritual terrain’ for vocations CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- June. The year marks the 150th anniver- pope said. He offered a prayer that in the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict XVI said Catholic parents sary of St. John Vianney, the patron saint “Christian families may become small churches in which should make sure to create a “fertile spiri- of parish priests. “When couples dedicate all the vocations and charisms given by the Holy Spirit will tual terrain” for priestly vocations as they themselves generously to the education of be welcomed and valued.” The pope said the history of educate their children in the faith. The their children, guiding and orienting them Christianity features innumerable examples of saintly parents pope, speaking at a Sunday blessing at toward the discovery of God’s design of and families, including Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame his summer residence outside Rome Aug. love, they prepare that fertile spiritual Quattrocchi, who were beatified in 2001. The couple had four 30, said he hoped for a vocations revival terrain where vocations to the priesthood children, including two sons who became priests. in the Year for Priests, which began in and consecrated life arise and mature,” the The Western Kentucky Catholic Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ow- ensboro, Ky. Story Deadline: 15th of month prior to publication. The Western Kentucky Catholic is published monthly except June and July from The Catho- lic Pastoral Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY. 42301 Publisher: Administrator, Diocese of Owensboro, Ky. Editor: Mel Howard, e-mail:[email protected] Adm. Assistant and Spanish Translator: Tami Schneider, Tami.schneider@ pastoral.org Business Address: Catholic Pastoral Center, 600 Locust St., Owens- boro, KY 42301 Phone: 683-1545. Fax: 683-6883 Internet Address: www. owensborodio.org Subscription Cost: $10.00 per year The Western Kentucky Catholic comes to your home as a direct use of your parish assessment dollars. “Those who exercise authority in the Church will take care to ensure that there is responsible exchange of freely held and expressed opinion among the People of God.” -Pastoral Instruction Of The Means Of Social Communications, #116, Jan. 29, 1971 Opinions expressed in columns and letters to the editor submitted for publi- cation in the Western Kentucky Catholic are not necessarily those of the pub- lisher or editor of The Western Kentucky Catholic. Please let us know politely if you find proofing or factual errors in items of this publication. 4 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Father Joe O’Donnell - “Father Ecumenist” by Father Bob Bond Mission Pastor and Ecumenist Glenmary “I think that I have always been a committed Catholic,” professes Father Joseph O’Donnell; “but since I have been so heavily involved in ecumenical work, bouncing Father Joseph O’Donnell Dead at 87 my Catholic faith off the other traditions of Christianity, I think I am a better, more CINCINNATI—Father Joseph deeply committed Catholic than ever before.” O’Donnell a Glenmary Home In the rolling hills of Ohio County in western Kentucky, Missioner for 63 years, died there are forty-two Southern Baptist and twenty-six Methodist Aug. 25, 2009, at Mercy Fran- churches, not to mention the churches of the other denominations. ciscan Terrace, a local nursing Most of them have revivals twice a year. There is ample oppor- facility. A native of Chicago and tunity for Father Joe to bounce his faith off other traditions. a son of St. Lucy Church, Father He makes time for attending each revival “at the big Baptist O’Donnell spent his years as churches in Beaver Dam and in nearby Hartford,” he said. “I go a home missioner serving as a to different country churches every year, except for Clear Run pastor in Kentucky, as a profes- Baptist, where I never miss.” At almost every revival the minister sor at the Glenmary seminary, asks him to lead a prayer. Father Joe added: “I do not do any of as Glenmary’s secretary-general that kind of ecumenism in Butler County or in the area around and local superior and as a na- Fordsville. I rely on the Sisters to go—and they do.” tional leader in Catholic-Baptist Father O’Donnell is referring to the three nuns who serve as dialogue and ecumenism. his pastoral associates and as extensions of his ecumenical activity. Father O’Donnell decided There is one at each of his parishes: Sister Luisa Beckett, OSU, to join Glenmary in 1944 while at Holy Redeemer Church in Beaver Dam, Sister Diane Payne, attending St. Mary of the Lake OSU, at Saint John Church in Fordsville, and Sister Marcan Seminary in Mundelein, Il. Freking, OSF, at Holy Trinity Church in Morgantown (Butler Upon transferring to the home County). They also coordinate and perform some of the other mission society, he continued Father Joe O’Donnell meeting with Bishop John McRaith in Owensboro in the spring of 1987. Glenmary Fathers Photo usual parochial functions, thus freeing Father O’Donnell to carry his education at Mount St. Mary his ecumenical expertise beyond parish boundaries. of promotions. During summer breaks from teaching, Father Seminary in Cincinnati. He was Sister Marcan came to Morgantown after having spent about ordained at St. Andrew Church, Chicago, O’Donnell and a number of seminarians spent time traveling ten years in the Vanceburg/Grayson, Kentucky, missions. She in 1948, and took his Perpetual Oath as a through the South and Appalachia, tent-preaching in areas where specified some of her ecumenical efforts. “Every Wednesday Glenmary Home Missioner the following the Catholic Church was not present or familiar. These gather- at 7 a.m. I pray with ministers of the other denominations. We year. ings, in the style of tent revivals, were held in small towns. The alternate churches for these prayer meetings. As a member of the Glenmary was founded in 1939, evenings included preaching and question-and-answer sessions to ministerial association, I do a fifteen-minute daily devotional radio and Father O’Donnell was a link to the help local people better understand Catholicism. And entertain- program for a week at a time about nine times a year. Last year society’s past as one of the early mis- ment was provided by the Gospel Harmony Singers, a quartet I read Scripture at the Thanksgiving Community Service held at sioners to join the new society. His first of Glenmarians that included Father O’Donnell, specializing in the Church of the Nazarene.” long-term assignment was as associate singing Gospel harmonies. Sister Diane is effervescent about her three-year missionary pastor of Glenmary’s first mission, St. His ready smile and outgoing personality served him well experience in a Glenmary parish. The examples of her ministry John the Evangelist in Sunfish, Ky. That in his work in the area of ecumenism. For five years he focused are indicative of the Sisters’ activities: “I do marriage counsel- assignment was also the beginning of solely on furthering Catholic-Baptist dialogue as a representative ing, coordinate the religious education program at Saint John’s Father O’Donnell’s long association with to the Southern Baptist Convention on behalf of the U.S. Catholic the Diocese of Owensboro. He went on to Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue. Continued on page 5 pastor Holy Redeemer mission in Beaver A Glenmarian has filled this position since 1967. Dam, Ky., and its missions in Morgantown “One can hardly be a Glenmary Home Missioner and not and Fordsville (1965-76, 1981-97)—and rub shoulders with Baptists,” Father O’Donnell said. “In almost “Often on Christmas night to serve as director of ecumenism for the every county in which Glenmary organizes mission churches, I have prayed in darkened mission diocese from the mid-1980s until his return Baptists are overwhelmingly number-one...Even so, Baptists and churches, with only the glow of small to Glenmary Headquarters in 2003. Catholics knew so little about one another...Today, we are trying lights in the crib. I felt thankful that God “Father O’Donnell had the heart of a hard to understand each other. We must pray and we must work had called me to this Glenmary way of missioner,” said Father Dan Dorsey, presi- and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.” life—and that I responded to it. I know my prayer will be the same this Christmas. dent of Glenmary. “For a city boy from That’s how Father O’Donnell approached his ecumenical As I quickly think back over all the Chicago—and he never lost his Chicago work, which continued during his last pastorate at Holy Redeemer years, I know in my heart I would do it accent!—he adapted readily to the mis- in 1981, when he began working as the part-time director of all again. I’m richer for it in hundreds of sionary life and was a faithful ambassador ecumenism for the Diocese of Owensboro. After he took senior ways.” Father Joe O’Donnell of Christ. Perhaps his most significant im- membership in Glenmary in 1997, the director position became pact came from his work in the ecumenical full-time. He also served on the executive board of the Kentucky Father O’Donnell is survived by his Glenmary brothers movement, both on a national and a local Council of Churches and on the Commission on Ecumenism of and his many friends. Visitation took place Wednesday, Sept. 2, level. He had the demeanor and personality the Kentucky Catholic Conference. And he continued attending in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel at the Glenmary Residence, to make friends and break down barriers, the yearly Southern Baptist Convention assemblies, both in the 4085 Glenmary Trace, Fairfield, Ohio. A wake service was no matter how difficult.” state and on the national level. held at 7 p.m. Father O’Donnell earned a licentiate He moved to Glenmary’s Headquarters in 2003 to better cope Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, Sept. in sacred theology from Catholic Uni- with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. “I feel thankful that God 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Burial versity in 1953. For the next 11 years, he called me to this Glenmary way of life and that I responded,” followed immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. taught at Glenmary’s seminary and served he said when he celebrated his 50th jubilee. “I’m richer for it in Memorials are requested to Glenmary Home Missioners, in Glenmary leadership and as director hundreds of ways.” P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Father Joe O’Donnell - “Father Ecumenist” (Continued from page 4) The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 5 and prepare converts for entrance into the Church. I also work with teen-agers, and victims of spouse and child abuse. I go to affairs in other churches, and coun- sel shut-ins who belong to the different denominations. I visit the sick at the rest home and in the hospital. Finally, I spend a lot of time with the unchurched, both Catholic and nonCatholic, in order to get them to church.” Father Joe readily admits that he could not be so ecumenically involved on a broader level if he did not have the Sisters to help with the parish work. Glenmary and the diocese of Owensboro gladly support them to enhance local ministry, as well as Father Joe’s diocesan and state commit- ments. In addition to attending the regular diocesan staff meetings as Ecumenical Di- rector for the Owensboro Diocese, Father The “Catholic Watcher,” C. Brownlow O’Donnell serves on the executive board Hastings scratches his head as Father O’Donnell makes a point before the Now the tables are turned—the of the Kentucky Council of Churches and Baptist-Catholic weekend dialogue on the Commission on Ecumenism of the Baptists at the 1981 Southern Baptist in Knoxville, Tenn. The participants Convention in Los Angeles have Father Reverend Glenn Armstrong Kentucky Catholic Conference. He is an were from Central Baptist Church and Joe pondering. demonstrates with Father Joe active participant at the annual conference Sacred Heart Catholic Church. O’Donnell how an elderly adult receives fact that he has attended services with us, baptism by immersion. of the National Association of Diocesan importance and value of his leadership Ecumenical Officers, a group which also and that we have conducted joint services, at ecumenical meetings, he finds greater has communicated something very whole- meets with those who hold similar posi- satisfaction on the grassroots ecumenical tions in Protestant churches. Every year some to our people about the Catholic firing line. As he put it: “It was delight- faith. It has also highlighted the need for he attends the Kentucky Southern Baptist ful to give a talk to the parishioners at Convention and other state Baptist meet- our two traditions to work together and to Saint Jerome Church near Paducah and to relate positively with one another.” ings. encourage them to be more ecumenically “I feel a deep commitment to working Father Joe feels that the develop- inclined and enthusiastic.” He has given ment of a climate of friendship is the first for Christian unity,” Father Joe said. “It is several such presentations throughout the an essential apostolate of the Church. If and foremost job of doing ecumenism, diocese. especially in Glenmary territory where one looks at Pope John Paul’s teaching, About his local work, he said: “I there is hardly anything he has emphasized Catholics are in the minority. It is always can honestly say that in parish life I have the first step so that Baptists and Method- more than ecumenism. He meets with the genuine friends who are members of other Protestant leaders of every country he ists and Catholics and others can respect churches, particularly among the Baptist one another. visits. When he comes here in September, and Methodist ministers. I have prayed he will make a trip to Columbia, South The second step for him is to make with them and enjoyed meals with them. I the effort to understand others. As Father Carolina, primarily to meet with religious feel very comfortable discussing theology leaders.” Joe puts it: “People may know what other with them. Yet they know that I ‘am truly churches hold, but they do not know the In 1982, shortly after he came to a Catholic, and I know that they are truly Owensboro, Bishop John J. McRaith interior practice, the depth of meaning in The handshake and the smile followed Baptists and Methodists.” how they pray, how they bury their dead, upon the weekend dialogue in asked Father Joe to become the director The feelings are mutual. Reverend J. Knoxville, Tenn., as a Baptist senior of ecumenism for the diocese. He knew how they run a Sunday school, and how Glenn Armstrong, pastor of the very large they use music, for example. That is what citizen and a Catholic friend meet in that Father O’Donnell had served for five Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where Father the hall. years ·as Glenmary’s Southern Ecumenical we have to understand.” Joe delivered the sermon at the Thanksgiv- Thirdly, Father Joe suggests finding Worker. He wanted to make the experience ing Community Service, said of him: “I and wisdom of Father Joe available to his areas of cooperation and, finally, letting consider him to be not only a colleague, the Holy Spirit guide us where He wills. own priests and people. but also a very dear friend. Through the Bishop McRaith’s insight is bearing “Ecumenism is not going to succeed on years (they have known each other since human techniques. It will only succeed fruit. Father Joe developed a section in 1967) we have shared happy moments and the diocesan marriage guidelines relative through prayer and renewal - and who are some that were not so happy. He has been we to argue with the Holy Spirit!” to interfaith marriages. It emphasizes the a minister to me personally. need for helping Catholic and Protestant Source: Glenmary Challenge - Spring “I also think my people are delighted 1987. http://www.glenmary.org/directory/ people face the reality of a mixed marriage. with (Father) Joe. Although he comes from During the draft stages, Father Joe gave Glenmary_priests/Archives/ODonnell/ a different part of the country, with a differ- ODonnell_87.htm several talks to all the priests of the diocese ent culture, and a Chicago accent which he about the nature of the evangelical South, hasn’t been able to shed in all these years, Some of the best questions come after the session is over. This could be a scene particularly the Baptist culture. he has been very real to our people. The with Father Joe O’Donnell after any living-room, local church, or state leaders’ Although Father Joe recognizes the dialogue. Photos for this article by Father Bob Bond for Glenmary Fathers. 6 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ RESPECT LIFE By Cardinal Justin F. Rigali The effort to restore legal protection for Where do we go from here? The challenge of building a culture of life unborn children faces new challenges, as we Our task is to change hearts and minds, those inspired by the Gospel. Our prayers deal with a new Administration and Congress including our own. All our good works in and efforts in this cause should open us up to that support “abortion rights.” Many are ask- the areas of public policy, education and defending the rights and meeting the needs of ing: Where do we go from here? pastoral care must be undergirded by our human beings all along life’s spectrum. Hav- We first need to recall why we are here, prayers and sacrifices offered up to the ing said “no” to attacks on innocent human why we Catholics became involved in these Lord of Life. Through his saving power, life, we need to affirm a great “yes” to the full tough battles. We begin with the dignity of and with the prayerful intercession of our range of human living and flourishing. each human person. Blessed Mother, we can build a culture of Cardinal Justin F. Rigali is Archbishop Each and every one of us has intrinsic life. of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Chair- and immeasurable worth. That is because The defense of human life at its most man of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life God created each of us in his image by the vulnerable stages is an essential duty of Activities outpouring of his infinite and unconditional love. In return he asks only that we share that members of society, between persons and “nonpersons.” love with others, beginning with those most In a different time or place the forcing issue might be Prayer for Protection of Human in need – the poor, vulnerable, and despised slavery, racism or anti-Semitism – today abortion and of this world. related issues force us to decide whether we mean what Life at its Beginning This intrinsic God-given human dignity we say in speaking of inalienable human rights, inherent God our Father, you lovingly knit us in our mothers wombs. is the basis for all inalienable human rights in simply being human. Grant that each human embryo will be respected as a human being, and – beginning with the most basic right, the In particular, the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. not dismissed as a product to be manipulated or destroyed. Grant us right to life. It is most basic because it is the Wade decision has made abortion the battleground the courage and conviction to be your voice for our sisters and brothers condition for all the others. First we must live, over our tradition of inherent human rights, and has at the very earliest stages of their development, and for all defenseless then we can talk about living well. polarized our society as nothing else has. Later efforts unborn children. Jesus, Divine Healer, foster in those conducting medical The right to life is the core element of to use law as a weapon against other innocent human research a commitment to finding cures in ways that respect these little other rights. All other earthly rights involve lives – against newborn children with disabilities, for ones and all your vulnerable children. something more than life itself – but without example, or against the sick and elderly through a “right” Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom to develop morally sound life, they are nothing. to assisted suicide – have cited Roe as their inspiration treatments for conditions now thought to be incurable. Help us persevere in defending human life while alleviating suffering. That “something more” is vitally impor- and precedent. Show mercy to all who have cooperated in killing our tiniest tant. The defense of life reaches its fullness Thus in promoting a culture of life, we must give brothers and sisters. Bring them and all who support destructive when it expands to defend the entire range priority to defending innocent unborn boys and girls embryo research to true conversion. Grant them the ability to see the of human flourishing. This is all one vision, from direct attack. We must also make it clear how this immeasurable dignity of all human beings even in the first days of life. and ultimately one issue – the dignity of the effort stands for the dignity and well-being of everyone, Father, we ask this in Jesus’ name, through the Holy Spirit. Amen. human person. In the words of St. Irenaeus, before and after birth. Gloria Dei vivens homo – the glory of God In defending conscience rights in health care, for is man fully alive. example, we stand with the unborn child, and also with To keep that vision constantly before our the women and men of our healing professions whose eyes, to remember why we are here and to freedom of conscience is at risk – and with women who gain the strength to move forward, we need will lose access to basic life-affirming health care if those to begin all our efforts with prayer. who truly care about them and their children are forced In defending the right to life, our first out of medicine. duty is to oppose the direct taking of innocent In sending tens of millions of postcards to Congress human life – any human life, at any stage. As against the radical “Freedom of Choice Act,” we have Pope John Paul II confirmed in his encyclical helped stop extreme legislation that would treat ready on The Gospel of Life, “the direct and vol- access to abortion as a goal overriding respect for unborn untary killing of an innocent human being is children or for the well-being of pregnant women. always gravely immoral” (EV 57). Abortion By insisting that the federal government promote and euthanasia are preeminent concerns of only morally sound stem cell research, we defend the life the Church for reasons that are intrinsic to of embryonic children – and also the health of patients these issues, as well as reasons that are situ- endangered by the many risks of attempted embryonic ational. stem cell treatments, and the health of women whom Intrinsically, these acts always constitute some want to exploit as “egg factories” for attempts at A Perfect Work Of God the direct taking of a human life when it is cloning human embryos for stem cells. most innocent and defenseless. And they are And the “Pregnant Women Support Act” will “If you are the work of God, wait patiently for the hand of willed and carried out by those most called provide a wide range of assistance so women can bring your artist who makes all things at an opportune time.... Give to Him to defend human life – members of the heal- their children to live birth and receive a helping hand a pure and supple heart and watch over the form which the artist shapes in you ... lest, in hardness, you lose the traces of his fingers. ing professions, and of one’s own family. To as they parent the child or make an adoption plan. By guarding this conformity, you will ascend to perfection.... To do undermine these two havens of life is to make Of course, helping those in need is not only the task this is proper to the kindness of God; to have it done is becoming a culture of life impossible. of government. The dedicated efforts of Catholics at to human nature. If, therefore, you hand over to Him what is yours, Situationally, these issues are the places pro-life pregnancy centers, maternity homes, hospitals, namely, faith in Him and submission, you will see his skill and be a where those committed to a conditional and retirement homes, and parish-based support networks perfect work of God.” A superb passage from Irenaeus (Adversus haereses, 4.39) selective vision of human rights have planted for pregnant women and children, as well as prayer quoted in A Year With Thomas Merton,2004, edited by Johnathan Montaldo, their flag in our time. They want to draw and assistance efforts outside of abortion facilities, are from Merton’s Journals, August 25 and 26, 1965, V284-85. lines between the important and unimportant needed now more than ever. Ella Claire Lanham Armsleep. Photo by Amanda Rhodes Edge Body Language: Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 7 Commentary on the Intersection of Faith, Sex, & Culture 14 Families say Thank You! By Christopher West This is just a short note to say“Thank You!” The Retrouvaille weekend just Spousal Prayer (Part I) completed on August 14 – 16 at Mount St. Joseph Retreat Center was attended Recently, while preparing for a long drive, I decided to by14 couples. look through my old collection of tape series for something to That’s 14 families who now have a listen to (yes, I still have a cassette deck in my car). My eyes fighting chance. By running the Retrou- landed on a box set called “Passion for God” by a Carmelite vaille announcement in your bulletin and Abbess named Mother Tessa Bielecki. When I arrived at my with your prayers, you helped give them destination before the tapes were over, I didn’t want to get that chance! Their journey has just begun. Retrouvaille is not just a weekend, it out of the car. is a 3 month program. Please continue to keep these couples and their children in “Passion for God” is an introduction to the spousal mysti- your prayers. Thank you for supporting marriage! cism of St. Teresa of Avila. Here’s how the back cover of the - For Retrouvaille of Owensboro, Betty Medley, Family Life Office series describes it: “Inside the great medieval monastery at Avila, Spain, one of history’s great love affairs took place. For it was here, within these turreted stone walls, that the Christian mystic St. Teresa surrendered her ‘ensouled body’ to God. What emerged from this divine union informs our spiritual lives to this day through the ecstatic ‘spousal prayer’ form that St. Teresa embraced so fiercely. . . . Mother Tessa takes listeners far from the hard pews of dutiful worship and into T hank You a lush marriage chamber, where God is mystically experienced as spouse.” to the many Regular readers of my column are certainly familiar with the biblical analogy of spousal love as a way of understanding God’s love for us. God’s eternal plan is volunteers who helped to “marry” us: the church is the bride and Christ the bridegroom. “Spousal prayer” in any way means, very simply, to open oneself wholly and completely to Christ, surrendering to make our 39th to him in a union of love like a bride surrenders to the loving embrace of her bride- groom. annual picnic the most And, yes, as uncomfortable as this might seem for men at first, this includes us successful one ever! too. As John Paul II wrote in Mulieris Dignitatem, “According to [the spousal anal- We appreciate all who ogy], all human beings – both women and men – are called through the Church, to be the ‘Bride’ of Christ, the Redeemer of the world. In this way ‘being the bride,’ attended. and thus the ‘feminine’ element, becomes a symbol of all that is ‘human’” (25). All proceeds go to Don’t worry, guys – it doesn’t mean we have to wear a wedding dress or anything. It means, essentially, that we, as creatures, have to learn how to open and “receive” the Ursuline Sisters’ the love of the Creator. This is not a threat to our masculinity, but the key to authentic retirement fund. masculinity. Spousal prayer, as St. John of the Cross put it, leads to “a total transformation in May God bless the Beloved, in which each surrenders the entire possession of self to the other with each of you a certain consummation of the union of love. The soul thereby becomes divine, God through participation, insofar as is possible in this life.” Then he makes the analogy for your kindness more explicit: “Just as in the consummation of carnal marriage there are two in one and generosity! flesh, as Sacred Scripture points out (Gen 2:24), so also when the spiritual marriage between God and the soul is consummated, there are two natures in one spirit and love” (Commentary on stanza 22:3 of the Spiritual Canticle). Oh to what astounding glory God calls us! God is an eternal “explosion” of life- Cardinal says deacons must giving love, and he calls us to participate in it. That’s where spousal prayer takes us – into the heart of God who not only loves us, but is love. When we see the union of husband and wife for what it is, we see that it is a “great mystery” that reveals know Scripture, serve poor the master plan of God to become “one” with us in Christ (see Eph 5:31-32). It’s VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church increasingly relies on the ministry of an icon of something divine, a window into heaven. And that’s precisely why our permanent deacons, who must be experts in preaching the word of God and in outreach sexuality is under such attack in our world: the enemy wants to blind us to the divine to the poor, said the prefect of the Congregation for Clergy. As with any ministry, the “iconography” of our masculinity and femininity. impact of a permanent deacon’s work depends on his own holiness, his love for Scriptures As Tessa Bielecki said so well in this tape series, we mustn’t repress or try to and his daily concern for the poor, said Cardinal Claudio Hummes in a letter marking annihilate our sexual desires. Rather, in and through Christ, we must sublimate them the feast of St. Lawrence Aug. 10. – that is, make them “sublime,” noble, holy. Indeed, spousal prayer takes us on a “From a good disciple a good missionary is born,” the cardinal said in his letter to journey of painful trials and purifications through which erotic longing becomes the church’s 36,000 permanent deacons, about 16,500 of whom minister in the United more and more a yearning for God, a path to holiness. This is what John Paul II was States and Canada. Preaching the Gospel, he said, “requires of ordained ministers a positing when he said, “The sexual urge is ... a vector of aspiration along which [our] constant struggle to study it and carry it out, at the same time as one proclaims it to whole existence develops and perfects itself from within” (Love and Responsibility, others.” A deacon needs to base his preaching on his private meditation and prayerful p. 46). reading of the Bible as well as on theological education in Scripture studies, he said. The great mystics of the church not only understand eros as a longing for God, Cardinal Hummes said that from the time of the earliest Christian communities deacons they live it as such. They live eros as “prayer.” For prayer, as Pope Benedict put were called to spearhead the church’s ministry to the poor, and the poor still must be it, “is nothing other than becoming a longing for God” (Mary: The Church at the the deacon’s priority today. Source, p. 15). We’ll explore this idea a bit more in the next column. 8 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org By Betty Medley Why Does Anyone Take His/Her Own Life? Survivors of suicide How to help often feel responsible and ask the question “why a survivor heal: did I not see it com- It is important for survivors to ing?” Experts, however, express their pain, to grieve, cry tell us that anyone who and to heal. Survivors often feel completes suicide feels abandoned because of the stigma attached to suicide. Do not be Betty Medley hopeless, and because of the emotional pain judgmental. Show compassion, and negative emotions such as guilt, fear, empathy and unconditional love shame, and loneliness. The individual during the duration and intensity thinking of suicide feels that the only way of the loss. to get rid of that intolerable pain is to end There is a support group for his/her life, and so end the pain. survivors of Suicide that meets The chemical imbalance of the brain the 2nd Thursday of the month which causes depression, if undiagnosed at 6:30pm at the Health Park in or untreated plays a major part in suicide Owensboro. For more information decision making. The key is diagnosis, you may call 270-683-1545 ext. treatment and prevention. 357. Some available Web sites on What are the warning signs Mike Flaherty, right, with the Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition, Inc., suicide are: www.cdc.gov/safeusa/ of suicide? and other Lifesavers Walk 2009 participants, led the crowd of nearly 200 walkers leaving suicide.htm, and www.suicidol- The SAVE. Org website lists these the Owensboro Healthpark Saturday, Sept. 19 for Lifesavers Walk 2009 to raise public ogy.org; www.afsp.org; www. warning signs. awareness of the need to help prevent suicide. Most walkers participated in memory suicdiehotlines.com; http://www. of a loved one or a friend who died from suicide, and to support a community-wide kentuckysuicideprevention.org/in- • Ideation (thinking, talking or wishing awareness to know when and how to reach out to help someone who may be thinking of about suicide) suicide. Tami Schneider Photo dex.html • Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance) How can we reach out • Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or to help? belonging) • Anger • Be available. Ask open ended questions • Trapped (feeling like there is no way “You don’t seem to be yourself lately, is out) there something you want to share?” Are • Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, you thinking of hurting yourself?” no hope or optimism) • Take the problem seriously. • Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, • Encourage them to talk and be active in school, activities, hobbies) things they enjoy. • Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agita- • Ask if they have a definitive plan. Ask tion) if the individual is thinking of killing or • Recklessness (high risk-taking behav- hurting him or herself. If they do, seek ior) professional help or you can call 911. • Mood disturbance (dramatic changes • DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE. Indi- in mood) viduals, who are hurting emotionally, look Additional Warning Signs for a way to eliminate the pain. A com- bination of factors real or imagined can of Suicide contribute to the emotional pain. Experts • Talking about suicide indicate that chemical imbalances and • Looking for ways to die (internet searches changes in brain chemistry can be caused for how to commit suicide, looking for by depression. Depression can lead to guns, pill, etc.) withdrawal and as a result the individual Help Stop Suicide • Statements about hopelessness, helpless- internalizes pain. ness , or worthlessness Suicide is permanent and usually preventable. This group of supporters of LIFE WALK 2009 knows that silence perpetuates suicide, and they want the community • Preoccupation with death. The suicidal individual who is experi- • Suddenly happier, calmer to join Kentuckians who are choosing to talk about suicide and how it has touched encing deep emotional pain, searches for a their lives. In doing so, they hope to dispel myths, remove the stigma that keeps • Loss of interest one cares about release of the pain. The solution is usually death by suicide shrouded in silence, and offer healing for those who have lost • Visiting or calling people one cares about death which seems the only viable solution a loved one to suicide. Bev Howard Photo • Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs at the time. in order Survivors blame themselves for not Lifesavers Walk 2009 Suicide Awareness and Prevention • Giving things away, such as prized pos- recognizing the “signs” that maybe could The Owensboro Suicide Prevention Coalition says ... sessions have prevented the suicide and also some- Suicide Prevention Is Everybody’s Business ...Why? A suicidal person urgently needs to times feels guilty because of the stigma • Second leading cause of death for Kentuckians ages 15-34 see a doctor or mental health professional. attached to suicide. • Kentucky’s Suicide Rate in the USA ranks 19th In an emergency, call the National Suicide • The average number of Kentuckians who die by suicide every year is Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK 502. The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 9 Mount Saint JoSeph ConferenCe and retreat Center 19th Diocesan Marian Congress Calendar of eventS oCtober - deCeMber 2009 Sunday, October 18, 1:30 - 5:00 pm October 2009 Diocesan Marian Shrine: “Mary, Mother of the Church and November 2009 Model of All Christians” located at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2 Owensboro Community and 6-7 Hospice of Western Ky. 434 Church St., Bowling Green Technical College • Theme: “Mary, Cause of Our Joy” Workshop • In the Parish Center: Address by 2-4 T.O.P.S. Retreat 7-8 Academy for Young Leaders Bishop Emeritus John J. McRaith, D.D. Music, Crowning of Statue of Mary 4 Pray Rosary at Rosary Walk 12 Watershed Watch • Speaker, Dr. Kelly Bowring, STD 2 p.m. (open to all) 13-14 First Presbyterian Church Refreshments, Display of Religious Articles, Chaplet of Divine Mercy 9-11 Marian Retreat (Rosary theme) Retreat • Outdoor Procession: Our Lady of Fatima Statue, Porters, Knights of Columbus, with Msgr. Bernard Powers Rosary, Hymn 14 Yarn Spinners (open to all) • Church: Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Homily, Eucharistic Procession with 12-16 Spiritual Directors Institute Blessing of Sick, Reposition of Blessed Sacrament Week 5 December 2009 • Confessions: Heard Throughout 16-18 Mount Hope Weekend 8 Advent Day Retreat Everyone Welcome!! Visit the Beautiful Shrine. 23-25 Catholic Engaged Encounter 12 Private Wedding Reception For Info: Call Joann Bradford 270-586-5926 24 Private Wedding Reception 27-31 Ursuline Sisters’ Elections 26-30 Priests Retreat Weekend Prayer in Times of Unemployment 30-1 Regional Cursillo Encounter By David M. Grief Center-sponsored programs in bold. During these times of high unemploy- To register or to schedule your ment we might consider this as an op- event, call Kathy McCarty portunity to pray for the unemployed and the underemployed. The best prayer 270-229-0200, ext. 413 or e-mail is to participate in Holy Mass and Com- [email protected] munion for the intentions of the person The Center is located 15 miles west or persons in need! of Owensboro on Hwy. 56 Some other very powerful prayers are: The Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:10-13) The Morning Offering with the Pope’s inten- tions www.apostleshipofprayer.org., and a Novena (a nine day’s prayer) such as a Novena for Job Seekers, also called Litany To Find Employment (found at www.stfrancisenid.com). St. Joseph is the patron saint for the working, (his picture is in the header of this newslet- ter) and there is a St. Joseph Novena and a prayer To St. Joseph for Workers (www. stjosephsite.com). - Reprinted from The Rank and File Catholic (Connecting the teaching of the Church with the struggles of Labor) Sept.7, 2009 Confusion about church funeral practices common, columnist notes WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Confusion about the Catholic Church’s Service he receives many queries about who can and Code of Canon Law says that people in irregular marriages current funeral practices is common, as evidenced by a wave of cannot have a church funeral. Many of those ques- or people who committed suicide are not included among discussion over whether Sen. Edward Kennedy should have had tions are rooted in practices that have long since gone those who are automatically denied funerals, “since depri- a Catholic funeral because of his public disagreement with the by the wayside, he said. Father Dietzen has written vation of a church funeral not infrequently causes as much church’s teaching against abortion. Father John Dietzen, a priest the “Question Corner” column for CNS since 1975. if not more scandal than granting it.” The church also has of the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., who has for nearly 35 years fielded He said the most common funeral-related topic he changed its thinking about cremation, as Father Dietzen questions from the public about the church, told Catholic News hears about is suicide. The commentary with the has explained over the years in his column. Do you have a passion to free and nurture women and children? Learn how the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph help change lives in eight states and in Chile, South America. Call 270-229-4103 or e-mail Vocation Director [email protected]. Visit www.ursulinesmsj.org Sister Alicia Coomes 10 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 Submitted by Patricia Pfeiffer New Classrooms for Christ the King in Scottsville SCOTTSVILLE,Ky. - In November 2008 a dream came true for Christ the King, our new church was completed and dedicated. We were now enjoying the benefits of all of our hard work. Then the question came up of what to do with the old church. The obvious answer was, of course, classrooms for our children. They had been cramped for years in small spaces lacking of any privacy from the other classes around them. So we set to work on our next project. First in line was to determine how we wanted to divide up the space in the old church as well as how much it would cost. Next was to figure out how to get the funds. Then the work could begin. Parishioner John Pfeiffer was asked to head up the project. He began by meeting with the Building Committee and the Parish Council and submitted a drawing to them of how the space could most economically be divided, estimates were gotten on the materials and a Building Permit was obtained. Grants were graciously received from the Knights of Columbus and the Disciple Response Fund which would cover the cost of materials for the project as well as needed tables, chairs and other items for the classrooms to complete the project. The work began in January with the fram- Christ the King Church CCD class picture: First row: Vanessa Ramos, ing of the walls, electrical work, insulation and Mark Gonzalez, Travis Moser, the sheet rock. After inspections were obtained Rachel Marsh, Hannah Obermyer, on the work, finally it was down to the paint- Alex Ramos & Tony Lopez-Magana. ing, trim, finish up work and the fun part for Second row: Fili Gonzalez, Jose the teachers, the decorating. Gonzalez, Madison Marsh, Ashley Noe, Rebecca Moser, Lorena After the end-of-summer “beach party” Monterrosas, Daniel Monterrosas & was held on August 1, classes began for this Daniel Gonzalez. Third Row: Teresa school year on August 16th for our 22 children. Vargo, Teacher Ann Stuller, Teacher We have 5 teachers who have volunteered their Kate Grapes, Teacher Beth Gripp, Gretchen Gothard holding Blayne time and talent for this year, Kate Grapes, Wheeler (hidden behind Lorena) and Beth Gripp, Jean Jansen, Ann Stuller and Ernesto Monterrosas. Not pictured: Joyce Wheeler. Our new Director of Religious Director of Religious Ed: Sue Myer, Education is Sue Myer. This has been quite Teachers: Joyce Wheeler & Jean an accomplishment for our church and we are Jansen; Students: Olivia Obermyer, Preston Gothard, Alexis Jansen all looking forward to an exciting year for our Photo by Henriette Whitehead. children.

USCCB launches Web site to educate

This is the 2009 First Communion class at Christ the King church. The names Catholics about missal translation are: (left to right) Alex Harkins, Travis Moser, Harry Harkins, Ashley Noe, and Daniela Ovellette. Photos submitted by Pat Pfeiffer WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new Web site launched Aug. 21 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was produced to educate Catholics about the forthcoming English translation of the new Roman Missal, the book of prayers used for Mass. of the vernacular in the liturgy and the new texts reflect this new understanding,” said The site, www.usccb.org/romanmissal, has background material on the process of the committee’s chairman, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., in a video development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the missal, a glossary of terms and that welcomes visitors to the site. “The new texts are understandable, dignified and answers to frequently asked questions. Content will be added regularly over the next accurate,” he said. several months, according to an Aug. 21 news release from the USCCB. The bishops’ “They not only strive to make the meaning of the text accessible for the listener, Committee on Divine Worship hopes the site will be a central resource for those prepar- but they also strive to unearth the biblical and theological richness of the Latin ing to implement the new text, the release said. text.” In the years since the Second Vatican Council, “we have learned a lot about the use Sophia Award Winners 2009 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 11 Blessed Mother – Owensboro, Charles E. Speaks Blessed Sacrament Chapel – Owensboro, Benjamin Franklin Adams Christ the King - Madisonville, Garth Gamblin Christ the King – Scottsville, Carol Wheat Holy Name of Jesus – Henderson, Mariam L. Smith Holy Spirit – Bowling Green, Nellie & George Cornett Immaculate Conception – Hawesville, Leonard & Linda Thomas Immaculate Parish – Owensboro, Joseph Wm. Castlen, Jr. -Posthumously Our Lady of Lourdes - Owensboro, Gertrude Hamilton Precious Blood – Owensboro, James E. “ Gene” Roberts Sacred Heart – Russellville, Juanita Carneal Sacred Heart – Waverly, Thomas & Rose Danhauer St. Agnes – Uniontown, TIE: James Yates, Jimmy & Carolyn Duncan St. Alphonsus – St. Joseph, Joseph L. Coomes St. Ambrose – Henshaw, TIE: Orval & Christine Day, Mary B. Gibson St. Ann – Morganfield, J. Parvin & Mildred Moore St. Anthony – Axtel, William Clark St. Anthony – Browns Valley –Utica, Imogene Hayden Stull St. Anthony – Peonia, Clifford & Margie Higdon St. Augustine – Grayson Springs, Edwina Stinson St. Augustine – Reed, John & Martine Murphy OCMS Science Teachers Attend St. Benedict – Wax, Antoinette Meredith St. Charles – Livermore, James L. & Margie Logsdon Mechatronics Workshop at OCTC St. Columba –Lewisport, Stewart Howard & Joyce Howard Owensboro Catholic Middle School Faculty members, Jennifer Payne, Mary St. Denis – Fancy Farm, Frank & Barbara Higgins Cheshire, Mark Woodward and Bart Rhodes attended the Mechatronics workshop St. Edward - Fulton, Elaine Sullivan for teachers sponsored by OCTC in June. Owensboro Catholic Middle School St. Francis Borgia - Sturgis, Rita Williamson also hosts a Mechatronics Club for interested students. The faculty sponsor is St. Francis de Sales – Paducah, Christine Quigley Jennifer Payne, at left, with Mary Cheshire who are pictured at the workshop. OCS Photo St. Henry - Aurora, Paul & Edna Jones St. Jerome – Fancy Farm, Joseph Leo & Mary Magy Wilson St. John the Baptist – Fordsville , Mary & Paul Rusher St. Mary School System, Paducah, St. John the Evangelist – Paducah, Richard A. Durbin Sts. Joseph & Paul - Owensboro, Dorothy B. Ward Inducts Two into Hall of Fame St. Joseph – Bowling Green, Jeanne & Alan Baker St. Joseph - Central City, David & Jean Simpson PADUCAH, Ly. - Bishop Emeritus John J. McRaith and St. Joseph – Leitchfield, Charles & Alice Bruce Elizabeth McKinney was inducted into the St. Mary School St. Joseph – Mayfield, Daisy Dowdy St. Lawrence – Philpot, TIE: Mary Helen Rhodes, Martha Rose Dotterweich System Hall of Fame on September 25th at the annual St. Leo – Murray, Dr. Tom Royal & Sara Royal Recognition Dinner. St. Mark – Eddyville, Roy & Gerry Maynard Bishop Emeritus John J. McRaith recently retired as St. Martin – Rome, Josie Hayden the Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro after 27 years of St. Mary Magdalene – Sorgho, Larry & Dottie Elder service. The Bishop has always been a strong supporter, St. Mary of the Fields – La Center, Michael & Evelyn McGowan both in word and deed, of Catholic school education and St. Mary of the Woods – Franklin, Thurman & Dovie Garrett the St. Mary School System. He serves as Bishop Emeritus St. Mary of the Woods – McQuady, Elaine Hinton a board member for Brescia University, John J. McRaith St. Mary of the Woods – Whitesville, Sharon Boarman the Daniel Pitino Center, the McAuley St. Michael the Archangel – Oak Grove, Albert & Nancy Scheller Free Clinic in Owensboro, and Lourdes Hospital Foundation St. Michael – Sebree, William & Peggy Howell in Paducah. He also served on numerous committees for the St. Paul – Princeton, Nancy H. McKinney United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. St. Peter of Alcantara- Stanley, Anita K. Mitchell Elizabeth McKinney was the mother of seven children and St. Peter of Antioch – Waverly, Betty Bowlds “second mother” to countless more children who came through Sts. Peter & Paul – Hopkinsville, Frances M. Durbin St. Pius X – Calvert City, Russell & Carolyn Tomlinson St. Mary’s Academy. She began working in the cafeteria at the St. Pius X- Owensboro , Wilsie & Marjorie Ward Academy in 1956 and continued as cafeteria manager there St. Romuald – Hardinsburg, Paul F. O’Reilly & Anne M. O’Reilly E l i z a b e t h and at St. Thomas More Elementary School for 28 years. McKinney St. Thomas More – Paducah, Bill Dannenmuller & Carlene Dannenmueller During that time, she nurtured and cared for each student like St. Sebastian – Calhoun, Betty Lohman Abrams she would her own children with encouragement, support, bandaging scraped St. Stephen – Cadiz, Gus Puth knees, kind words and her famous homemade rolls. Elizabeth McKinney passed St. Stephen Cathedral – Owensboro, Rita B. Thomas away in 2003. Members of her family were present to accept this recognition St. William – Knottsville, Clemie Cecil & Jackie Cecil on her behalf. St. William Vercelli – Marion, Paul & Shirley Manker The dinner was part of St. Mary’s Homecoming Weekend activities Sep- Diocesan Sophia Award, Sister Joseph Angela Boone,O.S.U. tember 25-27. 12 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Year ForPriests Father Joshua McCarty, New- ly Ordained, Gets Right To Work as Priest Among Us By Mel Howard OWENSBORO, Ky. - Newly ordained Father is called?” Joshua McCarty is associate pastor at St. Stephen he asked. Cathedral, and one part of his priestly assign- A f e w ment is to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass at The guessed, Hermitage Care and Rehab on the second and b u t o n e fourth Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. said “an On August 26, there were 11 people collected in alb.” Fa- the Hermitage’s Hall of Fame dining room for ther Joshua the Catholic Mass. A few were not Catholics, but said, “Yes, that’s right. This is an alb and it they seemed to have an interesting experience as signifies the purity of Baptism.” As he put on did all the others, including the priest-presider, the stole, he kissed it. “A person asked, Father Father Joshua. Joshua, why do you kiss the stole?” He said, The worship time went something like this. “A stole usually has a Cross on it, though this At about 10:20 the people started arriving in their one doesn’t. The priest kisses the stole to ven- wheelchairs; only a few walked into the room. erate the Cross. The stole symbolizes authority Father Joshua McCarty gives Communion August 26 to Christine Mulligan of Sorgho, now livng at the Hermitage Care and Rahab in The Hermitage staff knew just how to arrange and also a yoke. Do you all know what a yoke is, what it does?” he asked. A few guessed; Owensboro. Mel Howard Photo one said it is something a farmer uses to keep said, “Sometimes the outside has some crust on it that is hard to get off, but calves inside a fence. Father Joshua said a inside you have to get into those crevices, and inside the pot is hard to clean. yoke is a curved piece of wood put around an It’s like us: we worry a lot about our outside, our image as others see us, but ox’s neck so that it can do the work the farmer we often forget about our inside. Our anger, bitterness, the gossip we do, and of other worker needs the ox to do. don’t worry about what is going on inside us.” “It’s (the stole) purpose is so that the Father Joshua urged the worshippers to “pray to God that we can work priest can do the work for God.” He also ex- on our inside to become really holy.” He mentioned Saint Therese, the Little plained that the chasuble is like an overcoat Flower, who did kind things for people in a way that they would not recognize the priest wears at Mass. who had done this for them. It helped her to be holy. “We’re here so we can Father Joshua began the mass, “My become clean,” Father Joshua said, and he mentioned going to Confession. sisters, in order to ...,” a phrasing that did One person said, “I don’t like going to Confession.” Father Joshua said, “We not go unnoticed by the assembly made up come here so we don’t have to stay that way. That’s why you and I keep com- wholly of prayerful women at Mass, except for ing to the Sacraments.” He then invited the people to come to speak with him this reporter. Jacinta Ceballos, a Hermitage after Mass if they wanted him to hear their Confession. staff person, was the lector during this Mass “Let us pray that we’ll be clean on the inside, holy, and humble,” Father for Wednesday of the Twenty-first week in Joshua said. Almost all of the women echoed his words, and some also said Ordinary Time. The first reading was from “Yes.” St. Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians 2:9-13 At the petitions, they prayed for a new Bishop, a renewed country, for which said in part, “you received not a human all of their families; “those we love, who love us, those who need our special word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which prayers,” Father Joshua concluded their petitions. About this time, they all is now at work in you who believe.” At the Re- had to pause for a PA announcement over the room’s loudspeakers. The ladies sponsorial, she intoned, “You have searched waited patiently, as did Father Joshua, who repeated what he had just said Father Joshua McCarty, associate pastor at me, and you know me, Lord,” for the verses before the PA message, and then continued. In this place, life goes on every St. Stephen Cathedral Parish in Owensboro, goes to The Hermitage and Rehab twice a from Psalm 139. The Gospel reading was from moment, as does the prayer of the people who live at the Hermitage. At month for Mass. Catholic residents there Matthew, 23:27-32, which starts, “Woe to you, times, the ladies wanted to talk and chatter a bit, but Father Joshua waited on attend, and really appreciate and enjoy these scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.” them a little to get it out, and led them back into the reverence of the Mass’s Masses. Mel Howard Photo Father Joshua spoke to the assembly in moment. their chairs and set up the room and provide for his homily, not using notes, very personally, They sang “Amazing Grace” a capella to start this Mass and to end it; it privacy for their prayer and worship. It all went and said how harsh this Gospel seemed at was a wondrous harmony. Father Joshua thanked each one for coming, and really smoothly, mostly. first, that is was speaking about opposites, asked them to “Keep praying for me, and for all those around the world,” Father Joshua got there about 10:25, and right about how people can appear to be clean on and one lady again said, “And for a new Bishop soon!” She asked if he knew away began talking to each one, going to each to the outside, for example, but the opposite who would be the new Bishop; Father Joshua said, “No ideas; only God shake hands and speak to them a personal note may be true about who they are on the inside. knows.” of greeting and welcome. He prepared the table He spoke of how he used to be a dishwasher, The Mass was ended, and then the one lady who wanted to speak to for Mass, lighting candles, laying out the water and asked the ladies which was harder to clean Father Joshua got his attention quickly. Together, they moved to a far corner and wine cruets and chalice in place. Then as he the inside or the outside of a pot. Outside or of the room, as each one there went back to their daily work. vested, Father Joshua explained the separate items inside, h’mmm, everybody pondered it, and as Upon leaving, this reporter heard one say, “God is good, all the time!” he would wear as a presider at Mass. was OK for this group of worshippers, many Truly grateful for being able to worship at Mass, the lady sat while smiling, “Does anyone know what this white garment spoke up what they thought. Father Joshua and waiting for her Hermitage aide to wheel her back to her room. Seminarians Visit St. Stephen, Cadiz, Parish Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 13

Next Spinning Day is Saturday, Nov. 14 Whether you are an experienced spinner, knitter, or a beginner, you are welcome to attend the Arts at the Mount quarterly spinning gatherings at Mount Saint Joseph (12 miles west of Owensboro on Highway 56). Enjoy the fellowship of those who appreciate this traditional skill. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. Lunch is available for $10. The group plans to “spin, knit, and talk until we’re done!”

Contact Kathy McCarty to register: 270-229-0200 ext. 413

On August 16, 2009, fourteen Diocesan Seminarians along with Vocation Director Fr. Andy Garner visited the St. Stephen Catholic Church in Cadiz, Kentucky. Following Mass the parishioners hosted a breakfast for the group. Submitted by June-Hensley

It’s not too late to get your tickets! Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 2009-2010 Quilt Club Sign up by Oct. 1 to get 12 chances to win a handmade quilt with our Quilt Club annual memberships. Sign up by Nov. 1 to get 11 chances to win. The cost is just $20 for a year! A new quilt is raffled Sister Eva Boone each month. License No. 0290

--, New Quilt Club drawings begin Oct. 2, 2009. Order your ticket(s) today! 270-229-4103 ext. 278 I proclaimed with great certainty that I would be willing to The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 14 die for the Lord! However, as I progressed through my early Church and being made sharers in her adult years I was anything but a Soldier. Though the priest is The Priest mission! often scorned and condemned for defending the divine and Paula Brock When I was a child, the priest was enduring things of God, it was his example that brought me This is the second in a series of articles there to reconcile me to God. I received my back to my senses. for the Year for Priests provided by the US- first Sacrament of Penance as an innocent As a young bride, my husband and I exchanged our vows CCB Secretariat for Clergy, Consecarated 7 year old…. little did I know of sin. But witnessed by the priest; there he was with us as we made the Life, and Vocations. as time passed and I offended the Lord, public decision to cooperate with God in the founding of our Alter Christus… the Priest, another it was the priest who showed me God’s family. The multitude of joys throughout our years together Christ. In his love and wisdom, God did great mercy and encouraged me in the clearly demonstrates God’s presence in our marriage. The not leave us alone on this earth but gave knowledge that my sins were forgiven. birth of our children, seeing them grow into loving adults with us the priest. During my pilgrimage here How vividly I remember my First children of their own, and spending simple time together in the on earth, the priest has accompanied me, Holy Communion Day, wearing my beau- lovely quietness of family life are all gifts beyond compare. helping me to navigate and stay on the path tiful white dress and veil and missing my The priest was with me again on one sad September day, that will lead me to my eternal home. He front tooth. The priest was there again, to as he gave my husband the Sacrament of the Anointing of the has come in many forms, ages, races, and give me the life-giving food that is Christ Sick. My husband was dying and I had to let him go. What manners; and he has always been there, in Paula Brock come down from Heaven. I did not think a comfort it is to know that my husband was reconsecrated the happy times, in the sad times, and in I could ever be happier than I was on that before he presented himself to the Divine and Merciful Judge. Through my conversations the ordinary times. He has been my friend, day. Although I little understood the depths with the priest I was able to have peace in making the decision to turn off artificial life counselor, confessor, and consoler. He is of this mystery at the time, through the support. It brings me solace today to reflect on the sound wisdom of the Church made Augustinian, Dominican, Benedictine, and years the continual reception of the most known to me though those conversations. secular. Holy Eucharist, made available to me As I look back over these years, I realize how integrally and essentially related to When I was first born, he was there through the priest, has shaped my life and my life the priest is. His humility, sacrifice, and holiness have been and continue to be to bring me to a precious and nobler birth my very being. model and inspiration. through the sacrament of baptism. I have As a nine year old I remember wearing Ms. Brock is the CFO of the Zoological Society of San Diego. seen him baptizing my children and grand- a red gown and receiving the light slap on children as infants, and my husband as an the face from the Bishop that was a cus- adult. What joy for me to see my family tomary Confirmation symbol at the time. I being freed from their sins, entering the was told I was now a Soldier of Christ, and

CLARA WILLETT, SCN, 94 Died Sept. 1 Clara Willett, SCN, 94, a native of Fancy Farm, Ky., died at Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville, Ky., on Sep- tember 1, 2009. She had been a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 75 years. In the Diocese of Owensboro, Sister taught at Holy Name School in Henderson from 1939-1945; at St. Jerome School in Fancy Farm from 1971-73 and at St. Francis de Sales School Preparing in Paducah from 1974-79. In Louisville, Sister taught grades five and six from 1939-1945 and is remembered with affection for Class! Father Anthony Shonis sits on by former pupils. Sister Clara also served as Coordinator of the bench in the foyer of Holy Activities at Nazareth Villages from 1979-89 and again from Name School and reads over the 1991-1995. Sister became a resident at Nazareth Home in assignments by students before 2005. going and teaching his class. Father Shonis teaches in the school every Survivors include a brother, Dr. J. Emmanuel Willett of Friday morning! He rotates every Crestview Hills, Ky., and three sisters, Rachel Willett, SCN, of Nazareth, Ky.; Lenora nine weeks to different grade levels. Turney of Annandale, Va., and Celeste Russell of Paducah, Ky. Holy Name School is blessed to The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. have Father Shonis share his time at St. Vincent Church, Nazareth, followed by burial in Nazareth Cemetery. Funeral and talent with the students. Arrangements were handled by Ratterman Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky. Memorials may be made to SCN Missions, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048. 2009 Directory Minister of Music St. Mary Magdalene Church, Owensboro, KY seeks a of the Diocese of part-time Minister of Music with an understanding of Catho- lic liturgy and good interpersonal skills. Responsibilities Owensboro include providing liturgical music for all regular and special celebrations including 3 weekend masses. Must possess good Find Out Who Does What, Where, When, Why, and administrative skills and a desire to work with a pastoral How in the Diocese. staff. Contact Fr. Mark Buckner at (270) 771-4426; e-mail: Check out http://www.rcdok.org/the_diocese/ [email protected]. diocesan_directory/ OCHS SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 15 Owensboro Catholic Schools The complete roster of Lady Aces includes: Juniors: Morgan Rudy, Martina Riney, Meghan Sims, Emily Hayden, Brianne James, Sarah Babb, Congratulations to the Emily Jolly, Erica Pendleton; Sophomores: Bayly Owensboro Catholic High Zoglmann, Taylor Fogle, Carly Kaelin, Leah Lewis, School Softball Lady Aces Andrea McBride, Alexis Dominick; Freshmen and on capturing their 5th State Younger: Morgan Russell, Mallory Richardson, Softball Championship. In Michelle Honadle, Hayley Frey, Liza Brown, Brittany the Championship game Murphy, Emily Woodward. the Lady Aces defeated Coaching Staff: George Randolph, Ray Louisville Mercy Academy Zuberer, Melissa Goetz, Olivia Randolph, Blake by the 10-run mercy rule, Edge, Carrie Beth Jones, Elizabeth Church, Katie 12-2. Salisbury. Film is done by Samantha Coomes Congratulations Thank you to all the families, fans, and to Martina Riney for being students who supported the Lady Aces all season named the Tournament and during the State Tournament. Submitted MVP. Congratulations to Photo Martina Riney, Meghan Sims and Emily Jolly who were named to the All Tournament Team and Erica Pendleton for being awarded the Kentucky National Guard Leadership Award.

Project Rachel marks 25 years of healing hearts about abortion MILWAUKEE (CNS) -- Project Rachel, the posta- bortion reconciliation ministry of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, has been healing hearts of those affected by abortion since 1984. The 25th anniversary has been “an awesome experience of looking back and seeing how an idea that was really only Spirit-inspired changed the face of the abortion debate in the U.S., and, not only in the U.S., but also in other countries,” said Vicki Thorn, Project Rachel founder and execu- tive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing since 1990. “Never did I suspect I would be in mainland China and Australia and New Zealand and a number of European countries ... talking about this issue,” she added. Some of Thorn’s In This Year For Priests, We Take favorite work beyond the one-on-one with women is the speaking and training she does with priests and caregivers. Father Ralph Gross, pastor of St. Bruno Special Time To Thank Our Priests Parish in Dousman and a Project Rachel priest since shortly after it began, was among priests at the first Education about priesthood starts early in life among Catholic families. Priests are very important in the training workshop. life of the Church. Parents are the primary and inalienable teachers of their children, both academically and “Project Rachel has done a wonderful job educat- spiritually, always. The Church assists them in that regard. Catholic parents often take the opportunity at any ing priests over the years to be able to be more sensitive Mass they attend with their families to help the younger ones understand who a priest is and what a priest and more understanding of the circumstances, and to does for the Church. In this picture, after Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Owensboro Sept. 3, 2009, an have a better insight into the crisis of abortion and Owensboro Catholic School System parent, Ginny Vinson, left, showed her son John Michael, who Father Carl the aftermath,” he said, adding that even those who McCarty is. Both were at Mass to see big sister Liza (in 3rd grade) do one of the readings for Mass. Father Carl aren’t directly associated with Project Rachel but have was presider for the school Mass and was greeting people after Mass. Thanking Father Carl for celebrating attended workshops have gained great insight into the Mass with the Catholic School community was Mr. Ken Rasp, Director of the Owensboro Catholic School Thorn’s work. System. Mel Howard Photo 16 TheWestern Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Let Us Celebrate The Year Of The Priest St. Thomas More Parish, Paducah, Let Us Adopt-a-priest The Serra Club of Owensboro has Responds to Community Need a program to provide prayerful support for the priests of our Diocese. A lapel pin has been designed as shown. The initials of the priest and his date of ordination have been engraved on the back of each pin. Along with each pin, a card and envelope will be included, designed especially to be sent by the wearer to the adopted priest. The Serra Club is asking that you pray daily for your Adopted Priest. To order a pin, send a check or money order for $15.00 to: Serra Club of Owensboro, 4213 Spring Bank Drive, Owensboro, KY 42303

A CATHOLIC ROSARY RALLY

The Catholic Community in Owensboro plan a Rosary Rally at noon, October 10, 2009. • The Rosary Rally will be held at Moreland Park, Owensboro, Ky, at the Parrish Avenue side of the park. Parishioners responded generously. • Participants will pray the 20 decades of the Rosary. The St Thomas More, Paducah, community will be praying for sponsored an emergency food drive special intentions: to end abortion, to assist St. Vincent de Paul, Salva- to convert human hearts to respect tion Army, and Paducah Cooperative and defend all human life, to pray Ministry, local agencies that feed the for peace, and to pray for each hungry. Food banks in the area were one’s personal intentions, spoken in desperate need of assistance to fill or held quietly within their heart. their shelves to help the ever-growing • The local Rosary Rally number of families who need food. captain is Virginia Corley. For Parishioners responded generously more information, call Virginia at by providing 275 bags of food to feed 1-270-684-7079. the poor. Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe A sign in the Gathering Space encourages parishioners to give. Join Father John M. Thomas & Father Jose Carmelo for an amazing trip Missy Eckenberg Photos to Mexico to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe!

The Shrine at Guadalupe is considered the holiest place in Forty-Five OCMS 7th Graders Qualify the Western Hemisphere. Highlights of our five night journey include: for Duke Talent Search Pyramids Of The Sun And Moon, Temple Of Quetzalcoatl, Congratulations to the following Owensboro Catholic Middle School 7th graders Tulpetlac Church, Basilica Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Tilma who qualified for the Duke Talent Search based on criteria from standardized tests. Of Juan Diego, Blessed First Martyrs Shrine, Church Of San These students have been invited to take the ACT or SAT in the coming months. Francisco, San Miguel Del Milagro Shrine, Our Lady Of Ocotlan Shrine, Mexico City, Cholula, National Palace, An- Sam Aull, Meredith Bickett, George Bittel, Sam Booth, Logan Brown, Logan thropology Museum, Coyoacan Famous Market, Casa Azul Buckman, Olivia Cason, Parker Clark, Chase Clouse, Cecelia Crowe, Pete Day, Lillie & Our Lady Of Guadalupe Shrine. Also, we will enjoy some Goetz, Drew Harvey, Adam Hayden, Alex Hayden, Collin Higgins, Emily Hoesli, Mary shopping, a live mariachi band, and fine Mexican dining! Ivey, Mason Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Darcy James, Christine Johnson, Zachary Judd, From Monday, February 8, 2010 Ben Keller, Leslie Kuntz, Madison Mattingly, Georgia McMaster, Patrick Mills, Jack To Sunday, February 13, 2010 Padgett, Jacob Payne, Madeline Rafferty, Adney Rakotoniaina, Jansen Riney, John David Rudy, Laurine Scott, Kelsey Settles, Morgan Thomas, John Thompson, Rachel $1,799.00, includes air, 4 star hotels, 12 meals, & transportation Thompson, Griffin Wassmer, Brandon Wathen, Stetson White, Leslie Wilson, Alexandria Call Kenny: 270-389-1002 Wink, Audrey Wright Leonard & Eva Howard,40 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ St. Leo, Murray 17 Happy Anniversary Bruno & Helen Zubko, 65 Ralph & Beatrice Barrera, 53 Damian & Johnna Howard, 25 Editor’s Note: We find it easy to take Alfred & Patricia Koehler, 52 Charles R. & Carolyn Sue Bryant, 40 them for granted, these Catholic couple William & Velma Dunn, 51 St. Romuald, Hardinsburg David & Patricia Hamilton, 57 James & Betty Schwartz, 40 witnesses, both believers in commitment, St. Martin, Rome Danny & Patsy Oelze, 40 models of faith, hope, and charity. Let Joel & Judy Hayden, 40 Merl & Marty Kannapel, 63 Harry & Doris McCrary, 53 Tony & Thomasine Weise, 53 us praise them, be at play with them, James & Magaret Bickett, 54 Charles & Louise Roach, 61 imitate them, honor their memories when Parish of the Immaculate, Owensboro Harold & Libby Osborne, 56 Michael Stephen & Cecilia Kaye Kelly, John & Eloise Chandler, 54 they recount their joys and trials for us Bill & Patti Wink, 54 St. Rose, Cloverport as they tell their stories and share their 40 John & Libby Popham, 52 J. & Mildred Higdon, 55 St. Mary Magdalene, Sorgho photographs. Honor how they lived in Bobby & Faye Millay, 51 Richard & Dorothy Carter, 59 their time, and that they are now in their George Drury & Jennie Frances Howard, St. Stephen, Cadiz 63 St. Mary of the Woods, Whitesville silver and golden years, still loving, still Bernard & Dorothy Crisp, 66 Charles & Betty Head, 60 faithful, still our best living models of Billy & Anna Marian King, 59 St. Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro Lester & Helen Schaick, 60 Audry & Martha Hagan, 63 answering God’s call to the vocation of St. Michael, Oak Grove Charles & Sharon Ward, 40 married life. For many, their prayer is Hubert & Margie Terry, 51 Ben & Pam Hartz, 25 Melvin & Mary Eleanor Wathen, 57 Orin & Virginia Koch, 53 their main work each day, and they work St. Paul, Leitchfield Mark & Wilma Stallings, 25 to please God alone. For these reasons George & Anna Louise Weldon, 53 St. Thomas More, Paducah Precious Blood, Owensboro Keith & Connie Higdon, 25 and for yours, The Western Kentucky Frank & Catherine Gawarecki, 50 Kelly & Barbara Robinson, 51 Catholic regularly honors in this Happy E. C. & Reba Goldsmith, 52 Edward & Pat Kortz, 57 Curtis & Carla King, 25 St. Paul, Princeton Anniversary column their names, their George & Carmen Richardville, 58 St. William, Knottsville years of marriage, and their Catholic Sacred Heart, Waverly Ralph & Catherine Mudd, 50 William & Mechelle Buckman, 25 St. Peter, Stanley parish which sustains their family and Gilbert & Barbara Connor, 25 Sts. Joseph & Paul, Owensboro spiritual life. Donald & Ellen Buckman, 55 James & Doris Mills, 51 St. Ann, Morganfield St. Peter, Waverly Louie & Rita Mills, 54 Sts. Peter & Paul, Hopkinsville Gary & Rebecca Sheffer, 25 Bob & Laura Waldron, 40 Marriage Celebrations for October Eddie & Peggy Salyers, 58 Bobby Ray & Mary Jewell Coney, 40 St. Pius Tenth, Owensboro Phillip & Ruby Carsone, 55 Anniversaries of 25, 40, 50 & over 50 St. Anthony, Axtel Bill & Kathryn Whittinghill, 61 Years of Marriage John & Shirley Coffey, 58 David & Pam Fleischmann Herman & Thelma Howard, 55 Blessed Mother, Owensboro St. Anthony, Browns Valley Jeff & Mary Fenwick, 25 Randall & Deborah Goatee, 40 You are invited to the fifth annual Vincent & Jeanette Dick, 55 St. Anthony, Peonia George & Mary Virginia Ballard, 66 Eugene & Georgetta Smith, 51 Jack & Lilly Wilson, 61 St. Anthony of Padua, Grand Rivers Alumnae Memorial Mass Christ the King, Madisonville James & Dorothy Thompson, 58 Maurice & Patty Jolley, 57 St. Benedict, Wax For all deceased classmates, faculty, family, and friends of Christ the King, Scottsville Joe Bill & Carole Carter, 40 Mount Saint Joseph Academy and College, Maple Mount Samuel A. & Annette Harris, 55 Carlton & Betty Clemons, 50 Ken & Mary Mattingly, 53 Russell & Rudell Higdon, 54 Holy Guardian Angels, Irvington St. Francis de Sales, Paducah Saturday, Nov. 7 Kenny & Martha Barger, 61 Charles & Rita Turner, 40 James & Janet Stith, 40 Joe & Betty Tucker, 50 10:30 a.m. Holy Name of Jesus, Henderson Siro & Marcella Pandolfi, 61 Donald & Shirley Wathen, 25 St. Henry, Aurora Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse Robert & Sally Wedding, 25 William & Pat Day, 50 Chapel Soap & Sandy Wilson, 40 Herschel & Mary Underwood, 61 Rudy & Agnes Gibson, 58 St. Jerome, Fancy Farm Mass will be followed by lunch Thomas & Sue Hagan, 54 Jack & Mary Ann Purcell, 51 with the Ursuline Sisters Clarence & Margaret Kaminski, 60 St. John the Evangelist, Paducah Ray & Evelyn Shoemaker, 62 Charles & Rosella Shoulta, 55 Herman & Mary Ruth Thomas, 56 Ray & Martha Levesque, 51 Please RSVP by Oct. 15 Bernard & Patsy Thomas, 53 St. Joseph, Bowling Green to the Alumnae Office William & Vi8rginia Thomas, 63 James & Janice Renusch, 51 Holy Spirit, Bowling Green St. Joseph, Central City [email protected] Steven & Katherine King, 25 Victor & Rose Rogier, 62 Richard & Joan Crinion, 50 St. Joseph, Leitchfield 270-229-2006 Steve & Mary Jane Swigonski, 58 James P. & Nellie Alvey 60 Alan & Judy Tourville, 51 St. Joseph, Mayfield Camille & Margaret Picciano, 66 Charles & Becky Babb, 40 Our Lady of Lourdes, Owensboro Harold & Barbara Hayden, 54

Joseph B. & Marilou Blanford, 57 Joseph & June Elliott, 62 8001 Cummings Road Thomas & Joann Castlen, 63 St. Lawrence, Philpot Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 Martin & Jane Cravens, 50 Bernard & Kathleen Wright, 52 www.ursulinesmsj.org • [email protected] migrate to the New World. TheWestern Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 18 In the 1850’s, in the Southern United WORLDWIDE ROSARY FOR Catholic Ecumenism States, Baptists came under the influential writ- ings of James Robinson Graves, who believed UNBORN BABIES Baptist and Catholic Dialogue that a “trail of blood” exists from the contempo- October 16th, 17th, and 18th - 2009 rary Baptist churches all the way back to John By Fr. Tony Bickett, Ecumenical Officer the Baptist in the First Century. This group of The 2nd annual WORLDWIDE ROSARY FOR UNBORN Members of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission dia- Baptists came to be known as particular Bap- BABIES prayer event is scheduled to happen on October 16th logued with Baptist pastor Rev. Kimbrough Simmons at their tists. This interpretation concludes that Baptists (Friday), October 17th (Saturday), and October 18th (Sunday). August meeting in Madisonville. Rev. Kimbrough Simmons, preceded all other Christian denominations in A person who wants to participate will pray at least one Rosary the pastor at Masonville Baptist Church in Daviess County, history. on any one of the three days for the following intention: For an and Glenmary priest Fr. Frank Ruff gave presentations on the Baptists continue to believe in the author- end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn human history and beliefs of Baptists. ity of the Bible, as translated under the English persons. Fr. Ruff used the language of family to discuss the relation- King, James I. It is the source of “personal The October 16th (Friday) date offers the opportunity ship between Catholics and Baptists. “It is not us and them” religious experience.” Baptists do not celebrate for students to pray the Rosary together at schools. The October he said, “It is us, together.” “There is only one family with sacraments but instead observe two ordinances. 18th (Sunday) date offers the opportunity for people to pray the different branches. We are all brothers and sisters.” Fr. Ruff The two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Rosary either before or after Masses. offered a handout outlining the shared beliefs of Baptists and Supper. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are un- This worldwide pro-life prayer event is being organized by Catholics based on the Nicene Creed. He noted that Baptists derstood as symbolic actions. Baptism is solely the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization; P.O. Box 41257; represent the majority of Christians in every county in our for adult believers. And usually only members Memphis, Tennesssee 38174; U.S.A.(www.SaintMichael- diocese. of a specific Baptist Church may participate in TheArchangelOrganization.org) Rev. Simmons noted, from the outset of his presentation, the Lord’s Supper of that particular congrega- that “no one speaks for all Baptists.” Unlike Catholics and tion. mainline Protestant churches, with central authorities, each The priesthood of all believers is essential Diocesan Marian Conference Baptist congregation operates independently and autono- to Baptist theology. What this means, practi- Mary, Mother of Christ, the Eternal High Priest mously from all others. cally for Baptists, is that each believer has Saturday, December 12, 2009 It is generally accepted that Baptists emerged during the direct, unmediated access to God. Each believer Protestant Reformation, following the teachings of Huldrych also has unregulated access to the entirety of Blessed Mother Catholic Church Family Life Center Zwingli, a Swiss theologian, who wanted to reform the cor- the Bible and is free to interpret it as he sees Speakers will include Patty Schnier, Fr. Ben Luther, Fr. Bruce ruptions he saw in the Catholic Church. He came into con- fit. Fogle, Fr. Gerald Baker, Fr. William Casey, Fr. Richard Cash. flict with other reformers in Germany and Switzerland and In terms of mission and discipleship, each the Anabaptists emerged from that conflict. The Anabaptists Baptist believer is expected to live a holy life, For more information, please contact Heather Clemens, 270-683-1570, preached against infant baptism and believed in the authority to be actively on mission to “make disciples” or Tracey Danzer, 270-691-0027 of scripture (sola scriptura), faith (sola fides) and the priesthood as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28 and to be of all believers. In England, under the reign of Henry VII, responsible for the well-being of others, to edged, with deep gratitude, the life-long contribution to the the Anabaptists began to be persecuted as dissenters because “build up the body of Christ, “as St Paul urged ecumenical movement by the late Fr. Joe O’Donnell, a Glenmary they were not aligned either with the Roman Catholic Church in First Thessalonians. priest, who served as the Diocese of Owensboro Ecumenical Of- or the English national Anglican Church. Thus they began to Members of the Commission acknowl- ficer during his many years of ministry in western Kentucky. Come and pray at the Rosary Walk LIFTING UP MASS Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. OWENSBORO,Ky. - The reality of Faith is that all human life is a gift from our Gracious God and is due respect and dignity. Remember your loved ones with bricks or beads The Social Concerns Committee at Immaculate Parish here is hosting a special celebration, Sunday, October 4th at the 10:00 a.m. Liturgy. Please join us in celebrat-  Yes, I/We want to support the mission Name______ing a Mass that will “Lift-Up” those who have physical &/or mental challenges in of Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Address______Retreat Center and the effect the retreat their day to day lives. We welcome all guests and encourage you to attend this ministry has on the lives of those who attend City ______special celebration of life. by contributing to the Memorial Rosary State ______Zip______Top off the morning with donuts in the Parish Family Center immediately fol- Walk. I/We want to support this ministry by lowing the Liturgy. contributing: Phone______Email______ $ 500 to sponsor a bead Please make checks payable to: Mount Saint Joseph Center  $ 125 to sponsor a brick c/o Rosary Walk, 8001 Cummings Rd., Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999  $_____ Other Credit Card: Visa  Mastercard Card #______If donating $125 or more, please fill in the blocks with the name of Expiration Date______the person or persons to be inscribed on the brick, stone or bench. Signature______One letter, comma, period or space must go in each box (15 maximum per line up to 3 lines):    Service Projects For St. Francis Youth Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 19 By Edie Keeney nutritious meals is one example of how PADUCAH,Ky. - Several months before the funds are used. Parishioners were the start of the new school year Zach Ault, asked to bring baked goods to be offered the youth director at St. Francis de Sales for donations after all the Masses on one in Paducah, and the core group have been weekend. $1000 was raised and some very meeting to plan several ministry projects. tasty baked goodies were enjoyed by all. The formation of a core group to work “Can Creations” was one project that with the youth director is new this year the high school group chose to do. The stu- at St. Francis. The document, Renewing dents created works of art out of can goods the Vision published in 1997, resigned that the parishioners were asked to bring the youth program to try to be as true to to the church during the week before the Catholic youth ministry as possible, and to event. On Saturday morning the students provide a comprehensive youth program. and the adult core team members gathered It is highly tailored for each individual all the cans, divided them among 3 teams parish while striving to combine the ten- to be used as material for the art they cre- ants of the Catholic faith with action. The ated in the parish hall. The art was then group plans activities with the input and on display after all that weekend’s Masses. agreement of the students. The activities The parishioners were invited to support provide an opportunity for the young their favorite creation by making monetary people to put their faith into action and to donations that would be given to the St. see the effect of their actions. In August, Vincent de Paul Budget Store along with the high-school group participated in The all the canned food. $240 and hundreds Value of a Penny and were later informed of cans of food were donated. Some very that the items that they brought to the creative art was made as the photographs St. Vincent de Paul Budget Store sold clearly show. On the following Saturday morning, Group name: The Last Supper - from left, Zack Ault, Cindy Wilbourn, Katherine for $125. That money would have been Halicks, LeAnn Davis enough to help 2-3 families receive help the middle school students met at the Bud- for utility bills. get Store to put the food into bags ready display racks and all were very helpful in many ways. Hannah Green commented, The youngest group, Soldiers of God, to be given to needy families. That task “This is a great place for people to come to and get food, clothes, purses, and help to joined with the Share Our Strengths for a was quickly accomplished and the students pay bills. It is very organized and they help a lot of people.” Several of the students Great American Bake Sale, a movement were looking for other ways to help. Some commented they would like to come and help some other times. Others commented, to end childhood hunger here in America. helped put out shoes, purses and assorted “So many people are in need in our own community and we love helping them.” Kalvin Summer lunch programs to help under- items on display tables, some made price Carter commented, “I liked helping here but I just have to say it, I really liked working privileged children to be able to have tags, some hung donated clothes on the with the (pricing) gun.”

Group Name: Le Chateau Vert, The Green Castle, from left, Everett Davis, Korey Ladd, Leslie Group Name: St. Mary Bell - from left, Olivia Warren, Randy Laldd, Nash, Michelle Hosman. Edie Keeney Photos Debbie Ladd, Drew Mayer, Mary Virginia Willlett 20 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ When considering the Latin tridentine Mass, Mission Visions almost two-thirds of U.s. catholic adults have “no opinion” I was hungry and you gave me to eat about its increased availability. By Fr. Peter Ciuciulla, mccj Summer in the USA corresponds to the rainy 63% 25% season in Chad, Africa, where I was missioned for 12 years. During this time, all activities in the parish stop because it’s the time to work the fields no % and plant seeds that will assure food for the next opinion 35 year. There are only two seasons in Chad, the dry and the rainy. That means only one harvest per year. The yield from that one harvest seems 40% plentiful at first, but as the months wear on, the oppose 12% stores begin to dwindle and in the end, the silos 25% are empty as well as stomachs. Favor People know the empty months are over when the peanuts, first fruits of the new growing season, appear and offer a guarantee of one meal a day. 2008 1985 One year, the rain came very early with two drenching downpours in April, almost two months Survey results from Feb. 2008 telephone interviews of 1,007 U.S. adults. Margin of error is Fr. Peter Ciuciulla, mccj, is plus or minus 3.1 percent. ahead of schedule. We started working the fields, Mission Director of the North Source: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate ©2009 CNS plowed our land, and planted peanuts. We waited American Province of the and waited for the rain to come again and bless our Comboni Missionaries. efforts, but it held back and didn’t return until the I’m still amazed when I think Majority of Catholics have no opinion end of July. We lost everything except our hunger. of the generosity of the poor; they That experience still haunts me. share, not from what they have left on Tridentine Mass availability Here in Cincinnati where I live, rain has been over, but from their meagerness. WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Nearly two-thirds of U.S. Catholics surveyed said they plentiful this year. Everything is green and lush. Isn’t that living out the Gospel? Just have no opinion on the increased availability of the Tridentine Mass since Pope The corn really is as high as an elephant’s eye who is the missionary and who is Benedict XVI made it easier for parishes to offer the traditional liturgy two years and prize-winningly tender. With the promise of the evangelized? ago. Overall, 63 percent of Catholics held a neutral opinion about the availabil- an abundant harvest in this area, my mind keeps Thank God, agricultural ex- ity of the Tridentine Mass, according to findings released Aug. 24 by the Center going back to Chad, and I wonder how the people perts are beginning to teach people for Applied Research in the Apostolate, a research center based at Georgetown are doing. Have the rains come as needed? Or is how to work the fields differently University in Washington. there famine from drought and empty stomachs to produce a more fruitful harvest “Such a large segment of the Catholic population has no experience of this; that cause pain, rob sleep, and lower immunity? that will assure food for 12 months they tend to have no opinion,” said Mark Gray, a research associate at the center. When we have a year without rain, Chad and of the year instead of 10. Once For “even some people who attended this Mass as children, the interest has faded a bare minimum of food, the only way to survive they have learned how to produce a bit,” he added. “It’s not negative. They just have no opinion.” Of the survey’s is through solidarity among ourselves; nothing enough to provide a surplus, they’ll 1,007 Catholic respondents, those who favor having the traditional Mass offered else can keep us alive. There is always a respect- fill silos for the time of famine from more widely outnumbered those who oppose the increased availability of the able degree of sharing in a village, but in extreme drought or pestilence. Tridentine rite by more than a 2-1 ratio, or 25 percent to 12 percent. situations, it becomes stronger. Nobody eats alone, By the way, I did check on hidden away in a house. There are always friends things in Chad. The rains were late around the table, and that table is outside the hut again this year. Please remember to Marian Retreat in the courtyard so that anyone who passes by can pray for those affected. Prayer is a stop and share in the meal. No need to knock or powerful part of solidarity with the Oct. 9-11 ring a bell or even ask permission. Everybody is poor. “The Rosary” automatically invited to “break bread,” no matter Retreat Director how scant it might be. Msgr. Bernard Powers Formation must be faithful to magisterium, pope tells bishops Pope John Paul II looked at the individual, the family and the world. In light of the issues he saw, he CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Even while church communities in Brazil are expe- handed us an Apostolic Letter on the Rosary. Here riencing a lack of priests, bishops must work toward guaranteeing an adequate formation we find wisdom, courage, and strength to deal with of seminarians, Pope Benedict XVI said. When young people enter the seminary, they these issues in our life. Msgr. Bernard Powers will “have to encounter educators who are true people of God, priests who are totally dedicated lead us through this prayerful weekend. to formation, who give witness to giving oneself to the church through celibacy and an Fee: $175 includes retreat, meals, accommodations. austere life, following the model of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said. The pope met with Commuter: $120 includes retreat and meals. Contact Kathy McCarty - 270-229-0200 ext. 413 bishops from western Brazil during an audience Sept. 7 at the papal summer residence in [email protected] Castel Gandolfo. The bishops were making their “ad limina” visits to Rome to report on Find a flyer at www.msjcenter.org the status of their dioceses. In the decades following the Second Vatican Council, “many church communities unconsciously sank into self-secularization,” the pope said. When taking part in ethical debates, some church leaders, he said, no longer talked about “certain fundamental truths of the faith, like sin, grace, theological life, and the four last things,” which are death, judgment, heaven, and hell. El Salvador’s Neediest Receive Blessing of Shoes Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 21 SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (Sept. 4, 2009) – Thousands of El Salvador’s neediest children and elderly received new shoes last week, as part of an initiative overseen by Food For The Poor. The relief agency has been working in El Salvador since 1997, and has been involved in housing, water, educational, agricultural, and animal husbandry projects. This shoe distribu- tion project is the latest effort to bring much- needed items to the poor. More than 5,000 pairs of new shoes were distributed to areas including an orphanage, an elderly home and to the children who live along the Paleca and Royal Street train tracks. At the Natalia de Siman orphanage, about 60 children received new shoes, some for the first time. The girls at the home, one of nine sup- ported by FFP’s Angels of Hope program in El Salvador, range in age from 1 to 16. In addition to providing food and other basic supplies to the orphanage, FFP has been able to supply a cistern for fresh water, a school bus, and sewing machines and materials. On Wednesday, the scene at the home was pure joy with smiling girls trying on their new visors and hot pink sandals. “These shoes are a blessing to the poor receiving them, especially to the children,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “Something as simple as a new pair of shoes can make a big difference to the poor, and we are honored to work with these partners In the photos here, Food for the Poor aid workers hand shoe boxes of Crocs shoes to children and elderly in the Food in helping to make that difference.” For The Poor shoe distribution Sept. 4. in San Salvador, El Salvador. FFTP Photo The project was a joint effort by Food For of September, 2009, more than 15,000 laboration with Fr. David Blanchard, who The Poor, Brother’s Brother Foundation, and people will have received shoes. works as a missionary in El Salvador. Crocs. When the project is finished by the end The distribution also was in col- In the late 1980s, Fr. Blanchard began a mission in El Salvador in a community of displaced people called Calle Real. He has continued to serve there since, and St. Benedict School Reunion with the assistance of Food For The Poor, The Saint Benedict School helped to transform the area into a stable community. Fr. Blanchard, also with the 2009 Reunion will be at the guidance of FFP, created in 2002 an orga- present St. Benedict Church, nization called the New Horizons for the on Wax Road, Wax, Ky. Poor Foundation. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, “It is one thing to choose to help the poor, but what does that option mean when after the 10:00 A.M. Mass. A one lacks the resources to help the poor? Potluck lunch will be offered Food For The Poor responded to our needs in the church basement. All and it continues to do so in a variety of ways,” said Fr. Blanchard. ued commitment to serve the poor. former students, teachers, Perhaps the most compelling scene Food For The Poor, the largest interna- family and friends are during the distribution was along the tracks tional relief and development organization invited. Bring your pictures of Calle Real, where Fr. Blanchard has in the nation, does much more than feed worked for so long, and where children and memorabilia from the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries still are born and raised in dangerous of the Caribbean and Latin America. We old school. proximity to the trains. Thousands lined provide emergency relief assistance, clean Call LaMont Miller 270- the tracks for shoes. Some of those wait- water, medicines, educational materials, 259-3303 if you need further ing were blessed by the washing of their homes, support for orphans and the aged, The front of Saint Benedict Church feet by staff from Food For The Poor and skills training, and micro-enterprise de- information. as it stood in 1962, before the Nolin Brother’s Brother Foundation, before velopment assistance, with more than 96 Reservoir. WKC file photo receiving their new shoes. The ritual foot percent of all donations going directly to washing was included as a sign of contin- programs that help the poor. 22TheWestern Kentucky Catholic October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ The Call of the Lord to a Missionary Vocation By Father Mike Crump, SOLT and place it seemed the leanings toward During the time when I was serving science and ministry could not be brought as a transitional deacon I was once asked together there. Instead I entered Brescia to speak to a group of elementary school College and later graduated with a Biology students on the school’s “career day.” I degree. had practiced medicine as a Family Doctor Time and life experience have con- both in the USA and in a mission hospital tinued to teach me that when something in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and then had is truly from the Lord it will consistently recently become a deacon on the road to come back to you; whereas other desires the priesthood. Students asked the usual come and go, it will endure. I found myself curious questions about what a doctor does consistently drawn to ministry and mission and what you eat, and see, and do in a mis- type experiences: summers in Appalachia, sion country. Near the end of the visit a once with Glenmary, other times with Holy 5th grader asked the profound question “so Cross Brothers in a medical mission. One West Africa, and later to Seattle to work how do you know when God wants you to friend used to ask me why I never took in a clinic with SE Asian refugees. All of be a priest?” Truly an insightful question, “normal vacations.” Along the way, the these proved to be eye-opening and enrich- the answer cannot easily be expressed in thought of becoming a religious Brother ing experiences but I still had a “restless words. in healthcare ministry was a consideration. incompleteness.” With prayer and the I shared with these students what the Eventually I entered medical school and good counsel of a spiritual director it was Ursuline Sisters taught me years ago when became a Family Doctor. Even then I clear that some step, some action had to I attended Blessed Mother School in Ow- found myself drawn to experiences with happen. With his encouragement I took the ensboro, that the Lord gently speaks to our the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma, leap, resigned from the clinic, and entered hearts in different ways: through His Word, then to a mission hospital in Sierra Leone a seminary. This was the turning point through other people, through the needs of Father Mike Crump, a native son of that eventually led me to meet the Society the time, and especially in the consistent Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro, of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, desires and longings in our heart. In this was ordained a priest July 14, 2009, a missionary group of priests, deacons, for the Society of Our Lady of the brief article I hope to share a bit of my Most Holy Trinity, a missionary group brothers, sisters and laity working in mis- own winding journey in responding to of priests, deacons, brothers, sisters sion settings in the USA, Central America God’s mysterious call to the priesthood in and laity working in mission settings and Asia. I took my final promises in the a missionary community. Perhaps it may in the USA, Central America, and Asia. Society and was ordained to the priesthood resonate with some of you and be of help Submitted photo on July 14th of this year in Corpus Christi, in your own unique walk with the Lord. now as I remember telling him “no thanks, Texas, our headquarters. As far back as I can remember I was I just came to talk.” As I told the grade school children on always fascinated by stories of the mis- Along with that early interest in mis- their “career day”, the Lord indeed speaks sions and by visiting priests from differ- sions and religious life, I also found that to us through all the varied and unique ex- ent Religious Orders who would come to I had a great fascination with science, periences of our lives, through the people Blessed Mother parish. I once stood in the especially biology. I was not sure what I we meet who help form us, guide us. Our confession line because it was the only way wanted to do or to be. I just knew what I unique call, our vocation is a mysterious I could figure out, as a little grade school loved. I recall visiting a diocesan college gift from the Lord, it is a matter of the boy, to talk to one of the visiting mission- seminary to explore the idea of studying heart. aries. I went into the confessional where for the priesthood, but when I sat in on Father Mike Crump was ordained Let me conclude with some of the he patiently answered my questions and classes I knew it was not the place for me. by Bp. Edmund Carmody in Corpus lessons I have learned along this road, this then asked if I wanted confession, I smile My heart was not at peace, at that time Christi, Texas on July 14, 2009, for the adventure with the Lord: Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy • Listen to your heart, to your “gut.” Trinity. Listen for the consistent call, the yearnings Year For Priests Icon that will keep returning to you. Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, • Seek good counsel, pray for it, and Connecticut, has graciously given the USCCB the rights to use the icon of Christ God will put the right people in your path, the Great High Priest during the Year for Priests. The artist allows anyone to use but take care not to pursue it from endless or reproduce the icon, as long as it is not for any commercial purpose, (i.e., it sources. cannot be reprinted to be sold or resold, or reprinted on something that will be sold). If this is the intent, they need to contact the artist for permission to license • Strongly Resist the temptation to the image, under written contract. compare yourself to others; you are unique This icon (egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, 28” x 22”) is and God will call and lead you in the way “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here Christ is shown in Latin Rite He sees fit, on the timetable that He knows vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. is right for you. The borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. • With prayer and good counsel Dare Jean-Baptiste Vianney.” Incidentally, it is St. John Vianney whom Pope Benedict to take a step and try it, test it out, dare to XVI, with the announcement of this special year, has declared the Universal make a move. Patron of Priests. • Above all else, Trust the Lord and Czarnecki explains: “I wrote the icon about seven years ago [for seminarians and priests] to be able to see Christ in themselves, and themselves fall in love with Him, heart to heart, He in Christ. We often hear that the icon is called a window; in this case, it’s also knows you through and through. Follow- meant to be a mirror.” The Good Shepherd reminds the priest that he is to “lay ing Him is life’s true adventure. down his life for his sheep.” (www.seraphicrestorations.com) Precious Blood Parish Vacation Bible School: Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 23 The Church’s Four Great Seasons

Precious Blood Parish Vacation Bible Grades 1-2 brought very large nails School was held at Precious Blood parish the week of July 20-24. The theme for the week was: The Church’s Four Great Seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent And Easter. On the last day at the Mass each grade level brought in a symbol of one of the season in the Entrance procession. Pre-Kindergarten made Advent wreaths, Kindergarten made angels, grades 1-2 brought very large nails, and grades 3-5 made Easter Alleluia crosses. After Mass on Friday all the students and families had a An open door at Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro good time with a cook-out. awaits Returning Catholics. No matter how long you have been away, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church. Blessed Mother Catholic Church, 601 E. 23rd St., will offer a six- week series entitled “Catholics Returning Home” beginning Oct.1, 2009 at the Blessed Mother Parish Center, 6:30-8:00 p.m. The sessions are for non- practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to Grades 3-5 made Easter Alleluia the Church. If you know someone who has left the church, please invite them crosses to join us. For more information, call Josie Hagan (after 5 p.m.) 926-1483. In Your Kindness, Please Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Sister Mary deChantal Whelan, OSU, Who Died Sept 3 Maple Mount — Sister Mary deChantal Whelan, 94, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died Sept. 3 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 75th year of religious life. Pre-Kindergarten made Advent She was born Mary deChantal Whelan in St. Joseph, the daughter of Joseph Leslie and wreaths Florence Eugenia Neel Whelan. An educator for over 61 years, she was professor of English at Brescia College for 39 years (1958-97). “Sister DC” was known for inspiring her students with her love of books, music, and learning, and she began many programs at the college, including the Grants Office, Office of Student Support Services, and Weekend College. She blended her gift of hospitality with a fiery sense of justice, and always radiated joy in her vocation. She also taught at St. Elizabeth School, Curdsville (1948-50), in the Archdiocese of Louisville, and in Missouri. Survivors include a brother, James Louis Whelan of Newburgh, Ind., nieces and neph- ews, and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was Sept. 8 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cem- etery. Glenn Funeral Home, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements. Gifts in memory of Sister Mary deChantal Whelan may take the form of donations to Sister Mary deChantal the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. Whelan, OSU Kindergarten made angels 24 The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ The Spirit Of Communion At St. Pius X, The Way I See It

By Fr. Titus W. Ahabyona Anthropologists be- lieve that for a society to function smoothly and har- moniously, most of its mem- bers must share the same culture. The members of the collect extra coins in water bottles society, either implicitly or and bring them to the parish on explicitly, must have come Divine Mercy Sunday. Given the to some consensus about prevailing financial crisis, a small- a culturally accepted, pat- er collection was expected, only terned way of behavior. to be surprised with $11,217.88 Members must have strong as the final figure collected. That sentiments about various was awesome! ideals, purposes and goals, There is of course a motivat- of the things which we call ing factor behind all this, and that values. is nothing else but love. These I have lived at St. Pius people share the same culture Fr. Titus W. Ahabyona X Parish for one year and Saint Pius Tenth Parish children who helped with the fund raiser and they have genuine love; you a few months now, I have been an associate Pastor and now during Families in Faith (religious education program) were present can even see it on their faces. We I am in residence. During this time I have been watching and at Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, 2009, to deliver a check to Father like to laugh, to make noise, and observing how the people run their Parish. I have been involved Titus. SPX Photo hug whenever we are involved in in liturgical services, meetings, outside functions of the Parish way they work cannot appropriately be described. Ants work as a team an inside or outside function. It and in administration of the sacraments as a Priest, to mention day and night. In a single night, they can put up an anthill more than seven is a community, a family where a but a few. Indeed, that’s why I asked Bishop Emeritus John feet high and ten feet in width. The orderliness and neatness of their road word is shared and done. McRaith to station me in the Parish so that I can experience and network inside the anthill is far beyond human invention. If you dare to I can rightly say that St. Pius be involved in Parish life in a culture different from mine. demolish the anthill, by next day you will find another one built at the same X parishioners are really in com- I am very glad and equally shocked by what I have observed spot which is even bigger than the previous one. I always wonder at the munion with their Church. The so far. All along I have been reflecting on how to describe these mysterious knowledge and strength that God endowed to such creatures as Code of Canon Law contains sev- people. Borrowing an image from my home in Uganda, I felt small as those ants. eral canons on rights and duties that these people can be described as ANTS (Enkubebe) when I call St. Pius X Parishioners “Ants,” just because of the amazing team for God’s people which reflects it comes to the aspect of work. Don’t feel offended, let me spirit they demonstrate. As I mentioned, I have been watching and observ- the nature of the Church as Com- explain. ing. When it comes to work here at St. Pius, whether it be the Parish picnic, munion. The Code exhorts each Ants are small insects; they live together in an anthill. The Koinonia, a Parish celebration, fund raising, or any outside Parish function, Christian community, under the you will see the teamwork spirit of the people. leadership of the pastor, to main- I observed this at the recent Saint Pius X Parish picnic. Some men tain an active communion with its spent the whole night cooking in the cold. Some came to join their friends pastor in order to fulfill diligently at 3:00 a.m. and others came before 6:00 a.m., just to cook and prepare its duties towards the Universal food for sale on picnic day. Both men and women normally spend several Church. Here at St. Pius, I have hours and even days in meetings preparing for whatever function there is. seen a truly genuine community. Things like decoration and cleaning the place are done with all intensity I believe the parishioners and thoroughness so as to present a perfect function. of St. Pius X are like ANTS: Talk about generosity; this was recently brought home to me. During Assembled Neighbors Toward Lent this year, the Parish decided to contribute toward the Uganda Water Service. I love you all. project in conjunction with Owensboro Rotary Club. The invitation was to - Fr. Titus A Time To Look Inward Submitted by Kim Haire It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the 23rd of August, when a group of Cursil- listas gathered at St. Margaret Chapel in Henderson, Kentucky. We came together for an afternoon of spiritual refreshment, food, and fellowship....for a mini-retreat given by Sr. Elaine Burke, spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement for the Diocese of Owensboro. The retreat was designed to assist us in making better decisions in our lives by discerning those forces within our personality that truly motivate us. It was a wonderful opportunity to look inward and help us to know ourselves better. Parish catechists who led the children in the Families There were group discussions following each of the presentations which gave us the in Faith program from the left, Nettie (Jeanette) Noel, opportunity to process how these insights could help us tap into God’s healing power and His love. Other Bettie Wagner, Sister Suzanne SIms, OSU, and Deborah highlights of the day were a prayer service based on the scripture, “Live in a manner worthy of the call you (Debbie) Lanham, posed wtih the check given to pastor Father Richard Meredith for Parochial Vicar Father Titus have received” (Ephesians 4:1), and walking and praying through the Stations of the Cross located on the Ahabyona. SPX Photo beautiful grounds of the Chapel. Memorial Day Altar Blessing In St. Joseph Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 25 Cemetery, Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - On Memorial Day, May 25th Bishop Emeritus John Mc- Raith blessed the altar at St. Joseph Cem- etery in Bowling Green, KY. This altar was donated by Bill and Della Moore to the Cemetery. St. Joseph Cemetery Commit- tee, under the chair of Ray Grudzielanek, has put in numerous hours to create a won- derful setting for the Catholic Community in Bowling Green.

Helen and Ray Grudzielanek posed with Bishop Emeritus John McRaith. David Brown Photos.

Fr. Jerry Riney, Della Moore, Penny Payne, Fr. Anthony Ottagan, and Bill Moore.

Deacon Candidate and Youth Minister for Holy Spirit Parish Matthew Keyser, at right, assisted Father Anthony Ottagan in preparing the altar for Mass, pictured at right.

Bishop Emeritus John McRaith posed with Bill and Della Moore in above phioto; at left, in the rain, Bishop John rubbed Holy Oil on a granite table top (outdoor altar) near a mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bowling Green. 26 The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ The Effects of the Cursillo/TEC National Catholic Singles Conference October 30 - November 1, 2009 Hosted by diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida process on Prison Ministry in Clearwater Beach, Florida at Sheraton Sand Key Resort Registration $169.00 per person; active military or full-time student $135.00 per person. the Catholic Church For more information or to register: www.NationalCatholicSingles.com By Dr. Bob Cinnamond The Cursillo/TEC process Most Catholics are aware of which involves a retreat type week- the exploding population problem end and a continuous follow-up in jails and prisons all across the program after the weekend results Fall Day of Wisdom United States, placing an extreme in growth in all of these conversion Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 areas. Catholics began to recognize burden on over-crowded jails, At St. Thomas More Parish Hall, that this process is also very suc- taxing our financial system, and Paducah, KY endangering our way of life. In cessful in prison ministry. The process in the Diocese of recent years Catholics and others By Ginny Knight-Simon, Office of Wisdom Owensboro began in the 1980’s with have been using a model learned Owensboro Native Theresa Rowe is the the introduction of the REC (Resi- from the Cursillo/TEC process to featured speaker for the Fall Day of Wisdom dents Encounter Christ) program minister to those imprisoned in which will is sponsored by the Diocesan Office by Sharrie Cinnamond for lady the Diocese of Owensboro. of Wisdom for people aged 55 and over. prisoners in Owensboro’s Dismas The Cursillo/TEC Conversion Theresa L. Rowe’s passion is wellness House. A REC board of directors Process uses a circular model coaching from a Christian perspective. A former was formed, and, more recently, a of Hunger – Search – Encounter model, Theresa has been in the fitness industry – Response to help many of the program called Fresh Start which is concerned for all of the needs since the early 1980’s and has inspired thousands incarcerated to grow into success- of people to combine their faith with fitness. ful mature Christian adults. Many of prisoners, both in jail and after they are released. A process called Theresa holds ten fitness certifications, and of us only think of conversion as is a motivational wellness speaker for groups that Christian Conversion where we “Grouping” is held in jail usually after prisoners have made a REC, include the National Day of Prayer and Mothers experience and grow closer to of Preschoolers (MOPS). She writes a biweekly Christ, but Catholic teaching on then the “Grouping” continues af- ter they are released from jail. The newspaper column, “Body & Soul,” and hosts conversion is much broader than Shape-Up, a TV fitness show, and Shaped by Faith Break, a radio broadcast. Theresa’s new just a Jesus experience. combination of the retreat weekend and the grouping results in personal book, Shaped by Faith, reveals the ten secrets that Theresa has found to be essential to nurtur- Catholics believe that mature ing your spirit and body and becoming healthier, holier, and more able to endure. human life requires six types of conversions for the whole individual and enables them to grow beyond Theresa lives with her husband, Robin, and three of their seven children in Calhoun, conversion: Kentucky. Her Web site is www.shapedbyfaith.com. 1) A conversion from isolation and their weaknesses that continually return them to jail. I’m sure we can all benefit from Theresa’s great inspirational story and her exercise egocentrism to a capacity for inti- demonstration to fit our own particular lifestyles. It is our hope that the REC pro- macy and commitment. (Affective Theresa was the also the featured speaker at our Spring Day of Wisdom in Owensboro gram will continue to grow as it has Conversion) where she was met with so much enthusiasm, we invited her to Paducah. Other talented in many northern states. If you are 2) A conversion from Alienation presenters on the agenda include Patty Blair, Director of Lay Ministry and Formation, Betty interested in this ministry contact and meaninglessness to awe, Medley, Director of Family Life Office, and Kevin Kauffeld, Director of Stewardship and Dick Murphy, Prison Ministry Com- mystery, and seeing God in all Development all are on staff for the Diocese. mittee, Catholic Pastoral Center. It is things. (Religious Conversion) Program begins at 9:30 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m. Includes lunch, door prizes and recommended that you have made 3) A conversion from God is out lots of fun. I hope to see you there. a TEC or Cursillo as preparation for there to Jesus as our Ideal “My Please send in your reservation for with your check made in the amount of $5 to the this ministry. Lord and my God.” (Christian Catholic Pastoral Center, 600 Locust Street Owensboro, KY 42301 Presently the REC process is Conversion) Reservation deadline is Thursday, October 15th, 2009. 4) A conversion from individual- active in GRCC (prison in Cen- ized religion to a commitment to tral City), Dismas House (women church as “People of God” (Eccle- prisoners in Owensboro), Daviess Name______sial Conversion) County Jail (both men and women) Address ______5) A conversion from undisci- and will be starting at the Hender- plined habits to an integrated son County Jail in 2010 for both men Parish ______view of life ( Intellectual Conver- and women. About one hundred Number of Reservations______sion) men and women are presently in- 6) A conversion from selfish, volved in the REC process in the Check Amount $ ______indifference to values, to a com- Owensboro area working with one mitment to moral life and social hundred prisoners and ex-prison- Creighton Instructors Are Here! responsibility. (Moral Conver- ers. About ten REC’s with follow-up OWENSBORO.Ky. - Amanda Reffitt, Patricia Gutierrez, and Suzanne Padgett are certified sion) are scheduled for the Owensboro Practitioners of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. In an effort to get information to For more information on the area in 2010. Would you like to join parishoners, we need donations to pay for distributed brochures, materials, and contact cards in six types of conversion see the us? all of the parishes. If you would be willing to donate, please make a check out to St. Stephen’s work of Edward Braxton “The Cathedral and write Creighton on the memo line. Any questions contact Amy Carrico at 925- Wisdom Community” from Paulist 1155. Press. Extreme Love Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 27 By Byron Macias Saint Therese of Liseux vividly writes about the vocation to love, which is “the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2392, and love is what exactly inspires people to create stories just like the following. The TV Show Extreme Makeover Home Edition® selected a family in need in Lewisport to build them a brand new house the week of September 7th – 12th. The vast majority of the work is done by volunteers from the community and the surrounding areas; among them, Chris, Chuck, and Ted. Tuesday evening, Feast of the Birth Thursday mid-morning. A gentleman instituted, Jesus told his disciples: “I have set an In the picture at left, Chuck Hagan points to where his crew can of Mary. After work, Sandy Morris went who preferred being called “Ted” jumps example for you, so that you will do just what back into the shuttle that would take him start work on the Extreme Home to visit her son Chris, from Saint Pius I have done for you.” (Jn 13, 15). These three Makeover house project for the Tenth parish, who had been volunteering back to the volunteers’ parking lot. “I have people, these three stories, reflect the reality and Steve and Melissa Mattingly at the worksite for over six hours. “I was to get to work,” says Ted as he takes off power of the biblical passage above: love re- family Sept. 10. excited to see him involved,” says Morris, his hardhat. After volunteering for most of flected in service and community, planting seeds who was proud to see her son (along with the night, Ted was heading to his regular At right, The Mattingly’s new of hope and goodness that mirror God’s presence home as seen earlier in the week other family members) donating his time work. “I wanted to be part of this; I wanted in our midst and is ultimately manifested in the of Sept 6-12. Photos by Byron working on the roof of the new house. For to help this family in need.” Eucharist, the source of love, extreme love. Macias two hours Sandy observed “many people On the night when the Eucharist was working hard” as the thermometer marked 84 degrees. Sandy admitted feeling in awe St. Agnes Church/K of C Picnic, Sept. 12 when seeing how fast the house was com- Submitted by Mike Guillerman ing together: “It was amazing.” MORGANFIELD,Ky. - A huge crowd began gathering at 3:30 pm. on Sept. 12, 2009. Mass began at 4:00 pm, and serving of Thursday morning. The first sunrays delicious barbecue in the dinning room began at the end of Mass, which was around 4:45 pm. The large crowd stayed until begin to disperse the darkness of the night after the gift raffles, which in Lewisport as a parade of pickup trucks took place at 9:00 pm. still moist by the dew begin to pull into R an d y G r e e n w e l l , a big parking lot for volunteers. Chuck Uniontown, won the top Hagan comes out from the truck, along prize of $1,000 cash. This with his wife, Ann, from Saint Mary of parish picnic is a very pop- the Woods Catholic Church in Whitesville. ular event, the largest of So far, it was the third day for Chuck and its type in Union County. the second for Anne. Their many hours of Many former St. Agnes High work included a variety of settings; this School Alumni plan their day they worked on siding. Remarkable vacations around the picnic about this couple were their enthusiasm to see their former class- and the joy of their eyes as they worked. mates and friends. It’s a “I’m here because of the same reason wonderful thing for the par- as everybody else […] helping out the ones ish and community, bringing who are in need,” said Chuck as he was everyone together on this parking his truck loaded with tools in front joyous occasion. of the construction. Both Chuck and Ann The two men standing put on hold many things from their per- with Father Terry Devine sonal agenda in order to donate their time, are Matthew Buckman and talent, and treasure for a noble cause: “I Steve Hancock. They were had to push things aside this week […] but watching the fire along the it’s worth it,” said Chuck as he was getting large pit, making sure it ready to give instructions to his crew. Then didn’t burn the meat, which Chuck began off-loading tools of different held 8,000 pounds of mut- sizes, placing them where they belonged ton. so that everything would be ready for their The cakes are for the full day of work. Watching Chuck, Anne raffle, which is very popu- and many other dozens of people build- lar. People wait in lines to ing a house from scratch was like gazing get at a chance at the board into an icon of one of the Church’s core to win a cake. The people teachings: “Charity is the greatest social in the cake room are Kenny commandment” CCC,1889. Thomas and Vicky Gough. God gives us, and that’s creation, by denying personhood to the unborn,” The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 28 Clancy explained. “The instant I saw Samuel struggle, it changed everything for me,” A Man on a Mission Clancy explained. “I believed a woman should have the right to have By Dawn C. Ligibel an abortion, until I saw Samuel. I was naïve. I didn’t know the facts. HOPKINSVILLE,Ky. - Michael Clancy is a man on I’m never going to give up,” Clancy declared. “I’m blessed to be a a mission. He is seeking to spread the truth about a part of it. I will always continue,” Clancy said. “I just want to honor photograph he took in 1999, and he is committed to God and inspire people to take action.” speaking the truth about life in the womb. Clancy has seen much good come from the publication of his pic- Prior to taking a particular photograph, actually ture. “I’ve seen quotes from pro-abortion people saying how my picture four photographs taken in quick succession, Clancy has been devastating to the pro-abortion movement,” he explained. considered himself to be a pro-choice man. He ba- “There’s rarely a day that I don’t cry,” Clancy admitted. “Someone sically didn’t believe it was his place, as a male, to will e-mail me and tell me that his daughter thought her baby was just ever tell a woman what she should or could do with a mass of tissue and how she can’t abort it now after he had shown her her own body. Watching a child at 21 weeks in utero my picture.” thrust his hand through a surgical incision, however, Because Clancy believes that the ministry he has developed around forever changed Clancy’s outlook on abortion and on his photograph is God’s will, he has refused many offers to sell the life. photograph for commercial reasons. “I could have made a couple of “At half term in the womb, the child is a reactive In 1999, Michael Clancy, a photojournalist hundred thousands of dollars if I’d sold the photograph for commer- human being,” said Clancy. That is a truth he witnessed based in Nashville, Tennessee, captured cial uses,” Clancy explained. “But the people who need it the most with his own eyes as well as with his camera. baby Samuel’s hand on film just after can’t afford it, such as pregnancy crisis centers,” he added. Therefore, Samuel thrust his hand through a surgical In 1999 Clancy was working in Nashville, Ten- Clancy most often gives the photo away. “I believe what I’m doing is opening during a spina bifida corrective a ministry. If it’s of God, I will be supported (financially).” nessee, as a freelance photographer, primarily for one procedure. Witnessing this event changed newspaper. Because all the staff photographers were Clancy’s life. Clancy will be speaking about Clancy’s ministry officially started in 2000 when he developed a busy when USA Today called the editor asking for his life-changing experience on October website to explain the truth about his photo. One aspect of his ministry a photographer, the editor offered the assignment to 12, at Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville. that he never anticipated, however, was the many requests he receives The event will begin at 7 p.m. and there is for speaking engagements. “I was reluctant to speak,” Clancy admit- Clancy. The assignment was to photograph an innova- no cost to attend. Call 270-885-8522 for tive surgery to correct spina bifida on an infant while more information. ted noting his shyness in front of crowds. “It took me a while.” Since he was still in the womb. beginning his speaking engagements, however, Clancy has spoken at “I was so excited to have an assignment with USA cused on the fact that if he could impress the 70 different events in the past three years. Today, I didn’t even think about what the assignment editors at USA Today, they might hire him His next speaking engagement will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul was,” Clancy admitted. His initial thoughts were fo- again. “The night before I took the pictures, in Hopkinsville on Monday, October 12, beginning at 7 p.m. in the it hit me that I would be photographing a baby parish hall. The event, which is being sponsored by the Right to Life in the womb,” Clancy explained. Pennyrile and the Knights of Columbus, is free to anyone wishing At one hour and 13 minutes into the sur- to attend. Please call Sts. Peter and Paul at 270-885-8522 for more gery, the baby who was later named Samuel, information. thrust his hand out of the womb. When the doctor reached forward to lift the tiny hand, Clancy took a series of four photos which, when shown in quick succession, reveal that Samuel actually grasped the doctor’s finger. Divine Light Unfortunately, the truth about that mo- ment as told in Clancy’s photographs has been “Divine Light” is a 48-page, clouded since the photo was first published. professionally printed booklet For reasons known only to the doctor who allowed Samuel to grasp his finger, he has that tells the story of the 19 been quoted several times giving contradic- stained glass windows in the tory statements about the authenticity of the Motherhouse Chapel of the photo. “He’s only made three public state- ments about the picture and they were all Ursuline Sisters of Mount different,” Clancy explained. Saint Joseph. Beautiful One of the doctor’s statements claim- color photographs are ing the picture was a “hoax,” combined accompanied by detailed with Clancy’s repeated verbal affirmations that interactive life exists in the womb at 21 information written by former weeks, eventually led to Clancy’s demise as Congregational Leader Sister a sought-after photojournalist. “It destroyed Annalita Lancaster, OSU. my career,” he admitted. “Everyone ques- $ Start of a Good School Day tioned my credibility. Without God in my Available for only 10 life, I could not have survived this experi- On sale at the Mount Saint Joseph Holy Name 8th graders Rachel Tigue, Emily ence.” Gift Shop and Brescia Bookstore, Mitchell,and Hannah Buley join Mrs. Brown in Initially, Clancy’s primary goal was to eating breakfast in the school cafeteria. The 8th or order by mail (add $2 postage): grade attended the 7 AM Mass before school on reveal the truth about the photographs in order Friday, August 21 and then were treated to a free to save his career. As time passed, however, Call 270-229-4103, ext. 302 promotional breakfast by Lori Deckard, Cafeteria he has come to see his mission as a mission [email protected] Manager. HNS Photo from God. “We are denying the greatest gift St. Louis archbishop urges Catholics to support Catholic schools Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 29 By Barbara Watkins important things they should do is pray” involve the community to help reduce the cost of schools by getting people involved, Catholic News Service about it, he said in a recent interview with by contributing through volunteer participation” in the classroom and in other ways, he ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Archbishop Robert J. the St. Louis Review, the archdiocesan said. “This doesn’t solve the whole issue, but it’s a step in the right direction.” He added, Carlson, newly installed as the head of the newspaper. “Another thing we did in Saginaw involved a teacher endowment, to help parishes pay St. Louis Archdiocese, gave high marks to Archbishop Carlson said parents teachers’ salaries across the diocese.” Catholic education and also called on local are not facing the expenses of Catholic The St. Louis Archdiocese has a variety of Catholic schools across the archdiocese, Catholics to help make Catholic schools education alone. Catholics in the St. Louis he pointed out. “We have some schools that are very strong and we have others that the more affordable. Archdiocese, for example, have been very diocese has to help. We have to come together as the local church to see how we are The archbishop described Catholic supportive of the archdiocesan annual ap- going to solve some very challenging issues.” schools in the St. Louis Archdiocese as “a peal and its support for Catholic schools. Archbishop Carlson said he welcomed input from the people of the archdiocese. tremendous gift” with “a great history” and The appeal provides several million dol- “I am new and, therefore, I don’t know all the issues and all the problems and all the a special emphasis on evangelizing. lars in aid for Catholic education, includ- benefits. But I look forward to dialogue on the issues,” he said. “I am interested in “It is one of the reasons why the St. ing grants to parish elementary schools, hearing from people about their ideas, suggestions, and concerns.” Louis Archdiocese and the people here are archdiocesan and parish high schools and known for their great faith,” he said. special education. He also acknowledged that a sig- The archbishop also cited his own nificant problem many parents face when father as a model of how to help today’s considering Catholic education is the high parents with the cost of Catholic education. cost of tuition. “My father felt he should help the people Archbishop Carlson pointed out that still sending their children to Catholic Catholic education is much more expen- school after my sisters and I were out of sive than when he and his sisters attended school,” he said. “He felt in that way he Catholic schools. For one thing, “we had would ‘pay back.’ He said Catholic educa- religious sisters and now we have lay tion was ‘a real bargain’ when we went.” teachers. We must pay them a just wage,” Archbishop Carlson said that, in ev- he said. ery diocese he has been in, he has invited He noted that, even though parents people to consider helping young people are the primary educators of their children, go to Catholic schools and building up Catholic schools “do an excellent job” of scholarship programs. In the Diocese of providing training in faith. Saginaw, Mich., he said donations and a “I would think parents concerned major fundraiser helped provide tuition enough to bring their child to church to assistance at Catholic schools. be baptized would begin to develop the Reaching out to others could provide resources to send their child to Catholic more help, the archbishop added. “We can school. And I would say one of the most

Saving School Dollars Ed Simon, an OCHS maintenance employee, was hard at work Sept 1 at Owensboro Catholic High School welding a railing around the landing in the courtyard which will be the center stage for outdoor school Masses. The musicians for the Masses will lead music from a lower landing in the near foreground of the photo above. At right, Ed was putting a removable jig he made to weld the upright bars of the railings exactly four inches apart. In welding, as with much of work for the Church, the hardest part of the job is the preparation, the set up, getting all the components of a job into place before the main work can be done. OCHS maintenance workers save the school thousands of dollars by doing work like this welding job themselves Jammin With Instruments at OCS rather than hiring it out. Mel Howard Kindergarten and 1st Graders at the OCS Elementary K-3 Campus jammed with Photos instruments in Music Class with Mrs. Heather Hayden. Great job, students! OCS Photo 30 The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Hispanic Leaders Take Course on the Seven Sacraments By Luis Ajú and Tami Schneider OWENSBORO,Ky. - Back in March of this year, the Hispanic Ministry Office and its consulters together with the Hispanic Ministers of our various communities, began the academic, practical and efficient formation of leaders within the Hispanic communities of the Diocese of Owensboro, inviting all those that wish to be Catechists in their parishes to take part in a Course on the Seven Sacraments. Altogether, over 80 people participated. Some came to receive formation on one sacrament and others on many different sacraments, but overall we observed willingness to grow and to col- laborate more to help others grow in the Ana Mariscal from St. Thomas More faith, taking into consideration the cultural Parish in Paducah receives a certificate values found in the celebration of each of of completion during the closing Mass the Sacraments. Over 25 people from all over the Diocese participated in the closing Mass and for the Sacraments Course with the celebration for the Sacraments Course with Hispanic Ministry. During the course, Hispanic Ministry. The Hispanic Ministers themselves these individuals trained how to be Catechists to prepare others to receive the prepared and presented the content of the Sacraments. who came as a representative of the Dioc- courses, using the Catechism of the Catho- After seven months, the Course on the 12th. The participants of the course came esan Administrator, Fr. J. Michael Clark. lic Church as a base, and supplementing Seven Sacraments came to a joyful end together for the last time to listen to Fr. During the Mass, Fr. Garner handed out with additional material. with a Mass and celebration on September John René Kalombo, of Sts. Joseph and certificates to around 25 people. Paul Parish, give a presentation on Holy Many congratulations to all of the Orders. Afterwards, the group enjoyed participants for their effort and surrender LETTERS: A Reader Writes a time of fellowship by sharing a meal to study and give of their time in attending together. And saving the best for last, the this course and many thanks to all who A Voice Crying Out Into The Wilderness newly formed Catechists celebrated Mass gave of their time and talent to present to Editor: together, presided by Fr. Andy Garner, the group. May we see the good fruits of Do you ever have one of those days when you find yourself completely helpless Director of Vocations and Seminarians, this endeavor for years to come. and wonder if your opinion even matters? Do you get caught up in social issues and concerns of the moral decay that our country has fallen into? As I reflect on the past few months’ events, it seens that the nation’s media manipulates issues by putting into pre-sents itself. I don’t care if there are over a 100 letters written in response to such conflict conservative issues with liberal issues. I’m left with a feeling of wanting to a Letter to the Editor. A small word, a phrase penned in God’s time changes human defend the conservative values that have been instilled in me. hearts. Maybe someone who writes a response will sway that lukewarm person to seeing Well, OK, you ask, what are you talking about? Are you ready? the Truth! It will come as no surprise to you that the topic I want to write about is abortion, We need more very loud voices just like St. John the Baptist. His was a voice and how compassion for others can be manipulated into seeming to be an evil act. The crying into a wilderness, screaming REPENT! REPENT! He didn’t care what he looked pro-choice agenda calls the nation to defend the right of a woman to choose whether liked or how he sounded. He wanted to “rock the boat.” He did just that, and in the she wants to bring life into the world. In other words, it is about self: what or how end he lost his life for a cause he believed in, and was martyred for being fearless in does this affect me? Suiting oneself in the decision to bring life into the world seems preaching the truth. to outweigh even the concern of whether to save one’s own life or the life of the child. We all need to be a voice and be heard about the genocide of abortion. We can’t Ultimately, it’s a decision of self. “What’s in my best interest.” be lukewarm. The Psalmist says: “I hate men of divided heart,”(119: 113) those who At this point, compassion gets distorted, and an evil takes place that can’t even be hesitate between faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God. seen. Self-centered persons simply refuse to see the real images of abortion. They give Lukewarmness keeps us all crinkled up inside instead of having a smooth surface. it many different names to dehumanize it. For instance, a baby at conception is a fetus. We all have a moral responsibility to not be lukewarm about abortion! We need to be a Even euthanasia is thought of in a twisted way: the killing of a human being is thought loud voice crying out into the wilderness around the universe and rise up for Christian of as being compassionate. How can the taking of a human life and killing babies at morality and faithfulness to our God, who made us in His image and likeness. any stage during pregnancy be in the same category as compassion ? It is true deceit at I urge you, when the opportunity presents itself for defending human life or any its very core. injustice, take a stand and be a witness. I know that many of us don’t like confrontation What can I do or say to change someone’s mind who holds these ideas? and try to avoid it at all costs. Look at where that has gotten us today: approximately I really hope to reach out to anyone who is undecided about this debate and those 3,700 abortions per day in the USA (The Alan Guttmacher Institute. (www.agi-usa. who have fallen for the misconception of true compassion where it lies. We need to org). call a spade a spade: in other words, They are babies! They are human beings with little I absolutely cringe when I hear someone say, “You can’t or should avoid talking fingers and toes, hair, eyes , and a cute little nose. about religion or politics.” I don’t exactly look for opportunities to start an argument, One time, I got pretty upset with an article I read in the Owensboro Messenger- but if an opportunity presents itself for me to express my views about abortion, I feel I Inquirer’s letters to the editor section. I asked a friend if he had read the letter someone have a responsibility to defend my moral and ethical beliefs according to our teachings had written about abortion rights? His response to me was, “Well, yeah, but, Julie, you of my Catholic faith. It can be a chance to evangelize and spread the truth. can’t respond to every ridiculous statement made by people.” We have a responsibility to always defend life and those who can’t defend them- You know what? That just didn’t sit well with me as soon as he said it. I feel selves. that we should be encouraged to express and defend human life when the opportunity God bless you all, Julie Murphy, Owensboro, Ky. First Grade Class Adopts Seminarian The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 31 By Dawn C. Ligibel When asked why they made cards for HOPKINSVILLE,Ky. - Owensboro di- Thompson, Molly Bennett explained, “It ocesan seminarian Will Thompson has will make him feel better.” recently been “legally” adopted. His new While the visit itself was brief, it ap- guardians in prayer are the first grade stu- pears that the relationship will be lasting dents at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Hop- now that Thompson has been adopted. kinsville. “I received the certificate in the “They’ve already sent me pictures they’ve mail on September first,” said Thompson. drawn and the certificate,” Thompson “It reads, ‘The first graders of Sts. Peter said. and Paul School have legally adopted one Many seminarians receive packages seminarian, from this day forward he shall and pictures drawn by schoolchildren. be known as Seminarian Will Thompson. “It’s common for students to write or It will be the religious duty of the students draw pictures for seminarians,” Thompson to pray for the seminarian, write letters to explained. “You’ll see pictures in a lot of him, and periodically send prizes.” seminarians’ rooms.” The certificate for Thompson, who is a native of Cadiz, adoption, however, was a little unusual. Kentucky, has known about the Sts. Peter “It was a first for me,” Thompson admitted and Paul School in Hopkinsville his entire with a laugh. life. “I’ve always had a great respect for Receiving packages from anyone is the school,” he said. So when his friend, a treat for all seminarians, according to Jane Irwin, the first grade teacher at Sts. Thompson. “It seems whenever you’re the Peter and Paul, asked him to visit her class busiest, you get a package and when you he jumped at the opportunity. open it, it uplifts you,” explained Thomp- “They loved it,” Thompson said, re- son. “Sometimes when you open a letter Seminarian Will Thompson posed with the children in first grade at Sts. Peter ferring to his visit on August 14. “I had a on a busy day, you think ‘Wow, I really and Paul School in Hopkinsville during his visit to their classroom on August wonderful time visiting with all the kids.” 14. The class has since “legally” adopted Thompson, promising to pray for needed this. It’s a wonderful experience,” him, write letters to him, and send him prizes from time to time. Pictured left He was positioned in Irwin’s “reading he admitted. to right in the front row are: Katelyn Steger, Kylee Spurr, Lupita Vieyra, Lily chair” and all the children gathered around In addition to sending packages and Upton, Seminarian Will Thompson, James Folz, Anthony Morgan, Triston Folz, him as he told them about being a semi- letters, the students of Sts. Peter and Paul and Lukas Hall. In the back row are: Preston Chaudoin, Issac James, Karenna narian. “They were all respectful and had have also vowed to pray for Thompson Chaudoin, Sara Whitman, Molly Bennett, and Ryan Carlton. Not pictured are Grace Pape, Lilly Wood. Photo taken by Jane Irwin. questions,” Thompson commented. on a daily basis. “We pray for him on the “I think it was pretty cool,” first- finger prayer,” explained Morgan. The things they don’t always see, reminds them weak and the sick. And because the pinkie grade student Anthony Morgan said about “finger” prayer helps the children use their to pray for people such as their priests, finger is the smallest, it helps remind the Thompson’s visit, “because he’s going to fingers to remember for whom to pray each teachers and their adopted seminarian children to pray for themselves. become a priest.” day. Thompson. The middle finger stands taller “It’s always a wonderful experience Karenna Chaudoin also enjoyed the The thumb, which is closest to the than the rest as a reminder to pray for the as a seminarian to receive prayers of the visit. “He told us about him,” she said. heart, helps them remember to pray for President and all leaders around the world. faithful, no matter what age,” admitted “We made him cards, and I put flowers on those closest to them, such as family mem- Since the ring finger is weak and cannot Thompson. “It’s always uplifting.” my card,” she added. bers. The index finger, which points out stand alone, it reminds them to pray for the LETTERS: Called To Respect All Life life. Editor: Something we don’t usually When most Catholics hear about Respect Life Week or Sunday they usually think think about when examining how of abortion and the sanctity of a child’s life in its mother’s womb. Our call, however, well or not so well we respect life is to respect all life. Our faith tells us that all human life, from the womb to the tomb, is our treatment of one another is precious and loved by God. Too often we concentrate on eradicating abortion, which — those with whom we live is a noble and important cause, but we often neglect to speak out against the other ways and work or go to school. If we human life is also disrespected. hurt others, no matter who they The first way that comes to mind is the death penalty. Jesus often spoke of the are, by our words or other poor need for forgiveness and reconciliation. He did not say we that it is up to us to pick and behavior, we are certainly not choose whom we will forgive. He even tells us to love our enemies. To me it seems respecting the fact that they are contrary to be against abortion but support the death penalty. loved by God and must be treated We also forget that when we are not concerned about the poor, especially the needs of with reverence. “How well we truly respect life is how we treat If each of us truly loves and or think about the frail, elderly, and the mentally poor children, we, in a sense, disrespect life. Some people spend more time and money and physically handicapped.” on their animals and their care, than they do to fight against poverty in our country and respects all of life, especially hu- throughout the world. Often we encourage poor women to have their babies but too man life, I believe there would probably be fewer wars and less violence in our world. often we neglect to offer them the help and support they need to be a good parents. More families would be reconciled and the divorce rate would drop. There would be How we view those different from ourselves is also a measurement of how we re- fewer prisons and the poor and elderly would be taken care of lovingly. ally respect all of life. We need to examine our attitudes toward immigrants (legal or So when we pray and work for an end to the evil of abortion, let us not forget all the illegal); people of different faith, race, or sexual orientation. other people whose lives are also precious to our God and who also need to be treated Another indication of how well we truly respect life is how we treat or think about with respect. the frail elderly and the mentally and physically handicapped. These groups in our - Sister Margie Lavonis, CSC, Sisters of the Holy Cross, 305 Bertrand Annex--Saint society are often neglected or frowned upon. Little is done to increase their quality of Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 32 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ St. Thomas More Parish Gains Understanding of an Uplifting Traditional Musical Instrument PADUCAH,Ky. - Fr. J. Patrick Reynolds it got cancelled with depletion of funds. I said, “We are in the midst of witnessing am most grateful to those who have given the installation of our new parish pipe generously to the pipe organ fund the past organ. This is a source of great joy for St. four years to make this project a reality.” Thomas More. The console, case, and pipework show beautiful craftsmanship, Jim Hess, St. Thomas More Parish visually enhancing our worship space. 25 ranks of pipes plus the digital tones will Director of Music and Liturgy, clarified an help us worship God with greater gusto. understanding of the new Pipe Organ: The document on the Sacred Liturgy • Console – control center of the organ; from the 2nd Vatican Council teaches us the keyboards, pedalboard, and stop knobs that ‘in the Latin Church the pipe organ are the key console elements is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument, and one • Case – attractive wooden housing sur- that adds a wonderful splendor to the rounding the pipework; the hard surfaces help Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts project the pipe sound up man’s mind to God and to heavenly • Pipework – organ pipes; made of metal things.’ The first parish I pastored was at St. Romuald in Hardinsburg. We installed or wood; the façade are the largest pipes vis- a new 8 rank pipe organ there which totally ible in front of the case with the remainder transformed liturgical celebrations. behind them inside the organ case I learned when I first came to St. Thomas • Rank – consists of one pipe for each More that the original plans for our new note of the 61-key organ keyboard; each church had included a pipe organ – but like the Eucharistic/daily Mass chapel, complete rank is called a stop; each stop has 61 pipes of various sizes - the longer the pipe, the lower the pitch • Digital tones – provides sound for se- lected lowest octaves of a rank which are the largest and most expensive pipes; provides sound of an entire rank of imitative (solo) sounds In our new organ the “backbone” cho- ruses will be pipework supplemented with digital tones in the lower octaves of selected stops with several solo stops being completely digital. The first Casework with Facade Pipes - Facade Pipes are placed by builders. For more in depth information about pipe Organ components are unloaded from organs visit the website pipeorgan@ibiblio. trucks. org .

Organ Task Force Member Emma Bourgois and Fr. Daniel Dillard discuss the finer points of the console. A Pipe Organ Dedication at Saint Thomas More Church will be held on November 1, 2009, the Solemnity of All Saints, with Solemn Vespers at 3:00 p.m. led by the Saint Thomas More Parish Choir, and to be followed by a Dedicatory Recital by Burton K. Tidwell, recitalist. A reception in the parish hall follows. Fr. Pat examines the console with organ builder, Burton Tidwell. For directions and more information, visit www.stmore.org The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 33 Greeting Card Ministry at St. Francis de Sales Parish Brings People Together

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Boaz admire the walkway and sign memorial to their son, Shad Boaz ’06. St. Mary School System Photo Notes from the Director, St. Mary School System PADUCAH,Ky. - At the Saint Mary School System employee retreat to open this school year, Fr. Pat Reynolds, priest pastor of the schools, began the day with prayer By Edie Keeney and reflection. The theme of the day was “Catch the Spirit.” PADUCAH,Ky. - For the past several months many parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Marianne Potina, Vice President for Mission at Lourdes Hospital, led the group Church have found a happy birthday, happy anniversary, get-well card, or a sympathy through a series of activities aimed to center each of us of on our higher callings, to be card in their mailboxs. Several very creative women in the parish who make greeting attentive to our spiritual side, and to understand the riches that reside within us. Ms. cards wanted to share their talent with members of the parish. The group meets at the Potina effectively drilled home the reminder that we all get to decide how each of our church the 3rd Thursday of each month to make about 150 handmade birthday cards, days will be spent, and those most prudent among us will opt to “chase the Light.” It about 40 anniversary cards and several get well and sympathy cards. The handmade was a refreshing and inspirational retreat. cards have designs and messages appropriate for men, women and children. Dates of Saint Mary School System Director Pat Cairney said “We like to see ourselves as a birthdays and aniversaries are listed each week in the Sunday bulletin and the cards are school with an outward-looking view, and a place settled on a firm foundation wrought mailed out a few days before. Those who have received the cards were surprised and by a 150-year educational experience. With confidence in our faith-based intellectual delighted to receive the greetings. underpinnings, we have not only a school, but also a place with a unique lens in our Pat Gregory commented, “I appreciated the time and talent involved to make the community: we will continue to “chase the Light,” to strive for the pursuit of excellence beautiful card that I received. It is a new ministry in our parish that I feel brings people through Christ.” together, those who make the cards and those who receive them.” About 25 women Some items of interest: are involved and 8 to 15 are present each month. Brenda Hayden remarked, “I enjoy • Upcoming events (visit www.smss.org/alumni_activities.htm for information) making the cards and I also enjoyed receiving my card that was made and signed by -November 6-7—“The Bells of St. Mary” biennial auction women that I know.” Lois Stephany remembered that when her husband, Stuart, re- • We began classes this August with 633 students. Our last two graduating classes ceived a birthday card he was surprised and very pleased. Barbara Cissell commented, have scored very well on their ACT exams. The class of 2008 averaged 25.2 while this “I really enjoy making the cards and the fellowship with the ladies. I feel it brings the spring’s graduates averaged 23.4. Both scores are far above state and national norms. members of our parish closer together.” Since 1992, the average score of St. Mary graduates has been 22.7, once again, far beyond the averages and a good indication that a quality curriculum is in place and effective education occurs. As can be seen by the results, the last two classes of graduates place ONCE MORE WITH LOVE very high on the continuum of scores. • The Saint Mary School System Annual Fund Update Objective is $325,000 (fiscal A Marriage Preparation Program for couples preparing for marriage after one year runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010). Gifts to date: $13,000 or both persons have experienced a divorce or death of a former spouse. • The Class of 1969 gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday, August 15. Its 96 members stake the claim to be the largest graduating class in St. Mary his- Saturday-November 21, 2009, 8:30am – 6:00pm. tory. They were also the first class to attend all four years in what was then the newly A romantic candlelight dinner will conclude the day. constructed high school. Norma Wirt organized the event. • The annual Back to School Bash, hosted by the Boosters Club, took place on It is essential that a couple plan to attend the entire day. August 15 as well. The evening featured a hamburger/hot dog meal for all the school Catholic Pastoral Center Basement, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301 families in attendance, the Alumni Soccer game (both women’s and men’s), and the 270-683-1545 ext. 357 dedication of the Shad Boaz Walkway memorial in honor of Shad Boaz ’06, which Outline of the Day and Topics Discussed leads to the soccer field. • Marriage as a Sacrament • Myers-Briggs Profile • Communication Nikki Fuller, Marketing Coordinator , said, “Please send us information to update • Sexuality • Families of Origin • Family Genogram • Family Systems our files and so that we can share with your classmates in our semi-annual Alumni • Finances • Legal Issues • Unfinished business of former marriage Connection. We’re interested in knowing about life changes: births, weddings, travels, • Blending Families • Step-parenting • Spirituality & Prayer accomplishments, deaths, job changes, etc. You can email information to Nikki Fuller, Marketing Coordinator, at [email protected].” 34 Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ Sister Imelda Quechol, MAG, Celebrates Vows Anniversary PADUCAH,Ky. - Sr. Imelda Quechol, MAG, Director of Hispanic Ministry at St. Thomas More Church in Paducah, celebrated 15 years since taking her per- petual vows with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The convent is located in Huamantla Tiaxcala, near the city of Puebla, Mexico. The celebration took place on Tues- day, August 11, at 12:00 p.m. at the Santa Maria Tonantzintla Catholic Church in Puebla, Mexico. A gathering of approximately 600 family, friends, and religious gathered Sister Imelda and her Mother Superior. at the Santa Maria Tonantzintla Church One of Sister’s brothers and her to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Sr. abuela, or grandmother, are busy in the Imelda Quechol’s perpetual vows. The background with celebration details Sister Imelda listens as Padre Jose ceremony featured STM’s James G. Hess preaches during Mass as organist, accompanied by the singing of a choir of nuns from Sister’s order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Upon the conclusion of the Mass, approxi- mately 50 people walked in a celebratory Padre Jose prepares to bless Sr. procession from the church to the home of Imelda’s ring, which symbolizes her Sister’s parents, Rosendo Quechol Varela commitment to her vocation and Maria Felix Varela. Along the proces- sion route, prayers were recited and songs were sung to help honor the occasion. The procession ended at her parents’ home, where hundreds of well-wishers were gathered to enjoy music, a delicious meal, and fellowship. Submitted by Donna Tarantino, Di- rector of Ministries and Volunteers, St. Thomas More Church, Paducah, KY

Sr. Imelda’s maternal grandmother, and sponsor Jorge Martinez, seated in front of the Altar with Sister, listen during Mass; Sister’s parents are seated on the right side of the photo Left: Sr. Imelda practices the Mass music as Jim Hess plays the organ.

Sister Imelda and fellow St. Thomas More parishioners enjoy Sister’s celebration. Pictured are Sr. Imelda; Jim Hess, Director of Music & Liturgy; Donna Tarantino, Director of Ministries & Volunteers, and (seated), Mrs. Miguelina Sunderland, Assistant to Sister Imelda and STM’s Hispanic Sr. Imelda prepares community. to repeat her vows St. Thomas More Parish Youth Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 35 Learning To Be Leaders of Our St. Thomas More Annual Picnic Church, Live Faith Each Day

PADUCAH,Ky. - During the week of June 22-26, 2009, four youth from St. Thomas More Parish completed the Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) held at Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center. Those who participated were Peyton Vaughan, Chris Kight, Sam Whittaker and Taylor Mudd, along with Austin Wil- lett from St. Joseph, Mayfield. This group planned a project that was implemented in the parish on Sunday, August 16, 2009. The Youth Day Fundraiser raised the necessary funds to support a family of eight in Mandeville, JA for five months. St. Thomas More Parish Youth Minister Danny Thomas said, “I am very proud of this group for completing CLI and their desire to help those who are less fortunate in the world. May God continue to bless and encourage them as leaders of The St. Thomas More Annual Picnic was held Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Noble Park in Paducah, Ky. from 1:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. Beautiful weather, food, games for all ages, conversation, and our Church!” live Bluegrass music was enjoyed by all. Children created sand art; adults enjoyed bingo; live During the week of June 29 thru July 3, five of our youth Bluegrass music filled the air; face painting was popular; teens played volleyball; the very young and two adults participated in the Lifeteen Notre Dame Leader- played with floating ducks;the food was enjoyed by all; and friends enjoyed conversation in the ship Conference at Notre Dame University. Those shade. Photos by Lois Bell who participated were adults Jill Langston and Youth Director, Danny Thomas; students Sarah Hendley, Jes- sica Jones, Adam Jones, Adam Tarantino and Madison Webster. Danny Thomas said, “All of us had a wonder- ful week at the conference and I was amazed by the participation and spirituality of our youth. They are all to be commended for having an open heart and mind to the entire week. It was rewarding for me to hear them say that the best part of the week was Mass and Adoration….wow! I ask the parish for continued support and prayers for our youth as they strive to live out their Catholic faith each day.”

The Lifeteen band plays at the fund-raiser for the Mandeville family.

L to R – Jill Langston, Sarah Hendley, Jessica Jones, Adam Jones, Danny Thomas, Chris Kight conveys ideas for the group at the Christian Leadership Adam Tarantino, and Madison Webster. Institute. St Thomas More Parish Photos 36 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009, www.rcdok.org/ Take Yourself To The Edge; Be The Best For The World Special to the Western Kentucky Catholic MAPLE MOUNT,Ky. - On August 22, 2009 more than 100 persons gathered at the Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center to celebrate what was right with the world. This spiritual formation retreat was sponsored and facilitated by the Office of Youth Ministry, the Office of Formation and Lay Ministry and the Office of Faith Formation. Most of the participants were involved in catechesis in some form in various parishes throughout the diocese. The day was built around six key concepts. The first concept stated, “Believe it and you will see it.” For this, each person was asked to come up with a six word vision statement for themselves. These are a few samples: “Be the change that changes you.” “Trust, believe and God will proceed.” “Everything will work out with prayer.” “With God’s help, try my best.” All the images with this story were taken by workshop “Follow God’s word, Live His plan.” participants and are some of their celebrations about what “Believe in yourself, because God does.” (who) is right with the world. The next topic concentrated on realizing that our God

is a God of abundance. In order to help grow in this recognition, participants were given a gratitude journal and encouraged to write 5 things they were thankful for each day. Simple acknowledge- ment of God’s gifts will lead to a life centered on a God who loves to bless. “Look for possibilities” was the next concept. During this part of the day, everyone was sent out with digital cameras to look at the world in various perspectives. These pictures were then made into a slide show to close the day with in prayer. The slide show can be seen on the Faith Formation page on our web site. the depth of my refreshed heart!” All came to realize that there is more than one way to look at an appreciation. One person said, “To be honest, I had Another evaluation said, “The day was wonderful. object, a problem, a person, or an event. little expectation for the day. I came to fulfill an It gave me an opportunity to reflect and remember to be During the next two segments each was encouraged to call obligation and to enjoy whatever. This day was a more positive, open, and faithful. To believe as I live, on the Holy Spirit and use the energy of the Spirit as needed. The real treat as well as a needed retreat. It was just what and live as I believe” realization that unleashing the Spirit will constitute change, led I needed in so many ways. I am very grateful from into the next point, “Ride the changes.” Change is good. Change means we are alive. It is when we choose to remain the same that we become stagnant. The day wrapped up with two important points. First don’t Pilgrims of Hope Meetings be afraid to take yourself to the edge—stretch out of your comfort Pilgrims of Hope meet the 2nd Saturday of each month. zone. The final point - and perhaps the most important—“Be the Become a stateside missionary to Jamaica! Join us for prayer and study; best for the world.” Society pushes us to be the best in the world contribute your enthusiasm for assisting the missions of Jamaica. but Jesus calls us to be the best for the world. We put out our best When: October 10, 2009 in order to transform the world. Where: Parish School of Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville Many people were grateful for the day and expressed their Time: 1-3 pm. Mount Saint Joseph Picnic 2009 The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org/ 37

Taking time out from working in the Bottle Pitch booth staffed by OCHS students were, from left, senior Jessica Booth and her sister, sophomore Hannah Booth, as they celebrated Grandparents’ Day Sept 13 at the Mount Saint Joseph Picnic with their grandparents Wendell and Mary Bryan Booth. Bev Howard Photo

Catholic Charities Adoptions Providing help, creating hope. Catholic Charities of Owensboro provides assistance to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to couples who are seeking to adopt. For more information about domestic adoption, call Rita at 270-852-8328. For more information about international adoption, call Martha at 270-852-8366. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis pregnancy, call us to find out how we can help. 270-852-8328 that their parents did not stand by passively as 3,500 babies were 38 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org murdered daily. We want our children to grow up active in prolife What Would Happen If We Did Nothing to Defend Life? causes as well so there is no question for them when life begins By Tami Schneider and how to defend it.” The Reffitts use as a motto a quote from OWENSBORO,Ky. - “There are different kinds of Fr. Frank Pavone, “Wouldn’t it be great if we stopped worrying spiritual gifts but the same Spirit… Some people about what might happen if we do something ,and started worry- God has designated in the church to be, first, ing about what might happen if we do nothing.” apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.” (1 Cor. 12:3, 28) That is the beauty of our Church. God Two Ursuline Sisters return from has given each of us particular gifts and passions that drive us to do good for others, to lift up the New Mexico to minister Body of Christ. One such gift, the desire to defend human life Two Ursuline Sisters who have been ministering in New is manifested in the lives of Amanda and Nathan Mexico have returned to the Owensboro Diocese in active min- Refitt. Although Amanda had been active in Right istry. to Life in Middle and High School, they became Sister Mary Matthias Ward more active as a couple when they were expecting is the local community life co- their first child. “Being able to see the baby [in ordinator at the Ursuline Moth- the ultrasound] sucking his thumb and kicking his erhouse in Maple Mount. Her feet was an instant reaffirmation that our baby was previous service in the Owens- an individual that only needs love…to continue boro Diocese includes teach- to live. Although already prolife, we decided ing at St. Peter of Alcantara in then that we wanted to defend life and promote Stanley (1956-58), and serving the sanctity of life as a family by becoming more as principal at St. Romuald in active.” Hardinsburg (1958-63) and St. The Refitt’s were deeply impacted by the Paul in Leitchfield (1963-71). Priests for Life website and the example of many Amanda and Nathan Reffitt and their children, Sister Mary Matthias Ward She was the first director of the Pro Life activists such as Fr. Frank Pavone of Landon, Luke, and Kolbe . Submitted Photo Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center (1983-88), was major superior for the Ursuline Sisters (1988-96), and served as the administrator Priests for Life, Joe Schiedler, David Bereit of 40 Amanda and Nathan also see many right here in at St. Leo Parish in Murray and as campus minister at the Newman Days for Life, and Fr. John Corapi. Through these our own community as models and motivators in their Center there (1996-2003.) Since 2003, she’s operated the Sacred sources they learned that: 50 million babies have Pro-Life work. “We are surrounded by a wonderful Heart Retreat and Conference Center in Gallup, N.M., and served been aborted since Roe V Wade; every 24 seconds, community who is devoted to protecting human life.” as Delegate to the Bishop for Women Religious. a baby dies through abortion, and more babies Because of these excellent examples and through their are aborted in one year than Americans who died own desire and conviction to continue defending life, the Sister Cecelia Joseph in all the American wars combined. They could Reffitts are on the board at Right to Life of Owensboro Olinger is now serving in out- not stand by and watch. “After praying and while and the diocesan Gospel of Life Committee, participat- reach in the Benton area, a role being led by the Holy Spirit, we began to look at ing in activities such as the Walk for Life, the Right to Ursuline Sisters have filled ways to become more involved.” Life banquet, Life Chain ,and other events. They’ve gone since 1984. Her previous ser- to the EMW abortion clinic in Louisville to pray, and vice to the diocese includes plan on participating in 40 Days for Life this fall at the teaching at Precious Blood abortion mill in Louisville. As a result of participation School in Owensboro (1961- in this nationwide Catholic campaign, last year alone, 63), Immaculate Conception 3 abortion clinics closed, 18 abortion clinic employees School in Hawesville (1965- quit, and 432 babies were born rather than being mur- 66), St. Romuald School (1966-  dered by abortion. 73), and Christ the King School Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger Amanda has also recently become trained as a prac- in Madisonville (1984-86). She was a pastoral associate at St. titioner in the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. Jude Parish in Clinton from 1998-2003. Since 2003, she’s been a The Refitts are so passionate about this cause that pastoral associate for the Tewa Missions, a ministry serving three they hope respect for human life will continue to grow Native American churches in Espanola, N.M. throughout the diocese through education and conver- sion of heart. “Abortion is an intrinsic evil. We would love to see more education on prolife events, Theology of the Body, Natural Family Planning, and other pro- grams offered to teens and adults. We would personally like to see continued support of natural family methods  such as the Creighton Model, as well as the other NFP Live Music * Traditional Food * Great Beer * Games/Contests method, the Billings Method, offered in our diocese. We hope more people will be educated on the spiritual, mari- Friday, October 23 2009 * 6pm * Knights of Columbus Hall tal, and physical benefits of Natural Family Planning and 911 Searcy Way Bowling Green how the methods available now are scientifically proven to be more reliable than artificial birth control.” All proceeds go to the support of St. Joseph Church – Bowling Green Amanda and Nathan also want to instruct their own Dinner Ticket * $20 children by example. “We want our children to know Contact 842-2525 for tickets/more info Vocation The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 39 Mission, as a witness of divine love, becomes particularly effective when it is shared in a communitarian way, so that the world may believe. Women Religious Attentive to God’s Call Take one more Step in Their Vocations

Sister Christina Marie (center), formerly Chrissy Murphy took temporary vows with the Cistercian Sisters. Here she bears the cross during the Mass. Photo submitted by Patti (Murphy) Gutiérrez.

Melissa Bivins (right) became Sr. Mary Peter, of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus on July 1, 2009 in Kirkwood, MO. At this time, she received the habit and entered the novitiate following a postulancy year which began Sept. 8, 2008. Photo submitted by the Carmelite Sisters.

Receiving the holy habit and entering the P a s s i o n i s t novitiate on May, 29th at St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville, S h a n n o n Shoppe (left) said “yes” to the next step along her v o c a t i o n a l journey. At the time of her vestition, she took the name Sister Rose Marie of the Merciful Heart of Jesus. Photo Sister Monica kneels while Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader, calls s u b m i t t e d on Sister Monica to profess her final vows with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount by the St. Joseph on June 28th. (Sister Amelia Stenger, cantor for the Mass, is in the Passionists. background.) Photo submitted by Jennifer Kaminski. 40 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org Prayer For The Selection Of A Bishop put out a call, which I heard. I took it to be a call from God For The Diocese Of Owensboro through Fr. Frank. From July of 2003 to July of this year, I worked “Almighty God, giver of every good gift, You are our eternal shepherd and guide. serving the Hispanic community. In Your mercy, grant your Church in Western Kentucky Now there is a new Hispanic min- A shepherd who will walk in Your ways ister in my place, Jose Gallegos. And whose watchful care will bring us Your blessing. Of course, Fr. Frank retired in Send Your Spirit of Wisdom upon those 2008. Parish Life Coordinator B. Who are to select a new Bishop of Owensboro. J. Asher has taken over his non Give us a leader of vision and a teacher of Your truth. sacramental duties. He continues We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” as Sacramental Minister, and I know feels a strong affinity for the Hispanic immigrants. Over the years, he learned quite a bit of Spanish, though he never felt PRECIOUS BLOOD PARISH ADULT Thank you, Father Brian Roby comfortable speaking it. Still, he EDUCATION/FORMATION I am a member of Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish. communicated his love by his sup- I watched Fr. Brian grow as a young teenager as he port and encouragement. Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. attended Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish as well. After Precious Blood Parish Hall, high school, he went to the seminary to become a - Paul Witte is retired from his 3306 Fenmore Street, Owensboro, KY priest. I am thankful Father Roby followed the will service in St. Susan Parish, Elkton, Presenter: Father Larry Hostetter, President, of God and became a priest. and Sts.Mary and James Parish, Guthrie, and now lives in Phila- Brescia UIniversity My family and I went through some very dif- Topic: RESPECT LIFE ficult times about 10-12 years ago as we struggled delphia, PA. to defend our Roman Catholic Faith. Father Roby All are invited. No fee. was there to help us through it. Father Brian Roby worked very hard with Owensboro Catholic High School to bring about a solid religious education foundation. As the dean of OCHS, I know he Wisdom by Ginny Knight-Simon went through some difficult times trying to ensure respect was shown to all-students, faculty, and staff Charles and LaVerne Speaks alike. Blessed Mother Parish, Owensboro, KY Father Brian Roby lives his faith daily. What a (Charlie 2009 Sophia Award Winner) witness he is to us all. I want to personally thank him and may God continue to bless him and his Charlie Speaks has a wonder advocate. She is his wife, and her name is work. LaVerne. Recently, when I visited them in their beautiful home in Daviess Sincerely in Christ - Kathryn Crowe, Owens- County. LaVerne told me, “Charlie does everything.” With some prompting boro, Ky. from LaVerne, Charlie showed me some beautiful stained glass art panels he made. “I am proud of the stained glass windows I did for church, especially the one of the Holy Spirit,” Charlie said. He showed me several beautiful things he had created that were hanging Fr. Frank Ruff feels a strong affin- in their house. Many of the pieces had winning ribbons from shows that ity for the Hispanic immigrants Charlie had entered. As I talked with them both, I found that they have always been great By Paul Witte volunteers for both church and community. Charlie said, “I used to work at Fr. Frank Ruff is not a diocesan priest, but has all the picnics, and lector, but I don’t do that much now. I’ve been a money given much energy to the people of the Diocese of counter for years. I have been a member of Blessed Mother since the 1950’s, Owensboro as a missionary pastor in Scott, Logan, and I’ve always done as I was needed.” and Todd Counties. I only know a bit of the story, LaVerne also helps out at church where she is needed. She has been help- but it’s that part I wanted to share. ing serve the community for about 17 years as a volunteer for the Riverpark It is his commitment to the Hispanic im- Center, in Owensboro, Kentucky. “I still volunteer at the Riverpark. I really migrants that I wanted to highlight. In 2000, he enjoy it. I enjoy quilting too,” LaVerne said as she showed me some of the took over as pastor for two small parishes in Todd pretty squares she had on a table. County (St. Susan and Sts Mary and James). The Charlie retired from Texas Gas Transmission Company, and LaVerne presence of an increased number of Hispanic im- worked for Senator Delbert Murphy. They have been married 58 years and migrants was being felt because the majority of have four children, ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. They met in Laverne’s hometown of Dillsboro, In- them were Catholic. He enlisted the help of the diana. “The first time I saw him he had a beard and his boots were covered in mud. He was working for Texas Gas then. Glenmary Sisters who supplied an Hispanic lay We met through a mutual contact, and started dating. He was transferred to Louisiana, and we lived all over down there woman, Aida Moreno, for two years to work effec- for years, and then we came to Owensboro.” tively with the growing community. For about six “I’m very honored to received the Sophia Award. I had no idea it was coming to me,” Charlie said. months an Hispanic Glenmary seminarian worked When I asked them about the way to a good long marriage, Charlie said, “Acceptance of mistakes, endeavor to correct in the county. Fr. Frank recruited a Sister to serve them, and then go on to do the will of God.” the Hispanics. She stayed for ten months. Then he They both agreed that their children are the greatest gifts of their lives. Boulware Mission Alumni Association Formed The Western Kentucky Catholic,October 2009 www.rcdok.org 41 as well as for people who have gradu- more people involved who are in ated from other treatment programs. need of what the association has The purpose of this new program, to offer. Plans are to offer satellite Boulware Mission Alumni Association, meetings in all 7 Green River Area is to allow its members to gain support counties. while staying connected to the Mission. Achieving and maintaining so- Harold Richardson, CADC, Director of briety is extremely difficult, and is Treatment Services, stated, “Many of a life-long process. Fortunately, the our alumni want to give back and they Boulware Mission Alumni Associa- make the greatest impact on current tion helps create a support network clients.” so that many do not have to face it Held on Wednesday evenings at alone. Boulware’s Wing Avenue Campus, a Hall Street Campus, 731 Hall Street Are you receiving all the benefits that you’re eligible for? Owensboro, KY 42303 typical Alumni Association meeting gives every- Feelings of isolation, loneliness, one an opportunity to share their own experiences, Confused on where to turn for assistance? and uncertainty about life are frequent strength, and hope with the group, describing the companions of individuals who enter everyday challenges they face in recovery. Clients Benefits Check-Up Fair Boulware’s substance abuse treat- currently enrolled in a treatment program receive ment program. During treatment, advice and encouragement from former clients who Representatives from area agencies will be participants gradually become more have experienced these same challenges. available to answer your questions, as well comfortable with themselves, and A former client of Boulware’s treatment pro- as screen your eligibility for public benefits they construct new ways to manage gram revealed, “The alumni association has given their lives without the use of drugs and me an avenue to stay connected with other people eligibility including: Low Income Subsidy, alcohol. By the end of treatment, a typi- in recovery. That’s really important in recovery.” Medicaid, Medicare Part D, Medicare Sav- cal graduate will have some increased Another former client added, “It [BMI Alumni As- ings Program, Homestead Exemption, confidence that he or she can live clean sociation] keeps me in contact so that I continue to Kentucky Homecare Services and other and sober. do the things I need to do to stay sober.” programs for seniors and caregivers. However, treatment is just the Association members are reaching out to get beginning of recovery, and leaving the treatment facility brings with it new Thursday, October 22 challenges to maintain recovery in a world that has not changed. Work, 9:00 - Noon family, church, school, neighbors, Purchase Area Development District finances, personal conflicts, recreation 1002 Medical Drive, Mayfield, KY can all produce triggers to relapse. Just (270) 247-7171 as recovery must be a lifetime process, support for recovery must be available For eligibility purposes please bring for a lifetime. the following documents with you: A group of former Boulware resi- Medicare / Medicaid Card dents who have experienced the transi- List of Current Medications tion from Boulware back into the com- Proof of Income munity has worked with Boulware staff Estimation of monthly expenses to create and offer an important new Wing Avenue Campus, 609 Wing Avenue, List of assets including home, vehicle program for ex-residents of Boulware, Owensboro, KY 42303 and life insurance value Participating Agencies: Sponsored By: Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living 2009 Public Rosary Prayer Saturday, 10-10-09 Dept for Community Based Services Social Security Administration On The Grounds At Blessed Sacrament Chapel State Health Insurance Program Green River ADD Benefits Check-Up Blessed Sacrament Chapel is participating in an annual National Rosary Prayer Rally scheduled for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment Center, Benefits Checkup Saturday, October 10, 2009. This date is the Satur- GRADD Staff, Karen Laney will be available at GRADD Partner Events to day closest to October 13—the day God worked the assist with information about Medicare’s Extra Help and other benefits pro- miracle of the sun at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. The grams available. U.S. is currently suffering from the sins of abortion, • Oct. 3rd, St. Joe and Paul Block Party 8:30 to ? and immoral laws. • Oct. 8th, Roosevelt 2 Fall Festival 12:30 to ? All are invited to be a part of the 2009 Public • Oct.19th, Elizabeth Munday Center 11:30 to ? Rosary Prayer on the grounds at Blessed Sacrament • Oct. 21st, The Gathering Place (Henderson) 11:00 to ? Chapel, 602 Sycamore St. Owensboro, at 12:00pm • Oct.22nd, Whitesville Senior Center 11:30 to ? on Saturday, 10/10/09, as we ask God through the • Oct. 23rd, Dixon Senior Center 11:30 to ? Rosary of His Most Holy Mother to save America. • Oct. 26th, Providence Senior Center 11:30 to ? For further information, call Gloria Adams (270) • Oct. 28th, Island Senior Center 11:00 to ? 927-8228. • Oct. 30th, Sebree Senior Center 11:30 to ? • Oct. 31st, Owensboro Christian Church Harvest Day 8:00 to ? 42 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org Two Candidates Enter Into The Glenmary Sisters Special to The Western Kentucky Catholic there was. Something was missing. “What good must I do to have eternal “I worked for over 15 years as a land surveyor, life?” a rich young man asked Jesus. (Mat- over 10 with the Forest Service out west. A great thew 19:16) This question is one that is job, I loved it. But there was something missing, so asked by every individual throughout all I prayed. I went back to school to learn some occupa- of history. Every person seeks for happi- tion with which to work with the elderly and those at ness…all persons search for fulfillment the end of life. Each level of education and each job and attempt to discern what makes life it would potentially prepare me for was great. But worth living. something was missing. I enrolled in a PhD program We hear in the exchange between in North Carolina studying elderly populations at the Jesus and the young man—that while ob- macro level. But something was missing and I prayed. serving the commandments is necessary to From that program, I went to work for a non-profit “enter into life”—it is not sufficient. When as a community development specialist and helped the young man tells Jesus that he has kept rural communities secure safe drinking water and the commandments since his youth—Jesus sanitation in Indiana. I lived in a small town, was challenges him further…to leave behind active in a wonderful parish, and loved my job. But every obstacle and “come follow me.” something was missing. Fullness of happiness can only be found in “The scripture passage highlighted in Matthew such an encounter with Christ—the most and others passages began to tug at my heart. About 4 complete answer to the question that is years ago, my devotion to Mary increased after read- every human life. ing St. Louis De Montfort and my willingness to say Unfortunately—the rich young man yes. My first big yes was to the possibility of religious was not able to take that step. Even though life at a come and see weekend with the Sisters of he had been the object of the loving gaze Providence. A friend in Indiana had long known of of Jesus—he was unable to detach from the Glenmary Sisters and suggested that I might look the many goods that he possessed. into their mission. Immediately, I could see many Sister Sharon Miller, GHMS, right, prays with the candidates on their The Scriptures do tell of many stories overlapping areas of interest, even Fr. Bishop’s map- entrance day. Photos by Cathy Devins of people who willingly said “yes” to the ping of the home mission area which Justine Presley: radical call to discipleship…in spite of spoke to my land surveying and later “I was raised in Augusta, Georgia, and I have worked as doubts and feelings of unworthiness. We demographic work. My first phone a Medical Technologist in hospital laboratories for the last 17 are told that Andrew and Peter, James and call to the Glenmary Center and Sr. years. I am 46 years old, and I have always felt like I had a John left their nets…their families…their Sharon’s question asking “what can vocation. But like most people…I ran. As Jonah fled from God’s boats…and became Jesus’ disciples. we do to find out if God is calling you call to preach to Nineveh, I also ran from God’s call to me to Mary—in the heart of her uncertainty at to the Glenmary Sisters” touched my dedicate myself to His Service. hearing the message of Gabriel—trusted in heart. I came for a visit. The week “I went through my rebellious angry time when I was not the fulfillment of God’s promises and said: before I came, I received word that happy with the world let alone myself. Then one day I picked “Let it be done unto me as God says.” the grant I wrote for my position was up my Bible and the first passage I read was 1 Kings 19:11-13 This past August—two more people funded for 3 years. Sr. Sharon and I and this verse, “… after the fire there was a tiny whispering willingly said “yes” to Jesus. The Glen- talked and I didn’t anticipate or see sound.” I realized at that moment that God was not in the world mary Home Mission Sister—whose Moth- how I could do anything for at least but in the breath behind the world as I knew it. And I started er House is in Owensboro—welcomed into three years. But, in my heart I said listening for His whisper. initial formation Pam Hageman and Justine yes to the Glenmary Sisters if that was “And my feet were on the road to redemption and salvation. I have hit Presley. where God was leading me. A year and a half into many a pot hole and have lost my way a time or two, but always The Shepherd Pam the grant I just said yes. I asked my organization to was there for me. God had to frequently drop everything to come and direct Hageman: begin looking for my replacement because I wanted to me back to the right path. I am a loved sinner. “My name pursue religious life. Then I began formal application “Along the way I have met some remarkable people. And through my is Pam Hage- to the Glenmary Sisters. That was last January. sister, Sr. Darlene Presley, I came to know the Glenmary Home Mission man. I could “As a later vocation, there have been many Sisters. I have come to love these amazing Glenmarians over the years. And simply say, times when I have called upon the blessings of our it did not take long for me to hear what God was telling me in that whisper, I followed dear Mother to say yes, sometimes I hesitate. I have that I could have the faith to leave all and follow him.” our Blessed no doubt that yes is the right answer and I have been Mothers ex- blessed with many consolations to confirm that ‘yes’. The Glenmary Sisters were founded by William Howard Bishop in 1941 to be the ample and Geographically as well as spiritually, it seems the path presence of the Catholic Church in the rural areas of Southern United States where j u s t s a i d my life has followed was always leading me here. I there are less than 2% Catholics. They are called to live and work among the poor in YES. In part, continue to grow in my surrendering my life to God, the rural areas…to radically live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. At present, the Sisters that would be true, but it was not just one as we all do. I consider myself blessed with the op- have missions not only in Kentucky, but also in Missouri and Georgia. yes, nor was it a conversion as dramatic as portunity to completely give my life. I have not been We ask that—all who read this—hold these two women in prayer as they continue with St. Paul’s. tested as some saints in that my family and my friends their spiritual journey. “My journey to the Glenmary Sisters have supported my decision even with the inherent “Jesus…can truly guarantee a happy existence and eternal life, but by a route has been an amazing journey of provi- changes to those relationships. Those relationships different from what the rich young man imagines: that is, not through a good work, dence. I have always been happy doing have been the riches that have mattered most to me a legal tribute, but rather in the choice of the Kingdom of God as the ‘precious pearl’ and God has blessed me.” what I was doing but carried a nagging for which it is worth selling all that one possess.” (Benedict XVI) feeling of “I wasn’t quite there” wherever Family Vocation Day St. Ann Morganfield The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009 www.rcdok.org 43 several sisters from their order, including Sister Marie Caeli, who was also a favored talent show entertainer. She sang Christian rap music after explaining to the crowd how her love of rap music in her younger days was a bad influence on her, but then she turned that into good By Larena Lawson by singing more wholesome Christian MORGANFIELD,Ky. - On Saturday lyrics. The Little Sisters of the Poor from August 22, the feast of the Queenship of Evansville and the Carmelite Sisters of the the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Ann Parish Divine Heart of Jesus from Owensboro hosted a Family Vocation Day, entitled, also participated in the day by giving “Mary: Queen of Families.” The Family talks and sharing their gifts and talents. Enrichment Conference brought together The Family Vocation Day included families from around the diocese and members of whole families. At times proved to be a wonderful day of worship, they separated into small groups offering of the sharing of faith through inspirational inspirational, vocation talks for the talks and activities, and the unexpected young adults, spiritual conferences with enjoyment of a family social that featured a focus on motherhood, fatherhood and a talent show that showcased a number of family for the men and women, and very impressive performances. games and activities for the children. The Family Vocations Ministry brings Sister Marie Caeli sang Christian Rap music after explaining to the crowd how her love of rap music in her younger days was a bad influence on her, but then They also gathered together in the large together priests (diocesan and religious) she turned that into good by singing more wholesome Christian lyrics. group to celebrate the Holy Mass, for a and consecrated religious brothers and Family Holy Hour of Prayer for Life that sisters and even diocesan seminarians, included the Exposition of the Blessed who all work to sanctify the family Sacrament, Confessions, and the praying through Family Vocation Days held of the Rosary. The day included lunch, a all around the US and in Canada. They question and answer session, followed by participate in the New Evangelization a highly energized talent show. Vocational encouraged by the late Pope John Paul II, booths were also set up for viewing during by praying for an increase of vocations the breaks. Representatives from various during this age of substantial decreases in religious communities, the Diocese of vocations to the priesthood and religious Owensboro Office of Vocations, and the life. “The ministry also aspires to sow Family Vocations Ministry were available an increase of awareness regarding the to share interesting and informative importance of family life,” says the Family vocational materials. Religious goods Vocations’ website. “The objective of the were also available for sale. vocation days is two-fold: first, to pray, to St. Ann’s Family Vocation Day was familiarize, and to catechize the faithful a day packed full of activities that in the topic of religious vocations, i.e. surely brought a greater awareness and the priesthood and the consecrated life; appreciation of vocations to all those who secondly, to help families answer the attended. universal call to holiness. Family Vocation Ministries is dedicated to the Holy Family Brother Jewel Aytona and Rev. Br. Joseph Aytona wowed the crowd with their beat-boxing and breakdancing during the Talent Show. Larena Lawson photos. Family Vocations Ministries of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is under the Prays for and promotes vocations patronage of the Foster Father of Jesus, St. to the priesthood Joseph, and is consecrated to the Blessed and religious life Virgin Mary under the title of ‘Queen of by sanctifying family life. Families.’” The Family Vocation Day held at St. Ann Family Vocation Days can be brought together area priests and religious requested and planned through the that included Owensboro Diocesan Priests Family Vocations Ministry website at Father Gerald Baker, the host pastor and www.familyvocations.org. Their mailing master yodeler of the talent show, and address and phone number are Family Father Andy Garner, Diocesan Vocation Vocation Ministries, 7375 Day Creek Director. Several Owensboro Diocesan Blvd Ste 103-223, Rancho Cucamonga, Seminarians were also in attendance. CA 91739. Phone: (909) 717-7751. The Fathers of Mercy were represented Family Vocation Ministries is a non-profit by Father George McInnis and blood organization founded for the purpose of brothers, Brother Jewel Aytona and Rev. promoting and praying for an increase Br. Joseph Aytona, who wowed the crowd of vocations to the priesthood and the with their beat-boxing and breakdancing consecrated life by sanctifying family during the talent show. The Dominican The 300 guests participate in a question and answer session put on by a panel of life. Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville sent priests and religious during Family Vocation Day at St. Ann’s in Morganfield. 44 The Western Kentucky Catholic, October, 2009, http://www.rcdok.org/ Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center - 2009 Summer Camp Recap By Ben Warrell campers. Under these guidelines, we had of their actions? Wednesdays focused on lady is going to try very hard to be nice to • The summer started with the Eucharis- 240 spaces for summer camp that were Jesus: Our true hope. Where do we place her brothers and sisters. tic Life Camp for young adults 18+. The filled by 215 campers: a 90% occupancy our hope? What gives us hope? How was • We had our second young man apply group painted the newly redone cabins- rate. This was also an increase of 100 Christ our true hope? On Thursdays, we for priesthood for the Diocese. This gives walls and roofs. They also completed the campers from our first summer. talked about putting our hope in action. us two applicants in two summers. Fr. cover on the crucifix across from McRaith • The theme for the summer was 1 We’ve been here, we’ve learned, now Andy Garner is working on making the Lodge. They also helped work with a day Tim. 4:10: “We have set our hope on the what do we do with it? We challenged the camp an assignment for seminarians to camp in Bowling Green. living God.” On Mondays at camp, the campers to go make a difference. continue to foster vocations. • We followed with six weeks of sum- faith teaching was False Hope: what gets • The results have been exciting so far • From Campers’ evaluations: “This mer camp: Explorer Camp for 3rd and 4th in the way of our faith? How does Satan with more reported to us each week. One was the greatest week of my life.” “I can’t graders, 2 Expedition Camps for 5th and come after us? Are we living in the world group of young ladies is making rosaries believe how much fun I had.” “I wasn’t 6th graders, Quest Camp for 7th and 8th or of the world? Tuesday’s teaching focus and selling them with the profits going to sure about coming but by the end of the graders, and 2 Camp LIFEs for high school was models of hope: Mary and the Saints. the camp scholarship fund so other young week I didn’t want to leave.” “I now have aged youth. Who were some of these people? How did people “can have a great time learning an idea of what Heaven is like.” “The food • We considered a camp full at forty they live their lives? What was the result about God like we did.” Another group is is better than what my mom fixes.” “I grew going to raise money for the poor in Ow- so much in my faith.” “I never felt closer ensboro. One young man is going to try to to God.” “I wish it was next summer so I raise money for a sound system for camp. could come back already.” One is going to raise money for lumber To see pictures from these camp to build new bunk beds and Adirondack experiences, look online at http://www. chairs at camp. One group is going to gasperriverretreatcenter.org/calendar.html, make monthly visits to a retirement com- 2009 Summer Camp Pictures. munity to help spread hope. One young LETTERS: To WKC Readers Time I Need To Give To God? I’ll Do It Tomorrow Editor: Haven’t we all been guilty of saying that or thinking it silently in our thoughts? When it comes to procrastination, I think I rank high in that category of people who put things off, especially when it comes to time I need to give to God. What I want more than anything right now in my life is to have a deeper spiritual relationship with Jesus. I want to start a devotion to the Holy Spirit. I would love to go to daily mass. I’m in a position now to totally give more of my time to the Lord. But here is the kicker. I have been saying to myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” I have so many opportunities now in my life to give more of myself to God; instead, I procrastinate. I don’t have small children at home anymore. I don’t belong to any groups to pull me away at nighttime from prayer. I just now started a part time job and before that I had even more time for prayer of frequent mass. But, I catch myself saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow!” Don’t be fooled for one minute that the devil doesn’t have his hand in this. He has both hands in the pot, and he is quite proud of himself. When I think back on all the times I had good intentions and was going to devote my day for more prayer, I see all of these distractions that can surface. My gosh, when I think about how cunning he can be, it really gets me stirred up. It is a spiritual battle and I’m lagging way behind. I felt compelled to write about this topic because I felt that if there are readers who share these feelings of wanting to grow more spiritually, but get sidetracked, they ned not feel alone. Isolation is a devilish trick! We all need to put on our armor for battle. It is a spiritual battle, and it will be until the day we die. It is us against many fallen angels working harder to pull us away from our Lord. When I focus and think about it seriously in that tone, then I get really ticked, and I want to fight back against evil. I’m competitive by nature and would rather come out on top than be defeated. So now, I’m going to make this a challenge, I’m going to kick some devil butt and prayerfully have my victory with God Almighty, our Lord Jesus Christ! I am up for the challenge and I need your prayers, and I will pray for you as well. It’s not going to be easy, but I have all of you praying for me and God is on my side. Just remember, WKC readers, that we need to fight for our souls and for the souls of the whole world. Keep climbing no matter how many times we fall. - +JMJ+, Julie Murphy, Owensboro, Ky.