It’s All Good Parenthood calls us to love our children—no matter what, writes columnist Patti Lamb, page 12. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960

CriterionOnline.com December 1, 2017 Vol. LVIII, No. 9 75¢ Pope, bishops pray for victims of Egyptian A gift of the mosque attack heart and VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis led pilgrims in prayer for the victims of a bombing at a mosque in Egypt’s northern Sinai region. Addressing thousands of people gathered hands in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said he received news of the attack with “great sorrow.” “May God deliver us from these tragedies and sustain the efforts of all those who work for peace, harmony and coexistence,” the pope said after reciting Pope Francis the Angelus on the feast of Christ the King on Nov. 26. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), was among other Catholic leaders who condemned the attack, calling it a “monstrous terrorist attack on innocent people at prayer.” The Nov. 24 attack took place at the Al-Rawdah Mosque in Bir al-Abd. More than 300 people, including two dozen children, were killed when at least 40 attackers detonated a bomb, then gunned Seventh-grader John Meer can be seen at St. Louis School in Batesville with his tool kit, including a hammer or two, as he selflessly serves the down worshippers as they fled. More than school community taking care of repairs. (Photo by John Shaughnessy) 120 others were wounded in what is being described as the deadliest modern-day attack in Egypt’s history. Handy seventh-grader leaves his mark The Egyptian prosecutor’s office said it believed the attack was coordinated by Islamic State militants and was targeting on the lives of students and teachers Muslims who practice Sufism, an Islamic mysticism. By John Shaughnessy since, he’s been using his time before And consider this story about John. He Remembering the victims and the school and even during recess to secure had just finished making height‑appropriate wounded, Pope Francis called on Christians BATESVILLE—The more you learn bookcases, fix broken chairs, repair tables in the second-grade classroom of to pray for those who were “so severely about 13-year-old John Meer, the more picture frames and tighten wobbly desks teacher Jan Narwold when she rewarded affected” by the attack that occurred during you keep smiling. around the school. him with some candy. Yet on the way out prayers at the mosque. Consider this story about John, a “I was just thinking one day, while of the classroom, John gave the treat to “Those people, in that moment, prayed. seventh-grader whose ability to fix things I was eating my lunch, of all the things a second-grader who he had noticed was We, too, in silence, pray for them,” he said. with his hands may only be surpassed by the teachers had done for me through working hard. Following news of the bombing, the way he uses his heart to carve a special the years, and I just wanted to pay them “I think someone who is working hard Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary place in the lives of the students and back for it,” he explains. “I help my and paying attention to the teacher deserves of state, said the pope was “profoundly teachers at St. Louis School in Batesville. mom a lot in the kitchen, too, because it more,” John says about the gesture. grieved” by the loss of life and condemned A couple of years ago, a classmate she helps me with my homework. I the attack as a “wanton act of brutality had a wobbly desk, so John brought even made breakfast in bed for her on Gifts of the hands and the heart directed at innocent civilians gathered in in an Allen wrench to tighten it and a her birthday, but she didn’t eat it there The two stories show the two main prayer.” 5-foot-long level to check it. And ever because it would be too messy.” See MEER, page 2 See EGYPT, page 2 Respect rights of all groups, pope tells Myanmar’s leaders NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (CNS)—The plight of the ethnic Muslim minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine state was front and center in speeches by Pope Francis and Aung San Suu Kyi, but neither publicly used the word Rohingya. After private meetings on Nov. 28 with Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw and Suu Kyi, the state counselor and de facto head of government, the pope and Suu Kyi gave formal speeches to government officials and diplomats gathered at a convention center in Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital. Suu Kyi, leader of the process to bring democracy to Myanmar and winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, publicly acknowledged, “Of the many challenges that our government has been facing, the situation in Rakhine has most strongly captured the attention of the world. As we address long-standing issues—social, economic and political—that have Pope Francis greets children as he arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, on See MYANMAR, page 8 Nov. 27. The pope is making a six-day visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017

MEER Schedule of continued from page 1 Archbishop Charles C. Thompson points that guide John’s life—fixing ______things and helping others. December 1-15, 2017 As the sixth of nine children of Nancy and Clifford “Kip” Meer, John has been December 2 — 5:30 p.m. December 11 — 8:45 a.m. pitching in on the family farm near Mass with Installation of Pastor, Leadership Team Meeting, Batesville for as long as he can remember, St. Simon the Apostle Church, Indianapolis Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara and trying to follow in his father’s Catholic Center, Indianapolis footsteps for just as long. December 3 — 3 p.m. “He’s just inspired me over the years,” Mass for the African Community, December 12 — 10:30 a.m. St. Rita Church, Indianapolis Priests Personnel Board Meeting, John says about his dad. “I’ve been in the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara woodshop here and there. I’ve built things. December 4 — 8:45 a.m. Catholic Center, Indianapolis I made a lamp. I made a step stool that you Leadership Team Meeting, Archbishop can flip back and it’s a chair. I like doing Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center, December 12 — 6 p.m. electrical work, too. And I can swing a Indianapolis Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, hammer as well as I can swing an axe.” St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, December 5-6 Still, the gifts of his heart outshine the Indianapolis talents of his hands, say the people who Indiana Bishops’ Province Meeting and have watched him grow up at St. Louis Indiana Catholic Conference Meeting, December 13 — 9 a.m. School through the years. Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Mass with students and faculty at Center, Indianapolis Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, “John inspires me and everyone around Indianapolis him to serve others selflessly with the December 6 — 1 p.m. gifts that God has given us,” says Jenny Ascension Health Annual Sponsor December 13 — 11 a.m. Lents, a seventh-grade teacher who has Report Meeting, Archbishop Edward Deans Meeting, Archbishop Edward had her desk chair repaired by John. T. O’Meara Catholic Center, Indianapolis T. O’Meara Catholic Center, “He continually asks how he may be of Indianapolis help, and if he is given any treats for his December 7 — 10 a.m. service, he gives them away to another Catholic Center Staff Meeting, December 14 — 10 a.m. student.” Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Leadership Team Meeting, Archbishop “He has a heart of gold, and he knows Center, Indianapolis Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center, Seventh-grader John Meer works on repairing a his stuff,” says first-grade teacher Jessica desk at St. Louis School in Batesville. Indianapolis December 7 — 6 p.m. Laker, who had a wooden bookcase in (Submitted photo) Catholic Community Foundation December 14 — 11:30 a.m. her classroom repaired by John. “He Tree Lighting and Prayer Service, Catholic Center Employee Luncheon, always asks if there’s anything he can do. says, smiling. “It made me feel happy that Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara He even read a chapter of a book to my I’m a student at St. Louis, and they allow Center, Indianapolis Catholic Center, Indianapolis first‑graders the other day.” me to do what I like to do.” Jan Narwold notes that her What John does best, Moeller says, is December 8 — 3:30 p.m. December 14 — 5:30 p.m. (Central) second‑grade students “look up to John, serve as a role model—for children and Mass for the Solemnity of the Solemn Evening Prayer—Installation and try to be like him. John is living out adults. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed of the Most Rev. Joseph M. Siegel, the Catholic faith. He’s helping others.” “John has found a way to use his Virgin Mary, Marian University Chapel, Bishop of Evansville, St. Benedict John’s contributions of hands and passion and skill to give back to the Indianapolis Cathedral, Evansville heart recently led to another memorable teachers and school that he loves,” the moment at St. Louis School. principal says. “He’s giving back the best December 8 — 5 p.m. December 15 — 2 p.m. (Central) way he can.” Ribbon-cutting and blessing of Mass of Installation—Installation of the ‘He’s giving back the best way he can’ On this morning during recess, John Paul J. Norman Center, Most Rev. Joseph M. Siegel, Bishop of A few weeks ago, a representative of carries the tool kit with him as he walks Marian University, Indianapolis Evansville, St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville a catalog company came to the school into the first‑grade classroom where he December 10 — 11 a.m. with some sample products to show is scheduled to give a presentation on the Mass with Installation of Pastor, December 15 — 5 p.m. the principal, Chad Moeller. One of the careful use of tools the next day. When Our Lady of the Springs Church, Little Sisters of the Poor Fundraiser items immediately caught Moeller’s they see him, the first-graders smile at French Lick Dinner, The Willows, Indianapolis attention—a ratchet tool kit. him and approach him easily. (Schedule subject to change.) Knowing that John often borrows tools “As you can see, I have a lot of student from him or maintenance director Wade friends,” John says. Ryle, Moeller thought the tool kit would Moments later, he’s stopping in the In Washington on the day of the attack, be a nice gift for John for all he has done second-grade classroom of Narwold. EGYPT Cardinal DiNardo said: “Terrorist acts can at the school. The principal also arranged After a few moments there, he starts continued from page 1 never be justified in the name of God or a presentation during which some of the to head toward the door and back to any political ideology, and the fact this teachers gave the tool kit to John. his seventh‑grade classroom. Pausing Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin attack took place at a mosque, a place of It’s the one reward that John has kept for a moment, he turns to Narwold wrote, “joins all people of good will worship, is especially offensive to God. for himself. and smiles as he says, “Anything you in imploring that hearts hardened by “The Catholic Church in the United “I thought the teachers at St. Louis need fixed today, my door is always hatred will learn to renounce the way States mourns with the people of Egypt must like me a lot to give me this,” John open.” † of violence that leads to such great at this time of tragedy, and assures them suffering, and embrace the way of of our prayerful solidarity,” Cardinal peace.” DiNardo said in a statement. † Readers are invited to share favorite Christmas memories Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for December The Criterion invites readers to Submissions should include the submit a brief story about a special writer’s name, address, parish and • The Elderly—That the elderly, sustained by families holiday memory for possible inclusion telephone number. and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and in our annual Christmas issue, which Send your story to The Criterion, experience to spreading the faith and forming the new will be published on Dec. 22. 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, generations. Your favorite Christmas story may be IN 46206 or by e-mail to editor Mike written about a humorous or serious topic Krokos at [email protected] by related to your faith, family or friends. the Dec. 12 deadline. † (To see Pope Francis’ monthly intentions, go www.apostleshipofprayer.org/2017-intentions.)

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Collection assisting retired religious offers a way to say thanks By John Shaughnessy as part of a special collection for the include the Benedictines, Conventual every dollar raised benefits the retired Retirement Fund for Religious. Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits and religious. Father Gerald Kirkhoff has always “The contributions the retired Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). In June, the National Religious been impressed by the many ways that religious have made to the archdiocese Some minister as parish pastors while Retirement Office distributed $25 million priests, brothers and sisters of religious are enormous,” says Father Kirkhoff, others serve in schools, hospitals and to 390 religious communities across the orders have helped the archdiocesan vicar for advocacy colleges. country, according to a press release from shape the faith and for priests. “We can’t count all they’ve “Many of us or our siblings or our the organization. Communities use the lives of so many done. When I talk to folks about this parents grew up with religious firsthand,” funds to increase retirement savings and people through the collection, this isn’t an act of charity, Father Kirkhoff says. “All of us owe subsidize expenses, including prescription years. it’s an act of justice. They weren’t paid something to our elders and the people medications and nursing care. He’s also much. It’s so evident the debt we owe who went before us. “We are humbled and profoundly appreciated the them.” “It’s good for us Christians to grateful for the love and support way that Catholics Father Kirkhoff mentions the orders realize what other people do for us, of Catholics across the nation,” throughout the of religious sisters—Benedictines, and for us to acknowledge it. It puts said Presentation Sister Stephanie Church in central Franciscans and Sisters of Providence— our lives in proportion to the Lord. We Still, the executive director of the Fr. Gerald Kirkhoff and southern Indiana who founded communities in the receive from him, and we pass it on. National Religious Retirement Office. have always been archdiocese and taught in parochial People in the archdiocese have been “I visit many religious communities generous to the priests, brothers and schools. extremely generous in this second and see the good works that members sisters of religious orders who are now He also thinks of the Little Sisters of collection.” young and old provide. Generosity to the retired after years of serving people for the Poor, the Missionaries of Charity and Last year, Catholics from the annual collection ensures our office can little pay. the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual archdiocese contributed $257,604.46 furnish support to help these communities Those two forces of generosity will Adoration who reach out and care for the to the collection, according to the care for older members while continuing connect again during the weekend sick, the elderly and the vulnerable in the National Religious Retirement Office. their ministries and witness.” Masses of Dec. 9-10 as Catholics in the archdiocese. Nationally, the 2016 collection raised archdiocese will have the opportunity to Then there are the priests and almost $30.7 million. The organization (For more on the Retirement Fund for “give to those who have given a lifetime” brothers from religious orders that also states that about 94 cents of Religious, go to retiredreligious.org.) † Pope Francis urges bishops to exercise authority as judges in annulments VATICAN CITY (CNS)—A diocesan those who are wounded in various ways by said, that principle has been interpreted The changes, the pope wrote in 2015, bishop is the sole judge in the streamlined life and, at the same time, it is an appeal for in such a way that the bishop no longer were motivated by “concern for the salvation process for handling marriage annulments, the defense of the sacredness of the marriage personally exercises that power and delegates of souls,” and particularly “charity and Pope Francis said. bond,” he said. “almost everything to the tribunals.” mercy” toward those who feel alienated The simplified process “is not an option Pope Francis used the occasion to clarify Given the unique nature of the abbreviated from the Church because of their marriage that the diocesan bishop can choose, but and strongly emphasize how a bishop process in determining the nullity of situations and the perceived complexity of rather an obligation that derives from his should not delegate completely the duty of marriages, the pope set out a number of the Church’s annulment process. consecration and from the mission received,” deciding marriage cases to the offices of his points that he deemed to be “decisive and making the bishop the sole and exclusive curia, especially in the streamlined process exclusive in the personal exercise of the role (For more information about the authority in charge throughout the three for handling cases of clear nullity that of judge by the diocesan bishop.” annulment process, including the phases of the briefer process, the pope said. were established with new norms that took The abbreviated process was to simplify abbreviated process, visit archindy. This process, known as the “abbreviated” effect at the end of 2015. The norms were and speed up the processes necessary org/tribunal, send an e-mail to Ann or “briefer” process, applies only to cases outlined in two papal documents, “Mitis to determine and declare the truth about Tully, coordinator of the archdiocesan that meet certain specific conditions. Iudex Dominus Iesus” (“The Lord Jesus, the nullity of a marriage, in other words, metropolitan tribunal at atully@archindy. The pope made his remarks during an the Gentle Judge”) for the Latin Church and declaring that it never existed as a valid org, or call 800-382-9836, ext. 1460 or audience on Nov. 25 with canon lawyers, “Mitis et misericors Iesus,” (“The Meek and sacrament. 317-236-1460.) † priests and pastoral workers attending a Merciful Jesus”) for the Eastern Catholic course sponsored by the Roman Rota, a Churches. Vatican tribunal that mainly deals with Pointing out the clear role of the diocesan marriage annulment cases. bishop as sole judge in the briefer process The pope encouraged them to be close to was meant to help apply the new laws and those who are suffering and who expect help increasingly recover an appropriate practice “to restore peace to their consciences and of synodality, he said. God’s will on readmission to the Eucharist.” The diocesan bishop has always been The new process “is an expression of the charged with exercising judicial power Church that is able to welcome and care for personally or through others, but, the pope

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Opinion

Be Our Guest/Greg Erlandson Mass murder and

Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher our culture of death Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus On Nov. 14, Kevin Janson Neal paced U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, about a remote elementary school in the also issued a forceful appeal: “We must small northern California community of come to the firm determination that there Rancho Tehama Reserve, apparently looking is a fundamental problem in our society. for children to shoot during a killing spree A culture of life cannot tolerate, and must Editorial that left five dead and prevent, senseless gun violence in all its at least 10 wounded forms.” in seven different A report by The New York Times that locations. compared the United States with other Thanks to the quick countries in terms of mass shootings actions of a school came to the conclusion that “the only secretary, the shooter variable that can explain the high rate was unable to enter the of mass shootings in the America is its classrooms and was left astronomical number of guns.” firing a semi‑automatic Americans make up 4.4 percent of the rifle through windows and walls, seriously world’s population, but the Times said we injuring one child. own 42 percent of the world’s guns. Only When the news broke during the bishops’ Yemen has a higher rate of shootings, fall assembly in Baltimore that same day, and it has the second-highest rate of gun Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Calif., ownership. took the microphone to ask his brother America also leads in gun suicides: bishops to pray the Hail Mary for those 21,175 suicides by gun in 2013, almost victims of the shooting in his diocese. twice as many deaths as by homicide. As That the shooting did not engender an addiction counselor recently told me, People take photos on tablets and phones as Pope Francis arrives to open the annual convention of the Diocese of Rome in Paul VI hall at the Vatican June 16, 2014. The pope, further discussion at the bishops’ assembly, the availability of a gun makes the suicide at his Nov. 8 general audience, said it’s “an awful thing” for people to take cellphone nor a great deal of coverage in the media, impulse more likely to be successful, photos at Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) may be a sign of how desensitized we are especially for men. all becoming to the terror of mass gun The recent statements by U.S. Church violence. Five years after the Newtown, leaders, like the handwringing expressions Conn., massacre of 20 children, even the of sympathy by politicians whenever a new Mass is not a show, but targeting of a school no longer surprises. massacre happens, does not necessarily The bishops did release a statement lead to legislative change, however. a beautiful, transformative on Nov. 7 in the wake of recent mass After the Las Vegas slaughter, in shootings in Las Vegas, where 59 died which the killer used a device called a and at least 440 were injured, and at bump stock to turn his rifle into a weapon encounter with Jesus the First Baptist Church of Sutherland capable of firing up to 100 rounds in Pope Francis has taken notice of how and I see so many cellphones in the air,” Springs, Texas, where 27 died and 20 were seven seconds, even pro-gun politicians some of us Catholic Christians behave the pope said. “And not just by the lay wounded. said they should be restricted. Six weeks during Mass. faithful, some priests and bishops, too.” In that statement, Bishop Frank later, no action has been taken and one And if his recent comments are any But our Holy Father also reminds J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., chairman of manufacturer of the device has resumed indication, we would do well to slow us, the Mass, as a “memorial,” is more the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic sales. down, center ourselves in those times than just remembering an event from Justice and Human Development, urged “a Regardless of the political paralysis, and always remember that taking part the past. It makes that event present real debate about needed measures to save however, the Church reminds us that in a liturgy and receiving the Eucharist and alive in a way that transforms lives and make our communities safer.” choosing a culture of life not only means are, as the bishops at the Second those who participate in it. If we’re Bishop Dewane said the U.S. bishops addressing abortion and physician-assisted Vatican Council taught, “the source and being honest with ourselves, not even a continued to urge a “total ban on assault suicide, but also the proliferation of summit of the Christian life.” photograph can duplicate that. weapons,” as well as universal background weapons that contribute so terribly to the In his recent Wednesday general Our faith teaches us that the checks, limitations on high‑capacity suicide, homicide and mass shooting rates. audience talks at the Vatican on the liturgy, Eucharist is the focal point of God’s magazines and “improved access to mental Pope Francis has reflected on what the saving act, Jesus making himself health care for those who may be prone to (Greg Erlandson is director and Mass really is and why it is so important. present in the bread, “broken for us, violence.” editor in-chief of Catholic News Service. But in the process, he has also let pouring out all of his mercy and love on Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of He can be reached at gerlandson@ our family of faith know in no uncertain us like he did on the cross, in that way, Galveston-Houston, the president of the catholicnews.com.) † terms that some of us fail to focus our renewing our hearts, our lives and the hearts on God during this time. way we relate to him and our brothers “This is Mass: to enter into Jesus’ and sisters,” the pope said. passion, death, resurrection and “Every celebration of the Eucharist is ascension,” the pope said on Nov. 22 a beam of that sun that never sets, which Letter to the Editor during his weekly general audience. is the risen Jesus Christ,” he added. “To “When we go to Mass, it is as if we take part in Mass, especially on Sundays, Recent column about change, including were going to Calvary; it’s the same.” means entering into the victory of the God’s role, catches reader’s attention If we realize that Jesus is truly present resurrection, being illuminated by his in the Eucharist and is letting himself be light, warmed by his heat. “Mass,” he I was following along with bad—in response to change. broken, and his love and mercy poured continued, is “the triumph of Jesus.” Cynthia Dewes’ Nov. 10 “Cornucopia” At the end of her column, she out for everyone, “would we allow And in that triumph, as Jesus goes column in The Criterion concerning abruptly changed direction and said, ourselves to chitchat, take pictures, to be from death to eternal life during the “change.” “Luckily, God loves us and God never on show? No,” the pope said. liturgical celebration, he also seeks to She shared how although people do changes.” “For sure, we would be silent, in “carry us with him” toward eternal life, not like change, fear change, and avoid That really got my attention! mourning and also in joy for being Pope Francis said. change, it is, nonetheless, inevitable. saved,” he added. As Catholic Christians, we She continued on, saying that people Sonny Shanks The Mass is not a show, but a understand that eternal life is what we often make decisions—some good, some Corydon beautiful, transformative encounter with yearn for as we live out our call as the true loving presence of Jesus Christ, missionary disciples. Pope Francis said during an audience on But if we are truly to grow closer Nov. 8. to God, as the pope noted, then we Massgoers with smartphones should must understand the true value and Letters Policy keep them stowed away so as not to significance of the liturgy, and not get interfere with the sacredness of the distracted by earthly things. Letters from readers are published in letters from readers as necessary based on liturgy, the Holy Father said. The Holy Father reminded us of this The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s space limitations, pastoral sensitivity and When the priest celebrating Mass when he said in his Nov. 15 audience commitment to “the responsible exchange of content (including spelling and grammar). In says, “Let us lift up our hearts,” he is that taking part in any Eucharist, but freely-held and expressed opinion among order to encourage opinions from a variety not saying, “Lift up our cellphones and especially on Sundays, is “prayer the People of God” (Communio et of readers, frequent writers will ordinarily take a picture. No. It’s an awful thing” par excellance, the highest, the most Progressio, 116). be limited to one letter every three months. Concise letters (usually less than 300 words) to do, the pope added. sublime and, at the same time, most Letters from readers are welcome and every effort will be made to include letters are more likely to be printed. Unfortunately, in our world of instant ‘concrete.’ from as many people and representing as Letters must be signed, but, for serious access to state-of-the-art technology, “In fact, it’s the encounter of love many viewpoints as possible. Letters should reasons, names may be withheld. photographs are becoming a norm with with God through his Word and the be informed, relevant, well-expressed and Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” nearly every life experience for some Body and Blood of Jesus. It’s an temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, people—the liturgy included. encounter with the Lord.” sense of courtesy and respect. Indianap­olis, IN 46202-2367. Readers “It makes me so sad when I celebrate The editors reserve the right to select with access to e-mail may send letters to [Mass] in the square or in the basilica —Mike Krokos the letters that will be published and to edit [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ This weekend, we celebrate the Our longing for God’s return is a is a person, Jesus Christ himself, who hope for at this time of year (and First Sunday of Advent. It’s hard to dominant theme in Advent, but it begs comes to us in many diverse ways and always). It reminds us that all the joys believe, isn’t it? Another Church year the question a bit. Is it God who is invites us to be united with him. of Christmas, and of the Lord’s second is ending, and so we begin again our absent? Or have we wandered away The Gospel for the First Sunday coming, can truly be ours—if we learn observance of the year of grace, the from God, choosing to follow our of Advent urges us to “Be watchful! to wait for them prayerfully. liturgical seasons that define our worship own paths? “We have all withered like Be alert!” because we do not know Each time we celebrate Mass, we and our practice of the Christian faith. leaves, and our guilt carries us away when the Lord will come to us acknowledge that we are waiting for Advent is a particularly colorful like the wind” (Is 64:5), the prophet (Mk 13:33). the Blessed Hope, Jesus, to come again. liturgical season. It is full of rich Isaiah reminds us. We can say with the absolute This waiting is easier said than done. symbolism and references to vivid Even the responsorial psalm calls on certainty of faith that the Lord will It requires patience, trust and a firm characters of the Old Testament, God to manifest himself: “O shepherd come to us. And we can even say that belief that God will hear and answer including the prophet Isaiah and the of Israel, hearken from your throne upon he is coming now in our daily prayer, our prayers. We hope that the Lord herald John the Baptist, who bridges the cherubim, shine forth, rouse your our gathering in his name, our reception will give us everything we desire and both the Old and the New Testaments. power, and come to save us” so that we of the Eucharist, and our service to our need, and that his coming again—this Of course, in the Northern Hemisphere, “will no more withdraw from you; give brothers and sisters in need. But it’s Eucharist, at Christmas and at the end Advent coincides with autumn—nature’s us new life, and we will call upon your also true that we have no idea when our of time—will be a source of everlasting final burst of color before the barrenness name” (Ps 80:2-3,19). Lord will appear among us in particular joy. of winter—and it prepares our hearts for The truth is that we have turned unexpected ways or at the end of time. Advent is the Church’s way of the warmth and beauty of Christmas. away from God, and our guilt has All we can do is “Watch!” and wait for helping us keep our eyes open. It’s The Scripture readings for the carried us away like the wind. Now his coming. also a season filled with reminders that First Sunday of Advent this year call we need the help of God’s grace to see We begin the Church year with the Lord is coming “whether in the attention to the importance of active what is right in front of us—the loving a season of waiting, a time of evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or attentive waiting. Isaiah speaks mercy of God who has never left us and expectation and longing. Advent or in the morning” (Mk 13:33-37). of the Jewish people’s longing for who welcomes us home to his loving prepares us to celebrate Christmas May he not come suddenly and find the Lord’s return. “Why do you let arms. without falling into the trap of us asleep at the wheel. May we use this us wander, O Lord, from your ways, Advent is a season of grace, a superficial or unrealistic expectations. holy season to help us remember the and harden our hearts so that we fear time of year when we “wait for the It teaches us that the greatest gift of mystery that God-is-with-us at the very you not? Return for the sake of your revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” Christmas is the Lord himself. Advent same time that God is yet-to-come! servants, the tribes of your heritage” (1 Cor 1:7). This “revelation” is not shows us that a personal encounter Best wishes for a blessed Advent (Is 63:16b-17, 19b). something esoteric or complicated. It with Jesus Christ is what we truly season! †

Esperamos la revelación de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo

Este fin de semana celebramos Adviento, pero plantea la interrogante: complicado; se trata de una persona, el encuentro personal con Jesucristo. el primer Domingo de Adviento. ¿Es Dios el que está ausente? ¿O acaso propio Jesucristo, que llega a nosotros Nos recuerda que realmente podremos Parece mentira, ¿verdad? Culmina somos nosotros los que nos hemos de muchas formas distintas y nos invita disfrutar de todas las alegrías de la otro año eclesiástico y comenzamos alejado de Dios, siguiendo nuestros a unirnos a Él. Navidad y de la segunda venida del nuevamente a observar el año de gracia, propios caminos? “Nos hemos El evangelio del Primer Domingo Señor si aprendemos a esperarlas con la temporada litúrgica que define marchitado como el follaje y nuestras de Adviento nos presenta la siguiente recogimiento. nuestro culto y nuestro ejercicio de la fe culpas nos arrastran como el viento” exhortación: “Tengan cuidado y estén Cada vez que celebramos la cristiana. (Is 64:5), nos recuerda el profeta prevenidos porque no saben cuándo misa reconocemos que esperamos El Adviento es una temporada Isaías. llegará el momento” (Mc 13:33). que vuelva “la bendita esperanza,” litúrgica especialmente vívida. Es Incluso el salmo responsorial Podemos decir con la certeza Jesús. Esta espera no es tan fácil rica en simbolismo y referencias a es un ruego para que Dios se absoluta de la fe que el Señor vendrá como parece. Requiere paciencia, personajes muy reales del Antiguo manifieste: “Escucha, Pastor de a nosotros. Incluso podemos decir confianza y la creencia firme de que Testamento, entre ellos, el profeta Isaías Israel, tú que guías a José como a que viene a nosotros ahora, en la Dios escuchará y responderá nuestras y el heraldo, Juan el Bautista, el enlace un rebaño; tú que tienes el trono oración diaria, cuando nos reunimos súplicas. Esperamos que el Señor nos entre el Antiguo y el Nuevo Testamento. sobre los querubines, resplandece en Su nombre, cuando recibimos conceda todo aquello que deseamos y Por supuesto, en el hemisferio norte entre Efraím, Benjamín y Manasés; la Eucaristía y cuando servimos a necesitamos, y que su venida—tanto en el Adviento coincide con la estación reafirma tu poder y ven a salvarnos” nuestros hermanos necesitados. Pero la Eucaristía, en la Navidad como en el otoñal, el último despliegue de colores para que “nunca nos apartaremos de también es cierto que no tenemos idea día final—sea nuestra máxima fuente de la naturaleza antes de sumirnos en la ti: devuélvenos la vida e invocaremos de cuándo aparecerá el Señor entre de alegría. aridez del invierno, época que prepara tu Nombre” (Sal 80:2-3,19). nosotros en formas especialmente El Adviento es la forma mediante nuestros corazones para la calidez y la La verdad es que nos hemos imprevistas o al final de los tiempos. la cual la Iglesia nos ayuda a belleza de la Navidad. alejado de Dios y la culpabilidad Lo único que podemos hacer es estar mantener los ojos abiertos. Asimismo, Las lecturas de la Palabra para el nos ha arrastrado como el viento. atentos a su venida. es una época cargada de recordatorios Primer Domingo de Adviento de este Ahora necesitamos la gracia de Dios Comenzamos el año eclesiástico de que el Señor viene, no sabemos año destacan la importancia de la para poder ver lo que está delante de con una temporada de espera, un “si al atardecer, a medianoche, al espera activa o vigilante. Isaías habla nuestros ojos: la devota misericordia de momento de expectativas y de canto del gallo o por la mañana” acerca del anhelo del pueblo judío de Dios que jamás nos ha abandonado y añoranza. El Adviento nos prepara (Mc 13:35). que el Señor regrese. “¿Por qué, Señor, que nos abre los brazos para darnos la para celebrar la Navidad sin caer Que no venga repentinamente y nos desvías de tus caminos y endureces bienvenida al hogar. en la trampa de las expectativas nos pille dormidos. Aprovechemos nuestros corazones para que dejen Adviento es una temporada de superficiales o poco realistas. Nos esta temporada santa para recordar el de temerte? ¡Vuelve, por amor a tus gracia, la época del año en la que a enseña que el obsequio más grande misterio de que Dios está con nosotros servidores y a las tribus de tu herencia!” aquellos que “esperan la Revelación de de la Navidad es el Señor mismo. al mismo tiempo que está por venir. (Is 63:17). nuestro Señor Jesucristo, no les falta El Adviento nos enseña que lo que ¡Mis mejores deseos para ustedes y Nuestro anhelo de que Dios regrese ningún don de la gracia” (1Cor 1:7). verdaderamente ansiamos en esta que tengan una bienaventurada época es el tema principal de la época de Esta “revelación” no es algo esotérico o época del año (y siempre) es un de Adviento! † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

December 5 Lives Forever program. continental breakfast and box Christmas Fun at the [email protected]. daily, 8:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., McCauley Centre, Information: 317-687-8260. lunch, registration required at Woods, sleigh rides, crafts, Online registration available 7:30 a.m. Mass in Ordinary 702 North Shore Dr., www.archindy.org/ cookie decorating, face on the Black Catholic Form and 5:45 p.m. in Jeffersonville. Professional December 6 ccf/ProfDevelopment. painting, wagon rides, visit Ministry of Indianapolis Extraordinary Form, Advisors Professional Archbishop Edward Information: 317-236-1482, Santa, sing-a-long and more, Facebook page. confessions at 7 a.m. and Development Seminar, T. O’Meara Catholic Center, [email protected]. 1-4 p.m., $5 per person, 5:15 p.m. (optional). for attorneys, accountants, 1400 N. Meridian St., children age 3 and under December 10 Information: 317-636-4478 or financial advisors and life Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, December 7 free, no registration required. St. Thomas Aquinas Church, [email protected]. insurance representatives, Catholic, educational, Archbishop Edward Information: 812-535-2931, 4625 N. Kenwood Ave., addressing Catholic charitable and social singles, T. O’Meara Catholic Center, [email protected] or www. Indianapolis. Mass in French, December 12 Community Foundation, 50 and over, single, separated, Assembly Hall, spsmw.org/providence-center/ 12:30 p.m. Information: 317- St. Paul Hermitage, Ethics in Charitable Estate widowed or divorced. New 1400 N. Meridian St., events. 627-7729 or acfadi2014@ 501 N. 17th Ave., Beech Planning, Gift Planning with members welcome. 6 p.m. Indianapolis. An Evening gmail.com. Grove. Ave Maria Guild, Retirement Plans, 8:30 a.m.- Information: 317-243-0777. of Lights: Archdiocesan Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Christmas Party and Pitch-In, 12:30 p.m., free, includes Christmas Tree Lighting House, 5353 E. 56th St., St. Therese of the Infant Jesus noon. Information: 317-223- continental breakfast and box Archbishop Edward T. and Prayer Service, led Indianapolis. Black Catholic (Little Flower) Church, 3687, [email protected]. lunch, registration required at O’Meara Catholic Center, by Archbishop Charles Women’s Advent Day 4720 E. 13th St., Indianapolis. www.archindy.org/ 1400 N. Meridian St., C. Thompson, Scripture, of Retreat, sponsored by Class of ’63 monthly Church of the Immaculate ccf/ProfDevelopment. Indianapolis. Professional reflection, music by Vox archdiocesan Black Catholic gathering, 6 p.m. Mass, Conception, 1 Sisters of Information: 317-236-1482, Advisors Professional Sacra, no charge, 6 p.m., Ministry, Dr. Kathleen optional dinner afterward. Providence, Saint Mary-of- [email protected]. Development Seminar, refreshments to follow. Dorsey Bellow and Information: 317-408-6396. the-Woods. St. Mary-of- for attorneys, accountants, Information: 317-236-1482, Divine Word Missionaries the-Woods. Monthly Taizé Mission 27 Resale, financial advisors and life [email protected]. Father Charles A. Smith December 11-14 Prayer Service, theme 132 Leota St., Indianapolis. insurance representatives, presenting, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Our Lady of the Most Holy “Praying for Peace in the Senior Discount Day, every addressing Catholic December 9 with Mass following, Rosary Parish, 520 Stevens St., World and in Our Hearts,” Tuesday, seniors get 30 percent Community Foundation, Sisters of Providence $25 includes lunch. Indianapolis. The Four Last 7-8 p.m., silent and spoken off clothing, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Ethics in Charitable Estate Motherhouse Grounds, Registration encouraged Things: Death, Judgment, prayers, simple music, ministry supports Indianapolis Planning, Gift Planning with 1 Sisters of Providence, by contacting Pearlette Heaven, Hell, parish mission silence. Information: St. Vincent de Paul Society Retirement Plans, 8:30 a.m.- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Springer, 317-236-1474, presented by Father Paul 812-535-2952, provctr@ Food Pantry and Changing 12:30 p.m., free, includes St. Mary-of-the-Woods. 800-382-9836, ext. 1474 or Landerwerlen, talks twice spsmw.org. †

For a complete list of retreats as reported to VIPs The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/retreats. Retreats and Programs Joseph B. and Mary Ann (Kelly) Klein, members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in December 15-17 Woods. Series: Women, Wine 1 Sisters of Providence, Indianapolis, will celebrate their 50th wedding Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Song!, three Tuesdays, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, anniversary on Dec. 1. Guest House and Retreat Providence Sisters Jan Craven St. Mary-of-the-Woods. The couple was married at St. Therese of Center, 200 Hill Dr., and Paula Damiano, prayer, Poetry as Spiritual Practice: the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) Church in St. Meinrad. Sing Ye Noël, story-telling, music and wine, Reading, Praying and Indianapolis on Dec. 1, 1967. Benedictine Father Noël 7-8:30 p.m., $10 per session, Writing, Providence Sister They have three children: Carrie Fazio, Mueller , $255 single, $425 $25 for three. Registration Mary Montgomery presenting, Kristopher and Matthew Klein. double. Information: 812- deadline: Jan 12. Information read, write and share poetry The couple also has three grandchildren. 357-6585 or mzoeller@ and registration: 812-535- as prayer and life experience, The couple will celebrate with a family dinner. † saintmeinrad.edu. 2952, [email protected] or 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $45 www.spsmw.org/providence- includes lunch. Registration January 16 center/events. deadline: Jan. 15. Information Providence Spirituality & and registration: 812-535- Mark and Mary Jane (Hahn) Felts, Conference Center, 1 Sisters January 20 2952, [email protected] or members of Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, of Providence, Saint Mary-of- Providence Spirituality & www.spsmw.org/providence- will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary the-Woods, St. Mary-of-the- Conference Center, center/events. † on Dec. 2. The couple was married at the former Holy Cross Church in Indianapolis on Vox Sacra (Sacred Voice) to hold Advent Dec. 2, 1967. They have four children: Chris, Mike, Nick and Christmas concert on Dec. 16 and Tony Felts. The couple also has 12 grandchildren. † Vox Sacra (Sacred Voice), the It will feature works by Byrd, Schola Cantorum of the Archdiocese of Sweelinck, Vaughn Williams and more. Indianapolis, is presenting its second For more information, contact the annual concert of Advent and Christmas archdiocesan Office of Worship and Paul J. and Jean L. (Meister) McMullen, music at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Evangelization at 317-236-1483, 1-800- members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in 1530 Union Street, in Indianapolis, at 382-9836, ext. 1483, [email protected] Stillwater, Okla., and former members of the 7 p.m. on Dec. 16. or visit www.voxsacra.com. † archdiocese, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 2. The couple was married at the former St. Bernadette Church in Indianapolis on Dec. 2, 1967. They have five children: Jennifer Kurena, Linda Monroe, Patty Sherrill, Annette Zaidle and Brian McMullen. The couple also has 12 grandchildren. A celebration was held with family and friends in Indiana on Oct. 1. †

Bake Sale benefitting sisters to be held at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Dec. 9 The Sisters of Providence of Sister Rosemary Schmalz and other Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and the Sisters of Providence. Providence Associates will host a Most items will be available for a bake sale at O’Shaughnessy Dining freewill offering, and all proceeds from Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint the bake sale will go to the sisters and Mary-of-the-Woods, in St. Mary-of- their ministries of education, outreach, the-Woods, from 12:30 p.m.-4:30 service and advocacy. p.m. on Dec. 9. For more information, contact Items for sale include cookies, Providence Associate assistant director brownies, pies, fudge and cakes, and Debbie Dillow at 317-250-3294 or Saints for a day sweet breads baked by Providence [email protected]. † Eighth-grade students from St. Nicholas School in Ripley County pose in the costumes they wore for an All Saints’ Day skit about St. Jose Sanchez del Rio they wrote and performed for the school on Nov. 2. Pictured in the front row are Nathan Schuman, left, Rebecca Kilby, Annalise Hudepohl, Events and retreats can be submitted to The Criterion Levi Ludwig and Gregory Kline. In the back row are Andrew Rennekamp, left, Dyllon Stewart and by logging on to www.archindy.org/events/submission, Andrew Strzok. (Submitted photo) or by mailing us at 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, ATTN: Cindy Clark, or by fax at 317-236-1593. The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Page 7 Advent penance services are scheduled at archdiocesan parishes

Parishes throughout the archdiocese Dec. 21, 6 p.m. at St. John the Apostle, Indianapolis West Deanery have scheduled communal penance Bloomington Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at Mary, Queen of Peace, services for Advent. The following is a Danville list of services that have been reported to Connersville Deanery Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel The Criterion. Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Anne, New Castle Dec. 7, 9-11 a.m. at Cardinal Ritter Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Mass, 6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. High School Batesville Deanery confession, at St. Gabriel, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Monica Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for All Saints, Connersville Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. for St. Anthony and (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St Louis Review) Dearborn County, at St. Martin Dec. 14, 6 p.m. Mass, 6:30 p.m. St. Christopher at St. Christopher Campus confession, at St. Mary, Rushville Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at St. Malachy, Brownsburg Dec. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the- Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. for St. Elizabeth Ann Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for Holy Angels and St. Rita Knobs, Floyd County Millhousen Seton, Richmond, at St. Mary Campus (Indianapolis East Deanery) at St. Rita Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Holy Family, New Albany Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Greensburg Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel Dec. 22, 4-6 p.m. at Most Sacred Heart of Dec. 12, 7 p.m. for St. Catherine of Indianapolis East Deanery Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More, Jesus, Jeffersonville Siena, Decatur County, at St. John the Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Mooresville Dec. 23, 8-10 a.m. Most Sacred Heart of Evangelist Church, Enochsburg Dec. 11, 7 p.m. for Our Lady of Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at St. Susanna, Jesus, Jeffersonville Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul, Lourdes and St. Therese of the Plainfield Shelby County Infant Jesus (Little Flower) at Our Seymour Deanery Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at St. Maurice, Napoleon Lady of Lourdes New Albany Deanery Dec. 5, 7 p.m. for Most Sorrowful Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for All Saints, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, Mother of God, Vevay, and Prince of Dearborn County, at St. Martin Campus Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Clarksville Peace, Madison, at Prince of Peace Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Holy Family, Apostle, Fortville Dec. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the- Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at St. Ambrose, Seymour Oldenburg Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for St. Rita and Holy Knobs, Floyd County Dec. 13, 6 p.m. at St. Patrick, Salem Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Mary of the Angels (West Deanery) at St. Rita Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael, Bradford Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima, Immaculate Conception, Aurora Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael, Dec. 8, 4-6 p.m. at Most Sacred Heart of Franklin Dec. 19, 6 p.m. at St. Michael, Brookville Greenfield Jesus, Jeffersonville Dec. 14, 6 p.m. at American Martyrs Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter, Franklin Dec. 9, 8-10 a.m. Most Sacred Heart of Dec. 14, 7 p.m. for St. Bartholomew, County Indianapolis North Deanery Jesus, Jeffersonville Columbus, and Holy Trinity, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at St. Louis, Batesville Dec. 10, 2 p.m. deanery service at St. Pius X Dec. 12, 6-7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Edinburgh, at St. Bartholomew Dec. 11, 7 p.m. deanery service at St. Pius X Padua, Clarksville Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. for St. Ann, Bloomington Deanery Dec. 12, 7 p.m. deanery service at St. Pius X Dec. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the- Jennings County; St. Mary, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for St. Charles Knobs, Floyd County North Vernon; and St. Joseph, Borromeo and St. Paul Catholic Center, Indianapolis South Deanery Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Jennings County, at St. Mary Bloomington, at St. Paul Catholic Center Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at St. Jude Help, New Albany Dec. 12, 7 p.m. for St. Mary, Mitchell, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Nativity of Our Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Navilleton Tell City Deanery and St. Vincent de Paul, Bedford, at Lord Jesus Christ Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. for St. John Paul II, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. at St. Meinrad, St. Vincent de Paul Dec. 13, 7 p.m. for St. Barnabas, St. Mark Sellersburg, at St. Paul Campus St. Meinrad Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at St. Agnes, Nashville the Evangelist and St. Roch, at Dec. 15, 4-6 p.m. at Most Sacred Heart of Dec. 10, 2 p.m. at St. Paul, Tell City Dec. 14, 6 p.m. at Our Lord Jesus Christ St. Mark the Evangelist Jesus, Jeffersonville the King, Paoli Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Lanesville Terre Haute Deanery Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, Beech Grove Dec. 16, 8-10 a.m. Most Sacred Heart of Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the- Martinsville Dec. 16, 9 a.m. at SS. Francis and Clare Jesus, Jeffersonville Woods, St. Mary-of-the-Woods Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude the Apostle, of Assisi, Greenwood Dec. 18, 1 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary, Spencer Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Starlight Terre Haute Dec. 21, 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Greenwood, Greenwood Dec. 19, 6-7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at St. Benedict, Terre Haute Springs, French Lick Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Ann Padua, Clarksville Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart, Clinton †

Ireland Pilgrimage: WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

AUGUST 18-27, 2018

WMOF: Dublin 5 Day Ticket: Visit Holy Sites Attendance to the 3 day Congress Knock Shrine Endowments make a difference. Guaranteed ticket for Festival of Families Croagh Patrick Ticket for the Final Mass Tobernalt Holy Well Full program in the Congress venue for Downpatrick Shrine and Tomb Do more for the least of your August 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2018 of St. Patrick Pilgrim pack, Program for WMOF2018, a Monasterboice Ruins and High brothers and sisters in Christ. rain cape, pilgrim badge Crosses Daily roundtrip WMOF transfer service Shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett God calls us to share the gifts we’ve been given. A wonderful way to do that is by 3 day Dublin Rail Pass Sponsored by: creating or contributing to an endowment fund. With a fund held and managed Daily Mass The Office of Marriage and Family Life by the Catholic Community Foundation you can support your preferred Catholic See Ireland: Archdiocese of Indianapolis Scott Seibert, Director Westport Drogheda ministry. Last year, for instance, endowments helped Catholic Charities serve (317) 236-1527 over 209,000 people in need of services including food, shelter and clothing in Sligo Malahide [email protected] Armagh, Northern Ireland Dublin City our Archdiocese. Start giving back today and make an impact in your Catholic Pilgrimage Spiritual Director: Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland Optional Tours will be available Community.ENDOWMENTS We can show MAKE you how. A DIFFERENCE. Fr. Eric Augenstein Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland for purchase while in Dublin Director of Vocations Archdiocese of Indianapolis

1-800-382-9836, ext. 1482 www.archindy.org/CCF FOR MORE INFORMATION, call our Indianapolis Reservation Team: (317) 581-1122 M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 MYANMAR continued from page 1 eroded trust and understanding, harmony and cooperation between different communities in Rakhine, the support of our people and of good friends who only wish to see us succeed in our endeavors has been invaluable.” “The road to peace is not always smooth,” she told the pope, “but it is the only way that will lead our people to their dream of a just and prosperous land that will be their refuge, their pride, their joy.” In his speech, Pope Francis was even less specific, although he repeatedly insisted that the rights of each member of society and each ethnic group must be respected. He praised the role of the United Nations and the international community in supporting peace efforts, presumably also in their condemnations of the discrimination and persecution of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority. “The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group—none excluded—to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good,” Pope Francis said. The pope said he wanted to visit the Pope Francis walks with Aung San Suu Kyi, state counselor and foreign minister of Myanmar, as he arrives for a meeting with government authorities, country to strengthen the small Catholic members of civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Nov. 28. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) community, and “to offer a word of encouragement to all those who are Pope Francis praised Suu Kyi for not consider them to be a Myanmar ethnic In addition to helping heal “the working to build a just, reconciled and convoking the “21st Century Panglong group, but rather foreigners. emotional, spiritual and psychological inclusive social order.” Union Peace Conference,” a series of Religious communities must play a wounds of those who have suffered Myanmar’s “greatest treasure,” meetings that began in 2016 between role in the process of reconciliation and in the years of conflict,” he said all he insisted, “is its people, who have the government and militant groups integration, the Pope said. “Religious religions “can help to uproot the causes suffered greatly, and continue to suffer, from more than a dozen ethnic groups in differences need not be a source of of conflict, build bridges of dialogue, from civil conflict and hostilities that Myanmar. division and distrust, but rather a force seek justice and be a prophetic voice for have lasted all too long and created The Rohingya are not included in the for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise all who suffer.” † deep divisions.” peace process since the government does nation building.” Archdiocesan parishes to host Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations Special to The Criterion • Dec. 11—7 p.m. Mass, re-enactment of the apparitions, • Dec. 11—7 p.m. re-enactment of the apparitions, 8 p.m. dance to follow rosary, 9 p.m. music by the Grupo de Oracion, 9:30 p.m. The following Masses and special events for the feast • Dec. 12—7 p.m. Mass, re-enactment of the apparitions, Aztec dance, 10 p.m. Grupo Alianza, 10:30 p.m. Danza day of Our Lady of Guadalupe throughout central and dance and dinner to follow Matachines, 11 p.m. Grupo Confidente, southern Indiana were reported to The Criterion. 11:30 p.m. Grupo Coro Latino de San Gabriel. Our Lady of the Greenwood Church, 335 S. Meridian • Dec. 12—midnight Mass, 8:45 a.m. Mass in English, Holy Spirit Church, 7243 E. 10th St., Indianapolis. St., Greenwood. 6 p.m. bilingual Mass with Archbishop Charles C. • Dec. 9—7 p.m. St. Juan Diego feast day Mass and rosary Dec. 12—5:30 a.m. mañanitas, 6:30 a.m. coffee and Thompson, 8 p.m. Mass in Spanish followed by a • Dec. 10—7 p.m. Mass, re-enactment of the apparitions, Mexican bread, 6:30 p.m. Mass, 7:30 p.m. dinner. procession. dance to follow St. Ambrose Church, 325 S. Chestnut St., St. Joseph Church, 125 E. Broadway St., Shelbyville. Seymour. • Dec. 12— 7 p.m. rosary, 7:30 p.m. Aztec dance, Dec. 3—Dec. 11 Novena Prayer recitation 8 p.m. Mass, 9 p.m. procession and blessing of Our Lady (The rosary will be prayed in the church.) of Guadalupe Shrine, 9:30 p.m. fellowship, food and • Dec. 3—6 p.m. serenade. • Dec. 4—6 p.m. • Dec. 5—6 p.m. St. Margaret Mary Church, 2405 S. 7th, Terre Haute. • Dec. 6—6 p.m. • Dec. 11—11:30 p.m., rosary of the Virgin Mary and • Dec. 7—6:30 p.m. mañanitas. • Dec. 8—6 p.m. • Dec. 12—7 p.m. Mass. • Dec. 9—6:30 p.m. • Dec. 10—6 p.m. St. Mary Church, 317 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. • Dec. 11—6 p.m. • Dec. 3-11—Novenas in homes, businesses and church • Dec. 11—11 p.m. rosary and intercessions • Dec. 11—8 p.m. meet at Monument Circle, • Dec. 12—midnight-1:30 a.m. serenade by 9 p.m. pilgrimage to St. Mary Church, 9:30 p.m. Nueva Creacion Choir, 1:30-2 a.m. hymns traditional dance, 9:45 p.m. rosary in English, by Jose Aron, 2-3 a.m. Shalom Choir from 10:15 p.m. traditional dance, 10:45 p.m. representation of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, the apparitions, 11 p.m. music. 3-4 a.m. rosary, 4-5 a.m. Alma Misionera • Dec. 12—midnight Mass in Spanish, Choir, 5-6 a.m. mañanitas, 2-2:30 p.m. 6 p.m. procession from parking lot to church, representation of apparitions by St. Ambrose 6:30 p.m. rosary in English, 7 p.m. Mass followed by School students, 5-6 p.m. procession, 6 p.m. fellowship in the Marian Center. Mass followed by fellowship and dinner in the parish center. St. Mary Church, 415 E. Eighth St., New Albany. • Dec. 11—7 p.m. Mass, mañanitas. St. Bartholomew Church, 1306 27th St., • Dec. 12—7 p.m. Mass, mañanitas, meal to follow. Columbus. • Dec. 11—10:30 p.m. procession, St. Monica Church, 6131 N. Michigan Road, 10:45 p.m. rosary, 11:30 p.m. dance and Indianapolis. narratives, midnight mañanitas followed by • Dec. 11—8-11:59 p.m. rosary, performance, Mariachi, hot chocolate and sweet bread. Chilenos. • Dec. 12—6 p.m. Mass in Spanish, dinner • Dec 12—midnight Mass with Aztec dance, 7 p.m. Mass following. with Aztec dance, reception to follow in gymnasium.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, St. Philip Neri, 550 N. Rural St., Indianapolis. St. Andrew Campus, 235 S. 5th St., • Dec. 11—6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe activities, Richmond. 11 p.m. Mass followed by refreshments and a piñata in Eleven-year-old Miguel Morin of Houston serenades an image of Our Lady of • Dec. 12—7 p.m. Mass the gymnasium; activities conclude at 1 a.m. Guadalupe during a Dec. 11, 2016, celebration in honor of the patroness of the • Dec. 12—4 p.m. Mass, dancers, musicians, Americas in Houston. Her feast day is on Dec.12. St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, re-enactment of the apparitions, 7 p.m. solemn Mass with (CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald) 6000 W. 34th St., Indianapolis. dancing and music to follow until 9 p.m. † The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Page 9 Basketball legend praises volunteers who serve seniors By Sean Gallagher “You’re making a difference in the Indiana high lives of so many people,” Hogsett said. school basketball legend Bobby Bobby Plump is a legend across the “Those of us who find ourselves a little Plump praises Hoosier State. bit older than we care to admit—we volunteers in four As a senior at Milan High School in need help from time to time. And your Catholic Charities Milan in 1954, Plump hit a last-second generosity tonight means the world to Indianapolis shot to win the championship in that Catholic Charities’ efforts in this regard.” programs that serve year’s Indiana High School Athletic In reflecting on his team’s seniors during the Association boys basketball tournament. championship run, Plump recalled agency’s Hoosiers Plump and his teammates from their how his coach refused to share scoring for Seniors dinner small school in southeastern Indiana statistics for individual players on the event on Oct. 19 beat their much larger opponent from team with the public. He wanted the focus at the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Muncie Central High School in Muncie to be on the team as a whole. Catholic Center in in a hard-fought “We did not have, up and down the Indianapolis. (Photos championship game line, the best talent of most of the teams by Sean Gallagher) at Hinkle Fieldhouse that we played in the tournament,” Plump on the campus of said. “But I contend that we had the best Butler University in team that played in the tournament in Indianapolis. 1954. I contend that a good team will That championship often beat exceptional talent if they don’t run and Plump’s have the teamwork.” game-winning shot David Bethuram, executive director of “It’s kept me going. It’s a great program. were immortalized the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic I hope it continues forever. It’s helped so Mayor Joseph and shared with the Charities, spoke with The Criterion after the many people.” Hogsett world far beyond event about how important teamwork is for Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Indiana in the 1986 the programs he oversees that serve seniors. (RSVP) is also a part of the Corporation Oscar-nominated movie Hoosiers. “For years, the amount of people who for National and Community Service and On Oct. 19, Plump came to the have volunteered in programs helping is one of the largest volunteer networks Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic vulnerable seniors has been incredible,” for people 55 and older. Catholic Center in Indianapolis to serve as the Bethuram said. “It’s just amazing. Bobby Charities Indianapolis staff members link keynote speaker at Catholic Charities Plump’s conversation about tradition and volunteers with opportunities that either Indianapolis’ (CCI) Hoosiers for Seniors how things are done as a team really rings match their gifts and talents, or help them dinner event to share memories of playing true here. None of this can work unless develop new ones. for Milan’s championship team, and to we work as a team.” “Seniors love to be independent,” praise the teamwork of Catholic Charities One of the “team members” present Bethuram said. “Sometimes through staff members and volunteers who serve at the Hoosiers for Seniors event was their independence, though, they become adults in its eldercare programs. volunteer Alice Whitney. She is 86, and has lonely and isolated. “All of you people who are giving your been a volunteer for 16 years in Catholic “For us to say that you can be part of time are marvelous,” Plump said. “Look Charities Indianapolis’ Senior Companion something in our community that gives at the person next to you and smile. Program, which is part of the Corporation back and, at the same time, gives you Alice Whitney, a volunteer in Catholic Charities Doesn’t that feel good? That’s what you for National and Community Service. something in return means a lot.” Indianapolis’ Senior Companion Program, people do for these people that you’re It recruits, trains, Catholic Charities Indianapolis also listens to speakers during the Oct. 19 Hoosiers volunteering for. gives support and has a Caregiver Support Program that for Seniors event. “If you can smile every day forever, matches volunteers helps those who care for seniors to care you’re going to make somebody’s life age 55 and older with for themselves and to better support “He talks a lot about the fact that happier.” frail seniors, helping the seniors in their care. Services nobody is dispensable,” Bethuram said. Another guest at the event regaled the them to remain living include support groups and home “Seniors sometimes feel as if they aren’t attendees with his own basketball stories, independently and modifications. as important. But they have wisdom even if they didn’t result in glory. offering friendship Another senior program in Catholic to give back to the community. As Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett and alleviating the Charities Indianapolis highlighted during Pope Francis said, ‘I know that many recounted the time when he was on the loneliness that can the event was A Caring Place Adult Day of them are retired, but still active; they boys basketball team for Rushville High David Bethuram often burden them. Services. It is a respite care program keep working to build up this land.’ It’s School in Rushville, and he scored a Whitney currently to provide support for families and important for us to tap into that.” basket in its opposing team’s goal. volunteers in the program for about caregivers of seniors, and therapeutic and Hogsett’s true purpose at the Hoosiers 20 hours per week with three different meaningful activities for seniors. (For more information about Catholic for Seniors event was to encourage the seniors. Bethuram also noted that the kind of Charities Indianapolis’ eldercare people who participate in and support “It’s been a great blessing to me care that Catholic Charities Indianapolis programs, visit www.archindy.org/cc/ Catholic Charities Indianapolis’ programs because it makes me feel like I’m doing has given to seniors for years has been indianapolis and click on “For Seniors,” for seniors. something for somebody else,” she said. praised by Pope Francis. or call 317-261-3378.) † Teens, adults forsake comfort to experience way of life for homeless ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS)—Though campers returned to their shelters at Madeleine Oertel, grants manager that other people go through homelessness rain and high winds forced most of the 9 p.m. after an evening full of activities. at Covenant House Washington, which for days. “We are doing this for one day,” 40 students and adults inside during Miguel de Angel, director of youth helps homeless and exploited youths, she said. “When I see them on the streets, the fifth annual “Homeless for a Night” ministry, said the program was inspired by gave a presentation to the campers and I think of this and how I experienced it campout at Good Shepherd Parish a desire to give the students an experience parishioners. and know how it feels, and it was not a in Alexandria on Nov. 18, it brought of tangible service. “We needed As part of the campout, parishioners good experience.” greater awareness to the problem of something experiential to hopefully draw collected boots and socks for the Nicholas Zaso, a freshman at Virginia homelessness. people out,” he said. “Families and kids Rising Hope United Methodist Church Tech, said the experience is powerful even Cardboard boxes, tarps, sleeping bags have responded.” hypothermia shelter in Alexandria. if it is only for one night. and extra layers of clothing—only what The church’s ZIP code—22309—has Prior to the campout, Arlington “Even if we are not experiencing could fit in a small overnight bag—filled the highest income disparity in the United Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the whole part of being homeless, it the lawn outside Good Shepherd. States, according to Susan Grunder, parish the vigil Mass and spoke about the World still makes you think about it more and Campers spent time in the afternoon director of social ministry. Day of the Poor initiated by Pope Francis, puts you in the mindset to want to do working together to assemble the Campers learned this and other facts which was taking place for the first time something to help,” Zaso said. makeshift cardboard shelters, sometimes during activities and presentations. They the next day. The following morning, campers laying plastic underneath the boxes for learned about the Point-in-Time Count “Every day is a day for the poor and shared their take on the experience. protection from the soggy ground and in Fairfax County, which counts the for us to respond in compassion and “One thing that came out in the covering boxes with tarps or plastic homeless one night a year. This year, love,” he said. “This designation that debriefing in the morning was the bags before going inside for Mass. The 964 homeless were counted on Jan. 25. Pope Francis has given to us helps us to parallel between the slow removal of Campers learned recognize the poverty that is in our midst. comfort—first being outside, then the that a significant We look at our own poverty—to be poor rain, then the wind, then the temperature portion of the in spirit is actually a gift. The poverty of drop—and the slow stripping of dignity homeless in Fairfax spirit helps us realize that without God we that people go through as they lose work, County are under have nothing.” or the ability to bathe and wash their age 18. Bishop Burbidge blessed the campers clothes to the point that we walk past “Many of the at the end of Mass. them without a glance or a word,” said homeless actually “How proud you must be of some de Angel. have jobs,” said of the young people who will tonight Derek Rogers, youth minister at Grunder told the participate in the homeless campout Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Arlington Catholic to actually experience what it is like Vienna, Va., brought 14 teens to the Herald, newspaper to be cold, to be homeless, to have campout. of the Diocese of chills, knowing that our brothers “Their parents have blessed them Arlington. “The and sisters, members of God’s holy with incredible housing,” he said. “When activities [got] the family, live that way every day,” said the teens are in the cardboard box, they campers thinking Bishop Burbidge. say, ‘Oh, my gosh, I have so many Joseph Yap and Alejandro Velez prepare their box shelter on the lawn of about how hard it Isabella Winarski, a fifth-grader at blessings.’ When they can have that kind Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria, Va., for the fifth annual “Homeless for can be to have a Woodley Hills Elementary School in of perspective put in place, that is worth it a Night” campout on Nov. 18. (CNS photo/Elizabeth A. Elliott, Arlington Catholic Herald) place to live.” Alexandria, said the experience taught her to me.” † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 New book says people should be Catholics because the Church is true, good and beautiful

Reviewed by John F. Fink Brandon Vogt now works for Catholicism Is Beautiful. Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Each part has multiple chapters and Probably the single most important E. Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic each chapter has sub-parts. But the problem the Catholic Church in the Ministries, but in this book he explains chapter heads give a good idea of how United States faces today is the fact that why he converted and was received into he treats each part. Catholicism is true, it is losing its young people. The Pew the full communion of the Church as he says, because God exists, because we Research Center has found that almost a 20-year‑old mechanical engineering need religion, because Jesus is God, and exactly half of millennials who were student at Florida State University in because Jesus started the Church. raised Catholic no longer call themselves Tallahassee, Fla. Catholicism is good, he says, because Catholic today, and that 80 percent of In doing so, he acknowledges, he it built western civilization, because of people who have left the Catholic Church went in the opposite direction of most its heroic charity, because it doesn’t go have left before age 23. And, unlike people his age. Choosing to be Catholic with the times, and because it offers true those of earlier generations, they are not in today’s culture is provocative and forgiveness. returning after they marry and start raising countercultural. All the more reason, then, Catholicism is beautiful, he says, a family. for young people to read this book. because it cherishes beauty, because it lifts That’s why the book Why I Am At 178 pages, the book is a fast read. us up, and because it’s for everybody. Catholic (And You Should Be Too) is one Vogt tells how he carefully studied the Vogt insists that his book isn’t just of the most important books published this Church’s claims and how he prayed, read, a conversion memoir—there are lots year. thought and discussed the Church. He of those—but an appeal to readers finally became that they should consider Catholicism. a Catholic, he Even exploring the Catholic Church is ‘Everyone’s doing that. Those are all mainstream. writes, for the an act of rebellion in this culture, he same reason as says. “It’s not rebellious to get drunk, What’s truly radical is to consider a Church that G. K. Chesterton criticize institutions, pursue sex and billions of people have embraced throughout did: that money, or come out as an atheist,” he history, but millions of people today dismiss as Catholicism says. “Everyone’s doing that. Those are the wrong direction.” bigoted and outdated.’ is true. But, all mainstream. What’s truly radical is It’s an excellent book for Catholics, he says, it’s to consider a Church that billions of especially young Catholics, and for — Author Brandon Vogt in Why I Am also good and people have embraced throughout history, anyone who is asking the important Catholic (And You Should Be Too) beautiful, so the but millions of people today dismiss as questions of life. book is divided bigoted and outdated.” into three parts: Maybe the Catholic Church is wrong, (John F. Fink is editor emeritus of Catholicism evil and ugly, as it’s portrayed, he says. The Criterion. Why I Am Catholic (And Is True, Or, “Maybe in a strange and confused You Should Be Too) by Brandon Vogt is Catholicism world, the Catholic Church looks so available on Amazon. The cost is $14.26 Is Good, and backward because everyone else is facing in hardcover, and $8.49 on Kindle.) † Contraceptive mandate battle still on: States fight religious exemptions WASHINGTON (CNS)—The Little Sisters of the federal exemption. Delaware, Maryland, New York Rienzi called the states’ fights “political Poor, who have been known for their care for the poor and Virginia joined California’s lawsuit to become the grandstanding” that is trying to take away rights from elderly, have been in the spotlight for the past six first plaintiff group to file a motion for a preliminary religious groups. He also said none of the states has years with their objection to the federal government’s injunction seeking to prevent the new rule from going come forward with someone who had contraceptive, requirement that they provide insurance coverage of into effect. abortifacient and sterilization insurance coverage contraceptives, abortifacients and sterilization for their This means the Little Sisters of the Poor are going through an employer before and is now going to lose it. employees. back to court. He also said the lawsuits were “deeply ironic” since They hoped the issue was behind them after a new Mark Rienzi, senior counsel at Becket, the law firm some states—such as Pennsylvania and Virginia—don’t rule was issued in October by the U.S. Department representing the sisters, said in a Nov. 21 press call that even have a mandate and others have broad religious of Health and Human Services (HHS) granting an the HHS rule “should have been the end of the story,” exemptions in place. exemption to the mandate for religious nonprofits who and the end of a “long and divisive culture war.” The lawsuits claim that the exemptions to the oppose it on religious grounds. But with these lawsuits in place, he said Becket is Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive, abortifacient and But days after the rule was issued, Pennsylvania preparing to file a brief on behalf of the Little Sisters of sterilization mandate pushes the cost burden to states. and California filed legal challenges to the new the Poor, and he also said the sisters want the judge to In the California suit, Attorney General Xavier hear their arguments, noting that the case is more than Becerra said the HHS ruling providing the religious state’s attorneys general arguing against the federal exemption violates constitutional amendments Online Lay Ministry Formation government. because it allows employers to use religious beliefs to Rienzi said the sisters will echo what they’ve said discriminate against employees and denies women their The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the all along: that the government doesn’t “need nuns to rights to equal protection under the law. University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: give out contraceptives,” and that they should not be When the HHS ruling was announced this fall, punished for acting in accordance with their faith. He Catholic Church officials said it “corrects an anomalous • Courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church from CDU said the cases will be heard in December. failure by federal regulators that should never have • All 12 classes for a Certificate in Lay Ministry available online A statement issued by Sister Loraine Marie Maguire, occurred and should never be repeated.” • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners • Employees also receive reimbursement upon course completion mother provincial of the Little Sisters, based in Denver, The statement by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of said: “We just want to be able to continue our religious Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference For more information, please log on to mission of caring for the elderly poor as we have for of Catholic Bishops, and Archbishop William E. Lori of www.archindy.org/layministry over 175 years. We pray that these state governments Baltimore, then-chairman of the USCCB’s Committee will leave us alone and let us do our work in peace.” for Religious Liberty, said the decision to provide the religious and moral exemption to the HHS mandate recognizes that faith-based and mission-driven organizations and those who run them “have deeply held Angels’ Corner religious and moral beliefs that the law must respect.” † Catholic Gift Shop Inventory The NMLS #124728 Reduction Sale Village™ If you are a victim of Dove Report sexual misconduct by a person 25% Off Everything* ministering on behalf of the sexual Church, or if you know of anyone (*few select seasonal items not reduced) who has been a victim of misconduct such misconduct, please contact Discount may increase ... call weekly the archdiocesan victim for current discount now assistance coordinator: Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, 2316 E. Southport Road P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1410 (317) 784-0890 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 [email protected] Hrs: Mon.-Thurs. 10-6 • Fri.-Sat. 9-5 A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2017 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. God can come into our lives in unexpected ways in Advent

By David Gibson approaches this as a basic Advent question. He spoke “Let us see your face.” The whole of it at the start of Advent in Church repeats this five-word, heartfelt 2016. plea to God four times during Masses The Lord visits humanity, on Advent’s first Sunday. Heard in the he said. “We all know” responsorial psalm after the first biblical that this “occurred with the reading, it echoes this repeated plea to incarnation, Jesus’ birth in God in Psalm 80:4. the cave of Bethlehem.” But, “Light up your face and we shall be the pope continued, “the Lord saved” (Ps 80:4). visits us constantly.” Does it make sense for the Christian Consolingly, he walks family to beg God at the Advent season’s “alongside us.” beginning to reveal his face? Doesn’t Furthermore, he “will come the memory of the one born 2,000 years again in glory to judge the ago in Bethlehem reveal this—the one living and the dead.” But this frequently described as God’s face in this faith statement is not meant world? “to scare us,” Pope Francis “Christ is the face of God, which remarked. is never darkened,” Pope Francis told Instead, the purpose is “to bishops from around the world in open our horizons to another, September 2016. When he called in greater dimension, one which April 2015 for a Holy Year of Mercy … puts into perspective throughout the Church, he stated everyday things, while at emphatically: the same time making them “Jesus Christ is the face of the precious, crucial.” Father’s mercy. These words might well Pope Francis accented sum up the mystery of the Christian faith. the often “unexpected” form A detail of a stained-glass window from St. Edward Church in Seattle shows Jesus, Mary and Joseph on their flight Mercy has become living and visible in of the Lord’s presence. “The into Egypt. St. Joseph can be a model for Catholics in the season of Advent in the way he was open to God coming Jesus of Nazareth.” relationship with the God- into his life in unexpected ways. (CNS/Crosiers) This, then, is no distant Lord. As the who-comes-to-visit-us” casts a Gospel of St. John plainly states, the “different light” on everything, he said. Joseph is a bridge for the Church unwilling to expose [Mary] to shame,” he Word of God “made his dwelling among Advent, he added, encompasses a call between Advent and Christmas. His story is “decided to divorce her quietly.” us” (Jn 1:14). “to expand” our hearts’ horizons. “To do told in 2017 both during the Dec. 18 Advent This “reveals a true inner drama” if So God’s face is known among this, we must learn not to depend … on Mass and the Christmas Vigil Mass. one thinks of Joseph’s love for Mary, Christians. But as Advent gets under our own established strategies.” Awaiting Near the end of Advent in 2013, said Pope Francis. But God opened up “a way, Christians begin again their quest the Lord means preparing “to let ourselves Pope Francis highlighted Joseph’s different path.” to see God’s face. Does that sound like a be visited by him, … even if it disturbs our predicament. The Gospel of St. Matthew In the Gospel’s words, “the angel of contradiction in terms? plans.” (Mt 1:18-25) tells of “the events the Lord appeared to him in a dream and During Advent, Christians patiently Patiently preparing to welcome the Lord preceding the birth of Jesus,” presenting said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be await the revelation of the face of God at might mean asking probing questions, them from the perspective of Joseph, “the afraid to take Mary your wife into your Christmas. Notably, this pursuit prepares whether individually, as families or as faith betrothed of the Virgin Mary,” the pope home. For it is through the Holy Spirit them to discover how God is present in communities, questions like: observed. that this child has been conceived’ ” their lives and world now. • Have I been asking the wrong Joseph and Mary, he continued, “were (Mt 1:20). For the memory of Jesus’ birth is a question about someone I consider not yet living together, because they Joseph had been “following a good living memory, not the memory of an difficult? What is the right question? were not yet married. In the meantime, plan for his life,” but God reserved event confined to the past. • Do we possess hidden gifts that might Mary, after having welcomed the angel’s “another plan for him, a greater mission,” Like the determined Wise Men from well benefit us and others? Why do these announcement, came to be with child by Pope Francis said, adding: the East (Mt 2:1-12), contemporary gifts remain hidden? the power of the Holy Spirit.” “By accepting himself according people of faith set out to find Jesus and St. Joseph is an Advent figure. God Joseph “was bewildered.” to God’s design,” Joseph fully found discover what his birth portends for unexpectedly disrupted Joseph’s life plan. Trying to do God’s will, Joseph made himself. them. As the time of Jesus’ birth approached, “what for him [was] an enormous sacrifice,” Where can the Lord be seen and a great question challenged Joseph fiercely. the pope explained. The Gospel says that (David Gibson served on Catholic News heard in the 21st century? Pope Francis His answer would transform his entire life. since Joseph “was a righteous man, yet Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.) † God gives the world gifts of light and hope during the season of Advent By Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield of light made our human nature his own, and in his humanity began to form in the womb of Mary. “So ... what are you giving up for Advent?” We remember that Jesus, in his death and Lent gets all the attention. There is Shrove Tuesday, resurrection, has defeated death on its own ground, and Ash Wednesday, the daily “giving up” of chocolate in the world’s darkest place—the sealed tomb—light, and meatless Fridays. Lent has a lot of reminders. But uncontainable supernatural light, began to grow. It was Advent sneaks up on us. the last place one would expect anything new to ever For a string of Sundays, the priest is in green emerge. vestments signifying Ordinary Time in the church. And for the Catholic, memory is never nostalgia—it Then, all of a sudden, the priest enters Mass in violet is never confined to the past. Hope looks to the future. vestments. Oh, and there’s the Advent wreath—the So does Advent. three violet candles and one rose candle. Each week of And so, what can we do? It all begins with light. Advent, we light another candle. Hope is the light of Advent. Patience is hope rehearsing. As the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier, as Patience is hope’s favorite hiding place. the darkness grows outside, the light grows within the Not patience as a passive “sitting still,” but patience church. Light is God’s first miracle: “Let there be light” in the face of our old battlegrounds—where we want to (Gn 1:3). And to this day, light expands, traveling at have the last word, be in control, be first, have our own more than 186,000 miles per second. way. It may seem, with the natural disasters this past year, This Advent, may we let the light grow and give the hurricanes and earthquakes, wildfires and disease, patience to others as a gift. How? and of course with all of the man-made disasters of The next time you or I are in a disagreement with a racism, gun violence and drug dealing that the days are loved one, let’s refuse to have the last word. getting darker. There are the personal hurts and those The next time we are convinced that we are right, of our families … job loss, depression and long-held instead of proving our point again, let’s listen to the misunderstandings. other, who we are convinced is wrong. We need the light to grow. With so much going on The next time we demand our own way, let’s refuse A lit candle is seen on an Advent wreath in this 2016 photo. in the world we ask ourselves, what can we do? We can to take it. This isn’t “giving in” or “giving up” ... this is We remember that God’s first miracle, light, is also his most remember. Memory sparks light. Advent is the great giving forth. Like Jesus. frequent. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St Louis Review) memory of the Church. Advent sneaks up on us. So does hope. And hope We remember that God’s first miracle, light, is begins in small places that are unseen at first. And like (Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield is the author of Living the also his most frequent. We remember that the Creator the light, hope grows. Beatitudes: A Journey to Life in Christ.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Coming of Age/Maria-Pia Negro Chin Ralph McInerny: Philosopher, mystery author and more Procrastination can be defeated Let me tell you something about back in the 1950s. Ralph’s family was Handbook for Peeping Thomists. His Ralph McInerny, although I’m sure growing (he and his wife Connie would autobiography was titled I Alone Have a step at a time some of you know about him, especially eventually have seven children; one Escaped to Tell You, a quotation you’ll if you have a Notre died at age 3), so he had to supplement find four times in Chapter 1 of the When was the last time you delayed Dame connection or his income. Book of Job. working on an important assignment? Was are a murder-mystery He had always written, so he decided Ralph went to Mass daily, usually it a lack of motivation? Or did you actually fan. to try his hand at fiction. He sent stories at noon. He was a conservative care a lot about the project and still end up Ralph died almost to magazines like Redbook and Ladies Catholic. Unhappy with some of the doing something else? eight years ago, on Home Journal. Like all of us writers, he things that happened to the Church Students’ reasons to Jan. 10, 2010, at age received his share of rejection letters. He after the Second Vatican Council, he procrastinate include 80. For 54 of those persevered and eventually realized why and Michael Novak founded Crisis not knowing where to years, he taught his stories were rejected; he found the magazine in 1982, with Ralph as its start, underestimating philosophy at the secret. His stories began to sell. first editor. He also founded and edited how long it takes University of Notre He switched to longer stories, to novels Catholic Dossier. to complete a task, Dame, where he was also director of and then to mysteries. In all, he wrote In later years, he became president of perfectionism, trouble the Jacques Maritain Center. Maritain 95 murder mysteries. Twenty-nine of the International Catholic University, with concentrating or poor was his hero because both of them were them were the Father Dowling mysteries, videos on the Internet. He recorded five organizational skills. experts in the philosophy and theology of which became a TV series with actor Tom separate courses which I think are still Another reason is the St. Thomas Aquinas. Bosley as Father Dowling. He also wrote available from The Catholic Thing, which need to better regulate emotions. He was an excellent teacher, selected a series of mysteries centered at Notre Ralph also helped to start. Timothy Pychyl, a professor who studies by 47 students to review their doctoral Dame, 13 in all. Under the pen name Ralph was, obviously, always writing. procrastination at Carleton University in dissertations, more than any other Monica Quill, he wrote 10 mysteries with A vacation for him usually consisted of a Ottawa, Ontario, told The Washington Post Notre Dame professor. He was awarded Sister Mary Teresa as the protagonist. trip somewhere where he could hole up in that most psychologists see procrastination as eight honorary doctorates and taught And he had six mysteries starring attorney a hotel across the street from a Catholic a kind of coping mechanism gone awry. at Oxford. He was president of the Andrew Bloom. Church (his favorite place was Sicily) and Students who feel tired, frustrated, bored Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. And he Ralph loved puns, the cornier the write. or nervous will often try to make themselves wrote or edited 38 books on philosophy better. That was reflected in his book As he was dying, he asked for feel better before tackling a challenging task. or theology. titles, like On This Rockne, Lack of the writing materials. Given a pad, he However, the idea that they need to be in But teaching philosophy at a Irish, and Mom and Dead. Even one of wrote his last words, “I commend my “the right mood” to work is sabotaging their Catholic university wasn’t lucrative his books about Thomas Aquinas was soul to God.” † efforts. Working at the last minute increases It’s All Good/Patti Lamb opportunities for mistakes, and, if taken to extremes, can seriously affect the student’s performance. But the consequences of Parenthood calls us to love our children—no matter what procrastination go beyond grades and can Recently, I enjoyed an opportunity I I drove a few hours back home later decorate for Christmas that evening upon affect students’ health, increasing stress, guilt haven’t had in a very long time. When I that evening, and still smelled little Rosie my return home. and feelings of inadequacy. visited my friend in Ohio, her little sister on my sweater—until I walked in the door I looked at the Nativity scene—Mary, The quest to fix current stress prevents happened to stop by and smelled only burnt pizza. Joseph and Jesus surrounded by animals procrastinators from figuring out how to with her 3-week-old Not only did the house wreak of burnt in a barn. There was no room for a relieve stress in the long run. Even productive infant. My friend’s food, but it was in complete disarray. dignified birth, so our Savior was born procrastination (like cleaning the house or sister graciously let Both kids were working on science fair in a stable and laid in a manger. Even revising notes from another class) hinders me hold her little projects, and there were supplies strewn for the Holy Family, God’s chosen ones, their ability to work on important, long-term girl. I practically across the kitchen floor. I almost tripped parenting wasn’t a perfect road. Mary goals. melted. Rosie smelled over a bag of silverware on the floor that fretted when Jesus was lost in the temple, From teens to college students, learning like lavender baby my son was using to weigh down a bridge and she mourned when she watched him effective strategies to avoid procrastination wash, and she slept structure he was testing. wrongfully and shamefully be put to death increases their chances of success. Here are peacefully in my arms There were gnats circling some before her very eyes. ways to fight procrastination: for 15 minutes while grapes that no one had put away in the While we might not always be chanting “I • Offer your schoolwork as prayer. Invite we visited in the living room. refrigerator. When I put them back in the love being a parent,” it’s a vocation to which the Holy Spirit to guide you when starting “My kids were never this little,” I said, fridge, I discovered a completely empty we’re called on good days and bad ones. a big project. Write AMDG (“ad maiorem as I stared down at the 8-pound child carton of orange juice one of the kids put There will be hills and valleys. There Dei gloriam,” meaning “for God’s greater in my arms. I truly couldn’t remember back on the bottom shelf. will be times when our children make us glory”) on top of task lists, or ask Mary for Henry and Margaret being that size. I’ve only been gone eight hours, I proud, and there will be times when they her intercession to stay focused. I asked how mom and baby were thought to myself. make us want to hide our faces. • Set reasonable goals and commit. doing. Just then, the kids came running down But we are called to love them always. Remember the proverb, “A journey of a “Honestly—perfect,” she said. the stairs shouting at each other. Elder Ballard captured it well. In this thousand miles begins with a single step.” She went on to tell me how well “Yes you did!” Margaret screamed at saying, I encourage you to replace the Getting started builds momentum and everything had gone—from the ease of her brother. word “mother” with “parent”: “There is self‑esteem, which reduces the temptation to birthing the baby to the fact that the little I heard my friend’s little sister’s no one perfect way to be a good mother. procrastinate as a stress reliever. darling—with the most amazing bright words echo in my head: “I love being a Every situation is unique. Each mother • Break down a task into small, realistic green eyes—slept through the night the parent.” has different challenges … and certainly tasks. This keeps you accountable and past four nights. No one knew I was home yet, so I different children. What matters is that a allows you to cross things off (showing “Even Bruno loves her and takes care tiptoed into the living room and counted mother loves her children deeply.” your progress and making the next step less to walk softly around her,” she added. to 10 before I morphed into momzilla and overwhelming). (Bruno is their ginormous dog.) started yelling at the kids. (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna • Anticipate roadblocks. “You have to She told me that she absolutely loved I saw the Nativity scene in a box, next Parish in Plainfield, is a regular columnist have a plan for the goal itself and a plan being a parent. to some ornaments. We had planned to for The Criterion.) † to get around the obstacles to your plan,” wrote Jennice Vilhauer, director of Emory The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick University’s adult outpatient psychotherapy program. “We tend to be creatures of Advent season offers us a time to put our house in order, start anew habit, and many times the biggest obstacle to change is our current way of doing There’s no better time than Advent for Christ becoming incarnate and living the many God-given gifts we enjoy. something.” putting our house in order. among us—a time to increase our efforts I often listen to a news station that ends • Be honest with yourself. Recognize and The house of which we speak is our to live his love within ourselves and with on a heartwarming note. Unfortunately, change patterns that lead to procrastination disposition that is those among us. most news and many of our movies are (like leaving the hardest work for last, when being bombarded by Recently, a friend threw out his back about vicious violence. Advent stops us you have less energy). Seek productive study a topsy-turvy world and complained that it had stopped him and allows us to focus on wholesome environments to minimize distractions and threatening the beauty from going on with business as usual. events of the day. It is especially a time to interruptions. of the season. Many people among us are in the same read the Gospels with an eye on Christ’s • Schedule short breaks into your study Years ago, the situation lacking a healthy life due to heartwarming humanness as he walked strategy. Stand up, walk around the room, Second Vatican physical or mental handicaps. among us. stretch and breathe deeply. Now get back to Council’s Pastoral Advent is a time to befriend the Truth applies to our most important work! Constitution on the destitute through our caring. As Christ relationships: friendship, collaboration, • Persevere despite your fear of failure. Church in the Modern befriended us, we reach out to others. We love, marriage, the family. Advent is Don’t back away from a goal because you’ve World identified seldom think of its power, but when care a time to counter an atmosphere of failed in the past. Be patient and keep at it. the threats to society and the common is heartfelt, it contains the potential for untruthfulness by “telling it as it is,” Forgive yourself for past procrastinations, good: “Feelings of hostility, contempt creating a calming peace in those whose and thereby increasing our loyalty to pray for focus and self‑control, and try again. and distrust, as well as racial hatred and life is seriously disrupted. truthfulness. Change takes time, so keep up unbending ideologies, continue to divide No doubt many of us know people who The above examples are but a few your efforts. Just remember, fulfilling men.” are perpetually glum. Advent is a time to of how to celebrate Advent through the your responsibilities will yield greater Today, violence, character flash a cheerful smile in hopes of uplifting cultivation of the disposition of kindness accomplishment, less stress and more peace assassination, dishonesty, animosity and their hearts with a sunny moment. within ourselves, our homes and those of mind. And ultimately, you’ll be glorifying combative ideologies are strangling our These days, our air is filled with among us. God through your work. ability to live a kind and well-disposed negativity. In Advent, we direct our existence. conversations away from the negativity to (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for (Maria-Pia Negro Chin is bilingual Advent is a sacred time to celebrate the optimistic side of life, in gratitude for Catholic News Service.) † associate editor at Maryknoll Magazine.) † The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Page 13

First Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, December 4 Friday, December 8 Sunday, December 3, 2017 St. John Damascene, priest The Immaculate Conception and doctor of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 Isaiah 2:1-5 Genesis 3:9-15, 20 • 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Psalm122:1-9 Psalm 98:1-4 • Mark 13:33-37 Matthew 8:5-11 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Luke 1:26-38 This weekend, the Church begins St. Mark’s Gospel is the source of the Tuesday, December 5 Advent. It begins the use of biblical last reading. It offers us a theme found Isaiah 11:1-10 Saturday, December 9 readings from Year B of its three-year often in the New Testament, namely that Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Sunday Mass reading Christ will come to Earth again. In this Luke 10:21-24 Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 cycle. second coming, the Lord will be the great Psalm 147:1-6 Wednesday, December 6 It also is the start of victor and the judge of all creation. Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 a new liturgical year. By the time the Gospels were written— St. Nicholas, bishop Each liturgical year even in the case of the Gospel of Mark, Isaiah 25:6-10a Sunday, December 10 is carefully planned thought to be the oldest of the four as they Psalm 23:1-6 Second Sunday of Advent so that the seasons now exist—Christians were numerous and the major feasts enough and geographically distributed Matthew 15:29-37 Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 guide us through the enough to catch the public eye, but not Thursday, December 7 Church’s worship into numerous enough or powerful enough to 2 Peter 3:8-14 St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor a closer relationship stand against their enemies. The culture Mark 1:1-8 with God. was an enemy. Soon, the political system of the Church The first reading is from the third would be an enemy as well. Isaiah 26:1-6 section of Isaiah, composed when the Being a Christian became a capital Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a Jews were in a difficult situation. Years crime, as the martyrs were horribly to Matthew 7:21, 24-27 before, they had been allowed to return know. to the Holy Land from Babylon after Understandably, the atmosphere was being exiled there. But this return brought tense, uncertain and frightening. Thoughts the exiles home to no paradise. Life was of the second coming were naturally Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle miserable. appealing. Jesus will come again, but we The prophet called for faith in God, not know not when. We do not know the future. Masses of Christian Burial are only as almighty, but as unrelentingly true In the meantime, we must acknowledge to his covenant, to the divine pledge that God, live in his law and trust in our reward. ordinarily celebrated in a parish church he would protect his chosen people. If we are with God, we need not fear. The prophet appealed for relief to In certain parts of our country, Masses by Pope Paul VI in the encyclical God in the name of the people, but Reflection Qof Christian Burial at funeral homes “Humanae Vitae,” Pope Francis said that without saying that the people were The prayers of the Mass are the united are allowed. I think this is a wonderful “this doesn’t mean a Christian should being treated unfairly, at least in terms expression of faith of all believers, spoken idea, especially for have a succession of children.” “Some of God’s care for them. Indeed, Isaiah through and by the celebrant, to proclaim small funerals. Who people believe that,” he added, “in order made clear that sin led the people our trust in Almighty God. makes that decision or to be good Catholics, we should be like away from God. This estrangement has We pray with the priest, in our faith gives permission for rabbits.” produced their woes. and worship. But are we sincere? Does this? (New York) Rejecting that myth, he noted that St. Paul’s First Epistle to the the priest praying the prayers at Mass there are legitimate natural ways to Corinthians provides the next reading. represent our genuinely authentic faith, I am not aware of limit reproduction and cited with Counseling the Christians of Corinth our absolute commitment to Christ? Aany place in the disapproval the case of a woman was a challenge for Paul. Not only did Mark’s Gospel greatly assists us United States where who became pregnant an eighth time temptation and vice surround them in forming solid faith. Only God is funeral Masses are after giving birth to seven children by on every side, but they also argued permanent and real. celebrated on a regular cesarean section. “Do you want to leave among themselves. Paul called them to Advent is an opportunity to grow in basis in a funeral home. The Archdiocese of seven orphans?” the pope asked. “This faithfulness and sought to persuade them our union with God, to realize that God’s Detroit notes, for example, on its website: is tempting God.” to put their differences aside. love for us is real. “Funeral Masses are not allowed in funeral At the same time, Pope Francis in a He saw the disciples there as having If we respond to the opportunity homes. The funeral liturgy outside of Mass, 2015 general audience challenged married enormous religious potential, despite the given to us by Advent, then Christmas as provided in the ‘Order of Christian couples who refuse to be open to the gift odds produced by their surroundings and becomes not a national holiday, or even Funerals,’ is allowed in the funeral home.” of life, calling it a “selfish choice.” the human inclination to sin. If they chose a holy religious commemoration, but the That ritual held in a funeral home, “A society stingy in generation,” to cooperate with God’s grace, they would moment when we encounter God, firmly then, would consist only in the sprinkling the pope went on to say, “that does not be able to be close to God and also infuse believing that Jesus will come again, but of the casket, opening prayers, scriptural love to surround itself in children, that the goodness of Christianity into the also believing that here and now we know readings, a homily, intercessory petitions, considers them overall a worry, a weight, circles in which they moved. the Lord. † the Our Father and the closing prayers a risk, is a depressed society.” of commendation. In short, this service The Church has consistently would include all of the parts of a acknowledged the dangers posed My Journey to God normal funeral Mass with the significant by increased poverty rates in the exception of the Eucharist itself. fastest‑growing regions of the world; it It is much more fitting that a funeral be has urged prudent decision-making in celebrated with the church’s central and most the spacing of births, but has situated Ode to Trees powerful prayer, the Eucharist—ordinarily in that choice in the consciences of parents, By Cathy Lamperski Dearing the parish church in which the deceased had rejecting efforts by some governments to traditionally worshipped. act by force through programs of artificial O’ trees At the same time, though, this guideline contraception, sterilizations and even You appreciate is not absolute, and a local bishop abortions. The rhythm of things. could grant permission for a Mass to be In April 2015, the Pontifical Academy You understand and respond celebrated in a funeral home—particularly of Sciences asserted that there is a To every season’s change in rural areas, where the church might be determinable level of sustainable world Though change and letting go a great distance away, or in a case where population and that the common good Isn’t always as easy severe weather might imperil travel. requires maintaining that number. As it looks. Two months later, though, in his You live life in two worlds— I am concerned about the population encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Solitary and solidarity Qgrowth in the world, and about Common Home,” Pope Francis offered a Embracing the gifts religious leaders not addressing it. I know more nuanced and comprehensive view, And challenges that as Catholic Christians we are called to saying, “Instead of resolving the problems Of both. support the poor, and I have done this. But of the poor and thinking of how the world You have mourned the loss of many with unlimited population growth, isn’t can be different, some can only propose Yet have remained rooted this like bailing water from a boat with a a reduction in the birth rate. … To blame Standing firm and tall hole in the bottom? Why aren’t religious population growth instead of extreme In faith. leaders encouraging families to limit size? and selective consumerism on the part of You are great teachers (New Jersey) some is one way of refusing to face the Of patient waiting issues” (#50). And how growth is slow The concern you express resonates In fact, in many developed countries And takes time. Ato a certain extent with the words population decline and low birth rates You remind us all to of Pope Francis. Speaking to journalists are more of a problem. In such countries, “Look up!” during a flight in January 2015 from the social safety net programs are threatened And trust what the Heavenly Father Philippines back to Rome, the pontiff because of a declining number of income Is calling us to. addressed that same question, indicating earners. that Catholics fail to practice responsible (Cathy Lamperski Dearing is a member of Saint Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis. parenthood when they have more children (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Aspen trees display fall colors at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in than can be provided for. Doyle at [email protected] and Flagstaff, Ariz., on Oct. 3.) (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) While defending Church teaching 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York against artificial contraception expressed 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017

Rest in peace Please submit in writing to our office by 10 a.m. Thursday before the week of publication; be sure to state date of death. Obituaries of archdiocesan priests serving our archdiocese are listed elsewhere in The Criterion. Order priests and religious sisters and brothers are included here, unless they are natives of the archdiocese or have other connections­ to it; those are separate obituaries on this page.

ASCHBACHER, Anna K., Hamilton. 95, St. Anthony of Padua, Brother Clarksville, Nov. 10. Mother of Sharon of Carol Coulter, Janice Marshall, Betty Gilley, David, Robert and Nally, Kathy William Aschbacher. Sister of Spangenberg and John and Richard Krementz. Irene Thrasher. Grandmother of three. Grandfather BALLMAN, Victor, 94, of five. Great- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, grandfather of Richmond, Nov. 18. two. Father of Linda Benjamin, KARNS, Catherine, Patricia and Mark Michael W., 38, Ballman. Grandfather of five. SS. Francis and Great-grandfather of several. Clare of Assisi, BRAUN, Frank J., III, 90, Greenwood, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Nov. 24. Son Jeffersonville, Nov. 3. Father of Jim and Pam of Cynthia Bannett, Donna Karns. Brother Gibson, Deborah Pryor, of Amanda Gloria, Daniel and Timothy Cartheuser and Vatican Christmas tree Braun. Grandfather of seven. Jeffrey Karns. Great-grandfather of four. Uncle of several. A Christmas tree is positioned in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Nov. 23. This year’s tree is from Poland. (CNS photo/Max Rossi) CARR, Thomas L., 90, KOSOF, St. Christopher, Indianapolis, Betty J., 97, Nov. 15. Father of Jo Ann St. Matthew the Apostle, Providence Sister Anita Bechert served in Catholic schools, administration Clark, Jack, Michael and Tom Indianapolis, Nov. 12. Mother she retired from teaching and served in administrative work for Carr. Grandfather of eight. of Paula Stezzi and Kathy Providence Sister Anita Bechert died on Nov. 12 at Great-grandfather of 11. Young. Grandmother of two. Mother Theodore Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She was 90. her order, overseeing its office of records from 1991-2007. She Great-grandmother of two. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Nov. 17 at dedicated herself entirely to prayer beginning in 2014. DIDELOT, J. Donald, the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the motherhouse in In addition to serving at her order’s motherhouse, Sister Anita 58, St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, KLUMP, Maxine, 90, St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Burial followed at the sisters’ cemetery. served in the archdiocese at the former St. Mary-of-the-Woods Floyd County, Nov. 18. Son of All Saints, Dearborn Mary Didelot. Brother of Patty County, Nov. 18. Mother of Elizabeth Jane Bechert was born on April 23, 1927, in School in St. Mary-of-the-Woods from 1947-48, at the former King, Mary Ann Moberly, Bill, Terry Damon, Nancy Lillie Indianapolis and grew up as a member of St. John the Evangelist St. Andrew the Apostle School in Indianapolis from 1961-65, at Dave, Frank and Joe Didelot. and Michelle Paquette. Parish. She entered the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the- the former Holy Trinity School in New Albany from 1965-69, Uncle of several. Grandmother of six. Woods on Feb. 2, 1946, and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1953. and at St. Luke the Evangelist School in Indianapolis from Great-grandmother of 10. DIESELBERG, Beth, 37, Sister Anita earned a bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary-of-the- 1973-75 and 1979-85. All Saints, Dearborn County, KRAMER, Ruth, 97, Woods College and a master’s degree at Indiana State University She is survived by a sister, Anna Marie Ewing of Canyon Nov. 19. Mother of Journey St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, in Terre Haute. Lake, Calif. Cobb. Daughter of Gary and Floyd County, Nov. 15. Mother During her 71 years as a member of the Sisters of Providence, Memorial gifts may be sent to the Sisters of Providence, Janice Dieselberg. Sister of of Bethe and Elaine Kramer. Sister Anita ministered in education for 37 years in schools in 1 Sisters of Providence Road, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ann Bovard, Chad and Jared LANNAN, Mary F., 76, California, Illinois, Indiana and Maryland. Beginning in 1986, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876. † Dieselberg. St. Jude, Indianapolis, Nov. 14. FISCHER, Joseph S., 87, Wife of Kenneth Lannan. Granddaughter of Janet Bartram County, Nov. 7. Wife of Charles Franciscan Sister Patricia Connor Holy Family, Oldenburg, Mother of Karen Breedlove, and Ronald and Carol Opel. Shirk. Mother of Melissa Nov. 18. Husband of Marjorie David and Kevin Lannan. Aunt of one. Freeman. Grandmother of eight. served in education, as librarian Fischer. Uncle of two. Sister of Cecilia O’Bryan. PAIR, Phillip A., 70, Our Lady Great-grandmother of three. Grandmother of five. at Marian University HEIOB, Robert J., 61, of Perpetual Help, New Albany, SOPER, Marion, 85, Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, LEE, Mary A., 92, St. Mary, Nov. 11. Husband of Victoria St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Franciscan Sister Patricia Connor died on Nov. 5 at the Nov. 3. Father of Lauren, New Albany, Nov. 13. Mother Pair. Father of Elaine and Oct. 28. Father of Carol motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Third Lynley Pair. Grandfather of two. Paolantino, Claudia and Charles Lindsey and Sara Heiob. of Sherry Fraze, Paul and Order of St. Francis in Oldenburg. She was 88. Brother of Sally Armstrong and Rick Davis and Patty Lee. PEONI, Charles A., 59, Soper. Brother of Corrine Doan. Grandfather of four. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Nov. 13 at Peggy Whitsett. Grandmother of seven. St. Roch, Indianapolis, Nov. 10. the Motherhouse Chapel in Oldenburg. Burial followed at the Great-grandmother of 19. Great-grandfather of two. HEWITT, Wanda, Husband of Patricia Peoni. Son sisters’ cemetery. Great-great-grandmother of four. of Rosemary Peoni. Brother of SULLIVAN, Phyllis J., 85, 80, St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Patricia was born on Sept. 6, 1929, in Hays, Kan. Shelby County, Nov. 14. OESTERLING, Leona M., Paul Peoni. Uncle of several. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 9. Wife of John Sullivan. Sister of She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on Sept. 11, 1949, and Wife of Jack Hewitt. Mother 100, St. Mary, Greensburg, PFLUM, Robert P., 76, professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1955. Nov. 19. Mother of Janet Bill Greve. Aunt of several. of Amy Campbell, Jay St. Jude, Indianapolis, Nov. 13. Sister Patricia was a graduate of Marian University in and Perry Hewitt. Sister of Pribble, Dr. Joseph, Mark Husband of Sandra Pflum. SWANK, Diane E., 68, Indianapolis, and Rosary College in River Forest, Ill. Norma Browning and Jim and Dr. Robert Oesterling. Father of Shelley Day and Eric St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Beyer. Grandmother of six. Grandmother of six. Pflum. Brother of Bill, John Oct. 23. Wife of John Perkins. During 67 years as a Sister of St. Francis, Sister Patricia Great-grandmother of two. and Mark Pflum. Grandfather Sister of Teresa Brady, Suetta ministered as an educator for 22 years in Catholic schools in OPEL, Mallory E., 27, Indiana and Ohio, serving in the archdiocese at the former HILLARD, James, 86, St. Mark the Evangelist, of four. Fischer, Barbara Gallegos, Mark St. Paul School in New Alsace from 1965-74. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Indianapolis, Nov. 24. Mother RUEHRWEIN, William and Paul Swank. Aunt of several. Beginning in 1974, Sister Patricia began ministry as an Richmond, Nov. 18. Husband of Camilla Jackson. Daughter R., 97, St. Lawrence, WILLIAMS, Glenn M, 93, of Karen Hillard. Father of of Doug and Julie Opel. Sister Lawrenceburg, Nov. 12. Father St. Michael the Archangel, assistant librarian at Marian University until her retirement in Kathy Bongers, Lynda Skaggs of Morgan and Bryce Opel. of Sharon Kwiecinski, Rose Indianapolis, Nov. 20. Father of 2009. and Todd Hillard. Grandfather Granddaughter of Janet Bartram VonHolle, Susan Wendel, Bill Catherine Wahnsieder and Kerry She is survived by sisters Lorrie Blackwill of Quinter, of six. Great-grandfather of six. and Ronald and Carol Opel. and Steve Ruehrwein. Brother Williams. Grandfather of four. Kan., Gladys Connor of Salina, Kan., Kay Religa of JOYAL, Dean, 85, OPEL, Meredith G., 20, of Mary Chiseck. Grandfather WILSON, Angeline M., 87, Brooksville, Kan., and Karen Vail of Salina, Kan., and St. Christopher, Indianapolis, St. Mark the Evangelist, of 10. Great-grandfather of St. Christopher, Indianapolis, brothers James Connor of Catoosa, Okla., and Larry Connor Nov. 11. Husband of Martha Indianapolis, Nov. 24. Daughter seven. Nov. 9. Mother of Jane of WaKenney, Kan. Joyal. Father of Marrianna of Doug and Julie Opel. Sister SHIRK, Patricia, 87, Hendrickson. Grandmother of Memorial gifts may be sent to the Sisters of St. Francis, Brunner and Elizabeth of Morgan and Bryce Opel. St. Vincent de Paul, Shelby two. † P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036-0100. † Zimbabwe’s bishops urge new government to embrace country’s diversity HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNS)—All Zimbabweans Addressing all Zimbabweans, the bishops said, “We Mugabe’s policies are widely blamed for Zimbabwe’s should have a voice in the country’s governance thank God and congratulate you as a nation for displaying economic decline over the last two decades. Millions of following Robert Mugabe’s 37-year presidency, and the a high standard of maturity in the recent tensions” in the economic refugees have left the country, with most going new government should embrace diversity, Zimbabwe’s southern African country. to South Africa. bishops said. “We thank you all for your peaceful conduct, tolerance Zimbabwe “needs to develop a culture of broad Congratulating President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and cooperation during the military-assisted transition,” consultation, constitutionalism, safeguarding life, human whose Nov. 24 inauguration followed a de facto coup, the they said. dignity and fundamental human rights and freedoms,” the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference also thanked Mugabe resigned on Nov. 21, a week after Zimbabwe’s bishops said. 93-year-old Mugabe for “the good work he did for army seized control of the government. Hundreds of The country’s churches can facilitate dialogue “with the Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle” against white thousands of people took to the streets in the capital, aim of harnessing collective will and support in ensuring rule and as president. Harare, to celebrate. Zimbabwe pursues a renewed path to peace, unity, “We forgive him for any shortcomings during his long The bishops said the goals of economic recovery and progress and prosperity,” they said. tenure of office,” the bishops said in a Nov. 26 pastoral electoral reforms must be achieved before the general “Let us as one family continue to pray for peace and a statement. elections, scheduled for 2018. just outcome to the present situation,” they said. † The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Page 15 Osgood parish celebrates 150 years as a family of faith By Sean Gallagher important it’s been to our family. Hopefully, it will be Over the past year, the members of a way to make it important St. John the Baptist Parish in Osgood have for them.” celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Miller hopes to set an founding of their Batesville Deanery faith example for his children community in a variety of ways—social by being involved in the events, the dedication of a Marian shrine parish. When he was and a procession honoring the parish’s growing up, he said he patron saint. frequently went there with But it was a surprise visitor to the his father and grandfather parish’s anniversary Mass on Sept. 10 that to do any work that needed may have been the highlight of all the to be done. Now he helps events. in hospitality ministry, is a About 20 minutes before the start lector at Mass and serves of the liturgy, Archbishop Charles on the parish’s cemetery C. Thompson arrived as its surprise committee. principal celebrant. Last minute Jill Jansing, 45, has also changes to his schedule allowed him to been involved in St. John attend. Parish for much of her life. It meant a lot to Franciscan She credits the strength Sister Shirley Gerth, St. John’s parish life of her faith today to the coordinator. catechesis she received “I’ve always believed in the God there growing up. of surprises,” she said. “And this was I didn’t go to a one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve Catholic school,” she experienced. It was unexpected, but I said. “That was why the welcomed him with open arms.” parish was all the more Sister Shirley knew that important. That’s where I Archbishop Thompson’s participation in got all of my formation. Olivia, left, and Katie Miller, front row, Wyatt McCain, second row, and Renee Tunny, all members of St. John the Baptist the anniversary Mass It was really everything. Parish in Osgood, bring up offertory gifts during a Sept. 10 Mass at the Batesville Deanery faith community’s church to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding. (Submitted photo) was also meaningful It meant a lot. We had a for everyone who good foundation that was attended. given to us here.” “He really made Jansing assists with liturgies in the the celebration parish, has served on its pastoral council very, very special,” and assisted with its youth ministry she said. “He did a activities held with nearby St. Maurice wonderful job. His Parish in Napoleon. homily was excellent. “It’s a matter of giving back, thinking Sr. Shirley Gerth, O.S.F. He greeted all the back to all of the people that set an people afterward, and example for me as I was growing was the last one in line for his food.” up,” she said. They passed the torch Andy Miller, a young adult member of to people like myself. And so it’s the parish, was a lector at the Mass. important for me to do it for future He and his family sat in the same generations.” area of the church during the liturgy in Over the years, Jansing has which several previous generations of appreciated the small size of her faith Millers have worshipped, right next to community and how it serves the a stained-glass window that Miller’s families of the small town of Osgood and great-great grandfather donated to the the surrounding rural area. parish. “We’re a common, country type of “It’s amazing how many people have folk,” said Jansing. “Everybody seems to been there and raised their families there,” know everybody. We really feel like we’re said Miller, 26. “It continues on and on. family. That’s easier to do when you’re a One hundred and fifty years is really smaller church.” amazing.” Ruth Wenning, 90, has been part of the Miller works as a farmer with other family of faith at St. John since around members of his family near the parish 1950. that was settled by an ancestor that “When we first moved here, there were emigrated from Germany. 300 families in the parish and we knew Members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Osgood enjoy a banquet on Sept. 10 at the Batesville Now he and his wife are raising them all,” said Wenning. “We went to Deanery faith community after a Mass celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. two young children who are the sixth church every Sunday. We’d have our big (Submitted photo) generation of Millers who are members of chicken dinner and festival during the St. John. summertime.” “It’s comforting,” said Calhoun, 70. strengthened her own. “It’s big shoes to fill with that many Ruth’s daughter Rosalie Calhoun “After all these years, you’re still doing “Whenever I’m in the presence of a generations all thinking it’s important is also a member of St. John, and has the same things for families that have been person whose faith is strong, it certainly enough to stay and go every Sunday,” seen how the families of the parish there since almost the start of the parish.” deepens my own faith in God,” she said. he said. “I just hope I’m doing the right reach out to help each other in times of Sister Shirley said the faith of the “Witnessing people who have a strong thing for my kids to make them see how need. people she ministers to at St. John has faith is a great inspiration to me.” †

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Page 16 The Criterion Friday, December 1, 2017 Indian Catholics sorry From the that papal invitation never came through Bishop Simon Bruté ARCHIVES NEW DELHI (CNS)—As Pope Francis began his tour to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Catholics in neighboring India regret missing a chance to meet him in their homeland, nostalgically recalling past papal visits, reported ucanews.com. Flag Raising Catholic groups began discussing plans to host the pontiff earlier this year, after the Vatican confirmed a papal at St. Mary in visit to the region. Nobody then expected a papal itinerary would not North Vernon include India, a nation of 19 million Catholics. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, president of the This photo shows a flag raising Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, said the Church in event at St. Mary School in India was expecting to receive Pope Francis, “but it did not North Vernon. Though no date happen.” is given on the photo, it could In August, the Vatican announced that the Nov. 27-Dec. 2 depict celebrations related to the journey would only include Myanmar and Bangladesh, whereas dedication of the school building the original plan had been to visit India and Bangladesh. by Bishop Denis O’Donoghue, The lack of an official invitation for Pope Francis to former auxiliary bishop of visit India is widely seen as being the result of political Indianapolis, on June 21, 1908. considerations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s St. Mary Parish was founded in government. The government is operated by the Hindu 1861, and the school continues to nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). operate in the building shown in Observers say the BJP feared that Modi hosting this photograph. Pope Francis would have alienated majority-Hindu voters ahead of scheduled 2019 national elections. However, Cardinal George Alencherry of (Would you like to comment on Ernakulam‑Angamaly said the outcome had disappointed the or share information about this entire Church in India. Cardinal Alencherry was scheduled to photo? Contact archdiocesan join a papal Mass in Bangladesh, ucanews.com reported. archivest Julie Motyka at A wide cross section of Indians interviewed by 800-382-9836, ext. 1538; ucanews.com said a papal visit would have uplifted (317) 236-1538; or by e-mail at Christians facing violence and threats from extremist Hindu [email protected].) groups, especially in northern India. One of those unhappy about Pope Francis not visiting India was Johana Xalxo, an Oraon ethnic minority woman and a school principal in New Delhi. Xalxo, 52, said she was privileged to meet St. Pope John Paul II in 1986 when he toured some 15 Indian cities, including her city of Ranchi. She was part of a group that danced to welcome St. John Paul. “It was an exciting experience,” she recalled. Xalxo noted that papal visits lifted the morale of indigenous Christians, who often felt weak and neglected, providing them with a sense of belonging to a larger community. †

“ My sister was to be a nun, and I was to be a mother,” says Notre Dame Sister Mary Ann Hanson (foreground), 79, “but God had other plans.” During 61 years of religious life, she has joyfully followed those plans. Along with the senior religious shown here—and 32,000 more across the United States—Sister Mary Ann benefits from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide nursing care, medications, and other necessities. Please be generous.

Roughly 94 percent of donations aid senior religious.

To donate: Archdiocese of Indianapolis Mission Office 1400 North Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46202 Retirement Fund Make check payable to Mission Office with Religious Retirement on the memo line. for Religious Or give at your local parish December 9–10.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime. www.retiredreligious.org

Photo (from left): Sister Gloria Rodríguez, MGSpS, 80; Father Albert Bunsic, OCD, 81; Sister Alfonsina Sanchez, OCD, 96; Sister Mary Ann Hanson, SND, 79. ©2017 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photographer: Jim Judkis.