Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 35, Number 8 * April 19, 2008 Christ Is One Certainty in Life, Christ Says Pontiff VATICAN CITY, (Zenit.org). — Although life is uncertain, there is noth- ing uncertain about the destiny of every person, Benedict XVI told a delegation of is youth from Madrid, which is the host city for the 2011 World Youth Day. “Go in the footsteps of Christ,” the pontiff told the youth. “He is your end, your way and also your prize. our “Life is a journey, certainly. But it is not an uncertain journey without a fixed destiny; it leads to Christ, the end of human life and history. On this journey you will meet with him who gave His life Light! for love, and opens to you the doors of eternal life.” The Holy Father encouraged the youth to discover in the cross “the infi- nite measure of Christ’s love. Christ gave himself for each one of you and loves you in a unique and personal way. Respond to Christ’s love by offering him your life with love.” “Young people of today need to dis- cover the new life that comes from God,” he said, “to be satiated by the truth that has its source in Christ who died and was resurrected and who the Church Father John Feehily and Deacons has received as a treasure for all men.” Jerome Caplinger and Angus Watford prepare to light the Benedict XVI also underlined the from the flames of importance of the World Youth Day the fire at St. Andrew’s events as they “manifest the dynamism Church in Moore. Photo by of the Church and her eternal youth,” Cara Koenig and they “enable young people to feel they are members of the Church, in full communion with their pastors and with the Successor of Peter.”

Inside Father Joseph Guymon Parish Burger Honored Re-enacts Good With Rother Friday Passion Award 7 9 2 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009

The Good News Sooner Catholic Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran ... OLOG (Memorials) Archbishop of Oklahoma City What is OLOG? This is the name Catholic youth camp! Publisher of the Catholic youth camp in the Until now, I have been speaking Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. solely about the summer camp Ray Dyer Actually, it is an acronym which the program. However, that is only one Editor kids adopted in the year 2000 when part of a much longer and diversified OLOG is the camp opened under the official use of the camp property. Throughout Cara Koenig name of Our Lady of Guadalupe the rest of the year, even more kids one of the Layout/Design/ Catholic Youth Camp. This summer and young adults and older people “jewels” will mark the 10th year of camping at come and go. Some are there just for Photographer OLOG! the day. Others stay overnight. Some of our The camp program at OLOG has come for a few days while others come Archdiocese! Mauro Yanez been most successful and rewarding. for a weekend or a whole week. The Archbishop Hispanic Editor During the summer months, our programs vary greatly. There are Beltran Archdiocesan Youth Office offers eight youth retreats, high school Kairos Ammanda McCabe weeks of camping. Approximately programs, study sessions, Confirma- Staff 1,000 children from all over the Arch- tion retreats, scouting activities and donation was made in memory of (the diocese participate in the summer young adult programs. There is person you name), May 2009. Or it camp program every year. Almost 800 seldom a week that passes without an could read: “This pavilion (or gazebo) 7501 Northwest Expressway are already registered for this coming exciting, fulfilling program touching is provided through the generous Oklahoma City, OK 73132 donation from (name inserted), May summer. on faith, education and socialization. (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 The weekly summer camp OLOG is one of the “jewels” of our 2009. e-mail: [email protected] provides children with a fun place to Archdiocese! There will be three smaller Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 be. The atmosphere is rustic as the Due to the economic downturn gazebos. One will be at the archery Oklahoma City, OK 73123 camp is located on 480 acres of and trying to keep camp fees at a range and the other two at the Donut wooded land in Lincoln County. In the reasonable cost, we have had to curtail Pond, which is a one-mile walk from past, the kids have boasted about the some of the additions that would have the main entrance of OLOG. A Visit us online through the food, the program and the environ- been very, very beneficial to campers memorial gift of $5,000 for each Archdiocesan Web Page at ment. They have actively and joyfully and staff persons and programs. For gazebo and a memorial gift of $20,000 www.catharchdioceseokc.org. taken part in the religious dimension example, we have a need for several for the larger pavilion from generous of the camp. Thus, they return home, outdoor pavilions. These are not benefactors will make these facilities especially kids from rural areas, real- luxury items but gathering places for available for summer camp. The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is izing that our is so various activities. They would be most published biweekly except for once in July much larger than their own little helpful and a great addition to our The pavilion and the three and twice in December by the Archdiocese parish. Their interest in the Church camp. Therefore, I am looking for four gazebos provide an opportunity for and what they experienced at OLOG generous people to help make these anyone wishing to memorialize a of Oklahoma City. are often related to me as I travel from possible. Would you like to memorial- loved one. At the same time, it will parish to parish through our Arch- ize a friend or loved one? If so, the benefit thousands of young people The newspaper is not responsible for diocese. OLOG is truly a successful plaque could read that a generous who will use them for years to come. unsolicited material. Copyright © 2009 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic Mailing List Updates To change information on our mailing list, fill out the form and return. Subscription rate: $20 per year for all who are not members of the Circle your change: Address Change Name Change Remove Add Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. For any changes, we need both the old and new information. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma Old Information Name: City, OK 73125.

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Address The Sooner Catholic is City, Zip supported through the Archdiocesan Development Fund. Sooner Catholic † P.O. Box 32180 † Oklahoma City, OK 73123 April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 3

April 14, 2009 Notre Dame President Defends Obama Invite Reverend John I. Jenkins, CSC, President University of Notre Dame SOUTH BEND, Ind., April 14, Father Jenkins does not 300 Main Building 2009/06:36 p.m. (CNA). — Father address the close to 30 bishops who John Jenkins, president of the have interpreted the statement to South Bend, Indiana 46556 University of Notre Dame, has include Protestants by condemning written a letter to the school’s the Obama invite. Dear Father Jenkins: board of trustees, defending the university’s invitation of President With regard to Notre Dame University’s invitation to Obama to the school’s May In his letter, Father Jenkins President Obama to speak at your commencement and to be commencement ceremony. Father moves on to the next sentence in Jenkins argues in his letter that the bishops’ document: “They honored with a law degree, I find your most recent state- while many have criticized the should not be given awards, honors ment troubling and equally as scandalous as your original school’s move, canon lawyers and or platforms which would suggest invitation. the USCCB document, “Catholics support for their actions.” in Political Life,” both support his The Catholic Bishops 2004 prohibition against honoring action. Catholic politicians who defy Catholic teaching from being In the letter, posted in full on Father Jenkins defends his interpretation of the line by saying honored by Catholic colleges was issued because at that LifeSiteNews, Father Jenkins recalls the June 2004 USCCB that in “every statement I have time that was the question at hand. However, as one of the made about the invitation of bishops issuing that statement, I certainly did not intend it statement on Catholics in political life and cites “two key sentences” President Obama and in every to be restrictive. Rather, by answering the specific question that “have been frequently quoted” statement I will make, I express of that moment, we were clearly applying fundamental in criticism of Notre Dame’s invita- our disagreement with him on reasons for the inviolable right to life of every person. tion to President Obama. The first issues surrounding the protection Abortion is always evil, always sinful. sentence is: “Catholic institutions of life, such as abortion and embry- should not honor those who act in onic stem cell research. If we defiance of our fundamental moral repeatedly and clearly state that Your justification as presented in today’s news is unaccept- we do not support the president on able. In fact, it is casuistic and arrogant. The only right principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms these issues, we cannot be under- choice for Notre Dame University is to publicly rescind the which would suggest support for stood to ‘suggest support.’” invitation to the president and the plan to honor him with a their actions.” law degree. However, Jenkins explains, he Finally, the document states interpreted the line to refer only that “we need to do more to per- Please hear the cry that I and others desperately make on to dissident Catholics, not suade all people that human life is behalf of unborn children. Please let the University of Notre Protestants such as President precious and human dignity must Dame witness to the truth that all human life is created in Obama. “Because the title of the be defended. This requires more the image and likeness of God and must be respected. This document is ‘Catholics in Political effective dialogue and engagement Life,’ we understood this to refer to is the teaching of our Catholic faith and must be followed in with all public officials ...” Father honoring Catholics whose actions word and in deed. Jenkins notes that, “However mis- are not in accord with our moral guided some might consider our principles.” actions, it is in the spirit of provid- Sincerely yours in Christ, “This interpretation was ing a basis for dialogue that we supported by canon lawyers we invited President Obama.” consulted, who advised us that, by definition, only Catholics who implicitly recognize the authority “On May 17 we will welcome of Church teaching can act in the ninth president who will ‘defiance’ of it,” he continues. receive an honorary degree from “Moreover, fellow university Notre Dame,” the priest-president Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran presidents have told me that their concludes. “It will be an important Archbishop of Oklahoma City bishops have told them that in opportunity to bring the leader of fact it is only Catholic politicians our nation to Notre Dame, and, I EJB/cd who are referred to in this docu- hope, a joyful day for our graduates ment.” and their families.” 4 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 On Notre Dame, Law Degrees, and Catholic Politics Irish Law Student Coalition Calls for Renewed Pro-Life Commitment SOUTH BEND, Ind. April 8, appear as a bloc in the last election. 2009 (Zenit.org). — The founder of a Our voting was as divided as we are, new law student coalition at Notre and there were significant shifts Dame stated that the university's toward Obama among the tradition- decision to honor President Barack al conservative Catholic vote Obama at this year's spring com- Q: Is there a division among mencement points to a deeper prob- Catholics on the life issue? How can lem of Catholicism in the United this be overcome? States. Sullivan: There is certainly divi- Mariangela Sullivan, founder sion. The action of Father Jenkins and director of Notre Dame Action only served to point out an existing Coalition, shared with ZENIT her source of division and confusion: views about the "decades-old ele- what exactly is the Catholic role phant in the closet:" the issue that within American citizenship? many Catholics privately disagree A large section of the Catholic with abortion while publicly sup- population is now floating away porting it. from the old pro-life mother ship, on Today the Notre Dame Action a raft Americans have been steadily Coalition sent out a letter announc- The White House is aware of the made privately by thousands of peo- constructing for some time. ing its Festival of Life, an initiative true crux of the issue, and so should ple, the answer is both complicated That raft was launched here at that not only responds to the deci- we be: Catholicism in America -- as and unknowable. Notre Dame, when Governor Mario sion of Father John Jenkins, the uni- well as the entire pro-life movement Political life can be challenging Cuomo of New York popularized the versity's president, to honor -- is a house divided. Indeed, many for a Catholic; the truths we most baffling position in the abor- President Obama, but also invites who say they are pro-life are part of embrace do not align smoothly with tion debate: being privately pro-life Catholics nationwide to renew their the new president's constituency. either major political party. The but publicly unopposed to abortion. pro-life commitment. The choir is not the choir anymore. patience to uncover and reflect on The logic of the pro-choice posi- In this interview with ZENIT, A university identifies with a the philosophies and records of indi- tion is easy to grasp -- though based Sullivan explains the issues, the religion that recognizes that fetuses vidual candidates is necessary to in error: A fetus is not a person with event and its goals. are people. A president makes it a cast a Catholic vote. rights, and therefore can be legally Q: Why do you think the univer- priority to defend through law the That kind of in-depth inquiry is killed. Equally simple is the pro-life sity's decision to honor President choice of women to have fetuses unfamiliar to modern American cul- view: A fetus is a person with rights, Obama has drawn such internation- killed. The same university gives to ture, in which everyone is entitled to and therefore cannot be legally al attention? the same president an honorary doc- her uninformed opinion. Catholics, killed. Sullivan: Make no mistake, the torate of law. of course, are not immune to that. The increasingly trendy view for controversy surrounding Father Unlike American voters exercis- Just a casual look at the Catholics, however, is a logical house Jenkin's invitation bringing ing their civic duties in the privacy Catholics I know can tell us some- of horrors: A fetus is a person, has President Obama to Notre Dame is of town libraries and city halls, thing about how the Catholic vote rights, and can be legally killed. not about Father Jenkins or Notre Dame has no cubicle, no cur- worked this year. Some believed, in This is why it is true that all the President Obama or Notre Dame. tain. She is the flagship Catholic good faith, and without much atten- pro-life Supreme Court justices in Like a couple whose marriage is education institution in the United tion to facts, that the president the world could not end abortion. As suddenly on the rocks over a burned States; her votes are anything but would honor his promise to find a wise professor here told me, even pot roast, the troubles at issue here private. moderate common ground and unity as we try to bring the law to the just run much deeper than a single inci- And the fact that she h as chosen between the parties. defense of human life, the transfor- dent at a single moment in time. to award President Obama an hon- Others factored environmental mation that will ultimately end The reality is that Catholicism orary law degree has had the effect policy, or health care policy, or eco- abortion can only be one of hearts in America has quietly become a of ripping the curtain off the voting nomic policy most heavily in their and minds. house divided, and now with one booths of all the Catholics in the decision-making calculus. Others, To that end, I founded ND Action very public act, Notre Dame has country, shining light on the division dissatisfied with the candidates, set- for the particular purpose of reach- dragged into view a decades-old ele- that runs like a canyon straight tled for various but important victo- ing beyond Notre Dame to the phant in the room: American through the middle of them. Thus ries, like the prospect of ending tor- hearts and minds of the wider Catholics no longer oppose pro- the outrage. Thus the feeling that ture, or the possibility of increased American community. The group's choice politicians. salt has been poured in a wound. aid to the poor. focus and energy is entirely devoted As the White House shrewdly Q: What are the reasons behind Others voted on emotional to carrying out that purpose. noted when it fielded the first wave the fact that so many Catholics grounds -- they felt the "hope" that ND Action is composed of law of outrage, half of American voted for Obama in the national swept the nation. Others didn't have students who see the scope of the Catholics voted for Barack Obama. elections? a decision-making calculus at all. controversy at issue here as much, Home run, Mr. President, as usual. Sullivan: Like any decision The famous Catholic vote did not Continued to page 15 April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 5

Twelve Men Receive Canonical Call to Ordination

Most Rev. Eusebius J. Beltran, archbishop of Oklahoma City, issued a Canonical Call to be ordained a Permanent Deacon to the following men: Thomas Biles, St. Ann Parish, Elgin; Dennis Fine, St. Joseph Parish, Ada; Thomas Goldsworthy, St. Eugene Parish, Oklahoma City; Forrest Simpson, St. Patrick, Oklahoma City; Richard Boothe, Christ the King Parish, Oklahoma City; William Hough, St. Mary Parish, Clinton; Daniel Lombardi, St. John Nepomuk Parish, Yukon; Ty Nguyen, St. Andrew Dung Lac Parish, Oklahoma City; Kha Nguyen, St. Andrew Dung Lac Parish, Oklahoma City; Michael Romaka, Holy Family Parish, Lawton; William Thurman, St. Benedict Parish, Shawnee; and Terrance Rice, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Kingfisher. The ordina- tion is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2009. These men and their wives are completing a four-year program of prayer, study Our Lady of Victory in Purcell’s RE classes collected food and health items for Sister BJ’s and discernment. Pray for them as they complete their Pantry. Back row: Connie Chaples and Jenna Magner; middle row, Mariflor Paredez, preparation for ordination. Paulina, Manual Perez, Jessie and Sky Manger; front row, Hannah Hoefer, Nathan Chavez, Isidro Ibarra and Martin Ibarra. Teen Feels Greater Presence of God in His Life After Retreat By Tyler Gruntmeir Seminary. And throughout the shown me through my experience at the seminary, St. Monica Parish, Edmond trip, I thought (as I’m sure many my own ambitions and hopes for the future have of the other visitors did), why not settled at this. In light of my trip to Conception Seminary... me? Why can I not experience this I would like to, and am determined to, continue The past weekend was a really incredible peace, this closeness to God. my studies at Francis Tuttle. Following the comple- experience for me, spiritually. So I prayed. I thought. I med- tion of that course, I would like to pursue a degree Staying among the monks and seminarians, it itated. I read. But most of all, I in Web design, preferably at UCO. After that, and was not only a time for fun and recreation, but an listened. I waited and I asked for depending on what the future has brought since incredible opportunity for prayer, reflection, medi- God to speak to me. To tell me Tyler then, I would like to spend a year or two at a tation and discernment. what He wanted from me. Wrong Gruntmeir university seminary, studying theology and further- Through my (rather rough) past, finding a place though I may be, it came down to ing my relationship with the Father. I would like to where I can feel God’s presence has been something an answer a lot simpler than I had expected. thereafter use what I have learned, as well as my hard for me. Work Camp only comes once a year, God gave me MANY talents. Eloquence, coor- God-given talents, to pursue a career in Web design and of course I go to church every Sunday. But dination, intelligence, agility and compassion, to and graphic arts. Eventually, God willing, I would really FEELING the Lord’s presence was some- name a few. Things that not every person on this like to marry and build a family. earth is graced with. Of all his children, of all the thing I hadn’t experienced in a while. This weekend Of course, this future is not set in stone. But I people, He gave those talents to ME. An 18-year-old was different. From opening prayer on Saturday will be praying for direction and listening for the boy who has no idea what he’s doing with his life. In until our departure on Monday, I felt touched, Lord’s reply. What is certain, is that a lot in my life realizing that, I felt that all God asks of me is that almost flooded by the presence of Christ. Looking has become clearer, and the experience at the I use those talents to greater my relationship with around me and seeing only men of God was a seminary has certainly brought me closer to my Him. With Christ. With the Holy Spirit. Does that powerful realization. Surrounded by people who faith. were giving up their time and lives to bring them- mean I’m meant to be a priest? Not necessarily. But selves closer to Christ, I felt small. Inferior. Almost nothing says that I can’t be a man of faith. Please, keep me, as well as any others who are graceless. Yet, once I relaxed and took time to actu- Since I was 15 or so, I’ve always felt that I still trying to discern God’s calling for them, in your ally get to know a few of the seminarians, I noticed would lead the married life. And I still believe this. prayers. that they were all basically just like me. They all My dependence on a relationship made that obvi- God bless. had their pasts, their mistakes, their struggles. But ous to me. What the future holds, of course, I do not This was written by Tyler Gruntmeir of St. they had offered all of those struggles up to God. and cannot know. I can only keep my ears open to Monica Catholic in Edmond following his trip to And He had brought them there. To Conception the Lord and pray. But for now, with what He has Conception Seminary in March. 6 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 2009 Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Winners

First and second grade Third and fourth grade Three-way tie for first — Jonathan Robinson, Rosary; Hanna Newby, St. First, Charlie Kolar, All Saints; second, Amy Albright, St. Mary, Guthrie; Elizabeth Ann Seton; Yadin George, Villa Teresa; fourth, Vivian Pham, St. third, Logan Harrington, St. John Nepomuk; fourth, Diana Nguyen, Bishop John Nepomuk; fifth, Alex O’Quinn, St Eugene’s. John Carroll; fifth, Austin Copeland, St. John Nepomuk.

Fifth and sixth grade Four-way tie for first — Brandon Pham, St. Phillip Neri; Emily Pham, Seventh and eighth grade Bishop John Carroll; David Soto, St. Mary, Ponca City; Anna Egas, St. Phillip First, Courtney Labe, St. Mary, Lawton; second, Elizabeth Low, All Saints; Neri; fifth, Mika Cheng, Sacred Heart, OKC. Sister Catherine Powers, third, Elijah Petty, Holy Trinity; fourth, Cindy Do, Bishop John Carroll; superintendent of Catholic Schools is also pictured. fifth, Brent Gawey, Christ the King.

St. Francis Parishioner Named Candidate in Presidential Scholars Program Robert (Bob) Cail, a member of Scholars Program, now in its 45th either the College scripts. A distinguished panel of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and a year, is one of the highest honors Board SAT or educators will review these submis- graduating senior at Edmond Santa bestowed upon graduating high the ACT sions and select 500 semifinalists in Fe High School, has been named one school seniors. Scholars are selected Assessment. Further early April. of more than 3,000 candidates in the on the basis of superior academic and consideration is Cail has served on the Arch- 2009 Presidential Scholars Program. artistic achievements, leadership based on diocesan Youth Advisory Board and The candidates were selected from qualities, strong character and in- students’ essays, has been active in parish activities. nearly 2.8 million students expected volvement in community and school self-assessments, He is the son of Paula and Don to graduate from U.S. high schools in activities. descriptions of Robert Cail Cail and grandson of Win and Don the year 2009. The candidates were selected for activities, school Fuhrman and the late Marie and Inclusion in the Presidential their exceptional performance on recommendations and school tran- Elmer Cail. April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Father Rother Award presented to Father Joseph Burger OKLAHOMA CITY — With Father Burger quickly learned of dozens of fellow brother priests look- the cultural diversity of the diocese ing on, Father Joseph Burger was pre- when he was assigned to St. Peter sented the Father Stanley Rother Church, Woodward, and its missions. Faithful Shepherd Award. Archbishop It was an assignment that required Beltran presented the honor to Father him to learn a second language. While Burger on April 7, during a prayer in Woodward, Father Burger studied service at the Cathedral of Our Lady Spanish with local Hispanic families. of Perpetual Help prior to the Chrism Future assignments took him to . St. Joseph Church, Buffalo; Sacred Father Don Wolf introduced Heart Church, Mangum, and its Father Burger, who was ordained into mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe the priesthood on Dec. 21, 1954, in the Church, Hollis; and St. Anthony same cathedral. Padua Church, Okeene, and its Rev. Joseph William Burger has mission, St. Thomas Apostle Church, spent more than 50 years ministering Seiling. to the people of Oklahoma as a priest In 1978, Father Burger began a and as a tireless advocate for minori- 10-year assignment at St. Peter ties, said Father Wolf. Church in Guymon with its missions Father Burger becomes the ninth of Church of the Good Shepherd, Oklahoma priest to be honored with Boise City, and Sacred Heart Church, the Father Stanley Rother Faithful Archbishop Beltran presents Father Burger with the Father Stanley Rother Hooker, an assignment that allowed Shepherd Award. The award, created Faithful Shepherd Award. Sooner Catholic/Ray Dyer formal immersion instruction in by the Priest’s Council, is named for Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico. the Okarche-born priest who was shot World War II and his service in the Venard Junior Seminary in Father Burger credited his dedi- to death on July 28, 1981, while U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Pennsylvania to improve his Latin. cation to his vocation to prayer. serving as a missionary priest in Following his discharge in 1945, After two years at Maryknoll, his “Prayer kept me going,” Father Guatemala. Father Rother is being Father Burger enrolled at Xavier advisers suggested that he abandon Burger said. “If I ever felt dis- promoted for sainthood. University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and the idea of foreign missionary service. couraged, which was rare, I knew I Father Burger was born on July 2, later transferred to the Art Institute The Most Rev. Eugene J. McGuinness needed to pray.” 1921, in New , Mo., to Henry of Chicago. During his time at Xavier accepted him for the Diocese of Father Burger has served as arch- A. and Anna (Jelan) Burger. Father and the Art Institute, Father Burger Oklahoma City and Tulsa and sent diocesan director of the Sacred Heart Burger and his four older brothers attended daily Mass and his calling to him to Assumption Seminary, San of Jesus Apostleship of Prayer. He has and sisters grew up in Cape the priesthood became clear to him. Antonio, Texas. He completed his also served as archdiocesan director Girardeau, Mo., where he attended Remembering a French missionary seminary training at Assumption of Catholic Rural Life. In 1991 he Catholic schools under the auspices of priest he had met in the Pacific, Seminary and was ordained on Dec. received the Las Casas Award in the Sisters of Notre Dame, graduating he considered the idea of becoming 21, 1954, at the Cathedral of Our recognition of his advocacy for the in 1939 from St. Mary High School. a missionary. In preparation for Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma Cheyenne and Arapaho Native His education was interrupted by Maryknoll Seminary, he was sent to City, by Bishop McGuinness. Americans.

Deacon Edward Duclos processes with the Gospel as he prepares to share it with the Catholic faithful who attended the April 7 Chrism Mass. The Mass, celebrated annually to consecrate the Holy Oils to be used throughout the year, was held at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Sooner Catholic/ Cara Koenig 8 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 Holy Thursday If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14

Deacon Raymond LaChance of St. Paul Church in Del City processes out of the church with the consecrated hosts to be placed in a side chapel until .

Father Lowell Stieferman, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Del City, washes the feet of the first communion class.

The altar being Deacon Raymond prepared for LaChance dries Good Friday the feet of the first when there is to communion class. be no adornment Photos by Cara in the church. Koenig. April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 9 Guymon Parish Re-enacts Passion On Good Friday By Miranda Gilbert For the Sooner Catholic “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Bloodthirsty spectators yelled at the man they called a criminal, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, as judgment was handed down by Roman law. Crucifixion was a penalty given to the worst of criminals, reserved for those who were to be humiliated and made to suffer in agony before asphyxiation on the cross. It is said that Romans punished Jesus for consorting with lowly men, and his teachings posed a threat to their control. The Passion of the Christ, performed by members of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Guymon, brought to life an emo- tional depiction of what one might have seen during ancient times, with a man who carried his own cross he would be nailed to, and was beaten and tortured along the way, as his mother, Mary, cried helplessly all along the way. A re-enactment was held of Jesus Jesus (David Rodriguez), falls to the ground at the very spot he is to be crucified after bearing his cross and (David Rodriguez) dragging his cross nearly being beaten all the way left him in agony, exhausted. The passion was performed at St. Peter the Apostle 400 meters around the church parking lot, Catholic Church in Guymon on Friday, April 10. to an empty lot across the street where he and two thieves were to meet their fate. Formal services were also held Good Friday with messages on death, harsh judg- ments, grief and finding grace with the words, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” echoing in church. The second annual passion’s costumes, and other materials such as props, were made possible by fundraisers hosted by the church throughout the year, and numerous volunteers.

At right, a lifeless, tortured and bleeding Jesus Christ (David Rodriguez) is held by his crying mother, Mary (Blanca Jaurequi), after he was declared dead and removed from the cross by his tormentors, who laughed and said, Jesus (David Rodriguez) carries his cross to the “Where is your God now?” crucifixion mound, all the while being whipped and Photos/Miranda Gilbert taunted by soldiers and laughed at by Pontius Pilate, as his mother, Mary, and Mary Magdalen cry in agony with Christ’s followers. 10 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 Easter Vigil

Father John Feehily confirms one of the candidates.

The newly baptized hold their baptismal candles as the symbol of having accepted the light of Christ.

Candles around the church are lit from the Paschal candle.

Nathan Rodriguez is all smiles as he steps out of the baptismal font after being baptized during Easter Vigil Mass at St. Andrew’s Church in Moore. Photos by Cara Koenig April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Parishes to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated at one in six couples will experience intimate partner several parishes on April 19 and one parish will be violence. offering special intentions at this time for those From September 2006 to October 2007, a total of affected by domestic violence. 1,876 women checked into Oklahoma’s 26 domestic Parishes announcing Divine Mercy Sunday cele- abuse shelters. During the same period, nine men brations include St. John the Baptist in Edmond and reportedly checked in to these shelters. St. Charles Borromeo in Oklahoma City. Both will Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health; begin at 3 p.m. and will include Exposition of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Census Blessed , the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the 2000; 2008 Every Child Matters Report; Oklahoma Rosary. Department St. Francis will also begin its Divine Mercy cele- The special intention for those harmed by bration at 3 p.m. The hour-long devotion will include domestic abuse will offer this special prayer: the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Rosary. There will also be special prayers for the Mary Elizabeth project, which Loving God, hold me in your gentle arms. is an outreach for those harmed by domestic violence. Whisper in my ear your Wisdom. According to information provided by the state of Oklahoma, one in four women in Oklahoma has been Strengthen me, your child, with victimized by abuse. In 2007, 23,400 domestic abuse Courage and Peace. reports were recorded by police in the state. Of those, Send your Holy Spirit of Truth 98 percent were related to assault or assault and battery. Oklahoma reportedly ranks seventh in the through Jesus Christ our Lord. nation for the number of women killed by men. Also, Amen Letters Thank You, Archbishop need saints. We don't need the secular ideology ACORN and the IAF. I wanted to express my sincere thanks and of the Industrial Areas Foundation. We need The Catholic Campaign for Human Develop- gratitude to Archbishop Beltran for his strong genuine catechesis on the Spiritual and Corporal ment’s annual report states that for 37 years it and extraordinary letter to Father Jenkins of Works of Mercy. We don't need slogans and "non- has been acting to “end poverty forever.” Do they Notre Dame. I have never been more proud to be partisan" political meetings, but Christ Himself know something that Jesus didn’t? It further a Catholic and to be under the guidance of this in the Eucharist and the teachings of His duly- states that its core mission is “promoting wonderful shepherd of our Archdiocese! appointed bishops and His properly-ordained community and economic development along priests. with education about poverty in the United Jamie Landry States.” Where do we see the word “charity?” Epiphany Nici Kobzdej In his encyclical on love, Pope Benedict XVI Oklahoma City Saint Michael's criticized “the activism and growing secularism Bethany of many Christians engaged in charitable work.” Truth Needed Where is our focus? Why did a hot dog man and When I came to the Church 10 years ago, I Change You Really Can Believe In a lone nun have to start off on their own to bring was a pro-choice atheist feminist. I know first- I was overjoyed with the archbishop’s letter the message of love to the homeless in Oklahoma hand about "community organizers" and their in the Sooner Catholic on March 22. It addressed City? agenda to make this world an earthly paradise. I what could become a deep schism in the Church, It seems that in the Catholic Church in the met many of these "community organizers" and ignited in Oklahoma City by the hiring of a United States, justice issues, required of the apologizers (not apologists) for Christ and His community organizer, working for the IAF, a laity in the political realm, have virtually re- Church on my journey toward God. They almost Chicago political corporation. placed “social charity,” required of the Church. turned me away from my conversion. I was look- What I liked most about the archbishop’s However, as the pope says in his second encycli- ing for the truth and they were unsure where He letter was his call for us to study the pope’s cal, “Saved in Hope” No. 22, “There also has to was. If not for the writings of the popes and the encyclical “God is Love.” The pope provided a be a self-critique of modern , which fathers of the Church, I would have been lost. breath of fresh air, which could change the must constantly renew its self-understanding God has blessed me with the Catholic Faith. direction that organized Catholic charities have out from its roots.” The teachings of Benedict The One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church taken since Vatican II. These activities have XVI have provided the spirit and courage we does not need to use limited financial resources been, contrary to the words of the pope, “aimed need for change, a change away from political on third party organizers. We instead need to at improving the world” and “resolving every action and back to our charitable roots. use those funds to directly help those most in problem” in the name of “social justice.” It’s no Tom Morris, need. wonder so many Catholic charities have come St. John the Baptist We don't need "community organizers." We under the service of the “worldly stratagems” of Edmond

14 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 Jobs Box English Teacher The hours are 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Monday through for PDS. Compensation negotiable. Send resume to Mount St. Mary Catholic High School Friday. Contact Marguerite Claybaugh, cafeteria Bob Streets, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 2706 S. (Oklahoma City) is currently seeking qualified manager, at (405) 842-6656 Ext. 257, or e-mail her Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City 73109. candidates for the 2009-2010 school year for an at [email protected]. English position with experience in AP and Pre-AP. Bookkeeper/Payroll Applicants can fax letter of interest, resume and Part-Time Music Teacher The Carmelite Sisters at Villa Teresa have copy of teaching certificate to Talita DeNegri at Bishop John Carroll School has an opening an opening for a full charge bookkeeper-payroll (405) 631-9209 or by e-mail to tdenegri@mountst- for the 2009-2010 school year for a part-time music position. This position is full time and provides a mary.org. EOE teacher. BJCS is a pre-K through eighth-grade great benefit package that includes health, dental, school. Call the school office at (405) 525-0956 for life and long-term disability insurance, 10 days sick Coaching Openings an application or send resume to Connie Diotte, leave and two personal days. In addition, one week Mount St. Mary Catholic High School 1100 NW 32nd St., Oklahoma City 73118. of vacation and a donation to a 403b retirement (Oklahoma City) is seeking qualified coaches in account after one year. Send your resume to the following fields for 2009-2010: volleyball, girls Teaching Positions 2009-2010 Marilyn Ketch at 1300 Classen Drive, Oklahoma basketball and track. Applicants can fax letter of Villa Teresa Catholic School in Oklahoma City 73103, fax to (405) 236-3170, or contact her at interest, resume and copy of teaching certificate to City is accepting applications for teaching positions (405) 232-7926 Ext. 103. Talita DeNegri at (405) 631-9209 or by e-mail to in the summer and for the fall 2009-2010 school [email protected]. EOE year. For the summer, we need a water safety Center of Family Love Openings instructor for the swimming program. For fall, The Center of Family Love in Okarche has Fourth-Grade Teaching Position positions for fourth grade and an additional second immediate openings for the following: LPNs - Full- Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oklahoma grade are needed. A long-term substitute is also time shifts available. DCTs - Certified is great, if City is accepting applications for a fourth-grade needed for first grade for the first nine weeks not we will train. Shifts available are 7 a.m. to 3 teacher for the 2009-2010 school year. SHCS is a of school next fall. Please call the school office (232- p.m., 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Dietary aide - Help prepare PK4 through eighth-grade school. Please call the 4286) for an interview and send resume to Sister meals following recipes and menus. Full-time hours school office at (405) 634-5673 for an application or Veronica Higgins, 1216 Classen Drive, Oklahoma available. Housekeeper and laundry aide - Full- send a resume to Joana Camacho, SHCS, 2700 S. City 73103. time days available, must be able to lift 25 pounds. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City 73109. Maintenance worker - Painting, drywall and Part-Time Bookkeeper/Payroll general mechanical experience preferred. Full-time Part-Time Cafeteria Worker Sacred Heart Church, Oklahoma City, needs hours available. To apply, call 263-4658, fax 263- Bishop McGuinness High School cafeteria a bookkeeper. Must be proficient in computer book- 4718, e-mail [email protected] or in person at 635 has a part-time job available starting immediately. keeing, PDS system if possible. Training available W. Texas, Okarche, Okla. 73762. EOE

Across Oklahoma Good Samaritan Needs More Volunteers Family Bingo Night on Saturday, April 25. The $400; second place, $300; third place, $200. EDMOND — The clinic opened Feb. 14 and event is sponsored by the BMCHS Alumni Proceeds benefit St. Benedict’s Parish youth already has a full appointment schedule every Association and will be held in the McGuinness projects. For more information, call Bill Birney Saturday. To be open more hours, more medical Commons beginning at 7 p.m. This is a fun-filled at (405) 623-6642. personnel are needed, particularly physicians, night of bingo for the whole family. Reservations physician assistants, advanced registered nurse are suggested. To fill out a reservation form, Calling All Holy Family Alumni practitioners and nurses. Please visit the follow- please visit our Web site at www.bmchs.org. TULSA — May 22 will be the seventh ing Web site to learn more and to download an For more information, please contact Patricia annual Holy Family High All School get- application: goodsamaritanofedmond.com. You Hudacko, special events coordinator, at 842- together at Holy Family Cathedral Hall. For can also contact the clinic’s president, Deacon Lee 6638 Ext. 239, or [email protected]. more information, call Mary Lou at (918) 628- Hunt, at 348-9461, or [email protected]. 0793. Donations are needed to continue to provide free St. Benedict’s Golf Tournament health care to the uninsured. SHAWNEE — The eighth annual St. Save the Date Benedict’s Golf Tournament, a four-man OKLAHOMA CITY — The 2009 Catholic Apartments Available scramble, will be held May 8 at Firelake Golf Foundation Golf Classic benefiting Catholic OKLAHOMA CITY — Trinity Gardens Course in Shawnee. The cost is $50 per player Education is scheduled for June 8 at Twin Hills Apartments, located at 3825 NW 19th in OKC, and includes green fees, cart, lunch and drinks. Golf and Country Club. More information to has several apartments (about 610 square feet) 9 a.m. shotgun start. Deadline to register is May come. available for persons 62 and older. To make an 4. appointment to view an apartment, please call Team and individual entries are welcome. Rev. James Knight Golf Tournament Kathy Pitt or Barbara Hahn at 947-4143. Prizes will include a new 2009 pickup for hole in WOODWARD — Eighth annual Rev. James one on hole No.11. Other prizes for longest drive, Knight Memorial Golf Tournament, June 29 at Irish Family Bingo Night closest to pin on No.5 and No.16. Also, T-Box Boiling Springs Golf Course, to benefit our OKLAHOMA CITY — Bishop McGuinness poker-winner gets half of pot. Mulligans will be scholarship fund. Entry forms are available in Catholic High School will host the first Irish $5 each with a limit of four. Winning team earns the parish office or by calling (580) 256-5305. April 19, 2009 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Calendar APRIL Province of St. Therese meets at St. 21 Mount home baseball game vs. enrollment for the 2009-2010 school Joseph Carmelite Monastery in OCS, 4:30 p.m. year. For any inquiries, call the school 19 Divine Mercy Sunday Piedmont from 1 to 4 p.m. For more office at (580) 355-5288. information, call Susan Staudt at 21 Eucharistic Adoration at the (405) 282-6624. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual 19 Divine Mercy celebration at St. 25 Retreat: Becoming Real, 9:30 Help, NW 32nd and Western, every a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Marie John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Edmond at 3 p.m., at 9th and 19 Taize Prayer, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ballmann, OSB. Place: Library at Red Red Plains Monastery, 728 Richland Rosary is said every weekday at 2.30 Plains Spirituality Center. Call (405) Boulevard. There will be an hour of p.m. All are welcome. Eucharist Adoration during Expo- Road SW, Piedmont. For more in- 373-0804 to register. Fee: $40 ($10 sition of the Blessed Sacrament, with formation, call 373-4565. Optional deposit). Bring a sack lunch. 23 Theology on Tap series at the the Chaplet and the Rosary said video on Taize prayer at 6 p.m. Belle Isle Brewery in OKC. All young aloud. For more information, call 25 Retreat: From Meditation to adults of the archdiocese are invited. Warren at St. John’s, 715-0776. Watercolor, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with 19 The Secular Franciscan Order We meet in the downstairs bar at 8 Glenda Day, watercolor artist and of St. Francis Fraternity meets at p.m. and the speaker will begin at 8:30 meditation leader. Place: Art Barn at 19 Divine Mercy celebration at St. 1:15 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Hospital p.m. Contact Willy Fontanez at 417- Red Plains Spirituality Center. Call Francis, 1901 NW 18th St., OKC, at Chapel. For more information, call 5802 for more information. 3 p.m. The hour-long devotion will Jim Disbrow at 830-8688. (405) 373-8040 to register. Fee: $40, supplies provided. ($10 deposit). include the Exposition of the Blessed 23 Exposition of the Blessed Bring a sack lunch. Sacrament, the Chaplet of Divine 19 Pilgrimage Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Sacrament at Epiphany Parish in Mercy and the Rosary. There will also Anointing of the Sick, 11 a.m. Mass, the chapel, every Thursday, 8:30 a.m. be special prayers for the Mary noon lunch, 1 p.m. Benediction, to 8 p.m. and daily (M,T,W,F) from 27 Free Health Seminar on Sleep Elizabeth project. prayer of the Chaplet of the Infant 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. at 2 p.m. The seminar will be held in Jesus and the Litany of the Infant Epiphany is located at 7336 W. Mercy’s conference center. To RSVP 19 The Community of the Secular Jesus. The Shrine is located at St. Britton Road, Oklahoma City 73132. for the free talks, call (405) 752-3600. Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wenceslaus Church, SH-99 7 miles N. of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of I-40 or 20 miles S. I-44 at Stroud exit, 25 Open House at St. Mary School in For a full calendar, go to Jesus - Oklahoma Community and Prague, (405) 567-3080. Lawton. St. Mary’s is now accepting catharchdioceseokc.org

Notre Dame Sister Clarita Waner, CSJ Sisters of St. Joseph and the name Sister M. Clarita. Continued from page 4 2009. From the campus of Sister Clarita Waner, CSJ, entered Sister Clarita's pastoral ministry much larger than Father Our Lady's University, eternal life April 13, 2009. began in 1973 when she joined the pas- Jenkins' decision. We are through peaceful prayer and The fourth of eight children born to toral care department of St. Joseph also collaborating with ND solidarity, we will unequivo- Annie and Robert Waner, Frances Irene Medical Center in Wichita. She earned her Response and the entire cally proclaim that the pro- came into this world chaplaincy certification in 1975 and spent coalition of pro-life students. tection of innocent human May 6, 1928. Her par- the next five years as a chaplain at St. Q: What is your law stu- life must be enshrined in ents farmed in Marion Rose Hospital in Hayward, Calif. In 1980 dent coalition doing to reach law. County, Kan., with the she became the director of pastoral care the Catholic community? The message that goes land providing enough and chaplain at St. Joseph Regional Sullivan: We find our- forth from Notre Dame at to keep the family fed, Medical Center in Ponca City, where she selves at a crossroads for this time must revolve not clothed and sheltered. remained until health issues caused her to Catholicism in America. around Father Jenkins, but Sister Clarita move to the Congregation of St. Joseph- Many Catholics believe that around American described the family's Wichita Center in 2006. unborn children are persons Catholicism, and must go to wealth in this way: "We A wake service will be held for Sister with rights, and yet do not the heart of the issue, rather were poor as far as Clarita on Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. oppose their legal termina- than a single symptom of it. material things were concerned, but we Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrat- tion. Our message is one of were also the richest youngsters in the ed for her at 10:30 a.m. on Friday,April 17. We are calling for renewal and truth, and aims world in that we knew we were loved." Both services will be held in Resurrection renewed dedication among to remind all American She attributed to two aunts (Sister Chapel at the Sisters of St. Joseph Wichita American Catholics, and all Catholics of their duty to Philomena Waner and Sister Lenora Center, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, Kan. Her human-rights-loving defend human life at all Waner), her oldest sister (Sister Madeline body will be interred in the Mount St. Americans, to defend inno- stages. This occasion at Waner) and her seventh- and eighth-grade Mary Convent Cemetery. cent human life at all stages. Notre Dame is a rebirth in teachers (who were Sisters of St. Joseph) Sister is survived by her sisters Lucy We invite the nation to our commitment to defend her ability to hear God's call to her to Miller, Wichita, Sister Teresa Waner, CSJ, join with Notre Dame in a human rights. enter religious life. At age 15 Frances Wichita, Mildred Ball, Hutchinson, two-day Festival of Life here ------came to Mount St. Mary Convent in Kansas, and Mary Jo Feist, Enid, on campus during For more information: Wichita, Kan. Six months later, on March Oklahoma, and her brother Robert, Commencement Weekend [email protected] 19, 1944, she received the habit of the Wichita. 16 Sooner Catholic ● April 19, 2009 Prayers Answered as Support for Birth Choice of Oklahoma Swells By Rex Hogan also has operations in Stillwater, El For the Sooner Catholic Reno, Lawton and Nowata. Each center provides a variety of services OKLAHOMA CITY — Officers including pregnancy testing, clothing from Birth Choice of Oklahoma Inc. and support for expectant and new said their prayers were answered on mothers. March 28 when the annual dinner and auction benefiting the pro-life O’Neill said directors reviewed organization delivered a record in previous fundraisers and decided to terms of monetary support. do something different this year. “We really went out on a limb,” she said, by The event was held at the adding a guest speaker to the event. Oklahoma City Golf and Country “In the past we just had a dinner Club. and silent auction,” O’Neill said. Bob Dolan, Birth Choice board This year’s Birth Choice annual member and master of ceremonies for Life of the Party Gala Event probably the event, told the audience upfront will be the model for future fund- that Birth Choice Oklahoma needed raisers, Dolan said. to raise money and quite a bit of it. “This one, without doubt, is the “We were open and shared what best one we’ve ever had. We probably our needs were in terms of the short- made triple what we made last year,” fall last year and what we needed to Dolan said. cover the additional $25,000 for the Last year, the fundraiser brought Rose Home,” Dolan said, in about $65,000. Dolan said the Last year, Birth Choice operated accounting for this year’s event is not with a $40,000 deficit. The board also complete, but when all is said and Sister Veronica Higgins chats with a new supporter of Birth Choice. needed to find an additional $25,000 done, he expects the event will have Photo by Carolyn Rossow to operate Rose Home, a home for raised close to $180,000. mony added greatly to the urgency people,” Dolan said. single, pregnant women. Kathleen Eaton, a former Birth felt by the pro-life community and Eaton said she was raised “We need $38,000 a month to Choice of Oklahoma volunteer and Catholic backers. Catholic, but decided “early in life I operate our four centers in south the founder and CEO of Birth Choice “She touched the hearts of many didn’t need the God thing.” She said Oklahoma City, Edmond, Bethany Health Clinic in Orange County, she found herself “a single mother.” and Edmond,” said Jan O’Neill, Calif., helped create an atmosphere She later married, “had an affair” in development director. Birth Choice of giving. Her moving personal testi- which she became pregnant and “had an abortion.” She said some years later she became despondent about her life and prayed to God that “this broken woman needs your help.” She remarried and got involved with Birth Choice of Oklahoma. She and her husband would later move to California where Eaton would open a Birth Choice Health Clinic in 1981. Birth Choice Health Clinic now has three other locations in California and is planning to open a fourth. Eaton said the organization last year raised $1 million to support its services. She said the Birth Choice Health Clinic Web site receives “40,000 hits” a week. “We have not lost Father Robert Wood, Father Edward Weisenburger and Father John Kathleen Eaton addresses the the (abortion) battle,” Eaton said. “We Metzinger enjoy the Birth Choice event. Photo by Carolyn Rossow audience. Photo by Rex Hogan have only started to fight.”