July 9, 2020 | Issue 9 Diocese to Host Online Film Screening of Venerable Augustine Tolton’s Escape from Slavery By Jen Reed to the presentation, register online at https:// The Catholic Witness hbgdiocese.formstack.com/forms/across_the_ The Diocese of Harrisburg will host a free father_tolton_movie. virtual screening of the short film “Across” The short film “Across” is a stand-alone later this month, and the event promises to movie that tells the story of 10-year-old Tolton’s offer a glimpse into attempted escape from the remarkable life of slavery in Missouri in Venerable Augustine 1863. Young “Gus” is Tolton, the first African- devastated when his American priest in the father flees the plantation . to fight for the Union in The 30-minute movie the Civil War. He tries will introduce viewers to convince his mother to pivotal decisions in to take the rest of the Tolton’s childhood, as family north to freedom, he attempts to escape outrunning overseers, slavery in 1863. A slave-catchers and historical presentation Confederate soldiers to about Father Tolton will reach free land beyond the follow the screening Mississippi. of the stirring film. Jaclyn Curran, Discussion will be Coordinator of the Office led by writer/director of Multicultural Ministries, Christopher Foley, said she learned about the Bishop Ronald Gainer, film last September. The and Bishop Black Catholic Ministry, Perry, postulator of which falls under the the cause for the Office of Multicultural of the Ministries, usually offers priest, who was one or two workshops a declared Venerable last year. year, she said. The virtual event is sponsored by the “We have adopted the mission to promote Diocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries. It canonization causes of six African Americans will take place via the Zoom platform on Friday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. To receive the Zoom link More TOLTON FILM, page 3 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 2 Clergy Change ‘Beginning Experience’ Announced for Weekend for Those Suffering Loss of Spouse Coal Township and The Beginning Experience Team for the Trevorton Parishes Harrisburg Diocese has reserved Camp Hebron Bishop Ronald Gainer, at the request in Halifax, Pa., for a Beginning Experience of Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Weekend, Nov 6-8, 2020. minister provincial for the Franciscan Friars The ecumenical Beginning Experience Conventual, announces the following weekends are an approved program designed changes to clergy assignments: for those suffering the loss of a spouse through • Reverend Lasky, OFM Conv., death, divorce or separation. Hundreds of as of Our Lady of Hope Parish, persons have been helped to move towards Coal Township, and St. Patrick Parish, successful, productive, happy lives by attending Trevorton. one of these weekends. • Reverend Steven Frenier, OFM Conv., The weekend is led by persons who have current pastor of Our Lady of Hope lost a spouse through death or divorce and Parish, Coal Township and St. Patrick are trained in facilitating a weekend. Each Parish, Trevorton, to senior friar in Beginning Experience Team is certified residence in the southern United by the International Beginning Experience States. Organization. These changes take effect July 15, 2020. The following is a testimonial of a person who Every year, clergy assignments are made attended the Beginning Experience Weekend: in an effort to meet the needs of the parishes “I can tell you that my encounter with the and to fulfill the mission of the Church. Beginning Experience weekend has brought Priests are selected for assignments based me greater peace and given me an extended on a variety of factors, including local needs, family of lifelong friends who I quickly grew to their skills and experience, availability, and love and lean on. If you or someone you know health, and in this case, the needs of the is suffering the isolation and pain that can religious order of which the priest belongs. accompany the loss of a spouse or marriage, I Priests within the Diocese of Harrisburg encourage you to seriously consider attending can be reassigned for a number of reasons, the Beginning Experience weekend.” including a request from the clergy member, Visit http://www.hbgdiocese.org/ and an opening due to a retirement or death, or a go to marriage and family, or www. clergy member has the skills and talents that beginningexperience.org. Or contact the are considered a good match for a specific Harrisburg Beginning Experience Team at 717- ministry need. 379-0800 or [email protected].

Publisher: 4800 Union Deposit Road The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 DD, JCL, Bishop of Harrisburg Phone: 717-657-4804 Executive Director for Public Relations: Email: [email protected] Rachel Bryson, M.S. [email protected] Digital subscriptions provided complimentary to all parishioners registered to a parish in the Diocese of Managing Editor: Jennifer Reed The mission of The Catholic Witness is Harrisburg. The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, [email protected] to be of personal and practical help as USPS 557 120) is published digitally weekly except we try to be loyal and true witnesses for Photojournalist: Chris Heisey Christmas/New Year by the Harrisburg Catholic Christ in our daily living, spiritual and [email protected] Publishing Association, 4800 Union Deposit Road, temporal, in private and in public. Harrisburg, PA 17111. July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 3 TOLTON FILM first African-American Catholic priest in the United continued from 1 States. A former slave who was baptized and raised Catholic, Tolton studied formally in Rome. that are being considered for canonization. He was ordained in Rome on Easter Sunday at This is particularly important since no African- the Cathedral Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in American has been canonized,” she said. 1886. The office had initially scheduled an in-person Father Tolton led the development and screening of “Across” to be held at the Diocesan construction of St. Monica’s Center in May, but the event was called off due in as a black to Covid-19. The “National Parish Church,” rescheduled event via completed in 1893. His Zoom “turned out to success in ministering be a blessing,” Curran to black Catholics said. “By offering a quickly earned him virtual workshop, national attention within this workshop is the Catholic hierarchy. accessible to many “Good Father Gus,” as more faithful and he was affectionately we are able to have known, was recognized Bishop Joseph Perry for his eloquent sermons, as our guest.” COURTESY OF ACROSS MOVIE, LLC his beautiful singing The re-scheduling Roman Evans makes a convincing screen debut voice and his talent on of the movie screening as Charley in this screen capture from “Across.” the accordion. and its corresponding July 8, 1897, he collapsed as a result of a heat discussion also proves timely, given the rise of wave in Chicago and died the following day at social action against racism in recent weeks. Mercy Hospital. He was 43. He was buried in St. “God’s time is perfect, and while the intention Peter’s Cemetery in Quincy, at his wishes. was to present this sooner, the fact that it worked On February 24, 2011, the Church officially out this way cannot be overlooked,” Curran said. began the formal introduction of the cause for “I pray that many realize the challenges that have Father Tolton’s sainthood. On June 12, 2019, been hurting our Church for many years and Francis authorized the promulgation of that it inspires people to be open and intentional a “Decree of Heroic Virtue,” advancing the when doing the Lord’s work. One Bible quote that cause of Augustine Tolton and resonates with me is ‘Faith of itself, if it does not granting him the title “Venerable.” The next stage have works, is dead.’ I pray we go beyond what is in the cause would be , prior to in our hearts and the good intentions, and we can canonization. translate this into action.” Curran said she hopes the July 31 event will “Father Tolton has had a constant presence in inspire participants “that in the face of adversity, the work that I do, and I personally have prayed we keep our eyes on Christ. I hope and pray that novenas to him asking for his intercession. All of Father Tolton may be a source of inspiration to us can be inspired by Father Tolton and learn so many. I also pray that this inspires attendees in much from him,” Curran remarked. “He stayed their daily lives: how we think and how we act true to his vocation, to God’s call and did not take with those around us.” ‘No’ for an answer. When doors were closed, he Register for the July 31 event at https:// did not give up, and traveled to Rome to become hbgdiocese.formstack.com/forms/across_the_ a priest. His faithfulness and resilience are father_tolton_movie. See the trailer and learn exactly what we need right now, and I pray that more about the film’s production, cast and Father many are inspired by Father Tolton as I am.” Tolton’s life at www.acrossmovie.com. Father Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) was the July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 4 Little Sisters Have Big Win in Supreme Court Decision; Court Also Rules Teachers are ‘Ministers’ Catholic News Agency Sisters of the Poor dates back to 2011, when In two rulings on July 8, the Supreme Court the Obama administration required employers to affirmed religious liberty, ruling in cases for the provide cost-free coverage for contraceptives, Little Sisters of the Poor, and on the right of sterilizations, and “emergency birth control” in religious schools to hire and fire teachers. employee health plans under the Affordable Care The Little Sisters of the Poor had a victory at Act (ACA). the Supreme Court nine years into the religious Although the Obama administration granted an order’s bouts of litigation over the Obama- “accommodation” to the Little Sisters and other era “contraception mandate” which obliged objecting religious non-profits, the sisters sued employers to provide for the government in 2013 contraceptive coverage for saying the process still employees through their required them to essentially health care plans. give a “permission slip” for “For over 150 years, contraceptive coverage to the Little Sisters have be delivered through their engaged in faithful service health plans. and sacrifice, motivated In 2016, a divided by a religious calling to Supreme Court sent the surrender all for the sake of case back to the lower their brother,” wrote Justice courts and instructed both Clarence Thomas for the the administration and majority. ADDIE MENA/CNA the non-profits to reach “But for the past seven Little Sisters of the Poor are seen outside a compromise where years, they—like many the Supreme Court in March of 2016. cost-free contraceptive other religious objectors coverage could still be who have participated in the litigation and offered to employees while respecting the moral rulemakings leading up to today’s decision— objections of religious groups. have had to fight for the ability to continue in their In 2017, the Trump administration granted a noble work without violating their sincerely held religious and moral exemption to the mandate religious beliefs.” for the sisters and other objecting groups, but In a 7-2 decision, the Court’s majority sided then the states of and California with the sisters in the latest round of lawsuits filed lawsuits saying that the burden of providing against them over the mandate, this time brought coverage was being shifted onto the states and by the states of Pennsylvania and California, who claiming that the administration violated the argued that the exemption crafted by the Trump Administrative Procedure Act in setting up the administration for organizations with religious or exemption. moral objections to the mandate shifted the cost The Supreme Court took up their case against of providing contraceptive coverage to the states the states in January, hearing arguments and was procedurally flawed. by phone in April following the coronavirus “We hold today that the Departments had the pandemic. statutory authority to craft that exemption, as well as the contemporaneously issued moral Court: Teachers are ‘Ministers’ exemption,” the majority found. “We further hold The Supreme Court delivered a long- that the rules promulgating these exemptions are awaited religious liberty decision on the right free from procedural defects.” The near decade-long court battle of the Little More SUPREME COURT, page 5 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 5 SUPREME COURT were exempt from employment of a private religious school.” continued from 4 discrimination laws under The court concluded that the ministerial exception, the “when a school with a religious of religious schools to hire legal doctrine under which mission entrusts a teacher with and fire teachers. The court government cannot interfere the responsibility of educating found in favor of two Catholic in the employment decisions and forming students in the schools in California, ruling of churches and religious faith, judicial intervention into that a “ministerial exception” to institutions regarding the hiring disputes between the school government interference applies and firing of ministers. and the teacher threatens the to teachers in religious schools. In both cases, the teachers’ school’s independence in a way The July 8 ruling came in suits were dismissed by federal that the First Amendment does the consolidated cases of Our courts, and then reinstated not allow.” Lady of Guadalupe School by the US 9th Circuit Court of Joining Alito in the majority v. Morrissey-Berru and St. Appeal. decision were Justices Thomas, James Catholic School v. The decision comes just Breyer, Kagan, Gorsuch, and Biel. The justices ruled in a weeks after the court’s ruling Kavanaugh, as well as Chief 7-2 decision that teachers at in Bostock v. Clayton County, Justice John Roberts. Justices Catholic grade schools qualified that employers cannot fire Sotomayer and Ginsburg for the “ministers exception” employees because of dissented. established by the court in the their sexual orientation or In a statement on the two 2012 Hosana Tabor case. “gender identity.” Justice Neil rulings, the Pennsylvania “The religious education and Gorsuch, who authored the Catholic Conference applauded formation of students is the majority opinion in that case, the decisions that affirm very reason for the existence of acknowledged that religious religious liberties: most private religious schools, freedom cases related to the “The Pennsylvania Catholic and therefore the selection and decision would probably come Conference applauds the supervision of the teachers before the Court in the future. Supreme Court’s decisions upon whom the schools rely The decision about who in Little Sisters of the Poor v. to do this work lie at the core qualifies as a minister could Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of their mission,” wrote Justice directly impact future cases and in Our Lady of Guadalupe Alito for the majority. in which teachers might be School v. Morrissey-Berru and “Judicial review of the way dismissed for failing to adhere St. James Catholic School v. in which religious schools to Church teachings on same- Biel. In both cases, the Court discharge those responsibilities sex marriage or transgender reaffirmed the religious liberties would undermine the issues, both of which have been guaranteed in the United States’ independence of religious subjects of controversy in recent Constitution.” institutions in a way that the months. “These are incredibly First Amendment does not “Requiring the use of the important rulings for so many tolerate.” title [minister] would constitute groups across the country,” The two California Catholic impermissible discrimination,” said Eric Failing, the Executive schools did not renew the the court ruled. Referencing the Director of the PCC. “They take contracts of the teachers in previous decision in Hosana a big stand for religious liberty 2014 and 2015. In separate Tabor, Altio wrote that there as a First Amendment freedom, cases combined by the must be “a recognition that which is continually being Supreme Court, the teachers educating young people in their threatened. We are happy the alleged that their dismissals faith, inculcating its teachings, Court has clearly recognized the were based on disability and and training them to live their importance of religious liberty to age, not poor performance. faith are responsibilities that lie our nation.” The schools claimed they at the very core of the mission July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 6 Find Healing That Jesus Promises Book Review God’s Mery Awaits You: Find Healing After Abortion, by Sister Patricia Marie Barnette, RGS

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness Good books teach us, help us, change us and stay with us. God’s Mercy Awaits You: Find Healing after Abortion – written by Good Shepherd Sister Patricia Marie Barnette – is a book that offers all the above and gives readers a profound sense of hope. Published by Pauline Books and Media (www.pauline.org), a publishing arm of the Daughters of St. Paul, the book was released just as the worldwide pandemic was seizing the country. Sister Patricia melds more than 30 years of counseling experience into this 170-page book that teaches exactly what the title says: Mercy. The handsomely published book has many CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS praising endorsements of its effectiveness of sharing the message of hope. “Abortion can leave those who experience it with the belief that call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen they have committed an unforgivable sin, with no to you. When you look for me, you will find me. hope of peace and salvation. But God is Mercy Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I himself and longs to heal us if we seek him out in will let you find me… and I will change your sorrow…. Although we are not our abortions, their lot.” She also does not just offer the Scripture impact is deep…. God is waiting for you! Seek texts; however, lists Scripture reading citations him out in the pages of this book and you will designed to encourage a reader’s own seeking find he has always been there,” Ms. Bonapartis, into God’s Word to discover the restorative Director of Lumina/Hope and Healing, writes. powers of many passages in the Bible. Sister Patricia uses anecdotal stories that Moreover, Sister Patricia offers reflection are sprinkled throughout to give insight to the questions at the end of chapters, along with fact that every woman’s and their loved ones’ tips to help offer healing and ways back to the abortion trauma is different. One of the great Catholic faith, which many struggle with after strengths of this book is the myriad of stories that abortion. Sister shares while protecting the identity of the In an interview at the Diocesan Center in individual. Harrisburg, Sister Patricia shared some of her Another helpful aspect of the book is the journey of writing the book, which began six ample use of Scripture, many times not often years ago when she was in a Catholic bookshop cited, yet so very poignant. “For I know well the and saw a number of books written on a plans I have in mind for you…. Plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a More HEALING, future of hope. ( 29:11-14) When you page 7 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 7 HEALING barrier.” continued from 6 Sister Patricia was born into a Navy family at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and said she considers her variety of topics. “I said to myself, I can do hometown to be West Palm Beach, Florida. She that, I can write a book,” Sister Patricia said. “I is currently living in Danville here in the Diocese wanted to write a book about God’s mercy and of Harrisburg. She wrote the book over a number abortion, and I wanted it to be from the Catholic of years, due to mission work and assignments perspective because I really had not seen one.” that required her professional time away from “To help the person who is seeking healing, I writing. During a sabbatical recently she was able wanted them to be able to connect. I just did not to finish the book with the help of an editing friend want to offer facts. That is why I included the who gave advice and edits to help her as a first- stories, because they are all real stories, and I time author. She finished the entire manuscript wanted to make it about life…. To give them hope prior to seeking a publisher – that truly takes a that ‘I can be healed too,”’ Sister Patricia said. leap of faith for any writer. “Until a person can accept that forgiveness “The message for any woman or man or family from God, they are really stuck,” she said. “The is to not be afraid, to come forward for help,” she grace of forgiveness is always there, but there is said. “There are people to help, people who care, an element of timing also… many women have and God wants them to be healed and live that gone to Confession but still do not feel forgiven. life of peace and joy that Jesus promises.” The sacrament is efficacious but they do not experience it. So timing has a lot to do with it when they get to the point to really receive God’s forgiveness…. It is important to go to… somebody who is trained in post-abortion healing ministry and are neither condemning nor act that it is no big deal. You have to be open, receptive and non-judgmental to the woman, and that is not always the case, unfortunately, and it can be a July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 8 and returned to America. Spotlight Scranton in 1905. That same year, Mother The Called Bishop John was diagnosed with breast Mother Maria Shanahan of cancer which metastasized to Kaupas the Diocese of the bone. She survived seven Harrisburg agreed years. She told her nurses, “I Venerable Servant to sponsor the am happy that I have an illness of God new congregation which gives me time to prepare in 1905. He made for death by suffering to atone Served in the arrangements with for sins.” Pain was etched on Diocese of Mother M. Cyril her face; she was ashen but Harrisburg of the Servants of serene. As her eyes brightened the Sacred Heart with a radiant smile, Mother By Angela M. Orsini (IHM) for Casimira Maria closed her beautiful blue The Catholic Witness and her two companions to eyes and breathed her last Casimira Kaupas (“Kaze”) begin religious life. In 1907, breath on April 17, 1940, at age was born on January 6, 1880, approved the 60. in Gudeliai, , into a Congregation of the Sisters In the Diocese of Harrisburg, family of 11. They were pious of St. Casmir, and on August Holy Cross in Mount Carmel and practiced their religion 30 Mother Maria Kaupas and in the Anthracite Coal Region, as best they could, as Russia her two companions were 73 miles from the capital city of ruled in the majority and professed. With the opening of Harrisburg, was considered the Russian Orthodox was the the new Holy Cross School in Lithuanian Church throughout state religion. Catholics could Mount Carmel in 1908, Mother its history. The Lithuanian not openly practice their faith. Maria and two Sisters began people have a deep devotion In 1892, her brother, their first teaching assignment to the “Weeping Christ” and Anthony, emigrated to the with 125 students. the “Holy Cross.” Holy Cross United States, was ordained a In 1911, Archbishop Quigley Church was dedicated on priest in 1896 and assigned to of Chicago opened St. September 14, 1892, the St. Joseph’s Lithuanian Church Casmir Academy with a large Feast of the Exaltation of in Scranton, Pa. He asked Lithuanian population. They the Cross. Mother Maria and Kaze to come to America to be began to staff schools in other her two companions began his housekeeper. She arrived, Lithuanian parishes across teaching there in 1908 and age 17, and for the first time the United States. In 1913, the Sisters kept their presence witnessed women religious and Mother Maria Kaupas became after it had been merged until became aware of the plight the first Superior General, a 1964. The church and school of the immigrants. After four post she held until her death have since been suppressed. years, she became homesick 27 years later. Free from In April 2015, The Mother and returned to Lithuania, but Russia after World War I, the Maria Kaupas Center was always discerned her vocation. Lithuanian bishops asked dedicated in Mount Carmel. An American Lithuanian Mother Maria to establish The center houses spiritual clergy wanted to establish a foundation of Sisters, and charitable initiatives a Lithuanian congregation coming to fruition in Pazaislis, and programs that give for women to address the Lithuania. The Lithuanian parishioners, Confirmation faith and educational needs government bestowed the candidates and college for the children. Eventually, highest decoration, The Order students an opportunity Kaze trained with the Sisters of the Grand Duke Gediminas, to become immersed in of Mercy in Switzerland upon Mother in 1933 for her community service projects. work with the Lithuanians in July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 9 school, you kind of put that sort The Called of stuff behind, at least I did. A series of profiles on clergy and religious You went to Warwick High Father Samuel Miller School. Yes, I did. I was pretty Hometown: Lititz, Pa. lukewarm growing up about a vocation, but I had a good Education: Warwick High School; group of friends and I am still St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia; Mount St. Mary’s friends with them today. When Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. you go to seminary you have your seminary buddies and your high school friends. I stayed Current Assignment: Parochial in contact with my high school Vicar at Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill friends and we have been together forever, it seems. They elated. She is the one, though are really a solid group of guys. Please tell us about where she will fight you tooth and nail I remember one of my you grew up and your on this, who pushed me into friends coming up to me in high childhood. being an altar server. school and asking me if I was I grew up in Lititz, Pa., Christian, and I said, yes. “Well where my home parish was you really don’t act like it,” he How young were you when St. James; it’s a parish run said. So I thought, “Oh no, I am you began serving? by the Redemptorists, a I was around nine years old, a horrible person.” But it was religious order. There was about as young as you could great because it was like a kind a priest there when I was be. I served all throughout of kick in the butt that I needed young named Father Girard my childhood and up into my to shape up. It kind of made me who taught me how to altar teenage years. One of the want to be good, and the fact serve, and that is where I things when I talk about my that they were there as a buffer got my first foray at the altar. vocation to younger kids is that for me was really great for me. He was replaced by Father I point to my dedication altar They still are, and that is great. James O’Blaney a couple serving, though I was kind of In high school, probably years after that, and that is forced into it a little. But once I around my junior year, my youth who I first told of my potential started doing it, I wanted to do it group went to Atlanta for a vocation to a Diocesan right and make sure things were Steubenville conference, which vocation, which made for a done correctly. It was important was a pretty big conference. It little of a fun conversation. He to me. was pretty much a big spiritual said to me, “Well, why not the I was very attentive to all the awakening for me. People who Redemptorists?” It was a fun things that were needed, and were coming up to us to talk, back and forth conversation. when Father O’Blaney took over they were on fire for the faith, I have one sister, and she we wore cassocks just like I am which was something that I had and I are very close. She helps wearing today. If I was wearing seen very rarely growing up – me be a better person. She is a white shirt underneath, I which is not anybody’s fault. younger, three years than me, would look in a mirror and pull But to see that in person, to see and she helps me. Mom and up the white shirt and see how young people in Adoration that Dad were very supportive of it looked. That is sort of a tell- way gave me a fire I never felt me when I told them I wanted tale sign of my childhood that to be a priest. I think my mom there may have been a hint of a More THE CALLED, was secretly very excited and vocation in my soul. But in high page 10 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 10 THE CALLED Rosary in a corner by myself. was me butting heads with the continued from 9 There was a priest that would system some there, but just meet with me regularly that getting used to the regimen of before. It was a turning point for gave me spiritual direction, so Morning Prayer, Mass, Evening me. I thought, “If I am going to my senior year is when I also Prayer, Night Prayer and the be Catholic, I need to take this took a “come and see” vocation schedule. And college seminary seriously.” So I had a sort of big retreat with our vocations is about philosophy with some conversion and I began reading director (Father LaVoie) and theology thrown in, but the main spiritual books, apologetic a couple of other guys from study is philosophy. We would works. My senior year was all the Diocese discerning the have philosophical speakers about that. I sort of owned my priesthood. We went to St. come and speak to us for Catholic identity, to the point Charles Borromeo Seminary in several hours, and it was stuff I where one girl said to me, “You Philadelphia to see it for the first had little previous idea about. are really into this Catholic stuff, time. We got to see seminary aren’t you?” to which I said, life, and that was the first time I Coming right from high “Yes I am.” really got to see what seminary school, that was a very big was about. step for you and nothing you If you would not have gone to I always ask kids when I experienced before. that conference, you would do vocations talks about what Yes, that is exactly true. And not have had the turning they think seminary life is like. coming from public high school point? Is it like bars on the windows, as well, it just was a completely That was – and it is probably candlelight, no Internet or new world to me, like Morning the one big thing that I point TV or free time? Really, they Prayer, which you might have to – kind of at least conversion- start nodding their heads and had some in a Catholic high wise, very important. St. Pope it was exactly how I thought school. Catholic high school John Paul II always talked about seminary would be like. Really, would have given you a little bit needing that conversion of heart it is college with a spiritual of Latin too, which I had no clue constantly. It completely gave undertone, but you are not about. But once things started me a 180 when it came to my alone either, and you are with to click for me in seminary faith. guys who are in the same boat life…. as you: learning about our Lord, More than reading and about the Church, the basics of I assume you made some studying works, did your Catholicism all with the goal of friends, and that was a help? views toward the Mass and discerning as to whether they Exactly. It was what made sacraments change? want to become priests. things click for me, and those Good question. My view with I was like, “I think I can do friends are priest friends today spending time with our Lord, this” after the visit, and “Not only that I still stay in contact with. I would sneak into St. James can I do this, but I am called to Entering right after high school, when I had free time and adore do this.” I called my mom, and I got to know guys who were the Blessed Sacrament. I was she said yes. My dad was a eight years in and guys who in show choir in high school; I little hesitant at first, but then he were like me, so I had the whole played football for a while too, committed to it wholeheartedly range. There is a statistic told though I was a bench warmer and he was really happy for to us that nearly a third of our – not sure I had the aggression me. I graduated Warwick and presbyterate has been ordained they wanted then. I eventually went right into St. Charles in the past ten years and a had to commit to one. The show Seminary out of high school, good number ordained in the stuff we would do took rehearsal which was sort of a huge leap past five. I know many of them, time, so I would sneak back for me. Seminary life took a little into a quiet place and pray the bit to get used to and maybe it More THE CALLED, page 11 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 11 THE CALLED fully prepared about being seminary is all about. He continued from 10 ordained a priest under my first thought that was a good idea year of theology study. College for me. I like both St. Charles and fraternity was huge with seminary was that testing and the Mount, but the Mount Father LaVoie and we became ground, and I used those first for my Theology years was a like a unit. We hashed out our couple of years to head butt beautiful place to grow and differences and we still hold that the system a little, and get the pray. St. Charles was a beautiful bond today. obligations down. I never had place to grow and pray, and to Many of these priests are anything that would cause me get ready for the priesthood. now, so I know them. to want to leave. I mean, you I’m not saying St. Charles is They used to give me rides meet guys who you can tell that not, but the Mount gave me home and they would listen to they make a good discernment places to run and jog around Johnny Cash, so I can tell them process and head out. They the mountain and also go to not to give me any lip. That sort say, “This is not for me” and the Grotto; gorgeous places, of fun thing builds a fraternity leave, and it is understood. peaceful places. I actually miss and camaraderie that will last. In first Theology, I was with going down, with the pandemic It was a ton of fun in seminary. a priest who told me that you these days. I graduated from It’s school so there is study and eventually make the call, barring the Mount, and was ordained making sure that you put into it an act of God, and from then on June 1, 2019 – it’s been a year what the Diocese and the good I was totally gunning to become and 25 days since then – who’s people of the Diocese are giving a priest. I was in a parish over counting! and putting into your education. the summer and it was nerve- It’s like, “Ok, this is for them. racking in some ways but also Tell us about your first year When I am ordained a priest, I exciting. But I got to know the as a priest at Good Shepherd. want to preach, teach them and people and I really loved what I It does not even feel like a lead them to Christ as best that was doing and where I was at. year, and it has been a unique I can.” year for sure. The first months, In what parish we you I was learning the ropes, and Is it humbling to know that assigned that summer? I still am. I made a joke in a you are being supported by I was at St. Patrick’s in homily a couple of weeks ago, so many faithful? Carlisle with Father Forrey and referring to last summer when I It is, and the people of this Father Bender. I remember one was green. “Who am I kidding?” Diocese are so good and time I was at Quo Vadis Days, I said, “I am still green.” It has are very generous to their our discernment camp, and I been sort of a whirlwind with seminarians. They just are. It was so tired and almost falling all the seasons. When Lent is a grassroots effort because asleep in chapel. Father Bender started, I took a priest retreat a lot of the people know you, yelled over at me across the to France and came back and and know you since you were room, “Sam Miller, wake up!” He everything was closed. I went a kid, like many do from when I probably does not remember over at the end of February, was at St. James. They would that, but I do! I deserved it. I early March and there were always ask, “How is seminary shot right up and was awake. rumblings about closing things. going?” You just always felt their I went along with two other support. You were not at St. Charles classmates, priests from the you whole seminary career. Mount. Were you always discerning, No, I was not. Father LaVoie or were you lock-step on asked me where I would like Where did you go in France? board the entire way? to go for Theology, so I said I We went to Ars, France. I I would not say I was lock- think I would like going to the More THE CALLED, step the whole way. I was not Mount, and see what a different page 12 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 12 THE CALLED that process? I am only as good as the Lord continued from 11 It was already set-up while has given me the grace to be. I I was in France, and when I cannot take any credit for what got to say Mass at St. John came home we thought it best has been done. Vianney’s altar, where he is that I self-quarantine for 14 interred. He is just lying there days, which was fine with me. Your parish has been through in wax peacefully and his body We have continued to improve times of consolation for sure? is incorrupt. It was hugely on things greatly since this all Yes, and we always want humbling. When I was asked started. to be there for them. We are to say Mass, I jumped at the attentive to our parishioners. opportunity. I was thinking I The faithful appreciate what We want people in Camp Hill was not worthy, as more than has been done to make things to know that there is always a 20 priest were there, but they available on the computer. priest here for them and our wanted me to do it. We got the Definitely. I noticed that doors are open. Father Sullivan chance to explore Ars for a day I had a huge audience for and I started on the same day and then went to Leone, and we when I prayed the Rosary and last summer (Father Sullivan just celebrated the Feast of the broadcasted it live. We used was assigned pastor in June Sacred Heart. I got to see St. artwork from around the parish 2019) and Father Sullivan’s Margaret Mary and see where as backdrops. We also have door was and is always open. she is buried. It was amazing. It had a good response to our “The door is open, come talk to was a great trip. Tuesday night live shows – that me” was the inviting message. It was easy getting back is 7 p.m. every Tuesday. There are so many good things into the U.S., but it was a little We call it the Good Shepherd down the road for us and we too easy. The doors started Show. We may cut out the are both super excited about shutting right after. It was a live show part, but we (Father how things are going to develop challenge, but it provided a Sullivan and Brian Pritchard) here at Good Shepherd. There ton of opportunities as well for broadcast it every Tuesday is always hope. us to grow, because there has night. It is kind of like a comedy been a push about using digital show, but we share some What are some of the fun technologies to communicate spirituality and some parishioner things or hobbies you do to for quite some time to reach spotlights also. We have done recharge your batteries? our homebound parishioners or seven episodes up to now, My free time consists of people unable to get to Mass. though we may take some reading. My sister got me a I originally was going to time off this summer. I usually guitar for my birthday, though go to college to study film, at spend Tuesdays in the studio, I am still stuck on the three DeSales University, if I did not editing booth, scrubbing through chords I learned a while ago. go to seminary or things did footage and sound tracks, and My mother tried to get me to not work out with that. I was YouTube is good to sound learn an instrument, the piano, accepted, but the tug towards file things. It has been a fun and I was a lazy kid so I never the priesthood told me that was challenge. The whole year has practiced. I had a friend at the the way to go. I had made some been full of its challenges but it Mount who played and I thought short, fun films with my friends, has also been full of its graces that it would finally be nice to which were really fun to do and and consolations. You know be able to do it. With the guitar, I got acquainted with digital what they say, if you are in a it is nice to hit the right chord technology and learned what it state of consolation immediately correctly and hear it. I was can do. prepare for desolation. But this going to take some lessons but is a vocation, it is not a , it then Covid-19 hit. It looks like When the parish went to live is what you were born to do. I More THE CALLED, streaming, were you a part of never want to toot my own horn. page 13 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 13 THE CALLED the mercy and reconciliation allowed us to look at the Greek continued from 12 he had and the conversion he and the commentaries for that had. The whole story of how he weeks’ readings. I try to cross I will be self-taught for a while became humble and contrite, check it and there is so much longer. I just love the whole beautiful to do, but it can be one little story. word in the Gospel that can What do you like to read? Also, since I went to a make all the difference. I try not Currently I am reading Dune, Redemptorist parish, I learned to be too complex, but try then which is a classic science- about St. . to relate it to life so when they fiction novel. And you will hear My focus in theology was moral walk out the doors they can use this from a lot of priests, but theology, and he was a doctor what I have been preaching. Lord of the Rings is one of my of moral theology. I did not How do we continue to grow in favorites also. I lean towards know that when I was taking the the Lord? St. Pius X, he would the suspense-type thrillers; I courses, so I feel that he has say “Confession, Communion, am sort of that type of guy. A been looking out for me also. Confession, Communion,” and good ghost story or creepy, There is St. Philip Neri, who I am sure the parishioners are dark theme. I liked to be scared is the second Apostle to Rome. probably tired of hearing me say growing up, which is fun. I like There was a deacon – now it. Pope St. John Paul II was all the lives of the as well – priest – at the Mount who told about the constant conversion those are the real superheroes. me about St. Philip’s heart of the heart, and I think it is being twice the size of a regular important to constantly renew Who are your favorite saints? heart, and that when he gave your soul every chance you get. One of my Canon Law hugs you could feel the heat professors at the Mount said of his heart. That is the priest I Do you have a favorite aspect that we tend to only pick one would like to be like. He liked to of you ministry? saint as our patron. He said, play tricks and he was a wise My favorite part of ministry “Why not pick more than one?” guy – so I can relate to that. is hearing Confessions, and so I decided to do that. St. There is St. Pius X. People of course saying Mass, but Thérèse of Lisieux has been think he is so rigid and Confession brings a devotion watching out for me since I was dogmatic, but his mother called to St. John Vianney that really a kid. Just before I became a him Bevie, and he was very hits home. He was so good in transitional deacon, I read Story gentle and humble and poor in that box that you would come of a Soul and I realized that she spirit at times. “Born poor, die out of Confession feeling a has been the one looking out poor,” he said, even though he weight lifted off your shoulders. for me since I was seven. They was sitting in the Chair of Peter. You just always felt welcome in say if you pray a novena to her, He was the first pope canonized his confessional and he would you will get roses. I have gotten in 500 years, so it is a pretty big always say, “Come back.” What roses for sure. She has adopted thing. St. is a a gift. me more or less. When I was favorite of mine, a good pillar I would say another part of young, I saw a picture of her as of strength. I need an army of my ministry I have fallen in love a young child and I have always saints looking out for me. with is being an ambassador for felt a connection. You usually our Lord to those who maybe only see pictures of her as a How do you prepare for a have not seen him for a while. young woman. homily, Father? Maybe it is somebody who is St. is one I prepare a week in advance. sick and the family is there and of my favorites because it is I check the readings for the next maybe the person is about to so redemptive. It is just not week and begin thinking. I mull die. You have a chance to be her story but the story of her it over for a while. At the Mount, More THE CALLED, murderer, Alessandro, and just we had a biblical software that page 14 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 14 Wounds. Is Giving from Our Wounds it strange By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC I am no good!” Living under that our Special to The Witness that perspective can create society As I sit here looking at the a hopelessness that further wants us blinking cursor, continuing undermines human dignity, to hide and my series on racism, my creating a vicious cycle. The ignore the thoughts seem like they are just lasting feelings of vulnerability wounds whirling around and around. and fear can create a culture caused by As I silently pray to the Holy of slavery in which there is no the sin of Spirit for wisdom and words, escape. This type of slavery can racism? I am reminded of the morning subjugate not only individuals Yet, when antiphon that the Church in the but also entire communities, “Thoughts from a we look at Catholic Evangelist” Liturgy of the Hours prayed creating a shadow deep within Jesus, he on the Feast of the the psyche of the willingly showed his disciples Sacred Heart, June community. his wounds that were inflicted 19: “Come, let us You might say, “Oh upon him because of our sin. worship Jesus, whose come on, Sister! You It was not out of his inability to heart was wounded are a white woman. heal his wounds, but to wear for love of us.” How do you know them as a trophy of his victory.” Jesus’s heart was what it feels like to be I am NOT saying to accept the wounded for love of a person of color?” wounds of racism and call it a us. He was pierced I would be the first day. NO WAY! What I am saying so that we could see one to say, “I don’t! is that out of our wounds, we as well as understand But, I do know what must be ready to give to others. what true love actually it feels like to be Because we have was. This is the devalued because experienced this kind of pain, antithesis of what I am a woman, Original artwork we can stand up and scream, racism, prejudice and because I am a by Sister Geralyn. “Enough! Not on my watch!” discrimination is all Religious, because It demands constant personal about. I have a learning disability. reflection because of the This evil (and I don’t use that I also can understand the hiddenness of this sin. Own word lightly) can make a victim feeling of being of no worth, of your pain and strive to not feel less human by stripping being bullied because I was deepen the pain of others. their dignity from him or her. different than others.” It wounds It demands a vulnerability, This stripping creates a wound the soul beyond what words a love that is reflected in the in their self-image. The constant can describe. As I type these Sacred Heart of Jesus. He calls reminders of being subhuman words, tears well up in my eyes out to us today, “Will you love can cause a helplessness, because I still can identify with others as I have loved you?” an attitude of “Why bother! the pain.

THE CALLED, continued from 13 pandemic, bringing hope to them is something I enjoy doing. It is a beautiful part to be a ray of a healing hand. You are right there in the midst hope and maybe the only person they really see of sorrow or suffering and of course you are that day. I also love going to the schools; just there so the Lord can work through you. Being being on the kickball field is fun. Being with the that ray of hope is a chance at redemption and parish family is special, I get to tease them and reconciliation. have fun with them and it is great. Since we have Also the shut-ins and nursing home patients, opened the doors back up and seeing the people which I have not been able to visit much since the again, you just say to yourself, “Thank God.” July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 15

Middletown Deceased Clergy OBITUARIES Seven Sorrows BVM: The names of the following deceased persons have Pray for the following Alexis Matinchek been submitted by their parishes. Remember in your clergy who died in July Carnes prayers the happy repose of these recently departed during the past 25 years: Marion Gelata souls and the consolation of their loved ones. Father Joseph Ceponis, 1997 Gary Kohler Chambersburg Kulpmont Msgr. Joseph Kealy, 1997 Corpus Christi: Holy Angels: Mount Carmel Father Charles Procopio, Kenneth Griesbaum Helen Spishock Divine Redeemer: 1997 Maragaret Grimes Henry Koldash Dora DiFrancesco Anne Bubser Deacon Joseph Sahd, 1998 Marie Brookens Lancaster York Msgr. Cletus Wagman, 2001 Stella Formanek Sacred Heart of Jesus: Immaculate Louis Gregorio Robert Aichele Conception BVM: Father Joseph Coyne, 2001 Helen Deatrick John Borsa Deacon Gerard Kole, 2002 Harrisburg Savina Starkowski Russell Jefferson, Jr. St. Catherine Labouré: Mary Kast Margaret Allen Father Ramon Rivera- Janet DeLutis Ann Segro Rosemarie Hemler Lopez, 2007 Richard Olszewski Anne Stengel Father Daniel Mahoney, Alfons Raschke St. Joseph: 2007 Hershey Ron Fisher Annette Fuligni Father Frederick A. Farace, St. : Win Zerphey 2018 Alfreda Siemianowski St. : Joan Higgins Maryanne Klatka Deacon Robert E. Weaver, Evelyn Mendez John Szala 2018. Janet Wallick

Father Rodriguez will expand on the theme for Annual Corpus Christi the men’s retreat: “2020 Vision in Christ, Healer Men’s Retreat Will be of Our Interior Life.” In addition to presenting four sessions, Father Rodriguez will celebrate Offered Online Holy Mass. Other devotional activities planned nd The 42 Corpus Christi Men’s Retreat, offered include a Scriptural Rosary, Stations of the yearly to men of the Diocese, will take place in Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an online format on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 Benediction. a.m.-3:30 p.m. Father Luis Rodriguez, pastor of The retreat is geared toward men of all ages Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg, will lead in the Harrisburg Diocese. Brothers, fathers, the virtual retreat, which will be offered free of sons and grandsons are encouraged to view charge. the retreat together. Donations are accepted The annual retreat is sponsored by Corpus to help defray the costs of the retreat master’s Christi Parish. honorarium and technological equipment, and Registration is requested for planning can be mailed by check payable to ‘Corpus purposes, and is available on the retreat website Christi Men’s Retreat’ to 320 Philadelphia at https://ccccmensretreat.weebly.com/. To join Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. in the live retreat on Aug. 1, go to the Corpus For more information about the retreat, Christi Roman Catholic Church YouTube contact Keith R. Smith at 717-263-3442, or Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ [email protected]. UCr75D8gIh_SwtMLj2vmWiOQ/ July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 16 DIOCESAN Balloon twisting by Jerry empanadas, chorizo Registration from Keebler Entertainment. con arepa and gaseosa noon-12:45 p.m., NOTEBOOK Cookout of hamburgers, colombiana from shotgun start at 1 Fundraisers & Events hotdogs and chicken. Colombia; pinchos, p.m. Dinner provided Holy Angels Parish Cotton candy, beer garden, pasteles and alcapurrias after the round. Cost in Kulpmont will hold indoor bazaar and outdoor from Puerto Rico; is $110 per player, a Potato Cake Sale on yard sale. and burritos, fajitas, $400 per foursome. Friday, July 10 from 3-7 The St. Pauline tacos, tamales and Hole sponsorships p.m. at the Picnic Shed. Foundation in enchiladas from the available. Registration Midnight Smokin’ Kulpmont, summer Mexican community. deadline is July 1. BBQ event at Holy Infant raffleon July 24 from Entertainment to be For a registration and Parish in Manchester, noon-6 p.m. and July announced. For more sponsorship form, call July 12 from 11 a.m.-2 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. information, visit www. Jim at 717-371-7188. p.m. Purchase take-out of More than 50 items, LancasterHispanic Our Lady of Mercy delicious smoked meats. including Rae Dunn, Festival.com. Parish in Catawissa, Take home or eat at the Lenox, Longaberger, Vera Mary, Gate of annual picnic, July 31 parish pavilion. Bradley, Kate Spade and Heaven Parish in and Aug. 1. Pick-up Holy Infant Parish in bistro sets. Tickets are 26 Myerstown presents only, 3-8 p.m. Take-out Manchester will host The for $20; additional sheets Summerfest Café, potato cakes, halupki, Italian Job food truck at of 26 for $10. Homemade Aug. 7 from 3-8 p.m., pierogies, haluski, the parish pavilion, July 26 pigeons, haluski, sausage and Aug. 8 from 1-7 baked goods and raffle from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Eat at and more available for p.m. The festival may tickets. Pre-orders the pavilion or take orders purchase – take out only. be canceled, but that suggested by July 17; home. Social distancing and doesn’t mean you have order on Our Lady Holy Infant Parish masks required. Those to miss out on some of Mercy Catholic in Manchester will host unable to attend can call of your favorite foods. Church’s Facebook “Rock N’ Roll at the JoAnn at 570-259-9299 to Menu both days features page, via e-mail at Pavilion,” Aug. 8 from make an appointment to halupki, halusky, olompicnic@gmail. 6-10 p.m. Listen to music view items and purchase pierogies, fish and chips, com; or call 570-336- and relive the 1950s with tickets July 20-23. apple dumplings, a bake 4771. music provided by DJ The 37th Annual sale, soda and water. Job Openings Michelangelo LaMattina. Hispanic Cultural The festival’s famous Dinner from The Sweet Festival: Take-Out sausage will be served St. Joan of Arc Patch Food Truck. Bring a Edition, Aug. 31-Sept. Friday; homemade School in Hershey is chair or blanket or sit at a 5 at San Juan Bautista meatball sandwiches are looking to hire the picnic table. Bring drinks Parish in Lancaster. With featured on Saturday. following employees, and snacks to last the COVID regulations in Rain or shine event; take due to increasing evening. place, San Juan Bautista out eat outside, weather enrollment and moving St. Vincent de Paul will offer a modified permitting. Please bring into a new school Parish in Hanover’s festival, with food bills only, or debit/ building. Clearances Christmas in July Bazaar served to go and music credit cards. Visit the are needed for all and Yard Sale, July livestreamed online. event’s Facebook page: positions: sixth-grade 25 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Festival culminates mghsummer Language Arts teacher; Entertainment begins at at 10 p.m. Saturday fest. seventh-grade middle 10 a.m. Music by Denny with a Grand Raffle of Lancaster Catholic school Math teacher; Kopp of Iron Ridge three large cash prizes High School Crusader preschool 3 teacher for Bluegrass Band. Children’s of $5,000, $4,000 and Football Golf Outing, five full days a week; $3,000. Traditional Aug. 7 at Highlands of entertainment by Critter More NOTEBOOK, Hispanic cuisine includes Donegal in Mount Joy. Connections Petting Zoo. page 17 July 9, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 17

NOTEBOOK clearances, including Act 34 (PA State Police continued from 16 Background Clearance), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History Clearance), Act 126 (Child Abuse Recognition preschool 3 teacher for three half days a week; part- and Reporting Training) and FBI clearance. time Spanish teacher for grades 3-8; three classroom aides Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for pre 3, pre St. Joseph School Extended Day Program in 4 and middle school; support aide, Monday-Friday as Mechanicsburg has an opening for a caregiver needed; after-school care director, five days a week 2-3 afternoons per week from 2:15-5:30 p.m. from 3-6 p.m.; custodian for Monday-Friday from Responsibilities include playing with and helping 2:30-10:30 p.m.; and a cafeteria assistant for Monday- children, assisting children with homework, helping to Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Send résumé or questions serve snack, cleaning up after snack, and other duties to Sister Eileen at [email protected] or call as required by the director. Applicants will need to 717-533-2854, ext. 118. complete or submit (done within the past 12 months) Sacred Heart Preschool in Lancaster has all necessary employee clearances and background an opening for a part-time, long-term substitute checks, along with a valid driver’s license. E-mail teacher. Please contact Linda Simpson at 717-606- Linda Schneider at [email protected]. 2670 with inquiries. Employment opportunities available at Our Mother of Perpetual Help School in Ephrata. St. Patrick School in Carlisle seeks caregivers Technology Education & Integrated Technology for after-school extended day program, CARES. Teacher (Grades K-8), Physical Education Teacher This is a five-day, part-time position from 2-5:30 p.m.; (Grades K-8), Art Education Teacher (Middle School or Tuesday/Thursday position from 2-5:30 p.m.; or Grades 6-8), After School Clubs Program Supervisor, Monday/Wednesday/Friday position from 2-5:30 p.m. and substitute teachers. If interested in any position, Workers should be adaptable and willing to work with send a cover letter, résumé, transcripts, and pastor children from ages 3-14. Pay starts at $10 an hour, letter to Mrs. Patricia A. Foltz, Principal, at pfoltz@ subject to applicant’s experience. Tuition discount is omph.org. a possibility for those with students at To report suspected abuse of a minor, the school. please follow these two steps: Visit www. spscarlisle. org or contact 1 1-800-932-0313 2 1-800-626-1608 Principal Antoinette Oliverio at aoliverio@ spscarlisle. Call the toll-free PA Report suspected abuse of org for more Child Abuse Hotline a minor by a church official, information at 1-800-932-0313 employee or volunteer by or to set up calling the diocesan toll-free an interview. hotline at 1-800-626-1608 Though it is not a requirement to IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE WITH BOTH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE DIOCESE. have a teacher’s Email: [email protected] certification, it is necessary to complete Diocese of Harrisburg Youth Protection Program www.YouthProtectionHBG.com all Diocesan