Upcoming... Inside WEST RIVER Veneration of St. Pio Catholics Seek Conclusive Relics, Cathedral, Answers to Scandal, p 2. Sept. 28-29 Bishop’s Hunt for Seminarians, Oct. 2-3 See p. 4 Youth Rally, Oct. 7, Informing Catholics in Western South Dakota since May 1973 See p. 23 September 2018 Diocese of Rapid City Volume 47 Number 5 www.rapidcitydiocese.org CatholicSouth Dakota CSS Presents Founders Award to Former Rapid City Mayor Don Barnett, p. 4 “Beloved Son” Vocations Special Section, pp. 11-14 Newman Center Dedication, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, p. 24 Deacons Honored The 50th Anniversary of the Permanent Diaconate in U.S. was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City, on September 7. Bishop Robert Gruss presided at the Mass. He said, “You are the living and working expression of charity in the church ... though you do serve at the altar, your primary ministry is in the world, sanctifying it by your ministry, actively living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” (Back row l-r) Deacons Jim Hayes, Hot Springs; Joe Witte, Hot Springs; Jim Van Loan, Rapid City; Lloyd Frein, Philip; Jim Scherr, Rapid City; Pat Coy, Hill City; Cal Clifford, Martin; and Greg Sass, Rapid City. (Middle row) Deacons Walt Wilson, Piedmont; John Osnes, Black Hawk; Ray Klein, Belle Fourche; Fred Tully, Hill City; Raul Daniel, Rapid City; and Lou Usera, Rapid City. (Front row) Deacons Greg Palmer, Rapid City, George Gladfelter, Rapid City; Bishop Gruss; Deacons Chuck Rausch, Rapid City; Craig Pearson, Hot Springs; Tom Adams, Hot Springs; and Larry Kopriva, Rapid City. At the same Mass, four men studying for the permanent diaconate were installed as lectors, (l-r) Ralph Dupres, Robert Hrabe, and Rich Olsen, all of Rapid City; and Bill White, Porcupine. (WRC photos by Laurie Hallstrom) 2 WRC No Greater Love September 2018 ‘Questions raised deserve answers that are conclusive’ As we seek to address the crisis in the out her history the church has faced many thorough investigation is necessary, one that is something all of us Catholic Church, the pain and confusion of challenges, many crises. Each time she has is credible and done with the utmost trans- can do and should do this moment in her history is palpable. I had to look inwardly at her own weaknesses parency. The “truth” must be found. The only for the sake of our Bride, have received many letters, both of support and flaws. This is nothing new, painful as it way through this is openness and honesty the church — for her and challenge. I appreciate the lay faithful is. It has been painful each time it has oc- — that lead to effective reforms. Jesus as- healing. Our fasting and expressing their feelings and concerns. The curred in the church’s history. It is very sures us “the truth will set us free.” We prayer can lead to heal- pain and suffering goes far and wide. In the painful today for us who are living through shouldn’t fear anything. Truthfulness and ing, to purification, and midst of this public scandal, many victims this time in her history. This may be the transparency will lead to the path of purifi- to the necessary reforms. Bishop of sexual abuse by clergy will have to relive greatest crisis the American Catholic cation and reform. The church is holy to Robert Gruss the abhorrent experiences again. As a Church has had to face throughout her Perhaps right now, many Catholics may the extent that her church, as the body of Christ, it is impor- history. feel compelled to leave the church because members are holy. The Diocese of tant to keep them deeply in our prayers. As I wrote in my last statement, because of the scandal. Without denying this reality, church’s conformity to Rapid City “When one member of the Body suffers, the further questions have arisen in the released I urge those who are considering this Christ is complete only whole Body suffers,” (1 Cor 12:26). Most testimony from the former Papal Nuncio to response to prayerfully reconsider, lest they to the extent that her importantly our prayers are needed at this the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria fall into the desires of the Evil One. A bet- members are conformed time. Vigano, making serious allegations about ter response is for each of us to renew our to Christ. Each of us, as disciples of Jesus, Published reports about these criminal the Archbishop McCarrick abuse case, I commitment to seek holiness in our lives, are called to help lead the church through allegations and the lack of appropriate join my voice with Cardinal Daniel N. trusting that Jesus is intimately with us this the challenges, through the sinfulness of our response by some bishops over many DiNardo and the U.S. Conference of moment. culture, to become more fully the church decades are deeply disturbing. The betrayal Catholic Bishops’ Executive Committee in Pope Francis, in Gaudete et Exultate, said that Jesus Christ established. by church leaders runs deep in the hearts of calling for the Holy See to conduct a thor- that “Holiness is the face of the Church.” In response to this, I invited all priests of victims and faithful Catholics, and right- ough investigation that includes granting This “face” is not so pretty at this moment. the diocese to join me in offering a Mass on fully so. These horrific actions bring deep authority to a lay commission to examine We must remember that this “holiness” is September 14, the Feast of the Triumph of sadness and shame to all of us who love the the many questions that surround the case meant for everyone. We are all called to seek the Cross, and/or September 15, the church so dearly, in particular the faithful of Archbishop McCarrick. holiness every day and to live a life of faith Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows, in each bishops and priests who seek to live their As Cardinal DiNardo said on August — courageously and with integrity, as bea- of their parishes in reparation for the sins priesthood with faithfulness and integrity. 27, “The questions raised deserve answers cons of light and hope, personally, in our of priests and bishops. During this Mass all My sincere apologies and prayers go out to that are conclusive and based on evidence. families, in our parishes and in our commu- victims — children and adults — who have all victims and their families — anyone who Without those answers, innocent men may nities. This then, allows the world to see the suffered abuse at the hands of priests and has been affected by this scandal. be tainted by false accusation and the guilty true face of the church. bishops were lifted in prayer. Where must we go from here? Through- may be left to repeat sins of the past.” A As Catholics, we believe that Christ has I have also encouraged my priests, and not and will not abandon his church. He now all of you, to make Fridays for the next Bishop’s Calendar promised to be with us always — and he is year a day of prayer and sacrifice for repa- September 20-October 12, 2018 living with us through this crisis. He looks ration for all priests and bishops who have Subject to change without notice out over his beloved Bride, the church, and so grievously wounded the body of Christ. September 20, Thursday October 2-3, Tuesday-Wednesday weeps with us. But we live in faith and hope Some suggestions might be: 10 a.m. College of Consultors Meeting, Pheasant Hunt For Seminarian Education, that Jesus, as we surrender ourselves to him, • Pray the Mass on Friday for this Rapid City Stukel’s Bucks and Birds, Gregory keeping our gaze upon this “crucified One,” intention if you are able. September 21, Friday October 8, Monday will lead us to a new place where the Gospel • Pray a rosary or the Rosary of Our 1 p.m. Real Presence Radio Live Drive - On Office closed for Native American/ can be preached and lived with faithfulness Lady of Sorrows. Columbus Day Air - 89.9/94.7 FM and love, thus bearing new life in the world. • Pray the Litany for the Abuse Crisis 5 p.m. Summit Ambassador Preparation, October 10, Wednesday Terra Sancta 9:30 a.m. Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting, The sanctity of the church rests in Christ each Friday for nine Fridays and September 22, Saturday Chancery himself. I believe that Jesus is very present; then repeat. Annual Stewardship Summit, Terra Sancta October 11, Thursday he is fighting this spiritual battle with • Offer a Holy Hour of Eucharistic September 25, Tuesday 8 a.m. Staff Mass/Staff Gathering, Terra Satan. Perhaps that is why all of this is com- Adoration on Friday. 6:30 p.m. Catholic Social Services Sancta ing to light. “For everyone who does wicked Please consult your parish bulletins to Board Meeting 10 a.m. Chancery Staff Safe Environment things hates the light and does not come toward find out what is being done in your parishes. September 26, Wednesday Training, Terra Sancta the light, so that his works might not be ex- I also ask Our Lady, Our Mother of 8:30 a.m. Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting, October 12, Friday posed” (Jn 3:20). Perhaps Jesus has forced Mercy, to pour out her mercy upon our 11:15 a.m. First Friday Mass and Lunch- Chancery these things into the light. Only when Church and our families, so that all victims September 28, Friday eon, Cathedral 5:30 p.m.