Monthly publication for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls June 2017 Bishop Paul There is another world to sing in if we remain faithful Swain Publisher’s note: Below is an edit- from conception through natural death. ed version of my homily preached at the O’Gorman High School Gradua- In the Gospel reading (Jn 14:15-21), Jesus tion Mass on May 20. I pray it offers reminds us of the reason for our hope: His some perspective and encouragement love and mercy. “I will not leave you or- for all who are facing transitions. phaned,” Jesus promised. “Love one another as I have loved you.” What is that love? It is not the schmaltzy love based only on t another graduation one feelings that come and go. It is not even the A admirable love of friendship that changes person in attendance could with time and circumstance. It is the love the crucifi x so powerfully depicts. It is a not understand what the main love that is selfl ess and sacrifi cial and sees speaker had said and asked beyond the moment or personal preference or advantage. We can be hopeful because “what did he say.” The reply we know that God created us and that our was “I think he said ‘school’s destiny is to return to him and be one with him for all eternity. In anticipation of that over’”. That may be all that goal we prepare ourselves by how we live you hear tonight. While it is our lives, how we carry our crosses and how we recognize others as brothers and sisters, true that school at O’Gorman as part of our family in Christ. is fi nished yet before you a less One measure of how we live His love might regimented beautiful school be how we use ever changing communica- awaits, the school of life as tions technology. Does it isolate us from one another or does it empower us to be the an adult. A new freedom will hands of God within our human family? now be yours. God gifted you Everywhere we go these days we see almost everyone including me looking down onto and us all with free will. With cellphones and other devices. That is fi ne as long as we also take time to look around at freedom comes opportunity, others in need of sacrifi cial love and look up temptations and responsibility. to God the Father who is our creator, God the Son who is our friend and God the Holy What will you take with you as you ‘change Spirit who is our guide and consolation. schools’? Over the last years there have been movies One gift I pray you will take with you is about being home alone and the oppor- the virtue of hope. In your new school of tunity to take advantage of freedom from life whatever its dimension I pray you draw constraints, often with surface joy that does on the hope in Jesus Christ that you were not last. The fact is that there are many who introduced to these last years. As you refl ect are alone and lonely, aching for someone to on your time at O’Gorman please recognize assure them that they are worthy, that they that it is in hope for each of you that so have value, that they are cared about and many have made this night possible. Educa- cared for when necessary. That is the virtue tion itself is a gift of hope. of hope you can share from your experience in our Catholic schools. All those who have taught and supported you have done so because they care about I remember when especially in rural areas a you...The teachers and staff, the benefactors simple telephone with a party line in every and families did not have to support you yet home was a great advancement. One feature they did because they have hope for you and in that ancient time was what was called see hope in you. Be grateful for them and “information.” A person could pick up the seek to live up to the hopes they have for phone and talk with a live operator without you whatever your vocation or occupation. being put on hold or greeted by a computer voice. Peter in the second reading (1Pt 3:15-18) urges us to “always be ready to give an ex- One day a young boy was home alone and planation to anyone who asks you for a rea- playing around he hit his fi nger with a ham- son for your hope, but do it with gentleness mer. He cried out in pain but no one was and reverence, keeping a clear conscience.” there to hear him. So he climbed on a stool, That is a charge to share our joy in Christ picked up the phone receiver and asked while respecting the dignity of all persons for information. A friendly voice answered 2 June 2017 - The Bishop’s Bulletin “how can I help you?” “I hurt my fi nger,” never had any children and I used to look he cried out as tears fell. “Isn’t your mother forward to your calls. Silly, wasn’t it?” Schedule home?” “Nobody’s home but me.” “Are you They never had actually met so he asked June bleeding?” “No, I hit it with a hammer and if he could visit her when he next returned 1 11:00 Ordination to the Transitional it hurts.” “Can you open the icebox?” “Yes.” to this hometown. “Please do so,” she said, Diaconate, Cathedral of Saint “Take a little piece of ice and hold it to your “just ask for Sally.” Joseph, Sioux Falls fi nger. Don’t cry. You’ll be all right.” 2 11:00 Ordinations to the Priesthood, When he came home he asked for Sally. Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux After that he felt welcomed and called A strange voice answered. “Are you a Falls friend?” “Yes, an old friend” and told his information for all kinds of things – help 3 4:00 Stational Mass, Cathedral of Saint with school work, what to feed a chipmunk. name. “I’m sorry to tell you that Sally died Joseph, Sioux Falls One day the family canary died. He called a few weeks ago. But she left a message 5 Bishop’s Charity Fishing information and told the operator the sad for you. Here it is: ‘tell him I still say there Tournament, Lakeside Park, Big story. “Why is it,” he asked, “that a bird are other worlds to sing in. He’ll know should sing so beautifully and bring joy only what I mean.’” Stone Lake to end up as a heap of feathers feet up on the 6 1:00 St. Paul/St. John Vianney bottom of a cage.” The operator responded There are folks who have played that role Seminaries Board Meeting gently, “young man, always remember that of mentor and consoler for you. Thank Teleconference there are other worlds to sing in.” them and pray for them. It is also a role 10 4:00 Stational Mass, Cathedral of Saint you now can assume for others, to be a Joseph, Sioux Falls The boy grew up and moved away. One sign of hope and a messenger of God’s 11 11:30 Confi rmation, St. Michael Parish, day on a lark he called his hometown and love. Herreid, St. Anthony Parish, Selby asked for information. The familiar voice and St. Joseph Parish, Eureka at answered. He asked, “Could you tell me Because of the selfl ess and sacrifi cial love Herreid please how to spell the word ‘fi x’?” There of our Lord, amidst the tragedies and won- 4:00 Confi rmation, Sacred Heart Parish, was a pause as she recognized the voice and derment of our day, we know that there Gettysburg responded, “I trust that your fi nger must be is another world to sing in if we remain 12 Bishop’s Charity Fishing healed by now.” He said, “I wonder if you faithful. In your new school of life, share Tournament, West Whitlock, Lake know how much you meant to me as I was that Good News and always be open to Oahe growing up.” “I wonder,” she answered, “if wherever God leads you, the ultimate men- 13 11:00 Presbyteral Council, Catholic you know how much you meant to me. I tor and consoler. Pastoral Center, Sioux Falls 17 4:00 Stational Mass, Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux Falls 18 12:00 Preside at and Preach Homily, Holy Offi cials Mass in the Extraordinary Form, St. The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain, Bishop of Sioux Falls, effective, Mary Parish, Salem July 5, 2017, has accepted the request to retire from assigned 19 4:30 Presentation, High School ministry from the following: Discipleship Camp, Broom Tree, Irene Reverend Hal Barber 20 12:00 Prayer at Planned Parenthood Reverend Joseph Puthenkulathil 22 12:00 Diocesan Finance Council, Catholic Pastoral Center, Sioux Falls and has decreed the following Priest Assignment changes: 6:00 Red Mass/Fortnight for Freedom, Pastors of Parishes Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux Falls Reverend Thomas Anderson, from Director, St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, 24 4:00 Stational Mass, Cathedral of Saint Northern State University and Pastor, Sacred Heart, Westport to Pastor, St. Bernard, Joseph, Sioux Falls Redfi eld and All Saints, Mellette 30 – July 5 Convocation of Catholic Leaders, USCCB, Orlando, FL Reverend Thomas Fitzpatrick, from graduate studies to Pastor, St.