December 6, 2019 In This Issue MESSEESSENGERNGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926 2 Letter from Bishop Foys Retirement Fund for Religious collection 2 Retired Benedictine sisters Still ministering 3 Annual Curia service awards 3 You’re invited Screening: ‘Miss Virginia’ 6 The Immaculate Conception (above and right) Bishop Roger Foys celebrated Mass, Nov. 24, with the Congregation of 7 Blessed John Martin Moye Divine Providence on 65th anniversary of 8 Sister Mary Evelyn Reinke, S.N.D. the beatification Christmas card ministry of founder, Blessed John 9 Catholic Charities volunteers Martin Moye. Provide Thanksgiving dinners 9 ACUE Fund chair Blessed John Martin Moye Visits Holy Family School and‘good thief’offer right 13 NCYC closing Mass perspectiveonChrist the King Keener photos Laura Keener Jesus to prove himself — come down from that cross — prove yourself, Editor they said. Save yourself and us, the thief said in the Gospel account. On the solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 24, Bishop Roger Foys cel- “They didn’t understand who Jesus was or why he came,” Bishop Moving? Wrong address? ebrated Mass at Holy Family Home, Melbourne, with the Congregation Foys said. Call the circulation desk, of the Sisters of Divine Providence. The solemnity — which marks the The third perspective comes from the good thief. He recognizes (859) 392-1570 end of the liturgical year — was also the commemoration of the 65th Jesus as not only an innocent man but also the Savior and asks, “Jesus, anniversary of the beatification of Blessed John Martin Moye, founder remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) of the Sisters of Divine Providence. (See related story page 7.) “He did not see in the cross of Jesus defeat, but victory,” Bishop Bishop’s Schedule . .3 The Sisters of Divine Providence came to the Diocese of Covington Foys said. “He understood Jesus at that point in time, more than Jesus’ in 1889. As conditions in Alsace-Lorraine threatened the development disciples. He saw through everything else — what a remarkable act of Commentary . .4 of the Congregation of Sisters of Divine Providence, Mother Anna, faith, a remarkable show of trust in Jesus Christ — a revelation that People and Events . .10 superior general (1885–1903), sought to establish an American founda- others didn’t understand.” Saint Snippet . .11 tion. Bishop Camillus Maes welcomed the sisters to the diocese, espe- Bishop Foys said that even today the world does not understand Entertainment . .14 cially for their teaching ministry. Jesus; does not understand the Church. Shopper’s Guide . .14 The American provincial house of the Sisters of Divine Providence “The world can not fathom what we do or why we do it, what we VIRTUS . .15 is still located in Melbourne, Ky. Throughout the diocese’s history the believe or why we believe it. Jesus is our king — he doesn’t sit on a Classifieds . .16 Sisters of Divine Providence have taught at many parish schools and throne but looks down from the cross. We look up to him with the per- operated the former Our Lady of Divine Providence Academy, spective of that good thief who recognized who Jesus is; that every- News Briefs . .19 Newport — a high school for girls — which merged in 1983 with thing that we are — that is good in us — we are because of him. … The Newport Central Catholic High School. Now in the Diocese of good thief demonstrates to us the kind of faith we should have. He Covington, the Sisters of Divine Providence Missed an edition? Current and back found forgiveness because he found the issues of the Messenger are available continue its teaching ministry at El Centro King of Forgiveness, he found mercy online at covdio.org/messenger. de la Divina Providencia, Covington, teach- because he found the King of Mercy, and ing English as a second language to the he found love because he found the one local Spanish-speaking community. The sis- who is love.” ters also operate Jeanne d’Arc Residence, Bishop Foys said that Blessed Moye Manhattan, New York — a home for young AdventAdvent was also one of those rare people who women seeking to improve their lives. had a perspective that was right. In his homily, Bishop Foys reflected on The Lord will come; he is true “He didn’t have an easy life, he was the different perspectives people have when suspended and spent years in the mis- interpreting any event. The challenge, he to his word. If he seems to delay, sions, but always kept his eye on the said, is to have the “right perspective.” kingdom. Even on difficult days, dark Focusing on the day’s Gospel account of the keep watch for him, days, he could see what others couldn’t; crucifixion and “the good thief,” Bishop he could do what others wouldn’t; Foys identified three perspectives those wit- for he will surely come, alleluia. because of his faith and his determina- nessing the event might have held of Jesus —Vespers Antiphon tion,” he said. as he hung on the cross. “As we celebrate the twofold solemni- “One is the crowd. The crowd is observ- Second ty of Christ King of the Universe and ing — they are apathetic,” he said. The cru- the beatification of John Martin Moye cifixion doesn’t really affect them one way Sunday we ask both of them to look upon us and or the other. “It’s a criminal being put to of help us to form always the right perspec- death — a horrible death. Later they will go Advent tive. When days are difficult, when there home and get on with their lives.” are doubts, when there are frustrations The second perspective is from the lead- Dec. 8 — we realize that although Jesus’ king- ers, soldiers and one of the two thieves cru- For the weeks of Advent, the dom begins here, it is not of this world. cified along with Jesus. Jesus had gotten diocesan Worship Office offers a Vespers worship aid We participate in that kingdom here so under their skin, he had challenged the for the Sundays of Advent. To download a printable that one day we will live in God’s king- leaders and they were angry. They wanted copy visit www.covdio.org/worship. dom forever.” 2 December 6, 2019 Messenger schools in the Diocese of Covington beginning at Holy Cross, then Villa Madonna Academy, one year in Hunter, Colorado, then back to the Diocese of Covington. In between teaching positions she became the director of religious education (DRE) first at St. Barbara Parish. She alternated teaching a few years with being a DRE a couple years at different schools/parishes in the diocese. She attended Xavier University for her undergraduate Dear Friends in Christ, degree in education and earned a master’s degree in theol- ogy. Sister Kathleen celebrated her 60th jubilee in 2018 On the weekend of December 14 and 15, our parishes will hold with the Benedictine community. the Retirement Fund for Religious collection — an annual appeal Now that she has retired she helps out around the house [at St. Walburg Monastery] and also visits the resi- that benefits some 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious dents at Colonial Heights and Colonial Gardens in order priests. Florence. Two days a month she leads a communion serv- ice at Colonial Heights. Two other days a month she takes As Christians, we are called to “serve the Lord with gladness.” (Psalms 100:2) Our elderly Communion to Colonial Gardens where the residents are a little more confined and visits with them. religious offer a shining example of what it means to answer this call. During their days Psalms 139, which begins “Lord, you have probed me, of active ministry, religious men and women worked tirelessly to build Catholic schools you know me: you know when I sit and stand; and you and hospitals, promote social justice, and embrace the neediest among us. In retirement, understand my thoughts from afar,” is a favorite of Sister many continue in volunteer ministry, and all pray for the needs of our Church and world. Kathleen. Inspired by love, their service — past and present — is marked by joy and a deep desire to do the will of God. Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient As you may know, many religious communities find it increasingly difficult to provide to meet the retirement and health-care needs for aging members. Most of our older religious worked for little or no pay. Today, their of aging members. communities do not have enough retirement savings. At the same time, health-care Lack of funds — Many elder religious worked costs continue to rise, and fewer members are able to serve in compensated ministry. for years for small stipends, leaving a large gap in retirement savings. At the same time, fewer religious are able to serve in Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious provides vital funding for medications, compensated ministry. nursing care, and more. It also helps religious congregations plan for future retirement Rising costs — Like many Americans, religious needs, even as they continue to serve the people of God. communities face the monumental challenge of funding eldercare. I understand you are asked to support many worthy causes. I invite you only to give Changing demographics — By 2029, retired what you can. Most importantly, please pray for God’s continued blessing on all our religious are projected to outnumber women and men religious. Rest assured, they are praying for you. wage-earners by nearly three to one.