diocese - North Texas Catholic
Transcription
diocese - North Texas Catholic
Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 30 No. 6 September / October 2014 North Texas Texas’’ explosive population growth requires careful planning so new Catholics will have churches and schools Here’s what we’re doing to get ready... Photo above shows area east of I-35 toward Alliance Airport in 2011. Inset photo shows area east of I-35 toward Alliance Airport in 1999. P. 30 Español Photos courtesy of Hilllwood Development Company, LLC P. 45 P. 28 Español P. 52 Catholic Charities Fort Worth's response to needs of unaccompanied minors includes offering bedrooms, personal care kits, activity and art materials, as well as recruitment and screening of temporary foster parents Heather Reynolds responds to questions at a news conference at Catholic Charities Fort Worth, July 17 (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) In This Issue... OFFICIAL ASSIGNMENTS 6 RELIGIOUS APPRECIATION DINNER 5 With some priests retiring, and some belonging to religious orders offering their services to new parishes, the Bishop’s Office has issued the official priest assignments list. 6 Deaf Ministry Coordinator Connie Martin signs at the K of C Religious Appreciation Dinner. The Knights presented more than $197,000 to the diocese, $138,000 for vocations and $59,461 for the diocese's Deaf Ministry. 24 TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE, LIFELONG VOCATION RESPECT LIFE GALA WILL RAISE 26 MONEY TO OFFER COMPASSION; FORM A GENERATION FOR LIFE Money raised at the Bishop's 10th annual Respect Life Gala Sept. 27 will help us respond to those injured by abortion; educate and train young people who will help end abortion. 24 Seminarians Keith Hathaway, Ronaldo Mercado, and Michael Greco were ordained to the diaconate in July, but the office of service it represents goes with them for the rest of their lives. 34 ST. MARY'S RESTORATION CHRIST'S PRESENCE REAL AT DCYC 32 A thousand youth from across the 28 counties of the Diocese of Fort Worth spent more time in Eucharistic Adoration than ever, and saw that their bishop found them important enough to be there the whole weekend himself. 34 Gold and cream walls and a Rose of Mary Dome above the altar; a glazed and shaded renewal of the Last Supper at the foot of the altar; renewed stained-glass windows, all bringing the sacred to life in the renewed St. Mary's,Gainesville, interior. 36 SSMN'S 365 YEARS OF SERVICE Honored for their service to God and others, these six sisters taught in schools across Texas, taught music, led their province, gave nursing care to the ill, and ran a dispensary in Rwanda among many other things. NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 44 EN ESTA EDICIÓN En esta edición del North Texas Catholic encontrarán la columna del Obispo Olson urgiéndonos a preparar con mucho celo apostólico la bienvenida a la multitud de nuevos católicos que están llegando al Norte de Texas; los antecedentes del explosivo crecimientos que traerá 12 ó 15 nuevas parroquias a la diócesis en las próximas décadas; la columna del Padre Carmelo acerca de por qué el suicidio asistido va contra las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y es una ofensa contra la dignidad humana; además información sobre la UDMC en octubre. PAGE 2 36 38 NOLAN PRESIDENT ERIN VADER 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC As the first layperson and the first woman to serve as president of her alma mater, Nolan Catholic Hgh School, Erin Vader brings with her a background that includes having attended, taught school at, or been a principal of a significant number of the Catholic schools of the diocese. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 NTC writers and photographers win most awards ever at CPA S PUBLISHER: Bishop Michael Olson COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Pat Svacina EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner CIRCULATION: Pam Quattrochi CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Baker Jenara Kocks Burgess Jaqueline Burkepile Jerry Circelli Juan Guajardo Kathy Cribari Hamer Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Michael McGee Wendy Pandolfo Nicki Prevou Marlon De La Torre Donna Ryckaert TRANSLATORS: Reyna Castelan Pedro Moreno REGULAR COLUMNISTS: Denise Bossert Jean Denton Kathy Cribari Hamer Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley Fr. Carmen Mele, OP David Mills Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Father James Wilcox Editorial Office: 800 West Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. Circulation Office: Pam Quattrochi, 800 West Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Newsmagazine (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published bi-monthly plus one special issue in January by the Most Rev. Michael F. Olson, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $18 for one year, $35 for two years, $50 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC is published bi-monthly, the third Friday of the month, with the following two months as the date of each issue. To access current news and information, find us at www. northtexascatholic.org The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. pace needs for this issue have crowded out our usual display of the articles and pictures bringing honor to our writers, photographers, and editors for the awards they earned at this year’s Catholic Press Association competition. But it would be criminal to fail to mention the award winners and their honors after our team of gifted journalistic professionals earned a record 20 awards at this year’s convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in June. We are happiest when folks who have not received recognition in the past are honored, and we had at least five who were recognized for the first time this year, including Nicki Prevou, for her story on Cassata High School “A Network of Support” (Second Place among Best Feature Articles in diocesan magazines); Elaine Schad for her Third Place Essay “Remembering Valley View’s St. John’s Parish;” Jeff Hedglen’s Second Place for the Best Regular Column in the Spiritual Life category; and Jenara Kocks Burgess for her contributions to the Second Place package on coverage of Pope Francis’ election and transition (to which Jacqueline Burkepile also contributed); and Sharon K. Perkins received Second Place for Best Essay with her “Reframing the Christmas Season.” Kathy Cribari Hamer took home the First Place honors for the Best Regular Column on Family Life. Jerry Circelli took First Place honors in three categories, including sharing honors with photographer Donna Ryckaert in the Best Picture Package on the investiture of the new Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre. Juan Guajardo was honored in several categories for his coverage of St. Frances Cabrini Parish’s response to the victims of the vicious tornado that destroyed so many families’ homes in Granbury, including two Second Place honors and one Honorable Mention, plus another Second Place for photos accompanying another Jerry Circelli article on “40 Days for Life” and a Third Place award for photos accompanying Nicki Prevou’s winning feature article. And Joan Kurkowski-Gillen took home a Second Place award for best Personality Profile for her piece on Gary Cangemi, who draws our pro-life cartoon Umbert, and took another Second for best coverage of Pope Francis’ election and transition, and a Third Place for Best Picture Package of the papal transition, sharing honors for the articles in that coverage with Juan Guajardo. And much credit for all these honors, this particular year, goes to the fine editing and layout work of my great friend and associate-editor, Tony Gutièrrez. Congratulations to everyone, including those who may not have won awards. Our objective is to serve God, his Church, and his people, and I hope we’ve all done that. Jeff Hensley PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 OUR SHEPHERD SPEAKS As our Diocese continues to grow, we are all asked to develop an apostolic heart Bishop Michael Olson S o much has happened that it is very difficult for me to admit that it has been six months since my ordination and installation as the Bishop of Fort Worth. The clergy, religious, and laity have overwhelmed me with their zeal and love for their Catholic faith. My visits to our parishes, schools, campus ministry sites, and other ministries have reaffirmed the warm and gracious assessment offered to me by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the Apostolic Nuncio, at the end of the ordination liturgy celebrated with 10,000 people at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Jan. 29, 2014: “I will share with the Holy Father that the Church in Fort Worth is very much alive and flourishing.” The scope of the Nuncio’s statement took on new depth when I reviewed the demographic reports about current and projected population growth within the Diocese, especially in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Wise, and Parker Counties. While the numbers of people (and of Catholics in particular) estimated to move into the Fort Worth Diocese involves rapid increase, our projected growth is only staggering when we view it without faith or hope as a problem and not as a call from the Lord to share our faith, to spread the Gospel, to promote priestly vocations, to reach out to the poor, and to welcome the immigrant, and to receive the gifts that our brothers and sisters will offer us as we work together to establish new parishes, schools, and to strengthen our PAGE 4 existing ministries. This good news of our growth in numbers will inform and guide the pastoral plan that is urgently required to meet the needs of our local Church. I intend to undertake the formation of this plan through legitimate pastoral consultation that is actionable and more than the paralysis induced by consultative process for process’ sake. Time is of the essence. The formation and implementation of such a plan can only begin after we take stock in gratitude of the gifts that God has given us to develop for the sake of the mission of evangelization. This mission must drive our diocesan institutions, not the other way around. The formation and implementation of a pastoral plan will call all of us and each of us to sacrifice for the sake of the spread of the Gospel in growing areas of our diocese. Through this discernment, God will ask each of us — clergy, religious, and laity — to develop an apostolic heart and to give of ourselves joyfully and generously for the sake of providing for the pastoral needs of those newly arrived in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Each of us must be prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of others. This charitable disposition will enable us to continue to evangelize the unchurched members of our society as well as those of us who are initiated but insufficiently catechized in the substance of our Faith. This generosity must especially be directed to priorities of discipleship that include: outreach NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC to the poor, prayer for and active encouragement of priestly and religious vocations, and the catechetical and spiritual formation in the sacramental life of our youth and young adults. The Lord is entrusting each of us with a particular share in his mission to evangelize. I am asking each of us to pray for gratitude for this gift and to ask Him for his wisdom to guide our decisions that we each will make to work for the spread of the Gospel and for the healthy and steady growth of his Church. How much God has blessed us to live and to serve Him in these times! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 + Bishop Michael F. Olson, STD, MA Diocese of Fort Worth CLERGY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH by Most Rev. Michael F. Olson, STD, MA PASTORS PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS Rev. Eric Michael Groner, SVD, upon presentation by the provincial of the Society of the Divine Word — Southern Province in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is appointed Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Fort Worth, effective June 8, 2014. Rev. Mathew Kavipurayidam, TOR, upon presentation by the provincial of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis — Province of St. Thomas, India, is appointed Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Fort Worth, from Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Carrollton, effective September 15, 2014. Rev. Augustine J. Kolapuram, TOR, upon presentation by the provincial of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis — Province of St. Thomas, India, is appointed Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Carrollton, from Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Carrollton, effective September 15, 2014. Rev. Antony Mathew, TOR, upon presentation by the provincial of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis — Province of St. Thomas, India, is appointed Parochial Administrator of Holy Cross Parish, The Colony, from Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Fort Worth, effective September 15, 2014. Rev. Eliseo Hernandez, CORC, upon presentation by the Regional Director of the Confraternity of the Operarios of the Reign of Christ, is appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, effective September 19, 2014. PAROCHIAL VICARS / SACRAMENTAL PRIEST Rev. Alejandro Lopez Chavez, CORC, upon presentation by the Regional Director of the Confraternity of the Operarios of the Reign of Christ, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Fort Worth, effective July 1, 2014. Rev. Albert Francis Kanjiranthumkal, HGN, upon presentation by the Provincial of the Heralds of the Good News — Mother Theresa Province, is appointed Sacramental Priest, St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland, and Santa Rosa Parish, Knox City, from Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick Cathedral Parish, Fort Worth, effective September 6, 2014. Rev. John Antony Perikomalayil, HGN, upon presentation by the Provincial of the Heralds of the Good News — Mother Theresa Province, is appointed Sacramental Priest, Sacred Heart Parish, Seymour, and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Megargel, from Sacramental Priest for St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland, and Santa Rosa Parish, Knox City, effective September 6, 2014. Rev. Sushil Tudu, TOR, upon presentation by the provincial of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis — Province of St. Thomas, India, is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Pope Francis to United Nations: Act to end the tragedy in Iraq By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis formally asked U.N. agencies and the entire international community “to take action to end the humanitarian tragedy now underway” in northeastern Iraq. In a letter signed Aug. 9, but released by the Vatican only after it was delivered, Pope Francis told U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon immediate action was needed “to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities.” The letter was sent after militants of the Islamic State terrorist organization captured Mosul PAGE 5 in late July and Qaraqosh in early August, killing hundreds of people and forcing tens of thousands of Christians, Yezidis, and other religious and ethnic minorities from their homes. The U.S. military began airstrikes against the Islamic State Aug. 8 as well as airdrops of food and water for Iraqi minorities who were forced to flee. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, told reporters Aug. 13 that Pope Francis was using language in line with the development in Catholic Social Teaching and international ethics on humanitarian intervention and the “obligation to protect” people facing widespread massacres and outright genocide. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Thomas the Apostle Parish, Fort Worth, effective September 15, 2014. Rev. Alexander Ambrose, HGN, upon presentation by the Provincial of the Heralds of the Good News — Mother Theresa Province, is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Cathedral Parish, Fort Worth, effective September 6, 2014. Rev. Cruz Manuel Holguin, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Apostle Parish, North Richland Hills, from Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, effective September 18, 2014. OTHER Rev. Hector Medina, is appointed as Supply Priest, from Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, effective September 18, 2014. Father Medina will live in Arlington. Rev. Alfredo Barba is on a leave of absence, from Parochial Vicar, St. Matthew Parish, Arlington, effective immediately. Fr. Lombardi said Pope Francis was not dictating the use of internationally-sanctioned military power against the Islamic State or “giving specific operational indications — that is the responsibility of the international community to determine.” Pope Francis, referring to the U.N.’s foundation immediately after the horrors of World War II, told Ban: “The tragic experiences of the 20th century, and the most basic understanding of human dignity, compels the international community, particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities.” “It is with a heavy and anguished heart that I have been following the dramatic events of these past few days in northern Iraq,” the pope told Ban. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE John Paul II NEWSBRIEFS Institute opening three new sections Diocesan Knights of Columbus raise The John Paul II Institute, the diocesan lay ministry training program, $197K for vocations, deaf ministry is accepting registration for its three new English sections beginning in September. New sections will be held at St. Michael Parish in Bedford on the first and third Monday evenings of the month and at the diocesan Catholic Center on the second and fourth Tuesday mornings of the month. There will also be an English class that meets online. For more information or to register, visit www.fwdioc.org/pages/john-paul2-institute-about or call the institute’s director, Father Carmen Mele, OP, at 817-560-2452, ext. 262. MSU students serve on mission trip to Guatemala Photo courtesy of Debbie Neely MSU student Justin Veitenheimer holds a Guatemalan girl. WICHITA FALLS — Midwestern State University Catholic Campus Ministry Director Debbie Neely led eight of her students joining Father Jack McKone, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Wichita Falls, on a mission trip to Patzun, Guatemala May 13-20. “Everywhere we went we experienced an overwhelming gratitude,” said Neely in a talk she gave at Sacred Heart after the mission. “We met the hardest working people who build their own churches with monies our diocese provides. They take time off from their ... only source of income, to do whatever is needed for their faith community.” Photo by Wendy Pandolfo / NTC Bishop Michael Olson receives a check presented by Jack Schooley, the Knights’ Western Metroplex Chapter president (center), and Leonard Gruca, the Knights’ assistant diocesan deputy. By Jerry Circelli Correspondent ARLINGTON — The Knights of Columbus Western Metroplex Chapter presented a check for $197,461 to Bishop Michael Olson July 28 at its 19th annual Priest and Religious Appreciation Dinner held at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington. The chapter, comprising the 54 Knights councils in the Diocese of Fort Worth, hosts the annual event to support those who serve as priests, deacons, sisters, brothers, and seminarians, as well as to help fund a ministry designated by the bishop, the diocesan Deaf Ministry. Of this amount, $138,000 is designated for the Vocations Office and was raised by Knights of Columbus Council 1473 in Wichita Falls. The remaining $59,461 was raised by Knights throughout the diocese as part of their Texas State Charities Fund, and will be awarded to the Deaf Ministry. An additional $24,000 was raised during the evening, through live and silent auctions, and will be applied to next year’s total check amount. Since the annual dinner was first held in 1996, the Knights have raised more than $2.8 million for the Diocese PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC of Fort Worth Vocations Office and Deaf Ministry. “This event is so important to us,” said Deaf Ministry Coordinator Connie Martin. “We are thankful for the support of the Knights of Columbus, and we get to meet so many of our friends that we have gotten to know through the years.” In accepting the major check of the evening for the Vocations Office and Deaf Ministry, Bishop Olson expressed his gratitude to the Knights. The bishop spoke for all priests and those who have served the Church through religious vocations, saying, “It’s always very awkward for us who are priests and religious because we really spend our lives thanking God for calling us to service, and so it’s a little awkward sometimes when we’re thanked for it. But we very much appreciate it.” Regarding the growing number of seminarians in the diocese, the bishop said, “That is something that God is offering us.” He asked the faithful to “listen to the voice of the Lord and encourage others to hear it and have the courage to say ‘yes,’ because God is very generous with his gift — the call to service. And that’s what transforms us. And that’s our mission — to transform the world for his kingdom.” SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Population expert Steven Mosher shares conversion By Juan Guajardo Correspondent GRAPEVINE — Dr. Steven Mosher, president of the Population Research Institute, shared his experiences with population control in China with an audience of 70 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grapevine July 25. Prior to his conversion to Catholicism and the pro-life movement, Mosher was a social scientist who had the permission of the Chinese government to explore, research, and study the country without direct supervision. “The first thing that happened was I noticed that women in my village were being arrested for the crime of being pregnant,” Mosher explained. One of the worst cases — the one that changed him — occurred in a small operating room where a mother who was eight months pregnant was given a lethal injection into the womb that killed her baby, but not her. The doctors didn’t want to wait for her to begin labor, so they performed a cesarean section instead. “By the time [it] was finished and the now-dead baby was removed from the body of this wounded mother ... I knew without a doubt what abortion was,” Mosher recalled. “So I left that operating room pro-life and I’ve been pro-life ever since.” But he also found God in that operating room. “I had up until that time been a committed secular humanist, a moral relativist ... there couldn’t be hell. And then hell opened up before me as I saw the killing of this tiny innocent, and I couldn’t imagine a greater evil than that. “In that setting that said evil could exist, I had to believe to keep my own sanity that there was ... a source of good in this universe to offset this evil.” All the arguments favoring population control that Mosher had previously accepted vanished. He returned to the U.S. campaigning to expose these abuses, and 10 years later, became Catholic. Carolyn Bachman from Scotland, Texas, elected to Catholic Daughters of the Americas National Board BILLINGS, MONTANA — Carolyn Bachman of Scotland, Texas, was recently elected a national director for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (www.catholicdaughters.org) at the Catholic Daughters’ 55th Biennial National Convention July 16-18 in Billings, Montana. Bachman begins her two-year term on Aug. 19. In her position as national director, she will supervise Catholic Daughter activities in several states and work with the National Board (the governing body of the Catholic Daughters consisting of five national officers and eight other national directors) to administer Catholic Daughter activities and implement policy. Bachman is a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Court 309 based out of Sacred Heart Parish in Wichita Falls. She joined the Catholic Daughters in 1978. She has previously served as regent for her court and as the state regent for Texas. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Formed in 1903, today it numbers 70,000 dues-paying members in 1,250 courts (including approximately 15 in the Diocese of Fort Worth) in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. DIRECTOR OF C ATECHIST FORMATION AND CHILDREN’S C ATECHESIS The Diocese of Fort Worth Texas seeks a fulltime Director of Catechist Formation and Children’s Catechesis at the Catholic Center. Main duties will include oversight, implementation, and facilitation of Bi-lingual Catechetical programs; administration of all Sacramental Preparation Guidelines, Elementary Religious Education Guidelines, RCIA for Children and Parish Directors of Religious Education formation and assessment; and, exercise the ability to foster the New Evangelization with the intent of forming intentional disciples through the use of systematic approach to the faith for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Interested applicants must be bilingual in Spanish/English and have an advanced degree or equivalent in Catechetics. The Diocese of Fort Worth offers excellent pay and benefits to employees. For a full job description, qualifications and application, visit www.fwdioc.org. Position will close on September 15, 2014. A DMINISTRATIVE A SSISTANT — A DVANCEMENT FOUNDATION The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant to work as a leased employee to the Advancement Foundation to provide clerical support to the Executive Director and staff. Three (3) years of previous experience in an administrative support services PAGE 7 KJZT presents diocese with $1,716 The Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas-KJZT presented Bishop Michael Olson and diocesan Vocations Director Father James Wilcox (FAR LEFT), with a check for $1716.87 for the seminarians of the diocese. Members of the fraternal society contribute to the Clerical Endowment Fund in memory of loved ones or to commemorate significant life events. Recipients are remembered in monthly Masses for a year. Donors indicate which diocese in Texas receives the donation. This year the Diocese of Fort Worth received more than $1,500. Making the presentation were Elsie Marak (SECOND FROM LEFT), president of the Ennis society, and Joan Johnson (FAR RIGHT) state director for the fraternal society. DIOCESAN JOB OPENINGS role is required. Proficiency is required in oral and written communication, general office functions, and computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint). Fluency in Spanish (verbal and written) is strongly preferred. For a full job description and application, visit www.fwdioc. org. Position will be open until filled. DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP AND PARISH R ELATIONS — A DVANCEMENT FOUNDATION The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is seeking a full-time Director of Stewardship and Parish Relations to work as a leased employee to the Advancement Foundation. Stewardship is a lifelong process integral to being a Disciple of Christ, and this position will work closely with the Parishes of the Diocese of Fort Worth to create and manage successful stewardship programs and campaigns. The successful candidate will hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and be a Practicing Catholic with a strong desire to serve the Catholic Community. Fluency in Spanish (verbal and written) is strongly preferred. Please see www.fwdioc.org for a complete list of duties. Interested and qualified individuals should send a résumé and cover letter (including salary expectations) to [email protected]. Position will be open until filled. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY The Diocese of Fort Worth Texas seeks a fulltime Director of Youth Ministry at the Catholic Center to provide a Christocentric and Comprehensive Catechetical Process for the formation of our youth in the Catholic faith. Main duties will include: directing and administering various youth events, programs and conferences including the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, Middle School Rally, Youth Leadership Camp, Youth 2000 retreat, etc. Oversee Safe Environment Training for all teen leaders. Foster relationships with parishes, schools, and youth organizations such as Boy Scouts. The qualified applicant must: be a practicing Catholic; Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Catechetics (Master’s degree preferred); minimum of 5 years of catechetical experience in Youth Ministry; availability to travel and work evenings and weekends as required. For a full job description and application, visit www.fwdioc.org. The Diocese of Fort Worth offers excellent pay and benefits to employees, including health insurance. If interested in this challenging position, e-mail a résumé, a completed job application and cover letter to [email protected] or fax to (817) 244-8839. Application due date is September 30. Qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 DIOCESE Vancouver Archbishop Miller to deliver keynote address at 2014 UDMC By Nicki Prevou Correspondent Archbishop J. Michael Miller of Vancouver, former secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education, will deliver the keynote address at the eighth annual University of Dallas Ministry Conference (UDMC), “Walking Together in Faith,” scheduled for Oct. 23-25 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving. Archbishop Miller will address Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, (The Joy of the Gospel) and its role in contemporary Catholic ministry and education on Friday, Oct. 24, in English during the morning session and in Spanish during the afternoon session. Online registration is now open for the conference. This year’s conference will expand into a threeday event, beginning the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 23. The extra day will allow more workshops to be offered than in previous years. The conference, which, according to organizers, is the second largest of its kind in the United States, is co-sponsored by the Fort Worth and Dallas dioceses, and is attended each year by more than six thousand Catholics from across North Texas. Archbishop Miller will also concelebrate the conference’s Mass Friday morning, Oct. 24, with Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth and Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas. Bishops Olson and Farrell, in a jointly-written letter addressed to all area Catholics, have invited even greater participation at this year’s event. “The conference is a wonderful opportunity for ongoing formation that can rejuvenate those working in the Church today as we assist those we serve to more Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB deeply understand their Catholic faith and grow in spirituality,” wrote the bishops. “We encourage you to join the ministers from the administrative, parish, and school levels from throughout North Texas at this vital three-day gathering of ministry and faith formation.” The Thursday afternoon schedule at this year’s conference will include a comprehensive class on the use of media and new technologies as a way of evangelizing and improving ministries within the Church. Special evening sessions will also be offered on Thursday evening, designed for lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. According to conference materials, the sessions are “perfect for those new to the ministries as well as veterans wanting a refresher.” More than 200 additional sessions will be offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese during the conference, designed to be of interest to priests, deacons, and other ministry professionals and volunteers. Continuing education credit will be offered to attending Catholic school educators and parish catechists. The sessions, offered by exPAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC perienced ministry leaders, will cover topics such as faith formation, Scripture, evangelization, liturgy, social justice, marriage, parenting, and family life. Speakers will include Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, associate director of the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Robert McCarty, executive director for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry; and Catholic blogger and bestselling author Lisa Hendey, founder of CatholicMom. com; among many other presenters. According to ministry leaders within the Diocese of Fort Worth, UDMC offers valuable resources for every Catholic who wants to become more knowledgeable in their faith and the teachings of the SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Catholic Church. “The conference is a great way for everyone — not just those in professional ministry — to join in fellowship, faith sharing, and prayer with the Catholic community of North Texas,” said Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN, Vice-Chancellor for Parish Services. “We invite everyone to please come, to attend. Come prepared to be extremely blessed, to be better equipped to minister and to live your faith and to respond to your baptismal call.” Registration is $57 before Sept. 25, $75 before Oct. 10, and $100 at the door. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information or to register, visit www.udallas.edu/udmc or call 972-721-4077. DIOCESE Diocese to sponsor its first Family Life Conference Nov. 1 in Grapevine By Juan Guajardo Correspondent Over the years, the Diocese of Fort Worth has sponsored conferences for married couples, for men, for women, and even for mothers and their daughters, and fathers and their sons, among many others. This year, the diocese will sponsor a new conference: the first Family Life Conference will be held Nov. 1, All Saints Day, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Grapevine. “This is for people who are married, people who are single parents, people who are stepparents, people who are hurting from divorce,” said Chris Vaughan, diocesan director of Marriage and Family Life. “We are trying to have this conference be open to everyone.” The basic idea behind putting on the one-day conference, titled “Families: Where Saints are Made,” was to help families and married couples within the diocese understand their vocations, get the tools and information they need to strengthen their families and marriages, and to know that they are not alone, said Marlon De La Torre, diocesan director of Catechesis. “The Church is constantly — through the Catechism and through papal documents — exhorting the family to realize the dignity it possesses and the great power it possesses,” Vaughan said. “So we wanted these talks to be on the one hand practical: ‘How can we do this? How could we be better parents? How could we lead our kids to their vocations?’” Vaughan added, saying PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Photo courtesy of Ray Guarendi Ray Guarendi that he also wanted the talks to give participants “something that will help them spiritually because we can’t do any of this without God’s grace and his help in marriage.” The conference goes beyond catechesis. Vaughan and De La Torre say they’ve noticed the attacks on marriage and the family in their day-to-day jobs. Vaughan says he gets calls every week from people who “have just had their lives crushed by divorce.” And De La Torre says parents call him frequently asking, “What can we do for our children? How can we evangelize them?” Hence the conference, which will seek to answer those questions and tackle issues challenging today’s families and married couples, like divorce, communication problems, and the demoralization of human sexuality. The conference will feature three keynote talks, with one presented by Bishop Michael Olson and two others presented by Dr. Ray Guarendi, the popular Catholic clinical psychologist, author, EWTN personality, radio host, and father of 10 children. Sandwiched between the keynotes will be breakout sessions featuring topics like Natural Family Planning, healing from divorce, SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 encouraging vocations in one’s children, keeping children safe on the Internet, communication in marriage, the definition of marriage, and talking to your children about sex. “Some of those topics are crucial,” De La Torre said. “These things are just meant to be practical and hit home because the reality is these are the questions we’re being asked, so we figured, ‘You know what, let’s answer them in a broader way, in a more holistic way through this type of setting, along with Bishop Olson being there, and hopefully bring some solace to people.” Both Vaughan and De La Torre say Bishop Olson was a big proponent of the conference. “Bishop Olson has really expressed a care for the families of the diocese in making sure that they are taken care of, that they are formed in what their role is,” Vaughan said. “That goes to making sure that marriage preparation is done solidly … and continuing to help those who are already married understand the vocation of marriage and the vocation to family life and give them the tools they need to succeed.” Vaughan said the diocese is providing an interpreting service and headsets to allow Spanish speakers to listen to the keynote talks and various breakout sessions in Spanish. The service is limited to 50 people on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Those interested can sign up for the free service when they register for the conference. Registration for the conference can be done online via www. fortworthfamilylife.org, or by contacting Irma Jimenez, administrative assistant for the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 817-560-2452, ext. 360. Cost of the conference is $20 per individual or $30 per couple. DIOCESE Father James Wilcox named diocese’s new Vocations director By Tony Gutiérrez Associate Editor Father James Wilcox has been appointed the new Vocations director for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Fr. Wilcox, who was ordained to the priesthood on June 29 of last year, took on the role on July 1. Fr. Wilcox said his approach to vocations is to ensure that parishes are talking about, encouraging, and praying about vocations, “so when the Lord moves someone to discern a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, and that person comes to our office, it’s my job to make sure we have a program in place that removes any hurdles to the Holy Spirit’s plan.” Fr. Wilcox credits his own family and the support he received from his home parish of St. Catherine of Sienna in Carrollton for nurturing his vocation. “Vocations really come from the family. Families have a duty and responsibility to always be open to do what the Lord wants in the lives of their children,” he said. “I had great parents,” Fr. Wilcox added, saying that in his family, “we lived our Catholic faith. At the same time, my par- Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC Father James Wilcox ish before seminary was supportive of me throughout the discernment and seminary process. I hope our current seminarians would say the same thing about their home parishes.” In addition to his assignment as Vocations director, Fr. Wilcox has also been assigned to serve as parochial administrator for a circuit of parishes that includes St. Rita in Ranger, St. Francis Xavier in Eastland, Holy Rosary in Cisco, and St. John in Strawn, after having served a year as parochial vicar at St. John the Apostle Parish in North Richland Hills. “It’s not two mutually exclusive positions,” he insists. “I’m first and foremost a priest of Jesus Christ. It’s that balance between being and doing. I’m always a priest, I’m always Vocations director, and I’m always a parochial administrator. Some of my tasks take place in Fort Worth, some in the parish, and some throughout the diocese. “But just because my tasks or locations change, it doesn’t stop me from being. With the wonders of technology, I can still assist with people discerning and seminary formation from my office in Ranger,” and, he said, in a similar fashion, “I’m still available to parishioners when I’m in Fort Worth.” Even though he’s relatively new to the priesthood, Fr. Wilcox doesn’t consider that an obstacle. “If the role of the Vocations To Report Misconduct If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or e-mail her at [email protected] ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 and leave a message. To Report Abuse Call the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400 PÁGINA 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 director was someone who can answer every question about the priesthood, then someone who’s one year out can’t do that,” Fr. Wilcox said. “But if the role is to help someone discern the will of God in their life, and do that in a way so that they’re constantly open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, then … I have complete trust that if the Holy Spirit through the bishop is asking me to take on this role, then He will grant me the graces to fulfill his will. This of course is only possible through a life of prayer.” CATHOLIC CHARITIES JD Trucking General construction work/repairs inside and out including topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. Catholic Charities refugee program helps people rebuild lives and find hope Faustin Mupanda, a successful artist, lives far from the violence and turmoil of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). And yet, he admits, the painful memories of his former life in Africa are never far from his thoughts. “I was a graphic artist, living in the Congo in 1995, when I was approached by opponents of the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, and asked to create a logo for the pro-democracy movement,” he explains. He agreed, a decision that led to long months of imprisonment and torture in a desolate military camp. After his eventual escape, Mupanda lived for four years in refugee camps in Cameroon and Senegal. He was granted refugee status in 2000. Once resettled through Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW), he quickly learned English, moved into an apartment, obtained employment, attended graduate school, and adjusted to life in North Texas. A prolific painter, his work depicts traditional life in Africa. Each year, Mupanda donates one of his pieces to the CCFW Noche de Fiesta auction, as a way of expressing his gratitude to the agency. “Catholic Charities helped me so much, and in so many ways,” says Mupanda, who is now the owner of his own graphic design company. “Most of all, they helped me to obtain my American citizenship. They also helped me to bring my two sons from Africa to Fort Worth. I always try to show how grateful I am to Catholic Charities for giving my life back to me and my family.” Nadine Maalouf, who serves as CCFW’s program manager for Refugee Employment Ser- PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC Faustin Mupanda shows off his artwork that he donated to Catholic Charities’ “Noche de Fiesta.” Mupanda is an artist and graphic designer who was assisted by CCFW when he entered the U.S. as a refugee from Africa. vices, notes that approximately 600 refugees are resettled in the Fort Worth area each year. Like Mupanda, “The other refugees who come here from situations of violence and upheaval are also so grateful for their safety. They work hard, they pay their taxes, they care for their children, and they become productive members of our community,” she says. Maalouf and other CCFW staff members are working to raise awareness of the fact that the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is experiencing a severe shortfall in funding. They urge supporters of refugee resettlement services to contact their senators and representatives to request increased funding for the ORR budget so that refugees can continue to successfully support themselves, their families, and their communities. For more information about refugee resettlement, visit www. CatholicCharitiesFortWorth.org/ RefugeeFunding. LIGHTER & BRIGHTER Pope Francis talks with Vatican workers during a surprise visit to the Vatican cafeteria July 25. (CNS photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO via Reuters) A girl plays a janggu during a ceremony blessing the new education center and rectory at St. Paul Chong Ha-Sang Church in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens July 20. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) Franciscan Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak's ceramic murals adorn the exteriors of buildings in North Central Ohio, close to the studio where she creates her artwork from clay. Sister Jane Mary has been crafting murals with religious themes for 38 years from her studio on the campus of Lourdes University. The mural of the Holy Family will adorn Sandusky Central Catholic Elementary School. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) Fr. Adam Wikczak of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., tags out Fr. Matthew Bartulica at home plate during the first Pitching Priests Softball Game July 14 at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City. The game pitted priests from the archdiocese against priests from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. More than 2,500 fans attended the event. (CNS photo/Lori Wood Habiger, THE LEAVEN) Pope Francis adjusts the hat of a baby before celebrating Mass in Campobasso, Italy, July 5. The pope was visiting the Italian region of Molise. (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters) Youths release doves at the end of the traditional Bastille Day parade July 14 on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The date marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, celebrated as a national holiday in France. (CNS photo/Benoit Tessier, Reuters) www.sheepdotcom.com PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN Three Secrets of Life A LL OVER THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA ARE LISTS AND QUIZZES. THE FOLLOWING APPEARED ON MY NEWS FEED ON FACEBOOK IN THE LAST OF COUPLE HOURS: “Which Disney couple are you and your significant other?”; “50 Cities you should see in your lifetime”; “Why readers, scientifically, are the best people to fall in love with”; “What grade are you mentally in?” These lists and quizzes range from the most bizarre to the strangely curious to the outright ridiculous. But the one that may be most important is the one I received from Father Hoa Nguyen, pastor of St. John the Apostle Parish in North Richland Hills, during one of his homilies when he was celebrating Mass for the students at the University of Texas at Arlington: Three secrets of life. 1) God doesn’t need us. God is all-powerful and He does not need us to accomplish his will, but He chooses to use us. I sometimes think that God made a mistake in choosing to do it this way. I mess up so often, and I am sure I regularly miss “divine appointments” that He has put on my daily schedule. In my finite view of things it seems that things might go better if He handled all these appointments. But of course, God has infinite wisdom and using us to do his will helps us to grow and brings us into contact with his grace and mercy in ways The most important indicator of our worth is found in the reality that God mades us in his image, and He loves us so much that He died for us to set us free from sin we never would if He bypassed us on the road to accomplishing his will. 2) Be a go-giver. Not a go-getter. This is so countercultural. We are surrounded by a world-view that calls us to be go-getters, to go out and get all we can for ourselves regardless of how it affects those around us. But Fr. Hoa suggests that what we really need to be is a “go-giver.” If you think about it, this is what we hear at the end of every Mass. We are told in one form or the other to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” We are told to GO!! The priest is not talking about us getting out of the church so he can take a nap, or set up for the next Mass; no we are being sent forth out into the world to give what we have just received. Being a giver instead PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC of a getter in some ways is all about attitude. If we start with the understanding that all we have is given to us by God, then giving of our time, talents, and treasure becomes an act of gratitude and faith. 3) It’s not what you have that matters but who you are. We are made in the image and likeness of God. God knows us so intimately that, as Scripture says, He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and He knit us in our mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13). We are the crowning achievement of creation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 343). All of these descriptions of who we are reveal a richness that transcends the collection of our possessions, actions, thoughts, and impulses. All too often we define ourselves (for good or ill) by these lesser criteria, but SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Jeff Hedglen is the Campus Minister at UTA and associate director of Young Adult Ministry for the diocese. He is also the primary convener of Camp Fort Worth’s many editions. His column received second place honors for best spiritual life column by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada in 2014. the most important indicator of our worth is found in the reality that God made us in his image and He loves us so much that He died for us to set us free from sin so that we may live eternally in his glorious presence. These three “secrets of life” from Fr. Hoa, each in their own way set a course for how we encounter the world around us, but when taken altogether they can impact every aspect of our lives. Realizing that we are each called by God to build the Kingdom gives our lives purpose. Moving from a go-getter to a go-giver takes the focus off of ourselves and trains us to see the needs in our midst. And when we lean, not on the temporal qualities we have, but rather on the divine life that has been breathed into us, we have the power to achieve our purpose as go-givers in the Kingdom of God. VOICE Each day is a gift Not necessarily gift-wrapped By Kathy Cribari Hamer A S UN-MOTHERLY AS IT SOUNDS, I MISSED MY MIDDLE CHILD’S SECOND- GRADE SCHOOL YEAR. It shouldn’t have happened the way it did, because I worked in the same school she attended. Also, Julie was a “perfect middle child,” with both older and younger brothers and sisters; subsequently, she tried to single herself out among her four siblings, making her presence known at all times. Julie’s teacher, Peggy Crowder, was one of St. Andrew Catholic School’s favorites, and I was fortunate that all the children scored a year in her tutelage. So in 1987, on the first day of school, Julie (the pink of perfection), with her shiny ponytail, bounced through the classroom door of the perfect teacher. It was a match made in secondgrade Heaven. But that’s all I remember. It went by too fast. Ironically, I was in charge of St. Andrew’s student yearbook, and was there daily — to drop off and pick up my children, but also to photograph school events, and manage a seventh- and-eighth-grade staff. When that year ended, I felt the strangest sensation — the opposite of a “déjà vu.” Instead of feeling something had happened before, it was like something had never happened at all. And yet, I had all the photos to prove it had. While covering the school year, I hadn’t focused on my own seven-year-old’s presence in her classroom. She had grown up! She had learned cursive, and made her first Communion. She was a teacher’s pet and a successful third-grader-to-be. When I picked up all the kids that last day of school, I mentally scratched my head. Hadn’t we just done this? School had just started, hadn’t it? I had a three-year-old at home, a kindergartener, a seventh-grader, and a high school freshman. But it was Julie, the second-grad- PAGE 14 ‘...simply live from one moment to another’... er, whose year I seemed to have overlooked. I experienced a flutter of regret, like the almost-invisible passing of a hummingbird. And I shall never forget that sorrow. This summer, my daughter Meredith said she was consciously attempting to maximize each day, concentrating, ensuring they did something as a family, so that the summer would not “fly by.” They crafted days of swimming, bowling, library visits, and a “family book club,” where they each read a book and discussed it. What a fun mother Meredith was, I thought. She told me, “I learned from the best, Mom.” I am not sure about that. What Meredith was doing was “living in the moment, ” an expression we had not discovered in the ’80s. It is a simple concept of focus, attention, and optimism, things we know we should do, but in our busyness, we often overlook. As we journey through life, we spend considerable time wrapping velvet bows around red-ribbon occasions: holidays, birthdays, history fairs, soccer tournaments, spelling bees…. But I have learned it is not just the big things that count. I can document the amount of money I spent and the time it took to hand-smock Julie’s first Communion dress. I remember waking her up that morning, and making hot cross buns for her breakfast. And yet that year, when those things happened, slipped silently through my fingers NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC llike the threads I used to smock her dress. As this school year begins, we have much to t anticipate, both as parents and grandpare I learned, during my children’s little ents. years, to make sure I am there — present. It y doesn’t matter how important the event is, d or o whether you are carrying a camera. What matters is that you click the shutter, making a m permanent image in your mind. p In October we celebrate St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, a patron saint of our Carmelite nuns. Her feast day is Oct. 1, and she was declared a Doctor of the Church Oct. 19, 1997. St. Thérèse taught a simple concept: the little way. She knew she could never be perfect, yet she knew God was infinitely forgiving and merciful. So she faced every action — especially the smallest ones — the best way she could. We can do that too. Each day is a gift — not necessarily gift-wrapped. The difference is in how we open it. Julie, even in her invisible second-grade year, was a huge gift to me and to our family. She taught me joy, serenity, goodness. She also taught me to pay attention. Earlier this summer, Meredith said she was chatting with a colleague who remarked, “Oh my, it is almost July! The summer is nearly over!” It was a frightening thought to Meredith, who replied, smiling, “No! Today is Saturday, June 28!” St. Thérèse taught us to “simply live from one moment to another,” forget the past and “take good care not to forestall the future.” Kathy Cribari Hamer and her husband are members of St. Andrew Parish. Her column was recognized as best family life column by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada in 2014. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 VOICE Protestant Disunity Reflects a very different understanding of Scripture By David Mills THE MIDDLE AGES, THAT’S WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS. At a conference I attended a few days ago, speaker after speaker praised the pure faith of the Fathers of the Church, dissed the Middle Age for adding all sorts of bad things to that pure faith, and then praised the Reformation for getting back to that pure original faith. They didn’t yell and pound the table about how awful the Church was at the end of the Middle Ages. They spoke as if it was just obviously true, the way you’d say “The Steelers of the seventies was a great football team.” The speakers were all conservative Protestants but for one Orthodox speaker, who was harder on the Middle Ages than the rest of them. Some of them are friends, and others I know and like. They really aren’t very anti-Catholic. They just know for sure that medieval Christians held all sorts of man-made beliefs and did all sorts of man-made actions that kept them from the true Gospel. They think of medieval Catholicism as like the kudzu vine you see in the South, that covers a tree till you can’t see the tree any more, which slowly dies from the lack of light and water. They may differ on whether the Church was “bad, bad, bad” or just “bad, bad,” but they know that Christianity was almost strangled to death with overgrowth and needed Martin Luther, John Calvin, and their peers to save it. Most of them thought the Catholic Church kept at it after the Reformation and that rather than learning its lesson, the Church pretty much dug in its heels. The Counter-Reformation Council of Trent didn’t back down, and later the Church added belief in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. The kudzu just kept spreading. The one or two speakers who mentioned the Second Vatican Council thought that there the Church had finally said “Hey, the Protes- PAGE 15 One of the curious things to me was that this idea of overgrown medieval Catholicism gave the speakers a source of unity when they really disagreed with each other almost as much as they disagreed with the Catholic Church. tants were right all along!” Actually reading what the bishops said would correct this, but I don’t think any of them had. Unfortunately, they thought, the Catholic Church hasn’t yet cleared away the kudzu. We might have the Mass in modern language, but we also still pray to Mary the Immaculate. “The Middle Ages,” in other words, is a way of saying “the Catholic Church today.” I’m not surprised they think this. They have to. If the medieval Church wasn’t teaching so much error, there wouldn’t have been much point to the Reformation. And if there wasn’t much point to the Reformation, there’s not much of a reason for the Protestant churches of today. Fair enough, from their point of view. One of the curious things to me was that this idea of overgrown medieval Catholicism gave the speakers a source of unity when they really disagreed with each other almost as much as they disagreed with the Catholic Church. One speaker, the most famous, thinks everything went off the rails right after the Apostles died, and that even the earliest Church Fathers made big mistakes. They were wrong about the Eucharist, what bishops are, etc. Others thought things only got bad after 500 or 600 years. They think some things are a necessary part of the Christian Church’s tradition that the first speaker thought were just wrong. The second, for example, believed that Jesus comes to us in the elements of the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Eucharist. They consume all the elements at the end of their communion services and a few of them even reserve the hosts in a tabernacle as Catholics do. The first believes that Jesus comes to the people directly and that the elements are just a kind of visual aid. He thinks the pastor can take the leftover bread home and use it to make a sandwich for lunch. (I am not making that up.) This seems to me a very, very big difference. It reflects very different ways of understanding the Scriptures and the Church and very different ways of understanding what it means to live as a Christian. Since the Reformation these two schools have rejected each other almost as strongly as they both reject Catholicism, for good reason. But now, they join together at conferences like the one I attended as if they were in nearly complete agreement, or at least as if the matters on which they disagree are just trifles, like one’s preference for red or white wine. It’s a compliment to the Catholic Church that they find their unity not so much in what they believe but in the fact that they’re not Catholic. David Mills is the author of DISCOVERING MARY and his column, “Catholic Sense” runs in multiple diocesan publications. He and his family attend St. Joseph Church in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. He blogs at www.patheos.com/ blogs/davidmills. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 VOICE Mary’s Assumption is Unique But the faithful will also be raised By Denise Bossert M ARY WAS ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN. It’s one of the more difficult teachings for converts to grasp. But there are ways to approach the Assumption so that non-Catholics may come to believe. In 1995, I wrote an article for Protestant newspapers called “Trends in Christian Fiction” which considered the possibility that a Christian fiction book might hit the New York Times Bestseller List. I traveled to key Protestant publishers — Tyndale, Crossway, Moody, Victor, and Bethany House — to interview editors. The publishers handed me galleys, and they all believed their books had that crossover appeal. Only one actually did. Left Behind was on the publishing turnpike back then, and it was among the galleys I brought home with me after that Chicago-Minneapolis trip. Tyndale released the book within six months of my visit, and the book (and subsequent series) was a huge success. Nicholas Cage and Lea Thompson star in a screen adaptation of that book. The movie opens October 3, 2014. So the Left Behind craze continues. I have one question. And it isn’t about whether or not the idea of “rapture” is biblical. My question has nothing to do with Christians disappearing when Christ returns. I’m not going to take the time to explain why Catholic teaching on eschatological things is solid and Left Behind theology is Hollywood science fiction. No. I’m pondering something else. Why is it so easy for people to believe that Jesus Christ will return and “rapture” those who love Him, leaving behind the rest of the world, but those same people find it impossible to believe that Jesus Christ came for his mother and assumed her, body and soul, into heaven? Why is that harder to believe? When I ponder the glorious Assumption of Mary into heaven, I have to smile. It fits. It makes sense. A perfect and loving son would do that if he could. A divine Son did do it because He could. PAGE 16 With angelic shouts and trumpet blast, she was raised and crowned queen. Jesus Christ looked upon his mother, and Love broke through the veil. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, would not let his mother’s body know corruption. Not this mother who was so carefully created — so immaculately formed. In May, I traveled to the Holy Land. We visited many places, but one place that stands out in my mind is Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion. Let me take you there for just a moment. Step with me into the Tomb of King David. Let’s pray there, together. Let’s think of David’s descendant, the Christ, who was given an eternal throne. Now, let me lead you just a few steps from the place where David is buried. There, you will find the doors to Dormition Abbey. According to tradition, Mary fell asleep and was assumed into heaven here. There is a place in Ephesus that also makes this claim, but many Catholic sources say Mount Zion is more likely. And I agree. The one who is Daughter Zion and mother of David’s eternal heir should end her earthly life here — and be visited by the Lord who lovingly laid claim to his mother — right here. Come to me, my beloved mother. Come and see the place I have prepared. With angelic shouts and trumpet blast, she was raised and crowned queen. Earth was silent. But heaven erupted with great jubilation. Why is it so easy to imagine a silly story about Jesus coming to Earth and Christians NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC across the world disappearing? Airplanes crashing as pilots disappear into thin air. Cars crashing as drivers disappear. Students leaving behind open books and laptops? Why is that easier to imagine, but Mary’s Assumption seems far-fetched? I stood in the crypt of Dormition Abbey. I thought of King David’s bones which were just a few steps away. And yet, in this crypt, there are no bones. Mary is not here. And nobody has claimed to have Mary’s remains. Why? Because there are no remains. In fact, the disagreement about a possible site for the Assumption exists because there are no bones to settle the matter. The dueling claim underscores the reality of the Assumption. She is not here — or there! Yes, Jesus Christ will return again. And He will raise the living and the dead. It won’t follow the plotline of a Hollywood thriller. But there is precedent for our rising to meet the Lord. Although Mary’s Assumption is unique, the One who assumed his own mother will return — for us. The dead in Christ will be raised to new life. But the unfaithful won’t be left behind — although they probably will wish they had been left. Earth is preferable to eternal separation from God. The Bible tells us we will be divided — the faithful going one way, the unfaithful another. Leave the Left Behind hoopla in Hollywood. Turn your eyes to the Holy Land, or Ephesus, or even toward heaven.. And celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. What Jesus did for Mary — in a unique and special way — gives us hope that one day Christ will return. So let’s model our lives after the Blessed Mother — remaining faithful until the end. Denise Bossert has four children and is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New Melle, Missouri. Her column, CATHOLIC BY GRACE, has run in 46 diocesan newspapers. She blogs at www.catholicbygrace.com. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 VOICE A Wealth of Excuses No match for God By Mary Morell Now, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” — Exodus 3: 10-11 FAMILY VACATIONS ARE INEVITABLY A TIME OF MEMORABLE MOMENTS. Often, the most memorable are filled with the astute and hilarious comments of children. Most recently, my son and daughter-inlaw took their two young sons to a miniature golf course near our home in Ortley Beach. While there, the not-yet-four-year old began to lose his patience, giving his dad a hard time. My son and his wife, who was caring for their nine-month-old, decided a break was necessary, and my son took the cranky child to the bathroom. On the way, my son said to his little boy, “I am not happy with your behavior. You need to think about it and decide if you are going to use your good behavior, or we are going back to Nanny’s house.” A few minutes later, when the behavior didn’t improve, my son again told his son, “I don’t see any good behavior. I guess we’re going back to Nanny’s house. Is that what you want?” “I’m still thinking about it,” insisted my grandson. Leaving the bathroom with the petulant child in tow, my son stopped him from reentering the mini-golf course and said again, firmly. “I don’t see any change so we will get mommy and go back home.” After a thoughtful pause, my grandson looked up at him and replied seriously, “My good behavior is still loading.” PAGE 17 History shows that the human race is prone to excuses and often led by fear. But Scripture teaches that the perfect love of God casts out fear and dissolves all our excuses into nothingness. How my son kept a straight face after this priceless excuse is beyond me! But the loading seemed to finish properly, because all was well by the time they both retrieved their golf clubs, and the rest of the night was a good one. I’m sure my grandson’s retort will go down in family history, and even adults in the family will resort to using it, perhaps changing the subject of the sentence to fit some occasion — “my patience is still loading”… “my good humor is still loading”… “my ‘I could care less’ is still loading.” The possibilities are endless. Children do say the darndest things, but they are not the only masters of excuses. We adults come up with some doozies, as well, not only for our bad behavior but for why we cannot follow the will of God — to go where God leads us or believe what God tells us. The list of excuses starts early in Scripture and was added to by some of our most renowned biblical ancestors — the devil made me do it, I’m too old, I’m too young, I stutter, I am the least in my family, I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m a sinner.... NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC History shows that the human race is prone to excuses and often led by fear. But Scripture teaches that the perfect love of God casts out fear and dissolves all our excuses into nothingness. It is a lesson learned by Paul who, through some very challenging experiences, came to understand that his contentment came from his faith in Christ, and who professes, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” And so can we, but while we are learning the lesson there are bound to be setbacks and a wealth of excuses along the way. So I was thinking of maybe lightening the mood during my next confession — “Bless me father for I have sinned, my good behavior is still loading.” Mary Morrell serves as the managing editor of THE MONITOR, newspaper for the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. A mother of six, she has served the Church for more than 22 years in the fields of catechesis, communications, and education. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 SEEKING GOD’S PATH VOCATIONS Seek the Lord’s call in the Eucharist: Mass, Exposition and Adoration Father James Wilcox was ordained to the priesthood in 2013 and serves as the Vocations director for the Diocese of Fort Worth. BY FATHER JAMES WILCOX PEOPLE OFTEN SAY THAT NOBODY LIKES CHANGE. I’M NOT SURE THIS IS TRUE. PEOPLE MAY FEAR THE UNKNOWN THAT CHANGE BRINGS, BUT WE ARE CREATURES OF CHANGE — ALWAYS GROWING, BEING TRANSFORMED, FALLING, RECONCILING, ETC. My own recent transition as Vocations director and a parochial administrator has left me to reflect more deeply on He Who does not change. God’s gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, is simultaneously an immense mystery for us to explore with our hearts, minds, and souls and a pillow of comfort for us, especially in the Eucharist, by being a stalwart foundation in our lives. The beautiful prayer given during the apparitions at Fatima reminds us that Jesus Christ is present in all the tabernacles throughout the world. Even with the geographic vastness of our diocese, we can immediately see how splendid the Lord is to make Himself present to us in this intimate way. The Eucharist feeds our lives, comforts our souls, and strengthens our endeavors. Through the wonderful sacrament of the altar, the voice of God is heard — the voice that draws one to serve the Church comes from moments of encounter with the Lord present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Perhaps you’ve seen the phrase, “No Priests = No Eucharist.” This was an influential phrase in my vocational calling. It seemed unbelievable to think of not being able to receive the Eucharist on Sunday. I wondered, “How can we sit by idly, while so many go without the foundation of our lives?” This was part of the grace planted by God on my heart to begin serious discernment for the priesthood. St. Cyril of Alexandria demonstrates why the Eucharist is essential: “Therefore, the body of Christ gives life to those who receive it. Its presence in mortal men expels death and drives away corruption because it contains within itself in his entirety the Word who totally abolishes corruption.” God uses his priests to abolish corruption. Yes, God gives us freedom to love Him and to turn away from his love (corruption); at the same time, God gives us innumerable instruments to live deeply in relationship with Him. When a priest celebrates the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in persona Christi, he provides foundational nourishment to the world and calls forth people to an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior. For those wondering about a vocation, seek the Lord’s call in the Eucharist: Mass, Exposition, and Adoration, and a Holy Hour in front of the tabernacle. For those praying for vocations, ask the Lord directly in the Eucharist “to send out laborers for his harvest.” For all of us in the midst of change and transition, may we find our comfort of stability in the Eucharist — the source and summit of our lives. Study: College choices can steer men toward thinking about priesthood By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The college experience can influence a young man’s decision toward considering a priestly vocation, according to a study issued in early July by Boston College. Among the factors that have helped sway a man’s decision to enter priestly life are access to clergy at the college as well as access to the Mass and other elements of Catholic life. “College Experience and Priesthood” distills a Boston College-hosted summit last year on priestly vocations, as well as research conducted in 2012 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University in Washington. At the summit, attended by about PAGE 18 90 people, including bishops and university leaders from around the country, participants were urged to develop a consistent framework for inviting young men to consider the priesthood. “It really starts with us who are clergy and vowed religious,” said Father William Leahy, SJ, Boston College’s president, in an address during the summit. “There is nothing as powerful as happy, fulfilled priests and religious. That is contagious. That attracts. If we are not happy, fulfilled, ready to recruit others, they will not follow us. We know that as a group, priests are happy in their ministry.” Fr. Leahy urged the establishment of priesthood support groups. “Students who are thinking about priestNORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC hood often feel isolated. If they can be part of a group that meets once a month, have time for prayer and conversation, and hear the vocation stories of others, they will feel encouraged, and can confirm a sense of direction,” he said. Mark Gray of CARA profiled those who pursue a priestly vocation as having been active in a parish youth group, attended a Catholic high school, encouraged to consider a vocation by one or more people, personally knew clergy and religious, and attended a World Youth Day or a National Catholic Youth Conference. He added high school is the period when many young men report thinking seriously about priesthood, and that college seems to be an “amplifier” to these earlier experiences. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 ESSENTIALS OF THE FAITH Are we really teaching the Catholic Faith? BY M ARLON DE L A TORRE H AVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF WHY YOU BELIEVE IN G OD? OR BETTER YET, SOMEONE BLUNTLY ASKS YOU WHY YOU’RE C ATHOLIC? In both instances the genesis of these questions reflects a curiosity about faith and its relevance in daily life. From another perspective it’s an attempt to know and understand the meaning behind our belief in God. This line of questioning offers us a great opportunity to truthfully know and understand the “why” behind our belief in Jesus Christ and his Church. When we speak about our belief in Christ, words alone do not sufficiently provide a complete answer. The reality is, the relationship between faith and good works or faith and reason must work hand in hand if we are to adequately present a genuine profession of our faith. It’s one thing to say “I believe,” as professed in the Creed — it’s another to actually live out the Creed. GENUINE MOTIVES When someone asks you the motives behind your belief in Jesus Christ, what should resonate first and foremost is your visible, authentic living of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:17-20). A specific term we use to describe this way of living is re- ferred to as the “Kerygma.” What the Kerygma means is an authentic and faithful living out of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (The Creed). Further, it is a genuine application of our Catholic faith in daily life culminating in an active sacramental life centered on Christ in the Holy Eucharist. A great biblical example of the motive of faith is found in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans where he says: Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. — Romans 12:17-18 Another example is Christ teaching in the temple where He reminds his listeners: My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me. Whoever chooses to do his will shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own. — John 7:16-17 CREDIBILITY AND CONVERSION What makes our motives credible with respect to the faith is that they aim at assisting others PAGE 19 Marlon De La Torre is the director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth, and author of SCREWTAPE TEACHES THE FAITH: A GUIDE FOR CATECHISTS. He blogs at www. knowingisdoing.org. ... For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ. — Philippians 3:8 before ourselves. Many can state the reasons to believe in God and provide volumes of evidence toward the existence of God and his authority. But what pierces the heart is that we not only believe, but actively and visibly live out that God has revealed Himself to us out of love. These genuine motives of faith add toward the credibility of our walk with Christ. Examples such as the miracles of Christ found in Sacred Scripture, the lives of the saints, the gift of the Church herself as the bride of Christ, provide ample motives of credibility. St. John reminds us how much God indeed loves us through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ on the Cross (John 3:16). St. Paul tells us that in order to gain everything, we most lose everything in Christ (Philippians 3:8). This reflects a credible way to live our life in Him. The motive behind this way of living NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 is a genuine intimacy with our Lord where we actively pray on a daily basis, culminating in our faithful participation at Mass. These actions in turn reflect our active witness of the Gospel e.g. an intention to actively engage the world in Christ. The great evangelist G.K. Chesterton, who I recommend to anyone who desires to learn more about the relationship between God and Man, aptly sums up the credibility of our motives in this way: The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden. Father George Curtsinger, oldest priest of the diocese, dies at the age of 99 By NTC Staff Father George Curtsinger, the oldest priest of the diocese, passed away Thursday, Aug. 14. The second of eight children, George Curtsinger was born Jan. 24, 1915, in Dallas, the son of Eugene C. Curtsinger and Josephine Bomba Curtsinger. In a 1994 interview with the North Texas Catholic, he recalled that he had suffered from poor health as a young child. “I was baptized when I was born because they didn’t think I would make it,” he said. His father owned a gasoline service station and auto repair shop, and moved the family to the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas in 1919. The family attended St. Edward Church in Dallas. His sister, Mary Rose Curtsinger Wright of Dallas, was the youngest of the eight children. She has fond memories, she said, of her older brother’s “tremendous” musical talent and his generosity in sharing his deep love of classical music. “He was several years older than I, and he was attending Southern Methodist University (SMU) and living with my grandmother in Dallas, studying piano at the university and also teaching piano lessons,” she recalled. “I attended St. Edward’s Academy, and I would walk over to my grandmother’s house after school, and he would give me piano lessons. I still have the upright piano that he played.” Having graduated in 1931 from St. Joseph’s Academy — where he was taught by the Sisters of Divine Providence — he briefly attended the Jesuit religious order’s St. Charles College seminary at Grand Coteau, Louisiana. “I was very frail,” he later explained. Father Curtsinger as a young priest in an undated photo Father George Curtsinger “The novice master said had he seen me, he would have rejected me before I ever came.” In 1945, still yearning to fulfill his vocation to the priesthood, the young pianist joined the Order of Discalced Carmelites in San Antonio. Two years later, he continued his studies in Oklahoma City, where he lived from 1947 to 1953, and was ordained to the priesthood as a Discalced Carmelite on Oct. 11, 1952 at Little Flower Church in Oklahoma City. He was incardinated into what was then the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth on Dec. 22, 1959. The young priest first served in the diocese as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Wichita Falls, December 1956 to June 1957. He then served at St. Anthony Parish in Longview, June to November 1957, and as a chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Worth from 1957 to 1960. Fr. Curtsinger served as associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Dallas from 1960 to 1963, and as associate pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Dallas from 1963 to 1965. He received his first pastoral assignment in February 1965 at St. Michael Parish in McKinney. In September of that year, he was assigned to Immaculate Heart of PAGE 20 Mary Parish in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, where he served until June of 1967, when he became chaplain of St. Joseph Hospital near downtown Fort Worth on South Main Street. He later recalled that the 27 years spent in hospital ministry were “wonderful,” years. During that time, he lived at the hospital in an apartment filled with his own hauntingly beautiful photographs, the mouth-watering smells of his gourmet cooking, and the melodies that poured forth each day from his Steinway grand piano. Catholics from around the Fort Worth area flocked to the hospital chapel to join him in celebrating the Eucharist, said his longtime friend, Jackie Berry. “I loved to go to Mass at the hospital, and the chapel was always packed,” said Berry. “He was an excellent homilist. He was very straightforward. He was so gentle, so likable. You could tell that he loved being a priest.” Of special interest to many were his formidable talents as a photographer, added Berry, noting that her friend published a volume of poetry by St. John of the Cross, The Spiritual Catholic, which he had illustrated with his own photographs taken in Spain, Portugal, Greece, California, and NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 areas within Fort Worth. “He just had so many interests, and he was such a gifted person. He was good at everything. I feel so blessed to have had him for a friend, because I just learned so much from him,” reflected Berry. After the hospital closed in 1994, Fr. Curtsinger began to serve as a chaplain at what was then the College of St. Thomas More in Fort Worth. He lived in an apartment on the campus from 1994 until 2010. “He has been a cherished friend and my spiritual advisor for many, many years,” said Renee Johnson of Fort Worth, recalling the day that Fr. Curtsinger asked her to join him in prayer as his beloved piano was hoisted by crane into his new home on the second floor of an apartment building. “Together, we knelt down as the piano was lifted into the air. We were so thankful when it made it safely inside!” The man who was once considered too sickly to withstand the rigors of priesthood said his final Mass in his home for a small group of cherished friends Sunday, Aug. 10, just a few months short of his 100th birthday. Many of his brother priests — led by Bishop Michael Olson — and several friends came to visit him in the hospital just a few days later, as his long, productive life came to a peaceful end. “In all of the years I have known him, I never heard him complain about anything,” said Jackie Berry. “I visited him in the hospital; he was still the same docile, kind, patient person, an example for all of us to look up to. So many people will miss him so very much.” Fr. Curtsinger is survived by sisters Teresa Rossi of Canton, Ohio, and Mary Rose Wright of Dallas, and by several nieces and nephews and many close friends. Sharing in Ministry shoots for $3 million goal Grants will support vital ministries, help fund tuition assistance, and a new diocesan conference center By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent While hearing confessions at a retreat a few weeks ago, Father Jack McKone received a thoughtful request from one of his young parishioners. “He asked if we could get a community of nuns to work here,” recalled the pastor of Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes in Wichita Falls. “He told me their presence helped him feel God’s love.” Fr. McKone has some encouraging news to share with the young man and other parishioners in the Northwest Deanery of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Thanks to a grant from Sharing in Ministry (SIM), the bishop’s annual appeal, a group of religious sisters will begin assisting pastors with Hispanic ministry in the region. “But it’s even broader than that,” insists Fr. McKone, dean of the Northwest Deanery. “We have eight priests and 22 parishes over a rather large geographic area, and some things are not getting done as well as we’d like.” By assisting with Bible studies, catechetical formation, Quinceañera preparation, and family counseling, the sisters will bring a “pastoral presence” throughout the deanery. Housed in a convent at Our Lady of Guadalupe, the sisters will spend 75 percent of their time working in Wichita County but also reach out to help parishioners at St. Mary in Windthorst and other rural faith communities. “When we had a Spanishspeaking priest help with the Masses at Windthorst, attendance was double what it is now,” said Fr. McKone, citing language and “EACH DONATION to the appeal shows our joyful gratitude for God’s love for us and our responsibility to share these gifts by placing them at the service of one another.” Bishop Michael F. Olson comfort level as possible reasons why Hispanic Catholics shy away from Sunday services. “We know there are people who need ministry out there. We have to do a better job of providing a pastoral presence to bring them back to the Church.” Sharing in Ministry funds services and programs that directly impact the lives of Catholics in North Texas. In addition to the capital and operating grants given to needy rural and center city parishes and schools, the $3 million goal set for the 2014-2015 campaign will sustain a broad range of apostolates, programs, and ministries serving parishioners throughout the 28-county Diocese of Fort Worth. The Kick-off of the annual appeal is set for Sept. 6 and 7. Parishioners can make their SIM pledge in church or take advantage of secure, online giving by visiting www.advancementfoundation.org and clicking the “Sharing in Ministry” tab. Money donated to Sharing in Ministry helps Catholic Charities Fort Worth carry on its mission of helping children, families, the poor, and displaced people living in the diocese. It also funds a tuition assistance program for struggling families who want PAGE 21 a Catholic education for their children. More than 4,000 needy families from each of the 20 Catholic schools in the diocese have received grants since 2006. This year, a portion of SIM money will help build a Diocesan Conference Center on a threeacre parcel of donated land in Newark. Plans include acquiring an additional 10 acres. A building currently on the donated property could accommodate 50 to 75 people. “When it is completed, the new Diocesan Conference Center will serve the entire Diocese of Fort Worth with a special emphasis on day meetings, retreats, and trainings,” explained Paula Parrish, executive director of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Foundation. “It will enhance the ability of ministry leaders and religious educators to foster an authentic and genuine communion in our Catholic faith. Gifts to Sharing in Ministry will make it happen.” SIM will contribute $215,000 toward the project, estimated to cost $3 million. “Sharing in Ministry supports more than 50 ministries and programs that provide pastoral and administrative resources, counseling, information, education, and formation to all parishes and schools in the diocese,” said Pat Miller, associate director of the Advancement Foundation. Each parish also will receive a share of campaign dollars to fund in-house needs. Ten percent of all money collected up to the parish goal and 50 percent of contributions over goal are returned to the parish. The collective nature of the campaign reaches beyond the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 scope of an individual parish and supports many unheralded but needed ministries. Fr. McKone witnesses firsthand how Sharing in Ministry makes a difference in smaller, faith communities. In rural Crowell, home to 20-25 Catholic families, SIM provides for a lay minister who prepares the church for liturgies, like funerals. “The church has been there for over 100 years and is the only Catholic presence in the county,” Fr. McKone explained. Sharing in Ministry also established the deanery’s flourishing youth and campus ministry. “Midwestern State University has a lively, vibrant student base, and the campus ministry there is doing wonderful work,” he said. Many college students don’t own a car and have no way to get to a parish. “They also have little money but are in a very critical stage of their faith life,” the priest noted. “So campus ministry, supported by SIM grant money, is performing an invaluable service.” Sharing in Ministry unites all Catholics in the Diocese of Fort Worth for the common purpose of furthering the mission of the Church in North Texas. Without it, many programs and ministries would not survive. Bishop Michael Olson asks every Catholic household in the diocese to prayerfully consider a gift to Sharing in Ministry. “The annual appeal is necessary for the life of the ministries and programs receiving funding each year,” he explained. “Each donation to the appeal shows our joyful gratitude for God’s love for us and our responsibility to share these gifts by placing them at the service of one another.” PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Bishop Michael Olson poses with (from left to right) newly-ordained transitional Deacons Ronaldo Mercado, Michael Greco, and Keith Hathaway. Transitional diaconate, Lifelong vocation Bishop Olson challenges newly-ordained Deacons Ronaldo Mercado, Michael Greco, and Keith Hathaway to always live the deacon’s vocation to serve BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT MARKING A CRITICAL STEP IN THEIR JOURNEY TO THE PRIESTHOOD, THREE MEN WERE ORDAINED TO THE TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE BY BISHOP MICHAEL OLSON DURING A MORNING M ASS CELEBRATED JULY 26 AT ST. JUDE PARISH IN MANSFIELD. Family and friends gathered inside the new, spacious church to support Michael Greco, Keith Hathaway, and Ronaldo Mercado as they promised to “discharge the office of deacon with humble charity in order to assist the priestly order and benefit the Christian people.” God willing, the men will be ordained to the priesthood next spring after completing a final year of theological studies. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos” meaning servant or minister, and Bishop Olson reminded the candidates of the new role they assume in the life of the Church. “You are ministers of the Gospel. You are ministers of the sacraments. You are ministers of charity and love,” he said, addressing the seminarians. Although becoming a deacon is a step toward priesthood, the deacon’s ministry to care for the poor, the marginalized, the overlooked, and the isolated is not transitional and does not go away. “It is transitional in that it takes root and flowers in priesthood soon to come,” the bishop pointed out. “As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us, every priest continues to be a deacon. Always be aware of this dimension.” Jesus Christ acted as a teacher and deacon when He washed the feet of his apostles. “He wants us to follow Him to be deacons and carry out his ministry for humanity to the point that He wants us to wash the dirty feet of people entrusted to our care,” Bishop Olson said. He then urged, “This dimension seems to be of paramount importance. Never forget that you are deacons.” A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Deacon Michael Greco moved to Fort Worth with his parents, Debra and John Greco, 20 years ago. The 33-year-old grew up in St. Michael Parish and has a brother, Matthew, and twin sister, Rachel. He is the first religious vocation to come from the Greco family and will complete his theological studies at the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. “It’s taken a long time to get to this day — a long process,” Debra Greco said, remembering how her son attended a weekend vocation program and took time to think about his life before entering Holy Trinity seminary. “We’re so happy for Michael. It’s certainly the Lord’s calling.” Ronaldo Mercado’s family was always close to the Church, according to his aunt, Josie Capulong, who traveled from Salinas, California, to attend the ordination liturgy. The deacon’s mother, Seny, lives in the Philippines, and his father, Jose, is deceased. After moving to Vernon to work as a medical technician, he joined Holy Family of Nazareth Parish where members welcomed him and nurtured his vocation. “My brother, Jose, would be very happy today,” Capulong said. “This is an exciting day for our family. Ever since he was a boy, Ronaldo looked up to the parish priests.” Deacon Mercado, 41, will continue his studies at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. “God has blessed our family incredibly,” said Debbie Hathaway, the mother of newly-ordained Deacon Keith Hathaway, age 26. The St. Jude parishioner and her husband, Rob, are also the parents of seminarian Kevin Hathaway. Both sons graduated from Mansfield High School and were Eagle Scouts. Their father was a scoutmaster. “I’m so humbled by Keith’s faith and that God called him,” his mother added. “He entered the seminary when he was 18, but the years have gone by quickly.” After the ordination ceremony, Deacon Hathaway will also return to CUA. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Bishop Olson ordains Keith Hathaway to the diaconate. • Bishop Olson presents Dcn. Ronaldo Mercado with the Book of the Gospels, exhorting him to “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” • Dcn. Michael Greco prepares the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. (Photos by Wendy Pandolfo / NTC) PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Homegrown Vocation Father Peter Nguyen, SVD, joined the Society of the Divine Word to become the first vocation from Christ the King Parish in Fort Worth STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT FRIENDS AND FAMILY FILLED CHRIST THE K ING CHURCH ON JUNE 1 TO WATCH FORMER PARISHIONER, FATHER PETER NGUYEN, CELEBRATE HIS FIRST M ASS. THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD (SVD) PRIEST WAS ORDAINED MAY 24 IN THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN TECHNY, ILLINOIS BY BISHOP TERRY STEIB OF THE DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION. He is the parish’s first “homegrown” vocation to the priesthood. Christ the King was established in 1997 to serve the large community of Vietnamese living in Northeast Fort Worth. Before the Mass began, parishioners presented the new priest with a stole and chasuble imprinted with the image of the Blessed Mother holding the Christ child. At the ordination Mass, his mother, Ann, and four siblings gave him a chalice and paten. “I’m so happy I could celebrate the thanksgiving Mass at Christ the King Parish,” said the 42-year-old, who was assisted at the altar by his uncle, Father Peter Sam Nguyen, SVD, and the church’s pastor, Father Joseph Than Van Liem, CMC. “It’s the parish I came from, and this is a way I could give thanks to God and to those who have been part of my life and supported me throughout the years of my vocation.” A native of Vietnam who was born in 1972 — three years before that country’s civil war ended — Fr. Nguyen’s circuitous journey to the priesthood included religious persecution in his homeland, moving to a new country in his late teens, and a brief seminary stay when he was 23. His father, Kim Trong Nguyen, was a member of the Vietnamese Navy and escaped to the U.S. after the Fall of Saigon. An older brother soon followed and paved the way for the rest of the family to immigrate. Growing up in Saigon, then South Vietnam’s capital city, Fr. Nguyen said large religious gatherings, like Sunday Mass, were allowed, but there were no catechism classes or ministries. “I learned about Christianity and Catholicism mostly through my parents, relatives, and the people around me,” he explains. “There was no religious education in the public school I PAGE 25 Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Father Peter Nguyen, SVD, celebrated his first Mass at his home parish of Christ the King in Fort Worth June 1. went to in Vietnam. Everything was taught and indoctrinated in secular terms. It was anti-Catholic and Marxist.” After arriving in the U.S. in 1991, he finished high school and went to Tarrant County Junior College. While taking college courses, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Fr. Peter Sam Nguyen, a Divine Word missionary, and join the congregation’s seminary in Epworth, Iowa. But the transition from bustling Texas city to the isolated cornfields of Iowa proved too much for the young seminarian, who missed his family and warmer weather. “It was the first time I left home. I was homesick and bored,” he remembered. “I felt so lonely, so I quit after half a year.” Returning to Fort Worth, Nguyen attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a degree in engineering and began a successful career. He also remained an active member of Christ the King, became an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and started a youth group choir. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC “I visited the sick and elderly in hospitals and at their homes. It was through these ministries that I found my way back to a religious vocation,” he explained. The friendships he made at the seminary with men who were now ordained, also remained strong through the years. “So I quit my job as an engineer and followed God’s calling,” Fr. Nguyen continued. In 2007, he applied to the SVD Associate Program and entered the novitiate in 2009. He was ordained after completing a clinical pastoral education and cross-cultural training. After ordination, he was assigned to work in the congregation’s U.S. Southern Province. Many colleagues and friends from the seminary attended Fr. Nguyen’s first Mass celebrated entirely in Vietnamese. His uncle gave the homily. “It’s a good feeling that the Church and SVDs have a new member to continue God’s mission,” said the elder Fr. Nguyen, who has worked as a missionary in South Korea since 1993. “I’m home on leave and it coincides with this time of celebration.” Ordained in 1986 by the same bishop who ordained his nephew to the priesthood in May, Fr. Peter Sam Nguyen is also a Fort Worth native. “When I was ordained, [then] Bishop Joseph Delaney was at St. George for my first Mass,” he said. Chi Vu, leader of the U.S. Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society at Christ the King, remembered when the newly ordained priest was a member of the parish organization. “He did so much for the youth group, so it’s an honor to be here for this great occasion,” the young family physician enthused. A vocation can begin with something as simple as youth group activities. “But it has to be nurtured,” she added. “We plant the seeds, but everyone is called to serve and share.” Vu never expected her old friend to become a missionary. “It was a surprise,” she admitted with a smile, “but God is great.” SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Respect Life Gala Sept. 27 will fund compassionate responses to those hurt by abortion and form a generation for life Life over the years. Arth said her daughters are better Catholics and pro-life advocates because of these programs. “I don’t think they would be as strong in their faith life or in their understanding of the traps out there,” she said. She added that her daughter Adeline is a student leader at the University of Arizona’s Newman Center and participates in campus pro-life activities. “I see such a difference in the kids who participate in these programs versus the kids who don’t,” said Arth. “We need these young people to be on board. If you don’t have the youth, you don’t have a future.” By Jacqueline Burkepile Correspondent The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception” (2270). The Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Fort Worth strives to protect human lives through its services, which include Youth for Life, Rachel Ministries, and Gabriel Project. These three major diocesan prolife programs are made possible through the office’s biggest fundraiser of the year: The Bishop’s 10th Annual Respect Life Gala. This year’s gala, set for Sept. 27, will feature Bishop Michael Olson as its primary speaker. All proceeds will go to the Respect Life Office so the diocese can carry out its pro-life mission. Last year’s gala raised the largest total in its history, bringing in approximately $160,000. However, Respect Life Director Michael Demma said the office needs at least $240,000 to cover ministry costs for the year. “While the $160,000 seems like a lot, we’re not making our goal to support the small amount we’re doing. There is a whole set of life issues that we’re unable to address because we do not have the programs and the staff to do it,” said Demma. YOUTH FOR LIFE: “STRENGTHENING THE HEARTS OF YOUTH” The programs provided by Youth for Life educate and enrich teens to become future leaders of the Church. They are educated in chastity and pro-life issues, encouraging them to carry out its mission statement to “defend life and fight the culture of death.” Youth for Life presents several programs throughout the year, including Pro-Life Boot Camp, Lock-In for Life, and the March for Life pilgrimage. Scholarships are also provided for the various PAGE 26 programs, targeted at those who cannot afford to attend certain events. Hundreds of students attend Youth for Life events throughout the year. Coordinator Sue Laux said she sees the impact the programs make on the teens involved. “The kids go onto college and stay involved in the pro-life [movement],” she said. Lisa Arth, a parent and parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Keller, has one daughter in college and another in high school who have been extremely involved in Youth for NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 R ACHEL MINISTRIES: HEALING AFTER ABORTION Since 2001, countless men and women have found healing in the Diocese of Fort Worth through Rachel Ministries. The program helps both men and women heal after abortion through the ministry’s retreats, monthly support groups, and other healing services. Rachel Ministries Coordinator Betsy Kopor said that through the financial and spiritual support of the annual gala, the ministry is able to provide help and healing for those suffering from the effects of abortion. “People are not prepared for how they are going to feel afterwards. Abortion can hinder relationships; it can cause depression and extreme guilt, and sometimes,” leads to other serious consequences, “such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Kopor. “It’s so wonderful to know that [the gala attendees] support our work, and they support what we do.” Kopor also said the Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are their most effective and popular healing strategy. There are six retreats per year: four in English and two in Spanish. The gala helps provide partial scholarships to those who are unable to afford to go otherwise. “They say going on a weekend retreat is like six months of therapy,” Kopor emphasized. Forty year-old Emily (not her real name) attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in 2010 after having had an abortion at age 18. Following her abortion, she felt anxious and alone. She had a drinking problem, and it affected all of her relationships. The retreat assisted in saving her marriage; she is now at peace. “I could never forgive myself until I went to Rachel’s Vineyard. A lot of people are being healed. I see the healing that this child has brought to me and those around me,” said Emily. “If people really knew the death and destruction that [abortion] brings, they wouldn’t make that choice. I am really healed from it.” Emily is regularly involved in the ministry and serves on the retreat team. She wants people to know that there is “life after that terrible choice.” “Betsy and all involved have such caring hearts and they are servants. All the focus is on healing. You watch someone go from death to resurrection from Friday to Sunday. You watch the life of Christ just sink in. It’s amazing,” said Emily. “I feel like I owe it my life, and I know there are a lot of women and men who feel the same way — that their lives are changed.” in various situations, including abuse, lack of the father’s support, or even those who face temporarily difficult situations. “We are not counselors or social workers. We are just women who want to help other women through a difficult time,” said Walters. She added that both the mentors and the women being mentored are deeply impacted in profound ways. “They become friends, and their spirituality is strengthened — the spirituality they have personally and the spirituality they share with other people through the program itself,” explained Walters. “Their lives are changed forever when they see that baby is born. They are thankful for God’s hand in everything.” One woman, Rosa (who chose not to share her last name), GABRIEL PROJECT: CARING OUTREACH TO WOMEN IN CRISIS PREGNANCY Gabriel Project, another ministry supported by the Respect Life Office, is a parish-based organization designed to help women in crisis pregnancy situations. The program offers volunteer mentors and a 24-hour hotline for pregnant women in need. The gala’s financial support helps the ministry purchase needed training materials for women who wish to volunteer for the program. Volunteers are called “angels” who mentor pregnant women. Just as Gabriel said to Mary “Do not be afraid,” Gabriel Project angels help women through their difficult times through friendship and spirituality. Since 2003, Angela Walters, volunteer training coordinator and founding member of the Gabriel Project program in the diocese, has worked to make sure pregnant women have the help they need. She said Gabriel Project helps pregnant women PAGE 27 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC shared how she met a sidewalk counselor outside of an abortion center who convinced her not to have an abortion and referred her to Gabriel Project. “I explained to her that I didn’t have anyone else,” said Rosa, adding that volunteers helped her find a place to live and helped her with her pregnancy. “After that, they told me that they would help me finish my high school, and would help pay for the things that I needed for my baby. I’m really glad Gabriel Project helped me. Everything that I have and I almost have is because of Gabriel Project. They still help me with my baby.” For more information or to register for this year’s Annual Pro-Life Gala, visit www.advancementfoundation.org, or call 817-560-2452, ext. 118. CATHOLICS RESPECT LIFE encourages participation in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil which begins Sept. 24 and ends Nov. 2. All are invited to be part of a peaceful, prayerful presence on the sidewalk across from the Planned Parenthood facility at 6464 John Ryan Dr. in Southwest Fort Worth. — 40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of his plan for the end of abortion in America. — The 40-day campaign parallels Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities … and the entire world. From Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of his people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge. — 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a threepoint program: — Prayer and fasting — Constant vigil — Community outreach for more info, visit 40DaysFortWorth.com SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Catholic Charities Fort Worth provides shelter, certifies temporary foster care for unaccompanied immigrants By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent Young, immigrant children, seeking refuge in the United States from the violence in their home countries, are finding hope and help at Catholic Charities Fort Worth. More than 57,000 unaccompanied youngsters crossed the U.S.-Mexico border from October 2013 through June 2014 and that number could swell to 90,000 by the end of this year. However, the number of children flowing into the U.S. in the last few weeks has dropped significantly. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement has sent some of these new immigrants to a Catholic Charities shelter in Fort Worth where they find a warm bed, nourishing meals, and medical care. About 200 of the unaccompanied children found a loving refuge at Catholic Charities in the last year and it’s estimated another 400 may be helped by the end of the year. At the request of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities Fort Worth increased its capacity to house young refugees from 16 to 32 beds in June. When children arrive at the shelter, they are usually tired, hungry, and contaminated with lice. “The environment CCFW is able to provide is welcoming and much more like a home. That makes a world of difference to these children,” said Catholic Charities Fort Worth CEO Heather Reynolds. “One child remarked how happy he was to have his own bed. Simple things that many of us take for granted, mean Catholic Charities Fort Worth CEO Heather Reynolds speaks at Fort Worth press conference June 20, detailing how the local agency is helping unaccompanied minor immigrants. (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) the world to these children.” In a July 13 letter addressed to Catholics of the diocese, Bishop Michael Olson explained the Church’s position regarding the border surge. “It is important for each of us to remember that this crisis has a humanitarian character,” he stated, adding the urgency of the situation required a response that was both prompt and prudent. “Toward that goal, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth is committed to working with other Church and federal agencies to protect the human dignity of these children while promoting the common good of the United States in solidarity with the nations from which these children have fled.” As the border crisis grew, Reynolds made an impassioned plea for in-kind and monetary donations to assist in caring for youngsters arriving without a parent or guardian. The public responded by dropping off clothing, toys, toiletries, and games at the agency’s headquarters. Many orPAGE 28 ganizations and families collected coloring books, crayons, and other small items for more than 3,000 activity boxes for the youngsters. “For many children, this is the first time they didn’t have to share basic hygiene items like a toothbrush,” Reynolds pointed out. “This simple gesture of kindness,” she said, allowed the children to care for their own needs.” “Blessing backpacks,” filled with school supplies, socks, underwear, hygiene items, and small toys, are given to youngsters when they leave Catholic Charities’ care for new homes with family members in the U.S. “What Catholic Charities experienced from volunteers and donors has been amazing,” Reynolds said. “The generosity has had a profound impact on our agency and the kids that we serve.” Playthings and art supplies provide a needed distraction for children traumatized by extreme poverty and violence. “Watching them play, laugh, and simply get to be children, really reinforces the work we’re doing as an agency,” she added.For the limited number of unaccompanied minors who cannot be resettled with family members, Catholic Charities Fort Worth sent out an urgent request for foster families. The agency’s International Foster Care (IFC) program provides long-term foster care for migrant children from South and Central America as well as young refugees from the Congo, Ethiopia, Burma, and Nepal. “We need foster families to provide safe, nurturing, culturally-sensitive homes," Reynolds explained during a July 15 press conference. Community response to the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 request was overwhelming. An IFC information session held in July, brought out more than 200 prospective foster parents. Attorneys on staff with Catholic Charities Fort Worth will provide legal representation in court for unaccompanied minors placed in foster care here. But Sergio Chacin, director of the agency’s Immigration Services, expects the immigration status of most youngsters will be determined by courts in other parts of the country. Many youngsters sent to the Fort Worth shelter by federal authorities are eventually reunited with relatives living on the East Coast, in the Washington, D.C., area, or Florida. “We have people from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala living in the Metroplex, but it is not a significant population,” he explained. “The cases won’t be handled in courts here." But if the need arises, a training session for non-immigration attorneys is planned for late August. Members of the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas — an organization experienced with immigration law — will facilitate the program. “We are organizing this training in conjunction with the Tarrant County international law section of the bar association," Chacin said. According to the Pew Research Center, there has been a 117 percent increase in the number of unaccompanied minors brought into federal custody at the border this year. Catholic Charities plans to meet the needs of children placed in their care as long as the humanitarian crisis continues. “The experience and expertise that Catholic Charities Fort Worth has in child welfare has allowed us to advocate and serve in a child-centric manner the most vulnerable of populations,” Reynolds said. “Catholic Charities feels honored to have been able to provide shelter and care during this time.” Across U.S. groups focus on legal needs of unaccompanied minor immigrants WASHINGTON (CNS) — On both coasts of the United States and in between, efforts are being ramped up to try to provide legal assistance for the flood of minor immigrants who have arrived in the country without a parent. Because immigration violations are not considered crimes, people charged with being in the country without permission are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford a lawyer on their own. Nor are government-funded attorneys provided for people seeking asylum. In Olympia, Washington, July 31, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Immigration Council filed a request for preliminary injunction blocking upcoming deportation proceedings against several children ages 10-17 whose safety had been threatened by gangs in El Salvador and Guatemala. Their filing asked the U.S. District Court in Seattle to hear a motion to certify a class action that would expand the effort to minors around the country who are imminently facing deportation. The filing follows the organizations’ suit filed a few weeks earlier asking the court to require the government to provide legal representation to minors facing deportation. Federal data in more than 100,000 cases of unaccompanied child immigrants, compiled by Syracuse University and current as of June 30, found that when an unaccompanied minor immigrant had an attorney, 47 percent were ultimately allowed to stay in the United States. Of minors who had no attorney, 90 percent were deported. Cheryl Little noted that the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that 60 percent of the minors in the current surge can make a case for some form of protection from deportation. Two young girls watch television over the backs of hundreds of their peers at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Center in Nogales, Arizona, June 18. (CNS photo/Ross D. Franklin, pool via Reuters) The Syracuse University analysis found that in the closed cases it studied, just over half the children had attorneys. But of the 41,000 unaccompanied minor cases still pending, only 31 percent are represented by lawyers. Among the reasons immigration judges allow unaccompanied juveniles to remain in the U.S. are that they are found to qualify for: — Asylum, granted to people fleeing persecution; — Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, granted to minors who have been abused, abandoned or neglected; — T visas, for victims of human trafficking; — U visas, for victims of certain other crimes. According to the Syracuse analysis, the average time cases have been pending in immigration courts is currently just under 600 days. The Justice Department in early July announced it would prioritize the cases of unaccompanied minors and newly arrived families with children, putting them of ahead older cases involving adults on their own. Meanwhile, in Miami, Catholic Legal Services director Randy McGrorty at an Aug. 1 press conference, said the decision to PAGE 29 fast-track deportation proceedings for unaccompanied minors is an “artificial crisis” that was created for “political show.” Joined by Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and other immigration attorneys, McGrorty said he’s seen a 2-year-old without an attorney put up to face a judge in deportation proceedings. Archbishop Wenski questioned why the Obama administration would bow to political pressure to speed up the process of deportation. He said there is no need to rush to judgment, since the children “are not really costing the government any money.” Nearly all of them have been turned over to the care of relatives. Just as “justice delayed is justice denied,” the archbishop said, in this case “justice expedited is also justice denied.” “We’re not saying that every child will have to stay in the U.S. What we’re saying is that what we do should be about the best interest of the child,” Archbishop Wenski said. “What we should not do is short-circuit this by making a travesty of the immigration system.” Cheryl Little, executive director of Americans for Immigrant NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Justice, pointed out at the Miami press conference that the majority of the current surge of unaccompanied minors are fleeing violence in their home countries, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, which have some of the world’s highest murder rates. She noted that the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that 60 percent of the minors in the current surge can make a case for some form of protection from deportation. Archbishop Wenski challenged Florida’s legal community to volunteer to represent the unaccompanied minors. McGrorty drew parallels between the current situation and the exodus to the United States of Cuban children in the 1960s, when 14,000 left their homes in two years, and to the 1980 Mariel boatlift when 125,000 Cubans and 25,000 Haitians landed in Florida in about six weeks. “Many of those were unaccompanied minors” who are now corporate and civic leaders, McGrorty said. “I’m asking Miami to rise once again to the challenge. We need your help.” The Washington-based Catholic Legal Immigration Network, whose affiliates include diocesan legal services offices, has many articles about the child migrant legal situation on its web page: www.cliniclegal.org. Among the materials are a webinar explaining the situation and what sorts of legal services are available, including through CLINIC’s affiliates. CLINIC also offers online training, such as a course starting in September for non-lawyers, working through Catholic Charities legal agencies or other legal organizations, “Representing Unaccompanied Children: What To Do and How To Do It.” Diocese prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of new Catholics into the Body of Christ in North Texas By Juan Guajardo Correspondent The number of Catholics within the 28-county Diocese of Fort Worth has skyrocketed, and many more are coming to North Texas, according to demographers. The burst of growth is recent. When Pope Paul VI split the Diocese of Fort Worth from the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth in 1969, the Catholic population was a mere 67,000. By 1986, the diocese had doubled in size to 120,000 Catholics. Since then, the diocese has grown rapidly, to an estimated 720,000 Catholics today with a million forecast for the not too distant future. “This is good news,” said Bishop Michael Olson, “and it is necessary that everyone understand that responding to this growth is the responsibility of every person and facility in the diocese.” To assist the diocese as it prepares for and manages the growth, expert local lay members and diocesan leaders, along with expert planning professionals, are being called upon to develop a growth strategy. “This is not a crisis, but rather an opportunity for everyone in the Diocese of Fort Worth to evangelize,” Bishop Olson observes. Planning for growth has been ongoing since 2009 when the diocese commissioned a study to look at population trends, the diocese’s demographic makeup, and to evaluate recommendations from diocesan and parish leaders. Armed with recommendations from the 2009 Meitler Consultants study, the dirt has been Former St. Mark pastor Fr. Timothy Thompson (in white shirt) lifts a shovel beside Fr. Ken Robinson and several St. Mark parishioners breaking ground August 3, 2013 for a new church building south of St. Mark's current site. The move comes in response to Meitler Study projections. (NTC Photo / Mike McGee) flying the last few years. A new school opened in 2012 in Frisco. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Fort Worth is in the process of relocating to a larger and more central site in Saginaw. St. Mark Parish in Denton is moving south to better serve a growing Catholic population. And St. John Paul II Parish has been established to serve Denton’s university communities. Meitler has projected that 12 to 14 new parishes will be needed in the next 20 years to keep up the with the diocese’s growth. The growth also will create demand for new Catholic schools. While the diocese was without a bishop, the Meitler Consultants updated and verified its 2009 data. The Meitler update concluded that growth of the diocese will accelerate, if the North Texas economy continues to boom. In the face of “exceptional growth,” the challenge is daunting: Continuing to serve the needs of the 720,000 faithful already here with safe and inspirational places to worship which are adequately staffed by priests and religious while erecting new PAGE 30 parishes and providing the priests and religious necessary to properly serve the new North Texas Catholics. “We now generally know where parishes need to be placed, but we need help to determine the best location for a new parish, [and] whether existing parish sites need to move or be developed in some other way,” Bishop Olson said. The process of where, when, and how to start a new parish requires extensive planning, research, and discussion to “make sure all of the voices involved are properly consulted. “This effort ensures that we line up our brick and mortar needs with the programs for vocations and evangelization and outreach to the poor,” Bishop Olson explains. “We want to make sure we don’t exclude any group by the placement of a parish, most especially the economically disadvantaged.” Because the cost of establishing or relocating a new parish or school is in the millions of dollars, diocesan leaders sought advice and counsel. The advice is coming from a NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 new advisory group, the diocesan Land Subcommittee. It is developing a three-step strategy: Tackling immediate needs, addressing needs in the next three to five years, and forecasting needs for the next five to 15 years. Supplementing the Land Subcommittee are the renowned Fort Worth-based demographic and site selection experts, the Buxton Company. “Taken together,” Bishop Olson explains, “we are engaged in comprehensive, practical planning rather than incremental planning. “We have learned that we must think outside of the box” in providing for the spiritual needs of a rapidly growing Catholic community, the bishop explained, “but we cannot think outside the Church. “We cannot start all of the new parishes that are needed all at once. The information from this effort will help us to prioritize. All the proposed parishes are important. But which is the most urgent, and which has the most possibility of being successful for growth initially?” Buxton is a recognized industry leader in “customer analytics.” Since 1994, more than 3,000 organizations in the retail, healthcare, consumer packaged goods, private equity, and public sectors turned to Buxton to guide their growth strategies. Buxton describes its service as providing help to its clients in understanding who their customers are, where their customers are located, and the value each customer brings to the organization. “This is a company you would use if you owned a restaurant or a retail company, a Lowe’s or a Dillard’s,” explained Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Peter Flynn. “Buxton a parish site or establishing a new parish for the sake of the mission of the Church — which involves the sanctification of God’s people, formation in the faith, and the living of the Good News in particular ways. My hope is for an outcome that will inspire evangelization and help to recognize and encourage growth and development in the life of our faithful St. Thomas the Apostle pastor Fr. Antony Mathew, TOR, celebrates the first Mass on the site where the parish will build its new church so the parish can serve more Catholics as the area north of Loop 820 continues to boom. (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) would advise a company, ‘Here is a growing area; where should we have a store located?’ Buxton specializes in doing this kind of placement. “The diocese is using Buxton’s vast capabilities to help determine where our parishes, our schools, and other diocesan facilities should be located to serve the This past Easter, founding pastor Fr. Kyle Walterscheid celebrated the first Easter Vigil Mass in the newly established St. John Paul II Parish, serving the college communities of Denton. (Photo provided by St. John Paul II Parish) members of this diocese.” Flynn said the diocese will develop a strategic initiative for both existing and future parishes and sites. The preliminary plans will be completed sometime between October and December of this year. Bishop Olson is striving for a “clear consensus about what is the right next step to take in moving PAGE 31 people.” The growth strategy also will become a driving force in the diocesan Pastoral Plan. “We must practice our faith in a focused way, based on actionable information, so we promote vocations and don’t leave the poor or any other segment of our growing community behind,” Bishop Olson said. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Christ’s daily presence in Eucharist transforms young hearts at 2014 DCYC BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT • PHOTOS BY DONNA RYCKAERT Teens bow down in worship of Christ in the Eucharist during the 2014 Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, held at the DFW Airport Hyatt Regency Hotel July 12. JESUS HAD A PRESENCE THAT FILLED THE ROOM FOR NEARLY 1,000 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTENDING THE FORT WORTH DIOCESAN CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE (DCYC) JULY 11-13 AT THE DFW A IRPORT HYATT R EGENCY HOTEL. During this year’s 19th annual gathering, inside the 5,000-square-foot ballroom converted into a gathering and worship space, many Catholic youth spent more time with the Lord than they had ever done before in a single weekend. Christ’s presence here was in the form of the Eucharist, before them not only during three daily Masses, but also during a Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Friday evening. Then, during a special Procession of the Eucharist Saturday night, they literally followed Christ. There was plenty of fun and games, interesting workshops, productive meetings, motivational speakers, and inspirational praise songs, but it was Christ who was always front and center at this year’s DCYC. To make time for the Eucharistic events, some usual activities were not on this year’s schedule. Although many teens admitted they were a bit disappointed when they first heard about the changes, they said they would not have had it any other way after spending time with Jesus in a manner they had never experienced before. “This was my fourth conference in a row, and it was very different,” said Annette Calderon of Sacred Heart Church in Comanche. “I liked it so much because of Adoration. It was like the Holy Spirit entered the room. You could feel the emotion, not coming from material things and dances, but coming from Christ, because He is the risen one. It was very emotional.” During Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday night, youth spent approximately one hour after Mass in both prayer and silence, kneeling before the Eucharist exposed on the altar in a monstrance. On Saturday, youth followed Christ as part of a Eucharistic Procession inside the hotel ballroom. The procession is associated with the Feast of Corpus Christi, celebrating the gift of the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. “I really liked the Eucharistic Procession because it made the conference Christ-focused,” said Austin Tarver of St. Ann Church in Burleson. “It gave us a chance to focus on Him this year.” Involved in the celebration of the Masses, Benedictions, Adorations, and special prayers were Bishop Michael Olson, joined by several priests and deacons of the diocese, and 16 seminarians. In his opening remarks to attendees, Kevin Prevou, diocesan director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, said that Bishop Olson “has really challenged us to deepen our faith experience during this conference.” Youth leaders were quick to take on the chal- lenge and embrace the new experience. From atop the stage set up in the hotel ballroom, one of the DCYC emcees, Nathan Werts of St. Stephen Church in Weatherford, told fellow attendees, “Who doesn’t like to spend time with their best friend and gather with people you love? Eucharistic Exposition gives us another opportunity to be in the presence of Christ and to grow deeper in our relationship with Him.” In his opening homily Friday evening, Bishop Olson discussed the DCYC theme “Transform Me.” He told the hundreds of teens, who filled the ballroom worship space to capacity, “We come together here called by name, called by Jesus to become his Church, to love Him unconditionally as He loves us and to be transformed — transformed by his grace.” The bishop went on to say, “To be a disciple of Jesus and to live our discipleship means that each one of us has to allow Him to ‘transform me,’ to transform each one of us. “The theme is not transform myself,” the bishop said, but instead to invite Christ into our lives to be central to the transformation. “Every Mass we celebrate transforms the ‘me’ in each one of us,” the bishop said. “And it transforms ‘me’ into one of ‘us.’ It transforms each and every ‘me’ in this room into ‘us’ — the Church in communion with Christ and our brothers and sisters, those present physically and those throughout FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Father Jonathan Wallis directs a choir of teens chanting during the July 12 Vespers service. • A young parishioner from St. Stephen in Weatherford wear Morales from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller, and Elena Martinez from St. Joseph Parish in Arlington pose with a cardboard cutout of Pope Francis. • Anessa F unborn babies at a pro-life table. • DCYC participants make hand motions during a praise-and-worship session. • Keynote speaker Jackie Francois talks to her young aud in a Eucharistic procession July 12. • Bishop Olson holds up his conference nametag for attendees. PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 the world.” The theme “Transform Me” underscored Pope Francis’ World Youth Day 2014 message. In that message, the pope focused on the beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). “The Beatitudes of Jesus are new and revolutionary. They present a model of happiness contrary to what is usually communicated by the media and by the prevailing wisdom,” the pope said in his statement. “A worldly way of thinking finds it scandalous that God became one of us and died on a cross! According to the logic of this world, those whom Jesus proclaimed blessed are regarded as useless, ‘losers.’ What is glorified is success at any cost, affluence, the arrogance of power and self-affirmation at the expense of others. … Jesus challenges us, young friends, to take seriously his approach to life and to decide which path is right for us and leads to true joy.” Locally, Prevou said he is inspired by the pope’s message and outreach to youth. “The pope has asked all of us to remember how important young people are in our communities, not only for our future, but for right now,” Prevou said. “Let’s challenge them to really take their faith and grow, and to share it with others.” Keynote speaker Jackie Francois underscored the bishop’s message and was an instant hit with her young audience. Through quick but charming wit, relevant and timely humor, along with inspirational guitar and vocals, Francois set the stage for some serious discussions. There was only silence in the room when Francois set her guitar down for heart-to-heart talks with the teens. Francois asked youth to acknowledge and confess their sins. Through Reconciliation and allowing God to grow in their hearts, she said, they could follow the paths of saints. It is no secret, she said, that saints sinned, but they learned to grow in faith and overcome their shortcomings. “God is calling you to be a saint, because you are called to be with God in heaven. God is calling you to be different in the world because He wants to transform your hearts and transform the world for good.” The first step, she said, involves “admitting that you are not perfect.” Like any multi-step program for improvement, the first action in growing closer to God requires that “you admit that you are not perfect. You have to admit that you have a problem. Guess what? I have a problem and it’s called sin.” Francois continued, “You have to admit that you are a sinner, because that’s when God can say, ‘All right, now I can do something.’” She then led teens in a moving song titled “Lord, I need you,” by Matt Maher Through the messages they heard from the bishop, the keynote speaker, and their peers who served as emcees, teens lined up by the hundreds for the sacrament of Reconciliation with 25 priests who visited Saturday evening. While the energy, enthusiasm, and devoutness of the teens at the conference gave hope for the future of the Church, Bishop Olson emphasized that their role in today’s Church is also important. “I feel a lot of hope in the present, and not just for the future,” Bishop Olson told the North Texas Catholic. “I feel my responsibility to be a pastor, to help them to learn the faith, to share the faith with others, and also to provide an opportunity for them to strengthen each other in the faith.” It is important, Bishop Olson said, for youth “to be aware that they’re part of one big, universal Church and also the local Church of the Diocese of Fort Worth, which includes 28 counties.” Events such as DCYC, he said, give youth “a chance to get together and meet young people of their own age, of their same faith. … And this gives youth a sense of solidarity and knowledge that they’re not alone.” rs a T-shirt with a quote from Pope Francis on the back. • Dana Mosebey from St. Ann Parish in Burleson, Selena Flores, Brooke Le, Lauren Le, and Lily Pichon from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grapevine hold life-size models of dience about Reconciliation. • Bishop Michael Olson, joined by diocesan seminarians, leads conference attendees PAGE 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Catholic youth share their experience of DCYC I felt like Jesus was with us. I went to confession and that was amazing. I had a priest who listened well. He just heard everything I said. — LETICIA ESQUIVEL, SACRED HEART, COMANCHE I liked how Bishop Olson was here the entire weekend. It helped show all the youth that he is active and he is ready to help us and that he is not concentrating only on the adults. — AUSTIN TARVER, ST. A NN, BURLESON This was my first conference and I was really impressed. I didn’t grow up Catholic and I feel like this is the first time I’ve really, really been able to connect with my Catholic faith. I don’t know if it was the speakers, or the opportunity to go to Confession, or all the people. I’ve never been in a room with this many teenagers and with them this focused. It was all just inspiring. Amazing. Because of the passion that it ignited, I just want to get that much closer to Christ and not let anything get in the way. — MEGAN GATES, ST. M ARY, GRAHAM I like how we focused on the Eucharist. The greatest takeaway for me will be transformation, because our theme was “Transform Me.” I think I have been transformed. I’ve become closer to God and I’ve just realized so much. It helps me not to be afraid of what other people think, and just give it all to God. — NATHAN WERTS, ST. STEPHEN, WEATHERFORD It’s always a heartwarming experience, because we learn a lot of things. I get a lot of life lessons from the speakers. I liked it when Jackie [Francois] talked about how you can only find true happiness from God. And that’s what I’m going to do from now on. I’m going to find true happiness from God. That’s what I’m going for. — KYOUNGMIN LEE, KOREAN M ARTYRS, HURST I think it’s pretty cool how a bunch of people can come together through their faith. I learned that if you’re not truly reading Scripture, then you’re not getting to know Christ. I don’t usually read the Bible, and I’m going to start doing that more because I think it would be cool to get closer to Christ. — JESSICA MENDONCA, ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, GRAPEVINE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 St.Mary's Church restoration results in Bishop Douglas Deshotel, Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, incenses St. Mary’s new altar, assisted by Deacon Gelasio Garcia. Story and Photos By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen NTC Correspondent TAMMY L ANGE SAYS THE $1.4 MILLION RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF ST. M ARY CHURCH IN GAINESVILLE DID MORE THAN BRIGHTEN THE SANCTUARY ’S AGING INTERIOR. “It’s kind of a rebirth,” says the longtime parishioner. “Everybody’s heart just opens up when they see the beautiful work, and I think it will bring more people into the church. This is the start of a whole new chapter for us.” Improvements to the 94-year-old church were unveiled during a June 21 rededication Mass celebrated by Dallas Auxiliary Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel. Bishop Deshotel was joined on the altar by Father Victor Cruz, HGN, pastor of the parish during its reconstruction, who returned to his native India in July; Father Karl Schilken, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Fort Worth; and former pastor Father James Pemberton. Fort PAGE PAG G E 34 34 Worth Bishop Michael Olson was in Illinois for his mother’s burial service and was unable to attend. It was the first liturgy held in the church since the restoration project began Jan. 5. Parishioners packed the mission-style edifice to witness the consecration of a new altar and the lighting of candles. St. Mary’s restoration committee partnered with the internationally-recognized Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wisconsin, to select the overall design and colors for the new interior. The firm is known for its ecclesial artistry and has done extensive restorations at the University of Notre Dame and cathedrals across the U.S. “Several parishioners asked Fr. Victor about getting a facelift for the interior of the church,” recalls business manager Pam Hoedebeck. “The roof had leaked at some point, and there were water stains down the walls behind the side altars.” Repairs to the stained-glass windows, made and designed by the Emil Frei Art Glass Company of Munich, Germany, were also NOR NORTH OR R TH T TEXAS TE AS TEX A CATHOLIC CATHOL CAT HOL L IC C needed. Among the church’s most striking features, the windows were donated by early church families and cost $200 each when they were purchased in 1921. Conrad Schmitt Studios restored the windows and replaced the plexiglass covers with clear safety glass. Conrad Schmitt artist Steve Chaprecek brought the sanctuary’s original, white altar to life. The craftsman repainted the structure, then used glaze and a faux painting technique to marbleize the surface. He applied 24-karat gold leaf to an image of the Last Supper on the base of the altar. The result is visually appealing. “You couldn’t see it before,” Chaprecek explained, referring to the new, dimensional look of the ionic image. “It was all white, so you didn’t know it was there. I used glazing and shadowed the bodies to make it pop.” A Dallas company repainted the large Stations of the Cross statues created by a German artist in 1921, and the church’s dated blue carpet was replaced with the building’s original hardwood floors, which had been restored. But the most stunning transformation looms high over the altar. The once all-white dome is now the canvas for a mural of the Rose of Mary. A symbol of the Virgin Mary, the illustration is traditionally depicted as a five-petal rose in red and white. The red petals represent the five wounds of Christ and the blood of the Christian martyrs, and the white rose denotes purity and virginity. Fr. Cruz called attention to the medallion during a brief speech thanking the congregation for its donations and support. “As you know, one of Mary’s many titles is the Mystical Rose of Heaven, and she is often shown surrounded by roses, crowned with roses, or holding a rose,” he said. “This symbol was painted on the ceiling of our church because of its special meaning and association with the Blessed Mother. She is our patron.” The pastor said he wanted to make the congregation aware and proud of what they have. “Thanks to all the skillful hands and SEPTE SE SEPTEMBER PTEMBE E R / OCTOBER OC C TOBER T O ER TOB R 2014 20 14 An altar statue of the risen Christ extends his arms toward a mural of the Rose of Mary that now fills the dome of St. Mary's Church. contractors who contributed to this project,” he added. “And thank God for making us an instrument to complete his work.” Parishioner Steve Schmitz spearheaded the capital campaign to fund the restoration. A rebate received by the parish from the diocesan All Things Possible campaign was used as seed money for the fundraising effort. “There was nothing wrong with the structure of the church,” he said. “All the work done was aesthetic.” The co-owner of a construction company, Schmitz said the improvements maintain the integrity of the original craftsmanship. “We were real sensitive not to go too far with the murals,” he pointed out. “We have a fairly simple mission-style church and didn’t want to be something we’re not. The altar, A visitor to the church greets longtime St. Mary’s parishioner Margaret Watson. PAGE PAG E 35 35 stained-glass windows, and stations were created by German artists in 1921 and reflect the area’s German heritage.” The project, started in January after the Christmas season, was completed in six months. Buster Bezner supervised the restoration project. “It’s beautiful,” said Bezner, as the church’s bright lights showcased the interior’s new paint and multihued stained-glass. “I can’t say enough about the work that was done. It speaks for itself.” Bezner hopes the enhanced worship space draws people inside. “People get pretty excited about what was done if they come look,” he said. “Hopefully, this will revive our faith community.” St. Mary’s was founded in 1879 to minister to Catholic settlers arriving in Gainesville thanks to a new railroad line. Artists with Conrad Schmitt Studios added decorative backgrounds to the side altars, embellishing their work with 23-karat gold leaf. Janet Bayer (left) and Tammy Lange (right) dress the newly consecrated altar with fresh linens. Crafted in 1921 by German artists, the church’s stained-glass windows and Stations of the Cross were cleaned and refreshed during the restoration process. NO NOR NORTH ORTH TH H TEXAS T EXAS TEX ASS CATHOLIC CAT A HOLI HOL HO H OL O L IC IC SSEPTEMBER SE E PT PTE T E MBE TE MBER R / OCTOBER O C TO OCTOB OC TOBER ER 2014 20 14 Steve Schmitz lights a candle on St. Joseph’s altar during the rededication. Celebration of Jubilee Six Jubilarians collectively celebrate 365 years of service to their congregation and society STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT SISTER MARY DOROTHY POWERS STILL REMEMBERS IN VIVID DETAIL HER FIRST DAY AS A SISTER OF ST. MARY OF NAMUR. The 18-year-old, who had just finished her freshman year in college, wore a white dress and suit coat for the afternoon trip to the convent with her parents on Aug. 12, 1954. “The sisters welcomed us in and we put on black dresses and black net veils,” recalls Sr. Dorothy who joined the religious congregation along with 12 other girls that day. “We came back out to greet our Sr. Mary Michael Dittoe greets Sr. Devota Sweeney who celebrated 75 years as a Sister of St. Mary of Namur. families as newly entered postulants, then marched into the chapel for Evening Prayer. Our new life had begun.” And, according to Sr. Dorothy and fellow jubilarians, Sister Devota Sweeney (75 years), Sister Mary Elaine Breen (60 years), Sister Jane Conway (60 years), Sister Joan Markey (60 years), and Sister Mary Jean Warmuth (60 years), it’s a life full of purpose, new challenges, and service to God. The six longtime members of the Belgium-based Sisters of St. Mary of Namur renewed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience as well as their commitment to “respond to the call of Christ” during a Jubilee Mass celebrated by Father Tom Stabile, TOR, pastor of St. Andrew Parish, on June 7 inside Our Lady of Victory Center. Collectively, the honorees contributed 365 years of service to their congregation and society. The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, known for educating children, especially the poor, celebrated 150 years of minis- Jubilarians Sr. Jane Conway, Sr. Joan Markey, Sr. Mary Jean Warmuth, Sr. Elaine Breen, Sr. Mary Dorothy Powers, and Sr. Devota Sweeney renew their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience during a June 7 Mass at the OLV Center. PAGE 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC I’ve been totally filled with joy and gratitude to God and all those who have helped me get to where I am today. — Sister Devota Sweeney, SSMN try in the United States in 2013. “All of you — after all these years — are still sharing.” Fr. Stabile noted. “You are still giving joyfully from your hearts in whatever way you are able and whatever way is needed. … You have inspired hope and given hope. You’ve held on to hope and you’ve helped us. We’re grateful for that.” The six honorees have lived, prayed, and worked for the good of others in different countries and in different ways. Sr. Devota grew up the oldest of six children in Wichita Falls and seemed destined to live a life dedicated to God. Born in 1921, she was so premature, the doctor pronounced her dead. “My mother raised her head and insisted I was not dead and put me under the care of (Blessed Mother) Mary,” the 93-year-old told the North Texas Catholic. “As you can see, I survived.” A veteran educator who began her teaching career in 1941, Sr. Devota served as a teacher and principal at SSMN schools in Beaumont, Fort Worth, Sherman, Houston, Dallas, and Hollister, California. She was named provincial superior for her congregation’s Western Province in 1958 and again in 1973 and served on the congregation’s General Council in Namur, Belgium from 1971 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 to 1972. In 2011, the retired sister was selected by then-Bishop Kevin Vann to receive the Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, “recognizing her lifetime of work as a member of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur.” Today she lives in the OLV Center and continues to share in the daily life of the sisters by praying, visiting, welcoming, observing, and consoling. “I’ve been totally filled with joy and gratitude to God and all those who have helped me get to where I am today,” Sr. Devota said. Sr. Jane Conway first became acquainted with the Sisters of St. Mary when she attended St. Edward Academy in Dallas. After her family moved to Fort Worth, she continued her education at Our Lady of Victory Academy, graduating in 1954. “I entered the novitiate and spent two years in Namur, Belgium,” recalls the talented pianist who went on to earn degrees from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and Indiana University. She later used those skills to teach music at OLV Academy and Nolan Catholic High School when it opened in 1961. At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, she chaired the music department, worked in campus ministry, and taught piano, music theory, and liturgical singing. Today she makes liturgies at the Father Tom Stabile, TOR, (center) pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth, takes a photo with Jubilarians (from left to right) Sr. Devota Sweeney, Sr. Joan Markey, Sr. Mary Dorothy Powers, Sr. Mary Elaine Breen, Sr. Mary Jean Warmuth, Sr. Jane Conway. convent “come alive with music” according to her fellow sisters. “As I reflect on my 60 years in the community of the sisters, I simply have heartfelt gratitude for the many circumstances and opportunities which have enabled me to serve the people of God,” she said. Sr. Joan Markey said living a religious life for 60 years is wonderful because, “the Sisters of St. Mary are so fabulous, loving, and supportive. It’s been a real joy in both the good times and any bad times.” A 1954 graduate of the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Wichita Falls, a young Joan Markey was drawn to the charism of the sisters who operated her school. After entering the religious congregation, she earned undergraduate and advanced degrees in English from the University of Dallas and Rice University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas. Over the years, her apostolate included working as a teacher and administrator at SSMN elementary schools in Texas. “This is really where I gained a liberal education — teaching almost every subject across the curriculum,” explained the seasoned educator who taught English at Nolan Catholic High School, the University of St. Thomas, and the University of Tulsa. From 1996 to 2002, Sr. Joan served as provincial for her congrega- tion and is currently the treasurer for the SSMN Western Province. Sr. Mary Jean Warmuth taught at various SSMN schools in Texas and California including Holy Name, Our Lady of Victory, and St. Mary in Fort Worth. At one point, the Wichita Falls native took time off from teaching to become a licensed vocational nurse and worked at St. Joseph Hospital for six years. She returned to the classroom to teach computer technology at Notre Dame School in Wichita Falls and stayed there until retirement. “I miss teaching a lot,” she admitted. “I would still be doing it if I thought I had the stamina.” Many of the young women who entered the SSMN community in 1954 became teachers, but that’s not the career path Sr. Mary Elaine Breen chose to follow. “I’ve always loved to nurse and care for people. As a young, 18-yearold sister, I was being trained as a teacher, but I wanted to be a nurse,” she explained. “I asked to go into nursing and it happened.” The OLV graduate began taking classes at St. Joseph Hospital in 1957 and became a registered nurse in 1960. Her medical knowledge was a useful resource in the Congo missions where she worked as a midwife in the early 1960s delivering babies and tending to the needs of orphans. Sr. Elaine later took a course in tropical medicine and was assigned PAGE 37 to the congregation’s dispensary and hospital in Rwanda, Africa. After returning to Fort Worth in 1968, she managed the unwed mother program at Catholic Charities. Now retired, her love for newborns is still evident. “I volunteer at Cook Children’s Hospital as a Baby Buddy — something I enjoy very much,” Sr. Elaine enthused. Sr. Dorothy Powers’ vocation also has an international component. After earning a degree in Spanish language and literature in Mexico, she taught Spanish at Nolan and later served as principal at Holy Name of Jesus School in Fort Worth and Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Wichita Falls. The OLV graduate returned to Mexico to co-found a mission of the Sisters of St. Mary in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, along with Sr. Gabriela Martinez. “We conducted literacy classes, held formation classes for catechists, prepared prayer services, and did sacramental preparation,” Sr. Dorothy recalled. Over the years, she has directed faith formation programs in both English and Spanish at several parishes including, St. Philip the Apostle in Lewisville, St. Maria Goretti in Arlington, St. Joseph in Arlington, and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Fort Worth. She is currently the co-director of her congregation’s House of Formation. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Sr. Joan Markey leads the congregation in the Prayer of the Faithful. Sr. Mary Dorothy Powers reads the Second Reading for the Vigil of Pentecost from the book of Romans. Sr. Mary Frances Serafino and Sr. Mary Jean Warmuth present the offertory gifts. Sr. Mary Elaine Breen shares a celebratory moment with Fr. Stabile. A LIFE DEDICATED TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION Nolan Alumna Erin Vader worked at Catholic schools St. Andrew, St. Peter, and Our Mother of Mercy before returning to her alma mater to take over as its president BY NICKI PREVOU / CORRESPONDENT ERIN VADER ADMITTED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED A “KIND OF A SHOCK” WHEN SHE GLANCED AT HER FACEBOOK PAGE ON JUNE 20, AND FOUND HERSELF ON THE RECEIVING END OF A TSUNAMI OF JOYFUL , CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES. Vader, a self-proclaimed “very proud” member of Nolan Catholic High School’s Class of 1988, had just been named the first layperson — and the first woman — to serve as president of her alma mater. The announcement of her appointment resulted in an explosion of delighted reactions from former students and classmates, colleagues, and friends. As news of her appointment spread, stories were shared about the dynamic educator’s vibrant, very personal brand of leadership. Henry Giardino, 17, who is beginning his senior year at Nolan this fall, attended St. Peter Catholic School in White Settlement through eighth grade. He laughed with his mother, Lisa, as they recently recalled Vader’s years as principal at St. Peter’s from 2005 to 2010. Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Erin Vader, as a Nolan Catholic High School graduate, in 1988. PAGE 38 “She makes school a lot of fun,” said Henry. “She has a lot of energy, and she’s really personable. She would see me in the hallways and she would always tell me, ‘Tuck your shirt in, Henry!’ But she always said it with a big smile. And when she came to a Career Day at Nolan, she remembered me and the other kids from St. Peter’s when we came up to her. She knew our names right away, and she was really happy to see us. That’s just how she is.” His mother, a middle school teacher at St. Peter’s, chimed in with memories of Vader as an administrator who would go far beyond the expected to raise funds to gain much-needed resources for her center-city school. One year, Vader promised she would kiss a pig if students reached a fundraising goal. “Of course, we met the goal, and of course, she kissed the pig, and she made it a huge, fun, exciting deal for the kids,” recalled Lisa Giardino. “That’s Erin. She gives her heart and soul to everything she does, and she draws people in with her enthusiasm.” Other shared anecdotes included humorous examples of Vader’s readiness to step in to solve any problem. “Yes, as any principal of a small school knows, it’s often our job to unclog toilets, mop floors, be the nurse, and just do whatever is needed, on any given day,” Vader acknowledged, laughing as she recalled her occasional role as cafeteria cook at Our Mother of Mercy School, an historically African-American school. She served as assistant principal at the school from 2010-2012, and as principal from 2012 through the past school year. Vader is perhaps most admired by OMM teachers and staff members for her practice of leading daily morning devotions for the entire school community, according to middle school teacher Broderick Williams. “Ms. Vader is a great representative of the Catholic faith,” mused Williams. “I’m African American, myself,” he said, as he spoke of NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Vader was confirmed as an eighth grade student at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School in Arlington. She is shown here on her Confirmation day in 1984, at St. Maria Goretti Parish. how he and the other members of the school community were thankful for Vader’s role in providing the African American children of the school with the “gift of a great Catholic education. … She’s so determined to meet every challenge that’s thrown at her. She is committed to gaining every advantage for our students that every child should have: exposure to the arts, to culture, to technology. She has fought for the children of this school.” Members of the Nolan community will likewise cherish her “outstanding” gifts of spiritual leadership, predicted Williams. “She immediately fit right in at this school when she came here, because of her genuine spirit, her honesty, her forthrightness, and her fairness,” he said. Catholic education is of utmost importance within her own family, Vader said, describing how her mother and father and two younger sisters had all graduated from Nolan after graduating from Catholic elementary schools. “My parents were founding members of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington, and so our family was there for Mass every Sunday,” explained Vader. “And, of course, we were very fortunate to be able to go to Mass each day as students at St. Maria Goretti [School]. The Sisters [of St. Mary of Namur] were on staff at St. Maria’s, and we loved them. They have been a profound influence in our lives, because they are such remarkable, vital women, [offering] such amazing examples of faith lived out each and every day. It is because SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Students at St. Peter Catholic School in White Settlement gathered around their new principal in 2005. Vader fulfilled her promise to kiss a pig if students met their goals in a school fundraising project. Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Photo by Donna Ryckaert / NTC Principal Vader at Our Mother of Mercy School, shown in 2013 with firstgrader Ayden Meeks. Bishop Michael Olson is pictured here with Vader on Nov. 19, 2013, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School. The school was the bishop’s first visit after the press conference at which his appointment was announced. ty relations. Nolan employs a president/principal model, which means, explained Vader, that she will be working closely with the principal, faculty, and staff to set the tone for the school’s commitment to Catholic ideals in education. In setting that tone, the new president knows that she has a powerful and effective ally in the person of Bishop Michael Olson. “Ms. Vader is the right person to build on and expand Nolan Catholic’s traditions of evangelization, academic excellence, and service to the community,” wrote Bishop Olson, in a statement announcing her appointment on June 20. Because he served as pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Church during her years as principal at St. Peter, Vader looks forward to resuming what she calls “a great working relationship” with the bishop. “He is a teacher at heart, himself,” she explained. “He understands and appreciates, better than anyone, the value and importance of education, and Catholic education in particular. I’m completely grateful to have his sup- of their dedication that I began to think, at a very early age, about the importance of finding my own vocation in life.” After earning her undergraduate degree in English at the University of Texas at Arlington, Vader came to St. Andrew School, where she taught from 1996 until 2005. St. Andrew’s principal, Clarice Peninger, was a mentor and a source of personal and professional encouragement to the young teacher, as she taught seventh and eighth grade students. It soon became clear to Peninger that the young woman had what she calls “extraordinary gifts” to bring to Catholic education. “Erin lives and breathes her faith,” Peninger reflected. “Nobody could work harder on behalf of the students than she does, to show them how to integrate their Catholic faith into every aspect of their lives.” According to diocesan officials, Vader’s role will include responsibility for the Catholic dimension of the school, strategic planning, and all business matters, including budgeting and facility development, as well as communi- port, and to see his enthusiasm for the school, which is an enthusiasm that he feels toward all the schools of the diocese, truly.” Vader noted that the school, owned by the diocese but administered by the Society of Mary (Marianist) men’s religious congregation from 1961 to June of this year, has a longstanding tradition of excellence and commitment to faith formation. She looks forward, she said, to building upon the legacy that has meant so much to her and to her family. “I know that we, as a diocesan school, will be able to distill the very best of what has come before us, and to create something that honors the past, while also looking to the future,” she said. “It’s definitely a time of transition for the school community, so we will have to have a lot of patience and compassion with one another, do our best to listen, and to keep our eyes and ears open to what the Holy Spirit is telling us we need to be doing. “I’m excited,” she said, simply. “I’m feeling incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to serve at a place that I love so much.” Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Vader, a middle school teacher at St. Andrew Catholic School in Fort Worth from 1996 to 2005, posed with students Kyle Smith and Courtney Castillo. PAGE 39 Photo courtesy of Erin Vader Vader, with her homeroom class in 2003, was a beloved English teacher at St. Andrew School for nine years. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 September 7, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: have several relatives and friends who love a good fight. I don’t mean that they engage in physical violence, but if there’s an opportunity to debate a controversial topic (religion and politics come to mind), they’re in the middle of the fray. Not so with me. When it comes to “flight or fight,” I’m content to leave the room or become an unobtrusive bystander so I can avoid getting involved. But as I write this, I am aware of a number of places in the world where multitudes of people don’t have that luxury. has delegated to us both the power brothers as one and the task of binding the evils of violence and persecution while looslove is the fulfillment would treat a “gentile or a tax colening the burdens of oppression. of the law.” — Romans 13:10 lector.” The normal Who is my “neighbor”? What human response, is my responsibility toward him and perfectly legal or her? What does the law of love solution, would call for in this situation? How can be to cast him out I contribute a voice of compassion of the community and reason amid the insanity of altogether. public demonstrations, obnoxious But throughout blog posts, and general misinforthe Gospel, Jesus ate with tax mation? Is there some action I can The United Nations reports collectors and healed Gentiles, reand should take? that the number of citizens forced storing their dignity through love The first step, according to to flee their homes due to civil and kindness. the psalmist, is to “harden not unrest and criminal activity has Whatever one’s political leanyour hearts” to the Lord’s voice or climbed to 50 million — half ings or opinions, it serves us well to toward those who are suffering. of them children — the highest view our current issues regarding Jesus does not give me the option number since World War II. refugees and immigration by asking of “unobtrusive bystander”; I am As with the current refugee the same questions implied in the already involved by being a memcrisis at our own borders, there Gospel — remembering that Jesus ber of his body. are no easy or perfect solutions, so the responses generally range QUESTIONS: from moral paralysis to rancorous What has been your own attitude toward migrants, refugees, and argument. victims of human trafficking? How is the Lord calling you to act Today’s Gospel instructs us to treat recalcitrant, unrepentant according to his law of love? September 14, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Cycle A Readings: “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house … to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 2:5 1) Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 2) Romans 13:8-10 Gospel) Matthew 18:15-20 By Sharon K. Perkins I “Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, 1) Numbers 21:4b-9 Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-38 2) Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel) John 3:13-17 By Jean Denton common sight on televised sporting events is the “Jn 3:16” sign. You see it held aloft in the crowd behind home plate or waving beside the “Go Big Red” placard in the end zone. Practicing Christians know it refers to the Bible passage in the Gospel of John that says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” One can only assume that the people displaying the sign are A well-meaning, would-be evangelists who want to give witness to this tenet of Christian faith before millions of television viewers. Good idea, as far as it goes. But non-believers and marginal believers, while they may know that “Jn 3:16” is a verse in the Bible, don’t know its meaning. PAGE 40 So just holding up this combination of letters and numbers for the cameras isn’t a very effective way to call people to faith. So why don’t they just hold up a cross? After all, it’s a universally recognized symbol of death and resurrection. Believers and nonbelievers, atheists and agnostics all know what it means. The Scriptures for this weekend call us to the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross.” In fact, the Gospel reading is John 3:16 — that describes the saving grace of this symbol: that the Son of God paid with his death the price to free humankind from its NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC sinfulness. One look at the cross says it all. It reminds us of our sin and Jesus’ sacrificial act of love. It does call us to faith. In the Old Testament, God similarly called people to faith through a powerful symbol. He told Moses to lift up an image of a serpent to remind the people of the serpents that were sent to punish them for their complaints against God. If they looked upon the serpent, recognizing the consequences of their sins, they would be saved. Although we rarely see the cross held up at sporting events for the TV cameras, Christians aren’t shy about displaying it. It calls us to faith in a God who is good and loves us mightily. One look at the cross says it all. QUESTIONS: What do you think of and feel when you look upon the cross? How does it call you to faith? SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE September 21,Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near.” — Isaiah 55:6 1) Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 2) Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Gospel) Matthew 20:1-16a By Jean Denton ur daughter was not pleased the day she found out her dad had offered her brother a guitar if he got a B average on his report card. He already had the guitar in hand by the time she learned of his good fortune. “Huh! Reeeally?” she remarked in a voice loud enough to be sure her parents picked up her icy tone. Then she just tossed aside all subtlety and noted straight out to us that she’d never been offered a nice incentive for good grades. We knew that as well as we O September 28, Twentysixth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: 1) Ezekiel 18:25-28 Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14 2) Philippians 2:1-11 Gospel) Matthew 21:28-32 By Jeff Hedglen learned a great life lesson in a defensive driving class a number of years ago. The instructor had us each introduce ourselves and say what brought us to the class — why we got a ticket. At the end of the introductions she commented that many said it was not fair that they were ticketed. She went on to say that whenever her children complained that life was not fair, she would have them read their birth certificate — every word of it. Then she would ask them: “Does the word I knew she had never needed any outside motivation to achieve her academic potential. Brother did. The incentive actually helped him become a more diligent student. He also appreciated his father’s generosity and still cherishes that first guitar. But all his sister could see was that she never got an extra reward for her grades. The parable in this week’s Gospel asks the same rhetorical question my husband could have asked our daughter: “Are you envious because I am generous?” Most people have difficulty with this parable. It runs counter to our human concept of justice, especially the commonly held value of “a day’s pay for a day’s work.” The landowner paid those who worked only an hour the same amount as those who had toiled a full day. He realized they needed to feed their families, too. It would take several years’ maturity before our daughter got over that guitar. But eventually she recognized occasions when she herself was the exclusive object of her father’s generosity. Then she understood that we provided for each of our children according to their unique abilities, interests, and challenges. Jesus’ parable reveals that God gives us not only what is just, but more — what we need. Isaiah explains this divine quality of generosity: “So high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” What does one say to the grumbling laborers, or the pouty daughter? Isaiah says, “Seek the Lord while he is near.” That is, rather than being envious of another’s reward, look to God in our own intimate relationship with Him where his generosity is found in gifts unique to our needs. QUESTIONS: When have you been envious of the blessings someone else has received? How has God provided for you in a way that is unique to your need? St. Paul’s letter to the can see it clearly in this week’s Philippians is a beautiful expresreadings. In the passage from sion of the personification of the Ezekiel, the people complain that mercy of God: God emptying God is not fair. Himself and taking the form of God replies by saying, basically, that it is not a human so that we all might be saved in the name of Jesus. his fault that we “Remember Mercy is a hard thing for suffer when we your compassion many of us to accept. We like to sin; try not sinand your mercy, “do it on our own” and “pull ourning and see how selves up by our bootstraps.” But things turn out. O Lord.” when it comes to eternal life and A perfect — Psalm 25:6 forgiveness of sins, there are no follow-up to this bootstraps strong enough to pull comes in the us up. Instead, all we need to do is psalmist’s response, “Remember get to our knees and confess that your mercies, O Lord.” I don’t Jesus Christ is our Lord. ‘fair’ appear anywhere on that piece know about you, but when I sin I Then everything that, in usually say to God, “Okay, I just of paper?” Of course it does not. fairness, we have coming to us is messed up, but remember how Fairness aside, the fact is washed away in a flood of mercy. merciful you are?” we would prefer mercy. Yes, my classmates and I really wished the police officer had had mercy on us, but instead we were facing the QUESTIONS: consequences of our actions. How have you experienced the mercy of God? Have you ever felt that This same scenario plays out life was not fair? How did you face that? in our relationship with God. We PAGE 41 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE October 5, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: “He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! For justice, but hark, the outcry!” — Isaiah 5:7b 1) Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20 2) Philippians 4:6-9 Gospel) Matthew 21:33-43 By Sharon K. Perkins n my back patio I have several pots of herbs that I use for cooking. While I’m pretty good at keeping them alive in spring and fall, the intense heat waves of summer and cold snaps of winter tend to wipe them out, forcing me to plant them anew each spring. One of my favorite herbs is cilantro, so last spring I prepared a shallow clay pot with good soil, a generous sprinkling of seed and plant food, and I waited … and waited … for the outcome. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a miniscule cilantro seedling inundated by last year’s moss roses. Although I had to O start over and reseed, I now have two crops: a blooming moss rose and a thriving cilantro plant. This week’s first reading and the Gospel begin in similar fashion: a vintner with the dream of a thriving, productive vineyard, and a caretaker of the vine who seemingly does everything right but for whom things go terribly wrong. In the first case, “the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,” who repeatedly disappoints the One who planted them. The expected yield of justice is supplanted by a bitter crop of violence and bloodshed. In the second case, the outcome is even worse. Not only do the tenants withhold the expected v vintage, but they also assault the owner’s servants and murder his son for their own gain. One gets the sense that the prophet Isaiah’s warning is still falling on deaf ears, and Jesus’ version of the parable unmistakably carries the QUESTIONS: Have you had an experience of doing everything right but getting an unexpectedly bad result? How can you persevere in peace and good works despite suffering and discouragement? October 12, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: 1) Isaiah 25:6-10a Psalm 23:1-6 2) Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 Gospel) Matthew 22:1-14 By Jean Denton s I walked down the road on a July morning, I stopped to talk to a neighbor who happened to be picking wild blackberries along the fence. I don’t even know this woman’s name, but we’ve met on the road and exchanged greetings for years. Although she’s stooped with age, her quick, kind smile and soft voice indicate a gentle soul. “It looks like you’ve found some ripe ones,” I called out. She showed me a handful of plump berries she held in a small plastic container. “These are for A “Everything is ready; come to the feast.”— Matthew 22:4 Tom — he likes them with his breakfast. Do you know Tom?” Yes, I do. Tom is another older neighbor. He’s suffering from a terminal pulmonary disease. My friend stood there smiling down on her little banquet of berries and thinking of Tom. She wore clean cotton slacks and a pressed, sky-blue blouse PAGE 42 pointed message that “enough is enough.” Time for an alternate plan of mercy — the restoration of the Lord’s vineyard. We who are grafted onto the vineyard of Israel are the Lord’s servants, and we have been given that same vineyard to tend with the expectation of fruitfulness. We have been “chosen from the world,” a privilege that also carries a high probability of discouragement. Yet St. Paul tells us to “have no anxiety at all” but to persevere by Christ’s example. God’s plan for his people Israel may be deferred but not thwarted entirely. He mercifully restores life to his vineyard, where both the ancient stock and the new growth will thrive and bear fruit together. under a striped apron. Everything in her countenance told me she was properly “dressed” for a generous feast offered by the Lord as described in this weekend’s Scriptures. In the Gospel, Jesus uses a parable of a wedding feast to speak to us about being not only willing but also ready to receive the bountiful goodness God has for us. Jesus tells how a king invites people to a rich banquet, yet the invitation is ignored or rejected. When he extends the guest list, one attendee at the sumptu- ous table isn’t appropriately dressed for such a grand offering. In other words, he is unprepared to appreciate it or use it to truly celebrate and share in its goodness. This was not at all what the king had in mind for his feast. He tosses him out. The reading from Isaiah explains that the Lord provides “for all people” a rich feast that promises to destroy death forever. That is, the Gospel points out, for those who are prepared to accept it properly — to celebrate and share in God’s life. My neighbor, seeing God’s little feast on the side of the road, accepted the invitation, attired herself in love and concern for her friend Tom, picked the ripe berries, and joyously shared their goodness. QUESTIONS: How would you describe the fare at the banquet God has provided for you? How can you prepare yourself to worthily celebrate and share these blessings? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE “It is I who arm you … so that toward the rising and October 19, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me.” — Isaiah 45:5-6 1) Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b Gospel) Matthew 22:15-21 By Jean Denton ’ve always admired educators, especially those skilled in teaching children. So I enjoy hearing Ellen, a middle school librarian, talk about her vocation. Highly respected by school administrators and her peers, Ellen is particularly committed to inspiring a love for reading and literature in her young learners. She’s been at it for more than 20 years. She especially loves her current school, a public middle school in a low-income neighborhood. Many of her students come from dysfunctional families or homes struggling with poverty or other difficult circumstances. The I city’s largest family shelter is in her school’s attendance zone. She told me that being there gives her an opportunity to be available in a more personal way to individual young teens and preteens who have serious social and emotional needs. She listens to their troubles and tries to provide comfort as a friend. She’s a mentor for some whose parents aren’t capable of helping them negotiate a teenager’s challenges of learning responsibility and making choices. Ellen also has enlisted friends October 26, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A. Readings: QUESTIONS: What are your own challenges in balancing your secular involvements with your faith life? What do you consider your most important responsibilities to God? In Exodus we read how God hears the cry of the oppressed and that we had better not be the oppressors or things will not go well for us. God uses pretty strong language to call those who follow Him to be compassionate as He is. Some might say that the Old Testament God is different from the New Testament God. In a way, they are right. In the New Testament, God is compassionate from afar, as in the Old Testament, but He also is compassionate in person — the person of Jesus. This personified compas- “I will surely hear their cry.” — Exodus 22:22 1) Exodus 22:20-26 Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10 Gospel) Matthew 22:34-40 By Jeff Hedglen s I write this, there is a war of words, ideologies, and policy opinions raging on news and social media over the crisis of women and children crossing the border into the U.S. from Central America. The issue is, of course, bigger than this current news cycle, and it has been going on for many years. I have been listening to what I thought were all sides of this issue, and I was not sure what to think, but things crystalized when I read this week’s Scriptures and saw God’s opinion. The readings kick off with in her church community to help provide clothing and toiletries for individual youngsters at her school who otherwise would have to do without. Although she works for a statesupported school, she feels no conflict in responding to a more important call of her Christian faith by serving those children in need. In this weekend’s Gospel, the Pharisees try to get Jesus to incriminate himself by choosing between loyalty to God or Caesar. He confounds their plot by saying that although these are two distinct loyalties, a person A this from Exodus: “Thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.’” I remembered making a family tree when I was in grade school, and I learned that my family is from Ireland and France. Not exactly Egypt, but point taken! PAGE 43 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC should be responsible to each without forsaking the other: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” In this way my friend Ellen balances two different vocations at once. She is a consummate professional who gives her school district everything she has as an educator: engaging instruction, discipline, strong organizational skills, and careful student evaluation. But her greater role of supporting, encouraging, and caring for certain children in her school community is defined by her relationship with Christ. “I know,” she said with conviction, “that this is exactly where God wants me to be. Being there for these kids is something I’m meant to do.” sion of God tells us in this week’s Gospel that we must do this: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. These words from God may be hard to hear and even harder to put into action. But the other two readings give us some direction on how to proceed. St. Paul tells us to imitate the leaders of our church and God. We should all read the bishops’ statements on immigration and strive to be as compassionate as God. The psalm response shows us how to pray. Close your eyes and say: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” And while you are at it, pray for all these people who feel the need to flee their homeland. May the Lord, and we, have mercy on them all. QUESTIONS: What can you do to fulfill the command of God to love your neighbor as yourself? What is the most challenging part of this week’s readings for you? How will you respond? SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 NUESTRO PASTOR HABLA Con el crecimiento de nuestro diócesis, se nos pide desarrollar un corazón apostólico H AN SUCEDIDO TANTAS COSAS QUE ES MUY Al discernir de esta manera, DIFÍCIL PARA MÍ ADMITIR QUE HAN PASADO SEIS MESES DESDE MI ORDENACIÓN E INSTALACIÓN OBISPO DE FORT WORTH. Los clérigos, religiosos y laicos me han conmovido con su celo y amor por su fe católica. Mis visitas a las parroquias, escuelas, a los ministerios en campos universitarios y a otros ministerios, han reafirmado la gentil evaluación que me ofreció el señor Arzobispo Carlo Maria Viganò, el Nuncio Apostólico, al final de la liturgia de ordenación celebrada con 10,000 personas en el Centro de convenciones de Fort Worth, el 29 de enero de 2014: “Compartiré con el Santo Padre que la Iglesia en Fort Worth está verdaderamente viva y floreciente”. El alcance de la declaración del Nuncio adquirió un significado más profundo cuando revisé los reportes demográficos sobre la población actual y el proyectado crecimiento dentro de la diócesis, especialmente en los condados de Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Wise y Parker. Mientras el número estimado de personas (de católicos en particular) que vendrán a vivir en la Diócesis de Fort Worth indica un crecimiento rápido, este crecimiento sólo puede considerarse abrumador si lo vemos sin fe o sin esperanza. Si lo vemos como un problema y no como un llamado del Señor a compartir nuestra fe, a propagar el Evangelio, a promover vocaciones sacerdotales, a tender la mano a los pobres, a dar la bienvenida al inmigrante; y a recibir los dones que nuestros hermanos nos ofrecen al trabajar juntos para establecer nuevas parroquias, escuelas y para fortalecer nuestros ministerios existentes. Esta buena noticia de nuestro crecimiento en número, informará y guiará el plan pastoral que urgentemente se requiere para cubrir las necesidades de nuestra Iglesia local. Intento emprender la formación de este plan con una legítima consulta pastoral que nos motive a actuar y no con un proceso consultivo per se COMO Dios pedirá a cada uno desarrollar un corazón apostólico y dar de nosotros mismos alegre y generosamente para atender las necesidades pastorales de los recién llegados a la Diócesis de Fort Worth. que nos paralice. El tiempo es lo esencial. La formación e implementación de tal plan, sólo puede empezar después de que, con gratitud, hagamos un inventario de los muchos dones que Dios nos ha concedido para crecer para bien de la misión de evangelización. Esta misión debe impulsar nuestras instituciones diocesanas, no lo contrario. La formación e implementación de un plan pastoral nos llama a todos y cada uno de nosotros a sacrificarnos por difundir el Evangelio en las áreas en desarrollo en nuestra diócesis. Al discernir de esta manera, Dios pedirá a cada uno — clérigos, religiosos y laicos — desarrollar un corazón apostólico y dar de nosotros mismos alegre y generosamente para atender las necesidades pastorales de los recién llegados a la Diócesis de Fort Worth. Cada uno de nosotros debe estar preparado para sacrificarse por el bien de otros. Esta disposición caritativa nos capacita para continuar evangelizando a los miembros de nuestra sociedad que no pertenecen a la Iglesia así como a los que han sido iniciados pero no están suficientemente PÁGINA 44 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC El Monseñor Michael F. Olson, STD, MA, fue ordenado e instalado como el cuarto obispo de la DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH el 29 de enero del 2014. Fue ordenado como sacerdote en 1994. catequizados en lo esencial de nuestra fe. Esta generosidad debe ser dirigida especialmente a las prioridades del discipulado, que incluye: ayudar a los pobres, orar y activamente animar las vocaciones sacerdotales y religiosas, y formar catequística y espiritualmente a nuestra juventud y a los jóvenes adultos en la vida sacramental. El Señor nos confía una parte especial en su misión de evangelizar. Le pido a cada uno orar para agradecerle este regalo y pedirle su sabiduría para guiar la decisión que cada uno de nosotros hará para trabajar por difundir el Evangelio y por el crecimiento sólido y vigoroso de su Iglesia. ¡Cuánto nos ha bendecido Dios al vivir y servirlo en estos tiempos! + MONSEÑOR MICHAEL F. OLSON, STD, MA OBISPO DE LA DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 Diócesis se prepara para dar la bienvenida a cientos de miles de católicos nuevos al Norte de Texas Por Juan Guajardo Corresponsal El número de católicos en los 28 condados de la Diócesis de Fort Worth se ha ido al cielo, y muchos más están llegando al Norte de Texas, de acuerdo a las predicciones demográficas. Este brusco crecimiento es reciente. Cuando el Papa Pablo VI separó la Diócesis de Fort Worth de la Diócesis de Dallas-Fort Worth en 1969, la población católica llegaba apenas 67,000. Para 1986, la diócesis había duplicado su población a 120,000 católicos. Desde entonces, la diócesis ha crecido rápidamente a unos 720,000 católicos hoy en día, y se pronostica un millón para un futuro no muy lejano. “Esta es una buena noticia”, dijo el Obispo Michael Olson, “y es necesario que todos entendamos que responder a este crecimiento es responsabilidad de cada persona e institución de servicio en la diócesis”. Para ayudar a la diócesis a prepararse para el crecimiento y a manejar el mismo, se ha llamado a expertos laicos locales y a líderes diocesanos para que, junto con expertos planificadores profesionales, desarrollen una estrategia para el crecimiento. “Esto no es una crisis, sino una oportunidad para todos en la Diócesis de Fort Worth para evangelizar”, observa el Obispo Olson. La planeación para el crecimiento ha sido continua desde 2009 cuando la diócesis comisionó un estudio para observar las tendencias de población, la composición demográfica de la diócesis y para evaluar las recomendaciones de los líderes parroquiales y diocesanos. Armados con recomendaciones del estudio hecho en 2009 por Meitler Consultants, en los últimos años nos hemos sacudido el polvo. En el 2012 se abrió una nueva escuela en Frisco. La Parroquia de Santo Tomás Apóstol en Fort Worth está en proceso de cambiarse a un sitio más grande y mejor ubicado en Saginaw. La Parroquia de San Marcos en Denton se cambiará al sur para servir mejor a la población católica. Y se estableció la Parroquia de San Juan Pablo II para servir a las comunidades universitarias de Denton. Las proyecciones de Meitler indican que serán necesarias 12 ó 14 nuevas parroquias en los próximos 20 años para mantenerse al ritmo de crecimiento de la diócesis. Este crecimiento también creará la necesidad de más escuelas católicas. Mientras la diócesis carecía de obispo, Meitler Consultants actualizaba y verificaba los datos de 2009. El reporte actualizado concluyó que el crecimiento de la diócesis se aceleraría si la economía en el Norte de Texas continuaba prosperando. En la fase de “crecimiento excepcional”, el reto causa temor: continuar sirviendo las necesidades de 720,000 fieles que ya están aquí, para que puedan rendir culto en lugares seguros e inspiradores, adecuadamente provistos de sacerdotes y religiosos, al mismo tiempo que se erigen nuevas parroquias y se consiguen los sacerdotes y religiosos necesarios para servir apropiadamente a los nuevos católicos del Norte de Texas. “Ahora, en general, sabemos dónde es necesario erigir las parroquias, pero necesitamos ayuda para determinar el mejor lugar para las nuevas parroquias, y si se necesita mover algunas ya existentes o mejorarlas de algún modo”, dijo el obispo. El proceso de dónde, cuándo y cómo empezar una nueva parroquia requiere extensa planeación, investigación y discusión para “asegurar que se consulta con todas la voces implicadas”. Este esfuerzo asegura que alineamos nuestra necesidad de ladrillos y mezcla con los programas para vocaciones y evangelización y con el cuidado de los pobres”, explicó el obispo. “Queremos estar seguros que al situar una parroquia no excluimos a ningún grupo, especialmente los que están en desventaja económica”. PÁGINA 45 Foto por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC El Padre Antony Mathew, TOR, párroco de la Parroquia de Santo Tomás Apóstol en Fort Worth celebra la primera Misa en el sitio donde la nueva iglesia se construirá. Porque cuesta millones establecer o trasladar una parroquia o escuela nueva, los líderes diocesanos buscaron consejo y asesoramiento. El consejo lo proporciona un nuevo grupo consultivo, el Subcomité diocesano de tierras. Está desarrollando una estrategia de tres pasos: Acometer las necesidades inmediatas, abordar las necesidades en los próximos tres a cinco años y prever las necesidades para los siguientes cinco a 15 años. Buxton Company situada en Fort Worth, es la reconocida firma de expertos en demografía y selección de sitios que complementará al Subcomité de tierras. “Todo esto junto” explica el Obispo Olson, “significa que nuestros planes son comprensivos — incluyen todos los componentes — no incrementales — añaden a cada paso. “Hemos aprendido que para proveer las necesidades espirituales del vertiginoso aumento de la comunidad católica debemos pensar “fuera de la caja”, explicó el obispo, “pero no podemos pensar ‘fuera de la Iglesia’. “No podemos empezar al mismo tiempo todas las nuevas parroquias que se necesitan. La información obtenida nos ayudará a establecer prioridades. Todas las parroquias propuestas son importantes; pero, cuál es la más urgente, y cuál tiene NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 la mejor posibilidad de crecimiento”? Buxton es un reconocida industria líder en “analizar la situación de su clientela”. Desde 1994, más de 3,000 organizaciones de reventa, cuidado médico, mercancía empaquetada, inversiones privadas y del sector público seleccionan a Buxton para que guíe sus estrategias de crecimiento. Buxton describe sus servicios como ayudar a sus clientes a entender cuál es su clientela, dónde están localizados y el valor que cada cliente trae a la organización. “Esta es una compañía que ustedes usarían si tuvieran un restaurante o una tienda de departamentos, un Lowe’s o Dillard’s” explicó Peter Flynn, Vicecanciller de Servicios administrativos. “Buxton aconsejaría a su compañía, ‘Ésta es un área de crecimiento, dónde deberíamos establecer la tienda’? Buxton se especializa en este tipo de colocación. “La diócesis está utilizando la amplia capacidad de Buxton para determinar donde deberíamos situar nuestras parroquias, escuelas y otras instalaciones diocesanas para servir a los miembros de esta diócesis”. Flynn dijo que la diócesis desarrolla una iniciativa estratégica para las parroquias, tanto las que ya existen como las futuras y otros sitios. Los planes preliminares estarán completos entre octubre y diciembre de este año. El Obispo Olson se esfuerza por obtener un “claro consenso sobre cuál es el siguiente paso correcto hacia mover una parroquia o establecer una nueva para bien de la misión de la Iglesia — lo cual incluye la santificación del pueblo de Dios, la formación en la fe y una manera especial de vivir la Buena Nueva. Mi esperanza es que el resultado de todo esto inspire la evangelización y ayude a reconocer y estimular el crecimiento y desarrollo en la vida de nuestra fiel población”. La estrategia de crecimiento también dará impulso al plan pastoral de la diócesis. NOTICIAS El Papa Francisco pide una acción internacional para ayudar a los cristianos perseguidos en Irak Instituto Juan Pablo II abrirá nuevas secciones El Instituto Juan Pablo II, el programa diocesano para la formación de ministros laicos, abrirá nuevas secciones este septiembre en dos locales. Las secciones nuevas en español tendrán lugar en la Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Denton a el primero y tercer martes del mes por la tarde, y en el Centro católico diocesano a el cuarto sábado del mes por la mañana y la tarde. Para más información visite www. fwdioc.org/pages/instituto-de-juanpablo-2-mas o llame al Padre Carmelo Mele, OP, el director del instituto a 817-560-2452, ext. 262. Mecanismos para reportar conducta sexual inapropiada Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada por parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle un correo electrónico a [email protected] ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 Mecanismo para reportar abuso Llamar al Departamento de servicios para la familia y de protección del estado de Texas (Servicios de protección al menor) al número: (800) 252-5400. Una mujer y su niño huyen de la violencia de las fuerzas leales al E STADO I SL ÁMICO en Sinjar, Irak, el 10 de agosto. (CNS F OTO / R ODI S AID , R EUTER S) Por Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — El Papa Francisco les pidió a los católicos del mundo que recen por las decenas de miles de cristianos que habitan la parte noreste de Irak y que fueron obligados a abandonar sus casas a media noche por las fuerzas militantes de ISIS, siglas que representan el Estado Islámico de Levante de Irak. El Papa también “hizo una urgente apelación a la conciencia de la comunidad internacional a fin de que se presenten iniciativas con las que se ponga fin a la tragedia humanitaria suscitada, y para dar los pasos necesarios para la protección de los que se ven amenazados por la violencia y sumidos en ella, a fin de hacerles llegar la ayuda necesaria para tantas personas desplazadas cuyo destino depende de la solidaridad de otros”, dijo el vocero del Vaticano el 7 de agosto. El Padre Federico Lombardi, SJ, vocero, les dijo a los periodistas que el Papa apelaba “a la conciencia de todo mundo y de todos los creyentes”, repitiendo lo que ya había dicho el 20 de julio, después de que por algo similar se vieron forzados los cristianos a salir de Mosul: “Que el Dios de paz haga que crezca en todos un deseo auténtico inclinado al diálogo PÁGINA 46 y a la reconciliación. La violencia no se destierra con violencia. La violencia se destierra con la paz. Oremos en silencio y pidamos por la paz”. La noche del 6 al 7 de agosto, militantes pertenecientes a ISIS atacaron la población de Karakosh, de predominancia cristiana y otras poblaciones de la provincia de Ninevah, dijo el Patriarca Caldeo Louis Sako de Bagdad. “Los cristianos, unos 100,000, horrorizados y en pánico, tuvieron que abandonar su población y hogar respectivo sin poder llevarse nada, más que la ropa puesta”. En su apelación, el patriarca describió la escena como “éxodo, un verdadero ‘vía crucis’. Multitud de cristianos ve vieron obligados a caminar a pie en medio del calor abrasador del verano de Irak” para dirigirse a la parte de Kurdistán. “Están expuestos a una catástrofe inhumana y al riesgo terrible de genocidio. Necesitan agua, comida y techo”. El gobierno central de Irak parece incapaz de proteger a sus propios ciudadanos, dijo el patriarca, y no existe ni cooperación ni coordinación con el gobierno regional. Karakosh albergaba una cifra calculada de 50,000 cristianos. El poblado se encuentra a unas 20 millas de Mosul, que fue capturado por los militantes de ISIS desde junio pasado. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 Causa de santidad abierta para hermana que sirvió en frontera ALBUQUERQUE, Nuevo México (CNS) — El Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe ha recibido permiso del Vaticano para abrir una causa de santidad para una miembro de las Hermanas de la caridad de Cincinnati que ministró en la frontera suroeste durante las décadas de 1870 y 1880. La Hermana Blandina Segale trabajó con los pobres y los inmigrantes y su ministerio entre esos grupos hace más de 140 años es igual de relevante hoy día, dijo el Arzobispo Michael J. Sheehan de Santa Fe. Es la primera vez en los más de 400 años de historia de la Iglesia Católica en Nuevo México que se emite un decreto abriendo una causa de canonización. Ahora que la causa de Hna. Blandina se ha abierto oficialmente, ella ha recibido el título de “Sierva de Dios”. Nacida el 23 de enero de 1850 en Cicagna, Italia, su familia emigró hacia Cincinnati cuando ella tenía 4 años de edad. A la edad de 16 años ella entró en las Hermanas de la caridad de Cincinnati y en 1872 fue enviada a trabajar en los recién adquiridos territorios de Estados Unidos en el oeste. Llegando primero a Trinidad, Colorado, enseñó a los pobres. En 1877 fue enviada a Santa Fe, donde cofundó escuelas públicas y católicas. “Otras virtudes heroicas incluyen su incansable trabajo enseñando y sanando a los inmigrantes, a los marginados, a los pobres y en defensa de las mujeres y los niños”, dice un comunicado de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe. “Ella desafió el gobierno y la milicia de ocupación a favor del trato justo de los nativoamericanos. Hna. Blandina ayudó a los trabajadores ferroviarios maltratados, encontrando tiempo para cuidar de los enfermos mientras construía orfanatos, hospitales, escuelas y escuelas técnicas”. Hna. Blandina murió a los 91 años de edad el 24 de febrero de 1941 en Cincinnati en la casa madre de las Hermanas de la caridad. PENSAMIENTOS DE UN PREDICADOR Porque la dignidad humana nos prohíbe el suicidio con la ayuda médica POR EL PADRE CARMELO MELE, OP NO HACE MUCHO HUBO UNA CONVERSACIÓN EN LA RADIO SOBRE EL SUICIDIO CON LA AYUDA MÉDICA. PARECIÓ QUE TODOS LOS PARTICIPANTES ESTABAN A FAVOR DEL CONCEPTO CON LA MODERADORA FACILITANDO LA PRESENTACIÓN DE SUS RAZONES. Repitieron las palabras “la muerte con dignidad” como la clave para justificar la toma de vida propia. Porque la práctica del suicidio con la ayuda médica puede llevar a la sociedad a consecuencias desastrosas, vale la pena examinar el reclamo de “la muerte con dignidad”. ¿QUÉ ES “LA DIGNIDAD HUMANA”? En nuestro tiempo cuando mucha gente vive más de 80 años, a veces en condiciones severamente debilitadas, nos preguntamos de qué consiste “la dignidad humana”. ¿Es tener la buena salud física, la capacidad de pensar y comunicar, o, tal vez, una combinación de las dos? Vamos a ver cómo la dignidad humana puede sobrepasar estas capacidades. Para nosotros cristianos católicos la dignidad humana proviene de ser creado en la imagen de Dios. Por supuesto, esta condición no involucra nada físico, al menos en la primera instancia. Pues Dios es espíritu puro. Tiene que ser una semejanza espiritual que compartimos con Dios que nos hace sus imágenes. Porque Jesucristo nos presenta la imagen perfecta de Dios, podemos aprender lo que significa “imagen de Dios” por examinar su vida. Entonces, ¿qué puede ser la semejanza más que la capacidad para amar? Jesús nos enseñó el amor perfecto cuando dio su vida por nosotros pecadores. Nosotros, siempre limitados, no podemos amar con toda su entrega. Sin embargo, en cuanto evitemos el egoísmo en nuestro amor, la imagen de Dios se perfecciona en nosotros. Sigue que la dignidad humana no es nada estático sino cambia. Esto quiere decir que todos tenemos una dignidad básica simplemente por tener la capacidad de amar y que esta dignidad crece en cuanto la persona ame como Cristo. (A propósito, porque no somos espíritus puros sino dependientes del cuerpo, nuestra capacidad de amar involucra tanto el cuerpo como el alma.) Los humanistas no cristianos hallan la fuente de la dignidad humana por otro rumbo. Sus razones complementan lo que creemos nosotros y sirven como la base de un principio universal. Porque los seres humanos pueden reflexionar y comunicar, tienen una dignidad que sobrepasa todas las otras criaturas del mundo. La dignidad vista en esta manera tampoco es estática sino crece con el aporte que la persona contribuya al bien de todos. La maestra que se dedica a sí misma para la educación de los niños, por ejemplo, se considera que más dignidad que el buscador de fortuna que desea mayormente su propia riqueza. CÓMO SE AUMENTA LA DIGNIDAD HUMANA Porque somos seres sociales con responsabilidad de apoyar la sociedad, y no puramente individuos singulares, se prohíbe el suicidio. Debemos a los demás al menos nuestra existencia que sirve como prueba del valor de cada ser humano. Cuando la vida se debilita — tal vez por sufrir la pérdida de la memoria — seguramente queda la dignidad humana básica. Pues, esta dignidad no es atada a la condición física. De hecho, la persona ya tiene la oportunidad de aumentar la dignidad por sufrir con la paciencia atestiguando aún más el valor de la vida y también la maravilla de la virtud. Se quiere preguntar si la pérdida de la mente significa el término de la vida de modo que sea lícito remover comida y bebida que sostienen la vida física. Pero aun si la persona no manifestara el poder de pensar y comunicar, no es cierto que no pueda o, en otras palabras, que el alma haya separado del cuerpo. Lo esencial en circunstancias como éstas no es que nos preocupemos de la dignidad del enfermo sino de la nuestra. ¡Qué no dejemos la oportunidad de mostrar y aumentar nuestra dignidad como personas humanas por rehusar a ayudar al enfermo! PÁGINA 47 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC El Padre Carmelo Mele, de la ORDEN DE PREDICADORES (LOS DOMINICOS), ordenado como sacerdote en 1980, es el director del INSTITUTO JUAN PABLO II y de la CATEQUESIS PARA ADULTOS HISPANOS de la DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH. DOS AÑADIDURAS PARA CONSIDERARSE Deberíamos añadir dos cosas. Primero, no es siempre necesario mantener todo el apoyo para sostener la vida hasta el último latido del corazón y respiro de los pulmones. De hecho, es posible que seguir alimentando a un moribundo le haga daño. Cuando es cierto que la vida está por terminar, es permisible quitar la respiradora, la sonda de alimentación, u otro aparato que se haya vuelto una carga. Segundo, aunque no es permisible tomar la vida de otra persona o ayudarla tomar su propia vida, si el enfermo quiere aliviarse de dolor, se puede darle un analgésico como la morfina aunque tenga como efecto segundario la aceleración de la muerte. La Iglesia ha tomado una posición fuerte contra el suicidio con ayuda médica. Es preocupada por el destino de los hombres y mujeres que piden tal ayuda contradictoria. Con aún más preocupación prevé la posibilidad que muchos enfermos y ancianos sin su consentimiento serían ultimados por la falta de la honradez de parte de familias o médicos. Este tipo de abuso surge como una eventualidad al momento que una sociedad dé su espalda a la toma de vida de una persona por otra. Ciertamente cuesta vivir con dolor o ver a sí mismo perdiendo la capacidad de pensar y comunicar. Sin embargo, como seguidores de Cristo tenemos otro motivo para hacerlo que muestra la suprema dignidad humana. Cuando toleramos cualquiera dificultad con la paciencia, imitamos a nuestro salvador y compartimos con él, por la gracia divina, en la redención del mundo. Se ha revelado este misterio en la Carta a los Colosenses (1,24) como la implicación de ser miembro de su cuerpo, la Iglesia. SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 El Arzobispo Miller de Vancouver, será este año el orador principal en la UDMC Por Nicki Prevou Corresponsal El Arzobispo J. Michael Miller de Vancouver, anterior secretario de la Congregación para la educación católica del Vaticano, será el orador principal en la octava Conferencia para los ministerios de la Universidad de Dallas (UDMC) programada para octubre 23-25 en el Centro de convenciones de Irving. El viernes 24 de octubre en la tarde en Español, el Arzobispo Miller tratará sobre la exhortación apostólica Evangelii Gaudium, (La alegría del Evangelio), y su importancia en el ministerio y la educación católica contemporánea. Este año la conferencia se extenderá a tres días, empezando la tarde del jueves 23 de octubre. Esto permitirá ofrecer más talleres que en años anteriores. Los Obispos Michael Olson de Foto courtesía del Archidiócesis de Vancouver El Arzobispo J. Michael Miller Fort Worth y Kevin Farrell de Dallas, en una carta conjunta dirigida a todos los católicos del área, invitan a más gente a participar en el evento. “La conferencia es una magnífica oportunidad para que la formación continua dé nueva vida a los que trabajamos en la Iglesia hoy en día, y así podamos ayudar mejor a las personas que servimos, a entender más profundamente su fe católica y a crecer espiritualmente”. escribieron los obispos. “Los animamos a unirse a los ministros administrativos, parroquiales y educativos en esta reunión vital de tres días de formación en la fe y en el ministerio”. Durante la conferencia se ofrecerán más de 200 sesiones en Inglés, Español y Vietnamita. Las sesiones, presentadas por experimentados líderes ministeriales, cubrirán temas como formación en la fe, Sagradas Escrituras, evangelización, liturgia, justicia social, matrimonio, crianza de los hijos/parenting y vida familiar. Los oradores incluyen a Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, asistente del director de la Secretaría de diversidad cultural en la Iglesia en la Conferencia Estadounidense de obispos católicos; El Padre Virgilio Elizondo, profesor en la Universidad de Notre Dame, considerado “como el padre del pensamiento religioso del latino en los Estados Unidos”; y el Padre Alejandro Lopez-Cardinale, coordinador hispano de los procesos de RENEW International y responsable de la implementación. “La conferencia es una gran medio para que todos — no sólo los ministros profesionales — se unan en camaradería a compartir la fe y la oración con la comunidad católica del Norte de Texas”, dijo la Hermana Yolanda Cruz, SSMN, vicecanciller de Servicios a las parroquias. “Invitamos a todos a asistir. Vengan preparados para ser sumamente bendecidos, a ser mejor equipados para su ministerio, para vivir su fe y responder a su llamado bautismal”. La cuota de inscripción es $57 antes de septiembre 25, $75 antes de octubre 10 y $100 en la puerta. También hay oportunidades para patrocinar y para exponer. Para más información o para inscribirse, visite www.udallas. edu/udmc o llame al 972-721-4077. La Diócesis patrocina su primera conferencia sobre vida familiar el 1º. de noviembre Por Juan Guajardo Corresponsal A través de los años, la Diócesis de Fort Worth ha patrocinado conferencias para matrimonios, para hombres, para mujeres, hasta para madres e hijas y padres e hijos y otras muchas. Este año, la diócesis patrocinará la primera conferencia sobre vida familiar el 1º. de noviembre, Día de Todos los Santos, en la Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís en Grapevine. Chris Vaughan, director diocesano de la Oficina de matrimonio y vida familiar, dijo “Esta conferencia es para matrimonios, padres y madres solteras, madrastras, padrastros, personas divorciadas. … Queremos que esta conferencia sea para todos”. La idea básica que nos impulsa a presentar esta conferencia de un día titulada “Familias: donde se hacen los santos,” es ayudar en la diócesis a las familias y parejas casadas a entender su vocación, a obtener los medios y la información que necesitan para fortalecer a sus familias y matrimonios, y para que sepan que no están solos, dijo Marlon De La Torre, director diocesano de Catequesis. Vaughan y De La Torre dicen que en su diaria labor han notado los ataques al matrimonio y a la familia. Recibo llamadas cada semana de personas “cuyas vidas están destrozadas por el divorcio” dice Vaughan. Y De la Torre dice que los padres frecuentemente lo llaman preguntando “¿Qué podemos hacer por nuestros niños? ¿Cómo podemos evangelizarlos?” Para esto es la conferencia, para buscar respuestas a esas preguntas y soluciones a los problemas — divorcio, comunicación y la desmoralización de la sexualidad humana — que enfrentan hoy las familias y las parejas casadas. PÁGINA 48 Foto cortesía de Ray Guarendi Ray Guarendi La conferencia tendrá tres temas principales, uno presentado por el Obispo Michael Olson, y los otros dos por el Dr. Ray Guarendi, católico, popular psicólogo clínico, autor, personalidad de radio y de EWTN y padre de 10 niños. En medio de los temas principales, habrá sesiones con temas como Planificación natural familial (PNF), cómo sanar de un divorcio, NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 cómo alentar vocaciones en nuestros niños, cómo mantenerlos seguros en el Internet, la comunicación en el matrimonio, la definición de matrimonio y cómo presentar a sus niños el tema sexual. Vaughan dijo que la diócesis proveerá servicio de interpretación y los audífonos que permitan a las personas de habla Hispana escuchar en Español las pláticas principales y los temas de las otras sesiones. Los interesados en este servicio, pueden reservarlo gratis en el momento que se inscriban a la conferencia, ya que solo está disponible para 50 personas. Inscripciones para la conferencia pueden hacerse vía Internet en www. fortworthfamilylife.org, o llamando a Irma Jimenez, asistente administrativa de la Oficina de matrimonio y vida familiar, al 817-560-2452, ext. 360. El costo es $20 por persona o $30 por pareja. Compartir en ministerio tiene por meta $3 millones Por Joan Kirkowski-Guillen Corresponsal H ACE UNAS SEMANAS MIENTR AS ESCUCHABA CONFESIONES DURANTE UN RETIRO, EL PADRE JACK MCKONE RECIBIÓ UNA ATENTA PETICIÓN DE UNO DE SUS JÓVENES FELIGRESES. “Él preguntó si era posible que viniera una comunidad de religiosas a trabajar aquí. Me dijo que su presencia le ayudaba a sentir el amor de Dios”, recordó el párroco de las parroquias del Sagrado Corazón y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Wichita Falls. El Padre McKone tiene buenas noticias para ese joven y otros feligreses de la Diócesis de Fort Worth en el Decanato del Noroeste. Gracias a una concesión de Compartir en ministerio, la campaña anual del obispo, un grupo de hermanas religiosas empezará a ayudar en el ministerio Hispano a los párrocos de la region. “Pero va más allá todavía”, insiste el Padre McKone, decano del Decanato del Noroeste. “Tenemos ocho sacerdotes y 22 parroquias en una área geográfica bastante grande, y hay muchas cosas que no hacemos tan bien como quisiéramos”. Al ayudar con estudios bíblicos, formación catequética, preparación de quinceañeras y consejería familiar, las hermanas serán una “presencia pastoral” en todo el decanato. Las hermanas vivirán en el convento de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y pasarán el 75 por ciento de su tiempo sirviendo en el condado de Wichita, pero también irán a ayudar a los feligreses de Santa María en Windthorst y a otras comunidades de fe en las áreas rurales. “Cuando un sacerdote que hablaba Español celebraba las Misas en Windthorst, la asistencia era lo doble que ahora”, dijo el Padre McKone, citando el idioma y el nivel de comodidad como las razones por las que los católicos Hispanos no asisten a los servicios dominicales. “Sabemos que hay gente que necesita nuestro ministerio allá. Tenemos que esforzarnos más para proveer una presencia pastoral que los atraiga de nuevo a la Iglesia. “Compartir en ministerio proporciona los fondos para servicios y programas que impactan directamente las vidas de los católicos en el Norte de Texas. Además de las concesiones de capital y de operación otorgadas a las parroquias y escuelas en áreas necesitadas, tanto de la ciudad como rurales, la meta de $3 millones de la campaña 2014-2015, sostendrá una amplia gama de apos- tolados, programas y ministerios que servirán a los feligreses en todos los 28 condados de la Diócesis de Fort Worth. El inicio de la campaña anual está previsto para el 6 y 7 de septiembre. Los feligreses pueden hacer su compromiso en la iglesia o en línea, totalmente segura, visitando www. advancementfoundation.org y oprimiendo “Sharing in Ministry”. Dinero donado a Compartir en ministerio ayuda a Caridades católicas de Fort Worth a cumplir su mision de ayudar a los niños, las familias, los pobres y la gente sin hogar que vive en la diócesis. También financia el fondo de becas para familias de escasos recursos económicos que se esfuerzan por darles una educación católica a sus hijos. Desde el 2006, más de 4,000 familias, de las 20 escuelas católicas en la diócesis, han recibido ayuda para colegiatura. Este año, una parte del dinero de Compartir en ministerio ayudará a construir un Centro diocesano de conferencias en un terreno de tres acres donado en Newark. Se planea adquirir 10 acres más. Un edificio que existe en la propiedad donada, podría acomodar de 50 a 75 personas. “Cuando se termine, el nuevo Centro diocesano de conferencias servirá a toda la Diócesis de Fort Worth, especialmente para reuniones diurnas, retiros y entrenamientos”, explicó Paula Parrish, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación de avance de la Diócesis católica de Fort Worth. “Aumentará la habilidad de los líderes ministeriales y los educadores religiosos para estimular una auténtica y genuina comunión en nuestra fe católica. Donativos a Compartir en Ministerio harán esto posible. Compartir en Ministerio contribuirá $215,000 para este proyecto que se estima costará $3 PÁGINA 49 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC millones. “Compartir en Ministerio apoya más de 50 ministerios y programas que proveen materiales pastorales y recursos administrativos, consejería, information, educación y formación a todas las parroquias y escuelas en la diócesis”, dijo Pat Miller, directora asociada de la Fundación de avance. Cada parroquia también recibirá parte de lo que recaude la campaña para financiar sus propias necesidades. Diez por ciento del dinero recaudado en exceso de la meta de la parroquia y 50 por ciento de las contribuciones que excedan la meta total, regresará a la parroquia. La naturaleza colectiva de la campaña alcanza más allá del ámbito de una parroquia individual y apoya muchos ministerios no muy mencionados, pero sí muy necesarios. El Padre McKone es testigo de la diferencia que Compartir en Ministerio hace en las pequeñas comunidades de fe. En Crowell, hogar de 20 a 25 familias católicas, la ayuda de Compartir en Ministerio permite tener un ministro laico que prepara la iglesia para las liturgias, tales como funerales. “La iglesia ha estado allí por más de 100 años y es la única presencia católica en el condado”, explicó el Padre McKone. Compartir en Ministerio también estableció el ministerio juvenil y universitario en el condado. “Midwestern State University cuenta con una vibrante base estudiantil y este ministerio está haciendo allí un maravilloso trabajo”, dijo. Muchos de los estudiantes no tienen carro y no tienen forma de ir a la parroquia. “Tienen poco dinero y, al mismo tiempo, están en una etapa crítica en su vida de fe”, notó el sacerdote. “Así que el ministerio juvenil y universitario, auspiciado con dinero de Compartir en Ministerio, está prestando un servicio invaluable. Compartir en Ministerio une a los católicos en la Diócesis de Fort Worth en el propósito común de extender la misión de la Iglesia en el Norte de Texas. Sin ello, muchos programas y ministerios no existirían. El Obispo Michael Olson pide que en cada hogar católico de la diócesis piadosamente se considere dar un regalo a Compartir en Ministerio. “La campaña anual es necesaria para la vida de los ministerios y programas que reciben fondos cada año”, explicó. “Cada donativo a la campaña demuestra nuestra inefable gratitud por el amor que Dios nos tiene, y nuestra responsabilidad en compartir estos regalos poniéndolos al servicio de todos”. SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 PAGE 50 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 51 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Caridades católicas de Fort Worth proporciona refugio, cuidado a menores inmigrantes sin compañia Por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Corresponsal LOS NIÑOS INMIGRANTES QUE BUSCAN REFUGIO EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE LA VIOLENCIA EN SUS PROPIOS PAÍSES, ENCUENTRAN ESPERANZA Y AYUDA CARIDADES CATÓLICAS DE FORT WORTH (CCFW). Más de 57,000 jóvenes, solos, cruzaron la frontera México-Americana de octubre 2013 a junio 2014, y ese número puede aumentar hasta 90,000 para el fin de año. Sin embargo, el número de niños cruzando la frontera ha disminuido mucho en las últimas semanas. La Oficina de reubicación de refugiados del Departamento de salud y servicios humanos ha enviado algunos de estos nuevos inmigrantes al albergue de Caridades católicas en Fort Worth donde encuentran una cama, comidas nutritivas y cuidado médico. Cerca de 200 niños, el año pasado encontraron un refugio amoroso en Caridades católicas, y se estima que otros 400 podrían encontrar ayuda durante el resto del año. A solicitud de la Conferencia Estadounidense de obispos católicos, Caridades católicas de Fort Worth en junio incrementó su capacidad de 16 a 32 camas para alojar refugiados jóvenes. Cuando los niños llegan al albergue, usualmente llegan cansados, hambrientos e infestados de parásitos. EN Foto por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC El Obispo Michael Olson se dirige a miembros de la prensa en una conferencia de prensa el 15 de julio. “El ambiente que CCFW puede darles es acogedor y se parece más a un hogar. Esto hace un mundo de diferencia para estos niños”, dijo Heather Reynolds, directora ejecutiva de CCFW. “Un niño comentó qué contento estaba de tener su propia cama. Cosas sencillas a las que muchos de nosotros no damos importancia, significan un mundo para estos niños”. En una carta dirigida el 13 de julio a los católicos de la diócesis, el Obispo Michael Olson explicó la posición de la Iglesia respecto al flujo en la frontera. “Es importante para cada uno de nosotros recordar que esta crisis tiene un caracter humanitario”, dijo, agregando que la urgencia de la situación requería una respuesta pronta y prudente. “Hacia esa meta, Caridades católicas de Fort Worth está comprometida a trabajar con otras agencias eclesiásticas y federales para proteger la dignidad humana de esos niños, a la vez que promueve el bien común de los Estados Unidos y solidaridad con las naciones de donde estos niños han huido”. Al tiempo que la crisis fronteriza crecía, Reynolds suplicó apasionadamente por donaciones de dinero o de mercancía para ayudar a cuidar a los jovencitos que llegaban sin padres o guardianes. El público respondió llevando a las oficinas de la agencia ropa, juguetes, artículos de higiene personal y juegos. Muchas familias y organizaciones reunieron libros para colorear, crayones y otros artículos pequeños para entretener a los niños; se llenaron más de 3,000 cajas para estos menores. En estas cajas de bienvenida los niños tienen sus propios productos y pueden conservarlos higiénicamente. “Esta es la primera vez que muchos de estos niños no tienen que compartir sus objetos de higiene personal, como el cepillo de dientes”, PÁGINA 52 Foto por Juan Guajardo / NTC Heather Reynolds, directora ejecutiva de Caridades católicas de Fort Worth, y el Padre Isaac Orozco enseñan un cuarto de terapia de juego para niños a miembros de la prensa durante un conferencia de prensa el 20 de junio. apuntó Reynolds. “Este simple acto de bondad”, dijo ella, permite a los niños hacerse cargo de sus propias necesidades, “y los hace sentirse bien”. “Mochilas de bendición” llenas de útiles escolares, calcetines, artículos higiénicos, y pequeños juguetes, se les dan a los menores cuando dejan Caridades católicas para ir a la casa de sus familiares en los Estados Unidos. “Ha sido sorprendente lo que Caridades católicas ha recibido de voluntarios y donantes”, dijo Reynolds. “Tal generosidad ha tenido un profundo impacto en nuestra agencia y en los niños que servimos. Los juguetes, juegos, y materiales para labores de arte donados a la organización tienen un tremendo impacto, dan distracción a los niños traumatizados por la violencia y la extrema pobreza. “Verlos jugar, reir, y ser niños simplemente, realmente reanima el trabajo que hacemos como agencia”, añadió. Para el pequeño número de estos niños que no pueden ser entregados a sus familiares, CCFW envió una urgente solicitud a familias que pudieran hacerse cargo temporalmente de ellos. El programa de Adopción temporal internacional (IFC) de la agencia proporciona cuidado por largo tiempo a los niños que emigran NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 de Centro y Sudamérica así como a jóvenes refugiados del Congo, Etiopía, Burma y Nepal. “Necesitamos familias que puedan proporcionar cuidado seguro, y consciente de las diferencias culturales, para que ayuden a estos niños a desarrollar todas sus facultades”, explicó Reynolds durante una conferencia de prensa que reunió en julio a 200 familias que quizá podrían hacerse cargo de estos niños temporalmente. La respuesta de la comunidad a esta solicitud fue increíble. Una sesión informativa presentada por IFC reunió a más de 200 familias con potencial para ser padres temporales. Abogados que trabajan para CCFW representarán legalmente ante las cortes a los niños que serán puestos al cuidado de estas familias. Pero Sergio Chacin, director de Servicios de inmigración de la agencia, espera que el estado migratorio de estos menores será determinado por las cortes en otras partes del país. Muchos de los pequeños enviados por las autoridades federales al albergue en Fort Worth, eventualmente se reunirán con sus parientes que viven en la costa Oriental, en el área de Washington, D.C., o en Florida. “Tenemos gente de El Salvador, Honduras y Guatemala viviendo en el Metroplex, pero no en gran número”, explicó. “Los casos no serán examinados por las cortes aquí. La crisis fronteriza es un asunto importante — y estamos listos y preparados — pero no ha habido un gran incremento en casos legales aquí”. Pero si hay necesidad, se tiene planeada una sesión para abogados no especializados en inmigración, para finales de agosto. Miembros de Human Rights Initiative of North Texas — organización con experiencia en leyes de inmigración — conducirá el programa. “A un gran número de abogados les gustaría trabajar pro bono (trabajo voluntario, sin cobrar)”, dijo Chacin. “Estamos organizando este entrenamiento junto con la sección internacional de la barra de abogados del condado Tarrant. Si tenemos más casos, los podemos contratar con estos abogados pro bono. Además de ayudar con el programa de IFC, Servicios de inmigración también ayuda a la gente que simplemente entra con preguntas legales a las oficinas generales de Caridades católicas. Esta última oleada de inmigración, recientemente trajo a Caridades católicas a una joven madre soltera. “Ella entró con un par de niños”, explicó Chacin. “Habían sido aprehendidos y estaban en proceso de deportación. Sus niños no estaban solos, pero básicamente, estaban en el mismo predicamento que los otros menores”. Según el Pew Research Center, el número de menores sin compañía que están bajo custodia federal en la frontera este año ha aumentado en 117 por ciento. Caridades católicas planea atender las necesidades de los niños bajo su cuidado tanto tiempo como continue la crisis humanitaria. “La experiencia y pericia que Caridades católicas de Fort Worth tiene en procurar bienestar a los niños, nos permite abogar y servir de esta manera especial a los más vulnerables de la población”, dijo Reynolds. “Caridades católicas se siente honrada al haber podido proporcionar albergue y cuidado durante este tiempo”. En todo los Estados Unidos grupos se enfocan en necesidades jurídicas de menores inmigrantes sin compañia Por Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — En ambas costas de Estados Unidos y entre medio se están intensificando los esfuerzos para intentar proveerle ayuda jurídica a la inundación de inmigrantes menores de edad que han llegado al país sin un padre. Ya que las violaciones de inmigración no se consideran crímenes, las personas acusadas de estar en el país sin permiso no tienen derecho a un abogado público si no pueden costear un abogado por su cuenta. Tampoco se provee abogados remunerados por el gobierno para personas que procuran asilo. Los datos federales de más de 100,000 casos de niños inmigrantes no acompañados, compilados por la Universidad de Syracuse y actuales al 30 de junio, revelaron que cuando los inmigrantes menores no acompañados tuvieron abogado, al 47 por ciento en última instancia se le permitió permanecer en los EU. De los menores que no tuvieron abogado, el 90 por ciento fue deportado. El análisis de la Universidad de Syracuse encontró que en los casos cerrados que se estudiaron, justo más de la mitad de los niños tenía abogado. Pero de los 41,000 casos pendientes, solamente el 31 por ciento está representado por abogado. Según el análisis de Syracuse, el tiempo promedio de los casos que han estado pendientes en los tribunales de inmigración es un poco menos de 600 días. El Departamento de justicia anunció a principios de julio que le daría prioridad a los casos de menores no acompañados y a las familias con niños recién llegadas, anteponiéndolos a casos más antiguos involucrando adultos por cuenta propia. En una serie de mensajes en periódicos diocesanos y seculares obispos de todo el país han ofrecido varios tipos de ayuda y muchos han PÁGINA 53 CNS Foto / Ross D. Franklin, via Reuters Dos niñas vean la televisión en el Centro del colocación de Nogales en Nogales, Arizona, donde había miles de menores inmigrantes el 18 de junio. llamado a medidas legislativas y administrativas para proteger a los migrantes y para ayudar a prevenir la violencia en sus países de origen y otros problemas que han causado las salidas. En Miami el director de Servicios legales católicos, Randy McGrorty, dijo durante una conferencia de prensa del 1 de agosto que la decisión de los procedimientos de deportación por la vía rápida para los menores no acompañados es una “crisis artificial” que fue creada para “espectáculo político”. Uniéndosele el Arzobispo Thomas G. Wenski de Miami y otros abogados de inmigración, McGrorty dijo que ha visto a un niño de 2 años de edad puesto a enfrentar a un juez en un proceso de deportación sin abogado. El Arzobispo Wenski cuestionó por qué la administración Obama se inclinaría ante la presión política para acelerar el proceso de deportación. Él dijo que no hay necesidad de apresurarse a juzgar, ya que los niños “realmente no le están costando dinero al gobierno”. Casi todos ellos han sido entregados al cuidado de parientes. Igual que “justicia demorada es justicia denegada”, dijo el arzobispo, en este caso “la justicia expedita es también justicia denegada”. “No estamos diciendo que todo NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 niño tendrá que quedarse en los Estados Unidos. Lo que estamos diciendo es que lo que hacemos debe tratarse del mejor interés del niño”, dijo el arzobispo. “Lo que no debemos hacerle a esto es un cortocircuito haciendo una farsa del sistema de inmigración”. El Obispo Auxiliar Eusebio L. Elizondo de Seattle, quien dirige el Comité de migración de los obispos estadounidenses, dijo en una columna del 2 de agosto en The Washington Post que el debate puede “reducirse a una opción clara: protegerlos y darles el debido proceso o cambiar la ley y enviarlos de vuelta a una posible muerte. Aunque algunos podrían discrepar con esta caracterización, la verdad es ineludible, como lo son las consecuencias de vida o muerte que enfrenta esta población más vulnerable”. El Obispo Elizondo observó que el Congreso y la administración “están retorcidos en nudos debido a una situación que muchas naciones de todo el mundo manejan como algo normal. La diferencia es que otras naciones reciben millones de refugiados, no simplemente miles. El Líbano, por ejemplo, país de 4.5 millones, ha recibido más de 1 millón de refugiados sirios durante los últimos dos años ¿No podemos hacer lo correcto con una población mucho más pequeña”? PÁGINA 54 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2014 In Service to the Poor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 cery carts full of food, she offered a warm “God bless you,” to each of them. She also asked them to pray for the volunteers and those who generously give the food. Thankful food recipients expressed their gratitude to Sr. Yolanda and the other Vincentians. “I never thought I’d be in a position like this,” one of the pantry visitors told the North Texas Catholic. “But I’m very grateful for what these people have done for me.” Another visitor expressed his appreciation, explaining that he recently lost his job and is looking for a way to make ends meet while searching for employment. He said the food pantry operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul fulfills an immediate need. “It’s been a great comfort knowing that it’s here,” he said of the pantry. “It’s been a great blessing to me.” The visitor pledged to give back and help others, as he said he has done in the past, just as soon as he can regain some financial footing. In all, about 700 people receive food from this pantry each week, thanks to the generous parishioners at St. Bartholomew and the helping hands of about 75 Vincentians. Thompson, who has been involved with the society for about 10 years, including six as St. Bartholomew’s conference president, said serving the local community and honoring God are one and the same. “We’re a Church, and we believe that we’re called by our faith to help others,” Thompson said. “We’re called to help our neighbors and to help those in need. “The primary mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is to grow in your faith, and from that growth in your faith comes the need to help people. That’s our perspective. You grow in your faith, and you feel the need and the call to help other people.” In addition to the St. Bartholomew food pantry, the society operates other food distribution centers, including one at St. Jude Parish in Mansfield and one at St. Matthew Parish in Arlington. Smaller food pantries and food closets operate out of other churches in the diocese. In the northwest part of the diocese, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has established a 50-year reputation operating a popular and practical thrift store in Wichita Falls. It is operated by Vincentians from conferences at Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of Peace Churches. Since 1957, the Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has been a place where people have donated household items and clothing. The items are then resold to the public. Profits are used by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to serve those in need. From assistance with utility bills, housing, food, medicine, and myriad other needs, the society has put the funding to good use for the past six decades. Bob Brady, who serves as president of the society’s Wichita Falls District Council, said that about 20 Vincentians staff the store, which is open four days a week. Brady, quite literally, grew up a Vincentian. Some of his earliest recollections include traveling around with his father on Society of Saint Vincent de Paul home visits. “I just tagged along,” Brady said. He recalled many times when the local priest would call on his father to coordinate outreach in the community. Brady said he was proud of his father and the help he offered to those who were having financial difficulties and personal PAGE 55 Photos by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic ABOVE: Following the morning crew’s stocking of shelves, the afternoon volunteers at St. Bartholomew take over to distribute food at their Fort Worth pantry. Vincentians include (from left to right) Kum Ho, Richard Friedman, Sister Yolanda Piñeda, MCSH, Maggie Friedman, Nancy Matus, Joyce Ho, and Patricia Crews. RIGHT: Vincentian Dan Flores unloads food from a truck to bring to the society’s food pantry at St. Bartholomew. problems. In high school, during the mid-1970s, Brady began helping his father with the heavy lifting, often going out with him to pick up donated sofas, mattresses, tables, large appliances, and other household items for the local Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store. The elder Brady served as president of the society’s Wichita Falls District Council from 1957 until he passed away in 2006. His son was elected to the position in 2006 and carries on the tradition of helping others to this day. “I’m just following in his footsteps,” Brady said. Another local Catholic, Ralph Hassel, has a long history of being involved with the Society of NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Saint Vincent de Paul and has held many leadership positions. He said the relationships Vincentians have forged with their neighbors and the humble way they go about serving others is like a page taken right out of Scripture. “The way I see it,” Hassel said, “it’s the way Christ wanted us to relate with people. What we have or what we don’t have doesn’t have any relationship to who we are. We’re showing Christ’s love to others. And every day, they’re showing his love back to us. That’s really what this is all about.” For more information on the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, visit: www.svdpfw.org. Or call (817) 595-6520. GOOD NEWSMAKER In Service to the Poor Modern-day lay Vincentians continue to carry out charitable acts inspired by Saint Vincent de Paul BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT IN THE SPRAWLING DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH, WHICH INCLUDES 710,000 FAITHFUL, THE 580 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL MAKE UP LESS THAN .1 PERCENT OF THE C ATHOLIC POPULATION. THEIR IMPACT ON NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITIES, HOWEVER, IS ENORMOUS. These dedicated lay Vincentians work quietly and tirelessly at 11 of the diocese’s 93 parishes helping to feed nearly 50,000 people each year with food valued at more than $427,000. Last year, Vincentians personally made nearly 900 home visits to improve the lives of about 3,000 family members. The home visits have distinguished the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul from many other charitable organizations. Society members meet with individuals in the comfort of their own homes and apartments to assess their needs. The Vincentians also offered about $340,000 in financial assistance to help people with rent, utility bills, food assistance, and other basic living needs. Donations came mainly from Catholics at parishes associated with Saint Vincent de Paul conferences. In addition, the society also offered assistance to North Texas families last year after tornados damaged their homes. In the course of their work each year, local Vincentians travel more than 48,000 miles and donate more than 22,000 hours of service. “We could get even more Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic Vincentians Frank Gorg (left) and Jim Groh (right) help unload 6,000 pounds of food with other members of the Vincentians’ St. Bartholomew chapter at their local distribution pantry. The Vincentians work hard on a regular basis to keep food stocked for Society of Saint Vincent de Paul food pantries. Last year Vincentians throughout the Diocese of Fort Worth helped to feed nearly 50,000 people with food valued at more than $427,000. done if we had more people,” said Rozanne Veeser, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Fort Worth District Council president. The local council is divided into conferences that have been established at 11 parishes in the diocese. “Ideally we should have a conference in every parish, so the whole diocese is covered with the opportunity for aid if people need it,” said Veeser. “We are trying to serve the public, and we are trying to live the Beatitudes. So, it’s important that we have this kind of service everywhere.” The conference, or parish level of the organization, said Veeser, PAGE 56 is the “building block” of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. “It’s where the work gets done and where the charity begins,” she said. A case in point is the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Bartholomew Church in Southwest Fort Worth. On a recent Wednesday morning, just before sunrise, about a half dozen men, most of them retired, busied themselves for the arrival of several pick-up trucks being driven by fellow Vincentians. The trucks’ payloads would contain food from the Tarrant Area Food Bank and several local grocery stores. Within a few hours of the trucks’ arrivals, the men un- NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 loaded 6,000 pounds of food that included breads, pastries, canned soups, frozen meats, fresh carrots, cabbage, grapefruit, and large sacks of potatoes. After they unloaded the food and stocked the shelves at the church pantry building, the men headed down the road for coffee and burritos. The work break and fellowship was filled with a lot of good-natured ribbing. Then they headed off to a nearby grocery store to pick up yet another truckload of food. “We’re blessed,” said Ron Thompson, president of the society’s St. Bartholomew Conference. “Everybody is here because they want to be. Nobody gets paid. They’re just blessed by what they do.” Later in the afternoon, another crew of about a dozen Vincentians from St. Bartholomew arrived to dispense the food to those in need. Sister Yolanda Piñeda, MCSH, from St. Bartholomew was among the volunteers. As the sister held the door open for departing visitors stocked with groCONTINUED ON PAGE 55