Nov. 26, 2015 - Diocese of Allentown

Transcription

“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”
VOL. 27, NO. 21
NOVEMBER 26, 2015
Cardinal Dolan enlivens faith in the valley
By TAMI QUIGLEY
Staff writer
He’s faith-filled. He’s funny. He’s serious about church
doctrine, though so amiable you feel like he could sit like
a jovial neighbor at your dinner table.
He’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New
York, and the charismatic cardinal was given a rock star
welcome with a standing ovation as he took center stage to
deliver the 30th Furphy Lecture Nov. 11 at DeSales University, Center Valley.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for
Hearing Pope Francis’
a long time,” Cardiwords that day, Cardinal Dolan, 65, told the
nal Christoph Schon1,600 to 1,700 people
gathered in Billera Hall
born, archbishop of
for his evening presenVienna, Austria, said,
tation – “Soul, Mind
“Tim, he speaks like
and Heart: The Popes
Jesus.” “I said Chris,
We Need.”
I think that’s the job
“It’s an honor to introduce Cardinal Dolan.
description.”
When I think of Pope
Francis’ phrase ‘the Joy
of the Gospel,’ I think
of Timothy Cardinal Dolan,” said Bishop John Barres.
“He’s not only an icon of the joy of the Gospel, but also an
icon of the laughter of the Gospel.”
“Hey, I like this guy,” Cardinal Dolan said after Bishop
Barres’ introduction, one of many breezy, good-humored
comments made by the cardinal.
Cardinal Dolan called Bishop Barres “a friend and mentor,” and congratulated DeSales and its president, Oblate
of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS) Father Bernard O’Connor,
on its 50th anniversary, as well as its important role in
Catholic higher education.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan delivers the 30th Furphy Lecture at DeSales University, Center Valley Nov. 11, flanked
by Oblate Father Bernard O’Connor, left, and Bishop John Barres. (Photos by John Simitz)
Father O’Connor welcomed the crowd and led the
Pledge of Allegiance in honor of Veterans Day. He noted
the late Cardinal John O’Connor, archbishop of New York,
was the first to deliver a Furphy Lecture, and was named a
cardinal a few weeks later.
As he launched a presentation laced with the perfect
blend of faith, seriousness and a good dose of humor, Cardinal Dolan said everyone, the world and the church all
need soul, mind and heart.
“The last three popes, all a blessing, have been a vivid
Please see DOLAN page 4 }}
Changes to annulment process are ‘Merciful Justice in Action’
By TARA CONNOLLY
Staff writer
Two documents issued by Pope Francis
were explored Nov. 16 by
a former tribunal judge
for the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia highlighting
changes to the annulment
process.
Father Sean Bransfield, canon law professor
at St. Charles Borromeo
Seminary, Philadelphia,
outlined the reforms set
forth in “Mitis Iudex
Dominus Iesus” (“The
Lord Jesus, the Gentle
Judge”), which reforms
the annulment process for the Western Church (Latin, Italian), and “Mitis et Misericors Iesus” (“Gentle and Merci-
Father Sean Bransfield, dean of men and canon law
professor at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses reforms to the annulment process. (Photos by John Simitz)
ful Jesus”), which reforms the annulment process for the
Eastern Catholic churches.
“Pope Francis always talks about mercy. He wants to
speed up the annulment process and simplify it for people
wishing to move on with their lives,” said Father Bransfield.
He noted that the decrees were signed Aug. 15, the
feast of the Assumption of Mary; promulgated Sept. 8, the
Blessed Mother’s birthday; and will take effect Tuesday,
Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
“The reforms are meant to speed up and bring greater
simplicity to the process. It is important work. People want
to be right with the church and want their marriages after
divorce viewed as valid in the eyes of the church. The goal
is to alleviate spiritual burdens with people who want to be
right with the church,” said Father Bransfield.
“On the same note, people seeking an annulment do
“No marriage
not necessarily want to get
is perfect. The
married again. Some want to
church feels most
move on for peace of mind
and for spiritual reasons,” he
couples enter into
said.
marriage with
The annulment process
good intentions.
begins with a person petiThe process intioning the diocesan tribunal.
vestigates if there
Father Bransfield stressed
the process is not about pickwas something
ing a winner, placing blame
gravely missing
or siding with one party.
from the relation“The annulment process
ship.”
is about answering one question – Was the marriage valid?” he said.
“No marriage is perfect. The church feels most couples
enter into marriage with good intentions. The process inPlease see ANNULMENT page 8 }}
Pornography, politics statements at USCCB
BALTIMORE (CNS) – The U.S. bishops approved a formal statement on pornography and additions to
their quadrennial statement on political responsibility at their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore.
The votes were made during the public portion of the meeting, which ran Nov. 16-17. The bishops met in
executive session Nov. 18-19.
The 2015 version of political responsibility document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,”
passed 210-21 with five abstentions, and a separate vote on the statement’s introductory note passed 217-16
with two abstentions; two-thirds of diocesan bishops, or 181 votes, were needed for passage.
Additions to the document were made to reflect the teachings of Pope Francis and the later encyclicals of
Pope Benedict XVI. But some bishops said the document does not adequately address poverty, as Pope Francis
has asked the church to do.
The most vocal critic was Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, Calif., who said he was concerned that
Please see BISHOPS page 16 }}
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The A.D. Times
Published biweekly on Thursday by
Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc.
at P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Phone: 610-871-5200, Ext. 264
Fax: 610-439-7694
E-mail: [email protected]
President
Bishop John Barres
Diocese
Episcopal
appointments
November 26, 2015
Bishop of Allentown John Barres has made the following appointment.
Msgr. James Mulligan from director, Office of Priestly Life and Ministry to
retired priest, effective Thursday, Dec. 31.
Catholic Charites collects Thanksgiving
food donations to restock pantries
Left, Nick Carolan, left, and Ryan
Beaky, seniors at Allentown
Central Catholic High School
(ACCHS), pack canned goods
Nov. 20 to be picked up by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown to restock its pantries just
before Thanksgiving. (Photos by
John Simitz)
Editor
Jill Caravan
Staff Writers
Tara Connolly
Tami Quigley
Design & Production
Marcus Schneck
Below, carrying boxes of food to
the truck are, from left, ACCHS
students Ryan Beaky and Quentin Bet, and Heather Strohm of
Catholic Charities. The staff of
Catholic Charities went to the
school that afternoon to pick up
approximately 1,000 pounds of
food that will help feed those in
need.
Advertising Contact
Lori Anderson
Office Assistant
Priscilla Tatara
Bishop’s Liaison
Msgr. Alfred Schlert
MISSION STATEMENT
As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D.
Times is the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton
and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times
proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the
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extension of Christ’s presence in the world
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Bishop’s Annual Appeal and Catholic Charities
The Diocese of Allentown through its parishes, Catholic Charities
and the generosity of its parishioners, provides help to those who
need it most – the poor, the marginalized and those in crisis.
•
•
•
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More than $4.9 million was raised in the latest Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
The diocese works to turn Pope Francis’ words about reaching out to
the poor and suffering of the world into concrete initiatives in our parishes, our schools and the work of Catholic Charities.
Last year alone more than 22,000 people of all faiths received assistance
through Catholic Charities.
This assistance is provided regardless of religious affiliation.
Through the compassionate ministries of Holy Family Manor and Catholic Senior Housing, the Diocese of Allentown provides quality nursing
care and affordable housing for older adults of any faith.
Women and men who have experienced abortion find healing and grace
through Rachel’s Vineyard/Project Rachel. Retreats are conducted in
English and Spanish.
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Left, students load the truck with donations
outside ACCHS. That morning 300 bags of
groceries arrived at Catholic Charities from
St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, to help refill
Catholic Charities’ pantries, which were getting very bare.
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest,
deacon or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish
Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese
of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these
victims by the Church.
To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line 1-800-791-9209.
To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown’s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of
Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on “Youth Protection” at top right.
COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS
La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado
sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia.
Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Allentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las
víctimas por la Iglesia.
Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa
1-800-791-9209.
Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud,
Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite
www.allentowndiocese.org y haga clic en “Protección de la Juventud” en la parte superior
derecha.
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
St. Peter, Coplay nativity scene receives world recognition
By TARA CONNOLLY
Staff writer
When parishioners at St. Peter, Coplay
noticed their nativity scene was displaying wear and tear from the years and
weather, an anonymous donor stepped
forward and donated a few Fontanini figures.
Those three figures were the figures of
the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary and Joseph – and the start of a collection that
grew over 15 years, leading it to receive
recognition twice from its world-famous
distributor.
After receiving pieces from the Fontanini Heirloom Nativity distributed by
Roman Inc., Bloomingdale, Ill., a group
of parishioners responded to the pastor’s
desire to have volunteers decorate the
church for the Christmas season.
Jim Kern, Terry Kuchera, Theresa
Mayer, and Mike and Beverly Sobchak
answered the call and have since worked
tirelessly to restore the old nativity scene,
decorate the parish and increase and set
up the Fontanini collection.
“We do not consider ourselves a committee, just committed to enhancing the
atmosphere in our church at the holiest
time of the year. We are not professional
decorators. We are just a few ‘retired’ parishioners who do this with a prayer in
our hearts for the love of the baby Jesus
with the hope that through our efforts the
rest of the congregation feels that extra The nativity scene at St. Peter, Coplay that received world recognition in 2013 and 2014.
special Spirit of Christmas,” said Beverly
Sobchak.
In 2010 parishioners made a major
The collection, prized for its lifelike
sculpting, meticulous hand painting and change to the manger greenery and purattention to detail, placed in Fontanini’s chased palm trees and additional vegetatop 10 27-inch figurine category in 2013 tion.
“A close look at the stable reveals a
and top five in 2014.
“All the figurines were donated by pa- thatched roof composed of the blessed
rishioners. In all we have 15 statues that palms dried since Easter and blended in
are highlighted by spotlights. Needless to with twisted moss. We did not abandon
our traditional Christmas trees on our nasay, we are very proud,” said Sobchak.
The group begins setting up the scene tivity display. There are still several in the
on or around Dec. 8 – the feast of the church. In keeping with the indigenous
Immaculate Conception – and carefully trees that grow in the Holy Land the addassembles the base, backdrop, figurines, ing of the palm trees brought authenticity
animals, vegetation, stable and other fig- to the manger scene,” said Sobchak.
“Most literature – including the Fonures over a two-week period.
The scene originally was placed in tanini catalogue – depicts palm trees in
front of the parish statue of the Blessed the visual displays. We have not forgotten our traditional ‘Tannenbaum’ with
Mother. As the collecher evergreen branches.
tion grew, it needed
The mixture of our tramore room, so the parditional tree with the na“All the figurines were
ish decided to tempotive palm of our Lord’s
rarily remove the statdonated by parishiotime is something that Msgr. John Martin, pastor, delivers a homily next to the nativity scene displayue to make way for a
ners. In all we have 15
reflects the biblical ing Fontanini figures and assembled by parishioners.
platform, a blue velvet
statues that are highbirth of Christ and our
backdrop and stars.
lighted by spotlights.
own modern interpreta“Then the angels
tion of that first manger the cost of additional new vegetation and
Needless to say, we
Exterior lights and decorations are
appear. We have eight
scene,” she said.
completed by Tony and Vince Lang.
figures.
stained glass windows
are very proud.”
In 2013 the parishThe nativity will be on display from
“We are in our 15th year decorating
in the church and we
ioners incorporated im- our church and the nativity scene keeps Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24 until
wire a 4-foot lighted
ages from the “Little expanding,” said Sobchak.
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at St. Peter, 4 S.
angel draped in gold
“We refurbished and painted the origi- Fifth St., Coplay.
lame fabric to each window. Two addi- Town of Bethlehem” drawn by Debbie
The public can view the lighted disnal nativity scene. It is proudly displayed
tional angels with motorized wings are in Hogan, to cast a soft glow on the scene.
Aside from Jesus, Mary and Joseph, outside the church,” said Sobchak.
play during Mass times: Saturday at 4
front of the altar surrounded by white and
Other parishioners who have assisted p.m.; Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m.; and
fuchsia poinsettias. Next the Christmas the scene includes the Gloria angel; the
wreaths are hung high above the altar and Pinky Angel; Gabriel; a shepherd boy; with the nativity include Joe Bundra, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
Rachel carrying the fruit basket; a don- Al Dragovits, John Frisch, Rich Girard, at 8 a.m. There are no Masses Thursday
choir loft,” said Sobchak.
“By the fourth Sunday of Advent the key; an ox; two sheep; a camel; and the Charlie Grabner, Larry Gutleber, Jim or Saturday mornings.
Holy day schedule: Christmas Eve,
vegetation and palm trees are in place three Kings – Balthasar, Caspar and Mel- Handwerk, Pat Klement, Lou Klucharich, Frank Luizer, Dave Marcoe, Greg Thursday, Dec. 24, 4 and 10:30 p.m.;
with only one angel, the animals and chior.
Three years ago the parish mounted Mayer, Larry Mouer, Jim Paukovits, Mel Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25, 8 and
shepherd appearing. We encourage parents to bring up the little children to see silver stars engraved with names of do- Procanyn, Dave and Zack Shoupe, John 10:30 a.m.; New Year’s Eve, Thursday,
the stable and anticipate the birth of the nors or loved ones. Donations for the Szerensits, Rich Wargo, Bill Wiessner, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.; and New Year’s Day,
stars are for the purpose of helping defray and the late Danny Palvelko.
Friday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.
baby Jesus in the manger,” she said.
‘Life Ad’ to again create awareness
of sanctity of all human life
The diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities and Social Concerns is once again
placing a “Life Ad” in the Allentown
Morning Call newspaper on Friday, Jan.
22, 2016, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Last year 39 parishes participated.
All parishes in Lehigh and Northampton counties are being asked to consider
organizing a sign-up Sunday, where
names of people and organizations who
oppose the killing of unborn children can
be collected to be placed in the ad.
Its primary purpose is to be a public
witness and create awareness of the sanctity of all human life.
Cost is $5 for an individual name and
$10 per family. Funds collected in excess
of the advertising costs will be donated to
Mary’s Shelter Cay Galgon Center, Bethlehem.
For more information, contact Mary
Fran Hartigan, Office of Pro-Life Activities and Social Concerns, 610-289-8900,
ext. 26 or mhartigan@allentowndiocese.
org.
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The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Dolan
}}Continued from page 1
Left, Cardinal Timothy Dolan offers
a humorous anecdote. (Photo by
John Simitz)
example of soul, mind and heart,” Cardinal Dolan said. He cited St. Pope John
Paul II as a man of soul, Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI as pope of the mind and
Pope Francis as a pope with heart. That’s
not to say each didn’t possess the other
two qualities, but, “That’s a tidy way to
speak about good leadership.”
St. Pope John Paul II
“Pope John Paul II restored the soul of
the church, the primacy of the spiritual,”
Cardinal Dolan said. He recalled when
the future saint visited the United States
for the first time in 1979, then-President
Jimmy Carter welcomed him as “the soul
of the world.”
“A mystic enjoys moments of union
with God in this world. John Paul II bordered on being a mystic,” the cardinal
said.
“John Paul grew up in a high-octane
Polish Catholic culture. And his faith
became even more important to him
because he lost everything,” Cardinal
Dolan said, noting the deaths of the pontiff’s parents and other family members.
He also endured the Nazi invasion.
“Is it any wonder he often repeated,
‘Only in God is my soul at rest’? Or
why his first words to the crowd on being elected pope in 1978 were ‘Do not be
afraid?’”
Cardinal Dolan said St. Pope John
Paul II began to “restore the interior life
of the church” by focusing on Jesus. “For
him it was rediscover Jesus in the face of
his church. This is a pope who believed
we all have a universal call to holiness.”
The cardinal recalled when St. Pope
John Paul II returned to Poland June
1-10, 1979, two-thirds of Poland came to
see him. “His very presence and words
about life of the soul inspired them.”
And the chant of 2 million people
“cascaded” through the crowd for 11
minutes: “We want God.”
Cardinal Dolan said Henry Kissinger
said St. Pope John Paul II did for Poland
what Winston Churchill did for England,
and Mikhail Gorbachev later said that
was the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union.
“As we watched John Paul die he
Vocations
The Diocese of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the
priesthood and religious
life.
• The diocese is reaching out to
young people through social
media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
• We are tapping into the energy
and enthusiasm of our young
priests to find new ways to
interest young men and women
in the priesthood and religious
life.
• The diocese has instituted a
“Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer program of prayer
and discernment in which
dozens of young men have
participated.
• A similar program called “Fiat”
for young women discerning a call to religious life was
debuted this year.
• The diocese also assists young
adult men who are seriously
contemplating the priesthood
through an Aspirancy Program.
• For more information, visit the
diocesan website, www.allentowndiocese.org/the-diocese/
vocations.
Below, the audience listens to
Cardinal Timothy
Dolan’s lively and
holy lecture. (Photo by John Simitz)
showed us a lesson in the dignity of the
human person,” the cardinal said. He
spoke of Easter Sunday 2005 when the
pontiff was too ill to celebrate Mass. He
was wheeled to the window and blessed
the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. “He
couldn’t speak but still proclaimed the
Resurrection. He died the next Saturday.”
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict, who was elected to the
papacy in 2005 and retired in 2013, was
a renowned professor long before he was
pope. “He was a troubadour for the claim
[that] reason and faith are friends, allies,”
Cardinal Dolan said.
“That’s especially important in this
secular civilization on steroids that attempts to make religion a private hobby.
“Benedict revived the intellectual
wattage of the church.”
Cardinal Dolan said Pope Benedict re-
minded us “the church is at her best when
she affirms what is good and true in the
human project.”
The pontiff also spoke of “interior
ecology.”
“If we look within us, we see God has
planted a direction and focus within us.
If we tamper with that, it is as toxic as
dumping poison in the Rhine,” the cardinal said.
Cardinal Dolan said Pope Benedict
was constantly speaking of avoiding the
two extremes of faith and reason. Those
who say all we need is faith are not tempered by reason, and those who say all
we need is science leads to nasty rationalization.
“Somewhere in between we have
the Catholic wisdom – the friendship of
faith and reason. It’s a beautiful, choreographed dance,” the cardinal said.
When Pope Benedict surprised the
world and retired the day before Ash
Wednesday 2013, “he gave us a great example of humble service. John Paul gave
us the example of fortitude.” Both lessons are important.
Pope Francis
Cardinal Dolan was part of the conclave that elected Pope Francis, and was
struck when he chose the name Francis,
as it gave an inkling to how his papacy
would unfold.
“St. Benedict represents intellectual
decision. St. Francis represents the imagination, the poet, the heart.”
The cardinal said after being elected,
Pope Francis quickly went to greet two
cardinals in wheelchairs. When the pontiff visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New
York during his U.S. visit in September,
he went over to an elderly priest in a
wheelchair, a child who lost his hair to
chemotherapy and a woman bent over
with arthritis.
“His heart breaks when he speaks of
the poor, the suffering, the migrants,”
Cardinal Dolan said. “He has a heart that
dares … a heart that is tender.”
Cardinal Dolan said Pope Francis’ first
homily on the Feast of St. Joseph March
19 spoke of tenderness – how St. Joseph
tenderly held the baby Jesus, and tenderly and chastely loved his wife, Mary.
“He said, ‘Let God be loving and tender to you and be loving and tender to
each other.’”
Cardinal Dolan said on hearing Pope
Francis’ words that day, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, archbishop of Vienna,
Austria, said, “Tim, he speaks like Jesus.”
“I said, ‘Chris, I think that’s the job
description.’”
Cardinal Dolan also drew laughs recalling getting in and out of Pope Francis’ little Fiat during the pope’s visit two
months ago. The pontiff told the cardinal, “Whenever you get in, the car goes
down.”
“Pope Francis wants to restore the
warmth, the tenderness, the heart of the
church,” Cardinal Dolan said.
“The church is a person – the second
person of the Trinity, Jesus – whose heart
we call sacred,” Cardinal Dolan said.
“The church is a family. The church is
a dysfunctional family – have you ever
seen a family that wasn’t? Do you want
to come to my house for Thanksgiving?”
the cardinal said with a hearty laugh.
“The church can be a mess, corrupt,
dysfunctional. But Francis says we love
her all the more,” Cardinal Dolan said.
“He reminds us the church is always in
need of reform.
“He reminds us the church is our
Please see DOLAN page 5 }}
The crowd of 1,600 to 1,700 enjoys Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s evening presentation. (Photo by John Simitz)
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Dolan
birthmark.”
As the address drew to a close, the
cardinal was greeted with another standing ovation before fielding a few questions and returning to Manhattan, having
enlivened the faith of those gathered in
Center Valley.
Cardinal Dolan
Cardinal Dolan was tapped to be archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict
XVI in 2009. He previously served as
archbishop of Milwaukee, Wis., having
been appointed there in 2002 by Pope St.
John Paul II. Pope Benedict elevated him
to the College of Cardinals in 2012.
The son of Robert and Shirley Dolan,
the cardinal is a native of St. Louis, Mo.
Cardinal Dolan was ordained to the
priesthood in 1976 and in 2010 began
a three-year term as president of the
U.S, Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB). Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of
Louisville, Ky. – formerly a priest of the
Diocese of Allentown – succeeded him as
president.
In 2011 Cardinal Dolan was appointed
a member of the newly formed Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New
Evangelization and the Pontifical Council
for Social Communications. The cardinal
recently participated in the Synod on the
Family in Rome.
Time magazine named Cardinal Dolan
one of the “100 Most Influential People
in the World” for 2012.
The Furphy Lecture Series is the
namesake of the late Oblate Father
Thomas Furphy, who was a member of
the DeSales faculty and died in 1982.
“National and International Problems” is
the theme of the series.
Previous speakers include Cardinal
John O’Connor, Lee Iacocca, Tom Ridge
and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, second from right, with Bishop John Barres, second
from left, and DeSales officials, from left: Dr. Gerard Joyce, vice president
for student life; Mary Birkhead, dean of enrollment management; and Oblate
Father Peter Leonard, dean of graduate education and associate professorcoordinator of biology. (Photo courtesy Bishop Barres)
The A.D. Times
The crowd applauds the cardinal. (Photo by John Simitz)
Sharon Rogora of Lower Saucon Township poses a question to Cardinal Timothy Dolan. (Photo by John Simitz)
Parishioners of St. Jane cover entire day of 40 Days for Life
This year during the autumnal 40
Days for Life, St. Jane Francis de Chantal, Easton worked to cover an entire
10-hour day of this international pro-life
prayer vigil.
They followed the example set by 40
Days for Life in many other Catholic
communities, where parishes take turns
and coordinate their efforts to cover just
one of the 40 Days for Life so every hour
of all 40 days of prayerful presence at an
abortion clinic are covered. When many
partner together, the job is easily accomplished.
Although the Lehigh Valley has participated in 40 Days for Life over the
years, many people do not know how to
get involved. St. Jane provided many opportunities for parishioners to help.
For example, they could learn about
it from the pulpit announcement or help
with the 40 Days for Life bulletin stuffing
campaign. They could assist with weekend signups, provide scheduling or offer
an hour of prayerful presence at Allentown Women’s Center, where abortions
are performed.
Confirmation candidates, when accompanied by an adult, were permitted to
receive service hours for their prayerful
presence.
St. Jane decided to cover Oct. 22. St.
Jane parishioners gathered in prayerful
presence throughout the day at the Allentown Women’s Center now located at 31
South Commerce Way in Bethlehem.
Prayer partners began to arrive at 8
a.m., with the last prayers completed by
6 p.m.
The prayers offered make reparation
for and begin the process of ending this
grave offense against the killing of and
subsequent misuse of the unborn.
The next scheduled 40 Days for Life
is in spring 2016.
For information on enlisting the
help of your parish to cover just one
of the 40 Days for Life, visit website
https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/allentown/.
Right top, St. Jane prayer partners
covering Oct. 22 during 40 Days
for Life are, from left, Maureen
Aviles, Deacon Gene Schroth, Lucia Schroth, Prudence Meusser and
Pauline Coughlin.
Right, also participating are, from left,
Nancy Dy, Mike Grifone and Angela
Uguccioni.
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6
The A.D. Times
Opinion
Thanksgiving in November: A time of remembrance
In September I attended the Board of Directors meeting for the Catholic Cemetery Conference in San Diego,
Calif., three days prior to the convention. Just a week
before leaving I was informed that a ticket was available
for the South Lawn location at the White House for the
arrival ceremony honoring Pope Francis.
After dinner with the board I drove from San Diego
to LAX airport by 1 a.m. The counter opened at 3:30
a.m. for the 5:06 a.m. flight via Denver, Colo., arriving
at Reagan National Airport in Alexandria, Va. at 3:24
p.m.
The Catholic War Veterans office in this city, which
provided the ticket to me as a past national chaplain to
their board for 10 years, closed at 5 p.m. My ticket was
delivered to my hotel at 5:15 that day.
The next morning at 5 a.m. I took the Metro and
waited on the grounds from 5:30 to 9 a.m. for the start
of the ceremony. I spoke with a Lutheran pastor and his
wife, two parishioners from St. Thomas More Parish and
observed an Army Colonel and Navy commander in the
crowd awaiting the ceremony to begin.
I learned that during the Truman administration, the
visiting chiefs of state and heads of government would
meet at Washington National Airport and then drive
to Washington with a motorcade. For President Eisenhower’s administration the terminal was changed to Andrews Air Force Base, and the ceremony site was the
West Grounds of the Washington monument. President
Kennedy’s administration brought the arrival ceremony
to the South Lawn of the White House.
Following “Ruffles and Flourishes/Hail to the Chief,”
President and Mrs. Obama greeted His Holiness Pope
Francis. The National Anthem of the Holy See was followed by the National Anthem of the United States.
After remarks by the president and Pope Francis,
the ceremony concluded around 10:15 a.m. I left with a
miniature papal and U.S. flag from the grounds, as all of
us knew that Pope Francis’ message of Gospel joy and
mercy was about to unfold throughout his visit.
Returning for the Catholic Cemetery Conference
Convention that night, arriving via Chicago to LAX at
11 p.m., I drove to San Diego by 1 a.m.
I was the principal celebrant of the “Mass of Remembrance” at 8 a.m. in the Town and Country Hotel, concelebrated by 15 other priests and 200 laity participating
out of 360 with the vendor members.
During this Mass 12 red roses were brought forward by members from the dioceses’ representing the
names of those conference members who died this past
year. Among the deceased was Bishop Thomas Donato
of Newark, N.J.; Cardinal William Baum formerly of
Washington; and Cardinal Francis George of Chicago.
These Masses (usually celebrated by three bishops
not available because of the pope’s visit) saw a banner
with the image of Junipero Serra, who founded nine missions in California. Pope Francis canonized Father Serra
a saint the day before this Mass.
November is the month of the All Souls when we
remember our loved one’s intentions often placed on
or near the altar at all Masses. This “Mass of Remembrance” reminds us of the joy one day in heaven when
we will see God face-to face. It is the ultimate Gospel of
joy that our Holy Father calls us to experience.
Often families inquire where the new consolidated
November 26, 2015
By Msgr. William Baver, pastor of
SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem and
director of the diocesan Office of
Cemeteries.
parish is located that operates the parish cemetery where
their loved one is interred. To find, it visit the diocesan
website: www.allentowndiocese.org, and click on “The
Diocese,” “Offices and Ministries” and “Parish Cemeteries” under “Temporal Services.”
All 124 parish cemeteries will be displayed by deanery (Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill)
with the corresponding 54 parishes and telephone number that operates the cemetery you seek.
This is the first time all parish cemeteries are listed on
the diocesan website. This will make it easier to contact
the parish for liturgical services at a cemetery in November and May, and for any maintenance need.
The diocesan cemeteries website for Holy Saviour
and Resurrection cemeteries should be completed by the
end of the year. More information will be available later.
As Thanksgiving is celebrated in our nation for God’s
blessings upon our families, may we be especially thankful for the gift of eternal life that Christ our Lord gives to
our faithfully departed.
Perhaps a visit to their place of rest in our Catholic
cemeteries and our Mass intentions offered for them
throughout this month of November make this thanksgiving a time of prayer to our merciful Father as Pope
Francis calls us to a Year of Mercy beginning Tuesday,
Dec. 8.
A time of forgiveness and gratitude
Bishop John Barres’ latest video, “The Spirit of Thanksgiving.” is available to watch on the diocese’s website at
http://www.allentowndiocese.org/bishops-video-blog/thanksgiving-spirit/.
Worship
November 26, 2015
In memoriam
Please remember these clerics of the
Diocese of Allentown in your prayers
during December, the anniversary month
of their death.
1 – Father Stephen Vidoczy, 1980
6 – Father Edward Kane, 1963
7 – Msgr. Reginald Billinger, 1989
8 – Msgr. Scott Fasig, 1961
8 – Father Joseph Sangmeister, 1962
11 – Father James McCloskey, 1965
11 – Father Andrew Lenahan, 1987
11 – Deacon Daniel Thomson, 2007
11 – Deacon Bernard Wisser, 2012
12 – Father James Magee, 1966
12 – Father Frederick Winkler, 1986
13 – Father Francis Opps, 2004
13 – Msgr. Stephen Forish, 2006
14 – Father Joseph Morrell, 1996
15 – Father Francis Mockus, 1976
16 – Msgr. George Petro, 1965
16 – Msgr. James Butler, 1997
20 – Father John Mickun, 1968
20 – Father John Duminiak, 2010
21 – Msgr. Francis Donnelly, 1974
22 – Father Charles Walsh, 1969
23 – Deacon Peter LaFata, 2009
29 – Father Michael Sverchek, 1997
31 – Father John Zboyovsky, 1965
Prayer requests for priests
Please pray for our Holy Fathers, our
bishops and these priests serving in the
Diocese of Allentown during each designated date of December.
1 – His Holiness Pope Francis
2 – Pope Emeritus Benedict
3 – Bishop of Allentown John Barres
4 – Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen
5 – Father Christopher Butera
6 – Msgr. Albert Byrne
7 – Father Floyd Caesar
8 – Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan
9 – Father E. Michael Camilli
10 – Msgr. John Campbell
11 – Father Joseph Campion
12 – Father William Campion
13 – Father Thomas Carney
14 – Msgr. Michael Chaback
15 – Deceased priests
16 – Msgr. John Chizmar
17 – Father Donald Cieniewicz
18 – Father Richard Clement
19 – Msgr. Robert Coll
20 – Newly ordained
21 – Father Edward Connolly
22 – Father James Connolly
23 – Father John Conte
24 – Msgr. Edward Coyle
25 – Father Harold Dagle
26 – Father Thomas Dailey
27 – Father William Davis
28 – Father Charles Dene
29 – Father William Dermott
30 – Msgr. Thomas Derzack
31 – Msgr. Joseph DeSantis
Recommended to your prayers by Pope Francis
Apostleship of Prayer Intentions for December
Universal Intention: That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires
of forgiving.
Evangelization Intention: That families, especially those who suffer, may find in
the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.
The A.D. Times
Sunday Scripture
Sunday, Nov. 29
First reading
Responsorial psalm
Second reading
Gospel
First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Sunday, Dec. 6 Second Sunday of Advent
First reading
Baruch 5:1-9
Responsorial psalm
Psalms 126:1-6
Second reading
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Gospel
Luke 3:1-6
Sunday, Dec. 13
First reading
Responsorial psalm
Second reading
Gospel
Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
Visit the Diocese of Allentown online
www.facebook.com/DioceseofAllentown
twitter.com/AllentownDioces
www.allentowndiocese.org
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EEfDEoYKtAoGMrCPKIqtA
https://instagram.com/allentowndiocese/
7
8
The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Annulment
vestigates if there was something gravely
missing from the relationship,” said Father Bransfield.
The process then gathers as much information as possible by asking the petitioner about such topics as his/her childhood, upbringing, how the couple met
and details about their dating relationship.
In addition, the petitioner fills out an
estimated 16-page questionnaire and is
frequently asked to have four witnesses
answer some questions.
According to Father Bransfield, some
of the traditional grounds on which a
marriage can be declared invalid include
entering into the union with the intention
of only giving it a “six-month try” or with
the purpose of securing a “green card” for
an immigrant spouse.
“Being duped into a marriage is another reason. Maybe a woman thought she
was marrying a doctor but realized later
that he was part of organized crime,” he
said.
Other grounds could include addiction, unwilling to be a responsible parent
and psychological difficulties.
“Couples usually have the best of
intentions for their marriage. But sometimes a person is too immature to take on
the responsibility. He or she wasn’t ready
to live out the commitment. Often times
their best of intentions is different than
what the church thinks of marriage. I see
that a lot,” he said.
“Sadly, sometimes the case could be
severe addiction. Addiction can prevent
a couple from living out the fullness of
marriage,” said Father Bransfield.
Clergy and faithful listen to the presentation “Catholic Annulments: Merciful
Justice in Action” at DeSales University, Center Valley.
During the process the tribunal contacts the ex-spouse or respondent, and
invites him/her to be involved.
“As a matter of justice the respondent
has the right to be involved,” he said.
Father Bransfield pointed out the biggest reform set forth by Pope Francis is
jurisdiction.
“If a petitioner wants to petition – all
he/she has to do is go to their own diocese. For the most part, the tribunals in
our nation have operated that way. But if
the former spouse is in another country –
that diocese was required to be involved.
That made the annulment process difficult,” he said.
Another change that has shortened
the annulment process is removal of the
automatic review or appeal. The reform
states only a single judgment of nullity is
required.
“In the old system, the judges’ decision went to a second tribunal for a review. This slowed up the process greatly
and could take up to three or four years.
Even though this appeal is no longer required, the respondent can still appeal,”
he said.
The reforms also allow judges to reject
an appeal from the respondent if he/she
does not want the spouse to move on or is
delaying the process out of spite.
A new and briefer process involving
the bishop has also been created in the
documents. Before the reforms, there
were two processes for handling annul-
ments: the formal process (which is the
lengthier one involving gathering and
weighing testimony) and the documentary process (which deals with situations
where a marriage can be proved invalid
simply by presenting certain documents,
such as showing that a Catholic got married outside the church without the required permission).
“The shorter process shows clear and
obvious reasons for nullity and consent
from both parties. Those cases can go
right to the diocesan bishop and he can
make a quicker decision. If he isn’t convinced – then he sends it back to the tribunal and suggests the case goes through
the full process,” said Father Bransfield.
Pope Francis also calls for fees to be
minimized in procedural norms attached
to the documents.
“There is a big myth out there that the
church does annulments for a moneymaking operation. The fees are attributed to cost. Most tribunals have a psychologist to consult and some judges are
laypersons. If money is a difficulty, the
tribunal and diocese can work with the
person to reduce the rate or supplement
the money,” said Father Bransfield.
According to Father Bransfield, about
30 to 40 percent of ex-spouses choose not
to respond to the process; most cooperate
and want the annulment as well.
“There are also cases when the spouse
does not want the annulment. The respondent can fight it. They have the same right
as the petitioner,” he said.
“The decision is never about blame. It
is about finding out if the marriage was
what Jesus intended,” he said.
“Annulment is really a ministry of
healing. It is to help people move on from
a difficult aspect in the lives,” said Father
Bransfield.
Above, Father Robert George, left, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bethlehem, chats with Father Bransfield before the presentation.
Left, Debbie Booros and Tim McGorry listen to reforms to the annulment process to take effect on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
November 26, 2015
Diocese
The A.D. Times
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10
The A.D. Times
Youth & Young Adults
November 26, 2015
‘Nightfever’ ignites faith for people of all ages at Muhlenberg College
Left, two women light
candles for prayer
intentions at “Nightfever” Nov. 16 at Egner Memorial Chapel,
Muhlenberg College,
Allentown. (Photos by
John Simitz)
By TAMI QUIGLEY
Staff writer
“Nightfever” aimed to ignite the faith
of people of all ages on an autumn evening at Egner Memorial Chapel, Muhlenberg College, Allentown.
All were welcome to spend time in
prayer, listen to music, light a candle for
special intentions and go to confession
at the evening sponsored by Muhlenberg
Catholic Campus Ministry.
“We had a great mix of Muhlenberg
students, Muhlenberg faculty and staff
members, adults and families from the
local community, and many young adults
from around the Lehigh Valley,” said Alexa Doncsecz, Catholic campus minister
at Muhlenberg and assistant coordinator of the diocesan Office of Youth and
Young Adult Ministry (OYYAM).
“The majority of people came and
went at some point during adoration,
which was the main focus of the event.”
The evening began with a 7 p.m. Mass
celebrated by Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. It continued
with Eucharistic adoration, praise and
worship music, and confession, concluding with night prayer at 10:30 p.m.
Doncsecz said approximately 40 people attended the opening Mass, and many
more people came and went throughout
the two hours of adoration. Approximately 20 people were present for night prayer
and benediction,
which concluded at 11 p.m.
“I thought
“The Mass
‘Nightfever’
was
offered
was a powerfor the souls of
those who have
ful experience
died in acts
for Catholics
of terrorism,”
and nonDoncsecz said.
Catholics alike
Father Jared
to pray before
Zambelli,
assistant pastor of
the Blessed
the
cathedral,
Sacrament
was present to
and to be able
help with conto experience
fessions. Lisa
the true presKoons, music
minister
for
ence of Jesus
Catholic CamChrist.”
pus Ministry at
Muhlenberg,
provided music
for the Mass. Koons trains all the ministry’s vocalists and musicians, and typically accompanies them on piano and/or
guitar during Mass.
Father Ezaki preached on the Gospel of the day, Luke 18:35-43, with its
description of how Jesus healed a blind
beggar on the way to Jericho. “And I,
Below, Father Bernard Ezaki leads
exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament
during the evening sponsored by
Muhlenberg Catholic
Campus Ministry.
who am legally blind, am left wondering,
‘Hey, what about me?’”
Using a traditional story about St.
Brigid of Ireland, a speech by King
George VI of England, and his own personal experiences, Father Ezaki concluded, “Regarding our talents and abilities,
it is not God’s purpose to make our life
on earth as easy as possible, but he will
give us everything that will promote, and
deprive us of everything that will hinder, our getting into heaven as easily and
surely as possible.
“Maybe good eyesight is not all it’s
cracked up to be.”
“During adoration we had praise and
worship music playing over the sound
system, and we also included an extended period of silent adoration toward the
end,” Doncsecz said.
“During adoration, people were invited to come up to the altar where they
were able to light candles for special intentions, write prayer requests or take a
message from a basket labeled ‘God’s
Word for You,’ which contained various
Bible verses.”
“One of the great things about campus
ministry at Muhlenberg is that we have
so much support and participation from
the adults and families living in the local
community. They attend Sunday Mass
with us and are an integral part of our
family,” Doncsecz said.
“With an event like this, it was beauti-
ful to see students and community members of all ages and walks of life praying
side-by-side, coming together as the body
of Christ.”
“We are so grateful to Father Ezaki
for being our celebrant, to Father Zambelli for helping with confessions, and to
all those who participated in this event
in any way, and we hope to offer many
more opportunities like this in the future
as our students and community members
delve deeper into their spiritual journey,”
Doncsecz said.
“I thought ‘Nightfever’ was a powerful experience for Catholics and nonCatholics alike to pray before the Blessed
Sacrament and to be able to experience
the true presence of Jesus Christ,” said
Jennifer Russell, a young adult parishioner of St. Ann, Emmaus.
“I was very moved to see people from
the community coming to the chapel and
lighting candles for their intentions. I was
also amazed at how many from the community remained for the whole event,”
said Russell.
“Especially after all that has happened
throughout the world within the past few
days, it was such a beautiful witness to
our Catholic faith to see people in community offering prayers and Mass for the
intention of those who have fallen victim
to terrorism.
“This event is an example of how we,
as Catholics, are called to move the hearts
of our neighbors by allowing them to experience Christ in his fullest.”
Ange Sandrine Uwisanze, a student
at Muhlenberg who is active in Catholic
Campus Ministry, said, “It was so amazing to spend my time in silence to adore
Christ. It was an awesome night to receive blessings from God.”
Doncsecz said the website explaining
the origin of “Nightfever” states: “Nightfever began in Germany after World
Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. It began as
an idea from two students and has spread
to over 90 cities in Europe and North
America. And on Oct. 5 we brought it for
the first time to Chicago. The idea behind
‘Nightfever’ is simple: open the church,
invite people in and let Christ work. And
the effect is remarkable.”
Chicago then began hosting it in October 2013 and now hosts it once a month
at different churches in the Archdiocese
of Chicago. The idea has spread to other
locations throughout the country, including St. John XXIII, Tamaqua, which held
the event earlier this year on March 27.
Left, Father Bernard Ezaki celebrates the opening
Mass.
Below, Father Bernard Ezaki distributes Communion
at the liturgy.
A member of the faithful participates in night prayer.
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
The seven deadly sins focus of Theology on Tap Schuylkill session
Regarding greed, Father Finlan said as
with pride, “You need to work on the virtue of humility.”
“Envy is me wanting something you
“Pride lies at the heart of all deadly
sins … putting something else before have, often a quality,” he said.
Father Finlan said we tend to envy
God,” speaker Father Robert Finlan
told young adults gathered in Schuylkill what is close to us. For example, a child
County for the Nov. 9 Theology on Tap is envious of a teammate on his baseball
session, “Thou Shall Not: The Seven team, but is not envious of a baseball star,
because that’s too far away.
Deadly Sins.”
“Envy can lead us to gossip and beFather Finlan, pastor of St. Joseph,
Frackville, presented the session at Roma littling a person to tear them down. Find
your envy and whittle it
Pizzeria, Pottsville.
out – don’t let it become
The seven deadly sins
embedded in your charare lust, gluttony, greed
The seven deadly sins
acter.”
(also called avarice),
• Lust
Focusing on wrath,
sloth, wrath, envy and
• Gluttony
Father Finlan said there
pride.
are times when anger can
“They are all diffused
• Greed/Avarice
be justified, but it’s imin Scripture – they are
• Sloth
portant what you do with
not on a list,” Father Fin• Wrath
it as it leads to harm, delan said.
• Envy
struction and violence.
The deadly sins are
• Pride
Wrath also means being
formally called capital
sullen about old wounds.
sins. There are also car“Some cases of wrath are cases of vice
dinal sins, which are sins upon which
and sometimes are psychological issues,”
other sins hinge.
“There are sins, but as Christians we he said.
“Jesus says pray for your enemies.
need to develop character to become
When you pray for them it changes you.”
more Christ-like,” Father Finlan said.
Though sloth refers to physical issues,
Contrasting the seven deadly sins
are the heavenly virtues, which help us it also applies to spiritual issues.
“In our plugged-in world you may look
“grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ.”
They are chastity, abstinence, liberality,
diligence, patience, kindness and humility.
Father Finlan said even the smallest
sins get into our character and can lead to
other deadly sins and vices.
However, the smallest virtues also
seep into our character, and, as Father
Finlan advised, “It’s best to get virtues ingrained early.” Virtues that become habit
can lead to cardinal virtues.
“Pride is really all about our selfassertion – asserting ourselves before
God,” Father Finlan said. “And sins begin to breed other sins. If you buy a Lexus trying to keep up with the Jones’ who
bought a BMW, will you cheat, perhaps
on your taxes, to pay for it?”
Discussing greed – or avarice – Father
Finlan said, “When you want more and
more things, where will it end? It also
brings a sense of restlessness, never being satisfied, that spiritually wrecks us.
As we grasp harder to possess our possessions, they begin to possess us.”
By TAMI QUIGLEY
Staff writer
Father Robert Finlan presents “Thou Shalt Not: The Seven Deadly Sins” at
Theology on Tap Nov. 9 at Roma Pizzeria, Pottsville. (Photos by John Simitz)
like you’re being spiritual, but there’s so
much going on in your mind you’re really not. Sloth can lead us to despair, and
the opposite of sloth is diligence,” Father
Finlan said.
Lust, he said, is not just physical, highlighting the pornography, especially now
since it’s easily available on the Internet.
“Pornography is also demeaning to us.”
“Gluttony refers to all types of appetites, not just food. There are other things
such as alcohol and drugs. We have to be
careful, too as we live in a foodie culture,” Father Finlan said.
“The deeper
the roots of these
sins are in our
“The deeper
character
the
the roots of
harder they are to
these sins
get rid of, but it is
possible – that’s
are in our
the message of
character
the Gospel.”
the harder
The evening
they are to
wrapped up with
get rid of,
a time for questions and discusbut it is possion.
sible – that’s
Theology on
the message
Tap is sponsored
of the Gosby the diocesan
pel.”
Office of Youth
and Young Adult
Ministry (OYYAM).
It is designed to allow young adults,
single or married, to come together in a
comfortable and relaxed setting to share
community, learn more about their faith
and discuss faith topics relevant to their
life experiences. It originated in the
Archdiocese of Chicago, Ill.
For more information, contact OYYAM Director Sue Matour, [email protected], or visit www.allentowndiocese.org/tot.
Above, “Jesus says pray for your
enemies. When you pray for them
it changes you,” Father Finlan tells
young adults at the evening session
sponsored by the diocesan Office of
Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Left, David Drewicki, left, and Andrew
Ivankovits, both of Allentown, review
information on the seven deadly sins.
Right, Patrick Smith of McAdoo listens to Father Finlan speak.
Youth and Young Adults
•
The Diocese of Allentown provides diocesanwide and regional youth events throughout the year.
•
Increase the service activities and spirituality of the Catholic Youth Organization.
•
Offer young adults opportunities to gather for community and fellowship, which include service- and faith-based activities.Serve as a resource to parishes in the
formation of youth and young adults as disciples of Jesus Christ.
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The A.D. Times
November 26, 2015
Holy hour for young adults Dec. 17
Young adults are invited to attend
“Adore,” a holy hour followed by refreshments and fellowship, Thursday,
Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown.
Father Mark Searles, assistant pastor
of Immaculate Conception and Sacred
Heart of Jesus, Allentown, will be celebrant for the holy hour.
Music will be provided by Countless
Wonders, a local band from Scranton,
and confessions will be available.
All are invited to gather for Christmas
carols and refreshments after the holy
hour.
This event is co-sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult
Ministry (OYYAM) and Salve Young
Adult Group.
Salve is a Christ-centered community that supports, unites and encourages
Catholic young adults to live as disciples
of Christ. As disciples, striving to witness
to the truth, they strengthen their individual relationship with Christ and challenge
each other to live authentic lives of love.
For more information, e-mail Salve,
[email protected], or OYYAM, [email protected].
CYO Diocesan Spelling Bee winners
The 2015 Diocesan Spelling Bee was
held Nov. 8 at St. John Neumann Regional School, Palmerton.
The first and second place winners
in grades six through eight from their
respective district competitions participated.
Students were from the following
schools:
District 1 – Northampton (Holy Family, Nazareth; Notre Dame of Bethlehem;
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton; St.
Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown).
District 2 – Lehigh (Good Shepherd
Catholic School, Northampton; St. Ann,
Emmaus; St. Elizabeth of Hungary Regional School, Whitehall; St. Joseph the
Worker, Orefield; St. Michael the Archangel, School, Coopersburg; St. Thomas
More, Allentown).
District 4 – Schuylkill (Assumption
BVM Regional School, Pottsville; Trinity Academy, Shenandoah).
District 5 – Carbon-North Schuylkill
Winners of the bee are, from left, Angele Diamacoune, Mary Scheidel, Sakina
Gangji, Dominick Philip, Harrison DeWalt, James Manley, Madison Dando,
Patrick Donohue and Abagail Artz, in photo at left.
(Our Lady of the Angels Academy, Lansford).
The following students won first, second and third place.
Grade six – first, Abagail Artz, Trinity Academy (District 4); second, James
Manley, Good Shepherd Catholic School
Save the date – youth rally April 9
Teens in grades 8 to 12 are
invited to the save the date for
the 2016 Diocesan Youth Rally
– Saturday, April 9 from 1 to
8 p.m. at Berks Catholic High
School, Reading.
The day will include fun,
faith and fellowship, and conclude with a holy hour with
Bishop of Allentown John
Barres.
Keynote speaker will be Patin
Mike Patin, who uses energy,
humor and stories to affirm
God’s goodness and presence
among us, while inviting others (and himself) to take the
“next step” in our journey with
God.
Registration materials will
be available in January.
For more information, contact Sue Matour, director of
youth and young adult ministry, 610-289-8900, ext. 23 or
smatour@allentowndiocese.
org.
(District 2); third, Angele Diamacoune,
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Regional School
(District 2).
Grade seven – first, Patrick Donohue,
St. Ann (District 2); second, Harrison DeWalt, St. Joseph the Worker (District 2);
third, Madison Dando, Trinity Academy
(District 4).
Grade eight – first, Mary Scheidel,
St. Michael the Archangel (District 2);
second, Sakina Gangji, St. Thomas More
(District 2); third, Dominick Philip, Holy
Family (District 1).
Courage group meets monthly
Persons with same-sex attraction have
always been with us. There is now formal
outreach from the Catholic Church in the
way of support groups and information
for such persons.
The Diocese of Allentown conducts
Courage group meetings monthly for
those dealing with this issue. For more
information: 610-334-9147 or www.
couragerc.org.
Encourage group meets monthly
Does a member of your family have
same-sex attraction? Are you having difficulty dealing with the issue? Encourage
is a ministry of the Catholic Church giving faithful witness to Catholic teaching
with compassion.
Group meetings are held monthly in
the Diocese of Allentown. For more information: 610-334-9147 or www.couragerc.org.
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
13
‘Quo Vadis’ and ‘Fiat’ vocation
camps planned for July
Are you wondering what to do
with your life? Have you asked
“What am I looking for?”
If so, you are not alone. You are
in good company.
People like St. Andrew and
St. John the Evangelist had these
same questions and then found
the answers in a man who was
baptized by John the Baptist and
called them to be “fishers of men.”
The diocesan Office of Vocations, in conjunction with the St.
Andrew Committee, will again be
conducting its “Quo Vadis” (for
young men) and “Fiat” (for young
women) vocation camps. The
camps are open to young men and
women age 14 to 18.
The camps will take place
Sunday, July 17 at noon through
Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m. at DeSales University, Center Valley.
The five days of events will
include prayer and discernment,
Eucharistic adoration, Mass and
other devotions, engaging speakers and talks on prayer and vocation, sports, fellowship and other
activities.
The $100 registration fee will
be due Friday, July 1. Scholarships
are available.
To register: 610-437-0755 or
www.allentowndiocese.org/thediocese/vocations/.
‘Come and See Weekend’
for young men Dec. 4-6
Young men ages 14 to 18 of the
Diocese of Allentown are invited to
a “Come and See Weekend” Friday,
Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6 at St.
Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia.
The weekend will include Mass,
adoration and reflection, and an opportunity to spend time with the seminarians and learn about their daily
routines and their experience of formation.
Sightseeing in Philadelphia and a
visit to the shrine of St. John Neumann will also be included in this
weekend experience.
Arrival at St. Charles will be Friday
between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Departure
will be Sunday at approximately noon.
Room and meals will be included.
Transportation is available.
To register, complete the registration form on the diocesan website
(click “Vocations Information” on the
homepage, then under the “Come and
See Weekend” flyer) and send it to the
Office of Vocations at the address listed on the form.
Any questions, contact the Office of
Vocations, 610-437-0755.
14
The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Christian yoga nurtures closeness to Christ
By TARA CONNOLLY
Staff writer
When Nancy Kantz, parishioner of
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, was
searching for a suitable form of exercise
to help ease health ailments, she was surprised to feel God calling her to practice
yoga.
“I began to pray about it. I had a lot
of preconceived notions and my lack of
understanding about it caused me to be
wary, but it was clear that this was the
path that God was sending me on,” she
said.
After experiencing improvement in
her overall health, Kantz visited a yoga
studio operated by a Christian.
“She explained that yoga is a series of
movements and not a belief system,” said
Kantz.
“What evolved was a beautiful prayer
experience. I disengaged from the hustle
and bustle, and began spending more
time with Christ,” she added.
“Within a few weeks, I began to see an
improvement in my weight, strength and
flexibility, and I learned to calm my mind.
What I didn’t expect was the effect that
yoga would have on my spiritual life – it
enabled me to be still and allowed peace
to permeate my being,” said Kantz.
Later she was reading a stewardship
reflection asking: “What mission is Christ
calling you to fulfill, the one that only
you can do?”
Janice Ardilla, front, and her son
Nicholas Ardilla, 13, parishioners of
Holy Family, Nazareth, practice a
gentle stretch during class.
Adults practice stillness during Christian yoga.
Nancy Kantz reads a meditation
prayer while leading a Christian yoga
class at St. Jane Frances de Chantal,
Easton. (Photos by Ed Koskey)
“With that, God began to stir my soul
about the possibility of using yoga as a
tool for evangelization to spread his love
and peace to others,” said Kantz.
She then pursued certification with
“YogaFaith” – one of only two Christianbased
yoga
schools
accredited by the
“What evolved
Yoga Alliance.
was a beau“I started to
tiful prayer
see the need to
experience. I
bring Christian
spirituality to
disengaged
the table. There
from the hustle
are a lot of peoand bustle and
ple on a spiribegan spendtual search,”
ing more time
said Kantz.
After Kantz
with Christ.”
received certification, she
formulated a
“Spirit Flow Yoga” sequence, which integrates prayer through movement, coupled
with the beauty and richness of Gregorian
chant.
“Class always begins and closes with
prayer and Scripture or an inspirational
quote from the saints. Through my ministry, I am honored to bring people to the
stillness so they may hear God’s invitation to connect with him more profoundly. It is also an opportunity to help others
Above, participants practice a side stretch while listening to a reading from
Scriptures.
Right, Valerie Lutz, parishioner of St. Jane, relaxes in a pose while listening to
Scriptures.
beyond the class,” she said.
She also reads from Scriptures and
shares writings from saints to encourage
deeper meditation.
Kantz, who leads “Spirit Flow Yoga”
Friday evenings at St. Jane, said about
16 students are part of a very dedicated
group who have grown physically and
spiritually together.
“Some older people, who aren’t as
flexible, can practice from a chair,” said
Kantz.
Kantz said there is no set cost for the
class and any donation benefits the annual parish retreat.
“On the fourth Friday of the month
I ask students to bring canned, dense
food – such as beans – which we use as
weights for our workout. Afterward, the
food is donated to the food pantry,” she
said.
The class runs from 6 to 7 p.m. in the
Monsignor Gobitas Room. The class is
open to all levels, and for adults and children at least 10 years of age. There is no
need for preregistration, but individuals
should arrive 10 minutes before class to
register.
In addition, Kantz leads a community
class in the nonheated room at Hot Yoga
Hut, Bethlehem. The owner, Randi Perrett, a devout Christian, works to promote
a supportive community and healing to
others.
“When she learned that I too shared
a similar vision, we moved forward on
this joint venture. The proceeds of this
community class are donated to Mary’s
Shelter of Bethlehem and supports pregnant women who have chosen life,” said
Kantz.
Rafaela Chrislman, front, and Carmen Rodriquez, parishioners of St. Jane,
perform a lunge during class.
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
15
Annual collection benefits retired sisters, brothers, priests in religious orders
The national collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be held in
the Diocese of Allentown the weekend of
Dec. 12-13.
Now in its 28th year, the collection
is coordinated by the National Religious
Retirement Office (NRRO) and offers
support for senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose
communities lack sufficient retirement
funding. Some 33,000 women and men
religious past age 70 benefit.
The 2014 appeal raised $28.3 million,
and the NRRO distributed more than $25
million in financial assistance to 395 religious communities.
Throughout the year, additional funding is allocated for communities with the
greatest needs, and for retirement planning and educational resources. Ninetythree cents of every dollar directly aids
elderly religious; the remainder is used
for administration and promotion of the
appeal.
“We are overwhelmed by the ongoing generosity shown this appeal,” said
Precious Blood Sister Janice Bader, the
NRRO’s executive director. “Since the
fund was launched in 1988, Catholics
have donated $755 million to assist religious communities in caring for their elder members.”
The U.S. bishops initiated the collection to address the significant lack of
retirement funding among U.S. religious
communities. Proceeds are distributed to
eligible communities to help underwrite
retirement and health care expenses.
While the response to the collection is
unprecedented, so is the need. The total
cost of care for senior women and men
religious has exceeded $1 billion for each
of the past six years.
At the same time, the number of reli-
gious needing care is on the rise. In 2014,
66 percent of the religious communities
providing data to the NRRO had a median age of 70 or older.
Accompanying the higher median age
is a decrease in the number of religious
able to serve in compensated ministry,
which further reduces the income available for eldercare.
In addition, many religious communities lack sufficient retirement savings,
due in part to historically low compensation.
“Most senior religious worked for
years for small stipends and did not receive retirement benefits,” said Sister
Bader.
Religious communities are financially
autonomous and thus responsible for the
support and care of all members. Annual
distributions from the Retirement Fund
for Religious provide supplemental assistance to help meet such day-to-day needs
as prescription medications and nursing
care.
In addition to providing financial assistance, NRRO offers education and resources that help religious communities
stretch retirement dollars and plan for
future needs.
Strategic partnerships with various
organizations further these efforts. For
example, support from the Conrad N.
Hilton Foundation is underwriting the
creation of programming and materials
that promote the effective management
and/or divestment of outdated congregational properties.
“We remain committed to ensuring the
broadest and most beneficial use of donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious,” said Sister Bader.
For more information, visit www.retiredreligious.org.
David Phelps sings
Christmas Dec. 8
Death
The signature voice from the Gaither
Vocal Band, David Phelps, will be live
in concert Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the State
Theatre, Easton. Nicknamed “The Voice”
for his otherworldly tenor-range pipes,
Phelps will perform Christmas songs
backed by a full band.
Group discounts are available for 10 or
more, For ticket info: http://statetheatre.
org/events/david-phelps-christmas-2. For
more information on Phelps: www.davidphelps.com.
You Are Not Alone ministry
If a prenatal diagnosis identifies a
possible disability…. You are not alone.
There is help. The Diocese of Allentown
has a network of concerned parents and
professionals who have experienced or
worked closely with issues surrounding a
poor prenatal diagnosis.
For support, contact Sister Janice Marie Johnson, [email protected] or 610-289-8900, ext. 42.
Father Charles Sperlak, pastor emeritus
Father Charles
Sperlak,
pastor
emeritus of SS.
Cyril and Methodius, Reading, died
Nov. 19 at Holy
Family Villa for
Priests, Bethlehem.
Born in Jablonka, Czechoslovakia, Father Sperlak
was the son of the
late Charles and Theresa (Dubek) Sperlak. Surviving are a brother, Joseph
Sperlak, who still resides in Europe;
numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Father Sperlak attended elementary
school and high school in Jablonka. He
attended the seminary in the Diocese of
Kielce, Poland, and was ordained to the
priesthood June 20, 1964 by Bishop Jan
Jarosiewicz of Kielce, Poland.
He came to the Diocese of Allentown in 1969 and was assigned to St.
John the Baptist, Allentown as assistant
pastor. Father Sperlak was later incardinated into the Diocese of Allentown
Nov. 2, 1971.
His first pastoral assignment was at
the former St. Stephen, Shenandoah.
Father Sperlak was then named pastor
of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Reading,
until his retirement Oct. 5.
During the course of his priestly
ministry, Father Sperlak served as confessor to the Bernardine Sisters at St.
Joseph Villa, Reading.
Vigil service was held Nov. 22 in
SS. Cyril and Methodius. Msgr. Dennis Hartgen, pastor, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, and vicar forane of the
Berks Deanery, presided. Homilist was
Father Dominik Kalata, pastor, St. John
Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation to
participate in ‘Giving Tuesday’ for needy
For the first time, Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation of Sacred Heart Health
Care System, Allentown will join thousands of not-for-profit institutions across
the nation and participate in the Fourth
Annual Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1.
The goal is to raise $1,500 for the
foundation’s 1,000 Mittens Campaign to
help the hospital’s Parish Nursing Program provide at least 1,000 mittens and
other winter essentials to downtown Allentown residents in need.
The Parish Nursing Program is a faith-
based, health program offered through
community services of Sacred Heart Hospital. These nurses are trained to work in
faith-based communities and are an integral part of the health and well being
of the residents of downtown Allentown,
who otherwise might not have access to
immediate health care.
Nurses are trained to offer health
screenings, give referrals and wellness
tips, with a special focus on women’s
health, offering free mammograms and
other services for underinsured or unin-
sured women.
Out in the community in homeless
shelters and soup kitchens, these nurses also provide clothing, shoes, socks,
sleeping bags and other general necessities through donations from people all
over the Lehigh Valley.
All donations for the Giving Tuesday
campaign must be made on or by Dec. 1.
To donate, visit website http://www.shh.
org/community-services/foundation/ or
call 610-776-4874.
the Baptist, and administrator, SS. Peter
and Paul, Allentown.
Mass of Christian Burial for Father
Sperlak was celebrated Nov. 23 at SS.
Cyril and Methodius by Bishop of Allentown John Barres. Homilist was Father David Kozak, assistant pastor, St.
Peter the Apostle, Reading.
Main concelebrants were Msgr. Gerald Gobitas, secretary for clergy, chancellor and rector, Holy Family Villa;
Father Dominik Kalata, pastor, St. John
the Baptist, and administrator, SS. Peter and Paul, Allentown; Father Andrew
Grelek, pastor, St. Stanislaus, Chelsea,
Mass.; Msgr. Thomas Orsulak, pastor,
St. Peter the Apostle, and administrator,
SS. Cyril and Methodius, Reading; and
Father Kozak.
Interment took place in Gethsemane
Cemetery, Laureldale.
16
The A.D. Times
World
November 26, 2015
Vatican Nativity scene, tree to be unveiled early for Year of Mercy
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The
Christmas tree and Nativity scene in St.
Peter’s Square will be set up and unveiled
earlier than usual this year to be ready for
the opening of the Year of Mercy.
In preparation for the extraordinary
event, which begins Tuesday, Dec. 8 with
the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican workmen broke
through the masonry that had walled off
the door.
Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest
of the basilica, led a small ceremony that
included prayers and a procession Nov.
17, the eve of the anniversary of the basilica’s dedication in 1626.
Four Vatican workmen then used a
pickax to break through a portion of the
wall that covers the Holy Door from inside the basilica. They removed a sealed
metal box that, in keeping with tradition,
had been embedded in the wall at the end
of the Jubilee Year of 2000.
The zinc box, which was opened with
a blowtorch, contained the keys and
handles for opening the holy door, commemorative medals and a papal gold coin
marking the last Holy Year.
The Vatican also announced Nov. 18
that the traditional tree and Nativity scene
that dominate the center of St. Peter’s
Square would be ready by Dec. 8, the
feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The 82-foot spruce fir comes from
Bishops
because poverty and the environment did
not receive the same priority as abortion
and euthanasia, that some people “outside of this room” would “misuse” the
document and claim other issues did not
carry the same moral weight.
The pornography statement, “Create
in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response
to Pornography,” says that “producing or
using pornography is gravely wrong” and
is a “mortal sin” if committed with deliberate consent and urges Catholics to turn
away from it. Approval of the statement
came on a vote of 230-4 with one abstention, with 181 votes needed for passage.
Bishop Richard Malone, of Buffalo,
N.Y., chair of the bishops’ Committee on
Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth,
described pornography as a “dark shadow
in our world today.” He added pornography is a “particularly sinister instance of
consumption” where men, women and
children are “consumed for the pleasure
of others.”
The bishops approved a budget for
the work of their national conference in
2016, but their vote was inconclusive on
a proposed 3 percent increase in 2017 to
the assessment on dioceses that funds the
conference.
The budget was approved by the bishops by voice vote Nov. 17. But a separate
written ballot on the diocesan assessment
failed to gain the required two-thirds majority of bishops who head dioceses or
eparchies. The vote was 123-49 in favor
of the 3 percent increase, and 132 votes
were needed to reach the two-thirds majority. Heads of dioceses who were not
present at the Baltimore meeting will be
polled by mail on the matter.
Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, Texas,
USCCB treasurer and chairman of the
bishops’ Committee on Budget and Finance, argued the assessment increase
was necessary.
USCCB “needs to have a sustainable
income” that does not rely on growth in
its long-term investments, he said. “As
we have seen between 2008 and 2009,
we should not have our fates so heav-
Workers work on freeing the Holy Door, covered since Holy Year 2000, in St.
Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 17. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano
via Reuters)
Germany’s Bavaria region. The decorations this year were to include painted
ceramic ornaments made by children receiving oncological care in a number of
Italian hospitals.
The Nativity scene was donated by the
northern Italian province of Trent. The 24
life-sized figures carved from wood included Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the
Three Magi and a man bending over to
help an elderly man in an act of mercy.
The surrounding scene and figures were
to represent life in the Dolomites in the
1900s.
A metal box containing mementos
from the Great Jubilee of the Year
2000 is taken in procession after
workers freed the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 17.
(CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano
via Reuters)
ily dependent on financial markets over
which we have no control whatsoever,”
he added.
The bishops approved priorities and
strategic plans for 2017-20 in a 233-4
vote Nov. 17. The document emphasizes
five major areas: evangelization; family
and marriage; human life and dignity; religious freedom; and vocations and ongoing formation.
As part of a series of elections, the bishops chose Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of
Cincinnati, Ohio as treasurer-elect. They
also elected Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield as
the new general secretary; he has been
associate general secretary for five years.
His term starts at the beginning of 2016.
He will succeed Msgr. Ronny Jenkins.
USCCB met in the shadow of the Nov.
13 terror attacks in Paris. Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo of Seattle, chairman
of the USCCB Committee on Migration,
issued a statement Nov. 17 from the floor
of the meeting.
“I am disturbed,” Bishop Elizondo
said, “by calls from both federal and state
officials for an end to the resettlement of
Syrian refugees in the United States” in
the wake of the attacks. “These refugees
are fleeing terror themselves – violence
like we have witnessed in Paris.”
He added, “Moreover, refugees to this
country must pass security checks and
multiple interviews before entering the
United States – more than any arrival
to the United States. It can take up to
two years for a refugee to pass through
the whole vetting process. We can look
at strengthening the already stringent
screening program, but we should continue to welcome those in desperate need.”
Dominican Sister Donna Markham,
president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, told the bishops Nov. 17 that
Catholic Charities has been sent “disturbing mail from people angry that we are
trying to help these people. It’s tragic.”
She added of the Syrian refugees, “We’re
ready to help – if we can get them here.”
In his USCCB presidential address
Nov. 16, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of
Louisville, Ky., called on his fellow bishops Nov. 16 to imitate the “pastor’s presence” exhibited by Pope Francis during
his recent U.S. visit, “touching the hearts
of the most influential, the forgotten and
all of us in between.”
Noting the upcoming Year of Mercy
that begins Dec. 8, Archbishop Kurtz
said a ministry of “presence means making time and never letting administration
come between me and the person. It’s
seeing the person first.”
From entering a diocesan Holy Door
to undertaking the corporal and spiritual
works of mercy, Catholics can model
a compassionate life during the Year of
Mercy declared by Pope Francis, said the
chairman of the USCCB Committee on
Evangelization and Catechesis.
The jubilee period, from Dec. 8
through Nov. 13, 2016, can be observed
in many different ways that allow every
Catholic to be a “credible witness to mercy,” Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford, Conn., said Nov. 17.
Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport,
Conn., in a Nov. 17 presentation, said
13,000 people were already registered for
World Youth Day, to be held July 25-31
in Krakow, Poland, with U.S. registration
expected to top 30,000.
Pope Francis, in inviting young people
and young adults to the celebration, connected World Youth Day with the Year of
Mercy. The event in the southern Polish
city will become a “youth jubilee,” Bishop Caggiano said.
Citing young altar servers’ weak arms
and older priests’ weak eyes, the U.S.
bishops approved an adapted version
of the Roman Missal to be used during
the times at Mass when the celebrant is
seated, subject to Vatican approval. The
bishops endorsed “Excerpts from the Roman Missal: Book for Use at the Chair”
by a 187-27 vote, with three abstentions.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, Ga. used the opportunity to ask
whether there would be an opportunity
“to examine the reception” by both Catholics in the pew and by priests of the new
Mass translations that came into use four
years ago.
“There are many wonderful things in
the new translation, but some inconsistencies too,” he said. He called on his
fellow bishops to “look at improving, adjusting, amending the text.”
A proposal for a one-time national
collection in 2017 to fund completion
of the artwork in the central dome of the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington
squeaked through Nov. 17. Needing 132
votes – two-thirds of diocesan and eparchial bishops – to pass, the proposal was
adopted 135-31 with four abstentions.
No cost estimate was given for the
work, but Cardinal Donald Wuerl of
Washington said $4.2 million had already
been raised in pledges and cash “and we
are awaiting responses on an additional
$3 million in requests and have identified
another $1 million” in potential funding.
Nov. 16 the bishops discussed how the
U.S. Catholic Church can move forward
in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling
on same-sex marriage this year. To that
end, the bishops are planning to develop a
pastoral plan for marriage and family life.
The pastoral plan, according to Bishop
Malone, will seek the bishops’ input.
A 2017 convocation for Catholic leaders represents “a new way of reaching
and teaching our people,” Bishop Malone
said in a presentation to his fellow bishops. The national convocation, planned
for July 1-4, 2017, in Orlando, Florida,
will have the theme “The Joy of the Gospel in America.”
Archbishop Timothy Broglio painted
a dire picture of “a pastoral problem that
affects all of us” in a report to his fellow
bishops about the “desperate” shortage of
Catholic priests serving as military chaplains.
The head of the U.S. Archdiocese for
the Military Services said there were only
217 Catholic priests serving the 1.8 million Catholics in the U.S. armed forces
around the world, and the numbers would
soon decline due to retirements and medical leaves.
“Witnesses to Freedom” will be the
theme of the 2016 observance of the Fortnight for Freedom, Archbishop William
Lori of Baltimore, Md., chairman of the
Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty,
told the assembly.
The two-week event will include a
nationwide tour of first class relics of St.
Thomas More and St. John Fisher. Archbishop Lori said details of the tour have
yet to be arranged.
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
17
Sister of Mercy cherishes blessing
of working in Catholic education for 52 years
Editor’s note: This article is part of a
continuing series on religious communities in the Diocese of Allentown, to
commemorate the Year of Consecrated
Life, the weekend of Nov. 29-30, 2014
through Feb. 2, 2016, World Day of
Consecrated Life.
By TAMI QUIGLEY
Staff writer
“The school days may seem routine,
however there are many different happenings each day that never allow for an
ordinary school day. The students manage
to keep newness in each day. As a teacher
or principal we strive daily to build the
Kingdom of God by practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy,” said
Sister Bonita Smith, a Sister of Mercy of
the Americas (RSM).
And Sister Bonita, principal of St.
Elizabeth Regional School, Whitehall,
knows
well
of which she
speaks, as she
“I have felt truly
has devoted 52
blessed during
years to Cathomy years as a
lic
education
sister and daily
and
continues
thank God for
to pass on God’s
my
vocation.
love to children.
The gift of sharSister Bonita
ing God’s meswas
born in East
sage of love
Greenville
to
with the thouLila
and
Paul
sands of stuSmith. “My lovdents I’ve met
ing parents were
over these 52
able to provide
years has been
me with a Catha true blessing
olic education
in my life.”
which started at
St. Philip Neri
School in East
Greenville, a grade school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.” After graduating from eighth grade she attended Allentown Central Catholic High in the same
diocese, as the Diocese of Allentown was
not formed from the archdiocese to the
south until 1961.
Sister Bonita earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from
Gwynedd Mercy University (then College), Gwynedd Valley, a school founded
by the Sisters of Mercy. She then earned
a master of arts degree from St. Bonaventure University, N.Y.
Sister Bonita became a lay teacher in
1959 at the former SS. Simon and Jude
School, Bethlehem. While being a lay
teacher there, the Diocese of Allentown
was created in 1961. She remained as a
lay teacher for four years.
In 1963 she entered the Sisters of
Mercy in Merion, and has been a Sister
Sister of Mercy Bonita Smith, principal of St. Elizabeth Regional School, Whitehall, with students, from left: front, Isabella Fares, Emily Tran, Gianna Yowakim
and Vivi Nguyen; back, Trey Kelly and Sean Brosious. (Photo by John Simitz)
of Mercy for 52 years.
“God has blessed and challenged me
in many ways,” Sister Bonita said.
After becoming a professed Sister of
Mercy she once again returned to teaching, her ministry assignments alternating
between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
and the Diocese of Allentown. In elementary education, Sister Bonita taught
all grades except kindergarten and third
grade. Most of her time teaching was in
seventh and eighth grades.
After several years teaching Sister
Bonita was tapped to be a principal. The
assignment was to her home parish of St.
Philip Neri School, East Greenville.
“It was a different experience of ministering with the people I grew up with
as a student in that same school,” Sister
Bonita said. “How rewarding it was to see
how past classmates have grown on their
faith journey and now are sending their
children to the school we attended together. Many happy memories came out of the
assignment.”
Since that assignment Sister Bonita
has been principal in two other schools,
presently at St. Elizabeth. “I am fortunate
to be working with an excellent team of
lay teachers and staff who value Catholic education and join daily to support the
parents who are the primary educators of
their children. As a faculty we strive to
create an atmosphere in the school that is
centered on Christ.”
Sister Bonita’s daily challenge as a
consecrated religious is to keep a balance
between her prayer and work. “As a Sister of Mercy I desire to keep the Mercy
charism alive in each event within the
day,” Sister Bonita said.
“I have felt truly blessed during my
years as a sister and daily thank God for
my vocation. The gift of sharing God’s
message of love with the thousands of
students I’ve met over these 52 years has
been a true blessing in my life.”
About the Sisters of Mercy
Name: Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
Mid-Atlantic Community (RSM).
History: The community was founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland in 1831. Sisters first arrived in the United States in Philadelphia in 1861, and in the Diocese of Allentown (then still part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) at
Sacred Heart, Nesquehoning in 1925.
Charism: Mercy – showing God’s love and compassion for
all of God’s creation.
Vows: Simple vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and the
service of the poor, sick and ignorant.
Religious habit or attire: In keeping with the Mercy tradition, the sisters wear a silver ring as a sign of consecration.
They recognize the Mercy Cross as a symbol of their institute.
Their dress is simple, appropriate to the times and cultures in
which they live and minister.
Ministries in the Diocese of Allentown: Diocesan Secretariats for Catholic Life and Evangelization, and Stewardship
and Development, Allentown; Alvernia University and Penn
State Health St. Joseph, Reading; and St. Elizabeth Regional
School, Whitehall.
The work of the sisters includes education, health care and
other ministries that further social, political, economic and
Death
spiritual well-being.
In the Diocese of Allentown there is a sister who is associate
professor at Alvernia University; another who is principal of St.
Elizabeth Regional School; one who is vice president of mission
and ministry at Penn State Health St. Joseph; and a sister who
is part time as major and planned gifts officer in the Secretariat
for Stewardship and Development and director of the Office for
Ministry with Persons with Disabilities in the Secretariat for
Catholic Life and Evangelization.
Number of sisters: Diocese of Allentown – 4; Mid-Atlantic –
835; Institute – 3,040; World – 9,000.
Headquarters: Mid-Atlantic Community – Merion, Pa.; Institute – Silver Spring, Md.
Contact: Mid-Atlantic – Sister of Mercy Patricia Vetrano,
president, Mid-Atlantic Community Administrative Offices,
Convent of Mercy, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion, PA 19066;
610-664-6650; [email protected].
Contact: Institute – Sister of Mercy Patricia McDermott,
president, Institute Office of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 8380 Colesville Road #300, Silver Spring, MD 20910;
301-587-0423; [email protected]; website www.
sistersofmercy.org.
Death
Alexander Maggitti
Religious sister Deacon
Deacon AlexanBethlehem; and St. Francis Center, OrSister Claudia Cunningham, 88, a
professed member of the Sisters of St.
Francis of Philadelphia for 63 years,
died Nov. 19 in Assisi House, Aston.
In the Diocese of Allentown she
served at St. Francis School, Allentown. She also served in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Baltimore,
Md.; Dioceses of Wilmington, Del.;
Trenton, N.J.; and Baltimore, Md.; and
in North and South Carolina.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 25, with burial in Our Lady
of Angels Cemetery, Aston.
der Maggitti Sr., 85,
of Whitehall, died
Nov. 17 in Lehigh
Valley
Hospital,
Salisbury Township.
Deacon Maggitti
was ordained to the
permanent diaconate May 19, 1990
by Bishop Thomas
Welsh in the Cathedral of St. Catharine
of Siena, Allentown. Bishop Welsh assigned him to St. Elizabeth of Hungary,
Whitehall and later to St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown; Holy Family Manor,
wigsburg.
He was active in the Cursillo movement since 1973. He retired in July 2011.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Abbott) Maggitti; daughters Linda
Schiller, Geri Duke (administrative assistant to Bishop of Allentown John Barres),
Gloria Johnson, Paula Engle and their
spouses; sons Alexander Jr. and Patrick,
and their spouses; 14 grandchildren; and
11 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Barres Nov. 21 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, with Msgr.
Anthony Muntone as homilist. Burial followed in Laurel Cemetery, Whitehall.
18
The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and its spiritual heritage from St. Thomas the Apostle
By Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales
Father George Valliamthadathil, resident of Assumption BVM, Bethlehem
and instructor of theology at DeSales
University, Center Valley. He was born
and educated in India, and ordained in
1998.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church,
having a history of nearly 20 centuries on
Indian soil, is one of the most flourishing
churches in Christendom. Many westerner Christians and thinkers are baffled
by the complexity of the Christian East,
which can appear to be a bewildering array of national churches and ethnic jurisdiction.
This church is dynamic with a vibrant
Christian life, with a lot of vocations to
priestly and religious life, running many
religious institutions for educational, social welfare, health care works and catering to the spiritual needs by pastoral care
of their faithful all over the world.
The church makes felt her active presence in every sphere of ecclesial life and
in the civil society. Among all the 21
Eastern Catholic Churches, she is second
only to the Ukrainian Church in number.
Origin of Christianity in India in the
first century
Many people assume that India’s
Christian population is a product of European colonization. In fact India’s traditional Christians trace their origin back to
the Apostle St. Thomas (Mar Thoma in
Aramaic and Malayalam languages) and
these ancient Christians still live along
the coast of Malabar in Southern India,
today called Kerala, one of the 29 states
of federal India. They were discovered
by the European explorers only in the
medieval period.
The living tradition of St. Thomas says
that the Apostle Thomas came to South
India when the apostles dispersed to different lands to preach the Gospel. St.
Thomas landed in Caranganore, the then
reputed seaport in Malabar coast, around
the year 52 A.D., sailing through the famous Marine Silk Road then the longest
trade route, stretching from the east of
the ancient Eastern Roman Empire to the
far-eastern coast of China via the Persian
Gulf, the south Indian seaports, along
the coast of modern Singapore and Hong
Kong.
Reasons for St. Thomas to come to India
Long before the dawn of Christianity
and during the first centuries of the Christian era, India, especially Malabar coast,
had commercial relations with Mesopotamia and other Middle East countries
where Aramaic was the spoken language.
The first century of the Christian era
was, according to the European and Indian sources, the golden age of Roman
commerce with South India, when they
exchanged their wine and pottery with
pepper, spices, pearls, precious stones,
ivory, peacocks etc. of the country.
In 30 B.C, the Romans conquered
Egypt. And five years later, about 120
ships sailed yearly from the Red Sea to
Malabar (Kerala). The monsoon winds
took them to India in 40 days and back
in the same time. Aramaic was the lingua
franca / the commercial language of the
East until the eighth century, before the
rise of Islam. In fact, the Jews who spoke
Aramaic were very influential in many
parts of India, especially in Malabar.
Thus India had the historical relationship with Aramaic-speaking people from
Mesopotamia and Mid-East, and they had
their settlements even before the message
of Christ was brought by St. Thomas.
These Jewish communities and their
settlements probably attracted St. Thomas to take this tedious and long journey
along with the Jewish trade men to Malabar. In truth the presence of the Jewish
colonies paved the way for St. Thomas to
come to India. Thus the apostolic origin
of the Church in India becomes an undeniable factor.
Influence of the Jews in Malabar and
the mission of St. Thomas
Due to the presence and the influence
of the Jews and the other Mesopotamians,
the language Aramaic was used widely
not only in Malabar but also in the other
parts of India. It was the second language
next to Tamil the language of the time of
Malabar. The Dravidian language Tamil
was the first until the 12th century.
The present day language of Kerala,
Malayalam is the child language of Tamil,
and it is a more Sanskritised one because
of the Aryan domination in Kerala. Both
Aramaic and Tamil are Semitic in origin
and have a lot of similarities in words and
meaning. In fact Aramaic was not a foreign language for India, rather it was part
of the culture and language of India.
St. Thomas himself was a Jew who
spoke the same language of Aramaic,
which was the language of Jesus. So in
all probability St. Thomas preached the
Gospel in the same language in Malabar.
According to the traditions, scholars believe that among the converts of Thomas
Christians in Malabar there were Jews,
other Aramaic-speaking people and the
native high class Hindu Brahmins. However, there might not have been very
many Brahmins who got converted due
to the tiny population of Brahmins that
existed during the time of St. Thomas.
Even the traditional songs written after the 16th century highlight this piece of
history. In fact, many of the scholars and
historians agree that St. Thomas founded
seven churches/communities in the Jewish or Aramaic-speaking colonies of Malabar.
So the Christian community of Malabar in the first millennium had strong
Semitic cultural influence and Semitic
background, not only in the liturgical-religious life, but also in the socio-political
and socio-ecclesiastical life, due to the
very high dominance of the Aramaicspeaking converted Christians and the
Jewish community of Malabar.
After having established these communities in Kerala St. Thomas travelled
over to Mylapore (Madras), another Jewish settlement on the Eastern side of India, where he preached the message of
Christ. Unfortunately he could not work
much longer there as he was martyred
there near Madras on July 3, 72 A.D. by
being run through with a spear while he
was in prayer. Since then every July 3 is a
holy day (Dhukrana-Remembrance Day)
for all the Thomas Christians.
There are many documents and much
evidence to prove the missionary activities of St. Thomas in India from the Acts
of Judas and Thomas, as well as the second and third century written documents,
as Eugene Tisserant, a renowned historian, observes that Thomas Christians of
India trace their origin back to the apostle
St. Thomas. They form the most ancient
Christian community of India and the Far
East.
Declaring St. Thomas as the Apostle
of India on the occasion of the 19th centuPlease see CHURCH page 19 }}
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Calendar
Editor’s note: E-mail, fax or mail church-affiliated items for
the Calendar page (Calendar, Retreats, Socials, Festivals,
Bazaars, Trips) to: e-mail, [email protected];
fax, 610-439-7694; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA
18105-1538.
Items must be received by Thursday of the week before
publication.
Please type or print. Please notify The A.D. Times if
bingos and other regularly listed events are cancelled for
the summer or other holiday periods, and again when they
resume.
The A.D. Times publishes only newly announced, churchaffiliated trips on a regular basis. The entire previously
announced repeating trip list is published only as space
permits. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled
for a trip so it can be removed from the repeating list.
Please do not send items again after they are published.
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 610-871-5200, ext. 264.
Thursday, Nov. 26
Patriotic Rosary for Thanksgiving, St. Jane Frances de
Chantal, Easton, after 9 a.m. Mass.
Sunday, Nov. 29
Holiday Breakfast Buffet and Gift Raffle, Annunciation BVM
(St. Mary), Catasauqua, 8:30 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children 10
and under $5, Santa arrives 9 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 30
Bible Study on Gospel of John, new group begins, Coll
Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10 to 11:35 a.m., join
anytime, 610-867-7424, [email protected].
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, St. Francis of Assisi,
Allentown, 7 p.m.
Christmas Nut Roll Sale, deadline for orders and payment,
St. Stephen, Port Carbon, $15, http://saintstephen2.com, 570622-6600, pickup Wednesday, Dec. 16 in church sacristy.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Christmas Dinner, Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, at
Northampton Community Center, 11:30 a.m., Gerry Gessie
Duo will entertain.
Friday, Dec. 4
Holiday Food Sale, order deadline, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, pierogi by the dozen and kielbasa 2-pound
links, 570-544-2211, pickup Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
Barnes and Noble Bookfair, Holy Family School, Nazareth, at
Barnes and Noble, 4445 Southmont Way, Bethlehem, 5-8 p.m.,
“Polar Express” story time 7 p.m., www./bn.com/bookfairs, ID
11709334.
Come and See Weekend, for young men ages 14 to 18, Diocese of Allentown Office of Vocations, at St. Charles Borromeo
Seminary, Philadelphia, register 610-437-0755.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Santa Breakfast and Santa’s Workshop, Boy Scout Troop
301, parish center, St. Joseph, Coopersburg, 7:30-11 a.m.,
adults $8, children $5, 5 and under free, first photo with Santa
included with breakfast, additional photo $5, walk-ins welcome
but reservations with preferred seating times encouraged, 610965-4441, collecting winter weather necessities (hats, coats,
blankets, gloves, etc.) and all kinds and sizes of new and used
shoes for the homeless.
Breakfast with Santa, Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown,
9 a.m., adults $5, children 4-12 $3, 3 and under free, order
tickets 610-442-4354, no tickets at door.
Women’s Advent Evening of Prayer, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, Mass 4 p.m., celebrant and homilist Bishop of
Harrisburg Ronald Gainer, followed by light buffet, exposition,
adoration, benediction and desserts, register 570-544-2211.
“Journey Through Christmas: Reflections on the Nativity
Gospels,” presented by Father Kevin Bobbin, Our Lady Queenship of Mary Spiritual Center (formerly St. Michael), 829 Main
St., Northampton, 9 a.m. (after Mass at 9 a.m.) to noon, 610882-0786.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Breakfast with Santa, church hall, Men of St. Francis, church
hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 9 a.m.-noon, adults $6,
children $4, pictures with Santa $3.
Children’s Christmas Concert, Our Lady Help of Christians,
Allentown, 2 p.m.
“Constantia,” concert featuring choir from Philadelphia
Korean Catholic Church, Precious Blood Chapel, 1094 Welsh
Road, Reading, 3 p.m., free will offering, silent auction 2 p.m.,
benefit Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood.
Advent Concert with Vespers, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 4 p.m.
Advent Vespers, featuring “Celebrate the Season,” a
Christmas cantata by Joel Raney, St. Elizabeth of Hungary,
Whitehall, 5 p.m., free-will offering.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
“David Phelps Christmas,” State Theatre, Easton, 7 p.m.,
tickets $28-$48, 610-252-3132, www.statetheatre.org.
Church
ry of the death of St. Thomas, Pope Paul
VI said: “According to the very ancient
and common tradition St. Thomas, one of
the Apostles of Jesus Christ preached in
India and died as a martyr there.”
The tomb of St. Thomas at Madras is
Saturday, Dec. 12
National Appeal for Retired Religious, churches of Diocese of
Allentown, through Sunday, Dec. 13
“Wreaths Across America,” placing of wreaths to honor
veterans, Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown, noon, http://give.
wreathsacrossamerica.org/goto/PA0066.
Mass of Remembrance, St. Ann, Emmaus, 1 p.m., Remembrance Book Signing 12:15-12:50 p.m., registration or information 484-264-6283.
Christmas Vespers, Convent Chapel, St. Francis Center for
Renewal, Bethlehem 7 p.m., good will offering, reception following; also Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., 610-867-8890, [email protected], www.stfranciscenterforrenewal.org.
“Christmas Oratorio,” Bach Choir of Bethlehem, at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 8 p.m., adults $37, students $9,
bach.org, 610-866-4382, ext. 10 or 15; also Sunday, Dec. 13, 4
p.m.
Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, Band Shell, Bethlehem
Rose Garden, 1:45 p.m., also Sunday, Dec. 13, 1:45 p.m., 610865-0274.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Advent Vespers, parish choir directed by Andrew Angstadt,
St. Benedict, Mohnton, 4 p.m., 610-856-1006.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Allentown Serra Club Meeting, St. Thomas More, Allentown 7
p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17
“Adore,” young adult holy hour, Immaculate Conception
BVM, Allentown, 7-9 p.m., with Father Mark Searles, music
by Countless Wonders, co-sponsored by diocesan Office of
Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Salve Young Adult Group,
[email protected], [email protected].
Sunday, Dec. 20
Breakfast with Santa, Knights of Columbus, St. Ignatius
Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $7.50, children
under 12 $3.50.
Monday, Dec. 28
Feast of the Holy Innocents Latin Mass and Chant, St. Stephen of Hungary, Allentown, 7 p.m., followed by Respect Life
Reception, all are welcome, 610-439-1110.
Saturday, Jan. 9
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, gymnasium, Holy Family School, Nazareth, 9:30 a.m., registration 9
a.m., [email protected], http://www.eteamz.com/HolyFamilyAA/handouts/#1905493.
“Resourcing Your Ministry,” youth ministry professional
development days, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult
Ministry, 2145 Madison Ave., Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,
$5, bring bag lunch, snacks and drinks provided, 610-2898900, ext. 21, [email protected].
Retreats
First Tuesdays
“Simply Prayer,” mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing,
St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon,
free will offering, 610-867-8890, [email protected],
www.stfrancisctr.org.
Third Tuesdays
“Journey of the Heart: Introduction to Contemplative Prayer
Practices,” St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 7-9
p.m., free will offering, 610-867-8890, stfranciscenter@gmail.
com, www.stfrancisctr.org.
First Fridays
“Retreat Day,” St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9 a.m.-2
p.m., $25, register by previous Monday, 610-258-3053, ext. 10,
www.stfrancisretreathouse.org.
Friday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 6
“Coming Home for Christmas,” Advent weekend retreat, St.
Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, $180, stfranciscenter@
gmail.com, www.stfrancisctr.org, 610-867-8890
Tuesday, Dec. 8
“In the Spirit of Pope Francis,” St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, retreat director Bishop
John Barres, 610-867-8890, [email protected], www.
stfrancisctr.org.
Monday, Dec. 14
“The Family Fully Alive,” St. Francis Retreat House, Easton,
6-9 p.m., $25, 610-258-3053, ext. 10, www.stfrancisretreathouse.
org.
Bazaars/Festivals
Saturday, Dec. 5
Christmas Craft Bazaar, school building (3125 Kutztown
Road), Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 6
Christmas Festival, parish hall, SS. Peter and Paul, Lehighton, Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12
Christkindlmarkt, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, noon-5:30 p.m.,
a living monument of faith and history of
Thomas Christians. This is also a famous
pilgrimage center, which has been venerated by Christians and non-Christians for
centuries.
According to tradition, St. Thomas ordained a few priests and bishops in South
India from among the newly converted
to govern the communities of the faith-
The A.D. Times
19
live Nativity 1, 3:30 and 5 p.m., organ concert 2 p.m., tour of
church 2:45 p.m., 570-325-3731.
Socials
Sundays
Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m.
Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl, 1 p.m.,
doors open 11 a.m., 610-863-4816.
Second Sundays
Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors
open 11 a.m.
Wednesdays
Bingo, Slovak Catholic Sokol, SS. Cyril and Methodius,
Reading, at Slovak Catholic Social Hall, 411 Crestmont St.,
6:30 p.m., doors open 5 p.m. (changed from Mondays).
First Wednesdays (October-December, April-May)
Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 12886, St. Ann, Emmaus, 7:30 p.m., doors open 7 p.m., $20, light dinner included.
Thursdays
Bingo, Knights of Columbus Home Association, Reading,
6:30 p.m., doors open 5 p.m., nonsmoking.
Bingo, St. Katharine Drexel, Lansford, 6:30 p.m., doors open
5 p.m.
Fridays
Bingo, St. Jerome, Tamaqua, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 6
Tricky Trays, Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown, Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m-5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Bingo, parish center, Annunciation BVM (St. Mary), Catasauqua, 1 p.m., kitchen opens 11:30 a.m., 610-264-0332.
Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, Shenandoah at St.
Stephen Hall, 2 p.m., doors open noon, accessible to handicapped.
2016
Sundays, Jan. 10, 24; Feb. 7; March 13; April 17; May 15,
29; Jun 12, 26; July 10, 24; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 4, 25; Oct. 9,
16; Nov. 6, 13; Dec. 4
Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, Shenandoah at St.
Stephen Hall, 2 p.m., doors open noon, accessible to handicapped.
Sundays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13, April 10, May 15
Bingo, Annunciation BVM (St. Mary’s), Catasauqua, 1 p.m.,
kitchen opens 11:30 a.m.
Trips
Editor’s note: Trip listings include sponsoring group,
destination, cost and contact information. Call the sponsor
for other details, such as times, dining location, itineraries
and what is included in the cost. Send church-affiliated
trips to [email protected] by Thursday of the
week before publication.
Newly announced
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to
Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $22, 610-799-2484, 610515-5975.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Hollywood Casino, Grantville, $25, 570-544-5231, 570-628-5413.
Monday, March 7
Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Philadelphia Flower Show, $58, 570-544-5231, 570-628-5413.
Wednesday, April 20
Women’s Guild, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to “Samson,” Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $110, 610-3922957.
Saturday, April 30
St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Ellis Island, Statue of
Liberty and 9/11 Memorial Museum, New York City, $160, 610392-2957.
Monday, May 9 – Friday, May 13
Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Niagara
Falls and Toronto, Canada, 570-544-5231, 570-628-5413.
September 2016
Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Savannah and Charlestown, 570-544-5231, 570-628-5413.
Saturday, Sept. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016
Trips and Tours, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton to New
England and Canada cruise, $1,089, 610-252-4233.
Sunday, Oct. 30 – Friday, Nov. 5, 2016
St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Savannah, Ga. and
Charleston, S.C., $660, 610-392-2957.
ful. This line of episcopacy continued for
a few centuries. Thus the spiritual heritage and faith tradition that the Thomas
Christians/Syro-Malabar Church holds is
basically inherited from St. Thomas the
Apostle.
They continue to live and cherish this
faith tradition even in the United States.
There is one Syro-Malabar Diocese in
Chicago with two bishops, and one region
with a bishop in Canada. There are an estimated 100,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics
both in Canada and in the United States.
May the presence and prayers of these
Syro-Malabar Catholics bring many
more blessings to our country through the
powerful intercession of St. Thomas the
Apostle.
20
The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Religious women offer leadership forum for young Catholic women
The Council of Major Superiors of
Women Religious (CMSWR) has announced a first-of-its-kind leadership
event for young Catholic women, to be
held June 7-12, 2016 at The Catholic
University of America, Washington, D.C.
Officially named “Given: the Catholic
Young Women’s Leadership Forum,” the
event will be a week-long immersion in
faith formation, leadership training and
networking. It will provide a platform for
what St. John Paul II called “the feminine
genius,” and a response to Pope Francis’
plea for a deeper understanding and activation of the unique gift of women in the
church and the world.
Throughout the week, young Catholic women will engage three principal
themes: receiving the gift you are, realizing the gifts you’ve been given and responding with the gift only you can give.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Carolyn
Sodality
Woman of
the Year
Toni Gudzinas was
named Woman of the
Year by the Sacred
Heart Sodality of St.
Anthony of Padua,
Easton.
Gudzinas
is treasurer of the
sodality and was
vice president of the
Mother Cabrini Society. Congratulating
her is Father Luigi
Palmieri, spiritual adviser of the sodality.
Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services; Sister Prudence Allen; and
Helen Alvaré, professor of law at George
Mason University School of Law, a
prominent news consultant, and advisor
to various Catholic organizations and
United Nations conferences concerning
women and the family.
The forum is open to all young women
between the ages of 20 and 30 who are vibrantly living their Catholic faith. Attendees must apply on the forum’s website,
www.givenforum.org, by Feb. 2, 2016.
Women who are accepted will receive
a scholarship covering the full cost of
the forum, including food, lodging and
travel.
CMSWR, the host of the forum, is located in Washington, D.C. It was founded
in 1992 with the canonical approval of
St. John Paul II, and the sisters of the
CMSWR communities represent over
120 communities nationwide with approximately 6,000 sisters.
For more information, including application links, visit www.givenforum.
org.
‘Passion and Purpose for Marriage’ presented
What’s the most important word in
a marriage? What is really going on in
your wife’s head? What do you wish
your husband knew about you?
Discover key ingredients to a
healthy and happy marriage at the
“Passion and Purpose for Marriage”
event set for Saturday, April 16 from
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the
Worker, Orefield.
Participants will not have to share
their feelings with a group. They will
enjoy acoustical music by George Lower and soak up what Dr. Allen Hunt has in store.
Allen will talk about the “Five Love Languages,” along with a variety of other topics and research bits. He combines everything into three faith-centered, compelling sections: “The Five
Things Women Need to Know about Men,” “The Five Things Men Need to Know About Women”
and finally “The Most Important Word in a Marriage ... And It’s Not Love.”
Cost to attend is $25. For more information or to register, visit www.dynamiccatholic.com.
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
Ministry of Christ flows through deacons at Permanent Diaconate Convocation
Deacons of the Diocese of Allentown participate in Mass during the Permanent
Diaconate Convocation Oct. 10 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), Bethlehem. (Photos by John Simitz)
Bishop of Allentown John Barres, third from left, celebrates Mass with, from
left: Deacon David Henninger, assigned to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City; Msgr. Francis Nave, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate; and Msgr. Edward Sacks, pastor of OLPH.
“The diaconal ministry is nourished by the Eucharist and allows
Christ’s ministry to flow through us.”
Left, Bishop Barres
speaks with altar servers before celebrating
Mass for 160 deacons
and their spouses.
Right, Deacon Andrew
Saunders, director of
the Center for Diaconate
Formation, Archdiocese
of Newark, N.J., presents the morning session, “Liturgy and Life:
Making the Vital Connections Between Worship, Belief and Life.”
The presentation focused on links between
liturgy and life, and
transforming the lives of
Christians.
Above, permanent deacons and their
spouses listen to the afternoon presentation, “It is No Longer I Who Live,
But Christ Who Lives in Me” (Galatians 2:20).
Right, Deacon Stephen Gorbos, assigned to Incarnation of Our Lord and
Holy Ghost parishes, Bethlehem, and
his wife, Rita Ellen, listens to a reflection about encountering Christ in the
Eucharist.
Left, Deacon Ricardo Ceballos, assigned to Our Lady of Mercy, Easton,
listens to Deacon Saunders’ morning
presentation. “The diaconal ministry
is nourished by the Eucharist and allows Christ’s ministry to flow through
us,” said Deacon Saunders.
Vocations
The Diocese of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the
priesthood and religious life.
• The diocese is reaching out to young people through social
media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
• We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young
priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in the priesthood
and religious life.
• The diocese has instituted a “Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer
program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have
participated.
• A similar program called “Fiat” for young women discerning a call to religious life was debuted this year.
• The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplating
the priesthood through an Aspirancy Program.
• For more information, visit the diocesan website, www.allentowndiocese.
org/the-diocese/vocations.
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The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015
Prayer at Reading Planned Parenthood
Msgr. Thomas Orsulak offers a prayer to begin the Oct. 10 Pro-Life Berks protest at Reading Planned Parenthood. Msgr. Orsulak is pastor of St. Peter the
Apostle and administrator of SS. Cyril and Methodius, both in Reading.
Approximately 50 people attended the gathering to pray to end abortion. A
rosary rally followed the protest. Father David Kozak, assistant pastor of St.
Peter the Apostle, led the rosary.
Catholic romance novel by
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
former staffer incorporates
John Paul II’s ‘Theology of the Body’
Catholic War Vets meet with program
First-time novelist Carolyn
Astfalk began writing fiction
as a challenge during National
Novel Writing Month in 2010
while her husband was away
on extended work travel. One
manuscript led to another and
another until “Stay With Me”
was born.
“I’ve always loved to read
and write, and I did quite a
bit of both in my former position,” said Astfalk, who served
as communications director
of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania’s
Catholic bishops, 1995-2005.
“As I discovered, however,
novel-writing is a different animal. I’ve relished both reviving my creativity and learning
the craft.”
“Stay With Me,” which was
released Oct. 1, is published
by Full Quiver Publishing in
Ontario, the publishing company of Catholic Writers Guild
President Ellen Gable Hrkach.
The company distributes both
Catholic fiction and nonfiction
with an emphasis on Pope St. John
Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.”
“I set out to write an entertaining
contemporary romance first and foremost,” Astfalk said. “But because I
write from a Catholic worldview, I
can’t help but infuse my stories with
that in ways that are natural to the
story without being heavy-handed or
proselytizing.”
“Stay With Me” recounts the story
of Rebecca Rhodes, a fundamentalist
Christian young woman from a dysfunctional family who’s struggling to
overcome her painful past.
Chris Reynolds is a convert to Catholicism who falls in love with Rebecca, but is confounded by her past
and the roadblocks to a future for him
and Rebecca.
The minor characters include
Orwigsburg Center, Genesis HealthCare and Catholic War Veterans Post
1051, Pottsville met in August as part of the We Honor Veterans Community
Partner Program. Among those in attendance are, from left, Marie Fitzpatrick, Florence Kane, Nance Hess, Carol Miller, Rose Marie Hurst, Kathleen
Bowden, Patricia Fekete, Geraldine Schwartz and Kathleen Bound, president.
It pays to advertise in The A.D. Times
Contact Lori Anderson at
[email protected]
or 610-871-5200 ext. 273
Chris’ newly ordained friend Father
John and Rebecca’s gauche sister
Abby, who brings humor to the novel.
The book has earned the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval,
which recognizes both the Catholicity and editorial integrity of the book.
A Pittsburgh native, Astfalk resides
in the Hershey area with her husband
and four young children.
She is a parishioner of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Church, Middletown and a member
of the Catholic Writers Guild and
Pennwriters.
“Stay With Me” is available at
Amazon, http://amzn.to/1QHnpPJ.
For more information on “Stay With
Me” and her blog, “My Scribbler’s
Heart,” visit http://carolynastfalk.
com. It will also be available free on
Kindle Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 1-4.
Diocese
November 26, 2015
The A.D. Times
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WWME seeks longest married couple in United States
The annual search for the Longest
Married Couple (LMC) in the United
States and Canada has been announced
by Worldwide Marriage Encounter
(WWME), the original faith-based marriage enrichment program in the world.
Both countries’ projects will run simultaneously through Sunday, Jan. 10,
with national winners named in both
countries in February 2016. There also
will be 50 state winners in the United
States and provincial winners in Canada.
The highly acclaimed activity of recognizing couples for their long marriages, which is in its sixth year in the United States and third year in Canada, has
drawn media attention from around the
world. The 2015 U.S. winners, Dale and
Alice Rockey of Olathe, Kan., were featured in a segment of CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. The Rockeys
were married 81 years.
On the United States side in 2011
Marshall and Winnie Kuykendall from
Lordsburg, N.M. were honored for 82
years of marriage; 2012, Wilbur and Theresa Faiss of Las Vegas, Nev., 78 years;
2013, John and Ann Betar of Fairfield,
Conn., 80 years; 2014, Harold and Edna
Owings of Burbank, Calif., 82 years.
“Once again we want to honor the longest married couple in the United States,
as well as in each of the 50 states and territories. And this year the Canadian longest married couple project will be held
in the same time frame,” explained Dick
and Diane Baumbach and Father Dick
Morse, the U.S. coordinators for the project, and Jamie and Connie McNeill, the
Canadian coordinators for LMC.
The national winners will be recognized during Valentine’s Week 2016,
which coincides with World Marriage
Day, the second Sunday of February.
In addition to the longest married
couple for the entire United States, recognition will also be given to a couple
from each state and territories that has
achieved that distinction.
In the case of the national longest married couple, appropriate gifts will be presented to them by WWME national leadership team, at a ceremony to be held at
the winner’s location during Valentine’s
week. The state and provincial winners
will also receive personal recognition
and a special certificate of achievement
from the Worldwide Marriage Encounter
movement.
The contact information for sending
in a U.S. nomination, which simply requires the name of the couple, their wedding date and where they reside – plus a
contact phone or e-mail address of the
individual nominating the couple – is: email [email protected]; regular mail Dick and Diane Baumbach, 8924
Puerto Del Rio Drive, Suite 402, Cape
Canaveral, FL 32920; phone, 321-6135180.
Nominations must be received by
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016.
Alvernia now offering
three doctoral programs
In addition to its existing Doctor of
Philosophy in Leadership and Doctor
of Physical Therapy programs, Alvernia
University now offers a third doctoral
program at its main campus in Reading:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
DNP is a terminal degree program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical nursing
practice.
“Our vision is to graduate advanced
practice nurses with the skills to act as
ethical leaders with moral courage,” said
Karen Thacker, dean of the college of
professional programs at Alvernia.
“We expect this of all of our nursing
graduates – from our bachelor’s in nursing through RN to BSN candidates, to
our master’s in nursing, and now finally
to our doctoral advanced practitioners.”
Post-baccalaureate nurses can apply
immediately, and choose from one of two
tracks of study: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family
Nurse Practitioner.
Programming for Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurses will
begin summer 2016, and include a Clinical Leadership curriculum. Graduates are
expected to seek roles in direct clinical
care, organizational leadership in health
care and nursing education.
“Nurses provide an essential, professional service in our communities. These
programs will give them even better opportunities to promote healthcare equity
and serve as change agents for population based healthcare delivery and health
policy advocacy.”
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The A.D. Times
Diocese
November 26, 2015

Nov. 26, 2015 - Diocese of Allentown

Transcription

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