November 2013 • Volume 31 • Number 10 • www.archdiosf.org
Serving The Multicultural People of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Two New Mexican Children Meet Pope Francis
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E World Family Day........................... 2 Archbishop’s Letter: Young Adults – What a Blessing!............. 3 Late Term Abortion Ban................. 5
Knock, Knock. Who’s there? A friend. Jesus tocando la puerta de un hogar Nuevo Mexicano Jesus knocking on the door of a New Mexico home by Felix A. López Felix A. López is considered a Master Santero (Saint Maker) by peers and people who have followed his artistic career which spans more than three decades. His artwork has been exhibited and collected by numerous museums, places of worship and private collections around the world. Mr. López was the recipient of the 2012 Spanish Market First Place Artist Award held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was awarded by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. Mr. López donated this three dimensional bulto to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for the annual Archbishop’s School Fund Dinner auction which was held Friday, October 11, 2013 in Albuquerque to help raise funds for tuition assistance for hundreds of needy children attending Archdiocesan Catholic Schools. We are thankful to Mr. Lopez and our church and school benefactors for their generosity. See pages 13-15, Schools.
Photo by Allen Sanchez
Photo by L’Osservatore Romano
Journey to Priesthood: Deacon Christopher Bernabe........ 7 Saints of All Sizes........................ 10 Teachers of the Year..................... 14 Partners in Care............................ 16 Celebrating Our Mother Mary...... 20
Allen Sanchez and his wife Carolina received a gift of a lifetime. While on a recent trip to Rome, their children Francisco and Emma met Pope Francis. Allen said, “This has been such a blessing. Like a dream. I am getting the spiritual nourishment I need to return and represent the Church another 10 years…the crowds coming to see Pope Francis are like nothing before. They tell me that no one here ever remembers crowds like this. The Church is waking up all over the world.” While in Rome, Allen attended the National State Catholic Directors meeting and traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy to learn about the early childhood learning theory of “The Wonder of Learning” which St. Joseph is bringing as an exhibit to Albuquerque next year. Allen Sanchez serves as Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference of Bishops and is President/CEO of St. Joseph Community Health.
Sophia Martinez Day We are grateful, Dear Lord, for the Gift of Life! Advent begins Sunday, December 1, 2013
Our Lady of the Annunciation Students and Sophia Martinez read I Don’t Care if I Lose My Hair. See p. 12.
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Pope Francis’ Homily to Families All Over the World Photo courtesy L’Osservatore Romano
Saint Peter’s Square, October 27, 2013
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he readings on World Family Day invite us to reflect on some basic features of the Christian family. 1. First: the family prays. The Gospel passage speaks about two ways of praying, one is false – that of the Pharisee – and the other is authentic – that of the tax collector. The Pharisee embodies an attitude which does not express thanksgiving to God for his blessings and his mercy, but rather self-satisfaction. The Pharisee feels himself justified, he feels his life is in order, and he judges others from his pedestal. The tax collector, on the other hand, does not multiply words. His prayer is humble, sober, pervaded by a consciousness of his own unworthiness, of his own needs. Here is a man who realizes that he needs God’s forgiveness. The prayer of the tax collector is the prayer of the poor man, a prayer pleasing to God. It is a prayer which, as the first reading says, “will reach to the clouds” (Sir 35:20), unlike the prayer of the Pharisee, which is weighed down by vanity. In the light of God’s word, I would like to ask you, dear families: Do you
Feast in St. Peter’s Square on Family Day with Pope Francis. pray together from time to time as a family? Some of you do, I know. But so many people say to me: How can we? Prayer is something personal, and besides there is never a good time, a moment of peace… Yes, all that is true enough, but it is also a matter of humility, of realizing that we need God, like the tax collector! And we need simplicity! Praying the Our Father together, around the table, is something all of you can do. And praying the Rosary together, as a family, is very beautiful and a source of great strength! And praying for one another! 2. The second reading suggests another thought: the family keeps the faith. The Apostle Paul, at the end of his life, makes a final reckoning: “I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). But how did he keep the faith? Not in a strong box! Nor did he hide it underground, like the lazy servant. Saint Paul compares his life to a fight and to a race. He kept the faith because he didn’t just defend it, but proclaimed it, spread it, brought it to distant lands. He stood up to all those who wanted to preserve, to “embalm” the message of Christ within the limits of Palestine. That is why he made courageous decisions, he went into hostile terri-
Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions FOR November 2013 Suffering Priests. That priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, support in their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity. Latin American Churches. That as fruit of the continental mission, Latin American Churches may send missionaries to other Churches.
tory, he let himself be challenged by distant peoples and different cultures, he spoke frankly and fearlessly. Saint Paul kept the faith because, in the same way that he received it, he gave it away, he went out to the fringes, and didn’t dig himself into defensive positions. Here too, we can ask: How do we keep our faith? Do we keep it for ourselves, in our families, as a personal treasure, or are we able to share it by our witness, by our acceptance of others, by our openness? We all know that families, especially young families, are often “racing” from one place to another, with lots to do. But did you ever think that this “racing” could also be the race of faith? Christian families are missionary families, in their everyday life, in their doing everyday things, as they bring to everything the salt and the leaven of faith! 3. There is one more thought we can take from God’s word: the family experiences joy. In the responsorial psalm we find these words: “let the humble hear and be glad” (33/34:2). The entire psalm is a hymn to the Lord who is the source of joy and peace. What is the reason for this gladness? It is that the Lord is near, he hears the cry
of the lowly and he frees them from evil. As Saint Paul himself writes: “Rejoice always … The Lord is near” (Phil 4:4-5). Dear families, you know very well that the true joy which we experience in the family is not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well... True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts and which makes us experience the beauty of togetherness, of mutual support along life’s journey. But the basis of this feeling of deep joy is the presence of God in the family and his love, which is welcoming, merciful, and respectful towards all. God alone knows how to create harmony from differences. But if God’s love is lacking, the family loses its harmony, self-centredness prevails and joy fades. But the family which experiences the joy of faith communicates it naturally. That family is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, it is the leaven of society. Dear families, always live in faith and simplicity, like the Holy Family of Nazareth! The joy and peace of the Lord be always with you!
Pope Francis prays in crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican on All Souls’ Day Pope Francis prays in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters)
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IN THE RISEN LORD Young Adults – What a Blessing! Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan
uring this month of Thanksgiving, we are all thankful for something or someone in our lives. It is good to cherish the blessings that God has showered us with. One thing I want all of us to be grateful for are the young adults who live the sacramental life of our faith. We need to open wide all our ministry opportunities to them. I am grateful to the many dedicated ministers we have in every parish, but I challenge you to welcome our young adults to serve alongside you. It is their turn! After the Eucharistic Congress,
which was held in September, I had a conversation with a mother whose young adult children participated in the congress. They shared with her they were so excited to have the opportunity to network with other young adults because many times in their own parish they feel overlooked. I can’t imagine having a young adult who is eager to get involved in ministries at a parish and them being told that they are not needed – but to simply ignore them, or
not invite them to serve is a great injustice to not only them but to us and future generations. Please invite the young adults to get involved as lectors, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, as choir members, as religious education teachers, as greeters, and every other ministry you have at your parish. Just last month, I was humbled to honor so many volunteers with the
Archbishop’s St. Francis of Assisi Awards – many of the volunteers had served for decades! We need to start now with our young adults so they, too, can enjoy sharing their talents in service to the church. I also ask that we all keep our young adults who have strayed from our Catholic Faith in prayer so that they can find their way home. Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe
Los Jóvenes Adultos - ¡Qué gran bendición!
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urante este mes de Acción de Gracias, todos estamos agradecidos por algo o alguien en nuestras vidas. Es bueno valorar las bendiciones con las que Dios nos ha colmado. Algo por lo que quiero que todos estemos agradecidos es por todos los jóvenes adultos que viven la vida sacramental de nuestra fe. Necesitamos ofrecerles todas las oportunidades de nuestro ministerio. Doy las gracias a todos los dedicados ministros con los que contamos en las parroquias, pero también los desafío a que inviten y den la bienvenida a nuestros jóvenes para
Arzobispo Michael J. Sheehan
que sirvan junto con ustedes. ¡Ahora les toca a ellos! Después del Congreso Eucarístico que se celebró en septiembre, tuve una conversación con una madre de familia cuyos hijos participaron en el Congreso. Los muchachos compartieron con ella que estaban muy emocionados de tener la oportunidad de relacionarse con otros jóvenes adultos porque muchas veces en su propia parroquia se sienten ignorados. No puedo imaginar tener a un joven adulto que esté dispuesto a involucrarse en los ministerios de la parroquia y que se le diga que no es necesario - el simplemente ignorar-
los, o no invitarlos a servir, es una gran injusticia no sólo para ellos sino también para nosotros y las generaciones futuras. Por favor, inviten a los jóvenes a participar como lectores, ministros extraordinarios de la Eucaristía, como miembros del coro, maestros de educación religiosa, ministros de hospitalidad, y cualquier otro ministerio con el que cuente su parroquia. Apenas el mes pasado tuve la oportunidad de honrar a tantos voluntarios con el Premio de San Francisco de Asís - muchos de esos voluntarios han
servido durante décadas! Tenemos que empezar ahora a involucrar a nuestros jóvenes para que ellos también puedan disfrutar al compartir sus talentos sirviendo a su Iglesia. También pido que todos oremos por nuestros jóvenes que se han alejado de nuestra fe católica, para que puedan encontrar su camino de regreso a casa. Sinceramente suyo en el Señor Resucitado, Reverendísimo Michael J. Sheehan Arzobispo de Santa Fe
God Expects a Wholehearted RSVP to His Invitations, Pope Says By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Being on God’s “guest list” is not enough for salvation; a person must respond to the offer of faith and actively participate in the life of the church, Pope Francis said. Being a Christian means accepting God’s invitation to believe in Jesus and to celebrate with the whole church the joy of being saved, the pope said Nov. 5 during his early morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives. The pope’s homily, according to Vatican Radio, looked both at the par-
able in the Gospel of St. Luke about the man who invited friends to a banquet, but none of them showed up, as well as at the description in the Letter to the Romans about how members of the church each have different gifts to use for the good of all. “A Christian is one who is invited,” not to visit a shop or “take a walk,” but to join a celebration, the pope said. “The Christian is one who is invited to a party, to joy, the joy of being saved and redeemed, the joy of participating in the life of Jesus. “A party is a gathering of people who talk, laugh, celebrate and are happy,” he said. “It’s always a gathering of people. At least among people
who are mentally normal, I’ve never seen someone have a party alone -- it would be a bit boring.” “The church isn’t only for good people,” the pope said, because “all of us sinners have been invited” and called to form a community. A Christian cannot say, “I’ll go to the party, but only to the front room with the three or four people I know,” Pope Francis said. “You can’t do this in the church. Either you enter with everyone or you stay outside. You can’t choose; the church is for everyone, as I’ve said, beginning with the marginalized. It is the church of all.” It’s not enough to have received the invitation, he said. “There are Chris-
tians who settle for being on the guest list,” but don’t show up for the celebration, and “that isn’t enough.” “To enter the church means being open to what the Lord Jesus asks of us,” accepting the gift of salvation and placing one’s time and talents at the service of the community, the pope said. As for those who don’t RSVP right away, Pope Francis said that God “understand and waits, because He is merciful. But the Lord doesn’t like those who say ‘yes’ and then don’t come, who pretend to thank Him for many things, but really follow their own path, who have good manners, but do their own will and not the Lord’s.”
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Archbishop’s Schedule November 9-14 === ======== 15 Fri ======== 16 Sat 9:00 a.m. 17 Sun 5:00 p.m. 18 Mon ======== 4:00 p.m. 19 Tue 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 20 Wed 10:00 a.m. 22 Fri 12:00 Noon 23 Sat ======== 6:00 p.m. 24 Sun 5:00 p.m. 25 Mon ======== 26 Tue 8:00 a.m. ======== 27-30 === ========
USCCB General Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland Office Appointments Mass for Diaconate Candidates being installed to Ministry of Acolyte, San Felipe de Neri, Albuquerque Closing Mass, Spanish Charismatic Conference, Albuquerque Convention Center Office Appointments Mass, National Guard, Santa Fe Armory Presbyteral Council, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe Deans, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe College of Consultors, Catholic Center Archbishop’s Radio Hour Hospital Chaplaincy Conference, Catholic Center Catholic Charities Festival of Trees, Tamaya Hyatt, Santa Ana Pueblo Mass of Thanksgiving for Beatification of Spanish Martyrs, Holy Family, Chimayo Office Appointments Archdiocesan Finance Council, Catholic Center Office Appointments Thanksgiving Family Reunion
December 1 Sun 12:00 Noon 2 Mon 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 3 Tue 10:00 a.m. ======== 4-5 === ======== 6 Fri ======== 4:00 p.m. 8 Sun 5:30 p.m.
Mass, Our Lady of the Annunciation, Abq Retreat, New Mexico Conference of Churches, Bosque Center, Albuquerque Adult Confirmation, Church of the Incarnation, Rio Rancho Catholic Cemetery Association Board, Gate of Heaven, Albuquerque Office Appointments Catholic Relief Services Board Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland Office Appointments Invocation, Grand Opening of Santa Fe Courthouse, Santa Fe Dedication of Marian Statute, Santa Maria de La Paz, Santa Fe
Venerable Fulton Sheen
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Archbishop and TV Personality
A college education, a TV show and a passionate devotion to the call of the priesthood all combined in one very witty man - proof that sainthood is not only challenging and holy, but fun. Peter “Fulton” John Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois in 1895. As a young man, he turned down a sizable scholarship to pursue his true desire, the holy priesthood of the Catholic Church. At his ordination, he made a promise that he would spend one hour a day in Eucharist Adoration - a promise he kept faithfully for the rest of his life. In 1951, the newly-appointed Bishop Sheen began a TV series entitled “Life is Worth Living.” In 1952, he won an Emmy award for “Most Outstanding Television Personality.” He was named an Archbishop in 1969, and ten years later, on October 3rd of 1979, just months before his death, Archbishop Sheen was embraced by Pope John Paul II and told, “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus. You are a loyal son of the Church!”
Archbishop Sheehan has made the following assignments:
Effective Thursday, October 3, 2013 – Rev. Paulinus C. Iwuji, SMMM has accepted the full time position as the Catholic chaplain for the University of New Mexico Hospital located in Albuquerque. Rev. Iwuji has been granted all the faculties of the Archdiocese. He will be in residence at the Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque. Effective Wednesday, October 16, 2013 – Rev. William McNichols, has been assigned to Sacramental Ministry at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Parish in Albuquerque under the direction of the pastor, Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna. Effective Wednesday, October 16, 2013 – Deacon Sidney Martin, has been assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Parish in Albuquerque under the direction of the pastor, Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna. Deacon Martin is also the new part-time coordinator of Native American Outreach for the ASF Catholic Center Youth Office. Effective Thursday, October 17, 2013- Deacon Leonardo Centenera, has been incardinated into the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He is currently assigned at Prince of Peace in Albuquerque under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Michael Shea
Seminary Burse
The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends to the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for the period September 2013. Excess Mass stipends are from multiple Mass intentions celebrated at parishes. The archdiocesan policy is for excess Mass stipends to be used for seminarian education. Parish Name/City Amount Received Our Lady of the Annunciation (Mass stipends)...................................................... $685.50 St Joseph on the Rio Grande (Mass stipends....................................................... $510.00 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass stipends)............................................. $470.00 Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe - Pojoaque (Mass stipends)................................. $650.00 Annette F. Barker................................................................................................ $1,000.00 Anonymous.................................................................................................................. $50.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development November 24, 2013 and Retirement Fund For Religious December 8, 2013
100% 90% 80%
Together We Will Reach Our Goal!
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Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Publisher: Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
Editorial Assistant/Photography: Leslie M. Radigan-Yodice lradigan@archdiosf.org Production: Christine Carter
Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication. All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month.
Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement.
4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW
Albuquerque NM, 87120 (505) 831-8100 Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official
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Our Goal $3,000,000
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Archbishop’s Statement on Late Term Abortion Ban
he Archdiocese of Santa Fe congratulates the grass root efforts of so many to place a late term abortion ban on the ballot of the City of Albuquerque. This achievement demonstrates the people’s will to defend life. As Archbishop of Santa Fe, I encourage all the people of Albuquerque to support the proposed ordinance to ban late term abortion after the 20th week. These children are able to feel pain and suffer greatly when aborted. The campaign to pass this proposal will bear much fruit. First, if the ordinance passes, it will protect children. Second, the energy, time, and resources dedicated to the campaign will educate the public. I daily meet people who are shocked to know that New Mexico permits late term abortion. The public will be educated as
to the reality of what is happening in our State. New Mexico now attracts those seeking late term abortions from around the Country because of the lack of laws. During this campaign many people will learn the immorality of abortion and some children’s’ lives will be saved by the education of their parents. I hope the State Legislature will pass a Statewide Bill banning late term abortion, given the support in Albuquerque. Please join me in supporting this effort with energy, time, and resources. Together we can get out the vote on November 19, 2013. Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe
El Señor Arzobispo Michael J. Sheehan Ha Emitido la Siguiente Declaración
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a Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe felicita los esfuerzos de tantos ciudadanos locales pora colocar en la boleta electoral de la ciudad de Albuquerque una prohibición al aborto tardío. Este logro demuestra la voluntad de las personas para defender la vida. Como arzobispo de Santa Fe, animo a todo la población de Albuquerque a apoyar la ordenanza propuesta para prohibir el aborto tardío después de la semana 20 de gestación. Estas criaturas pueden sentir dolor y sufren enormemente cuando son abortadas. La campaña para aprobar esta propuesta dará mucho fruto. En primer lugar, si la ordenanza es aprobada, protegerá a los niños. En segundo lugar, la energía, el tiempo y los recursos dedicados a la campaña educarán al público. Todos los días me encuentro con personas que se sorprenden al saber
que Nuevo México permite el aborto tardío. El público será educado en cuanto a la realidad de lo que está sucediendo en nuestro Estado. Nuevo México ahora atrae a quienes en todo el país buscan abortos tardíos debido a la falta de leyes que lo prohíban. Durante esta campaña, mucha gente va a aprender la inmoralidad del aborto y las vidas de algunos niños serán salvadas al ser sus padres educados en esta cuestión. Espero que, dado el apoyo en Albuquerque, la Legislatura del Estado apruebe una ley estatal que prohíba el aborto tardío. Por favor, únase a mí para apoyar este esfuerzo con energía, tiempo y recursos. Juntos podemos votar este 19 de noviembre, 2013. Arzobispo Michael J. Sheehan Arzobispo de Santa Fe
Cardinal to Congress: Disclose Abortion Coverage in Health Care Law WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley urged members of Congress to support the Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, a measure that would require health plans to disclose if they subsidize abortion coverage. Cardinal O’Malley, chairman of the Committee on ProLife Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the legislation would address one part of the abortion-related problem in the Affordable Care Act. In his Nov. 1 letter, the cardinal
pointed out that under the federal health care law -- unless state law requires otherwise -- each insurer may choose whether to include coverage of elective abortions in health plans it offers on a state health exchange. He noted that if the insurer does cover such abortions, the overall health plan may still receive federal tax subsidies, which he said violates the policies governing all other federal health programs. “In no other program may federal funds subsidize any part of a health plan that covers
such abortions; and nowhere else does the federal government forbid insurers to allow an ‘opt-out’ from such coverage on conscience grounds,” he wrote. The cardinal added that the health care law also has “unique secrecy provisions” protecting the insurer from having to answer if the plan covers abortions -- except when it lists all services at the time the consumer is already enrolling in the plan. The insurer also does not have to reveal how much of the person’s premium goes into a separate abortion fund.
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Ask the Padre Dear Padre, Why it is not a woman’s right to abort her child? Signed, C. S. Dear C.S., First, we must define the issue. Abortion is not solely a woman’s issue. It is also a civil rights issue for the infant in the womb. The question we have to ask is this, “Does the unborn child have the civil right to stay alive?” There have been three major civil rights issues that we have faced throughout American history. The first was slavery, the loss of liberty to African Americans. To gain the civil right of liberty for this group of persons we fought the Civil War, the bloodiest war in our history killing 620,000 Americans. The second civil right denied, was the pursuit of happiness. Through segregation African Americans were kept from opportunities that would improve their access to education thus improving standard of living. To confront this injustice, the landmark Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities and women. Finally we come to the third great civil rights issue of our time, which affects all Americanslife itself. The question is: Does the child in the womb have the civil right to live? The answer from the Catholic Church is yes, and therefore killing the infant in the womb is homicide. The Declaration of Independence states that, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” A number of women who have had abortions now live with the thought of having killed their unborn child; for this reason, Rachael’s Vineyard, an organization offering weekend retreats for post-aborted women and others who have been hurt by abortion, offers hope for healing. http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/index.htm. In addition to Rachel’s Vineyard, there are two other post-abortion healing ministries recommended by the USCCB: Project Rachel with an ASF referral hotline at 505.831.8238 and Hope After Abortion Ministry that can be reached at 888.456.HOPE or at www.hopeafterabortion. com Sincerely in Christ, Father James Sampson NOTE: Send your question for the Padre via The Family Life Office at 4000 St. Joseph Place, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 or email your question to blukes@archdiosf.org.
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Special Collection: Catholic Campaign for Human Development November 23-24, 2013
For over 46.5 million Americans, there is a thin line: between eviction and home, between hunger and health, between unemployment and work, between anxiety and stability. This line is the Poverty Line. For a family of four, that line is $23,283 a year*. * Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States, 2012. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding community programs that encourage independence. You are essential to its success. Your generous donations will give those in poverty the support they need to make lasting changes. Together, we can make a difference in families and communities across the United States. Please donate prayerfully and generously. Thank you. CCHD funded programs help us right here in New Mexico. In Santa Fe, New Mexico Acequia Association is a grassroots, membership-based organization of acequias, the communal waterways that nurture the land-based livelihoods of thousands of families throughout New Mexico. Unique to our area, NMAA is an effective, organized and focused effort to preserve the traditional acequia farming and land conservation of rural New Mexico. NMAA developed an extensive program to educate and train adults and youth about issues of water rights, Acequia management and Acequia bylaws and trains leaders for water governance and access to safe drinking water while educating, supporting and promoting traditional acequia culture. With the help of CCHD funds, NMAA developed a 10-month training curriculum, “Escuelita de las Acequias” and just graduated their first cohort of 40, including 10 youth. Working to empower immigrant families, and their children in New Mexico, Partnership for Community has won significant gains in getting proper academic and college advisement for high school students to access available financial aid and college admission opportunities. PCA is working in concert with the NM Conference of Catholic Bishops and St. Joseph Community Heath Initiative to secure funding for early childhood intervention. With CCHD funds, PCA is also managing an Early Childhood Parent Leadership Cooperative with a cohort of 15 parents who are trained in early childhood and parent engagement, and these leaders are now being asked by different state and local entities (St. Joseph’s Community Health, CYFD, etc) to provide their expertise across the state. They plan a state-wide parent co-op to fill the parent engagement gap in early childhood education. Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan states, “I am firmly committed to CCHD’s vision, and support the collection and grant process, and I ask you to do the same. Commitment to charity and justice is a central part of our Catholic faith and is articulated in our Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan. Please give generously to the CCHD parish collection the weekend of Nov 23-24, 2013!”
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Vaya con Díos, Sr. Elena Carney!
By Mellie Gonzales, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Villanueva
Sr. Elena Carney has retired as Parish Life Coordinator for Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Villanueva and her service to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Her last day of her service was September 30, 2013. She has returned to the Motherhouse in Fort Wayne, IN. Sr. Elena came to Our Lady of Guadalupe in June 2000 at a time when this parish was experiencing much brokenness and uncertainty. What a gift she has been for this community for the last 13 years. The experience, education, love, dedication and spirituality she brought forth to our people simply cannot be measured. She opened her heart and soul and reached out to so many parishioners and non-parishioners. The parish community celebrated with sister at a meal in the parish hall. Thank you, Sr. Elena for all the years of service and dedication. We wish you peace and joy in your retirement. God bless you abundantly!
November 2013
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My Journey to Priesthood
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Signing the “Oath of Fidelity” to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church as one of her
By Deacon Christopher Bernabe, Pontifical North American College, Vatican City, Prince of Peace Parish, Albuquerque
forgiveness, activated all the graces of the sacraments in my life such that I could hear His voice again. I realized none of the great high paying jobs or degrees I could gain meant anything if they were not founded on the Truth that lasts forever; I was meant for so It is a great much more. He kept calllife, and I can’t ing, and I gave it a shot.
I wasn’t always so pious in my life, but God kept nudging me to Him through little and big ways. I grew up in a norwait to be your mal home in Albuquerque I plied my hand manas the second of four chilaging a real estate compriest forever – pany, but that wasn’t it; I dren to a mixed faith family. I did well in school, but beginning couldn’t touch lives like I wasn’t always an angel in knew God wanted me to June 7th! the home – God had, and do. I answered a call to distill does, have quite a bit rect youth ministry at IHM of work to do in me. We in Los Alamos. My spiritual life took off in went to Protestant school K-12 and Mass a Catholic culture, but even that, which I most Sundays receiving the sacraments, loved, left a deep longing for more – to be but I didn’t really know what our faith more, to offer more. meant. Archbishop Michael called me, and God All things athletic, but particularly soc- eliminated my fears of losing something by cer, were my passion. Yet, at 16, I had a following Christ. He showed me that I lost very serious knee injury. When I was sulk- absolutely nothing of what made life free, ing late one night post-surgery, Jesus sur- beautiful, and great by pursuing the advenprised me by casually, internally, but point- ture that is a friendship with Jesus Christ. edly telling me, “Where’s soccer now?” It has revealed and magnified the fullness Like a slug to my chest, His words put me of my human and spiritual potential in this in a tailspin. He revealed to me that sports pursuit of Jesus Christ in His Priesthood. had become my god. I realized the need to make the real God have that privileged Saying ‘yes’ has lead me to Rome and place in my life. the world over, but most importantly it has made me truly be me and in right relationLater at 21, I was in a state of confusion. ship with Jesus my friend and Lord. It is a I went to my third confession of my life – great life, and I can’t wait to be your priest not too willingly either – but God, through forever – beginning Saturday, June 7, 2014.
INVOCATION:
Praying during the Invocation of Saints
ORDINATION: Ordination of Deacon Christopher Bernabe by the laying on of hands by Archbishop James Cardinal Harvey. Courtesy of Pontifical North American College, Vatican City
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Everyday Events Can Be Extraordinary This is the eleventh column in a 14-part series.
By Cackie Upchurch, Director of Little Rock Scripture Study Those who have been reading the Bible for a while, or who are simply paying attention as the Scriptures are proclaimed in liturgy, may have noticed that often there are patterns that emerge in the way certain stories are told. For example, in most biblical stories of being called by God, there is a deliberate series of events — the divine encounter, God’s self-identification, a divine commission, an objection or objections from the person called, a reassurance and a sign of God’s continuing presence. This pattern can be found in the calls of Moses (Exodus 3), Gideon (Judges 6) and several of the prophets (Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1, Ezekiel 1-3). The use of a pattern alerts the ancient listener and the modern reader that something special has occurred. Recognizing such patterns in biblical story-telling might also be instructive in modern times as we look for the evidence of God in our lives. Another pattern can be found in the meeting of
men and maidens near wells. Isaac and his future wife Rebekah met at a well (Genesis 24:1-67), as did Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29:1-30) and Moses and Zipporah (Exodus 2:15-22). In each case the man has left home and finds himself in a foreign land where he meets a woman at a well. One of them usually draws water and they speak, if only briefly, after which the young woman returns home with news of a stranger in the area, followed by a betrothal and sometimes a meal. Several scholars have noticed that while the pattern of meeting at a well cannot be applied strictly, it is nonetheless a meaningful way to explore the story of Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4:4-41). In this case, the foreigner is Jesus. This is Samaritan territory and the well of Jacob is a place of reverence for the Samaritans. As a faithful Jew, Jesus would have been aware that he was perceived as a foreigner. While the woman that Jesus encounters at the well is hardly a young maiden (she has had five husbands and
is currently living with a man), she is quite open to the moment of encounter. She will eventually tell not just her family but all she meets about this stranger who told her everything she had done. The story does not tell us that the woman or Jesus drew water at the well as in the earlier well stories; however, their entire conversation is initiated with Jesus’ offer of living water. There is no shared meal but there is the concern from his disciples that Jesus eat something (perhaps they want to move on from this foreign territory). There is no betrothal but there is no question that the woman at the well enters into a committed faith relationship, a type of betrothal to the Lord who offers living water (verses 10-15) and the food of obedience to God’s will (verse 34). There is little wonder why the Church chooses to proclaim this Gospel passage each year for the first scrutiny prior to the baptisms of the Easter celebration. Living water, obedience to God’s will and the opportunity to begin a new way of living are all themes
that speak to those who are entering the Church in the Easter season. Helping people to identify their thirsts is part of the task of the initiation process in our parishes, as is giving people a message about themselves and God that they want to share with others. This Gospel, though, also speaks to those who have enjoyed a long commitment to Christ. When we are weary from walking the path of discipleship or rusty from having neglected our commitments or forgotten our Christ-centered identity, we need someone who will take the time to speak truth to us and will help us recognize our deeper hungers and thirsts. The woman whom Jesus encountered at the well in a Samaritan village became a witness to his identity (John 4:39-41), made all the more credible because of her own honesty and the implied change of life. Many believed at first because of her word and eventually because of their own experience. In this Year of Faith we are reminded that Christ shows up in even the most
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Los Acontecimientos Diarios Podrían Ser Eventos Extraordinarios Este es el 11º artículo de una serie de catorce.
Por Cackie Upchurch, Directora del Estudio Bíblico de Little Rock Quienes han estado leyendo la Biblia por algún tiempo, o simplemente prestando atención cuando se proclaman las Escrituras en la liturgia, puede que hayan notado que a menudo hay ciertas líneas comunes en el modo en que se cuentan ciertas historias. Por ejemplo, en la mayoría de los relatos bíblicos de llamadas de Dios, hay una serie de acontecimientos deliberados: el encuentro divino, la identificación de Dios de sí mismo, el mandato divino, una objeción u objeciones por parte de la persona llamada, una reafirmación y un signo de la presencia continua de Dios. Este modelo se encuentra en las llamadas de Moisés (Éxodo 3), Gedeón, (Jueces 6), y algunos de los profetas (Isaías 6, Jeremías 1, Ezequiel 1-3). El uso de un modelo alerta tanto al lector antiguo como al modern de que ha ocurrido algo especial. El reconoc-
er tales modelos en los relatos bíblicos puede también instruirnos en tiempos modernos cuando buscamos rastros de Dios en nuestras vidas. Otro modelo se puede encontrar en el encuentro de hombres y jóvenes solteras cerca de los pozos de agua. Isaac y su futura esposa Rebeca se encontraron en un pozo (Génesis 24,1-67), así como lo hicieron Jacob y Raquel (Génesis 29,130), y Moisés y Séfora (Éxodo 2,15-22). En todos los casos, el hombre ha salido de su hogar y se encuentra en tierra extranjera cuando se encuentra con una mujer cerca de un pozo. Uno de ellos normalmente saca agua y conversan, aunque sea brevemente, después de lo cual la joven regresa a casa con la noticia de que hay un forastero en el área, seguida de un compromiso y a veces una comida. Algunos expertos se han dado cuenta de que mientras que el modelo del encuentro en el pozo no se puede aplicar estrictamente, con todo es un modo significativo de explorar el relato de Jesús
y la mujer cerca del pozo (Juan 4,4-41). En este caso, el forastero es Jesús. Éste es territorio samaritano y el pozo de Jacob era un lugar de reverencia para los samaritanos. Como fiel judío, Jesús tenía que haber sido consciente de que se le iba a considerar forastero. Aunque la mujer que Jesús encuentra en el pozo no es precisamente una joven soltera (ha tenido cinco maridos y en la actualidad vive con un hombre), está bastante abierta al momento del encuentro. Más tarde, hablará no solo a su familia, sino a cualquiera que se encuentre, sobre este forastero que le ha dicho todo lo que ha hecho. El relato no nos dice que la mujer o Jesús sacaran agua del pozo en otras historias anteriores de pozo; sin embargo, toda su conversación se inicia con la oferta de Jesús de dar agua viva. No hay una comida compartida, pero hay una preocupación de sus discípulos porque Jesús coma algo (quizá quieran salir de territorio extranjero). No hay compromiso de matrimonio pero no hay duda
de que la mujer del pozo entra en una relación comprometida de fe, un tipo de compromiso con el Señor que ofrece agua viva (versículos 10-15), y la comida de la obediencia a la voluntad de Dios (versículo 34). No es sorprendente que la iglesia elija proclamar este pasaje del evangelio todos los años para el primer escrutinio antes de los bautismos de la celebración pascual. El agua viva, la obediencia a la voluntad de Dios, y la oportunidad de comenzar un nuevo modo de vida, todos son temas que hablan a quienes se preparan para entrar en la iglesia en el tiempo de Pascua. El ayudar a la gente a identificar su sed es parte de la tarea del proceso de iniciación en nuestras parroquias, como lo es el dar a la gente un mensaje sobre ellos mismos y Dios que quieran compartir con los demás. Pero este evangelio también habla a quienes han gozado de un largo compromiso con Cristo. Cuando nos sentimos cansados de caminar el sendero del dis-
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The University of Notre Dame Club of New Mexico
The ND Club of New Mexico is proud to announce that Fr. David T. Link, Notre Dame Law School Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Law, will present a 2013 Hesburgh Lecture entitled, “Serving the Least, the Last, the Lost, and the Lonely” on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM University of New Mexico School of Law 1117 Stanford Drive, NE, Room 2402 Albuquerque, NM 87106 Fr. Link, University of Notre Dame, 1958, 1961, J.D., LL.D, D. Lit, D.Sc, is also the President Emeritus of Notre Dame Australia and presently serves as a volunteer chaplain at Northern Indiana Prisons. A noted teacher and scholar in the fields of Professional Ethics, University Administration, the Rights of the Disadvantaged, International Taxation, and Computers and the Law, he has received numerous honors and awards, including Who’s Who in the World. In this lecture, Fr. Contd. from Eventos page 8 cipulado, o un poco “oxidados” por haber sido negligentes en nuestros compromisos u olvidado nuestra identidad cristocéntrica, necesitamos a alguien que se tome el tiempo de decirnos la verdad y nos ayude a reconocer nuestras más profundas hambres y sedes. La mujer con quien se encontró Jesús en el pozo en una aldea samaritana, se convirtió en testigo de su identidad (Juan 4,39-41), y se hizo más creíble por su propia sinceridad y el cambio de vida implicado. Muchos creyeron al principio por la palabra de ella y más tarde por su propia experiencia. En este Año de Fe, se nos recuerda que Cristo se nos aparece incluso en los lugares más ordinarios, nos ofrece la verdad sobre nosotros mismos y sobre nuestro Dios, y nos invita a dar testimonio. Preguntas para la reflexión y discusión • ¿Cómo puede ser de utilidad reconocer mod-
Link will discuss the needs of the incarcerated and the community’s responsibilities to these often neglected members of society. The Hesburgh Lecture Series, named after Notre Dame’s President Emeritus, Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., a lifelong learner, are lecture/discussion programs that address issues reflective of the unique strengths of the University of Notre Dame: leadership in family life, church issues, ethical concerns, social problems, political questions, the spiritual life, and liberal arts. Additional Information is available at http://newmexico.undclub.org/HesburghLecture This event is free to the public, but space is limited and reservations are required. A reception will follow in the lobby. RSVP by calling 505.553.3612 or emailing jojojrshabadoo@yahoo.com
elos que emergen en el modo en que se cuentan los relatos de la Biblia? Por ejemplo, ¿te ayudan tales modelos a comprender el propósito de algunos de esos relatos? • Algunas parejas bíblicas se encontraron por primera vez cerca de un pozo. ¿Qué aspectos de estos relatos te ayudan a apreciar el encuentro entre Jesús y la mujer samaritana (Juan 4,4-41)? • ¿En qué momento una tarea aparentemente rutinaria ha sido una oportunidad de encontrar a Cristo en tu vida? ¿Cómo ha aumentado tal experiencia tu deseo de cultivar un sentido más profundo de consciencia y atención? • ¿En qué momento el testimonio de otra persona sobre la acción de Dios en sus vidas ha sido un camino para profundizar tu propia fe y confianza en Dios? Este artículo fue originalmente publicado en el Arkansas Catholic el 17 de agosto de 2013. Derechos de autor Diócesis de Little Rock.
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What Difference Does it Make to Which Christian Church or Community One Belongs? The Catholic Church teaches that other Christian “churches and ecclesial communities… are bound to the Catholic Church by a special affinity and close relationship in view of the long span of earlier centuries when the Christian people lived in… communion.” (UR, no.19) It also counsels us never to belittle the bond that we share in essentials, for example, in our profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our God and Lord and unique mediator with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit; in our common baptism; in our attitudes toward Holy Scripture, the sacramental life; and in the daily Christian activities of prayer and worship. At the same time, the council reminds us that “very weighty differences not only of a historical, sociological, psychological and cultural nature, but especially in the interpretation of revealed truth” exist between and among us. (UR, no. 19) Honesty requires us to admit these differences and the way such differences affect our respective expressions of Christian Life. Life teaches that loving and understanding depend on each other so inti-
mately that neither can totally outstrip the other, even though love will always lead the way, as, for example, our love of God always leads to our understanding of Him. Therefore, until our understandings of God’s call are reconciled in Christ, our understanding of what it means to be church will remain a source of division. Until we agree on the essential nature of the church, it certainly makes a difference to which church or ecclesial communion a person belongs. Our challenge is to “work out the truth in love” (Eph. 4:13), faithful to the Church Christ established. The Ecumenical and Inter-religious commission of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe is dedicated to enabling Catholics throughout the Archdiocese to respond faithfully to Christ’s call for unity. This article represents the thirteenth in an on-going series of frequently asked questions related to ecumenism and inter-religious relations. Taken from the 2009 Archdiocese of Santa Fe Handbook for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Affairs.
BRING THE BODY OF CHRIST TOGETHER! Get involved with a parish outreach to pray with fellow Christians in your neighborhood and family. SPECIAL SERVICES PLANNED FOR THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY January 18-25 Talk to your parish priest— Offer to get involved …or keep an eye out for the next issue of “PEOPLE OF GOD” & Your Parish Bulletin
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November 2013
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Janie Armijo
Melodie Good
Saints Come In All Sizes
St. Mary’s, Albuquerque St. Mary’s School in Albuquerque celebrated All Saint’s Day with an all-school Mass planned and presented by the second grade class. The second graders each chose a saint to research and learn more about. They each wrote a report and presented the information to their class. Several students were selected to read his or her report at Mass and each child participated in a special way during the Mass. We all learned a little bit more about the men and women who shared their faith in a special way. All Saint’s Day was a beautiful and memorable day for all.
St. Gertrude Parish, Mora St. Gertrude Parish, Mora, Saints & Angels All Hallow’s Eve Party for K-8 Religious Education Program. Thirty-seven students and seven adults dressed up like saints and angels.
St. Mary’s, Belen St. Mary’s Belen students had the option of dressing up as saints for Mass on All Saints Day, November 1, 2013. Fr. Stephen Schultz invited all those in costume to the altar during Mass to talk about their saint. He was a little surprised to see so many dressed up and equally surprised at how much they all knew about their saints.
Saints Aren’t Superheroes, They Just Never Strayed From God, Pope Says VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Saints aren’t superheroes, they are regular people who just never left God’s side after encountering Him and His love, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints. “Being a saint is not a privilege of the few, like someone getting a large inheritance. All of us have inherited through baptism the ability to become saints,” he said Nov. 1. Before reciting the Angelus with people gathered in St.
Peter’s Square, the pope talked about God’s call to holiness. “The saints are friends of God,” he said. But they “are not superheroes, nor were they born perfect. They are like us, each one of us.” What makes them stand out, he said, is once they encountered Jesus, they always followed Him. “The path that leads to holiness has a name and has a face, it’s the face of Jesus Christ; He teaches us to become saints.”
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Sumiko Moots
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
St. Thomas Aquinas, Rio Rancho This Catholic school in Rio Rancho has turned Halloween and the following All Saints Day into an opportunity to help their community, while furthering their knowledge about their faith – with students being the teachers. St. Thomas Aquinas holds an annual Trunk n’ Treat – parents distribute candy from the back of their vehicles while parked in the school’s parking lot after receiving prior security and safety clearance from the school. Costumes – not what you typically see at Halloween. Students come as their favorite saint or angel. While they enjoy the treats, integral to what kids love about the day, each class also has a costume contest, with the winner teaching the class about who they depict. The some-400 students also bring in food donations, which go to St. Felix Pantry, a nonprofit, charitable organization who provides food, clothing and referrals for those who are struggling located at 4020 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho.
Holy Child, Tijeras The annual All Saints Day Celebration was held at Holy Child Catholic School in Tijeras. Students came dressed as a saint and the other students tried to guess who they were. Each student prepared a fact sheet to give the other students hints. There were many creative costumes and a good time was had by all. Amongst the more difficult saints to guess this year were Blessed Father Solanus Casey, Saint Philomena, Saint Ermengild, Saint John of the Cross, and Saint Pope Sylvester.
Santo Nino Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe Pictured here (left to right): Emily Gushue (4th grade), Brooke Bauer (6th grade), Jeremy Bransford (1st grade), and Anna Cordova (Learning Center Teacher)
St. Therese Catholic School, Albuquerque By Donna Illerbrun, Principal, St. Therese Catholic School The students at St. Therese Catholic School celebrated the All Saints Day Mass with Bishop Tafoya on Friday, November 1st at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Church. Mrs. Bullwinkle’s fourth grade class hosted the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Bishop Tafoya asked the children who their favorite saint was. The answers came as St.
Therese, St. Michael the Archangel, St. John the Baptist, St. Kateri Tekakwitha and many more of our well known saints. Bishop Tafoya reminded us that we are all “saints in the making.” The students certainly looked saintly during their presentations! All of the students in the fourth grade class dressed as a saint for the Mass. After the Mass, they each did a presentation of the saint they were depicting. It was very refreshing to hear about the
many saints who spent their lives doing the work of our Lord around the world. The students recited the following as a poem honoring our saints: For the Faithful Who Have Answered By Sylvia Dunstan For the faithful who have answered When they heard your call to serve, For the many ways you led them Testing will and stretching nerve, For their work and for their witness As they strove against the odds, For their Courage and obedience We give thanks and praise, O God.
Many eyes have glimpsed the promise. Many hearts have yearned to see. Many ears have heard you calling Us to greater liberty. Some have fallen in the struggle. Others still are fighting on. You are not ashamed to won us. We give thanks and praise, O God. For the cloud of faithful witness, For the common life we share, For the work of peace and justice For the gospel that we hear, For the vision that our homeland Is your love— Deep, high, and broad— For the different roads we travel We give thanks and praise, O God.
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CATHOLIC EDUCATION
“Sophia Martinez Day” at Annunciation Catholic School
The student body showing their support wearing her t-shirts & TEAM Sophia Hospital Masks
Third grade students and Sophia reading a story to the student body, I Don’t Care If I Lose My Hair.
By Cindy Shields, principal, Our Lady of the Annunciation School, Albuquerque
The Annunciation community proudly wore “Kill the Leukemia” t-shirts designed by Sophia. It was a heartfelt moment for everyone when Sophia and her parents entered the gym to her theme song Overcomer (by Mandesa) blaring and students cheering for her. It was apparent to students and adults alike how precious the gift of life is when Christy DeGuio, an Annunciation sixth grader Leukemia survivor, spontaneously ran out of the bleachers to hug Sophia and
In June, Sophia Martinez, an Our Lady of Annunciation third grade student, was diagnosed with ETP ALL, a rare form of childhood leukemia. As September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, the Annunciation students and staff declared September 27 Sophia Martinez Day.
Christy DeGuio, sixth grader Leukemia survivor, and Sophia Martinez. her mom. The assembly was concluded as the student body prayed a prayer written by a friend of the Martinez family. As Sophia’s F.I.G.H.T. (Faith In God’s Healing Touch) to “Kill the Leukemia” continues, please keep her and your family in your prayers. If you would also like to provide financial support, please make donations to “Sophia Martinez: Kill the Leukemia Fund” at New Mexico Educator’s Federal Credit Union.
St. Pius Fine Arts: Don’t Miss This Curtain Call
As you read through this month’s issue of People of God, the theatre students at St. Pius X High School are in the middle of this year’s first production. “The Good Doctor”, Neil Simon’s heartwarming and hilarious tribute to Anton Chekhov, is wrapping up this weekend on Stage One in St. Cecilia Hall. Performances are Saturday November 9, at 7 pm and the Sunday, November 10 matinee at 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are available at the door and are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students; SPX students are free with an ID. You will also want to mark your calendar for two special dates in December that will surely help you celebrate the Christmas season. First, on Friday, December 13 you are invited to sip hot
chocolate and enjoy a luminaria lit stroll around the quad at St. Pius X High School. The stroll begins at 6pm and is followed at 7:00pm by an evening of Christmas music presented by the choir, band and orchestra students, under the direction of Mr. Reith and Mr. Jordan. This is a free event the whole family will enjoy. The concert will be on Stage Two in St. Cecilia Hall. The next event is the SPX Christmas Craft Show, which will be held Saturday, December 14 from 9am until 4pm. This event features over 100 vendors, a silent auction and delicious New Mexican food. The vendors in this juried craft show are very talented and you are sure to find special and unique Christmas gifts. While you are shopping at the craft fair, you will be supporting St. Pius X Fine Arts! The craft fair will be held in the main gym and auxiliary gym and entrance is free. Please take the time to enjoy any or all of these events at St. Pius X High school. It is a jewel in our archdiocese.
Holy Ghost Parish school students, home-schooled children and religious education students participated in the living rosary at this year’s Rosary Rally at Isotopes Park in October.
Holy Ghost Parishioner Takes First Place at State Fair
By L-A Gabrielle Salas, Liturgical/Pastoral Ministries Coordinator, Holy Ghost Parish, Alb.
After three years of entering different categories at the State Fair, eleven-year-old Maria De Marco was happy to find a First Place Blue Ribbon beside her entry in the creative arts beading category competition at the State Fair. Her entry was a beautifully made rosary. Maria chose the beads and fittings and designed the rosary herself. “I was so happy when I saw that I had won first place,” said a glowing Maria. Maria is the youngest volunteer member of the Holy Ghost Parish Our Lady’s Rosary makers ministry. “As parishioners, we are so incredibly blessed to be able to homeschool and factor in parish activities such as this (rosary makers ministry),” said her proud mother, Melissa De Marco. “It just becomes part of our school day. The ladies at rosary makers have been so overwhelmingly
Eleven-year-old Maria De Marco shows off her First Place Blue Ribbon and rosary to fellow rosary maker volunteer, Pat Delzeith. welcoming to Maria. It is so wonderful to see her conversing and interacting with this special group of ladies.” Maria is the daughter of longtime parishioners Tony, and Pastoral Council member Melissa De Marco. Both Maria and her brother, Joey serve as altar servers and volunteers around the church on various projects.
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Archbishop’s School Fund Dinner October 11, 2013
Sr. Anne Louise Abascal, MPF, principal at St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho and Archbishop Sheehan award Shelena Lucero, a kindergarten teacher.
Principal at Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe, Theresa Vaisa, Archbishop Sheehan and Evelyn Torrez-Rivera, first grade teacher. Donna Illerbrun, principal at St. Therese Catholic School, Albuquerque and Jennifer Olivas, first grade teacher, join Archbishop Sheehan for a quick photo op.
Celine/ASF
Carissa Cantrell, principal at St. Mary’s in Albuquerque with Dana Karaskiewicz, first grade teacher awards Mrs. K with the “Teacher of the Year” award.
Carmen Martinez attends the Archbishop’s School Fund Dinner with her family and is joined by Msgr. Francis Eggert, pastor at Our Lady of Fatima.
Richard Diaz, a Math and English teacher for 6-8 graders at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque joins principal Jennifer Mason with Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan.
A retablo designed by Maria Cash Romero was gifted to the keynote speaker, Al Hurricane, Jr. by Archbishop Sheehan.
Haley Rizek, an eighth-grade student at Our Lady of Annunciation spoke about what Catholic education means to her. She had some wonderful things to say: “It is surprising to realize how absent Jesus is in non-Catholic schools. The days are filled with so much bullying and drug use. My days are filled with laughter, learning and prayer. My Catholic education has given me such great opportunities. It challenges me academically, and gives me the courage to join extra-curricular activities. I understand the sacrifices our parents and loved ones have made. This is something we can never, ever repay you. Thank you. So much.” Because of your generosity last year, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe was able to give $350,000 to our low income families to be able to send them to Catholic School. Approximately 500 children were given tuition assistance because of these grants. In the archdiocese, we have 14 grade schools and two high schools, about 400 teachers and staff and over 4,500 students with an average class size of 18. Ninety-nine per cent of out high school students graduate from high school and 98% go on to college. Catholic Education is a great blessing because it forms good citizens and good leaders in our Catholic church. They are worth every bit of tuition and sacrifices made! We are thankful to Dick Knipfing for serving as Master of Ceremonies and all the volunteers who help to make this a successful event each year.
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Carmen Borrego Holy Cross Catholic School PreK-6 Computer
Mrs. Borrego has 12 years of teaching experience, nine in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Recognitions include Holy Cross Catholic School Teacher of the Year in 2011. She is also the designated teacher in charge in the principal’s absence. Additionally, she is involved with leading the Yearbook Committee and publishing the Yearbook, coordinating school Masses, and working the lunch program. She spends time researching school grants, fundraising opportunities, and technology projects for both students and staff. Mrs. Borrego has proven to be an asset to the school because of her dedication to the education of her students and her hard work.
Dale Annette Cason Our Lady of the Assumption Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cason has 14 years of teaching experience, five in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe at Assumption School. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education. She was the Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2004 for the Twin Ridges Schools District in Nevada City, CA. Mrs. Cason serves as the Home and School Association representative for teachers and is the Cochair of the Academic Excellence committee. Mrs. Cason is very conscientious, observant, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented. She works well with both adults and students alike sharing in the school’s vision, mission, philosophy, goals and objectives. The school has been very fortunate to have the God-given talents that she possesses, teaching the curriculum and being a Catholic-Christian witness to all.
Jane Wilkinson Our Lady of Fatima School Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Wilkinson has 15 years of teaching experience, ten in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Mrs. Wilson was recognized in 2011 as Our Lady of Fatima’s Character Counts nominee and one of “Intel’s Teach to the Future.” She also serves as the Head Teacher for the Elementary Program. Mrs. Wilkinson’s constant dedication to her students and teaching assignment provide the role modeling so desperately needed by our profession. She exemplifies what the profession of teaching is all about. Her never ending efforts to help children become better students are evident to all. She promotes high standards but has the patience to take the students to the next plateau regardless of where she finds them initially. She provides a “CAN DO” attitude that inspires us all to reach for the heights.
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November 2013
Jorge Tristani, Jr.
St. Pius X High School • Teacher, Multi-grades Architectural Drawing, Mechanical Drawing, AP Art History, Photography, Spanish II & III, Language Arts Mr. Tristani has 30 years of teaching experience all in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He holds a Master of Architecture Degree. His notable recognitions are being named National Soccer Coach of the Year in 2007, named regional and New Mexico Coach of the Year numerous times and inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame with a winning streak of 385-72-2. Jorge’s behavior and classroom teachings communicate and model his love, admiration, and respect of God’s wonderful creation. He sees God in all things—his students, his art, and the environment. He is disciplined and dedicated to his responsibilities and has earned the respect of every member of the St. Pius X community. Jorge is a wonderful model for all teachers and students to imitate.
Charlene Baca St. Mary’s School - Belen First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Baca has 11 years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe at St. Mary’s School. She was recognized as the Catholic Foundation Teacher of the Year for 2013 and was the October Feature Teacher in the Belen News-Bulletin in 2012. She is an outstanding educator dedicated to the profession of teaching. She is charged with the responsibility of teaching the students to read. She is devoted to every student’s success and that is evident with her steadfast commitment to after-school tutoring even though the funding for the program had run out. Mrs. Baca is a team player setting an example for other teachers in cooperation and innovation. She has taken the lead in getting all teachers involved in the STAR testing process and Accelerated Reader. When Mrs. Baca’s first graders do the readings for the schools Masses, it is truly a sight and sound to behold.
Jennifer R. Olivas St. Therese Catholic School First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Olivas has nine and a half years teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. She was recognized as Biltmore’s Who’s Who Among Professional Teachers for 2011. Mrs. Olivas leads by example in being a good role model for her students. She instills a life-long love of reading and learning in her students because it’s such a crucial time in their development. She tutors students who are struggling in class after school and serves as the Spelling Bee Coordinator. She is extremely organized, very creative, but also very kind and gentle-spirited. She has an understanding of child development that far surpasses her years of teaching experience. Jennifer is an asset to the community.
November 2013
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Shelena Lucero St. Thomas Aquinas School Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Lucero has 11 years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, with ten years at St. Thomas Aquinas School and one at Queen of Heaven. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Shelena puts forth her best effort every day to make a positive learning environment for her kindergartners. She helps those children who need extra help and challenges children who are mastering the concepts. Ms. Lucero’s hard work extends beyond the classroom. She is very helpful and cooperative with her co-workers. She is a member of he crisis management team and ensures the emergency buckets are stocked. She is also a member of the reading committee which collects and analyzes reading scores. Shelena’s kindergarten students go well prepared to first grade socially, faithfully and academically. Her kindergartners are proof of what a great teacher she is.
Richard Diaz San Felipe de Neri School Math & English Teacher 6-8 Grades
Mr. Diaz has 26 years of teaching experience, 23 in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, English, and Education. He has an Advanced Certification in Faith Formation. Recognitions include Mid-School Teacher of the Year 2001, Archdiocese Teacher of the Year and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2009. He recently served on the Language Arts Curriculum Committee. Mr. Diaz was made for teaching. His calm demeanor and understanding of the middle school-aged students makes him very approachable. He exemplifies good teaching with empathy and good judgment toward students. He takes an interest in the well-being of students and staff members alike.
Evelyn Torrez-Rivera Santo Niño Regional Catholic School First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Rivera has six years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. Evelyn is an exemplary first grade teacher: intelligent, dedicated, and committed to Catholic education. It is apparent that she takes her vocation as a Catholic educator seriously as demonstrated on a daily basis in her interactions with her students, parents, and colleagues. She presents a positive self-image of herself with Christian values and morals. All students in her classes reap the benefits of her enthusiasm and love of teaching. Evelyn is a very “hands on” educator. Her love of teaching, passion and dedication to the teaching profession have impacted every student she has taught in a positive manner and the students’ love of learning has increased immensely by having her as a teacher.
Donna P. Gallegos St. Charles de Borromeo School Art Teacher K-8 Basketball and Track Coach
Mrs. Gallegos has 23 years of teaching experience, 20 in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Her Awards include the 2008 Catholic Teachers Award. Donna has a passion for teaching art to children. She helps students to believe in themselves and their gifts. She works to keep improving the art program and keep in line with current teaching strategies. She was instrumental in the development of the Archdiocesan Art Curriculum. The students of St. Charles perform in a Christmas Musical every year and the costumes and background sets for this yearly event are amazing! Ultimately she always puts the needs of her students first because watching them learn and blossom into artists is the greatest gift she can give and receive.
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Christine Martinez Annunciation School Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Martinez has 10 years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education. Christine is a very experienced kindergarten teacher and helps our new teachers acclimate themselves to Annunciation. She is open to new ideas and teaching styles in order to keep up with our rapidly changing world. She leads by example and she challenges each individual student to provide their own “personal best.” Christine’s kindergartners have raised over $20,000 in the past three years in the “Hop for Leukemia” which goes to the Leukemia and Lymphomas organization. This is more than any other school in the state of New Mexico. Her students are the future, and the students that come from Christine’s class are ready spiritually, emotionally and academically for the new challenges in first grade and beyond!
Dana Karaskiewicz St. Mary’s School – Albuquerque First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Karaskiewicz has 26 years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She has a Basic Certification in Faith Formation with advanced classes. Dana is a positive force. She is loyal and shares her love of learning with all. Her faith is evident and she makes that a central part of the school day. She makes a difference each day! Dana has high expectations for herself as an educator. She constantly researches new lessons, ideas and changes lessons based on the needs of her students. She nurtures the individual child and her students know they are loved. Dana has led the Sunshine Committee for many years and facilitates celebrations, birthdays and special events for staff. Dana has the respect of the staff, students and parents and is most deserving of Teacher of the Year.
Gretta Valenzuela Holy Ghost School Kindergarten-First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Valenzuela has nine years of teaching experience with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe at Holy Ghost School. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. Her extracurricular activities include chairing the Yearbook, Fall Festival, Book Fair, and Make a Difference to name a few. Mrs. Valenzuela assisted in the Language Arts Curriculum and served as librarian for one year. She always treats her students with respect and love, nurturing their development in mind, body, and spirit. Her creativity and organization are apparent in her lesson preparation and teaching. Mrs. Valenzuela is a teacher-leader who has assumed a leadership role in many capacities at Holy Ghost School.
Sonya Ruiz
St. Michael’s High School Seventh Grade General Math Pre-Algebra Mrs. Ruiz has 14 years of teaching experience, eight at St. Michael’s High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Sonya has been a tremendous positive influence for the students of St. Michael’s. Throughout her career, Sonya has been recognized as an outstanding teacher. She is highly regarded by all teachers. She is dedicated, thoughtful, and on the cutting edge in the math field. She is a student-centered teacher as students continually ask to be in her classes because they find the subject matter interesting and entertaining. She makes learning ‘FUN”! She is a great example of a teacher who exemplifies the five core principles of Lasallian education: Faith in the Presence of God, Respect for all Persons, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, and Inclusive Community.
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November 2013
The Nation’s First
Celine/ASF
Archdiocese of Santa Fe joins New Mexican leaders in the signing ceremony of the historic Partners in Care Agreement, October 13, 2013
A Prayer for Our Veterans We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. We pray especially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who are coming home with injured bodies and traumatized spirits. Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray. We ask for, echoing John Paul II, an end to wars and the dawning of a new era of peace, as a way to honor all the veterans of past wars. Have mercy on all our veterans. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combative posts; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting, Moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war. Hear our prayer, O Prince of Peace, hear our prayer. Amen.
Document signatories were Very Rev. John Cannon, chancellor, Archdiocese of Santa Fe; Governor Susana Martinez; Adjutant General Andrew Salas, New Mexico National Guard; and Cabinet Secretary Timothy Hale, Department of Veterans’ Services. Partners in Care is an initiative of the New Mexico National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (NMNG-JFHQ) Chaplain’s office. The purpose of this initiative is to coordinate support for New Mexico National Guard (NMNM) members and families through partnership with local faith communities. Similar partnerships with individual churches exist; however, this is the nation’s first partnership with a large religious entity such as the Archdiocese of Santa Fe which consists of 93 parishes statewide. All faith communities are
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welcome to participate as “Partners in Care” congregations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the NMNG-JFHQ chaplain and a representative of the participating congregation formalizes the relationship. The MOU defines the purpose, scope and nature of the partnership. Support is offered by the participating congregation to all referred warriors and families within the limits of congregational resources and abilities, and free of charge without regard to the recipient’s religious affiliation. Referrals of NMNG members and families to “Partners in Care” congregations are made through the coordinated effort of the NMNG Family Readiness Office and the NMNG-JFHQ Chaplain Office. Guardsmen and families are encouraged to participate in and access their own faith community, if affiliated. Referral to a “Partners in Care” congregation by the NMNG in no way implies endorsement of a particular religion by the NMNG. Participating congregations agree to provide the NMNG
with a current list of supportive services offered, as well as a congregational Point of Contact (POC) for coordination and communication of information, referrals and support. The NMNG agrees to provide training and information to congregations as appropriate to facilitate success of the partnership. It is recognized and understood that NMNG citizen-soldiers and their families are integral parts of local communities across the State. These citizen-soldiers and their families endure the stress incumbent upon those who sacrifice in service to the defense of liberty and the safety and security of both Station and Nation. It is further recognized and understood that within the communities are congregations uniquely equipped and able to provide faith-based support to New Mexico National Guard members and families in times of crisis, stress and need. To that end “Partners in Care” exists. Archdiocesan contact is Deacon Robert Vigil, Director of Pastoral Outreach, 505.831.8174.
Events Continued from page 8 mundane of places, offers us the truth about ourselves and our God and invites us to bear witness. Study Questions • How can it be helpful to recognize patterns that emerge in the way that stories are told in the Bible? For example, do such patterns help you understand the purpose of some of these stories? • Several biblical couples met for the first time at wells. What aspects of these stories help you to appreciate the encounter between Jesus and the
Samaritan woman (John 4:441)? • When has a seemingly routine chore been the occasion of encountering Christ in your life? How has that kind of experience heightened your desire to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and awareness? • When has another person’s testimony about God’s action in their lives been an avenue of deepening your own belief and trust in God? Copyright Diocese of Little Rock. All rights reserved.
November 2013
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St. Thomas More Newman Center 75th Anniversary
This is the diamond anniversary of the establishment of a Roman Catholic parish in Portales and the people of St. Helen on October 3-6, 2013. Mass was offered for the St. Thomas More Newman Center’s 75th anniversary, and our first annual St. Thomas More Utopia Award was presented
to Dr. Kathleen Salter and Dr. Richard Walsh for outstanding service to and support of St. Thomas More Newman Center. Fr. Juan Montoya, deceased priest, with Fr. Francis Brockmann, wrote an interesting historical sketch of the parish, tracing its start in 1906 with a
Mass celebrated by Fr. Linus Braun, shortly after his ordination. The records show the first baptism was a baby, Maria Patterson, on August 29, 1906. There was no Catholic church in Portales until 1909, when a mission church was dedicated under the name of St. Elizabeth, located at the corner of Iowa and Chestnut Streets (now Avenue G and University Drive.) For the next 10 years, until 1919, the mission was cared for by the Franciscan fathers of Roswell, NM. In 1919, a resident priest at Sacred Heart in Clovis, NM judged it was close enough for the Catholics of Portales to travel to attend Mass. From 1919 until 1938 there were no church services at St. Elizabeth Mission.
When Eastern New Mexico Junior College opened in 1934, a need became for Catholic services for students, and on April 6, 1938 Archbishop Gerken of Santa Fe granted permission for Mass to be celebrated during Holy Week in a classroom at the campus. A Newman Club was organized on the campus through the efforts of Fr. Raymond Soper of Sacred Heart of Clovis, and Miss Louise Boillin, a Catholic member of the college faculty. Through the instrumentality of Miss Boillin, the Franciscan Fathers returned to Portales in 1938 and thereafter Fr. Raymond said Mass at the college once a month, and eventually every Sunday. Eventually, a Catholic mission was re-established in
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Portales, with Charles Hardesty, Dave Colligan and Walter Jentzen as officers, but it was not until March 1941 that a contract was signed to build a church and a community room for the Newman Club for a total of $3,475. From 1938 until 1946 St. Helen’s was taken care of by the Franciscans at Sacred Heart of Clovis. A census in 1951 showed 95 families in Portales. On January 18, 1952, the first resident pastor, Fr. Bertus Grassman was appointed, and took up residence at 1624 South Avenue O. The new St. Helen’s church was completed July 23, 1952. The silver anniversary was celebrated on June 24, 1958 when a decree from Rome officially designated St. Helen a parish.
Nativity and St John the Baptist Travel to the Holy Land and Mount Temptation (where Jesus was tempted by Satan) before concluding the trip at the dead sea where everyone was given an opportunity to float in the saltiest body of water on earth. Everyone had a wonderful time while walking in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This holy pilgrimage gave everyone an opportunity to experience the events of the bible for
By Deacon Michael A. Illerbrun, Director, Religious Education
A group of 54 hearty souls recently traveled from Nativity Parish in Albuquerque and St. John the Baptist Parish in Santa Fe to Jordan and Israel. This trip was part of a holy pilgrimage to the many religious sites, particularly the Marian Sites, in the Holy Land. Fr. Juan Mendez, pastor of Nativity, and Fr. Nathan Libaire, pastor of St John’s, led the pilgrims as spiritual directors for the trip. Not only did they help people with their personal knowledge of the various locations to which they traveled, but most importantly, they offered holy Mass every day of the pilgrimage. They began the trip with a visit to the famous site of Petra in the Kingdom of Jordan. The magnificent archeological marvel is in large part carved into the side of the mountains. Many remember this location as portrayed in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Search for the Holy Grail.” Moving on to Israel, the pilgrims traveled to many locations of the miracles and teachings of Jesus, including Mt. Tabor (the scene of the Transfiguration), Tiberius, Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes and Caesarea Philippi. Every day found them in multiple holy locations. Day seven found them
at Mt. Carmel, Cana, Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation before moving on to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. From there, they visited the Mt. of Olives, the Church of the Visitation, the Shepherd’s Fields and the Church of the Nativity. While in Jerusalem, they followed the passion of Jesus last hours by following the Palm Sunday route that Jesus took. The next day they followed the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) to remember Jesus passion before visiting the “Wailing Wall,” to this day the most holy place for the Jews. The final day they traveled out into the wilderness, visiting Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus, then on to Jericho
themselves in the Holy Land. Their faith is grounded in the physical experience of walking the ancient trails as faithful have for over two millennia. The parishes of Nativity and St. John’s will both benefit from the opportunity to know about the scriptures and our Catholic traditions. Thank you Frs. Juan and Nathan for providing us this opportunity!
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Anniversary
Paiz, Chavez
Mr. Luis A. Chavez and Miss Mary Paiz exchanged vows of holy matrimony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM on August 31, 1963. Family and friends joined them to celebrate with a dinner and dance after a renewal of vows. Presently, they are members of Holy Family in Albuquerque. They have been active in the church since before their unity. Luis served as an alter server and Mary sang in the church choir. They met each other during a teenage mission, and have stayed true to their faith since their youth. They have been active in the church by serving in the parish council, counting of collections, volunteering in the parish fiestas and presently serving as Eucharist Ministers. Luis and Mary are blessed with two daughters; Judy Sanchez and husband Ray, and Lynette Dvorak and husband Joe. They are also blessed with four grandchildren: Kimberly, Veronica, Jacob, and Michael. Luis retired from the Albuquerque Police Department after 25 years and Mary retired from PNM after 35 years. Luis obtained his criminology degree from the University of Albuquerque and Mary obtained a business certificate from CNM.
Marriage Encounter Correction A Marriage Encounter Weekend is scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17, not Nov. 9 and 10 as indicated in the October issue of People of God. Marriage Encounter is a weekend designed for married couples to reconnect and rediscover why they fell in love in the first place. Please call or reserve space with Duane or Fran Andersen by calling 505.877.0062 or emailing dfandersen@q.com.
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Bishops Asked to Assess Marriage, Family Life to Prepare for Synod By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Bishops around the world are being asked to take a realistic look at the situation of families under their care and at how effective pastoral and educational programs have been at promoting church teaching on sexuality, marriage and family life. The preparatory document for the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, which will be held in October 2014, ends with 38 questions about how church teaching is promoted, how well it is accepted and ways in which modern people and societies challenge the Catholic view of marriage and family. Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the synod, asked bishops to distribute the document and questionnaire “as widely as possible” to deaneries and parishes, summarize the responses and send them to the Vatican by the end of January. Distributing an outline of the chosen topic and related questions, seeking responses from bishops, religious orders and interested Catholic groups is a normal part of the preparation for a synod. Archbishop Baldisseri, encouraging even wider consultation, did not specify how bishops should seek input. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales put the questionnaire online in late October, leading to news stories about “polling” Catholics for their opinions and suggestions. The extraordinary synod on “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization” was convoked by Pope Francis for Oct. 5-19 and will bring together presidents of bishops’ conferences, the heads of
Eastern Catholic churches and the heads of Vatican offices to describe the current situation and “to collect the bishops’ experiences and proposals in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the family in a credible manner,” the document said. A second gathering, a world Synod of Bishops on the family, will be held in 2015 “to seek working guidelines in the pastoral care of the person and the family,” it said. “Vast expectations exist concerning the decisions which are to be made pastorally regarding the family,” the document said. Some people may believe changes in church teaching are in store given Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, forgiveness and not judging others, and his specific comments on helping divorced and civilly remarried couples who cannot receive Communion. However, the document said, “the teaching of the faith on marriage is to be presented in an articulate and efficacious manner so that it might reach hearts and transform them in accordance with God’s will.” Church teaching always has been clear that marriage is a lifelong bond between one man and one woman open to having and educating children, it said, and the synod’s goal will be “to communicate this message with greater incisiveness.” The preparatory document specifically mentioned modern contributions to church teaching, including the Second Vatican Council’s defense of the dignity of marriage and family, Pope Paul VI’s encyclical “Humanae Vitae” on fidelity and procreation in marriage, and Blessed John Paul II’s teaching on God’s plan for married love. “The church’s pastoral ministry,” it said, “finds in-
spiration in the truth of marriage viewed as part of the plan of God, who created man and woman and, in the fullness of time, revealed in Jesus the completeness of spousal love elevated to the level of sacrament.” The questionnaire asks bishops to describe how people understand church teaching, how their local churches and Catholic movements try to promote it and what difficulties people face in accepting the teaching. Synod organizers ask the bishops to estimate the percentage of local Catholics living together without being married, the percentage of those divorced and remarried, and the proportion of children and adolescents in their dioceses who are living in families in those situations. Bishops are asked for their suggestions about the advisability of simplifying church annulment procedures and for suggestions on how that might be done. The questionnaire surveys the bishops about the legal status of same-sex unions in their local area and church efforts to defend traditional marriage, but also asks them what kind of “pastoral attention can be given to people who have chosen to live” in same-sex unions and, in places where they can adopt children, what can be done to transmit the faith to them. Several questions focus on “Humanae Vitae” and church teaching against the use of artificial contraception. The bishops are asked if people understand the teaching and know how to evaluate the morality of different methods of family planning. They also are asked if the question comes up in confessions and if they have suggestions for fostering “a more open attitude toward having children.”
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Meet Growing Needs for Pastoral Care Foundations for BeFriender Ministry Santa Fe, NM November 18-21, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Workshop Description “Foundations for BeFriender Ministry” is a workshop for leaders who want to implement and maintain a listening ministry of lay pastoral care in their church, hospital, healthcare campus, long-term care facility or other organization. The small size of this highly interactive workshop allows workshop leaders to address the specific needs and questions of participants. A certified trainer from the BeFriender Ministry National Office will be the workshop leader. Who Attends A team of 2-5 from your church or organization including at least one staff person such as (clergy, chaplain, deacon, parish nurse, director of pastoral care, pastoral minister, etc.) and one or more lay volunteers. This team will serve as program leaders for BeFriender Ministry in your church or organization. New program leaders for existing BeFriender Ministry programs also attend the workshop.
Learning Objectives • Have a roadmap and tools for implementing and maintaining a listening ministry of pastoral care • Understand the role of the BeFriender by experiencing the training you will deliver to lay volunteers in your church or organization. • Learn skills for facilitating skill-building and spiritual growth for BeFrienders. • Understand the three primary roles of program leaders: trainer, facilitator, and administrator. • Gain insights from workshop leaders who model effective training techniques. Location St. John the Baptist Church 1301 Osage Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87505
Department for Hospital Chaplaincy Services Fall 2013 Conference A Day of Professional Growth and Spiritual Renewal for Caregivers
A new department was recently created in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, the Department for Hospital Chaplaincy Services. Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan has named Rev. Baaju Izuchi, CSSp, PhD, BCC as director. This department sets out to hold its first Quarterly Conference, also its first Fall Conference, on Saturday, November 23, 2013, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, please call 505.831.8347. Volunteers in the Hospital Ministry pictured left to right: Fr. Stephen Abaukaka, Josephine War, Theresa Medrano, Eileen Walling, Penny Toretto, Frank Velasquez, Fr. Baaju Izuchi, CSSp, Virginia Velasquez.
Sometimes, There’s No Place Like Home for Health Care
By Bob Moos, Southwest Public Affairs Officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Some health care once done in a hospital or doctor’s office can now be done at home. It’s just as effective, more convenient and usually less expensive. Medicare pays for health care you receive in the comfort and privacy of your home if you meet certain requirements. To qualify, you must be homebound, under a physician’s care and in need of
part-time skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services. “Homebound” doesn’t necessarily mean “bedridden.” But it does mean that you seldom leave home, except maybe for a doctor’s appointment or a worship service. And when you do, you probably require a wheelchair or walker and someone’s assistance. Medicare pays 100 percent for your care as long as you’re eligible. It also pays for 80 percent of any medical equipment you need, like a special bed or oxygen. One in 10 people with tra-
ditional Medicare relies on home health in any given year. About a third of the home visits are for patients released from the hospital but still requiring attention. The other two-thirds are for people trying to stay out of the hospital in the first place. Your home health care starts with your doctor’s decision that your illness or injury demands it. You may need a skilled nurse to give you IV drugs, shots or tube feedings, or change dressings, or teach you and your caregivers about newly prescribed drugs.
You also may require rehabilitative services, like occupational, physical or speech therapy, to become as self-sufficient as possible and regain your independence. The home health agency will work with you and your doctor to develop a plan of care. That plan will detail the services you need, how often you should have them, who will provide them, and what results your doctor expects from your treatment. To qualify for Medicare’s home health benefit, your nursing care must be part-
time. Home health aides who help with bathing and dressing, as well as homemaker aides who clean or do laundry, may be covered, but only if they’re part of your overall plan of care. Medicare doesn’t pay for 24-hour-a-day care at home or meals delivered to your door. Nor does it cover personal care or housekeeping if that’s all you need. Before your care begins, the home health agency should tell you about any services or See Health Care page 23
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Celebrating Our Mother Mary
Feast of Immaculate Conception December 8
Immaculate Conception
Rev. Rafael Garcia, SJ, pastor 619 Copper Avenue, NW, Alb., NM 87102 505.247.4271 History: The first Mass for Immaculate Conception was celebrated in September of 1882 by Fr. R.M. Fede, SJ at Michael Hogan’s store on the corner of Lead and Broadway. Construction of the church was begun that same year and completed in 1883. The current church was completed in 1960 and decicated on March 25 that year. Since its founding, the parish has been staffed by the Jesuits. A school was constructed just before World War II. The high school closed in 1967, but the elementary and middle schools continue to the day.
Immaculate Conception
Rev. Emmanuel Izuka, pastor 440 West 18th Street, Cimarron, NM 87714 575.376.2553 History: Cimarron is first mentioned in the Official Catholic Directory in 1867 as a mission of Santa Gertrudis in Mora. Fr. Anthony Fourchegu was appointed as the first pastor of the parish on January 15, 1872. From 1881 to 1953, Cimarron was listed as a mission of La Junta and Springer. In 1881, the Maxwell Land Grant Company donated the land for the construction og the present church. It was re-established as a parish on August 1, 1954.
Immaculate Conception
Rev. George Salazar, pastor 811 Sixth Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701 505.425.7791 History: The first church was built in 1852 in Upper Town Las Vegas. Fr. Joseph M. Coudert was the pastor of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in Old Las Vegas with Upper Town listed as its mission in 1857. A new church was built in 1884 in the area known as New Town and it was listed as a parish in 1885. A school administered by the Jesuit Fathers existed until 1907. Fr. Adrian Rabeyrolle was appointed pastor and served in this capacity from 1907 until 1950! In 1912, Immaculate Conception Academy was established and administered by the Sisters of Loretto. The school was closed in 1966.
Immaculate Conception
Rev. Jose A. Hernandez, pastor 7 Church Loop, Tome, NM 87060 505.865.7497 History: Permission was granted to build a church in Tome in 1743 and was completed by 1750. At first, it was ministered from San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque and later became a mission of Belen. It was established as a parish on July 1, 1821 and its first pastor was Fr. Manuel Madariaga. After the arrival of Bishop Lamy in New Mexico in 1851, he appointed Fr. Jean Baptiste Ralliere as pastor in 1858. He is referred to as “El Padre Eterno” because he served as pastor for 55 years! In 1885 and again in 1905, the Rio Grande flooded the Tome are and almost destroyed the church. It was rebuilt and continues to stand to this day. It is listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and on the National Register of Historic Places. The parish celebrates two feast days – September 8 and December 8.
November 2013
Our Lady of La Vang (Immaculate Conception)
Rev. Tin Manh Bui, pastor 1015 Chelwood Park, NE, Alb., NM 87112 505.275-3909 History: Construction of a church for the Vietnamese community began in July of 1984. The parish was established under the title of Our Lady of La Vang (Refuge) on December 8, 1984. Fr. John Rebold was named its first pastor. The church, located in the southwest part of Albuquerque, was blessed by Archbishop Robert Sanchez on July 4, 1987. In 2006, the parish purchased a building in the northeast part of Albuquerque and it was dedicated on February 18, 2007 by Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan. The parish celebrates two feast days – November 24 for Martyrs of Viet Nam and December 8 for the Immaculate Conception.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day December 12
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Tien-Tri Nguyen, pastor 417 Agua Fria Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 T 505.983.8868 / F 505.983.4304 jbtientri96@yahoo.com History: The Santuario is the oldest still-standing church in the United States and Canada dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was constructed of adobe between 1775 and 1785 by Franciscan Friars. It is located adjacent to the Santa Fe River and borders the Camino Real (Royal Highway), a colonial trade route from Mexico City via Chihuahua to Santa Fe. The parish was established on December 11, 1881 with Fr. James H. Defouri as its first pastor. The parish was established to serve the immigrating English speaking population from the east coast. The parish was again made a mission from 1918-1931 and was served from the Cathedral of St. Francis. The roof and tower of the church were destroyed by fire in 1922 but quickly repaired. A new church was built and dedicated on December 17, 1961. The parish was elevated to be the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on November 17, 2008. As the parish was established to serve the immigrants today it serves the newly arrived immigrants from Mexico and South America. The parish school dedicated to St. Anthony was opened under the care of the Sisters of Loretto in November 1926. The name of the school was changed to Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1930 when the Dominican Sisters took over its operation. The school closed in 1969. The parish feast day is December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Joe D. Vigil, pastor 1860 Griegos Road, NW, Alb., NM 87107 T 505.345.4596 / F 505.342.2984 olog9108@gmail.com History: During the 1950s, the parish used an old army barracks for a parish hall and for the celebration of the Mass. The present church was completed in 1955 and dedicated by Archbishop Byrne on January 7, 1956. The parish feast day is December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Sean Murnan OFM, pastor 816 Highway 22, Peña Blanca, NM 87041 T 505.465.2226 / F 505.465.1336
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History: A chapel in honor of the Holy Trinity was built at Peña Blanca in 1831. This chapel served the community until sometime between 1865-1870 when a new church was built and dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. A portion of the sanctuary of this church collapsed on August 13, 1985 and the church was torn down. A new church was built in 1987. At first, Peña Blanca was ministered to by Jesuit Fathers but has been under the pastoral care of the Franciscans since 1900. The Sisters of St. Francis from Lafayette, Indiana came to teach in 1904 and a school was built by 1908. By 1916, the Catholic School was combined with the country school and the sisters continued to teach there until 1951. At that, time a newly named Our Lady of Guadalupe parochial school was opened but closed in 1956. The parish feast day is December 12.
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Del Valle De Pojoaque
Rev. Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, pastor 9 Grazing Elk Drive, Pojoaque, NM 87506 T 505.455.2472 / F 505.455.3849 nsg-pojoaque59@archdiosf.org History: During the 1920s, a new church was constructed in the Pojoaque Valley area. At this time, the area and the church in the Pojoaque Valley were served from Santa Cruz. By 1965, a more centrally located church, rectory, parish hall, and CCD classrooms had been completed. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Byrne on March 27, 1966. The parish was established in February 1959 with Msgr. Sipio Salas as its first pastor. The parish feast day is December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Hoi Tran, pastor 3674 Highway 47, Peralta, NM 87042 T 505.869.2189 / F 505.869.5850 olog-peralta.org/ History: Fr. Jean Baptiste Ralliere, Pastor of Tome, began celebrating Mass in Peralta in 1872. Construction of the present church was begun in 1879 on land donated by the widow of Juan Otero and was finished around 1888. The church was officially dedicated on March 13, 1893. The Parish was established on April 1, 1971 with Msgr. Albert Chavez as it first pastor. A new home for the Pastors serving the parish was built by Msgr. Sipio Salas in 1988. The Parish Feast Day is December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Fernando Saenz, pastor 108 North Davis Street, Clovis, NM 88101 T 575.763.4445 / F 575.763.0261 olgclovis@yahoo.com
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History: The parish was established on January 6, 1945 and its first pastor was Fr. Conradin Stark, OFM. The new church was dedicated by Archbishop Byrne on May 30, 1949 and rededicated by Archbishop Sanchez on December 13, 1986. The school was begun in 1928 by the Sisters of Mercy from the mother parish of Sacred Heart who taught there until 1943 when they were succeeded by the Sisters of St. Casimir. The school closed in 1988. The parish feast day is December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Clement Niggel, pastor 205 Don Fernando Street, Taos, NM 87571 T 575.758.9208 / F 575.758.2745 History: Taos was established as a mission in 1639. After the re-conquest, the mission was re-established by Diego de Vargas in 1696 and it was served from the Taos Pueblo. A church was under construction in 1706, but it was destroyed in the 1847 Taos Rebellion. The license granting permission to build churches in Taos and Las Trampas areas was granted on September 20, 1813. It was the controversial priest, Fr. Antonio José Martinez who began to use Our Lady of Guadalupe as the parish church for the area. Bishop Lauriano Zubiría of the Diocese of Durango officially declared it a parish on July 4, 1833. The old church was replaced by a new one in 1911, but that church burned in 1961. It was replaced with the present church and dedicated on December 12, 1962 by Archbishop Byrne. In 1863, the Sisters of Loretto opened Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy for girls. In 1894, the sisters were asked to conduct the public school as well. St. Joseph’s Parochial School was founded in 1929 when the sisters ceased the operation of the combined school. Full responsibility of the school was assumed by the parish in 1949. The sisters continued to teach in the school until it was closed in 1973. The parish celebrates two feast days – December 12 and September 30.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rev. Ronald Stone, pastor 1228 NM 3, Villanueva, NM 87583 T 575.421.2548 / F 575.421.2548 nsdeguadalupe@plateautel.net History: A small chapel was built by 1816 and it was served from San Miguel del Vado. A new chapel was built by 1830 and was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The parish was established in 1920 with Fr. J. H. Girma as its first pastor. The parish has been administered by a parish life coordinator since 2000 under the guidance of a canonical pastor. The Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother taught at the public school in Villanueva from 1916 to 1950. The community then opened the Mater Dolorosa Parochial School which remained open until the late 1960s. The parish feast day is December 12.
T h e 2 0 1 3 S i l v e r R os e P r o g r a m
Since March 1, 2013, five Silver has continued since then as a project Roses have been making their of Squires Circles, way across North America, councils and Fourth from Canada to the United Degree assemblies in States to Mexico. The 2013 several jurisdictions. Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver In 2001, Supreme Rose, “One Life, One Rose Knight Carl AnderProgram”, concludes on Dec. son expanded the pro12, 2013, the Feast of Our gram by beginning Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness the “Running of the of the Americas, at the BasiliRose” from the 119th ca of Our Lady of Guadalupe Annual Meeting of in Monterrey, Mexico. the Supreme Coun2013 marks the 53rd year cil in Toronto. This of the program which began is “a perfect program in 1960 as a project of the A silver rose was exhibited for the Knights of Columbian Squires of North during special Mass at St. Columbus,” said SuAmerica to honor the Blessed Joseph on the Rio Grande. preme Knight AnderVirgin under her title of Our Celebrant was Msgr. Lam- son. “Through it, we Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness bert Luna honor not only Our of the Americas. The program Lady of Guadalupe
and express the unity of the Order, but we also reaffirm the Order’s dedication to the sanctity of human life. It is to the Blessed Mother that we turn in prayer as we work to end the Culture of Death that grips our society. As we think in terms of ‘One Life, One Rose,’ it is most appropriate that we turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe who made known her will through Juan Diego and the miracle of the roses.” Today, five Silver Roses travel through North America exemplifying Knights of Columbus devotion to Our Lady and commitment to the Culture of Life. One rose begins its journey in Ontario moving through the central United States. A second rose starts its route in Manitoba, moving westward to British Columbia and then down the Pacific
coast through California before turning eastward to Arizona and New Mexico. The third rose moves from Connecticut, through the eastern United States and the fourth rose begins in Virginia moving south through Florida and then turning westward along the Gulf Coast. The fifth route is new in 2013. It covers the New England states, beginning in Maine and moving through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and ending in Connecticut. Unlike the other roses, the New England Rose will not travel to Texas. It will end its journey on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, 2013, at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, birth place of the Knights of Columbus. Reprinted with permission from the Knights of Columbus.
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The Catholic Call to Hashtag (#) First World Problem Immigrant Justice By Rene Ronquillo, Social Justice Ministry Coordinator Immaculate Conception Church, Albuquerque What if armed men entered your home and threatened your family? What if they took over your business and you realized your government couldn’t protect you? What if you couldn’t support your family through farming anymore, as your family has done for generations, because you cannot compete with cheap imports? Imagine these things happening to your family. Would you leave your home and migrate for a better life? Every day, thousands are migrating due to violence and poverty from countries that can no longer protect them. Many are our neighbors just to our south. History also tells us that U.S. economic policies such as NAFTA have contributed to much of the violence and poverty in these countries. The prosperous United States borders a country in which fellow human beings live in violent, third-world conditions. I recently visited Nogales, Sonora in Mexico, which borders Arizona. Every year, hundreds of migrants die there in the desert. I met people, including children, who work and live in the municipal dump because it’s more lucrative than working in the maquiladoras, U.S.-owned factories, where $9 per day is the average wage. We can no longer proof-text scripture by stating “we will always have the poor among us” (Matthew 26:11) to justify these conditions when two-thirds of the world’s population is living in poverty. As Catholics, we cannot ignore the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Our faith calls us to build bridges of solidarity, not walls! In a recent homily, Pope
Francis denounced the “globalization of indifference.” When we are indifferent and turn our hearts away from human suffering, we also strip ourselves of our own humanity. Caring and working for justice restores our hearts and our human dignity. Pope Francis spoke these words: I want to …provoke the conscience of all, pushing us to reflect and to change certain attitudes in concrete ways. “Adam, where are you?” This is the first question that God addresses to man after sin… Adam is disoriented and has lost his place in creation because he thought to become powerful…The man erred – and this is repeated…in relations with his neighbor, who is no longer a brother to be loved but simply someone who disturbs my life. And God puts the second question: “Cain, where is your brother?” The dream of being powerful leads to a chain of errors that is a chain of death…the shedding of the blood of the brother! Who is our brother, sister or neighbor? Where do they live? Whenever we see suffering, whether it’s in our own community or in the faces of those in the news, may we recognize our connectedness as members of Christ’s body, and never again be indifferent. May we contemplate God’s questions to Adam and Cain and realize that He also asks of us: “Where are you?” “Where is your brother?” Learn more about the Church’s teaching on migration and immigration reform, and our call to action, visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org, or contact Rocío González with the ASF Office of Hispanic Ministry at 505.831.8152, or Rene Ronquillo, with the NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, 505.247.4271.
By Kathy Freeze, Parish Outreach Liaison, Catholic Charities
A few weeks ago, I was complaining to my young adult daughter that my yoga class was cancelled. She replied with a very strange comment: “Well, Mom, hashtag first world problem.” This is the first time I had heard this expression, and it needed some explanation. The entire hashtag/twitter thing is a different language to me, and the idea of social media combined with social justice actually was a revelation. We started to make a list of other “hashtag first world problems.” Wow – we are blessed to have so many opportunities and luxuries; we just don’t see them as that. This is just how we live. I am humbled to say that our list included: • Had to download new op-
erating system on iPhone • Could only record two programs on my DVR at one time • Had to get the backup milk out of the garage fridge • Waited impatiently for the microwave • Spent the weekend changing our my summer closet to my fall/winter clothes • Stuck in traffic driving to work • Received the wrong coffee order at Starbucks • (I need to stop the list here because I am embarrassed – but you can add more!) Our Catholic Social Teaching inspires us to live a life of justice and to not only reflect and pray for our brothers and sisters who live in third world countries but to do something about it! We don’t have to fly to Africa to see people living in such poor conditions as
a third world country. Our brothers and sisters here in New Mexico are struggling every day to survive. November is a month of thanksgiving and I ask that we pause and think about our abundant blessings (now called # first world problem) and how we can share with others in our community. As Catholics, we are called to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. The social justice arm of our archdiocese is Catholic Charities – we are an extension of every parish. Our vision at Catholic Charities is “to aspire and strive to be a community thriving in the abundance of God’s love and selflessly serving the needs of one another.” Please help us to make this vision a reality. Visit our new website at www.ccasfnm.org to learn more about how you can make a difference in New Mexico.
Catholic Charities’ 2013 Graduation and New Citizen Ceremony
Catholic Charities’ 2013 Graduation and New Citizen Ceremony was held at St Pius X High School in October. It was a spectacular day with friends and families of graduates and new citizens on hand to help with the celebration. Also present was Archbishop Michael J Sheehan, who offered words of encouragement to the students. Our commencement address was given by Jesus Casteñada of Youth Development Incorporated, and Catholic Charities’ Chief Executive Officer James Gannon welcomed all to the event. Catholic Charities’ staff and board members were also on hand to celebrate. During the ceremony, special awards were given to students who showed extra academic zest during the year.
The Hugo Bonilla Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Laura Rodriguez; the Elizabeth R. Espinoza award for perseverance was given to Dora Delgado; the Peer Motivator Award was presented to Cindy Duran, the achievement award was presented to Carlos Escobar and the Determination Award was presented to Ricardo Mondragon. Every year, Catholic Chari-
ties works with adults, most of whom are working parents, to study for the GED exam and citizenship test. We also teach hundreds of adults English as a Second Language. The majority of our students tell us that the reason that they are taking classes is so that they can help their own children with school. Catholic Charities is proud of our students and of their terrific success.
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Health Care Contd. from page 21
Catholic Charities Awarded Catholic Charities has been selected as the 2013 New Mexico Adult Education Outstanding Program of the Year. The criteria for the award is overall student success, data quality, program continued success and/ or improvement year over year, innovation and community partnerships. This award is due to outstanding teaching, tutoring, dedication on the part of all staff, excellent student outreach, and follow through by teachers and staff.
Catholic Foundation Dispurses Over $1 Million in Grants
By Mary Dunn, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation In New Mexico, where the well-being of our children ranks last in the nation, the call of Pope Francis to “be protectors of God’s gifts” rings with urgency. “It means protecting people”, says Fran-
cis, “showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about”. The grants recently announced by the Catholic Foundation are responding to our Holy Father’s call. For the last two years, the Catholic Foundation has been working
with some of the most vulnerable rural parish communities in the archdiocese to improve the lives of children and families. In the northern deaneries, lay and clergy leaders are working together to identify the most critical needs of their people and developing new ways to serve those who need help the most. The Catholic
items that Medicare won’t cover and how much you’ll have to pay for them. The agency should inform you about the coverage and costs both in writing and by talking with you. You’ll want to select an agency that’s Medicare-certified. Use Medicare’s Home Health Compare website – at http:// www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare -- to compare agencies in your area, checking on the types of services they offer and the quality of care they provide. You’ll find, for example, statistics showing how well the patients of particular agencies recover from illnesses or injuries and resume their everyday activities. In choosing an agency, ask your doctor, hospital discharge planner or social worker for recommendations. And visit with family and friends about their home health care experiences. Though most home health agencies are reputable, some have been found to commit fraud. So it’s smart to know what Medicare covers and what treatment your doctor has ordered for you. If you don’t understand something in your plan of care, ask questions. When your quarterly Medicare summary notice arrives in the mail, carefully check the statement for any services or items that you don’t think you received or used. Fraudulent billing wastes Medicare dollars and takes money that could be used to pay valid claims. If you’re in Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program and have questions about your home health care benefits and coverage, you can call Medicare at 1-800-6334227. If you’re in a private Medicare Advantage plan, you should consult your plan. Home health care can be a blessing by speeding your recovery after a hospital stay or, even better, by allowing you to avoid the hospital altogether. Foundation is responding with grants to fund innovative programs and ministries. In the words of Pope Francis, they are embracing with tender affection the poorest, the weakest, the least important, and working to improve their lives. “The Catholic Foundation is proud to be walking this journey side-by side with the dedicated people from these rural parish communities who are bringing light and hope to their people”, says Mary Dunn, Foundation Executive Director. This year, the Foundation has disbursed a total of $1,152,161 in grants and designated distributions to parishes, schools and organizations throughout the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Foundation grants are providing essential support for food distribution to hundreds of low-income fam-
ilies; renovation of churches to make them safe and accessible; mentorship and training programs for the unemployed poor; utility stipends for the needy during winter; medical and dental care for the uninsured; and so much more. “None of these grants would be possible”, remarked Ms. Dunn, “without the loving support of donors who believe in the lasting power of the endowments to change lives”. “And, many are finding they can achieve even greater impact with their charitable giving by earmarking their United Way contributions for an endowment at the Catholic Foundation.” Ms. Dunn encourages readers who would like to learn more about the Catholic Foundation grants and endowments to visit their website: www.thecatholicfoundation.org
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BOOKS & MEDIA
Two Books Offer Catholic Framework for Immigration Debate On ‘Strangers No Longer’: Perspectives on the Historic U.S.-Mexican Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Migration, edited by Todd Scribner and J. Kevin Appleby. Paulist Press (Mahwah, N.J., 2013). 358 pp., $27.95.
Immigration and the Next America, by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. Our Sunday Visitor (Huntington, Ind., 2013). 127 pp., $11.95. Reviewed by Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service
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n 2003 the U.S. and Mexican bishops issued a forward-looking joint pastoral letter asking for sweeping changes in immigration policies on both sides of the border. Ten years later the document is even more forward-looking. Rather than major reforms being enacted, the situation has deteriorated in both countries. The pastoral letter is called “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of
Hope.” Today it offers vital background for understanding a Catholic perspective on immigration, especially now that a dysfunctional U.S. Congress is considering sweeping immigration reform legislation. The collection titled “On ‘Strangers No Longer’” and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s new book, “Immigration and the Next America,” update the situation and provide a current Catholic framework for the immigration debate. Both support the controversial call in the pastoral letter for U.S. reform measures that would legalize the 11 million immigrants residing in the United States without permission. Both are a stark reminder to Catholics of the deep moral dimensions of this issue, especially regarding the human
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and civil rights of migrants who travel across borders legally or illegally to improve their lives. They also emphatically recall the U.S. church’s long history of protecting immigrant rights. In a United States now composed mostly of descendants of immigrants, these books recall that the waves of Catholic immigrants from Europe starting in the 19th century were the brunt of anti-immigrant, nativist prejudices, even though they arrived legally. The argument was that their languages, customs and religion -- with its allegiance to the pope -- would subvert U.S. culture and undermine its political system, rooted in Anglo-Saxon Protestantism. The nativist arguments today against legalization and widening the legal doors to immi-
gration by the heavily Catholic Mexicans and Central Americans are mostly the same. The anti-Catholicism, though, has receded as Catholicism has moved into the mainstream along with pasta, St. Patrick’s Day and polkas. The book edited by Todd Scribner and J. Kevin Appleby, both immigration officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was inspired by the pastoral letter. It is a collection of 12 essays by U.S. and Mexican experts on immigration issues in both countries. They provide theological, political, sociological, historical and economic analysis of today’s situation and what is pulling and pushing migration to the United States. Catholic readers of these essays also may be surprised at how historically deep and
extensive U.S. church services to immigrants have been. Not only has the church adapted parish programs to provide spiritual and pastoral services to newly arrived Catholics, it has also developed extensive social service networks. Those served include non-Catholics and go beyond traditional immigrants to cover refugees and victims of human trafficking. The major flaw of the book is its lack of detailed treatment on how drug trafficking into the United States and arms smuggling into Mexico have clouded and distorted the immigration debate. The book by Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles is a pastoral reflection. The Mexican-born archbishop, a naturalized U.S. citizen, sees the current immigration debate as a moral crossroads for the entire U.S. population. He envisions the debate as a test of whether U.S. society will restore its soul by returning to the God-centered, natural-law roots of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Humane immigration laws need, he advocates, to stem from the universal rights established by God. Archbishop Gomez notes that Anglo-Saxon Protestantism is not the exclusive moral cornerstone of U.S. society as many parts of what are now the United States developed from a Hispanic-Catholic culture which predates British colonialism. While Spanish colonialism produced many abuses, the archbishop recalls that many missionaries defended the human dignity and rights of Indians based on the moral precept that they, too, were formed in the image of God. In the words of a fast-food taco chain, these books are asking people to think outside the bun.
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The Annual Collection for Religious & Diocesan Clergy Retirement The Global Vatican: An Inside Look at
the Catholic Church, World Politics, and the Extraordinary Relationship between the United States and the Holy See
By Francis Rooney, Forward by John Negroponte Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (October 2013) From the centuries-long prejudices against Catholics in America, to the efforts of Fascism, Communism and modern terrorist organizations to “break the cross and spill the wine,” this book brings to life the Catholic Church’s role in world history, particularly in the realm of diplomacy. Former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney provides a comprehensive guide to the remarkable path the Vatican has navigated to the present day, and a first-person account of what that path looks and feels like from an American diplomat whose experience lent him the ultimate insider’s perspective. Part memoir, part historical lesson, The Global Vatican captures the braided nature of religious and political power and the complexities, battles, and future prospects for the relationship between the Holy See and the United States as both face challenges old and new.
Last year the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Presbyteral Council, with the approval of Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan decided that the December retirement collection will be allocated 50/50 for religious retirement and diocesan clergy retirement fund known as the Archdiocesan Priests Retirement Fund. On the weekend of December 7th and 8th, 2013, there will be a second collection for the following:
December 7-8, 2013
Half of what is collected will be for The Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund which provides benefits for the retirement of the incardinated priests of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. And the other half of what is collected will be for The Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) which provides funding to any religious institute in the U.S. that is listed in the religious institute section of
the Official Catholic Directory. This parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., and offers financial support for the day-to-day care of over 34,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. Please be generous for the retirement needs of these men and women who have served faithfully the Catholic Church.
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November 2013
Mark Your Calendar
TV Mass Schedule
Roman Catholic Saints Calendar
November 15 St. Albert the Great 16 St. Margaret of Scotland 17 St. Elizabeth of Hungary 18 Dedication of Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul 19 St. Agnes of Assisi 20 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne 21 Presentation of Mary 22 St. Cecilia 23 Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro 24 St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions 25 St. Columban 26 St. Catherine of Alexandria 27 St. Francesco Antonio Fasani 28 St. James of the Marche 29 Servant of God John of Monte Corvino
“May the Dear Lord bless you...” November 16 Rev. Francisco Alanis 17 Rev. Lawrence Merta 18 Rev. Nicholas Nirschl, O.Praem 20 Rev. Diego Mazon, OFM 21 Rev. James Moore 23 Rev. James Vance 24 Rev. Douglas Mitchell
30 St. Andrew December 1 Blessed John of Vercelli 2 Blessed Rafal Chylinski 3 St. Francis Xavier 4 St. John Damascene 5 St. Sabas 6 St. Nicholas 7 St. Ambrose 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 9 St. Juan Diego 10 Blessed Adolph Kolping 11 St. Damasus I 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe 13 St. Lucy 14 St. John of the Cross
24 Rev. Irby Nichols 24 Rev. Gabriel Paredes 25 Rev. James McGowan 25 Rev. Peter Hung Nguyen, SOLT December 3 Rev. Richard McGowan, SJ 10 Rev. Christian Leisy, OSB 10 Rev. Robert Peccatiello 13 Rev. Salvador Aragon, OFM 14 Rev. Aiden Gore, OSB oliv. 14 Rev. Robert Lussier, OSB oliv. 14 Rev. James Sampson, sP
The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6 and FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass Donations may be sent online www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Chancellor’s Office/ TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM. Date
Readings (Cycle C)
November 10, 2013 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time Rev. Andrew Pavlak November 17, 2013 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Rev. Andrew Pavlak November 24, 2013 Christ the King Rev. Vincent Chavez December 1, 2013 1st Sunday of Advent Rev. John Cannon December 8, 2013 2nd Sunday of Advent Rev. John Cannon
2 MC 7:1-2, 9-14 PS 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 2 THES 2:16-3:5 LK 20:27-38 OR LK 20:27, 34-38 MAL 3:19-20A PS 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 2 THES 3:7-12 LK 21:5-19 2 SM 5:1-3 PS 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 COL 1:12-20 LK 23:35-43 IS 2:1-5 PS 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 ROM 13:11-14 MT 24:37-44 IS 11:1-10 PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 ROM 15:4-9 MT 3:1-12
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Archdiocese Receives Prestigious Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Award Catholic Relief Services Headquarters selects five countries from around the world that effectively use the 25% of the proceeds used locally in an outstanding and effective way to receive the CRS Rice Bowl Award. These countries are recognized respectively during the first five weeks of Lent. During the sixth week, CRS selects and awards one diocese from the five CRS USA Regions. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe was selected to receive this prestigious award. Ms. Anna Huth, Relationship Manager for the Southwest Region of Catholic Relief Services said the archdiocese significantly increased its Rice Bowl participation in Lent 2013, and predicts seeing a significant increase in Rice Bowl revenue as well. Various initiatives to promote Rice Bowl and to keep its processes flowing smoothly include: identifying, training and supervising a Rice Bowl Coordinator at the archdiocesan level; preparing a letter which the archbishop sent out, encouraging Rice Bowl participation in the parishes; offering Rice Bowl trainings in English and Spanish, and training trainers in both languages who were able to cover the archdiocese more extensively to offer these trainings; having related articles in two issues of the archdiocesan paper and having two 40-minute segments on the local program of Catholic radio; including opportunities to partner with St. Vincent de Paul in spreading word; and connecting the speaker tour with Rice Bowl participation in the full variety of venues, from schools and youth retreats to a JustFaith Grads’ gathering to a set of parish weekend Masses. All this was under the leadership of Diocesan Contact Ms. Anne
Avellone, with the support of Bro. James Owens, O.Praem who served as the Capacity-Building Strategy intern, and with the encouragement of Rev. Arkad Biczak, pastor of John XXIII Catholic Community. The venue the archdiocese holds up as a vibrant example of a local grant recipient is Immaculate Conception Parish located in Albuquerque. The parish uses their grant funds for a Sunday “Bread and Blessings” meal prepared and served to the homeless. The homeless are treated with dignity as well as fed during this weekly event, being seated at tables covered with tablecloths and served by volunteers from various parishes in the city. The process for distributing the 25% of funds that are used locally includes Ms. Avellone’s management of the grant that request steps and preparation of the final collection of requests for the archbishop, who then determines the distribution of the grant funds. All proposal requests are for money needed to feed the hungry. For more information contact the Office of Social Justice 505.831.8167. Anne Avellone, M.Div, LMSW is the Director for the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life. She coordinates the CRS educational efforts in our archdiocese, and promotes and supports global solidarity and Rice Bowl. Anna Huth, M.Div., is Relationship Manager for the Southwest Region of Catholic Relief Services. Her work in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and nine other dioceses includes forming partnerships with the dioceses, helping them build their own capacity for action for global solidarity (including CRS programs).