December 2018 Vol. 36, No. 11
Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org
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Feliz Navidad! Wishing you a blessed Advent and Christmas Season.
The Nativity is depicted in this 17th-century painting by the three Le Nain brothers, Antoine, Louis and Mathieu. The feast of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated Dec. 25. (CNS/Bridgeman Images)
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St. Francis Xavier Parish in Clayton Celebrates 80 Years
80th SFX Parish Anniversary (1937-2017) July 1, 2018 Archbishop John C. Wester, Fr. Joel Bugas, Deacon Louis Montoya By Hayley Encinias, Parishioner Eighty years ago, in the small northeastern New Mexico town of Clayton, each male parishioner over the age of 18 was required to make 1,000 adobe bricks to build a new church. On December 3, 1937, their beautiful, new St. Francis Xavier Church was dedicated and parishioners, Fr. Juan Sanchez, Fr. George Markey and Archbishop Rudolph Gerken stood proudly for a picture to forever document this historic occasion. This year, the church celebrated the 80th anniversary of that very foundation. Beginning in December 2017, Fr. Joel Bugas, pastor of St Francis Xavier, began planning a year of events to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary with theme from Psalm 105:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, invoke His name, make known among the people His deeds.� Events included religious film festivals, guest speakers during Lent, soup suppers, social bingo, Vacation Bible School, a concert with Grammy Nominee Marty Rotella, a Nutcracker Act II ballet performance, a Blue Mass for public servants, a Fourth of July parade float, and many more. In June, parishioners and community members came together for a fantastic barbeque dinner and danced the night away with a live band. However, the most blessed event occurred on July 1 when Archbishop John C. Wester traveled to celebrate the 80th Anniversary Mass. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather to recreate the memorable photo from 80 years ago. The Knights of Columbus unveiled a ten-foottall, white cross as a gift to the church for the celebration. The
SFX Dedication December 3, 1937 Archbishop Rudolph Gerken, Fr. George Markey, Fr. John Sanchez
archbishop joined the people for a grand fellowship lunch and enjoyed a video presentation detailing, in words and photographs, the history of the church from 1937 to today. During this past year, there has been much research conducted concerning the history of the church and community. A picture museum, one of its kind in the archdiocese, will open in December with vestments, historical documents, and other religious articles. The celebration will continue until December 2018 with the burial of a time capsule to be unearthed in December 2037 for the 100th Anniversary. For more information about the church visit www.sfxclayton.org.
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Prayer Intentions DECEMBER / DICIEMBRE Evangelization: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. Por la evangelización: Al servicio de la transmisión de la fe Para que las personas dedicadas al servicio de la trasmisión de la fe encuentren un lenguaje adaptado al presente, en diálogo con la cultura.
The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 2. The pope lit an Advent candle as he launched the Christmas campaign, “Candles for Peace in Syria,” an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need. (CNS photo/Giuseppe Lami, EPA)
Inside This Month’s Issue
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Wedding Anniversaries | Family Life
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2018 Catholic Youth of the Year
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Catholic Education
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Social Justice
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Catholic Charities
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St. Francis Xavier Parish, Clayton, Celebrates 80 Years
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Archbishop’s Letter: Battle Between Light and Darkness
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Press Statement on ASF Reorganization
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World News
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Archbishop’s Letter to Faithful on Reorganization
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Catholic Extension
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FAQs on Reorganization
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Rest In Peace
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Safe Environment
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Archbishop Wester’s Calendar
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Divine Healing
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Sanctity of Life Awareness & Unity Day
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Prayer for Healing
16 Vocations
Together We Can Reach Our Goal!
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People of God
Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
Assistant Editor/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan 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. Check out Media Kit online @ www.archdiosf.org. Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement. Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official • twitter.com/ASFOfficial
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WORSHIP AND LITURGY
Did you know that the Office of Worship and Liturgy offers resources, information and support to parishes on liturgical developments, issues and questions, as well as oversees planning of Archdiocesan Liturgical celebrations, including Rites of Election, Call to Continuing Conversion, Adult Confirmation, Chrism Mass and Ordinations? To hear from Fabian Yanez, Director of the Office of Worship, visit our website at: http://www.acaarchdiosf.org Click on ‘Pastoral Ministries Division’ in the left navigation menu. Scroll down to ‘Pastoral Services’ and click the *video message* for the ‘Worship and RCIA Office’.
DID YOU KNOW?
7% of ACA contributions help Worship and Liturgy? Our newest section, ACA Recipient Spotlight, will regularly highlight ministries and organizations supported by donations to the ACA.
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December 2018
Battle Between Light and Darkness
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n ancient Rome, these winter days marked a battle between light and darkness. The pagan mid-winter festival of Sol Invictus (“the unconquered sun”), marked a struggle of primitive forces in the cosmos. It was in 336 A.D. when the Christian Emperor Constantine transformed the secular pagan celebration and invested it with Christian meaning. This is why the Church celebrates the birth of Christ on the twentyfifth of December. Nature itself testifies to the Light of Christ born into our world, a world “in sin and error pining” as the hymn tells us. Even so, the timeless evil that lead Herod to massacre the Holy Innocents has not gone away. Sin, with
all its evil deceptions, plagues us even to this day. Advent is a time of preparation, a time of vigilance, of watchful waiting. We peer into the darkness of our world to behold a light, the flickering flame of Faith. In the birth of Christ, “a new and glorious morn” has broken upon humankind. Long imprisoned by sin and error, we have been given new hope. In the birth of this innocent child, born in vulnerability, born amid political uncertainty, we see the promise of salvation. Strangely, the wooden manger foreshadows the wood of the cross, His swaddling clothes the burial shroud of His Resurrection. Here we find a difficult lesson for our own age, for our culture is so preoccupied with itself, a society breaking down before our very eyes. Theologians have pondered why God chose to be born into the corrupt human condition, why God chose to enter into the suffering of humankind. So we too must ponder. In these past few months, I too have prayed and reflected upon the deepest mystery of the Incarnation. These past months we as a Church have had to confront the evil of betrayal, of false pride, of corrupt greed. As difficult as it is to understand, I have
come to see God’s favor not in moments of strength but in our weakness. It has been in the suffering of the innocent, in the painful accounts of men and women whose courage and grace have touched me deeply. First and foremost, it has been the victim survivors of sexual abuse whose struggles have touched my heart. I am humbled by their example of courage and fidelity since many of them, in spite of their woundedness, still have a profound love of the Church, who still see Christ beyond their hurt. They have shown to me a love that mysteriously is able to forgive. In a somewhat different way, in the anguished faces of countless parishioners, who remain faithful even though everything around them tells them to leave, I have encountered a love that remains amid the doubts. In the fidelity of good priests in the archdiocese who themselves feel betrayed yet still venture into a world of despair and brokenheartedness, I have seen the face of Christ. In my personal prayer and the dark nights of my soul, I have been made aware of the profound dimension of faith that defies the reason and logic of our secular age. The message of this holy season, the Advent
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readings for Mass, the hymns and religious carols, and the timeless story of God’s love for us, defies all reasonable explanation, all rational proof. Light and darkness, good and evil, life and death confound us all. The lowly manger wherein the babe was born, the cross upon which the son of God suffered and died, makes no sense. Why? In our sinfulness, in our brokenness, in our flawed humanity, why was Christ born for us? The incomprehensible truth of God is that Christ and His Church are where the hope of healing dawns in our darkness, there we encounter, like Thomas, the wounds of redemptive love and our struggle to learn the lesson of divine love. As we continue to discover the true meaning of Christmas, as we set aside the deception of our being perfect, as we discover the wounds we have tried to hide from those around us, we comprehend that it is all too much to bear alone. Only then are we able to learn the lesson of Christmas. Sadly, it is a lesson our secular age cannot grasp, a lesson that greed and pride distort, a lesson that power and privilege count as folly. The lesson is this: Only those who’ve been wounded know what it means to heal, only those who confess their sins will ever receive forgiveness, and only those who allow Christ to be born in their hearts, will ever know eternal life. Emmanuel – “God is with us!” Sincerely yours in the Lord
Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe
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La Batalla Entre La Luz y la Oscuriad
Arzobispo John C. Wester
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n la Roma antigua, los días de invierno, similares a los de ahora, marcaban En la Roma antigua, los días de invierno, similares a los de ahora, marcaban la batalla entre la luz y la oscuridad. El festival pagano de mediados de invierno llamado Sol Invictus, o Sol invicto, señalaba una lucha entre fuerzas primitivas en el cosmos. Corría el año 336 d. de C., cuando el emperador cristiano Constantino transformó la celebración secular y pagana al conferirle un significado cristiano. Por esta razón, la Iglesia celebra el nacimiento de Cristo el veinticinco de diciembre. La naturaleza misma ha sido testigo de que la Luz de Cristo vino a un mundo que penaba “en error y pecado”, como dice el himno. Aun así, los eternos engaños del mal que llevaron a Herodes a masacrar
a los Santos Inocentes no han desaparecido. El pecado, con todos sus engaños malévolos, nos atormenta hasta el día de hoy. El Adviento es una temporada de preparación y de espera vigilante. Nos asomamos a las tinieblas de nuestro mundo para contemplar una luz, la llama destellante de la fe. Con el nacimiento de Cristo “una nueva y gloriosa mañana” se ha abierto sobre la humanidad. Por mucho tiempo encarcelados por el pecado y el error, ahora se nos ha dado una nueva esperanza. En el nacimiento de este niño inocente, nacido en la vulnerabilidad, nacido en medio de la incertidumbre política, vemos la promesa de la salvación. Extrañamente, el pesebre de madera prefigura la madera de la cruz y los pañales el sudario de su Resurrección. Aquí encontramos una lección difícil para nuestra propia era, porque nuestras culturas están tan ensimismadas, que la sociedad se derrumba ante nuestros propios ojos. Los teólogos se han preguntado por qué Dios eligió nacer en la condición humana corrupta, por qué Dios eligió hacerse partícipe del sufrimiento de la humanidad. Nosotros también debemos ponernos a pensar en eso. Durante estos últimos meses yo también he orado y reflexionado sobre el misterio más profundo de la Encarnación. En estos últimos meses nosotros como Iglesia
hemos tenido que enfrentar el mal de la traición, del falso orgullo, de la codicia corrupta. Por difícil que sea de entender, he llegado a ver el favor de Dios no en momentos de fuerza sino en nuestra debilidad. Ha sido en el sufrimiento de los inocentes y en los dolorosos relatos de hombres y mujeres cuyo valor y gracia me han conmovido profundamente. Me siento sobrecogido ante su ejemplo de valentía y fidelidad, ya que muchos de ellos, a pesar de sus heridas, todavía tienen un profundo amor a la Iglesia y todavía ven a Cristo más allá de su dolor. Me han mostrado un amor que, misteriosamente, es capaz de perdonar. De una manera algo diferente, también lo he visto en los rostros angustiados de innumerables feligreses que permanecen fieles aunque todo a su alrededor les diga que abandonen la Iglesia, he encontrado un amor que perdura en medio de las dudas. He visto el rostro de Cristo en la fidelidad de los buenos sacerdotes de la arquidiócesis que se sienten traicionados y que, aun así, se aventuran y entran a un mundo de desesperación y de corazones rotos. En mi oración personal y en las noches oscuras de mi alma he tomado conciencia de la profunda dimensión de la fe que desafía la razón y la lógica de nuestra época secular. El mensaje de esta temporada santa, las lecturas de Adviento para la Misa, los himnos y villancicos religiosos, y
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la historia eterna del amor de Dios por nosotros, desafían toda explicación razonable, toda prueba racional. La luz y las tinieblas, el bien y el mal, la vida y la muerte nos confunden a todos. El humilde pesebre en el que nació el niño, la cruz en la que el hijo de Dios sufrió y murió, no tienen sentido. ¿Por qué? En nuestra pecaminosidad, en nuestro quebrantamiento, en nuestra humanidad imperfecta, ¿por qué nació Cristo para nosotros? La verdad incomprensible de Dios es que Cristo y su Iglesia son el lugar donde nace la esperanza de sanar en nuestras tinieblas, donde encontramos, como Tomás, las heridas del amor redentor y nuestra lucha por aprender la lección del amor divino.
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A medida que seguimos descubriendo el verdadero significado de la Navidad, a medida que dejamos de lado la falsedad de que somos perfectos, a medida que descubrimos las heridas que hemos tratado de ocultar a quienes nos rodean, comprendemos que es demasiado para soportarlo solos. Sólo entonces podremos aprender la lección de la Navidad. Tristemente, es una lección que nuestra era secular no puede entender, una lección que la avaricia y el orgullo distorsionan, una lección que el poder y los privilegios cuentan como una locura. La lección es esta: Sólo aquellos que han sido heridos saben qué significa sanar, sólo aquellos que confiesan sus pecados recibirán el perdón, y sólo aquellos que permiten que Cristo nazca en sus corazones, conocerán la vida eterna. Emmanuel “¡Dios está con nosotros!” Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,
Arzobispo John C. Wester
Traducción voluntaria de: Anelle Lobos
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Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Communications/ Social Media 4000 Saint Joseph Place NW Albuquerque, NM 87120-1714 Celine Baca Radigan, Director Voice 505.831.8180, FAX 505.831.8248 cradigan@archdiosf.org, www.archdiosf.org
STATEMENT from Archbishop John C. Wester ALBUQUERQUE – Thursday, November 29, 2018– IMMEDIATE RELEASE –Archbishop John C. Wester has issued the following statement: For the past 25 years, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has worked diligently to promote a safe environment for children and young people. In particular, during this time we have done our best to provide support and healing for those who have been harmed by clergy sexual abuse. We realize that nothing can ever adequately compensate those who have been victims of this terrible crime. Nonetheless, we seek to do all we can by way of publicly acknowledging their pain, offering apologies and providing financial compensation. We are committed to doing all we can to assist victim survivors now, and into the future. With the full realization that this commitment is not simply to those who have already come forward seeking justice, but to all those who will come forward in the future. Cognizant of our diminished resources, I have sought the advice of representatives of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, the Archdiocesan Finance Council, and many others who have experience and expertise in these matters. Over a period of many months, these trusted colleagues have strongly recommended the archdiocese seek to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, relying on the providence of our loving God and having informed the appropriate archdiocesan bodies, I now announce, having accepted this clear recommendation, we have instructed our attorneys to file for Chapter 11 reorganization within the first full week of December 2018. I wish to make clear that our first and foremost concern is the victims of sexual abuse and our desire to do all we can to provide for their just compensation. Reorganization helps us to provide in an equitable manner, especially for those who could come forward in the future as well as those who have already taken the courageous step of making a claim. I wish to emphasize that we have not taken this step to avoid responsibility. On the contrary, we believe that Chapter 11 is the most equitable way for the archdiocese to address its responsibility to the victim-survivors. Specifically, the operations of the parishes, schools and other critical missions of
the archdiocese will go forward and will continue with their normal operations. Chapter 11 reorganization will also provide full financial transparency with regard to the operations and properties of the archdiocese. In addition, the archdiocese will continue to cooperate with the New Mexico Attorney General with regard to the current ongoing inquiry. The Chapter 11 reorganization process also specifically provides that the victims and their counsel will be full and active participants in the reorganization. Concluding the Chapter 11 reorganization will require the affirmative consent of the survivors who file claims. I would note that a significant part of our daily operations is our ongoing effort to heal and protect. Over the last 25 years, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has had a “Zero Tolerance Policy” whereby every priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer who is credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is removed from ministry permanently, and the abuse is reported to law enforcement. Since 1993, the archdiocese has had a full-time Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, an Independent Review Board, and every priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer are required to go through a background check and attend the Archdiocesan Abuse Awareness Training for Adults. In addition, the policy of the archdiocese is to pay for counseling for any sexual abuse victim who requests it, and the archbishop has offered to meet with every victim of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer. In September 2017, the archdiocese published a list of credibly accused priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians, and recently updated the list to add additional names and provide the assignment history of each priest. Our Church of Santa Fe, the Holy Faith, has walked, in the words of St. Paul, “…by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) We will continue to do so, trusting in the mercy and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we journey together on the path of healing and reorganization. We in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe never cease to keep those who have been harmed by sexual abuse our first priority. It is my hope that as we seek their healing, we ourselves will be healed and renewed in the process. The road ahead will not be easy, but the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified in weakness and risen in glory, will support us on the way.
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Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe Oficina de Comunicaciones y Medios Sociales 4000 Saint Joseph Place NW Albuquerque, NM 87120-1714 Celine Baca Radigan, Directora Voz 505.831.8180, FAX 505.831.8248 cradigan@archdiosf.org, www.archdiosf.org
DECLARACIÓN de parte del Arzobispo John C. Wester ALBUQUERQUE – Jueves 29 de noviembre de 2018 - LANZAMIENTO INMEDIATO - El Arzobispo John C. Wester ha emitido la siguiente declaración: Durante los últimos 25 años, la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe ha promovido diligentemente un entorno en las iglesias que sea seguro para los niños y jóvenes. En particular, durante este tiempo hemos hecho todo lo posible para proporcionar apoyo y sanación a aquellos que han sido afectados por el abuso sexual del clero. Nos damos cuenta de que nada puede compensar adecuadamente a quienes han sido víctimas de este terrible crimen. Sin embargo, tratamos de hacer todo lo posible por reconocer públicamente su dolor, ofrecer disculpas y proporcionarles una compensación económica. Estamos comprometidos a hacer todo lo posible para ayudar a las víctimas sobrevivientes ahora y en el futuro. Sabemos bien que este compromiso no es sólo con los que ya han manifestado su búsqueda de justicia, sino con todos los que pudieran manifestarse en el futuro. Consciente de la disminución de nuestros recursos, he buscado el consejo de representantes del Colegio de Consultores, el Consejo Presbiteral, el Consejo Financiero Arquidiocesano y muchos otros que tienen experiencia y conocimientos en estos asuntos. Durante un período de varios meses, estos colegas de confianza han recomendado enfáticamente que la arquidiócesis busque reorganizarse bajo el Capítulo 11 del Código de Bancarrota. Por lo tanto, confiando en la providencia de nuestro Dios amoroso y habiendo informado a los cuerpos arquidiocesanos apropiados, ahora anuncio, habiendo aceptado esta clara recomendación, que hemos instruido a nuestros abogados a que soliciten la reorganización del Capítulo 11 dentro de la primera semana de diciembre de 2018. Quiero dejar claro que nuestra primera y principal preocupación son las víctimas de abusos sexuales y nuestro deseo de hacer todo lo posible por ofrecerles una indemnización justa. La reorganización nos ayuda a asegurar la equidad, especialmente para aquellos que podrían presentarse en el futuro, así como para aquellos que ya han dado el valiente paso de hacer una reclamación. Deseo recalcar que no hemos tomado esta medida para evitar cumplir con nuestras responsabilidades. Por el contrario, creemos que el Capítulo XI es la manera más equitativa para que la arquidiócesis atienda su responsabilidad hacia las víctimas-sobrevivientes. Específicamente, las operaciones de las parroquias, escuelas y otras misiones críticas del arquidiócesis
seguirán adelante y continuarán con sus operaciones normales. La reorganización del Capítulo 11 también proveerá total transparencia financiera con respecto a las operaciones y propiedades de la arquidiócesis. Además, la arquidiócesis continuará cooperando con el Procurador General de Nuevo México con respecto a la investigación en curso. El proceso de reorganización del Capítulo XI también dispone específicamente que las víctimas y sus abogados participen plena y activamente en la reorganización. La conclusión de la reorganización del Capítulo XI requerirá el consentimiento afirmativo de los sobrevivientes que presenten reclamaciones. Quisiera señalar que una parte importante de nuestras operaciones diarias es nuestro esfuerzo continuo por sanar y proteger. Durante los últimos 25 años, la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe ha tenido una “Política de Cero Tolerancia” por la cual cada sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario que es creíblemente acusado de abuso sexual de un menor es removido del ministerio permanentemente, y el abuso es reportado a la policía. Desde 1993, la arquidiócesis ha tenido un Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas a tiempo completo, una Junta de Revisión Independiente, y cada sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario debe pasar por una revisión de antecedentes y asistir a la Capacitación Arquidiocesana de Concientización sobre el Abuso para Adultos. Además, la política de la arquidiócesis es pagar por la consejería profesional para cualquier víctima de abuso sexual que lo solicite, y el arzobispo ha ofrecido reunirse con cada víctima de abuso sexual por parte de un sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario. En septiembre de 2017, la arquidiócesis publicó una lista de sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos y seminaristas acusados creíblemente, y recientemente actualizó la lista para agregar nombres adicionales y proporcionar la historia de asignación de cada sacerdote. Nuestra Iglesia de Santa Fe, ha caminado, en palabras de San Pablo, “…por la fe y no por la vista.” (2 Corintios 5:7) Seguiremos haciéndolo, confiando en la misericordia y en la guía del Espíritu Santo mientras caminamos juntos por el camino de la sanación y la reorganización. Nosotros en la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe nunca dejamos de mantener a aquellos que han sido afectados por el abuso sexual como nuestra primera prioridad. Es mi esperanza que mientras buscamos su sanación, nosotros mismos seremos sanados y renovados en el proceso. El camino por delante no será fácil, pero el Señor Jesucristo, crucificado en debilidad y resucitado en gloria, nos apoyará en el camino.
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, St. Paul reminds us that “We walk by faith, and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Since coming to the Southwest, I have been inspired by your faith in Jesus Christ and by the heroic faith of those who came before you, a faith symbolized by our beautiful adobe missions and by the vibrant traditions of our people, the living stones of the Church we call Holy Faith. However, even though our Archdiocese of Santa Fe abides on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, it has been rocked by the terrible scourge of clergy sexual abuse and the mistakes, and in some cases, crimes of our shepherds. Now more than ever, the words of St. Paul have special meaning for us as we seek to bring healing to those who have been harmed by the evil of sexual abuse and to all those who have suffered along with them in any way. Tragically, those who should have protected our children failed egregiously to do so. These sinful deeds have left us in anger, sorrow, and an intense sense of betrayal. It is in the suffering of the innocent and vulnerable that we painfully face the extent of this struggle to walk in the light of faith. I deeply regret this suffering and I am committed to joining you in an unrelenting effort to heal and protect. Since becoming archbishop, the number of claims against the archdiocese has continued to increase. These claims relate to events that occurred almost exclusively decades ago and for understandable reasons were not able to surface until later in a person ‘ s life. We have tried to resolve these claims outside of litigation, seeking to treat all of those who have been harmed by workers of the Church in a just, equitable and merciful manner, while at the same time continuing the mission of Christ, the preaching of the Gospel and involving ourselves in charitable works. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to resolve these claims in a manner that is just to those who have come forward and to those who will come forward in the future. Therefore, after extensive consultation within and beyond the archdiocese, and after careful consideration and prayer, I have accepted the unanimous recommendations from these consultations to file for Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Given our desire to care for all victim survivors, and given the fact that we have settled over 300 claims, but that such claims continue to be filed, I see this as the wisest and most prudent course to take. It is very important that everyone understand that we have not taken this step to avoid responsibility. On the contrary, we firmly believe that Chapter 11 is the most merciful and equitable way for the archdiocese to address its responsibility to the victim survivors, to continue to meet its commitment to prevent abuse, and to continue its mission to all those who depend on the outreach of the Church. The cost of settlement of the over 300 cases, which included in-
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surance funds, totaled approximately $52 million dollars of which the archdiocese paid a substantial amount. Currently, we have approximately 40 pending cases which we need to address in a caring and Christ-like manner. It is very important that everyone understand we have not taken this step to avoid responsibility. On the contrary, we firmly believe that Chapter 11 is the most merciful and equitable way Archbishop John C. Wester for the archdiocese to address its responsibility to the victim survivors, to continue to meet its commitment to prevent abuse, and to continue its mission to all those who depend on the outreach of the Church. Under Chapter 11, the archdiocese will have the opportunity to work with the survivors to present a plan of reorganization that provides for a fair and equitable way to compensate those who suffered sexual abuse as children by clergy or workers of the Church in our archdiocese - those who are currently known, those who are about to come forward, and those who might come forward in the future. Chapter 11 will provide for an orderly process by which those who have been harmed can make a claim, and the archdiocese, in consultation with the survivors, can propose and confirm a plan that will compensate those who make such claims while, at the same time, continue its ministry and mission now and into the future. I firmly believe that the process of reorganization is the best and only way that will allow us to work constructively with all those who suffered from sexual abuse, helping us to ensure that cases that arise in the future will not be unfairly excluded from compensation. Those who have been abused deserve the Church’s respect, compassion, and love. I hope that all who will participate in the process can work cooperatively for an early resolution. This situation, combined with the revelations of the past few months, causes many to ask how the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been providing for the protection of children and young people. I wish to assure you that we have been diligent in providing programs, policies and procedures to help prevent the failures of the past and to keep our innocent children safe. Over the last 25 years, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has had a “Zero Tolerance Policy’’ whereby every priest, deacon, staff member, or volunteer who is credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is removed from ministry permanently, and See ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER ON REORGANIZATION on page 31
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
Estimadas hermanas y hermanos en Cristo, San Pablo nos recuerda que “caminamos en la fe y no en la visión”. (2 Corintios 5:7). Desde que llegué al suroeste ustedes me han inspirado por su fe en Jesucristo y por la fe heroica de aquellos que vinieron antes que ustedes, una fe simbolizada por nuestras hermosas misiones de adobe y por las vibrantes tradiciones de nuestra gente, las piedras vivas de la Iglesia que llamamos la Santa Fe. Sin embargo, aunque nuestra Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe permanece sobre los firmes cimientos de Jesucristo, ha sido sacudida por el terrible flagelo del abuso sexual del clero y los errores, y en algunos casos, los crímenes de nuestros pastores. Ahora más que nunca, las palabras de San Pablo tienen un significado especial para nosotros cuando buscamos traer sanidad a aquellos que han sido dañados por el mal del abuso sexual y a todos aquellos que de alguna manera han sufrido junto con ellos. Trágicamente, aquellos que deberían haber protegido a nuestros niños fallaron de manera atroz en hacerlo. Estas acciones pecaminosas nos han hecho sentir enojo, tristeza y una intensa sensación de traición. Es en el sufrimiento de los inocentes y vulnerables que enfrentamos dolorosamente la magnitud de esta lucha por caminar a la luz de la fe. Lamento profundamente este sufrimiento y me comprometo a unirme a ustedes en un esfuerzo implacable para sanar y proteger. Desde que fui nombrado Arzobispo, el número de demandas en contra de la Arquidiócesis ha seguido aumentando. Estos reclamos se relacionan casi exclusivamente con eventos que ocurrieron hace décadas y que por razones comprensibles no pudieron salir a la luz hasta más tarde en la vida de una persona. Hemos tratado de resolver estas demandas fuera de los litigios, buscando tratar a todos aquellos que han sido perjudicados por miembros del personal de la Iglesia de una manera justa, equitativa y misericordiosa, mientras que al mismo tiempo continuamos la misión de Cristo, la predicación del Evangelio y nuestra participación en las obras de caridad. Lamentablemente, ya no podemos continuar resolviendo estas demandas de una manera justa tanto para los que se han presentado como para los que se presentarán en el futuro. Es por esto que, después de una extensa consulta dentro y fuera de la Arquidiócesis y después de una cuidadosa consideración y oración, he aceptado las recomendaciones unánimes de estas consultas para solicitar la Reorganización del Capítulo 11 de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe. Dado nuestro deseo de atender a todas las víctimas sobrevivientes, al hecho de que hemos resuelto más de 300 demandas, y que tales demandas siguen siendo presentadas, considero que este es el camino más sabio y prudente a seguir. Es muy importante que todos comprendan que no hemos dado este paso para evitar la responsabilidad. Por el contrario, creemos firmemente que el Capítulo XI es la manera más misericordiosa y equitativa para
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que la Arquidiócesis pueda dirigir su responsabilidad a las víctimas sobrevivientes, para continuar cumpliendo con su compromiso de prevenir el abuso, y para continuar con su misión a todos aquellos que dependen del alcance pastoral de la Iglesia. El costo de la resolución de los más de 300 casos que incluyó fondos de seguros ascendió a un total de aproximadamente $52 millones de dólares, de los cuales la Arzobispo John C. Wester Arquidiócesis pagó una cantidad sustancial. Actualmente tenemos aproximadamente 40 casos pendientes, los cuales necesitamos tratar de una manera compasiva y semejante a la de Cristo. Es muy importante que todos comprendan que no hemos dado este paso para evitar la responsabilidad. Por el contrario, creemos firmemente que el Capítulo XI es la manera más misericordiosa y equitativa para que la Arquidiócesis asuma su responsabilidad con las víctimas sobrevivientes, para continuar cumpliendo con su compromiso de prevenir el abuso y para continuar su misión con todos aquellos que dependen del alcance pastoral de la Iglesia. Bajo el Capítulo 11, la Arquidiócesis tendrá la oportunidad de trabajar con los sobrevivientes para presentar un plan de reorganización que provee una manera justa y equitativa para compensar a aquellos que sufrieron abuso sexual cuando eran niños por parte del clero o trabajadores de la Iglesia en nuestra Arquidiócesis - aquellos que son conocidos actualmente, aquellos que están a punto de presentarse y aquellos que podrían presentarse en el futuro. El Capítulo XI proveerá un proceso ordenado por el cual aquellos que han sido afectados pueden hacer un reclamo, y la Arquidiócesis, en consulta con los sobrevivientes, puede proponer y confirmar un plan que compensará a aquellos que hacen tales reclamos mientras, al mismo tiempo, continúa con su ministerio y su misión, ahora y en el futuro. Creo firmemente que el proceso de reorganización es la mejor y única manera que nos permitirá trabajar de manera constructiva con todas las personas que sufrieron abuso sexual, ayudándonos a asegurar que los casos que surjan en el futuro no sean injustamente excluidos de la indemnización. Aquellos que han sido víctimas de abusos merecen el respeto, la compasión y el amor de la Iglesia. Espero que todos los que participen en el proceso puedan trabajar en cooperación para lograr una pronta resolución. Esta situación, combinada con las revelaciones de los últimos meses, hace que muchos se pregunten cómo la Arquidiócesis de See ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER ON REORGANIZATION on page 31
PEOPLE of GOD
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December 2018
Archdiocese of Santa Fe
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REORGANIZATION Why is the Archdiocese of Santa Fe filing for Chapter 11 reorganization? For over 25 years, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been a leader among its peers in addressing sexual abuse of children by clergy. In addition to the proactive steps the Archdiocese has taken, claims by survivors of child sex abuse have consistently been settled by the Archdiocese in a mediation process that has been respectful of the pain of the survivors, while providing fair financial compensation. Nearly 300 claims have been settled in this manner. Claims are often brought by survivors years, or even decades, after the abuse has taken place. Although insurance has paid a substantial portion of these settlements, the resources of the Archdiocese have been diminished. In order to be certain that all claims of child abuse survivors can be settled fairly and equitably, Archbishop Wester, after extensive consultation from lay and pastoral leadership alike, reached the conclusion that Chapter 11 reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code provides the best opportunity to provide fair compensation across the board. What type of bankruptcy is the Archdiocese filing? The Archdiocese of Santa Fe will be filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows for the continued operation of the mission of the Archdiocese to the Catholic community and the community as a whole, while providing a framework to settle all child sex abuse claims that are made in the reorganization process. Thus, the Archdiocese believes that Chapter 11 will allow its parishes, schools, charities and cemeteries to continue their service to the community, while at the same time, achieving the best possible result with regard to financial compensation to all victims of sexual abuse. What will happen with regard to people who believe they have a claim for clergy sexual abuse against the Archdiocese, but have not yet filed a lawsuit or otherwise notified the Archdiocese of their claim? All such sexual abuse survivors will have the opportunity to file their claims with the Bankruptcy Court, confidentially if they wish, during a designated period which is usually four to six months after the bankruptcy has been filed. There will be extensive notice in all media that is intended to reach anyone who believes they may have such a claim, but have not yet pursued it. Valid abuse claims that are filed after the bankruptcy will be treated equitably, and in the same manner as those claims that have already been filed. Will the operations of schools, parishes, and other services provided under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe be affected? In the approximately 20 other cases where Dioceses and Archdioceses have filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the operations of the parishes, schools, and other services to the Catholic community have not been materially affected. For the foreseeable future, current wages and benefits will continue to be paid. It is not anticipated that parishes, schools, or other services that are provided within the Archdiocese will be affected, but at the same time, the leadership of those institutions will be involved and working with the Archdiocese and the survivors to draft what will ultimately be a resolution that all parties believe is fair and reasonable. Will the abuse victims have their day In court in bankruptcy? Yes. Although upon the filing of bankruptcy, the existing lawsuits will be stayed and not proceed forward, and no new lawsuits may be filed, the sexual abuse claimants will continue to be represented by their attorneys in the bankruptcy. In addition, the claimants will have the opportunity, in the bankruptcy process, to have a committee appointed, usually of five to seven abuse survivors, who as a representative group will have the opportunity to hire expert bankruptcy counsel to represent the broader group of all sexual abuse claimants. What have the results been with regard to other Dioceses, Archdioceses, and Catholic entities who have filed bankruptcy due to abuse claims?
Except for three or four cases that are still pending, all of the previously-filed bankruptcies of Dioceses, Archdioceses and related entities have been resolved with the affirmative consent of the abuse claimants, usually after a period of mediation involving the claimants, the Diocese or Archdiocese and insurers. After the four to six month period in which sexual abuse survivors may file claims, it is likely the mediation process will begin in an attempt to resolve all claims, which will include unknown or future claims that will be provided for in a separate trust. All of the successful reorganizations of Dioceses around the country have occurred with the express consent of the abuse victims, and have also provided for the continued operations of those Diocese in serving the faithful and the community at large. How long will this bankruptcy take? In general, the cases have taken at least a year, partially because the first six months are taken up with determining how many additional claims might be filed, in addition to the existing known claims. Some cases have been concluded in less than a year and a half. The length of time is often tied to how long mediation takes to reach a consensus amongst the abuse survivors, the Archdiocese, and its insurers. I understand that bankruptcy is expensive-how much will it cost and who is going to pay it? The cost of bankruptcy is borne by the Archdiocese, which effectively means that the more economical the Chapter 11 process can be, the more funds will be available for financial compensation for abuse survivors. It is the stated goal of the Archbishop in this case to do everything possible to minimize the administrative expense of a bankruptcy, and experience has taught us that the best way to accomplish that goal is to stay at the mediation table as long as it takes to reach a consensual deal amongst all the parties. Where does the bankruptcy take place, and in which court? The bankruptcy is being filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Mexico, located in Albuquerque. It is expected that all of the Bankruptcy Court hearings, which will be open to all of the parties and the public, will be at the Bankruptcy Court in Albuquerque, and the bankruptcy Schedules and other paperwork, except for filings that are made to protect the confidentiality of sexual abuse claimants who wish to remain anonymous, are available for public review. How does the Archdiocese “exit” bankruptcy? The Archdiocese will be working closely with its insurers and the abuse survivors to put together a consensual Plan that will allow for the full settlement of all sexual abuse claims, including unknown claims which are sometimes referred to as “future claims.” These are claims that might not be filed in the bankruptcy, and have not been filed or noticed before the bankruptcy, but might be the basis for a claim for an incident of abuse that occurred before the bankruptcy was filed. In virtually all of the Diocese bankruptcies, a future claims trust is created and funded, and that trust would handle these types of claims, so a new lawsuit would not be necessary. Again, while the bankruptcy Plan process is going on, the mission work of the Archdiocese and the services provided by parishes, schools, and other members of the Catholic community will continue. I still have questions about the Archdiocese bankruptcy. Where do I get answers? Submit your questions to your pastor, who can forward them to the appropriate person at the Archdiocese to answer, or simply contact the Archdiocese directly with your questions.
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
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Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES SOBRE LA REORGANIZACIÓN ¿Por qué la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe está solicitando la reorganización del Capítulo XI? Por más de 25 años, la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe ha sido líder entre las diócesis en el país enfrentando el abuso sexual infantil por parte del clero. Además de los pasos proactivos que la Arquidiócesis ha tomado, los reclamos de las sobrevivientes de abuso sexual infantil han sido consistentemente resueltos por la Arquidiócesis en un proceso de mediación que ha sido respetuoso del dolor de las sobrevivientes, al mismo tiempo que ha proporcionado una compensación financiera justa. Cerca de 300 reclamaciones se han resuelto de esta manera. Los reclamos a menudo son presentados por sobrevivientes años, o incluso décadas, después de que el abuso ha tenido lugar. Aunque las compañías de seguros han pagado una parte sustancial de estos acuerdos, los recursos de la Arquidiócesis han disminuido considerablemente. Con el fin de asegurar que todas las reclamaciones de los sobrevivientes de abuso infantil puedan ser resueltas de manera justa y equitativa, el Arzobispo Wester, después de una amplia consulta de los líderes laicos y pastorales por igual, llegó a la conclusión de que la reorganización del Capítulo XI bajo el Código de Bancarrota ofrece la mejor oportunidad para proporcionar una compensación justa en todos los aspectos. ¿Qué tipo de bancarrota está presentando la Arquidiócesis? La Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe presentará una bancarrota bajo el Capítulo XI, lo que le permite continuar con sus operaciones en cumplimiento de su misión a la comunidad católica y a la comunidad en general, al mismo tiempo que provee un marco para resolver todos los reclamos de abuso sexual infantil que se presenten durante el proceso de la reorganización. Por lo tanto, la Arquidiócesis cree que el Capítulo XI permitirá que sus parroquias, escuelas, organizaciones benéficas y cementerios continúen su servicio a la comunidad, mientras que, al mismo tiempo, logran el mejor resultado posible con respecto a la compensación financiera a todas las víctimas de abuso sexual. ¿Qué sucederá con respecto a las personas que creen tener un reclamo por abuso sexual del clero contra la Arquidiócesis, pero que todavía no han presentado una demanda o no han notificado de otra manera a la Arquidiócesis de su reclamo? Todos los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual tendrán la oportunidad de presentar sus reclamos ante el Tribunal de Bancarrota, de manera confidencial si así lo desean, durante un período designado que suele ser de cuatro a seis meses después de que se haya presentado la solicitud. Habrá una amplia difusión en todos los medios de comunicación que tiene por objeto llegar a cualquier persona que crea que puede tener tal reclamación, pero que todavía no la ha presentado. Las reclamaciones de abuso válidas que se presenten después de la quiebra serán tratadas de forma equitativa y de la misma manera que las reclamaciones que ya se hayan presentado. ¿Se verán afectadas las operaciones de las escuelas, parroquias y otros servicios proporcionados bajo los auspicios de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe? En los cerca de 20 casos en los que Diócesis y Arquidiócesis se han declarado en bancarrota bajo el Capítulo XI, las operaciones de las parroquias, escuelas y otros servicios a la comunidad católica no se han visto afectadas materialmente. En un futuro previsible, se seguirán pagando los salarios y prestaciones actuales. No se anticipa que las parroquias, escuelas u otros servicios que se proveen dentro de la Arquidiócesis se verán afectados, pero al mismo tiempo, el liderazgo de esas instituciones estará involucrado y trabajando con la Arquidiócesis y los sobrevivientes para redactar lo que finalmente será una resolución que todas las partes creen que es justa y razonable. ¿Las víctimas de abuso tendrán su día en la corte en la bancarrota? Sí. Aunque al declararse la bancarrota, las demandas existentes se suspenderán y no continuarán, y no se podrán presentar nuevas demandas, los demandantes de abuso sexual continuarán siendo representados por sus abogados en la bancarrota. Además, los reclamantes tendrán la oportunidad, en el proceso de bancarrota, de tener un comité designado, generalmente de cinco a siete sobrevivientes de abuso, quienes como grupo representativo tendrán la oportunidad de contratar a un abogado experto en bancarrota para que represente al grupo más amplio de todos los reclamantes de abuso sexual.
¿Cuáles han sido los resultados con respecto a otras Diócesis, Arquidiócesis y entidades católicas que se han declarado en bancarrota debido a reclamos por abuso? Con excepción de tres o cuatro casos que aún están pendientes, todas las quiebras de las Diócesis, Arquidiócesis y entidades relacionadas que se presentaron anteriormente, se han resuelto con el consentimiento afirmativo de los reclamantes del abuso, por lo general después de un período de mediación que involucra a los reclamantes, a la Diócesis o Arquidiócesis y a las aseguradoras. Después del período de cuatro a seis meses en el que las sobrevivientes de abuso sexual pueden presentar reclamaciones, es probable que el proceso de mediación comience en un intento de resolver todas las reclamaciones, que incluirán reclamaciones desconocidas o futuras que se proporcionarán en un fideicomiso separado. Todas las reorganizaciones exitosas de las Diócesis alrededor del país han ocurrido con el consentimiento expreso de las víctimas de abuso, y también han provisto la continuación de las operaciones de esas Diócesis para servir a los fieles y a la comunidad en general. ¿Cuánto tiempo tomará esta bancarrota? En general, los casos han durado al menos un año, en parte porque los primeros seis meses se dedican a determinar cuántas reclamaciones adicionales podrían presentarse, además de las reclamaciones conocidas existentes. Algunos casos se han concluido en menos de un año y medio. La cantidad de tiempo a menudo está ligada al tiempo que toma la mediación para llegar a un consenso entre las sobrevivientes de abuso, la Arquidiócesis y sus aseguradoras. Entiendo que la bancarrota es costosa, ¿cuánto costará y quién la pagará? El costo de la bancarrota es asumido por la Arquidiócesis, lo que significa efectivamente que mientras más económico pueda ser el proceso del Capítulo XI, más fondos estarán disponibles para la compensación financiera de las sobrevivientes de abuso. El objetivo declarado del Arzobispo en este caso es hacer todo lo posible para minimizar los gastos administrativos de una bancarrota, y la experiencia nos ha enseñado que la mejor manera de lograr ese objetivo es permanecer en la mesa de mediación tanto tiempo como sea necesario para llegar a un acuerdo común entre todas las partes. ¿Dónde tiene lugar la bancarrota y en qué tribunal? La bancarrota se está presentando en el Tribunal de Bancarrotas de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Nuevo México, ubicado en Albuquerque. Se espera que todas las audiencias del Tribunal de Bancarrotas, que estarán abiertas a todas las partes y al público, se celebrarán en el Tribunal de Bancarrotas de Albuquerque, y las Listas de Bancarrotas y otros documentos, excepto las presentaciones que se hacen para proteger la confidencialidad de los reclamantes de abuso sexual que desean permanecer en el anonimato, están disponibles para su revisión pública. ¿Cómo es que la Arquidiócesis «sale» de la bancarrota? La Arquidiócesis trabajará estrechamente con sus aseguradoras y las sobrevivientes de abuso para elaborar un Plan consensual que permita la liquidación completa de todas las reclamaciones de abuso sexual, incluyendo las reclamaciones desconocidas a las que a veces se hace referencia como “reclamaciones futuras”. Estos son reclamos que podrían no haber sido presentados en la bancarrota, y que no han sido presentados o notados antes de la bancarrota, pero podrían ser la base para un reclamo por un incidente de abuso que ocurrió antes de que la bancarrota fuera presentada. En prácticamente todas las bancarrotas de Diócesis, se crea y financia un fideicomiso de reclamos futuros, y ese fideicomiso manejaría estos tipos de reclamos, por lo que no sería necesario un nuevo juicio. Una vez más, mientras el proceso del Plan de bancarrota continúa, el trabajo misionero de la Arquidiócesis y los servicios proporcionados por las parroquias, escuelas y otros miembros de la comunidad católica continuarán. Todavía tengo preguntas sobre la bancarrota de la Arquidiócesis. ¿Dónde puedo obtener respuestas? Envíe sus preguntas a su párroco, quien las puede enviar a la persona apropiada en la Arquidiócesis para que las conteste, o simplemente contacte a la Arquidiócesis directamente con sus preguntas.
PEOPLE of GOD
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2018-2019 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children Sponsored by the ASF
December 2018
PROMISE Pled to Protect to H
2,400 We train everyone to 4,484 trained prevent and report abuse.
Rev. 10.17.18 Attendance at the workshop is MANDATORY for all clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Pre-registration is necessary contact: Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator or Rose Garcia at 505.831.8144 for trainings that are hosted at the Catholic Center or contact the parish that is hosting the training (see below schedule). Note: Please do not bring children - no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the training. If you are late you will not be allowed to enter and interrupt the training. Please contact Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator 505.831.8144 to report any abuse that has occurred by Clergy, Employee or Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER – CALL 505-831-8144 FOR A RECORDING ADVISING IF THE TRAINING IS CANCELLED. U.S. dioceses/
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December 6, 2018 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120
2019
We provide outreach to those abused.
eparchies have a victim assistance coordinator to obtain assistance provide Shrine of St. Bernadette July 20, 2019 9:00 a.m.and - Noon support for those abused. 11401 Indian School Saturday
August 24, 2019 9:00 a.m. - Noon Saturday 100% of U.S.
Road, NE Albuquerque, 87112 call to register 298.7557
We require background St. John Vianney 1001 Meteor Ave., NE checks. Rio Rancho, 87114
January 31, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
St. Jude Thaddeus 5712 Paradise Blvd., NW Albuquerque, 87114 call to register 898.0826
February 16, 2019 9:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday
St. Thomas Aquinas 1502 Sara Road, SE Rio Rancho, 87124 call to register 892.1511 ext. 107
March 21, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9502 4th Street, NW Albuquerque, 87114 call Francesca to register 340.0421
April 4, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
November 14, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Sacred Heart 309 Stover Ave., SW Albuquerque, 87102 – call to register 242.0561
May 9, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
December 5, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 – call to register 831.8144
June 22, 2019 9:00 a.m. - Noon Saturday
Our Lady of Fatima 4020 Lomas Blvd., NE Albuquerque, 87110 call to register 265.5868
dioceses/eparchies require allegations of
call Liz to register 892.4449
We report all allegations.
to be–reported September 14, sexual 2019 abuse 9:00 a.m. Noon. Our Lady of the to public authorities. Saturday Annunciation 2621 Vermont Street, NE Albuquerque, 87110 call Melanie to register 298.7553
We work with law Risen Savior enforcement. 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE
October 17, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday Albuquerque, 87109 – Copyright © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. call to register 821.1571
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backgr for cler and vol
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
Divine Healing
Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, O.P., Episcopal Vicar for Doctrine and Life
S
in and evil are real and we see its effect throughout society. But when it attacks the Body of Christ, the Church, it is most alarming. In the midst of this sinful reality, especially that of child sexual abuse, I would like to offer a few comments that have been on my heart. Archbishop Wester has rightly called us to pray for the survivor-victims and our duty as Church to render just compensation for the wrong that has been inflicted upon them. I believe this is a critical step but I fear it may not go far enough. As I have visited with victims over the years, I am aware of an additional element we may inadvertently be overlooking. That is the healing of souls, the cura animarum entrusted to us as Church by Christ. I think we are slow to understand God’s plan in healing the human heart. In the sin of Adam and Eve a tragic woundedness plagued all of humankind. God saw fit that the remedy would require the Incarnation, the mystery of God born into broken humanity. The Divine Healing is always a work of the Holy Spirit, it is God at work in the depth of one’s heart and soul. We, for our part, must safeguard against becoming obstacles to God’s Divine Healing, especially for our brothers and sisters so deeply wounded by this betrayal. St. James rightly challenges us to care, saying “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:12 RSVCE). Our faith calls us to enter into the broken-heartedness of our brothers and sisters whose wounds impact not only the body and the mind, but the soul as well. Betrayal of a child’s trust by priests, teachers, coaches, family member, to name a few, can crush a person’s soul. Life becomes gray and colorless without true love. This is why we cannot stop at faith alone, but we must work to bring about genuine healing, a heart that has at last come home and found joy once more. As the Church, we need to learn from the pierced and wounded side of our Lord what healing means for us today and in our times. St. Peter, on his way to prayer at the three o’clock hour, was met at the “Beautiful Gate” by a broken man, begging for simple alms, anything to help him just get by another day. Peter understood that these alms were inadequate, offering no lasting remedy, for the man was “lame from birth” and “was laid daily at the gate” to beg (Acts 3:2). Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles: 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up… (Acts 3:4-7a) Some very valuable lessons of Divine Healing seem to me to
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be captured in this text. First and foremost, Peter and John were on their way to prayer. Here we learn that all healing flows from this call to pray. But notice that the plea of one in need puts prayer in perspective. John exhorts us saying “If any one says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). Prayer and action are the essential realm of God grace. The second lesson of Divine Healing is that it is only in our profound recognition of one another, in our capacity to see and be seen, to see beyond any shame, or embarrassment, or hurt. To behold the fixed gaze of one another which looks into the soul of the other. I fear the internet and social media have made us blind to this “fixed and attentive gaze” that sees into the soul of another. We avert our gaze and fix it on a screen, on text messages instead of talking, on online friends instead of true friendship, failing to see the soul of the other. A third valuable lesson of Divine Healing is the honest and self-critical realization of our own poverty, our own lack and our own needs. Peter knew he had no-thing to give this man for that would reduce their exchange to a commercial act. No. Peter realized he had to give something more personally demanding, to offer someone more meaningful, Jesus Christ. This can be a difficult challenge for us especially when the tyranny of perfection won’t allow us to see our own wounds, our own brokenness, yes, even our own emptiness. The Divine Healing comes when we enter into the struggle and the uncertainty of life’s labor. The Divine Healing relinquishes power and control to the action of God at work in our world. Christ, who shows us this Divine Healing, did not cling to status, or prestige, or rank, but rather “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (cf. Philippians 2). The lesson of Divine Healing is that of a poverty that allows God to act in and through us, in humbleness of heart. The fourth lesson of Divine Healing is found in hearing the voice of Jesus Christ speaking through our weakness, for the cross teaches us that it is enough. So in our poverty we simply say, “walk” (Acts 3:6). But in and of itself this is not all. It is important to notice the action that unfolds between both of them. Notice that Peter “took him by the right hand and raised him up” (Acts 3:7a). We must engage the wounded realities of life. It is a baptism immersed in the struggle of the broken-hearted. The fifth lesson of Divine Healing requires us to stand with one another. Righteousness is about right relations and our being right with one another. Not being greater than or above. Not being less than, or below. Only in rightly being with one another are we able to heal. Divine Healing echoes the incarnational mystery, God’s journey along our shared and unsure road as a pilgrim people. We are called to strengthen a person from the ground up, so to speak. From the lowest ranks, we rise to the noblest. Divine Healing is a resurrected life, a raising up of broken humanity. A bit further the Scripture passage simply and beautifully depicts this saying “immediately his feet and ankles were made strong” (Acts 3:7b). The final lesson is that Divine Healing always seeks to strengthen the fundamental aspects of our life of faith. By oddly naming this person’s feet and ankles we are reminded of the Holy Thursday foot washing and Jesus’ mandate to serve. We are also given a lesson as to Divine Healing as well. Every podiatrist and chiropractor would agree that the whole person is impacted by the See DIVINE HEALING on page 30
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PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
What Advice Would You Give to Others in Preparing for Christmas This Year?
Joseph Baltz A great way to prepare for Christmas is to celebrate Advent with joy, but a restrained joy. Traditionally, Advent has been a time of penance to prepare our souls to accept the great gift of the Christ Child. It’s like the old saying, “hunger is the best cook”. If you joyfully anticipate Christmas by denying yourself, then Christmas will be so much sweeter, but by starting to celebrate Christmas as soon as Thanksgiving is over, we are hardly in the mood to celebrate the real season of Christmas which begins December 25 and ends January 13. Being counter cultural is hard, but it’s worth it.
Deacon Nathan Lopez I would suggest we look to the Blessed Mother for this answer. After all, she is the one who knows Jesus the best and she knows how to prepare us to come closer to her Son. Sometimes we don’t know how to “prepare” and what it means to prepare. Our Lady fortunately knows what it takes, and so I would suggest asking our Lady to bring us closer to Jesus and to touch our hearts with His love. She knows how to lead us to Him and so let us entrust our hearts to her heart so that she can bring us closer to her Son and the mystery of Christmas.
Deacon Paul Chavez In order to prepare ourselves for Christmas, we should reflect on the meaning of what Christmas is about. Christmas, of course, is the time for giving and spending time with family, but most importantly, it is a time to acknowledge the meaning of life being born. Mary’s full obedience and acceptance of God’s gift to bear His son Jesus. To better prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord, we should reflect on the third joyful mystery the Nativity and reflect on how we can be prepared like Mary and Joseph by giving to others this season through prayer, almsgiving and giving of our time to help others as well as being grateful for all the many gifts God has given to us while accepting those gifts with great humility, just as Mary has.
Deacon Timothy Meurer A Swiss theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar, once said, “Christmas is not an event within history, but is rather the invasion of time by eternity.” I suppose that is one way that we can prepare for Christmas. It is important to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, no doubt. Yet even more so, we should prepare to celebrate the birth of the Son of God in our hearts – here and now – as well.
December 2018
Institution of Lectors and Acolytes
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Ken Snow
Seminarians in their first and second years of study in the School of Theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum were installed as lectors or acolytes, respectively, on November 1, 2018, the Solemnity of All Saints. Most Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City and an alumnus of the Class of 1994, was the principal celebrant of the Mass held in St. Turibius Chapel. The newly installed lectors are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and to catechize the faithful. Acolytes are entrusted with the duties of attending to the altar, assisting the deacon Jason Marshall (lector); Msgr. Christopher Schreck (rector); and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion as an Daniel Dupre (acolyte); Bishop W. Shawn McKnight (Jefferson City); Cameron Degani (lector); and Mark McDaniel (acolyte). extraordinary minister.
Archbishop John C. Wester has made the following assignments: Effective Friday, June 15, 2018 – Deacon Victoriano Ceballos-Moreno, previously assigned at St. Edwin Parish in Albuquerque, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at St. Anne’s Parish in Albuquerque, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Irby Nichols. Effective Sunday, July 1, 2018 – Rev. Jason C. LaLonde, S.J., has been appointed as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish in Albuquerque, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Warren J. Broussard, S.J. Rev. Marcus Fryer, S.J., previously assigned at Immaculate Conception Parish, has been assigned at a school in Denver. Effective Sunday, July 1, 2018 – Deacon Manny Robles, previously assigned at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at San Diego Mission in Jemez Pueblo and its missions, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Larry Bernard, O.F.M. Effective Friday, July 6, 2018 – Deacon Joseph Garcia, previously assigned at St. John the Baptist in Santa Fe, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, under the direction of the rector/pastor, Rev. Adam Lee Ortega y Ortiz. Effective Wednesday, August 1, 2018 – Very Rev. Rob Yaksich, has been appointed as dean of the Northeast Deanery. He will remain pastor for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Las Vegas. Effective Wednesday, August 1, 2018 – Rev. Fred Alexander, S.O.L.T. has been appointed as parish administrator of St. Gertrude the Great in Mora and its missions. Effective Wednesday, August 1, 2018 – Deacon Donato Lucero, previously assigned at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Alamos has been granted retirement from diaconal ministry. Effective Wednesday, August 22, 2018 – Rev. William Sanchez, has been appointed as parish administrator of St. Joseph in Cerrillos and its mission of Galisteo and Golden.
Effective Thursday, September 6, 2018 – Rev. Leonardo Pius Paskus, has been appointed as parish administrator of St. Mary’s in Vaughn and its missions. Effective Tuesday, September 18, 2018 – Deacon Michael Otero, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe and its mission in Peralta, under the direction of the parish administrator, Rev. Emmanuel Izuka. Effective Tuesday, September 18, 2018 – Deacon Dennis Snyder, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic community in Santa Fe, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Daniel M. Balizan. Effective Monday, October 8, 2018 – Deacon Jesus Manuel Toquinto, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at St. Edwin Parish in Albuquerque, under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Peter Muller, O.Praem. Effective Monday, October 15, 2018 – Rev. William Young, Jr., currently as priest chaplain for Rust Presbyterian Hospital, Lovelace Westside Hospital and UNM Sandoval Hospital, will be retiring. Effective Monday, October 22, 2018 – Rev. Robert Campbell, O.Praem, has been appointed as priest chaplain for Rust Presbyterian Hospital, Lovelace Westside Hospital and UNM Sandoval Hospital under the direction of the vicar general, Very Rev. John C. Daniel. Effective Thursday, November 1, 2018 – Deacon Fabian Gagnon, has been granted retirement from diaconal ministry. Effective Wednesday, January 16, 2019 – Very Rev. John Daniel, currently Vicar General, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar for Religious, Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, has been appointed as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos. At that time he is released from his current assignments. Effective Wednesday, January 16, 2019 – Very Rev. Glennon Jones, currently pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos, has been appointed Vicar General, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar for Religious for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
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PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
Grice, Richardson
Baca, Romero
Mr. Jim Richardson and Miss Gloria Grice were high school sweethearts and were married in Socorro, NM at San Miguel Parish on December 28, 1968. They are now active members at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Albuquerque. Jim and Gloria have three children: Shane (who passed away in 2001), Jared and his wife Amy, Lacie and her husband Cosmic Narvaiz, and five grandchildren, Austin, Kros, Ethan, Shane, and Walker. Jim was an entrepreneur through his working years. He was a realtor, mortgage broker, oil and gas landman. Gloria was a proud homemaker while her children were growing up. She then was a loan processor, religious education teacher and a certified interior designer. Gloria was also a caretaker for her father and is now a property manager. Gloria is the family genealogist. For most of her life, she has documented history in photos, stories, dvds and several books, so their family will always know their roots. She and Jim owned and operated five pawn shops in the Albuquerque area.
Mr. Frank Romero and Miss Delphy Baca were united in holy matrimony on November 22, 1958 at Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, NM. They are currently parishioners at St. John the Baptist in Santa Fe. They have four children: Hazeldine (Edwin Gonzales, deceased), Jeanette (Edward Martinez), Jacqueline and Frank (Luana). They have six grandchildren: Jesse, Charlotte, baby Terese (deceased), Kayla, Jacob, and Dayna. Delphy’s best friend Mary introduced Delphy to her cousin Frank after he returned to Las Vegas from serving in the Air Force. Frank is a retired teacher and educator and Delphy is a homemaker. It is appropriate they celebrated their anniversary on Thanksgiving Day. We thank God for blessing us with loving, caring and supportive parents. They passed on their love of God and their strong Catholic faith to their family. Throughout their lives, they have served and continue to serve their parishes in various capacities, and passed on the joy of service to their family. Their home is always filled with love, joy, laughter and good food. We pray for their continued good health and that God bless them with all they need.
Archdiocesan Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage Evenings for the Engaged at St. Jude Jan 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, 2019 at St. Jude Parish in ABQ. To register call 898-0826. Weekend for Engaged: Feb 15-17, 2019 at the Madonna Center in ABQ. To register call 831-8117. Enrichment and Support for Married Couples Marriage Enrichment Evenings of Celebration The purpose of this ministry is to strengthen and enrich the relationship between a man, a woman and God during the couple’s
marriage journey through fellowship and sharing. For more info or to register, contact Dan and Rosa (Laurie) Martinez at 505-294-6285. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Family Life will be starting a new Childcare Ministry in the fall. This ministry will provide childcare for attendees at Family Life events and classes offered at various times and places throughout the year. We are looking for individuals, over the age of 21 to supervise childcare on a piecemeal basis at an hourly rate. To apply, please contact Yvette in the Office of Family Life (505) 831.8117
PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
Retrouvaille A lifeline for troubled marriages: Is your marriage tearing you apart? Is there little or no meaningful communication? Are you considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille will teach you a method to re-establish communication. This three phase program consists of a weekend experience, a series of 7 follow-up sessions over a three month period, and a monthly meeting for life-long support. The next program will be February 8-10, 2019 in both English & Spanish. For more information or to register, please call 505-890-3495 in Albuquerque or 1-800-470-2230. Find us online at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
Catechesis: Strengthening marriage and family life!
Divorce Recovery Ministry Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-7:30pm at Shrine of St. Bernadette. Learn of God’s healing power and peace for divorced/ separated people. This 12-week class has a $20 fee which includes the “Personal Survival Guide” workbook. Call Jane at 688-8663 for more information. Call (505) 298-7557 to register. Family Bereavement Ministries Seasons of Hope Bereavement Support Group at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. A Christ-centered support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. January 23, 2019 from noon to 2 pm and January 24, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. To reserve your place or for more information contact at Barbara@holyrosaryabq. org or (505) 836-5011 ext 227. Parenting Support Love and Logic Parenting Classes provide practical tools and techniques that help adults raise respectful, responsible and self-confident children. To schedule a class at your parish, call the Family Life Office (505) 831.8117. Archdiocesan Natural Family Planning (NFP) Instruction Couple to Couple League The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning will be taught by the Couple to Couple League in a series of three sessions. To register for a course go to www.ccli.org. Click on “Learn/Register” and choose the course option that fits your schedule. Certificates are generated upon completion. Register online at the address above or call Annunciation Parish at 298-7553 to register. The CREIGHTON MODEL Fertility Care™ System St. Joseph FertilityCare Center in Albuquerque, NM, invites you to learn about the Creighton Model FertilityCare System for family planning. Services are also available in Sandia Park, Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Espanola. Introductory Sessions are offered the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month 7:00 to 9:00 PM, at Lourdes Hall (rooms 130 & 132) in Albuquerque, near St. Pius X High School and by appointment. For more information and to register, please call (505) 263-3509, or angelgarcia@comcast.net. In Northwest Deanery, Los Alamos and IHM areas, call Leslie Esquibel at (505) 690-3710 or email her at Leslie.CFCP@comcast. net Families of Americas Natural Family Planning Method Instruction is available in Tucumcari and throughout the SE Deanery. Call Audrey Wiegel at 575-403-7189 to schedule a class.
By Very Reverend Oscar Coelho, JCL, Judicial Vicar Dear Father, I am a practicing Catholic, and have been married Civilly to a protestant for 10 years. My husband, a kind and loving man, does not have anything to do with the Catholic Church and doesn’t want me to convalidate our civil marriage in the Church [a Church marriage] and for this reason, even though I desire to receive Communion, I cannot do so. What do I do? J. Martinez A process outlined in Canons 1161-1165, referred to as a Radical Sanation, may be applicable in your case. In a situation, where for grave reasons, one of the parties in a valid civil marriage, abhors or is disinterested in convalidating their consent in the Catholic Church, a Radical Sanation may be sought, provided that the parties’ civil consent and common life is healthy and persistent, and free of any impediments. The Catholic party is encouraged to meet with their pastor and apply for radical sanation, through the Office of the Marriage Tribunal and Canonical Services, who will then present the request to the archbishop for his consideration and approval. In a case where there are minor children, a promise from the Catholic party to raise the children in the Catholic faith must be made in order for the request for a radical sanation to be granted.
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2018 Catholic Youth of the Year Mr. Isaac Ortiz
PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
By Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry Isaac Ortiz is from Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Ministry in Peralta, NM. As a peer leader in his ministry, Isaac attended the Archdiocesan Annual Youth Conference, Catholic Christian Leadership Institute and the Search for Christian Maturity Retreat. He is also involved and participated in the Advent & Lenten deanery retreats and parish events such as their parish fiestas, vacation Bible school, Angel Gifts, monthly Mass and many other services projects. In addition, he participants in weekly ministry meetings and formation. Isaac is a wonderful and kind young man who is Pictured with Isaac Ortiz are Bernadette Jaramillo, Director, Youth/ always willing to serve and show kindness to others. We Young Adult and Campus Ministry, and Reverend Graham Golden, O. are very proud to have Isaac as our Youth of the Year. Praem, Pastor, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.
Nominate! Apply! Contribute! D+E+I Religious Studies Scholarship Fund By Kristine J. Coffey, Trustee and Chair, D+E+I Now is nomination and application time for the Coffey D+E+I Religious Studies Scholarship Fund. Of course, it is always contribution time! See PHILANTHROPY at www.CPEAssociatesLtd.com, and click on the Religious Studies logo. There you will see the Scholarship Fund’s Terms and Conditions, as well as the forms for Nomination, Student Application and References. To be eligible, students must fulfill the following: u Archdiocese of Santa Fe Relationship. For the past calen-
dar/tax year, student must have permanent residence within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and attending a non-profit, accredited school of higher learning, offering applicable religious studies courses, and/or attendance within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe at a non-profit, accredited school of higher education, offering applicable religious studies courses u Religious Studies Classes: Scholarship monies are avail-
able for specialized areas of religious studies, including theology, religious history, social and gospel justice, scripture, comparative religions u Grade Point Average: To be considered for the award, stu-
dent nominees must have an overall 3.0 grade point average in their overall higher-level educational studies, prior to applying for the scholarship. The Student Application has two parts: u quantitative information about the interested student’s scholastic history, especially prior related course and volunteer work, as well as other awards, etc., and
u quantitative reflections, brief, though meaningful, regarding the student’s involvement in study, prayer, celebration and service, together with their biography
January 15, 2019 is when all information is should be received, with nominations due by January 2. Awardees will be notified in March. Scholarship proceeds are sent to the applicable non-profit, accredited school of higher education, after timely receiving verification of such registration for applicable religious studies class from the Scholarship Awardee and confirmed by the educational institution. Of course, contributions are welcome at any time to support the collaboration and transformation necessary for our Catholic future leaders. COFFEY D+E+I RELIGIOUS STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP FUND, through the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, 4333 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, tax ID #85-0395583, https://www.thecatholicfoundation.org/ giving/make-a-donation/donate/?designation=Coffey%20 DEI%20Scholarship
PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ Rosary Rally for Our Lady of Fatima The Catholic Daughters from northern New Mexico, Court Sacred Heart, and Court Our Lady of Guadalupe held a public Rosary Rally for Our Lady of Fatima in October on the main plaza in Taos, NM.
From left to right: Dolores Trujillo, Debbie Maestas, Martha Mondragon, Marie Trujillo, Verna Vigil, CDA State Secretary Dr. Catherine Collins, Maria Luisa Duran
Blessings of Age Annual Retreat, March 26, 2019 Committee members stand out when they don a beautiful deep blue apron, signifying, “We are here to serve you!” Please join this team who honor seniors at this retreat. You will come away with more blessings from the gratitude they express. Time commitment is minimal. Contact the Office of Pastoral Outreach, Josephine War at 505.831.8174.
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Faith-Filled Education
December 2018
Fostering Uniqueness
Preparing Leaders
Holy Child is Raising Saints and Scholars By Janice Martinez, Principal, Holy Child Catholic School, Tijeras Holy Child Catholic School in Tijeras was facing just the kind of problem that a school wants- where to put a growing population of eager young students. The pre-k through 8th grade school, which celebrated its 10 year anniversary this year, has seen increasing enrollment as more families have begun to seek it out for its unique classical curriculum, which inculcates the student in the riches of Western Civilization. By immersing students in the great intellectual and spiritual patrimony of Greece and Rome, they begin to find their own place in the story of salvation history. Holy Child is singularly focused on raising saints and scholars, children who love their Catholic faith and love to learn. The curriculum includes Latin, poetry, great literature, science, and a rigorous math program, all of which are in service of the greater goal of exposing the children to the Good, the True and the Beautiful. Responding to the increasing momentum and excitement of the growth of classical
schools across the country meant that the school had outgrown its current facilities. At the end of August, the school, in
conjunction with Holy Child Parish, began a capital campaign to purchase a modular building to house its growing See HOLY CHILD on page 23
St. Pius Annual Food Drive By Melissa Sais, St. Pius X High School St. Pius X High School collected 10 truckloads of food -- about 10,000 items -- for Barrett House at its annual food drive and Thanksgiving Mass held in November. The St. Pius Ambassadors for Indigenous People Club served at the Mass dressed in the traditional ceremonial clothing of their pueblos and tribes. The students were joined by other Native American dancers and musicians the club invited to participate. The St. Pius food drive for many years has supported Barrett House, a state-of-the-art emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness and looking to better their lives. This year, SPX donated 4,000 pounds of food, 1,000 pounds more than last year.
PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
Faith-Filled Education
Fostering Uniqueness
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Preparing Leaders
Music for Every Child By Courtney Maxfield, Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic School Music Education Teacher Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic School offers music to every student, from PreK through 8th grade. Students explore music through movement, singing, listening, playing instruments, literature, and technology. It is through these mediums students can discover the many concepts of music, like structure, texture, timbre, and composition. We focus on music from around the world, allowing students to explore other cultures. Our instrumentation ranges from small manipulative instruments like shakers, tambourines, castanets, and bells, to larger complex instruments like recorder, African drums, ukulele, and xylophone. As students get older, they get to explore a more complex and analytical side of music. We discuss the historical timeline of music: Gregorian chants, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, Country, Jazz, Contemporary. We also discuss the famous artists from each of these genres like Bach, Mozart, Hayden, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Count Basie, and Maslanka to today’s biggest icons. Students at the middle school age are still discovering their musical tastes. In fact, most of their taste depends on what they hear on the radio, or what their friends listen to. Our goal is to expose them to the various styles out there, something other than rap and hip-hop or pop. Students also have the opportunity to explore music through the medium of entertainment. We discuss the music industry and the various jobs
available. There is also the cinematic side of music. Students will explore how music can create energy or help tell a story. Annunciation also offers extra-curricular for music. We have a beginning band and intermediate band for those 4th - 8th grade students who want to learn how to play a musical instrument such as flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. We have a guitar and ukulele ensemble also available to our 4th - 8th graders . Students develop all the skills necessary of a musician: singing, reading, writing, and listening. Students learning these instruments also develop multi-task skills: reading the music, controlling the body and controlling the instrument at the same time, which engages both sides of the brain. Students also learn how to work towards a common goal in a large group setting, creating a sense of community. Our ultimate goal is creating music together and sharing music with the community through performances. To prepare for these perfor-
HOLY CHILD continued from page 22
population. The initial goal was to raise $450,000 by November 1- an ambitious goal for such a short period of time! That would cover half of the $900,000 needed to purchase and outfit the building. The parish and school community responded with astounding generosity, already raising over $500,000. This will allow the school to secure a loan from the archdiocese for the
mances, students practice together twice a week before school hours and practice at home. We currently have 83 students participating in these programs. Annunciation also offers cross-curricular activities. For example, music and art work together to develop a deeper connection between the fine arts. Our primary grades create their own musical instrument in art class, and learn how to play their creation in music class. Kindergarten students make rain sticks, 1st graders make tambourines and 2nd graders make gourd shakers. Our intermediate and middle school students explore the science behind music, identifying the various wave forms behind different sounds. After understanding this concept, they then create their own pitched instrument. Students have created xylophones out of glass, wood, and PVC pipes. We also had students create a wash tub bass! At Annunciation Catholic School, we strongly believe in music for every child and every child for music.
balance of the $900,000 needed to cover the entire cost of the modular building. This means Holy Child still stands in need of $400,000 to achieve our objective of creating a beautiful, functional space in which our students can flourish. If you are interested in supporting our mission of raising saints and forming scholars, please call us at 505.281.3077 or visit our website, holychildcatholicschool.org.
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December 2018
Every Person Has a Fundamental Right to Life By Rachel Baca CCHD intern As Christmas rapidly approaches, we want to remember that it isn’t just a holiday to give gifts and eat tamales, posole and biscochitos, it is a time to continue our work as Catholics to ensure that our Catholic social teachings are being acted upon especially throughout every holiday that
celebrates our faith and Jesus Christ. One Catholic social teaching in particular we want to focus on this month is “Rights and Responsibilities”. Our Catholic faith teaches us that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. As the New Mexico legislative session approaches,
this is the time to advocate for policies that impact the well-being of our neighborhoods and cities. While I continue my work as the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) intern, I am able to address confirmation classes, youth groups, Catholic school students, and adult faith formation groups to encourage them to pursue their Catholic social teachings and advocate and empower the vulnerable in our state. New Mexico continues to be ranked near the bottom for education, economy, crime and corrections, fiscal stability, opportunity and healthcare. We need to be aware, engage and participate in social justice and charitable works to see New Mexico increase in human wellbeing. As Poverty Awareness Month (January) approaches, we become more aware of the reality of poverty and how people living in poverty are family members, neighbors, colleagues – young and old, healthy and sick, rural and urban. Of these people, did you know that one in six Americans and one in five children live in poverty, and one in seven households in America do not know where their next meal will come from? According to the US Census data, that means that 39.7 million people live at or are below the poverty line. And New Mexico has the second highest rate of poverty in the US. Many families are struggling, but you can help magnify the voice of people who are poor or vulnerable. What can you do? You can visit http://www. usccb.org/about/justice-peaceand-human-development/ to see the issues we should be focusing on as well as materials to help you, your family, parish and faith formation groups understand what Poverty USA really is. I am also available to provide presentations and resources on social justice, CCHD, and poverty awareness. You can contact me at 505.831.8232 or rcbaca@ archdiosf.org.
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
Dec. 10 is 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Earlier this year, Pope Francis address the Ambassadors to the Holy See. He stated, “At a distance of 70 years, it was painful to see how many fundamental rights continue to be violated today.” He states that we must stand up for innocent children discarded even before they are born, for the elderly who are often cast aside, for women who repeatedly suffer from violence and oppression, even within their own families and for the victims of human trafficking. The Holy Father noted that with rights, come individual responsibilities to the community “for the sake of ‘meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society’. The just appeal to the rights of each human being must take into account the fact that every individual is part of a greater body. Learn more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and make the pledge to stand up for human rights here: http://standup4humanrights. org/en/declaration.html
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Refugees, and examine local initiatives that are making important contributions in this regard. USCCB has a tool kit, a poster and a prayer card that can be copied for use in your ministries: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/ national-migration-week/ Please plan a prayer service or other actions in your parish!
“Politics Must Serve Peace:” Pope Francis’ Theme for World Day of Peace, Jan. 1 2019 The theme of Pope Francis’ Message for the 52nd World Day of Peace, marked on January 1, 2019, “Politics Must Serve Peace.” Join Pope Francis’ effort to promote world peace by planning a prayer service for World Peace Day. USCCB will have a two-page handout that can be shared with parishes, families, and schools, to encourage them to celebrate the World Day of Peace with Pope Francis. Go to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/ war-and-peace/world-day-of-peace.cfm for resources, including the annual messages from all the popes back to 1968! The World Day of Peace, initiated by Pope Paul VI 50 years ago, is celebrated each year on the first day of January. The Holy Father’s Message is sent to all Foreign Ministers of the world, and also indicates the Holy See’s diplomatic line during the coming year.
Give better, live better – starting now: Put ethically produced gifts on your list. Put Christmas back in your shopping, with ethically produced gifts that uplift a world of people. Every partner is vetted for fair wages, safer working conditions and environmentally sustainable practices. Items certified as Fair Trade add meaning to Christmas gifts by supporting the human life and dignity of workers around the world. With every purchase, a donation goes to CRS – for twice the impact! Several parishes host Fair/Ethical Trade Fairs during the holidays. Shop online by visiting the CRS/SERVV Ethical Trade website and purchase items on line at http://ethicaltrade.crs.org/
African American Catholic Plan for National Migration Week Community Fr. Rollins Lambert January 6-12, 2019: Building Scholarship Announcement Communities of Welcome For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has Applications for School Year celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church 2019-2020 to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2019, Building Communities of Welcome, draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another. Unfortunately, we often fail to encounter migrants as persons. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, as fellow children of God, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious or fearful of them. During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants as community members, neighbors, and friends. To do so, we will look at the important role that foster care plays in the lives of unaccompanied immigrants and refugees, highlight MRS’ Parishes Organized to Welcome
The African American Catholic Community (AACC) announces that Fr. Rollins Lambert Scholarship application packets will be available in all Archdiocese of Santa Fe (ASF) Catholic elementary schools after January 15, 2019. Applicants must be African American, Catholic or non-Catholic, in grades kindergarten to eight; enrolled or will be enrolled in one of the ASF Catholic elementary schools for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Parents must describe a verified level of need and unique circumstances through the Grant & Aid Assessment in FACTS at each Catholic school. Application packets must be completed and postmarked before or on Monday, April 1, 2019. For more information on the Fr. Rollins Lambert Scholarship please contact Anne Avellone in the office or Gerry Harge, 505-831-0800.
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December 2018
“For It Is In Giving That We Receive…” Holiday Giving Ideas Throughout our holiday giving season, we are presented with opportunities to multiply your generous gifts.
Tidy up the garage or yard by donating a vehicle! Whether it’s a clunker or a car good running order, Catholic Charities is able to accept vehicle donations of many kinds. Call 505.724.4670 to arrange a FREE pick-up.
Clean out the house with by donating house items and furnishings!
Our In-Kind Donation Center is always seeking gently used household items and furnishings to set up living spaces for families reestablishing themselves. We are especially in need of the following items: • Gently used beds • Dressers • Kitchen tables and chairs • Sofas
• • • •
Pots and pans Kitchen towels and hot pads Sheets for twin, full, or queen beds Working computers
Call to schedule a FREE pick-up of your large furniture: 505.724.4678. Small items can be dropped off at our In-Kind Donation Center located at 3600 Osuna NE #519, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Volunteer!
Give the gift of your time and talents to help the most vulnerable in our community. Our dedicated and generous volunteers are at the heart of our programs and services. Rally friends and family to help out with a community activity. Contact Cathy Aragon-Marquez at 505.724.4634.
Thank you major sponsors, attendees, and auction donors for another successful St. Nicholas Ball! In November, Catholic Charities’ St. Nicholas Ball rolled out the red carpet at Albuquerque Embassy Suites for an evening of dining, dancing, and celebrating the holiday spirit of giving! Every year this event is not only an incredible night for our supporters, but it also raises key funds for Catholic Charities to continue to our
mission to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need. This year’s event would not have been possible without the support from so many organizations and individuals. We would also like to thank our numerous Advent Table Sponsors, silent auction donors, volunteers, contributors,
and attendees. Check www.ccasfnm.org for photos and a final total raised. Mark your calendars for even more fun at our 2019 St. Nicholas Ball on November 23, 2019. Anyone interested in joining the 2019 event committee can contact our Development Office at 505.724.4637 or development@ccasfnm.org.
Goodbye Carol Tonihka!
Last month, Catholic Charities bid farewell to our former Chief Program Officer Carol Tonihka as she retired after working with Catholic Charities for 15 years. Current and former employees, board members, and volunteers all came to send her off and thank her for her service. We also managed to give her a special surprise by inviting her loving family to come celebrate the beginning of this next chapter in her life. We are incredibly grateful to Carol for all she accomplished in her 15 incredible years with Catholic Charities.
PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
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WORLD NEWS
Advent is time of vigilance and prayer, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians can turn Christmas into a “pagan” or “mundane” holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said. Celebrating the beginning of Advent Dec. 2 with the recitation of the Angelus prayer and at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae the next day, the pope focused on the attitudes of
vigilance and prayer that should characterize the Advent season and preparations for Christmas. “If we think of Christmas in a consumeristic climate, looking at what we can buy to do this or that, as a mundane holiday, then Jesus will pass by and we will not find him,” the pope said before reciting the Angelus with an estimated 20,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. In the day’s Gospel reading
from the 21st chapter of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples to be careful that their hearts “not become drowsy,” but to “be vigilant at all times and pray
that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” at the end of time.
Nation mourns death of 41st president, recalls his life, legacy -- and more recently as he mourned the April 17 death of his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara -- is being noted by many in paying tribute to his life and legacy after his death late Nov. 30 at age 94 at his home in Houston. His spokesman, Jim McGrath, confirmed the death of the former president in a tweet. The cause of his death was not immediately available, but he had been in failing health the last few years. In 2012, he announced that he had vascular Parkinsonism, Former U.S. President George W. Bush, wife Laura, far left, and other family members watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Dec. 3 in Washington. (CNS photo/Alex Brandon, pool via Reuters)
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When he was running for re-election in 1992, President George H.W. Bush told Catholic News Service that he believed that a strong religious faith could provide “an extra shot of strength when you need it.” “I don’t believe you can be president without having faith. I really strongly feel that,’’ Bush said in a telephone interview that October as en route from a campaign appearance in Kentucky to scheduled stops in Florida. That religious faith which sustained him and his family and was clearly evident during his years in the White House
a condition that limited his mobility and required him to use a wheelchair most of the time. The White House announced Dec. 1 that a state funeral was being arranged “with all of the accompanying support and honors.” President Donald Trump designated Dec. 5 as a national day of mourning. He and first lady Melania Trump planned to attend the funeral at the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington. The flags at the White House were lowered to half staff.
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PEOPLE of GOD
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December 2018
WORLD NEWS
‘A Night of Witness’ service recalls life, faith of today’s martyrs WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Catholic churches throughout the world were bathed in soft red light to honor martyrs and mark the “Courage in Red -- Stand Up for Faith and Religious Freedom” campaign sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need. So it was Nov. 28 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where a quiet vespers service, “A Night of Witness,” commemorated the martyrdom, just in the last two years, of some 22 members of the priesthood, most of them in Mexico and South America, and 82 others killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Egypt. Most martyrs are killed anonymously while simply going about their jobs before being caught up in the violence from civil wars and terrorist groups. “They may not be on the covers of magazines. They may not
ever make the news. But they gave their blood for the church,” observed Msgr. Vito Buonanno, director of pilgrimages at the basilica. “Tonight, we seek to remember all of them,” said George Marlin, chairman of Aid to the Church in Need, is an international papal charity that provides pastoral and humanitarian aid to persecuted and oppressed Christians and supports various church projects in more than 140 countries. “The church has lived through many periods of persecution, claiming the lives of millions,” Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Irbil, Iraq, reminded worshippers during his testimony. “Christianity is the most widely targeted religious community, suffering terrible persecution globally.”
Ethicist: Gene-editing human embryos ‘a train wreck of a thing to do’ WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The revelation in late November that a Chinese researcher had edited genes in human embryos and then implanted them in a woman was “a train wreck of a thing to do,” said an ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. “Normally clinical research proceeds in phases. First, you verify it works in animals, etc. Second, you verify that it’s safe. In small things you verify it’s effective,” said John Brehany, the center’s director of institutional relations. “He skipped all that stuff. He says, ‘I practiced in animals and human embryos.’ Even the Chinese officials are saying he violated their standards,” Brehany told Catholic News Service in a Nov. 30 telephone interview from Philadelphia. “He said he didn’t want to be first, he wanted to set an example, but he’s toying
with human health. He said he practiced on human embryos, so that means he probably destroyed them. He practiced in the context of experimentation.” Brehany was referring to He (pronounced “hay”) Jiankui, who first revealed his efforts Nov. 26 during an international gene-editing conference in Hong Kong. He learned the gene-editing technique known as CRISPR while doing advanced research at Rice University in Texas. His partner from Rice may face sanctions from the U.S.-based National Institutes of Health depending on the depth of his involvement in the scheme. “CRISPR” stands for “clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.” This is a specialized region of DNA having two distinct characteristics: the presence of nucleotide repeats and spacers.
Still time to curb worst effects of warmer world, says climate scientist
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) -- An internationally renowned pioneer in climate science and climate change research, in an address at Villanova University, said that rather than “finger-pointing” about the causes of global warming, people need take collective action to slow the process. If not addressed, global warming will lead to stronger and larger storms and wildfires, said Veerabhadran “Ram” Ramanathan. The recipient of Villanova University’s 2018 Mendel Medal, he recently addressed an audience of more than 600 people at the university about the dangers of climate change and its impacts for the future. In his lecture titled
“Climate Change: Scientific Basis and Solutions to Bend the Curve,” Ramanathan laid out compelling data to examine four basic questions: How much time do we have before climate change becomes unmanageable? How much time do we have to bend the curve and steer climate away from unmanageable levels? What are the solution sets still available to us? What can people do to contribute to the solution? First awarded in 1929, Villanova’s Mendel Medal honors 19th-century Augustinian friar and scientist Gregor Johann Mendel, best known as “the father of modern genetics” for his discovery of the laws of heredity that bear his name.
Forum explores alternatives to use of fetal tissue in medical research WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Alternatives to the use of fetal tissue from abortions are already plentiful, asserted one speaker at a Nov. 27 forum
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on the issue hosted by the Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington. “There are alternatives that exist that we can use,” said Tara Sander Lee, an associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute -- the research arm of the Susan B. Anthony List -- at the forum. What’s more, Lee added, “there are so many ethical alternatives.” The acquisition of fetal tissue has become a $100 million industry, according to one 2017 estimate. Lee, who has a doctorate in biochemistry, cited the case of Advanced Bioscience Resources, which she said has been referred to the federal Department of Justice for profiteering. Advanced Bioscience Resources, according to Lee, obtained 20-weekold fetus from an abortion clinic in June 2014 and paid $60. It then sold the fetus’ brain, eyes, liver, thymus and lungs to five different customers, charging $2,275 in all for the specimens, plus added charges for shipping, disease screening, cleaning and freezing. “Service fee, or profit?” Lee asked. “The human body is amazing and has a lot of tissues and organs that are available right now from the adult and pediatric population,” Lee said. “They can come from living individuals as well as post-mortem” rather than from aborted fetuses, she added.
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
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The Nativity Story, Rooted High Above the Desert Floor Dr. Tim Muldoon
On a trip to the diocese of Gallup the week before Advent, I witnessed something that will stay with me during this season of preparation for Christ’s birth. It was an experience of great reverence for the Christ child, a living instance of what the carol exhorts us to do: O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. It was the story of the nativity, embedded within an ancient and beautiful culture that nurtured its faith even when the institutional Church was absent. Gallup is a massive diocese spanning two states, New Mexico and Arizona. For many years, Catholic Extension has served this region and its several Indian reservations, all of which have traditions that have come down from time immemorial. To this day, these nations retain religious and cultural practices handed down to them by their ancestors: prayers, dances, celebrations rooted in the land, its gifts, and their participation in a cosmic mystery of time and season. On one of the reservations, for example, a group of young people clad in traditional dress danced as part of the offertory of the Mass. In such a context, the dance represented the ways that they offered back to God the cultural gifts handed on to them by their ancestors. The Church’s presence in this reason stretches back over 400 years, to the time when Spanish Franciscan missionaries braved long,
Laguna: the façade of San José de la Laguna, New Mexico.
lonely rides on horseback to remote Indian villages sometimes hostile to the presence of foreigners. Sadly, the natives’ fears were sometimes realized: for while some missionaries were truly men of the gospel, others took advantage of the native population and used their religious devotion for personal advantage. One example was that of the Acoma people, whose pueblo on a mesa high above the desert floor had been inhabited for at least 500 years before the arrival of the Spaniards. The Franciscans came to a place already rich in tradition and religious practice. This selfsustaining community at first welcomed the missionaries, such that by 1629 Father Juan Ramirez was able to persuade the Acoma to begin construction of a massive, fortress-like church, hauling timber and dirt from 40 miles away. But several decades later, during the 1680 Pueblo revolt, they rebelled against a profligate priest who had killed one of their youths. Upon learning of the crime, they subdued him and threw him off the mesa. Remarkably, during the following years when there was no priest present in the pueblo, they retained their Catholic practices, even using the Latin prayers they had learned and inscribing the retablo with transliterated Latin words. The story of the Word made flesh had captivated them, and the church in which they could worship their creator was by this time a place sacred to them. Traditional practices and Catholic worship grew side-by-side, and continue to do so to this day. My guide at Acoma was the former pastor, who spoke about his first Advent at the pueblo. He described their invitation to join them in the midnight Mass on Christmas eve. He was perplexed by this invitation, since as pastor it was he who should be the celebrant. But they were referring to the celebration of the Christ child which had entered into their cultural practice, and which they had sustained for centuries even during the many decades without a priest present. The Christ child was, in the truest sense, the creator-God who had come to live among us, and the ritual memory of this gift was a window into the divine life. Later that day, while speaking with the Franciscan who serves as pastor of the nearby Laguna pueblo, he remarked that ritual practice is like an entrance into the spirit-world: it offers a community a time outside of time, where the
Gallup: Stained glass window detail from Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup, New Mexico
Zuni: a group of students of St. Anthony’s School in Zuni, New Mexico, perform a native dance during the offertory of the Mass.
divine lives. I thought back to that description of midnight Mass—a ritual celebration of the Incarnation—and imagined that what it meant was a return to that seminal event, a ritual return to the place where the veil between divine and human life was pierced by the birth of a baby. At Acoma, we had met a member of the community who proudly showed us around the church and spoke about their Christmas celebration of the Christ child. Later, she asked us: “do you want to see him?” This was the year when her family was charged with caring for him, and so she walked us over to her home. In the back bedroom, just above the bed, she carefully picked up a small object swaddled in a hand-woven blanket. She cradled it in her arms, speaking softly, and opened the blanket to reveal a face not unlike the style of a kachina. But what struck me was less the image of the child, and more the reverence with which she held it: an attitude of adoration that she communicated by her body language and speech. We found ourselves blessing both the child and ourselves, standing in the presence of the holy. Tim Muldoon, Ph.D., is the director of mission education at Catholic Extension.
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PEOPLE of GOD
December 2018
DIVINE HEALING from page 15
pedestrian reality of our feet, where we are literally grounded. Experience teaches us that both stability and flexibility make us sure footed. In a spiritual sense Divine Healing calls us to see into the most fundamental reality of our being and to ask what gives our soul both grounding and fleetness, both stability and flexibility. All too often we treat just the symptoms of our injured soul, the cosmetics of life, and fail to truly care. The crushed soul and wounded heart are made strong only by discovering a life fashioned in virtue. Faith, and hope, and love make strong a sickened soul. Prudence, and temperance, and fortitude, and justice assist in healing a crushed soul. The lesson of Divine Healing is one of strength, of character born from within, mending the foot and ankle of the soul. These lessons of Divine Healing help us to face the evil in our world, the mistrust, the betrayal, the division and enmity. They are simple but powerful lessons: 1) Prayer and action are the essential realm of God grace 2) Truly recognize one the other. 3) Acknowledge your own poverty and limits. 4) Let Christ enter into your weakness. 5) Stand rightly by one another. 6) Healing grows in strength, strength is born of virtue, and virtue is forged in weakness. Simple lessons that we as Church are called to learn and to live here and now, for “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14a). Our call is to the care of souls. Divine Healing calls us into the broken and wounded reality of our world, where Christ dwells. It is in the wounded and pierced side of Christ where we learn the mystery of the Incarnation, God’s remedy for our sins, God’s Divine Healing, God’s abiding presence.
Abortion Funding — Cutting off the Blood Supply Americans have long been disturbed by the fraud and waste that often surrounds the federal government’s use of their tax dollars. They now have further reason to be up in arms because of the way those tax dollars support the practice of abortion, even though such support, technically speaking, remains illegal. The 1976 Hyde Amendment, a rider attached by Congress to federal spending bills each year, states that federal tax dollars – particularly for Medicaid – cannot be used to pay for abortions. Yet, approximately half a billion dollars of taxpayer money is received annually by Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of “pregnancy terminations” in the United States. Although Planned Parenthood does not directly receive Medicaid reimbursements for the abortion procedures it performs, the inherent fungibility of funds means that any money provided to Planned Parenthood ends up supporting and indirectly financing their primary business, which is elective abortion. Taxpayer funding props up the nation’s largest abortion chain, with more than 300,000 abortions carried out under the auspices of Planned Parenthood each year. Many Americans object to taxpayer subsidies for this organization, seeking to avoid any cooperation or involvement in the serious evils it promotes. This is why pro-life Americans and individuals of conscience are urging that the organization be defunded, to put a stop to the de facto circumventing of the Hyde Amendment that happens every time Planned Parenthood takes advantage of some form of government funding. Yet Planned Parenthood continues to expand like a cancer not only in the U.S., but also globally. As cancer tumors need blood and oxygen for their continued growth, Planned Parenthood requires a lifeline of government aid to support its killing activities. As cancer tumors release special chemicals to make new blood vessels sprout nearby to nourish themselves, so Planned Parenthood continues to tap into a number of federal and state governmental funding sources, including Medicaid and grants from Title X of the Public Health Services Act. Eliminating this financial lifeline would significantly decrease the availability of direct abortion and diminish its promotion, much as using selective pharmaceuticals to shut down the growth of new blood vessels in tumors can starve them of their lifeline so they wither away. The Alan Guttmacher Institute, which functions as a research arm of Planned Parenthood, has plainly acknowledged the importance of governmental subsidies: “Because Title X grants offer up-front funding to providers (rather than payment after-the-fact, as with Medicaid or private insurance), the program provides essential infrastructure support that allows health centers providing family planning services to keep their
doors open for clients. Up-front funding helps supply a cash-flow cushion for providers…” Despite their “health care provider” veneer, Planned Parenthood is much more of a menace than a benefit to the health and well-being of Americans. The organization has faced a string of scandals ranging from the sale of baby body parts to overbilling and unsanitary clinic conditions, from cover ups of sexual abuse of minors to botched abortions, from falsified medical information to LGBT activism, to the promotion of offensive forms of sex education to impressionable children. As House of Representatives member Diane Black notes, “Planned Parenthood is both the largest abortion provider in America and the largest recipient of Title X dollars. While Title X grants are intended to fund critical women’s health services for low income Americans, Planned Parenthood misuses taxpayer dollars to [subsidize] its abortion services. … Abortion is not healthcare. It destroys one life and damages another.” The United States needs to eliminate the financial lifeline of Planned Parenthood by defunding the organization of taxpayer dollars. Planned Parenthood supporters, however, argue that if this were to happen, low-income women would not be able to get needed healthcare. Yet federally qualified health centers (community health centers) could be encouraged to take up the slack. They receive broad government funding and offer care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, making available an even broader array of primary care services than Planned Parenthood does, so women would actually have more health care choices and options. Also, there are many more community health centers than Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide. Jamie Hall and Roger Severino of the Heritage Foundation sum it up this way: “To ensure that taxpayers are not forced to subsidize America’s number one abortion provider, Congress should make Planned Parenthood affiliates ineligible to receive either Medicaid reimbursements or Title X grants if they continue to perform abortions. Taxpayer money from these programs should instead be redirected to the more than 9,000 federally qualified health center sites throughout the country that provide comprehensive primary health care for those in need without entanglement in abortion.” Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org
December 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER continued from page 10
the abuse is reported to law enforcement. Since 1993, the archdiocese has had a full-time Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, an Independent Review Board, and every priest, deacon, staff member and volunteer are required to go through a background check and attend the Archdiocesan Abuse Awareness Training for Adults. In addition, the policy of the archdiocese is to pay for counseling for any sexual abuse victim who requests it, and the archbishop has offered to meet with every victim of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, staff member, or volunteer. In September 2017, the archdiocese published a list of credibly accused priests and recently updated the list to add additional names and provide the assignment history of each priest. We fully realize our responsibility to heal the hurt of those who were harmed. We also realize our responsibility to continue the mission that we have received from Jesus Christ: to provide spiritual care, to educate children in the faith, to feed, clothe and shelter the needy, and to advocate for the least among us. We believe that continuing this mission is essential to our communities and is an expression of our very being as Roman Catholics. Please be assured that the ministry, pastoral services and work of the archdiocese will continue as always throughout this process of reorganization.
ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER continued from page 11
Santa Fe ha estado proporcionando protección a los niños y jóvenes. Deseo asegurarles que hemos sido diligentes en proveer programas, políticas y procedimientos para ayudar a prevenir las fallas del pasado y para mantener a nuestros niños inocentes a salvo. Durante los últimos 25 años, la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe ha tenido una “Política de Cero Tolerancia” por la cual cada sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario que es creíblemente acusado de abuso sexual de un menor es removido del ministerio permanentemente, y el abuso es reportado a la policía. Desde 1993 la Arquidiócesis ha tenido un Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas a tiempo completo, una Junta de Revisión Independiente, cada sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario tiene que pasar por una revisión de antecedentes y asistir al Entrenamiento Arquidiocesano para Adultos de Concientización sobre el Abuso. Además, la política de la Arquidiócesis es pagar por el asesoramiento de cualquier víctima de abuso sexual que lo solicite, y el Arzobispo ha ofrecido reunirse con cada víctima de abuso sexual por un sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario. En septiembre de 2017, la Arquidiócesis publicó una lista de sacerdotes acusados creíblemente y recientemente actualizó la lista para agregar nombres adicionales y proporcionar el historial de asignaciones de cada sacerdote. Estamos plenamente conscientes de nuestra responsabilidad de sanar el dolor de aquellos que fueron perjudicados. También nos damos cuenta de nuestra responsabilidad de continuar la misión que hemos recibido de Jesucristo: ofrecer cuidado espiritual, educar a los niños en la fe, alimentar, vestir y albergar a los necesitados, y abogar por los más pequeños y vulnerables entre nosotros. Creemos que continuar esta misión es esencial para nuestras
In the coming weeks, the process of Chapter 11 will open our archdiocese to unprecedented public scrutiny. I believe that this is a good thing. We will be open and transparent in this process and I will do my best in the future to keep you informed online or by our website. I invite you to e-mail or write me to share your reactions to this decision and the process along the way. My staff and I are committed to doing our best to meet with you as individuals or in groups in the months ahead. Please continue to pray as we walk by faith and fix our eyes on Christ, the Divine Physician, who heals our wounds and who has a special place in His heart for those who have been harmed by sexual abuse. It is this same faith that will serve as our guide as we commit to the difficult but critical step of reorganization. I pray that the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, will guide our every step, and in His mercy heal His Church so that we might be merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend John C. Wester Archbishop of Santa Fe comunidades y es una expresión de nuestro ser como católicos romanos. Tengan la seguridad de que el ministerio, los servicios pastorales y el trabajo de la Arquidiócesis continuarán como siempre a lo largo de este proceso de reorganización. En las próximas semanas, el proceso del Capítulo XI abrirá nuestra Arquidiócesis a un escrutinio público sin precedentes. Creo que esto es algo bueno. Seremos abiertos y transparentes en este proceso y haré todo lo posible en el futuro para mantenerlos informados en línea o a través de nuestro sitio web. Les invito a que me envíen un correo electrónico o me escriban para compartir sus reacciones a esta decisión y al proceso a lo largo del camino. Mi personal y yo estamos comprometidos a hacer todo lo posible para reunirnos con ustedes como individuos o en grupos en los meses venideros. Por favor continúen orando mientras caminamos por fe y fijamos nuestra mirada en Cristo, el Médico Divino, que sana nuestras heridas y que tiene un lugar especial en su corazón para aquellos que han sido dañados por el abuso sexual. Es esta misma fe la que nos servirá de guía cuando nos comprometamos con el difícil pero crítico paso de la reorganización. Rezo para que el Espíritu Santo, enviado por el Padre y el Hijo, guíe cada uno de nuestros pasos, y en su misericordia sane a su Iglesia para que podamos ser misericordiosos, así como nuestro Padre Celestial es misericordioso. Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,
Arzobispo John C. Wester
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Rest in Peace Sr. Mary Joseph Padilla, OCD
Rev. Patrick Jose Chavez
Sr. Mary Joseph of the Nativity entered into eternal life on November 5, 2018. She was 62 years of age and in the 39th year of religious profession. She was born on July 11, 1956 in Mountainair, NM to Ramon and Josie (Gallegos) Padilla and given the name Ramona Maria Padilla. “Mona” grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Eldorado High School. When she was 20 years old, she entered the Monastery of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in Santa Fe to live a contemplative life hidden in Christ, in service to the Church. Sr. Mary Joseph preferred the domestic duties around the monastery, and the leisurely pace of sewing, handcraft, calligraphy, laundry and gardening. She was a familiar, welcoming voice her many years as “Turn Sister.” Sr. Mary
Fr. Patrick J. Chavez, 79 resident of Santa Fe, NM passed away on November 18, 2018. He was born on November 11, 1939 in Santa Fe, NM to Octaviana Rael Chavez and Esequiel Chavez. Fr. Chavez was ordained on June 2, 1968. He served at Ascension Parish in Albuquerque; St. Anne’s Parish in Santa Fe; St. Anthony Parish in Questa; St. Anthony Parish in Peñasco; Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Albuquerque; St. John the Baptist Parish in Santa
Joseph was a model of the religious virtue of detachment from material goods, and we looked forward to her leading the Divine Office with her steady and calming voice. Sister suffered for many years with poor health, the last four being an intense battle with cancer. Sr. Mary Joseph is survived by her father Ramon, her siblings Theresa and Nancy, Rita (Ray Garcia), Joseph (Kim) and Ramon (Anna); nieces, great-nieces and nephews and cousins; and the Carmelite nuns.
Fe; Santa Clara in Wagon Mound; and at San Juan Nepomuceno in El Rito. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Archbishop John C. Wester.
To advertise in People of God, THE MAGAZINE contact Leslie M. Radigan at 505-831-8162 or email lradigan@archdiosf.org
Christmas Eve Luminaria Remembrance Program With the holiday season quickly approaching, we take time to reflect and remember our dear loved ones who have passed away. The Catholic Cemetery Association is once again honoring our dearly departed with our Christmas Eve Luminaria Remembrance Program. We invite you to come into any of our cemeteries and pick up a luminaria bag. Take it home and personalize it with a name, photo, message or drawing in memory of your loved one. Return the bag to the respective cemetery by December 17th. We will provide the sand and the candle, and on Christmas Eve we will place the personalized luminarias along the cemetery roads and walkways.
Wishing you and your family a Blessed Advent and Christmas Season
For more information, please contact one of our cemetery offices or visit our website. “He will be
Rosario 499 N. Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 983-2322
Mt. Calvary 1900 Edith Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 243-0218 www.asfcca.org
Gate of Heaven 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0800
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TV Mass Schedule The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ TV-6-2 and KASY-My50TVCable or satellite providers on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 Check out Sunday and daily readings at www.usccb.org
Seminary Burse The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends and other contributions collected at the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for the month of November 2018. 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 Anonymous 50.00 Holy Child – Tijeras 2,500.00 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Albuquerque 500.00 Our Lady of Sorrows – Bernalillo 1,000.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque 985.00 Sacred Heart of Jesus – Española 1,200.00 St. Anne’s’ – Santa Fe 5,000.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque 1,170.00 St. Thomas Aquinas – Rio Rancho 2,983.28 Total $ 15,388.28
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Archbishop’s Schedule DECEMBER 17 Mon 6 :30pm 18 Tue 12:00pm 19 Wed 10:00am 20 Thu 5:00pm 21 Fri 11:30am 25 Tue 8:00am
Evening Prayer and Penance Service, Risen Savior, Albuquerque Catholic Radio, Albuquerque Greet Religious Education Advisory Board First Meeting, Catholic Center Seminarian Advent Mass and Dinner, Catholic Center, Albuquerque Employee Advent Mass and Lunch, Catholic Center, Albuquerque Christmas Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe
JANUARY 2-9 ====== 12 9:00am
Spiritual Retreat for Bishops, Mundelein Seminary, Chicago Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, TBD
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Academically Emotionally Physically Spiritually
Call for Information: 505.831.8172 www.asfcatholicschools.org
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Prayer for Healing San José and El Niño Jesús
SAINT JOSEPH AND THE CHILD JESUS
Icon written by William Hart McNichols | St. Joseph on the Rio Grande | http://frbillmcnichols-sacredimages.com/
Loving and Merciful God, look upon us with compassion as we cry out to you in our time of contrition. Your Church is brought low by the sins committed against our innocent children in whose eyes we see the image of your crucified Son. Just as Jesus gathered the children into his loving arms, so gather us now into your healing embrace, especially those who have been crushed by the scourge of abuse. Fashion us, your sons and daughters, into instruments of your healing presence so that your humble Church may itself be healed as we seek to comfort all who
have been devastated by the actions of those who betrayed our trust. You, who know all mysteries and whose wisdom is beyond compare, guide us through these turbulent days. Assist us in our efforts to bring justice to those who have been offended, give us the grace to restore our suffering communion and imbue us with new life in our efforts to heal and to protect, especially those who are most vulnerable. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is with us now and forever. Amen.
Dios amoroso y misericordioso, míranos con compasión mientras clamamos a ti en este tiempo de contrición. Tu Iglesia ha sido abatida por los pecados cometidos contra nuestros hijos inocentes, en cuyos ojos vemos la imagen de tu Hijo crucificado. Así como Jesús reunió a los niños en sus brazos amorosos, así también reúnenos ahora en tu abrazo de sanación, especialmente a quienes han sido devastados por el azote del abuso. Convierte a tus hijos e hijas, en instrumentos de tu presencia sanadora, para que tu humilde Iglesia pueda ser sanada mientras buscamos consolar a todos los que han sido devastados
por las acciones de quienes traicionaron nuestra confianza. Tú, que conoces todos los misterios y cuya sabiduría es incomparable, guíanos a través de estos tumultuosos días. Ayúdanos en nuestros esfuerzos por hacer justicia a quienes han sido ofendidos, danos la gracia de restaurar nuestra sufrida comunión e infunde nueva vida a nuestros esfuerzos por sanar y proteger, especialmente a aquellos que son más vulnerables. Te lo pedimos por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que está con nosotros ahora y siempre. Amén