People of God, March 2015

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Pope Francis!

MARCH 13, 2015 Time and time again He bears us on His shoulders.

No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love.

Evangelii Gaudium Pope Francis looks into to a camera during a worldwide broadcast online as he leads a meeting for the Fourth World Congress of Educational Scholas Occurrentes in the synod hall at the Vatican Feb. 5. Scholas Occurrentes is a global network, uniting students of all faiths and cultures. (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters)

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The Blue Mass ................................................................................................................................................2 Archbishop’s Letter:Church’s 40 Day Improvement Plan ..........................................................................3 Vocations.........................................................................................................................................................5 La Sagrada de Familia....................................................................................................................................6 St. Therese de Jesus ......................................................................................................................................9 2015 Confirmation Schedule .......................................................................................................................12 The Franciscans of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province ..............................................................................14 Octave/Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ................................................................................................21 Annual Catholic Appeal ...............................................................................................................................20

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Pro-Life Bills Pass House Now Need Senate Vote The New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraged by the New Mexico House of Representative’s passage of HB390 and 391. New Mexico’s four bishops, in one voice, urge the New Mexico Senate to take action on HB390 - Late Term Abortion Ban and HB391-Parental Notification for Abortion Act for passage and to send it to the governor’s desk for her signature so New Mexico can join 47 other states in protecting women and children. For more information, contact Allen Sánchez at 505.319.3334.

Contact your New Mexico State Legislators for the following two Legislative Bills to be heard by the Committee of the Whole: www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislator_search.aspx

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March 2015

Eighth Annual

We Honored Police Officers, Firefighters, Military, Emergency Personnel, and all First Responders corrections, and emergency medical personnel in the State of New Mexico.

Archbishop Sheehan celebrated this special Mass as a time of prayer and thanksgiving to all first responders for their dedicated service to our community and for their families who support them.

Several dignitaries from the State were there and over 2,200 people attended.

There was a reception immediately following the Mass to meet and greet those who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us all.

Photos by Celine

The Blue Mass is held each year to encourage the fine men and women in their work and to remind them they are not alone. As archbishop, I love all of you and pray for your safety and success. —Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan was the celebrant at the Eighth Annual Blue Mass held in February in the St. Pius X High School gymnasium.

This was an all faith community celebration for all uniformed men and women serving in all branches of law enforcement, fire, military,

March 2015

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IN THE RISEN LORD

The Church’s 40-Day Improvement Plan The annual observance of Lent provides all of us an opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal. As we prepare to worthily celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, we have the wonderful opportunity for what I like to call “The Church’s 40-Day Improvement Plan”.

What do the ashes placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday mean? Well, they mean we make a commitment to be better people during the 40 days as we prepare for Easter.

What we begin to do during the 40 days is the “training” that keeps us on the “improvement plan.” The ashes remind us that we are sinners and that we have failed God, and others, many times. With the grace

aRchBIShoP MIchael J. SheehaN of Jesus Christ, we have the closely resemble Jesus and alopportunity to begin anew and low others to see the goodness to try to rid ourselves of our and love of Jesus in us and sinfulness and receive God’s others as well.

Ash Wednesday and Good forgiveness. If we didn’t try to improve, the ashes on our Friday are days of fast and foreheads would simply be an abstinence. All the Fridays empty and eternal sign. If we of Lent are days of abstinence don’t make efforts to improve, from meat. Fasting binds all we will not be prepared to fully adults until their 60th year. participate in the Sacred Trid- Abstinence from meat applies uum – the most sacred time in to everyone 14 years or older.

Remember, our “Improvement the liturgical year.

Certainly, we should seek Plan” requires some sacrifice – to receive the sacrament of fast and abstinence are an inteconfession during Lent. The gral part of the plan.

The three traditional CathCatholic church teaches that it is through the absolution olic forms of observance of of the priest, who represents Lent are based on the Gospel Jesus, that our sins are cer- of Ash Wednesday, Matthew tainly forgiven. It is through 5, 16-18. They are: almscelebration of this sacrament giving or help for the poor that, once reconciled, we more and for other church projects;

daily prayer such as the Mass and the Stations of the Cross; and fasting – cutting back on our eating and drinking and making other small sacrifices in the name of Jesus. Surely each of us should try to do something positive during the Lenten season. Read that passage (Matthew 6, 16-18) again and again. Pray over it and put it into practice.

Those of us already in the church have the privilege and responsibility to pray during Lent for those coming into the Catholic church at the Easter Vigil, and other who are making their Easter sacraments.

And we will be responsible Catholics as we support those newly baptized or renewed in their faith as we continue our

“Improvem e n t Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Plan” even after Easter. We join them in prayer and solidarity as they prepare to receive very special graces in their lives.

Just as spring brings new life out of the dead earth of winter, may God bring new life to you, dear friends, this Lent as you seek to rise above weakness and imperfection. Have a good Lent! Make the most of the Church’s 40-Day Improvement Plan!

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,

La celebración anual de la Cuaresma nos proporciona a todos una oportunidad para el arrepentimiento y la renovación espiritual. Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar dignamente la resurrección de Jesús el Domingo de Pascua, tenemos la maravillosa oportunidad para participar en lo que me gusta llamar “El plan de mejora de 40 días de la Iglesia.” ¿Qué quieren decir las cenizas colocadas en nuestra frente el Miércoles de Ceniza? Pues quieren decir que nos comprometemos a ser mejores personas durante 40 días, mientras nos preparamos para la Pascua.

Lo que hacemos durante estos 40 días es el “entrenamiento” que nos hace quedarnos en el “plan de mejora.” Las cenizas nos recuerdan que somos pecadores y que hemos fallado a

aRzoBISPo MIchael J. SheehaN ciliados, nos pareceremos más a Jesús y dejaremos que otros vean la bondad y el amor de Jesús en nosotros así como en otros.

El Miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo son días de ayuno y abstinencia. Todos los viernes de Cuaresma son días de abstinencia de carne. El ayuno obliga para todos los adultos hasta los 60 años. La abstinencia de carne, para toda persona de 14 años de edad o mayor. Recuerde, nuestro “Plan de Mejora” requiere un poco de sacrificio – el ayuno y la abstinencia son una parte integral de este plan.

Las tres prácticas católicas tradicionales de la Cuaresma se basan en el Evangelio del Miércoles de Ceniza, Mateo 5, 1618 y son: dar limosna o ayuda a los pobres y a otros proyectos

de la Iglesia; la oración diaria, como la misa y el viacrucis y cumplir con el ayuno - limitar nuestra comida y bebida y hacer otros pequeños sacrificios en el nombre de Jesús. Con seguridad, cada uno de nosotros debemos tratar de hacer algo positivo durante el tiempo de Cuaresma. Lea el pasaje de Mateo 6, 16-18 una y otra vez.

Ore con ese pasaje y póngalo en práctica.

Quienes somos parte de la Iglesia tenemos el privilegio y la responsabilidad de orar durante la Cuaresma por quienes se unirán a la Iglesia Católica durante la Vigilia Pascual y por otros quienes recibirán sus Sacramentos Pascuales. Seremos católicos responsables conforme apoyemos a los recién bautizados o renovados en su fe y conforme continuemos

nuestro “Plan de Mejora”, incluso después de la Pascua. Nos unimos a ellos en oración y solidaridad mientras se preparan para recibir estas gracias especiales en su vida.

Que así como la primavera genera nueva vida de la tierra muerta del invierno, que Dios traiga a ustedes, queridos amigos, una nueva vida durante esta Cuaresma mientras buscan elevarse por encima de la debilidad de la imperfección. ¡Que tengan una buena Cuaresma! ¡Aprovechen al máximo el Plan de Mejora de 40 días de la Iglesia!

Sinceramente suyo en el Señor Resucitado,

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe

El Plan de Mejora de 40 Días de la Iglesia Dios y a otros en muchas ocasiones. Con la gracia de Jesucristo, tenemos la oportunidad de comenzar de nuevo, tratar de librarnos de nuestro pecado y recibir el perdón de Dios.

Si no tratásemos de mejorar, las cenizas en nuestras frentes serían simplemente un símbolo vacío. Si no hacemos esfuerzos para mejorar, no estaremos preparados para participar plenamente en el Santo Triduo - el momento más sagrado del año litúrgico.

Ciertamente, debemos tratar de recibir el sacramento de la Confesión durante la Cuaresma. La Iglesia Católica enseña que es a través de la absolución del sacerdote, quien representa a Jesús, que nuestros pecados son sin duda perdonados. Es a través de la celebración de este sacramento que, una vez recon-

Save The Date: African American Catholic Community 23rd Anniversary Mass and Scholarship Awards on April 26th Join the AACC for their 23rd Anniversary Mass and presentation of the AACC Fr. Rollins Lambert Scholar-

ships for the 2015-16 school year! Mass is April 26 at 12 noon at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church,

5901 St. Joseph’s Dr. NW, Albuquerque. Contact Brenda Dabney, 505.836.3627, for more info.

Reverendísimo Michael J. Sheehan Arzobispo de Santa Fe

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Archbishop’s Schedule

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Mass, Deacon In-Service, St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, Alb. Welcome, Deacon In-Service, St. Pius X High School, Stage II Lunch, Deacon In-Service, St. Pius X High School Office Appointments Presbyteral Council, IHM Retreat Center Deans, IHM Retreat Center Brother Mathias Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Albuquerque Convention Center ======== Office Appointments ======== Office Appointments 11:00 a.m. Annual St. Vincent de Paul Mass & Lunch, Cristo Rey, Santa Fe 2:00 p.m.

Mass, Legion of Mary Acies, St. Jude Thaddeus, Albuquerque ======== Office Appointments 8:00 a.m.

Archdiocesan Finance Council, Catholic Center 10:00 a.m. Tape Easter TV Masses ======== Office Appointments 6:00 p.m.

Catholic Charities Blessing of the Board, Albuquerque 10:30 a.m. Day of Sanctification for Priests, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe 5:30 p.m.

Chrism Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe ======== Office Appointments 7:00 a.m.

Mass, Closing of 500th Anniversary of St. Therese of Avila’s Birth, Carmelite Convent, Santa Fe 11:00 a.m. Ecumenical Palm Blessing, Santa Fe Plaza 12:00 Noon Palm Sunday Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe ======== Office Appointments 6:30 p.m.

Penance Services, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe ======== Office Appointments ======== 6:30 p.m.

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March 2015

N O T I C E All inquiries regarding the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Sr. Blandina Segale, SC (aka Maria Rosa Segale) should be sent to the Postulator of the Cause, Most Rev. Ricardo Ramirez, Bishop Emeritus of Las Cruces c/o the Petitioner of the Cause, Mr. Allen Sánchez, 1516 5th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 505.319.3334 or allensanchez@catholichealth. net. For more information, go to www.sisterblandinasegale.com.

Sister Blandina Segale photo courtesy of Palace of the Governors Photo Archives (NMHM/DCA) Negative #67735

April 3, 2015

Office Appointments Mass of the Last Supper, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Opening Prayer for Pilgrimage, Holy Cross, Santa Cruz Walk from Holy Family Church to Santuario Stations of the Cross, State Penitentiary, Santa Fe Easter Vigil Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Easter Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Region XIII Bishops Retreat, San Diego, CA Office Appointments Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima, Albuquerque Confirmation, St. Edwin’s, Albuquerque Marian Shrine Pilgrimage Reunion, Albuquerque

CNS graphic/Nancy Wiechec

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Parishes around the world this week will be taking up the traditional annual Good Friday Collection for the Church in the Holy Land.The proceeds from the Good Friday Collection go to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. The Franciscans have been caring for the holy sites there since 1209. They also assist the poor, run schools, provide scholarships, and conduct pastoral ministries to keep Christianity alive in the land where it originated.

Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Publisher: Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org

Editorial Assistant/Photography: Leslie M. Radigan-Yodice lradigan@archdiosf.org Production: Christine Carter

Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication.

All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month.

Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement.

4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW

Albuquerque NM, 87120 (505) 831-8100 Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official

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March 2015

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Three Things I Look Forward to in My Priesthood

By DeacoN MIchael GaRcIa

Each Christian begins their life in God at baptism, but the experience of faith is different for each one. At 46 years old and on the threshold of ordination to the priesthood, I marvel at the experience of the last 4 ½ years. Seminary formation has given me a knowledge and wisdom of incomparable value, but most importantly it has drawn me closer to Jesus Christ. Rooted in my love for Christ, I look forward to the following three things as a priest.

First, the merciful Lord Jesus Christ has been with me every step of the way, even when I have been blinded to his presence by my own human weakness and failures. Jesus Christ truly is Mercy, and this is the message I want to share with others. I look forward to being an authentic witness for Christ, helping others to know and experience Him. With the help of God, I pray that I will faithfully and zealously exercise my ministry as a preacher, teacher, and leader of the people of God as we journey toward heaven.

Second, there is nothing more substantial on this earth or in this life than celebrating or participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Church calls the Eucharist “the source and summit” of the Christian life. Everything we do as Christians (charitable works, prayer, activities, etc.) flows from the Eucharist because Christ truly becomes present in His Body and Blood.

The Eucharist nourishes us, strengthens us, and gives us the grace to remain united with him, with the angels and saints, and with one another, forming the one body of Christ, the Church. I look forward to celebrating the

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and all the other sacraments which give us grace. I pray that I will be faithful to what the Church intends, celebrating the sacraments with reverence, attention, and devotion.

Finally, in my role as a priest and pastor I look forward to fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Church needs men and women to answer God’s call to a life of love, joy, and service. It is a challenging life, but the mission and spiritual benefits are beyond compare. Our world needs men and women of courage who are grounded in the truth of Christ. I want to help these men and women discern God’s plan for them.

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March 2015

A RCHBISHOP M ICHAEL J. S HEEHAN D EDICATES

L A S AGRADA BELOVED 180 Y EAR OLD C HURCH R ISES ONCE A GAIN FROM NEW M EXICO ’ S DESERT

On February 16, 2015, Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan dedicated the newly re-built La Sagrada de Familia Mission Church in Lemitar, NM. Rev. Andrew J. Pavlak, Pastor of San Miguel & Missions and other priests of the Archdiocese concelebrated. Rev. Adam Ortega y Ortiz, Rector of the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica in Santa Fe was as the Master of Ceremonies. The combined choirs of the San Miguel & Missions Community served as Ministers of Music under the direction of Ms. Rheda Brown and Mr. Fabian Yanez, Archdiocesan Director of Worship. The historic “new” church joyfully burst at the seams with invited guests and members of the community.

The desire of the community in rebuilding the new La Sagrada Familia Church included the best of the, “Re-use, Reduce, Recycle,” mentality that has been part of the very tapestry of the faith and culture of this community for nearly 400 years. From the former church building, the windows

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were retrieved. The old pews were saved and were refurbished by the Mayordomos and other community members for installation in the new church. The old bell and the old outside doors were reused as well.

The vigas, original to the building and harvested from the Water Canyon area nearly 200 years ago were saved and installed into this building. The main structural material to construct this building was not adobe but rather Apex/ Rastra Block (large blocks made of Styrofoam and concrete). These blocks were stacked much like huge Lego blocks and filled with concrete. This new style of construction allows the block to be carved to appear like adobe while having all the benefits of a 50+ energy rating. Also, as this is a new construction, restrooms have been included which is a real change as the former church never even had any running water within the building. The entire heating, cooling and ventilation system is, of course, new and thus allowing efficient heating and cooling. Please keep this community in your prayers as they continue to celebrate their faith in their new beloved home.

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SAN MIGUEL SOCORRO CONTINUES 400 YEARS OF FAITH, CULTURE AND HISTORY B� R��. A����� J. P�����, ������, S�� M����� ��� ��� M�������, S������ The celebration of San Miguel’s 400 years of faith continues. The month of March is upon us and the great, holy and happy season of Lent has begun with a great sense of hope for the future here in Socorro County. Hopefully, you can join us for one of these events.

March, even though thoroughly entrenched in the fasting, prayer and almsgiving of Lent is a time of great celebrations for San Miguel and her Missions. Two great fiesta celebrations are on the schedule and we hope you can join us for them.

On Saturday March 7, the San Miguel community hosted the fiesta celebration for the St. Patrick’s Newman Center at Tech. A special Mass in honor of the patron, St. Patrick and the students at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology University was celebrated. That fiesta Mass was held at the San Miguel Church and was followed by a corned beef and cabbage dinner hosted by the students and campus ministers of the Newman Community.

Photos by Celine

March 2015

On Saturday March 21, 2015 the San Miguel & Missions Community will host another fiesta for the Mission of San Jose in Luis Lopez. That Mass will be at 5 pm in the Mission Church at Luis Lopez (about seven miles south of Socorro) and will feature a procession at the beginning of the Mass, special music and some light refreshments following the Mass. Please come as we honor the people of the San Jose Mission and their patron, the loving husband of our Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 4 pm in the San Miguel Church we will host another very special event. A concert entitled, “Music from Across the Ages,” will be presented by the Celebration Ensemble of Albuquerque. This instrumental concert will be something that will move the spirit and stir the soul as we contin-

ue our preparation for Easter in this holy season of Lent. No tickets are required but a collection will be taken up to offset the expenses of the ensemble travelling to Socorro.

On Wednesday evening March 25, 2015 at San Miguel, the Youth and Young Adults of San Miguel will be presenting, “A Living Stations of the Cross.” The newly reconstituted youth group will be joined by students from Tech and youngsters of the community to share a moving, poignant and prayerful live rendition of the Via Delarosa, that final earthly journey of Jesus before His death and resurrection.

Finally, the month of March ends with the great celebration of Passion/Palm Sunday. Each Mass in the San Miguel community will begin with the procession reliving the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the immediate change of mood with the proclamation of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus and the beginning of the Holy Week.

Certainly, all who join us for these events will find a deeper understanding of the sacrifice our God. This will be a great lead-in to our Triduum, or, “The Three Holy Days,” of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil. All Masses/services will be celebrated in the San Miguel Church (unless otherwise noted): Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with the washing of feet April 2 at 7 pm; Good Friday service with the proclamation of St. John’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross on April 3 at 3 pm followed by the silent procession to the plaza following Our Lady of Sorrows and the empty cross of Christ; Holy Saturday Easter Vigil will begin at 8:30 pm on April 4 and include the baptism of three catechumens, First Eucharist and confirmation for other adults. The Easter celebrations continue on Sunday April 5 with Masses at 8 am in Spanish, 10 am in the Capilla de Todos Angeles (former church hall) and 12:30 pm in Magdalena. All are welcome.

For more information call 575.835.2891

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March 2015

A Change of Habits…But the Work Remains Unchanged!

By Br. Gerard Sullivan, OH, Community Superior, Homeless Ministry

On January 19, 2015 the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd fused with the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. This fusion of the two religious orders saw the disappearance of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd as a formal entity. The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd have now become Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd are known locally for the work that is done through Good Shepherd Center in Albuquerque. Elsewhere,

the brothers minister in Toronto, Hamilton, Illinois, Florida, New Mexico, Haiti, England and Ireland.

The Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God is one of the oldest religious orders in the Catholic church. They were founded with the mission to provide assistance for the sick and needy. It had its origin in Granada, Spain in the second half of the 16th century to continue the charitable work of St. John of God, who was born at Montemor-o-Novo (Portugal) and died in Granada on March 8, 1550. The brothers operate hospitals and other related health care and social services in 52 countries around the

world.

The founder of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, Matthias Barrett, was originally a Hospitaller Brother of St. John of God before founding the Congregation in 1950.

“In so many ways, this reality was little more than the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd exchanging their white habits for the black habits of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God,” said Br. Justin Howson, OH, Brother General of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd. He added, “the mission, the values, the work of these two religious orders are virtually identical and will not result in any changes in the day to day

work with the poor and needy.

“As part of the combining of the two orders, the new Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, the Province of the Good Shepherd in North America was created,” stated Br. Jesús Etayo, Prior General of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. “This new province will combine the existing North American ministries of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd with our existing ministries in Montreal and New Jersey. Br. Justin has been appointed the Provincial Superior with the Provincial Office located in Hamilton, Ontario.”

Br. Gerard Sullivan, Director

of Ministry offered, “this is an opportunity for us to draw upon the strengths that a much larger religious order can offer to us including learning different approaches to supporting the sick and needy from around the globe.” He added, “The programs and supports delivered to those in need in our community through Good Shepherd Center in Albuquerque will continue unchanged.”

The ceremony to celebrate the fusion of these two orders took place on Monday, January 19, 2015 in Albuquerque.

For more information on the Good Shepherd Center, contact Br. Gerald Sullivan at 505.243.2527x102

March 2015

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thusiastic, stouthearted, and completely surrendered to God. Many words are used to describe St. Teresa, but no list is complete if the word magnanimous is missing. The word literally means “great soul.”

Magnanimity is a moral virtue within the greater virtue of fortitude, and it is active in the virtue of hope. It is the aspiration of the spirit to great things, and is necessary for Christian perfection. It helps us choose to direct our efforts to great works and the greater possibilities of human dignity bestowed on us by God. Hard work is implied in the attributes of

By SR. MaRIe aNthoNy aNDeRSoN, ocD

This year marks the 500th Anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus: Foundress of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, and Doctor of the Church - the first woman to be declared so! The Carmelite Order began a special year of preparation last October to celebrate this landmark. Since her birthday is during Lent - March 28th - the Order has transferred our major celebration to October 15th, her Feast Day in the universal Church. It seems fitting that we share an aspect of her spirituality - of her very self actually - to spur us on to meet the directive of irthday nniVerSary aSS Jesus: “Be perfect therefore, arCh as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) Main Celebrant Hens and Eagles Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan When we draw near to Our Holy Mother St. Teresa, we 7:00 a.m. Saturday Lenten Mass intuit the presence of a great soul: gracious, generous, enmagnanimity: pursuit of excellence, nobility of spirit, heroic actions, and honor. There is no space in a great soul for half-heartedness and lukewarm desire.

St. Teresa - who loved God without measure knew that only generous love can conquer the heart of God, and thus she tells her daughters to set no limit to their generosity. This love, as we can expect, is a magnanimous love. A costly love. The cost ? Complete surrender and self-donation. Her eager heart wants all souls to be “good friends with God,” that is, to share intimate, divine friendship with the Beloved. “For the love of God, Christians and daughters mine, let us awake from this sleep and think how God does not even wait for the next life in order to repay us for our love.”

St. Teresa demonstrates that a lukewarm life can change to a magnanimous life by the conforming of our will to God’s will. This is true growth in perfection, and it rests upon a foundation of three particular virtues: fraternal charity, detachment, and humility.

The virtue of charity presents vast opportunities for generosity and self-sacrifice. It imitates Jesus who came “not to be served but to serve.” (Mk. ANOTHER CELEBRATION: 10:45) The virtue is at work quietly and subtly in a CONSECRATED LIFE hundred everyday affairs that gently request a choice In as much as we enjoy the privilege of Papal Enclobe made: my needs or your needs? sure, we are governed by Church law that does not The first commandment that Jesus gives us is to allow visitors inside the monastery. However, in celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, as declared love God above all things with all that we are. The

by Our Holy Father Pope Francis, we are offering a virtue of detachment is at work when we more and “behind the walls” glimpse of Carmelite monastic life more cling to the Creator and not to created things as we live it in Santa Fe. The six minute slide presentaand other creatures. The quality of relationship that tion may be accessed at our website, www.carmelofwe can have with other people pales in comparison santafe.org, through February 2, 2016 when the Year to the grandeur of loving God and being loved by of Consecrated Life ends.

Him. He returns love for love and cannot be outdone

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in generosity. There are absolutely no material goods or loves worth the loss of God’s friendship through our greed and grasping. Our task is to be ready for His visitation.

The attributes of magnanimity are loaded with potential for far-flung pride. Humility informs us candidly that some objectives are just too far beyond our resources and talents. God chooses to distribute gifts and favors according to His Goodness, and to fulfill His design for each one of us. As St. Teresa says, “humility is truth,” and the humble truth is that the distance between the creature and the Creator is inexpressible. In the midst of our accomplishments we need to say with St. Paul, “I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) In describing the spiritual growth of some of her daughters, La Madre records in her characteristic fashion: “...thanks to the favors given them by God they are soaring like eagles, (while) others move like hens with their feet tied.” May we be granted the grace to soar along with her and experience the deep joy that comes from knowing “God Alone Suffices.”

Our scheduled public celebrations for the Fifth Centenary of the Birth of St. Teresa are: March 27, 2015 - Preparatory Presentation Rev. Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies, “The World of St. Teresa” following the 7:00 a.m.

Friday Lenten Mass March 28, 2015 - Birthday Anniversary Mass Main Celebrant Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan 7:00 a.m. Saturday Lenten Mass October Triduum Monday October 12th thru Wednesday October 14th Evening celebration with song, scripture and a presentation from 7:00 p.m. to 8:oo p.m.

October 15th: Solemn Closing of the Anniversary Year Concelebrated Mass at 9:00 a.m.

Main Celebrant Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

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Date

Time

Sat April 11 5:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sat April 11 5:30 p.m.

Sun April 12 11:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Very Rev. John Cannon Sun April 12 12:30 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Tue April 14 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Tue April 14 7:00 p.m.

Tue April 14 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Wed April 15 6:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Fri April 17 6:00 p.m.

Fri April 17 6:30 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sat April 18 10:00 a.m.

Sat April 18 10:00 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Very Rev. John Cannon Sat April 18 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sat April 18 7:00 p.m.

Sun April 19 10:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Mon April 20 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Tue April 21 6:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Tue April 21 6:00 p.m.

Tue April 21 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Tue April 21 7:00 p.m.

Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Wed April 22 6:00 p.m.

Wed April 22 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Fri April 24 6:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Fri April 24 6:30 p.m.

Sat April 25 10:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Very Rev. John Cannon Sat April 25 10:30 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sat April 25 5:00 p.m.

Sat April 25 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Very Rev. John Cannon Sun April 26 11:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Mon April 27 7:00 p.m.

Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Tue April 28 6:30 p.m.

Tue April 28 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Tue April 28 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Wed April 29 6:00 p.m.

Wed April 29 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Very Rev. John Cannon Wed April 29 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Fri May 1 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Fri May 1 7:00 p.m.

Sat May 2 10:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sat May 2 6:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sat May 2 6:00 p.m.

Sun May 3 11:30 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sun May 3 2:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Mon May 4 6:30 p.m.

Tue May 5 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Tue May 5 7:00 p.m.

Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Wed May 6 7:00 p.m.

Fri May 8 6:30 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Fri May 8 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sat May 9 11:00 a.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sat May 9 1:00 p.m.

Sat May 9 6:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sun May 10 9:00 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sun May 10 5:30 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Mon May 11 6:00 p.m.

Tue May 12 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Tue May 12 7:00 p.m.

Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Tue May 12 7:00 p.m.

Tue May 12 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Wed May 13 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Fri May 15 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Fri May 15 7:00 p.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sat May 16 10:30 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sat May 16 5:00 p.m.

Sat May 16 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sun May 17 9:30 a.m.

Very Rev. John Cannon Sun May 17 10:00 a.m.

Mon May 18 6:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Very Rev. John Cannon Mon May 18 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Tue May 19 7:00 p.m.

Tue May 19 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya Msgr. Lambert Joseph Luna Tue May 19 7:00 p.m.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Sun May 24 12:00 Noon

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Parish Church of the Ascension Our Lady of Fatima St. Edwin Risen Savior Catholic Community San Clemente Saint John XXIII Catholic Community Shrine of St. Bernadette St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Our Lady of Guadalupe… …joined by Sacred Heart Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe… …joined by Española San Fransico de Asisi St. Helen St. Anne Holy Trinity… …joined by Taos St. Anthony, Questa at Sacred Heart Mission San Diego Mission Sangre de Cristo St. Alice Our Lady of Belen Our Lady of Sorrows San Antonio de Padua… …joined by Dixon St. Jude Thaddeus Our Lady of Guadalupe Immaculate Conception St. Anthony of Padua St. Joseph… …joined by Cimarron, Raton San Miguel del Vado St. John the Baptist St. Gertrude the Great Our Lady of Guadalupe San Ysidro St. Thomas Aquinas Our Lady of the Annunciation Our Lady of Sorrows San Jose St. Jude Thaddeus San Juan Bautista San Martin de Porres Our Lady of Guadalupe… …joined by Cochiti Pueblo St. Anne St. Patrick… …joined by Los Ojos, Tierra Amarilla Immaculate Heart of Mary San Isidro - San Jose St. Augustine Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Francis Xavier San Jose Holy Ghost Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Holy Cross St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish Holy Family St. Joseph Santa Maria de La Paz Queen of Heaven St. Charles Borromeo Prince of Peace St. John Vianney Church of the Incarnation Our Lady of the Assumption Estancia Valley Catholic Parish Sacred Heart… …joined by San Felipe de Neri St. Rose of Lima St. Anthony of Padua… … joined by Vaughn Immaculate Conception San Felipe San Jose Holy Family Immaculate Conception St. Anne… …joined by Shrine of the Little Flower Our Lady of Guadalupe San Miguel Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi… …joined by Cristo Rey

March 2015

b y

D

at e

Location Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Los Lunas Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Clovis

Deanery C B C B SW B B A SE

Pojoaque

NW

Ranchos de Taos Portales Tucumcari Arroyo Seco

NW SE SE NW

Costilla Jemez Pueblo Albuquerque Mountainair Belen Bernalillo Peñasco

NW A B SW SW A NW

Albuquerque Santa Fe Las Vegas Pecos Springer

A SF NE SF NE

Ribera Santa Fe Mora Peralta Corrales Rio Rancho Albuquerque La Joya Albuquerque Albuquerque Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Albuquerque Peña Blanca

NE SF NE SW A A B SW C A NW C SF

Santa Fe Chama

SF NW

Los Alamos Santa Fe Isleta Pueblo Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Santa Cruz Albuquerque Chimayo Cerrillos Santa Fe Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque Rio Rancho Rio Rancho Albuquerque Moriarty Albuquerque

NW SF C A C C B C NW B NW SF SF B B B A A B B C

Santa Rosa Fort Sumner

SE SE

Tome San Felipe Pueblo Anton Chico Albuquerque Albuquerque Albuquerque

SW SF SE C C C

Albuquerque Socorro Santa Fe

A SW SF

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION From the Necessary to the Impossible St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School By leoN GINGeRIch, MuSIc teacheR, ouR laDy oF the aSSuMPtIoN catholIc School

St. Francis of Assisi once said: Start by doing what’s necessary: then do what’s possible: and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

We live in a world of changing, sophisticated technology. Educators are continually challenged to find necessary tools that will keep students engaged and focused on learning. One day last summer, I began a search on my computer. I was looking for something that might inspire my middle school students to take ownership in the annual spring music production.

I’m not a very “techy” person, but I did manage to find a website that showcased a musical about St. Francis of Assisi.

Why St. Francis? I love St. Francis of Assisi. Although he lived hundreds of years ago, fundamental comparisons can be drawn between societal and humanitarian issues that existed during his life and with those that modern society faces today. At Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, we try to live out our mission statement: Take responsibility for learning and Christ-Like Behavior.

What better saint to focus on than St. Francis of Assisi?

The musical I encountered, however, was geared for high school students. I noticed an opportunity to respond to the website, so I decided to inquire if there might be a middle school version of this musical available. What happened next was far beyond my expectation.

I received a reply from the creator of the website, Mr. Robert Gardner -musician, composer, and chair of the Fine Arts Department at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Rochester, MN. Although this musical was not suited for the middle school level, he had an out of the box idea. What if two or three of his High School Theatre Mentorship Students would collaborate with my middle school students and help them write their own production of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi?

This was not the reply I had expected, but it was certainly an interesting idea! This kind of collaborative project would require the use of technology in order to work and communicate

across the miles. It would be navigating new waters in the field of education, and would engage students in a new way. It fit well with our archdiocesan school music standards – particularly #9; Students explore music in relation to Catholic tradition, history, culture, and technology.

Both Mr. Gardner and I checked with our principals, and both principals (Principal Joseph O’Toole in Rochester, and Principal Robert Kaiser in Albuquerque) were supportive of the project. Other staff personnel also gave us a positive response. The technology persons at our respective schools helped us get set up for video conferencing, and by mid-October, the collaborative learning adventure between Minnesota high school students and Albuquerque middle school students had begun – even without the assurance of any funding.

Over the past months, the middle school students at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School have been expanding their knowledge regarding St. Francis of Assisi, about the time in which he lived, and about the peacemaker he became. By working together and learning special songs and scripts, they were developing skills and experiencing new ways to share faith, and encourage peacemaking in today’s world.

There were times when I wondered if the project would stay alive – but those times often seemed to be followed by some sign of progress or affirmation. For example, one Monday, I found out the grant I had applied for was denied. The next morning, however, our collaborative project was featured in Rochester’s newspaper, The Post Bulletin. It was as if a seed had been planted by God. Some of us were being called to help work the soil. God would send the sun and the rain. Mysteriously the creative outcome would be revealed in its own time.

As St. Francis of Assisi said: Start by doing what’s necessary: then do what’s possible: and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

My prayer is that we will all find the path of peace, and with God’s help, do the impossible.

The production, Discovering the Life of Saint Francis of Assisi was performed in early March. For more information, please visit Our Lady of the Assumption website at olacs.org

Religion Bowl Goes 40 Rounds Takes Two Afternoons!

Sr. Anne Louise Abascal, MPF, Amanda Stone, Zachary Neel, Gabriel Neel, and Religion teacher Tony Wilimitis.

By RoSaNNe SloaN, School ReGIStRaR In an epic contest of Religion knowledge, 30 STAS students competed this month for one of three coveted positions on the STAS Faith Bowl Team. The winner of the 2015 St. Thomas Aquinas Religion Bowl is Zachary Neel (6th grade.) His brother, Gabriel Neel (7th grade,) took second place, and Amanda Stone (8th grade,) finished third. Rounding

out the top 10 were Michael Marcelli, Lucas Ortiz, Stephanie Rule, Luke Boswell, Georgia Limbaugh, Christina Casaus, and Jonathan Ortiz.

While the top three will compete as a team at the Faith Bowl at St. Pius X High School in the spring, all of the top 10 finishers are invited to meet weekly to study and help prepare the team.

Congratulations, STAS Faith Bowl Team!

St. Pius X Fine Arts

By DeNISe PoaGe, SPx FINe aRtS BooSteR

The St. Pius X Fine Arts Department is swinging in to spring with several competitions and a musical production on campus. Each of the performing groups will compete locally and nationally. The drama rehearsals are underway as well.

February 20 the jazz band competed at the Albuquerque Jazz Festival. This was a district wide competition held at Eldorado High School. Three days later was the Music Performance Assessment Festival for the St. Pius Orchestra at Cibola High School. The New Mexico Music Educator’s Association (NMMEA) sponsored this contest. The choir also participated in the NMMEA choir competition on February 24. Both the women’s and mixed choristers par-

ticipated.

March 12 was the final concert for the Performing Arts students of the year.

The band, jazz band, orchestra and both women’s and mixed choirs were a part of this fun evening.

And---save the date---April 17, 18, 23, 24 and 26 Godspell will be presented by the drama department. This is a show written by John Michael Tabeleh with new music and lyrics by Stephen Schultz. It is a wonderful, bright musical story of the gospel of St. Matthew.

Performances are at 7 pm except for April 26, which has a 2pm showing.

Tickets will be available at the door in St. Cecilia Hall, Stage 1 on the St. Pius X campus. They are $7.00 for adults.

Students, thespians and Seniors are $5.00 and SPX students with ID get in for free.

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April 10 Friday, 4:00 pm Check-in; 5:00 pm Vespers; 5:30 pm Dinner; 7:00 pm Adoration and Confession April 11 Saturday 5:30 am Rising Bell; 6:00 am Office of Vigil; 7:00 am Lauds; 7:30 am, Mass; 8:15 am Breakfast; 9:00 am Morning Session; 12:00 pm Lunch; 1:00 pm free time of whatever the retreatant wants to do; 5:30 pm Vespers; 6:00 pm Dinner; 7:15 Vigil and Sacrament of Anointing April 12 Sunday 7:30 am Lauds; 8:15 am Breakfast; 9:30 am Mass; 10:00 am Morning Session; 12:00 pm Lunch; 1:00 pm Check-out The cost for the Divine Mercy Men’s Retreat is $170.00.

The fee covers the entire retreat weekend including all sessions, 6 meals, 2 nights of lodging, music, and honorarium.

You may register calling the Benedictine Monastery at 505-757-6415, ext 0.

If you have any questions you may call Bill O’Donnell at 505-438-1809 or Wheeler Green 505-897-4525 or 505363-5821.

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13

Marina Ochoa, Director (Curator/Archivist) of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Retires lished and Marina as well as Rev. Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, Rev. Msgr. Leo Lucero and many others assisted in creating the commission which is still in existence under the leadership of Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan and administered through the Patrimony and Archives office.

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been recognized with various accolades on the national and state levels for conversation and preservation under the leadership of Marina and the Patrimony and Archives office. The Geronima Cruz Award was given to the archdiocese for the work performed in the archives and Marina Ochoa, huband Robert, daughter Maria Elena, sister Orlinda Rivera, daughter also the National Trust in 1992.

Leonila (Nena).

Marina has served on numerous governing boards locally and na- ety of American and Southwest Archivists, U.S. Catholic Encyclopedia. tionally including the Association New Mexico Genealogical Association as On behalf of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe of Catholic Diocesan Archivist well as other national and local genealogical Office of Historic-Artistic Patrimony and (ACDA). She has promoted the associations. Publications she has written Archives, it is with profound congratulaArchdiocese of Santa Fe in histor- regarding the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and tions that we commemorate the dedication ical lectures and workshops for the the history of the Catholic Church in New and valuable efforts Marina has provided ACDA Biennial Meetings, U.S. Mexico have been featured in local and na- to the archdiocese for 33 years of service as Catholic Historical Society, Soci- tional publications as well as updates to the she embarks on retirement.

Leslie Radigan-Yodice/ASF

After serving 33 years with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Marina Ochoa, Director (Curator/Archivist) of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Historic-Artistic Patrimony and Archives is retiring. Marina assisted in the establishment of the current archives office and Archdiocesan Museum located in Santa Fe. Throughout her time with the archdiocese, Marina has been a strong advocate for the preservation and promotion of the history of the Catholic Church.

Conservation projects such as the Chimayo Project have been dear to her heart as her love of the Catholic faith and preservation of the historical treasures of the churches and its patrimony were properly preserved for future generations.

Preservation of the historic churches of the archdiocese became a prime focus under the leadership of former Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez. The Archbishop’s Commission for the Preservation of Historic New Mexico Churches was estab-

ARCHDIOCESAN PRE-CANA CLASSES ENGAGED ENCOUNTER

What

Retreat for Engaged, Lodging and Meals included June 5-7, 2015 Albuquerque By phone at 505.352.1177 or Online at www.abq-sfee.com

When Where To Register

WEEKEND

What

When Where To Register

EVENINGS What

FOR

ENGAGED

Preparation for Marriage for Engaged Couples May 1-3, 2015 Our Lady of Belen Call Deacon Michael Montoya at 505.864.8289

AT

FOR THE ENGAGED ST. JUDE

Preparation for Marriage for Engaged Couples When March 3, 5, 10, 12, 14, 2015 Where St. Jude Parish For Information Call 505.898.0826

WEEKEND

What

When Where To Register

FOR

THE

ENGAGED

Preparation for Marriage for Engaged Couples May 1-3, 2015 Catholic Center Call Family Life Office at 505.831.8117

WEEKEND IN PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

(for Spanish speakers) The Archdiocesan Offices of Family Life and Hispanic Ministry invite all Spanish speaking couples who are preparing to get married by the church, to

attend a retreat in preparation for the sacrament of marriage “Nos Vamos a Casar” presented in Spanish. Next retreat will take place April 10, 11 and 12, 2015 at Holy Rosary Parish Hall in Albuquerque (5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105).

For more information or to register please call the Office of Hispanic Ministry at 505.831.8152.

FIN DE SEMANA EN PREPARACIÓN AL SACRAMENTO DEL MATRIMONIO

Las Oficinas de la Vida Familiar y del Ministerio Hispano de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe invitan a parejas que pronto se van a casar por la iglesia a asistir a un retiro de preparación al sacramento del matrimonio ofrecido en español “Nos Vamos a Casar.” El retiro se llevará a cabo los días 10, 11 y 12 de abril, 2015 en el salón parroquial de la parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario en Albuquerque (5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105).

Para más información o para inscripciones, llamar a la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano al 505.831.8152.

ENRICHMENT AND SUPPORT FOR MARRIED COUPLES R E T R O U VA I L L E , A

What

LIFELINE FOR TROUBLED MARRIAGES

When Where For information

A weekend experience for healing & seven follow-up sessions over a three month period, led by former Retrouvaille participants.

Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, September 11-13, 2015 Madonna Retreat and Conference Center in Albuquerque Call 1.800.470.2230 or 505.890.3495, or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

NURTURE YOUR LOVE

Do you want to express your ideas more clearly, become a better listener and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way? Come join the Healthy Relationships 101 course “Nurture Your Love” at the Catholic Center. This five-week interactive program for dating, engaged and married couples will be on Tuesdays, March 24 thru April 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Learn about effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, healthy intimacy, spirituality, and managing finances. The cost for the class series is only $30.00 per couple. To register, call the Family Life office 505.831.8117.

F A M I LY G R I E F A N D ADDICTION RECOVERY MINISTRIES Healing Hearts Parish Support Groups (also known as DOVES), for widowed, separated, and divorced persons What

Peer support for divorced, widowed, and separated, led by trained facilitators When/Where Parishes, Times and Registration #s • 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at Risen Savior in Albuquerque, 7:00 pm. Call 505.821.1715.

• 2nd & 4th Monday at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, 6:30 pm. Call St. Joe on Rio Grande at 505.839.7952 • Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe, Meets on Wednesday for eight week sessions, 6:30 pm. Call 505.473.4200 • 1st & 3rd Thursday at St. Mary’s parish hall in Vaughn, 6 pm. Call 575.584.2954.

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The

FRANCISCANS

OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROVINCE

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San Damiano CRUCIFIX

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NATIVITY PILGRIMAGE

By DeacoN MIchael a.

IlleRBRuN, DIRectoR, RelIGIouS eDucatIoN Saturday, February 14 was a special day for Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish.

Not because it was Valentine’s Day, but because our second year confirmation classes gathered bright and early in the morning to join many adult parishioners intent on traveling to the Santuario de Chimayo.

Led by our pastor, Fr. Juan Mendez, 72 people boarded

busses for our trip northward.

On the one and a half hour trip, our confirmation catechists executed a program of study and review in the form of trivial pursuit, to question the candidates about their faith knowledge and help them retain information of importance to their studies.

Three miles prior to the Santuario, we disembarked and split up into three groups. Everyone was asked to contemplate their relationship with God during this short pilgrim-

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age. Each group began to pray the rosary as we started walking. The rosaries were led by adults and students to help all of us enjoy the mysteries as we prayed.

At the completion of the rosaries, we shifted the emphasis of our walk from service for self to service for others. We handed out trash bags and asked each of the candidates to begin collecting trash as they walked.

Our kids collected over six huge bags of garbage before we arrived at the Santuario.

DE

H o p e f u l l y, their service will help the pilgrims that follow them during the season of Lent.

Once we arrived at the Santuario, we began to prepare for the daily Mass. Two of our candidates lectured for the Mass.

Two of our candidates served

CHIMAYO

as altar servers. Everyone sang.

Fr. Juan presided and I assisted him at the Mass. Fr. Javier Gutierrez, the pastor of Holy Cross parish in Santa Cruz concelebrated with Fr. Juan.

Fr. Juan gave a synopsis of the history of the Santuario for all of the pilgrims attending the Mass. Most of the people did not know the whole story of the mission, and left much more informed.

Following Mass, the candidates spread out to experience the atmosphere surrounding the Santuario. They went to the room filled with old crutches and canes…testimony to the many miracles that have occurred there. They collected some “holy dirt” for their own prayerful purposes and some collected for family members who could not attend with them. The lure of the gift shops also called. Before we left, the candidates toured the museum and the chapel of the Santo Niño de Atocha.

And of course, who could pass up the opportunity to eat at Leona’s restaurant. Leona’s is conveniently located across the plaza from the church and provides a variety of homemade foods, including incredible tamales. Sadly, Leona passed away last November, but her husband, children and grandchildren are carrying on in her memory.

What a wonderful day we had! The weather was beautiful. We had the opportunity to create community among our candidates, they reflected on their relationships with God and we got to serve others too.

If you have never been to the Santuario in Chimayo, I would recommend that you do it this Lenten season. Don’t wait… you won’t regret it!

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A Week of Praying Together at Holy Rosary

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By JeNNIFeR MuRPhy-Dye, MeMBeR, aSF ecuMeNIcal aND INteRFaIth aFFaIRS coMMISSIoN

An ecumenical pub crawl? Yes, that was one of the ideas floated when the theme of the Octave/Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, taken from John 4, was announced: Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

The goal behind the Week of Prayer is to encourage churches to build relationships with one another and pray together, and to that end, celebrations were held at several churches in our community.

In January, representatives from more than seven denominations participated in a prayer service at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church that was planned and sponsored jointly by Rio Grande Presbyterian Church. The opening procession included representatives from the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Disciples of Christ, and United Church of Christ faith communities. The Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches, the Rev. Dr. Donna McNiel, and the Ecumenical Officer of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies, also participated. Representatives carried pitchers of water from their respective churches, and then poured them into a communal font while the choir led everyone in singing “All Are Welcome.”

Rev. Sue Joiner of 1st Congregational UCC Church in Albuquerque gave a reflection on John 4, noting that God meets us and quenches in us a thirst we didn’t even know we had. Recognizing the signifi-

A Week of Prayer at Holy Rosary, Albuquerque. cance of holding this service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Rev. Joiner connected the thirst for living water to the thirst for justice that Dr. King possessed.

Also in January, Our Lady of the Annunciation hosted a prayer service that attracted people from churches across the city and beyond, including congregants from local evangelical churches, as well as from neighboring Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Nationally-known Biblical storyteller ValLimar Jansen captivated and delighted the hundreds of people present with her dramatization of the story of the Woman at the Well.

The next evening, the NMCC’s Turquoise Chalice

Award Dinner was held at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church. The Rev. Dr. Donna McNiel presented the Turquoise Chalice Award to the Rev. Carole McGowan of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande. Rev. McGowan was a longtime NMCC Board member and a passionate ecumenist.

It was a full week of celebrating our shared Christian faith – a sharing that should continue throughout the year as we exemplify the unity that Jesus prayer for in John 17:21: “that they may all be one.” Invite a fellow Christian to break bread with you or share a drink – it could very “well” mark the beginning of fruitful ecumenical relationship!

Happy 100th Birthday, Thomas Merton!

By JeNNIFeR MuRPhy-Dye, eIM coMMuNIty outReach

Did you know that January 31, 2015, was Thomas Merton’s 100th birthday?

Upwards of 130 people filled to overflowing the conference room at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey to honor the memory of this holy and inspiring man on the anniversary of his birth.

The morning presentation began on a humorous note, with Norbertine Oblate Meg Ashcroft thanking everyone for coming in spite of the snowy winter weather, quoting from the first part of Merton’s famous prayer, “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.”

Meg then introduced the Rev. Brian C. Taylor, a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande who served as rector of St. Michael and All Angels Church for 30 years. Brian admitted that he is not a certified “Mertonologist,” but was introduced to Merton through his writings. He shared an opportunity he had to spend the night

in Thomas Merton’s hermitage at Our Lady of Gethsemani Trappist Abbey in Kentucky, a place where Merton prayed, studied, and wrote – prolifically!

Merton authored 70 books during his 20 years in the monastery, including compilations of his poetry. Brian drew upon these writings, interspersing biographical information with quotations from Merton’s autobiography, Seven Storey Mountain, along with verses from Merton’s books of poetry. The breadth of Merton’s writing is awe-inspiring, covering topics from contemplation, Eastern thought, and monastic life, to social issues like war and poverty.

Participants were spellbound as a recording of Merton’s last public talk was played. The prophetic last words of his address in Bangkok, Thailand were “So I shall disappear.” After speaking at the conference on December 10, 1968, he died of accidental electrocution or a heart attack that followed. He was 53 years old.

Brian spoke about five attributes of Merton’s life: authenticity, contem-

plation, social engagement, creativity, and humor. After offering examples of each, listeners were asked to share in conversation “Which of these attributes speaks to you about your own life experience at this time, and how?” The room was abuzz with many conversations which connected with Thomas Merton’s spiritual journey.

Merton could be both serious and humorous simultaneously, Brian pointed out. He played an audio recording of Merton speaking about how

many towels a person really needs (two!) and details about what to do with towels after taking a shower so as not to be wasteful – all as a prelude to a talk about monastic life. He also commented on America’s relationship with football: “Football is one of the really valid and deep American rituals.

It has a religious seriousness which American religion can never achieve.”

Always, Merton’s reflections are food for thought and discussion.

While many books about and by Thomas Merton can be found in The Norbertine Library, Brian recommended that anyone interested in learning more about Merton could begin with The Merton Reader. In reference to the crowded room at the Abbey, Brian quoted Merton: “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.” Another highlight of the morning was the opportunity for a period of contemplative prayer during which the sense of solidarity among those present deepened in the silence.

As noon approached and the snow began to melt, Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem., thanked everyone for joining in the celebration of Thomas Merton’s impact on so many people’s journeys of faith, past, present, and future.

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Compassion Not Competition

By SaNDRa aRPeRo, cchD INteRN

“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another (Zechariah 7:9).”

Compassion comes from the Latin word compati meaning ‘suffer with’. Compassion is not only an emotion. It is to recognize the suffering of others and then be motivated to action. Compassion is what Jesus taught us through his example.

He didn’t suffer for people; he suffered with people.

Our God is a compassionate God; that is why He became

one of us, so He could know our condition in a full manner. When people say words of sympathy to us, we think “have they gone through this?”

“Do they even feel my pain?”

God wanted to be able to feel compassion towards us, to suffer with us and then assist us.

“For He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save (Psalms 72:12-13).”

Jesus tells us to be compassionate as God is compassionate. Doing so means accepting a new identity in Christ and

eliminating all those false Gods that invite us to a competition.

It is in our human nature to acquire an identity and attempt to increase our self-esteem by comparing ourselves to others.

But this competition prevents us from becoming compassionate. The desire to be more than others makes us afraid of becoming powerless as a child, being humble, being the last, to mourn and to be hungry.

Competition doesn’t define who we are; compassion does.

It is following Jesus’ example of compassionate action towards others that shapes us in the way God desires. The differences we make in other people’s lives are what define

CRS Rice Bowl: What You Give Up For Lent Changes Lives!

As Jesus‘ disciples, we have a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in all nations. Our Archdiocese is participating in Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl this Lent as a sign of solidarity with our global family. Visit www.crsricebowl.org for extra educational resources and activities including great recipes that correspond to the focused country of the week, bonus lesson plans, videos that

bring the projects alive, and more! Through Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services gives more than short term assistance to poor countries; it establishes long term, person-focused sustainable programs that provide better opportunities for each individual, and it remains in communities to help those efforts succeed. And don’t forget to turn in your Rice Bowls to your parish or school immediately after Easter!

March 2015

us. Only after we become compassionate is that our desire to be servants becomes a natural response.

Jesus died on a cross for our sins because he was compassionate to us. I invite you to use this Lent as a time for reflection and transformation.

Let us reflect on how we can become more compassionate to transform ourselves and aid those in need.

Please show your compassion to others and help to administer true justice by participating in the CRS Rice Bowl this Lent. You can also learn other ways of helping by visiting www.povertyusa.org and www.usccb.org or by scheduling a presentation for your group by contacting Sandra Arpero, CCHD Intern for the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life at 505.831.8235.

Homelessness Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes

By MaNuel caSIaS, vIce PReSIDeNt oF DeveloPMeNt FoR St. FelIx PaNtRy

The homeless population in New Mexico comes in many shapes and sizes. For example, in New Mexico, people who experience homelessness include entire families.

This is unimaginable for me especially since I personally have never lived without a roof over my head. What is even more difficult for me to believe is the fact that many homeless people are children and older adults. Others include people who are working at low-wage jobs and simply cannot afford to come up with enough money to get into a home or an apartment.

The Albuquerque Homelessness Coalition states there are also many homeless people who have mental illness, those with substance abuse problems, migrant workers, runaway or throwaway teens, victims of domestic violence and Veterans. In other words, people who experience homelessness are a diverse group of people with a variety of factors contributing to their homelessness.

Often you will hear me say most New Mexicans are a paycheck away from being homeless. I am not surprised as those I am telling that to nod their head in agreement.

St. Felix Pantry is not going to solve New Mexico’s homelessness issues. It can however participate in a collaborative effort to have an impact on homelessness in Albuquerque. St. Felix Pantry is proud to join with many

agencies in a program called Albuquerque Heading Home.

At least together, this collaborative will have a greater impact on Albuquerque’s and surrounding communities’ homeless population.

The Albuquerque Heading Home Initiative follows a collective social impact model which relies on the strength of its multi-agency partnership. This collaboration brings about measurable and lasting change through our community’s efforts to end chronic homelessness.

Each agency’s strengths and expertise combine together to create permanent housing solutions for our most vulnerable neighbors. Albuquerque Heading Home is truly a citywide collaboration that includes many public, private, government and non-profit partners like St. Felix Pantry.

St. Felix Pantry is proud to partner in this incredible endeavor to address the issue of homelessness in central New Mexico. Here is how it works. Once a month, St. Felix Pantry drivers will deliver six boxes of food to The Storehouse in Albuquerque.

There, a different organization will pick those items up as well as other items and deliver them to the Heading Home Downtown Albuquerque Annex.

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Journey from Syria to Lebanon CRS Stories of Hope

By Nancy C. Sanchez, CRS Intern

The civil war in Syria has killed more than 100,000 people since the violence began in March 2011. Nearly 3 million Syrians have fled their country since the civil war began. Half of these refugees are children.

It is estimated that 4.5 million Syrians have fled their homes and are displaced within Syria.

An estimated one million Syrian refugees are currently living in Lebanon.

In coordination with church partners, Catholic Relief Services is providing lifesaving assistance to 150,000 Syrian refugees across the Middle East. One story of hope is that of five-year old Tanious Issa and his parents.

Before civil war broke out, Tanious Issa and his parents lived a good life in Syria. But in 2011, the family’s house burned down and they lost everything. Like so many of their neighbors, they made the difficult choice to leave all they had ever known and move to Lebanon.

Tanious loves living in Lebanon. All he remembers about Syria is the sound of constant gunfire. But refugee life is tough. Tanious’ father can’t find a job, and the family struggles to pay for food and rent.

Catholic Relief Services is working hard to help children like Tanious enjoy childhood.

Catholic Relief Services supports schools where children can learn and play—and where there are counselors who help

them work through their trauma. Most important, refugee children find friends with whom to grow and share.

This is a difficult time for the Issa family—and many others like them. That’s why Catholic Relief Services continues to provide food vouchers to help families meet their immediate needs. Tanious and his family are grateful for the food, but are still praying for lasting peace.

During this Lenten Season let us pray: God of all people, We offer you our Lenten journey.

May we learn to walk as one human family, remembering in a special way those who are poorest and most in need.

Bless our prayers, our fast-

Five year old Tanious Issa and his parents are three of the 2 million people that have fled their homes in Syria due to violence caused by the civil war. They now live in Lebanon, but Tanious’ Father cannot find work to support his family. Along side, vertical ing and our Lenten gifts.

Through these actions, we show our love for Your Son, Jesus, and answer

Your call to love one another.

Amen.

Refugee Settlement Program – Your Help is Needed

Catholic Charities’ Needs …

Many new or gently used items are needed immediately for the Refugee Resettlement Program. Your donation of some of the items listed below can help make a difference for families being settled in the Albuquerque area. Often, refugees arrive in this country with only the clothes on their back. Catholic Charities provides them with a place to live and essential household goods. Your support is greatly needed!

We have an immediate need for the following: Alarm clocks Brand-new pillows Blankets: Twin, Full and Queen Lamps Beds (in good condition) Sofas Dressers Kitchen Tables Coffee tables Chairs End tables/Night Stands

For smaller items, we ask that you drop them off at our Catholic Charities office located at 3301 Candelaria, NE (just west of Carlisle) between 8:00 am & 5:00 pm (note: we are closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 pm).

Need the Catholic Charities truck?

To pick up larger items, call us so we can schedule the Catholic Charities truck to come directly to your home.

We can be reached at 505.724.4678.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our brothers and sisters in need.

Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals On November 20, 2014, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will use its administrative authority to keep granting, on a case-by case basis, de-

ferred action and work authorizations to young people who: • Are at least 15 years old at the time of application • Came to the United States under the age of 16 • Have continuously resided in the United States since January

01, 2010 to the present • Were present in the United States on June 15, 2012 • Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, or have obtained a general education development certificate • Have not been convicted of a

felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, three or more misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety Come to a FREE info session with FREE private screenings to Continued on page 20

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March 2015

El Salvador Ministry Prayer and Action Delegation, 2015

Ella Remer-Thamert said of the scholarship students she worked with, “I found their T h i r generosity teen New and comMexican passion so pilgrims real and made their from the way in Janheart. To uary from hear their Albuquerstories que to El and strugSalvador gles about on a delegangs and gation repviolence, resenting then see the El Salthem convador Mintinue on to istry which embrace has operateach new ed for over day made 20 years me want out of the to become UniversiUNM student delegate Rachael a stronger ty of New Sieber (left) of the Newman Center person.”

M e x i c o ’s became fast friends with six year old In spite A q u i n a s Joel Escobar Beltran (right) during of many N e w m a n her recent trip to El Salvador. weeks of Center. preparaThe delegation included tion for the trip, some deleMsgr. Leo Gomez of Risen gates were unprepared for their Savior, Fr. Vincent Chavez and encounters with the violent Sr. Therese Rodriguez of St history of a country torn by a Therese, and Fr. Gerald Stein- brutal civil war. Fr. Steinmetz metz of Holy Family. The said that his visits to the sites Aquinas Newman Center sent of massacres of citizens and student parishioners Rachael martyrs including Msgr. Oscar Sieber and Mark Garza.

Romero and the Jesuit priests The ministry works with of the University of Central APRODHENI, a sister organi- America were a “shock to my zation based in San Salvador to spirit…yet I am encouraged keep kids in school with schol- by meeting these courageous arships, teach non violent con- teens. As we visited the famflict resolution, and sponsor ilies in these communities projects that promote healthy and listened to their stories, it communities. This year’s del- became clear to me why over egates raised funds to help the 60,000 children and mothers students start a student-operat- have fled to the US border this ed bakery business. past year, seeking protection Photo by Mark Garza

By Carol Feeney, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Continued from page 19

learn more: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 – 9:00 to 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 7, 2015 – 9:00 to 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 5, 2015 – 9:00 – 11:00 AM (Limited Space) Catholic Charities, Center for Immigration and Citizenship Legal Assistance 2010 Bridge SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105 505-724-4662 or 505-724-4631 citas@ccasfnm.org We strongly urge you to seek a Board of Immigration Appeals (U.S. Department of Justice) accredited nonprofit immigration program such as Catholic Charities or a licensed attorney. Please stay away from “notaries” and other unscrupulous person not authorized to practice immigration law.

and asylum. What is most troubling is that, because of U.S. immigration policy, most were sent back to this threat of death. Many have since died.”

Some delegates will return to El Salvador to continue to work with children. Susana

Sweeters will return for a year to assist Sr. Peggy O’Neill SC of Suchitoto with the Centro Arte Para la Paz children’s program.

Plans are being made to form a Catholic Youth Delegation for summer 2015.

Justin Remer Thamert of

NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice says he is having difficulty transitioning back to life in New Mexico, “My heart is still in El Salvador.”

For information on the El Salvador Ministry, contact Donna Bruzzese at 505.250.8163.

“LOVE Consists More in ACTIONS than in WORDS” Theme of 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA)

By Dr. Dolly Sokol, Executive Director, ACA

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe once again have the opportunity to demonstrate Christian stewardship and the Lenten practice of “giving to others” through pledging and donating to the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).

This year’s ACA theme was selected from the words of Pope Francis, echoing many passages in Scripture, “Love Consists More in ACTIONS than in WORDS”. This theme is especially powerful because Catholics see this theme lived out in the ministry of Pope Francis to all those he touches!

So many benefits The Annual Catholic Appeal supports all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in bringing the mission and ministry of Christ to their parishioners. Your ACA pledge and regular ACA donations throughout 2015 will extend Christ’s ministry to families, to youth and children, to those in hospitals, to the needy through the work of Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Relief Services, and more.

ACA reaches out Christ’s ministry through Hispanic Ministry, Native American Ministry, Pastoral Outreach, and Evangelization.

ACA helps parishes train catechists, improve parish church musician skills and knowledge, form and train deacons and lay ministers for church service, and of course, support our archdiocesan seminarians who will become our future priests.

How ACA works Each year, Archbishop Sheehan sets an overall goal for ACA, based on archdiocesan needs, consulting with his pastors.

Once an overall ACA goal is set, that goal is divided among the 92 parishes of the archdiocese, according to an equitable formula, based on the Sunday collections of the parishes from the previous fiscal year. So each parish is given a unique goal yearly for the Annual Catholic Appeal.

Each pastor and ACA parish team is encouraged to speak about the ministries of ACA, the parish ACA goal, and the pledge process at all Masses on several weekends, usually before Lent begins. On one of those weekends, the parish provides ACA brochures and pledge forms in the pews and asks each family to make a pledge, which can be paid over the course of the year, to support the work of ACA for the benefit of all archdiocesan parishes. Pledges and donations are then sent to the ACA office for processing.

How to participate in ACA 2015 Each Catholic in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been directly called upon by Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan to make a 2015 ACA pledge and fulfill that pledge throughout the year. In his letter he stated, “Your 2015 gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal gives you a voice and the ability to influence the quality and outreach of the ministry of Jesus Christ in our archdiocese. Your ACA donation enables you to ‘pay it forward’ for all that you have received from God.” There are several ways to make your ACA 2015 pledge and/or make a donation toward that pledge amount.

• Ask your parish to provide you with an ACA brochure and pledge form, complete it, and give it back to your parish for ACA processing; or look for the ACA brochures and forms in your parish gathering space.

• Pledge and donate online with your credit or debit card, or through an electronic bank transfer, regularly. To set this up, go to www.archdiosf.org and click on the link and logo, “Donate to ACA 2015”.

• Call the ACA Office and we will be happy to assist you. Our ACA Operations Managers, Kim and Karin can be reached at 505.831.8239 between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

As one Catholic family of faith in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, let us support each other in our parish life through establishing our pledges and making donations to ACA 2015!

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Keeping Catholic Schools Catholic The Catholic Difference

By George Weigel

There seems to be some dispute as to whether the original Trotskyite—that would be, um, Leon Trotsky—ever said, “You may not be interested in the dialectic but the dialectic is interested in you.” One quotation-archaeologist, digging deeply, claims to have found the origins of Trotsky’s alleged bon mot in that unforgettable treatise, “Petty-Bourgeois Moralists and the Proletarian Party;” but, while this is Lent, excavating such rocky soil and farther would transform penance into masochism. So let’s just assume that Trotsky, as a good dialectical materialist, believed that there was no escape from history as it was being driven by “the dialectic.”

Or, to put it less dialectically-materialistically, you can’t duck some fights, try as you may.

Like, for example, the intensification of the culture war that will follow the Supreme

Court’s anticipated discovery that the 39th Congress, passing the 14th amendment to the Constitution in 1866, included within the amendment’s guarantees a “right” to so-called “same-sex marriage.” Pressures flowing from that judicial fantasy will make it clear, save to the willfully blind, that while you might not be interested in the culture war, the culture war is interested in you—and it isn’t going to leave you in peace until you surrender, or until America regains its senses and rejects what Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger dubbed the “dictatorship of relativism.”

This has been the issue in the U.S. bishops’ contest with the Obama administration over the HHS contraceptive/abortifacient mandate in Obamacare: Will Catholic institutions and Catholic employers be able to conduct their affairs according to the Church’s settled convictions, protected by the robust definition of religious freedom contained in the 1993 Religious

Undoing a Chemical Abortion

In 1978, Charles E. Rice, a former Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School made this prediction in his book Beyond Abortion: The Theory and Practice: “The abortion of the future will be by pill, suppository, or some other do-it-yourself method. At that point the killing of a baby will be wholly elective and private. We have, finally, caught up with the pagan Romans who endowed the father, the pater familias, with the right to kill his child at his discretion. We give that right to the mother. But it is all the same to the victim.”

His prediction was prescient, given that “chemical abortions” are now widely available in the form of the French abortion pill, RU-486.

The abortion pill has been

available in the U.S. since 2000. By 2008, approximately 25 percent of abortions prior to 9 weeks relied on RU-486, also known as mifepristone.

A 2010 scientific review on RU-486 noted that chemical abortion “has been used successfully in the medical termination of pregnancy for over 25 years, and the method is registered in 35 countries.”

In recent years, there has been a small but important glimmer of light piercing through this dark backdrop of widespread RU-486 utilization, namely, that it is sometimes possible to reverse a chemical abortion if a woman comes to regret her decision soon after taking the abortion pill.

Carrying out a chemical abortion actually requires two

Freedom Restoration Act? Or will the government attempt to coerce those institutions and businesses into becoming de facto extensions of the state insofar as the delivery of certain “reproductive health services” is concerned? That question of identity, or integrity-in-mission, will be the issue in other culture-war assaults on Catholic life; one of the next lines of battle involves employment practices in Catholic schools.

Will the Church be allowed to staff its schools with teachers who teach and live what the Catholic Church believes and teaches, hiring those who meet those criteria and declining to employ those who don’t? Or will the state try to coerce Catholic schools to employ teaching staff according to other criteria?

This is going to be a nasty fight, given that “tolerance” has become the all-purpose bludgeon with which the sexual revolution, in all its manifestations, beats its adversaries into submission or drives them into

catacombs. All the more reason, then, to be grateful for the courageous leadership shown

by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, whose San Francisco archdiocese is arguably ground zero of the culture war that cannot be avoided—and that must be fought if Catholic institutions are to remain free to be themselves.

You can read Archbishop Cordileone’s extraordinary address to a convocation of Catholic high schools teachers Feb. 6 by going to the San Francisco archdiocesan website (www. sfarchdiocese.org) and navigating from the home page to the archbishop’s speeches via the “archbishop” tab. There, in Archbishop Cordileone’s convocation remarks, you will find a magnificent explanation of what Catholic schools do— and why what Catholic schools do is important for the young people they serve and for society. The address is a basic lesson in virtue ethics, a moving testimony to growth in virtue

as the true index of human accomplishment, and a powerful compliment to teachers as animators of virtue.

Animating virtue is tough work and it requires everyone staying on-mission. Thus Archbishop Cordileone is asking that those who teach in the archdiocesan high schools not speak against settled teachings of the Catholic Church in their classrooms, and not act publicly in ways that contradict the Church’s settled convictions.

Such a requirement would have been thought unexceptionable in the past. Stating it today puts Archbishop Cordileone squarely in the crosshairs of the increasingly intolerant Tolerance Police. More power to him for understanding that, like it or not, the culture war is interested in you—and responding is an evangelical imperative.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C..

different pills to be taken sequentially. RU-486 is administered prior to reaching the 10th week of pregnancy, and about two days later, a hormone called misoprostol is given that causes contractions and expels the unborn child. Reversal may be possible when the second pill has not yet been taken.

RU-486 itself is often described as a “progesterone antagonist” or as an “antiprogesterone.” These names indicate the extent of its hostility towards the vital hormone, progesterone. What this means is that RU-486 blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to build and maintain the uterine wall during pregnancy. Thus, RU-486 can either prevent a developing human embryo from implanting in the uterus, or it can kill an implanted embryo by essentially starving her or him to death.

The reversal technique relies on using progesterone itself to counteract the effects of the

abortion pill. In a study published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy in December, 2012, successful reversal was reported for four of six women who took RU-486; these women were able to carry their pregnancies to term after receiving an intramuscular injection of progesterone. Since 2012, dozens of other women have successfully reversed their chemical abortions. Thus far, no side effects or complications associated with reversal of the abortion pill have been reported.

On the other hand, the abortion pill itself has notable side effects and risks associated with its use. Common side effects include: uterine cramps, high blood pressure, bleeding not related to the menstrual period, overgrowth of the uterine lining, stomach cramps, dizziness, reduced blood potassium, and nausea. Some women also experience fever, chills and infection.

Among the more serious

possible side effects would be death of both mother and child arising from endomyometritis (infection of the uterine lining) and septic shock. A December, 2005 article in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that women are about ten times more likely to die from RU-486 abortions than surgical abortions in early pregnancy, partly because of the risk of infection.

Another complication of using RU-486 is incomplete abortion, with embryonic/ fetal parts remaining. In the first six years of RU-486 availability in Australia, for example, there were 792 reports of adverse effects, 579 of which pertained to parts of the embryo/fetus remaining, and 126 of these required follow-up surgical abortion.

Time is clearly of the essence: the longer a woman waits after taking RU-486 before attempting a reversal, the lower the likelihood of sucContinued on page 23

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After two years in office, Pope Francis has 90 percent favorable rating

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Two years after he was elected pope, Pope Francis’ popularity rating among U.S. Catholics is at 90 percent, surpassing Pope Benedict XVI’s best-ever popularity, and rivaling that of St. John Paul II. Pope Francis, who is scheduled to visit Washington, New York and Philadelphia in September, garnered a “very favorable” view from 57 percent of U.S. Catholics, and “mostly favorable” from another 33 percent. By comparison, Pope Benedict’s highest favorability rating was 83 percent in April 2008, when he visited the United States. St. John Paul achieved favorability scores of 93 percent in May 1990 and June 1996, and 91 percent in May 1987, four months before his second U.S. visit. All of those scores were nearly a decade or more into his papacy. All polls were conducted by the Pew Research Center, which issued its findings March 5. Pope Francis scored 84 percent favorability at his March 2013 election, dipped to 79 percent that September, then rose to 85 percent in February 2014.

Jesus cleanse you of your sins, pope urges

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christian faith and a moral life are responses to God’s mercy and not the result of “titanic” human effort, Pope Francis said. In meetings and Masses March 7-8, the pope repeatedly returned to the theme of the church as an agent of God’s mercy and to the benefits of returning to confession during Lent. Marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Communion and Liberation lay movement, Pope Francis met March 7 with more than 80,000 members who filled St. Peter’s Square and the boulevard leading to it. Belonging to a Catholic movement or any other church group is supposed to help Catholics live a Christian life and reach out to others, he said. If instead it becomes a “brand-name spirituality” and an identity that excludes others, it is just another organization. “Focused on Christ and the Gospel, you can be the arms, hands, feet, mind and heart of a church that goes out,” he said. “The path of the church is to go out in search of those far off in the peripheries, to serve Jesus in every person who is marginalized, abandoned, without faith, disillusioned with the church or a prisoner of their own selfishness.”

Pope asks theologians, canon lawyers to focus on mercy

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis asked academics in every discipline of theology -- including moral theology, spirituality and canon law -- to focus on how their area of study “can reflect the centrality of mercy” in the Gospel. “Without mercy our theology, our law, our pastoral work runs the risk of crumbling into bureaucratic pettiness or into an ideology that, by its nature, tries to domesticate mystery,” the pope said in a letter released March 9. “To understand theology is to understand God, who is love.” Pope Francis made

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his request in a letter to his successor, Cardinal Mario Poli of Buenos Aires, grand chancellor of the Catholic University of Argentina. The university’s theology school is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The university’s theology students, the pope said, should not be trained as “museum theologians who accumulate data and information about revelation without really knowing what do to with it,” nor should they be cold observers of human and church history. “Good theologians, like good pastors, should have the smell of the people and the street,” the pope said, and the work in the various fields of theology should give them the balm needed to heal the wounds of the people with whom they will come into contact.

Pope thanks women as dozens gather in Vatican to share faith stories

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On International Women’s Day, Pope Francis thanked women, “who in thousands of ways, witness to the Gospel and work in the church.” The pope’s comments March 8 preceded a five-hour celebration in the Vatican of the ways Christian women minister to their sisters who are poor, sick, excluded from education, victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The celebration, Voices of Faith, also included a session in which participants -- a theologian, a physician, a journalist and an ambassador -- expressed their hopes and dreams for fuller involvement of women in church decision-making. Chantal Gotz, executive director of the Fidel Gotz Foundation and chief organizer of the celebration, told Catholic News Service, “It’s not about arguing doctrine or wanting something; it’s highlighting the contributions women already are making. We are trying to change mindsets by showing what women really do in the church,” she said. After reciting the Angelus prayer at noon with tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis offered special greetings to the world’s women, particularly, “all those women who everyday seek to build a society that is more human and welcoming.”

International Women’s Day, a popular celebration in Italy, is an occasion “to reaffirm the importance and necessity of women’s presence,” the pope said.

Court orders review of Notre Dame’s case on contraceptive mandate

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court March 9 ordered the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its previous ruling and review -- in light of the June Hobby Lobby decision -- whether the University of Notre Dame must pay for coverage of contraceptives in employee and student health insurance plans. The Supreme Court last June 30 said Hobby Lobby, a chain of arts and crafts stores, and Conestoga Wood Specialties, which also sued, need not comply with a federal mandate to include a full range of contraceptives in employee health insurance. The Affordable Care Act includes provisions requiring employee health insurance to cover contraceptives. While there are exemptions for certain types of religious institutions, the circumstances are limited as to which em-

March 2015

ployers may claim a religious exemption. The Hobby Lobby case dealt strictly with certain types of for-profit employers. In that case, the court said the federal government could have chosen ways to provide uniform access to contraceptives that were less of an infringement on the religious rights of the owners of the businesses. It said under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act such “closely held” companies can assert religious views that protect them from the mandate.

There are many gray areas for how to determine what types of employers qualify for provisions that exempt or accommodate religious institutions whose owners say use of contraceptives violates the teachings of their faiths. The mandate -- under rules issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- requires nearly all employers to cover contraceptives, sterilizations and some abortion-inducing drugs in employee health insurance plans. It includes a narrow exemption for some religious employers that fit certain criteria.

Religious employers that are not exempt can direct a third-party to provide the coverage under an accommodation, which some still find objectionable.

‘Death spiral’ for insurance system weighed in Supreme Court case

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Several Supreme Court justices wondered aloud at oral arguments March 4 whether a ruling against the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies to millions of lower income Americans would lead to a “death spiral” for the health insurance program. “We’re going to have the death spiral that this system was created to avoid,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, if the court were to rule in King v. Burwell against the practice of providing subsidies to some participants in insurance programs in states that failed to set up their own insurance exchanges and use the federal system. The death spiral line of reasoning is one cited by the Catholic Health Association, among others, who argue in “amicus” or friend-of-the-court briefs that if the subsidies are withdrawn, millions of people will no longer be able to afford insurance and won’t buy it. Although they would then be subject to fines for not having coverage, the insurance industry itself would be forced to raise prices dramatically, because so many healthy people would no longer be in the risk pool. And uninsured poor people will go back to seeking treatment in the most expensive places, the brief added. Because insurers are required to offer coverage to everyone, including those who are sick, the need to offset the cost of care with higher premiums would lead to an out-of-control spiral of costs, with fewer and fewer healthy people paying premiums, goes the argument for the broadest possible pool of people in the insurance market. “States are obligated, insurers are obligated, to make sure that in their states -- whether they’re part of this program or not -- that they have guaranteed coverage, that children are covered ‘til they’re 26, that they base their costs on community ratings,” Sotomayor said to Michael Carvin, attorney for the plaintiffs who sued to stop the subsidies. If that happens, she continued, “costs are going to rise on every insurance plan offered in the country in those 34 states.”

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BOOKS

Papal palates: Swiss Guard cookbook to hit shelves by summer VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A cookbook featuring favorite dishes of the three most-recent popes and their elite military corps will be available this summer in English. “Buon Appetito, Swiss Guard” was written by 24-yearold David Geisser, who had worked as a chef and published two popular cookbooks in his native Switzerland before joining the Swiss Guard nearly two years ago. “Many people do not know about the Swiss Guard,” said Geisser, whose commander conceived of the coffee-table-size book as a means to make the Guard better known. The book serves as a fascinating and unlikely point of entry into the daily life, history and tradition of one of the world’s most enigmatic military corps. Sgt. Erwin Niederberger, 36, wrote the accompanying account of this history and tradition. He, too, was a pastry chef before joining the Guard 15 years ago. The book’s more than 70 recipes are organized into nine main sections, including everyday meals, holiday dishes and desserts, recipes from the guards’ two favorite Roman restaurants, and dishes from three towns on the outskirts of Rome where the guards often go on days off.

A section on the traditional menu served at swearing-in ceremonies lets readers into a key moment of a guard’s life.

The Noonday Devil: God Wears a Acedia, the Unnamed Baseball Cap Evil of Our Times

By Manuel Casias Publisher: Wings for Life International

By Dom Jean-Charles Nault Publisher: Ignatius Press (February 2015) The noonday devil is the demon of acedia, the vice also known as sloth. The word “sloth”, however, can be misleading, for acedia is not laziness; in fact it can manifest as busyness or activism.

Rather, acedia is a gloomy combination of weariness, sadness, and a lack of purposefulness. It robs a person of his capacity for joy and leaves him feeling empty, or void of meaning Abbot Nault says that acedia is the most oppressive of demons.

Although its name harkens back to antiquity and the Middle Ages, and seems to have been largely forgotten, acedia is experienced by countless modern people who describe their condition as depression, melancholy, burn-out, or even mid-life crisis.

He begins his study of acedia by tracing the wisdom of the Church on the subject from the Desert Fathers to Saint Thomas Aquinas.

He shows how acedia afflicts persons in all states of life— priests, religious, and married or single laymen. He details not only the symptoms and effects of acedia, but also remedies for it.

BIOETHICS continued from page 21 cess. Health care professionals should become informed about the possibility of using progesterone to reverse the effects of RU-486 in women who have begun the chemical abortion process and then changed their minds. The website for the Abortion Pill Reversal Program, a national effort to encourage and support abortion pill reversal, can be found at: http://abortionpillreversal.com/.

As noted on the site, “The Abortion Pill Reversal Program has a network of over 200 physicians worldwide that assist the women that call our hot line. This hotline is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by one of our Registered Nurses... if you’ve taken the abortion pill,

God Wears a Baseball Cap by Manuel Casias, is the first book published through a joint venture with the Wings for Life International publishing company and the Department of Corrections. For his first book, he chose the story of Tommy, a little boy in his last painful days of cancer, and Casias’ mission as chaplain to find a way to connect with the boy to ease his fears and prepare him for what came next.

That way was baseball.

“It was the most important thing to Tommy,” said Casias, who changed the names of the people inhis stories to protect their privacy. “His grandfather had taught him how to play, and his walls were covered with baseball paraphernalia.”

it may not be too late. Call 877-558-0333 right away.”

This remarkable initiative has already saved the lives of many children, and has brought the blessing of motherhood to fruition for many women who recognized the mistake they had made in taking the abortion pill.

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

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Men’s Holy Hour

By FR. DaNIel M. BalIzaN, PaStoR, SaNta MaRIa De la Paz catholIc coMMuNIty

The Holy Spirit inspired me to hold a holy hour for men only. I thought since we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month, the 9:00 p.m. hour on that night would be the best time for men.

By that time most men should be home from work, have already, and settling down for the night. It proved to be a perfect time for the men at Santa Maria de la Paz. On the first Friday of January 2015, we had over 100 men be present for the holy hour.

The invitation was extended to all men.

Men who were/are fathers were invited to bring their sons. It was amazing that quite a few men brought their sons, and a few sons brought their fathers. During the holy hour, we pray various prayers for family life but most of all, the emphasis is the family rosary I composed, and the conclusion of the hour is usually the litany of the Holy Eucharist. There are also moments of silent reflection in between the formal prayers.

The men’s holy hour of power is open to all men, fathers and sons, not only from our parish but for all men who would like to attend.

March 2015

Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico Spiritual Director Fr. Sotero Sena October 24th to 31st, 2015 Visit the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady in Mexico City, Our Lady of Ocotlan, Puebla, Tasco, Tlaxcala And much more Price: $2,249.00 RT from Albuquerque All meals, fees, taxes, tips included Contact: Cathy Smythe 505-384-2460, 505-705-5130 Or csmythe@centurylink.net

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March 2015

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Rev. Jose Flavio Santilla単es Rev. Jose Flavio Santilla単es was ordained May 22, 1965 for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He served at Cristo Rey parish in Santa Fe, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Espa単ola, St. Anthony de Padua in Dixon, St. Anthony in Questa, St. Eleanor in Ruidoso, San Isidro in Santa Fe,, and as pastor of Nuestra Se単ora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque from 1996 until he retired in 2012. In addition to the above assignments, he also served as the chaplain for the Air Force Reserves, chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, as dean of the Southwest Deanery and as Voluntary Indefinite and Military Vicariate to the United States Army.

For more information, please call Gate of Heaven Cemetery 505.821.0800

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Mark Your Calendars

TV Mass Schedule

“May the Dear Lord Bless You” “May the Dear Lord bless you...”

The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6 and FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass Donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Chancellor’s Office/ TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Date March 15, 2015 4th Sunday of Lent Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem

Readings (Cycle C) 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23 Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Eph 2:4-10Jn 3:16 Jn 3:14-21 March 22, 2015 JER 31:31-34 5th Sunday of Lent PS 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem HEB 5:7-9 JN 12:26 JN 12:20-33 March 29, 2015 MK 11:1-10 or JN 12:12-16 Palm (Passion) Sunday IS 50:4-7 Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem PS 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 PHIL 2:6-11 PHIL 2:8-9 MK 14:1-15:47 or MK 15:1-39 April 5, 2015 ACTS 10:34A, 37-43 Easter Sunday PS 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan COL 3:1-4 or 1 COR 5:6B-8 CF, 1 COR 5:7 JN 20:1-9

March: Rev Terrence Messer, CFR 3/16 Rev. Stephen Imbarrato 3/19 Rev. Richard Rohr, OFM 3/20 Rev. Flavio J. Santillanes 3/21 Rev. Samuel Falbo 3/25 Rev. Bryant Hausfeld, OFM 3/25 Rev. Charles Brown 3/26 Rev. Steven A. Sanchez 3/27 Rev. Denis Kaggwa 3/28 Rev. Msgr. Douglas Raun 3/30 Rev. Jon Alexander, OP 3/31

Rev. Daniel Balizan 3/31 April: Rev. Adam Lee Ortega y Ortiz 4/2 Rev. Scott Mansfield 4/4 Rev. Ronald Schultz 4/7 Rev. James Sanchez 4/8 Rev. John Plans, SF 4/9 Rev. Arkad Biczak 4/10 Rev. George Pavamkott, O.Praem 4/10 Rev. Emmanuel Izuka 4/11 Rev. Emeric Nordmeyer, OFM 4/12

Roman Catholic Saints Calendar March, 2015 15 St. Louise de Marillac 16 St. Clement Mary Hofbauer 17 St. Patrick 18 St. Cyril of Jerusalem 19 St. Joseph, Husband of Mary 20 St. Salvator of Horta 21 Blessed John of Parma 22 St. Nicholas Owen 23 St. Turibius of Mogrovejo 24 St. Catherine of Genoa 25 Annunciation of the Lord 26 Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz 27 Lazarus 28 St. Catharine of Bologna 29 Blessed Ludovico of Casoria 30 St. Peter Regalado

31 St. Stephen of Mar Saba April, 2015 1 St. Hugh of Grenoble 2 St. Francis of Paola 3 St. Benedict the African 4 St. Isidore of Seville 5 St. Vincent Ferrer 6 St. Crescentia Hoess 7 St. John Baptist de la Salle 8 St. Julie Billiart 9 St. Casilda 10 St. Magdalen of Canossa 11 St. Stanislaus 12 St. Teresa of Los Andes 13 St. Martin I

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POPE FRANCIS Continued from page 28

Halik told Catholic News Service.

Taylor agrees. “I am a teacher,” he told reporters. “I see immense numbers of young people looking for meaning” and convinced that someone can help them become better people and build a better world.

However, with young people and the church, he said, you see “great hunger on one side” and “great treasures on the other side,” but there is an increasing inability to bring the two sides together.

“There’s something deeply perverse or stupid or wrong about that,” he said.

The church needs to talk to the seekers, listen to their concerns and figure out how to connect with them, he said.

Jose Casanova, a professor of the sociology of religion at Georgetown University in Washington, said the international group of philosophers, theologians and sociologists present at the Rome conference started the “Faith in the Secular Age” project “with a sense of concern, a sense that the disjunctions (including between seekers and dwellers) were growing larger and there were no real avenues to address them within the church or between the church and outside the church.”

“We were concerned by what could be called a self-referential church that had

been too concerned about what could be called a ‘moral confessionalism’ in which being Catholic was defined by certain moral criteria more than criteria of dogma or belief in doctrine,” he said.

Positions on “moral issues having to do with gender and sex” seemed to be how Catholics themselves and the outside world were defining who was and was not Catholic.

The election of Pope Francis has created new opportunities to discuss ways to overcome the splits and heal the rifts, he said.

“The big, big issue,” Taylor said, is how to “accompany the seekers without shocking the dwellers.” The first thing, he said, is to ensure that as Catholics are reaching out to nonbelievers, to seekers and to members of other faiths, they are reaching out with the same amount of energy, understanding and compassion to other Catholics with whom they do not agree.

“We are all part of the same sacramental communion and we have to behave like it,” he said.

Contributing to this story was Robert Duncan in Rome.

Copyright (c) 2015 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Sister Barbara Moore, a participant in 1965 voting rights march in Selma, talks with women at spirituality center in St. Louis

Cardinal Edward M. Egan greets Alfred E. Smith IV, grand marshal of the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Cardinal Egan, retired archbishop of New York, died at age 82 March 5 of cardiac arrest at a New York hospital. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Sister Barbara Moore, the first African-American woman to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, talks with women at the Nia Kuumba spirituality center for African-American women in St. Louis Jan. 21. Sister Barbara experienced the voting rights m arch in Selma, Ala., firsthand a half century ago. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

Pope Francis is helping church reach world’s ‘seekers,’ speakers say

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ROME (CNS) -- As the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ election approached, an international group of philosophers, sociologists and theologians gathered to discuss how to renew the church in a secular age; many said that is exactly what Pope Francis is doing.

“I think the church had gotten into the stance of defending itself against its critics and trying to convince them, but that’s not a stance of dialogue. Pope Francis is going out and reaching out,” said Charles Taylor, professor emeritus of philosophy at Canada’s McGill University.

Taylor was one of the main speakers at an international conference, “Renewing the Church in a Secular Age,” March 4-5 at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University. The Pontifical Council for Culture, which supported the conference, has tapped Taylor for several events in 2015 aimed at examining how the church engages in dialogue with nonbelievers, seekers and skeptics.

While criticizing the ideology of secularism, which with varying degrees of hostility seeks to remove religion from the public sphere, Taylor sees secularization as a fact generated by a complex series of cultural, social, political and economic events. In a secular age, he

says, the church must find new ways to reach people and new ways to promote harmony within its communities.

Rather than whining about how “we in the church have been misunderstood and people don’t like us and why don’t they like us,” Taylor said, Pope Francis is living the Gospel and reaching out.

Msgr. Tomas Halik, a Czech professor of sociology and winner of the 2014 Templeton Prize, told reporters before the conference that Pope Benedict XVI took the first step. The retired pope invited nonbelievers engaged in scholarly debate about ethics and truth to his 2011 interreligious gathering for peace in Assisi. He also supported the Pontifical Council for Culture’s “Courtyard of the Gentiles” project, which promotes dialogue between believers and nonbelievers.

Pope Francis, Msgr. Halik said, is taking things a step further by reaching beyond the academic community, insisting that Jesus is knocking at the door of Catholic churches asking to be let out into the world. It is a call to all Catholics to reach out to those seeking meaning, truth, beauty and justice. At the same time, however, it is also an invitation to be willing to learn more about God from the seekers’ questions and experience.

“We cannot be just arrogant owners of the truth,” he said. “We must be seekers for the seekers, with the seekers.”

Charles Taylor, professor emeritus of philosophy at McGill University in Canada, speaks at a conference titled, “Renewing the Church in a Secular Age,” at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome March 5. The conference brought together an internation al group of philosophers, sociologists and theologians. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Much of the conversation at the Gregorian University event focused on Taylor’s idea that with regards to faith, there are “seekers” and “dwellers.” The seekers -- baptized Christians or not -continue to question. The dwellers have found a home in a church and may have a tendency to nest there so thoroughly that they seldom reach out to others and only accept those who believe exactly as they do.

“God is present in the seekers and in

the seeking,” Msgr. Halik said, and so in addition to its two traditional tasks of providing pastoral care to Catholics and missionary outreach to those who have not heard of Christ, the church needs to add a third task: “accompanying seekers.”

The church needs to adopt a model that emphasizes “the welcoming church, the open church, the church able to communicate with spiritual seekers,” Msgr.

Continued on page 27