Celine/ASF
August 2019 Vol. 37, No. 7
Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org
ith great joy and gratitude, Archbishop John C. Wester presents the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s newly ordained priests, Reverend Timothy Meurer and Reverend Nathan Lopez, following the Mass of Ordination on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, NM.
Pictured left to right are Deacon Lincoln Richey, Deacon Louis Hernandez, Reverend Timothy Meurer, Reverend Michael Niemczak, ASF Associate Director of Vocations; Archbishop John C. Wester; Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan; Reverend Nathan Lopez; Reverend Mister Joseph Baltz; Reverend John Trambley, ASF Director of Vocations.
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Pope Francis waves as he arrives for an audience with thousands of Scouts in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Aug. 3, 2019. Young men and women from 16 to 21 years of age who belong to the International Union of Guides and Scouts in Europe attended the event with the pontiff. (CNS photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters)
Prayer Intentions
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Families, Schools of Human Growth That families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human growth”. Familias, laboratorio de humanización Para que las familias, gracias a una vida de oración y de amor, se vuelvan cada vez más “laboratorios de humanización”.
Together We Can Reach Our Goal!
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Your donation will remain confidential, and is protected within the Annual Catholic Appeal Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, a New Mexico Non-Profit Corporation, as a separate organization. Your donation does not fund legal claims. Visit our new ACA Website at: www.acaarchdiosf.org to donate to ACA 2019, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!
Annual Catholic Appeal Recipient Spotlight SEMINARIAN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT “For the men that God calls to serve His people as a priest, they will discover that they will never be happier, more fulfilled, more rewarded, than when God Himself forms them into this wonderful ministry. God has greatly blessed us here in this Archdiocese with over 400 years of devotion to the Catholic faith, and our population continues to grow. That growth brings with it the great need for men to answer the call to become priests who can minister to the diverse cultures that we have here in New Mexico.” - Fr. John Trambley, Vocations Director To learn more, visit our website at: http://www.acaarchdiosf.org Click on ‘Our Seminarians” in the left navigation menu. Fromm there you can learn more about our Seminarians, visit their video and photo acrhives, or link to their main website where they are also featured.
DID YOU KNOW?
ACA contributions help the SEMINARIAN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Our newest section, ACA Recipient Spotlight, will regularly highlight ministries and organizations supported by donations to the ACA.
Donations to the ACA Foundation remain a major funding source to our ministries and services during and beyond the Archdiocesan Chapter 11 Reorganization. ACA is not part of the bankruptcy filing. All donations remain confidential and do not fund legal claims. Las donaciones a la Fundación ACA siguen siendo una fuente importante de financiamiento para nuestros ministerios y servicios durante este tiempo y más allá de la reorganización del Capítulo 11 de la Arquidiócesis. ACA no es parte de la declaración de bancarrota. Las donaciones recibidas por ACA son confidenciales y no financian demandas legales.
Inside This Month’s Issue 2 ASF Pastoral Plan New Listening Sessions 4 Archbishop’s Letter: Grace Abounds 8 Implementation Directives for Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi 10 “Healing from Abuse” Mass 11 A Clarion Call to Unite as a Nation Against Domestic Terrorism, Violence and Racism 12 2019 Ordinations 14 Vocations 18 Very Rev. Michael Demkovich, O.P.: “Late Have I Loved You!” 22 Catholic Education 26 Alice King Public Service Award Awarded to Allen Sánchez 28 Social Justice 30 Catholic Charities 31 12th Annual Blue Mass 34 Archbishop Wester’s Calendar 35 Family Strong Conference 36 30th Annual Native American Mass
Second Collection: August 17-18, 2019 for Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Archbishop John C. Wester has designated August 17-18, 2019 for the annual second collection, however a few parishes may select an alternate date in August. Please see your parish bulletin for specific details. With your support, Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has served the community for more than 70 years and remains dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing social challenges individuals, children and families face regardless of race, religion, country of origin, disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Funding from this important second collection will support vital, ongoing programs serving our community including refugee support, low-cost immigration and citizenship legal services, self-sufficiency and housing assistance, bilingual early childhood education, adult basic education classes, free senior transportation, and a monthly food pantry. Please be generous and share your gift of hope by giving through the second collection or by going online to https://secure.donationpay.org/catholiccharities/ and checking the Second Collection option. For questions, contact Catholic Charities at 505.724.4693. Catholic Charities thanks you for helping us support those in need.
Special Collection: Seminarian Support
September 14-15, 2019 Archdiocesan campaign for the support of local seminarians in their studies and formation. People of God
Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
Assistant Editor/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan lradigan@archdiosf.org
Production: Christine Carter
Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication. All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month. Check out Media Kit online @ www.archdiosf.org. Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement. Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official • twitter.com/ASFOfficial
4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW • Albuquerque NM, 87120 • (505) 831-8162
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priest. But it was filled with a sense of new life, a life made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Father Ark lived a full, priestly life. He was, among other things, a professor of theology, a director of youth activities, a mission office director, and, most importantly of all, a pastor. He embraced the second Vatican Council and lived it to the fullest. As we left the church, I heard many people saying how blessed they felt to have had Father Ark in their lives. I felt the same way.
The first of these events was the funeral Mass for Father Arkad Biczak. You may think this is a strange way to begin, but Father Ark’s funeral at St. John XXIII Catholic Community was truly a resurrection experience. Yes, it was sad. We lost a wonderful
The second experience was a Presbyteral Council meeting at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Center in Santa Fe. Again, you may be wondering how a meeting, of all things, could be filled with hope and new life? Well, for me it was so gratifying to be with my brother priests who take such a vital interest in our local Church. The priests discussed a variety of topics including how we can better serve our parishioners who are hospitalized; pastoral planning; providing a safe
nstead of writing my usual article for this month’s People of God, I thought I would share with you some rich experiences I have had recently here in the archdiocese and in the Diocese of Las Cruces. These experiences are filled with hope, grace and new life. I am grateful to God for them and I would like to share them with you here.
environment for our youth and young adults; developing a response plan to keep parishioners safe while attending Church; clergy ongoing formation; liturgical guidelines for deacons; and responding with pastoral compassion to those who have lost a loved one. It often occurs to me how truly blessed I am to be part of such a splendid presbyterate. Our priests work very hard and they inspire me by their selflessness and deep desire to serve Christ and His people. After the council meeting, I packed my suitcase and drove to Our Lady of Guadalupe Benedictine Monastery in Pecos to lead a weekend retreat for many of our permanent deacons and their wives. It was a wonderful, prayerful experience to be with those ordained men and women. In addition to our conferences and prayer times, we enjoyed many pleasant meals together, all the while listening to the voice of the Lord in that beautiful monastery. I am truly impressed with the dedication of our permanent deacons and their wives.
In addition to raising families, tending to their secular jobs and fulfilling all the many responsibilities that they have, they find time to answer God’s call to serve the Church so faithfully and well. They are not seeking any fame or riches; only that they will fulfill God’s will in their lives. I am deeply grateful to them for their singular service in our archdiocese. At the end of the retreat, I drove to the (Albuquerque International) Sunport to greet several mainland China Catholic bishops who were passing through Albuquerque. As you know, the Vatican has established new relationships with the Catholic Church in China. The bishops were very eager to get to know us and they expressed the hope that we might continue to build a strong relationship in the years ahead. I thank God for the promise of this very brief yet significant visit. I then went up to the Monastery of Christ in the Desert where I had the privilege of ordaining one of the monks to the priest-
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hood: Brother Bonaventure, OSB. He is currently serving as the prior there. Many of his Vietnamese relatives made it to the ordination, some coming from as far as Vietnam. Of course, many of our Vietnamese priests were there as well, beaming from ear to ear. It was a most joyous occasion and the relatively new abbot, Christian Leisy, OSB, was elated as were all the other monks. It is a great gift to be part of the ordination of a priest. Please keep Father Bonaventure in your prayers. After the ordination, I went to Las Cruces for the installation of the new bishop there, Most Reverend Peter Baldacchino. Bishop Baldacchino is originally from Malta and most recently served as auxiliary bishop in Miami, Florida. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, was present along with Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami and many other bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity. It was a very joyous occasion as the people of the diocese welcomed their third bishop. I am looking forward to getting to know my brother bishop who is the newest member of the Province of Santa Fe. He is filled with life, energy and a marvelous sense of humor. God has given us a wonderful
PEOPLE of GOD gift in this talented bishop. I am pleased to share these moments of faith and new life with you as signs of the vitality of the Catholic Church here in the Southwest. God is good to us and despite the many challenges we face, there is so much evidence of grace and hope in our midst. Of course, these episodes are complemented by the tireless work of our women religious, our marvelous lay leaders, those who work at the Catholic Center, and those laity serving in our parishes. The Body of Christ, made of living stones, is thriving and growing as it has in this archdiocese for the past 400 plus years. Christ promised to be with us until the end of the age and there are none who know that better than we. Soon after this writing, I will be privileged to celebrate Mass at Santa Ana Pueblo for their feast day. The next day, I will celebrate Mass at the Morada de Santana in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Grace abounds. Thanks be to God! Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,
Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe
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La gracia sobreabunda
Arzobispo John C. Wester
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En lugar de escribir mi artículo habitual para el periódico People of God de este mes de agosto, pensé en compartir con ustedes algunas experiencias maravillosas que he vivido recientemente (en estas dos últimas semanas de julio), aquí en la arquidiócesis y en la Diócesis de Las Cruces. Estas experiencias están llenas de esperanza, gracia y vida nueva. Estoy agradecido a Dios por ellas y me gustaría compartirlas con ustedes: La primera de estas experiencias fue la misa del funeral del Padre Arkad Biczak. Tal vez ustedes pensarán que esta es una manera extraña de comenzar esta narración, pero el funeral del Padre Ark en la Comunidad Católica St.
John XXIII fue verdaderamente una experiencia de resurrección. Sí, fue triste. Perdimos a un sacerdote maravilloso. Pero esta celebración estuvo llena de un sentido de vida nueva, una vida hecha posible por la resurrección de Jesucristo. El Padre Ark vivió una vida plena y sacerdotal. Él fue, entre otras cosas, profesor de teología, director de actividades juveniles, director de la oficina de misiones y, lo más importante, fue un verdadero pastor. Abrazó el Concilio Vaticano II y lo vivió plenamente. Cuando salíamos de la iglesia, escuché a mucha gente decir lo bendecidos que se sentían de haber tenido al Padre Ark en sus vidas. Yo me sentía de la misma manera.
una variedad de temas, incluyendo cómo podemos servir mejor a nuestros feligreses que están hospitalizados; la planificación pastoral; la provisión de un ambiente seguro para nuestros jóvenes y adultos jóvenes; el desarrollo de un plan de respuesta para mantener a los feligreses seguros mientras asisten a la Iglesia; la formación continua del clero; las pautas litúrgicas para los diáconos; y la respuesta compasiva y pastoral hacia quienes han perdido a un ser querido. A menudo me doy cuenta cuán verdaderamente bendecido soy por formar parte de un presbiterio tan espléndido. Nuestros sacerdotes trabajan mucho y me inspiran con su abnegación y profundo deseo de servir a Cristo y a Su pueblo.
La segunda experiencia fue una reunión del Consejo Presbiteral en el Centro de Retiros Immaculate Heart of Mary en Santa Fe. Una vez más, puede que ustedes se pregunten cómo una reunión de trabajo podría estar llena de esperanza y nueva vida. Bueno, para mí fue muy gratificante estar con mis hermanos sacerdotes que tienen un interés tan vital en nuestra Iglesia local. Los sacerdotes discutieron
Después de la reunión del consejo, hice las maletas y me dirigí al Monasterio Benedictino de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Pecos, para dirigir un retiro de fin de semana para muchos de nuestros diáconos permanentes y sus esposas. Fue una experiencia maravillosa y llena de oración estar con ellos y con sus esposas. Además de nuestras conferencias y momentos de oración, disfrutamos juntos de muchas
agradables comidas, escuchando la voz del Señor en ese hermoso monasterio. Estoy verdaderamente impresionado con la dedicación de nuestros diáconos permanentes y sus esposas. Además de criar familias, atender a sus trabajos seculares y cumplir con todas las muchas responsabilidades que tienen, encuentran tiempo para responder al llamado de Dios de servir a la Iglesia en una forma tan fiel. Ellos no buscan fama ni riquezas; sólo cumplir la voluntad de Dios en sus vidas. Les estoy profundamente agradecido por su notable servicio en nuestra arquidiócesis. Al final del retiro, me dirigí al aeropuerto Sunport (en Albuquerque) para saludar a varios obispos católicos de China continental que pasaban por Albuquerque. Como ustedes saben, el Vaticano ha establecido nuevas relaciones con la Iglesia Católica en China. Los obispos estaban muy entusiasmados por conocernos y expresaron la esperanza de que pudiéramos continuar construyendo una relación fuerte en los años venideros. Doy gracias a Dios por la promesa de esta breve pero significativa visita.
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Luego fui al Monasterio de Cristo en el Desierto (cerca de Abiquiu), donde tuve el privilegio de ordenar a uno de los monjes: Hermano Bonaventure, OSB al sacerdocio. Actualmente él se desempeña como prior allí. Muchos de sus parientes vietnamitas llegaron a la ordenación, algunos de ellos procedentes desde Vietnam. Por supuesto, muchos de nuestros sacerdotes vietnamitas también estaban allí, radiantes de oreja a oreja. Fue una ocasión muy alegre y el relativamente nuevo abad, Christian Leisy, OSB, estaba eufórico, al igual que todos los demás monjes. Es un gran regalo ser parte de la ordenación de un sacerdote. Por favor, mantengan al Padre Bonaventure en sus oraciones. Después de esta ordenación, viaje a Las Cruces, Nuevo México para la instalación del nuevo obispo de la diócesis de Las Cruces, el Reverendísimo Peter Baldacchino. El Obispo Baldacchino es originario de Malta y recientemente sirvió como obispo auxiliar en Miami, Florida. El Nuncio Apostólico, Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, estuvo presente junto con el Arzobispo Thomas Wenski de Miami y muchos otros obispos, sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos, y laicos. Fue una ocasión muy alegre cuando la gente de la diócesis dio la bienvenida a su tercer obispo. Estoy muy interesado en conocer cada vez más a mi hermano obispo Baldacchino, quien es el más reciente miembro de la Provincia de Santa Fe. Él
PEOPLE of GOD está lleno de vida, energía y un maravilloso sentido del humor. Dios nos ha dado un maravilloso regalo en este talentoso obispo. Me complace compartir con ustedes estos momentos de fe y de vida nueva como signos de la vitalidad de la Iglesia Católica aquí en el Suroeste. Dios es muy bueno con nosotros y a pesar de los muchos desafíos que enfrentamos, hay gran evidencia de gracia y esperanza en medio de nosotros. Por supuesto, estos acontecimientos se complementan con el trabajo incansable de nuestras religiosas, nuestros maravillosos líderes laicos, tanto los que trabajan en el centro católico, como los laicos que sirven en nuestras parroquias. El Cuerpo de Cristo, hecho de piedras vivas, está prosperando y creciendo como lo ha hecho en esta arquidiócesis durante los últimos 400 años. Cristo prometió estar con nosotros hasta el fin del mundo y no hay nadie que lo sepa mejor que nosotros. Poco después de este escrito, tendré el privilegio de celebrar la Misa en el Pueblo de Santa Ana para su fiesta. Al día siguiente, celebraré la Misa en la Morada de Santana en Las Vegas, Nuevo México. ¡La gracia sobreabunda! ¡Gracias a Dios!
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Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,
Arzobispo John C. Wester Traducción por Rocío González
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STATEMENT
Implementation Directives for Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter, You Are the Light of the World (Vos Estis Lux Mundi) By Archbishop John C. Wester, Metropolitan, Province of Santa Fe (The Province of Santa Fe includes the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Dioceses of Las Cruces and Gallup, and the Arizona Dioceses of Phoenix and Tucson) ALBUQUERQUE – Monday, July 1, 2019–IMMEDIATE RELEASE–In 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) enacted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, commonly referred to as the Dallas Charter. The bishops also received authority from the Vatican to make the Charter canon law for the Church in the United States. This comprehensive plan for the protection of children and young people includes a zero tolerance policy that requires priests and deacons who have committed child sexual abuse to be removed from ministry. One criticism of the Charter has been that it does not apply to bishops or those equivalent in the law (abbots, for example). Pope Francis has remedied this deficiency with his recent Apostolic Letter entitled, You Are the Light of the World (Vos Estis Lux Mundi). This means that the Pope has enacted universal law that pertains to the reporting and handling of complaints against bishops. Pope Francis has mandated that, starting June 1, 2019, a process be established for Church investigations of complaints against bishops for the sexual abuse of a minor. This process also addresses complaints against bishops for sexual acts involving adults regarded as vulnerable and for the negligent or intentional mishandling of such abuse or harassment cases. The process also mandates the internal reporting of such cases, offers whistleblower protection for those reporting and prohibits any imposition of silence on those reporting. At the USCCB meeting held in Baltimore, MD, from June 11–14, 2019, the bishops of the United States voted on several action items pertaining to the Pope’s Apostolic Letter, all of which received overwhelming approval. The first of these items was the “Implementation Directives.” These directives outline the use of lay experts in the entire reporting and investigative process. They also call for a third party national reporting system (this will be up and running as soon as possible but no later than May 31, 2020.) The bishops also approved the “Protocols” for dealing with bishops who are removed or who resign for reasons related to sexual abuse or abuse of power. Finally, the bishops committed themselves to codes of conduct that include prohibitions against sexual misconduct and harassment. Moreover, they renewed their pledge to be subject to the Charter, to promote the ongoing formation for bishops and to include the expertise of lay professionals throughout the reporting process. Please note that Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter and the measures passed by the United States bishops in Baltimore in June of 2019 refer to Catholic Church laws, policies and procedures. If you wish to report a bishop or his equivalent in law for a crime, then you must first call your local civic authorities, i.e., the police and the child protection agency in your area. Secondly, please call the third party national reporting system telephone number. It is important to remember that even though it will take time to establish the national third party reporting system, the universal law is already in effect regarding the reporting and handling of complaints against bishops. Therefore, in the Province of Santa Fe, if you wish to report a bishop for the sexual abuse of a minor, sexual acts involving adults regarded as vulnerable and/or for mishandling such cases, please call the following number during regular business hours:
505.219.8743
If you call outside of business hours please leave a message, including your phone number, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The layperson who handles these calls will immediately inform the Archbishop of Santa Fe as well as the
Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, DC (the Apostolic Nuncio is the Pope’s representative in the United States). This will begin the process of investigation, which will result in appropriate measures being taken based on that investigation. It is important to remember that even though the Pope has directed that Metropolitan Archbishops (archbishops of an archdiocese that includes other dioceses in what is called a “province”), are responsible for effecting this new mandate, qualified lay persons are involved in the entire process. These reports will be sent to Rome and action will be taken fairly and conclusively, and in a timely manner. If a report comes in about the Metropolitan Archbishop, then it will be directed to the senior suffragan bishop of the province who will direct the process. At present, the senior bishop in the Province of Santa Fe is Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix. Once the national third party reporting system is in place, then the public will be notified and the Santa Fe Province number shown above will be discontinued. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter or the decisions of the United States Catholic Bishops, please contact the Pastoral Center in your diocese. Please continue to pray for all victims of clergy sexual abuse and for the Church’s efforts to provide a safe environment for all children and young people. May the Lord Jesus, who blessed the little children, bless our efforts as well--END
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DECLARACIÓN
Directrices para implementar la Carta Apostólica del Papa Francisco, Ustedes son la luz del mundo (Vos Estis Vox Mundi) Por el Arzobispo Metropolitano John C. Wester, Provincia de Santa Fe (La Provincia de Santa Fe comprende la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe, las Diócesis de Las Cruces y Gallup en Nuevo México, y las Diócesis de Phoenix y Tucson en Arizona) ALBUQUERQUE - Lunes, 1 de julio de 2019 - PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA - En el año 2002, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB, por sus siglas en inglés) promulgó la Carta para la Protección de la Niñez y la Juventud, comúnmente conocida como la Carta de Dallas. Los obispos también recibieron autoridad del Vaticano para establecer que la Carta se constituyera en ley canónica para la Iglesia en Estados Unidos. En este plan integral para la protección de niños y jóvenes, consta una política de tolerancia cero que exige que los sacerdotes y los diáconos que hayan cometido abuso sexual infantil sean removidos del ministerio. La Carta ha sido objeto de crítica porque no se aplica a los obispos ni a sus equivalentes en la ley (por ejemplo: los abades). El Papa Francisco ha corregido esa deficiencia mediante su reciente Carta Apostólica titulada “Ustedes son la luz del mundo” (Vos Estis Lux Mundi). Esto significa que el Papa ha promulgado una ley universal que se refiere a la forma de presentar denuncias y de manejar las quejas contra los obispos. El Papa Francisco ha ordenado que, a partir del 1 de junio de 2019, se establezca un proceso mediante el cual la Iglesia investigue las quejas contra los obispos por haber abusado sexualmente de un menor. Mediante el citado proceso también se atenderán las quejas contra los obispos por haber cometido actos sexuales en perjuicio de adultos considerados vulnerables y por el manejo inadecuado, negligente o intencional, de dichos casos de acoso o de abuso sexual. El proceso también exige que se denuncien internamente los casos de esa índole, ofrece protección a los denunciantes y prohíbe toda imposición de silencio a los denunciantes. En la reunión de USCCB celebrada en Baltimore, Maryland, del 11 al 14 de junio de 2019, los obispos de Estados Unidos votaron sobre varias medidas relacionadas con la Carta Apostólica del Papa, todas las cuales recibieron una aprobación abrumadora. La primera de dichas medidas se refiere a las “Directrices de implementación”. En las directrices aparecen lineamientos en cuanto a la inclusión de expertos laicos en todo el proceso de la presentación y de la investigación de denuncias. En ellas también se pide que se establezca un sistema nacional independiente para recibir denuncias (que deberá estar listo y en marcha lo antes posible, pero a más tardar el 31 de mayo de 2020). Los obispos también aprobaron los “Protocolos” para abordar los casos de obispos que sean removidos de su cargo o que renuncien por razones relacionadas con el abuso sexual o el abuso de poder. Finalmente, los obispos se comprometieron a observar códigos de conducta, entre ellos las prohibiciones contra la conducta impropia y el acoso sexual. Además, renovaron su compromiso de estar sujetos a la Carta, de promover la formación permanente de los obispos y de propiciar la inclusión de profesionales laicos en todo el proceso de presentación y procesamiento de denuncias. Cabe tener en cuenta que la Carta Apostólica del papa Francisco y las medidas aprobadas por los obispos de los Estados Unidos en Baltimore en junio de 2019 se refieren a leyes, políticas y procedimientos de la
Iglesia Católica. Cualquier persona que desee denunciar a un obispo o a su equivalente legal por un delito cometido, primero deberá llamar a las autoridades civiles locales, o sea, a la policía y a la agencia encargada de la protección de menores de su localidad. En segundo lugar, deberá llamar al número telefónico del sistema nacional independiente establecido para recibir denuncias. Es importante recordar que, aunque tomará tiempo establecer el sistema nacional independiente para recibir denuncias, la ley universal con respecto a la presentación de denuncias y al manejo de las quejas contra los obispos ya está en vigor. Por lo tanto, en la Provincia de Santa Fe, cualquier persona que desee denunciar a un obispo por haber cometido abuso sexual en contra de un menor, actos sexuales en perjuicio de adultos considerados vulnerables o por el manejo inadecuado de tales casos, podrá llamar durante horas hábiles al siguiente número telefónico:
505.219.8743
En el caso de llamadas telefónicas fuera de las horas hábiles, será necesario que la persona deje grabado un mensaje en el cual conste su número de teléfono. De ese modo se le podrá dar la debida atención a su llamada a la mayor brevedad posible. La persona laica encargada de atender las llamadas de esa índole inmediatamente le comunicará la denuncia al Arzobispo de Santa Fe, así como también al Nuncio Apostólico en Washington, D.C. — el Nuncio Apostólico es el representante del Papa en Estados Unidos—. Así se iniciará el proceso de investigación, a partir del cual se tomarán las medidas indicadas. Cabe recordar que, aunque el Papa ha ordenado que los Arzobispos Metropolitanos —arzobispos de una arquidiócesis que abarca a otras diócesis en lo que se llama una “provincia”— sean los responsables de ejecutar este nuevo mandato, a través del proceso se propiciará la participación de laicos calificados. Las denuncias se enviarán a Roma, donde las autoridades eclesiásticas tomarán las medidas del caso de manera justa, concluyente y oportuna. Si se recibiese una denuncia contra el Arzobispo Metropolitano, ésta será dirigida al Obispo mayor sufragáneo de la provincia, quien se encargará de dirigir el proceso. Actualmente el obispo mayor de la Provincia de Santa Fe es el Obispo Thomas Olmsted, Obispo de la Diócesis de Phoenix. Una vez que esté en marcha el sistema nacional independiente para recibir denuncias, se le notificará al público y se suspenderá el número telefónico correspondiente a la Provincia de Santa Fe que se ha indicado más arriba. Se le ruega a cualquier persona que tuviese alguna pregunta o inquietud con respecto a la Carta Apostólica del Papa Francisco o a las decisiones tomadas por los Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, que se comunique con el Centro Pastoral de su respectiva diócesis. Continuemos orando por todas las víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del clero y por las gestiones de la Iglesia encaminadas a proporcionarles un entorno seguro a todos los niños y jóvenes. Que el Señor Jesús, quien bendijo a los niños, bendiga también nuestra labor.--FIN
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A Clarion Call to Unite as a Nation Against Domestic Terrorism, Violence and Racism Archbishop John C. Wester has issued the following statement regarding the recent mass shootings in Gilroy, California; El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio: Once again we are stunned as we receive news about the unthinkable acts of violence inflicted upon our innocent brothers and sisters. These most recent tragic episodes in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton, along with so many others, are a clarion call for us to come together as a nation to uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life as we unite against domestic terrorism, violence and racism. We must learn to love one another as Christ has taught us. We join in prayer with the mourners in rituals that have become too commonplace, and we ask God to grant to those killed eternal rest, and healing for the injured and for the families of all victims, as well as for our nation. We ask Him to protect all of us who remain steadfast in our commitment to advance the knowledge that all persons are created in the image and likeness of God, and thus deserving of human dignity and love.
Leslie Radigan/ASF - Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Santa Fe, NM
May God grant us the grace to do all in our power to eradicate hatred, bigotry and violence from our country, which has been so deeply wounded by these crimes.
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2019 Ordination of Priests June 15, 2019
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Santa Fe, New Mexico
Archbishop John C. Wester smiles upon these dedicated men who traveled many roads to a sacred destination; to serve God and do His will through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Only a bishop can ordain a priest because he shares in the ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.
With great joy and gratitude, Archbishop John C. Wester presents the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s newest priests: Reverend Nathan Lopez and Reverend Timothy Meurer. Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest or bishop and is enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate, priesthood and episcopal. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace.
Rev. Timothy Meurer’s parents Dave & Jo Meurer. We are grateful to Rev. Timothy Meurer.
Rev. Timothy Meurer has been appointed as parochial vicar for Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, serving with Rev. Rob Yaksich.
Rev. Nathan Lopez’s parents, Allen Lopez and Agnes Cruz. We are gratetul to Rev. Nathan Lopez.
Archbishop Wester hands the ordinand the chalice and paten. The Eucharist is at the heart of the priesthood and this ritual highlights the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of the priest and its meaning, as seen in the words which are spoken by the Rev. Nathan Lopez has been appointed as bishop: “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered parochial vicar at San Juan Bautista in Ohkay to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you Owingeh, serving with Rev. Jose Herrera. celebrate; model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”
The essential rite of the sacrament, i.e., when the ordination actually takes place, is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration. This is an ancient tradition in the Church, mentioned in the Bible. By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry. We invite you to view a video of the 2019 Ordination highlights at www.archdiosf.org.
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Rev. Lopez and Rev. Meurer lie prostrate during the ordination. It symbolizes their unworthiness for the office to be assumed and their dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.
Rev. Nathan Lopez blesses Archbishop John C. Wester.
Rev. Timothy Meurer blesses Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan.
First blessings of the faithful.
Pictured left to right are Reverend Michael Niemczak, ASF Associate Director of Vocations; Very Reverend Glennon Jones, Vicar General, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar for Religious; Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan; Reverend Mr. Joseph Baltz; Archbishop John C. Wester; AMS Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, CHC, CAPT (Sel), USN; Reverend John Trambley, ASF Director of Vocations. Deacon Baltz’s diaconal ordination was celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Rio Rancho, NM on June 6, 2019. He hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the United States Army with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).
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Seminarian killed in crash called ‘humble man’ who cared for others By Catholic News Service ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CNS) -- Seminarian Jason Paul Marshall from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, who lost his life in a bus crash in Colorado, was “a humble man who deeply cared for others,” said Archbishop John C. Wester in a June 25 statement.“Jason was a splendid and exemplary seminarian,” the archbishop said. “He always brightened Seminarian our spirits and had a positive Jason Paul Marshall outlook on life. We will miss him very, very much. May he rest in peace.”Marshall, 53, was one of two people killed in the tragic bus accident June 23 involving the University of New Mexico Aquinas Newman Center’s youth group and their chaperones. The crash occurred 10 miles north of Pueblo, Colorado. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the bus crashed off an I-25 bridge embankment. The second person killed was the driver, identified as Anthony Padilla, 36. Archbishop Wester cut short his participation in the annual assembly of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests in St. Louis to return to the archdiocese to celebrate an evening Mass of healing for the victims of the accident June 26 at the Aquinas Newman Center. Paul Leingang, association spokesman, said the archbishop told assembly leaders that Marshall attempted to take control of the bus after Padilla experienced a seizure. The youth group was returning home from the Steubenville of the Rockies Catholic Youth Conference held June 21-23 in Denver. The summer event and more than 20 others held around the country are sponsored by the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. The university’s campus is the site of about five of the gatherings. The surviving bus passengers, youth and adult, were recovering from their injuries, according to a news release from the Santa Fe Archdiocese, which has its headquarters in Albuquerque. Some had been released from hospital; about four remained hospitalized for observation. Only one of the adults was still in serious condition as of June 25, but “her condition has stabilized and is improving.” Archbishop Wester in his statement asked for prayers for Marshall and Padilla and also asked the community to keep the 13 youth members and adults who sustained injuries, their families and the Lobo Catholic community in prayer. The archbishop also will be the main celebrant at a memorial Mass for Marshall the morning of June 29 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albuquerque, where he was a parishioner. His funeral Mass will be in New York where his family resides.
Father of one of the passengers embraces his son and an Aquinas Newman youth member during the June 26, 2019 Mass of Healing. His son was a passenger on the bus that veered off the highway in Pueblo, Colorado claiming two lives and injuring 13.
Archdiocesan seminarians pray during an evening Mass of healing. Marshall was the son of Jim and Diane Marshall and the brother of Jill, James and Jeff. Born in Staten Island, New York, he attended the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and was in his second year of theology. The Denver Post daily newspaper reported that the tour bus was operated by Follow the Sun and said the company was cooperating with an investigation into the cause of the crash. The paper quoted company spokesman Gil Rudawsky as saying Padilla had been in its employ for about a year but had six years’ experience driving buses. “It is very important that we understand exactly what happened in case there is anything we or the transportation industry as a whole can learn from it,” Rudawsky said in a TRAGEDY continued on page 27
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Reverend Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire Retires By Robert A. Naranjo, parishioner, Santa Cruz de la Cañada
of the Preservation of Historical New Mexican Churches and founded the Catholic Task Force on AIDS-related ministries. Msgr. Jerome served as the Judicial Vicar for the Provincial Court of Appeals for the Marriage Tribunal. In 1990, Msgr. Jerome directed the design and construction of Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Church which grew to from 200 to 2400 households in the 10 years he was pastor. He was assigned to the Cathedral Basilica to oversee the renovation including the work on its exterior, stained glass windows, art work, and new bells. He also served as the pastor at Cristo Rey Church during his 12 years at the Cathedral Basilica. In 2012, Msgr. Jerome was assigned to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque where he served as pastor until his retirement on June 9, 2019. Msgr. Jerome celebrated Mass in a meditative, contemplative and heartfelt style. His reverence influenced his parishioners by bringing them closer to their faith. One of his many successes was the Acolyte ministry which grew to over 20. His passion and support for ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) ministry for men and women flourished at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque. He was instrumental in acquiring a new roof, a cremation columbarium and other cosmetic and general improvement to the five mission churches of the parish. Msgr. Jerome had an incredible impact on the community and parishioners of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque which will impact generations to come. He will be greatly missed!
Monsignor Jerome officiated over his retirement Mass on June 9, 2019 bringing an end to his career with an impressive amount of accomplishments and recognitions. “I love being a priest,” he said. Msgr. Jerome was born in Santa Fe, NM on October 26, 1950 to Gregorio Martinez, Jr. and Nelda Martinez Alire. He attended St. Anne’s Parochial School in Santa Fe and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1968. Msgr. Jerome took part in the seminary formation while attending the College of Santa Fe, graduated summa cum laude in 1972 and majored in the History of the American Southwest. He completed his priestly formation in 1976 and received a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana. He was ordained a priest on March 19, 1976, the Feast of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi (now Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi) by Most Reverend Robert F. Sanchez. His first assignment in 1976 was dean of students for the Immaculate Heart of Mary College Formation Program. He then became the pastor at San Juan Nepomuceno in El Rito, NM for four years, overseeing 10 missions. After his arrival, the 150-year-old mission church collapsed due to water damage. “It was one of the most difficult tasks of my priesthood: to BUILDING work with the people of that community to rebuild their beloved church in just three years using the original adobes and historic layout.” Thereafter, Msgr. Jerome Save the Date for the 2019 studied canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He graduated with honors with a Licentiate of Canon Law (J.C.L.). He returned to September 20, 2019 Albuquerque to serve under Archbishop Emeritus Sandia Resort & Convention Center | 30 Rainbow Rd NE | Albuquerque, NM 87113 Michael J. Sheehan for four years. Msgr. Jerome Presenting Sponsor: assumed the new post as Moderator of the Curia and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Monsignor oversaw the complete reorganization of Purchase tickets online at the administration of the thecatholicfoundation.org. chancery and started the Archbishop’s Commission
Faith
Grant Awards LUNCHEON
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Franciscan Coast-to-Coast Gathering in Denver Involves NM Friars By Very Reverend Jack Clark Robinson, O.F.M., Franciscan Provincial Minister From July 29th until August 2nd close to 400 Franciscan friars from across the United States gathered in Denver, CO. Over 30 of those friars were from Our Lady of Guadalupe Province headquartered in Albuquerque and serving in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Dioceses of Gallup and Las Cruces. The gathering of Franciscans was called a “Chapter of Mats,” a term that goes back to the very earliest days of the Franciscan movement, when St. Francis of Assisi called all of his brothers together from wherever they were for a gathering to pray, rejoice in the Gospel, share with and learn from one another, in general be about being brothers to one another in the Lord, rather than doing business. The gathering came to be called a Chapter of Mats, because with so many friars, there were not nearly enough beds for them to sleep in and most slept on mats on the ground. This Chapter of Mats was much about the same sorts of things that those first friars did, an opportunity to pray and just “be” together, without conducting lots of business or making big decisions. But this Chapter did have an additional purpose. The friars literally came from coast-to-coast in two ways, from the Atlantic coast of New York to the Pacific coast of California and from Lake Michigan’s northern coast to the Gulf of Mexico’s coast in Louisiana. They represented six current provinces or regional groups of friars of the Order of Friars Minor in the United States, and for many of them, it was the first opportunity that they ever had to meet the friars of the other five provinces besides their own. In the
past, most Franciscan life was lived “provincially”. Most friars went entirely through their religious formation and/or seminary training within their home provinces. In the last 20-30 years that has begun to change, but most of the friars became friars before all those changes were implemented. As the friars continue with their coast-to-coast effort to create one new province from those six old provinces, gathering together to meet one another and share the things that they have in common as followers of Francis living a vowed life as religious within the Church was very important. At the gathering, friars from each of the provinces shared stories of their vocations, their lives as brothers, and their ministries which inspired each other. Even though they recognized that they each came from a different provincial experience or “culture” what they have in common as men of the Gospel was far more important than the differences between them. The differences among the friars are important, too, though as they reflect the great diversity of the Church and the people of God from whom the friars come. The friars here in the Southwest contributed a great mission spirit at the Chapter of Mats, reflecting their work with Native Americans. They also added a little chile to the mix through their long association with the Hispanic people of New Mexico. In turn, they also received insights into urban life and ministry from their brothers in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. All in all, everyone agreed that the next few years will be truly exciting as friars begin to think nationally, even as they live out their charism locally by proclaiming the Gospel wherever they are. It will be a great time to be – or to become – a Franciscan!
Companions on the Journey: The Adventure of Spiritual Direction By Meg Ashcroft, Director of the Norbertine Spirituality Center When I was an undergraduate, one of my friends suggested I meet with a spiritual director. I had never heard of spiritual direction but I began meeting with a Capuchin Franciscan priest and, over the course of three years, we explored my relationship with God. His gentle presence to my questions and struggles helped me to realize what God was calling me to do with my life, which, as it turned out, was not what I had planned! Over the decades, spiritual directors have been invaluable companions in my deepening relationship with the Holy One. Over 10 years ago, I participated in a formation program for spiritual directors, and I have been accompanying people on their spiritual journeys ever since. Spiritual direction has been one of the richest ministries of my life. It is a great privilege to be entrusted with individuals’ spiritual experience, and to be invited into the depths of their lives as we explore how the Spirit is calling them to grow in faith, hope and love. The focus of a spiritual direction session is whatever is on the heart and mind of the directee. The spiritual director comes
to the meeting without an agenda. Listening to the other person’s life—and the movement of God/Love within that life—is the director’s primary task. As people of faith we acknowledge that it is God’s Holy Spirit who is ultimately doing the inviting and directing in all our lives. Since God is present in every dimension of human life, a person’s work/ministry, relationships, prayer life, questions, struggles, joys, disappointments, grieving/losses are all fodder for spiritual direction. Unlike counseling or therapy, the primary focus of spiritual direction is the person’s relationship with God, rather than fixing a problem or issue. Exploring where and how God’s Spirit is working in us is a life-long process of discernment which can be greatly assisted by spiritual direction. It is important to note that the spiritual director does not answer people’s questions or tell them what to do, but supports individuals as they grapple with how God is uniquely inviting them to new life. Some questions/concerns people bring to spiritual direction include: How is God inviting me to grow in this season of my life? How do I faithfully respond when faced with the inevitable tensions of daily life, work and relationships? How can I be a more loving follower of Jesus? Why does the way I have been praying for years no longer seem as comfortable and natural as it once did? How might I be more receptive to the grace of God in my daily life? Where do I turn for support in my spiritual journey? If you would like someone to accompany you on your faith journey, spiritual direction may be for you. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe keeps a list of spiritual directors which you can obtain by contacting Deacon Keith Davis at kdavis@archdiosf.org.
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Archbishop John C. Wester has made the following assignments: • Effective Friday, February 1, 2019 Deacon Keith Davis has been assigned as Director of Diaconate Formation; this is in addition to his current assignment as deacon at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Albuquerque. • Effective Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Deacon Jose Raul GutierrezSolis has been appointed to diaconal ministry at Santuario de San Martin de Porres under the pastoral direction of the pastor, Very Reverend Oscar Coelho. • Effective Thursday, May 30, 2019 Deacon Robert Barretto is leaving diaconal ministry and no longer enjoys faculties. • Effective Wednesday, June 26, 2019 Newly ordained Reverend Nathan Lopez has been appointed as parochial vicar at San Juan Bautista in Ohkay Owingeh, serving with Reverend Jose Herrera. • Effective Wednesday, June 26, 2019 Newly ordained Reverend Timothy Meurer has been appointed as parochial vicar for Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, serving with Reverend Rob Yaksich. • Effective Monday, July 1, 2019 Deacon Robert Morrow has been granted retirement after serving
over 15 years at Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albuquerque as Parish Life Coordinator at San Ignacio in Albuquerque, and at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque. • Effective Monday, July 22, 2019 Reverend Simon Carian, currently pursuing his doctorate degree, has been appointed as parochial vicar at Estancia Valley Catholic Parish in Moriarty, serving with Reverend Robert Lancaster. • Effective Thursday, July 25, 2019 Reverend Glennon Jones has been appointed as temporary administrator of Saint John XXIII Catholic Community in Albuquerque until an appointment of a new pastor. This is in addition to Fr. Jones’ current assignment as Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy. • Effective Thursday, July 25, 2019 Reverend Sean Garrity, C.S.B. is leaving priestly ministry and no longer enjoys faculties. • Effective Thursday, August 1, 2019 Reverend Robert Bustamante has been appointed as spiritual director for diaconate formation. This is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of San Ignacio in Albuquerque.
Seminary Burse The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends and other contributions collected at the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for the month of June and July 2019. Excess Mass stipends are from multiple Mass intentions celebrated at parishes. The archdiocesan policy is for excess Mass stipends to be used for seminarian education. Parish Name/City Amount Received Anonymous 120.00 Holy Child – Tijeras 2,000.00 Immaculate Conception – Tome 500.00 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Albuquerque 1,000.00 Our Lady of Sorrows – Bernalillo 1,000.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque 2,475.00 San Ysidro – Corrales 1,800.00 Sangre de Cristo – Albuquerque 3,205.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque 1,020.00 St. Thomas Aquinas – Rio Rancho 2,000.00 St. Patrick – St. Joseph – Raton 945.00 Total $ 16,065.00
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What does Stewardship Mean to You? Deacon Keith Davis
Director, Ministry Resource Center
When I was 21 years old, I had just begun my my ministry career as a youth minister. My brother Todd, being a music teacher, wanted to support my career. To do so, he gave me a baritone ukulele. At first I was perplexed by this gift but he explained that any self-respecting youth minister had to play guitar (this was the 70s after all). He told me the best way to learn guitar was on a baritone ukulele. I could have ignored him and laughed this off, but I didn’t. Within a couple of years, I was playing guitar! Without his gift, I would likely never have bothered to learn the guitar. It was a simple gesture, but it changed my life forever. Stewardship is predicated on the notion that everything we have is a gift. Ultimately, everything I have is a gift — my possessions, relationships, my very self — all are gifts from God. Understanding this concepts is key to understanding our role as Christian stewards; we are caretakers of the gifts we posses. If I had disregarded the ukulele from Todd or had not been grateful for his gift, I might not have realized the potential in changing my life. Being a steward is simply recognizing our gifts in every aspect and being grateful for them. This gratitude is the basis for our lives as Christians— people rooted in thanksgiving and the Eucharist (the Greek word for giving thanks). Once we see our lives and its contents as gifts and embrace them with gratitude, we cannot help but be inclined toward a life of stewardship. We will give glory to God by, like good stewards, using our gifts to help one another. Our love is our greatest gift from God and, in gratitude, we are called to share that love with each other.
Office of Stewardship 505-831-8173 www.stewardshiparchdiosf.org
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“Late Have I Loved You!”
By Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, O.P., Episcopal Vicar for Doctrine and Life
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August is a month packed with almost daily celebrations of the saints in one form or another. One could almost see August as a treasure trove of holy women and holy men, from St. Alphonsus Liguiori to Jane Frances de Chantal as well as the Solemnity of the Assumption. Saints Pontian, Dominic, Pius X, and Maximilian Kolbe stretch across 19 centuries and they represent Christianity from Eastern Europe to South America. The month draws to a close with the celebration of St. Augustine (the bad boy turned saint) and his dedicated interceding mother, Monica. What stands out is just how ordinary all these individuals were and how they show us the wide path to holiness. They each help us to discover the saying: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” Years ago, I taught a course at UNM on St. Augustine. It was a three hour credit course, one evening a week. It was a mix of students, mostly trying to fulfill humanity’s requirements, and they hoped the course would be “easy enough”. I had
on the syllabus readings from two of Augustine’s greatest works, The City of God and The Confessions. In an effort to engage them, I titled the course “Saint Augustine on Personal and Social Conversion”. This two-fold challenge is really timeless, just as valid today as back when I taught the course, or in the 4th century when Augustine lived. If you don’t know the story of Augustine, it is worth knowing. I would say that Augustine was a “millennial” approximately 1,665 years before millennials existed. He lived in the 4th century in northern Africa, the son of a pagan father named Patricius, and a devout Christian mother named Monica. He was well-educated, sent off to study at the age of 11. By his own account, he was a selfish trouble maker and he delighted in being so. He got in trouble, among other things, all before the age of 16. Because of a generous benefactor, at the age of 17 he studied rhetoric, the art of persuasion, and fell into a life of self-indulgence, sexually permissive and self-centered. He described himself as “a slave to lust” and had concubines, having an illegitimate son by one whom he called “a gift from God”, Adeodatus. He sought the lure of power and the wealth of great cities, moving from Carthage, to Rome, and to Milan. He experimented with all the different fads and “gurus” of the day, only to reject them over time. He was a restless person and jealously ridiculed the simple faith of peasants who could believe, and in believing find happiness, while he could not. By his early thirties, he had had enough of the “wild life”. He wanted to change things around, but was deeply unhappy inside, even miserable. Later he would write: “Our hearts are restless until they rest
in You, O Lord”. So what made him change? What brought about his personal conversion? It seems that even through the wild years of his life, the providence of God was working. In his ambition, he sought out a master public speaker named Ambrose, who happened to be the bishop of Milan. Augustine selfishly pursued Ambrose for honing his own skills as an orator and increasing his fame, but Ambrose befriended the young man, especially at the time of his father’s death. It was his lifelong friends who over time asked deeper questions about life, friends he had known in his “wild days”. Like Alypius who joined him in Milan and was moved by the preaching of Ambrose; or Nebridius who limited his lucrative practice of law to have more time for the spiritual life; or Ponticianus who told him about men outside of Milan who were inspired by the life of St. Anthony to live in religious community; or his friend Simplicianus who told him of the learned and successful Victorinus who, to Augustine’s surprise, had become Catholic. In Augustine’s own account, the moment of conversion came in a garden when he simply picked up a Bible, opened it, and the passage spoke straight to his heart. Later on he wrote of this moment saying, “Late have I loved you, Oh Beauty ever ancient and ever new. Late have I loved you. I was looking for you without, but you, you were within. … You called, and cried out, forcing open my deafness. You beamed and shone, and chased away my blindness” (Confessions Book X Chapter 27). About 25 years after writing his Confessions, in about 426 A.D. at the age of 72, he wrote against the growing attacks by nonChristians who blamed Christianity
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BE REAL! Four recommendations for conversion in our own hearts and in society.
SHOW THAT YOU CARE! HELP ONE ANOTHER! FOCUS ON THE FUTURE!
for the fall of Rome to the Visigoths in 410. The sacking of Rome was just part of a long decline as civil unrest and political infighting plagued the city. The center of the empire had long ago moved and was now in Ravenna, leaving Rome a shell of its past glory. The subsequent days of looting and pillaging, the political climate turned more and more against the Christians who were blamed for this humiliation. It was to this violent, anti-Christian bias that Augustine wrote one of his major works demonstrating that the providence of God is always at work, battling the evil of the City of Man and manifesting the good of the City of God. This providential awareness, that he understood in his own personal conversion, must be recognized as underlying the genuine social conversion in his day, and in ours as well. For each one of us and for our society at large, we need to discover God’s providential action below the surface of things. But how? I’d like to offer four recommendations for conversion in our own hearts and in society. First, BE REAL! Forget about trying to impress people with phoniness, most of us can
tell when people aren’t being genuine. Don’t pretend the world is the way you think it should be. Life is more a maze than it is a grid, so stop trying to force yourself and others to fit into what you think it’s all about; after all, God has it all worked out. If we do this, we discover the real truth. We come to know the genuine and meaningful reality of life. Second, SHOW THAT YOU CARE! Stop putting your ego first and think about other people. Appreciate those moments and faces and places where we discover we were made for each other; that life is fuller because of who we each are, as odd as we each are, and as different as we each are. Third, HELP ONE ANOTHER! Reaching out to those in need, acts of charity and compassion do more to bring about real personal and social conversion than any protest or political campaign. No amount of legislation comes close to the simple deeds we do that engage us with one another, support one another, build community with one another. Institutional conversion only comes about because of genuine personal conversion. And fourth, FOCUS ON THE FUTURE! If we spend our lives looking out the rear
windows of life, or the side windows of life, we don’t see what lies ahead. Faith is that remarkable capacity to see beyond, and hope allows us to strive for what is yet unseen. We were made for ultimate happiness, so don’t settle for what doesn’t last. BE REAL! SHOW THAT YOU CARE! HELP ONE ANOTHER! FOCUS ON THE FUTURE! These are all things that Augustine so beautifully calls us to discover. They are the same things that all the holy women and men teach us about life, about personal and social conversion. If I might phrase it differently. Why did God make you? “God made me to know, to love and to serve Him in this life and to be happy with Him forever in the life to come.” At least that is what the old Baltimore Catechism taught and it is just as valid today. Don’t let things pass you by like they did for Augustine, but discover in everything the providence of God working in your life. Conversion is really about our openness to change, to discover. Augustine is a great example for all of us lost in the mess of life, to realize that it is never too late to love Thee! Late have I loved You!
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Annual Scholarship Mass of Thanksgiving
By Charla Becerra, Native American Ministry On Sunday, June 2, 2019, the Native American Ministry Office held its Second Annual Scholarship Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Augustine Parish in Isleta Pueblo. Funded by the Black and Indian Missions Office, the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Scholarship is for Native American students, grades kindergarten through 12th grade, who attend or will attend a Catholic school within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The scholarship has had a huge impact on Native American students and their families. Some parents work two or three jobs to put their children through Catholic School and they are always grateful for any amount of aid they are given to help further their children’s education. This past year, 47 students received tuition assistance for the 2018-2019 school year via the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Scholarship. There wasn’t enough funding to fulfill each student’s full tuition, but every penny counts when there are parents who struggle to make ends meet to pay their child’s school tuition.
In 2017, the Native American Ministry Office decided to have a Scholarship Mass of Thanksgiving to give the scholarship awardees an opportunity to give thanks. This year’s Mass was celebrated by Rev. George Pavamkott, O.Praem, pastor of St. Augustine, along with Deacon Manny Robles who served as Deacon of the Altar. Although all awardees were not present, many students and their families were in attendance for the Mass. Many of them were dressed in their Native attire honoring their heritage and proudly proclaiming their faith. Students were also given a certificate to acknowledge their success in achieving a scholarship award. The Mass concluded with a group photo of the awardees, Shirley Zuni, Director of Native American Ministry, Michelle Montez, Director of the Pastoral Ministries Department, Rev. Pavamkott and members of the Native American Ministry Advisory Board. A lovely reception was held after and included a Thanksgiving themed meal with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing, and red chili. Congratulations to all the student awardees and their families!
Knights of Columbus 110th State Convention
By Deacon Steve Rangel
kneel around her bed and say the rosary. The people of New Mexico spoke out loud and In May, the NM Knights of Columbus clear that they reject abortion up-to-birth and the held their 110th Annual State Convention at people want to see commonsense protections Albuquerque Marriot Pyramid, with over 300 for women and babies. We will continue to fight Knights and Ladies attending. against abortion up-to-birth extremism, and for We were very grateful this year to have three better protections for women and unborn children, bishops from New Mexico at our conference: as long as you have me as a senator. ASF Archbishop John C. Wester and Archbishop There is something wrong when women’s Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan and Bishop James empowerment is based on ending the beating of Wall from the Gallup Diocese. They each shared the heart of a baby in the womb, ending the life how the Knights are grounded in their faith of another human being. I encourage my fellow and willing to serve the church when needed. legislators to turn their efforts away from promoting Bishop Wall stated, “That’s why I say that you abortion and instead to policies and legislation are truly sons of the church. I firmly believe that. which would promote the prosperity of human life Thank you for your loyalty and fidelity to the at all stages of development. Even in the midst Senator Gabriel Ramos Church that Christ established 2000 years ago.” of difficulties and uncertainties, every person At the state banquet, John Brault, NM State Deputy, noted sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of how blessed we were to have as our keynote speaker, Senator reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize Gabriel Ramos, from Silver City. We were encouraged by his the natural law written in the heart. How can we continue example of being willing to stand for life. to protect animals: wolves, coyotes, prairie chickens, frogs, In his address he shared, minnows, yet we will vote to stop the beating heart of a “My faith is my world, my faith was built around family, my baby in the womb? The heart of a baby starts beating at catechism teachers and youth leaders. I learned my faith three weeks and a day after fertilization. We are called to be through my family as my mother used to have my sister and I soldiers of the unborn child!”
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Affirmation Luncheon, “Called to Holiness” 40 and 50 years. Chosen by a panel of their peers, distinguished service awards were presented to Diana Madrid from Holy Family parish for Children’s Catechesis; Linda J. Granato from
Our Lady of the Assumption parish for Youth Ministry; and Annabell Molina-Muniz from St. Charles Borromeo parish for Adult Faith formation.
Distinguished with Archbishop Wester from L-R is Diana Madrid (Holy Family, ABQ), Annabell Molina-Muniz (St. Charles Borromeo – ABQ), Linda Granato (Our Lady of the Assumption – ABQ) By Sr. Mary Edna Pearl Esquibel, CSSF, Director, Religious Education In May, nearly 200 people gathered in order to honor and affirm the catechists of children’s, youth and adult faith formation from around the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The 2019 Affirmation Luncheon was held at Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Bernalillo. This year’s theme was “Called to Holiness” taken from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Et Exsultate (#15). “Let the grace of your baptism bear fruit in a path of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn to Him in every situation. Do not be dismayed, for the power of the Holy
To advertise in People of God, THE MAGAZINE contact Leslie M. Radigan at 505-831-8162 or email lradigan@ archdiosf.org
Spirit enables you to do this, and holiness, in the end, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.” Nominees were recognized for their innovation, dedication, and service to their own parishes. Other catechists were recognized for their cumulative experience of 801 years as they had served the people of God of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as catechists for 20, 30,
San Ysidro in Corrales, NM, celebrates First Holy Communion. Pictured with the communicants are Deacon Steve Rangel, Reverend James McGowan, pastor, and Tina Barian, first Communion teacher.
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PEOPLE of GOD
36th Annual Archbishop's School Fund Dinner
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Faith-Filled Education
Fostering Uniqueness
august 2019
Preparing Leaders
St. Mary’s Belen Offers Exciting STEM Activities By Melodie Good In February, St. Mary’s Belen was awarded School of the Year for Excellence in STEM programming by the Air Force Research Lab Tech Engagement Office. The focus this past year has been on offering all students new opportunities to explore science, math and technology. Beginning with the STEM Saturday Adventure for Valencia County, hosted in September at the Our Lady of Belen Parish Center, students participated in over 30 hands on STEM activities. Also, in September, a 3D printer was purchased with the help of a grant from the Belen Knights of Columbus. Students have learned how to design and print several small objects. The
eighth graders had a contest to design and print a logo for the class of 2019. Seventh graders designed individual train cars that linked together to form a 17-car train. Now, St. Mary’s students have been presented with a new STEM opportunity. Last Fall, St. Mary’s Catholic School was asked to partner with Dr. Debra Martin at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in applying for an American Association of University Women (AAUW) Community Action Grant for Girls in Archaeology. The grant has recently been awarded to Dr. Martin, and this past July, St. Mary’s girls 11 to 14 years of age studied a piece of our church history right here in Belen. They participated in the archaeological dig STEM continued on page 25
Fr. Timothy Meurer Celebrates Ordination and SPX Class Reunion in June Fr. Timothy Meurer was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe on June 15. The following weekend, he celebrated his 10-year class reunion with the St. Pius X High School Class of 2009, saying a Mass for the class on campus during the reunion festivities. The class originally scheduled its reunion for Meurer’s ordination weekend. When they learned of the conflict, they rescheduled the reunion and many members of the St. Pius X family were on hand to celebrate both events.
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Fostering Uniqueness
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Preparing Leaders
Ashley Powledge
Retablos at San Felipe de Neri School
By Ashley Powledge, Principal, San Felipe de Neri Catholic School The traditions continue at San Felipe de Neri School. Starting in 2010 and continuing in 2018 and 2019, the eighth grade class created traditionally made retablos that they in turn gift to the school, leaving their eighth grade legacy on the school playground walls. In 2019, the school established a prayer garden dedicated to Mary, in an unused portion of the STEM continued from page 24 going on to excavate the first mission church in Belen, built in the 1700s. The excavation and restoration of New Mexico’s founding colonial mission, plaza and associated cemetery has been approved by the mayor of Belen, Jerah R. Cordova, and the NM Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Historic Preservation Division. Including school age girls from Belen in the project offered the girls and the community a chance to learn scientific skills and to participate in excavating
school campus. To celebrate the new prayer garden, the 2019 eighth grade class decided to design their retablos in honor of Mary. Under the guidance of Kerry Bergen, the students begin the project by learning the traditional methods to making retablos. Students then took different images of Mary, and sketched their own retablo. The retablos decorate the prayer garden and bring a unique vibrancy to the space. San Felipe de Neri school continues to embrace the traditions and culture of the Old Town Community.
the town’s history. This project has been a community based archaeological project from its inception. The girls learned how to ask scientific questions and answer them with the empirical data that they collected, learning how to systematically collect data, learning how to apply basic mathematical methods to their observations and data collection and learning how to be a cautious and critical thinker. Paired with a PhD student, teams of two girls started
the week by framing a hypothesis regarding the area of the site they are working on, and in the course of the week, they gathered enough data to be able to accept or reject their hypotheses. Their skills in writing and critical thinking were enhanced with several short reports that they produced on their finds from the excavation plot that they worked. This is yet another example of exciting opportunities that await St. Mary’s Belen students.
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Alice King Public Service Award Awarded to Allen Sánchez By Deacon Steve Rangel The Seventh Annual New Mexico Kids Count Conference was held June 26th at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. Each year at this conference, a special award is given in honor of Alice King, former New Mexico First Lady, who worked on various programs for the kids of New Mexico who were dear to her heart. Alice King was one of the most powerful advocates for New Mexico children and families for over 30 years. She chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Children and Families. The Alice King Public Service Award honors a public leader who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to and service for New Mexico’s children and families. This year’s recipient was Allen Sánchez, President, CHI St Joseph’s Children and Executive Director, New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops. In noting his accomplishments, the New
Mexico Kids Count Conference program states, “Allen led the implementation and startup of the largest home visiting program in the state and one of the largest in the nation. Allen had advocated on behalf of CHI St Joseph’s Children and the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops as a leader in the repeal of the death penalty and protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants and has joined others in the urgent call to resolve the plight of the children of New Mexico. He led the New Mexico Truth Campaign, educating the public on the challenges our children face. Allen was instrumental in numerous victories, including quelling attempts to tax food; the banning of cock fighting; the reform of the lottery scholarship; increasing the minimum wage; and protecting families from predatory lending. He has served on numerous task forces on issues of poverty and early childhood.” Congratulations to Allen Sánchez, and our
thanks for his continued efforts to improve the lives of our children and families in New Mexico.
ASF St. Vincent de Paul Council Hosts SVdP South Central Regional Meeting
By Eva Pereira, President, SVdP Council in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Members of the ASF St. Vincent de Paul Council (SVdP) served as hosts of the SVdP South Central Regional Meeting held June 27-29, 2019 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Center and St. Michaels High School in Santa Fe, NM. Approximately 100 Vincentians from New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas gathered to attend workshops, pray and conduct business. The event began with an opening Mass on June 27th. The celebrant for the Mass was Reverend Bill Sanchez, parish administrator, St. Joseph, Cerrillos. The jubilarian recipients honored were Loretta Lopez and Joe Trujillo. Loretta Lopez is part of the group that started St. Vincent de Paul at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande in Albuquerque more than 25 years ago. She served as president for her parish conference for the first few years of its existence; more recently, she has served as District A Council President. Loretta has also served on the archdiocesan council. Her work as a conference member has included coordinating home visits and making home visits, plus documenting the visit and interviews for the conference treasurer. Her conference serves over 1000 people a year. Loretta earned her B.A. degree from St. Joseph’s College in New Mexico and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. Loretta worked 25 years with the Albuquerque Public Schools as a social worker. The last five years of her career she served as a coordinator of Special
Education for Albuquerque Public Schools Joe Trujillo is the current president at Holy Rosary Conference, Vice President of District Council “C”, and a member of the Albuquerque Thrift Store Committee. Joe began his life serving Christ after his Crucillo in 1985; he was moved with the Holy Spirit to go into his various ministries. He has a been member of Los Hermanos, Holy Society of Jesus of Nazarene (Penitents), Prison, Threshold, Eucharistic Minister UNMH, Eucharistic Minister at Holy Rosary, and of course, St. Vincent de Paul. Joe is always a champion for the working person. He has been a member of St. Vincent de Paul since 2010, at Holy Rosary Conference. With SVdP he has been secretary, and then inherited the presidency. He was also treasurer with the archdiocesan council, then continued as vice president for District “C”, and has also been on the Thrift Store Committee for the last six years. Joe has provided his volunteerism to Sacred Heart Church, distributing foods at their monthly Saturday Food Distributions. Both Joe and his wife, Martha, have been members of SVdP since 2010. Their devotion to serving the needy has been the most rewarding service they have ever done. Joe says there has been nothing more rewarding than bringing Christ to those in prisons, hospitals, and home visits. Joe said, “We think of taking Christ to them, those we serve, and instead we find Christ there.” He retired from the US Post Office as a carrier after 27 years, plus three years of service in the Navy. Other honorees receiving certificates of appre-
ciation were: Joann Ortega, SVdP Thrift Store Committee Chairperson in Santa Fe Timm Stubbs, Chairperson of the Albuquerque Thrift Store Jill Lythgoe , Rio Rancho, insurance advisor. Juan Pereira, Voice of the Poor
Presenters included Fred Sandoval and Ralph Middlecamp. For more information, please contact Eva Pereira 505.205.2663.
The Society of St. Vincent (SVdP), a nonprofit organization that helps those living in poverty, will sponsor the
2nd Annual Friends of the Poor Walk/Run on September 28, 2019
to benefit families in our community who are struggling with poverty and homelessness Registration will begin at 7:45 AM with the Run beginning at 8:45 AM and the Walk at 9:00 AM at Albuquerque Academy cross country track, 6400 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. All activities end at 11:00 AM. Early registration is $25; day of the event registration is $35/per person. To register, visit: FOPWALK.ORG/ WALKERREGISTRATION/?EVENTID=2350
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TRAGEDY continued from page 14 statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of both the driver and the passenger. Our prayers are also with those who were injured.” Colorado Springs’ KKTVChannel 11 News reported that 14 ambulances and three medical choppers responded to the accident scene. One person was airlifted to the hospital and 12 others were taken by ground. It said five passengers were trapped and had to be freed from the bus, but extricating them needed a cautious approach “as the stability of the bus was in question,” said Pueblo West Fire Chief Brian Caserta. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of this tragic accident, and we pray for the repose of the souls of those who died,” said Franciscan Father Dave Pivonka, president of the Franciscan University. “We also pray for God’s blessing and healing for all those who were injured.” “We offer our prayers for everyone involved in the tragic bus accident Sunday afternoon near Pueblo,” the Denver Archdiocese said in a statement. “We especially send our prayers and deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed, and our prayers for healing and comfort for those who were injured.” Pueblo Bishop Stephen J. Berg said: “I am confident in the assurances I give our suffering brothers and sisters at the Aquinas Newman Center at the University of New Mexico that they have the love, prayerful solidarity, and condolences of the people, priests, deacons and religious of the Diocese of Pueblo.” He asked that an intercession for those who died and the survivors, friends and family members be part of Sunday Masses in the diocese the weekend of June 29-30. We invite you to view a video of the Healing Mass on the ASF website www.archdiosf.org.
Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M, celebrates an evening Mass of healing.
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Trent Horn
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Author: Persuasive Pro-Life Radio Personality
Pro-Life: Pro-Woman Sunday September 8. 2019
Prince of Peace Catholic Church 12500 Carmel NE 87122
Tickets $20/Student $l0
Can be Purchased At: Faith Works: 3301 Menaul NE Garsons: 2415 San Pedro NE Holy Family Religious Supplies: 9421 Coors NW or Call Carol (505-266-8482) or Contact your Respect Life Representative at your church
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Introducing New Intern for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe African American Catholic Community Mass Sunday, August 25, 2019– 12 noon Please join the Archdiocese of Santa Fe African American Catholic Community for Mass on Sunday, August 25, 12 noon at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph’s Dr. NW, Albuquerque. The presider will be Reverend Gene Gries, O. Praem. The Fr. Rollins Lambert Scholars for 2019-2020 school year will be awarded certificates at this Mass. For more information, please call 505.836.3627 or the Office of Social Justice 505.831.8205.
By Cynthia Roberson, CCHD Intern My name is Cynthia PerezRoberson and I am the new intern for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). I am a first generation Mexican-American, and was raised Catholic. Both of my parents are from Chihuahua, México. However, their encounter with the culture of violence that existed in the city of Juarez, Chihuahua in the mid 1980s, forced them to migrate to the United States. They fled Mexico believing the U.S. could provide better opportunities and more security to raise a family. Thus, my parents settled in Fullerton, California where I was born, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1989. Memories of playing outside in the beautiful South Valley climate, accompanied with a love for learning and having a tremendous amount of family fun in California, capture the essence of my childhood. It was once I entered middleschool where my view of the world was altered. It was during these adolescent years where I came across a world I didn’t know, as I encountered a culture of violence, hyper-sexuality and drugs that was prevalent in the media, schools and neighborhoods that surrounded me. In 1999, during my high school years, my parents became active Catholics and registered our family to become parish members of St. Francis Xavier. By the time we became parishioners, the negative culture had infiltrated my life, but even that did not halt my love for learning, nor my strong belief in the existence of God. I left my parent’s house at the age of 17 and became a single-mother of two. As a single-mother, I
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struggled to be self-sufficient. Nevertheless, with the help of my family, government assistance and my Catholic faith, I accomplished a dream of mine in 2019. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and philosophy and met my husband, Warren. The calling to be a missionary disciple for the Catholic Church became evident in 2018 during my participation in the V Encuentro process from the parish level throughout the 2018 National event. V Encuentro inspired me to become much more involved and committed as a lay person and eventually as a catechist at St. Francis Xavier. After the national V Encuentro process, I got the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 2018 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC where I felt a call to participate in the Church’s social mission work for justice and advocacy. All of these experiences have lead me to say “yes” to the calling of becoming the new CCHD intern. It is through this commitment I hope to aid in the fight against poverty. Please contact me at 505.831.8232 to set up a presentation to your youth, young adult or adult formation group (in English or Spanish) on what Catholic social teaching says about poverty, and how you can help!
AACC Catholic School Supply Drive Continues Through August The Archdiocese of Santa Fe (ASF) African American Catholic Community (AACC) is currently collecting school supplies for distribution to ASF Catholic Schools through the end of August. Contributions of gift cards and supplies (paper, pencils, notebooks, binders, calculators, backpacks, crayons, etc.) are needed. Drop-boxes for supplies are located at Garson’s Catholic Store, 2415 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, 87110 (just south of Menaul on San Pedro), St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, 5901 St Joseph’s Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd, NE, Albuquerque 87109, and Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Center, 4000 St. Joseph’s Place NW, Albuquerque, 87120. For more information on how to donate, please contact Mrs. Louise Davis at 505.821.0071 or the office 505.831.8167. All donations remain with the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Save the Date:
African American Catholic Community Fr. Rollins Lambert Family Day Annual Picnic, September 14, 2019 Archdiocese of Santa Fe African American Catholic Community invites you to their Annual Fr. Rollins Lambert Family Day Picnic on Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 1-5pm at Mariposa Basin Park, 4900 Kachina Street NW, Albuquerque. Please bring a chair and a dish to share, a veggie dish, salad or dessert. Meat, drinks and paper goods will be provided. For more information, call Darly Barkley 505.363.3453.
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Teachers, Catechists, Youth Ministers, and Social Concerns Ministers: Free On-line Calendar of Ideas on Life and Justice Available The Office of Social Justice and Respect Life has assembled and updated an on-line calendar called Days of Life, Dignity, Justice and Peace. It has a month-by-month summary for our current school year of important dates related to Catholic social teaching including many different life and dignity, peace and justice issues. It also has live links to resources that can be used in a school curriculum, religious education programs, RCIA, Confirmation, and social concerns ministries all year. Email the office to get your copy sent to you by email, or watch for it on the Archdiocesan Social Justice and Respect Life web site. Contact the office for more info, 505.831.8205.
Justice for Immigrants- Support for our Brothers and Sisters • Video resources in both English and Spanish to “know your rights” if approached by immigration officials. • Educating your community about enforcement actions (en Español). Interested in accompanying our brothers and sisters who are undocumented immigrants? Read more about the work of the CARE program in the pilot dioceses and find resources for how your community might participate.
From We Are Salt and Light Respond to the call from Pope Francis to build a “culture of encounter” through reaching out in your own community. The culture of encounter is built in a myriad of ways. Whether through building space for civil dialogue, one-to-one meetings or the V Encuentro process, find ways you can reach out in your community to build hope. tinyurl.com/yynnnl7n
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
CCUSA Annual Gathering is coming to ABQ in September
12PM REGISTRATION
1PM SHOTGUN
During the week of September 24th, around 500 professionals, volunteers and partners from Catholic Charities agencies around the country will be in Albuquerque for the CCUSA Annual Gathering. This gathering allows us to advance our work, strategize about poverty reduction, and celebrate our shared identity. As the host diocesan Catholic Charities, we are organizing volunteers, assisting in the coordination of Mass on the evening of September 26, celebrated by Archbishop John C. Wester, and an appreciation celebration at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to showcase our city’s unique culture to our national guests. This event is a great opportunity to not only work towards our shared goal of helping those in need, but also to spotlight New Mexico’s unique history, culture, and diversity.
There is still time to sponsor or volunteer to help with this effort!
Dinner & prizes following the tournament
To volunteer, please contact Cathy Aragon-Marquez at 505.724.4634 or marquezc@ccasfnm.org. If you would like to sponsor the appreciation event or to learn more, please contact Dolores Nunez at nunezd@ccasfnm.org or 505.724.4693.
Celebrating Learning at Catholic Charities July 27 was a very special day for Catholic Charites as 100 adult learners graduated from our Adult Basic Education Programs. The ceremony took place at St. Pius X High School’s Fine Arts Auditorium. Very Rev. Oscar Coelho of San Martin de Porres Parish opened the ceremony with a beautiful prayer and Charles Ashley, president and founder of Cultivating Coders was keynote speaker. The commencement ceremony ended with an impactful closing prayer by Brother Bernard Keele, OFM of the Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Brother Bernard primarily volunteers for Catholic Charities in the Center for Educational Opportunity, but you will find him driving our senior riders, helping in other areas and most recently he is involved in direct ministry to the asylum seekers. Thank you to all who made this occasion so special and especially to our graduates. Just as this group of students graduated, the Center for Educational Opportunity will kick off the fall 2019 semester on September 4th. New student registration sessions will be held at Catholic Charities, 2nd floor, 2010 Bridge Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on August 26th – 28th at 9:00 am, noon and 6:00 pm. Late registration will be held on September 16th and 17th at 9:00 am, noon and 6:00 pm. The only cost is a $10 course registration fee. Learn more at ccedu.org or call 505.724.4672. th
Also on July 27th, our Children’s Learning Center celebrated their First Annual Family Day. The event celebrated summer and brought our teachers and families together to enjoy a fun-filled carnival atmosphere that included food, games and prizes. The event was held at our Children’s Learning Center. We can’t wait for next year!
World Refugee Day
REGISTER AT: RioGrandeCU.org/golf Benefitting Catholic Charities & Saint Timothy’s Lutheran Church
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In June, Catholic Charities and Lutheran Family Services collaborated once again for the annual World Refugee Day celebration, held at Highland High School. Catholic Charities’ own Andy Najar emceed the event, which included food, a citizenship ceremony, art, games, music, dancing, and a photo booth. Thank you to our friends at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints for their support in making this celebration possible.
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Leslie M. Radigan/ASF
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2019 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children - Sponsored by the ASF Attendance at the workshop is MANDATORY for all clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Pre-registration is necessary - contact: Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator or Rose Garcia at 505.831.8144 for trainings that are hosted at the Catholic Center or contact the parish that is hosting the training (see below schedule).Note: Please do not bring children - no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the training. If you are late you will not be allowed to enter and interrupt the training. Please contact Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator 505.831.8144 to report any abuse that has occurred by Clergy, Employee or Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER – CALL 505.831.8144 FOR A RECORDING ADVISING IF THE TRAINING IS CANCELLED. August 24, 2019 9:00 a.m. - Noon St. John Vianney Saturday 1001 Meteor Ave., NE Rio Rancho, 87114 call Liz to register 892.4449
October 17, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Risen Savior Thursday 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE Albuquerque, 87109 call to register 821.1571
September 14, 2019 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Our Lady of the Saturday Annunciation 2621 Vermont Street, NE Albuquerque, 87110 call Melanie to register 298.7553
November 14, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Catholic Center Thursday 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120
PROMISE Pledge to Protect to HEAL
December 5, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Catholic Center Thursday 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
We train
2,400,627 adults trained
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Romero, Martinez
Martinez, Romero
Mr. Francis “Pancho” Martinez and Miss Judy Romero were joined in holy matrimony on July 19, 1969 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taos, NM and are now parishioners at the Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque. They have three children: Camille and husband Mark, Francesca, and Victor and wife Allison. They also have five grandsons and three great-grandchildren. Francis retired from Honeywell, and Judy retired from K-Mart. They will celebrate their Golden Anniversary in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with their family.
Mr. Joe A. Romero and Miss Rosemary Martinez were joined in holy matrimony at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM on June 21, 1969 by Msgr. Sipio Salas and are still parishioners there. They have been blessed with seven children, 18 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Joe is a self- employed landscaper and wood vendor, and serves as an usher in the church. Rosemary retired from New Mexico State University cooperative extensive services after 20 years of service. Rosemary taught catechism for 28 years, she is an active
member of the Legion of Mary, Sacred Heart Society, and OLOS Catholic Daughters #1301.They maintain a strong Catholic faith and give thanks to God for their many blessings in their life.
J U B I L A R I A N S
Sr. Maria Candelaria, OP, celebrates jubilee celebrated her 60th jubilee in June 2019. A Mass was held in the Gathering Place Chapel at Sinsinawa Mound on Sunday, June 2, for her and 17 other Sinsinawa
Dominican Sisters celebrating 60 years. Sr. Maria’s home parish is St. Anne in Albuquerque. Sr. Maria made her first profession as a Discalced Carmelite in 1959 and transferred her vows to the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1980. Sr. Maria’s ministry has been dedicated to teaching. In the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Sr. Maria ministered in Albuquerque at St. Anne Parish as a religious education teacher; at St. Joseph Hospital as a hospital chaplain for one year; at Holy Ghost Parish and School as a teacher, 1989-1991, and as a religious education teacher, 1991-1996; and at Ernie Pyle Middle School as a teacher, 1991-2011. Sr. Millicent Peaslee, OLVM, a native of Gary, IN, celebrates 80 years as a Victory Noll Sister. She entered OLVM on October 28, 1939. Her ministry work has taken her to Michigan, Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Texas and Colorado. She has served as a catechist, a pastoral assistant, and in the office of diocesan religious education. She has been coordinator of the House of Prayer and the Spiritual Renewal Center.
Sr. Sharon Rose Eshleman, OLVM, celebrates her 60th jubilee. From Piper City, IL, she entered OLVM on September 5, 1959. She has been missioned in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and New Mexico. She has served as a catechist, pastoral minister, director of religious education and most recently as librarian at Victory Noll.
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Rest in Peace Rev. Arkad Kalman Biczak Rev. Arkad Kalman Biczak passed away after a short illness on Thursday, June 13, 2019. He was born in Passaic, NJ on April 10, 1937, the second child of Irene and Arkad Biczak and is survived by his brother, Joseph; six sisters, Marilyn Beiner, Claire Hanley, Loretta Hanley, Irene Gogal, Regina Conforth, and Patriia Byrne; 25 nieces and nephews and 45 great-nieces and nephews. As a Boy Scout, Fr. Ark received the rank of Eagle Scout, the Explorer Scout Silver Award, the Ad Atare Dei Award, and at his 50th Anniversary Celebration, the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the Great Southwest Boy Scout Council.
Fr. Ark received a BA in Philosophy from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ while attending Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ. He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963 at St. John Cathedral in Paterson, NJ and was given as a “gift” to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe because he petitioned to return to New Mexico after a summer stay at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch as an Eagle Scout. Fr. Ark later received a Masters of Religious Education at Seattle University, WA and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Jesuit School of Theology, at Berkley, CA, where he subsequently taught. Some of Fr. Ark’s accomplishments were: Archdiocesan Director of Religious Education, Archdiocesan Youth Director, Director of Archdiocesan Mission Office, Propagation of Faith, Catholic Relief Services, Holy Childhood, and continuing Education of the Clergy programs. His first parish assignment was Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Alamos; he was pastor of San Felipe Parish in Old Town Albuquerque, associate pastor at St. Bernadette’s in Albuquerque (St. Hoover’s) and the beloved and founding pastor of the past 35 years of St. John XXIII Catholic Community.
Sr. Mary Helen McKenna, SC Sr. Mary Helen McKenna, SC, died May 29, 2019, at the age of 98 in Mother Margaret Hall, the nursing facility for the Sisters of Charity. Sr. Mary Helen was born on Dec. 7, 1920, to John and Helen (McCall) McKenna in Jackson, MI. She had one brother. Sr. Mary Helen was a Sister of Charity for 80 years. Sr. Mary Helen earned the Bachelor of Science in Education from the
Sr. Martha Jean McGarry, IHM Sr. Martha Jean McGarry, IHM, 82, died on Friday, April 19, 2019 in hospice care at IHM Senior Living Center, in Monroe, MI. Sr. Martha Jean earned a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove College in Michigan and began her teaching ministry at Mother of Our Savior, Detroit, for several years before moving to the western United States to teach
Athenaeum (Cincinnati, Ohio) in 1943 and the Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati) in 1952. It was in 1959 that she completed a master’s degree in English from the University of Detroit. Sr. Mary Helen’s ministries included more than 45 years as a dedicated teacher and elementary principal; wherever she served she was regarded as an excellent educator. She ministered at St. Mary’s in Albuquerque from 1973-’74.
at Our Lady of Assumption school in Albuquerque. From 1984-2009 she served as the Director of the Catholic Charismatic Center in Albuquerque. New Mexico was her home for more than 45 years. Sr. Martha Jean is survived by her sister, Patricia Jarosz, two nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by sisters Elizabeth, Marion and Martha Ann; and brothers Lawrence, John, George, Michael, Richard, Robert, and Joseph.
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TV Mass Schedule The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ TV-6-2 and KASY-My50TVCable or satellite providers on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) InterpretedTV Mass donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120Check out Sunday and daily readings at www.usccb.org
Archbishop’s Schedule
AUGUST 17 Sat 9:00am
Spanish Listening Session, St. Anne, Santa Fe 5:15pm Native American Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe SEPTEMBER 8 Sun 9:30am 13 Fri 9:00am 14 Sat 9:30am 14/15
Procession from Rosario Cemetery and Fiesta, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Parish Listening Session, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Albuquerque Archdiocesan Scouting Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Healing from Abuse Mass Check with your parish for details
august 2019
Basic Theology Course Schedule Introduction to Scripture: Saturdays, September 14, 21 & 28 and October 12 & 19. Time: 10:00 am to Noon Instructor: Mary Reinhardt Location: Lourdes Hall, ABQ. Note that this course will be video streamed to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Clovis with Dcn. Bob Pullings facilitating discussion. Introduction to Church History: Mondays, September 30 – October 28 Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Instructor: Joel Hopko Location: San Isidro Parish, Santa Fe Advanced Theology Course The Catholic Epistles – James 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude: Saturdays, September 28 & October 26 Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Instructor: Dr. Jason Rodarte Location: St. Anne’s Parish, ABQ In The Footsteps of Francis – The Call of St. Francis of Assisi: Mondays, Sept 23, 30 & October 7 Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Instructor: Sr. Paula Gallagher Location: San Isidro Parish, Santa Fe To register for these classes please contact Corey Lucero at 505-831-8179 or clucero@archdiosf.org. Cost for each class is $10.00.
august 2019
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FIRST-EVER FAMILY STRONG CONFERENCE TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO SINGLES & FAMILIES WITH COMMON STRUGGLES By Erica Asmus-Otero It’s been said that parenting is the hardest job in the world. For parents in this digital age, that’s especially true. How do we protect our children from the dark side of the internet when they’re asked to research a school topic online, for example? How do we keep our cool and emotions in check when our children “push our buttons”? How do we remove the stress from our relationships, whether parents or not, with love and logic? These and many more commonly asked questions will be answered during a very special event on September 21 at the first-ever Family Strong Conference. The event is free and childcare will be available on site at no charge. Lunch is included. Led by a group of experts in their respective fields, attendees may expect to gain helpful perspectives and proven skills for tackling everyday challenges including: how to parent a special needs child, bonding blended families, fostering a healthy mas-
culinity in young boys, raising responsible children, addressing addictive behaviors, and more. Chief among the experts will be keynote speaker and author, Foster Cline, MD, an internationally renowned child and adult psychiatrist who coined the term “helicopter parent”. Among other books, Dr. Cline is the author of Raising Responsible Children and Teens with Love and Logic. Dr. Cline will begin the conference with a talk on the “Three E’s of Parenting”, followed by two breakout sessions: “Understanding and Responding to the Underachieving Child” and “Communication Skills to Take the Stress Out of Relationships”. Along with breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore art with their children as a medium for making emotional connections with them. The conference is a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For a complete schedule of the conference topics and to register, visit www.familystrongnm.org.
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