December, 2016 Vol. 34, No. 11
Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org
Sister Blandina Segale, SC Servant of God First person in New Mexico’s 400 year’s history on the path to sainthood
!Feliz Navidad! May the love of Christ that appeared to us on that first Christmas night, carry us powerfully through this life into eternity.” Archbishop John C. Wester
Photo by Leslie M. Radigan/ASF
See his Christmas message on page 4
US Bishops unanimously approved the Canonical Step for the Sainthood Cause of Sister Blandina Segale, SC on November 15, 2016. This is the first time in 400 years of Catholicism in New Mexico, the Vatican has given permission to open a cause for the beatification and canonization of a saint which may lead to one being declared a saint. Retablo by Arlene Cisneros Sena. See page 10
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Archbishop John C. Wester invites you to join him, Fr. Francesco Patton OFM, Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Michael A. Perry OFM, Minister General, Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, Minister Provincial of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Ordo Fratrum Minorum and the children of the world in prayer for peace.
Children praying for peace Aleppo, 27 November 2016 To all the friars of the Order of Friars Minor to the Poor Clares, to the sisters to the brothers of the Secular Franciscan Order, and to all women and men of good will “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18: 10). Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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ay the Lord give you peace! For a long time, as Friars Minor, we have been concerned about the situation that our brothers are experiencing together with the Christians and the entire population of Syria. Not long ago, we called on the international community to intensify its efforts to stop the war and the suffering of the civilian population and to make every effort to achieve peace. Now, at the beginning of Advent, a time in which the Lord Jesus invites us to insistently watch and pray, we want to propose to all our communities the “children praying for peace” initiative. It began as an idea from the “Aid to the Church in Need” project, and we wish to join it as the Order of Friars Minor, and to relaunch it on an international level on a monthly basis. This initiative comes from the awareness that the King of the Universe, the King of Peace, is the true source of all peace. Our Parish of St. Francis in Aleppo, which has been strongly affected by the tragedy of war and which has been tenaciously anchored to its hope for peace, has already joined the initiative. From Aleppo, we are now sending out our invitation to the whole world. Starting in Advent 2016, we wish to join
the Eucharistic celebration, it can always this initiative as the Order of Friars Minor and be adapted to the celebration, maintaining we want to encourage all of the communities, parishes and schools entrusted to our pastoral the symbol of the candle lighting, along with the simple prayer and songs for peace care and to all of the organizations close (remembering to always explain to the to us [to join in the initiative]; and we also children that this prayer is in communion with encourage them to spread the word to other all of the children of the world for peace in ecclesiastical and religious communities in Syria, especially in Aleppo and for peace in the areas in which the Friars Minor as live and the world). operate. We believe that the Lord hears the cry of the “little ones” and that their prayer Prayer for Peace their will become an opportunity for reflection and conversion for those who are ”big.” Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: We are asking each community to dedicate Where there is hatred, let me sow love; their children’s mass, or the mass most Where there is injury, pardon; frequented by children, on the first Sunday Where there is discord, union; of every month, to prayer for peace, Where there is doubt, faith; according to what is locally possible. The Where there is error, Truth; same thing can be done in a celebration Where there is despair, hope; during the Oratory or by involving the schools, Where there is sadness, joy; thus, in this way giving an ecumenical and Where there is darkness, light. interreligious spirit to the initiative. O Divine Master, If a community does not have a children’s grant That I may not so much seek liturgy or if it does not have a ministry for to be consoled as to console, Oratories or a school, it can make the gesture to be understood as to understand, during the communal Praises or Vespers, or to be loved as to love. on an occasion created especially for this For it is in giving That We receive, initiative. it is in pardoning That we are pardoned, Here are some practical suggestions so as to unify the form of the celebration, taking and it is in dying That we are born to eternal Life. Amen. from the example of how it is done in Aleppo: after the initial greeting and the introduction of the celebration by the priest, some children We ask all those who take heed to our proposal, will process in with a lighted candle, which to report it on to our Facebook page: www.facebook. will be placed near the altar, in a visible place, com/Children-in-prayer-for-peace-1226291644125867 while all sing, or while they recite the “simple God bless every effort for peace and may he listen prayer” for peace. to the cry and the prayer of His children. In addition to this, different intentions from the Prayer of the Faithful will be dedicated Fraternally, to peace in people’s hearts, peace for Fr. Michael A. Perry OFM, Minister General the families and peace in Aleppo and all Fr. Francesco Patton OFM, Custos of the Holy Land around the world. The songs should also be dedicated to the theme of peace. If the prayer is carried out outside of
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Archbishop John C. Wester has made the following assignments:
Table of Contents Archbishop’s Letter: Christmas Archbishop Wester’s Post-Election Statement Sr. Blandina Segale, SC, Servant of God Rev. Domme Honored by Parishioners Rev. Balizan Receives High Honor Rev. Golden Receives Cardinal Bernardin Award Pray for Our Seminarians Black & Native Catholics on a Mission V Encuentro Las Posadas Archbishop’s Holy Faith Society Gathers Catholic Education Family Life Marriage Ministries Bioethics: Orphans in Liquid Nitrogen Rev. Rolheiser: The End of the World Unity in Diversity: A Spiritual Rosary Abuse Awareness Schedule Archbishop’s Schedule D+E+I Announces Two 2017 Awards
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Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for December/Diciembre
Universal: End to Child-Soldiers That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over. Evangelization: Europe That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.
Universal ‐ Niños soldados. Para que en ninguna parte del mundo existan niños soldados. Por la Evangelización ‐ Pueblos de Europa. Para que los pueblos de Europa redescubran la belleza, la bondad y la verdad del Evangelio que dan alegria y esperanza a la vida.
Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
• Effective Friday, November 10, 2016 – Deacon Eloy E. Martinez, previously assigned at San Juan Bautista in San Juan Pueblo, has been granted retirement. • Effective Friday, November 18, 2016 – Deacon Jesus Medina, previously assigned at St. Anne Parish in Albuquerque, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Albuquerque, under the guidance of the pastor, Very Rev. Robert Campbell, O.Praem. • Effective Friday, November 18, 2016 – Deacon Jose Ayala, previously assigned at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at St. Edwin Parish in Albuquerque, under the guidance of the pastor, Rev. Peter Muller, O.Praem. • Effective Friday, November 18, 2016 – Deacon Oscar Marquez, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at Santuario de San Martin in Albuquerque, under the guidance of the pastor, Very Rev. Oscar Coelho. • Effective Monday, November 28, 2016 – Rev. Terrence Brennan, currently pastor of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Peña Blanca and its Missions, has been appointed as pastor for Holy Family/St. Joseph in Roy and Santa Clara in Wagon Mound and its Missions. The current pastor, Rev. John Brasher, will be retiring. • Effective Monday, November 28, 2016 – Rev. Michael Garcia, currently parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Albuquerque, has been appointed as pastor for Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Peña Blanca and its Missions. • Effective Saturday, November 30, 2016 – Rev. Daniel Balizan, his resignation has been granted as rector of Santo Niño Regional Catholic School. He will remain pastor for Santa Maria de La Paz in Santa Fe. • Effective Thursday, December 1, 2016 – Rev. Dennis Garcia, has been appointed as rector of Santo Niño Regional Catholic School. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe. • Effective Thursday, December 1, 2016 – Very Rev. John Cannon, has also been appointed as vice rector of Santo Niño Regional Catholic School. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of San Isidro in Santa Fe and dean of the Santa Fe Deanery.
SEMINARY BURSE The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends to the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for October 2016. 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
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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.
Amount Received
Immaculate Conception – Albuquerque...................................................................................285.00 Our Lady of Sorrows - Bernalillo............................................................................................... 1,000.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque.................................................................... 1,200.00 San Clemente – Los Lunas.........................................................................................................10,000.00 St. John the Baptist – Santa Fe......................................................................................................500.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque........................................................................440.00 Total $ 13,425.00
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Visit our new ACA Website at: www.archdiocesesantafegiving.org/ aca to donate to ACA 2016, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!
10% 3% 0%
92%
Our Goal $ 3,000,000
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A Christmas Message
ur world seems enthralled with power. Both nations and individuals are often locked in fierce struggles to exert their will. Nations use military power to achieve their ends even when, as in the Korean Peninsula, they threaten the stability of the entire world. Political parties use the power of communication, especially on the internet, as they vie for control in the chambers of government. And more and more, wealthy candidates use the power of money to get elected to political office. Corporations use their wealth and prestige to influence public opinion and ultimately, to make a profit. Even on a smaller scale, we see the use of power to control, to manipulate or to influence in the home, on the playground and in the workplace, evidenced in domestic violence, bullying at school and ruthless tactics to get promoted. Without a doubt, our world is constantly caught up in power struggles that leave their mark on the faces of countless millions and on the face of the earth itself. It is precisely into this powerful world that our Savior comes once again this Christmas. In many ways, things have not changed all that much since the Nativity of Christ. Leaders like Herod are still using violent means to retain their power, vulnerable migrants like Mary and Joseph with no place to spend the night are still forgotten by the wealthy. Employees like the shepherds are still struggling to make ends meet despite the large profits reaped by Wall Street. One would think that God would have thought ahead and given His Son some of the tools of power that would enable Him to make His way in our world. And yet, the Savior comes to us, seemingly, as the epitome of powerlessness and vulnerability: a newborn infant who is completely dependent on His parents for His very existence. He cannot survive on His own. He is completely at the mercy of the “powerful.” I remember reading about a little girl who was asked to describe her family’s porcelain manger scene, passed on from one generation to the next. In her description she responded with the words her parents had repeated over and over again, “It is fragile!” Yes, Christ comes to us as fragile human being.
And yet, we know through the eyes of faith that the Christ child, born in a manger, is the Savior of the world. He is the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Hope of Nations. The lesson of Advent is that things are not what they seem. Joseph discovered this in a dream; Mary discovered it in a visit from an angel; and we are invited to discover it anew as we gaze into the eyes of the infant Christ. When we look beyond the appearance of things, we realize that God is intimately at work in us, part of our very existence. What seems to be a helpless child is in fact the very power of God; indeed, He is God, “Who…did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness and found human in appearance…” (Philippians 2: 6 – 7) God became one of us for no other reason than that He loves us beyond our wildest imaginings. The secret of God’s power is love. The Incarnation celebrates God’s love for us, a love that is more powerful than absolutely any power in heaven or on earth: “Of this I am certain, neither death nor life, no angel or prince, not any power or height or depth nor any created thing can ever come between us and the love of God, made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38 – 39) Christmas teaches us that God is at work in our lives. God is intimately part of us, indeed, in Christ He is one of us. The Incarnation demonstrates how God builds bridges of love with humanity. Jesus, born in our midst, encounters us in a deeper way. Nothing is separate from God’s love. Even in my most difficult, painful or dark moments, God is with me. That is what Emmanuel means: God with us. The Christmas message is grounded in the reality that all creation is caught up in God’s loving providence. When we return God’s love, trust in God’s love, hope in God’s love and abide in God’s love, we become the power of God’s love in our fragile world. We become those bridges of love to others. This is what it means to see with the eyes of faith. What looks like failure, or pain, or hardship can transform us if we see God at work in it. Seen in this light, life takes on a deeper meaning and purpose. Sickness can be a catalyst to trust more in God and
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His desire to be one with us for all eternity rather than live our lives as if we were immortal. Failure prompts us to rely more on God and less on ourselves. Crises remind us that God is in control, not us. Truly, there is nothing more powerful than God’s love. Lord John Dalberg-Acton, an English Catholic historian was right, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” However, the babe in the manger gives evidence to the fact that love is the antidote to power. Hence, love saves and God’s love saves absolutely. Once we are caught up in the love of God and the love of my neighbor who is the image and likeness of God, then we realize that we are truly powerful. Perhaps the only thing fragile about the manger scene is whether we will respond to God’s love for us or retain what we perceive to be power. Christmas invites us to choose love, Christ’s love, Christ’s power.
Our Holy Father reminds us often to create a “culture of encounter.” In early January, the US Catholic Church marks National Migration Week, January 8-14, with the theme, “Creating a Culture of Encounter.” I invite us to think about how we can be better bridge-builders to those seeking a new home in our country. How can we welcome those who are fleeing violence, poverty and fear with God’s love? To you all, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I wish a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year. As we enter this new year praying especially for those who are seeking a new home, I ask the Christ Child to raise His arms of benediction over all of us in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as we grow closer together in the powerful ways of love. May the love of Christ that appeared to us on that first Christmas night, carry us powerfully through this life into eternity. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Rev. John C. Wester Archbishop of Santa Fe
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uestro mundo parece cautivado por el poder. Tanto las naciones como los individuos suelen enredarse en feroces luchas para ejercer su voluntad. Las naciones utilizan el poder militar para lograr sus fines, incluso cuando, como sucede en la Península Coreana, amenazan la estabilidad del mundo entero. Los partidos políticos utilizan el poder de la comunicación, especialmente en Internet, mientras compiten por el control en las cámaras gubernamentales. Y cada vez más, candidatos ricos utilizan el poder del dinero para ser elegidos para cargos políticos. Las corporaciones usan su riqueza y prestigio para influir en la opinión pública y, en última instancia, para obtener beneficios. Incluso en menor escala, vemos el uso del poder para controlar, manipular o influir en el hogar, en el patio de recreo y en el lugar de trabajo, evidenciado en la violencia doméstica, el acoso escolar y las tácticas despiadadas para ser promovido. Sin duda, nuestro mundo está constantemente atrapado en luchas de poder que dejan su huella en los rostros de innumerables millones y en la faz de la tierra misma. Es precisamente a este poderoso mundo que nuestro Salvador viene una vez más en esta Navidad. De muchas maneras, las cosas no han cambiado mucho desde el nacimiento de Cristo. Líderes como Herodes siguen usando medios violentos para conservar su poder, los inmigrantes vulnerables como María y José, sin un lugar para pasar la noche, siguen siendo olvidados por los ricos. Empleados como los pastores todavía están luchando para que les alcance la quincena, a pesar de los grandes beneficios cosechados por Wall Street. Uno pensaría que Dios podría haber visto el futuro y le habría dado a Su Hijo algunas de las herramientas de poder que le permitirían tener éxito en Su camino en nuestro mundo. Y sin embargo, el Salvador viene a nosotros, aparentemente, como el epítome de la impotencia y la vulnerabilidad: un recién nacido que es depende completamente de sus padres para su misma existencia. No puede sobrevivir por su cuenta. Él está completamente a merced de los “poderosos.” Recuerdo haber leído acerca de una niña a quien se le pidió que describiera el escenario del nacimiento de porcelana que su familia había heredado de generación
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en generación. En su descripción ella respondió con las palabras que sus padres habían repetido una y otra vez: “¡Es frágil!” Sí, Cristo viene a nosotros como un ser humano frágil. Y sin embargo, sabemos a través de los ojos de la fe que el niño Jesús, nacido en un pesebre, es el Salvador del mundo. Él es el Dios poderoso, el Príncipe de Paz, la Esperanza de las Naciones. La lección del Adviento es que las cosas no son lo que parecen. José lo descubrió en un sueño; María lo descubrió en una visita de un ángel; Y nosotros somos invitados a descubrirlo de nuevo cuando miramos a los ojos del niño Dios. Cuando miramos más allá de la apariencia de las cosas, nos damos cuenta de que Dios está íntimamente trabajando en nosotros, que es parte de nuestra misma existencia. Lo que parece ser un niño indefenso es en realidad el mismo poder de Dios; Ciertamente, Él es Dios, “Quien... no se apegó a su igualdad con Dios, sino que se redujo a nada, tomando la condición de servidor, y se hizo semejante a los hombres... “(Filipenses 2: 6-7) Dios se convirtió en uno de nosotros sin otra razón que el amarnos más allá de nuestra imaginación. El secreto del poder de Dios es el amor. La Encarnación celebra el amor de Dios por nosotros, un amor que es absolutamente más poderoso que cualquier poder en el cielo o en la tierra: “Pues estoy seguro de que ni la muerte ni la vida ni los ángeles ni los principados ni lo presente ni lo futuro ni las potestades ni la altura ni la profundidad ni otra criatura alguna podrá separarnos del amor de Dios manifestado en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro”(Romanos 8: 38-39). La Navidad nos enseña que Dios está trabajando en nuestras vidas. Dios es íntimamente parte de nosotros, ciertamente, en Cristo Él es uno de nosotros. La Encarnación demuestra cómo Dios construye puentes de amor con la humanidad. Jesús, nacido en medio de nosotros, nos encuentra de una manera más profunda. Nada está separado del amor de Dios. Incluso en mis momentos más difíciles, dolorosos u oscuros, Dios está conmigo. Eso es lo que quiere decir Emmanuel: Dios con nosotros. El mensaje de Navidad está basado en la realidad de que toda la creación está atrapada en la providencia amorosa de Dios. Cuando devolvemos el amor de Dios, confiamos en el amor de Dios, esperamos
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en el amor de Dios y permanecemos en el amor de Dios, nos convertimos en el poder del amor de Dios en nuestro frágil mundo. Nos convertimos en esos puentes de amor a los demás. Esto es lo que significa ver con los ojos de la fe. Lo que parece un fracaso, o dolor, o dificultad puede transformarnos si vemos a Dios trabajando en ello. Visto bajo esta luz, la vida adquiere un significado y un propósito más profundos. La enfermedad puede ser un catalizador para confiar más en Dios y en su deseo de ser uno con nosotros por toda la eternidad, en lugar de vivir nuestras vidas como si fuéramos inmortales. El fracaso nos lleva a confiar más en Dios y menos en nosotros mismos. Las crisis nos recuerdan que Dios es quien tiene el control, no nosotros. Verdaderamente, no hay nada más poderoso que el amor de Dios. Lord John Dalberg-Acton, un historiador católico inglés tenía razón al decir: “El poder tiende a corromper y el poder absoluto corrompe absolutamente.” Sin embargo, el niño en el pesebre da evidencia de que el amor es el antídoto del poder. Por lo tanto, el amor salva y el amor de Dios salva totalmente. Una vez que estamos atrapados en el amor de Dios y en el amor de nuestro prójimo quien es la imagen y semejanza de Dios, entonces nos damos cuenta de que somos verdaderamente poderosos. Quizás lo único frágil en la escena del pesebre es si vamos a responder al amor que Dios tiene por nosotros o vamos a retener lo que percibimos como poder. La Navidad nos invita a elegir el amor, el amor de Cristo, el poder de Cristo.
Nuestro Santo Padre nos recuerda a menudo que debemos crear una “cultura de encuentro”. A principios de enero, la Iglesia Católica de los Estados Unidos celebra la Semana Nacional de la Migración, del 8 al 14 de enero, con el tema “Creando una Cultura de Encuentro”. Les invito a pensar en cómo podemos ser mejores constructores de puentes para aquellos que buscan un nuevo hogar en nuestro país. ¿Cómo podemos acoger con el amor de Dios a los que están huyendo de la violencia, la pobreza y el miedo? A todos ustedes, mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, les deseo una bendita Navidad y un pacífico Año Nuevo. Al entrar en este nuevo año orando especialmente por aquellos que están buscando un nuevo hogar, le pido al Niño Jesús que levante sus brazos de bendición sobre todos nosotros en la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe mientras juntos nos acercamos en las poderosas maneras del amor. Que el amor de Cristo que apareció a nosotros en esa primera noche de Navidad, nos lleve poderosamente a través de esta vida hasta la eternidad. Sinceramente suyo en el Señor,
Reverendisimo John C. Wester Arzobispo de Santa Fe
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Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 Archbishop John C. Wester issued the following post-election statement on Friday, November 18, 2016:
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he recent presidential election turned out to be a surprise, with a majority of voters suddenly disappointed and a large number suddenly delighted. Nonetheless, it is my hope that Americans voted their conscience, seeking what is best for the good of our country and, I hope, for the common good of all, whether within or beyond our borders. It is also my hope we can work together with the new administration to fulfill the hopes and dreams of our fellow citizens. Unless proven otherwise, I presume President-elect Donald J. Trump will dedicate himself to the well-being of all our fellow citizens and the well-being of those in the global community. His successful presidency, dedicated to serving all people, will be a success for all. At the same time, I am aware of many people in our archdiocese who are fearful of what may happen to them, given the hurtful and sometimes hateful things that have been said during the recent campaign. In particular, there is a real fear that thousands of youth and young adults who received temporary relief from deportation through the executive action on immigration by President Obama called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be repealed and many of our brothers and sisters will be deported, thus separating them from their families. We cannot and will not abandon them. We must speak out clearly on their behalf, working with our government officials to implement comprehensive immigration reform, giving special attention to those who have rightful asylum claims. Attention must also be given to those groups who have been singled out for suspicion such as our
Muslim immigrants. We have a very dynamic and supportive relationship with them and must assure them of our support, especially given some of the ugly displays of bigotry that have surfaced since the election. As Catholics, we need to continue to speak clearly in the public square, echoing the voice of the Gospel that challenges us to love our neighbor as ourselves, giving special attention to those who are living on the periphery. During this time of transition, I encourage all Catholics to practice “deliberate civility�, modeling for others in our words and deeds, our fundamental belief that all people have been made in the image and likeness of God. Each person we encounter is due our respect, even if we do not agree with their views. I ask you to join me in prayer for the future of our nation, for President-elect Trump and for all our elected leaders that they may focus on the needs of our nation and world. May we trust in God as we focus on coming together as a nation and healing all wounds of division, that our nation and the world can look forward to a bright and peaceful future.
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En verdad les digo que, cuando lo hicieron con alguno de los más pequeños de estos mis hermanos, me lo hicieron a mí. Mateo 25:40 El Arzobispo John C. Wester ha emitido la siguiente declaración en Viernes, 18 de noviembre de 2016.
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a reciente elección presidencial resultó ser una sorpresa, con una mayoría de votantes repentinamente decepcionados y un gran número repentinamente complacidos. No obstante, espero que los norteamericanos hayan votado de acuerdo a su conciencia, buscando lo mejor para el bien de nuestro país y, espero, para el bien común de todos, ya sea dentro o fuera de nuestras fronteras. También espero que podamos trabajar juntos con la nueva administración para cumplir las esperanzas y los sueños de nuestros conciudadanos. A menos que se demuestre lo contrario, supongo que el presidente electo Donald J. Trump se dedicará al bienestar de todos nuestros conciudadanos y al bienestar de los miembros de la comunidad mundial. Su exitosa presidencia, dedicada a servir a todas las personas, será un éxito para todos. Al mismo tiempo, sé de muchas personas en nuestra Arquidiócesis que temen lo que les pueda pasar dado las dolorosas y a veces detestables cosas que se dijeron durante la reciente campaña electoral. En particular, hay un verdadero temor de que la acción ejecutiva sobre inmigración del Presidente Obama titulada Acción Diferida para Llegados en la Niñez (DACA), que otorgó alivio temporal de la deportación a miles de jóvenes y adultos jóvenes, sea anulada y muchos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas puedan ser deportados, separándolos así de sus familias. Considerando este temor, quiero asegurar a toda nuestra gente que nosotros en la archidiócesis apoyamos y abogamos por nuestros hermanos y hermanas recién llegados y por quienes están aquí y aún no han podido establecer una manera legal para residir en este país. Reconocemos que nuestras leyes de inmigración ya no son adecuadas para satisfacer las necesidades de este país y de nuestros inmigrantes. Además, sabemos que muchos de nuestros inmigrantes están aquí huyendo de la persecución, la pobreza extrema y en muchos casos, la muerte por parte de cárteles criminales, pandillas, narcotraficantes y traficantes
de seres humanos. No podemos abandonarlos, y no los vamos a abandonar. Debemos hablar por ellos y a su favor, trabajando con nuestros funcionarios gubernamentales para implementar una reforma migratoria integral, prestando especial atención a todos aquellos que tienen legítimas solicitudes de asilo. También se debe prestar atención a aquellos grupos que han sido señalados como sospechosos, como nuestros inmigrantes musulmanes. Tenemos una muy dinámica relación de apoyo con ellos y debemos asegurarles nuestro respaldo, especialmente considerando algunas de las horribles muestras de intolerancia que han surgido desde las elecciones. Como católicos, debemos seguir hablando claramente en la arena pública, haciendo eco de la voz del Evangelio que nos desafía a amar al prójimo como a nosotros mismos, prestando especial atención a los que viven en los márgenes de la sociedad. Durante este tiempo de transición, animo a todos los católicos a practicar una “civilidad deliberada”, modelando para otros en nuestras palabras y hechos, nuestra creencia fundamental de que todas las personas han sido hechas a la imagen y semejanza de Dios. Cada persona que encontramos debe tener nuestro respeto, incluso si no estamos de acuerdo con sus puntos de vista. Les pido que se unan a mí en oración por el futuro de nuestra nación, por el presidente electo Trump y por todos nuestros líderes electos para que puedan concentrarse en las necesidades de nuestra nación y mundo. Que podamos confiar en Dios mientras nos concentramos en unirnos como nación y sanar todas las heridas de la división, para que nuestro país y el mundo puedan mirar hacia adelante a un futuro brillante y pacífico. Translation provided by Rocío Gonzáles
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New Mexico Needs Faith, Hope and Love Now By Allen Sánchez, President of CHI St. Joseph’s Children and Petitioner for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of The Servant of God, Sister Blandina Segale
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n November 15, 2016, Archbishop John C. Wester presented for canonical consultation the Cause of the Servant of God, Sister Blandina Segale, a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, to the entire body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops voted unanimously to approve the advancement of her Cause for Beatification and Canonization. Our nation is becoming acquainted with the Servant of God and her heroic acts and virtues. This immigrant, who was brought as a child to the USA, now gives inspiration to many. The Servant of God, Blandina Segale, showed love for all people in New Mexico. She made personal sacrifices such as giving up her mattress for the sick to heal in comfort or the dying to feel dignity in their last days. She sacrificed her security and risked death to bring peace to conflicts between armed men. More than once, she placed herself in the role of counselor as heated tempers threatened armed conflict. She loved children and built orphanages, taking in all who needed shelter, food and love. She founded and co-founded many social service organizations to serve the common good. The Servant of God Blandina built numerous schools. In Santa Fe, she elevated the medical services of the sisters to a hospital. In Albuquerque, she oversaw the building of St. Joseph’s Hospital and built St. Vincent’s Girl’s School. In San Felipe de Neri Church, she built additions to what is now
Blandina Convent, and built the quaint little school behind the convent which served as the first public school in Albuquerque. Her hands showed her love for Jesus and His people. Her hands were a touch of blessing, washing the faces of children, cleansing the wounds and injuries of the indigent, and never too proud to put her hands in the mud to form adobes or plaster walls. New Mexico faces the highest rate of children living in poverty in the United States and we rank second highest in children living in hunger in the USA. Now that Sr. Blandina has been offered to the world as an example, New Mexico can call on the Servant of God in our hour of need and we ask her to take our intentions to the throne of God. Many turn to her in prayer of intercession to Jesus for healing, help and inspiration. Her memoirs, written to her sister Justina, were published in a book, At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. It can bring spiritual formation for all. The prayer for her canonization and novena can be found at www.SisterBlandinaSegale.com. God’s gift of faith and resurrection for all is exemplified in the Communion of Saints. If the church is not making saints, then the church doesn’t make sense. In this process of inquiry, we discover the Holiness of a person. We also discover that God gives us today His love in the example of a saint’s life, and this becomes a fountain of faith, hope and love.
Supporters of the sainthood cause for Sister Blandina Segale, SC pose for a photo on June 25, 2014 following a news conference in ALbuquerque, NM. Pictured L to R are: Sisters Victoria Marie Forde and Celestia Koebel (deceased Nov. 27, 2015), both Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; Most Rev. Ricardo Ramirez, Bishop Emeritus of Las Cruces, Postulator; Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Fe, Judge; Sister Monica Luca, SC; Victor Limary, Board Treasurer, CHI St. Joseph’s Children and Allen Sanchez, Petitioner, President of CHI St. Joseph’s Children. (CNS photo/Leslie M. Radigan, Archdiocese of Santa Fe)
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ll Christians are called to be saints. Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived vitreous lives in a heroic way or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation.
In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes “Venerable,” then “Blessed” and then “Saint.” Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. The pope may waive these requirements. A miracle is not required prior to a martyr’s beatification, but one is required before canonization.
Key Terms Beatification - the second stage in the process of proclaiming a person a saint; occurs after Sister Blandina Segale photo courtesy a diocese or eparchy and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has conducted a rigorous of Palace of the Governors - Photo Archives investigation into the person’s life and writings to determine whether he or she demonstrates (NMHM/DCA) Negative #67735 a heroic level of virtue or suffered martyrdom. A miracle attributed to the person’s intercession must be proved. Blessed - title bestowed on a person who has been beatified and accorded limited liturgical veneration. Canonization – the formal process by which the Church declares a person to be a saint and worthy of universal veneration. Congregation for the Causes of Saints – a department of the Roman Curia, established originally as the Congregation of Rites by Pope Sixtus V in 1588. Reorganized and renamed in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, and again in 1983 by Pope John Paul II. Some of the responsibilities of the Congregation include making recommendations to the pope on beatifications and canonizations, and the authentication and preservation of sacred relics. Miracle – something that has occurred by the grace of God Born in Cicagna, Italy: Jan 23, 1850 through the intercession of a Venerable, or Blessed which is Entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati: September 13, 1866 scientifically inexplicable. Date of death: Feb. 23. 1941 Petitioner – party initiating an action in canon law. In the case of a sainthood cause, the petitioner is one who asks the diocesan Places Dates of Service bishop to begin the investigation which could ultimately lead St. Mary’s Academy, Dayton, OH 1868-1869 to canonization. (A bishop may also begin a cause on his own St. Peter, Steubenville, OH 1869-1872 initiative, in which case he is the petitioner.) Public School, Trinidad, CO 1872-1877 Postulator - person appointed to guide and oversee the cause. Santa Fe, NM 1877-1881 One oversees the cause at the diocesan or eparchial level (Phase Public School, Old Town, Albuquerque, NM 1881-1883 I); the Roman postulator, oversees all aspects of Phases II and III. Public School Precinct No 12, New Town, Albuquerque, NM 1883-1886 Prefect - the head of any of the Roman curial congregations, Faculties for both Old and New Town lived in Old Town usually a cardinal. (S. Blandina – superior in Old Town; New Town separated 1885-1886) Saint – the title given to someone who has been formally canonized by the Church as sharing eternal life with God, and St. Vincent Academy, Public School, New Town 1886-1889 therefore offered for public veneration and imitation. renamed from Public School District No. 12 Servant of God - the title given to a candidate for sainthood St. Joseph Academy, Trinidad, CO 1889-1892 whose cause is still under investigation, prior to being declared St. Patrick, Pueblo, CO 1892-1893 Venerable. St. Aloysius , Fayetteville, OH 1893-1894 Venerable – the title given to a candidate for sainthood whose St. Gabriel, Cincinnati, OH 1894-1897 cause has not yet reached the beatification stage but whose heroic Santa Maria Institute, Cincinnati, OH 1897-March 19, 1933 virtue has been declared by the pope. St. Joseph Hospital, Albuquerque d1900-1901 Motherhouse, Mount St. Joseph, OH 1933-1941
ASSIGNMENTS
Saints. USCCB, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2016.
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Rev. Edward C. Domme Honored by Our Lady of the Assumption Parishioners By Mary Wentworth, Secretary Parish Pastoral Council, Our Lady of the Assumption, Albuquerque n October 30, 2016, in attendance, and worked Priesthood Sunday, in one of her homes for Mr. Joe Schriner, the destitute and dying. Fr. President of the Parish Domme once said, “Mother Pastoral Council, present- Teresa brought out the best ed Fr. Edward C. Domme, in everyone.” In addition to pastor of Our Lady of the the picture of St. Teresa, Mr. Assumption, with two gifts Schriner also gave Fr. Domof appreciation. The first me a big football sign since was to express the par- he frequently talks about his ish’s spiritual appreciation: love of the game, especially a lovely picture on wood his team, Notre Dame. The of St. Teresa of Calcutta. parishioners gave Fr. DomWhile studying in Rome, Fr. me a standing ovation for Domme met Mother Teresa everything he has done and (now St. Teresa), celebrat- continues to do for Our Lady ed Masses when she was of the Assumption Church.
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Rev. Edward C. Domme, pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, Albuquerque
Rev. Daniel M. Balizan Receives High Honor By Michael E. Gallegos, parishioner, Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe
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r. Daniel M. Balizan, pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in Santa Fe, recently led a pilgrimage for 17 pilgrims to the Holy Land and Egypt. Amongst the many memorable sights and events was a ceremony in Jerusalem where the pilgrims met with the newly appointed Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa. On June 24, 2016, having accepted the resignation of His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal who had reached the legal age, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Very Reverend PierRev. Daniel M. Balizan, pastor, Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe and Very Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, battista Pizzaballa as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Apostolic AdministraShell is the ultimate decoration of the Equestrian Order of tor sede vacante of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, until the appointment of a the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and may be awarded by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Pilgrim Shell can be new patriarch. During this memorable ceremony, Fr. Daniel received the earned by any Knight or Lady of the Order in good standing, Pilgrim Shell of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepul- who makes a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and prays at the Holy chre of Jerusalem from Archbishop Pizzaballa. The Pilgrim Sepulchre of our Risen Lord.
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Rev. Graham Golden Receives Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award from CCHD/USCCB
By Anne Avellone, Director, Office of Social Justice and Respect Life
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ach year, the USCCB anti-poverty campaign, Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) seeks nominations of young adult leaders from across the US for the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. The award recognizes the leadership, energy and diverse skills that young people bring to the anti-poverty work of low-in-
come projects and Catholic parishes. I am happy to report that Fr. Graham Golden, O.Praem. has been chosen to receive this award for this year and will receive it during the US Bishop’s Fall meeting in Baltimore. In our archdiocese, Fr. Graham worked with me in the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life as a CCHD intern. Fr. Graham reflects, “As a CCHD intern I engaged in community outreach to educate youth and young adults about the systemic realities of poverty and injustice. I also assisted with state-level legislative advocacy and have participated in advocacy at a national level.” This experience helped lay groundwork for Fr. Graham’s continued work during his theology and social work studies in Chicago, where he continued contact with CCHD through the Archdiocese of Chicago assisting in the training of CCHD collection speakers and sitting on the CCHD grant allocations committee. Currently, in addition to his duties at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary parish, he also works as the Coordinator for Program Development, Evaluation, & Research for The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe where he has worked to systematically engage the foundational beliefs of our Social Doctrine into our practice of community outreach and grant allocation. Fr. Graham integrates his experience with CCHD into his work at the Catholic Foundation. He states, “The Catholic Foundation strives to give local and under-resourced communities significant voice in our funding distributions. We work as a community partner, walking in solidarity with those who receive our funding. We work to inspire a sense of subsidiarity in local leadership.” The national and local grants that CCHD gives out also recognize the value of grassroots leadership and control. This year, Fr. Graham worked with me and the local CCHD committee to institute a matching grant process between the local CCHD fund and the Catholic Foundation for economic development grants in our archdiocese. See REV. GRAHAM on page 31
Sr. Jeanette Cochran, SC, Celebrates Diamond Jubilee “The Sisters of Charity, who taught me and my siblings, appeared to have a certain direction and dedication to their lives which interested me,” remembers Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Jeannette Cochran, who celebrates 60 years with her community this August. Born and raised in Marion, OH, Sr. Jeannette attended St. Mary grade and high schools. Interested in entering the nursing profession, she applied and was accepted to a reputable nursing program her senior year of high school, but she wavered in her decision to enter the community. In the end, she says, “I experienced a certain persistence towards religious life, and when I finally made the decision to enter, I was at peace with myself.” Sister proceeded to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, a Master of Science in Medical Surgical Nursing from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, which is where she spent most of her ministry. After six years at St. Joseph Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, Sister Jeannette left as director of nursing service to take the same position at St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque. Five years later, she changed course again as she began service as a nursing professor at the University of New
Mexico in Albuquerque. A memorable time in her life was when her mother who needed a companion and caregiver came to live with her in Albuquerque for the last 12 years of her life. Sister says that the time was “a blessing for me and for her,” as “a world which I had ignored in the past was opened up for me. I saw and sensed connections between the past and the present.” Sometime later, her younger sister Virginia, a Sisters of Charity Associate, moved to New Mexico, too, and Sister continued to feel the blessings of being close with her family. Living in New Mexico, Sister Jeannette says she developed a kinship with the Native American people and witnessed their influence on her in how her spirituality grew. “I’ve learned and have been inspired by their spirituality and their love of nature,” she explains. She says that there are many writers that she can relate to, “but it’s nature that most directs me to God.” Sister Jeannette spent 11 years as a family nurse practitioner at the Rio Grande Family Center in Albuquerque. After retiring in 2003, she spent some time volunteering with pre-school and kindergarten children at Nativity Parish in Almeda, New Mexico, before moving to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in Cincinnati, where she continues to volunteer in healthcare and other duties. The spirituality she found in nature is reflected in her life at the Motherhouse as she engages in hobbies including photography, gardening, bird watching and feeding, and using her photos to make greeting cards sold in the Motherhouse Gift Shop.
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Pray for our Seminarians Deacon Christopher Hallada
Nathan Lopez
“Christmas means far more than an opportunity for friends and family to gather in commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For me, the season of Christmas is an invitation to enter the mystery of the Incarnation, giving myself completely over to the Lord of history who enters our existence, emptying himself and encountering humanity in the frailty of flesh. The centrality of the Incarnation for all humanity requires all Christians to participate in the mission of the Trinity and particularly calling on the Holy Spirit to teach us to love. The dependency that the child Jesus had on his mother Mary should cause us to pause, reflecting on how each of us—lay, ordained, or religious—can serve those who depend on us.”
“From my earliest childhood until now, Christmas has been the biggest event in the year in which my family comes together. It seems to be the most joyful time of the year because we celebrate the birth of the savior of the world. We give gifts to one another to express that our lives our built upon sharing and being one family. We celebrate the fact that God has included us in his family and this is what it means to be a Christian.”
Joel Langsfeld
“Christmas always reminds me of Christ as the light of the world. The days are short and cold, but warmth and comfort are found in Jesus. The winter weather emphasizes the struggles of the current life, but the light of Christ and hopeful reward of Heaven shine brightly.”
“Christmas is a time to adore the little and innocent Baby Jesus. We are reminded by God that He is found in the little and innocent things of the day. The image of gift-giving to our loved ones during Christmas time also reminds us we should give a gift to Christ; the gift needs to be our life. It sounds overwhelming, but we can start to give our life to Christ by giving Him the simple things of the day.”
Kevin Sandoval
Spend a thoughtful weekend focusing on your future in beautiful surroundings of the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains. Madonna Retreat Center 4040 Saint Joseph’s Place Albuquerque, NM 87120
Learn more about the vocational alternatives to the secular pressures of business and professional life. Come and think about dedicating your life to God in the service of His people. This is a weekend for single men (from high school seniors to age 50) to explore and learn about a life serving God and his Church as a priest. It will be conducted by the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The retreat will cover:
· Personal testimonies describing vocations · The challenge of the Gospel (values worth living and sacrificing for) · Life as a seminarian · Possible assignments after ordination · Concerns about the image of the priest This weekend retreat will start on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 5:00pm with registration and will end on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 1:00pm. If interested in attending, register at: http://www.lobocatholic.org/ priestly-discernment-retreat
Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey!
Low wages. No wife or children. Ridicule in the eyes of the world certain. Hatred and suspicion as well. Painful sacrifices will be required. Salvation of thousands of souls and entry into eternal communion with Christ the High Priest in the event of success.
Men Wanted!
Who are willing to take up their cross and in these increasingly troubled times, not only stand by Christ, but mount those crosses and hang with Him.
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36th Annual Roman Catholic Youth Conference & Youth of the Year
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his year, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries held their annual Catholic Youth Conference October 21-22 at St. Therese of the Infant Jesus in Albuquerque. The conference included various workshops on prayer, how to have peace within yourself and a tour of the Shrine of St. Therese by Fr. Vincent Chavez, pastor of St. Therese parish. The youth also had an opportunity to participate in a banner contest as well as an Instagram Scavenger hunt. The conference was highlighted by the Youth of the Year award. Parishes are asked to nominate a youth from their parish that exemplifies what it means to be Catholic and is involved in their parish and community. This year’s nominees were Xavier Gutierrez from St. Therese, Jaqueline Morales from Misión San Juan Diego, Maria Salazar from San Martin de Porres, and Veronica Burrola from San
Isidro/San Jose. This year’s Youth of the Year was awarded to Xavier Gutierrez. Xavier is 17 years old and attends Valley High School. He leads a Bible study at Valley High School, serves at practically every Mass as an acolyte at his parish, assists in planning and teaching both of the first and second year confirmation classes and was a very big asset in planning this year’s youth conference. Xavier will be graduating from high school this year and is scheduled to enter the seminary! The Youth and Young Adult Office would like to thank all those who participated in this year’s conference. Thank you to Fr. Vincent Chavez, Donna Illerbrun, principal of St. Therese Catholic School, the St. Therese Knights of Columbus, and Xavier Gutierrez for hosting the conference and for Bernadette Jaramillo, Director, Youth and Young Adult; Fr. Vincent Chavez, pastor, all your help in making this conferSt. Therese of the Little Flower; Xavier Gutierrez, Youth of the Year; Archbishop John ence a great success. C. Wester.
Black and Native Catholics on a Mission
By Sean Cardinalli, secretary of the African American Catholic Community
The African American Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe (AACC) has banded together for almost 25 years in Albuquerque to support and develop an appreciation of African American culture through liturgical, social, spiritual, and educational programs. In late October, the AACC hosted a workshop led by Fr. M. Henry Sands of the Black and Indian Mission in Washington, DC, to build bridges with the archdiocese’s Native American Ministry. Members of both groups met to speak on what’s important to them as oft-underserved members of the Catholic Church. The Black and Indian Mission exists to help local African American and Native American diocesan communities throughout the United States spread the good news of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground. Each year, Fr. Sands aggregates monies from across the country from various Catholic diocese, schools, ministries, and historical organizations specifically serving black and Native Catholics. The Mission then doles out the funds as grants. Fr. Sands is a Native American of the Ojibwe, Odaway, and Potawatomi tribal council. He was raised on Walpole Island in the Great Lakes, on a rare piece of unceded Native territory. He was the first Native to be ordained in the Archdiocese of Detroit and also the first Native to run the Mission. Fr. Sands has eagerly spoken across America about racism which “continues to be a big problem in our country” because “people tend to look at people who are different as somehow threatening.” Louise Davis, AACC scholarship chair, stated she was concerned
about the “prevalence of racism” our children are exposed to, especially because “what’s going on now is institutionalized.” Both Native and AACC participants brought up causes for concern: finances and scholarships, youth recruitment and retention, and social justice. Shirley Zuni of the Isleta Pueblo and Native American Ministry Director of the Archdiocese, said she “was very excited” to be invited to the workshop by Brenda Dabney, AACC coordinator. “I really feel like we should have come together a long time ago. We have come from almost the same place. We are truly brothers and sisters in Christ.” Josephine Montoya of the Sandia Pueblo, a Native Ministry board member, said that sometimes Native Catholics have not felt welcomed by the Church. Some Native traditions are overlooked by the Church, like having Native dances at Masses around Christmas and Epiphany. She added, “We worship a creative being, all-knowing and all-loving, so we have no problem between our Native spirituality and our Catholic religion. They go hand-in-hand.” Mrs. Montoya was privileged to have a Catholic education and her husband was proud that the Sandia Casino funded the pueblo children’s Catholic education. The Native attendees poignantly noted “acceptance” was on their list for the Church and like the AACC, they want to educate on the ways of the Church through the lens of their own culture. Fr. Sands advised writing to the diocese’s bishops who respond well to direct letters and noted that the journey to be seen and heard, “is not this nice smooth line. We have challenges others don’t have to face. But the Lord’s brought me to be in this position [with the Mission]” where he’s proud to serve African American and Native American Catholics.
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Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry - New Phase By Rocío González, Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry and Co-Chair of V Encuentro Archdiocesan Team
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his fall, our archdiocesan Fifth Encuentro team was very busy presenting sessions designed to introduce the V Encuentro process, its purpose and hope for the Catholic Church in the United States. From October to December, our team journeyed to different parish locations within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and met with key leaders interested in understanding this process of consultation and evangelization. It is with deep gratitude that we thank all those parishes that hosted our orientation sessions—your kindness and warm hospitality was deeply appreciated! Now, with the soon to arrive new year, comes a new phase of the Encuentro process. Our team is making preparations to offer training sessions for small group facilitators for the parish V Encuentro process. This process will consist of five sessions in which small groups will gather together to respond to Pope Francis’ challenge to create a culture of encounter and to share the good news with everyone we meet, especially those who are marginalized in our society. The five sessions take their themes precisely from the Holy Father’s apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Guadium: The Joy of the Gospel n. 24. They are: Session 1: Called to a loving encounter with Jesus Session 2: With Words and Actions: Do it! Session 3: Walking Together with Jesus Session 4: Bearing Fruits of New Life Session 5: Celebrating the Joy of Being Missionary Disciples Following the written guide provided by the National Team of the V Encuentro, facilitators will guide these five sessions in which key concepts from the Holy Father’s writings and the Gospel story of Emmaus. Participants will then be invited to reflect on their own experience-their encounter-with Christ. Through their reflection and small group sharing, parishioners will be introduced to new possibilities and ways of bringing Christ to the world. Following the theme of the V Encuentro, “Missionary Disciples: Witness of God’s Love”, each participant will also be challenged to reach out to those who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. At the end of the five session journey, the entire parish will be invited to celebrate a parish Encuentro—a day of prayerful consultation that will be key in providing insight and input for the next phases of the V Encuentro process. Training for small group facilitators will provide those who are interested, or have been asked to lead this process in parishes, a chance to become familiar with the materials, preview and experience one of the sessions and have any questions or concerns regarding the process addressed by a member of the archdiocesan team. The “V Encuentro Guide” for facilitators, as well as the “Mission and Consultation Journal” for each participant will be provided free of charge to the parishes.
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71st Annual Las Posadas de Barelas By Deacon Robert Vigil, Director, Pastoral Outreach
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acred Heart Parish was founded in 1903, 113 years recognized as a Catholic parish within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Seventy-one of those years have been dedicated to Las Posadas de Barelas! As a deacon of Sacred Heart Parish and a resident of Barelas my entire life, Las Posadas is one of my fondest memories as a child, one of the most treasured celebrations during the Christmas season! It is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Las Posadas is a tradition founded in the early 1660’s and is celebrated in one night with over 1500 luminarias lighting the night. Families walk together, mothers holding hands with their young children and others walking arm in arm, portraying los peregrinos, the pilgrims, los padrinos, godparents, kings, shepherds, angels and even a fallen angel. Mary rides on a mule named Ramona led by Joseph as the group moves through the dark streets of Barelas searching for shelter. Los matachines de Sagrado Corazon follow behind Mary & Joseph dancing at the foot of the altars set-up at each of the homes. A large crowd gathers behind the procession with the sounds of “O come, all ye faithful”, which is the signal to join in song for the procession to begin. Eight homes are visited throughout
the evening where the padrinos and Mary and Joseph plead for shelter and are denied by each family. Finally, the procession arrives at the ninth home, Sacred Heart Church. The padrinos knock on the door and ask “No tengas en poco esta caridad; el cielo benigno Dios lo pagara!” “Please have some kindness, God in heaven will bless you.” The response from behind the doors is “Abrense las puertas rompanse los velos que viene a posar La Reina del Cielo.” “Open the doors and part the veils because the Queen of Heaven is coming.” The church doors open wide and the group joyfully enters. After the church service, all are invited to the Barelas community center for bizcochitos and hot chocolate, along with entertainment and a visit from St. Nicholas. The beauty of this event is that it brings our community together both immigrant and natives, it draws people together. Christmas should be a time for peace in our hearts acknowledging the reason for the season - the birth of Jesus Christ! Las Posadas offers the community something beyond the presents and the hustle and bustle of the season; the gift of family, belief, culture, and community, gifts of everyday values that keep us united. Please join us for this wonderful tradition on Saturday December 17, 2016 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Barelas Community Center.
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Give Gifts That Give Twice: Buy Fair Trade during the holidays! “We all have to go shopping. Fair Trade is just shopping with respect.” At its heart, Fair Trade is about building respectful, enduring relationships that honor the life and dignity of each person. Items certified as Fair Trade add meaning to Christmas gifts by supporting the human life and dignity of workers around the world. Several parishes host Fair Trade Fairs during the holidays. Here are a few: • St. John XXIII: CRS/SERRV sale will be from Nov 12-Dec 4 after all Masses. Contact Maria Duran for more information: • Immaculate Conception Albuquerque: Fair Trade sale will be in the vestibule of ICC Sunday, Dec 4, 2016, after 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:45 am, and 12:30 pm Masses. Sabeel Fair Trade Olive Oil (and other Sabeel products) as well as Equal Exchange coffee and tea and SERRV gifts and chocolate bars. • Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Albuquerque: Fair Trade sales Sunday, Nov. 16; Sunday, Dec. 11; and Sunday, Feb 12, 2017 in Rosario Hall. Coffee, CRS SERVV items and more! • Or you can shop on line by visiting the CRS/SERVV Fair Trade website and purchase items on line at http://www.crsfairtrade.org/ crafts/
January is Poverty in America Awareness Month—Plan Activities Now! Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans and 1 in 5 children live in poverty, and 1 in 7 households in America do not know where their next meal will come from? According to the US Census data, that means that 46 million people live at or below the poverty line. And New Mexico has the highest rate of poverty in the US. The people of “Poverty USA” are family members, neighbors, colleagues – young and old, black and white, healthy and sick, rural and urban. They are not making the headlines, much less the election-year rhetoric. Many families are struggling but you can help magnify the voice of people who are poor or vulnerable. What can you do? Start exploring Poverty USA and help awaken others to the struggles of people living in poverty and the inspiring ways in which they are spreading hope. As Catholics, we are called to respond to this immense human suffering! Learn how you can help at www.povertyusa.org. Download a daily reflection calendar for the month of January that has links to stories and prayers of how you can help! http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaignfor-human-development/povertyusa/upload/poverty-awarenessmonth-calendar.pdf (tip: Our very own Rev. Graham Golden, O.Praem. is featured in one of the stories of action and hope!) It is available in Spanish: http://www.usccb.org/about/catholiccampaign-for-human-development/poverty-education/upload/ poverty-awareness-calendar-esp.pdf Get more resources http://www.povertyusa.org/povertyresources/ and be part of the solution!
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Join Pope Francis and Plan a Prayer Service for the 50th Annual World Peace Day on January 1! Join Pope Francis’ effort to promote world peace by planning a prayer service for World Peace Day. The theme of Pope Francis’ message for the 2017 World Day of Peace, celebrated on Jan. 1, is Non-Violence: A Style of Politics for Peace. Pope Francis’ frequent references to a “third world war in pieces” highlight the “serious negative social consequences” of violence, the Vatican statement said. “Peace, by contrast, promotes socially positive consequences and it allows the achievement of real progress. Therefore, we should act within what is possible, and negotiate ways of peace even where they seem tortuous and impractical,” the Vatican statement said. “By recognizing the rights and equal dignity of every person, the statement continued, nonviolence as a political method can “constitute a realistic way to overcome armed conflicts.” “Peace is to be worked at: it is not something that one gains without efforts, without conversion of mind and heart, without a sense of creativity and positive engagement in discussion. Peace is possible where the rights of every human being are recognized and respected, heard and known, according to freedom and justice. USCCB will have a two-page handout that can be shared with parishes, families, and schools, to encourage them to celebrate the World Day of Peace with Pope Francis. Go to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-lifeand-dignity/war-and-peace/world-day-of-peace.cfm for resources, including the annual messages from all the popes back to 1968! The World Day of Peace, initiated by Pope Paul VI 50 years ago, is celebrated each year on the first day of January. The Holy Father’s Message is sent to all Foreign Ministers of the world, and also indicates the Holy See’s diplomatic line during the coming year. Read about other World Day of Peace messages here: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/messages/ peace/index_en.htm and plan a prayer service for your parish on this date!
National Migration Week, Jan 8-14, 2017: Creating a Culture of Encounter For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2017 draws attention to Pope Francis’ call to create a culture of encounter, and in doing so to look beyond our own needs and wants to those of others around us. In the homily given at his first Pentecost as pope, he emphasized the importance of encounter in the Christian faith: “For me this word is very important. Encounter with others. Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others.” With respect to migrants, too often in our contemporary culture we fail to encounter them as persons, and instead look at them as others. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious of their intentions. During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants as children of God who are worthy of our attention and support.
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W O R L D & N AT I O N A L N E W S the same way, however, I can and must state that there is no sin that Pope extends special Year of Mercy “In God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father.” provisions on confession VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Acknowledging and sharing God’s mercy is a Cardinal Dolan urges stronger effort permanent part of the Christian life, so initiatives undertaken during the special Year of Mercy must continue, Pope Francis said. “Mercy cannot to stop physician-assisted suicide become a mere parenthesis in the life of the church,” the pope wrote in an apostolic letter, “Misericordia et Misera,” (“Mercy and Misery”), which he signed Nov. 20 at the end of the Year of Mercy. The Vatican released the text the next day. The Catholic Church’s focus on God’s mercy must continue with individual acts of kindness, assistance to the poor and, particularly, with encouraging Catholics to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation and making it easier for them to do so, the pope wrote. In his letter, Pope Francis said he formally was giving all priests permanent permission to grant absolution to those who confess to having procured an abortion. While many bishops around the world, and almost all bishops in the United States, routinely grant that faculty to all their priests, Pope Francis had made it universal during the Holy Year. According to canon law, procuring an abortion brings automatic excommunication to those who know of the penalty, but procure the abortion anyway. Without formal permission, priests had been required to refer the case to their bishops before the excommunication could be lifted and sacramental absolution could be granted to a woman who had an abortion or those directly involved in the procedure. “I wish to restate as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life,” the pope wrote.
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chairman of the U.S. bishops? Committee on Pro-Life Activities has called for increased efforts and “renewed vigor” to stop legalized physician-assisted suicide after the practice was approved by voters in Colorado and the District of Columbia City Council. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York urged Catholics to join medical professionals, disability rights groups and others “in fighting for the authentic care” of people facing terminal illness in a statement released Nov. 21. “The act of prescribing a fatal, poisonous dose, moreover, undermines the very heart of medicine,” Cardinal Dolan said. “Doctors vow to do no harm, and yet assisted suicide is the ultimate abandonment of their patients.” He said physician-assisted suicide creates two classes of people including one whose suicides are to be prevented at any cost, and those whose suicides are deemed a positive good. “We remove weapons and drugs that can cause harm to one group, while handing deadly drugs to the other, setting up yet another kind of life-threatening discrimination,” he continued. “This is completely unjust. Our inherent human dignity does not wane with the onset of illness or incapacity, and so all are worthy of protection.”
Archbishop’s Holy Faith Society Gathers By Dr. Dolly Sokol, Office of Development During the season of stewardship and gratitude, Archbishop John C. Wester gathered with members of the Holy Faith Society to thank them for their strong and faithful financial stewardship to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 2016. Holy Faith Society members enjoyed music, food, drink, and conversation with each other and the archbishop. Music was provided by St. Pius X High School Classical Guitar students, Noah Fudge and Santiago Montoya. The Archbishop’s Holy Faith Society is comprised of men and women whose
example of financial stewardship to the archdiocese stands as witness to the holy Catholic faith, living and vibrant among us. To join the society, Catholics are invited to donate to the Archdiocesan Year-End Giving Campaign, the Annual Catholic Appeal, and other archdiocesan needs listed on the giving website: http://archdiocesesantafegiving.org/development. The total amount gifted each year will determine the level of society membership. The spiritual benefits of practicing Christian stewardship of time, talent and treasure as a way of life are incalculable. With the Holy Faith Society, the archbishop adds his thanks and appreciation.
Exciting Developments in Catholic Charities’ Children’s Learning Center!
Introducing Infant Care in 2017
Upon completion of the new Children’s Learning Center at Casa De Corazon, Catholic Charities will be adding services for INFANTS as young as 6 weeks old and will be able to double the number of children they serve! The beautiful new space features an 800 sq. ft. full-service kitchen, 8 new classrooms, and a newly installed
playground thanks to a grant from kaBOOM and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico. In addition to the new facility, our Children’s Learning Center is 5-star accredited and very affordable thanks to the generosity of our donors. If your family or someone you know is in need of high-quality, affordable childcare, Catholic Charities is enrolling now – contact 505- 224-4901 for more information. You can also learn more at their new website: www.childrenslearningcenterabq.org
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St. Mary’s Belen & Annunciation Catholic Schools Implement New Science Program
Photo by Elizabeth Dominick
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he Archdiocese of Santa Fe is excited to announce two of our schools have raised money to implement LabLearner science labs. St. Mary’s Belen and Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic School have both added this premier method for teaching science to their curriculum. LabLearner is a 100% hands-on PreK-8 science education system that includes a fully equipped inschool laboratory complete with a curriculum (developed by scientists and teachers), lesson plans, assessments, and teacher professional development. LabLearner provides hands-on techniques that engage children and increase their enthusiasm for the sciences. These Lablearner programs are the first of its kind in New Mexico. Both schools have taken on the goal of incorporating STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math) to encourage more students to take higher-level science and math classes in high school and eventually think of
STREAM careers at the college level. PreK–8th grade students will participate in weekly laboratory experiments with daily classroom investigations conducted by the classroom teacher. The program offers laboratory set up, curriculum integration and teacher training as part of the process of making science classes meaningful and enjoyable. All the equipment is research grade, which is designed to introduce the students to university level concepts and skills, which can be built upon through high school. LabLearner 7th grade students left to right: Logan Ayarbe, Ryan Hidalgo installs all furniture, science equip- and Benjamin Bustamante, Our Lady of the Annunciation ment and storage necessary to run the lab. The program insures that all teachers have everything they need to teach with hundreds of supplies, materials and equipment selected for quality and application to the curriculum. The entire curriculum is supplied to teachers in PreK through 8th grade, supporting immersion in a seamless process of learning science aligned with the next generation science standards. “It’s not enough to prepare our students for the future. We must prepare 8th grade student Mathias Sanchez, St. Mary’s Belen them to change it. “ ~ LabLearner Photo by Melodie Good
By Elizabeth Dominick, Advancement Director of Catholic Schools
Queen of Heaven’s Anti-Bullying Campaign By Mary Catherine Keating, Principal, Queen of Heaven Catholic School
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n recent times, the subject of “bullying” has experienced a resurgence from its usual on-and-off frequency. The website stopbullying.gov defines this abusive act as: “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance - physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity - with the aim of controlling or harming others. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.” For these and other related reasons, the principal at Queen of Heaven Catholic School, Mary Catherine Keating, invited an expert to visit the school to teach its students how to defend themselves, and in fact, turn the tables on such abuse. Ms. Keating states, “Although, dealt with by teachers when they are present, I realize
that most bullying takes place when the adults are not in immediate proximity. We want our students to know that we take any bullying or reports of bullying very seriously at Queen of Heaven.” Roxie Mountain-Weed, assistant principal at Most Precious Blood Catholic School in Denver, spent three days engaging and challenging the students, Pre-K - yes even three and four yearolds - through 8th grade. As an Elementary Education major with an emphasis in Early Childhood, Mountain-Weed radiates 30 years of experience teaching pro-social dexterity, friendship aptitudes, and anti-bullying techniques. She says, “I am heavy on teaching the students appropriate skills for dealing with the people they encounter in their daily lives, for them to be able to stand-up for themselves and never be another’s target.” The basic topics she presented to Queen of Heaven students and See CAMPAIGN on page 34
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St. Thomas Aquinas’ Student Council Community Service Project 2016-2017
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ince the 1980s, the Little Sisters of the Poor have cared for more than a thousand elderly and homeless poor. The Sisters go out daily looking for donations to help them continue their work with the poor. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Rio Rancho participated in
its annual supply drive to help collect items the Little Sisters of the Poor need for their ministry. This year, St. Thomas students collected 1,098 items and $180.00. Thank you students, staff, families, and friends for your generosity and witness to faith in action.
Holy Ghost Catholic School Has Truly Amazing Students!
By Joseph Filener, technology assistant, Holy Ghost Catholic School, Albuquerque
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he Service Learning Program at Holy Ghost Catholic School supports one of the four goals of Catholic education: “to teach students to serve others as Jesus did.” (To Teach as Jesus Did, USCCB, 1972). Every year, classes participate in a service project that involves the entire class. This year, the second-grade class chose to give back to the men and women overseas by putting together Christmas care packages. The second grade, along with the kindergarten and fourth grade
classes, put together the care packages to be sent to a platoon of service men and women deployed overseas. The sixth grade class experienced what rocketry and team work is all about. The class participated in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) rocket launch on the mesa where they launched rockets the class built at the laboratory after learning about building, programming and rocket trajectory. Each student was assigned a task at the launch where teamwork was essential to the successful launch of both rockets. The rockets were successfully launched and recovered. The students all agreed that they learned much and had a lot of fun.
Holy Ghost Catholic School Honors Veterans By Linda-Ann Gabrielle Salas, Holy Ghost Parish
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oly Ghost Catholic School’s eighth grade class, under the supervision of Sr. Mary Houlihan, O.P, hosted a “Veterans Day Salute” with Mass and a reception in November, honoring the brave men and women who sacrificed much to secure the blessings of Liberty. The program began with a school Mass celebrated by Holy Ghost Catholic Church pastor, Rev. Mark A. Schultz. A ceremonial flag raising, courtesy of Boy Scout Troops #1 and #395, and Girl Scout Troop #10308, followed with a reception and patriotic tributes in song that began with the National Anthem under the direction of music teacher, Hannah Albers. A letter from President Barack Obama was also read. In his homily, Fr. Schultz stressed how blessed we are for the sacrifices made for freedom, “the freedom that allows us to worship Jesus without fear of repercussion.” In mentioning the close proximity of the school to Kirtland Air Force Base (located just East of the school), Fr. Schultz asked the students to say a little prayer for the safety of the pilots, “who keep us safe and free from all evil.” Guest speaker Colonel Christian A. Bartholomew, Deputy Nuclear Technology and Interagency Directorate, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, opened with a strong message of love and appreciation of family, country and service. Bartholomew praised and thanked his wife Ann (Becca), and their
Raising of the American Flag at the Holy Ghost Catholic School’s “Veterans Day Salute” by Boy Scout Troops #1 and #395, and Girl Scout Troop #10308.
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two young sons, Joseph, 8, and Samuel, 4, for the many sacrifices they have withstood on his behalf (18 different assignments to date, including temp duties in Korea and Japan). “My young boys have already lived in eight different places,” said Bartholomew. Bartholomew went on to talk about the history of Veterans Day and explained what it means to be a veteran. Of those in active service he said: “We are here to keep you safe and secure, often times from severe places in hostile environments far away from home and family.” A Roman Catholic, Bartholomew, stressed the importance of “self-sacrifice” by quoting Matthew 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Bartholomew urged students to find ways to sacrifice for their families, friends and fellow students. As examples of self-sacrifice, Bartholomew praised the Albuquerque Police Officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and also teachers who make big sacrifices to educate and prepare students for service. In closing, Bartholomew challenged the students to “find a way to serve,” to do for others each and every day. “Consider our basic needs as people and find ways to help others by providing them the basic necessities of life like food, shelter, clothing education, healthcare, or security.” He went on to say: “You may, or may not, get noticed for your efforts, but that is not the reason we serve.” Adding: “We do it to make things better for each other to serve the greater good, to serve God by serving man, to be more like Jesus.” He ended by asking everyone to “thank a veteran and their families for their sacrifices.”
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Family Life’s Ministries for Married Couples Share Similarities, Differences By Erica Asmus-Otero, Marriage Encounter, St. Jude Thaddeus, Albuquerque
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arriage is a vocation that two people take to love, and grow in love, with each other. Like all vocations, those called to marriage can benefit from ongoing support to strengthen their marriage bonds. Fortunately, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s Family Life Office offers several marriage-related ministries for couples through no to low cost retreats, workshops and seminars. Determining which of these ministries to try depends on the spectrum of support a couple needs at the time. Marriage Encounter is an overnight weekend away to reconnect with your spouse and deepen your love of spouse, self and God. There is no circle time or sharing with other couples, but plenty of communication tools presented by lead couples who understand real-world marriage. Weekends are offered twice each year and fulfil the requirement for convalidation. The weekend is a chance to break away from work, kids, smart phones and reconnect with who is important. More info: www.archdiocesesantafe.org/Offices/FamilyLife/MarriageEnc.html Similar to Marriage Encounter in its’ goal of building better marriages, Marriage Enrichment offers parish based events designed to enrich marriages and build
community through the Sacrament of Marriage. Marriage Enrichment Weekends allow married and engaged couples to share with other couples and building spirituality and fellowship. Programs include Marriage Enrichment weekends, a two-day, weekend Marriage Enrichment Experience, and monthly evening Celebrations of Marriage for couples to get to know other parishioners and learn ways to improve their marital relationship. A Celebration of Marriage will take place on Dec. 16. For more information, visit www.tmewpi.org. Healthy Relationships 101 “Nurture Your Love” is a relationship skill building program for those who are dating, engaged or married. Couples learn how to become better listeners, resolve conflict in a healthy way and even how to manage finances. Upcoming courses are available on Tuesdays from Feb. 21–March 28, 2017. Call 505-8318117 to register. For couples who are considering divorce, Retrouvaille – French for “rediscovery” – is a lifeline for troubled marriages. Many judges and counselors send couples to Retrouvaille as a prerequisite to filing for divorce, and thousands of couples’ marriages have been saved as a result. Post weekend sessions are essential once the weekend has been completed. Weekends are offered throughout the year. For more information, visit www.helpourmarriage.com 800-470-2230. Programs begin Feb. 10-12, 2017 and Sept. 15-17, 2017.
Discover the More of Marriage with Marriage Enrichment
A variety of parish-based events designed to enrich marriages and build parish community through the Sacrament of Marriage for over 40 years. For a calendar of events go to www.tmewpi.org.
Marriage Encounter
A weekend away to reconnect with your spouse and deepen your love of self, your spouse, and God. Find us on FaceBook at @ abqsfmarriageencounter
Strengthen Your Relationship with Nurture Your Love
A relationship skill-building program for dating, engaged, and married couples. Next course? On Tuesdays, Feb. 21 – March 28, 2017 at the Catholic Center in Albuquerque. Call 505-831-8117 to register.
Marriage need help? Retrouvaille is a life-line for troubled marriages
www.helpourmarriage.com 800470-2230. 2017 Programs begin on Feb 10-12 & Sept 15-17. Nicolas and Ermilina Gonzales, St. Anthony, Dixon, 61 years of marriage, Reverend Simeon F. Wimmershoff, Pastor
Gabriel and Adelaida Gonzales, San Antonio de Padua, Penasco, 65 years of marriage, Rev. Simeon F. Wimmersoff, Pastor
Editor’s note: Photos were transposed in our November 2016 issue. Our apologies.
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Pope Francis House, Albuquerque, New Mexico By Beth Goldman, Director of Resource Development, Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity
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enée Córdova and her daughter, Adelina, just spend the past few weeks unpacking boxes and hanging pictures on the walls of their new Habitat home on Albuquerque’s west mesa. This home, named in honor of Pope Francis, was completed because of the generosity of volunteers from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. In 2015, an anonymous donor from out-of-state initiated the Pope Francis House with a $60,000 challenge grant and over the past year and one-half; friends of the Catholic community generously invested an additional $60,000! The Cordova family extends their deep gratitude to each and every one of you. The Board of Directors and staff of Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity are also thankful for the commitment to changing lives through homeownership. The Pope Francis House is the first of eight homes to be completed in Mesa del Rio Phase 1. The families have been selected for the next six homes and construction is underway. Two of the homes under construction, dubbed the Unity Project are being built by more than 25 churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations. Some groups provide volunteers or lunches and others provide funds. Things are going well and $140,000 of the $210,000 needed to complete both homes has been raised. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been a supporter of
Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity (GAHH) for many years. GAHH is qualifying new families for homes on Mesa del Rio. Please send families in-need to Habitat www.habitatabq.org
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4900 Menual Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone : 505-265-0057 Fax : 505-255-0937 www.habitatabq.org
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Orphans in Liquid Nitrogen Some humanitarian tragedies occur quietly and “in the background,” only gradually coming to light years or decades after serious harm has already occurred, like nerve damage in infants exposed to lead paint, or cancers in patients who were exposed to asbestos. More recently, the humanitarian tragedy of hundreds of thousands of embryonic human beings frozen and abandoned in fertility clinics has come to light — “orphans in ice” arising from the decades-long practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF). As a priest and ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, I have seen an increasing number of Catholics who regret having engendered human life in this way, and regret that they ignored or weren’t informed about the teachings of the Church on IVF and infertility. They are perplexed and even tormented about what to do with these “spare” human embryos who really are their cryogenic children. When I am approached with this question, I stress that there are no easy answers. Human embryos can never just be thawed and discarded, as that would be morally indistinguishable from the case of discarding a newborn or an infant in a dumpster to die. In fact, the step of merely thawing out human embryos exposes them to great risk, with as many as half not being able to survive the process. I usually suggest to parents that, for the time being, embryonic children should be kept frozen as a way of protecting them and respecting their life and integrity. As the discussion continues, I may also recommend that they consider setting up a trust fund, so that after they pass on, their frozen children will be provided for. These children, clearly, cannot be educated, clothed or fed, but they can be afforded a measure of protection in their frozen state, with fresh liquid nitrogen continuing to be provided, at least for a time. Arranging to cover this expense of a few hundred dollars a year is one of the few ways that parents can concretely indicate their concern for their orphaned children. The suggestion to set up a trust fund sometimes results in an awkward moment of surprise where parents may ask: “Well, how long would I do that for? Obviously, I can’t do it forever.” Parents will have to decide for themselves whether setting up a trust fund in the first place makes sense as a kind of good-faith sign of their love and care for their own offspring, and if so, for how long to maintain the arrangement. If they make provisions for a more extended period, say several decades, there is a
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greater likelihood that their embryonic children might be “rescued” if new scientific technologies for growing embryos outside the body end up being developed in the future. This may indeed become possible one day, even though there are real questions about whether such an “artificial womb” or “baby in a bottle” approach to gestation would be ethical, even with the praiseworthy intentions of saving lives and releasing orphaned embryos from their perpetual hibernation. Others hope that one day “embryo adoption” — the transfer of “spare” embryos to another woman who implants, gestates, and raises them as her own — might end up being recognized as morally allowable by the Church. This unusual form of adoption is still morally debated, and Dignitas Personae, the most recent Church document addressing the matter, raises serious concerns about the idea, as have a number of philosophers and bioethicists, myself included. When confronted with the absurd fate of having embryos trapped in a state of suspended animation indefinitely, few or no alternatives really seem to exist. The future Pope Benedict XVI, in another important Church document called Donum Vitae, referenced this “absurd fate” when he summarized how there was “no possibility of their being offered safe means of survival that can be licitly pursued.” Certain sinful acts like IVF, sadly, can provoke irrevocable and irresolvable consequences. A few years ago, I had a conversation with a divorced woman who had seven frozen children in storage. She described how she agonized daily over the plight of her babies, and how it felt like an open wound that could never quite heal. She shared how each year, on the anniversary of the embryos’ creation — their “birthday” of sorts — she would place a call to the fertility clinic and inquire about their status. She would ask the staff to look up and verify how many were stored at the facility. Fearful that something might have happened to her children, or that they might end up being abandoned or forgotten, her annual call served as a reminder to herself and to those at the clinic that they were still there, that somebody still cared, despite the callousness of a world that seemed only too ready to ignore this ongoing humanitarian tragedy... Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org
The End of the World By Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI People are forever predicting the end of the world. In Christian circles this is generally connected with speculation around the promise Jesus made at his ascension, namely, that he would be coming back, and soon, to bring history to its culmination and establish God’s eternal kingdom. There have been speculations about the end of the world ever since. This was rampant among the first generation of Christians. They lived inside a matrix of intense expectation, fully expecting that Jesus would return before many of them died. Indeed, in John’s Gospel, Jesus assures his followers that some of them would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God. Initially this was interpreted to mean that some of them would not die before Jesus returned and the world ended. And so they lived with this expectation, believing that the world, at least as they knew it, would end before their deaths. Not surprisingly this led to all kinds of apocalyptic musings: What signs would signal the end? Would there be massive alterations in the sun and the moon? Would there be great earthquakes and wars across the world that would help precipitate the end? Generally though the early Christians took Jesus’ advice and believed that it was useless and counterproductive to speculate about the end of the world and about what signs would accompany the end. The lesson rather, they believed, was to live in vigilance, in high alert, ready, so that the
end, whenever it would come, would not catch them asleep, unprepared, carousing, and drunk. However, as the years moved on and Jesus did not return their understanding began to evolve so that by the time John’s Gospel is written, probably about seventy years after Jesus’ death, they had begun to understand things differently: They now understood Jesus’ promise that some of his contemporaries would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God as being fulfilled in the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was, in fact, already back and the world had not ended. And so they began to believe that the end of the world was not necessarily imminent. But that didn’t change their emphasis on vigilance, on staying awake, and on being ready for the end. But now that invitation to stay awake and live in vigilance was related more to not knowing the hour of one’s own death. As well, more deeply, the invitation to live in vigilance began to be understood as code for God’s invitation to enter into the fullness of life right now and not be lulled asleep by the pressures of ordinary life, wherein we are consumed with eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage. All of these ordinary things, while good in themselves, can lull us to sleep by keeping us from being truly attentive and grateful within our own lives. And that’s the challenge that comes down to us: Our real worry should not be that the world might suddenly end or that we might unexpectedly die, but that we See END on page 31
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2016. Committee of Migration, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Reprinted with permission.
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Rest Fr. Salvador Aragon, OFM Fr. Salvador Aragon, OFM, age 87, passed into eternal life on Monday, October 24, 2016, at Assumption Friary, Rio Rancho, NM. Salvador Telesfor Aragon was born in Peña Blanca, NM, on December 13, 1928, the son of Telesfor Aragon and Guadalupe Montaño. Salvador professed his first vows on August 15, 1947, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1955. He celebrated his first Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Peña Blanca, NM. Salvador ministered at many parishes, including Holy Family, Albuquerque, and St. John, Roswell, as well as in Chama, Clovis, Cuba, Los Ojos and Tierra Amarilla, NM, and San Angelo, TX. He was pastor of St. Francis Parish, Gallup, from 1977-1994, and rector of St. Francis Cathedral, Santa Fe, from 1994-2000. He served on the Provincial Council from 1994-1997, and as Vicar Provincial from 1997-2000. For the past five years, he had lived and ministered as chaplain for the Felician Sisters in Rio Rancho, NM. According to Larry Dunham, OFM, with whom he served on the Council, Salvador abhorred meetings, but he did “rather enjoy the coming together aspect of the fraternity, the regional meetings.” Salvador told Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, during a visit in 2015, “To me, death is God’s call to come home. But God’s mercy is there, and you become more accepting of it in your life. We don’t deserve God’s mercy, so that is why it’s mercy.
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Deacon Hector Aguirre
The family of Deacon Hector Javier Aguirre Camacho wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives and friends who were so kind and supportive during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered. La Familia del Diacono Hector Javier Aguirre Camacho desea expresar su sincera gratitud a todos los familiares y amigos que fueron tan amables y solidarios durante este tiempo. Su bondad siempre sera recordada.
Editor’s note: Deacon Javier’s obituary was not available at publishing time. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated ministry.
Deacon Ben Vigil Benjamin (Ben) Vigil whose nickname was ‘Super’ in Barelas, at the age of 92, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2016 in Tomball, TX from natural causes. Ben was born in Barelas on February 14 to Manuel and Ramona Vigil. Ben served in World War II as a flight officer from 1944 to 1946. After the passing of his wife he moved from Ruidoso to Midland, TX and eventually settled in the Houston, TX area. Ben was passionate about his family and his faith. He was ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in May of 1978 and served the church as long as he was physically able. He was one of the first lectors and Eucharistic Minister of the Holy Eucharist right after Vatican II and a member of the Knights of Columbus for most of his adult life. Ben was predeceased by his wife, Mary Alice Vigil; his sisters Sadie and Marie, as well as his daughter in law, Charlotte Vigil and his granddaughter Monica Vigil.
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Photo by Celine/ASF
USCCB leaders seek prayers for migrants, refugees on Guadalupe feast WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Prayer services and special Masses will be held in many dioceses across the country as the U.S. Catholic Church has asked that the Dec. 12 feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe be a day of prayer with a focus on migrants and refugees. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas. “As Christmas approaches and especially on this feast of Our Lady, we are reminded of how our savior Jesus Christ was not born in the comfort of his own home, but rather in an unfamiliar manger,” said a Dec. 1 statement by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The day of prayer is intended to be a time to place before a merciful God the hopes, fears and needs of all those families who have come to the United States seeking a better life. “So many families are wondering how changes to immigration policy might impact them,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, USCCB vice president, said in a Dec. 1 statement. “We want them to know the church is with them, offers prayers on their behalf, and is actively monitoring developments at the diocesan, state, and national levels to be an effective advocate on their behalf.”
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Actress Florence Henderson is pictured on the cover of the January 2017 issue of St. Anthony Messenger magazine. In what was her last interview before her Nov. 24 death at age 82, Henderson told the magazine that her lifelong Catholic faith was her foundation. (CNS photo/St. Anthony Messenger)
might live and then die, asleep, that is, without really loving, without properly expressing our love, and without tasting deeply the real joy of living because we are so consumed by the business and busy pressures of living that we never quite get around to fully living. Hence being alert, awake, and vigilant in the biblical sense is not a matter of living in fear of the world ending or of our lives ending. Rather it is a question of having love and reconciliation as our chief concerns, of thanking, appreciating, affirming, forgiving, apologizing, and being more mindful of the joys of living in human community and within the sure embrace of God. Buddha warned against something he called, “slouching”. We slouch physically when we let our posture break down and become slothful. Any combination of tiredness, laziness, depression, anxiety, tension, over-extension, or excessive pressure can bring down our guard and make our bodies slouch. But that can also happen to us psychologically and morally. We can let a combination of
REV. GRAHAM from page 13
CCHD works to address the root causes of poverty in the US. Fr. Graham recognizes that addressing poverty and its root causes is a call of our faith. He states, “In the last judgement described in the Gospel of Matthew this isn’t an “option.” It is the clear barometer by which the value of our life is measured—have we been able to respond to the presence of Christ in our midst? When we speak of the “preferential option for the poor” it means that those who have the least are given preference, the first “option.” He continues, “Addressing poverty is the outcome of an encounter with a love that reimagines all human suffering in light of God’s compassion. The call is not so much to address poverty, but to live human authenticity—which by its nature is to be in relationship, in solidarity. In so doing, poverty itself is addressed.” Fr. Graham reflects that poverty’s root causes “are systems and structures that disenfranchise and marginalize individuals or groups from access to resources and participation in society. Racism and other injustices (lack of access to education, nutrition, safe communities, etc.) all contribute to the cyclical and realities of poverty.” He identifies a deeper cause of poverty, which is “the fear and apathy that result from not understanding the profound interconnectedness
busyness, pressure, anxiety, laziness, depression, tension, and weariness break down our spiritual posture so that, in biblical terms, we “fall asleep”, we cease being vigilant, we are no longer alert. We need to be awake spiritually, not slouching. But the end of the world shouldn’t concern us, nor should we worry excessively about when we will die. What we should worry about is in what state our dying will find us. As Kathleen Dowling Singh puts in her book, The Grace in Aging: “What a waste it would be to enter the time of dying with the same old petty and weary thoughts and reactions running through our mind.” But, still, what about the question of when the world will end? Perhaps, given the infinity of God, it will never end. Because when do infinite creativity and love reach their limit? When do they say: “Enough! That’s all! These are the limits of our creativity and love!” Rev. Ron Rolheiser is the president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX and has a regular column in the Catholic Herald.”
we share as a human family. Poverty is fundamentally rooted in a distancing of true understanding of our common identity and dependency in God. When some parts of a society, especially those with power and resources no longer understand what it is to be authentically human, many others suffer. The root of the social causes of poverty is fundamentally a spiritual one.” The Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award highlights the gifts of young leaders and their Gospel commitment to the poor. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (1928-1996) demonstrated strong leadership to fulfill the option for the poor in the US and to build bridges across ethnic, class, and age barriers. Cardinal Bernardin began his ministry at a young age and was ordained a bishop while still in his thirties. In his role as the first bishop named General Secretary of the NCCB/ USCC, he nurtured the vision for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and helped to shepherd it through its first years. He remained a strong supporter of CCHD while serving as Archbishop of Cincinnati and Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago. It has been said about Cardinal Bernardin that his gift was a vision to build consensus “that doesn’t just settle for what already exists, but moves us ahead to what is possible.” Congratulations to Fr. Graham for this deserving recognition!
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TV MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6 and FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass donations may be sent online to www. archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 Check out Sunday and daily readings at www. usccb.org
December 11, 2016 3rd Sunday of Advent Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent Abbot Joel Garner, O.Praem
December 25, 2016 Nativity of the Lord Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan January 1, 2017 Solemnity of Mary Rev. John Paul Afuecheta January 8, 2017 The Epiphany of the Lord Rev. Leon Vigil
december 2016
ARCHBISHOP'S SCHEDULE December 11 Sun 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 13 Tue 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 14 Wed 6:00 p.m. 17 Sat ======= 18 Sun 12:00 noon 20 Tue 12:00 noon 21 Wed 8:15 a.m. 22 Thu 11:30 a.m. 24 Sat 7:00 p.m. 12:00 midnight 25 Sun 8:00 a.m. 25-31 === ======= January 1-6 === ======= 9-12 === ======= 17 Tue 5:30 p.m. 18 Wed 7:30 a.m. 12:00 noon 19 Thu 8:00 a.m. 20 Fri 5:45 p.m. 21 Sat 10:30 a.m. 22 Sun 10:00 a.m. 24 Tue 1:00-4:30 p.m. 25 Wed 1:00-4:30 p.m. 26 Thu 1:00-4:30 p.m. 28 Sat 8:15 a.m. 29 Sun 3:00 p.m. 31 Tue 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Mass, Holy Faith Society, St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, Albuquerque Annual Native American Advent Gathering, Catholic Center Executive Presbyteral, Catholic Center Deans, Archbishop’s Residence Serra Club Advent Dinner, Season’s Grill, Albuquerque Holy Faith Society Dinner, Catholic Center Three Masses, Los Lunas Correctional Facility Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Archbishop’s Radio Hour Listening Session and Mass, St. Mary’s School, Belen Annual Catholic Center Employee Mass and Lunch, Catholic Center Mass, Nambe Pueblo Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Christmas Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Christmas with Family Region XIII Bishops’ Retreat, Picture Rocks, AZ Biennial Cathedral Ministry Conference, Santa Fe New Mexico Bishops, IHM Conference Center, Santa Fe Legislative Breakfast, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe Pro-Life Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Mass and Listening Session, Holy Ghost School, Albuquerque ACA Kickoff for Northeast Deanery, Immaculate Conception, Las Vegas ACA Kickoff for Santa Fe and Northwest Deaneries, Santa Maria de La Paz Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Deacon Candidate Lector Interviews Deacon Candidate Lector Interviews Deacon Candidate Lector Interviews ACA Kickoff for Albuquerque A, B, C and Southwest Deaneries, Catholic Center Lutheran Catholic Prayer Service, Location TBD Annual Catholic Schools Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Spirituality TV Interview, Santa Fe Community College
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An Opportunity to Rediscover the Love We Had at First
By Beth Lukes, Chair, Archdiocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Committee
In Revelation 1, the Lord says to John, “To the Church in Ephesus, write this: ‘I know your works, your labor and your endurance. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first.’” What were the first works? The passage says that the Church was laboring and suffering for His name, intolerant of the wicked, and had tested and exposed imposters. Still, the work was not as it had been when the Church first loved. If the work wasn’t good enough for want of love, we must ask, “what precisely was the love the Church had at first?” The Gospel indicates it was a love that led the Church to share all in common, to bear one another’s burdens, and to reconcile differences. It is a love long since lost, as evidenced by the many divisions that have occurred over the centuries. One of the most
far reaching began in 1517 with the Reformation. As serious as this division was and remains, history shows that there was a sincere desire on the part of both sides to uphold the true faith. Pope Francis pointed out at the inaugural prayer service marking the start of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, that despite this, “we closed in on ourselves [during and since the Reformation] out of fear or bias with regard to the faith which others profess with a different accent and language.” Fear and bias thwart unity born of love. This January, the Ecumenical and Interreligious Commission invites you to participate in events designed to help us rediscover the love the Church had at first, before divisions occurred. Details on these events are given below. The commission hopes that by recalling the history of our division and the sincerity with which both sides have worked to uphold the faith and to reconcile our differences, we will rediscover the love the Church had at first, love that makes us yearn, and work, for the unity Christ desires for us.
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december 2016
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teachers were: “Teasing and Taunting,” “4 Most Powerful Antidotes to Bullying,” If Your Child is Bullied,” “How to Report,” “Caring Schools” and “Re-Writing the Script.” In addition, she identified the three main actors who are normally involved in such situations, the three “Bs,” “the Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander.” In explaining the scope of the problem she noted that bullying happens every seven minutes; 10-20% of school-aged children are chronic targets; the average bullying encounter last 37 seconds. Most events occur on playgrounds, however, more subtle forms happen in the classroom as well. Teacher intervention happens only once in 25 episodes and stunningly, 85% of all incidents occur in the presence of witnesses or bystanders. During the three days, students learned all aspects of bullying. That bullies come in all shapes and sizes; some are big, some bright and some not so; some attractive, some not and some popular but many disliked by almost everybody. And about the bullied: one thing all have in common is that they have been targeted by the bully or bunch of bullies. Each is singled out for scorn merely because he/she is different in some way. In the third “B”
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category are the bystanders: they are the supporting cast that aids and abets the bully, through acts of o-mission and co-mission; they stand idly by or look away, or actively encourage or even join in. Mountain-Weed conducted exercises offering examples of bullying with all classes at Queen of Heaven. These were followed by lessons on how to deal with the abusers. With the little ones, she put on her “mean Roxie hat,” and did some play-acting. Illustrating meanness, she would say things like, “you smell awful,” “you sound stupid when you sing,” “I hate you,” “you’re ugly,” or “you’re fat.” The children were instructed how to respond. On the first encounter, “I don’t like it when you call me names.” The second time, to repeat the first. On the third strike the answer is, “this is your last chance before I get adult help,” or “I’m taking it to a higher level.” Similar practice sessions were conducted for each of the higher grades with adjustments as to age vernacular. In addition, students were instructed on “how to make yourself a bad target” and other special techniques on prevention. Plus, identifying some super heroes such as the best example of all, our savior Jesus Christ, who stood up for himself many times in scripture. Mountain-Weed also met with the faculty at Queen of Heaven to discuss the problem from their point of view. A new and continuously evolving social and electronic media environment is bringing a sea change to the bullying atmosphere. It shows a disturbing nationwide problem, one that is particularly acute in schools with high concentrations of minority children. Teachers report that some students are “emboldened” to use slurs, engage in name-calling and making inflammatory statements toward others. MountainWeed says, “what I love most is that teaching in a Catholic school allows faculty to teach the whole child, mind, body and spirit!” Queen of Heaven Principal Keating feels that the three days of bullying sessions will “help our students in any future encounters with bullies.” Those interested in knowing more about Roxie Mountain-Weed and her work can visit the Most Precious Blood Catholic School website at: school. mpbdenver.org and check under the tab “student life,” anti-bullying program.
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D+E+I Announces Two 2017 Awards By Kristine J. Coffey Board Chair & Acting CEO D+E+I, Dominican Ecclesial Institute
Catholic Charities
Carlos Navarro
2017 Lumen Ecclesiae Awardee
Earns 2017 Lumen Sancti Spiritu Award
I
In honor of Carlos Navarro’s commitment to and actions with the poor, the hungry, the disenfranchised, government services and university outreach, the Dominican Ecclesial Institute recognizes Navarro’s service, prayer, study and preaching with the D+E+I 2017 Lumen Ecclesiae award, “Light of the Church.” This award honors an extraordinary individual leader long outstanding in adult faith formation in all its diversity. The D+E+I Board of Directors was unanimous in their acclamation of Carlos Navarro. As Navarro has completed his second full term on the Bread for the World national Board of Directors, this is an appropriate time to recognize his leadership not only in Albuquerque and New Mexico, but also nationally, with international implications. Navarro has made a difference in countless lives, not only saving the poor from starvation, one at a time, while attacking the systemic causes, but also raising up advocates on their behalf … all with humility, grace, focus and drive, together with a ready response to the call of social and gospel justice. At the awards event, Navarro will share words on prophetic works, challenging living out the Dominican charism ever more fully.
C
Catholic Charities of New Mexico has been designated to receive the D+E+I 2017 Lumen Sancti Spiritu Award, “Light of the Holy Spirit,” by unanimous action of the Dominican Ecclesial Institute Board of Directors. This award is granted in extraordinary situations to groups actively promoting adult faith formation in all its diversity … and Catholic Charities works truly are extraordinary, as is their prophetic leadership. As Catholic Charities forges forth into a new chapter with their expanded facilities, this is an important time to honor their historical achievements, as they begin to realize their dreams in newly discovered paths of service and witness.
D+E+I joins the Dominicans in joyful prayer and special gratitude. The Board of Directors and the Community of the Dominican Ecclesial Institute
Catholic Charities
Please join Catholic Charities friends, the social justice community and supporters at the D+E+I Annual Awards event on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Hotel Albuquerque. Register at www.DEIabq.org, or contact D+E+I at 505.243.0525.
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Archdiocese of Santa Fe Immaculate Conception Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of the Annunciation Our Lady of the Assumption Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Prince of Peace Catholic Church Queen of Heaven Parish Risen Savior Catholic Community San Felipe de Neri Parish Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey Santuario de San Martin de Porres St. Anne Catholic Church St. Charles Borromeo Parish St. Joseph on the Rio Grande St. Jude Thaddeus St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center St. Thomas Aquinas Rio Rancho The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MORE THAN 400 DONORS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CASA de CORAZON CAPITAL CAMPAIGN!