January 2020, People of God

January 2020 Vol. 38, No. 1

Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org

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Participate in the Novena for Life and the Sanctity of Life Mass/March/Rally!

By Anne Avellone, Director, Office of Social Justice and Respect Life

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anuary is a month filled with Respect Life activities for the whole family. First, we invite you to participate in Novena for Life on January 2129, 2020. For the last several years, USCCB has sponsored 9 Days for Life, a multi-faceted novena for the respect and protection of human life. Each day, a different intention is accompanied by a short reflection, suggested actions, and related information. The Novena is observed intentionally during the time of the Roe v. Wade Anniversary (January 22), the day designated by the USCCB as the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. We invite you to sign up for the novena at www.9daysforlife. com to receive the intentions and prayers.

In the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, we will be observing the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children in our Sanctity of Life Mass, March and Rally in Santa Fe on January 22. The day begins with a Mass at noon that includes the three Bishops of New Mexico, Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, Most Reverend James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup and Most Reverend Peter Baldacchino, Bishop of Las Cruces.

This event brings together prayer, charity and justice. As we have done for a number of years, we ask participants to bring baby items like diapers, blankets, bottles etc. and/or socks and toiletries for the elderly to be collected at the Mass and distributed to organizations that provide support to expectant mothers in need or nursing homes for the elderly and homeless shelters.

These items are sorted by volunteers after Mass and distributed to pregnancy centers, nursing homes and homeless shelters across the state.

After Mass, at 1:00pm, we will prayerfully process to the State Capitol building, the “Roundhouse” for a rally led by the Bishops focused on the Bishop’s legislative agenda to protect life. Participants are encouraged to visit their state Senators and Representatives while at the Roundhouse. The 2020 New Mexico legislative session begins on January 21, so it is a perfect time to put our faith into action! We are called to bring our faith to the public square and advocate for the most vulnerable among us.

A number of our ecumenical brothers and sisters will also be joining us for the march and rally at the Roundhouse. For more information, contact the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life, 505-831-8167.

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Pope Francis touches a statue known as Mary Mother of God, Crowned, at the conclusion of Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1, 2020. The Marian statue was brought to the Vatican from Foggia in southern Italy.

(CNS photo/ Vatican Media)

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Prayer Intentions January/Enero Promotion of World Peace We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

Promoción de la paz en el mundo Recemos para que los cristianos, los que siguen otras religiones y las personas de buena voluntad promuevan la paz y la justicia en el mundo.

Recemos para que los cristianos, los que siguen otras religiones y las personas de buena voluntad promuevan la paz y la justicia en el mundo.

Inside This Month’s Issue

From the Office of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Case Name: MONTOYA-SANCHEZ; Prot. Num.: 2019-0224M Notice of Annulment Proceeding

By Very Reverend Oscar Coelho, J.C.L., Judicial Vicar Case Name: MONTOYA-SANCHEZ Prot. Num.: 2019-0224M Anthony Gerard Leroy Sanchez is hereby notified that Emily J. Montoya has filed a petition for a declaration of ecclesiastical nullity of the marriage contracted by both of you.

Please contact the Office of the Tribunal before February 18, 2020 at: Office of the Tribunal, 4000 St Joseph Pl NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, 505.831.8177

People of God Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org

Assistant Editor/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan lradigan@archdiosf.org

Production: Christine Carter

Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication. All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month. Check out media kit online @ www.archdiosf.org. Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement.

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4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW • Albuquerque NM, 87120 • (505) 831-8162

2 Annual Martin Luther King Mass 2 Sanctity of Life Events | 9 Days for Life Novena 4 Archbishop’s Letter: Abiding in the Mystical Body of Christ 8 Vicar General’s Corner - Very Reverend Glenn Jones 10 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal 12 Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, O.P.: Bearing False Witness 14 Vocations 16 Very Reverend Glenn Jones: Learning from Others 18 Catholic Schools 21 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 22 Social Justice | Family Life 26 World News 28 Catholic Charities 31 Bioethics: The Foxes & the Henhouse 33 Safe Environment 34 Archbishop’s Calendar | Upcoming Events 35 Lecture: St. Thomas Aquinas on Faith & Science | Catholic Legal

Community Mass & Gathering

Together We Can Reach Our Goal!

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Your donation will remain confidential, and is protected within the Annual Catholic Appeal Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, a New Mexico Non-Profit Corporation, as a separate organization. Your donation does not fund legal claims. Visit our new ACA Website at: www.acaarchdiosf.org to donate to ACA 2019, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!

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Abiding in the Mystical Body of Christ

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n my previous articles, I wrote about the mystery of life, concluding with the mystery of Divine Life, since the Incarnation reveals God’s generous invitation to share in His Divine Life by grace. This shared appreciation of the life of grace has brought me to reflect upon what this means for us as the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, as put forth in the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church (Lumen Gentium #7). A friend recently told me that he had seen a sign boasting “Church without Religion” and he said that saying that was like boasting “Marriage without commitment.” He felt both missed the point.

I believe that at the very heart of what it means to be Church is religion, that is, our belonging to

one another. For the Church is “one Body, one Spirit in Christ” and the theological concept of the Mystical Body of Christ aptly captures so much more than we realize.

The episcopal motto I chose as bishop is “Abide in Christ.” It is both our Lord’s invitation into a deep relationship with God, as well as an exhortation for us to remain faithful to that relationship with Him. And since the Church constitutes the Body of Christ, this relationship with the Lord is also a relationship with each other in Christ. The Church is then, by its very nature, relational. Just as the Trinity itself is a mystery of the divine relations and since we are created in the Divine Image, we also must always abide in that relationship with Christ and each other.

The challenge comes when we, as Church, face new and uncertain realities. These are moments when the bond of charity is tested but must never be broken. As I say, “Abiding in Christ” is both an invitation and an exhortation, especially when the Church is called by the Holy Spirit into uncharted waters.

St. Paul speaks eloquently of this reality in his letter to Timothy, his friend and fellow co-worker (who was the first bishop of Ephesus and whose feast we celebrate this month), exhorting him

amid uncertain times on the importance of preaching the Gospel. Paul wrote: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

Abiding in Christ means we are faithful to the Holy Spirit at work in the Church and in our world. This is difficult, especially today, when the only authority allowed by many is that of one’s own personal opinion. In that case, one never hears either the Lord’s invitation and certainly not His exhortation.

Being Church, our abiding in Christ, is richly presented in Vatican II as the “Mystical Body of Christ” which we find in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium #7). This theological concept actually arose during a time of political instability, under

Pius XII, who used it in his 1943 encyclical Mystici Corporis Christi, so as to better express the unity of the Church in the modern world.

But the fact of the matter is that we see the challenge to our abiding in Christ and being the Church as existing even before Trent in the 16th century. And again, 300 years later with Vatican I, and 100 years after that in Vatican II, this challenge for the Church to abide in Christ remains. The challenge of our being the Church is one that I reflect upon often as I hear from people who are hurt and feel alienated from the Church, or from those deeply wounded by sinful individuals who failed to care as Christ. I also sense this challenge to abide in Christ when I encounter the polarization and alienation so prevalent in society that has impacted the Church at so many levels. It is so important now that we cling to the bonds of charity, especially when our political and social fabric is fragile, and that we accept Christ’s invitation and challenge to abide in Him. It is tempting in the midst of these modern day challenges to just walk away from the Church but Christ’s call to be one with Him and each other is not lightly dismissed. Deepening in our appreciation of the Second Vatican Council’s understanding of the Church

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as the Mystical Body of Christ is an important part of our remaining in union with Christ and each other.

The “Body of Christ” phrase is found first in St. Paul, I Corinthians 12, wherein the Holy Spirit is at work through the gifts bestowed on all, forming one body in Christ. Throughout Christian history the Body of Christ has fashioned our sense of the Church’s mission, but it is in the modern era, or what is considered the modern era, when the Church struggled with the social sins of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Pope Leo XIII came to the throne of Peter at a time of social and political change and challenge. His efforts to engage the realities of the day made him popular among many but reviled by some. His 1896 encyclical on the unity of the Church, Satis Cognitum, is an affirmation of the special ministry of unity given to the Church, as well as an invitation to an ecumenical unity among Christians, that unity exercised through the three-fold ministry of sanctifying, governing and teaching. Pope Leo’s earlier 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, treated the relationship and responsibilities between labor and capital, between government and its citizens.

These are just some examples of how the Church has been commissioned with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how the popes from Leo on, but especially the recent popes from John XXIII on, have confronted the mystery and meaning of what it is to be the Church. From St. Paul to modern times, the

PEOPLE of GOD Church has seen herself as the Mystical Body of Christ and has confronted in each age the challenge of remaining united: “May they all be one, Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you…” (John 17:21) In the months to come, I plan to treat our appreciation of what it means “To abide in the Mystical Body of Christ.” But for now, as we have just celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, God’s manifestation to all the world of the Incarnate mystery, I wish to invite each of us to prayerfully discover what it means to be the Church, to abide in Christ, hearing the invitation of our Lord as well as His exhortation to remain one with Him and each other. How fitting that the Collect for the Epiphany of the Lord invites us to behold that glory of God so beautifully mirrored in our unity as a Church. We pray: O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in your mercy, that we, who know you already by faith, may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,

Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe

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Nuestra permanencia en el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo

Arzobispo John C. Wester

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n mis artículos anteriores abordé el tema del misterio de la vida y para concluir me he concentrado en el misterio de la Vida Divina, ya que la Encarnación revela la gentil invitación de Dios a participar en su Vida Divina mediante la gracia. Esta apreciación compartida de la vida de la gracia me ha llevado a reflexionar sobre el significado que esto tiene para los que somos la Iglesia, el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo, tal como se ha establecido en la Constitución Dogmática de la Iglesia (Lumen Gentium #7).

Recientemente, alguien me comentó que había visto un cartel donde se hacía alarde de una “Iglesia sin religión” y añadió que decir eso era como jactarse de estar en un “Matrimonio sin compromiso”.

En su opinión, ninguna de las dos afirmaciones expresaba el sentido central del asunto. Me parece que en el corazón de

lo que significa ser Iglesia está la religión, es decir, nuestra pertenencia mutua. Porque la Iglesia es “un cuerpo, un espíritu en Cristo” y el concepto teológico del Cuerpo Místico de Cristo refleja acertadamente mucho más de lo que nos damos cuenta.

El lema episcopal que elegí como obispo: “Permaneced en Cristo”, es tanto la invitación de nuestro Señor a que entablemos una profunda relación con Dios, como una exhortación para que permanezcamos fieles a esa relación con Él. Y como la Iglesia constituye el Cuerpo de Cristo, nuestra relación con el Señor es también una relación de unos con otros en Cristo. Entonces, por su propia naturaleza, la Iglesia es de índole relacional. Así como la Trinidad misma es un misterio de las relaciones divinas y puesto que somos creados en la Imagen Divina, también nosotros debemos permanecer siempre en esa relación con Cristo y entre nosotros.

Nos vemos ante una tarea difícil cuando, en calidad de Iglesia, nos enfrentamos a realidades nuevas e inciertas.

Son momentos en los que el vínculo de la caridad se pone a prueba, pero nunca debe romperse. Como lo he dicho, “Permanecer en Cristo” es tanto una invitación como una exhortación, especialmente cuando el Espíritu Santo llama a la Iglesia hacia territorios desconocidos. San Pablo habla elocuentemente de esta realidad en su carta a Timoteo, su amigo y colaborador —quien

fue el primer obispo de Éfeso y cuya fiesta celebramos este mes— exhortándole, en medio de tiempos inciertos, sobre la importancia de predicar el Evangelio. Pablo escribió: “Te ruego delante de Dios y de Cristo Jesús, que ha de juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos, y puestos los ojos en su Venida y su Reino, te digo: Predica la palabra, insiste a tiempo y a destiempo, rebatiendo, amenazando o aconsejando, siempre con paciencia y preocupado de enseñar. Pues vendrá un tiempo en que los hombres ya no soportarán la sana doctrina, sino que se buscarán un montón de maestros, según sus deseos.

Estarán ávidos de novedades y se apartarán de la verdad para volverse hacia puros cuentos.

Por eso tú sé prudente, no hagas caso de tus propias penas, dedícate a tu trabajo de evangelista, cumple tu ministerio” (2 Timoteo 4:1-5).

Permanecer en Cristo significa que somos fieles al Espíritu Santo que actúa en la Iglesia y en nuestro mundo.

Esto es difícil, especialmente en la actualidad, cuando la única autoridad que muchos aceptan es la de su propia opinión personal. En ese caso, nunca escuchamos la invitación del Señor y sin duda tampoco su exhortación.

Nuestra permanencia en Cristo —ser Iglesia— aparece expresada con claridad en el Concilio Vaticano II como el “Cuerpo Místico de Cristo”, precisamente en la Constitución Dogmática sobre la Iglesia (Lumen Gentium

#7). En realidad, el concepto teológico surgió durante el papado de Pío XII —una época de inestabilidad política— quien lo usó en su encíclica de 1943 Mystici Corporis Christi para expresar mejor la unidad de la Iglesia en el mundo moderno. Pero el hecho es que vemos que la dificultad de permanecer en Cristo y de ser la Iglesia existía incluso antes del Concilio de Trento celebrado en el siglo XVI. Y de nuevo, 300 años después en el Concilio Vaticano I y 100 años después en el Concilio Vaticano II, permanecer en Cristo sigue siendo una dificultad para la Iglesia.

A menudo reflexiono sobre la dificultad para ser la Iglesia cuando me entero de que hay personas que están heridas y se sienten ajenas a la Iglesia o de que hay quienes han sido lastimados profundamente por individuos pecadores que no actuaron con caridad hacia los demás como lo hubiera hecho Cristo. También siento la dificultad para permanecer en Cristo cuando me veo ante la polarización y el distanciamiento tan predominantes en la sociedad y que han impactado a la Iglesia en tantos niveles. Es tan importante ahora que nos aferremos a los lazos de la caridad —especialmente ante la fragilidad de nuestro tejido político y social— y que aceptemos la invitación y la oportunidad que nos ofrece Cristo de permanecer en él.

En medio de las pruebas que nos presentan los tiempos modernos, es tentador alejarse

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de la Iglesia, pero la llamada de Cristo a ser uno con él y con los demás no se descarta a la ligera. Profundizar en nuestra apreciación de la Iglesia como el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo — entendimiento que surgió del Concilio Vaticano II— es una parte importante de nuestra permanencia en unión con Cristo y con los demás.

La frase “Cuerpo de Cristo” aparece expresada por primera vez en la primera carta de san Pablo a los corintios (I Corintios 12), donde el Espíritu Santo está actuando a través de los dones que les ha otorgado a todos, formando un solo cuerpo en Cristo. A lo largo de la historia cristiana el Cuerpo de Cristo ha moldeado nuestro sentido de la misión de la Iglesia, pero ha sido en la era moderna, o lo que se considera la era moderna, cuando la Iglesia se ha enfrentado a los pecados sociales del siglo XVIII y de principios del XIX. El Papa León XIII llegó al trono de Pedro en un momento de transformaciones y pruebas de carácter social y político.

Sus medidas encaminadas a comprometerse con las realidades de la época lo hicieron popular entre muchos, pero fue menospreciado por algunos. Su encíclica de 1896 sobre la unidad de la Iglesia, Satis Cognitum, es una afirmación del ministerio especial de la unidad que le fue otorgado a la Iglesia, así como una invitación a la unidad ecuménica entre los cristianos.

Dicha unidad se ejerce a través del triple ministerio de santificar, gobernar y enseñar.

En su encíclica anterior — Rerum Novarum, promulgada en 1891— el papa León XIII abordó la relación y las responsabilidades entre el trabajo y el capital, entre el gobierno y sus ciudadanos. Se han mencionado sólo algunos ejemplos de cómo la Iglesia ha sido la encargada de los dones

PEOPLE of GOD del Espíritu Santo y la forma en que los papas desde León XIII —pero especialmente los papas recientes desde Juan XXIII en adelante— han confrontado el misterio y el significado de lo que es ser la Iglesia. Desde san Pablo hasta los tiempos modernos, la Iglesia se ha visto a sí misma como el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo y en cada época ha afrontado la difícil tarea de permanecer unida: “Que todos sean uno como Tú, Padre, estás en Mí, y Yo en Ti. Sean también uno en nosotros: así el mundo creerá que tú me has enviado” (Juan 17:21).

En los meses venideros tengo proyectado abordar el tema de nuestro aprecio por lo que significa “Permanecer en el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo”. Pero por ahora, cuando acabamos de celebrar la fiesta de la Epifanía —manifestación de Dios a todo el mundo del misterio de la Encarnación— deseo invitar a cada uno de nosotros a descubrir en la oración lo que significa ser la Iglesia, permanecer en Cristo, escuchar la invitación de nuestro Señor así como su exhortación a permanecer uno con él y con los demás. Qué apropiado que la oración Colecta correspondiente a la Epifanía del Señor nos invite a contemplar esa gloria de Dios tan bellamente reflejada en nuestra unidad como Iglesia.

Oremos: Señor Dios, que en este día manifestaste a tu Unigénito a las naciones, guiándolas por la estrella, concede a los que ya te conocemos por la fe, que lleguemos a contemplar la hermosura de tu excelsa gloria.

Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo, que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo y es Dios por los siglos de los siglos.

Amén

a i d r o e c r i p r iem e s i s m a u S a par r u d r e p

Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,

Arzobispo John C. Wester

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Traducción por Annelle Lobos y Rocío González

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Very Reverend Glenn Jones

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ell, here we are in a new year…already! (and I just got used to writing 2018 on my checks! (“Huh?! Whaddya’ mean, 2020?!” ;) ) Ah, well…we hope and pray that you all had a very blessed Christmas and WILL have a very blessed new year.

Let’s see…the news. Well, it’s been pretty quiet concerning developments with the archdiocesan chapter 11 proceedings, but those will be ramping up again toward the end of this month and early February; the next mediation dates are scheduled then. Keep praying for both those who have suffered abuse and for the Church extant, for the members of both groups are suffering victims of infamous crimes. (Sigh) Poor Jesus…His physical agony on the cross so exacerbated

by His divine vision and knowledge of Man’s future inhumanity toward one another. Let us remember the tremendous burden He took onto Himself for love of us next month when we begin our new Lenten season.

Ash Wednesday: February 26.

Now that winter is deeply rooted, Archbishop Wester will likely soon implement restrictions on distributing the Precious Blood at Mass. This is simply a (reasonable) precaution to aid in the prevention of the spreading of a potentially deadly contagion.

Some persons object because they become accustomed to receiving from the cup. However, in receiving the host alone, know that one receives the entirety of the Eucharist: “It should never be construed… that Communion under the form of bread alone or...under the form of wine alone is somehow an incomplete act or that Christ is not fully present…The Church’s unchanging teaching from the time of the Fathers…notably in the ecumenical councils of Lateran IV, Constance, Florence, Trent and Vatican II—has witnessed to a constant unity of faith in the presence of Christ in both elements…

Thus the Church has always taught the doctrine of concomitance, by which we know that under each species alone, the whole Christ is sacramentally present and we ‘receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace.’” (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the U.S.A., para.

15). And, from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic

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grace. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite.” (para. 1390) The prevention of a deadly disease is one of the most pastoral of reasons! So…you never need fear receiving only “part” of the Eucharist; there is not division, only the whole.

Also, the archbishop normally requests that persons receive the host only in the hand during this time, even if the person is accustomed to receiving on the tongue. This can be a meritorious act of the submission of one’s own will for charity toward others. Besides the fact that the U.S. bishops have deemed that receiving in the hand is the norm for the U.S. (as it is in many other nations), often a minister’s finger will unwittingly touch the tongue of a communicant, and thereby the greater possibility of transmitting sickness to others.

Persons who prefer to receive on the tongue often do so believing that such reception fosters greater devotion; such concern is, of course, admirable, but more so is acquiescence to reasonable instruction given by our religious superiors. If the goal is to honor Christ, one must ask oneself: Which would Christ approve more: one who insists on his/her own will, or rather one who humbly acquiesces to reasonable (and temporary!) instruction of our religious superiors to whom He has given special grace via the highest (episcopal) ordination?

So, in the words of Paul: “I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you…” (1 Corinthians 1:10) and let us recall also: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed…” (Romans 13:1-2)) Obviously such verses would not apply to instruction which goes against dogmatic teachings, but in no way is reception in the hand anywhere near violation of such.

On the flip side, when we receive in the hand, we must do so with utmost reverence, for we are receiving Jesus Himself.

St. Cyril wrote: “When you approach, take care not to do so with you hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive Him, taking care that nothing is lost.” (GIRM, p. 146) Also, do not “grab” the host from the minister; we are to receive it as the gift that it is, allowing the minister to place it within the hand.

Finally, remember that January is Respect Life month, so please try to participate with the archbishop and other bishops of New Mexico at the Sanctity of Life Mass and march to the Roundhouse. Let’s make a show of voting force; that’s what moves politicians to act! Each unborn child’s future is a novel yet to be written, a potential brother and sister in Christ…a new and eternal being made in God’s glorious image. Let’s help them make it to birth, and affirm to mothers and the world the value and beauty of the little ones within them. (“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5)) Ouch! Just bumped my head on the word count again.

Well…I’d better not give the editor a stroke. ‘Til next time!

Fr. Glenn

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ues, aquí estamos, ya en un nuevo año... ¡Apenas me había acostumbrado a escribir el año 2018 en mis cheques! ¿Cómo es que ya estamos en 2020? En fin... esperamos y rezamos que todos ustedes hayan tenido una Navidad muy bendecida y que TENDRÁN también un año nuevo muy bendecido.

Ahora... las noticias. Bueno, todo ha estado tranquilo en lo que respecta al progreso en el Capítulo 11 de la Arquidiócesis, pero el proceso recuperará velocidad a finales de este mes y principios de febrero, ya que las siguientes fechas de mediación están programadas para entonces. Sigan rezando tanto por los que han sufrido abusos como por la Iglesia existente, porque ambos grupos han sufrido siendo víctimas de crímenes infames. (Exhalación) Pobre Jesús... Su agonía física en la cruz fue agravada por su visión divina y el conocimiento de la futura crueldad de la humanidad hacia el otro.

Recordemos la tremenda carga que Él llevó sobre sí mismo por amor a nosotros el próximo mes cuando comencemos nuestra nueva temporada de Cuaresma. Miércoles de Ceniza: 26 de febrero.

Ahora que el invierno está en su apogeo, es probable que el Arzobispo Wester pronto implemente restricciones en cuanto a la distribución de la Preciosa Sangre en la Misa. Esto es simplemente una precaución (razonable) para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de un contagio potencialmente mortal.

Algunas personas se oponen a estas restricciones porque se han acostumbrado a recibir de la copa. Sin embargo, al recibir sólo la hostia, sepan que se recibe la totalidad de la Eucaristía: Nunca deberá inferirse que la Comunión bajo la forma de pan solamente… o bajo la forma de vino solamente es un acto incompleto o que Cristo no está completamente presente... La enseñanza inmutable de la Iglesia desde el tiempo de los Padres y en el curso de los siglos —notablemente en los concilios ecuménicos de Letrán IV, Constancia, Florencia, Trento y el Vaticano II— han dado testimonio de la constante unidad de la fe en cuanto a la presencia de Cristo en ambos elementos… Por tanto, la Iglesia siempre ha enseñado la doctrina de la concomitancia, por la cual sabemos que bajo cada especie sola, Cristo está totalmente presente y nosotros recibimos “todo el fruto de gracia propio de la Eucaristía”.

(Normas para la Distribución y Recepción de la Sagrada Comunión bajo dos especies en las Diócesis de los EE.UU., párr. 15). Y, del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica: “Gracias a la presencia sacramental de Cristo bajo cada una de las especies, la comunión bajo la sola especie de pan ya hace que se reciba todo el fruto de gracia propio de la Eucaristía. Por razones pastorales, esta manera de comulgar se ha establecido legítimamente como la más habitual en el rito latino.” (parr.

1390) ¡La prevención de una enfermedad mortal es una de las razones más pastorales! Así que... nunca hay que tener miedo de recibir sólo “una parte” de la Eucaristía; no hay división, sólo el todo.

Además, el arzobispo normalmente pide durante este tiempo que las personas reciban la hostia sólo en la mano, aunque la persona esté acostumbrada a recibirla en la lengua. Esto puede ser un acto de sumisión de la propia voluntad para el

bien de los demás. Además del hecho de que los obispos de Estados Unidos han considerado que recibir en la mano es la norma para este país (como lo es en muchos otros países). A menudo el dedo de un ministro toca sin querer la lengua de un comulgante, y con ello hay una mayor posibilidad de transmitir la enfermedad a otros.

Las personas que prefieren recibir en la lengua, a menudo lo hacen creyendo que tal recepción fomenta una mayor devoción; tal preocupación es, por supuesto, admirable, pero más aún lo es la aceptación de la instrucción razonable dada por nuestros superiores religiosos. Si el objetivo es honrar a Cristo, hay que preguntarse: ¿Qué aprobaría más Cristo: al que insiste en su propia voluntad, o más bien al que humildemente acepta la instrucción razonable (¡y temporal!) de nuestros superiores religiosos a los que ha dado una gracia especial por medio de la más alta ordenación (episcopal)?

Por eso, en palabras de Pablo: “Les ruego, hermanos, en nombre de Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor, que se pongan todos de acuerdo y terminen con las divisiones, que encuentren un mismo modo de pensar ...”. (1 Corintios 1:10) y recordemos también que: “Cada uno en esta vida debe someterse a las autoridades. Pues no hay autoridad que no venga de Dios, y los cargos públicos existen por voluntad de Dios. Por lo tanto, el que se opone a la autoridad se rebela contra un decreto de Dios...” (Romanos 13:1-2) Obviamente tales versículos no se aplicarían a la instrucción que va en contra de las enseñanzas indiscutibles de nuestra fe, pero de ninguna manera la recepción en la mano se acerca a la violación de las mismas.

Por otro lado, cuando recibimos la hostia en la mano, debemos hacerlo con la mayor reverencia, porque estamos recibiendo al mismo Jesús. San Cirilo escribió: “Cuando te acerques a recibir el Cuerpo del Señor, no te acerques con las palmas de las manos extendidas ni con los dedos separados, sino haciendo de tu mano izquierda como un trono para tu derecha, donde se sentará el Rey. Con la cavidad de la mano recibe el cuerpo de Cristo y responde Amén...” (GIRM, p. 146).

Otra cosa, no “agarres” la hostia del ministro; debemos recibirla como el regalo que es, permitiendo que el ministro la coloque dentro de nuestra mano.

Finalmente, recuerden que enero es el mes de Respeto por la Vida. Por favor, traten de participar junto con el Arzobispo y otros obispos de Nuevo México en la Misa de la Santidad de la Vida en Santa Fe y marchen a la Rotonda. Hagamos una demostración de la fuerza del voto; ¡eso es lo que mueve a los políticos a actuar! El futuro de cada niño no nacido es una novela aún por escribir, un hermano y hermana potenciales en Cristo... un ser nuevo y eterno hecho a la imagen gloriosa de Dios. Ayudémosles a llegar al nacimiento, y afirmemos a las madres y al mundo el valor y la belleza de los pequeños que hay en ellos. (“Antes de formarte en el vientre te conocí, y antes de que nacieras te consagré...”) (Jeremías 1:5)) ¡Ay! Otra vez me he pasado del número de palabras que me permiten escribir… Más vale terminar antes de darle un ataque a la Editora. ¡Hasta la próxima!

P. Glenn

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s we begin a new year dedicated to our many resolutions, I am struck by one reality. Now-a-days, it seems that lying has become acceptable, or at least more common than we care to admit. More and more I hear from people who struggle with telling lies, or their saying untrue things about people, neighbors, family, and even friends. But why has this become more common place? Why is it easier for people to lie, to tell untruths? In a 2017 article from Psychology Today, 6

By Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, OP, Episcopal Vicar for Doctrine & Life

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Reasons People Lie When They Don’t Need To: Understanding the motivations of pathological liars. Dr. David J. Ley, a clinical psychologist explains: In today’s environment of “alternative facts,” it’s hard not to see this [lying] as somewhat justified (https://www.psychologytoday. com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201701/6reasons-people-lie-when-they-don-t-need 12/18/19). It’s easy to lie, and because it is easy to do so, people are doing it more and more. However, I think we need to be alarmed by the ease with which people lie, especially on social media. What is even more alarming is how telling lies has become commonly accepted. It has become almost normal for politicians to lie, for lawyers to lie, for journalists to lie, for the media to lie, but this tolerance has not always been the case. But honest members of these professions know the

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damage it does. Philosophers and theologians have warned against the impact that lying has upon society, as well as upon the individual. In fact, the ninth commandment states: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” at least as I remember the commandment. So why is lying the epidemic curse of our age?

Dr. Ley explains ...some people get so accustomed to lying that they do so even when there is no clear purpose, and when their lies are easily disproven, (ibid.). Their reasons range from the truth being inconvenient, to not wanting to disappoint others, to so wanting the lie to be true that they keep telling it. This I found frightening, given the level of lying by so many people today in positions of public trust. Ley wrote: When we are under pressure, our thinking about the big picture can be challenged. Our memory of things is actually quite unreliable: Multiple studies demonstrate that our memories are influenced by many things, that they change over time, and that they are essentially reconstructed each time we think about them” (ibid.).

So we see how people can very easily lie, but there is real damage in doing so. Not just to the subjects of our lies, but to our very self. We lose trust in the world. As Sir Walter Scott rightly affirmed, O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!

Our living a genuine life rests upon personal integrity and honesty. While secular culture easily accommodates itself to the lucrative lie, allowing greed to justify one’s deception, a person of religious conviction realizes that such a life-choice is self-defeating.

We undermine our ability to trust, to love, and to risk. The American philosopher Sissela Bok’s 1979 book Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life was published again in 1989 and 1999, a testimony to the work’s incredible value in public moral life. The challenge she so clearly puts forth is truthfulness in our life and in society. Our Catholic tradition sees in

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Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth and the Life, so Catholics especially should be mindful of the level of lies and duplicity that undermine the Good News of the Gospel. Bok writes: The very stress on individualism, on competition, on achieving material success which so marks our society also generates intense pressures to cut corners. To win an election, to increase one’s income, to outsell competitors – such motives impel many to participate in forms of duplicity they might otherwise resist.

The more widespread they judge these practices to be, the stronger will be the pressures to join, even compete, in deviousness (244). So you see telling lies, the sin of bearing false witness, amplifies a culture and context of lies and deceptions. The Prophet Isaiah wisely counseled us saying He who practices virtue and speaks honestly, who spurns what is gained by oppression, brushing his hands free of contact with a bribe, stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed, closing his eyes lest he look on evil. He shall dwell on the heights, his stronghold shall be the rocky fastness, his food and drink in steady supply (Isaiah 33:15-16).

Greed and power are the great lures that deception has used throughout time, from Eden until now. However, the Judeo-Christian tradition shares in a sacred charge to root out deception and lies, to live as children of the light.

St. Paul tells us: So stop telling lies.

Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”

Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:25-26).

Bearing false witness, telling lies, harming a person’s good name by innuendo, by calumny are perhaps the greatest sins that plague us all, and ones that we should do our utmost to expose, to bear witness to the Truth.

Sissela Bok challenges us all: The social incentives to deceit are at present very powerful; the controls, often weak. Many individuals feel caught up in practices they cannot change. It

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would be wishful thinking, therefore, to expect individuals to bring about major changes in the collective practices of deceit by themselves. Public and private institutions, with their enormous power to affect personal choice, must help alter the existing pressures and incentives (244). This means that we as the Body of Christ share with Christ in the moment of mockery when Pontius Pilate asks Quid est veritas? (“What is Truth?”). The secular world of lies and deception, of false accusations and selfish cunning, will always traffic in lies in order to gain its evil ends. For our part, our resolution and resolve must always be to bear witness to the Truth, to resist the easy and self-serving cancer of lies and falsehoods. Bok is right, the social incentives to deceit are at present very powerful and as individuals we face a challenge, but we are not alone. Jesus before Pilate knew the Truth and we too must bear witness to the Truth. Jesus challenges us in his response to Pilate: You say I am a king.

Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true (John 18:37). If you find yourself in a job, a work place, a situation where lies, deception, and falsehoods are common, realize that truth, honesty, and integrity are your best tools. If the Catholic Church’s struggles in the past decades has taught us anything, it is that Truth, bearing witness to the Truth, is the single most redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ. In the land of lies truth is not a welcomed guest so beware, the mob will always want Barabbas.

Truth demands a price. Our failure to pay it, proves too costly in the end. A person lacking in honesty, integrity, genuineness lives a hollow and meaningless life. On the other hand, St. Paul assures us, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). To my knowledge, no one has ever found happiness living a lie. And that is the truth!

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1. What is your New Year’s resolution?

2. What advice would you give to young people in making choices in their spiritual life?

3. What would you like the people of God to pray for on your behalf?

Agustin Henderson 1. My New Year’s resolution is to more and more habitually do everything out of a desire to console the sorrowful Heart of Jesus. This resolution comes from my recent reading of a wonderful book called Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley.

This has very practical applications for me, because when I focus on doing something for the sake of presenting my life to Jesus in thanksgiving for His love and suffering, my actions take on more meaning and become more doable.

2. Trust that your deepest desires have been given to you by God, and that God will fulfill those desires in and for you.

Discovering our deepest desires (and separating them from our selfish desires) will be a lifelong process, but by reflecting on our life and being open to God’s direction, we will slowly find them. Uncover them. And as you do, do not be afraid of taking action to

pursue them.

3. Ask the Lord to teach me how to be a true son of His, and how to see Him as the beloved Father He is to me. And pray that I learn how to be a father and a priest that reflects His Fatherhood.

Darrell Segura 1. My New Year’s resolution is to read and meditate on the Word of God during my holy hour every day.

2. My advice to young people would be to have some good Catholic friends and a spiritual director to talk to.

3. I would like the people of God to pray for us, seminarians, to be holy priests.

Adrian Sisneros 1. This year I resolve to draw closer to the loving heart of the Father through a greater devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Chaste Heart of St. Joseph.

2. Discover the truth that you are a beloved son or daughter of God the Father.

Your identity as a beloved son or daughter is established in Christ Jesus’ divine sonship at baptism as free gift that is never earned—it is a free gift! Receive this gift by encountering Christ in the sacraments, the Gospels and within the deepest recesses of your heart.

Allow Him to show you who you are and your infinite worth as a “son in the Son.” He will take you to the heart of the Father who delights in you, loves you intimately and desires to father you through all stages of life.

The world will try to convince you that you have to “earn” your identity elsewhere—don’t listen to it.

3. Please pray that my heart may be ever more inflamed with a deep love for God so that I may give of myself more fully as a complete self-gift to Him.

Seminary Burse The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends and other contributions collected at the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for the month of December 2019. Excess Mass stipends are from multiple Mass intentions celebrated at parishes. The archdiocesan policy is for excess Mass stipends to be used for seminarian education.

Parish Name/City

Amount Received

Holy Child – Tijeras.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1,000.00 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Albuquerque................................................................................................................................... 500.00 Our Lady of Sorrows – Bernalillo...................................................................................................................................................................... 1,000.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque........................................................................................................................................... 1,653.00 Sacred Heart of Jesus – Española................................................................................................................................................................... 2,500.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque................................................................................................................................................ 390.00 Total $ 7,043.00

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Empowering Young Adults to Do Ministry

By Celina Chavez, Office of Christian Discipleship & Religious Vocation, Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey, Three years ago, I was hired at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey to serve as the Program and Communications Coordinator for their Office of Christian Discipleship and Religious Vocation.

Having primarily volunteer experience in ministry, I was now entrusted with sustaining and building Linda Sepulveda, Celina Chavez, and Reverend Graham Golden, O.Praem the ministries and programming that our office facilitated, Linda Sepulveda, young adult lay minister, and beyond this, to assist in fostering its overall SANCTUS2020 team member, and the newest development and purpose. Today, I feel blessed to staff member of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey feels share that as the ministries of our office have changed empowered to do ministry through her view of daily and grown, I myself have continued to learn and grow life. “Nothing is seen as trivial, everything I’m called to as an ecclesial lay minister, in work and passion. As do for each particular day provides the opportunity for I reflect on the grace in where God has placed and me to be a positive presence and shine God’s light in empowered me in ministry, at Santa Maria de la Vid the world. As each new day presents me with different Abbey and otherwise, I attribute it to His hand in three people, places and circumstances, the idea of what we areas: hands-on and creative opportunities to serve, call ‘work’ translates into how I approach people and relationships, and the understanding that ministry is the tasks at hand. Ministry is not about what you do, God’s work through us.

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Archbishop John C. Wester has made the following assignments: • Effective Sunday, September 1, 2019 – Reverend Joseph Gonsalves, O.F.M. has been appointed as parochial vicar at San Diego Mission in Jemez Pueblo and its missions, serving with Reverend Larry Bernard, O.F.M. • Effective Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – Deacon Santos Abeyta has been granted retirement after serving 32 years at Holy Family Parish in Albuquerque.

• Effective Monday, December 30, 2019 – Reverend Christopher Martinez, currently parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Clovis, has been appointed as pastor of Holy Family/St. Joseph in Roy and Santa Clara in Wagon Mound and its missions.

• Effective Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Reverend Dino Candelaria, currently pastor of San Francisco de Asis in Ranchos de Taos, has been granted retirement.

• Effective Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Reverend Michael Garcia, currently pastor of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Peña Blanca and its Missions, has been appointed as pastor at San Francisco de Asis in Ranchos de Taos.

• Effective Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Reverend Simon Carian, currently parochial vicar of Estancia Valley Catholic Parish

in Moriarty, has been appointed as pastor of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Pena Blanca and its Missions.

• Effective Friday, January 15, 2020 – Reverend Peter Felice Mgendwa has been appointed as parochial vicar of Estancia Valley Catholic Parish in Moriarty, serving with Reverend Robert Lancaster.

• Effective Friday, January 31, 2020 – Reverend Celestine Ojike has been appointed as parochial vicar of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albuquerque, serving with Reverend Monsignor Bennett J. Voorhies.

• Effective Friday, January 31, 2020 – Reverend Leo Padget, currently pastor of the Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, has been granted retirement.

• Effective Friday, January 31, 2020 – Reverend Rick Zerwas, currently pastor of Sacred Heart in Albuquerque, has been appointed as pastor of the Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque.

• Effective Friday, January 31, 2020 – Reverend Benjamin Onwumelu, currently in residence at St. Jude Thaddeus in Albuquerque, has been appointed as parish administrator of Sacred Heart in Albuquerque.

Please keep all the clergy who are beginning new assignments in your prayers.

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By Very Reverend Glenn Jones, Vicar General, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar for Religious

H

appy New Year everybody! All the clergy and staff of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, parishes, religious orders, etc., all pray for a blessed year for all of you. May God bring healing and peace to all those who need it most especially.

And make it a point to pray for vocations!—both to religious orders and ordained clergy.

Here in the archdiocese—as in many other dioceses around the U.S.—we have quite a number of non-native-born priests—from Vietnam, Mexico and Latin America, Spain, and Africa, to name just a few places of origin (not even to mention myself, originally from Texas, which sort of counts. And, by the way: I ain’t got no accent; it’s y’all that talk funny! ;) Anyway…the archbishop hosted a dinner at his house recently, with dinner prepared by our Nigerian priests…and a most enjoyable evening we all had. It wasn’t so much the food they had prepared (though it was quite good), but rather their interactions both with one another and with we native-borns present.

If you’ve never been in a house with a number of Nigerians singing full-throatedly and with abandon, I highly recommend the experience—the joy, the openness, the joy of singing songs from childhood in perfect unison, key and harmony. The apparent momentary release from our own American societally-enforced cultural reserve. The notable moment when the eldest of the group began to speak…and the others immediately fall silent: that respect for elders that we have much lost. I couldn’t help but recall in the moment: “The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty of old men is their gray hair [the wisdom that comes from decades of life experience].” (Proverbs 20:29)

And this does not even speak to our brothers’ readiness of service—preparing the meal, and, unbidden, washing dishes, clearing the table, moving furniture as necessary—seeing a need and leaping to fulfill it. Such service may seem to some almost trivial in such a setting, but it speaks of the heart’s attitude, and we remember Jesus: “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10) In our day and place of the incessant protestation of “It’s not my job!” and rampant self-centeredness, these good men—along with many others from other nations—rather came to an unfamiliar land to truly live in the mode of Christ, proclaiming with actions rather than empty words, of coming “…not to be served, but to serve…”

(Matthew 20:28) “Service” is a theme that weighs heavily in all hearts—hearts lightened when we DO serve, and—even if unconsciously (or “un-consciencely”)—burdened when we do not. After all, we are innately social creatures…interdependent…none of us an island. Even the hardy mountain men of old depended upon each other, the blacksmith, the gunsmith, the weaver. Imagine an ant gathering for itself alone…a bee gathering for itself alone.

Easily conquered…easily undone. The old adage applies about a single stick being broken easily, but grouped together have greater strength. How much more does that apply to the universal and worldwide Church?

When we think of service our minds often leap to the military and first responders. We honor these on Memorial and Veterans Days—times in which our nation recognizes especially those who have served their nation in its Armed Forces, but also by extension all those who risk their lives for the

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service of others. When one puts on the uniform of a police officer or firefighter, or the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard… they take up the mantle of service to others… to strangers—knowing that it may even be to the sacrifice of their lives. Also doctors, nurses, EMTs… exposing themselves to hazardous and possibly even deadly contagion daily…seeking to heal the pain of others. And goodness knows that teachers don’t go into that profession for a lucrative salary!... and yet they, perhaps more than most others, serve our future in what and how well they teach.

In that aforementioned evening, I could not help but muse about that which our African brethren have yet retained, and what we have largely forfeited—closeness, civility, mutual service… their joy in simply being together exercising their shared cultural experience. While our modern technological prowess has advanced humanity in myriad ways, has it necessarily come at the cost of such personal interaction and relationships? One cannot help but think so when one sees whole families in restaurants with all heads bowed— not in prayer, but looking at their phones: the modern idolatry. Must it be so? Even in familial

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conversation resides service: the affirmation of love and support.

While our African priests may not know each other well, neither are they strangers; rather, in that shared joy of mutual presence they find true brotherhood (“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)) So, while “social” media and various stimuli of society may tend to drive apart, we must never forget our shared humanity…that nothing can replace personal and present (and kind!) human interaction and cooperation. None of us IS an island, but we are all ON an island…and life is so much better when we are simply kind and considerate to one another.

Someone said as much about 2000 years ago; now…who was that again?

“O come, O come Emmanuel…”

No man is an island, Entire of itself.

Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less.

As well as if a promontory were.

As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were.

Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind…

(John Donne: “For Whom the Bell Tolls”)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

JAN 26 - FEB 1, 2020

OPEN HOUSE DATES JANUARY 21-24, 2020

Missiondriven, inclusive communities of faith

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO 9:00am - 2:00pm

JANUARY 22, 2020 SANTO NIÑO 8:15am - 3:00pm

JANUARY 24, 2020 HOLY GHOST 9:00am - 2:00pm

JANUARY 26, 2020

Classrooms equipped with technology, teaching 21st-century skills

HOLY CHILD 9:00am - 2:00pm HOLY CROSS 11:30am - 12:30pm

JANUARY 28, 2020 RISEN SAVIOR 9:00am - 2:00pm

JANUARY 29-30, 2020

Robust curriculum forming life-long learners

Diverse enrichment programs developing student talent

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

ST. PIUS X 9:00am - 11:00am

JANUARY 30, 2020 ANNUNCIATION 9:00am - 2:00pm OUR LADY OF FATIMA 9:00am - 2:00pm SAN FELIPE DE NERI 9:00am - 2:00pm ST. MARY ABQ 9:00am - 1:00pm ST. THERESE 10:00am

JANUARY 31, 2020 OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION 8:30am - 11:30am

FEBRUARY 6, 2020 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 10:00am

FEBRUARY 18, 2020 ST. MARY BELEN 5:00pm - 6:00pm

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS BY EMBRACING THE GOSPEL Rebecca Maestas-Sanchez, Principal St. Mary Catholic School - Albuquerque St. Mary's is an icon in downtown Albuquerque. We have proudly educated students for over 100 years. If you did not attend St. Mary's, you certainly know someone that did! The Jesuit priests of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church proudly work with our team, ensuring St. Mary's continues to host a proud past and an enlightened future for all our students.

The St. Mary Catholic School community embraces the Gospel message by enriching the world through Catholic teachings, academic excellence, Christian leadership, and service. The challenging curriculum at St. Mary's, which offers advanced math and literature, combined with the benefits of Google Suite for Education, ensures our students are ready for the modern challenges of St. Pius X or the high school of their choice. In addition to this curriculum, St. Mary's offers after-school clubs such as athletics, robotics, cooking, martial arts, and cheer to name a few.

We registered 50 students just in the last 6 months. Let us show you what a mission-led school looks and feels like. Stop in during National Catholic Schools Week or join us for our Open House on Thursday, January 30, 2020, from 9am-1pm. You can also call us at 505-242-6271 to book a tour that fits your schedule. St. Mary Catholic School is located in Downtown Albuquerque at 224 7th Street NW.

RISEN SAVIOR CELEBRATES FIRST SCHOOL MASS Mary Parker, Director Risen Savior Catholic Preschool Recently, Risen Savior Catholic Preschool participated in its first ever school Mass. Fr. Charles Ugochukwu, Pastor of Risen Savior Catholic Community, wished to hold a Mass welcoming preschoolers and their accompanying family. After showing excitement for Mass, preschool student Kenneth was asked why he was so exited, "because Jesus is in there!" he responded.

Although the students are not yet old enough to receive Holy Communion, they were eager to get in line to receive the "Jesus blessing," as they refer to it.

The 2019-2020 preschool class listened attentively as Fr. Charles emphasized Christ's love for His children. They also sang songs, led by their own preschool teachers and preschool director.

This first-ever school Mass was a special time for the students of Risen Savior.

Having both their classmates and friends, alongside their family members, created a sense of community that enhances the student's early development of faith.

Father Charles Ugochukwu celebrating Mass with the 2019-2020 Risen Savior Preschool Class

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Stewardship Corner

What does Stewardship Mean to You? Sam Govea

Principal, St. Michael's High School

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2019 Anniversaries Archdiocese of Santa Fe We are so grateful for your dedicated service to the people of God. May God bless you all for your total service of 210 years!

When asked to write this reflection, I looked up the definition of stewardship and saw the words "entrusted to one's care." I immediately began reflecting on my

own life growing up in a Lasallian Catholic High School and continuing my tradition in my current role as principal of St. Michael's High School. My understanding of stewardship has been guided by the zeal and charism of St. John Baptist de Salle, patron saint of all teachers and all who have helped me, through the Lasallian Mission to recognize God's presence and his plan.

It's easy to reflect on stewardship because I live it daily within the Lasallian Mission. In St. John Baptist de La Salle's writings, he reminds us that we are stewards as we nurture the students who have been entrusted to our care. To me, being a good steward is being a living disciple of Christ and bringing his kingdom to life on Earth. The five core principles of our Lasallian school remind me what it means to be a steward.

While quality education is obviously important in school setting, the other four principles are equally as important: recognizing God's presence in our own lives and welcoming others, respecting all of God's creation and showing concern for those in need and social justice issues.

I end this reflection in the manner we close our school day: "Live Jesus in our hearts...forever."

When one abides by this affirmation it is easy to be a steward of God.

Office of Stewardship 505-831-8173 www.stewardshiparchdiosf.org

Shown here are those celebrating anniversaries at the Catholic Center for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe: Bernadette Jaramillo, Director, Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry (35 years); Ruben Martinez, Accounting Coordinator, Audit/Accounting Parish Support (20 years); Karin Wrasman, Director, Annual Catholic Appeal (5 years); Most Reverend John C. Wester; Tony Salgado, Executive Director, Financial Services Division (35 years); Gloria Sisneros, Real Estate Specialist, Property/Construction Management (20 years); Neil Smith, Maintenance Supervisor, General Services Division (10 years); Marcella Gonzales, HR Assistant & Benefits Specialist (20 years); Yolanda Sutton, Secretary, Diaconate Program (10 years) Not pictured: Susan Murphy, Superintendent, Catholic Schools (10 years); Dolores Cordova, Executive Assistant, Archbishop’s Office (20 years); Joe Sinico, Notary I, Marriage Tribunal & Canonical Services (25 years) YOUNG ADULTS Continued from page 15

but the way you approach your day-to-day. I strive to approach my daily ‘work’ with confidence, patience and love, using my gifts and story to bring forth God’s glory.”

Fr. Graham Golden, O. Praem., director of our office, shares about the challenges and truths we must understand when ministering amongst young adults. “Speaking of young adult ministry is a challenge because young adulthood is such a diverse experience. One can be a student or working full-time. One can be in discernment or already well on their way to living their particular vocation. As both a minister and a young adult myself, I am increasingly discovering that ‘young adults’ is not a set population to be served by the Church, but a particular generation that is emerging to live as Church, a new generation of ministers, leaders, and disciples formed by the complex experiences of our contemporary world ready and willing to engage in living as part of the Church. Thus, to serve the young adult well is to animate our experience that calls us to service and mission. We are not here to simply receive and consume; we are here to give. We are not a group to be facilitated; we are a significant thread in the fabric of the Church.”

As young adults who have responded to the call to serve, we seek to move forward the understanding that young adults are the Church now and to embrace the hope that we might be empowered to be who we are.

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The 2020 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness” (cf. Acts 28:2).

As we gather annually throughout the world to pray for the unity of Christians, we are reminded of the importance of the need for “unusual kindness” in the dialogue that leads to growth in unity. We do this in a world where separation and division hinder the quest for Christian Unity. In 2020, we are being called to show unusual kindness towards one another.

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, churches of all faiths are called together to form a vibrant and prayerful witness for Christian Unity by heeding Jesus’s prayer “that they all may be one.”

The traditional period for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25. This is an open invitation for all Christians to pray together at any of the following ecumenical events:

Sun, Jan 19 at 12:15 p.m.

Immaculate Conception*, 619 Copper Ave., NW Alb, 247.4271 Mon, Jan 20 at 7 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 9500 Constitution Ave, NE-Alb, is hosting a musical evening featuring three choirs including their own choir; First United Methodist Choir; and the Albuquerque Catholic Women’s Choir. Event benefits Family Promise with a free will donation 505.298.5596 Tues, Jan 21 at 5:15 p.m.

United Church of Santa Fe is hosting a Prayer Service with Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Church and St. Bede’s Episcopal Church at 1804 Arroyo Chamiso Road, Santa Fe, Potluck 505.988.3295 Wed, Jan 22 at 6 p.m.

Taize Service at Santuario de Chimayo in the Santo Nino Chapel, 505.689.2404 Fri, Jan 24 at 7 p.m.

Evening of Prayer-Our Lady of the Annunciation, Abq, 505.298.7553 *Immaculate Conception has been feeding the homeless and hungry for 11 years. Volunteers for the Bread and Blessings ministry come from many of the parishes in the city and surrounding areas. The United Church of Christ has been instrumental in providing bottled water and sack lunches for carry out after the meal. The meal is supported by in-kind donations. Please call 505.247.4271 for information.

Pastors at Cathedral Basilica, First Presbyterian and Church of the Holy Faith Episcopal will have a panel discussion regarding their faith traditions. Please call the Cathedral 505.982.5619 for date/time.

For more information, please call Rose Garcia at 505.831.8243.

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All Count in the Eyes of God

By Cynthia Roberson, CCHD Intern

january 2020

helps to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ “to bring good news to the poor…release to captives…sight to the

January is Poverty Awareness Month and this year, 2020 marks the census year CCHD continued on page 23 as well. Census time is when the largest governmental statistical agency, the U.S. Census Bureau, is required to take count of everyone who resides in each U.S. state, documented or not. This count of America’s current Communication, Expectations, residents is required by the Relationship Attachment Model, Constitution every decade.

This count is very important Spirituality, Healthy & because it provides current Unhealthy Relationship Traits facts and statistics about America’s population and Dates: Feb. 7th, 14th, 21st, 2020; THREE consecutive FRIDAYS economy. The count taken Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. is used for congressional representation and for Place: Catholic Center, 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, ABQ federal funding of children’s Price: Entire program is only $15.00 per person programs, schools, roads, Pre-Registration required, contact Yvette: municipalities and more. yduran@archdiosf.org 505 831 8117 Even business and nonprofits Childcare, with advanced registration.

Snacks provided at the 3 classes! use census data to help make decisions on where/whether Facilitator: Mary Pepper, M.A., Relationship Skills Educator, Marriage Mentor, Parent Educator, Public Speaker, Certified Program Leader for Mastering the Mysteries of Love; Facilitate Open, Caring Communication, Understanding and Study (FOCCUS); Prepare-Enrich; Prevention & to expand services, etc.

“Singles Relationship Skills 101” Themes:

In fact, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) uses census data for the Poverty USA website to help Catholics and others learn more about the reality of poverty and what we can do to break the cycle of poverty. For example, based on the U.S. Census Measures Poverty of 2019, currently in the United States we have more than 40 million Americans who live in poverty and 2.5 million children who experience homelessness in a year (www.povertyusa.org).

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the national anti-poverty program of the USCCB and

Relationship Enhancement (PREP); & Nurturing Parenting Program (www.HealthyRelationships101.com)

Dating, Engaged & Married Couples:

Nurture Your Love

Strengthen Your Relationship!

Would you like to: Express your ideas more clearly!

Become a better listener!

Resolve conflicts in a healthy way!

When: January 22, 2020 - February 26, 2020 Six consecutive Wednesdays: 6:30-8:00PM Free childcare, with advanced reservation

Where: Catholic Center, 4000 Saint Joseph’s Place NW, Albuquerque Pre-Register: contact Yvette yduran@archdiosf.org 505 831 8117 Price: entire program, only $30.00 per couple Recommended Book: The Couple Checkup Buy online at CoupleCheckup.com Facilitator: Mary Pepper, M.A., Relationship Skills Educator, Marriage Mentor, Parent Educator, Public Speaker, Certified Program Leader for Mastering the Mysteries of Love,; Facilitate Open, Caring Communication, Understanding and Study (FOCCUS): Prevention & Relationship Enhancement (PREP); Nurturing Parenting Program (www.HealthyRelationships101.com)

PEOPLE of GOD

january 2020 CCHD continued from page 22

blind, and let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18). CCHD’s mission is also an invitation to all Catholics to help the Gospel become a reality.

Christ calls each one of us personally to bring “good news to the poor,” and to put the Gospel into action. Our nation has tens of millions of people living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet.

Our faith calls us to act and to find solutions that uphold the dignity of all.

USCCB sets aside the month of January to explore the reality of poverty in the United States, and to be a call to action in the face of poverty. A core value of CCHD, based on Catholic social teaching, is that those who are closest to the complexities of poverty are the ones who have the best insight and solutions to

their challenges. Therefore, CCHD encourages lowincome people and families to learn how to participate in decisions that could help change the unjust systems and structures that make their lives, families and communities vulnerable to the cycle of poverty and oppression.

Are you ready to become involved with addressing the root causes of poverty in your communities? Go to www. povertyusa.org and download a calendar for January and other activities to reflect on Poverty Awareness Month.

Please call CCHD-Intern, Cynthia Perez-Roberson, at 505.831.8232 or email croberson@archdiosf.org to schedule a presentation (in English or Spanish) on poverty to your class, religious education group, confirmation group, retreat or youth/young adult group now.

explore our community...

FAITH SERVICE EXCELLENCE open house

February 18th 5pm-6pm Financial aid available 101 N. 10th St. Belen, NM 87002 www.stmarysbelen.com 505.864.0484

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Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

WE ARE FAMILY:

OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 31 8:30 TO 11:30 OR CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR

WELCOMING YOUR FAMILY TO OURS 505-256-3167 www.olacs.org

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PEOPLE of GOD

january 2020

A Prayer for Healing

By Carol Feeney, Project Rachel Coordinator January is Sanctity of Human Life month, and January 22nd is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion in all 50 states. Catholics observe the day in corporate prayer and public witness to the dignity of life from conception until death.

Corporate prayer unifies us as Catholic Christians, and as members of the Body of Christ we can include our faithful departed in our prayers. We can include the children lost in infancy, asking them to pray with us and for us, to heal those harmed by abortion.

Let us pray for mothers who suffer from abortion; to recognize their grief comes from their instinct to love and nurture.

Let us pray for abortionists, born in the image of God; to recognize dignity and cultivate a tenderness of conscience.

Let us pray for partners and families involved in an abortion decision; for familial healing and self-forgiveness.

Let us pray for children lost to abortion; to bless their parents with compassion; May all post-abortive parents embrace the image of God within them and enter into a healing journey toward reconciliation with God and self-forgiveness.

The Catholic Church celebrates the dignity of every human life, offering mercy and forgiveness on a journey toward reconciliation with God, and toward self-forgiveness and healing.

For help after abortion, please call the confidential Project Rachel message line 505.831.8238.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

Coming Soon! The 69th Annual Brother Mathias Corned Beef & Cabbage

By Heather Mattax, Donations Assistant, Good Shepherd Center, Inc. The New Year is officially here and we at Good Shepherd Center are gearing up for the 69th Annual Brother Mathias Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. As St. Patrick’s Day is on a Sunday, this year we have moved the celebration to the weekend before: Saturday, March 14, 2020. In addition to the traditional feast, there will be entertainment, kids’ games and a raffle to add to the fun.

We are currently looking for supporters from the community to take up our mission/vision and support the cause. Sponsorships are available and highly appreciated.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. For advance purchases, please go online to gscnm.org and click on the link for dinner reservations or purchase tickets directly starting in February. Check out purchase locations online at gscnm.org and to find more information.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, email donations@gscnm.org or call 505.243.2527 extension 303.

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WORLD NEWS Archbishop: Iraqis have ‘big anxiety’ after drone kills Iranian general AMMAN, Jordan (CNS) -- Iraqis fear their country, already weary from years of war, may be dragged into a conflict between the United States and Iran, following the U.S.-targeted killing in Baghdad of Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. “We prayed during the days of Christmas for peace on earth, and the timing of this revenge from America creates in us a big anxiety about what will happen,” Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Yousif Thomas Mirkis of Kirkuk, Iraq, told Catholic News Service by phone. “This can also divide the population. Some are against. Some are for,” Archbishop Mirkis explained, but warned that the assassination of Soleimani, known as the architect of Tehran’s proxy wars in the Middle East, could spark further sectarian divisions in Iraq between Sunni Muslims and Shiites. Many of the recent demonstrations rocking the capital, Baghdad, and southern Iraq were against the growing influence of Iran and Soleimani’s al-Quds Force inside Iraq.

Soleimani was widely seen as the second-most-powerful figure in Iran, behind Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.

Soleimani is believed to have been responsible for hundreds of U.S service member deaths in Iraq. He was also Iran’s main strategist in the Syrian conflict. “We only pray that the situation can be calm and peaceful. We are waiting to see,” Archbishop Mirkis said. “The situation in Baghdad and the South is more troubled. But Kirkuk and Kurdistan region is still calm. Until now, this is all that we can say.”

Australian Catholics seek prayers as fires continue in four states SYDNEY (CNS) -- As some of the worst wildfires in Australian history rage across four states, thousands of people in affected areas in New South Wales and Victoria continue to be evacuated to safety. Soaring temperatures, often higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a protracted drought have contributed to an unprecedented national emergency which, by Christmas, had already seen more than 14.5 million acres of forest and rural land burned. Marie Burton, a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, in the New South Wales Diocese of Wagga, lives on a farm in Jingellic, near the border with Victoria border. In late December and early January, Jingellic was surrounded by fire twice. Burton has taken shelter with her sister’s family, the Darlows, including nephew Matthew Darlow, a member of the local brigade of the Rural Fire Service. “We’re waiting on a change in wind that could affect things, and an increase in temperature, tonight or tomorrow,” said Darlow, who asked Catholics around the world to pray.

“Offer up prayers for the people who’ve lost their lives and those who’ve lost their livelihoods so that they can rebuild as quickly as possible,” he said. “And pray particularly for widespread rain across the whole country.”

Pope to health workers: Uphold ‘the truest human right, the right to life’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Health care professionals always must “promote the dignity and life of each person and reject

any compromise in the direction of euthanasia, assisted suicide or suppression of life, even in the case of terminal illness,” Pope Francis said. “Life is sacred and belongs to God,” the pope said, “hence it is inviolable, and no one can claim the right to dispose of it freely.” Pope Francis addressed health care professionals in his annual message for the celebration of World Day of the Sick, which is marked Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The text of the message was released Jan. 3 by the Vatican. To people suffering from illness in body or mind, the pope offered words of hope and encouragement, assuring them of Jesus’ closeness and his promise to alleviate their burdens. “Jesus does not make demands of those who endure situations of frailty, suffering and weakness, but offers his mercy and his comforting presence,” the pope said.

‘Violence in the name of God is blasphemy,’ USCCB president says LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Decrying the acts of religious violence that have taken place during the Christmas season, the president of the U.S. bishops declared: “Violence in the name of God is blasphemy.” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chosen in November as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said: “The rise of anti-Semitic violence in this country and around the world must be condemned along with the ongoing persecution of Christians. Protecting religious freedom and freedom of conscience should be among the highest priorities of every government.” Archbishop Gomez’s remarks, in a Dec. 31 statement, were prepared with the Jan. 1 observance of the World Day of Peace in mind. He cited three incidents in particular: the Dec. 29 assault on worshippers in a Texas church by a gunman, which left two congregants and the shooter dead; the Dec. 27 a stabbing rampage during a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi’s home in New York; and the Dec. 26 posting of a video by an Islamic State affiliate in Nigeria that showed the beheading of 11 Christians. “In our neighborhoods and communities, violence and cruelty are a sad and ordinary reality of daily life,” Archbishop Gomez said. “Children in our country are killed each day in the womb and many of our neighbors do not have what they need to lead a dignified life. Our politics and cultural discourse are often marked by anger and a merciless and unforgiving contempt for others.”

Fire drill at Mass? Oregon parish would rather be safe than sorry SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (CNS) -- Everyone remembers fire drills at school. Many businesses do their best for employees by having emergency evacuations. But at Mass? Members of St. Alice Parish in Springfield, near Eugene, recently showed how it’s done. “Everyone was out in one minute and 42 seconds at the 9:30 a.m. Mass; that’s 300 to 350 people with a number of young families,” said Mike Whitney, one of the parishioners behind the drill. Other Masses did nearly as well. At the vigil Mass about 150 people were out the door in 1 minute and 49 seconds; at the 12:15 p.m. Mass, with between 400 and 450 people, everyone exited in 2 minutes and 12 seconds. “I was thinking that for this first time that four minutes would be good, and we’d shave time off that in future drills,” Whitney told the Catholic Sentinel, newspaper

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WORLD NEWS of the Archdiocese of Portland. “We were ecstatic.” Parishioners impressed Merrill Harrison, Springfield’s deputy fire marshal, as well. “Evacuation drills and early detection of an emergency are key to everyone’s safety,” he said. “The whole point is familiarizing people about getting out. We fall back on muscle memory when we get scared or things go wrong.” The impetus for the drill came from Father Mark Bentz, who arrived as pastor in 2016. He had inherited a strong pastoral council, with Whitney, a retired police officer who has worked for decades as a private investigator, as council president.

Vatican magazine looks at women in the church in the age of Pope Francis VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis sees the “masculine monochrome” of leadership and influence in the Catholic Church as “a defect, an imbalance” that harms the church itself and its mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the world, said the lead article in a Vatican magazine. “Women and Francis” is the theme of the January 2020 issue of Women-Church-World, a monthly supplement to L’Osservatore Romano. It was released Dec. 28.

The 24-page magazine opens with “The urgency of overcoming a monochrome church,” an article by Stefania Falasca, a Vatican correspondent for the Italian bishops’ daily newspaper, Avvenire.

Taking Pope Francis’ repeated remarks about the church “being

nn

Put the phone away and talk to each other, pope urges families VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis prayed that people all over the world would end 2019 “in peace, peace in their hearts,” and that families would mark New Year’s by “communicating with one another.” Reciting the Angelus prayer Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis entrusted to Mary, “Queen of the Family,” all the families of the world, “especially those experiencing suffering or distress, and we invoke upon them her maternal protection.” The pope also offered special prayers “for the victims of the horrible terrorist attack yesterday in Mogadishu, Somalia, where more than 70 people were killed in the explosion of a car bomb. I am close to all their families and those who mourn their deaths.” He led the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in reciting a Hail Mary for the victims and their loved ones as the death toll continued to rise. The day’s reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew recounted how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus because Herod wanted to kill the baby.

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feminine” and about how the church cannot be itself without the presence, ministry, input and vision of women, Falasca argues that for the pope, the question of women and the church goes to the heart of one’s vision of the church and what it means to say the church is a communion.

For over 60 years Annunciation Catholic School has provided a strong spiritual, academic and social foundation for students in grades Junior Kindergarten - 8th grade.

Open House January 30, 9:00-1:00

2610 Utah NE Albuquerque NM 87110

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Happy New Year from all of us at Catholic Charities!

This past year saw Catholic Charities step forward to help the huge influx of asylum seekers who crossed into the U.S. searching for safety from violence, food insecurity, oppression, human trafficking, poverty, and extortion of families.

The refugee families arriving on the buses had only the clothes on their backs and a small bag of paperwork.

Catholic Charities volunteers and staff were able to provide them with a place to stay for the night, food, clothing, hygiene items, cellphone access with a phone card, and assistance in getting to their sponsors and families. After seeing how the community was able to come together to make a difference, a volunteer told her husband “this is America at its best.”

We cannot express how truly grateful we are to the hundreds of volunteers, these Companions on the Journey, who offered so many hours of their time to follow Jesus’ imperative to help those in need.

While we are no longer seeing an influx of asylum seekers, we continue to support efforts at the border.

Check our website for the latest updates – and see the story of Carlos B. in this issue

Presentation of painting by Stake President Rob Saxton to Archbishop John C. Wester

New record set at the 2019 Saint Nicholas Ball!

Catholic Charities is excited to announce that our 16th annual Saint Nicholas Ball, held on November 23, netted over $200,000 for Catholic Charities programs and services! This is the highest amount yet raised, beating out the previous year by over $35,000!

A sold-out evening of over 450 guests joined us in support of the most vulnerable in our community. Their generosity warmed hearts as we kicked off the holiday season. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of a painting of the Sermon on the Mount to Archbishop John C. Wester by Stake President Rob Saxton of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in honor of our partnership to serve the community. Archbishop Wester presented a check from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to Diane Lozano, director of our Children’s Learning Center.

Rev. Seth Finch of Covenant Presbyterian Church and Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish conjointly provided the invocation. Most compelling was the story of Natasha, a young mother who shared her story about how Catholic Charities helped her keep her family united. She now is giving back by providing support new mothers facing significant challenges.

This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of our event chair Lisa Trujillo along with her committee, Catholic Charities staff, numerous volunteers, and our sponsors. We especially want to thank our Presenting Sponsors Covenant Presbyterian Church and Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, as well as Risen Savior Catholic Community, this year’s Gold Sponsor. We would also like to thank our Myrrh and Advent Sponsors, guests, silent and live auction donors, contributors, volunteers, board members and staff who worked so hard to help put this year’s gala together! This gala could not be successful without all of your support!

Mark your calendar now for November 21, 2020, when we will be celebrating Catholic Charities’ 75th Anniversary! It will be an event to remember and we hope you will join us!

Spring 2019 registration for adult education classes opens this month Catholic Charities Center for Educational Opportunity is dedicated to strengthening the Albuquerque community by helping adult students achieve their educational goals in a safe and supportive learning environment. We offer classes in high school equivalency exam prep,

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English as a second language, citizenship exam prep, and workforce development. Classes in our workforce development track include roofing, construction, administrative assistance, Microsoft Excel training, and childcare.

New student registration sessions for the spring 2020 semester will be held January 14-16, 2020 at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m. at Catholic Charities’ second floor Education Suite, 2010 Bridge Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. The only cost is a $15 course registration fee paid by credit/debit card, money order or cash. Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Learn more at ccasfnm.org or call 505.724.4672.

Helping asylum seekers across the border During a recent visit to a shelter in Anapra, a poor community in Ciudad Juarez, one of our staff, Carolina Romero, met Carlos B. from Guatemala. He and another 250 individuals are patiently waiting for their appointment to request asylum and a chance to legally cross to the U.S. and join their family members. The shelter has become a home for Central Americans awaiting their right to request asylum after the U.S. implemented the Migration Protection Protocols, known as “Remain in Mexico.”

Carolina bought a painting done by Carlos B. and hung it in her office. He was very happy to know it was appreciated and viewed by others. After some thought, she donated the painting to Catholic Charities which was then used in fundraising efforts to help the shelter.

At this year’s Saint Nicholas Ball, our CEO, Jim Gannon, told the story of the shelter, asked for guests to open their hearts and then acted as auctioneer. We raised $1,000! When told what his painting did, Carlos B. was thrilled. We are so very pleased that we can help support those who are supporting these asylum seekers.

Looking for Drivers Our senior transportation program helps seniors in central New Mexico access medical appointments, get their groceries and meet their day-to-day needs. This program is free and open to everyone over the age of 65, regardless of income level.

This program is staffed entirely by volunteer drivers. We need you! If you are interested in volunteering as a driver, give us a call at 505.724.4659.

If you or someone you know would like to schedule a free ride, please call 505.724.4659.

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The Hidden Gem of Albuquerque

january 2020

Preparing for the US Census 2020 The 2020 Census is quickly approaching, and we want to make sure you’re ready! The U.S. Census Bureau measures the nation’s people, places and economy. Your safe and confidential response gives you and your community a voice in government. Census information also helps identify needs within the community and can help get the funding needed to address them.

Full community participation is necessary in order to get everyone counted, only once and in the correct place. For more information on how the archdiocese is partnering with the census to “get out the

count,” contact the office at 505.831.8205.

The U.S. Census Bureau is also recruiting people for various temporary jobs in preparation of the upcoming 2020 Census. Available jobs will include census takers, recruiting assistants, office clerks and supervisory staff.

Positions are based throughout the state and local employees will earn between $13.50-$15.50 per hour. For more information, please visit the 2020 Census Jobs page at 2020census.gov/ jobs. Applicants may also call 1.855.JOB.2020 or the Federal Relay Service at 1.800.877.8339.

What does it mean to love our neighbors in the midst of such a divisive climate? This election year commit to dignity beyond the debate with #CivilizeIt: CivilizeIt.org. #CivilizeIt2020

Come Experience Holy Ghost Catholic School Today! www.hgcsabq.com 6201 Ross Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: (505) 256-1563 Email: info@hgcsabq.com

To advertise in People of God, THE MAGAZINE contact Leslie M. Radigan at 505-831-8162 or email lradigan@archdiosf.org

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The Foxes and the Henhouse Probably the biggest bioethics story of 2019 remains that it was a government-controlled court Yet this is precisely the difficulty in biomedicine involved Dr. Jankui He (known to his associates that finally put some teeth into ethical regulations. today: namely, that there are few, if any, “bottom lines” as “JK”), a Chinese scientist who employed a new In the West, to have governments, courts or major when it comes to research ethics. The lines have technology called CRISPR/Cas9 to produce the world’s institutions take any action whatsoever in a case become exceedingly flexible, if the price is right or if first gene-edited babies. JK made genetic changes to like JK’s seems at present inconceivable. Instead, in a particular political administration is amenable to retwo little girls, Lulu and Nana, when they were earlyAmerican and European universities and industrial drawing them. stage embryos, attempting to modify a receptor for settings, we often encounter feeble, meandering While there isn’t any perfect solution to ensure HIV to confer resistance to a possible future infection discussions about research ethics, along with a scientists never engage in unethical research — from the virus. He publicly announced the birth of the proliferation of rubber-stamping “ethics review panels.” and the involvement of communist secret courts is girls at an international scientific conference near the These often consist of hand-picked members devoid certainly far from ideal — we clearly need to promote, end of 2018, and as the news rapidly spread, many of strong ethical or religious training and viewpoints. fund and regulate modern biomedical research in a scientists and commentators expressed shock and Such panels give increasingly systematic cover for an way that prioritizes ethics over expediency. dismay over his “designer baby” experiments. ever-expanding range of unethical research practices.

This means establishing significant sanctions Chinese provincial authorities quickly became Whether it’s giving a green light to use stem and funding restrictions when ethical violations by aware of his activities as well, and he was placed under cells derived from human embryos or tissues from researchers occur. It also means including alternative house arrest upon his return from the conference. In intentionally aborted fetuses for research, or to viewpoints on ethics review panels, especially those the closing days of 2019, a secret trial was held, and he employ cloning technology to produce new human informed by longstanding religious and philosophical was sentenced to three years in prison for producing life, or to manufacture three parent embryos, many traditions, like that of the Catholic Church, which offer the CRISPR babies. The trial proceedings concluded biomedical researchers have come to rely so much the important perspective that certain ethical lines are that JK had “rashly applied gene editing technology to on ethical rubber stamps that they just venture ahead, not able to be moved or redrawn. This kind of input can human assisted reproductive medicine.” confident that they won’t be “fenced in” by ethical contribute much to the kinds of discussions that need The verdict reached by the Chinese court raises considerations. to occur, and can afford an important counterbalance complex questions that must be confronted: What JK’s gene-editing experiments and China’s strong to any foxes who desire to keep guard over the ethical does it mean to “rashly apply” a new technology reaction have at least managed to bring the ethical henhouse. like human gene editing? Who should determine if a concerns momentarily back into the spotlight. “I think particular use is “rash” or “reasonable”? a jail sentence is the proper punishment for him,” said Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate Dr. Rita Vassena, a member of the Executive Wang Yuedan, a professor of immunology at Peking in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Committee of the European Society of Human University in comments he shared with the New York Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, Reproduction and Embryology, framed the ethical Times. “It makes clear our stance on the gene editing and serves as the Director of Education at The National concerns around JK’s case this way: “As the current of humans — that we are opposed to it… signaling that Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. scientific consensus indicates, the use of CRISPR/ there is a bottom line that cannot be broken.” ncbcenter.org Cas9 in human embryos destined to give rise to a pregnancy is, at this 4333 Pan American Fwy. NE stage, unjustified.”

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107 She couches her ethical analysis, as many scientists do, in terms of PHONE: (505) 247-0444 the “current scientific consensus.”

FAX: (505) 243-1505 REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE But such “consensus” is an extremely malleable concept. It also The specialists of Berger Briggs handle all types of real estate and conveniently implies that scientists insurance: commerical, industrial, and investment real estate; themselves can set up their own full property management; contractor bonds and all lines of insurance.

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John A. Menicucci, CPM oversight for scientific research, so President / Real Estate that they, in effect, become the foxes REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE guarding the henhouse. The saga PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Sherry Anderson Melissa A. Portillo that has unfolded during the last Linda Atkinson William Raskob year surrounding the gene-editing Curtis A. Brewer, CCIM Jim Schneider Jeannie Boyd Angela Romero Bill Campbell Stuart Sherman experiments of JK has demonstrated, Gabriel Portillo Frederic Brennan Sheryl Roy Bruce Golden Tai Alley if nothing else, how self-serving and President / Insurance Sophia Diaz Dee Silva Dan Hernandez, JD Dave Vincioni ineffective a community of scientists John Hansen Ann Skelley, CISR Larry McClintock Alan Vincioni Ryan F. Brennan can be as they try to exercise the role Damon Lucero Barbara Steirwalt Timothy P. Mullane Dede Walden Vice-President of lawyer, judge and jury of their own Frank Melendez Debra Stiles Vangie Pavlakos CCIM Insurance ethical standards.

Pam Muzzi Jessica Vargas ACCOUNTING Ryan Myers Kathy Yeager Even though we should be Kaelan M. Brennan Brittany Chacon Mary Jo Nettles Carolyn Nasi Keith Yeager justifiably alarmed at Chinese Secretary-Treasurer Ashley Dolzani Connie Straughn Brian O’Malley Erica Zuniga courts meting out jail time in secret Insurance Carol Pinnell Megan-Anne Launey to scientific researchers, the fact

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Rest in Peace Sr. Clara Reid, OSU Sr. Clara Reid, 80, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died December 29, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky in her 60th year of religious life. She was a native of Holy Cross, Kentucky.

Sr. Clara served for 38 years in New Mexico. She taught at St. Charles Borromeo School (1971-80, 1989-2011) and as a substitute teacher in the archdiocese’s schools (2011-12). She was principal at St. Teresa School in Grants (1985-89). She served at the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store in Albuquerque from 2012-14. She also taught in the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky.

Sr. Joan Unger, OP Sr. Joan Unger, formerly known as Sr. M. Nathan Unger, died on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the St. Joseph Residence in Seattle, Washington. She was 87 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession: 51 years in the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds in Washington and in her 17th year in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Joan was born in Seattle, Washington, to Nathan and Anna (Sexton) Unger. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy in Seattle, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Seattle University in Seattle, a Master of Education degree in Education from Seattle University, and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Mundelein College in Chicago, Illinois.

Sr. Joan spent 22 years ministering in education in Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Seattle, Washington, and in Pittsburg, California, including a total of nine years as principal in Aberdeen, Seattle and Pittsburg. She was on the crisis intervention team at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, for three years. For four years Sister Joan served the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds on their Congregation executive team and as the Coordinator for Community Life. She was campus minister at the University of Washington in Seattle for three years, then began her ministry as the director of pastoral care and hospital chaplaincy in California and New Mexico for nine years (St. Joseph Healthcare System, 19891997). Sr. Joan was active in preaching ministry for over 16 years before becoming a resident of the St. Joseph Residence in 2016.

january 2020

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january 2020

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2020 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children Sponsored by the ASF Attendance at the workshop is MANDATORY for all clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Pre-registration is necessary - contact: Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator or Rose Garcia at 505.831.8144 for trainings that are hosted at the Catholic Center or contact the parish that is hosting the training (see below schedule). Note: Please do not bring children - no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the training. If you are late you will not be allowed to enter an d interrupt the training. Please contact Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator 505.831.8144 to report any abuse that has occurred by Clergy, Employee or Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER – CALL 505.831.8144 FOR A RECORDING ADVISING IF THE TRAINING IS CANCELLED.

January 11, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon St. Francis Xavier Saturday 820 Broadway Blvd., SE Albuquerque, 87102

call to register 243.5201 Ext. 1

May 14, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Thursday 3674 Highway 47 Peralta, 87042

call Annette to register 869.6993

February 22, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Church of the Incarnation Saturday 2309 Monterrey Road, NE Rio Rancho, 87144 call to register 771.8331

June 6, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Church of the Ascension Saturday 2150 Raymac Road, SW Albuquerque, 87105

call Roberta to register 877.8550

March 14, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Holy Family Saturday 562 Atrisco Drive, SW Albuquerque, 87105

call Fr. Patrick to register 842.5426

July 11, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday 9502 Fourth Street, NW Albuquerque, 87114 call to register 340.0421

April 11, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Shrine of the Little Flower / St.

Therese of the Infant Jesus Saturday 3434 Fourth Street, NW Albuquerque, 87107

call Rosa to register 702.1259

August 22, 2020 9:00 a.m. - Noon Our Lady of Fatima Saturday 4020 Lomas Blvd., NE Albuquerque, 87110 call to register 265.5868

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january 2020

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE

JANUARY

January

Sanctity of Human Life Month Poverty Awareness Month

Sun, Jan 12

Baptism of the Lord

Weds, Jan 15 6:15 -7:30 p.m.

Divorce Recovery Ministry Aquinas Newman Center, UNM Office of Family Life, 505.831.8117

Sat, Jan 18 4 p.m.

Mass of Healing from the effects of addiction in our communities Santuario de Chimayo

Jan 18-25

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Sun, Jan 19 12 p.m.

African American Catholic Community Annual Martin Luther King Mass & Celebration St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Church, ABQ Office of Social Justice & Respect Life 505.831.8167.

Mon, Jan 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (see page 2)

Wed, Jan 22 Begins at 12 p.m.

Sanctity of Life Awareness & Unity Day Mass, prayer march and rally to protect life Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Office of Social Justice & Respect Life, 505.831.8167

Weds, Jan 22 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Nurture Your Love Catholic Center, ABQ, Office of Family Life, 505.831.8117

Jan 24-26

“Nos Vamos a Casar” Weekend Preparation for the sacrament of marriage (for Spanish speakers) Madonna Retreat Center, ABQ, Office of Hispanic Ministry, 505.831.8147

Fri, Jan 17, 1:30pm Executive Finance, Catholic Center, Albuquerque Sat, Jan 18, 10:00am ACA Kickoff, St. John the Baptist, Santa Fe Tue, Jan 21, 10:00am Presbyteral Council, Madonna Center, Albuquerque 2:00pm Personnel Board, Madonna Center, Albuquerque Wed, Jan 22, 7:00am Legislative Breakfast, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe 12:00pm Sanctity of Life Mass and Procession to Roundhouse, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Thurs, Jan 30, 2:00pm Record ACA Mass in Spanish, Catholic Center, Albuquerque 2:30pm Record ACA Mass in English, Catholic Center, Albuquerque Fri, Jan 31, 8:00am Archdiocesan Finance Council, Catholic Center, Albuquerque Jan 31 - Feb 2 Vocations Discernment Weekend Madonna/Catholic Center

FEBRUARY

Jan 26-Feb 1

25th Annual Young Adult Appreciation Banquet Feb 1-2 Vocations Discernment Weekend Catholic Center, ABQ Madonna/Catholic Center Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry, 505.831.8142 Wed, Feb 5, 11:30am St. Thomas Aquinas Feast Day, Est. 1975 Mass - Region XIII Hispanic Ministry Directors, St. Thomas Aquinas, RR, 505.892.1511 Catholic Center, Albuquerque Thurs, Feb 6, 9:00am St. Thomas Aquinas on Faith & Science Santuario San Martin de Porres, ABQ Mass for Catholic Legal Community, Sacred Heart (Location TBD) Vocation Discernment Weekend 4:00pm Madonna Center, Catholic Center, ABQ APC Executive Committee, Vocations Office 505.831.8143 Catholic Center, Albuquerque African American History Month Feb 8-16 Rome for Ad Limina visit Catholic Schools Week

Sun, Feb 2

Presentation of the Lord

Thurs, Feb 6 9 a.m.

Members of the Catholic Legal Community (see page 35) 9 a.m. Mass for the Preservation of Peace & Justice

Sat, Jan 25 4 p.m.

Sat, Jan 25

Tues, Jan 28 6 p.m.

Jan 31 – Feb 2

February

TV MASS SCHEDULE

The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel

10 a.m.

Gathering for members of the Catholic legal community Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m.

Sacred Heart, ABQ on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ

Please RSVP by Feb 3, 505.831.8194 or aflores@archdiosf.org TV-6-2 and KASY-My50TV Thurs, Feb 6 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Together with God, a suicide bereaved support group Cable or satellite providers on

Catholic Center, ABQ, Office of Family Life, 505.831.8117 KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, Feb 7-9 Retrouvaille, Office of Family Life, 505.831.8117 KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) InterpretSat, Feb 8 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ASF 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament—Young Adults

St. Charles Catholic School Gym, ABQ edTV Mass donations may be sent online to

Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry, 505.831.8142 www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Sat, Feb 8 1 – 4:30 p.m.

ASF 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament—Middle School

St. Charles Catholic School Gym, ABQ Albuquerque, NM 87120. Check out Sunday

Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry, 505.831.8142 and daily readings at www.usccb.org

january 2020

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INCOMING FRESHMEN PLACEMENT EXAM SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Apply Today!

saintpiusx.com or call 505-831-8400 FAITHFULLY EDUCATING ALBUQUERQUE SINCE 1956

COLLEGE PREP WITH A CATHOLIC CORE

ACCEPTING TRANSFER STUDENTS FOR FALL 2020