People of God, March 2018

Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, addresses Regional XIII Leaders during Mass at the February 2018 Regional V Encuentro.

See page 14

2018 Archdiocese of Santa Fe V Encuentro delegation

March 20188 Vol. 36, No. 3

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

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Cover photos: photo of Archbishop John C. Wester by Jesús Valencia|photo of ASF courtesy of PMD

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Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for March/Marzo

Inside this Issue 2 4 8 10 12 14 16 18 22 26 30 31 31 34

Pope Francis- The First Five Years Archbishop’s Letter: Say “I’m Sorry” During Lent Archbishop Wester: A Reflection on the Moral & Ethical Imperatives to Create Systemic Change to Transform the Lives of Our Children Vocations 2018 Young Adult Appreciation Banquet Region XIII V Encuentro Anniversaries Catholic Education Social Justice National and World News Catholic Extension Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI: Our Ache for Earthly Mortality Making Sense of Bioethics Archbishop Wester’s Schedule

Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe

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

Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org

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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Visit our new ACA Website at: www.acaarchdiosf.org to donate to ACA 2018, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!

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Evangelization: Formation in Spiritual Discernment That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

Por la evangelización: Formación en el discernimiento espiritual Para que toda la Iglesia reconozca la urgencia de la formación en el discernimiento espiritual, en el plano personal y comunitario.

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 February 2018. Excess Mass stipends are from multiple Mass intentions celebrated at parishes. The archdiocesan policy is for excess Mass stipends to be used for seminarian education.

Parish Name/City

Amount Received

Catholic Charismatic Center – Albuquerque .........................................50.00 Our Lady of Sorrows – Bernalillo.......................................................... 1,000.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque ............................... 2,897.50 Sacred Heart of Jesus – Española ........................................................ 1,200.00 San Juan Bautista – San Juan Pueblo - Ohkay Owingeh .................750.00 St. Anne’s – Santa Fe ................................................................................ 5,000.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque .....................................460.00 St. Patrick – St. Joseph – Raton .................................................................750.00 St. Thomas Aquinas – Rio Rancho ....................................................... 2,722.00 Total $ 14,829.50

Assignments Archbishop John C. Wester has made the following assignments: Effective Wednesday, January 31, 2018 – Deacon Jose Lucero has been granted retirement after serving 30 plus years at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque.

Effective Thursday, February 1, 2018 – Deacon Theodore Branch, previously assigned at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, has been appointed to diaconal ministry at San Isidro Parish in Santa Fe, under the guidance of the pastor, Very Rev. John Cannon.

Effective Thursday, February 15, 2018 – Deacon Dan Sheehan has been granted retirement after serving over eight years at Risen Savior Catholic Community in Albuquerque.

Effective Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Rev. Hyginus Chuks Anuta, currently pastor St. Anne’s Parish in Tucumcari, has been appointed as parish administrator for Holy Ghost Parish in Albuquerque.

Rev. Thomas Paickattu, C.M.I. has been on administrative leave since December 20, 2017. We would also like to thank Dr. Noreen Copeland for being the parish administrator from December 20, 2017 to March 7, 2018.

Effective Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Rev. Johnpaul Oluchi Afuecheta, currently parochial vicar of Estancias Valley Catholic Parish in Moriarty, has been appointed as pastor for St. Anne’s Parish in Tucumcari.

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Say “I’m Sorry” during Lent

BY MOST REVEREND JOHN C. WESTER, ARCHBISHOP OF SANTA FE

Quite a few years ago a JAL 747 landed short of the San Francisco International Airport runway and ended up in the bay. Fortunately, no lives were lost. What I remember most about that incident is that the CEO of Japan Airlines went on television and apologized for the accident. He then made a profound bow that underscored the sincerity of his apology.

Back then, I wondered why he apologized. First of all, he wasn’t flying the plane. Furthermore, I presume that the pilot did not land in the bay on purpose. And yet, the CEO was personally apologizing from the bottom of his heart. Contrast that apology with a rather common one in these modern times. Somebody makes a public comment about another person that is extremely hateful, disrespectful and damaging to that person’s reputation.

Then, when called on it, replies, “If he or she is so thin-skinned as to be bothered by my innocuous comment then I guess I apologize.” Not quite the same, is it?

One could go a long time without hearing the words, “I’m sorry.” I suppose there are many reasons for this. For one thing, most of our cars carry in the glove compartment an insurance company reminder not to admit fault if we have been in an accident but only to give our name, license number and insurance information. We live in a

litigious society and it may be that we are trained early on not to say, “I’m sorry.” Another possible reason may be that we are more and more pressured to look good, to find our selfworth in our accomplishments and to defend our honor at all costs. Certainly this kind of thinking makes admitting fault and apologizing for such rather taboo. I think this last point hits the mark. Our society values externals: how much money we have, what our titles are, how big a house we live in, how much power we have, how often we are “liked” on social media, how many people know about us, etc. Given this reality, it is far too dangerous to admit that I have sinned and even more dangerous to ask for forgiveness. It might lessen my perceived self-worth. Apologizing is seen as weakness when in fact it is a sign of real strength to admit our mistakes, apologize and become the better for it.

This modern mentality seems to extend to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Of course, there are sound spiritual reasons for receiving sacramental absolution, for telling God we are sorry and receiving his forgiveness. Yet, look at how few Catholics go to confession compared to the “old days.” Why is this? I suppose the reasons are related to why we are so reticent to say we are sorry. To admit that

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I am a sinner is rather difficult when, as I have suggested, my self-worth comes from externals and from my own doing.

We often make the mistake of thinking that God loves us because we are good.

Father Michael Demkovich, OP, recently reminded me that according to St. Thomas Aquinas, the opposite is true: we are good because God loves us. Ah, there it is! When my dignity and worth come from God and his love for me then I more easily admit my sinfulness, my mistakes and my weaknesses, knowing that they do not lessen my self-worth because God never withdraws his love for me. Seeking forgiveness is the portal to growth, new life and a fuller expression of who I am. As a prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours has it, “Grant that where sin has abounded, grace may more abound, so that we can become holier through forgiveness and be more grateful to you.” Saying “I am sorry” does not diminish me but rather it directs me back to the God whose love gives me my dignity and worth in the first place. We do not have to become perfect in order to gain God’s love. He loves us from the first moment of our existence, in our mother’s womb, even before we have done anything that makes us “worthy” of his love. Or, as St. Paul reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

(Romans 5:8) Call to mind the episode in Luke’s Gospel when a paralytic was lowered into a crowded house where Jesus was teaching so that he could be healed.

Jesus, seeing their faith and knowing

their thoughts, said immediately, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” That lowering down, that humble expression of sorrow, that implied, “I am sorry”, opened the floodgates of Christ’s mercy and love. We can do the same this Lent by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation and hearing Christ speak through the priest, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” We will not lose face, self-worth or esteem.

Quite to the contrary, we will be the better for it and filled with a dignity that only God’s love can give us.

Do you remember the 1970 movie, “Love Story”, with Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal? One of its most famous lines was often quoted: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Ryan O’Neal starred with Barbara Streisand two years later in the comedy, “What’s Up, Doc?”, in which Streisand bats her eyelashes at O’Neal and says, “ Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” The latter responds, “That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.” I agree! Love means you have to say you’re sorry, over and over and over again. And it is love, especially God’s love, that makes it possible to say those seldom heard words.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

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

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Hay que decir “lo siento” en la Cuaresma Hace algunos años, un avión 747 de la aerolínea Japan Airlines aterrizó fuera de la pista del aeropuerto internacional de San Francisco y fue a dar a la bahía. Afortunadamente, nadie pereció. Lo que más recuerdo de ese incidente es que el director general de la aerolínea apareció por televisión y pidió disculpas por el accidente. Luego hizo una profunda reverencia que recalcó la sinceridad de su disculpa.

En aquel entonces, me preguntaba por qué se habría disculpado. En primer lugar, él no estaba piloteando el avión. Además, supongo que el piloto no aterrizaría en la bahía a propósito. Y sin embargo, el ejecutivo se disculpó personalmente de todo corazón.

Contrastemos esa disculpa con la disculpa bastante común en estos tiempos modernos.

Alguien hace públicamente un comentario sobre otra persona, el cual es extremadamente odioso, irrespetuoso y perjudicial para la reputación de esa persona. Luego, cuando se le confronta, responde: “Si esa persona es tan susceptible como para que le moleste mi comentario inofensivo, entonces supongo que me disculpo”. No es exactamente lo mismo, ¿verdad?

Uno podría pasar mucho tiempo sin oír que alguien diga: “Lo siento”. Supongo que hay muchas razones que explican por qué.

Por un lado, la mayoría de nosotros lleva en la guantera del auto la advertencia que nos hace una aseguradora de que no admitamos

culpa en caso de accidente.

Solamente debemos dar el nombre, el número de licencia de conducir y la información pertinente al seguro del auto.

Vivimos en una sociedad contenciosa y tal vez desde temprana edad hayamos aprendido a no decir: “Lo siento”. Otra razón podría ser que estamos cada vez más bajo la presión de lucir bien, de encontrar nuestra propia valía en nuestros logros y de defender nuestro honor a toda costa.

Ciertamente, esta manera de pensar conduce a que consideremos que admitir faltas y disculparse por ellas sea más bien un tabú. Me parece que este último punto da en el blanco.

Nuestra sociedad valora lo externo: cuánto dinero tenemos, que títulos ostentamos, cuán grande es la casa en la que vivimos, cuánto poder tenemos, con qué frecuencia alguien nos da un “me gusta” en las redes sociales, cuánta gente nos conoce, etc. Dada esta realidad, es demasiado peligroso admitir que se ha pecado y aún más peligroso pedir perdón. Podría disminuir la percepción de mi sentido de valor personal. Pedir disculpas es visto como una debilidad cuando de hecho es una señal de fortaleza real para admitir nuestros errores y disculparnos, así como para mejorar como personas.

Esta mentalidad moderna parece extenderse al Sacramento de la Reconciliación (Confesión). Por supuesto, hay sólidas razones espirituales para recibir la absolución sacramental, para decirle a Dios que lo

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sentimos y recibir su perdón. Sin embargo, actualmente observamos que son pocos los católicos que se confiesan en comparación con aquellos que sí lo hacían en los “viejos tiempos”. ¿Por qué será? Supongo que las razones están relacionadas con que somos muy reservados para decir que lo sentimos. Admitir que soy un pecador es bastante difícil cuando, como he sugerido, mi sentido de valor personal proviene de lo externo y de mis propios actos. A menudo cometemos el error de pensar que Dios nos ama porque somos buenos. El padre Michael Demkovich, OP, recientemente me recordó que, según Santo Tomás de Aquino, lo contrario es cierto: somos buenos porque Dios nos ama.

Ah, ¡ahí está! Cuando mi dignidad y mi valor provienen de Dios y de su amor por mí, entonces con más facilidad admito mi pecaminosidad, mis errores y mis debilidades, sabiendo que no menoscaban mi orgullo propio, porque Dios nunca deja de amarme. Buscar el perdón es el portal hacia el crecimiento, la nueva vida y una expresión más plena de lo que soy. Como dice una plegaria en la Liturgia de las Horas: “Concede que donde el pecado ha abundado, la gracia puede abundar más, para que podamos ser más santos a través del perdón y ser más agradecidos contigo”. Decir “lo siento” no me empequeñece, sino que más bien me lleva de regreso a Dios, cuyo amor, en primer lugar, me da la dignidad y el valor. No tenemos que volvernos perfectos para ganar el amor de Dios. Él nos ama desde el primer momento de nuestra existencia, en el vientre de nuestra madre, incluso antes de que le hayamos demostrado que somos “dignos” de su amor. O, como nos recuerda San Pablo, “cuando todavía éramos pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Rom 5: 8).

Recuerden el episodio del Evangelio de Lucas cuando un paralítico fue bajado a una casa

abarrotada donde Jesús estaba enseñando para que pudiera ser sanado. Jesús, al notar su fe y conocer sus pensamientos, dijo inmediatamente: “Amigo, tus pecados te son perdonados”. Esa bajada, esa humilde expresión de dolor, que implicaba, “Lo siento”, abrió las compuertas de la misericordia y el amor de Cristo. Nosotros podemos hacer lo mismo esta Cuaresma al celebrar el Sacramento de la Reconciliación y escuchar a Cristo hablar a través del sacerdote: “Amigo, tus pecados te son perdonados”. No perderemos nuestra dignidad, nuestro orgullo propio ni nuestro valor. Por el contrario, por ello seremos mejores y estaremos llenos de una dignidad que solo nos puede dar el amor de Dios. ¿Recuerdan la película de 1970, “Love Story”, con Ali MacGraw y Ryan O’Neal? Una de sus frases más famosas fue citada con frecuencia: “El amor significa que nunca tienes que decir “lo siento”. Dos años más tarde, Ryan O’Neal y Barbara Streisand tuvieron papeles estelares en la comedia “¿What’s Up, Doc?”, en la cual la Streisand, pestañeando frente a O’Neal, le dijo: “El amor significa nunca tener que decir “lo siento”. Él le respondió: “Esa es la cosa más absurda que he oído en mi vida”. ¡Estoy de acuerdo con él! El amor significa que tenemos que decir “lo siento”, una y otra vez. Y es el amor, especialmente el amor de Dios, lo que hace posible decir esas palabras que muy poco se oyen ahora.

Sinceramente suyo en el Señor,

Reverendísimo John C. Wester Arzobispo de Santa Fe Special thanks to one of our ASF volunteers for article translation.

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A Reflection on the Moral and Ethical Imperative to Create Systemic Change to Transform the Lives of Our Children

BY ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER When Pope Francis appointed me two years ago as Archbishop of Santa Fe, I was shocked to discover the poverty in which so many children live.

Hearing their cries, I offer a reflection on the moral and ethical imperative to create systemic change to transform the lives of our children.

For eight years, there has been debate over funding Early Childhood programs, yet there has been no substantial investment to create an intervention that will change the trajectory of our children. Much time, but little paid effort, has been spent to fund proven programs. We cannot call 25% of children receiving Pre-K as a full effort. We cannot call fewer than 5% receiving Home Visiting a full effort.

The disparity is surprising, even more so when shown by the US Census that 36.2% of our children under the age of five live in poverty, while the state accumulates a Land Grant Permanent Fund (LGPF) of $17.2 billion.

State Investment Council and Legislative Finance Council members offer unfounded projections of LGPF doomsday scenarios, of the stock market crashing and gas and oil dropping. Yet both have come and gone and the

fund has proven to be strong.

The true doomsday is the condition of our children. Adverse childhood experiences are at epidemic proportions in New Mexico. If we calculate the hardship and cost to society for crime, educational remediation and an unprepared work force, this is the doomsday scenario playing out right in front of us.

We are at the bottom of the barrel of all outcomes of children’s wellbeing, yet there is another barrel, which has become a golden calf, which is overflowing. Commissions paid on the management of the LGPF have been referred to as a drop in the bucket, yet asking for a distribution of 1% is a smaller drop than was paid in commissions. The proposition that this 1% would deplete the fund is not true.

The lack of programs is why our outcomes have not improved. Polls show that New Mexicans are ready to support 1% being drawn from the LGPF; to make real change we must place this issue on the ballot.

As a leader of the Catholic Church in New Mexico, I view this through the lens of the Gospel, echoed in the challenges to care for our children presented by Pope Francis. For Catholics, fidelity to the Gospel is a

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Una reflección de una imperativa moral y ética para crear un cambio sistemático para transformar la vida de nuestros niños POR ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER Hace dos años cuando el Papa Francisco me nombró como el Arsobispo de Santa Fe, me quedé conmocionado al descubrir la pobreza en la que tantos niños viven. Escuchando su llanto, les ofrecí una reflección de una imperativa moral y ética para crear un cambio sistemático para transformar la vida de nuestros niños.

Durante ocho años, ha existido un debate sobre los fundos de la educación temprana, pero aún no existe una inversión substancial para crear una intervención, la cual pueda cambiar la trayectoría de nuestros niños. Mucho tiempo, pero poco esfuerzo pagado ha sido invertido en programas que funcionan. No Podemos llamar al 25% de niños recibiendo Pre-K, un esfuerzo complete. Tampoco podemos llamar al 5% recibiendo visitas en casa un esfuerzo completo.

La disparidad es sorprendente, aún más cuando el censo de E.U. nos muestra que el 36.2% de nuestros niños de menos de 5 años viven en la pobreza, mientras que el estado acumula un fondo permanente de $17.2 billones. Los miembros del consejo de inversiones del estado y el consejo fianciero legislativo ofrecen proyecciones y casos sin fundamento sobre la pérdida de la bolsa de valores y la gasolina decayendo. Aún así ambos han subido y bajado y el fondo continua estando fuerte.

El verdadero problema aquí es las codiciones de nuestros niños. Las experiencias adversas de los niños están a una proporción epidémica en Nuevo México. Si calculamos la privación y el costo del crimen a la sociedad, la mala educación y la fuerza laboral sin preparación, esto sí significa una preocupación ante nuestros ojos.

Estamos hasta el final del barril en todo el desempeño del bienestar de los niños, pero existe otro barril el cual se ha convertido en un becerro de oro, el cual se derrama. Las comisiones para manejar el fondo permanente han sido referidas a una gota en la cubeta, pero al communal call for a preferential option for the poor. The reality is that if a great many of our children are in poverty, we all are impoverished.

An investment in human capital is recession-proof. A resilient society creates more profit for a state than the dependency on a trust gambled daily in the stock market.

Be assured of my prayers for the children of New Mexico. I urge all people of good will to keep our children in our hearts, in our minds, and in our voices to bring about productive change.

None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice. - Pope Francis

pedir una contribución de 1% es una gota aún más pequeña que las comisiones pagadas. La propuesta de que este 1% derrumbará el fondo no es verdad.

La falta de programas es la causa del bajo desempeño y rendimiento.

Estadísticas muestran que los Nuevo Mexicanos están listos para apoyar el bienestar del 1% del fondo permanente. Para poder hacer esto realidad lo debemos poner a votación.

Como lider de la iglesia catolica de Nuevo México, yo veo esto mediante el lente del evangelio, replicando el reto presentado por el Papa Francisco de cuidar a nuestos niños. Para los católicos fieles al evangelio, es un llamado comunal para la opción preferencial de los pobres. La realidad es que si muchos niños viven en la pobreza entonces todos somos pobres.

Una inversión en capital humano es una prueba de receción. Una sociedad preparada crea más ganancias para el estado, más que la dependencia en el juego de las apuestas en la bolsa de valores.

Asegurense de que rezaré por los niños de Nuevo México. Los invito a que tengan a nuestros niños en sus corazones, en sus mentes y en nuestras voces para poder traer un cambio productivo.

Ninguno de nosotros podemos pensar que estamos exemptos de las preocupaciones de los pobres y la justicia social. - Papa Francisco Una reflección de una imperativa moral y ética para crear un cambio sistemático para transformar la vida de nuestros niños por el Arsobispo John C. Wester es parte de “Raising New Mexico,” una serie anual de “Searchlight New Mexico”. La serie examina el bienestar de los niños en el estado, la raiz de las causas de la pobreza generacional, factores que impiden el progreso y posibles soluciones que podrían mejorar las vidas de los niños del estado.

Searchlight New Mexico (www.searchlightnm.com) es una organización no lucrativa, no partidista que busca apoyar a los Nuevo Mexicanos a exigir una honesta y efectiva política pública. @SearchlightNM (Twitter) y @ SearchlightNewMexico (Facebook). Special thanks to our volunteer translator.

A Reflection on the Moral and Ethical Imperative to Create Systemic Change to Transform the Lives of Our Children by Archbishop John C. Wester is part of Raising New Mexico, a yearlong series by Searchlight New Mexico. The series examines child well-being in the state, the root causes of generational poverty, factors that impede progress and potential solutions that could help improve the lives of the state’s children.

Searchlight New Mexico (www.searchlightnm.com) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that seeks to empower New Mexicans to demand honest and effective public policy. @SearchlightNM (Twitter) and @SearchlightNewMexico (Facebook).

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Why is the season of Lent a special time for you?

Adrian Sisneros 1st Year Theology, Aquinas Newman Center, Mt. Angel Seminary The season of Lent is a special time for me because it provides a unique opportunity for me to enter into deeper reflection on the mystery of Redemption accomplished by the Cross and resurrection of Christ, in order to draw closer to Christ, and allow my will to be more conformed to his so that the mystery of Redemption may be reflected in my life.

Michael Villavencio 2nd Year College, Risen Savior, Assumption Seminary Lent is special because it brings me to the awareness of the need for conversion.

Not only is it a time to fast, abstain, and give alms, it is also extremely important to develop a strong prayer life and increase my relationship with God. Lent is a beautiful time for this act because it reminds me to imitate Jesus Christ, who prayed constantly in the Desert for 40 days

Agustin Henderson 1st Year Theology, St. Martin of Porres, Mt. Angel Seminary Lent is a special time in my spiritual life because I join the rest of the Catholic family in asking the hard question: What is my life really ABOUT? It is a time for me to re-evaluate my priorities around Christ, who is the most important person in my life.

Jordan Sanchez 2nd Year Theology, St. Thomas Aquinas – Rio Rancho, Mt. Angel Seminary Lent is a special time for me to reevaluate how I’ve been responding to God’s loving work in my life. Am I paying attention to His grace in my life during good and bad times? If He truly sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer, die, and rise out of love for me, what difference is it making in my life? Am I living my life with great love for Him and those around me? Or am I just living for comfort and mediocrity? I am so grateful for lent because God uses it to gently call me back to living zealously for Him when I’ve become lukewarm.

May we all grow closer to our Lord this lent through the intercession of our sweet and gentle mother, Mary!

Save the Date Timothy Meurer 3rd Year Theology, St. Thomas Aquinas – Rio Rancho, Mt. Angel Seminary The season of Lent offers me the opportunity to reflect deeply on God’s redemptive power. It starts with ashes - a recollection of my sinful ways - but leads me toward the Cross and the hope that God gives for me to overcome my sins and join Him in glory.

Priest Appreciation Dinner Monday, June 18, 2018 Sandia Golf Club Event Center Honored Guest: Archbishop John C. Wester Keynote Speaker: Daniel DiSilva 505.710.5050 for more information

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Embracing the Grace of Lent . . . An Invitation!

BY MEG ASHCROFT, O.PRAEM.OBL., DIRECTOR, NORBERTINE SPIRITUALITY CENTER Are you wishing you could make a retreat during Lent but you don’t have the time to go away? Here’s an alternative. You are welcome to spend a few hours or an entire day at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque’s South Valley. The abbey, which is the home of the Norbertine Community of New Mexico, has many resources that you could weave together to create your own unique mini retreat.

What might you do if you came to the Abbey? Here are some possibilities . . .

Visit the Desert Chapel or the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Abbey Church and enjoy the prayerful atmosphere of these sacred places Join the Norbertine Community for Morning Prayer and Eucharist (beginning at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday), or Evening Prayer (at 6 p.m. every day) Spend time in The Norbertine Library reading the wisdom of

a spiritual guide for inspiration, and write/journal about how this reading speaks to you Take in the beauty of God’s creation by walking one of the meditative paths on the Abbey’s seventy acres, or sit quietly on a bench and breathe deeply the silence and solitude of this desert setting Experience the Abbey’s new outdoor Way of the Cross, accompanying Jesus on his journey and noticing where your life parallels his You are welcome to come to the Abbey Monday through Friday and savor the ambiance of this place where people have been praying for decades. Reservations are not necessary for a day visit. We look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey in this holy season of Lent!

Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey 5825 Coors Blvd. SW, Albuquerque 505-873-4399 Search for Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey on Facebook and “like” us @norbertinecommunity.

Archdiocese Catholic Committee on Scouting – 2018 Chimayo Pilgrimage Project

BY BRIDGET O’ROURKE, CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Trail Life, Campfire, Girl Scouts, and American Heritage Girls with their leaders are invited to join us for the 2018 Archdiocese Catholic Committee on Scouting –Chimayo Pilgrimage Project on March 29 and 30.

Starting at 4:00pm on Holy Thursday, we will be handing out Blessed Crucifixes to pilgrimages as they make their journey to Chimayo.

The Chimayo Pilgrimage Project began seven years ago as a way to provide encouragement to the pilgrims on their journey and to hold high our Catholic faith. The goal is to provide encouragement and give religious items to pilgrims as they mount the last hill on their physical and spiritual journey into Chimayo. For those who have traveled a great distance,

this hill can be agonizing and we want to be their Simon of Cyrene. Many pilgrims said they look forward to seeing the Scouts each year, noting that we provide a spiritual boost for the last part of their journey. We provide the pilgrims with a crucifix that has been blessed by Archbishop John C. Wester (and a few that were blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan). Scouts and Scouters who have helped in the past found it to be an amazing experience. It is a time where we put the Outing in Scouting and put our Catholic faith in action. We plan to distribute about 4,000 crucifixes over the two-day event.

For more information on how you can participate in our activities please visit the Catholic Committee on Scouting website by visiting www.catholicscoutsnm.org. For more information, please contact Felipe Rael at frael@outlook.com

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2018 Annual Young Adult Appreciation Banquet

By Jessica Rios, ASF Young Adult Coordinator The 23rd Annual Young Adult Appreciation Banquet took place on Saturday, January 20, 2018. The Youth and Young Adult Office is pleased to recognize the following young adults who are an inspiration to their parish communities and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

Deanery A

Brittney Hinson St. Joseph on the Rio Grande

Leanna Balaoro St. Jude Thaddeus

Danae Maes St. Jude Thaddeus

Christina Sosa St. Thomas Aquinas

Maia Aguino Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Eduardo Montanez Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Michael Perez St. Thomas Aquinas

Deanery B

Celia Giallanella St. John XXIII

Helen Vaughn Our Lady of the Annunciation

Jennifer Hernandez St. Charles Borromeo

Deanery C

Gabrielle Dao Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Makayla Sandoval San Felipe de Neri

Maria Salazar San Martin de Porres

Clarizza Morales San Martin de Porres

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Deanery C

Edgar Romero Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey

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Outstanding Achievement

Northeast Deanery

C.J. Casias St. Joseph in Springer

Northwest Deanery

Joshua Trujillo San Juan Bautista

Jacob Maestas Holy Cross in Santa Cruz

Southwest Deanery

Hugo Guzman Mission San Juan Diego in Meadowlake

Raymond and Loryn Chavez Our Lady of Belen in Belen

Jose Morales San Clemente in Los Lunas

Isabel Ibarra Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta

Rocio Chavez Mission San Juan Diego in Meadowlake

Miranda Chavez, San Clemente in Los Lunas

Carlos Trujillo Holy Cross in Santa Cruz

Gabriella Trujillo San Juan Bautista

Santa Fe Deanery

Armenia Balderrama San Isidro

Destiny Gonzales St. John the Baptist

Stay posted for next year’s Appreciation Banquet taking place on February 2nd 2019!

We want to hear from you! Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/asfyoungadults Youth Office Web Site: http://www.asfym.org Instagram: asf_young_adults

AWARDEES NOT PICTURED: Deanery A Kimberly Gatti, Church of the Incarnation in Rio Rancho Deanery B Nick Boucher, Our Lady of the Annunciation Deanery C Alexis Barraza, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Natalie Sanchez, San Felipe de Neri

Lucia Medina, Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey Santa Fe Deanery Liksi Chavez, San Isidro-San Jose in Santa Fe Northeast Deanery Aaron Sena, St. Patrick-St. Joseph in Raton Southwest Deanery Jonathon Esquibel, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta

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The Region XIII gathering for the V Encuentro took place February 23 – 25, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. Four hundred fifty-five delegates from Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico were joined by bishops from the 10 diocese/archdiocese of the Region. Eighty of those delegates were from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Approximately one third of the delegates were youngadults who brought a clear vision, a strong voice and zeal to the process of the Regional Encuentro. The young adults from the parishes of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe were a radiant example of this and witness to the joyful and hopefilled young church.

The bishops of Region XIII participated in the process as well as dialogued with the delegates during an evening panel discussion. The theme “Missionary Disciples, Witnesses of God’s Love” was the overarching focus as the bishops shared their vision of the role of the youth in the

Bishop’s Panel R-L: Bishop Oscar Cantú, S.T.D – Las Cruces; Bishop Steven Biegler – Cheyenne; Archbishop John C. Wester – Santa Fe; Aux. Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, PhD. – Denver; Aux. Bishop Eduardo Alanis Nevares –Denver.

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BY SR. EDNA PEARL ESQUIBEL, CSSF, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Jesús Valencia

Region XIII V Encuentro

José de Jesús Valdéz, ASF delegate, addresses the crowd. Both José and Cynthia Perez pictured on his left represented St. Francis Xavier Parish, Albuquerque during the young adult panel.

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Church, families and other topics.

All in attendance reviewed the wisdom gleaned from both parish and diocesan Encuentros through a process involving Five Moments inspired by Pope Francis’ exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” around 10 Ministerial Areas: • Evangelization and Mission • Faith Formation and Catechesis, • Leadership Development and Ministry Formation • Stewardship and Development • Youth Ministry • Family Ministry • Liturgy and Spirituality • Ecclesial Movements • Vocations • Intercultural Competencies In the First Moment: Getting Involved, Msgr. Raul Trevizo of Tucson encouraged the delegates to continue the work the Spirit had begun.

Moment 2: Getting Involved consisted of small group discussions

by Ministerial Areas to highlight the successful practices, opportunities and greatest challenges facing the Church within Region XIII. Moment 3: Accompany Everyone where a Young Adult Panel shared their thoughts and concerns with the delegates and the bishops. The small groups met again to surface Regional Priorities.

During Moment 4: Bearing Fruit an analysis of the Regional Consultation was presented by Dr. Hoffsman Ospino, PhD. Delegates were given the opportunity to brainstorm recommendations to the National level.

Lastly came Moment 5: Celebrate.

The celebration of the Mass presided over by Archbishop John C. Wester and concelebrated by his fellow bishops and priests in attendance.

In his homily, Archbishop Wester reminded the delegates that the V Encuentro opens new possibilities and calls each of us to “re-center ourselves on Christ , to see ourselves anew as Church and to reach out to all those who would hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

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Evans, Arellano Mr. Fred Arellano and Miss Jackie Evans were married April 17, 1968 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque. They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church on April 21, 2018 with a reception after. They will be taking a trip in the fall to the Holy Land. The Arellanos are active members of Annunciation Catholic Church, where Jackie sings in the choir and Fred is an usher. They met and dated in high school (Taos High) and were high school sweethearts.

Both Fred and Jackie are retired. Fred retired from Central New Mexico Community College where he worked for 28 years. Jackie is also retired from Macy’s Albuquerque, where she worked for 36 years. They both volunteer at the VA Hospital and Jackie also volunteers at Popejoy.

They love to travel both within the United States and Internationally.

Fred and Jackie are blessed to have two children; Shirlee (husband Don), and Shawn. They have also been blessed with two grandchildren, Zacharie and Alexis.

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Zamora, Bachicha

Mr. Fred Bachicha and Miss Cecilia Zamora met in the early 1950s at Sacred Heart Church in Barelas.

After a two-year courtship, they married within two weeks of Fred’s return from the service in the Army.

They were married on February 14, 1953 at Sacred Heart Church and are currently parishioners at Queen of Heaven.

They have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.

Fred is a retired educator. Cecilia is a housewife who worked part-time jobs to help put the sons through college.

Congratulations on a wonderful 65-year Christian marriage!

Marriage Encounter Weekend Slated for April 28 & 29 as Worldwide Marriage Encounter Celebrates 50 Years

BY ERICA ASMUS-OTERO

perspectives on marriage and the lasts the duration of the marriage.

Fifty years ago, a Spanish priest named Fr. Gabriel Calvo launched a small movement aimed at strengthening marriages.

That movement was called Worldwide Marriage Encounter and has spread to over 100 countries throughout the world. According to the Catholic News Agency, in June 2018, more than 500 couples from across the world will be gathered in the small city of Lombard, Illinois to celebrate and attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend with the theme, “We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe.”

During the weekend, a series of presentations will be shared by a team of couples who once participated in a Marriage Encounter weekend. Time is allowed throughout the weekend for you to talk about important topics relevant to any married couples lives. All discussions with spouses take place in the privacy of their own room, and they will not share with other couples.

Thousands of New Mexicans have also benefitted from Marriage Encounter for decades and, for many, it has saved their marriages.

In fact, Marriage Encounter is the longest running marriage centered program in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold the reservation, plus $100 per couple to cover the cost of the weekend.

Please inquire about scholarships or financial assistance if needed.

On April 28 and 29, couples can experience a Marriage Encounter for themselves in Albuquerque.

Couples who attend the weekend are encouraged to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with spouse and God on a deeper level. The weekend will provide new insights and

All meals, lodging and communication tools will be provided. Plus, expect a few memorable surprises during the weekend!

Celebrate your marriage at the upcoming Marriage Encounter weekend!

For more information, visit www.marriage-encounter-asf.com/ or www.facebook.com/ABQSFMarriageEncounter/. To receive a brochure call Vivian Austin at 505-363-0363 or Vivnava@yahoo.com or call the Family Life Office at 505-831-8117.

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Rodriguez, Chavez Mr. Jose Luis Chavez and Miss Alicia Rodriguez were united in holy matrimony on February 10, 1968 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grants, NM and are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Luis was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and Alicia was born in Eckert, CO, they met in Grants, NM. Luis worked as an underground miner for 20 years in Grants and Alicia worked for American General Finance Company until she retired. They moved to Albuquerque in 1988 and are involved in church ministries at Queen of Heaven Parish. They have two children, four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and two grandsons in Heaven. They have had 50 years of honor and blessings, 50 years of growth and change, 50 years of meeting challenges as well as joys through faith and a deep commitment to the Lord and each other.

Hurley, Skaggs Dr. Robert Skaggs and Miss Barbara Hurley were united in holy matrimony on April 7, 1958 at Immaculate Heart of Mary. They have shared life in many places in the world such as Chicago, Ft. Sill, Sandia Base, and many travels to more than 30 countries in the world.

Most of their working careers were spent at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Along the way, they were blessed with five children who have all married and produced a total of 17 grandchildren. They now have seven greatgrandchildren and more on the way. Since 1973, they have been active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque parish where they serve as extraordinary minsters of Communion and lectors.

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Prayer in Defense of Marriage God our Father, we give you thanks for the gift of marriage: the bond of life and love, and the font of the family.

The love of husband and wife enriches your Church with children, fills the world with a multitude of spiritual fruitfulness and service, and is the sign of the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, for his Church.

The grace of Jesus flowed forth at Cana at the request of the Blessed Mother. May your Son, through the intercession of Mary, pour out upon us a new measure of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as we join with all people of good will to promote and protect the unique beauty of marriage.

May your Holy Spirit enlighten our society to treasure the heroic love of husband and wife, and guide our leaders to sustain and protect the singular place of mothers and fathers in the lives of their children.

Father, we ask that our prayers be joined to those of the Virgin Mary, that your Word may transform our service so as to safeguard the incomparable splendor of marriage.

We ask all these things through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us.

Courtesy of USCBB

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2017-18 Years of Service

5 Years Santo Niño Kathleen Echols Gail Jaramillo Paloma Rivera Samantha Roybal-Rivera St. Thomas Geraldine Blanco Holy Child Diana Teeters Annunciation Toni-Marie Olivas Kristen Sandoval Nicole Stinett San Felipe de Neri Kathleen Payne Queen of Heaven Mary Catherine Keating Cheryl Fouts St. Therese Georgianna Heise Helen Pino St. Charles Christine Gaudette St. Pius X Brooke Louise Landavazo Nicolas Albonico

20 Years

St. Pius X Mark Robinson

Our Lady of Fatima Patricia Wilson

Holy Ghost Carrie Grajeda

15 Years Santo Niño Nancy Roybal Our Lady of Fatima Terri Klas

St. Charles Joann Tomita

St. Pius X Ryan Neuschwanger

St. Pius X San Juan Mendoza

30 Years (1) St. Mary’s- ABQ Dana Karaskiewicz

25 Years

30 Years

Annunciation Catholic School Rose Haley

St. Mary’s- ABQ Dana Karaskiewicz

10 Years Santo Nino Stella Esquibel Terresa Ulm Theresa L. Vaisa Herman Padilla Anna Cordova DiAnna Ruiz Evelyn Torres-Rivera St. Mary’s-ABQ Loreen LaBarre Thomas Lopez Our Lady of Fatima Ana Villicana St. Charles Paul Horton St. Pius X Orlando Rodriguez Kevin Barkocy St. Mary’s-Belen Melanie Chavez Risen Savior Mary Parker

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Holy Ghost Noreen Duffy Copeland

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Young Vincentians from Holy Child Catholic School show God’s love by adopting two schools in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria Young Vincentians from Holy Child Catholic School, students grade 4-8, are involved in spreading the good news of the Bible and the love of Jesus to those in need by performing acts of compassion for those in the community.

Projects include visits to senior centers, Christmas giving tree, packages to military members, and in this case response to disasters. This year the students were moved by the extent of damage caused by natural disasters in this country, and none more so than in Puerto Rico from hurricane Maria. The larger scale humanitarian effort being beyond their capabilities, they decided on what seemed to be an overlooked area, the schools and students there. They reached out to several organizations providing support to the general population and

With So Much Love

found two schools that were severely affected, one Catholic and one public. Fr. Granito, pastor of Holy Child Parish allowed them to make a personal appeal from the pulpit. Because of the overwhelming generosity of the parish, 11 moving boxes of school supplies and over $2000.00 in funds were collected.

They shipped the supplies, wrote letters of encouragement and support, and sent each school $1000.00. Both schools were highly appreciative of what turned out to be much needed and necessary supplies to help them find some normalcy after the disaster from hurricane Maria that is still affecting much of the island. The parish and their pastor are very proud of their efforts and their obvious demonstration of Christian compassion.

Lily Chacon, Holy Ghost Student, Awarded Prudential Spirit of Community Award

BY JOSEPH FILENER, TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT, HOLY GHOST SCHOOL

BY CAROL JOHANSEN, TEACHER, ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, ALBUQUERQUE Pope Francis once said, “To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”

The children’s ward of the UNM Hospital received a special St. Valentine’s Day gift when they received over 100 brand new books.

These books were collected by our 2nd graders in a

project they called “Books With Love.” It was so refreshing to see these young children come into my mid-school classroom and very eloquently speak to students twice their size about their project…and of course later coming in with such big smiles as they collected the books. This was truly an enthusiastic act of love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Well done!

Lily Chacon, 7th grade student at Holy Ghost Catholic School, has recently been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. As one of only 102 students in the nation receiving this award, Lily will be awarded $1,000, and will receive an engraved silver medal and an all expense paid four day trip to Washington DC. When asked about her service, Lily said “Service helps our community and lets each of us walk in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Throughout the year, Lily has planted trees and picked up trash at the Bosque, worked at Vacation Bible School, and altar served, in addition to other parish and school projects. According to Prudential Financial President and CEO, John R. Strangfeld, for the 23 year history of this award program, “the recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities” Congratulations, Lily, you are a wonderful reflection of Christ’s love!

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Inquiring Minds At St. Charles Middle School Want To Know…

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY BARBARA MENICUCCI, TEACHER ST. CHARLES BORROMEO SCHOOL

How can we get a machine to search a debris field for victims or explosives? This year, 6th grade students are testing their programming skills to make robots travel as predicted. (This is not such an easy task!) The class paired with the Air Force Research Lab--La Luz Academy to build robot kits, and all 4 teams hope to be invited to compete in the Robot Challenge to be held later in March.

Are plant and animal cells similar? Can forensic scientists use hair samples to identify possible criminals? 7th grade students practiced their observational skills examining cells and hair samples under compound light

microscopes. These students are getting ready for future biology classes and the work world.

You’ve just been elected Mayor of the city. What do you do next? Running a city is no easy task, as 7th and 8th grade students at St. Charles School found out this fall. Their participation in the Future City Regional competition at UNM required them to design an Age-Friendly City. They ran simulations on SIM CITY, researched and reported on the many problems elderly people face getting around in a city, and then built a scale model city incorporating their solutions. 7th graders Isabella Sanchez, Sophia Buchholz, Matthew Barreras, and Janessa Cazares designed the city, Cielos Pintados, and won an award for “The Best Use of Outdoor Space”, while Gothum City, created by 8th graders Mya Yannoni, Antonia Mondragon, Teresa Apodaca, and Matthew Roach won a prize for “The Most Vibrant City”.

The St. Charles middle school curriculum focuses on developing important skills of 21st Century learning--critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

San Felipe’s Servants of Christ During Catholic School’s Week, as a service project, San Felipe de Neri School chose to raise awareness and funds to support the critically endangered tiger species. The tiger serves as the school’s mascot, which made this project especially personal for the student body. Through the World Wildlife Fund, students raised $550 to adopt ten tigers in the wild! Each class received a plush tiger, which will serve as symbol to all students to care for God’s creation as we strive to be servants of Christ each day.

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A Night of Welcomes & Farewells at Catholic Charities’ Board Blessing Catholic Charities Board of Directors held its annual Board Blessing and Mass at San Felipe de Neri Church in January. The evening included a welcome from Archbishop John C. Wester and Mass celebrated by Rev. John Daniel, ASF Vicar General. Refreshments and fellowship followed in the reception hall. It was a great opportunity to welcome our three new board members:

Loan Phan, Pat Schroeder, and Lanell Anderson. We also said farewell to and recognized the years of service of our outgoing board members: Pete Robinson, John Emerson, Dave Grieves and Rick Fellerhoff. Thank you to Father Andy Pavlak and all the San Felipe staff, especially Matthew Gonzales and Ben Baca, for accommodating us.

Sharing the Journey in the Bosque

On a gorgeous winter (felt like spring!) Saturday morning, several of Catholic Charities’ refugee youth mentors and their mentees met up in the Bosque to plant trees. Returned Peace Corp Volunteers (RPCV) organized the event, coordinated through the City of Albuquerque, and shared the countries they were stationed in including Tanzania, Pakistan, Honduras, Mauritania, Dominican Republic, and Bolivia. Around sixty to seventy people were in attendance including returned Peace Corps members and their families, refugee youth program mentors and their families, and

refugee mentees from Afghanistan, Syria, and Tanzania. What a wonderful opportunity to welcome the world to our beautiful Bosque!

With the direction from two rangers with the City of Albuquerque, the attendees were given a thorough demonstration, safety tips, tools, water, and snacks. Together, our refugee youth contingent planted approximately 100 cottonwoods and 30 shrubs while enjoying a great feeling of community and camaraderie as well as the excitement over using an auger for the first time.

Afterward, the Catholic Charities’

Refugee Program Director, Celia Yapita, shared more snacks and Smith’s free cookie cards with the refugee families. It was a beautiful way to support our local environment, as well as build friendships and learn new skills. We are grateful to the Returned Peace Corp Volunteers’ coordinator, Daryl Smith, and the City of Albuquerque, for making this happen.

We celebrate this collaboration as part of Pope Francis’ initiative: Share the Journey. To learn more about Share the Journey go to www. sharejourney.org

Rio Grande Credit Union Supporting Catholic Charities Rio Grande Credit Union is selling $1 icons to raise funds for Catholic Charities. Stop by one of RGCU’s six branches now through April 2nd and pick up an icon to help Catholic Charities put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need.

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Where Does Our Lenten Rice Bowl Money Go? BT ANNE AVELLONE, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RESPECT LIFE CRS Rice Bowl is the official Lenten faith formation program of the U.S. Bishops. It focuses on fasting, praying, learning and giving as a way, as Pope Francis asks of us, to “encounter” our brothers and sisters in need. CRS Rice Bowl contributions support projects for the poor both overseas and here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. 25% of the contributions fund local poverty and hunger alleviation programs in dioceses across the United States.

From the Rice Bowl money collected from 78 parishes, schools and other organizations during Lent 2017, $20,385.67 went to the following 17 local organizations that work to alleviate hunger and homelessness in our Archdiocese: 1. Samaritan House—Las Vegas provides emergency food and shelter, transitional housing and support, and affordable used clothing and household goods through a thrift store. It is the main non-profit agency addressing poverty issues in San Miguel, Mora and Guadalupe counties and is supported by local parishes and organizations to ensure regular food distribution.

2. San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen—Española prepares food baskets and hearty, nutritious meals 5 days a week for those in need in Española Valley and surrounding communities. It collaborates with Catholic churches (Sacred Heart, Holy Cross, and OLG in Pojoaque, San Juan, and Holy Family in Chimayo), Los Alamos Laboratories, and multidenominational churches in the area.

3. Estancia Valley Catholic Parish, St. Vincent de Paul/Food Pantry—Moriarty is a parish of 4 communities, which serves families in need of food, electricity, gas/propane, wood and water. Many households have children and are living below the poverty level. They served 818 food baskets and helped 258 families with utility assistance last year.

4. Little Poor One Food Pantry, Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order—Taos operates from a room in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos. This Franciscan Order will use the grant funds to distribute boxes of food commodities.

5. Holy Family Parish, St. Vincent de Paul—Albuquerque partners with the Roadrunner Mobile Food to serve hungry families in the South Valley. They provided over 11,000 food boxes during their 2017 fiscal year.

6. St. Felix Pantry—Rio Rancho is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by the Felician Franciscan Sisters born of a love for the poor and an incessant need to feed the hungry. The pantry assists nearly 1,000 households each week.

7. St. John the Baptist Lunch Kitchen—Santa Fe serves lunch three days a week. They serve about 7,500 individuals a year. It is staffed and funded by monetary and food donations from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church parishioners and from local churches, businesses, organizations and individuals.

8. Immaculate Conception Church, Feed the Children—Las Vegas provides a hot meal to 185 children enrolled in the Elementary Religious Education program and their siblings and parents.

9. Interfaith Community Shelter—Santa Fe provides safe, hospitable shelter, food and clothing for men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Last year they served 56,514 meals to those in need.

Catholic churches in Santa Fe help with the shelter.

10. Puerto Seguro Safe Harbor, Inc.—Socorro helps people experiencing homelessness in Socorro, Sierra, Catron, and Valencia counties. Puerto Seguro is a day shelter providing food, showers, laundry, clothing and emergency temporary housing. They also provide dry and canned goods for their clients when the shelter is not open and distribute an average of 90 bags of groceries to clients per month.

11. St. Elizabeth Shelter, Good Samaritan Fund—Santa Fe works to move individuals and families from homelessness into housing and their Good Samaritan Fund assisted 2,161 people in need last year. Local parishes in Santa Fe help with financial support, food, donations, provides volunteers.

12. Catholic Charities—Albuquerque offers a food pantry for refugees that are resettled here. In 2017 fiscal year, the agency served 10,989 individuals. They also operate a mobile food pantry that works with local parishes to serve those in need.

13. Villa Therese Catholic Clinic—Santa Fe serves those in need of medical and dental service in northern New Mexico since 1937, and helps those on the WIC program and others with emergency food grocery cards in times of need. They support vulnerable mothers and children by providing access to baby formula and groceries.

14. Comedor de San Pascual, Inc.—Las Vegas provides 170-180 meals at Our Lady of Sorrows Church two evenings a week. They also distribute food boxes at the parish hall and the Las Vegas Senior Center.

15. Immaculate Conception Church, The Food Depot’s Food 4 Kids— Cimarron provides ready-to-eat foods for elementary school students Tuesday through Friday, as most of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches.

16. Magdalena Samaritan Center—Magdalena provides food every week to about 45 families/individuals who are in need of resources to keep food on the table.

17. The Socorro Storehouse—Socorro serves food boxes to disadvantaged children, elderly, veterans and Native Americans in Socorro County. They deliver food boxes to those who are homebound. They receive financial help from the local parish and New Mexico Tech students help with fundraising.

If you know organizations that qualify for a Rice Bowl grant, or want to apply, contact my office for an application. Applications are due in Office of Social Justice and Respect Life by November 1 each year.

Organizations must be working to alleviate hunger or homelessness within the boundaries of the Archdiocese, be a non-profit and be connected to, supported by or collaborating with a Catholic parish, school or Archdiocesan entity. Contact the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life, 505-831-8205 or justice@archdiosf.org for an application.

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Lent to Easter: A Spiritual Journey of Healing

BY CAROL FEENEY, PROJECT RACHEL COORDINATOR

Prayer - Introspection – Understanding – Relief – Hope – Healing - Joy Along with almsgiving, fasting and prayer, Lent, for Catholics, is also a time for spiritual introspection. The beautiful liturgical season of Lent originated during the fourth century as a time of introspection and preparation for those joining the church, returning to the church, and for those receiving new members into the church. Lent is a time of concentrated study and prayer. Ending on Easter Sunday, the spiritual work done leading up to the Easter celebration of Christ’s resurrection brings us a deeper understanding of God’s mercy for us as individuals. This understanding brings relief, hope and finally joy, because for Christians Christ’s resurrection completely erases original sin and all sin.

Throughout the year, in every liturgical season, Project Rachel is available to men and women who have been involved in an abortion decision recently or in the past. The Project Rachel help line (505831-8238) is a confidential help line that can begin a new journey- one of hope for those suffering from grief after abortion.

Careful introspection leads us to a true understanding of God’s power to forgive us completely. Our acceptance of this great mercy brings relief and leads us to hope, healing and the ability to celebrate life again. If you have felt alienated or distant from the church because of abortion, now may be the time to return to your faith community which welcomes you. The church wants to accompany you in your grief and on your journey toward hope and healing.

Project Rachel Help Line: (505) 8318238 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

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Galloping Grace Youth Ranch, with the Help of St. Felix Food Pantry, Donates Over 17,000 Opal Apples to Local Food Pantries RIO RANCHO Galloping Grace Youth Ranch (GGYR) is a local non-profit that offers and promotes programs that educate children about leadership, agriculture, and community. GGYR provides children and their families with a unique opportunity to interact with a local, sustainable, working ranch which focuses its efforts on enhancing agricultural education, improving the environment, and encouraging charitable giving. GGYR was recently awarded 300 cases of apples from the Opal Apple Youth Make A Difference Grant in support of their Junior LeaderProgram.

GGYR’s Junior Leader Program educates youth, ages 12-18, about agricultural education and leadership development. GGYR was selected for the prize based on their program’syouth leadership roles in initiatives surrounding food, nutrition, and agriculture. As a selected recipient of the grant, Galloping Grace Youth Ranch’s mission of enriching the community and bringing pure joy to children, traveled from Washington State, by way of 17,000 Opal Apples. GGYR partnered directly with St. Felix Pantry to donate and distribute the apples to local food pantries. GGYR, with the help of St. Felix Food Pantry, Storehouse Albuquerque, Storehouse West in Rio Rancho, Rio Grande Food Project, God’s Warehouse, and Expect A Miracle,are pleased to help feed hungry families in ourcommunity.

Jenifer Romero, COO of GGYR said, “We’re honored to have been selected for the Opal Apple Grant and we’re proud to partner with fellow non-profits, like St. Felix Pantry, to address New Mexico’s hunger needs. We felt that by partnering with local food agencies, we could achieve more together, than alone. As we educate youth about agriculture and where their food comes from, it’s also important they’re educated about food insecurities and serving the community. We hope our collaborative efforts illustrate the importance of coming together and serve as an example for the greater good of our community.”

For more information or to support GGYR and its programs, please visit ggyr.org. For more information about St. Felix Food Pantry, please visit stfelixpantry.org.

St. Felix Pantry Feeds over 1,000 guests/ households weekly.

Providing over 1.25 million meals annually.

(80 cases donated)

Storehouse Albuquerque Feeds 50,000 people annually (40 cases donated)

Paid CCHD Internship Available! Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s (CCHD) Archdiocesan office in Albuquerque is looking for Catholics who have a passion for service and justice, to apply for a paid position, approx.18-20 hours/week, $12/hr for Fall 2018 and Spring 2019. The internship is a great opportunity to learn more about social justice education, poverty relief, community development, economic development and Catholic social teaching. Job skills needed include bi-lingual, English/Spanish, good organizational skills, leadership experience, community service experience and effective writing and communication skills and computer skills. CCHD has a particular interest in helping low-income Catholics to participate in a practical learning experience that ordinarily would be out of their reach due to financial limitations. Applications can be requested by e-mail at justice@archdiosf.org . Contact Anne Avellone in the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life for more information. Applications must be received by March 2, 2018.

Don’t pass up this wonderful opportunity!

Storehouse West in Rio Rancho Feed 17,000 people annually (40 cases donated)

Rio Grande Food Project Feed 22,000 people annually (50 cases donated)

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Save The Date: African American Catholic Community Anniversary Mass and Scholarship Awards April 22

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe African American Catholic Community will celebrate their 26th Anniversary Mass on Sunday, April 22, 2018, 12 noon at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph’s Dr. NW, Albuquerque. The Fr. Rollins Lambert Scholarships will be awarded at the Mass. For more information, please call (505) 836-3627 or (505) 831-8167.

Holy Cross Church Altar and Rosary Society

BY NICOLE CASTANEDA The Holy Cross Church Altar and Rosary Society at Santa Cruz, NM, has an awesome membership of 84 women. These ladies have chosen to follow the Lord through this ministry.

We promote praying the Rosary and cultivating a greater devotion to our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar through Mary, our Blessed Mother, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.

The Altar and Rosary Society plays an important part at Holy Cross Church by maintaining the altar linens and vestments.

The Society is also very involved with decorating the church throughout the Liturgical Season, in particular during Christmas and Easter.

With our annual Altar and Rosary Society Frito pie fundraiser, (which was held January of this year with each member taking part by selling tickets, setting up, preparing and serving food) the generosity of our parishioners, local businesses and members, we are able to purchase linens, plants and flowers throughout the liturgical cycle as required for the upkeep of the sanctuary.

Since we have such a large membership, the Altar and Rosary Society is able to break down the demands of this beautiful ministry into teams of 6-8 people who clean the Sanctuary as well as wash the small linens on a weekly schedule.

We are very grateful to the priests and parishioners of Holy Cross Church for their continuing support and assistance throughout the year. May God bless you all.

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W O R L D A N D N AT I O N A L N E W S Confessional is a place of forgiveness, not threats, pope says

Supreme Court says government can detain some immigrants indefinitely

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Priests must be mindful that the confessional is a place where people can find forgiveness and mercy, not threats and condemnation, Pope Francis said. God “does not want to beat us and condemn us,” but rather “he always looks for a way to enter the hearts” of those who are repentant, the pope said in his homily Feb. 27 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. “When we priests -- in the Lord’s place -- hear confessions, we also must have this attitude of goodness like the Lord, who says, ‘Come, let us talk, there is no problem, there is forgiveness,’ and not with a threat from the beginning,” he said. Reflecting on the day’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the pope noted God’s merciful call to conversion and his willingness to forgive even “though your sins be like scarlet.” The relationship between God and his people, the pope said, is like that of the father of a teenager who has done something foolish and must be reproached.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Feb. 27 that some immigrants detained by the government can be held indefinitely.

In the 5-3 ruling, with Justice Elena Kagan recusing herself, the court reversed a lower court ruling that required periodic bond hearings for immigrants held in custody with U.S. immigration officials. In 2016, the court looked at this same case and was deadlocked 4-4 in its decision when it had only eight justices on the bench. The case reviews the San Francisco-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit’s decision that detained immigrants had a right to bond hearings, as long as they weren’t considered a flight risk or a danger to national security, and that they should be entitled to such hearings every six months. The Supreme Court’s current decision sends the case back to the appeals court to determine if it should continue as a class-action lawsuit or if provisions of the immigration law violate the Constitution. At issue is a lawsuit filed by immigrants in custody including some who face deportation for crimes and others who came to the U.S. seeking asylum. The lead plaintiff, Alejandro Rodriguez, is a Mexican immigrant who was detained for more than three years without a bond hearing while he fought deportation after being convicted of misdemeanor drug possession and joyriding.

Bishop Pepe of Las Vegas retires; Bishop Thomas to succeed him WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of 75-year-old Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of Las Vegas and has named Bishop George L. Thomas of Helena, Montana, to succeed him. The resignation of Bishop Pepe and the appointment of Bishop Thomas were announced in Washington Feb. 28 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop Pepe had led the Diocese of Las Vegas since 2001. Bishop Thomas, 67, was named bishop of the western Montana diocese in 2004. “It is difficult to leave Montana,” Bishop Thomas said in a statement. “But, Pope Francis requests that each bishop possess a generous missionary spirit. In light of the Holy Father’s request and with humble thanks for the confidence he places in me, I joyfully accept this appointment.” He will be installed May 15. The Diocese of Las Vegas covers almost 40,000 square miles. Out of a total population of 1.95 million, 643,900 people, or 32 percent, are Catholic. The diocese’s Catholic population is nearly 15 times the size of the Diocese of Helena, which covers close to 52,000 square miles. There are 44,413 Catholics out of a total population there of just over 595,000.

Time is now to address gun violence in ‘comprehensive way,’ say bishops WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees said it is long past time for the nation’s leaders to come up with “commonsense gun measures as part of a comprehensive approach to the reduction of violence in society and the protection of life.” The U.S. Catholic bishops have advocated for such measures for decades and will continue to do so, said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education. In the aftermath of the tragic attack Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, “this moment calls for an honest and practical dialogue around a series of concrete proposals -- not partisanship and overheated rhetoric,” they said in a joint statement March 5. “Once again, we are confronted with grave evil, the murder of our dear children and those who teach them,” they said. “Our prayers continue for those who have died, and those suffering with injuries and unimaginable grief.”

World Meeting of Families’ congress to center on ‘Amoris Laetitia’ DUBLIN (CNS) -- Some of the church’s best-known prelates have been lined up to expound on church teachings on the family for the ninth World Meeting of Families. On Feb. 28, organizers of the international gathering, to be held in Dublin Aug. 21-26, unveiled the preliminary program for the Pastoral Congress, Aug. 22-24. The festival of families will be Aug. 25, followed by the final outdoor Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park Aug. 26. The Vatican has not confirmed that Pope Francis will attend. Brenda Drumm, media and communications manager for the World Meeting of Families, told Catholic News Service that the decision to release the preliminary program, with the titles of the pastoral congress’ panel sessions and workshops, was due to pressure from would-be participants eager to find out what the lineup is. Thousands of families from overseas are expected to travel to Ireland for the event. The Pastoral Congress will offer a daily program of workshops and discussions at the Royal Dublin Society, the location of the 2012 International Eucharistic Congress. All of the themes chosen for workshops and panel sessions relate to issues dealt with in “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love), Pope Francis’ 2016 apostolic exhortation, written after two synods of bishops on the family.

U.S. leaders praise Rev. Billy Graham at U.S. Capitol ceremony WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President Donald Trump and congressional leaders paid tribute to the Rev. Billy Graham Feb. 28 in a brief ceremony before the public could pay respects to the evangelist while he lies in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. “Today we give thanks for this extraordinary life. And it’s very fitting that we do so right here in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, where the memory of the American people is enshrined. Here in this room we remember America is a nation sustained by prayer,” said Trump. Rev. Graham, who died at age 99 Feb. 21 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, was known as “America’s pastor” Continued on page 27

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W O R L D A N D N AT I O N A L N E W S Continued from page 26 and was a spiritual adviser to 13 U.S. presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Trump. He is the fourth person to lie in honor at the Capitol. The last person to have this honor was civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005. U.S. Capitol Police officers Jacob Joseph and John Michael Gibson, who were killed in the line of duty in 1998, also received the honor.

Son’s meeting with birth mother who nearly aborted him made into film WASHINGTON (CNS) -- David Scotton knew he had been adopted, but didn’t really know the circumstances behind it until his birth mother made contact with him. “I didn’t ask about it for a solid 16-17 years. But when my birth mother reached out to me, it set everything in motion,” Scotton told Catholic News Service. “She had to do it through the law firm because of the semi-open adoption. The law firm had to ask me if I was even interested,” he recalled. “Once I said yes, that’s when things started moving. When I sat down and got my thoughts together, I thought there might be some positivity in it.” He wrote a letter to his birth mother and sent it to the law firm, which in turn sent it to her. Two weeks later he got a friend from his birth mother, Melissa, on Facebook. “She threw a lot at me about the last 16, 17 years,” said Scotton, now 24 and a law student at Louisiana State University. The kicker: Melissa was inside an abortion clinic when she changed her mind and decided to go through with her pregnancy and give up the unborn child for adoption. Scotton has talked to groups before, but his story goes nationwide and worldwide with the release March 8 of an internet-only documentary, “I Lived on Parker Avenue.” It will be available for viewing at https://www.ilivedonparkerave. com.

Pope to visit Switzerland in June, government official says VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will visit Geneva in June, Swiss authorities confirmed. Andre Simonazzi, spokesman for the Swiss Federal Council, confirmed the visit Feb. 28 and said the pope will be welcomed by Swiss President Alain Berset when he arrives June 21, the Associated Press reported. While no details were given regarding his schedule, Pope Francis is expected to visit the headquarters of the World Council of Churches. His visit would coincide with the 70th anniversary of the council’s founding. Established in 1948, the WCC is an international organization of Christian churches and has the goal of fostering unity in fellowship, service and mission. Its members are spread across 348 churches of the Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Old Catholic traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member but has an official dialogue with the council and cooperates with it in various programs.

Palliative care is pro-life response to euthanasia, panelists say ROME (CNS) -- Intentionally causing a patient’s death is different from accepting that a patient is dying, then providing emotional and spiritual support and pain relief, said a doctor who practices and promotes palliative care. Dr. Eduardo Bruera, medical director of the Department of Supportive Care Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, was one of the speakers at a Feb. 28-March 1 international congress on palliative care sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life. “The reality is that, in medicine, we have focused much

more on disease than on patients,” Bruera said. For example, he said, patients who report a “high-symptom burden” may be suffering from their cancer or from the toxicity of their treatment, but their situation also may be approaching the unbearable because they lost their job or are worrying about the impact of their illness on their families. Palliative care, Bruera said, asks the medical team, the patient and the family to work together to alleviate suffering, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual.

In a message to the conference at Rome’s Augustinian Patristic Institute, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said palliative care involves “a rediscover of the most profound vocation of medicine, which consists first of all in taking care of the patient. The doctor’s task always is to care, even when it is not possible to heal.”

High court hears case that could erode union rights that USCCB backs WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court heard a case Feb. 26 that could erode the rights of labor unions at government workplaces.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had filed a brief in the case, Janus v. AFSCME, supporting the union. The high court had heard a similar case two years ago, but the death of Justice Antonin Scalia after the arguments were heard left the case at a 4-4 deadlock. Last year, Justice Neil Gorsuch was appointed to succeed Scalia. Gorsuch did not speak during oral arguments in this case. At issue is whether unions can compel workers who are not union members to pay “fair share” membership fees when those employees work for the government. In some instances, unions are required to deduct the percentage of dues used for political purposes. Mark Janus, who works for the state of Illinois, contends that all union activity, including contract bargaining, is inherently political. Janus lost the last round of appeals, bringing the case to the Supreme Court. In 1977, the justices unanimously ruled that public-employee unions were entitled to collect fair share fees from nonunion workers, who, like union members,

Muslims (literally) hold key to Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Jerusalem’s most famous Christian church, shared by three denominations, is unlocked each morning by a Muslim.

Since the seventh century, the family of Wajeeh Nuseibeh, 69, has handed down the responsibility of opening the door of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. “If the key would be in the hands of the Greek Orthodox, then that would signify they are the owners of the church. If it is the hands of the Catholics, then it would be a Catholic Church, the same with the Armenians (Orthodox)” Nuseibeh told Catholic News Service in a 1999 interview. “So Muslims are neutral people to open and close the door.”

Nuseibeh was the one to officially close the doors of the church Feb. 25 as the heads of churches announced its indefinite closure to protest for Israeli measures they described as a “systematic campaign ... against the churches and the Christian community in the Holy Land.” He said he felt very saddened by the turn of the events. “I am very sad pilgrims are coming from distances to come here ... they come to visit the church and are not able to see it because of a mistake made by the mayor” of Jerusalem to charge property taxes on church-owned property, he said.

“Only if pilgrims stop coming will he stop with the issues of taxes. There will be more problems until this is solved with the municipality. I get my orders from the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian and the Catholic. Not from the government.” benefit from union bargaining.

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44th Southwest Catholic Charismatic Conference July 27 – 29, 2018 “Let Your Heart Hold Fast To My Word” Proverbs 4:4 Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1901 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM Super Saver Registration: Received by March 23 Adults: $45, Married Couples $80 Early Bird Registration: March 24 – June 22 Adults: $55 Couples: $100 Late Registration: June 23 & at the Conference site.

Adults: $60 Couples: $110 Children/Youth ages 6/17 $10. College Students with a valid student ID: $25.

To register with debit/credit cards, call the Catholic Charismatic Center at 505-2470397. Mail checks to SWCCC, 1412 – 5th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Make checks payable to: SWCCC

Registrations offered for the entire weekend only, one day registrations are not available.

Deadline for cancellations and refunds is July 13, 2018. A cancellation fee of $10 per person will apply. After July 13th, there will be no refunds.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering special room rates. Please inform the registration desk that you will be attending the Southwest Catholic Charismatic Conference (group code CCC).

1-866-384-4934.

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, is a nationally known author and speaker. He spends much of his time helping others come to know God’s love for them through preaching, writing, CDs, and other spiritual out reaches. Fr. Dave Page has held several ministry positions at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is actively involved in the highly successful summer conference programs6. Father is a member of the Sacred Heart Province of Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular. He is presently the director of Franciscan Pathways, an evangelistic outreach of his Franciscan Community.

Peter Herbeck is the vice president and director of missions for Renewal Ministries. He has been actively involved in evangelization and Catholic renewal throughout the US, Canada, Africa, and Eastern Europe for more than thirty years.

Peter is a co-host for the weekly EWTN television programs The Choices We Face and Crossing the Goal. He also hosts the daily radio show Fire on the Earth. Peter and his wife Debbie have four children and live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Deacon Larry Oney, a permanent deacon for the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans serves at Divine Mercy Parish in Kenner, Louisiana. He is the founder and president of Hope and Purpose Ministries.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Renewal Ministries, and on the Board of Trustees for Franciscan University. Dcn. Larry and his wife Andi have 5 children.

Article by Sister Anthony Birdsall, DLJC Director of the Catholic Charismatic Center

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11 o’clock Sunday Morning Tim Muldoon

“I think it is one of the tragedies of our nation … that 11 o’clock Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours … in Christian America…. Any church that stands against integration … is standing against the spirit and the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it fails to be a true witness.”

—Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In an oft-quoted segment from a 1960 appearance on “Meet the Press,” the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. pointed to a paradox about the Church in the United States. To the extent that it fails to be a prophetic symbol of the kingdom of God—that is, a place where there is neither “Jew nor Greek, slave nor free person” (Galatians 3:28)—it fails in its witness to the world.

King went on to parse what he saw in churches: Some he described as “segregating”—that is, actively keeping members of different races apart—while others were “segregated”— comprised of members of a single race, though not actively seeking to keep it that way. To be segregating is to contribute to a social sin, while being segregated may be either a consequence of social sin or, on the part of those who have the power to change it, a negligence in their efforts to do so.

I suggest that there is a parallel distinction to be made about churches that are integrated or integrating. To be sure, there are some congregations that manifest the kind of rich diversity that Luke pointed to in his description of the first Pentecost, where people of many nations heard the apostles speaking in their own languages (Acts 2).

Many other churches, though, are constituted by a majority of people of one race but may well be integrating in their openness to be joined by anyone who comes their way. They may not be integrated but open to integrating because they are willing to welcome the stranger.

More importantly, some churches are integrating precisely because they are prophetic signs of a church that has life among communities that have historically been marginalized.

Their very presence within the larger Church is a sign that the larger Church is on pilgrimage toward God, drawing to her bosom all the scattered children of the same Father.

Such is the case with Sacred Heart Church in Camden, Mississippi, a mostly African-American parish about an hour north of Jackson. Thanks in large part to Catholic Extension donors, the parish boasts a beautiful sanctuary, a gym, a clinic, and a school building now used for various kinds of social outreach and meeting.

Reflecting a larger national trend for black Catholics to be

more socially engaged than whites, Sacred Heart’s parishioners are on a mission to serve the people of the region.

One example is Shirley White, who has served lunches to senior citizens of the region every day for the past 12 years.

Other examples include the parish’s after-school program, food pantry, sports program, credit union, day care, and income tax service, all of which contribute to the life of the local community.

The parish is a hub of activity, a place which on a daily basis manifests both the works of mercy and the commitment to active citizenship.

Sacred Heart is a beautiful example of a church on a mission, located within a larger diocese on a mission. Recently I spent time researching the history of the Jackson diocese’s activities during the civil rights era. I was particularly fascinated by the story of Bishop Richard Oliver Gerow, whose meticulous journal chronicles his extensive efforts at integrating parishes and schools.

Mississippi saw more than its share of racial incidents, even at Catholic parishes which should have been places of refuge from racial bias. Before Sacred Heart, there was Immaculate Conception Parish, comprised of Irish landowners who passed their faith on to their slaves. Sacred Heart School began as a mission of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in 1944, serving the African American population while Immaculate Conception continued to serve only whites. The parishes were segregated until the 1970s, when Sacred Heat was closed in order to foster integration of the two communities. Only later, in 2007, was Immaculate Conception closed so the parish could move into its current Sacred Heart campus.

Sacred Heart is part of an integrating community whose current challenge is to welcome newer arrivals from Central America, many of whom work in neighboring Carthage and worship at St. Anne Church there. While the history of the Church in the region has had dark days, there is reason for hope. The support of those from afar who donate money and share prayers has offered communities like Sacred Heart and St. Anne a place to gather, to worship, and to reach out in service.

Perhaps 11 o’clock on Sunday morning is becoming the time when people of good faith can work together to build communities where everyone feels welcome.

Tim Muldoon, Ph.D., is the author of a number of books and serves as director of mission

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Our Ache for Earthly Immortality

By Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI We share the world with more than seven and a half billion people and each of us has the irrepressible, innate sense that we are special and uniquely destined. This isn’t surprising since each one of us is indeed unique and special. But how does one feel special among seven and half billion others?

We try to stand out. Generally we don’t succeed, and so, as Allan Jones puts it, “We nurse within our hearts the hope that we are different, that we are special, that we are extraordinary. We long for the assurance that our birth was no accident, that a god had a hand in our coming to be, that we exist by divine fiat. We ache for a cure for the ultimate disease of mortality.

Our madness comes when the pressure is too great and we fabricate a vital lie to cover up the fact that we are mediocre, accidental, mortal.

We fail to see the glory of the Good News. The vital lie is unnecessary because all the things we truly long for have been freely given us.”

All of us know what those words mean: We sense that we are extraordinary, precious, and significant, irrespective of our practical fortunes in life. Deep down we have the feeling that we are uniquely loved and specially called to a life of meaning and significance. We know too, though more in faith than in feeling, that we are precious not on the basis of what we accomplish but rather on the basis of having been created and loved by God. But this intuition, however deep in our souls, invariably wilts in the face of trying to live a life that’s unique and special in a world in which billions of others are also trying to do the same thing. And so we can be overwhelmed by a sense of our own mediocrity, anonymity, and mortality and begin to fear that we’re not precious but are merely another-amongmany, nobody special, one of billions, living among billions. When we feel like this, we are tempted to believe that we are precious and unique only when we accomplish something which precisely sets us apart and ensures that we will be remembered. For most of us, the task of our lives then becomes that of guaranteeing our own preciousness, meaning, and immortality because, at the end of the day, we believe that this is contingent upon our own accomplishments, on creating our own specialness.

And so we struggle to be content with ordinary lives of anonymity, hidden in God. Rather we try to stand out, to leave a mark, to accomplish something extraordinary, and so ensure that we will be recognized and remembered. Few things impede our peace and happiness as does this effort. We set for ourselves the impossible, frustrating task of assuring for ourselves something which only God can give us, significance and immortality. Ordinary life then never seems enough for us, and we live restless, competitive, driven lives. Why isn’t ordinary life enough for us?

Why do our lives always seem too small and not exciting enough? Why do we habitually feel dissatisfied at not being special?

Why our need to leave a mark? Why does our own situation often feel so suffocating? Why can’t we more easily embrace each other as sisters and brothers and rejoice in each other’s gifts and each other’s existence?

Why the perennial feeling that the other is a rival? Why the need for masks, for pretense, to project a certain image about ourselves?

The answer: We do all of these things to try to set ourselves apart because we are trying to give ourselves something that only God can give us, significance and immortality.

Scripture tells us that “faith alone saves.” That simple line reveals the secret: Only God gives eternal life. Preciousness, meaning, significance See IMMORTALITY Continued on page 32

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Sorting Through “Solutions” to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic Each year human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects about 50,000 people in the United States, and more than two million worldwide.

Reducing the number of infections with this virus, which causes AIDS, is a high priority for public health officials. Some strategies to reach this goal, however, raise significant moral concerns.

These concerns arise when experts seek to reduce infection rates by assuming that men and women lack the freedom to change their sexual behaviors or exercise self control, when they fail to acknowledge that self-restraint is possible and morally required, especially in the face of life-threatening disease.

One strategy for trying to control the pandemic includes “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” or PrEP, which involves an uninfected person taking a daily dose of the drug Truvada, an anti-retroviral medication. When someone takes the Truvada pill each day, and is later exposed to HIV through sex or injectable drug use, it can reduce the likelihood that the virus will establish a permanent infection by more than 92 percent. While the drug can have side effects, it is generally well-tolerated.

Many activists in the gay movement have argued that PrEP should be widely available and promoted, though other activists strongly disagree.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) founder Michael Weinstein has stressed, for example, that there are likely to be compliance issues. When someone is required to take a regimen of drugs every day in order to be protected, he argues, it is reasonable to expect that some will fail to do so. A 2014 article in The Advocate, a gay news outlet, notes that, “When asked why so few people have started PrEP, experts give plenty of reasons — cost, worries about long-term effects, and lack of awareness about the regimen itself among both doctors and patients are chief among them. But one top reason is the stigma of using PrEP. Weinstein’s name and the name of his organization, AHF, have become synonymous with the stigma surrounding PrEP use. In an April Associated Press article, Weinstein declared that PrEP is ‘a party drug,’ giving license to gay and bisexual men to have casual, anonymous sex.

He’s called it a ‘public health disaster in the making,’ as his oft-repeated argument is that the most at-risk people will not adhere to taking a pill each day.”

These compliance concerns have led some researchers and clinicians to look into the possibility of one-time “disco dosing,” where an individual would take the medication, in a high dose, prior to each anticipated “risky weekend.”

There are other problems with PrEP as well. Some researchers have noted that once people start on the drug, their risk compensation changes, meaning they engage in more sex with “non-primary partners.”

Even if PrEP reduces rates of HIV infection, as studies have suggested, the incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may rise due to risk-compensation behaviors. PrEP can provide a false sense of security and encourage the lowering of inhibitions.

These kinds of approaches directed towards certain “at-risk populations” clearly raise concerns about sanctioning or supporting immoral behaviors. Medical professionals have raised objections of conscience when it comes to prescribing PrEP to HIV-negative men who indicate they are, or will be, sexually active with other men. They may raise similar objections to providing prescriptions for “disco dosing.”

Writing such prescriptions means cooperating in, or facilitating, the evil See PANDEMIC Continued on page 32

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IMMORTALITY Continued from page 31 and immortality are free gifts from God and we would be a whole lot more restful, peaceful, humble, grateful, happy, and less competitive if we could believe that. A humble, ordinary life, shared with billions of others, would then contain enough to give us a sense of our preciousness, meaning, and significance.

Thomas Merton, on one of his less restless days wrote: “It is enough to be, in an ordinary human mode, with one’s hunger and sleep, one’s cold and warmth, rising and going to bed.

Putting on blankets and taking them off, making coffee and then drinking it. Defrosting the refrigerator, reading, meditating, working, praying. I live as my Fathers have lived on this earth, until eventually I die. Amen. There is no need to make an assertion of my life, especially so about it as mine, though doubtless it is not somebody else’s. I must learn to live so as to gradually forget program and artifice.”

Ordinary life is enough. There isn’t any need to make an assertion with our lives.

Our preciousness and meaning lie within the preciousness and meaning of life itself, not in having to accomplish something special.

PANDEMIC Continued from page 31 actions of others.

Is pre-exposure prophylaxis always illicit?

Not necessarily. For example, if a medical professional were to prescribe Truvada to the wife of a man who was infected through pre- or extramarital sexual activity, it would be for the purposes of protecting the wife from infection during marital relations, and would not involve the problem of promoting or facilitating unethical sexual behaviors.

STDs constitute a serious danger in an age where sexual behaviors are becoming ever more indiscriminate. STD outbreaks and pandemics often have their origins in unchaste behaviors and morally disordered forms of sexuality. The Centers for Disease Control notes that “men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the group most heavily affected by HIV in the United States. CDC estimates that MSM represent approximately 4 percent of the male population in the United States but male-tomale sex accounted for more than three- fourths (78 percent) of new HIV infections among men and nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of all new infections in 2010.” We should not be supporting or facilitating behaviors involving multiple sexual partners. These sexual practices, in the final analysis, are not only immoral in themselves, but also reckless and clearly contributory to the spread of STDs. Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org

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TV MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ TV-6-2 and KASYMy50TV Cable or satellite providers on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 Check out Sunday and daily readings at www.usccb.org

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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ARCHBISHOP'S SCHEDULE MARCH 17 Sat 20

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10:00am 5:00pm 10:00am 2:00pm 10:00am 5:30pm 6:30pm 11:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm 3:00pm 9:00pm

Legion of Mary Acies Rosary, Mass & Lunch, OL of the Most Holy Rosary Good Shepherd Center Brother Mathias St. Patrick’s Dinner, St. Pius H.S. Presbyteral Council, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe Personnel Board, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe Day of Sanctification, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe Chrism Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Lenten Penance Service, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Palm Sunday Procession and Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Catholic Charities Board Meeting, 2010 Bridge Blvd. NW, Albuquerque Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Good Friday Service, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Easter Vigil, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe

10:00am 2:30pm 3:00pm 6:30pm 6:00pm 10:00am 6:00pm 10:00am

Easter Sunday Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Confirmation and Listening Session, Villanueva and Ribera Confirmation and Listening Session, San Jose, Anton Chico Confirmation, St. Anne, Tucumcari Confirmation, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Clovis Confirmation, St. Helen, Portales Confirmation, Sacred Heart, Clovis Confirmation, St. Rose of Lima, Santa Rosa joined by Fort Sumner

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PEOPLE of GOD

Inter-Cultural Competence For Ministers One of the core competency for ministry that has emerged in the United States over the past several decades is the understanding of one’s culture and the ability to effectively relate to those of other cultures.

To that end, the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, launched a formation program designed for priests, deacons, religious and lay ministry leaders.

Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers or BICM will be held at the Catholic Center in Albuquerque (4000 St. Josephs Place NW) on April 6 and 7. Beginning with the mission of the Church and the demands of the New

Evangelization, the training experience explores what culture is and how it affects us, how to develop intercultural communication skills, how to recognize the damaging dynamics of racism, and finally, how to promote a spirituality of hospitality, reconciliation, and mission.

Registration closes on March 23 and space is limited.

There is a $40 fee as a light dinner on Friday evening and lunch on Saturday is included. The fee also covers the cost of a book and materials. To register on-line go to https:// form.jotform.com/kdavis5430/BICM-English. Call 505-8318147 for more information.

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Friday, May 11, 2018 7:00pm

Saturday, May 12, 2018 7:00pm San Felipe de Neri Parish 2005 North Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 Tickets available at the parish office or call 505.243.4628

Ticket Prices/Options: General Admission: $20 VIP Ticket: $50* (LIMITED SEATING) Add $30 for a VIP Concert Fan Experience and get: Preferred Seating!

Free John Michael Talbot CD (JMT will autograph after concert if you wish!)

Early Admission for JMT’s SOUND CHECK! *NOTE: IF YOU PURCHASE A VIP TICKET YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE BY 5:30 PM FOR EARLY ADMISSION SOUND CHECK To purchase tickets online: johnmichaeltalbot.com For online ticket questions call TOLL FREE: (877) 504-9865 Mon. – Fri. 9am – 4pm