November 2018 Vol. 36, No. 10
Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org
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Prayer Intentions NOVEMBER / NOVIEMBRE Universal: In the Service of Peace That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict. Universal: Al servicio de la paz Para que el lenguaje del corazón y del diálogo prevalezca siempre sobre el lenguaje de las armas.
Pope Francis greets a rabbi during an audience with a group of rabbis attending the World Congress of Mountain Jews, at the Vatican Nov. 5. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) 16
Inside This Month’s Issue
Social Justice
18 Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ 70th Birthday 20
Wedding Anniversaries
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Share the Journey: An Exhibition of Art
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Catholic Charities
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Archbishop’s Letter: Lord, That I May See….
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Safe Environment
8 Vocations
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World News
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Catholic Education
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Archbishop Wester’s Calendar
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Smooth Transference of Leadership
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Prayer After An Election
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Donate Life
15 50th Anniversary Celebration
Special Collection: Retired Religious
Annual Appeal for Retired Religious December 9, 2018 The Retirement Fund for Retired Religious distributes basic, supplemental and special assistance retirement grants from the fund to religious institutes based on a formula and criteria approved by the conferences of major superiors and bishops. As designated in 2012, the December retirement collection will be allocated 50/50 between the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) and the Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund (APRF).
Together We Can Reach Our Goal!
94%
Your donation will remain confidential, and is protected within the Annual Catholic Appeal Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, a New Mexico Non-Profit Corporation, as a separate organization. Your donation does not fund legal claims.” Visit our new ACA Website at: www.acaarchdiosf.org to donate to ACA 2018, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!
People of God
Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
Assistant Editor/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan lradigan@archdiosf.org Production: Christine Carter
Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication. All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month. Check out Media Kit online @ www.archdiosf.org. Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement. Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official • twitter.com/ASFOfficial
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Special Collection, November 17-18, 2018 Catholic Campaign for Human Development
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development addresses the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and transformative education.
Annual Catholic Appeal Recipient Spotlight
EDUCATION AND EVANGELIZATION
Did you know that eBooks, audio books and streaming videos are available to check out for free from the Ministry Resource Center (MRC)? You can register as a patron at:https://jotform.com/kdavis5430/mrc-new-patron-registration The Ministry Resource Center serves all those in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe by making print, audio and visual resources available, and providing information regarding Catholic Faith and Ministry. To hear from Deacon Davis, Director of the MRC, visit our website at: http://www.acaarchdiosf.orgClick on ‘Pastoral Ministries Division’ in the left navigation menu. Scroll down to ‘Education and Evangelization’ and click the *video message* for the ‘Ministry Resource Center’.
DID YOU KNOW?
20% of ACA contributions help Education and Evangelization? Our newest section, ACA Recipient Spotlight, will regularly highlight ministries and organizations supported by donations to the ACA.
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Lord, That I May See….
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t hardly seems possible that hate-filled bigotry has raised its ugly head once again at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in a shopping center in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Sadly, these horrific murders of Jewish and Black people are even more insidious since they happened in a place of worship or, as in the latter case of Maurice Stallard and Vickie Jones, the victims were gunned down because the perpetrator was not able to gain access to a predominantly Black church. As we read the brief biographies of the victims, we see people very much like ourselves, fellow citizens, brothers and sisters with God as our Father, whose lives were tragically cut short by persons consumed with irrational hatred and inexplicable animosity for people different from themselves. We must wonder who these butchers saw at the other end of their guns. How did their vision become so blurred?
When did they begin their path of vitriol and distortion? We may never get answers to those questions but we certainly do well to ask ourselves who we see when we encounter people different from ourselves. I am not suggesting that we are in the same boat as these murderers, but we are kidding ourselves if we believe we are free of prejudice or that we are not inclined to be suspicious of certain people in our lives? It is precisely these prejudices that can make it difficult for us to follow Christ’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the whole point of our Lord’s parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite, two good and religious men, ignored the victim of robbers, even going so far as to cross over to the other side of the street. It was the Samaritan, a person who would have been despised by Christ’s audience, who showed compassion and genuine love of neighbor. The two passers-by saw someone who was a threat either by compromising their ritual purity by putting them in touch with unclean wounds or by getting involved with or even blamed for a crime or by forcing them to go out of their way or by being a member of a despised group of people. The Samaritan, however, saw a fellow human being in need of help. He saw a child of God and was filled with compassion. The Greek word used by Luke for “compassion” is splagchnizomai. It means to be moved as to one’s gut, one’s bowels, where the ancients believed that love and pity resided. This is what Jesus has in mind when he calls us to love our neighbor, to see others as he sees them. We are called to cut through all our filters and prejudices in order to see people as they are, unique,
unrepeatable children of God who God loves beyond telling and to have compassion for them deep within ourselves. This is how St. Oscar Romero saw people: as God sees them. I am told he defined Catholic social justice as that body of Church teaching that “looks at God looking at the poor.” In other words, he believed we are to see others through the eyes of God, with the eyes of God and in the eyes of God. This takes faith, a faith that enables me to transform my vision from a prejudiced perspective to one that embraces all persons as recipients of God’s love and as my fellow sojourners on the road to union with God the Father. This describes a vision formed by faith, enlivened by faith and guided by faith. I am reminded of a famous National Geographic photographer who was once asked how he took such gorgeous pictures. He responded, “Most people say, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ ‘I say, ‘I see it because I believe it.’” It is when we have faith that we can begin to see with the eyes of Christ and we can see things we never thought possible in our fellow human beings. I am not sure why we are sometimes incapable of seeing others as God sees them, as they are meant to be seen. Maybe it is due to ignorance that we judge an entire race of people based on one experience or one myopic perception. Or, perhaps it is due to low selfesteem that makes us put others down so they we feel better about ourselves. Or, it could be just sheer meanness as that which is found in bullies, dictators and the arrogant. I suppose it could also be mental illness or a combination of any of these or other possibilities. But
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whatever the cause, our faith in Jesus has the power to transform our limited, fearful and clannish perspective into a broader, kinder and more generous one that enfolds others into a loving embrace that moves beyond petty jealousies or deep-seated hatred. The events at the end of October have now joined the ever growing list of other such tragedies in which innocent lives have been lost, leaving us to deal with the grim aftermath of systemic and personal bigotry that gives way to violence. While we may feel powerless in the face of such heartbreaks, there is much we can do to stem the tide of violence in our country. We can advocate for more comprehensive mental health interventions, for effective gun safety laws and for better education of our young people in the area of social justice. We can certainly pray for solutions to these intractable problems. And we can make sure that our own vision is not clouded by the stain of prejudice. We can see the homeless person on the street corner not as a nuisance but as a fellow human being in need of compassion; we can look upon immigrants not as “illegals” but as human beings struggling to find a safe haven; we can envision the elderly not as burdens but as wise mentors who reflect the wisdom of their years; and we can encounter the stranger not as a threat but as a gift from God. There is an ancient Jewish story about several rabbis arguing over the time of the Sabbath’s beginning. One rabbi was convinced that midnight is the correct answer. Another was certain that it begins at sunset. Still another believed that the Sabbath begins at dawn. Finally, one elderly and very wise rabbi spoke up and said that the Sabbath begins when there is enough light to see into your neighbor’s eyes. May Christ, who is the Light of the World, enlighten our vision that we may see each other as God sees us: as unique, lovable human beings, created to be one with God forever in heaven. Let’s try to see each other that way. So many tragedies could be avoided if we all did. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Rev. John C, Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe
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Señor, Haz Que Vea….
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o parece posible que la intolerancia saturada de odio haya dejado ver una vez más su fea cara en la sinagoga Tree of Life de Pittsburg y en un centro comercial de Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Tristemente, estos horrorosos asesinatos de personas judías y de la raza negra son aún más insidiosos porque ocurrieron en un lugar religioso o, como fue en el último caso de Maurice Stallard y Vickie Jones, las víctimas fueron acribilladas porque al autor de los hechos no se le permitía entrar a una iglesia donde se congregaban predominantemente personas de la raza negra. Como leemos en la breve biografía de las víctimas, se trataba de personas que, con Dios como nuestro padre, son muy parecidas a nosotros, conciudadanos y hermanos, cuya vida fue trágicamente truncada por personas presas de un odio irracional y de una animosidad inexplicable hacia los que sean diferentes a ellas. Deberíamos preguntarnos qué era lo que veían estos asesinos al otro extremo de sus armas de fuego. ¿Cómo fue que se les enturbió tanto la visión? ¿Cuándo empezaron a recorrer esa senda de actitudes adversas
y distorsión? Tal vez nunca obtengamos la respuesta a esas preguntas, pero sin duda haríamos bien en preguntarnos a quién vemos cuando nos encontramos con personas distintas a nosotros. No sugiero que estamos en la misma situación que esos asesinos, pero nos estamos engañando si pensamos que no tenemos prejuicios y que tampoco tenemos la tendencia a sospechar de ciertas personas que encontramos en nuestra vida. Son precisamente esos prejuicios los que dificultan que obedezcamos el mandato de Cristo de amar al prójimo como a nosotros mismos. Este es el punto central de la parábola de Nuestro Señor, la del Buen Samaritano. El sacerdote y el levita, dos hombres buenos y religiosos, quienes no le prestaron atención a la víctima de ladrones y llegaron al extremo de cruzar para el otro lado del camino para evadirla. Fue el samaritano, una persona que había sido despreciada por los seguidores de Cristo, quien mostró compasión y amor verdadero por el prójimo. Los otros dos transeúntes vieron a alguien que representaba una amenaza ya fuera porque quedaría comprometida su pureza ritual si tenían contacto físico con heridas impuras o porque podrían ser involucrados en la comisión de un delito o considerados culpables de haberlo cometido, así como por obligarlos a salirse de su camino o porque el agredido pertenecía a un grupo de gente despreciable. El samaritano, no obstante, vio a otro ser humano que necesitaba ayuda. Él vio a un hijo de Dios y sintió compasión. La palabra del griego que usa Lucas para expresar “compasión” es splagchnisomai. Significa sentir en el sistema intestinal, donde los antiguos pensaban que radicaban el amor y la piedad. Esto es lo que Jesús quiere decir cuando nos llama a amar al prójimo, o a ver a los demás como él los ve. Somos llamados a suprimir todos nuestros filtros y prejuicios a fin de que veamos a las personas tal cual son: únicas, irrepetibles hijos de Dios a quienes Dios ama más
allá de las palabras y de que tengamos compasión de ellos profundamente dentro de nosotros mismos. El recién canonizado San Óscar Romero, veía a las personas como Dios las ve. He oído decir que él definía la justicia social católica como el cuerpo de enseñanzas de la Iglesia que “contempla a Dios mirando a los pobres”. En otras palabras, él consideraba que debemos contemplar a los demás a través de los ojos de Dios, con los ojos de Dios y a los ojos de Dios. Esto requiere fe, una fe que nos transforma la visión, desde una perspectiva prejuiciosa a otra que abarca a todas las personas que reciben el amor de Dios y que nos acompañan en la jornada hacia la unión con Dios Padre. Lo anterior describe una visión formada por la fe, avivada por la fe y guiada por la fe. Recuerdo a un famoso fotógrafo de la revista National Geographic a quien una vez le preguntaron qué hacía para tomar fotografías tan maravillosas. Él respondió: “La mayoría de las personas dice: ‘Ver para creer’. Yo digo, ‘Yo veo porque creo’”. Es cuando tenemos fe que empezamos a ver con los ojos de Cristo y podemos ver cosas que nunca pensamos que serían posibles en otros seres humanos. No estoy seguro por qué a veces no somos capaces de ver a otras personas en la misma forma en que Dios las ve, como se supone que sean vistas. Tal vez sea debido a la ignorancia que juzguemos a una raza entera basándonos en una experiencia o en una percepción miope. O tal vez se deba a nuestro escaso amor propio que nos hace menospreciar a los demás de modo que nos sintamos mejor con nosotros mismos. O bien, podría ser claramente maldad como la que manifiestan los matones, los dictadores y los arrogantes. Supongo que también podría tratarse de una enfermedad mental o la combinación de cualquiera de las demás posibilidades. Pero sea cual fuere la causa, nuestra fe en Jesús tiene el poder de transformar nuestra perspectiva limitada, temerosa y exclusivista en otra más amplia, más bondadosa y más
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generosa que envuelve a los demás en un estrecho abrazo que va más allá de los celos insignificantes o del odio profundamente arraigado. Los sucesos ocurridos a finales de octubre se han unido ahora a la siempre creciente lista de otras tragedias similares en las cuales se han perdido vidas inocentes, dejándonos la tarea de lidiar con las terribles secuelas de la intolerancia sistémica y personal que conduce a la violencia. Aunque nos sintamos impotentes ante tales pesares, hay mucho que podemos hacer para frenar la ola de violencia en nuestro país. Podemos abogar para que haya intervenciones de salud mental más comprensivas, para que se aprueben leyes eficaces para la seguridad en el uso de armas de fuego, y para preparar mejor a nuestros jóvenes en materia de justicia social. Sin duda, podemos rezar para que se nos concedan soluciones a estos complicados problemas, y podemos cerciorarnos de que nuestra propia visión no esté mancillada por el prejuicio. Podemos ver a la persona indigente que esté en una esquina de la calle, no como una molestia, sino como otro ser humano que necesita compasión; podemos considerar a los inmigrantes no como “ilegales” sino como seres humanos que están luchando por encontrar un refugio seguro; podemos imaginar a los ancianos, no como una carga, sino como sabios mentores que reflejan la sabiduría de su época; y podemos encontrarnos con un extraño y considerarlo, no como una amenaza, sino como un regalo de Dios. En un antiguo cuento judío se relata una discusión entre varios rabinos que debatían sobre la hora en que empieza el Sabbat o día santo. Uno de ellos estaba convencido de que la medianoche era la respuesta correcta. Otro tenía la certeza de que empieza al atardecer. Un tercero pensaba que el Sabbat empieza al amanecer. Finalmente, un rabino anciano y sabio se pronunció y dijo que el Sabbat empieza cuando hay suficiente luz para ver en el interior de los ojos del prójimo. Que Cristo, que es la Luz del Mundo, ilumine nuestra visión de modo que nos veamos los unos a los otros como Dios nos ve: como seres humanos únicos, adorables, creados para ser uno con Dios eternamente en el cielo. Tratemos de vernos así los unos a los otros. Se podrían evitar muchas tragedias si todos lo hiciéramos. Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,
Arzobispo John C. Wester Traducción voluntaria de: Anelle Lobos
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2018 – 2019 Seminarians
“Who Is Your Favorite Saint?”
Timothy Dang 1st Year Pre-Theology-Mt. Angel Our Lady of Lavang-Albuquerque “My favorite saint is St. Joseph. He is my baptismal saint and it makes me joyful to reflect that my devotion to him began when I was not even one year old. My mother has a deep devotion to St. Joseph and firmly taught me to look towards him for the virtue of humility. I pray to him every day to intercede for me through Jesus Christ. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us!”
Rico Landavazo 1st Year College – Mt. Angel Santa Maria de Paz – Santa Fe “My favorite saint is St. Aloysius Gonzaga. I admire him because he valued spiritual goods much more than earthly materials and wealth. He is also a great example of purity and virtue at a young age. He died at the age of 23 from the plague, after he contracted the disease from assisting plague victims. St. Aloysius is a great example of love for God, and love for neighbor. He also had a great devotion to Our Lady, which is something I think we all need.”
Anthony Ezeaputa 3rd Year Theology – Mt. Angel St. Charles Borromeo – Albuquerque “My favorite saint is my patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua. I admire his Christocentric spirituality. He always put Christ at the center of his life and thinking, of his action and of his preaching. The mysteries of the Lord’s humanity, the man Jesus, and in a special way the mystery of the Nativity: God who made himself a Child and gave himself into our hands, a mystery that gives rise to sentiments of love and gratitude for divine goodness. Also, I admire his outstanding gifts of intelligence, balance, apostolic zeal and primarily, mystic fervor.”
Ricardo Torres 1st Year College – Mt. Angel Our Lady of Guadalupe – Santa Fe “My favorite saint is St. Peter. Since I was in religious education, he has been a role model for me. St Peter walked side by side with Jesus. He sometimes doubted about his faith and also denied Jesus three times. But at the end of the day, St. Peter is still with our Lord Jesus. I have denied and doubted about my faith, but I can say that Jesus still walks side by side, telling me, ‘I forgive you, I will always be with you.’”
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Novice Visits St. Thomas Aquinas School By Kelly Haddad, Spiritual Chair, STAS Parent Club The St. Thomas Aquinas School community has been greatly blessed with a two month visit from the beautiful, joyful and hopeful Sr. Luciana D’Cruze, a Religious Sister Filippini novice. Sr. Luciana was born in Bangladesh and came to America when she was 17. She formally entered her journey into the religious life in 2015 and became a postulant on September 8, 2015. On September 8, 2017, she became a canonical novice, also known as the novitiate. Sr. Luciana finished her first year of the novitiate this past August. Now in her second year, part of Sister’s formation includes the work of apostolic service. The St. Thomas Aquinas community has been graced to be Sr. Luciana’s first apostolic ministry experience. Upon her arrival to New Mexico, Sr. Luciana has been actively involved in many aspects of our school and parish community. At the school, Sr. Luciana assists in the third grade classrooms. She gave a special talk to our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders on the topic “Don’t Give Up”. She also gave an inspirational talk to our 6th, 7th and 8th grades with the call to “Get Out of the Boat”. The St. Lucy Club also enjoyed her active participation and inspiring testimony at their monthly meetings. At St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Sr. Luciana helps with the religious education program. Sister organized the ASLF women’s retreat at the Filippini Sisters’ convent. Sr. Luciana will return to Villa Walsh in Morristown, NJ this month, where she will continue her studies on
Sr. Luciana De Cruze at the completion of her canonical year. Back row from left, Sr. Patricia Pompa, Sr. Elaine Bebyn, Sr. Laura Longo and Sr. ALice Ivanyo. Front row from left, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, Dr. Luciana Dr Cruze, Sr. Ascenza Tizzano (Mother Provincial) and Sr. Elizabeth Collela.
consecrated life. The second year of the novitiate is a prayerful time of reflection, work, and realizing the need of integrating contemplation with apostolic ministry. Sr. Luciana will enter into the final period of initial formation, the juniorate, or temporary profession, which consolidates the spiritual and the doctrinal formation with particular emphasis on her professional and apostolic preparation. Sr. Luciana has been such an inspirational and joyful presence in our STAS community, constantly encouraging a greater trust and deeper love for our Lord. We thank her for sharing her gifts and talents with our children. STAS will keep her lifted in prayer as she continues her journey towards her final vows.
Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey Welcomes New Novice
By Joseph Sandoval, MTS, Director of Communications, S anta Maria de la Vid Abbey
Edgar Romero-Ramos was initiated as a novice into the Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey at the First Vespers of the Feast of St. Augustine. Edgar was born in Albuquerque and is a graduate of Valley High School. He studied at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH for a year-and-a-half as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Upon returning to Albuquerque, he studied at Central New Mexico College. As a young man, Edgar was actively involved in a variety of ministries both at San Felipe de Neri Parish, where he grew up, and subsequently at Our Lady of the Br. Lorenzo Romero-Ramos (Edgar RomeroMost Holy Rosary Catholic Community, Ramos), novice, Norbertine Community of where he was an assistant to the Director Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey
of Liturgy and Music. He has been a postulant at the Abbey during this past year as he discerned whether he was called to religious life. Upon his acceptance into the Norbertine Order, he requested, and was given a religious name. He is now known as Br. Lorenzo Romero-Ramos. The giving of a new name in religious life is an age-old tradition in some of the monastic orders. In recent years, the candidate was given the option of keeping his baptismal name or requesting a new name as he entered the religious heritage. Br. Lorenzo has one sister and his parents are Felipe and Carmen Romero of Albuquerque.
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Teachers of the Year
Melanie Chavez St. Mary’s Catholic School, Belen, 2nd Grade 11 years teaching Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is a teacher who never stops looking for new and better ways to inspire and encourage her students. Clarissa Contreras Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School, Albuquerque, Art 25 years teaching Clarissa received a Master in Art Education. She strives to have her students see art in everyday life and how it truly is intertwined with culture.
Rebecca Giron St. Pius X High School, Albuquerque, Science 8 years teaching Rebecca received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in Biochemistry. She forms strong teaching relationships with students so that they see science as it relates to their lives. She is an energetic and dynamic educator who has a passion for teaching and learning. Mary Giglio St. Therese Catholic School, Albuquerque, Religion and Vice Principal 8 years teaching Mary has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master’s in Education. She is patient when it comes to training families and staff on the school systems and helping them whenever a need arises.
Leticia Gomez Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic School, Albuquerque, Kindergarten 15 years teaching Leticia received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Spanish and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. She instills a love of learning exemplifying Jesus Christ in all she does and hopes it will last throughout her students’ years of schooling and beyond. Brett Haworth Queen of Heaven Catholic School, Albuquerque, Computer and IT Specialist 6 years teaching Brett received a degree in design and illustration from the Technical Vocational Institute. His calm demeanor, friendly spirit, generosity, and genuine care and concern make him a favorite among the students, parents, faculty, and staff. Kimberly Hood St. Mary’s Catholic School, Albuquerque, 2nd Grade 19 years teaching Kimberly received a Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education with a minor in Learning Disabilities. She is active in music ministry and her church.
Dorothy Kincaid St. Michael’s High School, Santa Fe, Music 48 years teaching Dorothy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music. She is an outstanding professional who works hard to make the music department a model of excellence. Everyone appreciates her knowledge, expertise and love in the field of music.
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Annually we honor Catholic school teachers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. They are celebrated and presented with an award at Promise for Our Future, Archbishop’s Schools Fund Dinner. This year at the dinner we had 15 honorees. These teachers are commended for their tireless efforts, and acknowledged for their dedication to the advancement of Catholic schools and the greater mission of Catholic education. Aundria Koprowski St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, Albuquerque, 2nd/3rd Grade and Vice Principal 6 years teaching Aundria received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an endorsement in TESOL. The commitment and passion that Mrs. K displays as part of her vocation is reflected in the academic and spiritual growth of her students.
Diana Teeters Holy Child Catholic School, Tijeras, 1st Grade 15 years teaching Diana received a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in English. She develops and implements a Catholic and classical curriculum which continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Sarah Madigan Holy Ghost Catholic School, Albuquerque, Art and Spanish 14 years teaching Sarah received a Master in Art Education. She creates a “studio” where students can explore their artistic abilities with her support and guidance as she encourages them to reflect on the beauty in creation.
Karen Trafton San Felipe de Neri Catholic School, Albuquerque, Music 30 years teaching Karen received a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master’s degree in management and administration. She is the sponsor and leader for the school choir, organizes the school’s Christmas play, spring musical and recorder concert.
Kimberly Martinez Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe, 6th grade 19 years teaching Kimberly received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Arts in Sign Language Interpreting and Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education. Teaching sixth grade religion is truly the highlight of her day. She brings her passion for reading into the classroom through literature circles Mary Joann Meurer St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Rio Rancho, Math 25 years teaching Mary Joann received a Bachelor of Science in Speech and a Master of Arts. As life has it, Mrs. Meurer is ending this part of her life’s journey at St. Thomas Aquinas School, her home parish.
Patricia Wilson Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Albuquerque, Music and Spanish 20 years teaching Patricia received a Master in Music Education. She is great with all the students and her patience is one of her best qualities.
Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, forever and ever. R/. Amen.
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Faith-Filled Education
Fostering Uniqueness
NOVEMBER 2018
Preparing Leaders
Holy Ghost Parish & School Celebrates 65 Years By Joseph Filener, Technology and Marketing Assistant, Holy Ghost On October 5, 2018 Holy Ghost Parish and School community celebrated 65 years as a beautiful community of Christ. We began our celebration at the ABQ Bio-Park for a special dinner and drawing of our Southwest Airlines raffle. We were blessed to have over 150 people in attendance 45 plus of them being alumni from the classes of 1950 all the way to 2011. That evening, our class of 1968 celebrated their golden jubilee. On Sunday, Holy Ghost Parish hosted a special Jubilee Mass commemorating our 65 year celebrations celebrated by pastor Fr. Hyginus Anuta. On behalf of our principal Dr. Noreen Copeland, our pastor Fr. Hyginus Anuta, all of our faculty, staff, students, and families, thank you so much for attending our celebrations. We truly hope you come back and
see us at some of our other events here at Holy Ghost Catholic School. May God bless you, and may God
bless this beautiful parish and school community.
Chapel Planned for St. Pius X High School By Melissa Sais, St. Pius X High School A permanent chapel planned for St. Pius X High School will give students a dedicated sacred space for community celebration of the sacraments and for quiet personal reflection, completing and highlighting the combination of Catholic faith and college-prep education found at no other high school in Albuquerque. “Our continued emphasis on providing an unparalleled education experience only addresses one half of our mission,” said Bobby Wallace, St. Pius X director of advancement. “It is imperative that we offer this education on a campus centered around faith. A permanent chapel will be a focal point of faith on our campus for our students and for the wider community.” The chapel will fill a prominent location on the east
edge of the campus. It will be visible upon entering the campus from St. Joseph’s Drive, when traveling south on Coors Road beginning at Montano Road, and when traveling west on Interstate 40. “Having a dedicated and worthy place of prayer on See CHAPEL on page 13
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Preparing Leaders
Small, Yet Mighty: Students at Queen of Heaven Believe in Service By Queen of Heaven Middle School Students Every month during the school year, students at Queen of Heaven Catholic School (from PreKindergarten, age 3 – Grade 8) immerse themselves in a variety of service opportunities to benefit members of the parish and/or the broader community/world). In order to respond to the need for nonperishable food items requested by the local St. Vincent de Paul, Queen of Heaven Catholic School students chose as their service project for the first quarter of the school year to collect canned goods, dry food and paper goods for the St. Vincent de Paul. The whole purpose of this project was to assist our parish St. Vincent de Paul in providing for families who cannot afford to buy food. Student Council was in charge of ensuring all students in all grade levels were able to participate by bringing their donations to their classrooms. Teachers, students and parents all contributed to the collection process. All grades brought copious amounts of food and dry goods- including the three and four year olds in Pre-
Kindergarten. In October, all middle school students assisted Student Council in loading food items into the parish truck to haul over to the parish St. Vincent de Paul locker in order to restock the shelves. It is important as Children of God to care for the less fortunate in our community, and we are hopeful that these donations provide for people
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campus demonstrates the importance we place on our faith and the sacraments,” said Tony Pino, general chair for St. Pius X’s Keeping the Promise capital campaign and a member of the SPX Class of 1974. “Just having a beautiful chapel on campus will remind us of the presence of the Lord.” The chapel will provide a sense of connection to the foundation of a Sartan education and also a sense
in need over a substantial period of time. Our October service project, “the sanctity of life” engages students, parents and teachers in collecting items for newborn babies. These items were given to Project Birthright at a special “Baby Shower” on November 4th sponsored by our local Knights of Columbus to be distributed as needed.
of connection with the city it overlooks. “As the only Catholic high school in Albuquerque, it is crucial that we work together as a community to ensure the future success of this cornerstone institution,” said Joe Muhlberger, architect and member of the SPX Class of 1978. To learn more or to make a gift to the Keeping the Promise chapel campaign, contact Bobby Wallace at 505.831.8423.
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Smooth Transference of Leadership
Photo by Leslie M. Radigan
First Candidate to Complete the Basic Certificate in Liturgy
NOVEMBER 2018
By Fabian Yanez, Director, Office of Worship Frank Velasquez, parishioner of St. Jude Thaddeus Church, is the first to complete the requirements for the basic certificate in the area of liturgy in the Formation for Christian Service program. Fr. Tien-Tri Nguyen, pastor and Deacon Robert Aragon encouraged Frank to pursue these studies beginning in 2016. Fabian Yañez is very pleased to make this announcement. The Formation for Christian Service program was developed to help those who desire to achieve proper formation in pastoral, liturgical and catechetical ministry so as to advance in their lifelong pursuit of the call of the Lord. The program is directed by Deacon Keith Davis. Frank’s accomplishment required him to take 40 hours of basic theology and 20 hours of basic skills in liturgy. Frank has had a desire for service to the Church since the days that he rode his bike faithfully to church each Sunday at St. Anne and St. Edwin parishes in the South Valley. He did his religious education through his grade school and high school years receiving his sacraments. He graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1965 and served two tours in the Navy in Vietnam. After attending the Draughons Business College on the G.I. bill, he worked in many fields over the years, but always remaining close to the Church. As Frank got involved in bible study and took various classes in religious studies, he says, “Something kept pulling me. I wanted more. I wanted to be closer to the Church.” He says that his wife Virginia encourages him and now that he has completed the basic level, he is enrolled in Emmaus Journey for next three years. Frank continues to serve in his parish as part-time sacristan and altar server for funerals.
By Fabian Yanez, Director, Office of Worship Archbishop John C. Wester has appointed a new director for the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Damaris Thillet is coming to New Mexico from the Diocese of Camden in New Jersey, where she has held the position of associate director. She will begin on Monday, December 17, 2018. It is my pleasure to welcome her. She comes with a wealth of formal education and pastoral experience and is professionally bilingual. A liturgist, ecclesial minister, a leader of prayer communities, and pastoral musician, Damaris comes equipped to take on her new role. It will be a wonderful opportunity for her to be close to her mentor, Mary Frances Reza. I will take my leave from the archdiocese on December 31, 2018. In full-time ministry for 41 years, it is time to move on to my next adventure in the Lord. You must know these last 10+ years have been the highlight of that time. I have been blessed by serving in such a beautiful community of believers. Thank you so much for that blessing. During these years here, my wife Delaine and I have been separated by distance so that I could continue in ministry. We will be happily rejoined in Denver, CO. I hope to work in part-time ministry there. So it is with very mixed emotions that I say farewell. I wish to give thanks to Archbishop Wester, Archbishop Emeritus Sheehan, the clergy and religious, the Catholic Center, the Cathedral Basilica staff, the Liturgical Commission, the RCIA Executive Committee and especially Angela Flores, administrative assistant and Maria Garcia, my secretary, and all those who have collaborated with me in the workings of the Office of Worship. May God bless the Archdiocese of Santa Fe always.
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Archbishop Joins IHM for 50th Anniversary Celebration
By Carol A. Clark, Los Alamos Daily Post Archbishop John C. Wester traveled to Los Alamos to join parishioners and guests in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the building that houses Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 3700 Canyon Road. “We are pleased to have the archbishop celebrate Mass for us this evening,” Fr. Glennon Jones, pastor of IHM, said. “We are also grateful for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon our parish in these 50 and more years, and ask that these wonderful blessings continue in the future.” Church history reveals that the local parish was established in 1946, by Archbishop Edwin Byrne who consecrated it to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary. At the time, Mass was celebrated in the theater buildings and the priest lived in a dorm room. In the 1960s, Archbishop James Davis wished to encourage the construction of a parochial school, but after visiting the parish, he decided that there was greater need for a new church building. Design work began in 1965, construction began in 1967 and Oct. 20, 1968, the current church building was dedicated. To commemorate this 50th anniversary of the building’s dedication, Archbishop Wester celebrated a special Mass Saturday evening in the church. A dinner for all in attendance followed the Mass in the Parish Hall. Reprinted with permission Los Alamos Daily Post
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What Does Stewardship Mean to You? Deacon Robert Vigil Director of Pastoral Outreach
As I think about the word Stewardship I think of the word service. As a Deacon, the word Diakonia means servant, called to serve. Our Catholic faith calls us to serve by receiving the spirit of Jesus, the grace of unconquerable hope. How committed are we? Commitment means solidarity with our universal church, our archdiocese, parish and one another. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ through solidarity of our Catholic faith. I think of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta who said, “We seem to think we must do great things to be recognized when we actually must do small things with great love. “Whoever is dependent on his or her money or worries about it, is truly a poor person. If that person places his or her money at the service of others, the person becomes rich, very rich indeed. This means putting our faith into action with gratitude, by helping each other in our parish, our archdiocese and world. When we give through stewardship, whatever it may be, Time, Talent, Treasure or all the above, we Trust in God. We need to rid ourselves of the selfish mindset of me, myself and I making gratitude a commitment. This means venturing from our comfort zones and smelling like the sheep as Pope Francis reminds us. It takes much prayer to give without receiving which means commitment by putting our prayers and faith into action. I am grateful and humbled to see the face of Christ constantly by ministering to those in the peripherals. One day, while distributing the Eucharist at the county jail, I left and some guards walked with a man in shackles and handcuffs as he blurted out “Deacon, I would like to receive communion. I received confession 3 days ago!” The guards brought him to me and I explained we had no more sacred host. I just gave the last piece of Eucharist to another inmate, he peeked into the ciborium, licked his finger and picked up a small piece left in the ciborium. He began to cry and said “thank you!” Office of Stewardship 505-831-8173 • www.stewardshiparchdiosf.org
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Project Rachel: In the Heart of the Church Excerpted from the Publication of Pro-Life Secretariat of the USCCB: Project Rachel: In the Heart of the Church Project Rachel does not use the language of the “postabortion syndrome” that many people use. A “syndrome” implies pathology, the worst-case scenario, if you will. But for many women, the aftermath of abortion is not about physical pathology, but about grief and guilt. These feelings need spiritual and psychological healing. Both aspects need to be addressed in the healing process. Grief and guilt are normal reactions of a woman who has lost a child, or children, in a traumatic and unnatural fashion. How she is trying to cope with this loss may be where pathological issues come in. She may come to this pain immediately after her abortion, or she may not come to understand it for many years, when a “trigger incident” suddenly makes her aware of her need for healing. This is when and where the Church needs to be ready for her. And Project Rachel is in the heart of the Church. Pope John Paul II addressed women who have had an abortion with tender compassion and a profound understanding of their needs:
“The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come to understand that nothing is definitively lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord (The Gospel of Life, no. 99).” For information on Project Rachel resources within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, call 505-831-8238
Special Collection November 17-18, 2018
Catholic Campaign for Human Development The Catholic Campaign for Human Development addresses the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and transformative education.
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Putting the Corporal Works of Mercy into action through YOUR donations By Rachel Baca, CCHD Intern Pope Francis once said, “The best and most practical way to avoid making an idol of money is to share it, share it with others, above all with the poor…When you share and donate your profits, you are performing an act of lofty spirituality.” With these words in mind, we reach out to our fellow Catholic communities to ask for your act of lofty spirituality that will help the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CCHD is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding community programs that encourage independence. You are essential to its success. Your generous donations will give those in poverty the support they need to make lasting changes. The collection funds both national and local grants (25% of the collections stays locally) available to non-profit organizations working on community or economic development projects. Totaling $124,000 in grants, currently CCHD is funding a community led program to protect scarce water rights, jobs for youth doing historic preservation of traditional adobe structures, programs that advocate for immigrants and refugees, advocacy for early childhood intervention and a coop for local caregivers. CCHD has also collaborated with The Catholic Foundation on local economic development grants. Together, we can make a difference in families and communities across the United States. CCHD’s collection will be taken up the weekend of November 18 across the Archdiocese so please donate prayerfully and generously. For more information, visit www.usccb.org/ cchd. Another great way to incorporate the corporal works of mercy is during the month of November, while we are preparing for the many different festivities to round out our 2018 year. One in particular will be Thanksgiving, and what happens during Thanksgiving? We give thanks. We thank God for the many blessings we have in our lives,
which includes our family, friends, community, and our basic needs that are being met. As humans, we are not only sacred, but we are social. There are many different ways that we can show gratitude to God for our abundance of blessings. We can offer our services to those who are in need: Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, and give
alms to the poor. By actively participating in the corporal works of mercy, we are showing God our love, appreciation, and gratitude, and as Catholics, that’s what we should be doing, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day. You can schedule an interactive presentation on Catholic social teaching, poverty and how our faith calls us respond by calling 505-831-8232 or justice2@archdiosf.org
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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 70th birthday December 10 By Anne Avellone, Director, Office of Social Justice and Respect Life On December 10, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 70th birthday. In January of this year, Pope Francis addressed the Ambassadors to the Vatican on this 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Pope Francis stated, “I would like to devote our meeting today to this important document, seventy years after its adoption on 10 December 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. For the Holy See, to speak of human rights means above all to restate the centrality of the human person, willed and created by God in his image and likeness. The Lord Jesus himself, by healing the leper, restoring sight to the blind man, speaking with the publican, saving the life of the woman caught in adultery and demanding that the injured wayfarer be cared for, makes us understand that every human being, independent of his or her physical, spiritual or social condition, is worthy of respect and consideration. From a Christian perspective, there is a significant relation between the Gospel message and the recognition of human rights in the spirit of those who drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Quoting from St John XXIII’s 1963 encyclical Pacem in Terris, the Holy Father noted that relations between nations, like all human relationships, “must likewise be harmonized in accordance with the dictates of truth, justice, willing cooperation, and freedom”. The Pope commented that, “at a distance of seventy years, it was painful to see how many fundamental rights continue to be violated today.” Most importantly, he states that we must stand up for innocent children discarded even before they are born, for the elderly who are often cast aside, for women who repeatedly suffer from violence and oppression, even within their own families
and for the victims of human trafficking. Pope Francis pointed out that working for lasting peace is essential to human dignity. “Defending the right to life also entails actively striving for peace…For without peace, integral human development becomes unattainable.” The Holy Father also mentioned our call to care for the earth. “One must not downplay the importance of our own responsibility in interaction with nature. Climate changes, with the global rise in temperatures and their devastating effects, are also a consequence of human activity. Hence there is a need to take up, in a united effort, the responsibility of leaving to coming generations a more beautiful and livable world, and to work…for the reduction of gas emissions that harm the atmosphere and human health.” The Holy Father noted that with rights, come individual responsibilities to the community “for the sake of ‘meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society’. The just appeal to the rights of each human being must take into account the fact that every individual is part of a greater body. Our societies too, like every human body, enjoy good health if each member makes his or her own contribution in the awareness that it is at the service of the common good.” That common good links us together as one human family. This December, let us do our part by reflecting on and standing up for human rights today and everyday! The full Declaration can be found here: http://standup4humanrights. org/en/declaration.html See next page for summary of the Declaration of Human Rights.
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United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This simplified version of the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been created especially for young people.
1. We Are All Born Free & Equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way. 2. Don’t Discriminate. These rights belong to everybody, whatever our differences. 3. The Right to Life. We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety. 4. No Slavery. Nobody has any right to make us a slave. We cannot make anyone our slave. 5. No Torture. Nobody has any right to hurt us or to torture us. 6. You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go. I am a person just like you! 7. We’re All Equal Before the Law. The law is the same for everyone. It must treat us all fairly. 8. Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law. We can all ask for the law to help us when we are not treated fairly. 9. No Unfair Detainment. Nobody has the right to put us in prison without good reason and keep us there, or to send us away from our country. 10. The Right to Trial. If we are put on trial this should be in public. The people who try us should not let anyone tell them what to do. 11. We’re Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty. Nobody should be blamed for doing something until it is proven. When people say we did a bad thing we have the right to show it is not true. 12. The Right to Privacy. Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into our home, open our letters, or bother us or our family without a good reason. 13. Freedom to Move. We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish. 14. The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live. If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the right to run away to another country to be safe. 15. Right to a Nationality. We all have the right to belong to a country. 16. Marriage and Family. Every grown-up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are separated. 17. The Right to Your Own Things. Everyone has the right to own things or share them. Nobody should take our things from us without a good reason. 18. Freedom of Thought. We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want. 19. Freedom of Expression. We all have the right to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people. 20. The Right to Public Assembly. We all have the right to meet our friends and to work together in peace to defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group if we don’t want to. 21. The Right to Democracy. We all have the right to take part in the government of our country. Every grown-up should be allowed to choose their own leaders. 22. Social Security. We all have the right to affordable housing, medicine, education, and childcare, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old. 23. Workers’ Rights. Every grown-up has the right to do a job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade union. 24. The Right to Play. We all have the right to rest from work and to relax. 25. Food and Shelter for All. We all have the right to a good life. Mothers and children, people who are old, unemployed or disabled, and all people have the right to be cared for. 26. The Right to Education. Education is a right. Primary school should be free. We should learn about the United Nations and how to get along with others. Our parents can choose what we learn. 27. Copyright. Copyright is a special law that protects one’s own artistic creations and writings; others cannot make copies without permission. We all have the right to our own way of life and to enjoy the good things that art, science and learning bring. 28. A Fair and Free World. There must be proper order so we can all enjoy rights and freedoms in our own country and all over the world. 29. Responsibility. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms. 30. No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights. Retrieved 10/29/2018 from https://www.youthforhumanrights.org/what-are-human-rights/universal-declaration-of-humanrights/articles-1-15.html
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Wright, Herrera Mr. Morris Patrick Herrera married his beautiful high school sweetheart Miss Diana Margaret Wright on November 30, 1968. They were joined in holy matrimony at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Albuquerque. They are longtime parishioners of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. Morris and Diane are blessed with three children, Kurt, Sean (wife Jennifer), and Angela; and 10 grandchildren Kurt Ross, Kayla, Christian, and Carys, Christopher,
Koenig Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Koenig are celebrating their 50th wedding
Alanna, Lauryn, Briana, Ashlyn, and Diana. Morris and Diane are a deeply devoted and loving couple. They are the truest example of love by their patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and support for each other and their family. All their children and grandchildren feel deeply blessed to have them as parents and grandparents. Their love of God, each other and their family have brought them a beautiful marriage over these last 50 years. They celebrated their golden anniversary with great
anniversary. They were united in holy matrimony on November 16, 1968 at San Felipe de Neri Parish, Old Town in Albuquerque.
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thanksgiving to God, a blessing of their marriage, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Henry is originally from Carthage, NY and Belinda is from Truchas, in Northern New Mexico. They are currently parishioners at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish. They met in Las Vegas, NM while Belinda was a nursing assistant and Henry was a Vista Volunteer. They have a daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Michael Dominick. Their granddaughter, Audrey is 14 and is currently a freshman at St. Pius X High School.
Duran, Rivera Mr. Johnny Rivera and Miss Mary Jane Duran were married on October 18, 1958, 60 years ago, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springer, NM where they are still parishioners. They are lifelong residents of Springer. Johnny is a retired program manager from the New Mexico Boy’s School. Mary Jane is a homemaker and
The couple celebrated their anniversary by renewing their vows at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish with Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies and a celebratory lunch/dance after Mass.
a retiree from the Springer Public School and is a longtime member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar Society. The couple raised their four children in Springer. They have five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Johnny and Mary Jane continue to enjoy RV traveling and exploring the United States, Canada and Mexico. They are a great inspiration and a support to their family.
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A Couples’ Getaway of a Lifetime Awaits You at Marriage Encounter By Ron and Elsie Casados, Marriage Encounter Board Members Marriage Encounter of New Mexico invites married couples to relive the romance stage of their marriage, leave the world of dissolutionment behind and rediscover the joy of love, this December 8 and 9, 2018. Thousands of New Mexicans have benefited from Marriage Encounter for over 40 years. Most all have said the weekend helped them achieve a deeper appreciation for each other. Many say their experience at Marriage Encounter truly saved their marriages. Couples who attend the weekend are encouraged to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with their spouse and God on a deeper level. The weekend will provide new insights and perspectives on marriage that last the duration of the marriage. 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 all married couples’ lives. All discussions with spouses take place in the privacy of their own room, and they will not share with other couples. The cost for the weekend is $200. A non-refundable deposit of $100. is required to hold the reservation, the remaining balance of $100. is due at registration. All meals, lodging and communication tools will be provided. Plus, expect a few memorable surprises during the weekend. Before the Christmas rush takes hold, make time to leave the hustle bustle of life behind. Register for the December 8 – 9 Marriage Encounter Weekend today. Deeper togetherness on the most important aspects of your relationship awaits you. 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.
“Put a Smile on a Child” Event Surpasses Goal Of 1,000 Toys For Local Kids By Robert Naranjo, La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada When the popular “Put a Smile on a Child’s Face” had a twoyear hiatus because Peggy Suazo-Romero, Co-founder and Vice President of the Sportsmen and Concerned Citizens of New Mexico (SCCNM) broke her foot in a fall almost three years ago, she vowed to bring the Christmas toy giveaway back for its 21st year after she recovered from her injury. She did just that and got TV news anchor, Kim Vallez, KRQE Channel 13 in Albuquerque as the special guest and to emcee the event in 2017. A total of 138 people donated toys to help surpass SuazoRomero’s goal of 1,000 toys. La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, Fr. Javier Gutierrez, church staff, and volunteers were able to put a smile on many children. “What more beautiful place to take the event than to the holy grounds of Holy Cross,” SuazoRomero said. The SCCNM’s Put a Smile on a Child’s Face toy giveaway event received the “Non Profit Organization of the Year” from the Española Valley Chamber of Commerce. Tony Suazo, who died in a hunting accident in 2003, was the founder of the SCCNM and the “Put a Smile” toy giveaway and Christmas party. It all began with a dream that Tony had one night which was “to put a toy in the hands of every child in the Española Valley”, and he did with the help of his wife Peggy. “You have to give Peggy a great deal of credit for bringing this event back with an extremely successful toy drive and the Christmas party that is part of the toy giveaway,” said Robert A. Naranjo, President of the SCCNM, which puts on the “Put a Smile” event. “I am of the opinion that she’s one of very few people in
the north who can do something of that scale successfully and does it for the children,” Naranjo added. “I’ve helped with ‘Put a Smile’ since 2003 and it’s been great to see all the smiles on all the children’s faces,” said Naranjo. For more information or to donate to this year’s “Put a Smile”, contact Peggy Suazo-Romero at 505.753.9632.
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Don’t Miss Out on the 15th Annual Saint Nicholas Ball Next Saturday! There’s still time to get your tickets for this year’s Saint Nicholas Ball, presented by Risen Savior Catholic Church, on November 17th from 6pm to 11pm at Embassy Suites. Join more than 450 supporters for an enchanted evening of charity, dining, live and silent auctions, dancing, and entertainment by the Pink Flamingos. Money raised from the event gives hope to those in need by supporting the programs and services of Catholic Charities. For tickets, tables, or sponsorships, contact Kara Arnold at 505-724-4637 or email development@ccasfnm.org. To learn more or purchase tickets online, visit www.ccasfnm.org/snb.
Can You Help Catholic Charities Support Our Senior Citizens? Catholic Charities has been presented with an extraordinary opportunity to expand our efforts to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in our community! Transportation options for homebound seniors are sparse. For over 29 years, Catholic Charities has filled the gap in providing rides to seniors and establishing a trusted friendship with each rider at no cost, regardless of income level. The demand for this type of service has increased, as the aging population is the fastest growing according to the 2010 Census. Our phone lines continue to increase with demand requiring us to increase resources to support this vital service, including providing gas cards and auto maintenance service cards to our drivers, stipend incentives for drivers going long distances, and computers needed to upgrade our databases allowing for better tracking and managing of drivers and riders. We were delighted to learn that the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation has awarded Catholic Charities a Challenge Grant in the amount of $20,000! To receive the generous grant, we must raise the challenge amount of $20,000. You can help us meet our goal by donating to Catholic Charities, specifying “Sr. Transportation Grant Challenge” on your check or in the note’s field of our online giving page https:// secure.donationpay.org/catholiccharities/. You can also call 505-724-4637 to make a contribution over the phone. Won’t you reach out today and respond to this opportunity? If you or someone you know would like to volunteer as a driver or register as a rider for our transportation services, please call us at: 505-724-4634 to volunteer or 505-724-4659 for rider registration.
Catholic Charities USA is Coming to Albuquerque in 2019 Every year around 500 Catholic Charities professionals, volunteers, and partners from around the country convene at the Catholic Charities Annual Gathering to advance our work, strategize about poverty reduction, and celebrate our shared identity. At the end of September 2019, the CCUSA Annual Gathering will be coming to Albuquerque! It will take a lot of volunteers to make this event possible. If you think you might be interested in volunteering, please contact Cathy Aragon-Marquez at 505-724-4634 or marquezc@ccasfnm.org. This year, four representatives from our local Catholic Charities agency attended the conference in Buffalo, New York. It was a great chance to showcase our city with a booth beautifully decorated with materials from Visit Albuquerque, a gift of authentic custom Zuni pottery given to the Catholic Charities of Buffalo Executive Director, and a video of Mayor Tim Keller and Archbishop John C. Wester welcoming everyone to Albuquerque next year.
Albuquerque Journal Readers Recognize Catholic Charities This year’s Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Awards recognized Catholic Charities in two categories. Catholic Charities’ main office Casa de Corazon was voted one of the Top Three Places to Work and Catholic Charities’ Children’s Learning Center was recognized as one of the Top Three Preschools in the city!
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“For It Is In Giving That We Receive…” End of Year Giving Ideas Catholic Charities has many ways you can get in the holiday spirit of giving to those in need: A donation made in someone’s honor or memory makes a beautiful Christmas gift! You can give the gift of giving online, by phone, or by mail. To give online, click our “donate” button at www.ccasfnm.org, check the box indicating “this gift is in honor or memory of someone,” and provide information for us to send an acknowledgement. To make a contribution by phone, call (505) 724-4637. To make a tribute gift by mail, send it to Catholic Charities, 2010 Bridge Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 and include a letter indicating who you would like your gift made in honor or in memory of and where you would like the acknowledgement sent. Completing your Christmas shopping online? If you shop with Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchase will be donated to Catholic Charities at no extra cost to you! Just go to smile.amazon.com and designate Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as your charity of choice! Need to get that extra vehicle out of your garage or yard? From clunkers to hot rods, Catholic Charities can take any vehicle in any condition. We handle all the paperwork and will pick up the vehicle for FREE. To learn more, call 505-724-4670 and ask about your vehicle donation program or visit www.ccasfnm.org/donate-a-vehicle. Do you have unwanted real property? You can make a lasting impact by donating it to Catholic Charities! Contact Dolores Nunez at 505-724-4693 or nunezd@ccasfnm.org to learn more. Need to clean out your house and storage for the new year? Catholic Charities In-Kind Donation Center can take your gently used household items and furnishings to set up homes for families in need. For large furniture items, call 505-724-4678 to schedule a free pick-up. You can also drop off any small items at our In-Kind Donation Center located at 3600 Osuna NE #519, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Spend some quality time with your family or friends while volunteering! Call Cathy Aragon-Marquez at 505-724-4634 to find out about volunteer opportunities.
Rio Grande Credit Union Continues Partnership with Catholic Charities Through mulligan and raffle sales at its 6th annual golf classic, Rio Grande Credit Union raised $3,000 to support Catholic Charities programs. RGCU has also begun partnering with our Adult Education Program to create a financial literacy class. Thank you Rio Grande Credit Union for being such a great supporter of our mission!
Selfless SPX Students! We would like to thank the amazing National Honor Society students of St. Pius X High School. These kind-hearted teenagers spent their spring semester sacrificing the money they would usually use for movies and Starbucks to give to those in need. Together they raised $1,000 for Catholic Charities! Thank you St. Pius X NHS students for helping us lift those in need!
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A PRAYER FOR HEALING VICTIMS OF ABUSE God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his Blood on the Cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. © 2004, 2006, 2014. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
NOVEMBER 2018
Church plans third-party abuse reporting system, code of conduct WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pledging to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us,” the U.S. bishops’ Administrative Committee Sept. 19 outlined actions to address the abuse crisis, including approving the establishment of a third-party confidential reporting system for claims of any abuse by bishops. It also instructed the U.S. bishops’ canonical affairs committee to develop proposals for policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of abuse of minors or adults. It initiated the process of developing a code of conduct for bishops regarding sexual misconduct with a minor or adult or “negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases.” The committee also said it supported “a full investigation into the situation” surrounding Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, former cardinal-archbishop of Washington, “including his alleged assaults on minors, priests and seminarians, as well as “any responses made to those allegations.” The statement, released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, came out of the committee’s semiannual meeting Sept. 11-12 at USCCB headquarters in Washington
Bishops to start 2019 with spiritual retreat WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops will start 2019 with a spiritual retreat to pray and reflect on the important matters facing the Catholic Church. Set for Jan. 2-8 at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago, the retreat was planned in response to Pope Francis’ request to a delegation of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops leaders during a meeting at the Vatican Sept. 13. The meeting with the pope focused on the U.S. bishops’ response to the widening clergy sex abuse crisis. Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household, will direct the Ignatian style retreat, the USCCB announced Oct. 23. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, thanked Pope Francis for offering Father Cantalamessa as retreat director in a statement announcing the retreat. In September, the bishops’ Administrative Committee outlined actions to address the abuse crisis, including approving the establishment of a third-party confidential reporting system for claims of any abuse by bishops. They also initiated the process of developing a code of conduct for bishops and looking at policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of abuse of minors or adults.
PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
2018-2019 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children Sponsored by the ASF
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PROMISE Pledg to Protect to HE
2,400,62 We train everyone to 4,484,60 Attendance at the workshop is MANDATORY for all clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. trained prevent and Pre-registration is necessary - contact: Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator or Rose Garcia at 505.831.8144 for trainings report abuse. that are hosted at the Catholic Center or contact the parish that is hosting the training (see below schedule). Note: Please do not bring children - no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the training. If you are late you will not be 195 U.S. dioceses/ allowed to enter and interrupt the training. Weby provide victim Please contact Annette, Victim Assistance Coordinator 505.831.8144 to reporteparchies any abuse have that ahas occurred Clergy, Emassistance coordinator to ployee or Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. obtain assistance and provide outreach to support for those abused. those abused. 2018 June 22, 2019 9:00 a.m. - Noon Our Lady of Fatima Rev. 10.17.2018
November 10, 2018 9:00 a.m. – Noon Catholic Center Saturday 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 December 6, 2018 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120
2019 January 31, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
St. Jude Thaddeus 5712 Paradise Blvd., NW Albuquerque, 87114 call to register 898.0826
February 16, 2019 9:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday
St. Thomas Aquinas 1502 Sara Road, SE Rio Rancho, 87124 call to register 892.1511 ext. 107
March 21, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Nativity of the Blessed Thursday Virgin Mary 9502 4th Street, NW Albuquerque, 87114 Call Francesca to register 340.0421 April 4, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
May 9, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
CatholicCenter 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
Saturday
4020 Lomas Blvd., NE Albuquerque, 87110 call to register 265.5868
July 20, 2019 9:00 a.m. - Noon Saturday
Albuquerque, 87112 call to register 298.7557
100% of U.S.
We require background Shrine of St. Bernadette 11401 Indian School Road, NE checks.
August 24, 2019 dioceses/eparchies 9:00 a.m. - Noon St. John Vianney require allegations of Saturday 1001 Meteor Ave., NE sexual abuse to be reported Rio Rancho, 87114 – call Liz to public authorities. to register 892.4449
We report all allegations.
September 14, 20199:00 a.m -Noon. Our Lady of the Annunciation Saturday 2621 Vermont Street, NE Albuquerque, 87110 call Melanie to register 298.7553
We work with law enforcement.
October 17, 2019 Copyright 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Risen Savior © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Thursday 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE Albuquerque, 87109 call to register 821.1571 November 14, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Sacred Heart 309 Stover Ave., SW Albuquerque, 87102 call to register 242.0561
December 5, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW Albuquerque, 87120 call to register 831.8144
2,390,95
backgroun for clerics, and volunte
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WORLD
NOVEMBER 2018
NEWS
Thanksgiving
May Christ, who is the Light of the World, enlighten our vision that we may see each other as God sees us: as unique, lovable human beings, created to be one with God forever in heaven. — Archbishop John C. Wester
Government seeks to survey church property for border wall WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Federal officials sought entry to two properties belonging to the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, seeking to survey the land for construction of a border wall on it, but in an Oct. 29 statement, Brownsville Bishop Daniel E. Flores said he did not consent to such use because such a structure “would limit freedom of the church to exercise her mission in the Rio Grande Valley.” He also said it would be “contrary” to the church’s mission. “While the bishop has the greatest respect for the responsibilities of the men and women involved in border security, in his judgment, church property should not be used for the purposes of building a border wall,” said the statement released by the diocese. The diocese said it received “official word” from the government saying “papers” have been filed in federal court for the Southern District of Texas in McAllen “seeking right of entry” and says the filing was not unexpected. “There is more to this dispute than meets the eye,” said Kevin Appleby, senior director of international migration policy for the New York-based Center for Migration Studies. “The government is also sending a political message. The bishop is right to fight it.”
Caravans continue forming, despite uncertain welcome in U.S. MATIAS ROMERO, Mexico (CNS) -- Honduran migrants Karla Santos and her husband, Brian Maldonado, grew tired of paying extortion to gangs and not being able to make ends meet amid rising prices
and stagnant salaries. Santos, 33, was looking for an out, when she saw a post on Facebook and heard a news story about a caravan forming in early October. She figured it was her chance to head north. “That’s where the dream began,” she said while trying to find transport for her family in the city of Matias Romero, some 425 southeast of Mexico City on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. With the caravan, she figured, “It would be easier than going it alone,” though it has not been easy. Her son, like many children, was suffering from a cough, and Santos’ feet hurt -- chewed up by the flip-flops she was wearing as the family walked and took rides, averaging 40 miles per day. For the better part of a decade, migrant advocacy organizations have convened caravans, which crossed Mexico to the U.S. border. The annual “Stations of the Cross Caravan” convened during Easter week captured the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted his disapproval as it progressed through southern Mexico. Trump has promised that the caravans winding their way north this fall will not enter the United States and ordered more than 5,000 troops sent to the U.S.-Mexico border. He said he might deploy up to 15,000 troops. Caravan heads to Mexico City; Guadalupe basilica opens for migrants CORDOBA, Mexico (CNS) -- The caravan of migrants making its way through Mexico has started arriving in Mexico City, where the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the world’s most-visited Marian shrine, has opened its shelter for pilgrims to weary Central American migrants. At least 1,000 migrants departed Nov. 5 from Cordoba, 190 miles southeast of Mexico City, hoping to make a final push to the national capital. They were joined by another group
departing from Puebla -- closer to Mexico City -- where they had received assistance and slept in parishes. One caravan set out Oct. 12 from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and mushroomed in size as it moved northward. Its participants have pushed through borders and past police blockades, slept on sidewalks and in town squares and suffered illnesses and injuries brought on by long walks in hot and inclement weather. Catholics working on the immigration issue in Central America say caravans have become a preferred form of traveling through Mexico, where crimes are commonly committed against migrants traveling solo or in small groups. Caravans, they say, offer security in numbers and make it unnecessary to pay high fees to human smugglers. In interviews in southern Mexico, most of the migrants said they were fleeing a combination of violence, poverty and an inability to make ends meet in the northern triangle of Central America: Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, three of the poorest and most violent countries in the hemisphere.
Washington Ignation Solidariry Catholic high school students from across the country address a staffer with the office of U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Nov. 5 in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. This year’s Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice brought about 1,500 students to Capitol Hill to discuss humane migration reform and mass incarceration and exclusion with their elected officials. The advocacy day concluded an annual three-day teach-in on social justice issues for attendees ages 16-22.
PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
WORLD Bladensburg Scotus Cross High court to consider if 40-foot-cross war memorial endorses religion WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court announced Nov. 2 that it would hear oral arguments this term to consider if a 40-foot cross in Maryland endorses religion or is simply a secular memorial. The cross in question sits at a busy intersection in the Washington suburb of Bladensburg, Maryland, and memorializes soldiers who died in World War I. Last year, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in Richmond, Virginia, ruled 2-1 that the 93-year-old monument is unconstitutional and must be removed or destroyed. “(It) has the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion.” Known as the Bladensburg Cross or the Peace Cross, the cement and marble memorial was erected by the Snyder-Farmer Post of the American Legion of Hyattsville, Maryland, to recall the 49 men of Prince George’s County who died in World War I. The cross, whose construction was funded by local families, was dedicated July 13, 1925. The American Humanist Association, a Washington-based group that represents atheists and others, filed suit against the memorial because it is in the shape of a cross. It argued that having a religious symbol on government property violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
Pope Francis prays for Coptic Orthodox Christians after terrorist attack VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the wake of a deadly attack against Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt, Pope Francis prayed for the victims, their families and the entire Christian community. Seven Christians were killed and at least seven others -- including children -- were injured after armed gunmen attacked two buses near the Monastery of St.
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Samuel the Confessor in Minya province Nov. 2. Another attack took place in the same area in 2017, which left 28 people dead. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the latest attack and Egypt’s interior ministry announced Nov. 4 that in a shootout, its security forces had killed 19 militants they accused of being behind the attack. After praying the Angelus with people gathered in St.
Peter’s Square Nov. 4, the pope said he was saddened to hear about the terrorist attack against the Coptic Orthodox church. “I pray for the victims, the pilgrims killed for the sole reason of being Christian,” he said. He asked that Mary, the Mother of God, would “console the families and the entire community,” and he led those gathered in the square in praying the Hail Mary.
Pilgrimage to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday 2019 in Poland also Prague, Budapest and Medjugorje
Extension to Lanciano, Loreto, San Giovanni, and Rome
April 25 – May 6, 2019 - $3,900 per person dbl occupancy Extension to Italy May 6 to May 10 -$1,000 additional per person
We will be in Medjugorje for Marijana’s May 2nd apparition of Our Lady The cost of the trip includes roundtrip airfare from all major US cities (including all taxes) based on the exchange rate of the Euro, room and two meals daily, and all transportation for site seeing. We will have a spiritual director and daily Mass For more details, call Scott Scaria at 860.289.2606 or cell phone 860.841.1192 or write to Poland-Medjugorje Pilgrimage, P.O. Box 281059, East Hartford, CT 06128 or visit us on the web at www.polandmej.com. The deadline for receipt of a deposit of $200 is December 7, 2018. Balance is due by January 11, 2019. Nobody can beat our price either in USA or Canada for all these places for this price. For other pilgrimages in 2019 visit our website.
Awarded Best Travel Company for three years in a row by the East Hartford Award Program
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NOVEMBER 2018
Catholic Prison Outreach Programs Serve U.S. Society Dr. Tim Muldoon The United States has the largest prison population in the world, with a total of over 2.1 million people incarcerated. To put that number in perspective, if the prison population represented a single city, that city would be the fifth largest in the country. And many prisoners are repeat offenders: they enter a cycle of crime from which many find it difficult to depart. The Catholic Church, in partnership with other faith communities, is in an important position to dramatically impact U.S. society through ministry to prisoners. Prison ministry programs grow out of the Church’s commitment to the works of mercy, and have been shown to reduce rates of recidivism. With an average cost of $31,000 per year (with some states paying up to $60,000 per year) per inmate, the Church’s ministry to prisoners could have a massive impact on society. A great many prisoners live in rural regions of the country served by Catholic Extension, and so the Church in those regions faces a significant pastoral challenge. To use one example, the diocese of Fresno, California, has the dubious distinction of being the “prison capital of the world” due to the nearly 50 state, federal, and private prisons, county jails, juvenile halls, and boot and work camps in its area. This past month, Catholic Extension partnered with Loyola University Chicago to offer a Restorative Justice Ministry certificate to current and new prison chaplains to help them prepare prisoners for successful re-entry into society. Over twenty participants, representing twelve mission dioceses, participated in this important program. The curriculum is rooted in the concept of restorative justice, which seeks a restoration of right relationship between the offender, the victims, and the rest of society. Howard Zehr,
a pioneer of the modern movement toward restorative justice in prisons, describes it as a response to the needs of victims, who at one time were largely left out of the justice process. Holding offenders accountable to their victims encourages them to repair the harm as much as possible by engaging them within a larger community that supports those efforts. That model resonates well with Biblical notions of justice. One of the participants in the Loyola University program was Deacon Kenny Longbrake, the director of prison ministry for the Diocese of Tulsa. He is honest about the need for such a program in his diocese, which holds upwards of 11,000 prisoners over its 12 state correctional facilities and 31 county jails. He describes the survival mentality that persists among prisoners: the desperation that drives them to join gangs in order to stay alive. Once they attempt to re-enter society, many feel abandoned and return to the same behaviors that lead them back to jail. For Deacon Kenny, the benefit of the restorative justice program was that it offered an opportunity to deepen his understanding of issues touching his ministry: mental health, legal options for those on parole, forgiveness ministry, and issues surrounding reentry into society outside of prison. He understands the importance of restorative justice: graduates of his Kairos retreat program in the prisons have a far lower rate of recidivism than the general prison population, most likely because they have recovered a sense of being at home within a society to which they have been welcomed with open arms. Another participant was Benedictine Sister Kathleen Atkinson, a Lumen Christi Award finalist in 2015. As the founder of Ministry on the Margins
in the Diocese of Bismarck, Sr. Kathleen hoped that the restorative justice program might deepen her understanding of the theological, pastoral, and legal framework of her ministry. That ministry began when, in 2013, she accompanied a man she had come to know in her weekly Bible study at the penitentiary. He was released, but had to find his way in a city where he knew no one. She met him at the prison gate, invited him into a community of supporters, and eventually built a program that served over 2,000 people the following year. Like Deacon Kenny, she understands the need for prisoners to re-establish relationships within a society if they are to break free of destructive patterns of behavior. Participants in the program described being moved and energized. One wrote how he witnessed firsthand the caring interactions of judges and court authorities with young people who had been impacted by trauma and made bad choices. Another described how eye-opening it was to see evidence of offenders responding to drug treatment, parenting courses, vocational training, and literacy initiatives. He wrote, “no matter how dark it seems in our Church right now, there are pockets of very bright light coming through in places that seek to bring the light of Christ to the people of God through new means.” In light of these testimonies about restorative justice, it is no wonder that St. Luke describes Jesus as beginning his public ministry saying that the Lord had sent him to proclaim freedom for prisoners (Luke 4:18). Members of the Church today continue to transform society by imitating that call. Tim Muldoon, Ph.D. is director of mission education at Catholic Extension.
PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
Faith and Levity
By Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI Shusaku Endo, the Japanese author of the classic novel, Silence (upon which Martin Scorsese based his movie) was a Catholic who didn’t always find his native land, Japan, sympathetic to his faith. He was misunderstood but kept his balance and good heart by placing a high value on levity. It was his way of integrating his faith with his own experience of occasional personal failure and his way of keeping his perspective on a culture which misunderstood him. Levity, he believed, makes faith livable. He’s right. Levity is what makes faith livable because humor and irony give us the perspective we need to forgive ourselves and others for our weaknesses and mistakes. When we’re too serious there’s no forgiveness, least of all for ourselves. What is humor? What’s its meaning? A generation ago, Peter Berger wrote a book, A Rumor of Angels, in which he looked at the question of humor philosophically. I like his conclusion. In humor, he submits, we touch the transcendent. To be able to laugh at a situation, no matter how dire or tragic, shows that we’re in some way above that situation, that there’s something in us that’s not imprisoned by that situation, or any situation. There’s a wonderful example of this in the writings of the Russian poet, Anna Akhmatova. During the purges of Stalin, her husband had been arrested, as had many others. She occasionally tried to visit the prison he was in to leave letters and packages for him. Standing in long lines outside of that prison in St. Petersburg, she waited alongside other women whose husbands or sons had also been arrested. The situation bordered on the absurd. None of them even knew whether their loved ones were even alive and the guards made them wait for hours without explanation, often in the cold of winter. One day, as she was standing in line waiting, another woman recognized her, approached her, and asked: “Can you describe this?” Akhmatova replied: “I can,” and when she said this something like a smile passed between them. A smile passed between them. That smile contained some levity and that allowed them both to realize, however unconsciously, that they were transcendent to that situation. The smile that passed between them alerted them both to the fact that they were more than what they were in See FAITH on page 30
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Don’t Delay Anymore - Get That Flu Shot
By Bob Moos, Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Even though the flu season usually begins about now, the vaccine will protect you within about two weeks. The season typically peaks in January or February and runs through May. The flu hospitalized and killed more Americans last winter than any seasonal influenza in decades. More than 900,000 people landed in the hospital, double the number of many seasons. More than 80,000 people died, far exceeding the previous high of 56,000 for a flu season over the past 30 years. The hospitalizations and deaths were mainly among people 65 and older. As people age, their immune system typically weakens and their ability to ward off diseases declines. Moreover, the flu virus can cause complications for those already struggling with chronic health problems. Last year’s heavy toll underscores the importance of getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible. The shot can prevent infections and reduce the severity of complications from the disease. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, your flu shot won’t cost you anything, as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. There’s no deductible or co-payment. If you were vaccinated last year, you’ll still need another shot this year, since your immunity to flu viruses wanes after a year. Also, the types of viruses usually change from season to season, so new vaccines are made each year to fight what scientists believe will be the season’s most common strains. You have many flu shot options. Besides the traditional flu vaccines that help protect against three strains of the virus, there are now “quadrivalent” vaccines that help protect against four strains. There’s also a high-dose vaccine approved for people 65 and older. If you have any questions about which is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Despite the risk that flu and its complications pose, the vaccination rate remains much lower than it should be. Even during last year’s horrible season, less than half of the U.S. population was vaccinated. Why? Some people don’t understand that the flu can be serious and life-threatening, so they don’t think a flu shot is worth their time and effort. Others resist annual vaccination because they believe it’s risky, even though decades of experience have shown flu shots to be safe. If you’re concerned about a serious allergic reaction or some other medical condition that may make the flu vaccine unsafe for you, you should consult your doctor before a vaccination. Otherwise, it’s important to remember that you can’t get the flu from the flu shot. Side effects are rare. Most people notice nothing after their vaccination. A few may have a slight fever or some soreness where the shot was given. But those side effects usually last just a day or two. As flu season begins, you’ll want to wash your hands and stay away from sick people to reduce the spread of germs. But as useful as those steps are, an annual vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. By avoiding the flu, you’ll avoid giving it to family and friends.
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Garson’s
NOVEMBER 2018
FAITH continued from page 29
that moment. Awful as it was, they weren’t ultimately prisoners to that moment. Moreover that smile was a prophetic and political act of defiance, based upon faith. Levity is subversive. Church Supply & Religious Gifts This is true too not just for how we live inside our faith lives; Retail Division of F.C. Ziegler it’s true too for how we live, healthily, inside our families. A family that’s too serious will not allow for forgiveness. Its heaviness will eventually drive its members either into depression or benefitting Roadrunner Food Bank away from the family. Moreover it will make an idol out of itself. Saturday November 17th, 10am - 4:30pm Conversely, a family that can take itself seriously but still laugh at itself will be a family where there is forgiveness because levity will give them a healthy perspective on their foibles. A family Special Sale on that’s healthy will sometimes look at itself honestly and with the stocked items including • Nativities kind of smile that passed between Anna Akhmatova and her • Ornaments friend, say of itself: “Aren’t we pathetic!” • Advent Wreaths That’s true too of nationalism. We need to take our nation *Excludes Candles, Wine, seriously, even as a certain kind levity keeps this seriousness & Hosts Kneeling Santas in many sizes! in perspective. I’m a Canadian. As Canadians, we love our country, are proud of it, and would, if push came to shove, Bring in non-perishable food items & die for it. But we have a wonderful levity about our patriotism. We make jokes about it and enjoy it when others make jokes receive a FREE Gift! about us. Consequently we don’t have any bitter controversies Come enjoy refreshments, shop store regarding who loves the country and who doesn’t. Our lightness specials on new Advent/Christmas keeps us in unity. selections & enter to win give aways! All of this, of course, is doubly true of faith and spirituality. Real faith is deep, an indelible brand inside the soul, a DNA that Watch for details - search & find us on: dictates behavior. Moreover, real faith does not sidestep the tragic within our lives but equips us to face the heaviness in life Garson’s Catholic Store where we meet disappointment, personal failure, heartbreak, 2415 San Pedro Dr. NE injustice, betrayal, the breakdown of cherished relationships, Albuquerque • 505-255-7092 the death of loves ones, sickness, the diminishment of our own health, and ultimately our own death. This is not to be Hours M-F 9:30-5:30; Sat 10-4:30 confused with any natural or contrived optimism that refuses to 1-800-331-4117 • www.zieglers.com see the dark. Rather real faith, precisely because it is real and therefore keeps us inchoately aware of our identity and 4333 Pan American Fwy. NE transcendence, will always allow us a discreet, knowing, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107 smile, no matter the situation. PHONE: (505) 247-0444 Like the English martyr, FAX: (505) 243-1505 Thomas More, we will be able to joke a bit with our The specialists of Berger Briggs handle all types of real estate and executioner and we will also insurance: commerical, industrial, and investment real estate; John A. Menicucci, CPM be able to forgive others full property management; contractor bonds and all lines of insurance. President / Real Estate and ourselves for not being For over 70 years, in a field where reputation and high ethical perfect. standards really count, clients have trusted Berger Briggs. Our lives often are pathetic. But it’s okay. We can still REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE Frederic Brennan, CPCU laugh with each other! PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Sherry Anderson Brian O’Malley President / Insurance We’re in good hands. The Linda Atkinson Carol Pinnell Curtis A. Brewer, CCIM Jim Schneider God who made obviously Melissa A. Portillo Jeannie Boyd Bill Campbell Stuart Sherman has a sense of humor – and William F. Raskob Angela Romero Ryan Brennan Bruce Golden Tai Alley therefore understanding and President / CEO Dee Silva Dan Hernandez, JD Dave Vincioni Kaelan Brennan forgiveness. Larry McClintock Alan Vincioni Ann Skelley, CISR Sophia Diaz Too many books on Timothy P. Mullane Dede Walden Barbara Steirwalt John Hansen Christian spirituality might Vangie Pavlakos CCIM Debra Stiles Rhonda Hill Gabriel A. Portillo more aptly be entitled: The ACCOUNTING Tracy Thompson Frank Melendez Vice President Unbearable Heaviness of Jessica Vargas Pam Muzzi Brittany Chacon Ashley Dolzani Faith. Kathy Yeager Ryan Myers Mary Jo Dawson Megan-Anne Launey Keith Yeager Carolyn Nasi
Let’s Can Hunger 3 Food Drive
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NOVEMBER 2018
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How much can WE do in 24 hours? Find out on Tuesday, November 27th
#iGiveCatholic
Join us in supporting the good work of our ministries throughout the Archdiocese of Santa Fe! Will you “Give Catholic” on Giving Tuesday? Support areas such as Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Pastoral Ministries and others on this national day of giving.
Log on: santafe.igivecatholic.org Questions call 505-831-8173
Pilgrimage to EWTN and Washington DC
Pilgrimage to France and Spain
April 22nd to April 30th, 2019 Spiritual Director: Fr. Sotero Sena
September 16th to September 28th, 2019 with Fr. Sotero Sena and Fr. Rob Yaksich
Visit EWTN and Mother Angelica’s tomb Attend live show of “Scripture and Tradition” Visit the Ark Encounter and enjoy a dinner train through the Kentucky countryside. Also visit The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a night tour of Washington DC and the new Bible Museum.
Fly into Geneva and visit La Sallete, Ars, Nevers and Lourdes in France. In Spainvisit Zaragoza, Agreda, Avila, Santiago, Pontevedra. In Portugal visit Fatima, Lisbon, St. Anthony’s birthplace.
Price of $2,450.00 includes RT airfare, Charter bus, tours, hotels, tips, all breakfasts and dinners and some lunches. Deadline for Applications is January 5, 2019
Price of $5,400.00 includes RT air from Albuquerque Charter bus, tours, hotels, tips, all breakfasts and dinners Deadline for applications is May 1, 2019
Contact Cathy Smythe 505-384-2460 or 505-705-5130 csmythe@centurylink.net
Contact Cathy Smythe 505-384-2460 or 505-705-5130 csmythe@centurylink.net
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NOVEMBER 2018
Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of The People of God
TV Mass Schedule The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ TV-6-2 and KASY-My50TVCable or satellite providers on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) 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
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 October 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
Anonymous....................................................................................................................... 50.00 Estancia Valley Catholic Community – Moriarty......................................1,000.00 Immaculate Conception – Albuquerque..........................................................335.00 Immaculate Heart of Mary – Los Alamos.....................................................1,266.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque.............................................1,187.50 Sacred Heart of Jesus – Española....................................................................1,200.00 St. Patrick – St. Joseph – Raton.........................................................................1,000.00 Total $ 6,038.50
Archbishop’s Schedule NOVEMBER 16 Fri 5:00pm 17 Sat 8:30am 5:00pm 18 Sun 8:00am 29 Thu 1:00pm 30 Fri 8:00am
APC Retreat, Madonna Center, ABQ Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Madonna Center, ABQ Catholic Charities St. Nicholas Ball, Embassy Suites, ABQ Listening Session and Installation Mass of Administrator, San Ignacio, ABQ Curia Meeting, Catholic Center, ABQ Archdiocesan Finance, Catholic Center, ABQ
DECEMBER 1 Sat 1:00pm 2 Sun 10:00am 3 Mon 10:00am 4 Tue 1:00pm 7 Fri 9:15am 11:30am 8 Sat 10:00am 12 Wed 6:00pm 13 Thu 12:00pm 15 Sat 7:30am 2:00pm
Adult Confirmation, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe New Mexico Conference of Churches Annual Retreat, Bosque Center, ABQ Executive Presbyteral, Catholic Center, ABQ Mass, St. Pius X, ABQ Lunch with Personnel Board, ABQ EOHSJ Annual Retreat, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe Serra and 100 Club Advent Dinner, Season’s, ABQ Mass, Project Defending Life, Holy Innocents Chapel, ABQ Los Lunas Prison Masses, Los Lunas Annual Native American Advent Gathering, Catholic Center, ABQ
NOVEMBER 2018
PEOPLE of GOD
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G
PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
od of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America. We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world. We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement. Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen.
Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, revised edition (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007). The “Prayer After an Election” by Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, is used with permission.
O
ración después de un día de elecciones Dios de todas las naciones, Padre de la familia humana, te damos gracias por la libertad que ejercemos y las muchas bendiciones de la democracia que gozamos en estos Estados Unidos de América. Pedimos tu protección y orientación para todos los que se dedican al bien común, trabajando por la justicia y la paz aquí y en todo el mundo. Elevamos a todos nuestros líderes y servidores públicos debidamente elegidos, a aquellos que nos servirán como presidente, como legisladores y jueces, a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y las fuerzas del orden. Cúranos de nuestras diferencias y únenos, oh Señor, con un propósito, dedicación y compromiso comunes de lograr la libertad y la justicia en los años venideros para todas las personas, y especialmente los más vulnerables entre nosotros. Amén.
PRAYER AFTER AN ELECTION
PRAYER BEFORE ELECTIONS
Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, edición revisada (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007). La “Oración después de un día de elecciones”, del cardinal Adam Maida, arzobispo de Detroit, es usada con permiso.
PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
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Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation
10
Every minutes another person is added to the waiting list.
83%
of patients waiting are in need of a kidney.*
22
1
people die each day because the organs they need are not donated in time.
Donor
3-5
years is the average waiting time for a kidney from a deceased donor.*
12%
of patients waiting are in need of a liver.*
Can save up to
Restore sight to
Heal the lives of more than
lives
people
people
8
*Living donation is an option for these patients and is not included in your donor registration.
84,000
corneal More than transplants help restore sight each year.
?
2
75
1.75
More than million tissue transplants heal lives each year.
Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Does registering as a donor change my patient care?
No, doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and irreversible loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is organ donation an option.
Will I be able to have an open casket funeral if I donate? An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors.
Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation?
All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.
Does my social or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ? A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on many factors, including: blood type, body size, how sick they are, distance from donor hospital and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity and social status are never considered.
Why register your decision to be a donor?
You can save up to 8 lives and heal the lives of more than 75 people. Your registration serves as a symbol of hope to patients waiting, and sharing it with your family lets them know your decision.
What can I do to increase organ, eye and tissue donation?
1
Register your decision to be a donor at RegisterMe.org.
2
Tell your family and friends about your decision to Donate Life.
3
Ask others to visit DonateLife.net to learn more and register.
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PEOPLE of GOD
NOVEMBER 2018
God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and have laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way. Shield them from danger and bring them home. Turn the hearts and minds of our leaders and our enemies to the work of justice and a harvest of peace. Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor! May the peace you left us, the peace you gave us, be the peace that sustains, the peace that saves us. Christ Jesus, hear us! Lord Jesus, hear our prayer! Amen.