Peace on Earth, good will toward all
VISION TheNew
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson
Volume V - Number I
December 2009 • $15 per year • Tucson, Arizona
Visit www.newvisiononline.org
Volunteers stepping out to aid needy By BERN ZOVISTOSKI The New Vision
Twin boys found abandoned on the streets of Bethlehem are held by Bambi Gamban, left, and her mother Nena Gamban, the niece and aunt of Father Ricky Ordoñez who joined Father Ricky from the Philippines to visit the orphanage in the Holy land.
Christmas in September
Tucson priest takes ‘gift’ to orphans in Holy Land By FATHER RICKY V. ORdOÑEZ Special to The New Vision The hollow silence of the orphanage’s hallway was broken with the sound of children’s laughter and the voices of their caregivers. I strained to listen if I could understand what was being said when I realized it was in Arabic. Some of their nurses wore the veil common to the Muslim women that we have seen in the streets. Some wore the Christian cross on a chain around their necks. Bethlehem had once been a Christian enclave; however, due to political upheavals and unspoken persecution, many have sought refuge beyond the borders of both Israel and Palestine. There were at least 50 children of varying ages, mostly with large dark eyes, curly hair and rosy lips that break to a wide grin. Some sprinted around making obvious
Sister Sophie embraces one of her charges.
squeals of joy. Others stared out blankly as their limp and emaciated bodies were placed on a quilt on the floor. “They start off like that…” says a voice with a heavy French accent, “…we nurse them back to health…oh, these poor little ones.” See ORPHANS, page 9
With the poor economy causing widespread unemployment and/or reduced work hours, the needs of many families suffering hardships are being addressed by attentive, caring members of parishes throughout the Diocese of Tucson. The parishioners are members of the St. Vincent de Paul Conferences formed through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world. And there is an ever-increasing need for support of the conferences from the diocese’s parishes. “People who would help us every so often are coming to us for help now,” said Carmen Simbari, president of the Diocesan Council. “We are experiencing a much higher volume of people needing mortgage, rent, utility and food assistance,” said Dan Elandt, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Tucson, one of 42 conferences in seven districts of the Diocesan Council. And as difficult as it is for some to make ends meet in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, “it’s even worse in the poorer sections,” Simbari said. He cited parishes such as Sacred Heart, St. Margaret Mary, St. Monica and Santa Cruz as examples of places where people face dire financial straits. In “hands on” fashion, in a very personal way, the volunteers help anyone in need, See ST. VINCENT de PAUL, page 11
‘People who would help us every so often are coming to us for help now.’ Homilies from the Heart
‘Father Bob’ reflects on God’s Word By MARY JO STOUFFER Special to The New Vision St. Frances Cabrini parishioners know their pastor, Msgr. Robert D. Fuller, is “the best homilist in the country.” Now others will learn what a fine preacher Tucson has in its midst. Msgr. Fuller has a newly published book titled “Homilies from the Heart.” A reluctant author, Msgr. Fuller - who prefers to be called “Father Bob” - was persuaded to write the book by a longtime friend, Adolpho Quezada, himself a published spiritual author and psychotherapist. See AUTHOR, page 11
Cooper Ray plays – and inspires – teens at the Youth Fest in Tucson Convention Center. The young people also gathered at the placita at St. Augustine Cathedral for lunch.
900 teens turn out for ‘2009 Youth Fest’
More than 900 teens from 40 parishes gathered in Tucson on Nov. 14 and heard keynote speaker/musician Cooper Ray encourage them to “Grab Hold of Jesus” at the 2009 Youth Fest. The annual event at the Tucson Convention Center and at the Msgr. Arsenio Carrillo Placita at St. Augustine Cathedral was coordinated by the diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry in the Department of
Pastoral Services. Youth office director Joe Perdreauville described the occasion as “a great, highenergy day.” Ray, of Baton Rouge, La., entertained, motivated and inspired the teens with stories, humor and audience participation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in pastoral studies. The teens attended special work-
shops for middle school and high school students throughout the day, enjoyed a barbecued lunch prepared by the Knights of Columbus Mother Teresa Council 12696 of Corpus Christi Parish while listening to the music of The Emmaus Band, and prayed and played all day long. More than 40 volunteers kept things running smoothly and on schedule. Ray urged the teens to “Grab Hold
of Jesus” throughout their lives and do their best to let go of those things that pull them away from God’s love. With Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas out of town, Father Bart Hutcherson presided at Mass in the Cathedral and led two workshops, while Father Mike Bucciarelli con-celebrated Mass and presented a special display on vocations. Father Mike is co-director of the diocesan Office of Vocations.
25th anniversary celebration
Procession begins after Father Dan McLaughlin S.T., above right, leads the prayer to the four directions and offers the smoke blessing.
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Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, established in Tucson in 1984, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Nov. 21 with traditional dancing and prayers, a colorful procession and a Mass led by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, followed by a feast. Gathering for the occasion were various Native American tribes from the missions of Christo Rey, El Señor de Los Milagros, San Ignacio, San Martín De Porres, San Juan Bautista, Santa Rosa de Lima and San Juan Diego Center.
Aztecs perform a ritual prayer dance prior to Mass at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.
Father Dan McLaughlin, S.T., retired pastor who served the parish for more than 20 years, led the prayer to the four directions and offered the smoke blessing. He was presented with a stole and cross in appreciation. Among attendees were new pastor
Father Ermeregildo Saldana-Taneaco, Father John Edmunds, General Custodian of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, and Father Wayne Paysse, executive director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions in Washington.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
FROM THE BISHOP
Christmas memories endure
Los recuerdos de la Navidad perduran
Our family holiday traditions – rituals, really – become part of us and get passed on to the next generation. We repeat them year after year, but this repetition never becomes routine. Instead, these rituals continue to delight, and we look forward to them year after year. In my family, my two sisters and I had Christmas stockings, embossed with our names, that we hung up on the mantel of the living room in our apartment in anticipation that they would be stuffed with goodies on Christmas day. I believe my mom still has them stored away somewhere. We would go as a family to pick up our Christmas tree – never an artificial one, always fresh. We loved the scent of pine, but not cleaning up the needles. Dad would hold up one tree after another – too scrawny, too tall, bent trunk – all rejected. Finally we found the perfect one, always after many tries. We brought it home on the roof of our car. At home, dad whittled away at the trunk until it fit in the stand. He always put on the lights. We got to add the ornaments, garlands and tinsel. Mom put on the final touch, wrapping the trunk and stand in a white sheet to replicate snow. Then, of course, there was the creche, dragged out of the basement storage space, dusted and put up on the mantel above our stockings. The Virgin, the Infant, Joseph, the donkey, cows and sheep, the Magi each placed where they were every year before. Some years, the Magi would make their way from one room of our apartment to the next until they arrived at their destination on Epiphany. They never got lost. The Star always guided them to the crib by Jan. 6. Mom always cooked the Christmas Day Feast, usually ham with warm raisin sauce, turkey with stuffing (I was not yet a vegetarian), mashed potatoes, corn and, of course, pumpkin chiffon pie, dad’s favorite. You expected the same feast each Christmas, with rarely a change in menu. (Later, the feast became the job of my sisters, then of their kids, but the feast continues.) Our after feast, tradition was to listen to a 78 rpm record (Yes I am that old!) that dad had bought in which a young orphan girl told the story of her Christmas. My sister imitated the Southern twang of the narrator just perfectly, and we would all laugh as the story was told again. You must have your own traditions as a family. You know what I mean. Just as families prepare for special days, the Church prepares for significant feasts, like Christmas. The four-week season of Advent anticipates the Lord’s birth. Advent preparations include special readings and prayers, filled with images of waiting and longing. Advent involves symbols and repeats rituals that go back generations. Amidst all of your family preparations and traditions for Christmas, I hope this year you will immerse yourselves in the Church’s traditions that will enhance and augment your experience of Christmas. I hope this year you will use the four weeks of Advent to take steps that lead to the peace and justice Christ’s coming anticipates. How can you incorporate the Church’s Advent preparations and invitations into your family’s traditions? Some suggestions: Each week of Advent, read and reflect as a family or individually on
Las tradiciones que nuestras familias observan durante las fiestas, que en realidad son rituales, pasan a ser parte de nuestro ser y se transmiten de generación en generación. Las repetimos todos los años, pero esa repetición nunca se vuelve una rutina. Por el contrario, estos rituales nunca dejan de deleitarnos y, año tras año, esperamos gustosos su llegada. En mi familia, mis dos hermanas y yo teníamos calcetas de Navidad, con nuestros nombres bordados, que colgábamos en la repisa de la chimenea de nuestro apartamento, sabiendo que al llegar el día de Navidad estarían repletos de regalitos. Creo que mi madre todavía las tiene guardadas en alguna caja. Íbamos en familia a buscar un arbolito de Navidad natural, nunca artificial. Nos encantaba el aroma de pino, pero no nos gustaba recoger las agujas que se desprendían del árbol. Mi papá examinaba árbol tras árbol: poco follaje, demasiado alto, tronco torcido, todos rechazados. Finalmente, encontrábamos uno perfecto, siempre después de descartar varios. Lo llevábamos a casa sobre el techo del automóvil. Ya en casa, papá reducía el grosor del tronco hasta que el arbolito cabía en el soporte. Él era quien siempre colocaba las luces. Nosotros colgábamos los adornos y las guirnaldas. Mamá ponía el toque final, envolviendo el tronco y el soporte en una sábana blanca para simular la nieve. Después, por supuesto, estaba el pesebre. Le sacábamos el polvo que podría tener por haber estado guardado en el sótano y lo poníamos en la repisa de la chimenea sobre nuestras calcetas. La Virgen, el Niño, José, el burrito, las vacas y las ovejas, los Reyes Magos, todos se colocaban en el mismo lugar que habían ocupado el año anterior. Algunas navidades, los Reyes pasaban de una habitación a otra del apartamento hasta que llegaban a su destino el día de la Epifanía. Nunca se perdieron. La Estrella siempre los guiaba hacia la cuna, adonde llegaban el 6 de enero. Mamá siempre preparaba el banquete del día de Navidad que consistía en jamón con salsa de pasas, pavo relleno (yo todavía no era vegetariano), puré de papas, maíz y, por supuesto, pastel chiffón de calabaza, el favorito de papá. El banquete de Navidad era el mismo cada año, con cambios al menú solamente en contadas ocasiones. Con el tiempo, el trabajo de preparar el banquete pasó a mis hermanas, y luego a sus hijos, pero siempre se celebra. Para después del banquete, nuestra tradición era escuchar un disco de 78 rpm (sí, ¡tengo edad para haber vivido eso!) que papá había comprado y en el cual una joven huérfana narraba la historia de su Navidad. Mi hermana imitaba el acento sureño de la narradora a la perfección y cada vez que escuchábamos la historia nos reíamos a carcajadas. Seguramente sus familias tienen sus propias tradiciones; así que saben a qué me refiero. De la misma manera que las familias se preparan para los días especiales, la Iglesia se prepara para los festejos importantes como la Navidad. Las cuatro semanas de la temporada de Adviento anticipan el nacimiento del Señor. Los preparativos de Adviento incluyen lecturas y oraciones especiales, plenas de imágenes de espera y añoranza. El Adviento es rico en simbolismo y repite rituales que se originaron hace muchas genera-
Just as families prepare for special days, the Church prepares for significant feasts, like Christmas.
De la misma manera que las familias se preparan para los días especiales, la Iglesia se prepara para los festejos importantes como la Navidad.
See BISHOP, page 4
• Managing Editor: Bern Zovistoski Phone: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1062 Fax 520-838-2599 bernz@diocesetucson.org • Graphic Designer: Omar Rodríguez Ph: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1063 omarr@diocesetucson.org
• Editor and Publisher: Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas
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• Th e New Vision mailing address: 111 S. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85702 • Vision Web site: www.newvisiononline.org • Advisory Board: Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Fr. Al Schifano, Sister Rina Cappellazzo, Fr. John Arnold, Fr. Michael Bucciarelli, Bob Scala, Lee Oser, Fr. Bart Hutcherson, O.P.
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BISHOP continued from page 3
continuacion de OBISPO de página 3
the readings used on the four Sundays of Advent. This year, we use the C readings, including Old Testament readings from Jeremiah, Baruch, Zephaniah and Micah. We hear of the “just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land” (Jeremiah) and of “God leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company” (Baruch) and “the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear” (Zephaniah) and “from you (Bethlehem-Ephrathah) shall come forth…one who is to be ruler of Israel” (Micah). We read from the Gospel of Luke in which we are called to “be vigilant”, “prepare the way of the Lord,” “share,” and “travel in haste” to help someone, as Mary went to be with Elizabeth in her time of need. These readings will augment your longing and waiting for the joyous news that a child is born for us who gives hope amid despair, joy amid sadness, peace amid discord. These readings prod us to live our lives and to work for justice and peace in our day and in our time. You can prepare an Advent wreath for your home, just as your parish does for church, and mark the days of preparation by lighting one of the Advent candles each week. Read the Advent prayer from the Sunday Liturgy. You can pray the ancient “O” Antiphons recited on the final days of Advent that express our longing for the Lord. These hymns help us to focus on what we are yearning for, what we need. You can prepare a creche, but don’t add the figure of the baby Jesus until Christmas day. Waiting until that day helps remind us about the One we long for, the One without whom our lives would be so different. You can reconcile with someone in your family with whom you have been alienated. Isaiah’s vision can become realized this Advent in your life. The wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, the calf and the young lion, the cow and the bear, the baby by the cobra’s den, the child and the adder’s lair rest alongside one another in peace. You can work for justice. In your own way this Advent, look for ways you can right situations of injustice. The Lord’s coming challenges us to mold our world into the kingdom of justice and peace to which Christ leads us. Advent is preparation. After all, we prepare for important moments in our lives. We prepare to be married. We prepare to take up a certain job. We prepare for retirement. This Advent, use the liturgy and traditions of the Church to prepare for His coming, a coming that had made all the difference in our lives and the life of our world.
ciones. Entre todos los preparativos y tradiciones navideñas de su familia, espero que este año participen de lleno en las tradiciones de la Iglesia para enriquecer y aumentar su experiencia de Navidad. Espero que este año usen las cuatro semanas de Adviento para avanzar hacia la paz y la justicia que la venida de Cristo anticipa. ¿De qué manera pueden incorporar los preparativos e invitaciones de Adviento de la Iglesia en las tradiciones de su familia? He aquí algunas sugerencias: Cada semana de Adviento, lean y reflexionen en familia, o a solas, sobre las lecturas que se presentan en los cuatro domingos de Adviento. Este año usamos las lecturas C, que incluyen lecturas del Antiguo Testamento de Jeremías, Baruc, Sofonías y Miqueas. Oiremos acerca de “un retoño de justicia, que practicará el derecho y la justicia en la tierra” (Jeremías), y “Porque Dios conducirá a Israel con alegría a la luz de su gloria, con su misericordia y su justicia” (Baruc) y “el Rey de Israel, el Señor, está en ustedes, no temerán ya ningún mal” (Sofonías) y “de ti, oh Belén Efrata, de ti saldrá el que será el gobernante de Israel”(Miqueas). Leemos en el evangelio según Lucas que hemos sido llamados a “ser vigilantes”, a “preparar el camino del Señor”, a “compartir”, a “ir de prisa” a ayudar a alguien, como lo hizo María para acompañar a Elizabeth en sus momentos de necesidad. Estas lecturas aumentarán su añoranza en la espera de la buena nueva que nos comunica que ha nacido para nosotros un niño que nos da esperanza en medio de la desesperación, gozo en medio de la tristeza, paz en medio de la discordia. Estas lecturas nos motivan a vivir nuestra vida y a trabajar por la justicia y la paz en nuestros días y en nuestro tiempo. Pueden preparar una guirnalda de Adviento para su hogar, como su parroquia hace para la iglesia, y marcar los días de preparación encendiendo una de las velas de Adviento cada semana. Lean la plegaria de Adviento de la Liturgia dominical. Pueden rezar las antiguas Antifonías “O” que se recitan en los últimos días de Adviento y expresan nuestra añoranza por el Señor. Estos himnos nos ayudan a concentrarnos en lo que anhelamos, en lo que necesitamos. Pueden armar un pesebre, pero no incluyan la estatuita del Niño Jesús hasta el día de Navidad. Esperar hasta ese día nos ayuda a recordar al que añoramos, sin el cual nuestra vida sería tan diferente. Pueden reconciliarse con alguien de su familia de quien han estado distanciados. La visión de Isaías puede realizarse para ustedes durante esta temporada de Adviento. El lobo y el cordero, el leopardo y el cabrito, el becerro y el león, la vaca y el oso, el bebé al lado de la cueva de la cobra, el niño descansando junto al escondrijo de la víbora. Pueden trabajar por la justicia. Durante esta temporada de Adviento, busquen la manera de resolver situaciones injustas. La venida del Señor es un desafío a hacer de nuestro mundo el reino de justicia y de paz al cual Cristo nos guía. El Adviento es preparación. Después de todo, nos preparamos para otros momentos importantes de nuestra vida. Nos preparamos para contraer matrimonio. Nos preparamos para asumir un puesto laboral. Nos preparamos para cuando estemos jubilados. Durante este Adviento, usen la liturgia y las tradiciones de la Iglesia para preparar Su venida, una venida que significa una diferencia total en nuestra vida y en la vida de nuestro mundo.
Sister M. Jean Clare CSC Sister M. Jean Clare (Little) was born in 1928 in Salt Lake City, to the late Decker and Lucille Scott Little. She is survived by her brothers: Decker Jay (Pearl), Philip James (Colleen) and Tom Little. Sister is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Sister Jeanne Clare entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1948 and was trained to be a teacher, a position she held for a number of years in junior high schools in the West. Her specialty, after gaining her M ED from Gonzaga University and MS from UNLV, was teaching and helping the learning disabled students to excel. She taught at Santa Cruz for three years and for 16 years was in the Department of Education, Tucson, where she was a teacher and helped to develop a Learning Disabilities unit. In 2001, Sister retired to Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Ind., where she was active in the Ministry of Prayer until her death November 15, 2009 Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas Calendar
December 2009
In honor of Mary All students at St. Francis of Assisi School in Yuma received the “Brown Scapular” in honor of Mary and the month of October. The scapulars were given to the school by the Carmelite Sisters in Santa Fe, N.M. They are cloistered sisters with two externs who sent 240 scapulars to give to the students and staff. Father Emilio Chapa blessed the scapulars at school Mass. The Knights of Columbus Juan Fray Council 1806 sent a donation of $200 to the sisters. Pictured is Grand Knight Gene Bostic, Knight Larry Maude, school principal Susan Bostic and many students with their scapulars.
1 6:00 P.M., Marriage Tribunal Christmas Dinner 2 Bishop Moreno Pastoral Center Staff Service Day Catholic Community Services Christmas Dinner 3 7:30 A.M., Sexual Misconduct Review Board 11:00 A.M., Dedication of St. Augustine High School Gym 6:00 P.M., Catholic Cemeteries’ Board Christmas Dinner 4 8:30 A.M., SS Peter and Paul School Mass 6:00 Santa Cruz K of C dinner, residence 5 8:00 A.M., Formation Program Interviews 10:00 A.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Training, Our Mother of Sorrows 12:30-4:30 P.M., Formation Program Interviews 6 3:00 P.M., Pastor Installation, Sells 7 Salpointe Dinner 8 12:00 noon, Catholic Daughters’ Luncheon, K of C 9 Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop Paul Etienne, Cheyenne, WY 10 Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop Fernando Isern, Pueblo, CO 11 9:35 A.M., Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, Salpointe Catholic High School 12:00 noon, Charity and Ministry Board 5:30 P.M., Advent Mass and Tree Lighting, Holy Hope Cemetery 12 1:00 P.M., Mass, Federal Prison, Tucson 13 10:00 A.M., Catholic Physicians’ Mass, St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel 14 10:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M., Diocese of Tucson, Presbyteral Council
6:00 Mass, Dinner, Vocations Preaching Team, residence 15 Arizona Ecumenical Council Retreat Day, Redemptorist Renewal Center 6:30 P.M., Posada Mass, Santa Cruz Parish 16 10:00 A.M., Priests’ Day of Prayer, Redemptorist Renewal Center 5:30 P.M., Pastopral Center Department Directors’ Christmas Dinner, residence 17 8:00 A.M., Pastoral Center All Directors Meeting 9:00 A.M., Pastoral Center Staff Meeting 6:00 P.M., Review Board Christmas Dinner, residence 18 New Employee Orientation, Mass 6:00 P.M., Diocesan Pastoral Council Christmas Dinner, residence 19 9:00 A.M., Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting, Pastoral Center 3:30 P.M., Border Posada, Nogales 20 5:00 P.M., Mass, Dinner, Diocesan Seminarians and Families 22 10:00 A.M., Mass, Catalina Mountain School 23 11:00 A.M., Mass, Staff Christmas Luncheon 24 10:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., Christmas Masses, Pima County Jail 4:00 P.M., Children’s Christmas Mass, St. Augustine Cathedral 7:30 P.M., Christmas Eve Mass, St. Augustine Cathedral 25-31 Chicago
Help Someone
leSS Fortunate
A n d C l A i m yo u r A r i z o n A C h A r i tA b l e tA x C r e d i t With new legislation, it’s never been easier. 1. Donate to Catholic Community Services 2. Itemize your deductions 3. Claim your dollar for dollar credit up to $400 for couples filing jointly; $200 if filing singly
It’s that sImple! • Mail your contribution before December 31 to: Catholic Community Services • P.O. Box 5313
•
Tucson, AZ 85703
• Or donate online at www.ccs-soaz.org For more information or to phone in a credit card donation call us at (520) 670-0854. Your gift gives help and hope. All donations are appreciated and needed. Gifts above the tax credit amounts are an added blessing to those we serve. The Charitable Tax Credit is completely separate from the Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) tax credit. You may participate in both credits! And gifts to CCS are also tax-deductible on your federal income tax return. DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
Big day in Nogales
‘Our Lady’ fete
Saturday, Dec. 19, will be a big day for Catholic activists in the border town of Nogales, Sonora, with the annual Bi-National La Posada and a Christmas party at the city dump for the poor and needy who make the place their home. The Posada is sponsored by Dioceses Without Borders, an organization consisting of members from the Dioceses of Tucson, Hermosillo and Phoenix. It will take place on the Mexico side of the Mariposa Port of Entry at 3 p.m. Coming from different cultures, but all united by belonging to the one Church of Christ, participants can show that the Gospel is alive and suited to every situation. Poverty 24/6, a Tucson-based organization, will host the Christmas party at the dump from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the same day. Mass will said by Father Abran Tadeo to start the festivities. A hot meal with all the fixings, salad and desert will be provided. After dinner toys will be distributed to the 49 children living there. Poverty 24/6 has a list of all the children with their names and ages. Anyone who would like to volunteer and/or contribute to the cause is urged to contact Deacon Joe Bogushefsly via email joenjanb@juno.com or at 520-682-8600.
The public is invited for the 2009 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at Santa Catalina Church, located at 14380 N. Oracle Rd. in Tucson. The Special Mass will be celebrated in true musical form with Mariachis and the parish’s bilingual choir. Also, the Santa Catalina Danzantes Matachines will debut with their devotional religious performance in Her honor. The exact origin of the Matachines is not clear, but various common theories believe it has a Moorish history, blended with Aztec and Christian influences which vary depending on group, region and researchers. This particular group here is devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe and each dance is a prayer offered up to Her. Dancers range in age from the very young children to the elderly. Often dancers and bystanders will join in thanksgiving for special favors they have been granted, called mandas. On this day the Matachines of Santa Catalina will join the other annual festivities including the parish choir, Mariachi’s and the other devotees in honoring Our Lady on her special day. For more details, call 520-825-9611.
‘Breakthrough school’ San Miguel High School has been selected by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as one of ten 2010 MetLife Foundation Breakthrough Schools. As such, San Miguel will be awarded a $5,000 grant from the MetLife Foundation, and the school’s principal, Brother Nick Gonzalez, will be invited to attend and participate in the association’s convention March 11-14 in Phoenix, where the accomplishments of the schools participating in this project will be recognized. The school will also be featured in the
At San Cosme Chapel Sitting in front of a colorful mural, Father Pat Crino, rector of St. Augustine Cathedral, and parishioners dedicate a placita at San Cosme Chapel, built on West Simpson Street in Tucson in 1929 by neighborhood volunteers. dedicated in 1931, Mass was said in the little chapel until the 1960s. Today, Barrio Viejo neighbors care for the facility and celebrate the traditional Latin Mass there monthly. association’s monthly magazine, Principal Leadership, and Brother Nick will be invited to attend and participate in other venues throughout the year. The Breakthrough Schools project, initiated in 2007, is sponsored by the MetLife Foundation. The goal of the project is to identify, recognize, and showcase middle level and high schools that serve large numbers of students living in poverty, and are high achieving or dramatically improving student achievement. Selection criteria are based on a school’s documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of Breaking Ranks II for middle level and high schools that have led to improved student achievement. These core areas include: collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction and assessment. San Miguel is a private, Catholic high school that provides a quality, college preparatory education to students from families of limited financial means. Students take a full course load, while at the same time working in entry level posi-
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tions at local businesses, earning approximately 60 percent of their school tuition. Since its inception in 2004, 100 percent of the students in San Miguel’s first two senior classes have graduated, 100 percent were accepted to college, and they’ve been awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and grants.
Advent mission “The Privilege of Being Catholic” will be the topic of Father Oscar Lukefahr as St. Mark Parish in Tucson holds “Our Advent Mission” on Dec. 6-9 at 2727 W. Tangerine Rd. Evening sessions will be held at 6:45 p.m. each day, followed by a question and answer session, and morning sessions will be held after the 8 a.m. Daily Masses. Father Lukefahr brings humor and practical examples and emphasizes the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. This mission is meant for adults, teens and children.
Nominations sought In January, Salpointe Catholic High School will recognize an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to Catholic education. Following the example of Elizabeth Ann Seton, nominees should possess deep faith, have courage, initiative and zeal; demonstrate leadership qualities and exhibit a strong sense of social justice. The nominee may not be a Salpointe employee, but must have made a major impact on Catholic education in the Diocese. Nomination forms are available through the school at 520-547-5878 or on the Seton award page of its website, www.salpointe. org, and are due by Monday, Dec. 7.
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Funds continue to meet needs in the diocese As collection of donations topped $15 million in the five-year renewal campaign called “Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future,” the money’s benefits continue to accrue throughout the Diocese of Tucson. In Maricopa, a $775,000 deal has been closed to purchase 34 acres that will be the site of the new home of Our Lady of Grace Parish, paving the way toward accommodating the growing number of Catholics in the region. Meanwhile, the extensive renovation of the interior of St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson is moving forward at a good pace with a fresh coat of paint and new ceiling panels, flooring and pews. Restoration of the “priceless” centuries-old Spanish crucifix at the rear of the Cathedral, referred to as “the Pamplona Crucifix,” is underway, and once restored it will be placed prominently in the edifice. The delicate work on the crucifix, which carbon-dating shows could have been constructed in AD 1155, is being done by expert conservators Timothy Lewis and Matilde Rubio, his wife, who have worked on the interior of Mission San Xavier del Bac, cleaning and repairing its historic sculptured art and paintings. Lewis, a Tohono O’odham, trained in conservation techniques as an apprentice with professional European conservators at the mission, and he received more training in Salzburg, Austria, and in Rome, where he met his wife. They have spent extensive time in Spain as part of a team working on several high-profile conservation projects. The crucifix has been in the Cathedral since 1928, a gift to then-Bishop Daniel J. Gercke from a friend, artist Luis Urguelles, who transported it from a church in the Spanish city of Pamplona. The painting of the Cathedral’s walls and ceiling is nearly done. Brown paint with a
Workers carefully remove the “Pamplona Crucifix” from St. Augustine Cathedral for renovation.
Below, restoration experts Timothy Lewis and Matilde Rubio show Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and Father Pat Crino, rector, their plans for the work as others look on.
Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future Your campaign dollars at work
At bottom is a view of the new chapel dedicated to Mary, Mother of Life, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Tucson, in space that had served as a baptistry.
wood-grain effect on the vaulted ceiling gives the impression of wooden beams, complementing the soft gold glow of the wall paint. Symbols that will communicate the history of the diocese have been chosen for the “waffle” areas of the ceiling between the “beams.” Meanwhile, at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Tucson a chapel dedicated to Mary, Mother of Life was erected in the former baptistry near the rear of the church with funding provided through the capital campaign. “We are right across the street from the hospital, and we would like to offer this chapel for all those who would like to seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother,” said Father Ricky Ordoñez, parochial vicar of the church near University Medical Center.
DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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By RAMONITO CELESTIAL On the first day of December of 1981, I was born to a typical Catholic Filipino family in a small community in the province of Iloilo. Iloilo is a province in the mid-southern part of the Philippines. The locals of Iloilo province are called ‘ilonggos’ or ‘ilonggo’ for it singular form. Ilonggos are known to be warm and affectionate people. I could see these traits in my family on how we treat our guests. People who visit us more often and spend more time with us are treated not as guests but they become family members. My father’s name was Vicente C. Celestial. My mother’s Ramonito Celestial name is Lourdes L. Cerbo. Both of them are locals from the town of Calinog. I am the third among four siblings. My father worked at a sugar refinery in our town. He died when I was second year in college seminary. My mother is a homemaker. She manages the house and took care of us when we were still kids. When did you first think about becoming a priest? In terms of my spiritual growth and development in my vocation, since I was raised in a good Catholic family, I was able to discern my vocation with the help of my family’s support. I think it helps a lot to be raised in this kind of family because there are a lot of families wherein all the parents care about is the success of their children in terms of making more money to live a good live in a very worldly standard. To become a priest is my childhood dream. It remains the same now. Among our relatives, my father’s younger sister is a Dominican nun. Her name is Sister Ma. Raphaelie Celestial, O.P. I consider her to be the one to inspire me to consider a vocation to the priesthood. Did you have a priest you looked up
On
the Path to
Priesthood
This is the second in a series of articles in which seminarians will relate, personally, how and why they’ve found themselves on the path to priesthood in the Diocese of Tucson.
‘This is my childhood dream’ to in your youth? Aside from my aunt, another person who inspired me to pursue priesthood is a priest. His name is Rev. Diosdado Parenas. He was once our associate pastor in my home parish in the Philippines. He has a big heart for young people. Every time we attend Mass, if he is the celebrant, I make sure that I approach and greet him after the mass is over. I always do the Filipino gesture of reverence for a priest by placing his right hand on my forehead. What do you envision your priesthood to be? As a future priest, I see it as a life of service for the people of God. In order to do it, I have to learn how to say yes to God’s will and renew that yes every day. Priesthood is a noble calling, yet not easy. It takes a lot of prayers to live one’s priesthood faithfully. Based on what I have learned from the priests, a priest has always a lot to do. By human effort alone, it is impossible to do the duties of a priest. It is therefore necessary that one should allow God’s grace to move him to do what God asks of him. What is your greatest joy as you contemplate the priesthood? I think the joy that I will have as a priest is the sense of fulfillment by doing my duties as a future priest. I believe that the impact of what I do for the people will be beyond my understanding. It inspires me to think about the lives of many people that I will be able to touch in one way or another. Here at Mundelein Seminary we have a few old priests. They are old yet I could see smiles in their faces. I don’t really have much knowledge about them, but their smiles seems to show that sense of fulfillment and joy for being good and faithful
priests all their lives. They always inspire me and make me smile because in a certain way the way they live their lives shows to the seminarian the example on how to live as good priests. I always find inspiration in old priests because they are living symbol of faithfulness to the vocation they chose to respond to. Their presence seem to tell us that faithfulness to one’s vocation is possible in the midst of a world where people almost totally lost the sense of commitment to one’s vocation, whether it may be married or priestly life. They seem to tell us that vocation is indeed a noble vocation in spite of the world’s temptation to value nothing but money and temporal goods. What do you tell someone who is considering the priesthood? I always tell people considering vocation to the priesthood to honestly and openly discern God’s call. When they realize that God is really calling them at one point, they should have courage, do not be afraid and come forward to embrace that call no matter what. A lot of people feel that they are not worthy for this kind of vocation. I say, “No one is worthy! Nobody will ever be worthy.” Yet God is so good that in spite of our unworthiness we are called to do something that is noble. This should even make us feel more grateful for our call. God’s call is not something against our humanity. It is an invitation to be more human. This means that we know well our weaknesses, and without God’s grace we can do nothing; we recognize our dependence on God and therefore it is important that we trust him. Do you have a favorite devotion? My favorite devotion is the devotion
to the Holy Eucharist and the Rosary. Life in the seminary is very challenging. Challenges in life as a seminarian and as a priest someday is a part of the call that we respond to. It is necessary therefore to always ask God, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother to supply the necessary graces that we need along the way. Prayer is indispensable. When studies get tough in the seminary and it seems that things are almost impossible for me to accomplish, I would tell myself: “Ok, it’s time for me to close my eyes, hold on to the hand of God, and he will get me through.” In times that I could not see a clear direction of where I am going to, I let God lead the way for me. How do you relax? Do you have a favorite vacation and/or retreat spot? My relaxation is to hang out with my fellow seminarians. It gives me the chance to encourage them and be encouraged by them. I don’t have a favorite vacation or retreat spot. As long as I am able to spend some time alone with the Lord, it should work for me. Here in the seminary, I do it by the lake within our seminary grounds if not in the closest chapel to my room. Describe a good day at the seminary. For me, a good seminary day is a day that I am able to accomplish what I need and wish to do. I’m happy with my day if it is a balanced day. That is, if I am able to do my assignments like reading and written assignments; when I am able to pray alone outside the schedule of the seminary for prayer and Mass; when I am able to do a bit of exercise. Finish this sentence: “It would surprise people to know… that I like photography a lot. A good picture for me is a picture that would make you reflect on the message that it tries to convey. For example if the picture is a picture of nature, it should make the viewer realize the beauty of God’s creation, reflecting the beauty of the one who created it. Photography could be an efficient means of catechism and education for the people.” — Ramonito Celestial is a second-year Theology student at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill.
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Speaking was a small lady with a kindly face - a Catholic nun. “Soeur Sophie Boueri?” I asked. “Oui, e vous êtes?” (“Yes, and you are?”) she asked in return. “I am Ricky Ordoñez, the seminarian from America. I sent you an email about having a Christmas party here with the seminarians and the children.” “Ah, mais oui!” she exclaimed and broke into the warmest, widest smile. It was December of 2006 and I was on my third year of Theology at Mundelein Seminary. My class had just arrived in the Holy Land for a 10-week pilgrimage and study program. Two months prior, we had been tasked to organize a Christmas party with the children of the Creche Orphanage in Bethlehem, raised almost $2,000 in donations and collected about a dozen boxes of toys. The Creche Orphanage is on a slope behind the the Holy Family hospital in a part of Bethlehem that tourists never get to see. Run by the French Daughters of Charity, the neat and clean building is under the protection of the Knights of the Order of Malta. But these were difficult times and Sister Sophie would go to Jerusalem for donations from benefactors when food supplies ran low. More than two years had passed and I had been ordained to the priesthood and assigned to my first parish when I received an invitation to be the spiritual director of a pilgrim group to the Holy Land. I remembered the children of the Creche Orphanage and wondered how they were. At Mass, I shared my memories saying that perhaps the Lord was again “knocking at the door of our hearts to do something”. By the time I reached the sacristy, I had $240 in an envelope marked “For the Children in Bethlehem”. That night, I was at a Chinese restaurant with friends when I shared that I wanted to raise at least $500. When the fortune cookie came, it said “You will receive your heart’s desire!” I laughed and told them that I should have asked God for more. “Amazing” is too simple a word at the generosity of God’s faithful people. In the weeks that followed, money came
Children play and nap on the floor at the Creche Orphanage in Bethlehem. Many of them face a bleak future, Father Ricky said.
from anonymous donors and others specifying that they do not want to be publicly acknowledged. School kids gave their allowances and others in memory of deceased relatives. By the day of my departure, the donations totaled $4,717. On Sept. 23, our pilgrim group arrived in Bethlehem and as we made our way to the orphanage chapel, more donations were stuffed into the envelope. For sure, it had now gone well over $5,000. Sister Sophie spoke to us about her ministry at the Creche, saying that there are about 50 children staying full time and 70 more for day care. She shared that the children can only be adopted by Muslim families and lamented the lack of subsidy from the Palestinian Authority. On the contrary, her help is constantly sought for supplies badly needed by the poor. She added that the orphanage solely depend on its benefactors’ donations. When we presented our gift, she gasped, “Mon Dieu!” “My God!” Our pilgrims played with the children in
the same hallway where I had first met Sister Sophie. She told us about the difficulties that she encounters, yet she never showed a trace of resentment or bitterness. Her focus was purely to shower God’s love upon the children that have been abandoned on their doorstep, in the garbage heap or given up by unwed mothers. Her mission is to rebuild lives and care for the children traumatized by violence, neglect and rejection. As we said our goodbyes, Sister Sophie held my hand tightly and said “Remember us in your prayers!” Taking a deep breath, I replied “Ask the Lord to remind us when you need anything!” As we left the “little town of Bethlehem” there was an eerie silence on the bus with each pilgrim wondering about the fate of
the children of the Creche – all victims of circumstances way beyond their control. Now, as I recall the events of that day, I am sure that in the hearts of everyone that brought Christmas to Bethlehem in September, an unspeakable joy praises God with the words “Thank you, Lord, for I feel wonderfully ‘used’ by You!” — Father Ricky V. Ordoñez was ordained to the priesthood in May 2008 for the Diocese of Tucson. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Tucson. He wishes to extend his gratitude to those who heard God’s call to help The Creche Orphanage in Bethlehem. Bank details of the Creche are available upon request to those who wish to send their donations directly. Please call Father Ricky at 520-325-6015 ext. 8 during office hours.
At left, Father Ricky Ordoñez of Tucson with Sister Sophie of the French Daughters of Charity, who run the orphanage in Bethlehem.
Marie and Roy Tan of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson, who accompanied Father Ricky to the Holy Land, hold a bright-eyed orphan. DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Unplanned pregnancy? Consider adoption By MARLYN GUTIERREZ-MALAVE Special to The New Vision Twenty-two years ago on June 19, 1987, Vivian, then 26, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The birth, as special as it was, was not uncommon, but what was different was the fact that a Jewish couple from California chose her name. The next morning, Rachel went home with her adoptive parents. The birth mother chose this couple to raise her child after realizing she was unprepared for another child and was exiting an abusive relationship. Monique, 23, struggling with a drug addiction on the streets of Chicago, decided that she would need to find a home for her child soon, but had not found the resources to make that happen before her baby boy was born on April 8, 2006. He was being treated for withdrawal symptoms in a local hospital when a couple in Arizona decided they would bring him home to Tucson. The birth mother chose to offer her child a better life with her cousin and his wife clear across the country. And just this summer, a woman in Southern Arizona chose Amanda, 30, and Steve, 49, of Maricopa to parent the baby she is about to have. This couple, who has gone through rigorous fertility procedures, was invited to be in the delivery room to witness the birth of their son. “We have realized that God is sending our children to us in a different way,” said Amanda. Today, Vivian’s baby girl is a college graduate. While Monique doesn’t have direct contact, she hears of her baby boy, now three, through extended family members. As for the couple from Maricopa, they are riding out the rollercoaster of emotions that are part of the process, but plan to have an open adoption providing the birth mother with regular photos and yearly visits, if the birth mom wishes.
for a child than there are children available through this program. Approximately 10-15 families are profiled at CSS waiting for a birth mother to choose them to raise her son or daughter. “Adoption was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was the best choice for my child,” said Vivian. “Children can be negatively impacted by poverty or lack of security, which is the same as having the child injured or harmed by holding on…it’s an act of love.” Vivian advocates for reform and streamlining adoption care. “The Church should have an adoption and information ministry that is even better publicized than antiabortion right-to-life stuff, because access to adoption is one of the best right to life moves we can make,” said Vivian. If you or someone you know is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and don’t Baby Garrett with his parents Amanda and Steve immediately after being born to birth-mom. know what to do, contact the small staff at CSS who offer professional, experience There are hundreds of stories of where a Downey-Lewis. “Second, to tell pregnant adoption counseling and non judgmental child may have come from and made it into women that adoption is a positive option. support. If you call you should expect to the hands of loving parents thanks to good And three, that we, as agency people, are simply talk to Downey-Lewis about your ambassadors for birth moms.” adoption agencies or programs. situation and she will explain the options “I respect these women. I became in awe and the programs. “You decide what’s How can a mother give up her child? It is a question that case worker Lexann of a person who puts their heart aside for best for you and your baby,” said DowneyDowney-Lewis, MSW, CISW program the best for their child,” Downey-Lewis Lewis. director, Pregnancy, Parenting and Adop- said. Gratitude is a running theme with If you are considering adoption for your tion, has heard many times in her 34 years adoptions at CSS, she said: Gratitude child please, contact Lexann Downeybetween adoptive parents and birth moth- Lewis at Catholic Social Service at in this line of social work. “It takes love and courage to make that ers. 520-623-0344, extension 1059, or toll free “The decision to give him up was tough! at 800-234-0344, extension 1059. Or visit decision,” she said. “It is courageous to put your child’s needs before your own and Where would he go? With who? What kind http://www.ccs-soaz.org/ (pregnancy to give your child something you cannot of life would he really have? Thank God for counseling) for further details. family, because of family I know he is well. provide yourself.” --CSS in Tucson attends to the welfare He is with people who practically raised of mothers and babies alike in Pima and me,” said Monique “I made the best deci- Marlyn Gutiérrez is a freelance writer and prosurrounding counties, with a variety of sion I could, I am grateful for someone else ducer residing in the Tucson area. Marlyn and services and resources including offering raising him.” her husband Matthew are currently waiting to Downey-Lewis said last year the agency be chosen to be parents through the CSS Infant women free counseling during and after scrambled to find families for the approx- Adoption Program. pregnancy. “First, I would like (the public) to know imately 28 children that were finally that we are here to provide services to placed; to date there have only been eight birth moms, children and families,” said placements, leaving more families waiting
Bishops act on Roman Missal, marriage, other issues BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops took their final look at the English translation of the Roman Missal and approved documents on marriage, reproductive technologies and medically assisted nutrition and hydration during their Nov. 16-18 fall general assembly here. The 300 or so members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also heard a preliminary report on the “Causes and Context Study” on clergy sex abuse being conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a staunch defense of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development against charges that it funds groups that opposed church social or moral teachings. The bishops made their own an earlier statement by Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, USCCB president, pledging continued efforts to keep health care legislation
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abortion-neutral and thanking House members who had supporting those efforts. With overwhelming majority votes, the bishops approved the final five documents related to the Roman Missal -- translations of the proper of the saints, specific prayers to each saint in the universal liturgical calendar; the commons, general prayers for celebrating saints listed in the “Roman Martyrology”; the Roman Missal supplement; the U.S. propers, a collection of orations and formularies for feasts and memorials particular to the U.S. liturgical calendar; and U.S. adaptations to the Roman Missal. Each section must now go to the Vatican for approval before the missal comes into use in the United States, probably in 2011.
Approval of the pastoral letter “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan” also came, despite the concern voiced by some bishops about the document’s pastoral tone and content. Nearly 100 changes in two rounds of amendments preceded the 180-45 vote, with three abstentions. Twothirds of the USCCB membership, or 175 votes, were required for passage of the document. Final approval came after an effort to remand the document to committee failed 56 to 169. The pastoral on marriage offers support to married couples and affirms true marriage can involve only a man and a woman. It is another component in the bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage, which began in November 2004.
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AUTHOR continued from page 1
Father Bob selected the homilies and Dr. Quezada edited them “a bit.” “The people of St. Frances Cabrini Parish brag about his homilies, delight in them and are fed by them,” wrote Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas in the foreword. “As you read ‘Homilies from the Heart,’ you will see why his people consider themselves blessed.” Dr. Quezada said he has known Father Bob since 1971, “and he was a good homilist back then.” “He was finally ready to put them in book form,” he said. Tucson publisher Ernie Nedder, long involved in Catholic publishing back in Iowa, took over from there, shepherding the book through the publishing process with his company KAN Distributing. Cover art is by Sharon Nicks of Types, Graphic Design. How did this parish priest - who labels himself an introvert - become such a great homilist? It was not easy for him to preach when he was first ordained, he said. Now he is no longer nervous. “I am not teaching but I am reflecting on the Word of God,” he said. “I consider that I am preaching to myself. We are all alike.” His homilies are never more than eight minutes. His equally thoughtful reflections at daily Masses are perhaps three minutes. Preparation of the homily is terribly important to Father Bob. He considers it his number one task, quickly adding that ST. VINCENT de PAUL from page 1
Msgr. Robert Fuller signs his book for parishioners after Sunday Mass at St. Frances Cabrini.
the celebration of the Mass is not a task! He begins his preparation each Monday, first writing his reflections in longhand. He lets this “cook” a day or so, he said, then hand-prints the weekend’s homily. By the second writing he “owns” the homily, he said, so he can give it without notes. “What has helped me most to being comfortable with preaching was stepping out of the pulpit and walking around among the people,” he said. Father Bob saved 25 years of these hand-printed notes (no computer for him) and it is from these notes he selected the ones for the book. Follow-up books are in the planning. Father Bob was ordained in April 1956 and his first 13 years in the diocese were at the Chancery office. In 1970 he was appointed pastor of the new eastside
parish of St. Pius X. In 1982 he moved to Newark, N.J., to become the director of the National Renew program. He returned to Tucson in 1987 to become the pastor of St. Frances Cabrini. Along the way he completed a Masters degree in religious education from Seattle University and his doctorate in Ministry from Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley. Father Bob loves being a parish priest. At age 75 (a couple of years ago) he was required by official Church rules to submit his resignation to Bishop Kicanas -but he asked that it not be accepted. Earlier this year Pope Benedict XVI elevated Father Bob to monsignor. He dedicates his book “in gratitude to God for the wonderful vocation of priesthood.”
“I am not retiring,” he said. “I like being the leader of this community. And I firmly believe that the homilies are the best opportunity to open up God’s word to the faithful.” The new book is, of course, a big seller at St. Frances Cabrini. The parish had a book-signing celebration in mid-November, and a second event is scheduled for the weekend of December 12-13, following 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday and the 8:30 and 10:30 Masses on Sunday morning. “It is wonderful,” said Katherine Smith, who encouraged the publication, did the proofreading and now is assisting with the marketing. “As I read it I can ‘hear’ Father giving his homily.” The book “will provide homiletic teachers with good examples of what preaching can and should be,” said Bishop Kicanas in his foreword. “Homilies from the Heart” is Father Bob’s second book. His first, “Adventures of a Collegial Parish,” published in 1981, was about the trials and tribulations of developing the Vatican II model of Church at St. Pius X. The book, priced at $12, can be purchased at the parish office at 3201 E. Presidio (520-326-7670) or online at www. cabrinitucson.com. Shipping charge is $4. Father Bob’s former parish, St. Pius X, also has a supply of books at its office on 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo. (520-885-3573). Any profit will be donated to Casa Maria Catholic Worker House, which serves lunches to more than 600 men and women daily. Figures were not yet available for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, he said, but in the previous year “we did about $7.1 million” in aid - cash, in-kind services, food, furniture and so on. That figure is likely higher for the justcompleted year, he said, and “since October 1 we’ve been hit very heavy...unless the economy improves, there is no relief in sight.” One special circumstance arose last summer, Simbari said. A woman was shot and wounded when a bullet fired in the apartment below hers ripped through the floor in the St. Joseph Parish conference area. “When we heard about it and heard the family was in need, we helped out with financial aid. The husband had just lost his job.” Conferences of St. Joseph and Santa Catalina and St. Francis de Sales joined the council to help defray the family’s expenses during the emergency. “Nobody (else) seemed to respond, so in a little way we helped her,” he said. “We’re doing the best we can.” The Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will gladly respond to any church requests to help set up a conference, Simbari said. Simbari can be reached at 520-628-7837 or by email at inbox@ svdptucson.org.
without regard to race, creed or religion. Demand is ‘a lot higher than we’re used to,’ said Carmen In the last fiscal year, Elandt said, “our conference has made close to 400 home Simbari. ‘Unfortunately we’ve been unable to help visits, always visiting in pairs, to assess the situation and then render assistance by everybody because we don’t have the resources.’ providing food and money, active listening or referral services. “It is estimated that we have assisted hope will incorporate the youth of neigh- been unable to help everybody because we well over 8,000 people in our endeavor,” he boring parishes, doing special projects and don’t have the resources.” Donations to the conferences and to the assisting the adult conference members in said. council itself have been “very, very slow... Christmas and monthly food collection Realizing the growing need, the SEAS we haven’t been getting very many donadrives to serve the needy.” conference recently “recruited” 20 additions,” Simbari said. Elandt joins with the presidents of the tional members, raising its number of The council also operates two thrift other conferences in the diocese for a active volunteers to 46. “They will greatly assist in handling the monthly meeting “to enhance communi- stores, including a “free store” on South Sixth Avenue where “anyone can come in increasing need to serve the less fortunate,” cations throughout the diocese,” he said. “It’s surprising how many Catholics off the street and get a couple of sets of Elandt said, “through personal contact, by don’t know the St. Vincent de Paul Society clothes,” Simbari said. “If children need visiting the families in their homes.” The SEAS conference, “through the exists,” Simbari said. Some parishes don’t clothes for school, a family can pick them generosity of SEAS parishioners and have conferences, he said, even though the out.” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is not tremendous support from our pastor, society has been operating in the diocese a diocesan ministry, he said, although Bishsince Sts. Peter and Paul Parish established Father Joseph Lombardo, has disbursed op Gerald F. Kicanas is a strong supporter more than $126,000” in the last fiscal year, a conference in the 1940s, he said. Each conference is funded by its parish of the program. “We’re strictly lay CathElandt said. The funds were used to pay for food, congregation, he said, “but we don’t olics and we do it on our own. We operutility bills, rent and miscellaneous items refused to help anybody who comes to ate out of churches with permission of the such as furniture, clothing and medical our door, not just those who belong to the pastors, but not all parishes have us.” Operating from Yuma to Apache Juncparishes.” bills, he said. tion to Douglas, there are about 325 volunDemand is “a lot higher than we’re used The parish has also started a St. Vincent teers, he said. to,” Simbari added. “Unfortunately we’ve de Paul Youth Group, he said, “which we DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Senate’s health bill ‘disappointment’ to bishops WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Senate to make essential changes its health reform bill in order to keep in place federal law on abortion funding and conscience protection on abortion, protect access to health care for immigrants and include strong provisions for adequate affordability. The bishops called the Senate health care bill an “enormous disappointment” that creates new and unacceptable federal policy for funding and coverage of abortions, as well as rights of conscience. Bishop William Murphy, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop John Wester voiced their
wish for better health care reform legislation in a Nov. 20 letter to the Senate. They chair the bishops’ Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, ProLife Activities and Migration, respectively. The letter, which was accompanied with a fact sheet on the House Stupak Amendment, urged senators to improve the Senate health care bill in the key areas of affordability, immigration, federal funding and coverage of abortion and conscience rights. The bishops said the bill “does not live up to President Obama’s commitment of barring the use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience
laws.” They cited an “abortion surcharge” that would force insurance purchasers to pay for other people’s abortions, provisions that would allow the HHS Secretary to mandate unlimited abortion coverage nationwide, and that the bill does not even allow for religious institutions to offer their own employees coverage that conforms to their institution’s teaching. “The Catholic bishops have advocated for decades for affordable and accessible health care for all, especially the poor and marginalized,” the bishops said. “The Senate bill makes great progress in covering people in our nation. However, the Senate bill would still leave over 24 million
people in our nation without health insurance. This is not acceptable.” The bishops encouraged expanding Medicaid eligibility for those living at 133 percent or lower of the federal policy level. They also urged an end to the fiveyear ban on legal immigrants for accessing federal health benefits programs and said that undocumented persons should not be barred from purchasing insurance plans with their own money. “Providing affordable and accessible health care that clearly reflects these fundamental principles is a public good, moral imperative and urgent national priority,” said the bishops.
Pope outlines plan for link to Anglicans VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Former Anglicans entering the Catholic Church can preserve their liturgical traditions, married priests in some circumstances and even a shade of their consultative decision-making processes, according to Pope Benedict XVI’s document on new structures for welcoming the former Anglicans. The Pope’s apostolic constitution “Anglicanorum Coetibus” (“Groups of Anglicans”) was published Nov. 9 at the Vatican along
with specific norms governing the establishment and governance of “personal ordinariates,” structures similar to dioceses, for former Anglicans who become Catholic. As previously announced by the Vatican, the text said there could be exemptions to the church’s celibacy rule to allow married former Anglican priests to be ordained as Catholic priests. However, it emphasized that this would be done on a “case-by-case basis.” An accompanying Vatican statement
said the possibility of having some married clergy under this special arrangement “does not signify any change in the church’s discipline of clerical celibacy.” The ordinariates will be established by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in consultation with the national bishops’ conference where the ordinariate is to be based, the constitution said. The Pope will appoint the head of each ordinariate, although he will choose from
a list of three candidates nominated by the jurisdiction’s governing council, the norms said. The council will be made up of at least six priests belonging to the ordinariate. A commentary by the Vatican said the role of the governing council in choosing an ordinary, giving consent for a candidate to be ordained to the priesthood and establishing parishes and seminaries is a sign of “respect for the synodal tradition of Anglicanism.”
Primate’s reaction: ‘Overwhelming joy’ OTTAWA (CNS) -- The primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion said he hopes churches take action to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church before Easter. Archbishop John Hepworth said he reacted “with overwhelming joy” to the apostolic constitution published Nov. 9 establishing the structure for Anglicans to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. The archbishop described the constitution as “generous at every turn” in its HEPWORTH description of the Anglican heritage, its dogmatic provisions and its pastoral language.
“We’ve been asked to show the rich heritage to the whole church, not just to ourselves,” he said in an interview from Australia. The Traditional Anglican Communion includes Anglican churches that have left the much larger Anglican Communion over the ordination of women and sexually active homosexuals as priests. The Traditional Anglican Communion is among the largest group of Anglicans likely to embrace the Vatican’s action to welcome them into full communion with the church. Archbishop Hepworth expects a positive response from Traditional Anglican Communion member churches around the world. Already, the United Kingdom’s Traditional Anglican Communion synod voted to accept the document prior
Passion Play
Fr. James Zakowicz, O.C.D. spiritual director May 9th - 20th, 2010
Eastern Europe with Oberammergau Tour including Krakow, Auscwitz, Czestochowa, Prague.
Holy Land Pilgrimage August 28 - September 7, 2010 WWW.JMJMinistries.ORG 573-0065 or (800) 299-5708 Nebraska & 12th Ave. Tucson, AZ
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JMJ Jesus Mary Joseph Ministries
non-profit non-tax
to its publication. He said he has heard from churches around the world, describing their comments as “powerful messages that ‘we want it and we want it as soon as we can get it.’” “I want all the votes in by Lent,” Archbishop Hepworth said. “Then I’m hoping in fact our bishops can meet in Rome after Easter and present the ‘yes’ votes and take advice on what to do next.” While Archbishop Hepworth wants to move fast, he said the structure outlined in the apostolic constitution does not require anyone to rush headlong into it. “There’s no deadline; it’s available way into the future,” he said. “If (the Pope) deals with other groups as creatively and as warmly and pastorally as he has dealt with us, he is the Pope of (Christian) unity,” Archbishop Hepworth said.
For the year of the Priesthood:
Paris, Ars, Lourdes, Italy trip with Father Juan Carlos Aguirre
France Pilgrimage June 16th - July 1st, 2010
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
2009 Funds Reflect Fall and Rise Faithful Members of our Community in Christ, For the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, as with many other organizations and communities, this is a customary time of the year to take stock and look at where we are, where we have been, and where we are going. Accordingly, this letter shares important financial details of the Foundation’s activities and an updated list of our Board of Directors who have selflessly given their time and talent to secure our future, to multiply the effect and to lengthen the reach of our mission. I would like to take this opportunity to go a step further and talk to some specific topics of importance to all of us — the sizable effort we undertake to be answerable to you through transparency and responsibility in our record-keeping and transactions, governance and investment practices. It is my hope that this information will provide reassurance that we are well-aware of the current economic challenges and have taken steps to manage the situation. At the beginning of this year, the Foundation’s funds were down close to 16 percent from previous levels due to the decline in stock values. However, we are witnessing a recovery in those values – our funds have regained 10 percent of the losses. While we expect this trend to continue, we are also carefully managing our resources against any possible recurrence. With regard to record-keeping and related practices, I am pleased to report that we are in conformity with the Standards for Excellence® code of ethics and accountability for Catholic dioceses. These standards were drawn up in response to the call of good stewardship in the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response. They first stipulate the compliance with all local, state and federal laws, and then go a step further by providing guiding principles for dioceses to implement in their operations and governance based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, compassion, responsibility and accountability. In approaching and adhering to these benchmarks, we are continuing to fulfill our obligation to you and all those that may benefit from our ministries and programs, to set an example to contributors and to the public both inside and outside the Church. As we approach the turn of the year, I ask that you pause to reflect on the many blessings we have received. By thanking God for all that He has given us and for all that He has taken away, we can, through faith and humility, look to a vision undimmed of God’s unending work in our community, through our Savior Jesus Christ. May God keep you in perfect peace, Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, D.D. Bishop of Tucson
Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, Board of Directors Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas D.D. Bishop of Tucson Chairman of the Board
Linda S. Tansik President Retired, Research Corporation St. Thomas More Newman Center
Maryann Hockstad Treasurer Retired, Civil Military Service St. Andrew the Apostle, Sierra Vista
Annette M. Jones John C. Woods Community Volunteer Past President The University of Arizona Foundation St. Pius X Parish Our Mother of Sorrows Parish
Rudy E. Ariate REA CPA & Financial Consultant St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
Peter Likins Retired, The University of Arizona St. Joseph Parish
William J. Bowen Eller College of Business St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
Mark Mistler Compass Bank Our Mother of Sorrows Parish
Richard Miranda Deputy City Manager, City of Tucson St. Augustine Cathedral
Jane Kerr Community Volunteer St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
Dan Torrington Edith Auslander The University of Arizona Foundation Retired Businessman St. Frances Cabrini Parish St. Pius X Parish EX -OFFICIO MEMBERS:
Thomas Arnold Chief Financial Officer Diocese of Tucson
Steven Thu Vice President Partner, 4-D Properties St. Frances Cabrini Parish
Jose Rincon Pfizer Corporation St. Augustine Cathedral Rev. Albert I. Schifano, V.G. Moderator of the Curia Vicar General, Diocese of Tucson
Financial Statement
Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson Statement of Financial Position – June 30, 2009 and 2008 Assets
2009
2008
$643,555 $9,900,473 $30,889 $40,000 $34,055 $1,440,406
$1,053,588 $11,388,383 $68,886
$12,089,378
$14,014,390
2009
2008
$3,806 $6,224 $5,485 $135,659 $970,477 $4,512,485
$5,681 $9,802 $7,729 $179,669 $920,773 $5,297,537
$5,634,136
$6,421,191
$1,177,559 $486,200
$1,701,437 $557,974
$1,304,747 $207,659 $3,279,077
$1,299,430 $664,374 $3,369,984
$6,455,242
$7,593,199
$12,089,378
$14,014,390
Cash and cash equivalents Investments Promises to give, net Real estate held for resale Other assets Property and equipment, net Total assets:
Liabilities and net assets Liabilities Accounts payable Accrued expenses Grants payable Note payable Annuity contract obligations Custodial accounts Total liabilities: Net assets: Unrestricted: Undesignated Board designated Net investment in property and equipment Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted Total net assets: Total liabilities and net assets
$24,435 $1,479,099
Grants Over the years, generous donors have established endowment funds to support specific areas of interest. Many of these donors have entrusted the Catholic Foundation’s Board of Directors to direct the distribution of their gifts. Once a year, the Foundation solicits grant applications from parishes, schools, religious education programs, youth ministry programs, and social service organizations throughout the Diocese of Tucson. The Finance & Investment Committee reviews the applications and forwards recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. The results of their work for the year ending June 30, 2009, are listed below.
Grant Distributions for 2009 Organization Pio Decimo St. Elizabeth Health Center Merilac Lodge Office of Catholic Schools St. Vincent de Paul Society (Food Distribution) Santa Cruz Catholic School Diocese Marriage Initiative Program St. Vincent de Paul (Give-A-Lift bus vouchers) San Miguel High School Total grants:
Grant Amount $40,000 $10,000 $9,500 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $3,000 $2,500 $1,000 $81,000
For more information on our grant programs and to view the complete audited financial statment and footnotes, please visit our Web site at www.cathfnd.org
DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Twenty of the 21 teachers who earned Teacher of the Year awards gather for a group photo after receiving their plaques from Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas.
Catholic educators honored for excellence, service
Teacher of the Year awards and plaques and certificates of appreciation were presented to many teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Tucson last month at Catholic School Professional Development Day at Salpointe Catholic High School. One of the plaques was given to Sister Luisa Maria Valdez of Lourdes Catholic School in Nogales, acknowledging her 51 years of service. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas made the presentations. Meanwhile, three community experts addressed the gathering, exploring what drives young people to periodically make unwise and unhealthy decisions, and the implications for educators and parents. The experts were Dr. Kevin Leehey, an adult psychiatrist in private practice in Tucson with two children who graduated from Salpointe; John Leavitt, assistant police chief in Tucson whose two children include a Salpointe graduate and a senior; and Michael Urbanski, Salpointe’s associate Head of School and director of counseling, with four children who graduated from Salpointe.
Teacher of the Year Teacher of the Year Awards were presented to the following: All Saints – John Martins; Holy Angels School – Carrie Guerena; Immaculate Conception School – Gustavo Trujillo; Immaculate Heart Elementary School – Mary Phillips; Immaculate Heart High School – Alice McBride. Also, Lestonnac – Gema Sanchez; Loretto School – Dolores Bacon; Lourdes Catholic – Dayton McAloon; Sacred Heart – Rosa Maria Mendez; San Xavier Mission – Joanne Panek; Santa Cruz School – Rebecca Chagnon; Sts. Peter and Paul School – Kellye Seeger; St. Ambrose School – Christy Friedman; St. Anthony of Padua – Mary Lou Davila; St. Charles – Cindy Burdette; St. Cyril School – Kristine Crandall. Also, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Emma Chavez; St. Francis of Assisi School – ThereSee EDUCATOR page 15
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Sister Luisa Maria Valdez, with 51 years of service, is flanked by Sister Rosa Maria Ruiz and Bishop Kicanas. Sister Rosa Maria, with 47 years of service, is the school superintendent.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
EDUCATORS continued from page 14
sa Whitman; St. John – Dina Valadez; St. Joseph School – Colleen Prescott; Yuma Catholic High School – Mike Glynn.
In-service awards The following received certificates of appreciation and/ or plaques for years of service:
10 years
Lourdes Amaro – St. John; Cheryl Barta – Salpointe; Ticia Brewington – SEAS; Joan Cashdollar – Sts. Peter and Paul; Jeannette Devlin – St. Cyril; Anna Dillon – St. Charles; Anne-Marie Engles-Brooks – Salpointe; Martha Galindo – Lourdes; Mike Glynn – Yuma High; Ray Gossman – Immaculate Conception. Also, Lily Hugues – Lourdes; Laurel Irwin – Santa Cruz; Ed Mealy – All Saints; Dusty Murphy – St. Thomas; Mary Phillips – Immaculate Heart; Liliana Raptis – Sts. Peter and Paul; Lorraine Reves – Holy Angels; Carole Rush – St. Francis; CJ San Julian – St. Cyril; Gerry Schoen – Immaculate Heart. Also, Father Fred Tillotson – Salpointe; Rachel Unger – St. Cyril; Martha Valukas – Immaculate Heart; Barb Waggoner – All Saints; Aida Warnes – St. John; Steve Weed – Immaculate Heart High; Ann Zeches – St. Cyril
15 years
Louis Ammirati – Sts. Peter and Paul; John Anzelmo – Salpointe; Vera Gaskins – Salpointe; Sheila Gimblett – St. Thomas; Debbie Gordon – San Miguel; Rebeca Hugues – Lourdes; Susan LaForge – Loretto; Rita Martinez – Holy Angels; Kathy Mathieu – St. Cyril; Rosalinda Perez – Lourdes; Sister Ann Quigley – St. Charles. Also, Bertha Ramirez – Lourdes; Ana Romero – Loretto; Jack Strizich – Holy Angels; Norma Trujillo – OMOS; Kathy Van Loan – SEAS; Linda Wong – Immaculate Heart; Nowana Wood – Immaculate Heart High
Above are six of the seven educators who were honored for 25 years of service. At left are some of the educators who celebrated 20 years of service.
St. Francis; Jean McKenzie – Sts. Peter and Paul; Kathy Rother – Salpointe; Olga Unangst – St. Cyril
26 years
Caroline Bersbach – St. Cyril
27 years
Lupita Gomez – Salpointe; Ralph Hope – St. Cyril
28 years
Greg Aiken – Salpointe; Yolanda Leon – Lourdes; Edith Manual – San Xavier; Patty Martinez – Salpointe; Yolanda Villa – Lourdes; Maria Isabel Zuniga – Lourdes
29 years
20 years
Paula Antonio – St. Charles; Lyn Bulski – OMOS; Jennifer Byrne – OMOS; Judy Flynn – St. Cyril; Kay Greer – St. Cyril; Lupita Heredia – Lourdes; Dr. Skip McGrogan – St. Joseph; Debbie Nielson – Sts. Peter and Paul; Sister Helen Rau – Salpointe; Sister Consilio O’Keeffe – Holy Angels
25 years
Dolores Bacon – Loretto; Danni Chandler – St. Cyril; Mary K. Espinoza – Sacred Heart; Mary Kay Gossman –
Religious vocations to be discussed
As its quest for candidates for the priesthood continues, the Diocese of Tucson is also stepping up its efforts to add new Sisters and Brothers to its ranks of Vowed Religious. A “Religious Vocations Preaching Team” is being established to visit parishes to encourage young women and men to consider these vocations. Led by Sister Rina Cappellazzo, OP, Vicar for Vowed Religious, the team will meet at the home of Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas on Dec. 14 for a planning session that will include Mass and dinner. The meeting will focus on strategy and communication to reach potential candidates.
Chris Caldwell – SEAS; Maria Gonzalez – Lourdes; Kate McGarey-Vasey – Salpointe; Gretchen Schaefer – OMOS 30 years Mary Velde Rohne – Sts. Peter and Paul
31 years
Father Foster Hanley – Salpointe; Sister Esther Hugues
– Lourdes; Patti McBride – Salpointe; Mark Paulsen – Salpointe; Roxanne Taylor – St. Joseph
32 years
Elizabeth Bemis – Salpointe; Mary Ann Hendrickson – Diocesan Office; Richard McBride – Salpointe; Richard Sanchez – Lourdes
33 years
Debbie Unger – St. Cyril
35 years
James Flannery – Salpointe; Ellie Kwader-Murphy – St. Joseph
39 years
Elizabeth Dadante – Salpointe
40 years
Sister Mary Evelyn Soto – Immaculate Heart
47 years
Sister Rosa Maria Ruiz, CFMM
51 years
Sister Luisa Maria Valdez - Lourdes
Centenarians celebrate The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, whose members serve in Yuma and Tucson, marked the 140th anniversary of their founding last month. Founded in Manitowoc, Wisc., on Nov. 9, 1869, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have taught in 16 states and in Lima, Peru, and also provided health care services. The sisters serve today at Mission San Xavier and Santa Cruz School in Tucson, and at Yuma Catholic High School and Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma. Shown are, front row from left, Sister Cecilia Marie Kalous, 100, Sister Leon Bergeron, 103, Sister Julius Wickesberg, 101, back row, postulant Marie Wilhelm, Novice Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, postulant Kara Martin and novice Sister Chiara LaValley.
DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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By making a donation to CTSO before the end of the year, you’ll be helping to support deserving students in Southern Arizona’s Catholic schools. And, because you’re using money you would have to pay in taxes anyway, it really costs you nothing at all! The Arizona tax credit program is a wonderful opportunity. You’ll get a tax credit in anyamountup to the credit limits of $1000 for a couple filing jointly and $500 for an individual. Your contribution will then be applied as a tax credit on your state return. You’ll get allof that contribution back up to the limit of your tax liability. Every dollar! You may also be able to claim a charitable donation on your federal tax return. For more information, call us at 520 8382558or 1877TAXCTSO 18778292876.
Help our students and use your tax dollars to do it!
But please do it now.
✁
CTSO SUPPORT FORM Enclose this form with your check, postmarked by December 31,and mail to: CTSO, P.O. Box 14467, Tucson, Arizona 85732-4467 Taxpayer name(s) __________________________________________________
Amount of Check $ _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Amount of Credit Card Payment $ _________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
Credit Card Number _________________________________________________
City ____________________________________ State___________________
❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ Discover ❏ American Express
Zip __________________ Phone (_______) ____________________________
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Parish _________________________________________________________ ❏ I would like to recommend my contribution be given to the following school(s): _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ❏ Please use my contribution for the undesignated general fund.
You can also make a secure online contribution by visiting our web site at www.ctsotucson.org. Be sure to ask if your employer has a matching gift program.Tax credit limits: $1,000 if filing jointly; $500 if filing individually. Tax credit may also qualify for federal deduction. DEC-VIS
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
VISIÓN La
Nueva
de la Diócesis Católica Romana de Tucson
Volumen V - Número I
REFLEXIONES Padre Roberto Kose, OFM Cap.
La Gente de Adviento Durante el tiempo de Adviento encontramos a tres personas especiales. Son los visitantes en estos días: El profeta Isaías, Juan el Bautista y María de Nazarét. Las lecturas de estos domingos se centran en estas tres personas que ofrecen esperanza y ánimo. Isaías es el primer visitante de Adviento. Es un profeta del Antiguo Testamento. En tiempos de Isaías los pobres buscaban la comida en la basura, en tanto los líderes del país vivian como reyes. Los pobres dormían en las calles cuando muchas personas dormían en sus palacios. La Escritura dice que Dios estaba muy enojado con esto y castigó a su gente con plagas, enfermedades y guerras. A pasar de todo ello, Dios no pudo abandonar a su querida gente y les mandó a Isaías para ofrecerles una nueva vida. La gente del tiempo de Isaías no era muy diferente que la “gente de la calle” que vemos caminando hoy en día, enfrente de Catedral, buscando comida en la basura, calentándose en la biblioteca pública y durmiendo de noche bajo de los puentes de la ciudad. Muchos de nosotros estamos cómodos, demasiado cómodos con nuestro estilo de vida, y Dios nos manda sida, cáncer y enfermedades del corazón. Nos manda profetas como Martin Luther King y César Chávez para despertarnos de nuestro cómodo estilo de vida Juan el Bautista aparece en el desierto proclamando el arrepentimiento y el bautismo para el perdón de los pecados. Toda la gente lo visita para estar lavados de sus pecados en el río Jordán. Juan les pide arrepentirse de sus pecados y compartir sus bienes uno con otro. Estamos llamados también a arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados, lavarnos para estar limpios y compartir nuestros bienes uno con otro. María también es una profeta porque, como Isaías y Juan, ella responde a la llamada de Dios en su vida. María se dio cuenta de lo que Dios estaba pidiendo y ella respondió “SÍ” con todo su corazón. Por medio de este “SÍ” tenemos la oportunidad de ganar la salvación. Tenemos que dar nuestro “SÍ” como María.
Diciembre 2009 • $15 por año • Tucson, Arizona
Visita www.newvisiononline.org
“El Hambre, el Signo más Cruel y Concreto de la Pobreza”: el Papa Pide una Actitud Solidaria con los Países Pobres ROMA, Italia. (ZENIT.
org).- El hambre es “el signo más cruel y concreto de la pobreza y no tiene una relación, causa-efecto, con el aumento de la población”, afirmó Benedicto XVI en la sede de la FAO en Roma. El Papa intervino en la sesión de apertura de la Cumbre Mundial sobre Seguridad Alimentaria, celebrada recientemente en Roma. “La tierra puede nutrir suficientemente a todos sus habitantes, porque si bien en algunas regiones se mantienen bajos niveles de producción agrí-
cola --también a causa de cambios climáticos--, dicha producción es globalmente suficiente para satisfacer tanto la demanda actual, como la que se puede prever en el futuro”, subrayó. Según el pontífice, “aunque los países más pobres se han integrado en la economía mundial, de manera más amplia que en el pasado, la tendencia de los mercados internacionales los hace en gran medida vulnerables y los obliga a tener que recurrir a las ayudas de las instituciones intergubernamentales”. Señaló que “la cooperación debe ser coherente con el principio de subsidiaridad. Por ello, es necesario implicar a las comunidades locales en las opciones y decisiones refer-
Foto por CNS
Los pobres de todo el orbe requieren la solidaridad de todos.
entes a la tierra de cultivo”. “Porque el desarrollo humano integral requiere decisiones responsables por parte de todos y exige una actitud solidaria que
no considere la ayuda o la emergencia en función de quien pone a disposición los recursos o de grupos de élite que hay entre los beneficiarios”, añadió.
Navidad en Septiembre
Sacerdote de Tucson lleva “regalos” A huérfanos en Tierra Santa Por: P. RICKY V. ORdOÑEZ
El depresante silencio del corredor del orfanatorio se rompió con el sonoro sonido de las risas de los niños y las voces de quienes los cuidaban. Me esforcé en escuchar haber si podía entender lo que estaban diciendo cuando realicé que estaban hablando en árabe. Algunas de las enfermeras usaban el velo que las las mujeres árabes usan comúnmente como las que habíamos visto en las calles. Algunas usaban una cadena con una cruz Cristiana alrededor del cuello.
Hermana Sofia convive con niños del orfanato
Belén en otro tiempo fue un enclave Cristiano; sin embargo,debido a rencillas políticas y persecuciones a escondidas, muchos buscaron refugio más allá de las fronteras de Israel y Palestina.
Había cuando menos 50 niños de edades variadas, casi todos con ojos obscuros, cabello rizado y labios rosados que se partían con amplias sonrisas. Algunos correteaban haciendo obvios chillidos
de gozo. Otros miraban fijamente en blanco mientras que sus cuerpos blandos y emancipados eran colocados sobre una cobija en el suelo. “Así empiezan ellos…” dice una voz con pesado acento francés, ”…nosotros los cuidamos hasta que recuperan su salud…oh, estos pobres chiquitines.” Estaba hablando una pequeña dama con cara bondadosa – una monja Católica. “Soeur Sophie Boueri?” pregunté. “Oui, e vous Mirar REGALOS, página 21
VIDA ECLESIASTICA Orientación Familiar
¿Por qué nos Fijamos en el “¿qué Dirán”? Por Lucero de Dávalos
Querido hijo:
Los “respetos humanos” son una limitante interna mas que debemos conocer para poder encauzar nuestros actos. ¿Cómo definirlos? Primero que nada son como algo que nos limita en nuestra actuación porque nos importa, en demasía, el “¿qué dirán?” el “¿qué pensarán?”. Una cosa es tener respeto a la opinión de las personas, dado que estas son únicas e irrepetibles y tienen un algo divino del Creador, y otra, muy diferente, es que nos ablandemos, nos envanezcamos o bien nos falte valentía y firmeza en la rectitud de nuestros actos, dando lugar a desánimos e inconstancias por lo que opinen los demás, en vez de tomar en cuenta lo que Dios nos pide en ese momento. Es decir, estamos invirtiendo jerarquías. En lugar de colocar primero a Dios; en segundo lugar a la familia; en tercero a los demás y en cuarta instancia yo, o tener la clara idea de que fuimos creados para la Gloria de Dios, nos estamos poniendo nosotros como centro y lo que nos importa es quedar bien a costa de ceder en convicciones profundas. A esto se llama también falta de coherencia, tener dos caras, a colgar nuestro buenos hábitos y buenas costumbres cuando creemos que esto nos va a restar popularidad. (Esquizofrenia latente que puede crecer). Se me viene a la memoria tu padre que, con suy sencillez, profundidad y simpatía solía decir: “Ni que fuéramos tan importantes para que nos tomen en cuenta”. Y cuanta razón tenía cuando cuando señalaba que muchas veces nos limitamos cuando expresamos “creí que”, “pensé que”, cuando los demás ni siquiera se ocuparon de nosotros. ¿Qué es lo que ocasiona que tengamos esos respetos humanos? A veces poque somos superficiales, sin criterio claro, faltos de carácter o, en otros casos, nos gana la comodidad de no tener un mal rato --pues es más fácil seguir la corriente--, el miedo a poner en peligro, por ejemplo, un cargo público, etcétera. Lo que vence a esos respetos es la rectitud de intención –estamos hablando de nuestro yo íntimo, de esa parte del corazón que sólo Dios y nosotros conocemos--, y el interés de que Dios esté presente en nuestras vidas y sea lo más importante (primer mandamiento del Decálogo). Hay personas que tienen pavor a lo que llamamos ridículo. “Convéncete de que el ridículo no existe para quien hace lo mejor”, según el punto de Camino no. 392, obra de J. M. E. B. No se te olvide que las lisonjas no nos harán mejores, aunque tampoco somos peores si no nos muestran simpatía o afecto. Lo que somos, somos. Los hombres vemos obras y Dios intenciones.
Vocaciones
¿Cómo conocer mi camino? Por P. Alberto Hurtado Fuente: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Ya conoces el plan de Dios sobre la creación: todos los seres, cada uno en particular, tienen su misión propia. La misión del hombre no les es impuesta por fuerza, sino que ha sido entregada a su libertad. ¡Privilegio sublime que constituye la grandeza inconmensurable del hombre! A tu elección se ofrecen varios caminos. Terminas tus estudios: ante tí se abre la universidad con sus múltiples carreras; el ejército y la marina; el campo, la industria, el comercio, un empleo, un sitio de obrero; la literatura y el arte. Se abren ante ti igualmente perspectivas más amplias que las carreras mismas, lo que podríamos llamar estados de vida: la vida religiosa, el sacerdocio, el matrimonio. Dentro de estas maneras de vida hay enfoques especiales que te atraerán particularmente: la política, la acción social, la contemplación artística, la vida de oración, el estudio de las Sagradas Escrituras, la Acción Católica. Sentirás quizás una fuerte atracción por la vida social; las fiestas, bailes, diversiones te seducen fuertemente. Los deportes, quizás un deporte especial, el futbol te atrae irresistiblemente. Todas estas solicitaciones estarán frente a tí y otras mil más, al iniciar tu vida en forma más personal e independiente. ¿A cuál de estos caminos te ha llamado Dios? No ha dejado a tu capricho que seas lo que quieras. Tú tienes vocación para algo, ¿para qué? ¿Cuál va a ser el fin de tu vida? Para el sacerdocio, como para la marina, para el deporte, para la música, para la sociología, para la política, para la Acción Católica hay una verdadera vocación, ¿Cómo conocer la tuya? ¿Qué criterio me permitirá discernir el llamamiento
El Rostro de Cristo y un Velo de Misterio Benedicto XVI visitará la Sábana Santa en Turín
Por Robert Moynihan
WASHINGTON,
El rostro de Cristo
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divino? ¿El atractivo que en mí ejercen, el agrado, quizás la felicidad que me ofrecen? Esos criterios tan incompletos no pueden ser la norma para un ser racional y menos para un cristiano. Nuestro criterio ha de ser de orden sobrenatural y debe ser aplicado con la ayuda de una luz sobrenatural, pero esta luz sobrenatural no se nos da ordinariamente en forma milagros, sino que viene a iluminar nuestra razón que discurre apoyándose en los principios de la fe. El milagro es milagro porque acontece muy raras veces en la vida; no hay, pues, que esperarlo en un problema cotidiano que han de resolver todos los hombres, tanto más cuanto que el mismo Creador nos ha dejado herramientas plenamente eficaces para descubrir por vías ordinarias nuestro camino en la vida. Con cuanta eficacia nuestro Santo Padre Pío XII al inaugurar este año la Academia Pontificia de Ciencias defendía los fueros de la inteligencia humana para alcanzar la verdad. Nuestra razón participación de la mente divina, nos da a conocer las realidades más fundamentales en que el hombre necesita apoyarse. Y todavía cuando se afirma en la revelación de Jesucristo, sus conclusiones pueden llegar a un campo inmensamente más vasto e iluminado por el sol de la verdad divina. Todo hombre de buena voluntad que aplica con sinceridad su alma a la búsqueda de la verdad, puede estar cierto que se cumplirá en él la conocida proposición: “Al que hace lo que está de su parte, Dios no le niega su gracia”. El Espíritu Santo que mora en nosotros, desde el bautismo que nos asiste con sus dones de entendimiento, ciencia, prudencia, es la mejor garantía de éxito en una elección hecha con sinceridad ante la mirada de Dios, aunque no intervenga iluminación milagrosa alguna durante toda nuestra deliberación. (Del libro “Elección de Carrera”, escrito por el Padre Hurtado en el año 1943).
Foto por CNS
D. C. (ZENIT.org).- Uno de los más misteriosos tejidos del mundo, que muestra la imagen de un hombre torturado y crucificado, se conserva en la Capilla Real de San Juan el Bautista en la catedral de Turín, Italia. Se la llama la Síndone de Turín. Las tradiciones piadosas sostienen que es el verdadero lienzo mortuorio de Jesús, usado para envolverle en la tumba después de su crucifixión en el 33 D.C., hace alrededor de 2,000 años, y que la imagen en el tejido es una “imagen” del propio Jesús cuando yacía en la tumba. Benedicto XVI irá a Turín el año que viene, el 2 de mayo, para ver la Sábana Santa en persona. El Vati-
cano y la archidiócesis de Turín anunciaron la visita hace dos semanas. “Como primer acto de su visita, el Santo Padre se detendrá para rezar privadamente ante la Sábana Santa”, afirma la Arquidiócesis. El Papa verá la Sábana Santa junto a millones de fieles mientras duren los 54 días de la ostensión, desde el 10 de abril hasta el 23 de mayo de 2010 (La Arquidiócesis de Turín tiene un sitio web, www.sindone. org, donde se puede hacer una reserva para ver la Síndone durante el periodo de la exposición). Visitando la Síndone y rezando ante ella, el Papa mostrará su respeto y veneración por este lienzo misterioso.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG •DICIEMBRE 2009
CAMINO DE LA FE Ejercer Adecuadamente la Autoridad
Los Ejemplos Adultos
Actitud y Conducta, Autoridad y Libertad Por: Emilio Avilés Fuente: Catholic.net
Vale
la pena recordar que los niños y jóvenes se fijan en los adultos, y hemos de comportarnos de forma coherente con lo que exigimos Seguro que recientemente habremos seguido los informes, las noticias, y los debates consiguientes, sobre la difícil y no siempre exitosa educación de nuestros jóvenes. Tenemos claro que hemos de mejorar la educación, tanto reglada como familiar y no formal. A este respecto hay dos puntos recurrentes que son: La autoridad y saber educar mejor para la libertad. Pues sí, nadie duda que la libertad es la medida de la dignidad y de la grandeza del hombre. Hemos de educar en libertad y para la libertad, para lo cual va a ser imprescindible ayudar a los más jóvenes, y a nosotros mismos, a conocer la verdad sobre el hombre, a querer poner en valor la ley moral que en el fondo del corazón llevamos todos. ¡Y la autoridad! Que interesa mucho no confundir con el poder, que es mera capacidad de coerción. La autoridad está basada en el origen de uno, en el hecho de que alguien ayude a otro a “nacer”, a ver cuál es el sentido de su vida. Al hablar de todo esto, vale la pena recordar que los niños y jóvenes se fijan en los adultos, y hemos de comportarnos de forma coherente con lo que exigimos. Somos modelo, queramos o no. Además, a padres y educadores es habitual que hijos y alumnos nos prueben con su actitud y conducta. Quieren saber hasta dónde pueden llegar y cómo reaccionamos los mayores. Hemos de saber qué decir y hacer, y deberemos ser fuertes para no ceder sin necesidad. Sea como sea, la razón y el afecto les van a ayudar a reconocer la autoridad como un bien. Es así como hijos y
alumnos crecen en el gobierno de sí mismos, incluso tienen capacidad de ser autoridad para ellos mismos: Frente a un acto mal realizado verán atractiva la posibilidad de mejorar; y notan la satisfacción por haber sido sensatos y haber rectificado. Son conscientes de la propia dignidad y la defienden. Es aquí donde padres y educadores hemos de poder planificar y concretar, actuaciones bien fundamentadas, con objetivos adecuados a la edad y circunstancias de hijos o alumnos. Aunque el chico o chica debe saber lo que hace mal, no hemos de hundirlo con nuestras correcciones. Si es necesario reprender, lo haremos a solas, aunque sea preciso esperar. Por todo ello, hemos de dedicar más tiempo. Tiempo en el que aprenderemos a encontrar el equilibrio entre la necesaria exigencia que las chicas y chicos reclaman y la justa autonomía que es bueno concederles para un óptimo desarrollo. Es cierto que en estos asuntos concretos y tan humanos, las cosas no siem-
pre son fáciles y evidentes, pero hemos de poder fijar unos límites, en los que sí se debe actuar con una energía proporcionada a la necesidad educativa de cada momento. Al marcar límites ha de quedar manifiesto qué es lo que no se puede hacer, qué es un error, qué es una conducta inaceptable. Esta limitación negativa no es autoritarismo y es de gran importancia pues elimina una larga serie de conductas injustificadas, inadmisibles, que hay que rechazar. Podrá quedarnos alguna vacilación respecto a la licitud o conveniencia de las conductas positivas, pero es enorme el valor que encierra la evidencia de lo que no se debe, ni puede, hacer. En todo caso, importa mucho enunciar, y vivir y ver vividas, conductas que susciten estimación, adhesión sin reservas. Ellas serán sustento firme, posibilitarán seguir adelante sin vacilación, con la seguridad de que el punto de partida es justo y bien cimentado. Eso es autoridad, eso es libertad: Una referencia, un ascendiente.
Consejos para Educar a los Hijos
Algunas ideas, clasificadas por edades, sobre cómo pueden ejercer bien la autoridad padres y educadores, pueden ser las siguientes: De 0 a 4 años. Con el nacimiento de un hijo, el padre se implica más y la maternidad es clave en el desarrollo. Interesa combinar exigencia y cariño. La capacidad de exigir la han de ejercitar papá y mamá. Si es preciso debemos acompañar físicamente al niño para cumplir lo acordado. Algunas sanciones inmediatas y leves se pueden aplicar. Interesa distinguir claramente lo importante de lo secundario y no ablandarse ante los llantos caprichosos de los niños y niñas de esta edad. De 4 a 7 años. En estos años han de poder empezar a controlar claramente los impulsos, aguantar algo molesto y esperar con paciencia algo que agrade mucho. Ahora los niños razonan mejor y han de ser más controladas las desobediencias. Dar más explicaciones sobre los límites y el por qué de ciertas normas. Es preciso pensar bien qué exigir, qué encargos de servicio proponer, que hábitos o virtudes trabajar especialmente. De 7 a 10 años. ¡Actuar siempre que sea preciso! Ahora, especialmente, las criaturas pueden aceptar gran número de obligaciones o responsabili-
dades. Tienen cierta autonomía en desempeñar tareas que entrañan esfuerzo.Es preciso medir mucho las sanciones y nuestras reacciones ante la desobediencia. Han de ver lo bueno, coherente y adecuado de las normas establecidas. Preadolescencia. Hemos de ser capaces de lograr un ambiente cordial en la convivencia con jóvenes preadolescentes. Hemos de trabajarnos el “prestigio” hacia nuestros hijos y alumnos. Evitar “coleguismos”. Mostrarles valores atractivos y altos ideales. Paciencia ante las pequeñas rebeldías. Adolescencia. Personalizar el trato. Pasar de unas normas familiares a unos límites individuales. Que las críticas y correcciones vayan combinadas con elogios. Evitar ira o agresividad. Orientar en la priorización de objetivos. Mostrar comprensión y respetar privacidad. Dar más libertad y autonomía según la responsabilidad demostrada. Llegar a mandar aún a riesgo de equivocarnos. Ayudarles a organizarse. Que vean que el amor va unido a la renuncia y al servicio. En fin, para mejorar la autoridad-comunicación-prestigio con los jóvenes en general y para educarlos en una libertad responsable.
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VISIÓN CATÓLICA Una
antigua historia cuenta que, en una ocasión, un hombre era perseguido por un hambriento león, hasta que llegó a un precipicio. El hombre pensó en sus opciones: si saltaba moriría; en caso de no saltar la feroz bestia lo devoraría. Sin pensarlo mucho saltó al vacío. Cuando iba cayendo, milagrosamente se encontró con una gran rama e instintivamente se aferró a ella y quedó colgando de la misma salvándose de una inminente muerte. Por unos momentos pensó en sus posibilidades. Hacia abajo estaba una picuda roca y arriba estaba el león esperándolo. Su pasado era el león, y su futuro era la roca. Ambos significaban la muerte. De momento notó que en la rama en la que estaba atrapado había una fruta exótica que nunca había probado. Pensó que, de momento, era mejor no atemorizarse del león (su pasado) ni de la roca (su futuro) y sería mejor disfrutar aquella deliciosa fruta (su presente). He ahí una bella parábola de la vida. En nuestro entorno cotidiano muchas personas viven atrapadas en su pasado, y aterrorizadas por un incierto futuro. Eso genera altos niveles de ansiedad e impide disfrutar el flujo exquisito de la vida. La vida se convierte en una especie de pasión inutil. Y sus 29,200 “ahoras” (días) son como un fugaz cometa. En eso estriba el problema del mundo hoy: en el apego disfuncional con el pasado y con el futuro. Ejemplos: el que no puede perdonar se aferra quizá a la idea irracional de que el pasado pudo haber sido mejor. La depresión misma tiene mucho que ver con el pasado y sus traumas atávicos: errores, acontecimientos, vivencias, fraca-
20
NI TANTO QUE QUEME AL SANTO Padre Viliulfo Valderrama
Parroco de San Felipe de Jesús, Nogales, Az
El Poder Sanador del Ahora sos, tragedias, etc. Por otro lado, la ansiedad se conecta al futuro: sueños, ilusiones, planes, miedos, proyectos. O se vive de recuerdos, o se vive de ilusiones. He ahí un falso postulado. Muchos sabios orientales dicen que la salud mental consiste en un correcto uso de la mente como herramienta de acceso precavido al pasado y al futuro. Pero ni el pasado ni el futuro son cosas reales. Lo único real es el ahora, y la aceptación de sus desafíos provoca bienestar emocional. El pasado y el futuro son ilusiones. Vivir en ellos genera estrés. Lo único que existe es el ahora, lo único precioso es el hoy. Los hombres sufren porque niegan el presente. Es inaceptable, desagradable y horrible. Pero, ¿cuál es la llave de acceso al momento presente? ¿Cómo podemos aprender a estar y permanecer en el ahora? Como dice Eckhart Tolle, lo primero que hay que entender es que uno no es su mente. La mente esta ligada a la nocion de “pasado” y “futuro”. Si creemos que somos lo que pensamos entonces nos sometemos al yugo de la mente, así como a la dictadura del pasado y del futuro. Vivimos en el pasado y el futuro, con algunas visitas esporádicas
al presente. El pasado nos da identidad y el futuro seguridad de supervivencia. Pero quedamos atrapados en el tiempo. Sólo vivimos de las memorias y de la anticipación, y eso no es una vida autentica. Ello causa sufrimiento y disfunción. Dos de las formas concretas de acceso al “ahora” son la practica de la meditación y de la presencia consciente. La meditación consiste en fijar la atención en algo: un objeto o figura religiosa. Desde hace siglos, los orientales practican el arte de la meditación como una forma para liberarse del sufrimiento. Además, estudios psicológicos revelan que meditar dos veces al dia, por 20 minutos, disminuye la presión sanguínea alta y genera paz interior. La segunda forma es la presencia conciente: Es estar alerta, contemplar sin emitir juicios. Se pone atención al movimiento, al flujo de la vida, incluso a la respiración, etc. Las dos técnicas conectan al presente. No se analiza nada, mas bien se contempla todo. Es detenerse y sentir, honrar el ahora, rendirse a lo que es. En el análisis final, los seres humanos hemos perdido el momento presente. ¡Debemos recu-
perarlo! Vivir en el presente es la mejor medicina para lograr una vida más auténtica. La vida sería mas pacífica si cada día lo viviéramos con más conciencia, y menos inconciencia. Tenemos 29,200 oportunidades para lograrlo (el número de días, en ochenta años). Además, vivir el ahora ayuda a ser más agradecidos con todo. La naturaleza es el arte de Dios y hay que apreciarla cada día. No dejemos pasar mas atardeceres, amaneceres, primaveras, caídas de nieve, noches estrelladas y otras maravillas, sin sentir el palpitar de la vida. La misma fe cristiana, es una constante exhortación a vivir en el ahora.”No se preocupen por el día de mañana porque mañana habrá tiempo para preocuparse. Cada día tiene bastante con sus propios problemas”, proclamó Jesús. (Mt. 6,34). Desde ésta óptica, cada día es un regalo de Dios, por eso se llama “presente”. A pesar de los desafíos, al final de la jornada, se perciben bendiciones ocultas de Dios. Todo está en manos del sumo hacedor: el pasado descansa en su misericordia, el futuro en su providencia, el presente en su sabiduría. Contempla permanentemente la sabiduría de Dios. Dios te invita a atesorar, honrar y cuidar tu presente, porque en esa estación pasarás el resto de tu vida.
Valores Morales
Fidelidad y Amor Por SALVAdOR CASAdEVALL Fuente: Catholic.net
Hay que mostrar y ensalzar, sin cansarse, del valor de la fidelidad. Ser fiel en el matrimonio es el mas bello espejo para mostrar lo que es el amor. Amor sin fidelidad, no es amor. Amor lleno de fidelidad es el signo de la esperanza en el triunfo de la virtud que más enaltece al amor. En la actualidad, en la vida que vive nuestro mundo, casi podríamos decir que ser infiel es un valor. Muchos son los que lo creen así. A ese extremo llega el antivalor en la vida de muchos. Ser fiel casi parece imposible y algo pasado de moda. En esas circunstancias hablar de la fidelidad se hace difícil y la influencia del medio ambiente es muy negativa. La fidelidad debe estar en las grandes y pequeñas cosas de nuestra existencia, pero para los casados, para los esposos, esta fidelidad tiene como marco la alianza matrimonial. Nos hicimos una promesa y las promesas son para ser cumplidas. Cuando en la celebración de nuestra boda nos pusimos mutuamente el anillo en el dedo, acompañamos este gesto con unas breves palabras: “.....recibe la alianza en señal de mi amor y fidelidad”. Los anillos del matrimonio son llamados alianzas. Un concepto bíblico riquísimo que recuerda siempre “la alianza inquebrantable de Dios con su pueblo”. Los profetas se sirven constantemente de la experiencia matrimonial para conducirnos a la comprensión del amor de Dios. Dios se presenta como un esposo que, con ternura y fidelidad sin medida, sabrá ganar a Israel. Son conmovedoras y muy ricas las expresiones con que se describe el misterio de la alianza: fidelidad, bondad, misericordia, amor constante. Todas estas riquezas deben estar en los esposos que se aman.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG •DICIEMBRE 2009
Directo del encabezado de una plana de periódico vienen tres lecciones en qué tan importate es tener pólizas y procedimientos en su lugar (y seguirlas/os) en el ministerio de jóvenes de una parroquia o iglesia. Un ministro de jóvenes, de 59 años de edad, en una iglesia de Tucsón fue convicto recientemente con seis cargos de abuso sexual a una jovencita de 13 años de edad, miembro de un grupo de jóvenes. Un ministro interno de jóvenes, de 25 años de edad, que había estado sirviendo por seis meses solamente en una iglesia de Tempe, fue arrestado recientemente después de admitir que había tenido sexo con una jovencita de 14 años de edad, en un grupo de jóvenes. Dos muchachos de 13 años de edad fueron arrestados recientemente en Tucsón por haber usado sus teléfonos celulares para mandar una foto de una jovencita desnuda de 13 años de edad, que le había mandado a uno de los muchachos de su teléfono celular. Estas tres historias, todas muy cercanas a nuestros hogares, ilustran qué tan vulnerable es la juventud a predatores, y tristemente, jóvenes mismos. En la primera historia, un hombre mayor ofrece su tiempo como voluntario, pero toma ventaja de la confianza de la comunidad de la iglesia. El violó los límites prudentes llevando chamacos a sus casas en su carro. Estoy seguro que eso parecía suficientemente inofensivo para los encargados del grupo; pero el usó estas oportunidades para tantear sus víctimas, y eventualmente escoger a una joven, quien para él le pareció obvio, necesitaba la figura de un padre en su vida. Este predator se movió muy despacio, pero con seguridad, molestando a esta jovencita por más de un año mientras que cumplía con sus deberes como ministro de jóvenes. Él dominó el psiquis de la joven por medio de profesar su cuidado para ella y amenazándola con que él se suicidaba si ella revelaba el REGALOS continua de página 17
êtes?” (“Sí, y ¿usted es?”) ella retornó la pregunta. “Yo soy Ricky Ordoñez, el seminarista de Ámérica. Yo le mandé un correo electronic acerca de tener aquí una fiesta de Navidad con los seminaristas y los niños. “Ah, mais oui!” ella exclamó con una calurosa y grande sonrisa. Era diciembre del 2006 y yo cursaba mi tercer año de Teología en el Seminario Mundelein. Mi clase apenas había arribado en Tierra Santa a pasar 10 semanas de peregrinación y studio. Dos meses antes, se nos había dado la tarea de de organizar una fiesta de Navidad con los niños del orfanatorio Creche en Belén; reunimos casi $2,000 en donaciones y colectamos más o menos una docena de cajas de juguetes. Este orfanatorio está situado en una cuesta atrás del hospital de la Sagrada Familia en una parte de Belén que los turistas nunca llegan a ver. Manejado por las Hijas de la Cari-
dad Francesa, el primoroso y limpio edificio está bajo el auspicio y protección de los Caballeros de la Orden de Malta. Pero estos eran tiempos difíciles y la Hemana Sophie se iva a Jerusalén por donaciones de benefactores cuando las provisiones de comida se escaseaban. Pasaron más de dos años y yo ya había sido ordenado al sacerdocio y asignado a mi primera parroquia, cuando recibí una invitación para ser el director spiritual de una peregrinación de personas a la Tierra Santa. Me acordé de los niños de orfanatorio Creche y me preguntaba cómo estarían. En Misa, compartí mis memorias diciendo que a lo major el Señor estaba otra vez “tocando las puertas de nuestros corazones para hacer algo”. Para cuando llegué a la sacristía, tenía un sobre con $240 marcado “Para los niños en Belén.” Esa noche, estaba en
PROTEGIENDO A NUESTROS NIÑOS PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D
Ministerio a Jóvenes abuso. En la segunda historia, el ministro interno de jóvenes, todavía un estudiante, ofendió de manera muy diferente que el hombre mayor. Él convenció a la joven a que se saliera a hurtadillas de su casa para que así pudieran tener sexo en su carro. Poco antes de su arresto, otras dos jóvenes de una iglesia en otro estado, donde él también había trabajado, lo acusaron de abuso. En la tercera historia, los dos muchachos, aun todavía menores, y la jovencita quien mandó el retrato de ella misma, quedó atrapada en lo que es una fuente acrecentada de peligro para nuestros niños y jóvenes – el uso de artefactos de comunicación electrónica para compartir imágenes e información inapropiadas. En este caso, el crimen fue cometido solamente por menores. Pudo muy fácilmente haberse extendido a envolver adultos quienes sin duda pudieran haber usado imagen e información con propósitos peores. Solo me puedo imaginar el sentimiento de traición, fracaso y desilución que aquellas personas responsables de supervisar a estos ministros y ofensores menores pudieron haber sentido. El impacto de estos crímenes va más allá de las mismas iglesias. Tales incidents erocionan, además, la confianza que los padres en nuestras comunides tienen en personas de fe
quienes están envueltos en el ministerio de jóvenes. No sabemos qué pólizas y procedimientos para prevenir abuso estaban en vigor en las iglesias envueltas, o qué tan bién las seguían. Nosotros sabemos qué debemos hacer para prevenir que tales cosas sucedan y cómo responder si suceden. Este año, estoy colaborando con Joe Perdreauville de nuestra Oficina diocesana de Servicios Pastorales y con John Shaheen de nuesta Oficina diocesana de Propiedad y Aseguranza para pulir nuestras pólizas, procedimientos y recursos para hacer los programas del ministerio de jóvenes tan seguros como sea possible, para nuestros jóvenes y aquellos que los sirven. ¡Qué importante y tan lleno de desafíos es proveer ministerio a nuestros jóvenes! Algunas veces uso la analogía del sistema eléctrico para traer este punto a nuestros hogares. No podemos, en realidad, vivir una vida normal sin electricidad, y ciertamente no podemos usar electricidad de manera segura sin las destrezas y dedicación de los ingenieros eléctricos y los electricistas. El ministerio de jóvenes es esencial en nuestras parroquias, y con toda seguridad no podemos tener un ministerio de jóvenes seguro con ministros de jóvenes sin destrezas y dedicación – personas que conozcan técnicas de un buén ministerio de jóvenes, personas que conozcan los límites propios del ministerio y personas que que quieran la seguridad de nuestros jóvenes. A pesar de todo lo que hagamos no se podrán eliminar completamente los riesgos del ministerio de jóvenes, pero implementando firmemente nuestro nuestro Programa del Ambiente Seguro nos permite seguir adelante con este trabajo tan crítico para que nuestros jóvenes estén seguros al aprender y experimentar la presencia de Dios en sus vidas.
un restaurante Chino con unos amigos y compartí con ellos que quería recaudar $500. Cuando nos trajeron las galletitas de la fortuna, la mía decía “¡Recibirás el deseo de tu corazón!” Me reí y les dije a todos que debería de haberle pedido a Dios por más. “Asombroso” es un término muy sencillo para describir la generosidad de las personas fieles a Dios. En las siguientes semanas, llegó dinero de donadores anónimos y otros especificando que no querían ser reconocidos públicamente. Niños de las escuelas daban su dinero de la semana y otros en memoria de familiares fallecidos. Para el día de mi salida, los donativos llegaron a la cantidad de $4,717. El 23 de septiembre, nuestro grupo arribó a Belén y al encaminarnos a la capilla del horfanatorio, más donaciones fueron metidas en el sobre. Por seguro, la cantidad de dinero ya sobrepasaba $5,000. Mirar REGALOS, página 22
DICIEMBRE 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Por RAMONITO CELESTIAL En el primer día de diciembre de 1981, nací a una típica familia Filipina Católica en una comunidad pequeña en la provincial de Illoilo. Iloilo es una provincial situada en el medio de la parte sur de las Filipinas. Los habitantes de esta provincia son llamados “ilonggos” o “ilonggo” en su forma singular. Los ilonggos son conocidos como personas amables y afectuosas. Puedo ver estas cualidades en mi familia al tratar con nuestros invitados.Las personas que nos visitan con mucha frecuencia y pasan mucho tiempo con nosotros, no son tratados como invitados; ellos son tratados como miembros de la familia. El nombre de mi padre fue Vicente C. Celestial. El nombre de mi madre es Lourdes L. Cerbo. Ambos Ramonito Celestial nacieron en la ciudad de Calinog. Yo soy el tercero en mi familia de cuatro. Mi padre trabajó en una refinería de azucar de nuestra ciudad. El murió cuando yo estaba en Segundo año de seminario. Mi madre es ama de casa. Ella llevaba el manejo de la casa y nos cuidó cuando éramos pequeños. ¿Cuándo pensó por primera vez en ser sacerdote? En lo que se refiere a mi crecimiento espiritual y el desarrollo en mi vocación, como fui criado en una familia católica muy buena, pude descernir mi vocación con la ayuda y apoyo de ella. Yo pienso que fue una gran ventaja para mí el haber crecido en esta clase de familia porque hay muchas familias donde todo lo que cuenta para los padres es el éxito de sus hijos en términos de ganar mucho dinero y vivir una vida holgada según las normas del mundo. Llegar a ser sacerdote fue el sueño de mi niñez. Todavía es así hasta este día. Entre nuestros familiares, la hermana menor de mi papá es una monja Dominica. Su nombre es Hermana Ma. Raphaelie Celestial, O.P.I Ella fue la que me inspiró a considerar mi vocación al sacerdocio. ¿Tuviste un sacerdote a quien quisiste
REGALOS continua de página 21
La Hermana Sophie nos habló de su ministerio en Creche, diciendo que ahí hay 50 niños quedándose tiempo completo y 70 más para cuidado de día. Nos compartió también que los niños pueden ser adoptados solamente por familias Musulmanas y lamenta la falta de subsidio de parte de las autoridades Palestinas. Por el contrario, su ayuda de proviciones tan necesitadas por los pobres es constantemente solicitada. Adhirió que el orfanatorio selamente
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En
el Camino al
Sacerdocio
Este es el segundo en una serie de articulos en donde seminarios relataran personalmente como y porque encontraron sus caminos al sacerdocio en la Dióceses de Tucson
“Este es el sueño de mi niñez” emular en tu juventud? Además de mi tía, otra persona que me inspiró a seguir mi vocación al sacerdocio es un sacerdote. Su nombre es Rev. Diosado Parenas. En un tiempo fue nuestro párroco asociado en mi parroquia en las Filipinas. El tiene un gran corazón para la gente joven. Cada vez que atendemos a Misa, si es él el celebrante, me acerco a saludarle después que se termina la Misa. Siempre hago el gesto de reverencia Filipina hacia un sacerdote poniéndo su mano derecha sobre mi frente. ¿Cómo consideras que será tu sacerdocio? Como futuro sacerdote, lo veo como una vida de servicio para el pueblo de Dios. Para poder hacerlo, tengo que aprender a decir sí a la voluntad de Dios y renovar ese sí cada día. El sacerdocio es una llamada muy noble, aunque no fácil. Se necesitan muchas oraciones para vivir fielmente el sacerdocio. Basado en lo que he aprendido de los sacerdotes, un sacerdote siempre tiene mucho qué hacer. Con el esfuerzo humano solamente, es prácticamente imposible hacer todas las tareas de un sacerdote. Por lo tanto es necesario que uno permita que la gracia de Dios lo mueva a hacer lo que Dios pide de él. ¿Cuál es tu gozo más grande al contemplar el sacerdocio? Pienso que el gozo que tendré como sacerdote es el sentido de realización por haber cumplido con mis quehaceres como futuro sacerdote. Creo que el impacto de lo que haga por la gente será más allá de mi entendimiento. Me inspira pensar acerca de las vidas de muchas gentes que tendré la oportunidad de tocar de una manera o de otra. Aquí en el Seminario Mundelein tenemos algunos sacerdotes avanzados en edad. Ellos están ancianos pero aun puedo ver sonrisas en sus caras. En realidad no conozco mucho acreca de
ellos, pero sus sonrisas parecen mostrar ese sentimiento de gozo por ser scerdotes buenos y fieles todas sus vidas.Ellos siempre me inspiran y me hacen sonreir porque de alguna manera, el modo que viven sus vidas muestran a los seminaristas el ejemplo de cómo vivir como buenos sacerdotes. Yo siempre encuentro inspiración en sacerdotes de avanzada edad porque ellos son el símbolo viviente de fidelidad a la vocación que ellos escogieron responder. Su presencia parece decirnos que fidelidad a nuestra propia vocación es possible en medio de un mundo donde la gente casi pierde totalmente el sentido de cometimiento a nuestra vocación, ya sea una vida de matrimonio o de sacerdocio. Ellos parecen decirnos que una vocación es realmente una vocación noble a pesar de las tentaciones del mundo a valorizar solamente el dinero y bienes temporales. ¿Qué le dices a alguien que está considerando el sacerdocio? Yo siempre le recomiendo a la gente que considera la vida de sacerdocio que abierta y honestamente disciernan la llamada de Dios. Cuando ellos realicen que Dios está llamándoles realmente a cierto punto, que deben de tener valor, no tener miedo y seguir de frente y abrazar esa llamada a capa y espada. Muchas personas piensan que no son merecedores de esta clase de vocación. Y yo digo “Nadie es merecedor y nunca alguien lo será.” Aun, Dios es tan bueno que a pesar de nuestra indignidad somos llamados a hacer algo que es tan noble. Esto nos debe hacer sentir más agradecidos por nuestra llamada. La llamada de Dios no es algo en contra de nuestra humanidad. Es una invitación a ser más humanos. Esto quiere decir que conocemos muy bién nuestras debilidades, y que sin la gracia de Dios no podemos hacer algo; reconocemos nuestra dependencia en Dios y por lo tanto es importante
depende de las donaciones de benefactores. Cuando le presentamos nuestro regalo, dijo sofocada, “Mon Dieu!” “¡Dios mío!” Nuestros peregrinos jugaron con los niños en el mismo corredor donde por primera vez conocí a la Hermana Sophie. Ella nos dijo de las necesidades en las que a veces se encuentra; aun así nunca enseñó un rasgo de resentimiento o amargor. Su enfoque fue solamente en regar el amor de Dios sobre aquellos pequeños que habían sido abandonados en el batiente de su casa,
o en una pila de basura o entregados por madres solteras. Su misión es reedificar vidas y cuidar de los niños traumatizados por violencia, negligencia y rechazo. Cuando nos despedimos Sister Sophie me tomó la mano, la apretó y dijo, “¡Recuérdenos en sus oraciones!” Tomando una respiración profunda, repliqué, “¡Pregúntele al Señor que nos recuerde cuando necesite algo!” Cuando dejamos “la pequeña ciudad de Belén” había un silencio espectral en el
que confiemos en Él. ¿Tienes alguna devoción favorita? Mis devociones favoritas son La Santa Eucaristía y el Rosario.La vida en el seminario tiene muchos desafíos. Desafíos en la vida como seminarista y algún día como sacerdote, son parte de la llamada a la que respondemos. Es necesario, por lo tanto, siempre preguntarle a Dios, por medio de la intercesión de la Santísima Madre, que nos provea con las gracias necesarias que necesitamos en el camino. La oración es totalmente indispensable. Cuando los estudios en el seminario se ponen pesados y parece que las cosas son imposibles para mí para llevarlas a cabo, me digo a mí mismo: “Bueno, es tiempo que cierre los ojos, que me agarre de la mano de Dios, y Él me sacará adelante.” En los tiempos cuando no puedo ver claramente la dirección que debo seguir, yo le dejo a Dios guiar mi camino. ¿Cómo te relajas? ¿Tienes un lugar de vacaciones favorito y/o un lugar de retiro? Mi relajación es juntarme y andar con mis colegas seminaristas.Me da la oportunidad de animarlos y de que ellos me animen. No tengo un lugar favorito de vacaciones o de retiro. Mintras tenga un lugar donde pueda pasar un tiempo a solas con el Señor, es sufciente para mí. Aquí en el seminario lo hago a la orilla del lago dentro del terreno del seminario; si no, en la capilla más cerca a mi cuarto. Describe un buén día en el seminario. Para mí, un día bueno en el seminario es el día en el que tengo la oportunidad de llevar a cabo todo lo que necesito o deseo hacer. Estoy feliz con el día si es un día balanceado. Eso es, si puedo terminar mis asignaturas tales como lectura y escritura; cuando me es posible rezar fuera de la agenda de rezos del seminario y Misa; cuando puedo hacer un poco de ejercicio. Termine esta declaración: “ Sorprendiera a la gente saber… que me gusta mucho la fotografía. Una buena fotograía es aquella que te hace refleccionar en el mensaje que trata de expresar. Por ejemplo, si la foto es un retrato de naturaleza, debiera hacer que el espectador realice la belleza de la creación de Dios, reflejando la belleza de aquel que la creó. Fotografía pudiera ser una manera eficiente de catequizar y educar a la gente.” camión con cada peregrino preguntándose acerca de la suerte que les esperara a los niños de Creche – todos víctimas de circunstancias mucho más allá de su control. Ahora, al recordar los eventos de ese día, estoy seguro que en los corazones de todos aquellos que trajimos Navidad a Belén en septiembre, un gozo silencioso alaba a Dios con las palabras “¡Gracias, Señor, por sentirme ‘usado’ maravillosamente por Tí!”
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
Salpointe athletes join ‘Sports Hall of Fame’ Salpointe Catholic High School inducted its 16th class of Sports Hall of Fame honorees at a banquet last month in the Salpointe gymnasium. Inductees included high-profile national athletes as well as local favorites: Nick Frost ’99 (wrestling), Scott Gaskins ’97 (swimming), Mike Hayes ’77 (golf ), Ray Hornfeck ’81 (football), Colleen Lanne Cox ’97 (swimming), Scott Leber ’97 (soccer), Taria Mims-Flowers ’99 (softball), Bob McQuown ’69 (various) and Joe Urbanski ’98 (track/cross country). Also inducted were three storied Salpointe teams—the 1984-1985 men’s swim and dive team, the 1997-1998 state champion women’s soccer team and the 1998-1999 state champion women’s soccer team. Here’s a summary: Nick Frost ’99 (wrestling): Frost became the first four-time state champion in Arizona school history. His overall record was 145-3 and his honors include All-Region, All-5A Southern, All-Southern Wrestler of the Year, All-Star Wrestler of the Year and All-State Wrestler of the year. He was named a three-time AllAmerican and profiled in “Sports Illustrated” magazine. Frost wrestled at Arizona State University and won back to back Pac-10 championships in 2003 and 2004. Scott Gaskins ’97 (swimming): during his career, Gaskins set records at Salpointe and in the region. He earned eight AllAmerican honors, seven 5-A state titles, All-Southern honors, All-5A Southern, Allstar honors and 5A All-State Swimmer of the Year distinctions. Gaskin later swam at the University of Arizona and was named a seven-time All-American and qualified for the Olympic trials. Mike Hayes ’77 (golf ): After playing four years of varsity golf at Salpointe, Hayes began his professional career in
Inductees included high-profile national athletes as well as local favorites. 1980. He has held Head Golf Pro positions at the El conquistador Country Club, the 49ers Country Club and the Fred Enke golf course. He has helped increase the Ricki Rarick Junior Golf Program from 140 golfers in 1992 to over 250 today. Hayes has been the recipient of many awards, including Golf Professional of the Year and Junior Golf Leader from the Southern Chapter Southwest Section PGA, and was inducted into the Pima Country Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He is currently the Deputy Director of Golf Operations for the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department. Ray Hornfeck ’81 (football): Hornfeck was awarded All-City and All-State as a member of the football team and managed to play in eight consecutive games without leaving the field, switching between various positions including quarterback. He currently holds the Salpointe punting average record. Hornfeck went on to play for the University of New Mexico, where he received All-WAC and AllAmerican honors. He played two seasons with the Denver Broncos and in 1998, was chosen by University of New Mexico fans as the number one defensive player on their all-time team.
pic team silver medal at the 2004 summer games in Athens. Scott Leber ’97 (soccer): During his Salpointe career, Leber broke the Arizona record for single goals in a season with 43 and received various honors, including All-Region, All-State, Tucson Citizen and Arizona Daily Star Player of the Year, city and state Player of the year and Gatorade All-American. Leber went on to play for Stanford University, where his team reached the NCAA tournament four times, won a Pac-10 championship and was national runner-up in 1999. Leber was the first Tucsonan to be drafted by Major League Soccer, to the Columbus Crew in 2002. He was also a member of the national champion Long Island Rough Riders in 2002.
Taria Mims-Flowers’ 99 (soft ball): At Salpointe, Flowers led her team to a state championship in 1996 and was named All-Star, All-Southern Region, All-State and All-American. She went on to play for UCLA, helped the team win a national championship in 2003 and was named to the all-College World Series team, All-Pac-10, All-Region and All-American. Flowers currently plays for the UnitColleen Lanne Cox ’97 (swimming): ed States national team, which won gold at During her four years at Salpointe, she the 2001 U.S. Cup, 2002 ISF World Chamwon 14 region titles, six state titles and pionship, 2003 Pan American Games and was honored with All-5-A Southern, All- 2004 summer Olympics in Athens. She Southern and All-American honors. Swim- also won a silver medal at the 2008 Olymming for the University of Texas, she was pic games in Beijing. named Big 12 Athlete of the Year, a fourBob McQuown ’69 (player/coach): time NCAA champion and a 22 time AllAmerican. She went on to win an Olym- As a four-sport athlete at Salpointe,
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McQuown earned varsity letters in football, baseball, golf and wrestling. As a football player, he was named All-City. At the University of Arizona, Bob was named Intramural Athlete of the Year in 1974. After college, Bob accepted coaching positions at Salpointe with the football, baseball and volleyball teams and later coached varsity volleyball at Sahuarita. He was named 4A Regional Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1997 and 1998. Joe Urbanski ’98 (track/cross country): During his high school career, Urbanski set school records for the 1600M, 3200M, 4x800 relay, and led the 1996 Salpointe cross country team to its first region title in 31 years. Urbanski received All-5A Southern honors, All-Southern honors and AllState honors for both track and cross country during each of his four years. He also captured five individual 5A region championship titles. Urbanski chose to continue his career at Stanford University, where he was a member of three Pac-10 championship teams, one national runner-up team and received the All-Pac-10 Academic award three times. 1984-1985 Men’s Swim and Dive Team: The team went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in Salpointe history, including a win over three-year undefeated powerhouse team, Amphi High. 1997-1998 Women’s Soccer Team: The team went 20-1-1 and defeated the Dobson Mustang’s 2-1 in overtime to capture the 5A state title. They were ranked by the National Soccer coaches Association of America as #4 in the nation. 1998-1999 Women’s Soccer Team: The team finished the season 24-2 AND captured a third straight region title and second consecutive state title by beating Paradise Valley High School 3-1.
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William J. Bausch, in a fascinating book, “Storytelling - Imagination and Faith,” reminds us that “our heritage is one of story and our master, Jesus, was known for his stories.” He quotes another well-known storyteller, Father Andrew Greeley, on the topic of the tension between creed and story: “But a belief system without a story may lack human vitality.” It is clear that we enrich our faith experience through stories. On an individual level, we may go even deeper in our understanding and embrace of our Catholic Christian tradition through our own understanding and occasional enrichment of a given story. There are a couple of very familiar stories in Scripture that always struck me as perhaps needing some amplification. One deals with who is humbled and who gets exalted and the other is the Mary and Martha exchange when Jesus visits their home. In the gospel by Luke, Chapter 14, is told the story of the invited guests and their seating by the host. We recall the embarrassment of the guest who took a place of honor By FATHER R.G. TAMMINGA Why don’t we celebrate Christmas on March 25? In keeping with our conviction that all life is sacred and that human life begins at conception, March 25, normally referred to as the solemnity of the Annunciation, should be the designated celebration of the Incarnation. Granted that we don’t know the exact year, month or date of the birth of Jesus, and that December 25 was chosen for a number of other than historical or scientific reasons, it would make theological and practical sense to celebrate a March 25th Christmas. Think of the possible advantages of celebrating the “true” Christmas in early spring.
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BACK PEW Robin Quill
Storytelling and was later told to give way to a more important guest. The advice was to take the lowest place and perhaps the host will ask that a higher place be taken. The person is then esteemed by all present in light of this recognition. I think there is a third circumstance that often prevails. There are some folks who deliberately take the lowest place, acting humble. In reality, they fully expect to be exalted and receive the esteem they crave from the other guests. Have you seen such examples of false humility? You know the scene where some one hangs back fully expecting to be recognized and called to a position of prominence. I think they, more than anyone else, should have a seat in “the lowest place”. The obvious behavior is to know
Let’s celebrate Christmas in March We could begin to separate the religious celebration of Christmas from the frenzy of shopping and spending that marks the weeks before December 25. We could do our part in bringing real peace and some reflective quiet to our remembrance of such a high point in the history or our salvation. We could unashamedly proclaim the name of Jesus and sing openly Christian carols as we celebrate the incarnation of the Savior while making a gentle, non-abrasive but very
in advance where your place is (and not just at table). Also in Luke’s Gospel, in Chapter 10, is the story of Jesus’ visit to the house of Mary and Martha. Martha welcomed Jesus and set about the customary tasks of hospitality while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. We are told by countless homilists how Mary understood the value of Jesus’ words and “chose the better part”. I’ve always felt that if it were not for the Marthas of this world (and I count myself as one of them), the Marys would never have the chance to sit, listen and reflect. And so, maybe the writer of this passage left out seven words: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things” as he helped her set the table. Our blessed Marthas keep the wheels turning, keep the operations moving and see to all the small details which enable those given the opportunity to “sit at the feet of Jesus” to experience those wonderful moments. Somehow, some way, we need to recognize the “Martha role” and see how much it contributes to the total life of the Church. powerful statement declaring our conviction about the right to life of the child in the womb. We could still allow the hectic, Santa-filled, politically correct December celebration to remain in place, thus preserving our Church’s liturgical cycle. There would still be plenty of room for glitzy decorations, the gift-giving tradition of the Epiphany season, and all the rest of the things that go along with the December celebration of the birth of Jesus. But why not celebrate the Word Made Flesh, the Incarnation, the real Christmas, on March 25! ‑ Father Tamminga is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson.
St. Vincent de Paul Stores Some Things Never Go Out of Style!
circa 1950’s Your donation to St. Vincent can impact the life of someone who needs your help — a family with four small children, whose mother is unable to work as she recovers from an illness may need emergency food; help with rent or utilities or just someone to provide hope. Help us continue to help others in faith, hope and love. Go shopping, donate or volunteer.
Visit Our Stores
Tucson: 820 S. Sixth Ave. (520) 622–2821 or 5426 East Pima (520) 323–0734 Green Valley: 505 N. La Canada Dr. (520) 625–4536 Sierra Vista: 220 Myer Dr. or 236 W. Fry Blvd., (520) 458–0870 Douglas: 543 N. G. Ave., (520) 364–3637 Benson: 201 E. 5th St, (520) 586–9438 How do I make a donation? Make your check payable to the Society Casa Grande: 405 E. 2nd St, of St. Vincent de Paul and mail it to: 829 (520) 836–2009 South Sixth Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85701. For more information visit our web site www.svdptucson.org or contact (520) 628–SVDP (7837) This ad and its design are a gift from Connie Boch of Travel Host magazine of Southern Arizona and designer Chad Worth.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, INC.
Continuing to serve in the most difficult of times By RUTH LILJENQUIST Just as many people suffering through this recession, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona had a rough year. In fiscal year 2008-2009, CCS saw an 18 percent cut in government fees and grants that forced it to reduce services and staff positions. Despite these cuts, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona continued to provide vital services—such as emergency assistance, medical care, shelter and housing, and counseling—to the community. But it was extremely difficult. CCS served roughly 125,000 people in its last fiscal year, about the same as the year before. (Take a look at a summary of some of the services below.) But total numbers don’t tell the full story. “We were able to serve more people through our health education, financial literacy, and tax preparation services,” said Peg Harmon, CEO of CCS. “But our capacity to serve children at risk of neglect or abuse and women and children needing shelter because of domestic violence was significantly reduced.” St. Elizabeth’s Health Center served roughly the same number of people as
last year, despite a large drop in funding, primarily due to the generosity of volunteer medical professionals who kept services levels up. However, St. E’s is not able to keep up with the demand. “There are lots more people asking for help, and we don’t have the capacity or the resources to meet the demand,” said Harmon. “Often, we’re the last stop for folks without health insurance who have a chronic disease or cancer. For cancer treatment, we have no money right now, and, sadly, that could mean the loss of a person’s life.” Harmon is also concerned about people in rural communities, who have been disproportionately affected by budget cuts. CCS’s agencies in southeastern and western Arizona have discontinued some services and cut staff drastically. Rural areas already had limited services, and now cuts in funding have reduced them to near nothing. People with disabilities have also seen cuts in services. Again due to state budget cuts for people with developmental disabilities, CCS’ Southwest Community Services had to lay off staff members. The demand for services, however, is still the same. The agency can only put people’s names on a
waiting list with the hope that at some point they may be able to respond. With the state budget still in crisis and no solution in sight, the current fiscal year looks worse than 2008-2009. If a budget fix does not include a measure to increase state revenue, Harmon fears additional cuts in funding for child welfare, domestic violence, and healthcare for the uninsured. And yet, she tries to find a little hope. “Jack Cotter, our former CEO, used to say, ‘With love in one hand and faith in the other, you can do anything,’” said Harmon. “I’m trying to see things that way.” Harmon invites the Catholic community and people of good will to help in any way they can—whether it’s volunteering, donating needed items, or making monetary gifts. “It’s part of our faith to help people in need. It’s what we’re called to do. And there’s never been a more crucial time.” A Sampling of Services Provided by CCS in FY 2008-2009: Health Care 31,500 medical visits; 7,750 dental procedures; 24,000 diagnostic tests; 17,500 people reached through community health education
Family and Children’s Services 952 women and children with 72,990 nights of safety in domestic violence shelter and transitional housing; 670 children in early childhood education and youth programs; 1,432 children in adoption services; 634 children placed in adoptive homes; 198 foster homes caring for 287 children; 277 families provided financial literacy education; 4,412 persons received free tax preparation services; resulting in $4,800,000 in refunds and EITC Also, 6,686 people provided emergency food, clothing, and financial assistance; 1,068 people from 33 countries served through Immigration and Refugee Services Older Adults, Residents in Rural Communities, and Persons with Disabilities 585,522 meals for low-income seniors; over 1,000 seniors receiving case management services; 36,097 hours of adult day health care for 31 seniors and 4,330 skilled home care visits for 210 persons; 227,570 miles of transportation to 66,091 residents in rural Southeastern Arizona 80,993 hours of interpreting and communication assistance to 2,332 people with hearing impairments.
What makes a really great priest As a special feature of the Year for Priests, The New Vision is asking readers to share their views and answer this question: “What makes a really great priest?” Send us your own opinion. Write to The New Vision, P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702, or email to bernz@diocesetucson.org.
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A really great priest. Here is how I have experienced it over a lot of years. There are crowd-pleasers. There are tellers of good stories. There are entertainers. And there are teachers. And yet the great priests know the Way of Jesus, they know His voice and His spirit. In the gospel of St. John, 21, Jesus gives His last commandment to St. Peter, the first priest: “Feed my lamb, feed my sheep, feed my sheep.” Jesus says this three times so there can be no question of His intent. Jesus does not say indoctrinate my sheep, no, not at all. Jesus says “feed my sheep.” To be nourished in the word and spirit of our Lord is to be brought into the presence of the Holy Spirit, and it is here alone that lives are changed, that lives are transformed. And it is Jesus himself that does the transforming. See St. John 15. The humble priest who understands that his work is to lead the congregation into the presence of the Holy Spirit, he is the truly great priest.
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Pablo Domingo Why, Ariz.
Of the many qualities great priests share,the most important, in my opinion, is clarity - that is he sets forth the Church’s teachings clearly, succinctly and courageously. Best and most recent example is Bishop Thomas J. Tobin: http://www.thericatholic.com/opinion/detail.html?sub_id=2632 Charlene McMurtrie-Greer Gold Canyon, Ariz.
Dinner with Bishop The sixth annual “Mass and Dinner with the Bishop” will be held on Sunday, Jan. 17, at Skyline Country Club in Tucson, sponsored by Msgr. Don H. Hughes Assembly, Knights of Columbus, to benefit the Retired Priests Fund. Mass will be said by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas at 4:30 p.m., followed by a social hour and then dinner. Pictures of guests with the Bishop will be taken during the social hour. To make reservations, call Marty Ronstadt, event chairman, at 520-5771037.
DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Straight out of the headlines come three lessons on just how important it is to have policies and procedures in place (and followed) for parish ministry to youth. A 59-year-old youth minister for a church in Tucson recently was convicted on six counts of sexual molestation of a 13-year-old girl, a member of the youth group. A 25-year-old youth ministry intern, who had been serving in a church in Tempe for only six months, recently was arrested after admitting to having sex with a 14-yearold girl in the youth group. Two 13-year-old boys recently were arrested in Tucson for using their mobile phones to send a nude photo of a 13-year-old girl that she had sent to one of the boys using her mobile phone. These three stories, all very close to home, illustrate how vulnerable youth is to predators and, sadly, to youth themselves. In the first story, an older man volunteers his time, but takes advantage of the trust of the church community. He violated prudent boundaries by taking children home in his car. I am sure it seemed harmless enough to those in charge, but he used the opportunities to size up potential victims, eventually picking out a girl whose need for a father figure must have been obvious to him. This predator moved slowly but surely, molesting her for more than a year while he went about his other duties as a youth minister. He dominated the girl’s psyche by professing his care for her and threatening suicide should she reveal the abuse. In the second story, the youth ministry intern, still
There is a “back story” to Christmas. It is actually an all around, through, up the middle, in and out, before and after-story. The part of the story that we are already familiar with is worth telling and retelling throughout our lives. We gather with neighbors and friends in faith to hear the story. We tell it to our children. We listen with joy when we hear our children tell it to our grandchildren. The story is one of promise and hope, although on the surface it surely did not seem to be at the time. The parents are poor, and they are displaced from their home because the powerful occupying forces want to count the people in order to accurately tax them. At best, this birth, this child seems ordinary, barely worth noticing. Why pay attention to this one? Why indeed!
The Jordan Ministry Team
Sharers in Ministry
We offer: • Level One and Two certification classes for teachers and catechists • Courses on theology and spirituality • Advent and Lenten Series • Retreats and Days of Recollection • Other programming to fit the needs of your faith community Jordan Ministry 520-623-2563
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PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D
Ministry to youth a student, offended in a very different manner than the older man. He convinced the girl to sneak out of her house so they could have sex in his car. In the wake of his arrest, two other girls from a church in another state where he had worked also accused him of abuse. In the third story, the two boys, still minors themselves, and the girl who sent the picture of herself, got caught in what is an increasing source of danger to our children and youth – the use of the electronic communication devices to share inappropriate images and information. In this case, the crime was committed only by minors. It could have easily expanded to involve adults who would use the image and information for even worse purposes. I can only imagine the sense of betrayal, failure and disappointment that those responsible for supervising these youth ministers and the young offenders must have felt. The impact of these crimes goes beyond the churches themselves. Such incidents further erode in our communities the trust that parents have in people of faith who are
involved in youth ministry. We don’t know what policies to prevent abuse were in place in the churches involved or how well they were followed. We do know what we are to do to prevent such things from happening and how to respond if they do. This year, I am collaborating with Joe Perdreauville of our diocesan Office of Pastoral Services and John Shaheen of our diocesan Property and Insurance Office to enhance our policies, procedures and resources to make our youth ministry programs as safe as possible for young persons and those who serve them. How important and challenging it is to provide ministry to our youth! I sometimes use the analogy of the electrical system to bring home this point. We can’t really live our normal lives without electricity, and we certainly can’t use electricity safely without the skills and dedication of electrical engineers and electricians. Youth ministry is essential to our parishes, and we certainly can’t have safe youth ministry without skilled and dedicated youth ministers – people who know the techniques of good youth ministry, people who know the boundaries of proper ministry and people who want our young persons to be safe. Nothing we do will completely eliminate the risks of youth ministry, but whole-heartedly implementing our Safe Environment Program allows us to carry on this critical work so that our young persons are safe as they learn about and experience God’s presence in their lives.
That All May Know the Savior A reflection on the challenges and joys of ministry from the Jordan Ministry Team
Peggy Guerrero
Ordinary mystery We could ask the same question about bread. What is so special about ordinary bread, bread that is so insignificant looking that we hardly notice that it is bread? Why do we call it “The Bread of Life?” Why have people around the world, for thousands of years, pay homage to bread, the same way the Magi bowed down to a poor baby in a manger? Is there a connec-
EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2009 4 & 5 - Fr. Joe and Peggy at St. Francis de Sales-CFP-Eve 9 - Rebecca at SEAS-Guadal& Day-Tucson upe-Icon of Justice-7th & 8th 6 - Fr. Joe at Mountain graders-2-3pm-Tucson Vista School-Family Holi- 10 - Peggy at DCP-Youth day Concert-5:30-7:30 Leadership-4:30-5:30pmpm-Oracle Tucson 7 - Rebecca at St. Ambro11 - Peggy at All Saints Cathse–Guadalupe-Icon of olic School-CST-Lit. & Rit.Justice-7th & 8th grad1:00-3:00 pm-Sierra Vista ers-10:00-10:50 am-Tucson 11 - Rebecca at Our Lady of 7 - Rebecca at St. Patrick’sthe Mountains- GuadalupeGuadalupe-Icon of Justice-6-8 Icon of Justice (Bilingual)pm-Bisbee 7-9pm-Sierra Vista 8 - Rebecca at St. Rose of 17-Peggy at Picture Rocks Lima-Staff-Guadalupe-Icon for SEAS Staff Retreat-9amof Justice-6-8pm-Safford 3pm-Tucson 9 - Rebecca at St. Cyril’s19 - Fr. Joe at St. Anthony of Mom’s- Guadalupe-Icono de Padua-Knights of Columbus Justicia-10am-12pm-Tucson Retreat-Casa Grande Make reservations now for Fr. Joe’s “Desert Heart” concert fundraiser Feb. 14, 2010, for JMT at 623-2563
tion? You bet. We sometimes forget that the Incarnation is more than the story of a baby, as wonderful as that story is. The Incarnation is the mystery of our God, Mystery itself, becoming part of the world of creation, the world that very same God created. That happened throughout Jesus’ life, to be sure. The Incarna-
tion begins with Christmas, the birth of the child Jesus. The Incarnation continues throughout all of Jesus’ life, and up to and beyond today. God took on the very created way of being that the God-self brought into being. Paul tells us that the Incarnation is when God poured himself out, becoming like a slave. So the God-child, Jesus Christ, born in very humble circumstances so long ago, makes every child extraordinary. The fact that our God became one of us draws us up to God. This mystery of the Incarnation makes every child a wonder-child and every loaf of bread becomes holy. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we celebrate how God makes the ordinary become holy. “Merry Christmas” hardly seems to do justice to the miracle of Incarnation. Let’s spread this good news!
Happy Holidays to you and yours from
WENDY’S
Flight to Egypt $47 15% off with copy of ad Specializing in special orders
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009
It’s in our ACtIoNS . It’s in our wordS . It’s in our CAre . CNS photo/Paul Haring
Professor Jonathan Lunine, a professor of planetary sciences and physics at the University of Arizona, which has a longstanding relationship with the Vatican Observatory, speaks at a press conference on astrobiology at the Vatican. At right is Jesuit Father José Funes, director of the observatory.
‘Table set’ for life on other planets
Compassion. It’s in everything we do. And has been for more than 130 years. From our dedicated staff to our renowned specialists and physicians, we carry that compassion forward, every day. It’s part of our mission. But more importantly, it’s part of who we are. And it’s why so many people in Southern Arizona turn to Carondelet Health Network when they’re in need of health care—body, mind and spirit. For more information about a Carondelet Health Network hospital near you, visit carondelet.org.
St. Joseph’s Hospital | St. Mary’s Hospital Tucson Heart Hospital | Holy Cross Hospital
VATICAN CITY (CNS)-- Dozens of scientists, including two from the University of Arizona, gathered at a Vatican-sponsored meeting last month to fit together emerging pieces of a puzzle still waiting to be solved: Whether there is life on other planets. If finding extraterrestrial life is like “a detective chase, a crime to be solved, we’re getting very close to the answer,” said Chris Impey, head of the Steward Observatory and the University of Arizona’s department of astronomy in Tucson. Impey was one of 30 high-level scientists attending a Nov. 6-10 study week on astrobiology sponsored by the Vatican Observatory and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The astronomer said it is widely believed that life needs three basic ingredients: carbon-based material, energy provided by stars, and water, “which is one of the most common molecules in the universe.” “These three elements have already been found in a lot of places in galaxies,” he said. “The universe, if it’s like a table, the table is set for dinner. Everything is there, all the ingredients are there” to welcome and support life, Impey added. Until 1995, no one knew whether there were planets circling some of the billions of stars in the universe. Advancements in planet detection have since led scientists to discover more than 400 planets outside of the solar system and
dozens more are found each year, he said. Jonathan Lunine, professor of planetary science and physics at the University of Arizona, said three or four worlds within the solar system also have conditions where life may be found. More research into how the Earth and earthly life evolved is helpful in understanding what habitable worlds may look like, he said. One key mystery that lacks a complete scientific explanation is why it took so long -- 1 billion to 2 billion years -- for complex cells to appear and then another 1 billion to 2 billion years for complex animal life to emerge, Lunine said. Discoveries of life in very inhospitable conditions on Earth, such as rock-eating microbes living deep beneath the ocean floor, show that different life forms may exist on other worlds, said Jesuit Father José Funes, head of the Vatican Observatory. Father Funes said that even though the study week looked exclusively at scientific evidence and theories, it was “very important that the church is involved in this type of research” looking at life in the cosmos. He quoted Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, president of the commission governing Vatican City, as telling participants that “truth from research cannot make us afraid; what is to be feared is error.” Cardinal Lajolo visited the Vatican’s astronomy facility in Tucson recently.
DECEMBER 2009 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Scouting the Anza Trail More than 400 Boy Scouts from throughout the Diocese of Tucson enjoyed a 4.5 mile-hike and explored the historic Anza Trail during the 7th annual Anza Trek, reflecting on the life of Father Eusebio Kino and his impact on the Southwest. Organized by Scout leader Chip Travers and hosted by the Catholic Committee on Scouting, the day-long educational excursion along the Santa Cruz River included a dozen stops, including one at the mission in Tumacacori. Scouts camped overnight and the next morning received patches to commemorate their hike, during which they “policed” the trail, cleaning up discarded items.
Join Us in Celebration We invite the community to our
celebration of the Feast of The Lady of Guadalupe on Sat., Dec. 12, 2009.
Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz, a youth dance group, will perform at 3:30 p.m.
in our Main Dining Room. Traditional Mexican refreshments will be served.
We Wish You a Wonderful Holiday Season Filled with Joy and Spirit! Tours Are Always Welcomed!
Questions, Concerns, or Needs – Please Call (520) 323-9351 We are here to help you! 4310 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712 www.villamariacc.com
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG DECEMBER 2009