2012 January issue - The New Vision by The New Vision

THE

VISION

NEW

o f t h e R o m a n C a t h o l i c D i o c e s e o f Tu c s o n

JANUARY 2012

Tu c s o n , A Z Vo l . V I , N u m b e r X I I

W W W. N E W V I S I O N O N L I N E . O R G

Be co~workers

in His vineyard

DIOCESE OF TUCSON 2012 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

‘We belong to each other, and we belong to Christ’ By BERN ZOVISTOSKI The New Vision The faithful in the Diocese of Tucson are being called upon this year to “be co-workers in the vineyard” of Jesus Christ. That’s the theme of the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal, which seeks to raise $3.7 million – the same as the goal for last year and the year before – to fund the 26 charities and ministries it supports. It’s also the theme of a first-ever diocesan-wide conference to be held March 15-17 in Tucson, which is open to “all who contribute to the life of the Church, through its parishes, schools, diocesan offices and affil-

iated organizations.” Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said the Annual Catholic Appeal seeks “the bare minimum that is necessary to fully fund each of the charities and ministries,” adding: “I know that many of you make sacrifices to support your parish, to fulfill your pledge to our diocesan renewal campaign and, each year, to so faithfully support our Annual Catholic Appeal. I am so grateful for your sacrifices.” The theme, he said, is drawn from the Gospel of John, “beautiful words that are so profoundly special to us because our Lord is telling us, ‘You belong to me!

INSIDE Interfaith service to mark Jan. 8 anniversary. Page 6

Diocese’s schools gear up for Catholic School Week. Page 12

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha’s sainthood near.

Page 14

Answering God’s call leads to joy, fulﬁllment. Page 19

German tells Pope: ‘Click it, or ticket.’ Page 24

I belong to you!’” The gospel says: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does, he prunes so that it bears more fruit. Remain in me, as I remain in you. “Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” Bishop Kicanas continued: See APPEAL on page 2

Two ordained transitional deacons -See Page 24

APPEAL continued from page 1

“This imagery of the vine and the branches and the vineyard: We get it! We get that we belong to each other and that we belong to Christ! We get that we are in communion with Him and with each other in our Church – his vineyard.” The Bishop added that “by sharing your blessings in service to others,” much good is achieved: “Reaching out to the littlest and weakest among us through the programs and services of Catholic Community Services that assist struggling families, the disabled, the elderly and victims of domestic violence. “Preparing our teachers of religious education who support parents in their responsibility to hand on the faith to their children. “Strengthening and supporting of our Catholic schools and their teachers to give children a quality education grounded on the values of our faith. “Promoting the sanctity and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. “Engaging, involving and inviting our young people to participate and to stay

connected to our faith. “Providing our retired priests with a pension benefit that reflects the value of their lifetime of service to us. “Encouraging and inviting vocations to the priesthood and religious life and supporting the education of our future priests. “Supporting opportunities for us to gather as a family of co-workers in His vineyard to pray together, to learn together, to celebrate our communion with Him. “And, helping all of us to respond to God’s great generosity in our lives by sharing our time, talent and resources in support of our parishes and for the support of all the good works performed by the charities and ministries of our Annual Catholic Appeal.” Margie Puerta Edson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, said 17,070 individuals and families contributed to the 2011 appeal. “We’re really hoping for good participation again this year,” she said. “It truly makes a tremendous difference if everyone is able to give what they can.”

First-ever diocesan-wide conference is open to everyone Co-workers in the vineyard work towards transforming the world, strive to build up the Body of Christ. Co-workers in the vineyard celebrate who we are and what we do, seek opportunities to learn and to share from other workers in the vineyard – the people of the Diocese of Tucson. The idea for a Diocesan Conference ignited about two years ago as the Pastoral Center staff was dreaming of ways to better connect parishes, schools, and diocesan offices. The staffers talked about the great Diocesan Eucharistic Congresses of the 1990’s, the professional development days the schools utilize, and the other diocesan gatherings which bring together catechists or youth ministers or liturgical ministers. “Co-Workers in the Vineyard” is the result of those conversations: To bring together all the people who make the Church’s mission real and present in the Diocese of Tucson through their contributions utilizing their “various gifts and ministries for building up of the Body of Christ.” “When all the volunteers, employees, board members, faculties, service organizations, and others gather in worship, service, and witness – we are building up the Body of Christ,” said Joe Perdreauville, assistant director of the diocese’s Department of Pastoral Services. “The goal is simple,” he said. “To present a conference, inviting all who contribute to the life of the Church, in the Diocese of Tucson, through its parishes, schools, diocesan offices, and affiliated organizations, encouraging all to a life of worship, service and witness.” There will be three keynote presentations: Bishop Blase Cupich of the Diocese of Spokane, Matthew Kelly of The Dynamic Catholic Institute, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas There will be more than 75 workshops to choose from, and opportunities for prayer, Mass, and reconciliation. There will also be a Resource Expo full of resources and information for every possible ministry and role in the parishes, schools, and diocesan organizations.

TELL US YOUR ‘CO-WORKER’ STORIES! Every parish has amazing stories and people who witness the love of God. We want to hear those stories in preparation for our Diocesan Conference “Co-Workers in the Vineyard.” Please share stories of your parish co-workers. These are people who exemplify collaboration, unity, celebration, and enrichment through their service, worship and witness at your parish, school, and/or affiliated organization. For more information and to send your stories, with pictures and/or video, contact Paul Flores at PiTeen@aol.com. Please submit all entries by Friday, Jan. 20.

As part of the Resource Expo there will be a Health Fair, and those who are in need of CEUs for their diocesan certification or renewal will receive documentation for each keynote and workshop they attend. “This is a conference the people of the Diocese of Tucson do not want to miss,” Perdreauville said. “Come be a part of the fun and be encouraged, inspired, and enriched in your service, worship, and witness.” “Co-Workers in the Vineyard” will be in held in downtown Tucson at the Tucson Convention Center and Hotel Arizona. The general sessions will be held in the Arena. For those needing overnight accommodations, the Hotel Arizona is offering $79 room rates (1-4 people) per night including free parking and breakfast. Registration for the conference $35 per person (a $300 value). Register online at www.workersvineyard. com. Check out the website, choose your workshops, and follow the links to register. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or mail in a check. All the directions are on the website.

Corporate sponsorships and vendor applications are still being accepted for the Resource Expo. Information about these opportunities can be found on the Conference website as well.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

FROM THE BISHOP

‘To the Threshold of the Apostles’

“A los umbrales de los apóstoles”

Ad limina apostolorum. This Latin phrase has been used for centuries by Christians setting off to Rome on pilgrimage. It means “to the threshold of the Apostles,” and it denotes the ancient practice of the faithful making pilgrimage to the sepulcher of St. Peter at St. Peter’s Basilica and to the sepulcher of St. Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul “Outside the Walls.” Since 1585, the phrase has had a special meaning for bishops. That’s when Pope Sixtus V set down rules that required a bishop to report about the state of his diocese in person to the Holy Father. In 1909, Pope Pius X decreed that these reports to the Holy Father be made every five years. In addition to a face-to-face meeting with the Pope, a bishop must visit the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul. Before the visit, he must send to the Vatican a written report with very detailed answers to very specific questions about what is happening in his diocese. And he must visit with the congregations (offices at the Vatican) that are responsible for various areas of the life and ministry of the Church. Today, these visits are known as the ad limina, connecting the required visit to that ancient practice of pilgrims visiting the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul. The report that the bishop must send beforehand even has a special name: the “quinquennial,” the five-year report. Bishop Henry Granjon, the second Bishop of Tucson (1900-1922), was the first of our bishops to make the ad limina visit. It was at the end of his ad limina visit in 1922 that Bishop Granjon became ill. He returned to his native France where he died. In his 38 years as Bishop of Tucson (1923-1960), Bishop Daniel J. Gercke made at least four ad limina visits. Of course, he couldn’t go during the years of World War II. Bishop Francis Green, the fourth Bishop of Tucson (1960-1981), made three ad limina visits. He was on a fl ight to Rome on Sept. 28, 1978, to make his fourth ad limina when the news was radioed to the jetliner that Pope John Paul I, who had become pope only 34 days before, had died. Bishop Moreno, my predecessor, made three ad limina visits as the fifth Bishop of Tucson (1982-2003). I was happy he could accompany me when I made my first ad limina in 2004. We met with Pope John Paul II, who was very frail at that time. As this New Year of 2012 begins, I am awaiting word along with my brother bishops of Region XIII in the U.S., about exactly when we will be making our ad limina visit this year to Rome. (Region XIII is comprised of the archdioceses and dioceses in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.) The first round of the current ad limina visits by U.S. bishops began last fall. Yes, it’s been more than five years since the last ad limina visits by the U.S. bishops. A slight delay in visits is understandable, when you think of all that Pope Benedict was doing in his first two years as Holy Father. At our Pastoral Center these past six months, the directors of our diocesan offices and departments, in addition to their usual responsibilities,

Ad limina apostolorum. Esta expresión latina es una frase que desde hace siglos se emplea en referencia a ciertas peregrinaciones que los cristianos emprendían hacia Roma. La frase significa “a los umbrales de los apóstoles” y se refiere a la antigua práctica de los fieles que se dirigían en peregrinación al sepulcro de San Pedro en la Basílica de San Pedro y al sepulcro de San Pablo en la Basílica de San Pablo “extramuros”. Desde 1585 la frase ha tenido especial significado para los obispos. Fue en ese entonces que el Papa Sixto V estableció una norma mediante la cual se requiere que los obispos comparezcan ante el Santo Padre para presentar un informe sobre el estado de su diócesis. En 1909, el Papa Pío X decretó que esos informes han de efectuarse cada cinco años. Además de la reunión cara a cara con el Papa que tiene lugar durante la visita, el obispo debe ir a la tumba de San Pedro y a la de San Pablo. Antes de la visita, el obispo envía al Vaticano un informe escrito con respuestas detalladas a preguntas específicas sobre la situación de su diócesis. También debe reunirse con las congregaciones (oficinas del Vaticano) que son responsables de las diferentes áreas y ministerios de la Iglesia. Al dar a estas visitas obligatorias del presente el nombre ad limina, se logra una conexión entre ellas y la antigua práctica de los peregrinos que visitaban las tumbas de San Pedro y San Pablo. El informe que el obispo debe enviar por anticipado tiene un nombre especial, “quinquenal”, lo que significa que el informe debe rendirse cada cinco años. El Obispo Henry Granjon, segundo obispo de Tucson (1900-1922), fue el primero de nuestros obispos en realizar la visita ad limina. Y fue al final de esa visita, en 1922, que el Obispo Granjon se enfermó. Decidió regresar a su Francia natal, y allí falleció. En sus 38 años como Obispo de Tucson (1923-1960), el Obispo Daniel J. Gercke efectuó por lo menos cuatro visitas ad limina. Por supuesto, no pudo ir durante los años de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El Obispo Francis Green, el cuarto obispo de Tucson (1960-1981), realizó tres visitas ad limina. El obispo se encontraba camino a su cuarta visita ad limina, cuando durante el vuelo a Roma el 28 de septiembre de 1978, la tripulación del avión recibió la noticia de que el Papa Juan Pablo I, quien había sido nombrado Papa tan solo 34 días atrás, había fallecido. El Obispo Moreno, mi predecesor y quinto Obispo de Tucson (19822003), hizo tres visitas ad limina. Tenerlo como acompañante durante mi primera visita ad limina en 2004 me hizo sentir muy contento. Nos reunimos con el Papa Juan Pablo II, cuyo estado en esos momentos era muy frágil. Al comienzo de este Año Nuevo 2012, mis hermanos obispos de la Región XIII de Estados Unidos y yo, estamos en espera de novedades sobre la fecha exacta de nuestra visita ad limina a Roma que tendrá lugar este año. (La Región XIII está constituida por las archidiócesis y diócesis de Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado y Wyoming.) La primera ronda de las visitas ad limina de obispos de Estados Unidos

In my report to the Pope, I write that I believe our Diocese is now in a very positive place.

En mi reporte al Papa, He escrito que yo creo que nuestra Diócesis se encuentra en una situación muy positiva.

See BISHOP on page 4

• Editor and Publisher: Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas

Mirar OBISPO en página 4

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Winner of 2009 international award for ‘general excellence’

JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

BISHOP continued from page 3

were busy helping me answer the dozens of questions in the 21 topics covered in the official “Form for the Quinquennial Report.” The topics range from “I. Pastoral and Administrative Organization of the Diocese” to “XXI. Financial State of the Diocese.” I can’t think of one aspect of Church life and ministry that is not covered in the topics. (If you were to Google “Form for the Quinquennial Report,” you could find several links to detailed information about the topics.) Joining the staff at the Pastoral Center in helping to answer the questions and provide the statistical data required for each topic was Peg Harmon, chief executive officer of Catholic Community Services, and Father Jay Jensen, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Sahuarita. Peg helped with the questions about “XVII. Christian Charity and Human Development” and “XVIII. Health Care.” Father Jay helped with the questions about “XI. Ecumenism.” My assignments for the report: “III. The Ministry of the Diocesan Bishop;” “XXII. General Assessment and Outlook for the Future;” and “XXIII. Summary.” I also helped our diocesan directors answer the questions about their areas of expertise. It’s important that I know exactly what is in the report, because when we bishops visit the various congregations at the Vatican we know we are likely to be asked questions about what’s in the report! Looking ahead to my second ad limina visit, I do know something will be different from the format of my first. Pope Benedict XVI decided last year that his meetings with bishops will be group meetings. Instead of a brief face-to-face meeting with a bishop, he wants the experience of a longer dialogue with the bishops. He likes the give-and-take of a good dialogue. So, what will I be reporting about our Diocese? I will share some specifics when I make the visit, but right now I want you to know that my “General Assessment and Outlook for the Future” does you proud. I write of the resiliency of your dedication and commitment to the mission of the Church in our Diocese, how you have remained so supportive of your parishes, your Catholic Schools and our Diocese through the hard times of our Chapter 11 reorganization and how generously you responded to our diocesan renewal campaign, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future. I write that there is a positive spirit of collaboration between and among the priests, religious, deacons and laity that make up our local Church. I write that I believe our Diocese is now in a very positive place. As this New Year begins, I am grateful for all you have done to get us to that place. Happy New Year!

Where to give blood this month Jan. 8 St. Joseph, Call 730-7793 St. Thomas the Apostle, Call 577-1037

Jan. 22 St. Francis de Sales, Call 885-5908 Our Mother of Sorrows, Call 205-2361

Jan. 15 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Call 297-3050 Our Lady of Fatima, Call 310-2011

Jan. 29 St. Odilia, Call 230-7295 St. Rita in the Desert, Call 661-1262. Most Holy Trinity, Call 624-6472

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OBISPO continua de página 3

comenzó en el otoño. Sí, más de cinco años han transcurrido desde las últimas visitas ad limina de obispos de Estados Unidos. Este leve retraso en las visitas es compresible teniendo en cuenta todo lo que el Papa Benedicto ha debido atender durante sus dos primeros años como Santo Padre. Durante los últimos seis meses, además de cumplir con sus responsabilidades habituales, los directores de nuestras oficinas y departamentos diocesanos del Centro Pastoral han estado dedicados a la tarea de ayudarme a responder a las docenas de preguntas sobre los 21 asuntos que conforman el “Formulario del Informe Quinquenal”. Los temas van desde “I. Organización Pastoral y Administrativa de la Diócesis” a “XXI. Situación Financiera de la Diócesis” entre otros. No se me ocurre un solo aspecto de la vida y del apostolado de la Iglesia que no aparezca entre los temas del formulario. (Si hacen una búsqueda en Internet encontrarán varios enlaces a información detallada sobre los temas del informe quinquenal.) Para responder a las preguntas y proveer los datos requeridos en cada sección del informe diocesano, el personal del Centro Pastoral contaba con la asistencia tanto de Peg Harmon, directora ejecutiva de Servicios Comunitarios Católicos como del Padre Jay Jensen, pastor de la Parroquia St. Martin de Porres en Sahuarita. Peg ayudó a responder las preguntas de la sección XVII, Caridad Cristiana y Desarrollo Humano, y de la sección XVIII, Cuidado de la salud. El Padre Jay ayudó con las preguntas de la sección XI, Ecumenismo. A mí me correspondieron las secciones III, El ministerio del Obispo Diocesano, XXII, Evaluación general y perspectivas para el futuro, y XXIII, Resumen. También ayudé a nuestros directores diocesanos a responder las preguntas sobre sus áreas de especialización. Es importante que yo conozca exactamente el contenido del informe porque cuando los obispos nos reunimos con las diferentes congregaciones en el Vaticano, es muy probable que debamos responder a preguntas sobre el informe. Mirando hacia el futuro, sé que cuando deba realizar mi segunda visita ad limina, algo habrá cambiado y el formato de esa visita será diferente del de la primera. El Papa Benedicto XVI decidió el año pasado que sus reuniones con los obispos serán reuniones en grupo. En lugar de un breve encuentro cara a cara con un solo obispo, él prefiere la experiencia de un diálogo más extenso con un grupo obispos. Le gusta la dinámica de un buen diálogo. Entonces, ¿qué comunicaré sobre nuestra Diócesis? Compartiré información más específica cuando haga la visita, pero por ahora quiero que sepan que pueden sentirse orgullosos de mi “Evaluación General y Perspectivas para el Futuro”. He escrito sobre la constancia de vuestra dedicación y de vuestro compromiso a la misión de la Iglesia en nuestra Diócesis, sobre vuestro apoyo continuo a las parroquias, a las escuelas católicas y a nuestra Diócesis en los momentos difíciles de nuestra reorganización bajo el Capítulo 11, y también he escrito sobre la generosidad con que respondieron a nuestra campaña de renovación diocesana Nuestra Fe, Nuestra Esperanza, Nuestro Futuro. He escrito sobre el espíritu de colaboración positivo que existe entre los sacerdotes, religiosos, diáconos y laicos que constituyen nuestra Iglesia local. He escrito que yo creo que en este momento nuestra Diócesis se encuentra en una situación muy positiva. Al comenzar este Año Nuevo quiero decirles que estoy agradecido por todo lo que ustedes han hecho para que estemos en esa situación. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

Letters Are handshakes wise? To the Editor: With respect to those that originated and promoted the policy of holding hands during the Our Father, and shaking hands later, during the Mass, I wonder how wise or effective it is to continue with the policy. Does anyone feel more friendly or respectful to/of you by shaking your hand during the Mass? Or any less friendly or respectful if they don’t? If statistics are to be believed, 80 percent of germs and viruses are spread by hands and 70-some percent of men (women, too?) don’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. What about those sudden sneezes and coughs? What hand is automatically used to cover it? Probably the same one used to shake hands with the persons all around. How about the little

Bishop’s Calendar - January 2012

person, with such a bad cold, that reaches out to shake hands because that’s the program? From the hand, to the Host, to the tongue. I don’t know if the policy was initiated from the pulpit (I have noticed that those around the altar don’t do it anymore) but I think it will take a suggestion from there, to allow it to discontinue. Grace Carney Tucson

Great spread To the Editor: I just want to commend you for such a great spread on Our Lady of the Sierras, content as well as graphics! Blessings. Rachel Guzman Tucson

The New Vision welcomes letters from its readers. Send letters to Bern

Zovistoski, Managing Editor, The New Vision, P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702, or email to bernz@diocesetucson.org.

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1 Bishops of Region XIII, Dinner, Bishop’s residence 2-13 Holy Land, Representing USCCB 13 1:00 P.M., Kino Border Initiative Board Meeting 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Meeting, SS Peter & Paul 14 Dialogue on Immigration, St. Mark United Methodist Church 4:00 P.M., Mass with Italian Catholic Federation, Our Lady of the Valley 15 12:00 P.M., Mass, Groundbreaking, St. Mark the Evangelist 4:00 P.M., Mass, K of C Priests’ Appreciation Dinner, Skyline Country Club 17 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M., Catholic Schools’ Marketing and Finance Planning Meeting, Pastoral Center 18-19 Presentation, Catholic Health Association Conference, Albuquerque 20 8:00 A.M., Administrative Directors’ Meeting 9:00 A.M., Pastoral Directors’ Meeting 5:00 P.M., Opening of Arizona Centennial Exhibit of Religious, Archives 21 9:00 A.M., Mass, March For Life, St. Augustine Cathedral 23 10:30 A.M., Presbyteral Council 7:00 P.M., Prayer for Christian Unity, Casas Adobes Congregational Church

24 7:30 A.M., Diocesan Finance Council 12:00 P.M., Catholic Foundation Board Meeting 2:00 P.M., Priests Assurance Corporation Meeting 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Meeting, Our Lady of the Valley 25 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M., Catholic Schools’ Financial Summit, Redemptorist Renewal Center 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Meeting, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 26 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M., Catholic Schools Marketing Summit, Redemptorist Renewal Center 5:00 P.M., Mass, Dinner, Ascension Health, Redemptorist Renewal Center 27 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M., Conference: Parishes in Smaller Communities, Redemptorist Renewal Center 29 10:00 A.M., Mass, Our Lady of La Vang 30 7:30 A.M., Seton Awards, Salpointe Catholic High School 6:30 P.M., Discussion: Death Penalty, Most Holy Trinity 31 9:00 A.M., Diocesan Management Training, Pastoral Center 1:00 P.M. Arizona Catholic Conference, Diocese of Phoenix

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Did you know that: •We are Tucson’s oldest Catholic Church? •We will celebrate

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Many Catholic families in the Tucson Community have spiritual ties with Holy Family Church. Come and visit: 338 W. University Blvd. 520.623.6773

Website: www.HolyFamilyChurchTucson.org

JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Services to commemorate 1st anniversary of tragedy

Surprise party Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas chats with Chris and Jim Ronstadt at a surprise luncheon at Tucson’s Skyline Country Club, where the couple was honored recently for their years of service as area councilors for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. More than 70 attended.

‘March for Life’ set for Jan. 21

As they have annually since 1993, marchers will take to the streets of Tucson on Jan. 21 in a testimony to life. The Tucson March for Life, which coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalizing abortion in the case of Roe v. Wade, will begin at St. Augustine Cathedral and

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Various faith communities will join together for a public Interfaith Service to mark the first anniversary of the tragic Jan. 8 shootings in Tucson that took six lives and wounded 13 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The service, with the theme “We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe,” will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, at St. Augustine Cathedral. Music, readings, visual imagery and silent reflection will be included in the service, which is open to the public. “It is important that we remember those who died and were wounded in that tragic event,” said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, who will not be in attendance at the proceed to Holy Hope Cemetery. Before the march, a Mass will be offered by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas at the Cathedral at 9 a.m., and a nondenominational service will be held at nearby Tucson Community Center. At the end of the march, participants will rally at the cemetery at 12:30 for a

service. “I regret that I will not be able to participate in the service since I will be in Egypt and the Holy Land representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in the annual Coordination of Episcopal Conferences for the Church in the Holy Land,” the Bishop said. “I am so pleased that the event will be held at our Cathedral.” Two additional community events of remembrance are being planned for later in the day. At 3 p.m., at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall, there will be music and memorial presentations, and at 6 p.m. the university will hold a candlelight vigil for those who died in the tragedy a year ago. multi-faith Rose Ceremony at the statue of Rachel. Tucson March for Life describes the march as “a public event to show the Tucson community our commitment to the protection of all human life, especially women and their unborn children.”

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Crosses placed For the re-dedication of St. Augustine Cathedral last February, 12 locations were selected for the anointing, with the Diocese’s Vicars Forane and Vicars General standing at the places of anointing while Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and Father Gonzalo Villegas, Cathedral rector, anointed each location. Now, those places of anointing are marked by bronze crosses, installed last month. A holder for a candle is attached to the base of each cross. The candles will be lighted on special occasions. There are two crosses in the front at the entrance of the sanctuary, two at the apse near the choir and the baptistery, two in the rear beside the main door and three on each wall near the Old Testament images. The crosses were crafted by Rory McCarthy Design Studio of Tucson and given as a gift by Father John Lyons, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, and the people of St. Thomas, as a tribute to their beloved pastor emeritus, Msgr. Todd O’Leary.

‘End of life’ program David A. Lichter, executive director of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, will be the presenter at a program titled “Respecting Diverse Religious Traditions at End of Life” on Feb. 9 at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson. The day-long program will offer perspectives on the major religious traditions’ understanding of the end

of human life, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity-Catholicism. Cost for the day is $45 and includes lunch and refreshments. The program offers five hours of continuing education. For more information or to register, contact Cheryl Wilson-Weiss at Carondelet Health Network at 520-8727523

Students explore ‘other side’ San Miguel High School students are further expanding their perspectives and impact through El Otro Lado, a five-day immersion program that connects students to the challenges immigrants face crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The program explores “the other side” of the line that divides nations—the lives of citizens in Mexico and the perspectives of immigrants who travel north. El Otro Lado was the focus of a presentation by San Miguel Spanish teacher Alma Mejia-Garcia and Campus Minister Jerry Meyer at the recent 2011 Huether Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference, a yearly assembly of Lasallian educators, offers an opportunity for participants to share and discuss current issues and themes in education, and to recognize one Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year in each District. “Most Catholic schools don’t serve the poor,” said Mejia-Garcia, who coordinates El Otro Lado. “However, because of Cristo Rey, we can. Now, we need to pay attention to student needs and find new, creative ways to empower our students. El Otro Lado does that.”

Students from different schools meet in Tucson and develop relationships with one another through classes and activities. They attend presentations by members of Tucson’s immigration awareness community and the U.S. Border Patrol, clear belongings and refuse from migrant trails, see deportation hearings, and work with the Kino Border Initiative to fulfill the basic needs of persons recently deported. “People are fascinated by what our kids can do,” said Jerry Meyer, campus minister. “The fact that they take AP classes, go to school from August to May and attend college on poverty-level incomes inspires people.”

Leadership workshop For those who want to learn more about the Search for Christian Maturity Retreat, and deepen their faith, another weekend is planned for Feb. 4-5 at St. Odilia Parish in Tucson. Organizers promise “a lot of fun” at the event. For more information, contact Bridgette GomezMunoz at 520-795-2977 or email mbmunoz4@cox.net, or Julie Machen at 520-250-1299 or email machenja@cox. net.

Retreats for women Vine of Grace Retreat Ministry will offer two retreats for women this month – on Jan. 20 at St. Augustine Cathedral and on Jan. 27-28 at St. Joseph Parish in Tucson. Register online at www.vineofgrace.org or call 520-631-1408.

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JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

Yuma Catholic’s football team wins first state championship The joy of victory cascaded all over Yuma last month when the Yuma Catholic High School football team battled its way to a state championship, defeating top-ranked Northwest Christian, 21-19, at the NAU Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. The dramatic victory by the Shamrocks avenged an early-season loss to the same team and brought Yuma its first outright state championship ever. Among the proud and happy fans was Msgr. Richard O’Keeffe, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish, a long-time supporter of the team. Coach Rhett Stallworth’s team was fueled by quarterback Tommy Pistone, who threw for 153 yards and a touch-

down, and Kody Hazlett, who rushed 30 times for 149 yards. Everett McKinney intercepted and ran for a touchdown and Andy Determan rushed for 42 yards and scored a touchdown. Excitement mounted in the closing minutes of the game as Northwest Christian drove toward the end zone, only to fumble the ball over to Yuma Catholic, securing the victory for the Shamrocks. Besides beating Yuma in the opening game this year, the Crusaders beat Yuma in last year’s championship game. The decision in the Arizona Scholastic Association’s Division V championship game was Yuma’s first victory over Northwest Christian in five tries.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Let The New Vision help you spread the word. By email: bernz@diocesetucson.org By mail: P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702 By fax: 520-838-2599

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STEFF KOENEMAN

Diocese appoints communications chief Steff Koeneman has been appointed communications director for the Diocese of Tucson, succeeding Fred Allison, who is retiring. Steff, who will work with Fred through a transition period of several weeks, had been community relations manager for the Pima County Public Library System and previously worked for the Pima Association of Governments and the Sierra Southwest Cooperative. She worked at the Arizona Daily Star for 12 years as a staff writer and page designer.

PHOENIX (CNS) -- A Mercy sister who was automatically excommunicated because of her role on the ethics committee that allowed an abortion to be performed at a Catholic hospital in 2009 is back in good standing in the Catholic Church. In May 2010, officials at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center publicly acknowledged that an abortion had occurred at the hospital in late 2009. Officials said the woman was 11 weeks pregnant and suffered from pulmonary hypertension, a condition that the hospital said carried a near-certain risk of death for the mother if the pregnancy continued. It also was revealed at the time that Mercy Sister Margaret McBride had incurred automatic excommunication because of her role on the ethics committee that sanctioned the abortion. In a Dec. 8 statement, the hospital said Sister Margaret has since “met the requirements for reinstatement with the Church and she is no longer excommunicated. She continues to be a member in good standing with the Sisters of Mercy and is a valued member of the St. Joseph’s executive team.”

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BACK PEW Robin Quill

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The New Roman Missal Ah, yes, the New Roman Missal. From where I sit in the back pew, the first Sunday of Advent certainly brought some significant changes in our liturgy. Despite the series of instructions and commentary presented in The New Vision over the past few months, there certainly has been confusion and uncertainty. One can barely imagine the range of comments heard here in the back pew. Why? Whose idea was this? Couldn’t the money spent on the new Missal and the in-pew cards be better utilized for the poor? Is this translation really an improvement? I don’t have answers for any of this. I recall my first Missal, which had the English on one page and the Latin, used by the priest, on the facing page. Most clearly, I remember the words on the back of the Missal, “Pray the Mass”. Our obligation was to hear Mass, not read it. Over many years of daily Mass attendance, the words used by the priest became increasingly familiar and so, in time, I had memorized Canon II and Canon III. It was great comfort to hear in

my head those words just before the priest pronounced them. I truly heard Mass. Even the old Latin Mass was not foreign to me as I had several years of Latin instruction in school. Now, it is all very unfamiliar. The celebrant has his eyes glued to this very sizeable new Missal, scarcely looking up lest he lose his place in the reconstructed text. My fellow parishioners are divided. Some have their eyes on the in-pew cards trying to keep their place so that the “new” responses will be made. Others have focused on the altar and for the most part give the “old” replies to invocations such as, “The Lord be with you.” In a way that is not meant to be disrespectful or negative, I believe that this, too, shall pass. In due course, the new translation will become the text and we will have become comfortable with the language and the revisions to our traditional music liturgy. Meanwhile, I ask you to join me and my fellow parishioners in the back pew in praying for our Church, our priests and all who minister to us.

BELIEVE. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM. January 8 , 2011

Fresh produce - free Thanks to Poverty 24/6, which ministers under the auspices of the Diocese of Tucson, free fresh produce is being made available to the needy. All volunteers have to do is travel to Nogales and pick up as much as it can distribute back at their parishes. Deacon Joe Bogushefsky of St. Christopher Parish in Marana, one of the founders of Poverty 24/6, said the program places no restrictions on the amount of produce a parish can give an individual or family. Call 520-682-3035 or 520-682-8600.

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JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

FY 2010-11 ANNUAL REPORT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION The annual report of financial information demonstrates how the Diocese of Tucson Administrative Offices use the funds that are so generously contributed by parishioners, benefactors and grantors to enable the Diocese to fulfill its mission to serve spiritual, pastoral, social service, educational and other needs of the Faithful of the Diocese. The financial information presented includes only that related to the Diocese of Tucson Administrative Offices under the direct control of the Bishop of Tucson. In addition to the Office of the Bishop, the Administrative Offices include: Chancellor (Archives); Judicial Vicar (Tribunal); Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia (Corporate Matters); Communications; The New Vision newspaper; Vocations; Human Resources, Fiscal and Administrative Services; Property Management and Insurance Administration; Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection; Department of Catholic Schools; Vicar for Deacons; and Vicar for Religious. Not included is financial information for parishes, Catholic schools, Diocese of Tucson Catholic Cemeteries, Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Priests Assurance Corporation, Catholic Tuition Support Organization, all of which are separate entities. The information includes sources and uses of income and net assets (that assist and support the Bishop of Tucson in fulfilling his many responsibilities for pastoral care and leadership of the Diocese) and liabilities. The information included in this annual report is excerpted from the audit report as performed by Keegan, Linscott & Kenon, P.C., who rendered an unqualified opinion. The complete audit report, including all accompanying notes, is available at the Diocese of Tucson website www.diocesetucson.org under “Reports, Statements, Letters.” NOTES: Note 1: Insurance expense continues to be a significant cost for all diocesan entities. The Diocese of Tucson Administrative Offices negotiates for and secures the health, workmen’s compensation, property, liability and auto insurance for parishes and other Catholic organizations affiliated with the mission of the Diocese. Currently, workmen’s compensation, property, liability and auto coverage are a combination of self-insurance and re-insurance coverWHERE THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES INCOME CAME FROM IN FISCAL YEAR 2010-11

Note 2: Parish assessments consist of two separate assessments made on parishes according to the provisions of canon law: the priests’ salary subsidy assessment and the Chancery assessment. The second assessment, the Chancery assessment, is a levy (or tax) on a parish’s offertory collection. For parishes with annual ordinary income of less that $30,000, the assessment is 3.5 per cent of income; for parishes with ordinary income greater than or equal to $30,000 the assessment is 7 per cent of ordinary income. The Chancery assessment is the primary funding source for the administrative functions of the Diocese, including: Human Resources, Fiscal and Administrative Services, Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection, General & Administrative expenses and debt service. DIOCESAN FINANCE COUNCIL: The Diocesan Finance Council provides advice and counsel to Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. The Council members are Nancy Stephan (chair), Father Al Schifano, Father Patrick Crino, Lawrence McDonough, Luis Dabdoub, John Lauer, Humberto Lopez, Lirain Urreiztieta, Ray Bargull, and Richard Van Egeren.

The Administrative Offices of the Diocese of Tucson Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2010-11 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities: Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$477,939

Annual Catholic Appeal

$2,000,000

Custodial funds held for others

$847,867

Contributions, grants, bequests

$953,874

Notes payable, current

$314,490

Insurance billings

$912,466 Note 1

Total current liabilities

$1,641,296

Parish assessments

$2,137,207 Note 2

Notes payable

$3,632,521

Advertising and fees for service

$540,707

Insurance reserve

$3,008,975

Facility rentals

$44,113

Total liabilities

$8,281,792

Program fees

$142,725

Net Assets

Investment income

$1,104,891

Unrestricted net assets

$3,647,556

Other revenues

$6,385

Temporarily restricted net assets

$1,445,265

Total Revenues

$7,842,368

Permanently restricted net assets

$2,173,821

HOW THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES USED FUNDS IN FY 2010-11 Vocations (Vocation to priesthood, religious life, permanent diaconate)

$656,048

Programs Serving Parishes, Department of Pastoral Services (Cate-

chesis, Catholic Social Mission, Worship, Evangelization and Hispanic Ministry, Formation and Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry);

$427,931

$7,266,642 Total Liabilities and net assets

$15,548,434

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents

$1,431,608

Cash – limited as to use (Insurance reserve)

$2,738,516

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $435,350)

$258,264

Grants receivable

Pastoral Programs & Catholic Social Missions.

age from major insurance carriers. As part of the insurance program, the Diocese of Tucson has joined with other (arch) dioceses across the country to form two captive risk retention insurance companies. The Bishops’ Property Insurance Company (BPIC) provides coverage for property, casualty and workmen’s compensation losses. The Diocese is also a shareholder in The Ordinary Mutual (TOM), which provides liability insurance, including sexual misconduct insurance coverage.

Notes receivable (current)

$44,272

Other receivables

$175,511

Investments

$6,672,425

Prepaid expenses and other assets

$4,784

Custodial funds held for others

$847,867

Investment in Bishops’ Property Insurance Corporation

$80,850

Catholic Schools Administration

$299,163

Parish Assistance and Native American Missions

$758,596

Communications, The New Vision Newspaper

$298,495

Archives

$57,350

Office of the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, Tribunal

$520,162

Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection

$160,173

General Administration

$769,943

Fiscal Administration, Employee Services, Property Management

$1,045,108

Diocesan Insurance Program

$1,078,582

Interest

$102,835

Bad Debt Expense

$382,621

Change in Net Assets

$305,828

Depreciation

$69,375

Net assets at beginning of year

$6,960,814

Total Expenses

$ 6,626,382

Net assets at end of year

$7,266,642

Notes receivable Land, building and equipment

$3,293,337

Total Assets

$15,548,434

CHANGE IN DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES NET ASSETS

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

‘Modern slavery’ to be discussed

There are millions of people in slavery today, and nearly 2 million children are used as sex slaves, 100,000 of them in the U.S. – including Arizona. Modern-day slavery is called human trafficking, and efforts are underway to raise awareness. Streetlight Tucson is offering “Training to Combat Child Sex Trafficking” on Jan. 13 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at the Manning House, 450 W. Paseo Redondo, Tucson, and the “Abolition Conference: Combating Modern Day Slavery” on Jan. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University of Arizona Student Union Ballroom. Streetlight Tucson, a program of Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Tucson, provides education about sex trafficking, especially the trafficking of young girls. The conference is also sponsored by Southern Arizona Against Slavery and the University of Arizona. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said he encouraged members of parish social justice ministries to attend the programs being offered. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $25 for students. No prior knowledge of human trafficking is required. To learn more and register go to www.abolitionconference.com.

Columbarium dedicated at Holy Hope Cemetery On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas blessed and dedicated a new columbarium last month at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson. The timing was chosen because a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe graces the top of the columbarium, while a companion statue of the kneeling St. Juan Diego is at the base. The columbarium will be a repository for cremated remains. “More and more families are choosing cremation when a loved one has died,” said the Bishop. “While the Church accepts cremation, the proper respect and care for cremated remains are expected.” Many Catholic cemeteries have created columbaria to hold cremated remains to assure safe and respectful care in perpetuity. “The Church discourages placing cremated remains in the house, the distribution of remains among family members and the scattering of remains in nature,” Bishop Kicanas said. “Such treatments do not assure the proper dignity due the cremated remains.” Bishop Kicanas said he was grateful to Jim De Castro, director of the diocese’s Catholic cemeteries, and the Cemeteries Board of Director “for the thoughtful planning in providing this new columbarium.” The Bishop also said he was grateful to the family of Lupita Lujan Garcia for the donation of the statues. At left, statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego grace the new columbarium at Holy Hope Cemetery.

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JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

Diocese’s schools gear up for Catholic School Week Catholic School Week will be celebrated Jan. 29-Feb. 4 and schools throughout the Diocese of Tucson are acknowledging the occasion in myriad ways. The theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service,” focusing on three priorities that make Catholic schools stand out. Here are some of the ways the schools are celebrating:

Immaculate Heart School, Tucson

On Monday, teachers and staff will be provided coffee and pastries and students will write letters to one past teacher telling how he or she made a difference in their lives. Tuesday, students will be celebrated with no homework and students may wear silly hats and socks for the day. Wednesday will be devoted to thanking God for parents/volunteers, Thursday for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Friday for the students’ grandparents.

Lourdes School, Nogales

On Sunday, Jan. 29, at noon an Honor Roll Mass will be celebrated in the Lourdes Chapel. Monday will be Parents Appreciation Day with an assembly at 8:15 a.m. and a prayer service by Sister Esther and Sister Barbara. At 6 p.m. there will be a conference for parents, open to the public. An elementary grades scavenger hunt will be held on Tuesday, Student Appreciation Day on Wednesday (a half day), a talent show on Thursday and all-school Eucharist on Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the gym (also a half day). On Saturday will be the third annual Nun Run beginning at 9 a.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Tucson

On Sunday, Jan. 29, there will be a Parish Appreciation Day, Book Fair and Science Fair, followed on Monday by a Diocesan Appreciation Day. Tuesday will be Pastor/Associate Appreciation Day, Wednesday Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day, Thursday Volunteer Appreciation Day and Friday Student Appreciation Day.

SS Peter & Paul, Tucson

On Jan. 29 there will be an open house/education fair and re-registration begins. On Jan. 30-31 the Science Fair Exhibition will be held. Wednesday will be Teacher Appreciation Day, Thursday will be Student Appreciation Day, and Friday will be Volunteer/Parent Appreciation Day with Mass and an open house at the school.

St. John School, Tucson

The school will engage in prayer partners with members of RCIA and other parish groups, create and display various depictions of academic and lifelong goals - college and Heaven, and participate in an essay contest to show what it means for Catholic schools to be places of Faith, Academics and Service. Service projects will include making blankets for cancer patients and writing letters to elderly in nursing homes. There will be a special Mass for parents and students will tell why they enjoy attending Catholic school.

St. Joseph School, Tucson

Students will collect items (baby food, clothes, toys and diapers) for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic during the week. There will be select days to recognize volunteers, parents/grandparents, staff and maintenance with

Students in Catholic schools all over the diocese , including these in Yuma, will show they appreciate their education.

cards and good wishes, and a student appreciation day (no homework and a skating party) and a teacher appreciation day on Friday. The Student Council will organize Spirit Days, fun activities to go with the week.

Santa Cruz, Tucson

On Monday there will be a special prayer experience for all grades. Wednesday will be College Shirt Day. An “Academic Showcase” night will be held on Thursday, beginning with a family prayer in church and a family meal in Carmelite Hall. Friday there will be an all-school Mass at 8 a.m. and the “Kids Helping Kids” groups will continue the tradition of making sandwiches and delivering them to the guests at Casa Maria Catholic Worker House. Each family will receive a color page sent home with the theme of Catholic Schools Week, and parents will be asked to write their thoughts about what they appreciate in their child’s education at Santa Cruz regarding “Faith, Academics, Service.” The responses of the parents will be posted at school and used as school promotional material published in the parish bulletin.

Our Mother of Sorrows, Tucson

On Jan. 29 there will be an open house for prospective parents. There will be a book fair Jan. 31-Feb. 3. On Thursday will be a Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunch, followed on Friday by a school Mass at 10 a.m. and a parent/student BBQ hosted by the administration, staff and faculty.

St. Augustine High School, Tucson

Kicking off the celebration will be a Diocese of Tucson Middle School Leadership Conference on Friday, Jan. 27, hosted by St. Cyril School and St. Augustine Catholic High School for students leaders in grades 6-8. On Jan. 28-29 St. Augustine hosts the Diocesan Varsity Sports Tournament. On Monday, the focus will be on faith and service with reflections on projects accomplished. Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 will be Kairos for Seniors at La Purisima. On Tuesday, the focus will be on faith and academics. Wednesday’s focus will be on service, with students writing thank-you notes to staff and key volunteers. There will be a faculty/ staff appreciation lunch. Friday will be a free-dress day

and a wrap-up of the theme at chapel, welcoming back the Kairos students.

Salpointe Catholic High School, Tucson

Salpointe will host the 20th annual Elizabeth Ann Seton Award Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 30, to celebrate leaders in Catholic education in Southern Arizona. On Tuesday, the school will host “Coffee with the President and Principal,” giving parents the opportunity to speak with Salpointe leadership in a relaxed and casual setting. On Wednesday, Salpointe will honor students who exemplify Catholic values with a continental breakfast. Parents are invited and each honored student is individually recognized. On Friday, Salpointe will hold an all-school liturgy, planned by our students, choir and Campus Ministry department.

San Miguel Catholic High School, Tucson

San Miguel High School will continue its five-year Catholic Schools Week program of focusing on service by taking on two projects. In the early part of the week, students will expand their horizons by placing an academic focus on who our neighbor really is and why, particularly in light of an interdependent world economy and everincreasing migration. In the second part of the week, students will take time away from class to serve neighbors, particularly in the south Tucson community, by providing academic assistance to Catholic and public schools in the area and cleaning the neighborhoods. The week will conclude with a prayer service bringing together service experiences and learning.

Immaculate Conception School, Yuma

During Catholic School Week, students, staff and parents will celebrates the mission of our school: faith, academics and service. A school wide prayer service will open the week giving thanks and praise to God for the gift of Catholic education and Immaculate Conception School. The week proceeds with many activities, including: Student Council Pep Rally, Special Dress Days, Scholastic Book Fair, Penny Drive for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Family Luncheon, Fun Filled Field

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

Day and All Catholic Schools Mass (Immaculate Conception, St. Francis, and Yuma Catholic).

Yuma Catholic High School, Yuma

Sunday, Jan. 29, there will be a Family Mass at St. Francis of Assisi at 6 p.m. On Monday, local religious leaders will be invited and recognized, with a talent show in the afternoon. On Tuesday, parents and members of the Mothers Guild will be recognized. Wednesday there will be recognition of local service agencies. The student body cross photo will be taken on Thursday, with free burgers and dessert, a student-teacher volleyball and dodgeball tournament and pizza and trivia games at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, special recognition will be given to staff with Years of Service awards and other gifts, and a staff appreciation lunch will be hosted by St. Francis of Assisi School at 1 p.m.

St. Cyril, Tucson

St. Cyril and St. Augustine High School will sponsor a diocesan Middle School Leadership Conference Jan. 27. On Jan. 29 a parish Mass will celebrate Catholic schools. On Monday, students will be honored and this will also be spirit week for the students. Each day they will dress differently and honor one of the “Fruits of the Spirit.” On Tuesday, CTSO donors will be honored with a breakfast, and Feb. 1 will be Grandparents Day with a Mass and breakfast. Feb. 2 is Open House day and on Feb. 3 the school will honor all volunteers with a special breakfast.

Sacred Heart School, Nogales

On Monday the student body will take part in a Walking Rosary, while on Tuesday there will be a faith-related skit by grades 3, 4 and 5. A Prayer Circle with links by kindergarteners through eighth graders will occur on Wednesday and another faith-related skit is planned by 6, 7 and 8th graders on Thursday. Friday there will be pastor presentation to the student body.

St. Ambrose School, Tucson

St. Ambrose will be celebrating and honoring everyone who makes the school a better place each and every day. Activities will include Sunday Brunch with parishioners, picture drawings, letters and poems to parents from the students, a special treat for the Diocese from the

Elementary students improve in basic courses Virtually all students in the Diocese of Tucson’s Catholic elementary schools averaged at or above grade level in reading, language and math in the latest Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Grades three through eight took the test at the beginning of the school year. The only exception was fourthgrade math, which averaged a 3.9, one-tenth below grade level. Compared with the previous year, the average growth in reading, language and math was 1.3 grades. The schools began using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for grades three through eight last year, instead of the state AIMS test, in order to obtain information needed for accreditation requirements as well as to gain a better understanding of the students’ achievement in relation to the Common Core standards and regional and national norms. Academic goals for the diocese include proficiency in math, specifically math computation and problem-solving, as well as reading achievement, especially reading comprehension. school and parents, a luncheon for staff, and early dismissal for students along with fun games for the entire school. As part of the celebration, the school will incorporate a community service for the local food bank.

San Xavier School, Tucson

Each class will choose one model of faith (a saint or person from the Bible) and create a poster board to decorate their door. On Tuesday, students will make rosary bracelets to hand out to visitors. Students will each decorate a “quilt piece” to make a school pride quilt on Wednesday. Thursday will be school clean up day, and on Friday there will be an all-school Mass, with students encouraged to wear traditional dress.

St. Charles School, San Carlos

St. Charles School will open the week with a school liturgy and dedicate the week to all the friends and bene-

The results come from analyzing grade level equivalency scores compared with national averages, (e.g., a 7.5 means a student scored what an average 7th grader in the 5th month of school would score on that same material). Grade level equivalency is not an indicator that a student should be placed within the grade that they scored; rather, it is a measure of what level they tested at for that particular area of study. Even though the students took the test at the beginning of the school year, they still scored at or above grade level. “It is evidence of a system of schools committed to school improvement and individual student achievement based on concrete goals and a plan for improvement,” said Sheri Dahl, the diocese’s assistant superintendent of schools. “And it is a snapshot of what happens when dedicated principals and teachers work with parents to ensure continuous improvement for all students…all at a fraction of public per-pupil cost… what a bargain!”

factors who help to keep the school alive and possible for 130 students. A second cup of coffee will be held on Tuesday, teacher appreciation on Wednesday, Grandparents Day on Thursday and Student Appreciation Day on Friday. Each grade is organizing a service project in the community for this week.

All Saints, Sierra Vista

Sunday Mass will be attended by faculty and students, with open house and tours of the school to follow. On Monday there will be a special lunch for students, and on Tuesday “Muffins with Mom” will include an art project. There will be an open house for parents and grandparents. On Wednesday “Donuts with Dad” will be followed later in the day by two benefit concerts for the school one at 2 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. Thursday is Career Day, and on Friday a Mass will be celebrated at 8:15 a.m.

JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

Posada marks holiday at border

Blessed Kateri’s sainthood nears VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has advanced the sainthood causes of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai. The Pope signed the decrees recognizing the miracles needed for their canonizations, but before a date is set for the canonization ceremonies, there must be an “ordinary public consistory” during which cardinals present in Rome express their support for the Pope’s decision. Blessed Kateri, known as the Lily of the Mohawks, was born to a Chris-

tian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father in 1656 in upstate New York along the Hudson River. She was baptized by a Jesuit missionary in 1676 when she was 20, and she died in Canada four years later. In June 1980, she became the first Native American to be beatified. Blessed Marianne spent the last 30 years of her life ministering on the Hawaiian island of Molokai to those with leprosy. She died on the island in 1918 at age 80 and was beatified in St. Peter’s Basilica in 2005.

Sheen ‘evidence’ on to Rome PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) -- Boxes wrapped in ribbon and a happy little boy are Christmas images, but the combination had another joyful meaning Dec. 11 during ceremonies closing the Diocese of Peoria’s inquiry into an alleged miraculous healing through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. “May God, who has begun this great work, bring it to fulfillment,” said Peoria

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky after affixing a wax seal on a box containing evidence gathered in the past three months by an investigative tribunal. The assembly gathered for the special Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral responded with sustained applause. That evidence is now on its way to Rome for consideration by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

A Posada, a Christmas festival originating in Latin America that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging, was staged in Nogales, Sonora, on Dec. 17, and the procession was marked by testimonies of migrants. The participants passed along the border wall and carried banners. At right, with Father Sean Carroll, S.J., executive director of the Kino Border Initiative, looking on, Lisel Estrada Estrada of Chiapas, Mexico, tells how she and her husband traveled back to Mexico to visit her parents and were caught attempting to return to the U.S. They were deported, and her husband is in jail, facing charges for his second attempt. Their minor sons are waiting for them in the U.S., she said. The bi-national annual event is sponsored by Dioceses Without Borders.

The New Vision photos by Omar Rodriguez

Ecumenical service Jan. 23 All are welcome when clergy and members of Tucson and Southern Arizona churches mark the worldwide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at a special ecumenical service at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Casas Adobes Congregational United Church of Christ, 6801 North Oracle Road, Tucson. A reception in McNear Hall will follow. The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Conference Minister of the UCC’s Southwest Conference will preach. Other participants will include Bishop Gerald F.

Kicanas, the Rev. John Kitigawa, Rector of St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, the Rev. Lee Milligan, Senior Minister of Casas Adobes Congregational, UCC; and local clergy of various denominations. An offering will be taken for the Giffords Center at the Tucson Community Food Bank. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity brings together Protestant, Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, encouraging them to exchange pulpits or hold joint services.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

VISIÓN

NUEVA

d e l a D i ó c e s i s C a t ó l i c a R o m a n a d e Tu c s o n

ENERO 2012

Tu c s o n , A Z Vo l . V I , N u m e r o X

W W W. N E W V I S I O N O N L I N E . O R G

Benedicto XVI Visitará México y Cuba Antes de la Pascua de 2012

Lo Anunció el Pontíﬁce en la Misa Ofrecida a la Virgen de Guadalupe

REFLEXIONES

Padre Roberto Kose, OFM Cap.

Bautismo de Jesús

urante el mes de Enero celebramos la fiesta del Bautismo de Jesús. El bautismo es el comienzo de una vida íntima con Dios. Por medio del bautismo nos consagramos, de manera muy especial, a la vida que Cristo nos enseña en el evangelio. El profeta Isaías dice que Dios escogerá a un siervo y él mandará su Espíritu sobre él. Este siervo repartirá la justicia de Dios: dará unidad al pueblo disperso de Dios; será la luz en las tinieblas; abrirá los ojos de los ciegos y dará la libertad a los presos. Esta es una promesa bastante grande. ¿Quién a menos que sea Jesús pudiera realizar una promesa tan grande? El evangelio es corto y la escena del bautismo es muy sencilla. Juan está bautizando en el Río Jordán. Para los judíos, este tipo de acción era un símbolo de penitencia y purificación. Era un tipo de pacto o contrato entre las personas y Dios mismo. Como ya sabemos, Juan Bautista era muy popular. Él tenía mucha fama entre el pueblo judío por su santidad y fidelidad a los mandamientos de Dios. Muchos creían que él era el Mesías prometido en los siglos pasados. Con su bautismo, Jesús empieza su vida pública. Él empieza a cumplir lo que Dios había prometido en el pasado. Jesús nos enseña cómo ser fiel a Dios: sirviendo a los pobres, perdonando a los que nos han hecho mal y amando con todo el corazón. Jesús nos llama a una conversión de vida para que vivamos solamente para Dios. Hoy podemos hacernos la siguiente pregunta: ¿Qué hago yo para abrir los ojos de los ciegos, alimentar a los pobres, o amar a los abandonados y rechazados de nuestra sociedad? ¿Cómo pongo en práctica mi bautismo? ¿Es mi bautismo, un bautismo de palabras o de obras? Espero que ustedes puedan responder con la frase siguiente: ¡Mi bautismo es de obras!

CIUDAD DEL VATI-

CANO. (ZENIT.org).Benedicto XVI anunció oficialmente su próximo segundo viaje a América –México y Cuba– para antes de la Pascua de 2012. El Papa confirmó la esperada noticia, en la misa solemne que presidió el pasado 12 de Diciembre, durante la festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, en la Basílica de San Pedro. La eucaristía fue también una celebración del bicentenario de la independencia de un buen número de países latinoamericanos. “Con estos vivos deseos, y sostenido por el auxilio de la providencia divina, tengo la intención de emprender un Viaje apostólico antes de la santa Pascua a México y Cuba, para proclamar ahí la Palabra de Cristo y se afiance la convicción de que éste es un tiempo precioso para evangelizar con una fe recia, una esperanza viva y una caridad ardiente”, dijo el Papa. El pontífice presidió la celebración eucarística en la solemnidad de la Virgen de Guadalupe y con motivo del bicentenario de la independencia de los países de América Latina y del Caribe. Concelebraron con Benedicto XVI los cardenales Tarcisio Bertone, secretario de Estado; Marc Ouel-

let, prefecto de la Congregación para los Obispos y presidente de la Comisión Pontificia para América Latina; Norberto Rivera, arzobispo de México, y Raymundo Damasceno, arzobispo de Aparecida. Antes de la santa misa, el secretario de Comisión Pontificia para América Latina Guzmán Carriquiry, leyó algunos textos relacionados con la celebración bicentenaria y sobre la Virgen de Guadalupe. Concretamente, algunas de las dulces palabras de la Virgen a San Juan

Diego, hace más de cuatrocientos años, animándolo a llevar su mensaje al obispo. Y varias citas de los distintos consejos del CELAM, sobre la evangelización de América y el papel de Santa María en la Nueva Evangelización. También recordó el nombramiento de Nuestra Señora como “generala” por parte del padre José María Morales y Pavón, en México, y citó al libertador Simón Bolívar, quien en Bogotá, en 1827, anunció el nombramiento de los primeros obispos después

de la independencia, y tuvo palabras muy elogiosas sobre el papel de la Iglesia en el nuevo mundo. Por su parte, el cardenal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, arzobispo de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, dirigió una oración a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, estrenada en esta ocasión. Al inicio de la celebración eucarística, el cardenal Marc Ouellet, dirigió al papa unas palabras de agradecimiento e introducción a la celebración.

La Virgen de Guadalupe, Guía del Pueblo y Unión Entre Culturas de América Latina Por Mercedes De La Torre

OMA, Italia. (ZENIT.org).Antes de concelebrar con el papa Benedicto XVI la Misa en español del 12 de Diciembre pasado, en la Basílica de San Pedro, con motivo del Bicentenario de la Independencia de muchos países americanos, el arzobispo primado de México, el cardenal Norberto Rivera Carrero, hizo unas breves declaraciones a ZENIT sobre este acontecimiento. El cardenal Rivera confió a ZENIT la importancia de la Virgen de Guadalupe para el pueblo mexicano: “Santa María de Guadalupe está en el nacimiento de nuestra Patria, porque éramos pueblos dispersos y

Santa María de Guadalupe viene y nos congrega y nos reúne, ahí nacemos como pueblo mexicano”. “Pero no solamente ahí sino que nos acompaña en la Independencia, en la Revolución, nos acompaña en los principales acontecimientos que ha tenido la Iglesia en México y por eso, ella misma se ha constituido nuestra Madre, nuestra Reina, nuestra Guía”. El Papa y la Iglesia Universal celebró especialmente la fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, patrona de América, al realizar la Misa en español para toda la América Latina, con la cual se confirma también la especial atención que la Santa Sede tiene por el continente americano.

VIDA ECLESIÁSTICA De Colores

La Epifanía

Cursillos de Cristiandad

Manifestación de Dios Entre Nosotros Por Pino Pellegrino

s fácil sentir el “espíritu navideño” gracias a la TV, el cine y la música en la tiendas cuando salimos de compras. Sin embargo la Epifanía, que significa manifestación o revelación, nos otorga a través de los Reyes Magos, un don muy importante, la fe. Sin los Reyes Magos el nacimiento de Jesús hubiese pasado desapercibido al mundo. En este país hay una canción muy conocida en la que cada verso es un regalo para cada uno de los 12 días de Navidad. Es como si estos regalos crearan una expectativa que concluye en la víspera del Día de Reyes o Día de La Epifanía del Señor. Sin embargo, es posible que la Epifanía del Señor pase desapercibida y lo veamos como un día secundario y opcional de la

liturgia. Sobre todo luego de la intensidad y desgaste físico y material de los regalos, reuniones familiares y fiestas de Navidad y Año Nuevo. Te invito a que descubras al Niño Jesús en el portal de Belén. Sigue el ejemplo de los Reyes Magos, búscalo en las Escrituras, pregunta a los sabios, sigue la estrella que Dios te ha dado. Cuando llegues a su presencia recuerda que es un niño. No hace falta que hables ni prepares discursos, ni le pidas salud o seguridad. Más bien alégrate y preséntale tus regalos y dones, lo mejor que tengas, como una ofrenda. Es posible que esa estrella te guíe a pesebres inesperados, como al portal de Jesús Sacramentado o al portal del corazón de tu prójimo.

Orientación Familiar

Oración a Jesús Por Lucero de Dávalos

Oh divino Jesús, solitario por las noches, en

tantos tabernáculos, sin quien te visite ni te adore. Yo te ofrezco mi solidario corazón y, es mi deseo, que cada uno de las frustraciones sean actos de amor para Ti Tú estás siempre vigilando bajo las velas sacramentales, como tu amor nunca duerme, jamás te cansas de cuidar a los pecadores. Solitario Jesús, reconozco que mi sufrimiento presente no puede ser comparado con la gloria venidera que se nos está reservada. “Paciencia por hoy alma mía, el día de mañana será como Dios quiera; el día de ayer pasó ya y todo lo que he sufrido pasó también; nada quedó sin un mérito ganado si todo lo que he sufrido es por tu amor y gloria. Amén” Señor, dejó mi pasado a Tu misericordia, el presente a tu gracia, el futuro a tu providencias. Amén Con cariño te bendice tu madre.

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Comunidad de los Andes Lucha por Agua

IMA, Perú. (CNS).- Con la ayuda de la Iglesia Católica, la pequeña comunidad de habla quechua Cruz de Mayo, en los Andes peruanos, ha estado llevando una batalla durante casi cuatro años por el lago que provee su agua potable y de irrigación. Cruz de Mayo recibió a principios de diciembre el Premio Ángel Escobar de parte de Coordinadora Nacional de los Derechos Humanos, colectivo de organizaciones de derechos humanos, muchas de las cuales están relacionadas con la iglesia. El premio anual es el más alto honor del la organización.

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preciables lectores del Periódico Diocesano La Nueva Visión en Español, a nombre del Movimiento Diocesano de Cursillos estamos haciendo votos porque cada uno de ustedes haya tenido unas fiestas decembrinas llenas de paz y amor. Esperando que el año que comienza sea mejor que el que acaba de terminar y para que realmente sea mejor los invitamos a trabajar por un mundo mejor y hacer realidad el siguiente artículo que compartimos con ustedes “Los Laicos o Seglares’. Sin duda que el Concilio Vaticano II, así como “Christifideles Laici”, han sido energía y han sido los motores de impulsión para este despertar de los laicos fieles de Cristo. El apostolado de la Buena Nueva del Evangelio es de todos. No es un rol solamente de la jerarquía. En los 72 misioneros, a los que se refiere San Lucas, estamos representados todos porque el « ¡Id!» del Evangelio “se dirige y se extiende a todos” (Christifideles Laici 2.4). “Dios me escogió desde antes de nacer y por su mucho amor, me llamó. Cuando quiso, me hizo conocer a su Hijo, para que yo anunciara su Evangelio. Y no fui a consultar con nadie, ni tampoco fui a Jerusalén a ver a los que eran apóstoles antes que yo”. (Gálatas 1, 15-17) Así lo proclama San Pablo, el patrón de Cursillos, el primero y el más grande “Christifideles Laici”. ¡Todos somos Pablo! En esta “edificación” del “Id”, todos los que creemos en Cristo formamos una misma plataforma, porque el bautismo nos hermana a todos como reyes, profetas y sacerdotes. Esta es la doctrina de Lumen Gentium, cuando proclama la igualdad y unidad de laicos y clérigos dentro del Pueblo de Dios. Pero, sin duda que hay dificultades. Siempre ha existido la “ilusión” de sentarse a la derecha o a la izquierda del “maestro”. Al que le ha cabido la gracia de ser “poderoso” se le olvida a menudo, guiado de buena fe sin duda, que el “grande” ha de ser “servidor, siervo de todos” (Mc. 10, 41.45). Ocurre a veces, y lo decimos en la medida en que brota de las exigencias del amor y donde quiera que la Iglesia nos invite a ser Iglesia, que haya quienes, aún actuando con espíritu de servicio y desde la buena fe, se arrogan un lugar eclesial injustificado e intolerable. Desde el laicado en los años 40, tras un estudio profundo de los ambientes, se originó la Esencia y Finalidad de los

Cursillos y la base de la Metodología. “El método de Cursillos quiere contribuir a cambiar en sentido cristiano los ambientes donde las personas viven y actúan, mediante la inserción de hombres nuevos que han llegado a serlo gracias a su encuentro con Cristo...” (Juan Pablo II). Permaneciendo cada cual en el estado en que fue llamado, (1 Cor 7, 24) porque a nadie hay que sacarle de su costumbre de atender a la familia, al trabajo, al ocio, sino convertir su forma de atender haciendo de la gracia un modo de orientarse. El apostolado cuyo desarrollo se orienta más específicamente en las estructuras intra parroquiales, ya existía con anterioridad y sigue teniendo vida. Un apostolado que, sin duda, es muy bueno y eficaz para los “obreros” que fueron llamados a la viña desde la primera hora, pero que no resulte que cuadre en la entrega apasionada de un recién convertido. La parroquia u otras estructuras de la Iglesia, no parecen ser la plataforma más adecuada y menos aún la exclusiva para llegar a ciertos sectores, especialmente a los más alejados y fermentarlos en cristiano. Si bien es más cierto que, cuando la parroquia precise una colaboración puntual, siempre estará prestada con sencillez, sin invadir campos ni asumir roles que pertenecen a otras parcelas. El Cursillo, hoy más que nunca, tiene que estar firmemente asentado en la fe que vive en unión estrecha, cordial y amistosa con todos, seglares y sacerdotes,… sin “mandonismo” ninguno de nadie, con santo real miedo, con asombro continuado y con la sobrenatural naturalidad, no de creer saber, sino de saber creer. Oremos juntos, sacerdotes y seglares, para que en el metro cuadrado de nuestro alrededor, en los sitios de cualquier ambiente en el que nos encontremos, al encontrarnos con cualquier hermano derrochemos Amor (Lc 10. 25-29 y Mc 12, 31) con espíritu samaritano (Lc 10. 30-37). Porque Iglesia somos todos. No somos Iglesia, o más Iglesia, porque se ocupe un puesto o un cargo o una misión más o menos calificada o importante. No. Somos Iglesia porque estamos bautizados y confirmados en la Fe en Jesucristo. Referencia: Envío Nacional de Cursillos Para más información comuníquense a los teléfonos en Tucson al (520) 791-7525, En Douglas al (520) 364-4339, Sierra Vista 255-5229 y en Yuma al (928) 783-3696. ¡De Colores!

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Nosotros Proveemos: Servicio, Etica, y Excelencia en sus Peticiones Migratorias. Como Presidente de Servicios Multiples de Inmigración, es grato para mi darle la bienvenida y felicitarlo por su decision de legalizar su condición de inmigrante de los Estados Unidos a traves de nuestros servicios. Nuestro compromiso será el de traducirle y prepararle sus peticiones migratorias de acuerdo a las leyes del Departamento de Inmigración y Naturalización de los Estados Unidos.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

CAMINO DE LA FE La Vida Sigue y Así es

Emotiva Carta Pastoral

Siempre Habrá Esperanza Por Eleazar Ortiz

Subo la escalera que va a mis

recientes pensamientos, me asomo al llegar a la puertita que abre el sótano de esos recuerdos y busco con la mirada del alma aquel recuerdo que me quedó de ti la última ocasión que te vi. “Soy indocumentada pero soy una luchadora”, dijiste y prometiste, antes de partir, que tu vida sería una vida que valdría la pena haberla vivido. Con tus temores a cuestas y tus sueños arropados con la inseguridad del futuro incierto te devolviste a México, a continuar tu lucha. Así es y así ha sido. Se fue sola a continuar su vida que comprendía sobrevivencia y estudios. Desde hace cuatros años recibo correos electrónicos de mi ex-estudiante donde me narra sus aciertos y sus momentos de felicidad. Durante estos cuatro años he usado su ejemplo y su fuerza de voluntad para motivar a tantos otros jóvenes que pasan por problemas similares. “M”, como la llamaré, ha sufrido y ha madurado en sus escasos veintidós años. Sin embargo, está luchando por un destino que ella escogió. “Me siento libre” escribió en unos de sus primeros correos al relatarme lo que sentía al poder caminar y trasladarse sin andar temerosa de la policía o de la “Border Patrol”. Ahora, aún en el sótano de mis memorias recientes, viene a mí el recuerdo de una niña de escasos dieciséis años que está embarazada. Me dio la noticia y su carita era una sola lágrima. “es mi último año y no voy

a fallar una vez más. Me voy a graduar, mi hijo nacerá y voy a seguir mi vida luchando...”, me dijo entre sollozos. Cómo se dieron las circunstancias no pregunté. Fueron detalles del pasado verano y los veranos nunca pasan en paz. Lo que sí supe es que fue una decisión no tomada por la niña. Fue un error y eso le dolía en el alma. Ahora, la batalla será doble pero se puede triunfar. No debería ser así pero así es. Bajo de la imaginaria escalera que me permite echar un vistazo a recuerdos archivados y veo como la vida nos va ofreciendo alternativas y un decir sí, o un decir no, nos cambia el camino de nuestros destinos. “M” vivió una etapa de su vida atrapada en un destino del cual ella no había tenido conciencia hasta que maduró y la experiencia le explicó su situación. Tomó un recodo voluntario en el camino de su vida y, después de unos años, se nota feliz. La segunda niña aun no asimila su nueva situación. Ella vivía la vida normal de una adolescente cuando su destino es cambiado para siempre. Ahora ella tiene que asimilar un cambio en su vida. Así es como vamos eligiendo nuestros caminos y así es como nuestras decisiones van marcando nuestras vidas. Lo que sí es cierto, es que la vida sigue y si es así siempre habrá esperanza. La esperanza que dejó Dios a los hombres cuando estos quisieron vivir su libre albedrío. eleazarortiz@msn.com

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‘Ustedes no Están solos’, Dicen Obispos Hispanos a Inmigrantes Indocumentados Por Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS).-- Una emotiva carta pastoral de parte de los obispos hispanos católicos estadounidenses ofrece amor, ánimo, bienvenida, comprensión y seguridad de que “ustedes no están solos ni olvidados”. “Reconocemos que todo ser humano, documentado o no, es imagen de Dios y por lo tanto tiene un valor y dignidad infinitos”, comienza la carta escrita con palabras fuertes emitida durante la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, el 12 de diciembre. “Les abrimos nuestros brazos y nuestro corazón y los recibimos como miembros de nuestra familia católica. Como pastores, les dirigimos estas palabras desde lo más profundo de nuestro corazón”. “Les rogamos que no se desesperen”, dijo la carta firmada por 33 obispos. “Mantengan su fe en Jesús migrante que sigue caminando con ustedes, y en la Santísima Virgen de Guadalupe que constantemente nos repite las palabras dichas a san Juan Diego, “¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre?”. La carta agradece a los migrantes por “los valores

cristianos que nos demuestran con su vida, el sacrificio por el bien de sus familias, la determinación y perseverancia, el gozo de vivir, su profunda fe y su fidelidad a pesar de la inseguridad y tantas dificultades”. El obispo Jaime Soto de Sacramento, California, dijo a Catholic News Service que los obispos querían “extendernos hacia comunidad inmigrante y expresar nuestra preocupación por ellos, hablarles en un espíritu de solidaridad”. Aunque ha habido interés en tal forma de extensión durante algún tiempo, el obispo Soto dijo que hay un sentido de que esta podría ser especialmente necesaria ahora porque desde al punto de vista político “no se ve prometedor” que la acción gubernamental mejore la situación legal de millones de inmigrantes indocumentados”. “La solidaridad cristiana no se basa en optimismo político, sino que se basa en esperanza religiosa”, él dijo. Se escogió la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe como fecha de emisión porque ella “es un símbolo tan poderoso de solidaridad y esperanza, particularmente en tiem-

pos difíciles”. La imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe viene de la parecida a María que apareció en una tilma vestida por un indio pobre ante quien ella apareció en una colina en México en 1531. En la carta ellos expresaron lamento de que algunas personas hayan reaccionado a la crisis económica mostrando desdén por el inmigrante. Algunos llegan a “aun culparlo por esta crisis”, dijeron ellos. “Sembrar el odio no nos lleva a remediar la crisis. Encontraremos el remedio en la solidaridad entre todos los trabajadores y solidaridad entre todos los trabajadores y colaboradores -inmigrantes y ciudadanos- que conviven en los Estados Unidos”. “Sus rostros sufrientes” muestran la “el rostro verdadero de Jesucristo”, dijeron los obispos, señalando que están muy conscientes de los grande sacrificios que ellos hacen por sus familias. “Muchos de ustedes hacen los trabajos más difíciles, con sueldos miserables y sin seguro de salud o prestaciones salariales o sociales”, continuaron. “A pesar de sus contribuciones al bienestar de nuestro país, en lugar de ofrecerles grati-

Ustedes no Están solos página 18

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n los albores de un nuevo año, surge un sentimiento de gratitud por el don de la existencia. Pero ¿quién nos asegura que terminaremos este año con vida? Recordemos a Randy Pauch. En el 2008, este brillante profesor de ciencias computacionales de la universidad de Carnegie Mellon, de Pittsburgh, fue diagnosticado con cáncer pancreático. Los doctores le dieron de 3 a 6 meses de vida. Un mes después del diagnostico –el 18 de Septiembre– Randy dió una presentación titulada: “La última conferencia: La realización de tus sueños de la infancia”. Lo que sobresale es su gran capacidad para afrontar su muerte con una serenidad impresionante. Contaba apenas con 47 años, estaba casado y tenía tres hijos, de 1, 3 y 5 años de edad. Su “última conferencia” hizo paralizar al mundo entero por un momento. En la conferencia dijo: “Siento mucho decepcionarlos pero, aunque sé que voy a morir, he optado por no estar deprimido. Y quiero dejarles un buen legado a mis hijos.” En la conferencia habló de cómo había sido un niño feliz y un ser humano realizado. Su libro “The last lecture” fue un bestseller y se ha traducido en casi 35 lenguas en todo el mundo. Han pasado ya tres años y su legado sigue presente en el mundo. Muchos cristianos y psicólogos se habrán preguntado ¿Cómo es posible que un ser humano acepte con tanta serenidad el advenimiento inminente de su muerte? ¿Fue él, acaso, un ser humano superdotado, o con una resistencia

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Vivir el Morir fuera de este mundo? ¿Realmente estamos capacitados para vivir nuestro final con esa “sangre fría”? ¿No tiene acaso la muerte un componente cínico? ¿No es el “aguafiestas” de la vida? ¿Por qué Cristo en su agonía, sintió el “abandono de Dios y de los hombres”? En la mayoría de los seres humanos, la experiencia de la muerte causa una pavorosa angustia existencial. También perder a un ser querido puede conllevar heridas difíciles de sanar y quizá traumas irreparables. Heidegger decía que “el hombre es un ser para él la muerte”. Jean Paul Sartre afirmaba pesimistamente que “nuestro destino es el absurdo”. Los aztecas, con una visión más optimista, decían que “la vida es un sueño y morir despertar”.

no faltan las explicaciones cósmicas: “Dios ha puesto en marcha esta maquinaria, que tiene sus propias leyes. ¿Por qué? No lo sé. ¿Lo pudo hacer de otra manera? Supongo que sí. Ese sí que es un misterio, el gran misterio. Pero una vez puesta en marcha funciona con sus propios mecanismos. Por ejemplo, el pez gordo se come al chico. Para el chico, eso aparentemente es un mal, claro. Para el grande, un bien, ya que le acarrea vida, supervivencia. ¿Y para el Universo? Ni mal ni bien, simplemente son dos caras de la vida que componen el funcionamiento cósmico y

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ecológico”. ¿Pero, qué decir de los niños que mueren de hambre? ¿O de los seres humanos que mueren a causa de la fuerza de la naturaleza? En lo primero hay un componente ético y de insolidaridad, y en el segundo caso quizá uno tiene que inclinar la cabeza ante una flor que muere para que nazca un fruto. Y darse cuenta que las playas y los continentes que disfrutamos quizá surgieron a costa de que murieran dinosaurios, plantas y otros seres.

ara muchos, la perspectiva cristiana acerca de la muerte ilumina el horizonte y mitiga la angustia. La vida no termina, sólo se transforma. San Pablo proclamó: “Mi vida es Cristo y la muerte ganancia”. Facundo Cabral se expresa así: “En la muerte, lo único que se desbarata es el cuerpo. Pero yo no soy el cuerpo. El cuerpo es el vehículo que me lleva de la cuna a la tumba. Yo soy mi espíritu, mi alma y las ideas que arman mis neuronas”. He aquí un fragmento de su visión poética de la vida, con matices cristianos: “La vida no te quita cosas, te libera de cosas, te alivia para que vueles más alto, para que alcances la plenitud. De la cuna a la tumba hay una escuela. Lo que llamamos problemas son sólo lecciones. No perdiste a nadie. El que murió, simplemente se nos adelantó, porque para allá vamos todos. Además, lo mejor del amor sigue en tu

corazón. Dios no te prometió días sin dolor, risa sin tristeza, sol sin lluvia. Te prometió fuerzas para cada día, consuelo para las lagrimas, y luz para el camino….”. Pero aún bajo el influjo de la perspectiva cristiana, es evidente que cuando se trata de un cáncer de un ser querido, de un hijo joven que muere en un accidente de auto o de los horrores de una guerra, uno se queda mudo, no sabe qué decir, ni parecen servir de mucho las palabras de consuelo. La tanatologia (la ciencia de la muerte) surgió como un intento de personificar a la muerte, de encontrarle un sentido a ese proceso. Así, por medio de cuidados paliativos, se cree que se puede tener una muerte digna y en paz. La doctora Elizabeth KublerRoss definió la muerte como “una experiencia única, bella y liberadora que se vive sin temor y sin angustia”.

inalmente, volvemos a la acuciante interrogante del principio: ¿Qué nos depara este año? ¿Qué nos depara la vida? Raundi Pauch fue valiente, pero sin duda hubiera querido ver crecer a sus pequeños hijos. Quizá el tener presente en nuestra mente la realidad de la muerte, que puede llegar en cualquier momento, haga nuestra vida más solemne, más importante, más fecunda y alegre”. Morir, todos vamos a morir, pero lo importante es morir bien. Muere bien, quien vive bien. Y nuevamente recurrimos a la filosofía popular de F. Cabral: “En la India milenaria de los viejos aprendí que sólo aquel que ha vivido tiene derecho a morir”.

Ustedes no Están solos viene de página 17 tud, se les trata como criminales porque han violado la ley de inmigración actual”. Los obispos también reconocieron el dolor sufrido por familias que han tenido a alguien deportado o alguien amenazado con deportación; la ansiedad de esperar el estado de residencia legal; y la frustración de los jóvenes que han nacido en Estados Unidos pero carecen del estado de inmigración que les permitiría continuar hacia la universidad y obtener buenos empleos. “Todas estas situaciones claman a Dios por una solución digna y humana”, dijeron. Ellos reiteraron la postura que la Conferencia Estadounidense de Obispos Católicos ha asumido en apoyo de la reforma abarcadora de inmigración. Tal legislación debe respetar la unidad familiar y proveer “pasos ordenados y razonables para que personas sin documentos puedan obtener la ciudadanía”. Esta debe incluir un programa de visas para trabajadores que proteja los derechos de los inmigrantes y satisfaga sus necesidades básicas, ellos añadieron. La carta también reconoció el camino dificultoso y peligroso que la gente toma para venir a Estados Unidos. “Como pastores que se preocupan por el bienestar de todos ustedes”, ellos les pidieron considerar seriamente “si es aconsejable emprender su cami-

no hacia acá antes de que se logre un cambio justo y humano en las leyes de inmigración”. Pero añadieron: “No vamos a esperar hasta que cambie la ley para darles la bienvenida en nuestras iglesias a los que ya están aquí, ya que San Pablo nos dice: ‘Ustedes ya no son extranjeros ni huéspedes, sino conciudadanos de los que forman el pueblo de Dios; son familia de Dios’”. Como miembros de la iglesia, parte del cuerpo de Cristo, “les ofrecemos alimento espiritual. Siéntanse bienvenidos a la Santa Misa, la Eucaristía que nos alimenta con la palabra y con el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesús. Les ofrecemos programas de catequesis para sus hijos y los programas de formación que nuestros esfuerzos diocesanos nos permiten poner a su alcance”. Los ciudadanos y residentes permanentes de Estados Unidos “no podemos olvidar que casi todos, nosotros o nuestros antepasados, hemos venido de otras tierras y juntos con inmigrantes de varias naciones y culturas hemos formado una nueva nación”, ellos dijeron. Oremos y luchemos para que estos hermanos y hermanas nuestros tengan las mismas oportunidades de las cuales nosotros nos hemos beneficiado”. “Vemos en ustedes migrantes a Jesús peregrino”.

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Estado de Pennsylvania y Syracuse. Hace apenas un poco más de dos meses, ellos fueron famosos por su excelencia académica y por fútbol y baloncesto. Ahora, esas dos afamadas instituciones de alto aprendizaje son desacreditadas por sus acusaciones de abuso sexual a niños por sus entrenadores y por las acusaciones de que no respondieron completa y rápidamente a tales acusaciones y sospechas de que había ocurrido abuso. Las acusaciones han sido horripilantes, y tristemente estamos nuevamente encarándonos con las desalentadoras noticias de que los acusados son figuras respetadas, actuando bajo el escudo de instituciones tan prestigiadas. Y, ahí se presenta la apariencia de que hubo violación de las responsabilidades morales y legales a hacer un reporte y, por autoridades civiles, de proseguir diligentemente en los reportes que fueron hechos. Ahí también se presenta la apariencia de que la violación parece ser bastante extendida envolviendo a muchas personas y agencias. Reportes de noticias acerca de estas situaciones fueron respondidas rapidamente por montón de comentadores. Cada uno parecía interpretar, naturalmente, estas noticias con una perspectiva personal única y diferente. Las comparaciones con lo que sucedió en nuestra propia Iglesia fueron lo suficiente fácil de verse, y muchas de ellas fueron. Aun cuando estas comparaciones parecen haber sido sin pruebas para reflejar la “agenda” del comentador, para muchos de nosotros, fue doloroso revivir este asunto. No importa cuál sea la motivación del comentador, como quiera que sea, es importante para todos nosotros no voltear la cabeza o descartar esos comentarios. Nos hace bien acoger la historia, tomarla mucho en cuenta para lo que podamos aprender. ¿Qué pudiera ser lo aprendamos de eso?

PROTEGIENDO A NUESTRO NIÑOS Paul Duckro, Ph.D

Es duro reportar – pero necesario Primero, ahí se encuentra una paradoja terrible con lo cual debemos vivir. La mayoría de las personas son buenas gentes. Pero aun así, cualquier persona puede ser un ofensor. Hasta una persona que ha vivido bien por años puede empezar a sucumbir a la tentación de hacer mal. Y la realidad es que no sabemos quién es quién por su exterior. Segundo, nosotros no esperamos a que ocurran los crímenes. En nuestro programa de Ambiente Seguro, nosotros vigilamos cuidadosamente por violaciones sutiles. El en forzamiento de la ley tiene sus límites… y con toda razón. Nuestros perímetros son más amplios. Violaciones sutiles pueden ser el resultado de ingenuidad, pero cuando éstas recurren a pesar de haber recibido consejería correctiva se debe tomar acción. Un patrón de violaciones sutiles es señal de peligro: Un perpetrador motivado, una persona ignorante de la realidad de sus propios instintos o impulsos o una persona ingenua con peligro de hacer un daño sin intención. Cualquiera que sea el caso, de una manera o de otra, necesitamos parar el tren. Tercero, la situación con el Estado de Pennsylvania y Syracuse nos recuerda de la razón por la cual la fundación del Programa de Ambiente Seguro es el reporte mandatorio de abuso o sospecha de abuso.

Diciendo que nosotros requerimos que reportar es mandatorio es fácil. Actualmente haciendo el reporte es duro. Cuando nos confrontamos con la situación que requiere que hagamos un reporte, es duro mantener nuestra mente enfocada. Es muy fácil encontrar muchas razones de no creer lo que hemos visto o razones para no actuar en ello. (David Brooks escribió acerca de esto en una excelente columna, “Let’s All Feel Superior,” in the New York Times Nov. 15.) Eso es por qué examinamos y repasamos el proceso de reportar. Algunas veces, cuando cubrimos la materia de reporte mandatorio he oído que algunas personas dicen, “pero eso ya lo sabemos.” Bueno, lo sabemos y no lo sabemos. Todos los seres humanos compartimos esta condición. Los primeros en responder repasan para que en tiempo de crisis se respalden en su entrenamiento. Todos hacemos lo mismo cuando participamos en entrenamiento de fuego. Si, sabemos lo que tenemos que hacer, pero repetimos y practicamos para que en una emergencia, cuando todo parece gritar para causar duda o distracción, nosotros podamos respaldarnos en nuestro entrenamiento y obrar correctamente. Todo lo tenemos en escrito. Nuestro Código de Conducta, el cual guía a todos los que ministran o sirven en la Diócesis de Tucson, declara con toda claridad la expectación de reportar. Cada parroquia y escuela tiene un plan de cumplimiento en el que encuentra un Firme Procedimiento de Operación para reportar. Yo recomiendo que ustedes busquen y encuentren lo que son esos FPOs en su parroquia y escuela. El representante de cunplimiento del Programa de Ambiente Seguro de su parroquia y escuela puede ayudarles a hacerlo.

Answering God’s call leads to joy, fulfillment By FATHER RICKY ORDOÑEZ Special to The New Vision Traditionally, the first full week of January has always been declared “Vocations Awareness Week.” After weeks of celebrating Christmas and the New Year, the challenge has been to try and get people to slip into a thinking mode serious enough to realize the importance of the awareness on a great need for vocations – especially ones to the priesthood and religious life. This year, it will be the week of Jan. 9-14. Since generations past, Vocation Directors have been challenged to create a “culture of vocations” where people are aware of the great need for a new generation of priests – a number that had seen a steady decline since the late 60’s. One may say that it was due to a “revolution of sorts” – a great changing of the mind where doing the unconventional and, simply, rebelling to the norm was deemed “cool” or even “generationally acceptable.” In hindsight, I can just say, “Oh, how terribly wrong we were!” Where are all those who had spoken out about orga-

nized religion? Those who sported long hair, wore sandals, tie-dyed shirts and shouted, “Make love not war”? For a lot of them, they had spurned their faith only to embrace a life of unabashed “freedom to do what they will.” If my math is right, they are now in their 60’s, have children who are just beginning to raise their own…..and have a lot of time for reflecting on how they led their lives. And do they like what they see? Hmmm. As the Vocation Director, I have paid much attention to what people say is the cause for a decline in vocations to the priesthood in particular and faith in general. One comment is that man’s quest is for freedom and not having to live a life of rules and regulations as generally perceived how priests live. Well, for one who entered priesthood “later in life,” I must say, “On the contrary!” Life as a priest has been totally liberating. To know that I am finally free from constantly running after what the world says how one should live, should have and should believe in, is true freedom. Of course, we live by rules and regula-

tions, but who does not? We pay taxes, follow traffic regulations, pay our car payments – but we’ve been freed from wanton desire for excess – more money in the bank, bigger and flashier cars, luxury vacations and bigger homes. And are priests unhappy? Absolutely not! Forbes magazine has listed “clergy” as having the highest rate of “job” satisfaction – way beyond those who earn ten times more. If there is a decline in priesthood, it may be traced to it being discarded as an option for the young people of past and present generations….perpetrated by a culture that defines success with power, position and money. So many have come to me to say that they felt they had a vocation to the priesthood but never got any encouragement from their families and friends. Today, they may be financially successful, but joy and a deep sense of fulfillment continue to be elusive. Our 13 seminarians are great men of determination, focus and commitment. They, too, have, like many in the “swinging sixties and seventies generation, gone past the “accepted norm” of our times.

However, instead of allowing themselves to succumb to the pressures of a materialistic society, they have chosen to pursue a vocation to serve God and His people – a path that may be empty of worldly pleasures and success, but filled to the brim with great joy and fulfillment. I remember the late actor John Wayne having said, “It takes a REAL MAN to do what is right.” I say, it takes an even BIGGER MAN TO DO WHAT GOD WANTS! Vocation Awareness Week happens at the beginning of the year, bringing to fore its importance in our lives. It is to remind us that we shouldn’t only think about it for one week in the year, but to realize that it should be part of our agenda for the rest of 2012. There are, present in your youth groups and parishes, among your children and grandchildren, members of your family and friends who are called to a vocation to Priesthood and Religious life. We just need to identify, encourage, invite and, above all, pray for them so that they may have the courage and strength to rise above their hesitation in answering God’s call.

JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

How the Lord blessed me with joy By MARTIN MORENO I was scared, nervous, uneasy, and honestly, I was hesitant about answering the call to priesthood. I asked myself: “Celibacy/chastity? No family? Being alone for the rest of my life? Do I really want this? Do I have the strength?” I knew that I felt something deep in my heart, something that was pushing me toward a greater service to our God and His people. I could faintly hear the whisper of God within me telling me to follow Him, to lay down my life. How could I, though? My life was going great. Today I am in my third year of college at Mt. Angel Seminary, and I am the happiest I have ever been. All the doubts and fears are faint. Don’t get me wrong: they come back every once in a while; however, the joy that I have experienced in my three years as a seminarian triumphs over any fear that may come. I have come to realize that as a priest I will have all that I was afraid of not having. Family, the people of God, the Church; these will be my family. Being alone and lacking strength? No, I have made lifelong friends who will walk with me. Celibacy/chastity? I will commit to these because I want to give my life

In a series of “letters” to be published in The New Vision each month, seminarians of the Diocese of Tucson who are studying for the priesthood in Illinois and Oregon offer their thoughts about their special journeys.

fully to the service of God. I hope that anyone who is thinking about priesthood, who has that desire to live a life greater than ourselves, can read this and realize that being afraid is part of the process. I tell you this, the journey is not always easy, but TRUST me… it’s worth it. I took a leap of faith into the unknown three years ago and as result I have experienced nothing but the pure gift of God’s joy. In the words of Blessed John Paul II, “Do not be afraid!”

Pope confirms visit to Mexico in March Monastery door renovated Joseph Beamon and Sister Mary Elizabeth show off the main doors to the Benedictine Monastery in Tucson after Beamon refinished the elaborately trimmed 72-year-old doorway recently. Beamon said he regularly passes by the monastery and he noticed the doors’ poor condition long ago but when he proposed he be hired to refinish them he was turned down. Finally, he said he would do it “for free.” It was, he said, a 30-day labor of love.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed he will travel to Mexico and Cuba in the spring and called on the people of Latin America to hold firm to their faith. During his homily at the Mass Dec. 12 in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope prayed that God would guide the decisions of the Latin American people, so they could progress in “building a society based on the development of good, the triumph of love and the expansion of justice.” Pope Benedict added that he intends “to make an apostolic trip to Mexico and Cuba before Easter to proclaim the word of Christ and to strengthen the conviction that this is a precious time to evangelize with a steady faith, a lively hope and an ardent charity.” Various Spanish language news outlets have reported the trip will take place March 23-29. In addition to marking the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, the Pope’s Mass marked the bicentennials of many Latin American countries, which gained their independence from Spain between 1810 and 1825. The Pope said he could not let the anniversaries pass without demonstrating “the joy of the Church for the many gifts which God, in his infinite goodness, has bestowed on these beloved nations throughout these years.” The Pope entrusted to Our Lady of Guadalupe his intentions and the destiny of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean as they seek a better future.

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Tax help: Pio Decimo’s assistance program to open at 14 sites It’s almost here—that season of the year when we get our W-2s in the mail, gather our receipts and tax documents, and face the arduous task of filing our tax returns, a process made bearable only by the hope that we’ll get something back from the tax man. With the advent of tax season, Pio Decimo Center is preparing for another year of offering its free tax assistance to individuals and families with incomes up to $55,000 a year. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), IRS-trained volunteers work with each individual or family and help them fill out basic income tax returns. They also help people file amended returns and resolve tax disputes or problems with the IRS. This year, Pio Decimo Center will offer the VITA program at 14 locations throughout Southern Arizona, including a new site in Safford. Additionally, the IRS has authorized 4 “drop off ” locations where people can drop their taxes off to be completed by certified volunteers who will then contact the taxpayer when the return is done to verify information and electronically file

the return. This will make it easier to serve people who are disabled, live in remote areas, or are unable to come to existing locations during the sites’ hours of operation. Pio Decimo’s VITA program got started several years ago after the IRS approached Pio Decimo about starting a free tax assistance program. The IRS had noticed that many low-income residents of Southern Arizona were eligible for refundable tax credits, but were not claiming them. These credits, usually the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, can add up to over $5,000 for each family. While helping families claim the credits they are eligible for, Pio Decimo Center also encourages families to use their refunds in ways that will improve their financial situation, such as pay off debt, save, buy a car to get to work, or get more education. To that end, Pio Decimo Center offers money management and asset building classes, as well as matched savings accounts for lowincome individuals and families. These accounts can double or triple the amount a family sets aside for a home purchase,

education, or a business start-up. Jose and Alicia Romero have truly benefited from Pio Decimo Center’s tax preparation services. Several years ago, a failed business, debt and a predatory loan led to the foreclosure of their home and nearly wiped out their hope of a prosperous future. But things started to turn around after they were accepted into the transitional housing program at Pio Decimo Center, where they lived for about three years. While there, they took advantage of several programs, including the VITA tax preparation services. Getting free help with filing their taxes was a tremendous help to Jose and Alicia. They learned that they were eligible for significant tax credits each year, which if they used wisely could help them do something they didn’t think possible—purchase a home again. They enrolled in a matched savings account, and when they received their tax refunds, they deposited much of the money into the account. With a two to one match for every dollar they saved, they were once again able to purchase a home, which is a source of peace and joy for their

family after so many rough years. Pio Decimo Center’s tax assistance is available to individuals or families with incomes up to $55,000 and will run through April 15 at most sites. There are 14 Pio Decimo sites and numerous other sites provided by community partners throughout Southern Arizona. To find out where you can go for tax assistance in your county, call the appropriate number listed below: Pima County (520) 387-3351; (520) 622-2801, ext. 127 Santa Cruz County (520) 397-9219 Cochise County (520) 364-6789 (520) 458-2770 Graham County (928) 348-3202 Those seeking assistance should bring the following: Picture ID and Social Security cards or ITIN cards/letters for all household members; W-2s and 1099 forms with income information; Bank account and routing numbers for direct-deposit refunds; A copy of last year’s tax return Information on mortgage interest, property tax, and charitable payments.

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Kings Canyon – Sequoia – Yosemite Arches – Canyonlands – Bryce Canyon Zion – Capitol Reef – Grand Canyon

14 Days

Departs June 22, 2012

from

$1398*

Take time for reflection of God’s remarkable creation! Take a relaxing trip on your luxurious coach as you travel with other Catholics through the changing desert landscapes of Nevada to the farmlands of central California. Witness the giant Redwood trees in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, then be amazed at the rock formations and waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. You’ll also visit majestic Lake Tahoe with 72 miles of pristine shoreline and stop in historic Virginia City, Reno, Winnemucca and Elko, Nevada. In Utah tour the world’s largest man-made excavation – the Kennecott Copper Mine; 2, 2/3 miles wide plus the Great Salt Lake! Next tour the unique rocks shaped by wind, water, sun and frost at Arches’ National Park; and Canyonlands, with enchanting vistas carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Next your Catholic group will visit Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks and drive through the Dixie National Forest. On Monday, July 2, you’ll arrive at the grandest of all National Parks, The Grand Canyon, for both a day and night. Enjoy the sunset that evening and sunrise the following morning! Spend the fourth of July in exciting Las Vegas with an included day excursion to Zion National Park. That evening enjoy all the hoopla and excitement Las Vegas is famous for on Independence Day including free fireworks shows. Your Chaplain is Father Frank Wittouck, SCJ, from Houston, Texas. He retired as an Army Chaplain in 2010 yet currently ministers in the Cypress Assistance Ministries. His recent YMT pilgrimage was to the Holy Land. *Per person, double occupancy, includes taxes. For details, itinerary, reservations & letter from YMT’s chaplain with his phone number call 7 days a week:

1-800-736-7300

JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

Penn State and Syracuse. Just a little more than two months ago, they were famed for their academic excellence and for football and basketball. Now, those two highly regarded institutions of higher learning are infamous because of allegations of sexual abuse of children by coaches and because of allegations that they did not respond soon enough and comprehensively to allegations and suspicions that abuse had occurred. The allegations have been horrifying, and sadly we are faced again with the discouraging news that the accused are respected figures, acting under the aegis of respected institutions. And, there is the appearance that there was breakdown of the legal and moral responsibilities to make a report and, for civil authorities, to follow up diligently on reports that are made. There is also the appearance that the breakdown seemed to have been widespread, involving many persons and agencies. News reports of these situations were responded to quickly by myriad commentators. Each seemed to interpret the news from a different and uniquely personal perspective, of course. The comparisons with what had happened in our own Church were easy enough to draw, and more than a few did. Even when these comparisons seemed to be made gratuitously to reflect the “agenda” of the commentator, for many of us, it was a painful reliving of this issue. No matter the motivation of the commentator, however, it is important for us not to turn away or to dismiss those comments. In my travels throughout the diocese I have met a number of people for whom 2011 was a very difficult year. Losses, economic struggles, hardships and heartbreaks brought a variety of reactions; questions, struggles, and moments of confusion, among them. There is great faith here, and great hope, as well as struggles great and small. The image of the star of Bethlehem shining brightly was a tangible sign of hope to many who felt like their life was steeped in darkness. This by itself is a very, very good reason that we welcome Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, as an infant. This is why he was born in helplessness and weakness. With so much to cause us anxiety, our God, who is power beyond power, might beyond might, comes to us in weakness, even helplessness. Not only does the God-man come to us without threat, he comes to us in need of our protection. The angels say to

The Jordan Ministry Team

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

Paul Duckro, Ph.D

Reporting is hard –but necessary We do well to embrace the story, to take it to heart for what we can learn. What might that be? First, there is a terrible paradox with which we must live. Most people are good people, by far. Yet, any person might be an offender. Even a person who has lived well for years can begin to succumb to temptation to do wrong. And we cannot tell who’s who from the outside. Second, we don’t wait for crimes to occur. In our Safe Environment Program, we look just as carefully for boundary violations. Law enforcement is constrained by law, and rightly so. Our parameters are wider. Boundary violations may be the result of naiveté, but when they recur despite corrective counseling, action must be taken. A pattern of boundary violations signals trouble: a motivated perpetrator, a person unaware of his or her real drives or a naïve person at risk of doing unintended harm. Whatever the case, one way or another, we need to stop the train. Third, the situations at Penn State and Syracuse remind

THAT ALL MAY KNOW THE SAVIOR Peggy Guerrero

To Proclaim the Savior the shepherds, Fear not. We heard those words at Christmas, and we hold them close. Whatever the world may bring, this infant brings peace. The hours of daylight in the days of January are few. In our lifetime the star of Bethlehem doesn’t shine in the sky. The light of that star must shine in our time to give hope, but we must see it in a new way. Jesus said let those who have eyes, see.

EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2012 Retreat-St. Cyril’s-8am-11am Manzanita Unit-1:00-3:00pmJan. 18-Sr. Jane-Nucleos de la Wilmot Prison Vida Cristiana-Counsel-St. Cyril’sJan. 4-All-Board of Directors 10am-12pm Meeting-3-5pm-JMT Center Jan. 18-Rebecca-St. Augustine H. Jan. 4, 11, 18, & 25-PeggyS.-Internet Safety-6:30-8:00pm Adult Sacrament Preparation-San Jan. 19-All CFP Meeting at Xavier-6:30-8:00pm DPC-1:30pm Jan. 6-Sr. Jane-CST-Catholic Jan. 20-Peggy-OMOS-Catholic Identity-All Saints-1:30-3:30pmIdentity-1-3pm Sierra Vista Jan. 20-Sr. Jane-CSTJan. 6-Peggy-Staff Retreat-St. Communication-All Saints, S.V.Cyril-8-11am 1:30-3:30pm Jan. 10, 17, & 24-Sr. Jane-Level Jan. 21-Peggy & Sr. Jane-Level II-Ecclesiology-6:30-8:30pm-JMT I Classes-JMT Center-9:00amCenter 4:45pm Jan. 12, 19, & 26-Sr. Jane & Jan. 28-Rebecca-Level I ClassesPeggy-Brown Bag Bible Study-Old Spanish-Santa Monica-10:00am Testament& 12:30pm St. Cyril’s-11:30am-1:00pm Jan. 28-Jane & Peggy-Women’s Jan. 13-15-All-CFP-St. Francis Retreat-St. Anthony’s-Casa de Sales-eve-day-morn Grande-8am-4pm Jan. 13 & 20-Peggy-Student

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PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

us of the reason that the foundation of the Safe Environment Program is mandatory reporting of abuse and suspected abuse. Saying that we require mandatory reporting is easy. Actually making the report is hard. When we are faced with a situation that requires that we make a report, it is hard for the mind to stay focused. It is easy to find many reasons not to believe what we have seen or reasons not to act on it. (David Brooks wrote about this in an excellent column, “Let’s All Feel Superior,” in the New York Times of last Nov. 15.) That is why we review and drill the process of reporting. Sometimes, when the subject of mandatory reporting is covered I have heard people say, “But we know this already.” Well, we do and we don’t. All human beings share this condition. First responders drill so that in crisis they can fall back on their training. We all do the same when we participate in fire drills. Yes, we know what to do, but we repeat and practice so that in an emergency, when everything seems to cry out to cause doubt or distraction, we will be able to fall back on our training and do the right thing. We have it all in writing. Our Code of Conduct, which guides all who minister or serve in the Diocese of Tucson, states the expectation for reporting very clearly. Every parish and school has a compliance plan in which there is a Standing Operating Procedure for reporting. I recommend that you find out what those SOPs are at your parish and school. Your parish and school Safe Environment Program compliance representative can help you do just that. We have grown in our seeing the Christ child, to seeing Jesus the God-man, to the seeing and being the Body of Christ. So the light must be in us. We light each others way with hope and peace. I often think that ministers can have an easier time than others because we often get to be with people who want to grow in faith. It is our role to consciously, joyfully, and truthfully bring the message of the light of Christ to others. That means we are with people during joyous events as well as in difficult times. We enter the darkness of the night because we are confident that the star is shining, even if it is sometimes hidden. We shine for others, and welcome the light that others shine for us. Sometimes in the darkness we have to remind ourselves that the darkness is not the final answer. Sometimes if we want to see the star, we have to see with eyes of faith.

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012

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JANUARY 2012 | THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

‘Click it, or ticket,’ German tells Pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI greeted with a smile the news that a German citizen had filed a complaint against him for not wearing a seat belt in his popemobile. A German court has thrown out the case. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, said Nov. 30 that the complaint “continues to provoke curiosity and smiles of amusements, beginning with the Pope himself.” Father Lombardi said it was well known that the popemobile does not travel long distances, moves at a very slow speed and doesn’t generally run the risk of encountering other vehicles in its path. “The Pope turns continually to the right and to the left to greet and bless the faithful. Often he gets up and takes in his arms babies to bless, to the joy of the parents and everyone present. All these gestures presume a certain freedom of movement,” the spokesman said.

Father Lombardi added that the Vatican was “grateful for the affectionate concern for the Pope’s safety,” but added that the complaint did not seem to reflect much flexibility in interpreting the meaning of the law. German news reports said the complaint against the Pope was filed in the city of Dortmund following Pope Benedict’s September visit to his homeland. The Pope traveled frequently in his popemobile during stops in Berlin, Erfurt, Etzelsbach and Freiburg. The complaint said that on all these occasions the Pope had failed to use the seat belt as required by German law and that, as a repeat offender, he should be fined the maximum of 2,500 euros ($3,400). According to the German reports, the lawyer who filed the complaint said his client was primarily concerned about the safety of the 84-year-old Pope.

Last step before priesthood Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas was joined by more than 40 priests and many deacons and seminarians as he ordained Ramonito Celestial and Jorge Farias Saucedo to the transitional diaconate on Dec. 17 at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson. The new deacons will be ordained as priests on June 2. A large number of family members and friends attended the nearly two-hour ceremony, which was followed by a reception in the adjacent church hall. The joyful liturgy included music and singing by the Diocesan Choir, directed by Grace Lohr, with soloist Mary Ann

Samson. As a communion meditation, Alex Navas of Our Lady of Fatima Parish sang a hymn he composed on being a servant of the Lord. “I am blessed by moments of delight,” said Bishop Kicanas in reference to the occasion, adding: “When we prayed the Litany of the Saints for Jorge and Ramonito and when I imposed hands on them, I could sense the pride and delight felt by all present. We prayed and sang our hearts out in gratitude to God that Ramonito and Jorge had heard God’s call in their lives to serve Him, His Church and us.” The ordination began with Bishop Kicanas asking, “Do you find these men worthy?” A resounding affirmation was given by Father Ricky Ordoñez, diocesan vocations director, and Father August Belauskas of Mundelein Seminary, and an ovation followed. The laying on of hands and prayer of consecration was followed by the investiture with the stole and dalmatic. Bishop Kicanas took the opportunity to call for prayer to encourage more vocations of a life of service to the Church. “Personal encouragement and invitation go a long way, especially within families and parishes,” he said. Serving as master of ceremonies were Father Emilio Chapa, Father Abran Tadeo and Father Miguel Mariano. Contributing to the reception were Father Domenico Pinti and the St. George Parish community, the Two Hearts Filipino Prayer Group of Casa Grande, and the Sacred Heart Filipino Prayer Group of Tucson. With Bishop are Deacon Ramonito Celestial, at left, and Deacon Jorge Farias Saucedo.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON | WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG | JANUARY 2012