VISION TheNew
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson
Volume V - Number II January 2010 • $15 per year • Tucson, Arizona Visit www.newvisiononline.org
Appeal goal set at $3.7 million
Announcing the $3.7 million goal for the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas hopes Catholics across the Diocese of Tucson take a close look at the campaign’s poster. “You’ll see that this beautiful image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is actually a mosaic with hundreds of photographs of our parishes, our Catholic schools, our seminarians, our deacons, our sisters, brothers,” says the Bishop in a video produced for the campaign. And, in this special Year for Priests proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI, “You’ll see each one of our priests.” The Bishop points to parishioners who also are pictured in the mosaic: “You, the Eucharistic Ministers, ushers, singers and musicians, teachers of religious education, youth ministers. “You, the members of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, St. Vincent de Paul, Cursillo, Serra, Scouting, Peace and Justice, Pro-Life. “You, growing closer to the Lord, handing on the Faith to your children and your grandchildren. “You, sacrificing in your generosity to ‘I ask for your help now so that our make it possible for your parish and for Diocese can continue to do the day-to- our Diocese to carry on the mission that day work of carrying on the mission Christ has given us.” The mosaic, the Bishop says, symbolizthat Christ has given us.’ es the Appeal campaign’s theme “To Love — Bishop Kicanas and Serve One Another.” See APPEAL page 9
INSIDE
Annual fiscal report The fiscal report of the Diocese of Tucson outlines how the funds contributed enable the Diocese to fulfill its mission. -Pages 8-9
‘I met Christ…I met Him in the countless children who live alone with their families at the dump in Nogales, Sonora…’ So said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas after he greeted the children and said Mass during a Christmas party sponsored by the Tucson-based group called “Poverty 24/6.” See more on pages 12 and 13.
It’s ‘National Migration Week’ The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate “National Migration Week” on Jan. 3-9 with the theme this year again being “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice,” although the focus will be migrant and refugee children. This follows the lead of the Pope Benedict XVI, who has chosen the theme “Minor Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees. “Children are an exceptionally vulnerable population that are easily taken advantage of, exploited and abused,” said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration. “This is particularly true when they are undocumented and unaccompanied in a foreign country and, all too often, with nobody to turn to for help,” he said. In coordination with The Cathol ic University of America, a new educational Website (http://libraries.cua.edu/achrcua/packets. html), focuses on the important role that the Catholic Church has played in the immigration debate throughout 20th Century America. For more information about this topic, go to www.justiceforimmigrants.org. Memorial marks the site where the body of Josseline Janiletta Hernandez Quinteros, 14, was found in the desert.
Death, disappearance of a child transcends borders
By JULIETA GONZALEZ Special to The New Vision
The death of a child strikes at the heart of Americans as they view news reports of the devastation caused by acts of war, drought, earthquakes and other natural or man-made disasters. The results are the loss of thousands of people, including children from starvation, disease, torture, neglect and abandonment. The hopelessness in their faces is compelling. International agencies and internationally known mega stars appeal to governments to remedy the terror and horror. Americans readily associate these events with the landscapes of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Few realize or understand that similar deaths are occurring in their own backyard. Even fewer Americans realize that their own government’s immigration policies and border security enforcement actions are contributing to the ongoing tragedy. Does the fact that these children who have “gone missing” or who have died are considered illegal entrants by the United States government diminish the dignity of their lives? Are their deaths any less a heartbreak to a society that cherishes freedom and migration in search of the American Dream?
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Information and knowledge is basic to American values. Behavior based upon the acquisition of knowledge is difficult if not impossible to predict. Having information, however, can produce psycho-emotional responses which open minds and hearts, especially among Americans who appreciate their present circumstances, despite perceived economic hardship. The fact that children are dying and going missing while crossing the treacherous, yet stunningly beautiful American Southwest, may lead to a softening of the harsh judgments cast upon immigrant border crossers who risk everything to pursue a hope-based future bearing the slightest opportunity for a meager wage or for the joy of reuniting with family north of the border. A documentary in development titled “Angelitos del Desierto” (working title) examines the issue of children whose remains have been found in the desert; of children who have been reported missing by their parents who crossed separately and trusted smugglers to unite them with their children; and the efforts of humanitarians on both sides of the United States/ Mexico border to alleviate and ultimately change policies that have forced migrants into one of the most difficult and deadly crossing zones. Historically, during economic hard
times, Americans become increasingly hostile and apathetic about issues related to immigrants, particularly those defined as “illegal” or undocumented. The truth remains, that despite border surveillance by rogue groups of “Minute Men” or by the U.S. Border Patrol and the building of walls, migrants continue to cross, even during the harsh summer months that in some instances are a certain death sentence. Volunteers with Humane Borders, No More Deaths and Samaritanos, who work saving the lives of crossers, especially during summers with extreme temperatures, have encountered children during their humanitarian patrols through known migrant trails used by those very crossers. One of those volunteers, who has been interviewed for this project, found the body of a 14 year-old girl from El Salvador. She was traveling with a family group en route to Los Angeles to reunite with her mother. She was left behind when she couldn’t keep up with the major group which included a younger brother. The psychoemotional impact of that event still resonates with the young man who found her. A 13 year-old boy has been reported missing by his mother who lives in the United States. She had entrusted the care and crossing of this boy along with his 16
year-old brother to smugglers. The group the boys crossed with was brought over the border by smugglers. The younger of the two brothers was unable to keep up with the larger group and, in an instant, members of that group of migrants lost sight of the younger boy. His mother continues to ask advocates of Derechos Humanos if they have heard any news of his disappearance. The Jesuits of the Western Province of California began the kino border Initiative one year ago. Part of their program, based in Nogales, Sonora, includes a program for women and children. The Initiative assists crossers, including those who are crossing back south of the border after either being deported or losing all hope and who need assistance to return to their native land. The Jesuits’ food, clothing, guidance and temporary shelter nourish both the physical, spiritual and human suffering caused by displacement and uprooting of families brought about by a decision made in desperation and an attempt at redemption in a new and sometimes hostile land. They are a crossroads to reunite children with their families, to support those families who have lost loved ones en route and to strengthen the family torn by crossing the border.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
FROM THE BISHOP
Praying in many languages
Rezamos en muchos idiomas
The nine-county territory of our Diocese has great geographic diversity. Soaring mountains that we call “sky islands.” Forests of saguaro cactus. Barren deserts. Fertile valleys that supply the nation with lettuce and vegetables. The great Colorado River. Our Diocese also has great “people” diversity. People who lived here first. People who have come over the years from all over the world. People who came just yesterday, fleeing repression in a war torn country. They – we – are as diverse as our geography. I believe strongly that our Catholic “people” diversity is a blessing, but I know that some people are not comfortable with it when they experience it at Mass. For example, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly, I hear wellmeaning people ask after our diocesan liturgies: Why is the bishop speaking Spanish? Why are the hymns being sung in Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Polish or some other language I don’t understand? Why are the prayers of the faithful spoken in four or five different languages? And after those questions, there invariably is this: Don’t we all speak English? Why complicate things by using diverse languages? Recently, several pastors have shared with me that they have been asked by a few persons in their parishes why a Mass in Spanish has been started or why a Mass that had been in English now includes some readings, prayers and hymns in Spanish. The pastors say they hear from these few people: We have never done this. Why are you confusing our prayers? This just divides our community. These questions and comments that I hear and that our pastors are hearing need our understanding and our response. Prayer – whether communal or individual – flows from the heart, from the deepest recesses of our souls. Prayer is the language of love that we naturally express in the first language we learn – the language the family uses at the dinner table to ask God to bless them and the gifts before them, the language the mother uses to teach the Sign of the Cross, the language the father uses to recite the bedtime prayer as he tucks the children in at night. When we gather for Mass, whether in the parish church or in our Cathedral for a diocesan liturgy – using the different “first languages” we learned should make us all feel at home, make us feel welcome. I understand that most often when Mass is celebrated in our Diocese it more than likely is going to be in one language, usually English or Spanish. However, for the community of Our Lady of LaVang Parish in Tucson, the one language for the Mass is Vietnamese. Moreover, the Mass is celebrated on a regular schedule in Korean at St. Andrew Chapel at St. Ann’s Convent in Tucson and in Polish at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish in Tucson. I think it is important that we all have at least some opportunity to worship in our first language. So, I applaud and support our pastors who create those opportunities.
El territorio de nuestra Diócesis, que comprende nueve condados, es de una gran diversidad geográfica. Tenemos elevadas montañas, que hemos dado en llamar “islas en el cielo”, bosques de saguaros, desiertos áridos, valles fértiles que producen lechuga y hortalizas para todo el país, y el gran río Colorado. Pero nuestra Diócesis también tiene una gran diversidad de gente. Pueblos que habitaban estos lugares anteriormente y gente que ha ido llegando procedente de otros países del mundo con el correr del tiempo, incluso muchos que acaban de llegar, huyendo de la represión de países destrozados por la guerra. Son, somos, tan diversos como nuestra geografía. Yo creo firmemente que nuestra diversidad de gente Católica es una bendición, pero también sé que hay quienes se sienten incómodos cuando se encuentran con esta diversidad en la Misa. Por ejemplo, a veces de manera directa, a veces de manera indirecta, oigo a algunas personas de buenas intenciones preguntar después de las liturgias diocesanas: ¿Por qué habla en Español el obispo? ¿Por qué los himnos se cantaron en Español, en Vietnamita, en Tagalog, en Coreano, en Polaco o en algún otro idioma que yo no entiendo? ¿Por qué las oraciones de los fieles se recitan en cuatro o cinco idiomas diferentes? Y después de esas preguntas, invariablemente oigo: ¿Acaso no hablamos todos Inglés? ¿Por qué complicar las cosas con el uso de diversos idiomas? Recientemente, varios párrocos me han comentado que algunas personas de sus parroquias les han preguntado por qué se comenzaron a celebrar misas en Español, o por qué una misa que antes era en Inglés ahora incluye lecturas, oraciones e himnos en Español. Los párrocos dicen que oyen a esas pocas personas decir: Nunca hemos hecho esto antes. ¿Por qué confunden nuestras oraciones? Esto solo sirve para dividir a la comunidad. Estas preguntas y comentarios que oigo, y que nuestros párrocos oyen, requieren de nuestra comprensión y respuesta. La oración, ya sea comunal o individual, mana del corazón y de los rincones más profundos de nuestra alma. La oración es el idioma del amor que naturalmente expresamos en el primer idioma que aprendemos: el idioma que la familia usa a la mesa de la cena para pedir a Dios que los bendiga y para que bendiga lo que tienen ante ellos; es el idioma que la madre usa para enseñar la Señal de la Cruz, es el idioma que el padre usa para rezar las oraciones de la noche al acostar a sus hijos al fin del día. Cuando nos congregamos para la Misa, ya sea en la iglesia de la parroquia, o en nuestra Catedral para una liturgia diocesana, podemos sentirnos como en casa, si usamos los diferentes “primeros idiomas” que aprendimos. Yo entiendo que, la mayoría de las veces, cuando se celebra Misa en nuestra Diócesis, lo más probable es que se haga en un solo idioma, por lo general Inglés o Español. Para la comunidad de la parroquia Our Lady of LaVang en Tucson, el idioma de la Misa es el Vietnamita. Es más, en la Capilla St. Andrew, en el Convento St Ann de Tucson,
Prayer – whether communal or individual – flows from the heart, from the deepest recesses of our souls.
La oración, ya sea comunal o individual, mana del corazón y de los rincones más profundos de nuestra alma.
See BISHOP, page 4
• Managing Editor: Bern Zovistoski Phone: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1062 Fax 520-838-2599 bernz@diocesetucson.org • Graphic Designer: Omar Rodríguez Ph: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1063 omarr@diocesetucson.org
• Editor and Publisher: Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas
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Mirar OBISPO, página 4
• The New Vision mailing address: 111 S. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85702 • Vision Web site: www.newvisiononline.org • Advisory Board: Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Fr. Al Schifano, Sister Rina Cappellazzo, Fr. John Arnold, Fr. Michael Bucciarelli, Bob Scala, Lee Oser, Fr. Bart Hutcherson, O.P.
Winner of 2009 international award for ‘general excellence’
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BISHOP continued from page 3
At the same time, I think it is important that a parish community be prepared for the introduction of a liturgy that is going to be in or include a “different” language than the language normally used for parish worship. I also think it is important that liturgy aids are available to help those who don’t speak the “different” language to feel at home. World Youth Day is a good example to use for people who are uncomfortable with “different” languages in OBISPO continua de página 3
hay Misas que se celebran en Coreano y en la Parroquia St. Cyril of Alexandria, en Tucson, hay Misas que se celebran en Polaco. Creo que es importante que todos tengamos por lo menos alguna oportunidad de rendir culto en nuestro primer idioma. Por eso aplaudo y apoyo a los párrocos que crean estas oportunidades. A la vez, creo que también es importante que las comunidades parroquiales se preparen para la introducción de una liturgia que se va a celebrar en otro idioma, o que va a incluir partes en un idioma “diferente” del que normalmente se usa en las celebraciones religiosas de la parroquia.
Mass. Bringing together young people from all over the globe, World Youth Day inspires the young with a powerful sense of the Church’s universality. They experience, often for the first time, that the Church is larger than their own parish, bigger than their own diocese, more extensive than their own culture. In the mass of young people who gather for World Youth Day, you hear dozens of “first” languages. This diversity does not dilute or divide; it augments and unifies the prayer of the Mass. All raise their voice in praise. All
share in the prayer, no matter what language in which it is spoken. Likewise, I think our communities of faith can benefit by prayer and liturgy that reflect the universality of our Church formed by Christ for the salvation of every nation. Instead of being a source of frustration or division, I hope the use of diverse languages at the Mass will inspire and impress us, as it does the young people at World Youth Day, with the beauty of the Church united at prayer.
Es importante además que haya asistencia durante la liturgia para que quienes no hablen el idioma “diferente” se sientan como en casa. El Día Mundial de la Juventud es un buen ejemplo para aquellos que no se sienten cómodos con el uso de idiomas “diferentes” en la Misa. Por ser un acontecimiento que une a jóvenes de todo el mundo, el Día Mundial de la Juventud inspira a la gente joven con una poderosa sensación de la universalidad de la Iglesia, ya que pueden, muchos de ellos por primera vez, comprender que la Iglesia es más que su propia parroquia, más grande que su Diócesis, más extensa que su propia cultura. En la Misa de los jóvenes que se congregan para el Día Mundial de la Juventud, se oyen docenas de “prim-
eros” idiomas. Esta diversidad no diluye ni divide sino que aumenta y unifica la oración de la Misa. Todos elevan su voz en alabanzas. Todos comparten las oraciones, sin importar el idioma en que se recen. De la misma manera, pienso que nuestras comunidades de fe pueden beneficiarse de las oraciones y liturgias que reflejan la universalidad de la Iglesia que Cristo formó para la salvación de todas las naciones. En lugar de ser una fuente de frustración o división, espero que el uso de idiomas diversos en la Misa sirva para inspirarnos e impresionarnos, del mismo modo que inspira e impresiona a los jóvenes que celebran el Día Mundial de la Juventud, con la belleza de la Iglesia unida en oración.
Sister Jean Clare Little
Very Rev. Leo McCarthy, O.Carm.
Sister Jean Clare Little, who died on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at the Holy Cross Sisters Motherhouse in South Bend, Ind., worked in the Diocese of Tucson for 15 years, two as a junior high teacher at Santa Cruz School and 13 as a learning disability teacher in various schools in the Diocese. “We are grateful to the Holy Cross Sisters from South Bend, Indiana, for allowing Sister Jean Clare to minister to students with special needs here, in the Diocese of Tucson,” said Sister Rosa Maria Ruiz, superintendent of schools. “We admired and loved Sister Jean Clare, and I am sure that she is even now looking over our children and ensuring that we continue helping our children in Catholic schools, especially those with learning needs.” In her last seven years in the Diocese of Tucson she helped students at Sts. Peter and Paul, Santa Cruz School Sister Jean Clare and San Xavier. During her last year she worked at Sts. Peter and Paul School because she could no longer drive to Santa Cruz and San Xavier. Not able to go to these two schools was very hard for Sister Jean Clare because she loved all children and, in a very special way, the children at Santa Cruz and San Xavier.
A memorial Mass was held at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson on Dec. 5 for Very Rev. Leo McCarthy, O.Carm., former principal of Salpointe Catholic High School, who passed away on Nov. 18 in Sarasota, Fla., at the age of 75. Father Leo assumed his role at Salpointe in 1986 and led the school to many improvements in curriculum, introducing a partnership with Pima Community College to enable students to earn college credits. Father Leo also guided efforts to improve and expand the school campus, raising $6 million for new classrooms and the Bishop Francis J. Green Center for Student Services, in which it houses the Helena Corcoran Theater, Alumni Hall and O’Donnell Plaza, and refurbished the library and renovated the sports facilities. Born in Salem, Mass., on Aug. 29, 1934, Father Leo also held positions in educational ministry at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., and at Kino Institute in Phoenix. Father Leo was elected Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Order in 1996 and in 2002 he became parochial vicar and then pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Osprey, Fla. He retired in 2008. Father Leo was buried in Peabody, Mass., after a Mass of Christian Burial at the Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery Chapel in Danvers, Mass. Donations in his memory to the Rev. Leo McCarthy, O.Carm., Endowed Financial Aid Fund can be sent to Salpointe Catholic High School, 1545 E. Copper St., Tucson, AZ 85719.
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Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas Calendar January 2010
Angels pose with Bishop Kicanas at Holy Hope Cemetery’s Christmas ceremony.
400 attend cemetery service
Families gathered at Holy Hope Cemetery on Dec. 11 for the 6th Annual Advent Mass and tree lighting. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas celebrated the Mass and presided at the festivities with more than 400 Tucsonans and cemetery staff members. Deacon George Scherf of St. Odilia Parish assisted and music was provided by Janna Larson and Grace and Charles Lohr. The participants sang carols and walked in a candlelight procession
from the mausoleum complex to the feature in the Garden of the Angels, where two living trees were decorated in memory of departed loved ones. The next morning, Father Remigio “Miguel” Mariano of St. Joseph Parish led more than 50 family members and staff in the Advent Mass and tree-decorating service at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Music was provided by Grace Lohr, Janna Larson and Dan Howdeshell.
3 Dinner with Region XIII Bishops, Residence 4-15 Lebanon/Holy Land (USCCB) 15 2:00 P.M., Kino Border Initiative Board Meeting 6:30 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal, Our Lady of the Valley 16 9:00 A.M., Mass, March for Life 4:00 P.M., Knights of Columbus, Exemplification, Holiday Inn, Palo Verde 17 1:00 P.M., Mass, Final Profession, Fr. Sean Carroll; first anniversary-Kino Border Initiative, San Felipe 4:30 P.M., K of C Priests’ Appreciation Dinner, Skyline 19-21 National Pastoral Life Center Board, New York City 22 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Capital Campaign Board Meeting 1:30 P.M., PCIC Meeting, Casa Grande 23 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Meeting, St. Rose of Lima 10:00 A.M., Annual Catholic Appeal, Our Lady of the Mountains
5:00 P.M., Mass, Catholic Daughters, St. Christopher 24 10:00 A.M., Mass, St. Augustine Cathedral 6:00 P.M., Confirmation, SS Peter and Paul and St. Frances Cabrini, at SSPP 25 7:30 A.M., Seton Awards, Salpointe Catholic High School 10:30 A.M., Presbyteral Council 7:00 P.M., Confirmation, St. Cyril 26 7:30 A.M., Diocesan Finance Council Meeting 11:45 A.M., Catholic Foundation Meeting 27 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 28 10:00 A.M., The New Vision Editorial Board 6:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal Meeting, SS Peter & Paul 29 1:00 – 2:30 P.M., ACE Board Meeting 5:00 P.M., Annual Catholic Appeal, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Miami 30 10:00 A.M., Priesthood Ordination, Deacon David Guzman, OCD, Santa Cruz
salpointe catholic education foundation presents the twenty-third annual gala
Love Air is in the
Saturday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Salpointe's magically transformed gymnasium Tickets are $100 per person ($50 tax-deductible)
Tours available 7 days a week
Enjoy dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and music by the Retro Rockets Visit http://salpointe.maestroweb.com or call 520-547-5878 for reservations
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
Award-winners at Sts. Peter and Paul School Student- of-the-Month award winners at Sts. Peter and Paul School display their certificates as they pose with Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, where the Bishop celebrated Mass for the school’s students and faculty last month and blessed the new chapel to Mary, Mother of Life, at the rear of the church. Bishop Kicanas handed out the certificates after the Mass.
Tucson’s ‘March for Life’ on Jan. 16 Tucson’s 15th annual “March for Life” will be staged on Saturday, Jan. 16, beginning at St. Augustine Cathedral with a rally and Mass at 9 a.m. and ending at Holy Hope Cemetery with a memorial service at the “Monument to Rachel.” Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas will be joined by clergy and supporters of life from throughout the region for this special event commemorating the 36th anniversary of the Rowe v. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized abortion. Supported by the Knights of Columbus and Tucson for Life, the March for Life “calls for the reversal of Rowe v. Wade and alternatives to the taking of innocent life and for respect for all the potential and possibilities of those yet to be born,” Bishop Kicanas said. “The message of the march is an invitation to help, to be in solidarity with the fears, struggles, even desperation of women seeking abortions,” he said. “There are people willing to help. The message of the march is a reminder to our parishes that ministry to a woman who is in crisis because of pregnancy must be a priority.”
Passion Play
Fr. Ray Ratzenberger spiritual director
May 9th - 20th, 2010
Eastern Europe with Oberammergau Tour including Krakow, Auscwitz, Czestochowa, Prague.
Holy Land Pilgrimage August 28 - September 7, 2010
WWW.JMJMinistries.ORG 573-0065 or (800) 299-5708 Nebraska & 12th Ave. Tucson, AZ
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The Tucson March for Life, originated and organized by Kelly Copeland, said on its Website that the march is “a prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life, and remains dignified and non-provoking in its approach.” The New Year marks the 36th anniversary of the legal killing of the unborn in the U.S. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman’s *right* to end the life of her baby at any time before birth.
Essays wanted Students who participate in the Serra Club of Tucson’s 2009 essay contest will be asked to tell “what would encourage young people to consider serving our Church as priest, sisters, or brothers.” All students in grades four through 12 at Catholic schools in the diocese are eligible to enter the essay contest with a chance to win savings bonds or gift certificates when the winners are announced on May 12. The students must also be attending their parish religious education programs. First-place winners will be asked to
JMJ Jesus Mary Joseph Ministries
non-profit non-tax
read their essays. Essays must be hand-written and submitted to the student’s teacher and mailed to the Serra Club by March 31. Contest information and entries should be handled through teachers and principals at schools and through the religious education teachers at parishes.
San Miguel receives grant In response to San Miguel High School’s request, Citi has granted San Miguel $10,000 in support of the school programs that prepare students for college. The funds will be used for the school’s “College Prepared is College Bound” program, a program that helps students, from their freshman to their senior years, prepare for college. This includes preparation for college entrance exams, attending field trips and summer programs, researching and visiting schools and applying to schools, and applying for financial aid. The program includes workshops and seminars for parents who want guidance in how best to support their college-bound student.
For the Year of the Priesthood:
Paris, Ars, Lourdes, Italy trip with Father Juan Carlos Aguirre
France Pilgrimage June 16th - July 1st, 2010
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Recruiting team assembled Are you ready for the challenge of a lifetime? That’s the question being posed to young adults throughout the Diocese of Tucson by the Religious Vocations Preaching Team. The group was formed to recruit young women and men, ages 20 to 35, to the life of Vowed Religious as Sisters and Brothers. The team’s members will visit parishes and parish youth groups to talk and answer questions – and hopefully inspire the young
adults. Sister Rina Cappellazzo, OP, Vicar for Vowed Religious, has enlisted the efforts of Sister Esther Calderon, OP, Sister Jane Eschweiller, SDS, Judy Sender, OPL, Julieta Gonzales, OPL, Sister Laura Caughlin, SC, Sister Lupita Barajas, OSB, Brother Marlon Mateo, O. Carm., Brother Nick Gonzales, FSC, Sister Graciella Garcia, CFMM, and Sister Veronica Ortiz, CFMM.
Award winners For the past 17 years, Salpointe Catholic High School has presented the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to an outstanding individual or individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Tucson, and this year this prestigious award is being presented to San Miguel High School’s Principal, Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, and Santa Cruz Catholic School’s Principal, Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF. The awards will be presented at a breakfast on Monday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 a.m. at the Salpointe cafeteria.
Salvatorians celebrate Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas visited with the Salvatorians and participated in a prayer service and dinner on the anniversary of the Founding Day of the religious order on Dec. 8, 1881. Priests, sisters and lay persons gathered to renew their vows and commitment to the Salvatorian Family which is an international apostolic community that strives to make the Savior known and loved through all ways and means. The Salvatorians have been ministering and serving in the Diocese of Tucson for more than 60 years. For further information log onto Salvatorians.com
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JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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FY 2008-09 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.
WHERE THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES INCOME CAME FROM IN FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 Annual Catholic Appeal
$ 2,000,000
Contributions, grants, bequests
1,108,505
Insurance billings
783,539 Note 1
Parish assessments
1,783,300 Note 2
Advertising and fees for service
444,908
Facility rentals
50,815
Program fees
206,500
Investment income
204,986
Other revenues
9,651
Total Revenues
$ 6,592,204
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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, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future, Inc., Priests Assurance Corporation, Catholic Tuition Support Organization and the Diocese of Tucson Charity and Ministry Fund, 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.” -------------------------
HOW THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES USED FUNDS IN FY 2008-09 Vocations (Vocation to priesthood, religious life, permanent diaconate) Programs Serving Parishes, Pastoral Programs & Catholic Social Missions
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 Pastoral Services (Catechesis, Catholic Social Mission, Divine Worship, Evangelization and Hispanic Ministry, Formation and Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry); Department of Catholic Schools; Vicar for Deacons; and Vicar for Religious.
$484,325 400,257
Catholic Schools Administration
321,523
Parish Assistance and Native American Missions
827,647
Communications, The New Vision newspaper
301,632
Archives
64,364
Office of the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, & Tribunal
597,287
Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection
163,894
General Administration
735,912
Fiscal, Employee Services & Property Management
1,106,524
Diocesan Insurance Program
817,544
Interest
163,915
Gain on Sale of Fixed Assets
(730)
Bad Debt Expense
320,783
Depreciation
67,502
Total Expenses
$ 6,392,245
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 coverage 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. 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 priests’ salary subsidy assessment is applied to parishes in proportion to their offertory income relative to all parish offertory income diocesan-wide and is used to help pay the salaries of priests in poorer parishes. The Diocese collects the assessments and disburses the monies to poor parishes and missions throughout the Diocese. No portion of the salary subsidy assessment is retained by the Diocese. 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 than $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. Note 3: In June 2004, St. Augustine Catholic High School purchased the Regina Cleri Center from the Diocese for $3 million; comprised of $600,000 in cash and a note payable to the Diocese in the amount of $2.4 million. In February 2009 due to financial challenges resulting from limited enrollment, St. Augustine defaulted on the note and conveyed title back to the Diocese in full satisfaction of the note. The Diocese recorded the value of the land at the currently appraised value of $2.75 million. The note receivable had a carrying amount of $960,000 which was written off at the time of conveyance, resulting in a $1,790,000 gain, which is shown as a gain on extinguishment of note receivable in the statement of operations and changes in net assets.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
FY 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Administrative Offices of the Diocese of Tucson Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2008-09 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash – limited as to use (Insurance reserve) Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $166,303) Grants receivable
$ 2,183,392 1,340,016 295,392
Notes receivable (current) Other receivables
45,123 150,797
Total Assets
Investments Prepaid expenses and other assets Custodial funds held for others Investment in Bishops’ Property Insurance Corporation Notes receivable Land, building and equipment
5,268,424 6,387 400,537 80,850 90,536 3,348,590
$13,210,046
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Net Assets Unrestricted net assets Temporarily restricted net assets Permanently restricted net assets
2,370,833 1,648,588 2,168,821 6,188,242
Total Liabilities and net assets
$13,210,046
Notes payable Insurance reserve Total liabilities
4,214,480 1,340,016 7,021,804
Liabilities: Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Custodial funds held for others Notes payable, current Total current liabilities
$488,378 400,537 578,393 1,467,308
SIGNIFICANT ITEMS: The Diocese has a positive balance in unrestricted net assets of $2,370,833 as compared to a deficit of $157,456 last year. This is a significant improvement from six years ago when the unrestricted net asset deficit balance was almost $7 million. This improvement again demonstrates that the Diocese is regaining financial stability after the expenses of the Chapter 11 process. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the Diocese had an increase in net assets of $1,720,905. The breakdown of the increases in the net assets is: $1,708,780 unrestricted; $2,909 temporarily restricted; and $9,216 permanently restricted.
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 Michael Shay, Louise Francesconi, Lawrence McDonough, Luis Dabdoub, John Lauer, Humberto Lopez, Lirain Urreiztieta and Richard Van Egeren.
CHANGE IN DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES NET ASSETS Excess of revenues over expenses Gain on extinguishment of note receivable Change in Net Assets Net assets at beginning of year Net assets at end of year
$ 199,959 1,790,000 Note 3 1,989,959 4,198,283 6,188,242
APPEAL continued from page 1
“The beautiful mosaic is formed by people as an illustration of our love for one another,” he says, adding, “You know, our mosaic really does communicate to us that we truly are the Body of Christ and that united in our Faith we accomplish so much good in His name.” Bishop Kicanas emphasizes the importance of fully funding the 26 charities and ministries that that rely upon the Appeal for their funding. “The goal for this year’s Appeal is just the bare minimum that these charities and ministries need so that they can do their essential work effectively,” he says. The $3.7 million goal, $300,000 more than last year’s goal, “reflects both the reality of our times and the reality of the needs that we must respond to as we do the day-to-day work of our Church.” The Bishop tells parishioners that their generosity to their parishes and their continuing support of the Diocese’s renewal campaign, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future, humbles and inspires him. “Times are tough. People continue to struggle in the current economy. But you remain so faithful in helping your pastor and so faithful in helping me to respond to the many needs that we have as a Church.” The Bishop asks that parishioners consider pledging the same amount or even more than they did to last year’s Appeal. He urges those who were unable to give last year to “give what you can” this year. The Bishop said he believes reaching the goal “is possible, if everyone gives something.” Among the 26 ministries and charities that depend upon the Appeal are the uniquely Catholic ministries of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, evangelization and religious education, formation of new deacons and lay ecclesial ministers, encouragement and support of vocations to the priesthood and outreach to youth. Leading up to “Commitment Weekend” on Feb. 13-14, leadership training sessions are underway in the 11 vicariates within the Diocese. Parishioners can view the campaign video and get more information about the Appeal and the charities and ministries that receive support at the Annual Catholic Appeal Website, www.annualcatholicappealcmf.org. Pledges and pledge payments can be made online.
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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For Pope, 2009 was an extraordinary year By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY -- Looking back on 2009, it’s difficult to imagine a busier year for 82-year-old Pope Benedict XVI. The Year of St. Paul. The Year for Priests. A major social encyclical. A Holy Land pilgrimage. A first meeting with President Obama. Ten new saints. An African trip and an African synod. A Facebook debut. A controversial concession to Catholic traditionalists. An unexpected overture to disaffected Anglicans. And those are just the highlights. Being pope is a dayin, day-out ministry, and over the course of the past year Pope Benedict met with more than 200 dignitaries and groups, held talks with more than 300 bishops and celebrated more than 50 major liturgies. The year brought moments of deep personal satisfaction, as when the German pontiff prayed in silence before Christ’s empty tomb in Jerusalem, or when he arrived on his first African visit to a tumultuous welcome by hundreds of thousands of Cameroon residents. But the Pope’s disappointment was also evident in 2009, in part because he felt misunderstood by some of his own faithful and the mass media over difficult decisions or statements. In January, the Pope announced that he was lifting the excommunications of four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X to open the way toward reconciliation talks with the traditionalist group -- a move that had been opposed by some bishops in several countries. Media attention quickly focused on the fact that one of the four, Bishop Richard Williamson, had given interviews denying the extent of the Holocaust. Suddenly the German-born pope was on the defensive, having to assure Jewish leaders and others that his initiative aimed at church unity and in no way represented a backtracking on the church’s teachings against anti-Semitism. One of the most remarkable documents of 2009, in fact, was the Pope’s subsequent letter to the world’s bishops expressing his amazement that even some Catholics had misunderstood him and attacked him “with open hostility.” The Pope’s visit to Africa in March was a weeklong experience of intense liturgies, discussions with bishops and moving encounters with youth, the disabled and even a group of Pygmies. But the media impact was overshadowed by the Pope’s remarks to reporters on the first day of the trip, when he spoke of the church’s strategies against AIDS and said, “One cannot overcome the problem with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, they increase the problem.”
Pope Benedict XVI The comment drew widespread criticism, although some experts agreed that over-reliance on condoms was a problem in African countries. The Synod of Bishops for Africa in October brought the continent back into the Vatican spotlight. The Pope presided over the synod’s assemblies and, at the conclusion, received 57 pastoral proposals to elaborate into a future document on the church in Africa. In May, Pope Benedict traveled to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian territories. The eight-day trip was a biblical pilgrimage, an interfaith mission and a political balancing act all rolled into one. The pontiff visited a mosque in the Jordanian capital, prayed at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, and blessed cornerstones for new Christian churches and facilities in the region. In June, the Pope closed the Year of St. Paul and opened the Year for Priests. In weekly talks and liturgical celebrations focusing on St. Paul, the pope sketched a detailed portrait of the man considered the model of Christian conversion and the archetypal missionary.
In launching the Year for Priests, the Pope said the church must acknowledge that some priests have done great harm to others, but it also must thank God for the gifts the majority of priests have given to the church and the world. In July, the Pope issued his long-awaited encyclical on economic and social justice, “Charity in Truth.” It called for reform of international economic institutions and practices, and said the global economic crisis stemmed in large part from the moral failures of greedy financiers and investors. The Pope gave a copy of his encyclical to President Barack Obama when the two leaders met for the first time at the Vatican in July, along with a copy of a recent Vatican document on biomedical ethics. In their private talks, which the Vatican said took place in an atmosphere of “great serenity and great cordiality,” the president “explicitly expressed his commitment to reducing the numbers of abortions and to listen to the church’s concerns on moral issues,” the Vatican said. In September, Pope Benedict welcomed the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, and in a speech outlined wide areas of potential cooperation with the Obama administration. At the same time, echoing concerns by U.S. church leaders, the Pope called for respect for the life of the unborn and protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers. Among the new saints proclaimed by the Pope in 2009 were two with strong U.S. connections: Father Damien de Veuster, the 19th-century Belgian missionary who ministered to people with leprosy in Hawaii, and Sister Jeanne Jugan, a French nun whose Little Sisters of the Poor continue to assist the elderly in the United States and more than 30 other countries. In internal church matters, the Pope in May ordered an apostolic visitation of the Legionaries of Christ and their institutions following disclosures of sexual impropriety by the order’s late founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado. In October, the Vatican unveiled Pope Benedict’s new plan for welcoming Anglicans who want to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church while preserving aspects of their Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage. As the year wound to a close, the Pope buffed up his “green” credentials in his message for World Peace Day 2010. The message said degradation of the environment is a pressing moral problem that threatens peace and human life itself, and called for action on a global and personal level.
Two popes advance toward sainthood VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI advanced the sainthood causes of Pope John Paul II and Pope Pius XII, declaring that both had lived lives of “heroic virtues.” In signing the decrees Dec. 19, the Pope confirmed the recommendations of Vatican officials who have studied the causes for several years. Both popes can be beatified once a miracle is attributed to their intercession. The decree on Pope John Paul was expected, and it fueled hopes for a beatification ceremony sometime next year. Church experts are already studying a possible mira-
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cle, the cure of a French nun from Parkinson’s disease, the same disease from which Pope John Paul suffered. The decree on Pope Pius came as a surprise. His sainthood cause has been a point of contention with some Jewish groups and others who say he failed to do enough to protect Jews during World War II -- an accusation strongly rejected by Vatican historians. After the Congregation for Saints’ Causes unanimously recommended the heroic virtues decree for Pope Pius in 2007, Pope Benedict put the cause on hold and put out the word that both critics and supporters should stop pressing
the issue. In the end, Pope Benedict paired the announcement of Pope Pius’ “heroic virtues” with that of Pope John Paul, who is remembered for his acts of friendship and bridge-building with the Jewish community. That does not mean, however, that both popes would be beatified together. There is no Vatican timetable for verification of a miracle, and in some cases sainthood causes have waited many years for that step. In 2005, Pope Benedict set Pope John Paul on the fast track to beatification by waiving the normal five-year waiting period for the introduction of his sainthood cause.
THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
Take First Step Toward Financial Future The start of a new year brings with it an abundance of resolutions about health and personal growth, yet there’s no time like now to resolve to plan for your family’s financial future. The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson hopes our community is renewed and replenished with blessings in 2010. With signs of a brightened economic outlook on the horizon, the creation of an estate plan is a practical way to ensure those blessings are used in accordance with your values. A positive first step is to discuss the situation with family members, then inventory everything you own — your residence, other real estate, financial holdings, investments, pensions, cars, jewelry, collectibles and more — and give a value to each asset. Depending on your holdings, you may need professional advice to estimate values. Creating a video inventory could also be a valuable tool.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
– Romans 15:13
This inventory record creates the foundation for creating a will — a legal document that designates how your assets will be disbursed after you die. The Pima County Bar Association, for a fee, has a lawyer referral service (520-623-4625) that can recommend an estate-planning attorney should you need one. If you are over 60, the Pima Council on Aging (520-790-7262) can aid your search. Southern Arizona Legal Aid (520-623-9461) is a resource for low-cost legal assistance if you qualify. We hope you’ll remember the Foundation when updating your plans and considering where to donate from your estate. Gifts to
the Foundation may reduce estate taxes and you can be assured the money will be used in accordance with your values and intentions. For more information about the Foundation and how we can be a part of your estate planning, please call Executive Director Martin Camacho at 520-838-2508. You may also explore the Catholic Foundation’s Web site, www.cathfnd.org, for useful tips on estate planning and ways to make gifts to the Foundation.
Every life leaves a mark. What will be your legacy? Discover the ways you can continue to make a difference in the lives of others with a lasting gift through the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. For more information, contact Martin Camacho, Executive Director at (520) 838-2508 or mcamacho@cathfnd.org.
Visit us at www.cathfnd.org
111 S. Church Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701 Our mission is to build endowments to provide perpetual resources to further the religious, educational and charitable ministries in the Diocese of Tucson.
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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The New Vision photos by Omar Rodríguez
Lifting the spirits of those who live at the Nogales dump Groups of youngsters from three to 12 years old stood at the altar with their eyes wide open, taking it all in, as Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and other clergy celebrated Mass at the dump in Nogales, Sonora, where the kids live. It was part of a Christmas party arranged for the kids by Tucson-based “Poverty 24/6,” with gifts and food provided for all. Joining the Bishop at the Mass were Father Abran Tadeo, pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Marana, and Deacons Joe Bogushefsky of St. Christopher, Rodney Kulpa of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Tucson, and Ken Brusoe of Holy Angels Parish in Globe. At the homily, Bishop Kicanas said, “we constructed a nacimiento, and the little ones volunteered to be Joseph and Mary and the Babe, the donkey, the cows, the sheep, the shepherds, the angels and the kings bearing gifts. They knew the story. They were part of it.” “Poverty 24/6” was formed four years ago and regularly carries food, clothing and other supplies to those who live at the dump and at several orphanages and homes for the elderly and for drug addicts in the Mexican border town. Speaking of the dump-dwellers, Bishop Kicanas said: “They have nothing, but their smiles and delight in eating the simple fare of tortillas…filled me with emotion. They have nothing, but they received with gratitude and excitement the small gifts that bore their names. They have nothing, but they shared the small bundles of candies each received. They expressed their thanks.”
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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It’s in our ACtIoNS . It’s in our wordS . It’s in our CAre . The New Vision photos by Omar Rodríguez
Journey of Mary and Joseph reenacted in border town The annual Bi-National La Posada was staged on Dec. 19 in Nogales, Sonora, where a large crowd reenacted the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking to find a place for lodging. “As we progressed from home to home,” said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, “we heard from migrants the fears they feel, the hopes they have, the struggles they face.” The Posada was sponsored by Dioceses Without Borders, an organization consisting of members from the Dioceses of Tucson, Phoenix and Hermosillo, to highlight the struggle of the migrants who seek a place of refuge where they can provide and care for their families. Students from Lourdes Catholic High School in Nogales took the parts of Joseph,
Mary and the Angel, and Mary rode on a burro during the journey. The event ended at the Kino Border Initiative’s center that feeds many migrants each day. Fathers Sean Carroll, S.J., Don Bahlinger, S.J., and Peter Neely, S.J., of the Kino organization were joined for the event by Father Alfonso “Ponchie” Vasquez, O.F.M., pastor of San Solano Missions Parish, and Franciscan Brothers Chris, Martin and Daid. Father Cayetano of the Archdiocese of Hermosillo was there to represent Archbishop Ulyses Macias. The Posada was organized by Joanne Welter of the Diocese of Tucson’s Catholic Social Mission Office, along with representatives of the three dioceses, including Sister Engracia Robles of Nogales, Sonora.
Compassion. It’s in everything we do. And has been for more than 130 years. From our dedicated staff to our renowned specialists and physicians, we carry that compassion forward, every day. It’s part of our mission. But more importantly, it’s part of who we are. And it’s why so many people in Southern Arizona turn to Carondelet Health Network when they’re in need of health care—body, mind and spirit. For more information about a Carondelet Health Network hospital near you, visit carondelet.org.
St. Joseph’s Hospital | St. Mary’s Hospital Tucson Heart Hospital | Holy Cross Hospital
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010
VISIÓN La
Nueva
de la Diócesis Católica Romana de Tucson
Volumen V - Número II
REFLEXIONES Padre Roberto Kose, OFM Cap.
Tres Visitantes En Puerto Rico y en la comunidad portorriqueña por el mundo, la víspera y el Día de Reyes es un día de una celebración intensa. Hay más alegría y entusiasmo que en cualquier otra fiesta del año. Es, en verdad, una fiesta nacional. Es una celebración para todos: los niños, los jóvenes, los adultos y los ancianos. Este es el día en que Cristo está manifestado al mundo por medio de los Tres Reyes. El coro de niños de muchas parroquias canta alegremente la canción tradicional de la Navidad: “Ya vienen los Reyes, ya vienen los Reyes, vamos a rezar, ese aguinaldo es tradicional”. Los niños chiquitos ponen la paja en una cajita bajo de la cama para que los camellos no tengan hambre cuando lleguen esta noche. Vestidos como Reyes Magos, los adultos cantan y bailan por las calles y en las casas alegrándose por la venida de Cristo a nuestro mundo. Hay un espíritu familiar que transforma la casa en un hogar. Amigos y parientes van de ciudad a ciudad, de pueblo a pueblo, de casa a casa, gozando esta fiesta tradicional. Los regalos son compartidos en este día. Pensamos no solamente en los regalos materiales sino en el punto significante de los regalos de Oro, Incienso y Mirra. El oro, por supuesto, es el símbolo de un rey. Nos damos cuenta que Jesús viene como rey, más importante que cualquier rey de este mundo. El incienso es un símbolo de adoración a Dios y respeto a las cosas religiosas que usamos en nuestra alabanza a Dios. La mirra representa a nosotros mismos. Fue usado en los tiempos antiguos para preparar el cadáver para su entierro. Esta fiesta alegre tiene la mezcla de unas tradiciones religiosas y seglares. Esta fiesta nos dice que el fin de las celebraciones Navideñas esta cerca porque en una semana celebramos el bautismo de Jesús y después de esto volvemos al tiempo ordinario en el año litúrgico de la iglesia. Demos profundas gracias a Dios por su presencia en nuestro mundo, sobre todo por su muerte en la cruz, lo que nos trae la salvación.
Enero 2010 • $15 por año • Tucson, Arizona
Visita www.newvisiononline.org
“Las Mañanitas” para la Guadalupana, en la Catedral de Notre Dame de París Por Maria Lucero Velasco | Fuente: Yo Influyo
“¡Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores…!”, acompañados por cientos de Mexicanos y muchos latinos mas, así entonaron lo mariachis, a los pies de la imagen de la Virgen de Guadalupe en la Catedral de Notre Dame de París, una canción muy Mexicana. Así, lejos de la patria, nos reunimos este 12 de Diciembre para festejar al «Emblema Espiritual» de México e Iberoamérica: la Guadalupana. Pero entre canto y canto hubo muchas lágrimas, y es que esta fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe es también la ocasión de encuentro entre mexicanos, al tiempo que es una oportunidad de sentirse cerca de donde se está muy lejos: la Patria. Cada año, la Catedral de París organiza una misa para conmemorar las apariciones de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Este año fue presidida por Monseñor Jacquin, rector de la Catedral, y por el Padre Arturo Reynoso, quien durante su homilía en Español brindó un mensaje de esperanza y de aliento a todos los presentes, a la vez que enfatizó eso que Dios quiere darnos a través del Evangelio y por medio de la Santísima Virgen: Consuelo. Y eso buscaban muchos de los rostros de quienes por motivos familiares o profesionales, han abandonado su patria para adquirir otra en Francia, pero que a pesar de la distancia y el tiempo, nunca olvidan lo que se lleva muy adentro del corazón: su religión Católica, su cultura, su amor por México. Las historias personales son muchas, como la de Guadalupe Cardona, quien hace 16 años se vino a trabajar como niñera y ahora es madre de dos niñas francesas a las cuales trata de inculcarles las tradiciones Mexicanas. Gente de Acapulco, de Morelos, de Michoacán,
todas ellas creadoras de familias franco-mexicanas, que sin duda son una hermosa mezcla de tradiciones. Gente que a pesar de los años, y a pesar de haber adquirido un poco de acento al hablar su propio idioma, siguen visitando cada 12 de diciembre a la Morenita, en la Ciudad Lux. Y para aquellos que hemos vivido las mañanitas en la mismísima Basílica de Guadalupe, vivirlas en Francia ofrece una perspectiva distinta y una oportunidad de descubrir dos culturas que se unen con un mismo sentido. Fue con las tradicionales “Mañanitas” que se inició la celebración de la Morenita del Tepeyac en París, la capital de Francia. Durante la misa, los cantos continuaron en el esquema tradicional de la Catedral de París, concluyendo con un Ave María, a capela, de una mujer francesa con un gran abrigo blanco, que sin duda contrastaba con las imágenes de Lucerito o María Paquita vestidas de charras, pero que emocionaba por lo hermoso que cantaba. Al final se “arrancaron” de nueva cuenta los mariachis, quienes encabezaron la procesión del altar mayor a la capilla lateral, dedicada a la Guadalupana. Con un poco de dificultad, los guardias de la Catedral consiguieron sacar a todos los Mexicanos, quienes querían estar más tiempo orando a los pies de la Virgen. Pero como en el atrio no hay horario, la gente continuó el festejo con los mariachis que “se picaron” y cantaron una otra y luego otra, teniendo como escenario un fabuloso y enorme árbol de Navidad iluminado. A lo lejos, la puntita de la Torre Eiffel que se dejaba ver para recordarnos que a pesar de las banderas Mexicanas y los mariachis a flor de piel, estamos muy lejos de la tierra de los tacos y las tostadas.
“No hay Paz sin Respeto a la Creación”: Benedicto XVI CIUDAD
DEL VATICANO. (ZENIT.org).- “La promoción de la paz en el mundo y el respeto del medio ambiente están íntimamente relacionados”, afirmó Benedicto XVI en su mensaje para la Jornada Mundial de la Paz. La Santa Sede hizo público el mensaje del Papa para la Jornada de este año, que
como es tradición, tiene lugar cada 1 de Enero. Siempre en esta fecha, desde Pablo VI, cada Papa ha dedicado una reflexión sobre cuestiones de actualidad relativas a la paz en el mundo. El mensaje de este año está dedicado a la cuestión del medio ambiente El propio Benedicto
XVI explicó que el motivo de haber elegido este tema es que “la salvaguarda del medio ambiente se ha hecho hoy esencial para la convivencia pacífica de la humanidad”. “La crisis ecológica muestra la urgencia de una solidaridad que se proyecte en el espacio y el tiempo. Entre las causas de la
crisis ecológica actual, es importante reconocer la responsabilidad histórica de los países industrializados aunque, no obstante, tampoco los países menos industrializados, particularmente aquellos emergentes, están eximidos de la propia responsabilidad respecto a la creación”, concluyó.
VIDA ECLESIASTICA Sínodo de la Palabra y Vocaciones
Orientación Familiar
La Palabra de Dios es la Renovación de la Vida Consagrada: Padre Enrique Tapia
Normalidad no es Mediocridad
Entrevista al P. Enrique Tapia, L.C. Editor del libro “Ven y Sigueme” y colaborador, desde hace varios años, en la dirección general de la Congregación de los Legionarios de Cristo.
Por Lucero de Dávalos
Querido hijo: Al escribir sobre vida ordinaria en mi carta anterior, es necesario que quede muy claro que no debemos confundir esta vida con una vida mediocre. Al hablar de lo ordinario, no te quiero decir que en medio de lo cotidiano, de lo normal, común y corriente, no exista una lucha seria, definida, auténtica, heróica, por nuestro mejoramiento personal que nos ayudará, a cada uno, a la propia perfección, sin salirnos de nuestra propia personalidad. Normalidad se deriva de norma y esto es una regla que ayuda a la conducta humana, a hacer hombres de carácter. Una persona que sigue normas, las que su ley natural, su ley humanas y su ley divina le ha impuesto, será sin duda una persona realizada en donde la serenidad, la alegría y la dádiva serán el fruto que le conduce a la felicidad y a la felicidad de los demás. No minimizaremos la palabra normal porque a veces las verdades sabidas, mas no actuadas, se reducen a tal grado que con tal de vivir una vida cómoda, apagada, sin complicaciones, las verdades las archivamos en una parte del cerebro y nunca las bajamos a nuestro corazón para con actos buenos hacerlas obras. No confundamos hombre medio con medio hombre, pues muchos se conforman con un mínimo; con llenar la boleta, checar, cumplir pero no AMAR. ¿Quieres un patrón de esto? Remontate a Nazareth, una pequeña aldea en Palestina en donde hace dos mil años, transcurrieron los 30 años mas importantes pero normales y discretos de un artesano. El, a través de sus oaraciones, estaba en continua comunicación con su Padre Celestial. Su tiempo transcurrió en las cosas que le eran propias como carpintero. Además, se ocupaba de sus padres. Mientras vivió en este planeta y cumplía con lo que los clientes le pedían, era un vecino mas en su barrio. En ese tiempo aún no predicaba, ah, pero eso sí, siendo una persona común era excelente en su labor. Hijo, pariente, amigo apreciado y querido, cariñoso con los niños, los débiles y los enfermos. (¡Que hermosa es la vida oculta de Jesús). ¿Lo ves claro hijo? Normalidad y discreción no serán mediocridad. Con cariño te bendice tu madre.
Fuente:Catholic.net
CN: ¿Este sínodo está llamado a dar frutos en la renovación de la vida religiosa y en nuevas vocaciones? Padre Tapia: Creo que para un creyente la respuesta es obvia: claro que sí. Al afirmar esto me baso en la fe y la confianza en Cristo. El Cardenal Franc Rodé, C.M., Prefecto de la Congregación para los Institutos de vida consagrada y las Sociedades de vida apostólica, recordó en el Sínodo que la Palabra de Dios está en el centro de la renovación de la vida consagrada, renovación a la que todos los religiosos y religiosas estamos llamados. Esta renovación, decía el Cardenal, se realiza sobre todo viviendo con plenitud el Evangelio, según el propio carisma. Renovación es conversión, es decir, convertirnos cada día al amor del Padre, escuchando con atención su Palabra, que es Cristo, y siguiendo el consejo de María: “haced lo que Él os diga”. Por otro lado, estoy convencido de que Cristo
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no deja de llamar a muchos hombres y mujeres a seguirlo más de cerca, como hizo hace 2000 años con los 12 apóstoles y con los discípulos. Este llamado se ha verificado a lo largo de toda la historia, y aún hoy Cristo sigue llamando. La escucha atenta de la Palabra de Dios es un medio por el que Cristo nos habla. Conozco muchas personas que, leyendo o escuchando alguna parte de la Biblia, decidieron dejar todo y seguir a Cristo más de cerca. CN: ¿Qué relación tiene la Palabra de Dios con la vocación sacerdotal? ¿Y con toda otra vocación en la Iglesia? Padre Tapia: El Padre Giorgio Nalin, superior general de los rogacionistas, recordó en el Sínodo que la Palabra de Dios ilumina el camino vocacional de cada persona. ¿Por qué? Cristo es la Palabra de Dios, el Verbo (cf. Jn 1,1). Y Cristo es quien llama a todos los hombres a la salvación (cf. 1 Tim 2, 4) y a la santidad (cf. Mt 5, 48; LG 39), de maneras y formas muchas veces desconocidas a nosotros. Esta llamada es la vocación, y aquí entra-
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de ellas, de cada uno de nosotros. Lo que pasa es que muchas veces no estamos atentos y no vemos esta acción. Pero si estamos atentos, la Palabra de Dios nos sorprenderá. CN: ¿Cómo se escucha la llamada (o la Palabra) de Dios? Padre Tapia: Creo que hay muchas maneras, pues Dios no actúa siempre igual. Al preparar un libro con testimonios sacerdotales, constaté que en cierto modo Dios se adapta a cada persona. Algunos lo escuchan siendo niños, otros en la juventud, otros siendo ya adultos. Algunos lo escuchan en su interior muy claramente, otros se debaten en una espesa niebla durante años. A algunos se les revela de manera patente, poderosa, sin dejar lugar a dudas; a otros se les revela con suaves sugerencias, con leves invitaciones. También varían mucho los lugares y las circunstancias (mi “sí” a la vocación, por ejemplo, fue en un bar tomando un refresco… aunque parezca increíble). En fin, creo que Dios tiene su camino para cada persona, y también su modo de llamarla. Lo que sí creo que es indispensable para poder escuchar la Palabra de Dios es un poco de silencio y de oración.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • ENERO 2010
CAMINO DE LA FE La Vocación de los Hijos
La Verdadera Edad de un Hombre
Por Jose Miguel Cejas Fuente: interrogantes.net
¿Cuál es la edad de un hombre? Los calen-
darios, los relojes, las arrugas, las burbujas de champán de cada Nochevieja, tejen cronologías extrañas que no coinciden con las fechas del alma. Hay hombres eternamente niños. Otros, perpetuos adolescentes. Muchos no llegan nunca a la madurez. Hay a quienes les sorprende la vejez embriagados todavía en el vértigo de su frivolidad y tratan entonces de apurar la vida a grandes sorbos, a la búsqueda de lo que ya no volverán nunca a ser. Unos alcanzan ese equilibrio llamado madurez en cada una de las épocas de su vida. ¡Qué magnífica la madurez plena de un niño verdaderamente niño! Sin embargo, otros no lo logran nunca. ¡Que tristeza entonces la del niño crecido prematuramente! ¡Que ahogo del alma producen esos retratos velazqueños en los que aparecen los niños de la corte, envarados, rígidos y erguidos, con sus gargantillas estrechas, por las exigencias de una etiqueta severa que asfixiaba su niñez! Por el contrario, ¡que espléndida la niñez, o la adolescencia, si se sabe ser eso: ni niño ni adulto prematuro, sino un adolescente, es decir, un joven que sabe vivir su juventud intuida, con la mirada abierta hacia el futuro! Si es cierto que cada uno es responsable de su rostro a los cuarenta años, ¡qué formidable testimonio dan de sí mismos –sin quererlo– los rostros de los santos! Sus ojos, sus gestos, revelan una sorprendente, una casi indestructible juventud interior. Demuestran que, sea cual sea la edad que se tenga, la edad verdadera de un hombre es la edad de su amor y de su generosidad. Y que su calendario definitivo no es el que marca sus días hacia la muerte, sino el que señala
su camino hacia Dios. Por eso, cuando Dios llama, ¡qué importa la edad! Dios llama siempre en la juventud, en la hora perfecta del amor. El primer barrunto suele experimentarse en la niñez o en la adolescencia: Teresa de Lisieux lo evoca en sus memorias: era una adolescente de quince años cuando un guardia suizo la tuvo que arrancar de los pies de León XIII, al que le insistía audaz y fervientemente que la dejase entrar a esa edad en el Carmelo. Pero no siempre es así: Alfonso de Ligorio se decidió a los veintisiete, después de años de brillante ejercicio profesional en el foro; San Agustín se bautizó a los treinta y tres, después de una vida azarosa y turbia; y San Juan de Dios cambió de vida a los cuarenta y dos años, tras una existencia aventurera y llena de peligros que le había puesto en una ocasión al pie de la horca. . La Virgen era una adolescente –¿catorce, quince, dieciséis años? Y San José debía de ser joven, por mucho que lo intenten envejecer pintores y escultores con el devoto pretexto de guardar la pureza de María. ¡Como si la juventud no supiese vivir limpiamente! ¡Como si no tuviésemos ya demasiados ejemplos tristes de la lubricidad de tantos ancianos! ¿Y Juan? El único apóstol que acompañó al Señor al pie de la cruz era un adolescente. Y luego, el resto de los apóstoles rebosaban juventud: rondaban todos la edad del Señor, que tenía treinta años. La iconografía nos los pinta solemnes, barbados, serios, y casi siempre ancianos. Pero la realidad fue muy distinta: los acompañantes de Jesús por los caminos polvorientos de Palestina estaban en la plenitud de la vida y muchos acababan de estrenar su juventud. La lectura del Evangelio deja ese sabor inconfundible, ese ardor, esa prisa alegre, esa vibración que sólo poseen los jóvenes.
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Cuando Vamos a la Búsqueda de Dios
El Oficio de Monaguillo Por Mons. José Sánchez González. Obispo de Sigüenza-Guadalajara Fuente: www.revistaecclesia.info
Por el P. Mariano Huidobro Fuente: www.seminariotlalnepantla.org
He
dicho “oficio del monaguillo” y, en efecto, es un oficio importante que consiste en la participación, desde la cercanía, en las celebraciones y en todos los importantes oficios que ejercen los sacerdotes, a los que los monaguillos ayudan. De este modo cumplen los monaguillos con el deseo y el mandamiento del Señor cuando dice “Dejad que los niños se acerquen a mí”. Algunos creen que ser monaguillo es sólo un camino para ser sacerdote, pero no siempre es así, porque muchas personas han sido monaguillos y después no son sacerdotes. También las chicas pueden ser monaguillas. Lo cierto es que todos los que han sido monaguillos guardan un gran recuerdo de su tiempo y oficio de monaguillos y, cuando son mayores, con mucho orgullo y agradecimiento expresan: “Yo también fui monaguillo”. Y es que ser monaguillo es, de por sí, un honor, un servicio a Dios, a los sacerdotes y a la comunidad. Además, es un oficio muy digno. También es cierto que ser monaguillo es un buen entrenamiento para ser seminarista, si el Señor te llama a ser sacerdote. El tiempo y el oficio de monaguillo sirven para familiarizarse con las cosas de Dios, como la palabra, las celebraciones, el templo, los objetos de culto, la comunidad cristiana, las fiestas religiosas y todo aquello en lo que el sacerdote emplea toda su vida.
Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe en Sacramento Por Ignacio Sandoval
Hablemos de la Vocación
“Dejad que los Niños…”
Cuando en nuestra vida diaria nos damos a la tarea de buscar una opción preferencial, comúnmente los jóvenes nos encontramos con un gran dilema; ¡no sabemos hacia dónde orientar nuestra vida! Y comenzamos a vivir en crisis, pues de esta decisión dependerá nuestro futuro, próximo y remoto. Se nos presentan una gama de elementos que nos llevan a vislumbrar las facilidades que nos ofrece el mundo y, entonces, empezamos por recorrer planes de estudio. Nos interesamos por algunas carreras, especialmente por aquellas que nos ayuden a una realización humana y conforme la sociedad lo necesita, pero lo cierto es que muchas de esas carreras, al terminarlas, nos dejan con una sensación de vacío y no nos orientan hacia la realización que esperábamos. ¿Por qué sucede esto? La respuesta en muy sencilla, el hombre lo que va a buscar, por naturaleza, es su propia satisfacción, olvidándose que es un ser religioso, que está ligado a un ser supremo, a álguien a quien podemos llamar Dios, y aquí no importa el credo, la condición social o el nivel económico. Ese “álguien”nos llama a compartir con él la vida concierne a la fe? Ahí entramos entonces en el ámbito del servicio, en el ámbito de la donación de la persona misma, en el ámbito ya no de una profesión, sino de una VOCACIÓN, un llamado hecho por ese “álguien” (Dios), que nos invita a transformar nuestra realidad.
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ENERO 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
17
VISIÓN CATÓLICA Una
de las transformaciones fascinantes de la naturaleza es la de la mariposa. Su metamorfosis le permite evadir situaciones adversas para sobrevivir hasta que las condiciones sean las adecuadas. Pero también existe otro animal que experimenta un maravilloso cambio: el águila. Se dice que es el ave mas longeva que existe. Este depredador del aire alcanza a vivir casi los ochenta años. ¿Cuál es el secreto de su longevidad? Quizá es su apertura al cambio lo que le permite aferrarse a la vida. A los 40 años de edad algo interesante sucede. El águila empieza a experimentar una crisis: sus alas se ponen gruesas y torpes, sus poderosas garras se debilitan y su afilado pico se encorva. Entonces el águila se convierte en una presa fácil para otros depredadores. Y se le presentan dos posibilidades: dejarse morir sin hacer nada, quedándose a merced de otra fiera hambrienta, o irse a vivir a la montaña por cinco meses. ¿Que pasa durante esos cinco meses? Una asombrosa transformación. El águila pica la roca hasta perder el pico, permitiendo que nazca uno nuevo y mas afilado. Con el nuevo pico destroza sus débiles garras, provocando que surjan otras mas utiles. Y cuando tiene pico nuevo y garras renovadas se destruye las plumas, para que broten otras nuevas. Así, una vez renovada, emprende nuevamente el vuelo, en busca de alimento, y es capaz de vivir otros cuarenta años. Todo hombre es como
NI TANTO QUE QUEME AL SANTO Padre Viliulfo Valderrama
Parroco de San Felipe de Jesús, Nogales, Az
Metamorfosis un águila que necesita reinventarse. Al inicio de este nuevo periodo en nuestras vidas, el ejemplo del águila, que se renueva, debiera de alentarnos para revisar nuestras propias existencias. En nosotros también hay crisis que debemos superar para retomar el vuelo. La recién acaecida temporada decembrina fue una etapa de renovación para muchos. Otros quizá todavía experimenten el síndrome post-navidad: un terrible vacío existencial. El inicio de este ciclo nos brinda la oportunidad de intentar una radical transformación en nuestras vidas, como las mariposas y las águilas. En el lenguaje bíblico el proceso es metanoia. No es un simple cambio de conducta, sino un apego radical a los valores de Cristo. En la lista de deseos para este año no puede faltar el deseo de lograr un mundo más solidario, más justo, y más pacífico. Es la primera década de un nuevo milenio. Nadie quiere repetir las atrocidades del siglo XX: 240 guerras y 360 millones de muertos. Si hoy se habla de economía global, hay que introducir el concepto de solidaridad global. El mundo seguirá siendo insolidario, injusto y peligroso si cada uno alberga en su cora-
zón avaricia, envidia y odio. ¿Te imaginas qué seria del mundo si se practicara realmente la generosidad, o el respeto, o la justicia, o la paciencia? Las diferencias económicas abismales, la existencia de seres paupérrimos y de los super millonarios son una vergüenza para el orgulloso homo sapiens. Y son también un insulto al Dios del amor. No hay pobres por casualidad sino por causalidad. La revista National Geographic seguirá mostrando imágenes de niños africanos sin zapatos, mosqueados y muertos en vida. Mientras que los afortunados del jet set seguirán dando de que hablar en los editoriales por sus excentricidades y derroches. Existe el peligro de que el mundo se haga cada vez menos sensible al dolor y a la miseria. Si un deportista gana un millón de dólares a la semana y un niño de Biafra muere de sed, es muy saludable y humano sentir indignación. La indiferencia y la apatía postergan los grandes logros humanitarios como sociedad. Recordemos que el salario remunerable, la jornada de ocho horas y otros adelantos, no surgieron por arte de magia, o por la generosidad de los poderosos sino surgieron por la indignación de los grandes reformadores. Los
cristianos entonces todavía tienen la tarea --aún incompleta-- de renovar al mundo, pero sobre todo el mundo interior. En esa renovación interior, las virtudes que propone el cristianismo son un verdadero bufet humanístico: ciencia, sabiduría, consejo, fortaleza, piedad, caridad, gozo, paz, bondad, benignidad, mansedumbre, modestia, templanza, por citar algunas. Tratar de cultivar por lo menos una de estas cualidades seria una gran manera de reinventarse, en este nuevo ciclo, para levantar el vuelo. Una estrategia muy concreta seria buscar realizar alguna obra humanitaria. En la comunidad hay un sinnúmero de instituciones en pro de la dignidad del ser humano. Si se padece de depresión es altamente recomendable ayudar en la colonia, o en la ciudad. Hay organizaciones de ayuda a los migrantes deportados. Hay otras organizaciones pro-vida, o pro-habitat para la humanidad. Al involucrarse en algún movimiento que defienda y exalte la dignidad humana se pone un granito de arena para que este mundo sea mas solidario, mas justo y mas fraterno para todos. Así, la metamorfosis, o metanonia, o cambio de conducta, será una gran bendición para quienes son victimas a cada instante en este mundo tan insolidario, tan injusto y tan infraterno que todos hemos creado. Dios quiera que todos, sobre todo los que mas sufren, tengan un feliz Año Nuevo.
Proverbio Chino
Mil Caminos Nacen Bajo mis Pies Por el Padre Fernando Pascual
Bebo una cerveza. ¿Por qué? Quizá porque tengo sed, o para ganar una apuesta, o simplemente porque he visto que mañana estará “caducada” y no quiero que se tire. Veo una película con el video, quizá para descansar después de una discusión con un hijo, o porque me la ha recomendado un amigo, o porque estoy enfermo y ya no sé qué hacer en la cama. Voy a ver a un amigo al hospital, tal vez porque me ha tratado siempre bien, o porque sé que está solo, o porque me lo han pedido sus familiares. Pero también nos damos cuenta de que se nos ocurren muchas cosas que nunca hacemos --gracias a Dios--, como golpear a una persona, o tomar (técnicamente se dice “robar”) unas fresas de una tiendita, o esconderle al esposo o a la esposa su vestido favorito para gastarle una broma. El hombre tiene diversos sistemas de filtro y de control que frenan muchas de las casi infinitas ocurrencias que pasan por su mente. Un proverbio chino dice: “Mil caminos nacen bajo tus pies”. Las decisiones que podemos tomar son tan variables como los vientos de un día de tormenta tropical. Pero lo típico del hombre es hacer aquellas cosas que piensa puedan ser mejores. Aunque a veces nos equivoquemos. Siempre que actuamos con un poco de reflexión y de seriedad, el bien está en el horizonte de nuestros deseos. El gran reto de toda vida humana se encuentra precisamente en el ser capaces de trazar proyectos y metas elevadas y de llevar a cabo aquellas decisiones que nos permiten alcanzar los objetivos. El gran fracaso de una vida inicia cuando --con o sin proyectos en la cabeza--, el viento del capricho y del gusto es el que determina la dirección de nuestros pasos. Ser hombre de principios significa ser hombre cabal . Lo contrario puede ser un muñeco de peluche, a merced de lo que las circunstancias determinen. Ser un títere de la sociedad o de los propios caprichos. Ser una máscara que divierte un poco con sus gestos y desaparece sin dejar huella.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • ENERO 2010
Por ARTURO I. SANCHEZ
Cuando
me pidieron que escribiera este artículo, pensé entre mí, “Cómo, por el amor de Dios, le voy a enseñar a la gente de mi diócesis quién soy yo?” Mi respuesta: Simplemente siendo quien soy. Mis padres, Arturo y Martha Sanchez, criaron tres niños: Diana, yo, y la más pequeña, Martha. Mientras crecíamos, nuestros papás trabajaron para poner comida en la mesa, nos ayudaban con nuestra tarea, pero sobre todo, nos nutrían con su amor. Nosotros cinco vivimos en un ambiente de cariño con sus momentos de dificultad, como todos los demás, pero esos momentos de estragos nos unían más como familia. No somos una familia perfecta y quizá eso nos hace normales. ¿Cuándo fue la primera vez que pensaste en ser sacerdote? La primera vez que pensé en ser sacerdote fue cuando cursaba segundo año a la edad de ocho años. La Misa me cautivaba. Ese año, mi maestra, la Hermana Andrien, nos estaba preparando para nuestra Primera Comunión y nos enseñó que el sacerdote era Cristo en la Última Cena. ¿Tuviste un sacerdote a quien quisiste emular en tu juventud? ¡Sí, a muchos! Dos fantásticos sacerdotes fueron los que me ayudaron a discernir mi vocación, Padre Manuel Fragoso y Padre Eduardo Romo. Siempre los admiré por el amor y dedicación que tienen por la
En
el Camino al
Sacerdocio
Este es el tercero en una serie de artículos en donde seminaristas relataran personalmente cómo y por qué encontraron sus caminos al sacerdocio en la Dióceses de Tucson
Siguiendo Los Pasos de Jesús Camino sin miedo; sin saber a dónde voy. Pero camino sabiendo que Tú ya has caminado por aquí. Sabiendo que Tú estás conmigo__ junto a mí. Iglesia. Les doy las gracias por su ejemplo y su continua inspiración. ¿Cómo consideras que será tu sacerdocio? Dando Dios licencia, mi sacerdocio girará alrededor del Sacerdocio de Cristo; en servir a la Iglesia con todo mi corazón, con toda mi alma y con toda mi fuerza. Mi mayor anhelo es servir a Dios y llevar a cabo Su Voluntad en todo lo que haga. ¿Cuál es tu gozo más grande al contemplar el sacerdocio? Siento un gran gozo al pensar en ayudar a las personas a acercarse a Dios; siendo un
puente para las personas hacia Dios. ¿Qué le dices a alguien que está considerando el sacerdocio? Primero, le agradeciera por simplemente considerar el sacerdocio. Luego, le dijera que tratara de crecer profundamente en su amor por Cristo Jesús y la Santa Eucaristía, en oración y en todos los que están a su alrededor. También, le recordara que cuando estamos pensando en esta llamada tan sagrada debemos tener siempre la voluntad de Dios en nuestras mentes y nuestros corazones. ¿Cómo te relajas? ¿Tienes un lugar
Con frecuencia escribo en este espacio acerca de los
comportamientos del “público” que son importantes a nuestros esfuerzos en crear un ambiente seguro en nuestras parroquias y escuelas. Estos son los comportamientos en guardar nuestra distancia con aquellos que servimos en nuestros ministerios, los comportamientos de nuestros planes de rendimiento para un ambiente seguro y nuestros comportamientos en siempre reportar sospechas de abuso a niños. Pero muy raramente escribo acerca de comportamientos “privados”. Este mes, sin embargo, quiero dirigirme al comportamiento “privado” que puede ser un precursor de corrupción en el ministerio, y ese es el uso de pornografía. No es fácil escribir acerca de pornografía. No es una materia muy amena, pero tampoco es una materia que se puede ignorar. Hay varios tipos de pornografía. Pornografía de menores es simple y claro un crimen además de ser pecado. El uso de pornografía de menores debe ser reportado a las autoridades. Los otros tipos de pornografía puede ser que no sean crímenes, pero aun todavía son muy peligrosos para el bienestar spiritual de nuestra sociedad y del individuo que los utiliza. Mientras que la pornografía en todas sus formas es de cuidado, es la pornografía por medio de la red la que prueba ser la más penetrante y la más propensa al uso compulsivo. Pornografía de la red atrae a las personas con la promesa de secrecidad o guardarse en secreto, aunque al final nada puede ser más público. Recorriendo la red deja huellas de las cuales se puede encontrar y recuperar fácilmente su origen.
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D
El problema de pornografía Esto también afirma que no lastima a alguien. Sin embargo esta es una industria que pulveriza muchas vidas en los engranes de sus ruedas. Más allá de los efectos sociales, la pornografía tiene dos mayores y adversos efectos en la persona que los usa. Primero, promueve una relación, pero es vacía. Ofrece solamente la ilusión de una relación. Al final, no es nada más que imágenes. Así como una persona que come comida sin calorías, la satisfacción es fugaz. La persona que acude a la pornografía es atraída a buscar más y más, todo sin ningún buén efecto. Segundo, es vivida en secreto. En el caso de una persona que está públicamente comprometida a sevir nuestra Iglesia, el uso secreto de pornografía empieza una “desconección” entre los valores dichos de los dientes para afuera y los vividos. Actuando en privado de una manera que es inconsistente con la vida pública de uno erosiona la integridad propia. Cuando es expuesta, también apoya el prejuicio de aquellos que desean creer que todas las personas de fe Religiosa son hipócritas, lastimando más la misión con la que hemos sido encomndados.
de vacaciones favorito y/o un lugar de retiro? Me relajo simplemente pasando tiempo con mis hermanos seminaristas y compartiendo muchas risas mientras tomamos café. También tiendo a relajarme leyendo un buen libro. Describe un buén día en el seminario. Un buen día usualmente consiste en empezar con oración y Misa, luego ir a clases y aprendiendo cosas nuevas; y finalmente, pasando tiempo con mis hermanos seminaristas. Es muy sencillo, pero les puedo asegurar que días sencillos como éste son todo lo que uno necesita__buenos amigos, buenos momentos, buén Dios. Termine esta declaración: “ Sorprendiera a la gente saber… ¡que realmente gozo la filosofía! ¡Es muy intrigante para mí el studio de cómo piensa la humanidad. Comprender las ideas de aquellos en tiempos antiguos y ver su efecto en nuestro día y era es completamente fascinante para mí! Como nota final, siendo seminarista es ambos asombroso y retante. Por lo tanto, les pido que por favor nos mantengan en sus oraciones y recen por más vocaciones al Santo Sacerdocio. Gracias y que Dios los bendiga. Arturo I. Sanchez es un seminarista cursando primer año de colegio en el Seminario Mount Angel en St. Benedict, Ore.
¿Qué ayuda hay para las personas atrapadas en la red de pornografía? Tratamiento para el uso compulsivo de pornografía usualmente envuelve una combinación de psicoterapia cognitiva_y comportamiento y grupos de apoyo de 12 –pasos. Personas luchando con el uso de pornografía por medio de la red se pudieran beneficiar con el libro ayuda-propia, “Getting Internet Pornography Out of Your Life.” Publicada por la trabajadora social Chris Countryman, es una guía para individuos y familias que hace ver claramente cómo la pornografía afecta adversamente la vida de quien la usa además de hacer daño a aquellos que son usados en su manufactura. Este libro ofrece pasos específicos en cómo salirse de este pantano compulsivo de pornografía de la red, ya sea que uno tenga apenas un pie en el estiércol húmedo o se esté hundiendo enteramente. Más información está disponible en www.directactionbooks.com. Conocimiento del perjuicio o daño a la sociedad causado por la pornografía es una consideración importante en combatir sus efectos. El año pasado, el Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Life de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los E.U. publicó un folleto muy infomativo en pornografía. “Pornografía: ¿Cuál es el Problema?” empieza con algunas estadísticas en lo que el autor Mark Houck lo llama “alarmante crecimiento”de la industria, incluyendo renta generada, páginas de la red establecidas y el número de usuarios, muchos de los cuales son tristemente los jóvenes de nuestro país. El folleto es gratis en www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/ rlp/houck.pdf.
ENERO 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Living an independent life CCS helps people with developmental disabilities lead the lives they want We all desire to lead independent, productive, and fulfilling lives, pursuing our passions and dreams. Most of us are able to do it with the bodies and minds that we’ve been given. But people with developmental disabilities—such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and cognitive impairments—often face insurmountable barriers to living an independent life. For this reason, The Community Living Program (CLP), a program of Catholic Community Services’ Southwest Community Services, provides residential supports to people with developmental disabilities, with services ranging from minimal personal assistance to around the clock care and supervision. The result is that the program’s consumers lead the lives they want, living on their own and making choices about their lives. Lewis has always lived with his older sister, but she could no longer take care of him, primarily because of health problems. He had gained weight, and it was difficult for his sister to find clothes for him to wear and to move him out of bed or into the shower. In addition, Lewis had several other medical issues that needed attention. Once in a CLP apartment, the staff worked with Lewis to control his eating and he began losing weight. They took him to more than 50 appointments to get his health issues under
control. They also helped with grooming and hygiene and bought clothes that fit him. Today, Lewis is very happy and now gets out to community events and activities. Carol had many dreams for her future, despite having cerebral palsy, mild cognitive impairment, and bipolar disorder. She had finished a two-year degree program at Pima Community College and, with assistance from CLP, was living on her own. But then she went into a severe manic state. CLP staff members cared for her through long and difficult periods of erratic and uncontrollable behaviors and hallucinations. Eventually, Carol was hospitalized, but the staff continued to support her by visiting and calling her, talking with her family, consulting with doctors and therapists, and working to make her return home safe and secure. Once Carol returned home, the staff supported her in again becoming engaged in life’s activities. Carol has recovered well and is planning to start school again soon. Robert, a Deaf man with cognitive disability, was living like a hermit. He wouldn’t allow anyone but his mother into his apartment, and hadn’t showered, cut his hair, or even washed his hands in over a year. Robert moved into a special CLP apartment, where all the staff members could communicate with Robert through sign language. Slow-
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ly they worked their way into Robert’s life, cleaning his apartment and preparing some meals. And finally, after watching a Deaf staff member shave his own head, Robert let his head be shaved. Soon he agreed to getting his hands washed and having a shower. Now Robert showers daily, participates in outside activities, goes shopping, helps staff cook his meals, and decorates his home—all with a big smile on his face. These stories show how the caring and committed staff members of the Community Living Program make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. This year, however, they have done it in a very difficult financial climate. Last year, CLP’s budget was cut by 10 percent because of the state budget crisis. Still required to meet staffing ratio requirements, CLP couldn’t cut employee hours, so cuts had to come in other areas, which has put a real strain on CLP. Unfortunately, more cuts from the state look likely. “We have two or three very tough years yet to come,” said Sue Henning-Mitchell, director of CLP. “But we will rely on the strength of our staff members to carry on. They amaze me with their understanding and their desire to make it all work. They all have great hearts, and we couldn’t do this without them.”
circa 1950’s
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By ARTURO I. SANCHEZ When I was asked to write this article, I thought to myself, “How in the world am I going to show the people of my Diocese who I am?” My answer: Just by being myself. My parents, Arturo and Martha Sanchez, raised three children: Diana, myself, and the little one, Martha. Growing up, my parents worked to put Arturo I. Sanchez food on the table, helped us with our homework, and nurtured us with their love. The five of us live in a loving environment with its difficult moments, like everyone else, but those moments of struggle brought us closer as a family. We’re not a perfect family and I guess that makes us normal. When did you first think about becoming a priest? I first thought of becoming a priest when I was eight years old in second grade. I was captivated by the Mass. That year, my teacher, Sister Andrien, was preparing us for our First Holy Communion and she taught us that the priest was Christ at the Last Supper. Did you have a priest you looked up to in your youth?
On
the Path to
Priesthood
This is the third in a series of articles in which seminarians will relate, personally, how and why they’ve found themselves on the path to priesthood in the Diocese of Tucson.
Following Christ’s footsteps I walk unafraid; not knowing where I tread. But I walk knowing You have walked here; Knowing You are with me—next to me. Yes, many! Two great priests that helped me discern my vocation were Father Manuel Fragoso and Father Eduardo Romo. I’ve always admired them for the love and dedication they have for the Church. I thank them for their example and their continued inspiration! What do you envision your priesthood to be? God willing, my priesthood would revolve around Christ’s Priesthood and in serving the Church with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength. All I want is to serve God and to carry out His Will in everything I do.
What is your greatest joy as you contemplate the priesthood? I find great joy in thinking about helping people get closer to God; being a bridge for people to God. What do you tell someone who is considering the priesthood? First, I would thank him for even considering the priesthood. Then, I would tell him to grow deeper in love with Christ Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, in prayer, and in those around him. Also, I would remind him that when we are thinking about this sacred calling we must always have God’s Will in our minds and hearts.
How do you relax? Do you have a favorite vacation and/or retreat spot? I simply relax by spending time with my seminarian brothers and sharing many laughs over a warm cup of coffee. I also tend to relax by reading a good book. Describe a good day at the seminary. A good day usually consists of starting with prayer and Mass, then going to class and learning new things, and finally spending time with my seminarian brothers. It’s pretty simple, but I can assure you that simple days like these are all you need— good friends, good moments, good God. Finish this sentence: It would surprise people to know I … really enjoy philosophy! I find the study of how humanity thinks to be intriguing. To grasp the ideas of those of ancient times and see their effect in our day and age is completely amazing! Philosophy for me is man trying to understand the world around him and in him, but at the same time searching for absolute truth—God. On a final note, being a seminarian is both amazing and challenging. Therefore, I ask you to please keep us in your prayers and pray for more vocations to the Holy Priesthood. Thank you and God bless you. — Arturo I. Sanchez is a first-year college seminarian at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Ore.
Kids overcome trepidation about ‘Swine Flu’ shots The Diocese of Tucson facilitated clinics at several of our Catholic schools in December. The following is an “insider’s perspective” of one of these clinics held at Immaculate Heart School. Relax.”
“Did it hurt?” “A little.” “I didn’t even feel it.” “That was just the alcohol wipe to clean your arm. “What color is the medicine in the shot?” “I heard we get a sticker and a cookie.”
As I stood by each student receiving their H1N1 vaccine at our school clinic, I couldn’t help remembering my own elementary experiences. Yes, those were the days in the late 60s when the administration marched all of us unsuspecting students to the school cafeteria for our smallpox vaccine. We who went to grade school during that time still bear the mark – a small roundish circle on the upper left arm. Veterans of this vaccine also remember the sound of the “shotgun” (or whatever it was called) that issued the injections quickly and efficiently and only broke staccato when the person in front of you cried or fainted! It became almost comical when nearly every adult of that era who dropped off permission slips for our H1N1 clinic recounted episodes of their own childhood vaccinations. It was funny to listen as others tried to articu-
PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS Lynn Cuffari late the same sounds and the feelings that I also have filed deep inside my own cabinet of memories. There just aren’t enough words for it! Fortunately for our children, routine smallpox vaccinations ceased in 1971. Unfortunately for them, the swine flu hit this year! Given the option to take their children to the clinic or have the school shuttle them to the gym, many parents entrusted their babies with me. I took this very seriously as I gathered them from the security of their classrooms and trudged with them up the hill. Conversations were a mixture of very nervous chatter and lots and lots of questions. Several of the students expressed trepidation and tales that ranged from bravery to honest to goodness fear. Since I made this trek several times over the day, I was able to compare notes between siblings. One girl said she “sort of liked getting her shots.” When I shared this with her brother when it was his turn, he had no problem saying, “That doesn’t mean I like shots. That’s her. I’m me.” One small trooper (a third grader) seemed willing to accept the fate of receiving his shot, but not until I answered
a list of questions concerning potential side effects as well as the actual scientific makeup of the vaccine. I referred his questions to the very capable nurses from Maxim Healthcare Services who were administering the vaccines. Renee Snow, our P.E. teacher who helped all day, and I offered hands and hugs to the children who sought moral support. As we stood next to them, we could feel their hearts beating so quickly as they faced their fears. Their hands were cold, and they were so brave. What warmed our hearts the most was how the students bolstered each other and the compassion they displayed. “It only hurts for a second,” they would console each other. “Are you okay?” Even the children who shed a few tears were quick to say when it was all over that it was the anticipation of the shot that was scarier than actually getting it. I think we can all relate to that. Each child, no matter the age, accepted a sticker and most took a cookie on the way out. I saw those stickers all day on the smallest to the tallest. They had earned their badge of honor. Discussions on the way back down the hill to the Academy were much more animated than on the way up. “Mrs. Cuffari, did you get your shot?” many of the students asked. I had to honestly tell them “no” because my age group does not qualify for the vaccine yet. (Whew…there are some advantages to growing older!)
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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I write often in this space about the “public” behaviors that are important to our efforts to create safe environments in our parishes and schools. These are the behaviors of keeping boundaries with those we serve in our ministries, the behaviors of our safe environment compliance plans and the behaviors of always reporting suspicions of child abuse. But I seldom write about “private” behaviors. This month, though, I want to address a “private” behavior that can be a precursor for corruption in ministry, and that is the use of pornography. It is not easy to write about pornography. It is not a pretty subject, but neither is it a subject we can afford to ignore. There are various types of pornography. Child pornography is plain and simple a crime in addition to being a sin. The use of child pornography must be reported to law enforcement. The other types of pornography may not be crimes, but they are still very dangerous to the spiritual well being of our society and of the individual that uses
As we enter a new year filled with promise as well as anxiety, I have found myself reflecting on the future; more specifically, the spiritual and psychological health and happiness of our adult population. Daniel McAdams is a professor of psychology and human development and he says that our health and happiness “depends on how we see the future and what we do to bring about the kind of future we wish to see.” Generativity speaks to this concern. It is having the ability to produce; originate; or be fruitful. We can sometimes get too focused on short-term goals of every day survival and generativity gives us eyes to see life in the long term. In other words, “I am what survives me.” How do you imagine the good you do to outlive you? Is it seeing your children thriving and at peace with their lives? Is it seeing your students or protégés making their own valuable contribution? Is it seeing a world striving for justice and mercy? Our biblical tradition has one of the greatest accounts of generativity. In the beginning, God essentially generates the heavens and the earth and continues to generate people in God’s own image. As children of God, we do the same thing. The products of our generativity become our children, our work, and our legacies. Adults can be generative in many different ways. McAdams believes that “the most generative people are constantly imagining futures. They envision a better world for themselves, their families, and their society. When you imagine the future this way, it sensitizes you to the sacredness of
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PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D
The issue of pornography them. While pornography in all its forms is of concern, it is Internet pornography that is proving to be the most pervasive and prone to compulsive use. Internet pornography draws people in with its promise of secrecy, although in the end nothing could be more public. Internet browsing can be tracked and recovered very easily. It also claims to hurt no one. Yet this is an industry that grinds many lives in the cogs of its wheels. Beyond its societal effects, pornography has two major adverse effects on the person who uses it. First, it promises relationship, but it is empty. It offers only the illusion of relationship. In the end, it is nothing but
That All May Know the Savior A reflection on the challenges and joys of ministry from the Jordan Ministry Team
Fr. Joe Rodrigues
Generating new life in the New Year life on earth. The most generative people among us cherish life as if it were a beautiful infant.” Generativity is about generating good people and good things. According to noted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, we begin to focus our lives on generativity as we move into the middle adult years, in our thirties, forties, and fifties. Giving birth to a child is perhaps the most fundamental form of generativity. But people can “give birth” in many ways -- from beginning a company, writing a book or song, to being a voice for the voiceless, bringing hope to the despairing or giving back to society. As God’s legacy has been passed onto us with grace and concern, so we must care for what we have made. We need to be oriented toward promoting the next generation and not vanquishing it. We must come to grips with our own mortality and limitations seeking to leave a legacy of love. In essence, it is wanting to leave a part of our best self behind. We enter into that experience in a Eucharistic way with Jesus when we hear, “Do this in remembrance of me.” . There is an interesting paradox here. If the first aspect of generativity is a powerful extension of the self, the second aspect
images. As for a person who eats food with empty calories, the satisfaction is fleeting. The pornography user is drawn to seek more and more, all without good effect. Second, it is lived in secret. In the case of a person who is publicly committed to serving our Church, secret use of pornography sets up a “disconnect” between stated and lived values. Acting in private in a manner that is inconsistent with one’s public life erodes integrity. When it is exposed, it also supports the prejudice of those who wish to believe that all persons of religious faith are hypocrites, further damaging the mission with which we have been entrusted. What help is there for persons caught in the web of pornography? Treatment of compulsive use of pornography usually involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and 12-Step support groups. Persons struggling with their use of pornography over the Internet could benefit from the self-help book, “Getting Internet Pornography Out of Your Life.”
Published by social worker Chris Countryman, it is a guide for individuals and families that makes very clear how pornography adversely affects the life of the user in addition to doing harm to those who are used in its manufacture. It offers very specific paths on how to get out of the compulsive swamp of Internet pornography, whether one has just a foot in the muck or is sinking entirely. More information is available at www. directactionbooks.com. Awareness of the societal harm caused by pornography is an important consideration in combating its effects. Last year, the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops published a very informative pamphlet on pornography. “Pornography: What’s the Problem?” begins with some statistics on what author Mark Houck called the “startling growth” of the industry, including revenue generated, web pages established and the number of users, many of whom sadly are the youth of our country. The pamphlet is free at www.usccb.org/ prolife/programs/rlp/houck.pdf.
is almost selfless. It is not enough to make something in our own image. We must nurture, love and even sacrifice ourselves, and eventually let it go. Letting go is not easy. Ultimately, we cannot control what we generate. Biblically, this is God’s experience as well. But we must care for and love it anyway. “The two faces of generativity are power and love, forces that often confl ict in people’s lives. What we generate becomes a legacy of the self, and we care for that legacy selflessly. The fullest expressions of generativity blend power and love,” says McAdams. Adults who are highly generative usually tell life stories filled with what psychologists call “redemption sequences.” This is where a bad situation gives way to a positive result and actually redeems the initial bad experience. Bad things do happen and suffering is a part of life, but good things
will come out of it if one keeps faith and hope alive. Erik Erikson believed that “people must have a basic belief in the species if they are to be generative.” We need a faith that believes despite suffering, setbacks and even evil, human beings are potentially good and human life can be good for the generations to come. This stance sustains us in our most difficult efforts of generativity. Holding out hope in our redemption gives us faith that our legacies will be good, that things will work out in the end. St. Paul reminds us that sin and death will never conquer love and life! This is part of the legacy we as faithful sons and daughters of God leave for our children. A wise African proverb underlines this notion with humility: “The world was not left to us by our parents. It was lent to us by our children.” Generate a happy new year!
The Jordan Ministry Team
Sharers in Ministry
Hearts:
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
Many Voices / One Mission” A Valentine evening of dinner, concert, and dancing: Music by Fr. Joe Rodrigues with Patti Munsen & Friends. Sunday, February 14, 2010 4:00 PM Support the work of the Jordan Ministry Team in their adult faith formation work throughout the Tucson Diocese. Your support will help bring more quality programs and resources to all the parishes in our diocese. Call 520-623-2563 or visit www.jordanministry.org for reservation information. Tickets are $60 each. Seating is limited, reserve ASAP! CALENDAR EVENTS FOR JANUARY PLEASE SEE WEBSITE!
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Irish bishop resigns, apologizes DUBLIN (CNS) -- Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick under.” “Responsibility must be taken by all who hold a posihas resigned after weeks of pressure over his handling of clerical sexual abuse when he served in the Dublin Arch- tion of authority and collective responsibility,” the statement said. diocese. The archbishop also acknowledged that “serious diffiSpeaking Dec. 17 after the Vatican announced that Pope culties of structure and communication at Benedict XVI had accepted his resignathe management level” of the archdiocese tion, Bishop Murray told a large congreexisted and promised that “radical reform” gation – including many priests – in St. across the archdiocese, including the area John’s Cathedral in Limerick: of child protection, would be undertaken. “I humbly apologize once again to Speaking in Rome, Jesuit Father Federiall who were abused as little children. I co Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said know full well that my resignation cannot Bishop Murray “presented his resignation undo the pain that survivors of abuse on his own initiative.” have suffered in the past and continue to In his remarks, Bishop Murray said he suffer each day.” had heard from numerous abuse survivors A government investigation found and some asked him to resign while others that Bishop Murray, who served as auxilurged him to stay on. iary bishop of the Dublin Archdiocese “A bishop is meant to be a person who from 1982 to 1996, failed to investigate seeks to lead and inspire all the people of allegations of abuse against a priest and the diocese in living as a community united called his action “inexcusable.” The findBishop Murray in the truth and love of Christ,” he said. “I asked ings from the investigation, published Nov. 26 in the so-called Murphy Report, looked at the handling the Holy Father to allow me to resign and to appoint a new of some 325 abuse claims in the archdiocese in the years bishop to the diocese because I believe that my presence will create difficulties for some of the survivors.” 1975-2004. Bishop Murray’s resignation comes as Irish Catholics The commission in charge of the investigation also found that church leaders had put the avoidance of scan- are awaiting a pastoral letter from Pope Benedict XVI on dal and the reputation of the institution before the rights the issue. The Pope promised such an the letter after a Dec. 4 summit with leaders from the Irish Catholic Church at of victims. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin welcomed the Vatican. The letter will herald a “significant structurBishop Murray’s resignation, saying in a statement, “I al reform” of the church in Ireland, Archbishop Martin appreciate the personal difficulty and pressure he has been said.
CNS file photo
Cardinal opposes Mexico city’s support for same-sex marriage Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City slammed the Dec. 21 decision by the Mexico City assembly that opened the door to same-sex marriage and adoption. He called the new law “immoral” and said it tears against the structure of the family.
‘Take first step’ to reconcile, Pope urges Christians VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians need to make the first move in offering reconciliation and establishing peace, which includes accepting the blame for wrongdoings, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Today we must learn once again to be able to recognize guilt, we must shake off the illusion of being innocent,” the Pope said Dec. 21 in his annual pre-Christmas address to the Roman Curia and cardinals who reside in Rome. “We must learn the ability to do penance, to let ourselves be transformed; to meet the other and let God give us the courage and strength for such renewal.” The Pope introduced the theme of reconciliation in his
remarks looking back on the Synod of Bishops for Africa in October, which was dedicated to the church’s role in fostering reconciliation, justice and peace. The Pope made no mention of his recent meeting with top officials of the Irish Catholic church concerning the handling of clerical sex abuse cases and his plan to write a special pastoral letter to Irish Catholics, which was likely to include the suggestion of public services of repentance for Irish bishops and priests. In promoting peace and reconciliation, he said, Christians must take their example from Christ, who freely became human and died for the sins of all.
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Free of ulterior motives, people must “be willing to take the first step, be the first to meet the other, offering them reconciliation, taking on the pain that comes with letting go of having to always be right,” the Pope said. Pope Benedict called for a rediscovery of the sacrament of penance, which has more or less “disappeared from the existential habits of Christians” today. The neglect of the sacrament is “a symptom of the loss of truth in relation to ourselves and with God; a loss that puts our humanity in danger and weakens our capacity for peace,” he said.
Dear friends, It is with great pleasure and excitement that we invite you to join us on our 12 days Splendors of Italy and Switzerland.
SPLENDORS OF ITALY & SWITZERLAND The PASSION PLAY of OBERAMMERGAU 12 Days: July 9 - 20, 2010
Last opportunity until the year 2020 We look forward to having you join us on this trip of a lifetime!
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JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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Wolves’ ‘den’ Just months after breaking ground, the new gym and fitness center at St. Augustine Catholic High School has been opened and dedicated at the campus on Tucson’s east side. The entire “Wolves” student body was joined by dignitaries as Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas blessed the facility, which was funded by an anonymous donation. At top left are Mr. and Mrs. “Buck” O’Rielly, longtime school benefactors. Below with Bishop Kicanas are Teresa Baker, the school’s development director, and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup.
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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010